Bahamian Pastor in TCI Asks for Prayers During Fiona

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Hurricane Fiona hit the Turks and Caicos Islands as a category three storm on Tuesday, bringing intense winds and heavy rain.

The storm has claimed the life of at least three people – two in Puerto Rico and one in Guadeloupe.

We spoke to Bahamian Pastor Terry Tanis via phone, from his home in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

“There is a significant amount of wind and rain in Providenciales. Those that are near the coast – those in Blue Hills or Grace Bay – they may be experiencing a little bit more intensity,” Pastor Tanis tells Our News.

“Some of those on the coast of Long Bay may be experiencing a little bit more intense winds and of course rain.”

Tanis is the Executive Secretary of The Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of Seventh Day Adventist. Several of his church members are assisting with shelter on the island.

“I am currently in my home in Millennium Heights II. We have a quite a number of shelters around the Turks and Caicos Islands open and available. I’ve heard and can confirm that quite a number of persons have decided, out of an abundance of caution, to bunker down in the shelters.”

According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands, should remain indoors. Hurricane conditions are expected to subside Tuesday night, however, continued heavy rains through the evening can cause life- threatening flooding.

“From a national level, the deputy and acting governor has done an excellent job in rallying all of the team members of the related organizations – all of the relevant organizations,” Tanis explains.

“I felt that they have allayed a lot of fears and concerns, especially as it relates to flooding and structural damage. They prepared Turks and Caicos very well.”

“They established their hotlines in time just in case anyone needs to find sand bags, access to shelters… they were very clear.

Forecasters say the islands may experience up to eight inches of rain.

The pastor asking for support and prayers as TCI navigates the storm, and the recovery that will follow.

“But I would like for us to pray for each other. Whatever support that can be extended to us here in the Turks, I would just pray that we would just lend a helping hand once this storm would have passed. Thanks in advance to my brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and for their support. God bless you as we continue to be our brothers and sisters keeper.”