“When
we needed help, many persons from the region came to help us,
governments sent help for us, and certainly it’s our turn to help now
and we need to step up and help our brothers and sisters,” he said on
the Thursday, September 26, 2019, episode of his radio show.
Currently,
the territory is grappling with negotiations over a £300M UK loan
guarantee for its own recovery but has already pledged monies and sent
aid workers to the devastated neighboring country.
“Yes
we are still recovering but whatever little we can give I’m sure they
will appreciate it,” MrSmith said as he encouraged listeners to support
the Friends of Bahamas Block Party on October 5, 2019, which is looking
to raise more funds for the Bahamas Cause.
Already, Premier and
Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has committed $100,000
towards the Bahamas rebuilding efforts on behalf of the people of the
Virgin Islands and a Rotary telethon received in excess of $140,000
raised on a telethon held over a four-hour period.
“For those
generous individuals and groups who would like to contribute monetarily
to the relief efforts, I would urge you to give either through the many
registered BVI non-profit organisations who are authorised to raise
funds for these purposes and which have counterparts on the ground in
the Bahamas,” Hon Fahie said.
According to Mr Smith, “As usual when our brothers and sisters need help, Virgin Islanders always rise to the occasion.”
The
Friends of Bahamas Block Party is a ticketed event and will be held on
October 5, 2019, starting at 6:00pm. All proceeds will go towards
Bahamas' recovery and will be channeled through Rotary.