By JEREMY FRANCIS

Freeport News Reporter

In the wake of Hurricane Wilma, the altruistic nature of individuals and organizations across Grand Bahama has begun being manifested.

Grand Bahama Shipyard apprentices and seniors of Grand Bahama Catholic High School, the sister school of St. Vincent de Paul School, on Thursday made it a top priority to assist with the restoration of St. Vincent de Paul School's hurricane-devastated campus.

Subsequent to the storm's passage, the southern portion of the school was completely obliterated. Huge boulders that once lined the body of water at the rear of the school, along with chunks of sand and seaweed, had been driven into classrooms on the campus' southern end by powerful storm surges.

Initial clean-up efforts were taken up by directors of the school.

Then yesterday, the school's principal, Alexandria Bowe, said she was moved to tears when she saw Shipyard employees clearing out the debris-filled classrooms.

"When I arrived here, I was literally moved to tears because the men from the Shipyard were here, they were in the classrooms, and they were working," Mrs. Bowe stated. "It's just unbelievable."

Mrs. Bowe said that because Hurricane Wilma put the campus in such a poor physical state, she was a little doubtful that the school would be reoponed as quickly as possible. However, she said that the community's assistance has been a great upliftment and her confidence in school commencing post-haste is now sky-high.

Grand Bahama Shipyard Production Control Assistant Manager Don E. Forbes noted that after venturing into the area of Hunters to tend to the homes of some Shipyard employees whose dwelling places had been affected by the storm, it was noticed that the whole community was in dire need of assistance.

On Wednesday, he said that Mrs. Bowe had beseeched the assistance of the Shipyard staff. After doing all that they could that first day, he had vowed to her that they would be back the following day to continue what they had started.

"From 7:30 this morning (Thursday) we were here taking out all of the desks that were destroyed, books, and sand," he said. "The easiest way to put it is the sea actually came into classroom, and we had to move it out."

Apprentice Mandall Neymour expressed that he was more than happy to assist with restoration at the campus because one never knows when they may be in a similar predicament. Besides, he said, the school was in such bad shape when they arrived that he felt obliged to extend a helping hand.

"When I saw the devastation, it shocked me," he said. "I was like, this type of thing never happened here in The Bahamas, you know. This is my first time witnessing something like this, and I just hope that it doesn't happen again. All we can do is keep the persons in this area in our prayers."

The Shipyard employees were joined later on in the morning by Grand Bahama Catholic High School 11th and 12th graders.

Sgt. 694 Craig Wallace deems it a privilege to be able to work hand in hand with persons in the community who are doing all that they can to assist others in need during this trying time. In time, and with the community's continued support, he asserted that the island will bounce back from Monday's horrific act of nature.

Director of Catholic Education Claudette Rolle said that the school will reopen on Tuesday, November 1.

TREMENDOUS HELP — Grand Bahama Shipyard apprentices have been assisting St. Vincent de Paul School directors refurbish the school since Hurricane Wilma's passing. Standing at centre in hardhat is Grand Bahama Shipyard Production Control Assistant Manager Don E. Forbes. At left is the school's principal, Alexandria Bowe.