FREEPORT – It was officially announced at the Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister yesterday that duty-free exemptions granted on the importation of storm relief supplies by individuals and businesses affected by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne last September will expire on March 31.
Making the announcement was Undersecretary at the Office of the Prime Minister Mr. Canard Bethel, who said that he would ask the Government to allow for exemptions after that date, provided approval for the importation of the relief supplies, equipment or merchandise is granted “on or before March 31, 2005”.
Mr. Bethel said residents, who suffered damages and need replacement material imported, should complete application forms with Ms. Rose Riley on the 4th floor of the Government Complex on East Mall Drive. And applicants should have a support letter from the Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Works or the Social Services Department.
“I must emphasize,” Mr. Bethel stressed, “that persons who need the exemptions should proceed forthwith to get that application approved on or before the 31st of March, and the processing and approvals can also be done by all the Administrators’ offices – East Grand Bahama, Ms. Gloria Bain; in the City of Freeport, Mr. Alexander Williams; and in West Grand Bahama, Administrator Charles King in Eight Mile Rock.
The importation of the relief materials were covered by three Exigency Orders after the storms, Exigency Order #7 covering building materials, appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures; Exigency Order #8 dealing with goods for hotels and touristic attractions.
Order #9 providing for fishing and farming goods, refrigeration gear and materials for crawfish and lobster habitats.
Mr. Bethel said that considering the many complications and delays being experienced in late insurance settlement, late processing of loans, unavailabity of materials caused by the fact that Florida had four hurricanes during the same period last year; and shipping, land transportation and delivery problems, he would be asking the Government to allow for exemptions, provided approval is granted on or before March 31, 2005.
Mr. Bethel added that the Government Guaranteed Loans Programme was still current, but said applicants must be in a position to repay the loan with interest at six per cent. He said those forms must be approved by the three Administrators who are Government financial officers.
“Persons who have no income or funds and still need help for repairs,” he said, “must apply at the Department of Housing where Mr. Melvin Seymour, Undersecretary, is coordinating the programme with assistance from: Mr. Russell Franks, East Grand Bahama; Mr. Horace Bullard, Freeport; Mr. Lloyd Rolle, Eight Mile Rock; and Mr. Clarence Carroll, West End.
Mr. Bethel said Motor Vehicle Exemptions expired December 31, 2004.
