BPL Staff in Abaco Gather to Remember Hurricane Dorian and Focus on Healing
- Memorial seminar in Abaco brought together staff, union reps, and wellness professionals.
- CEO Toni Seymour shared personal reflections and affirmed continued support.
- Remarks from Daphne Simmons (HR Director) and Kyle Wilson (BEWU President).
- Health & Wellness Team introduced by Zanda Bonamy; session led by Dr. Wendy Fernander and Nurse Nicole Major.
- Focus on mindfulness, resilience, and practical tools for post-traumatic stress.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2025
ABACO, Bahamas – Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd. (BPL) hosted a special memorial seminar in Abaco today, bringing together staff, union representatives, and wellness professionals to reflect on the impact of Hurricane Dorian and to provide support for ongoing recovery and resilience.
BPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Toni Seymour, delivered heartfelt opening remarks, affirming the company’s continued commitment to the Abaco community and to the well-being of employees who lived through and continue to feel the effects of the catastrophic storm.
“Some of you were at work, worried about your families at home. Some of you were at home, not knowing if you would survive… While it’s difficult to relive those memories, there is healing in it as well.”
The program featured remarks from Mrs. Daphne Simmons, Director of Human Resources, and Mr. Kyle Wilson, President of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union, both underscoring compassion and solidarity as the BPL family continues to rebuild.
“No one is more responsible for the bounce back on this island than each and every one of you… You stood strong, and despite everything, you answered the call for the people who depended on you.”
BPL Chaplain Nelson Strachan offered words of encouragement, urging staff to draw strength from their community and faith.
As part of the seminar’s wellness focus, Ms. Zanda Bonamy, Director of Health, Safety, and Environment, introduced BPL’s Health and Wellness Team, leading into a session on mental health facilitated by Dr. Wendy Fernander, licensed clinical psychologist, and Nurse Nicole Major.
“We saw that many staff still suffered from PTSD or felt afraid during storms because of what they experienced during Hurricane Dorian… we wanted to be here to let staff know that we are here to support them.”
Participants engaged in activities focused on mindfulness, resilience, and practical tools for coping with post-traumatic stress. The day concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A session, providing employees the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and receive professional guidance. BPL remains committed to the well-being of its employees and the wider community, recognizing that true resilience is built not only through restoring power but also through restoring hope, health, and connection.
Media Contact
Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd.Jazmine Romer-Rolle, Manager, External Communications
jtromer-rolle@bplco.com
