Long Islander: We Feel We Were Neglected Ahead Of Hurricane Melissa

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LONG ISLAND, BAHAMAS – Long Island residents are reeling tonight after Hurricane Melissa unleashed heavy flooding, downed power lines, and structural damage across the island, and many say they feel abandoned by government officials, after the island was left out of the mandatory evacuation order issued for the southern Bahamas.

Ahead of the storm, mandatory evacuations were ordered for Inagua, Acklins, Crooked Island, and Mayaguana, with chartered flights organized to bring residents to safety. But Long Islanders say they received no such option.

“I can’t help but feel that the island has been neglected,” said Antonia Carroll, a local teacher. “I know there were uncertainties about the storm’s path, but the south end of the island was expected to get hit the hardest, and we did get our share of damage. Our roof suffered some damage, which has now delayed us.”

The island experienced direct impacts from Hurricane Melissa, with widespread flooding and power outages. Carroll says Bahamas Power and Light officials estimate that residents may be without electricity for at least three days.

Marvin Cartwright, another resident, says many felt robbed of the opportunity to evacuate and take refuge elsewhere.

“We didn’t even have the opportunity,” Cartwright said. “Some elderly people and other folks would’ve liked to go to Nassau and stay with family instead of being stressed out through the storm, but we weren’t even offered that privilege. That’s really bad on the government’s part.”

Island Administrator Jandilee Archer confirmed that the Deadman’s Cay Airport was compromised by flooding, but said Stella Maris Airport remains operational for emergency transport.

“At this time, we’re not looking at commercial flights,” Archer explained. “We’re focused on bringing in water because BPL is down, and without power, most residents don’t have running water either. We have three shelters open, being manned by professionals, including persons with special needs, and all are being properly taken care of.”

As cleanup efforts begin, residents say they’re grateful to have survived the storm, but hope that next time, Long Island won’t be left out of critical evacuation and relief plans.