Hurricane Dorian swept through the islands in 2019, decimating the region and causing $3.4 billion damage. But as its name demonstrates, Hope Town rebuilt and is coming back better than ever.
Natural disasters can be devastating, but when communities pull together, anything can happen. And
that is certainly the case with Hope Town, in the Bahamas.
Engel & Völkers Bahamas Luxury Real estate advisor for Hope Town and Elbow Cay, Paul Thompson, is an active community member and has been intimately involved in the rebuild. He says, “The Hope Town community has come together to help rebuild our town and our lives. As a real estate advisor, I know the value of local knowledge, community, and the opportunities new development can bring – and Hope Town is a wonderful example!”
Here are many ways in which Hope Town has come back bigger and better after the hurricane:
- The Lower Public dock and the Upper Public dock have been rebuilt to a higher standard, with gazebo roofs and seating areas
- Garbanzo Beach road has been rebuilt and beautifully paved. This was severely damaged in 1999 by hurricane Floyd and remained in poor condition until now
- Elbow Cay now has an Island-wide back up generator to carry the electrical load when the Marsh Harbour supply is off
- All Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL) distribution lines have been replaced across the island
- Old homes that had deteriorated or were originally poorly constructed have been torn down and newly built in the authentic Abaco Island style
- Some overhead electric supply lines to homes in the settlement have been placed underground. Many more are scheduled to do so
- The Hope Town Primary School has been beautifully and authentically restored, and classrooms added, including an underground bunker for hurricane protection
- 150 coconut palm trees are being installed along the harbour-front in the settlement
- The Library, Clinic, Post Office, Police Station, and public restrooms are all being restored and will be much better than before
- The Methodist Church has a new Sunday school with stained glass windows
- The Community Center is being restored with 50% more space
- An Island-wide electronic security system is being planned
- The 20-acre Elbow Cay Club estate is being cleared and prepared for construction to begin shortly.
- Two Royal Bahamas Police Force officers have been permanently housed on Elbow Cay and have a new vehicle.
- A new wide ramp has arrived for installation at the dock to accommodate people on stretchers or wheelchairs needing to leave or return following an accident.
As President, Treasurer, and Dock Committee Chairman of the Aunt Pat’s Bay Property Owners Association, he is currently managing the rebuilding of a 125-foot seawall, boardwalk,17 dock slips, plus a 155-foot daytime dock.
He is also a member of the leadership team and project manager for St. James Methodist Church’s construction.
Paul Thompson’s other roles include Project Manager for the restoration of the St. James Mission House following Dorian, Treasurer and Project Manager for the Community Center of Hope Town, Restoration and Management of Sam’s Rental Cottage, Consultant for the development of a Cay in Abaco and working with various Hope Town committees to assist in improving the quality of life.
Follow Paul on the Hope Town Facebook page to stay informed on what’s happening in Hope Town.
