Is volunteering to help a good idea ?

[Mark Dougherty]

I have a few good friends in Cherokee and would come down that way from the states if I could help....good idea or not ? I also understand there are some older folks in Cherokee that will need assistance...I welcome any suggestions.
God Bless
Mark

[Wonkee]

I am a former resident, and much of my family resides on Abaco. Just after Floyd I wanted to do the same thing. I decided to call family first, to see if the help was needed, and it was. When I called the American Embassy they informed me that unless I was a resident I would not be allowed in. The Bahamas Government even asked a plane that was loaded with relief supplies to return to the US. It is a very difficult situation to deal with. I was told later that help was not allowed in because of the "Dangers" that were present after the storm, such as downed power lines, weakened structures, and general lack of facilities, and neccesities. I would suggest calling the US Embassay to ensure that you would be allowed in. If you have to wait a week, I am sure there will be plenty to do still. It also gives you a chance to gather specific supplies that are needed. Im sure that everyone that you ask will have a list of items that they need.

I am sure that everyone in Abaco really appreciates your willingness, and will be more than happy to have help. Just make sure that you can get the help to them first.
Wonkee

[Kimberly]

Great answer, Wonkee. We really do appreciate all of the well-meaning people who want to help us put the islands back together, but the most helpful thing that you can do right now is to make sure that you don't exacerbate the situation. The water is off, the power is off, the roads are impassable, there are leaks everywhere ... and you're not going to be able to take anything for granted once you get down there.

Unless you're ready to handle a steady diet of boiled okra and fishheads for the next few weeks while we pull debris from the trees, you are unfortunately going to be more harm than assistance right now. Just check with the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, register with them, and they'll let you know when the airports have reopened, boat services have resumed, and basic services have returned.

Trust me, in years past, well-meaning folks have just brought the wrong relief supplies with them ... we have no storage space, our diets are different than yours, and we'd be thoroughly self-conscious as we parse our workload right now.

Thank you so much for loving the islands --
Briland.com