ANOTHER HAITIAN COMMUNITY BLAZES

Shortly after 4 am on 23rd July a fire started in one of the wooden houses in congested Sand Bank, a Haitian community a mile from Treasure Cay entrance. The fire quickly spread to adjacent dwellings as people rushed to remove their furniture and belongings. The Marsh Harbour Volunteer Fire Department arrived quickly and were able to control the fire but not before a dozen houses were completely destroyed and 74 people left homeless, 44 of them children.

A meeting was held later in the day at nearby Full Gospel Church with Island Administrator for North Abaco Ivan Ferguson present. Also attending the meeting were Red Cross representatives, community and religious leaders.

Ed Laroda, owner of the former L & H Hardware on Betty Rockwell Drive, agreed to allow the premises to be used by government as a temporary shelter. Social Services made arrangements to provide beds and bedding and Full Gospel Church provided cooking facilities. An appeal was issued for donations of food, water and clothing.