Words by David Levesque
Found in the 2024 Spring Issue
On September 1st, 2019 Hurricane Dorian battered the Abacos islands as a Category 5, bringing 1-minute sustained winds of 185 mph, and lasting over 24 hours. Making landfall in Elbow Cay, Dorian caused catastrophic damage, structures were flattened or swept out to sea, and over 70,000 inhabitants were left homeless. The known death toll is 70, however estimates suggest that number to be over 600. In reality, the true death toll will never be known, as many inhabitants, particularly Haitians, were undocumented. As of August 2020, 245 people were known to still be missing. For days, weeks and months bodies were recovered, with many never found. Hurricane Dorian knocked out the power, water, telecommunications, and sewage service on the Abacos, yet did not obliterate the spirit and resiliency of the Bahamian people.
In late 2022, after taking over this legendary publication, we were considering destinations for the annual Lats & Atts Share the Sail, this to be the first one under our watch. We settled on the Bahamas after suggestions from Navigare, whom we had contracted with for the charter. The Abacos were open for business, we were told, and needed help bringing tourism back to the people. So let’s go, we said. We were not only blown away by the natural island beauty and crystal blue waters, the island people themselves were simply incredible.
Imagine losing everything you have, including members of your family and close friends, then leaving the only place you’ve ever known, and having no desire to ever return. Imagine coming back to what was left of your home, or maybe where you think it once stood, only to be constantly reminded of the horrors and devastation witnessed during the hurricane. The vivid memories still too fresh to ignore. One of the only remaining feelings you have left is pride. And you want the world to see it. The beautiful people of the Bahamas are very much welcoming the return of tourism to showcase their unmatched hospitality…..
