Key West Comes to the Aid of the Bahamas

The Key West City Commission last night commended the community for the incredible outpouring of aid to the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Then they stepped up to the plate and donated two decommissioned fire trucks to our sister islanders.

Mayor Emeritus Craig Cates accepted the proclamation commending Key West Cares on behalf of the hundreds of people that have responded to the disaster left behind by the direct hit of a category 5 hurricane on the Abacos. Key West has long designated Green Turtle Cay, one of hardest hit areas, as a sister city.

As of September 16th, Key West Cares had shipped approximately 20,000 pounds of relief cargo to the Bahamas.

“It’s an amazing job, what everyone has done,” said Cates, who has just returned from Green Turtle. “The destruction is unbelievable, but the people want to rebuild. They are so thankful for all the help that the people of Key West has given them.”

He noted that the quick response of this cohesive collection of individuals has done more than provide comfort. “We’ve saved lives,” he said.

Cates noted that the fire trucks were crucial. New Plymouth, the small town on Green Turtle Cay, was founded after the American Revolution by British Loyalists. Like Key West, it has many historic wooden houses.

Yet the community does not have a fire truck. Fire is a major threat in the aftermath of a disaster due to downed wires, salt intrusion on electrical outlets, and even new building materials.

The pumper truck will be especially vital, as Green Turtle Cay does not have a water supply. This truck will allow them to pump water up from the ocean if a fire breaks out.

The trucks are expected to be barged over in about a week. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover introduced the resolution, which passed unanimously.

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