Recovery and reconstruction efforts on Grand Bahama Island
following Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 2 have shifted into high gear, according to
the island's tourism board.
The National Emergency Management Agency, the Bahamian
government agency coordinating recovery measures, reported that power and water
are gradually being restored to businesses and residential communities.
The Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport has resumed normal drydock
operations. The facility has power and fresh water available and is feeding
hundreds of workers each day at the shipyard's cafeteria. The shipyard employs
more than 600 people on the island.
The Carnival Ecstasy is scheduled to arrive on Oct. 5.
Solar panels are being installed around the island to enable
residents to power their homes and mobile devices and register for aid.
A 40-bed mobile hospital has been set up and can care for up
to 100 patients per day.
Terminals are not operational at Grand Bahama Airport, and
runways are accessible for relief/emergency flights only and for interisland
flights via Bahamasair, Western Air and Flamingo Air.
Freeport Harbor is operational, and Baleria Caribbean has
resumed a schedule of roundtrip ferry sailings between Fort Lauderdale and
Grand Bahama.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line continues to operate relief
cruises only between Grand Bahama and Palm Beach, Fla.
Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina will reopen on Oct. 10.
The Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Hotel will reopen on Nov. 1
with more than 50% of its room inventory available. Old Bahama Bay Resort &
Marina plans to reopen on the same date.
Lighthouse Pointe, Grand Lucayan and Pelican Bay hotels are
housing relief workers and displaced families.
Bell Channel Inn, Castaways Resort & Suites, Coral
Beach, Dolphin Cove, Mayfield Beach, Ocean Reef Resort and Royal Islander are
open for business.
Assessments are underway at Island Seas/Island Palm Resorts,
Taino Beach Resorts, Freeport Resort & Clubs and Sunrise Resort.
On-island transportation back in operation includes H.
Forbes Charter Services, S & D Coach Tours, taxi services, Hertz and Avis.
Several restaurants have reopened, including the Fish Fry at
Smith's Point, Out Da Sea Bar & Grill, Stoned Crab, Flying Fish Gastro Bar
and Upstairs at Bell Channel.
Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience is offering a limited
schedule of operations; Pier One restaurant will reopen on Nov. 1.
Garden of the Groves and Grand Bahama Nature Tours hope to
reopen by mid-December.
Port Lucaya Marketplace is still assessing damages and has
not announced a reopening date.