FREEPORT, Bahamas–The CEO and COO of a Philadelphia credit union have arrived in the Bahamas and is reporting first-hand on the damage from Hurricane Dorian.
Bruce Foulke, president of American Heritage Credit Union, along with COO Scott McCaw, arrived in Freeport, Bahamas on Grand Bahama on the first commercial flight out of Nassau since the hurricane devastated the islands. Foulke and McCaw visited several credit unions in Freeport with Hilton Bowleg, Chair of the Bahamas Cooperative League Limited.
According to the World Council of Credit Unions, which worked to arrange the trip, Foulke and McCaw visited the main branch of The Grand Bahama Co-operative Credit Union, which is open despite seven inches of water flooding the building during the storm.
Foulke and McCaw traveled at the invitation of WOCCU and purchased their own tickets.
“It is open and credit union staff is conducting business through the use of a portable generator. Several members told Bruce they were very grateful for the credit union reopening, so they could get cash to purchase supplies,” WOCCU reported. “But many in Freeport still do not have power, which means credit union members cannot buy a large quantity of food due to lack of refrigeration.”
Mold on the Walls
The tour found the GBCCU building itself has significant damage to the floor, mold on the walls and furniture that needs to be replaced. Another Grand Bahama Co-operative Credit Union branch located in a shopping center has yet to reopen due to damage, WOCCU said.
Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union in Freeport has also reopened, with a security guard allowing one member at a time in to conduct transactions. Staff is communicating with the main office in Nassau via cell phone to verify balances and conduct business, which is being done with paper vouchers, WOCCU said.
According to the World Council, staff at Public Workers Co-operative Credit Union are facing some of the most challenging conditions. Foulke and McCaw met PWCCU Manager Ruthie Dorset, who was busy trying to clean up the office.
“There were visible water lines that reached four feet high—up to the top of their teller counter,” WOCCU reported. “Behind the teller counter, the water marks were five-feet high. Despite their generator being elevated three feet off the ground outside, salt water that rose nearly eight-feet high rendered it inoperable. Inside the building, structural damage to the concrete floor was visible as it partially collapsed from nearly five inches in some spots.”
Other Businesses Damaged
The U.S. credit union representatives also made a stop to see the former board chair of Bahamas Law Enforcement Cooperative Credit Union, who was cleaning up a store he owns. It suffered damage caused by eight feet of water.
“He mentioned that many local businesses have indicated to him they won’t be reopening anytime soon,” WOCCU reported. “The owners of one hardware store said it would be at least a year before they could reopen. As a result, job losses are likely for a number of people. On a visit to a separate Bahamas Law Enforcement Credit Union branch that also remains closed, Bruce and Scott saw water marks two feet high.”
“The damage is extensive to say the least,” said McCaw. “These institutions need generators, both large ones for their buildings, and smaller ones to power their various equipment and systems. In addition, a supply of fresh water is needed for both staff and members.”
Foulke expressed optimism about the future, based on what he saw from credit union staff and members, according to WOCCU.
“I think what really impressed me was the deep bond there is between the staff and their members, and vice-versa. They are mutually concerned about each other’s wellbeing. The credit unions have made it about providing service even though they don’t have electricity, computers or lights. They are even sharing medicine, food, water and shelter at this point,” said Foulke. “This was the finest moment of people helping people—the credit union philosophy.”
Project Storm Break is open and active to receive financial donations to support both the immediate needs of credit union members and staff, as well as to address long-term rebuilding needs. Donations can be made directly on our Project Storm Break page.
The Goal
Foulke said his goal is to return to the United States and begin fundraising for things like generators, new computer systems, and other needs.
"We'll get it. I have no doubt in my mind our credit union people will open their hearts," Foulke said.
The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions has set up a donation page at www.doglobalgood.org/give