Residents on Nevis woke up on Thursday October 16th to the gentle reminder that God is still in total control and his wonders are being performed.” Within just a few hours between dark and dawn, Hurricane Omar battered our coastlines and the destruction on hand was quite evident.” With very little gale force winds and even less rain, extensive damage was done, undermining of our western shores and beaches took place and our biggest hotel was greatly affected.” Other properties along with the Charlestown port felt the brunt, the MV. Sea Hustler and the Sea Bridge both ran aground while Chevy’s Bar and Grill was totally demolished. In spite of the serious damage that took place along our western shores, it must be mentioned that the stones surrounding the Charlestown waterfront stood the test of time and strongly protected the area.” Samuel Hunkin’s Drive stood firm, the parking lot in that area remained solid and one must commend the engineering put in place for that project. Sadly though, we did not take the cue and learn from what Four Seasons Resort implemented in order to try and protect the beach area surrounding their property.” The opposition political party of that day openly took to the streets and vehemently demonstrated against what seemed a genuine effort of protection and good will.” Threatening to take the matter to court and admonishing the hotel to remove the stones now proves folly. We have lived to see that those very same stones did the job they were put there to do by minimizing undermining to that area. Also, the stones put at sea for the purpose of a breakwater wall served a worthy purpose.” That too was met with fierce opposition and court challenges but today we have seen the wisdom of the decisions made by our former government and minister A. Michael Perkins.” Hurricane Lenny of 1999 certainly was brought back to memory. Quite often, hurricanes carry a combination of rough seas, very strong winds and heavy rains. Fortunately for us, we only experienced a small portion of sea effects and winds from Omar, whose center passed miles away from our island.” Our profound thanks again to our Heavenly father who spared us from ravages. However, it became a great concern the following day Friday when moderate nonstop rains for less than an hour brought rivers of waters gushing down the streets of Hamilton, Stoney Grove, Government Road, Craddock Road and other roads in Ramsbury and Charlestown. Drainage seems a real serious problem and our people have contributed to this hazardous situation over a period of time.” We have witnessed waterways leading to guts and other drainage areas being blocked off by natives and property owners.”” This wrongful practice has gone rampant over the years, and sadly allowed by our governments.” I must indeed say government itself has been guilty of blocking such waterways as ghauts and other areas known for receiving excess water from off the roads.” We are now seeing situations that need dire and urgent attention before some major catastrophe results from the natural flow of running water. Lastly, in a time where financial crises are presently being experienced worldwide, one wonders if outside help will be forthcoming for the Federation. That of course is a matter for the prime minister and finance minister to lead that charge on behalf of St. Kitts and Nevis.”” Will Nevis again be brushed aside in the legitimate request for being the beneficiary of any financial aid or assistance that might be given to St. Kitts and Nevis? It is certainly time for us to get what rightfully belongs to Nevis.
