Hurricane Shelter
Provide the first hurricane-rated community shelter on the island of Eleuthera for up to 80 – 100 people including bathroom facilities and prolonged support.
Our Projects
Our Projects
The Board of Directors at Friends of Central Eleuthera Emergency Services (FOCEES) is dedicated to identifying and supporting impactful initiatives on the island of Eleuthera. Our primary mission is to enhance healthcare, safety, and emergency preparedness for the benefit of all—residents, expatriates, and visitors alike.
Through generous donations and community support, FOCEES provides critical financial assistance to projects that align with these goals.
Areas of Focus
Improving Healthcare
Supporting the development and operation of the new Governor’s Harbour Hospital, acquiring medical diagnostic equipment, and enhancing access to quality care across the island.
Enhancing Safety
Partnering with initiatives like the proposed Governor’s Harbour Fire Rescue Station, securing new emergency vehicles, and equipping Eleutheran emergency services with the tools they need to protect lives and property.
Current Priority Project
Governor’s Harbour Fire Station and Community Hurricane Shelter:
This critical project will serve as both a state-of-the-art fire station and a safe haven for the community during hurricane emergencies. The facility will play a vital role in safeguarding lives and property while strengthening Eleuthera’s overall emergency preparedness.
Building a Safer Future for Governor’s Harbour
Governor’s Harbour Fire Rescue (GHFR) is leading an innovative project to establish a dedicated fire station and hurricane shelter, designed to meet the critical needs of our community. This facility will serve as a blueprint for sustainable and resilient community buildings across The Bahamas, providing the first hurricane-rated shelter on Eleuthera for up to 80 – 100 individuals. Equipped with modern AV facilities, a full kitchen, and bathroom amenities, the station will double as a vital community center, supporting both emergency operations and local gatherings.
Pioneering sustainability, the fire station will operate largely on solar power with a backup generator, and its large rainwater collection cistern will ensure water self-sufficiency during natural disasters. Beyond its role in disaster response, the facility will house our fire engine, uniforms, and emergency equipment while offering space for firefighter training, team building, and a Youth Firefighter Program to inspire future leaders.
Fire Station
A dedicated fire station is essential to GHFR/Hurricane Shelter and the community of Governor’s Harbour for the following reasons:
Storage and Equipment Protection:
- A secure building to house our existing fire engine which has already been donated by a local supporter.
- Store all of the firefighter uniforms and emergency equipment.
- In the event of a hurricane emergency, we will now have the provision of a concrete hurricane shelter to protect vulnerable members of the community during a major storm.
Fire/Rescue Training and Community Building:
- Provide a space for training, practice sessions, and fostering team building among volunteer firefighters.
- Establish a Youth Firefighter Program to engage and inspire local youth, thereby nurturing future generations of firefighters and community leaders.
A dedicated fire station is essential to GHFR/Hurricane Shelter and the community of Governor’s Harbour for the following reasons:Storage and Equipment Protection:
- A secure building to house our existing fire engine which has already been donated by a local supporter.
- Store all of the firefighter uniforms and emergency equipment.
- In the event of a hurricane emergency, we will now have the provision of a concrete hurricane shelter to protect vulnerable members of the community during a major storm.
Fire/Rescue Training and Community Building:
- Provide a space for training, practice sessions, and fostering team building among volunteer firefighters.
- Establish a Youth Firefighter Program to engage and inspire local youth, thereby nurturing future generations of firefighters and community leaders.
Community Center
Two meeting rooms: one for Fire Rescue operations and another larger room equipped with modern AV facilities.
A spacious area with a full kitchen and bathroom facilities, addressing the community’s need for a meeting place and enhancing the Fire Station’s role as an official Community Center for Governor’s Harbour
Sustainability Construction
Pioneering a self-sustainable model: The Fire Station will operate largely on solar power, with a backup generator for emergencies. A large rainwater collection cistern will ensure water self-sufficiency, vital during natural disasters.
Intended to provide a blueprint for future community buildings in The Bahamas, showcasing sustainability and resilience during emergencies.