››Community Connection
After Hurricane Dorian
LOWCOUNTRY RESIDENTS HELP THE BAHAMAS RECOVER
BY ANTHONY GARZILLI
W
hen Hurricane Dorian ravaged The Bahamas in early September, a pair of Lowcountry residents reacted swiftly and decisively. The two — Hilton Head Island resident Jane Janiak and state Rep. Bill Herbkersman of Bluffton — had watched uneasily as the devastating storm raked the islands. After seeing what was left behind, they resolved to help the recovery. AID AT EVERY TURN Herbkersman has been a constant presence in The Bahamas since the hurricane, flying supplies aboard his Cessna 182 in to Treasure Cay, which is connected to Great Abaco Island. He has ferried antibiotics, bottled water, blankets, vitamins, Gatorade, tarps and shoes. Since early November, Herbkersman figures he has carried 11 tons of necessities to The Bahamas.
22 hiltonheadmonthly.com
On a weekend trip in November — one of about 20 since the hurricane struck — Herbkersman took 40 to 50 pairs of shoes. The supplies have come from myriad donors, he said. He hasn’t had to ask; people call him and ask what’s needed. On one trip he took 750 bologna sandwiches. “I’m getting help at every turn,” said Herbkersman, who represents parts of Beaufort and Jasper counties in the state legislature. The Medical University of South Carolina pitched in on short notice, too, supplying “a truck full” of cases of antibiotic eyedrops for treating conjunctivitis (pink eye) affecting workers on the islands — including Herbkersman. “It’s humbling,” he said. “I feel fortunate to fly there; (the Lowcountry) could have been in the same boat.” Herbkersman expects to continue flying in supplies through
