GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas -- PLP Senator Kirk Russell and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard came together on Saturday, September 7, 2024 to join hands with East Grand Bahama Local Government representatives and other East Enders to remember the family and friends lost to 2019’s Hurricane Dorian. 

Five years later, the tragedy still burns fresh in the minds of those closely affected. 

These wreath-laying ceremonies -- solemn events that bring survivors and the families of the victims together with government officials and the wider community -- serve not only as a poignant reminder of the storm’s lasting impact but also as a symbol of the community’s resilience and strength.

East Grand Bahama Chief Councillor Marcus Cooper said, in a statement issued Monday, September 9, 2024, the wreath-laying tradition, “serves as a moment of reflection and unity, honouring the resilience of the survivors, the strength of our communities, and the ongoing journey of recovery and rebuilding. These ceremonies are not only a tribute to the past but also a symbol of hope, renewal, and the unwavering spirit of East Grand Bahama.”

Wreaths were laid at the memorial sites at Gold Rock Creek, High Rock and McLean’s Town.

(Photos/East Grand Bahama Local Government)