In the wake of the devastation caused this week by Hurricane Dorian on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, the Diocese is rallying support among its members for the massive relief and rebuilding programme in The Bahamas.
As a first expression of solidarity, The Rt. Rev. Robert Thompson, Bishop of Kingston and Canonical Administrator, has mobilised congregations across the Diocese to set aside Sunday, September 8 for special prayers for the people of The Bahamas and, in particular, residents of the two islands, most of whom have been left destitute.
At the same time, effective September 8 and continuing to September 30, special collections will be taken in Anglican Churches to support the rehabilitation of hurricane victims. The proceeds of this drive will be presented to the Bishop of The Bahamas & The Turks & Caicos Islands, The Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd when he and members of the Bahamian delegation come to Jamaica for meetings of the Church in the Province of the West Indies on October 8 and 9.
Bishop Thompson said that both he and the Archbishop of the West Indies, the Most Rev. Howard Gregory, who is presently on vacation, had contacted Bishop Boyd, who described the destruction as “apocalyptic in dimensions,” and predicted that rebuilding would take a long time.
There are 14 Anglican churches in Abaco and Grand Bahama.