Summary
Devastation of McLean’s Town
Darkness crept over little McLean’s Town as Hurricane Dorian unleashed its fury. The winds howled, defying imagination, and the massive sea surge bore down upon the unsuspecting seaside village at the eastern end of Grand Bahama Island.
During the height of the storm, Remelda Thomas, her husband Phil, and their two youngest children, Dillard and Ebony, found refuge in a closet within their one-story home. As water levels rose, they had to make the harrowing decision to climb partway up a ladder to the attic, leaving them trapped as Dorian wreaked havoc.
Once the storm passed, over 48 hours later, the Thomas family emerged to find their town unrecognizable. They had survived, but the devastation was profound. Their church was destroyed, local schools were torn apart, and the landscape was forever altered.
Community Resilience
Hurricane Dorian made its mark as one of the most powerful hurricanes in history, impacting the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama Island in September 2019. The aftermath left behind devastation with a heavy toll: over 70 lives lost, many missing, and countless homes destroyed. However, the spirit of McLean’s Town began to shine through the destruction.
After about four years post-Dorian, visitors to the island can witness a remarkable transformation. The strong bonds within the tight-knit community of McLean’s Town and the larger Grand Bahama Island set the stage for recovery.
Revitalization Efforts
The Pelican Bay Hotel in Freeport stands as a testament to resilience. This 186-room establishment not only provides comfort and hospitality but also plays an essential role in aiding the community’s recovery efforts. The hotel remained open throughout the storm and offered shelter to employees in need.
Moreover, Pelican Bay Hotel actively participated in the community’s recovery by supporting staff and local residents. Magnus Alnebeck, the hotel’s general manager, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the community’s efforts during recovery.
Another vital player in the recovery landscape, Coral Vita, specializes in coral restoration and environmental conservation. Their work involves growing coral rapidly and restoring damaged reefs, which benefits marine ecosystems and coastal protection strategies.
Personal Stories of Loss and Hope
The journey toward recovery is often slow, laden with personal stories of hardship. Remelda Thomas shares her experience of suffering loss; her son P.J. was among the victims claimed by the storm. Yet, despite the challenges, she embodies the spirit of perseverance, encouraging the community to keep moving forward.
After three years, McLean’s Town reinstated its beloved conch-cracking festival, emphasizing the community’s return to normalcy. This event celebrates the town’s heritage and brings together visitors and locals, fostering hope and renewal.
Moreover, bonefishing, an essential livelihood for many on the east end of the Bahamas, is also making a comeback. Enthusiasts are returning to the waters, drawn by the challenge of catching the elusive bonefish.
Remelda, who helped run a fishing tour operation with her late husband, is now diligently working to grow the family business while embodying the resilient spirit of her community.
She dreams of transforming her home into a lodge, allowing her to share the beauty of McLean’s Town with visitors. The community’s collective strength and history are driving them forward, with every resilient step resonating throughout the recovery journey.
