TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Positive news...

There is so much awful, heartbreaking news and terrible images of our beautiful islands circulating. Whether we live in the BVI, have family/friends there, have property or yachts there or just visit so often we see it as our second home...if you're on this forum then the chances are you are a stakeholder and are invested either financially or emotionally in the islands. I thought perhaps a new thread dedicated purely to the more positive aspects following this horrific natural disaster might be worthwhile.

Whilst all of our thoughts are first and foremost with those who are still waiting to hear from loved ones, waiting for news of buildings, yachts or other property. Having been following twitter, FB and WWW for the last few days...there are some positive stories starting to come to light.

For example...

Gertrude, according to FB is now, after her injuries, being looked after.

And the latest images of White Bay...still show a bay. White sand, blue water and the remnants of the buildings that once were and will be again.

...Does anyone else have any positive news to share from our beloved islands?

Not really, Christo, but I think it's wonderful that you're making the effort here. Like everyone else on this forum, I am heartsick at the devastation that has been visited upon our beautiful, as you say "second home". Doesn't look great, either, with Jose close behind. The main thing is that almost all of the wonderful people that call these islands home are alive and unhurt. As Miles at Conch used to say, "you can fix boats, but you can't fix people". There is nothing that has happened that time ( unfortunately, a LOT of time), dedication, love, hard work, and yes, money, won't fix. It may take years, even decades, but the spirit of the islands will be stronger than anything mother nature can throw at them. I have to believe that or the sadness is almost just too much to bear.

I appreciate and agree with this sentiment, but keep in mind that lives have been lost. Not all that has occurred can be rebuilt or replaced. Bars and boats can, yes, but loss of life and the misery being endured, not to mention the financial ruin and challenges to come... I don't mean to lecture, but we must be careful and sensitive. There is legitimate sentiment that may resent the concern for leisure at the same time as such real hurt. Again, terribly sorry if I sound like I'm lecturing.

But your point is well taken; I have seen roads out which mean even getting around, getting supplies and help will be limited and tedious. At least there are some with boats that can help. Our prayers are with everyone bacause everyone will be touched in some way.

The major industry, and source of employment and income, in the islands is tourism. I can guarantee you that every businessperson is thinking of how this will affect the island from a business perspective. And that means gainful employment. That is what keeps them from anarchy. For example, if a mining town has a mine collapse, once folks deal with any loss of life, their first concern is keeping the mine open. Because they, like me, think of their children, and what will the future be like for them. Or will Tortola be like Haiti? Or full of walled bastions like Jamaica? It could happen. Good news lifts people up, and gives them hope of a brighter future.

The Dingy dock at CGB survived

https://www.facebook.com/caribbeanbuzzhe...e=3&theater

From the heli flyover it looks like the Airport terminal and tower structures are intact...

Also can't see many/any destroyed aircraft. Hopefully they were moved out in time. Anyone know if this is the case? Especially VI Airlink's fleet?

Heard from Dennis at The Sugar Mill.Beach bar is gone but they already had new equipment in storage waiting to go in. A piece of roof missed the Bentley by inches and did a little damage to their Kia SUV.And ...they are planning on opening as usual in October..terrific news..

Wow!!! Good for them.

Wow. That is some spirit. Hoping all can be so upbeat.

I looked at all the foreign workers on the island and wonder how many of them will stay, or return to their off island homes. The island will certainly need professional workers, but where will people live? So much destruction! And the insurance claims could take a year to process, and Insurance companies are so loved are they not? I think a lot of people will leave.

I suspect many of the spots that we loved to visit will be recreated a little at a time. The islands will probably be more rustic than usual for some time but the rustic feel has always been part of the attraction. Hopefully others share my view as the islands will need tourist dollars more than ever.

Apologies for my remarks yesterday. Silver linings are important and re-establishing tourism will be a critical factor in the recovery. I certainly don't wish to be a part in suppressing optimism or visitor count. Having spoken to a few people with more casual interest in the BVI that were planning upcoming trips, but now may change their plans altogether, I have a better appreciation for how important those silver linings may be. While some may take offense to questions about boats, bars and villas, while loved ones are still out of contact or missing, livelihoods do rely on the visitor industry. I guess it can be ok to walk and chew gum at the same time...

Sorry for the deep thinking out loud.

Now that is funny! with all bad news - I just can't stop laughing over this post! uplifted my day just a little. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Onlymedication,
I think most people have posted and had
2nd thoughts after pushing "send".
I know I have

Mike

Appreciate that Mike. Only thing worse than later realizing you were "that guy"..., is not realizing it. been a lot of emotion.

Thanks


-Chris

Jose heading clear to the north according to NHC

Very good news...a Cat 4 on the heels of Irma...would have been just horrendous.

The pictures of Scrub Island reflect they have something to work with. Davide's Wali Kikiti still has a roof. If I can find someone on the beach with a cooler of cold Carib at five bucks a bottle, I'll consider that as a working beach bar. If Keith, Mike Rowe, or Casey can get a compressor working, I'll do some diving. If Dean or Garfield has a running vehicle, I'll do a beach crawl on Anegada. If Wonky Dog can cook me a lobster, I'll have another great dinner.

Our boat is in Newport RI, scheduled to go back to Nanny Cay sometime in November if they are ready for it. And we are scheduled to go mid December. And we will go if they are ready for visitors. And if we can help with recovery while there, we will do that.

Returning to Anegada land based in February as planned.
In fact, after Hurricane Earl (2010) it was completely lush and green with fat Anegada cows everywhere.The feral bovine population generally look badly underfed in most years. If there is a place to sleep, we'll be there.
If you are a sailor and can''t get a boat, land based BVI is a great vacation.IMHO.

There will be new jewelry at Sanmarcan jewelry shop. They were looted, and even the safe was taken...

Very positive update about the situation on the ground...

https://www.facebook.com/NicoleAParker/posts/10159391236685387

Certainly is uplifting to hear some positivity. Been wrestling with what to do with my November trip, assuming my boat survived which I still don't know. Certainly am okay going despite less than ideal conditions as a way to support the economy and help in other ways. However, I have been feeling like they may not be ready yet and don't want to be a burden either while they try to rebuild. Really tough to decide right now.

Anyone else thinking of trying to make their November trips still or already switched to another location?

Hello,
We think about this, too. At the moment, we'll go supposed we have a boat, flights are o.k. and there is access to water, food etc. for all. May be a good idea to point out, that BVI is'nt alone
regards
Lars

Good morning, good news of the day is that more feet on the ground today on Jost Van Dyke. A second batch of Humanitarian supplies arriving today from PR. Hoping to hear from those who are on the East End of the island today. Fingers crossed!

At the moment I plan to head down Sept 26/27. I am hoping at least the ground floor rental is habitable or can be made so. Once there I will do whatever I can to report the situation and try to help specific TTOLers. I have already heard from "Zanshin" Arndt and he may well be "camping" with me and other close friends have offered to come down. All being well I will head to some of the boatyards and try to check on specific boats if you send me names closer to the time I leave.

Best wishes when you get there and will look forward to your progress reports while you are there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

That is a generous offer Manpot and appreciated. If I haven't heard anything by then (will not be happy if that is the case) I may take you up on that. Look forward to the updates and best of luck.

Wishing you the best!!!

I am grateful for this thread, Christo. Thank you for starting it! We just hosted a flotilla in the islands in July and really did not have any near-term plans to return. But recent events have members of our group considering how and when it will be appropriate to return to help in the recovery.

Images of Norman Island from Caribbean Buzz...hard to tell from that distance, but doesn't look as bad as other places. Hopefully salvagable...

https://www.facebook.com/caribbeanbuzzhe...e=3&theater