Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43), co-chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, issued a statement of support for the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, which, according to the National Hurricane Center, “battered [the Bahamas]… with wind gusts of up to 150 m.p.h., storm surges as much as 15 feet above normal tide levels and devastating flooding from up to 30 inches of rain.” Her statement follows:
“I am heartbroken and terribly worried by the reports of mass devastation and flooding in Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. During my husband, Ambassador Sidney Williams’, tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and through my work in Congress as a co-chair of the Caribbean Caucus, I have created many long-lasting friendships with the people of the Bahamas, and have an enduring love for the entire nation. I am deeply concerned about the well-being of many of our dear friends with whom we have not been able to make contact, as well as for the safety and recovery of the Commonwealth in the aftermath of this horrific storm.
“While the full scope of the hurricane’s destruction is still unknown, we know that Hurricane Dorian is one of the worst natural disasters to ever face the Bahamas, and that the storm has already resulted in the death of (44) people, displaced hundreds of families, and caused widespread damage to homes and building structures. My prayers and heartfelt sympathies are with the families of the victims and all those who have been impacted by this horrific storm. Rest assured, the United States is standing with you during this difficult time, and we will do all that we can to aid in recovery efforts in the coming weeks and months.”
