By Dixie Ann Black
Picture watching your neighbor’s house burn to the ground because of a lack of firetrucks in your town. Then imagine not having a hospital nearby to take these neighbors to tend to their wounds.
This scenario is not just a nightmarish fantasy. Many families living an hour or so by air from the City of Lauderhill are faced with this very real threat. The island nation of the Bahamas, with its over 700 islands, cays, and islets, faces the challenge of providing emergency services along the entire length and breadth of the Lucayan Archipelago (the entire group of islands covering over five thousand square miles).
It is with this knowledge that City of Lauderhill Commissioner Lawrence “Jabbow” Martin has initiated an effort to have two of Lauderhill’s decommissioned emergency vehicles donated to the Bahamas.
On Thursday February 3, 2022 the culmination of this initiative was realized. Commissioner Martin and Mayor Ken Thurston of the City of Lauderhill, The Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas along with other commissioners and dignitaries and supporters from both countries gathered at Lauderhill City Hall to commemorate the event.
Mayor Ken Thurston, opened the ceremony by warmly welcoming the dignitaries, staff, commissioners, and friends. He highlighted the atmosphere of family in what is also an international partnership. He was followed by the Vice Mayor Melissa Dunn, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper and Commissioner Martin. Many members and supporters present also offered congratulations. A delicious feast was provided as information and goodwill was shared.
There was much discussion of further collaboration through sister-city partnerships.
The air of cooperation and collaboration was infused with jovial exchanges as folks from the various Bahamian islands engaged in good natured banter with their American counterparts. Yolanda Cash Jackson, esq. and Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick spoke via video in support of the gift of two rescue units.
Vice Mayor Dunn aptly stated, “Today is a celebration because the work was done before.”
Paul Rolle of the Royal Bahamian Police Force offered his thanks to the city of Lauderhill adding,
“This demonstrates the level of love emanating from the City of Lauderhill. These vehicles will be used to help the Archipelago as we have a lot of forest fires in New Providence and Nassau.”
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper expressed his gratitude, not just for the gift but for the partnership and friendship. He stated,
“This rescue equipment is symbolic of a partnership in Tourism, business and culture.”
Police Chief Constance Stanley added, “This historic moment helps us realize that we are from different parts of the world, but we are all the same. I look forward to the training and partnership we can provide to each other.”
Fire Chief Marc Celetti embraced the moment as, “a wonderful opportunity to share resources that would not otherwise be put into use.”
He explained that the fire truck is a 105 ft. ladder truck put in service in 1999 and retired in 2019. The second vehicle is a 2007 medium duty rescue ambulance.
Commissioner Martin, was joined by his proud mother. Being himself of Bahamian decent he showed clearly that he has not forgotten his roots.
“Knowing the struggle the country has had, taking the brunt of so many hurricanes, it is good to know that we can help. We are God fearing family, so if we have more we give more.”
