After being devastated by monster storm Hurricane Irma last month, the rebuilding efforts over in Ragged Island are not moving along as swiftly as they should, according to the island’s MP I Chester Cooper.

Ragged Island sustained the brunt of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in The Bahamas. Most of the homes there were destroyed or severely damaged. Power lines are down, utilities are non-functioning. Public buildings, including the government-operated school, the clinic and other public facilities are severely damaged or destroyed.

Mr. Cooper appearing as a guest on the JCN/Love97 Program “Jones and Company” expressed his frustration with the government as far as the rebuilding efforts in Ragged Island.

“The government has got on the ground, but not fast enough in my estimation and in the estimation of the residents of Ragged island.

“Police are present on the island, but they are not involved in the reconstruction process. There aren’t any medical professionals yet on the ground to provide the kind of support residents need.

“We recognize rebuilding takes time, but the devastation that took place was unimaginable and heartbreaking. So we’re not unrealistic, but there are some needs that have to be met.

“We’re in active dialogue with the Prime Minister and the Ragged Island Association to see how we can turn this into a success story and make this a model for recovery and rebuilding.

Last month Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said Ragged Island can emerge from the destruction and devastation caused by Hurricane Irma as a new model for sustainable communities throughout the region and The Bahamas.

He also vowed to transform Ragged Island into a model for sustainable community by rebuilding it into the first “fully green island in the region.”

The Prime Minister said the Government of The Bahamas will accomplish this objective through the use renewable energy and smart technologies from solar energy, to sustainable water purification systems.