The team’s relief efforts took place within three main areas of data collection, shelter assessment and distribution management. In Nassau, the team worked with HeadKnowles, a local disaster relief foundation, and other private entities to assist with the registration of evacuees from Abaco and Freeport into Nassau, and to assist with providing information for accommodation, additional supplies, and medical support.
In Nassau, Co-Manager of K1 DIRECT Iris Hakkens attended various EOC (Emergency Operations Center) partner meetings and lead the process of assessing properties that could be potential short to long term shelters, due to emergency shelters becoming over capacity. Hakkens elaborated saying, “Upon arriving in Nassau, through a meeting with key persons of various humanitarian aid organizations, we found a few persons who assisted with providing supplies needed for different shelters such as cots, food, etc – but no one was really addressing the need for additional shelters. Each shelter in Nassau was over capacity and it was imperative that someone needed to work with the international humanitarian aid standards to assess properties and shelters to provide additional accommodation for the influx of evacuees.”
K1 worked closely with IOM United Nations (The International Organization for Migration), UKAID, USAID, Rotary International, American Red Cross, Bahamas Resolve, persons of The Bahamas private sector to investigate suitable properties.
In Freeport, Grand Bahama, the group worked closely with the Hon. Senator Katherine Forbes-Smith, various ESFs and NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) to help manage the distribution process of government supplies to the most affected neighborhoods in Grand Bahama, as well as warehouse set up and management. K1 DIRECT worked alongside volunteers from Public Treasury, Urban Renewal Grand Bahama, Team Rubicon, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, US Coast Guard, and others. Co-Manager of K1 DIRECT, Alan Schet added, “The warehouse management process was slightly unsystematic and we were able to remedy that by providing a bit of structure. That process was well received by the persons involved which allowed us to be more effective. The distribution of goods became more streamlined and targeted which allowed for more effective registering of goods.”
Senator Forbes-Smith stated, “It was almost like K1 was the first on the ground and I really appreciate that the team just jump right in, no task was too great or too little and I’m so excited that K1 was a part of our recovery. I’ll always remember K1 DIRECT and we really appreciate the take charge attitude to get the job done.”
K1 DIRECT management also attended various EOC meetings in Freeport to find ways to collaborate and investigate ways in which K1 DIRECT would be able to play a necessary role in the relief efforts. Priya Thirumur, Co-Manager of K1 DIRECT, was invited to give comments via live news reports and a press conference which she shared, “In disasters, I’ve noticed that distribution processes can be the most logistically challenging, but because of the organization and diligence of NEMA, ESF, and the various volunteer organizations on ground, every day we were able to get supplies out to the affected persons as quickly as possible.”
As Grand Bahama was one of the most affected islands, everybody that the team had worked with has suffered loss of loved ones. The team also provided trauma counseling and took the time to comfort and encourage those who lives that been affected by tragedy. Thirumur shared, “We are all truly touched by the humility and open arms by the Bahamians as they welcomed us. Many persons commented that as a relief team coming from St. Maarten showed support from the region and also because we had been through Irma, they were open to letting us provide support knowing that we could empathize with their struggle.”
The foundation would like extend their gratitude to the various persons in the Bahamas, as well as in St. Maarten and Curacao, who supported the team in numerous ways through accommodation, transportation, fees, supplies, networks and donations that helped make this mission possible.
For more information on how you can continue to support K1 DIRECT please call +1 (721) 553-8186, email direct@k1britanniafoundation.orgor visit the K1 Britannia Foundation office located at Falcon Drive #7, Suite A3, Brooks Tower, their website www.k1britanniafoundation.org, or Facebook www.facebook.com/k1sxm.
