FORT LAUDERDALE. FL November 12, 2020 - The National Association of The Bahamas, Florida, recently donated 176 laptops, 480 school bags and miscellaneous school supplies to the children of Abaco Island more than a year after the massive category 5 Hurricane Dorian barreled through the Island flattening it and leaving scores dead and thousands devastated.
The recent contribution of school supplies including the laptops are to assist the children with the continuation of their education while the small Northern Bahama island rebuilds slowly but surely. Because of the current Covid-19 pandemic, most of the children are being schooled virtually, and the majority of parents are unable to afford to purchase the electronic devices, because they are still trying to recover and rebuild from the Hurricane.
The National Association of The Bahamas, was formed more than 25 years ago in South Florida by a group of young Bahamian residents of the area with a purpose to assist each other, especially the less fortunate in the Bahamian Diaspora, as well as to reach out to those in need in the motherland.
Over the years, under the dynamic leadership of a Board of Directors, the organization has been successful in reaching out to local Bahamian students with scholarships, they have assisted charitable organizations both locally and in The Bahamas and they have actively participated in annual Hurricane Relief efforts when necessary.
The contribution of the laptops is the latest in NAB’s ongoing support of Abaco families. The group’s assistance to victims of Hurricane Dorian began back in late September 2019, with helping displaced families who fled to Florida. Families were assisted with housing September through December, coupled with gift cards, food, clothing and miscellaneous supplies. Those families who returned to The Bahamas from Florida were assisted with transportation back home. For the hurricane victims who stayed in Abaco immediately following the destructive storm, tons of trailers with food and hurricane supplies were sent to the Island.
Freeport Grand Bahama has also been a part of NAB’s Hurricane Relief efforts in the wake of this deadly storm. As Freeporters entered the phase of rebuilding earlier this year, the Association sent $40,000 to a hardware store there for persons to be able to get building supplies for repairs (this allowed for spending in The Bahamas to assist the local economy).
According to President of the Association, Mrs. Rosamon Gomez, all of the Assistance that NAB has been providing for the victims of Hurricane Dorian, are as a result of the generous contributions from people all over the U.S. and from all walks of life. Gomez said that the Association looks forward to continuing their efforts and welcome donations small or large, “no gift is too small, “ she said.
The National Association of The Bahamas is comprised of Bahamians living in Florida as well as their friends and supporters of The Bahamas. For additional information on how to become involved or to give to the Association, inquiries can be made to Executive Director Earl Miller at 954-647-4941, President, Rosamon Gomez at (305) 527-7345, or Vice President Rubyann Bradshaw at (305) 632-7109.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE BAHAMAS
In keeping with the Bahamian Motto "FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD, TOGETHER", The National Association of The Bahamas is striving to improve the Bahamian economy and quality of life of Bahamians in Florida. The Association meets the third Wednesday of each month at Toyota of Hollywood on 441 and Taft. Business Networking meetings are held periodically where members are encouraged to do business with each other. Seminars and workshops are also offered to bring business opportunities to members.
