As Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across the central and southeast Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis assured the nation of the government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding and recovery. Addressing Parliament, Davis emphasized the resilience of the Bahamian people and the government’s preparedness to provide relief once the storm subsided. Forecasters indicated that Melissa, which had weakened to a Category Two hurricane, was expected to leave Bahamian waters by early morning. ‘We know the toll these storms can take, but we also know the strength of our people,’ Davis declared. ‘Whatever happens, we will rebuild, recover, and rise again.’ The hurricane, which had previously devastated Jamaica and Cuba, prompted one of the largest evacuations in recent Bahamian history, with 1,485 residents relocated before flights were suspended. While some evacuees reported challenges such as long waits and poor communication, Minister of Disaster Risk Management Leon Lundy affirmed the success of the evacuation process, highlighting the discipline and coordination involved. Davis also expressed solidarity with Jamaica and Cuba, acknowledging their support during past crises like Hurricane Dorian. He underscored the storm as a stark reminder of the urgent threat posed by climate change and reiterated his commitment to advocating for climate justice and fair financing for small island states. Lundy noted that shelters were well-stocked and communication systems remained operational throughout the crisis.