Soldiers return from Bahamas

MINISTER of National Security Stuart Young commended the 100 Defence Force officers who returned on Monday night from their month-long humanitarian mission to hurricane stricken Bahamas.

According to a release sent by the security ministry, the troops who were deployed on September 8, assessed the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian in Freeport, High Rock, Pelican Point and Mc Leans Town on Grand Bahama. They also assisted with security, cleared fallen trees and packaged and distributed hurricane relief items during their mission.

The officers arrived at Piarco International Airport at about 7.30 pm and were greeted by Chief of Defence Staff, Air Commodore Darryl Daniel. Daniel applauded them on their quick mobilisation and was glad for their safe return.

Task Force Commander to the Bahamas, Major Derron McClean, described the level of devastation the troops witnessed on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama as extensive.

Hurricane Dorian made landfall on Elbow Cay, in the Abaco Islands on September 1. The hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 295 km/hr and dumped an estimated , 0.91 metres of rain on Bahamas. The death toll due to the hurricane stands at 61, and damage has estimated at USD$7 billion.