On September 1 and 2, Dorian made landfall as a category 5 hurricane in the northwest of The Bahamas, causing severe damage to the Abacus and Grand Bahama islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the prolonged and intense storm conditions, which included heavy rains, winds and storm surge, the damage on both islands was extensive, with thousands of homes destroyed and families affected.
"Our hearts are full of sadness and loss for the damage that Hurricane Dorian has caused to our beloved nation and its people. We extend our love, our total support and our prayers to all the people on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama who are enduring the devastating impact and ravages of this natural disaster "- said Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar." Now is the time to join and support those who need our help. Baha Mar leads recovery efforts to help victims today and works to make our country stronger than ever "- he added.
Despite the damage caused by Hurricane Dorian, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation of the Bahamas urges travelers to continue their vacation plans to islands that were not affected and remain open as tourism accounts for around 60% of the GDP of the country and employs about half of the population, this being the most positive help the Bahamas can receive as there are many families that depend on this source of income.
The islands that are operating normally are Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, Paradise Island, Eleuthera, Harbor Island, Andros, Bimini, The Exumas, Cat Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Acklins / Crooked Island, Mayaguana and Inagua, including Nassau International Airport. In this way, Baha Mar, located on the island of New Providence, remains open and fully operational hoping to warmly welcome guests from all over the world who will enjoy the turquoise beaches, services and cuisine of this Bahamian destination.
Baha Mar will make a donation of $ 2 million in financial aid both to give immediate support to the people affected and for the long-term recovery of areas devastated by Hurricane Dorian. This contribution will go directly to aid organizations in The Bahamas and is part of Baha Mar's continued dedication to a series of efforts that include an action plan to support the country's recovery.
In addition to this immediate commitment, the Baha Mar Foundation is seeking financial support from guests, partners and the community, and 100% of that income will go directly to the victims, in addition to partnering with local organizations and authorities in The Bahamas to distribute daily food, medicine, supplies and other needs for volunteers and disaster victims. Through the Baha Mar website www.bahamar.com/dorian/ a space was opened where these donations are received. People can make a donation with a card or through PayPal.
Similarly, Baha Mar has launched the “pack with love” campaign in which all tourists traveling to The Bahamas are invited to bring with them clothes, shoes, toys and items that can give relief to families affected by the hurricane, served as a collection center and even encouraging the visits of guests who so wish to the shelters established in Nassau.