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Last Updated: Mar 31, 2017 - 10:21:02 PM |
 NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister responsible for National Recovery and Reconstruction the Hon. Shane Gibson has announced that the Exigency Order previously enacted following Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 will be extended for 90 days to ease the burden faced by residents impacted by the devastating storm.
The new order will take effect on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, ending Wednesday, July 5, 2017 and will apply to New Providence, Grand Bahama, The Berry Islands and North and Central Andros.
Mr. Gibson made the announcement in a communication in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.
“I am pleased to advise that the Exigency Order will be extended for a period of 90 days or three months to ease the burden placed on those impacted residents on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and the Berry Islands who are still struggling to repair their homes and replace furniture and other essential items,” said Mr. Gibson, the Minister of Labour & National Insurance and the Minister of the Public Service.
It has been six months since Hurricane Matthew greatly impacted thousands of residents and business owners on New Providence, Grand Bahama and Andros.
In response to the devastation caused by this dangerous storm, which peaked at Category 4, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister, signed a Declaration of Exigency (Tariff Act No. 17 of 2013) on October 7th, 2016.
That order, signed by the Prime Minister in his capacity as Minister of Finance, allowed for the import of goods for a period of 180 days or six months (with the exception of bottled water) commencing October 7, 2016 and ending April 4, 2017.
The goods included:
· Building materials
· Electrical fixtures and materials
· Plumbing fixtures and materials
· Household furniture, furnishings and appliances
· Generators
· Motor vehicles
· Bottled water was imported duty free for a period of 60 days commencing October 7, 2016.
As for vehicles, the minister explained that exemptions are based on the market value of the vehicle destroyed on the date of the hurricane. And, in the event that the minimum value is less $5,000 on the date of the hurricane, a value of $5,000 would be used. The destroyed vehicle must be turned over to the Customs Department in all instances.
The islands benefitting from this order include New Providence, Grand Bahama, The Berry Islands and North and Central Andros.
The current Declaration Order allows for Customs Duty and VAT exemptions to be offered to registered charitable organizations and individuals once the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has verified that they suffered loss during the passage of Hurricane Matthew.
“Senior Managers at both the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Recovery and Reconstruction Unit (NRRU) strongly recommended the extension of the Exigency order based on requests and feedback from Bahamians. Although many residents prioritize their repair and replacement needs, their salaries and loans had to be applied in the more critical areas of their recovery,” Mr. Gibson said.
He observed that no one really imagined the gravity of the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.
“I hasten to add that some residents are still awaiting funds from insurance companies to carry out necessary repairs. Not to mention, some of them were hard pressed to find available contractors to carry out repairs,” he said.
Added Mr. Gibson, “It is my hope that an additional three months will go a long way in helping Bahamians to get back on their feet.”
In this vein, the new order will include goods such as:
· Building Materials
· Electrical Fixtures and Materials
· Plumbing Fixtures and Materials
· Household Furniture and Appliances
“While it is our belief that motorists who intend to import vehicles have done so already, we are prepared to accommodate new applicants on a case-by-case basis,” Mr. Gibson said.
“The road to recovery is a long one but I am satisfied that these steps would assist many Bahamians in their journey to restoration and recovery,” Mr. Gibson said.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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