Posted by Theodore Hunt on September 15, 2001 at 17:23:23:
Sent to the Nassau Guardian as well
I truly hope that you will 'give' me a place in your daily, so that I may express these thoughts. On Tuesday 4th September 2001, 1 sat, listened and watched along with many other Bahamians as our local straw market and nearby buildings were destroyed by fire. Already the many discussions have begun as our local talk shows seek to shed more light and, in some instances, sensationalize this most unfortunate event in our nations history. There will be lots of rhetoric, lots of rumors as to the genesis of the blaze, and sadly some will even seek to gain financially, personally or ,politically from this event. To discuss these issues is not however, the reason for me writing this article.
It's now time to begin the rebuilding process. It's time to heal. Already, there have been some who have come forward to make cash donations and to set up various disaster relief funds in an effort to assist with this process. It is not necessary to mention their names as we only need pay attention to our local news media houses. What is clear however, is that pumping money into the situation is not going to be the panacea; it never is. Please understand that I mean absolutely no disrespect whatsoever to those who have donated cash. Indeed, I applaud these individuals for their most unselfish and timely initiative. I am certain Mr. Editor, that there are many who are in a similar position as myself who would like to 'give' in some way to help, but who are unable to simply give cash. As these individuals gave what they had, I will give what I have; and that is, my service. I am employed as an assistant mechanical engineer with one of our local engineering consulting firms. I will donate my services free of charge to assist in any way with this rebuilding process. Please, let's make it possible for everyone to 'give', each one according to what they have, to this rebuilding process.
I wish to send out a similar challenge to all professionals, indeed to this entire nation. Let us 'give' back to our nation. Let us rebuild this strawmarket at a minimal cost, if any at all, to the government. What can you give? It does not have to be money. Are you a heavy equipment operator? Can you 'give' your equipment? Are you an architect? Can you 'give' your architectural services? Are you an engineer? Can you 'give' your engineering services? Do you own a hardware company? Can you 'give' your materials? Are you a general contractor? Are you a tradesman? Can you 'give' your services? Do you own a gas station? Can you 'give' fuel for the equipment that will be utilized during the reconstruction process? Similarly, are you a psychological counselor, a lawyer, a lunch vendor, an accountant, a quantity surveyor, a painter, a project manager ? My question to you remains, "What can you 'give'?
There will of course be the naysayers; those who say that this is a ridiculous idea and that it will never work. I implore you Bahamas, do not be sidetracked by those who have no vision. Surely, by the grace of God, this can be accomplished. It will require us to 'give' our cooperation. It will require us to 'give' our absolute unselfishness. It will require us to coordinate our efforts so that we may decently and orderly manage all that is given. Accountability is vitally important. This straw market, as has already been stated, is a significant component of the Ministry of Tourism; the 'lifeblood' industry of our nation. The straw market is, and has been, an 'institution' in this nation since the late 1800's. Though we may not all have personal parking spaces at the Ministry, we all benefit in some way from the work accomplished through this ministry.
The time has now come for this building to be rebuilt; rebuilt by this nation; rebuilt by us; rebuilt by you and me. Would it not be solacing if as a nation, we can truly be proud to say that we contributed in some small way to this rebuilding process? My thoughts.
Sincerely,
Theadore Hunt
P. 0. Box CR-54937
Nassau, Bahamas