National

Bimini Fire Victim Loses Everything

BIMINI, BAHAMAS – An early morning blaze destroying several north Bimini homes, Sunday. Fire victims tell Our News the unfortunate situation points to a bigger issue – the lack of firefighting resources on the island.

Published

1 year ago

March 27, 2023

Jameelha Missick

Pastor Oral Ellis says it was around 5am when he heard a loud unusual sound inside his two-story Porgy Bay home. That’s when he got out of bed to investigate, discovering the blaze that would completely destroy the place he called home for decades.

But the flames did not stop there, wind spread the blaze to five other buildings leaving some gutted and others damaged.

But where was the firefighting equipment? Ellis says visitors donated a fire engine to Bimini following another fire on the island.

Prime Minister Philip Davis, along with Social Services Minister and area MP Obie Wilchcombe, and Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville mobilized to the island offering their support to the families affected.

A gofundme account has been created for Pastor Oral and his wife Grace Ellis, who lost everything in the fire.