![[IMG: Luis; Credit: Norm Nelson, Bermuda Biological Station for Research - http://www.bbsr.edu/Weather/]](http://www2.gobeach.com/luis5.gif)
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The Caribbean Hurricane PageUpdates from the Islands- - The Bahamas - - |
Map of the Bahamas (from Excite Maps)
Wondering about friends or family? Unfortunately I am unable to answer all the e-mail at this point of time. You can now post your plea for help on the Caribbean Hurricane Page Bulletin Board.
Do you have any info about the situation on the Bahamas? Please, forward it to me at gert@gobeach.com Also, check out the Bulletin Board. Let's try to help each other out! No news is bad news! Thanks, Gert
More Bahamas news at BahamasNet. Abaco Is. updates can also be found at: Abaco's Community Message Board. Note that you should not, I repeat, not post your plea for help on that message board. They are running in emergency mode and allow only 'new' information provided by ham radio operators and other first-hand reports. Please, post your plea for help on my board. Really, this is serious! Thanks, Gert
More recent reports can be found on another page.
| - Update on San Salvador |
|
I'd like to share a message that I received regarding Riding Rock Inn on San Salvador. It may be old news by now, but I haven't seen any additional information. Riding Rock Inn staff in Ft. Lauderdale reported that it took three of the 37 people, who took refuge in the Cockburn Town Church of God, to close the door at midnight. In addition to RRI guests, the dive staff and Peaches were also in the church. The howling winds were guessed to be 150 mph. Carter Williams sent in a plane for the guests, and everyone is fine. The boats are fine, but the docks are gone. The photo lab had water damage. The two-story building has very minor things to repair, but the one-story buildings lost their overhangs (again!). The back porch of the restaurant and main offices is gone, and the ceiling in the dining room caved in from water. Does anyone have more current information? I saw reports that Club Med flew all guests home. How are the residential areas on San Salvador? |
| - Briland Modem: Note from George Heymann [20 Sep] |
|
By way of an update from Mandy Barton: Thanks a million for the news. I'm concerned about some friends who live in the Island and also about the state of my house. First of all, if possible, I would like to know if Miss Elodie J. Ling, the old English teacher that lives up Piggly Wiggly, is OK. Secondly, I would like to know about the state of my house. It's called "Blue Shutters" and it's located on Clarence Street, on the ocean side, next of Hibiscus Hill and right to the Runaway Hill Hotel. I will really appreciate any information you can provide me. Many thanks in advance for your help. God bless you. George Heymann. _________________________________________ Harbour Island, Bahamas <www.briland.com> E: <rum AT briland.com> [It's much better in the Out Islands.] |
| - Briland Modem: Ritter Response to Oil Spill Message [20 Sep] |
|
Note from Don Ritter: AFTER READING THE ABOVE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON OIL PIPELINES---ONE WOULD ONLY HOPE THEY FIND A LINE OFF HARBOUR ISLAND AND WE CAN BUY GASOLINE AS LESS THAN $ 3.00 A GAL. ALSO PERHAPS THE BEST PLACE TO LOOK FOR CONTAMINATION OF FUEL AND WATER IS IN THE TANKS SELLING FUEL TO THE BOATS AND CARS. [JUST A JOKE FOLKS, DON'T GET EXCITED.] BUT SERIOUSLY, INSTEAD OF THE GOVERNMENT, BAHAMIAN, OR FOR THAT MATTER U.S. WASTING MONEY ON THE ABOVE, WHY ISN'T IT SPENT ON GETTING BACK THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES ---WATER,ELECTRICITY AND TELEPHONES !!!!???? _________________________________________ Harbour Island, Bahamas <www.briland.com> E: <rum AT briland.com> [It's much better in the Out Islands.] |
| - Message from Bob and Rose Liva of the dive shop |
|
Hi,
I just received a phone call from Bob Liva, Rose and Bob of the dive
shop on Harbour Island. There shop survived intact, but as you all knoww by
now the docks are gone. No water, electricity, or phones as of today. They
hope to have electricty soon,however the phones will be out indefinetly. He
will be in Ft. Lauderdale only a short time. Rose will arrive in Ft.
Lauderdle on thursday. I informed him about the Motorola deal via Rhonda
Gibbs, thanks for the info.
I noticed on the boards that someone named Joe inquired about Tingrum
Village and two ladies there named Juanita and Rubie. Bob says that he lives
near there and everything is fine, both ladies are doing well. That is all
the info. I have for now. God Bless.
Susan Brock
JandSBrock AT aol.com
|
| - Briland Modem: Oil and Chemical Spills [20 Sep] |
|
Note from Rusty Haylor, Danmark Environmental Services: We are a environmental cleanup company specializing in oil spills and have been asked to make available our equipment and personnel list to the Miami consulate. We are looking for information regarding oil from sunken or damaged ships or boats and if there are any broken pipelines in the Islands. This information would be helpful in determining the right equipment to make available. Danmark Environmental Services 800-248-7442 Toll Free 250 NW 12th ST. 305-242-0017 FAX Florida City, FL 33034 email rkaylor AT bellsouth.net _______________________________________________ CONVERGENZ/Solutions New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning Public Relations - Corporate Communications <www.convergenz.com> 10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602 T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154 |
| - Briland Modem: Bahamas Hurricane Update |
|
Bahamas Lacking Power, Water After Floyd By Athena Damianos NASSAU, Bahamas (Reuters) - Thousands of Bahamians were without power, telephones and running water Monday as the government dispatched troops and supplies to islands grappling with the rampage of Hurricane Floyd. Residents reported food and medicine shortages and looting in the Abaco cays, the hardest hit last week when Floyd's 150-mph winds rocked the former British colony. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham prepared to address the nation of 287,000 people Monday night. ``The tension is getting too high, with people looting and having nowhere to stay,'' said Joy Kemp, a resident of Hope Town, a community of New England-style cottages and a landmark candy-striped lighthouse in the Abacos. ``People have no food, they have lost their houses, everything that they own, and people who are trying to salvage what they have are being looted in the night,'' she said. The government dispatched more than 200 Royal Bahamas Defense Force troops and boatloads of supplies to hurricane-stricken islands as residents complained that Customs duties and landing fees were being collected on emergency supplies. U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Arthur Schechter, who accompanied Ingraham on helicopter tours of the islands, described the damage as substantial. "I feel the repairs that are going to be necessary to bring everyone back to normal is somewhat overwhelming,'' he said. The eye of Floyd rampaged through the Bahamas last Monday and Tuesday, dealing a stunning blow to the northeastern cays of the Abacos, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama. Despite heavy property damage, only one Bahamian was reported killed. Robert Tinker, 41, was swept away by a tidal surge in Grand Bahama. Suzanne Bethel, head of the local government council in Hope Town, said residents were in desperate need of electricity to start rebuilding but disputed residents' claims that the town was short of food and drinking water. On New Providence island, where the capital Nassau is located and where about two-thirds of Bahamas residents live, thousands of people remained without power and running water. Many traffic lights were off, wreaking havoc on the roads. Officials said the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Paradise Island, a gambling and tourist mecca linked to Nassau by a bridge, was to close for the rest of the year for repair work. _______________________________________________ CONVERGENZ/Solutions New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning Public Relations - Corporate Communications <www.convergenz.com> 10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602 T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154 |
| - Briland Modem: From Harbour Island to Bermuda |
|
Note from Mike Hollis: Well the adjuster just finished with my house in Briland, not too bad, well with respect to the dock we all know the story there. However did lose a lot of tree coverage and fruit trees I was told. Now I have Hurricane Gert to face tomorrow morning here in Bermuda my home, so suspect will not be able to read all of your very informative messages soon. We have already 20 foot seas and roads are now becoming impassable, with extensive beach erosion and 10-12 foot potential surge. Gert is packing 105 with gusts to 130 and the eye is supposed to be within 50 miles of us.The one main airport we have is closed and good chance to have some flooding. Gee does this all sound familiar. Thought Dennis was going to be my only hurricane to experience this year. Anyway thank all of you for keeping us informed on Floyd and perhaps in the future we can use this great networking for the Family Islands to cover other things besides these hurricanes. Thanks -- Mike Hollis _______________________________________________ CONVERGENZ/Solutions New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning Public Relations - Corporate Communications <www.convergenz.com> 10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602 T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154 |
| - Briland Modem: Motorola SatCom Telephones Purchase Information |
|
In the absence of any response from Nicolas Claude [allegedly of Motorola, but HQ in Chicago has no such name on file], please note the following contact for the purchase of Motorola satellite communications telephones. Their Florida office will be happy to deliver the phones to the Florida airport anyone is flying out of, and will train and setup the phone with you at that time. Motorola IRIDIUM Phones: Total price with everything included -- and already charged -- plus much free time for 5 months: $1495. [For those of you concerned about Iridium, Motorola will back everything they sell with an one-year, money-back guarantee.] Other phones that we have researched came in around $1,800, without accessories. Call Rhonda Gibbs at MOTOROLA HEADQUARTERS, CHICAGO Direct line: 1 847 481 5362 Best bet, as the crew is in temporary digs right now, but all phone numbers will be current as of 21 September]: Administrative: 1 847 481 5302 -- or -- 1 800 232 6274 ... and ask for Rhonda. Thanks to Sharon King for researching the opportunity. _________________________________________ Harbour Island, Bahamas <www.briland.com> E: <rum AT briland.com> [It's much better in the Out Islands.] |
| - Briland Modem: Harbour Island Update [20 Sep 1999] from Ledbetter Visit |
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Note from Mandy Barton, per message from David Ledbetter: Mandy-- I'm back from H.I. Fairly extensive beach erosion, and all wooden docks are gone. Fig tree is gone, but no damage to Harbour Lounge or any other of the regular hangouts except for the Landing which lost its upper canopy and that caused some not too serious damage to its roof. No houses suffered any severe damage that I could see although most seemed to have roof and shingle damage to varying degrees. I had some shingles blown off the hips of the roof on the main house and consequently some minor water leaks into the house. The roof of the deck over the guest house lost approx. 1/3 of its shingles but thats no big deal since there is a concrete slab over the guest house. Most houses appeared to be in a similar "nominal damage" situation, although I may have missed something. The beach erosion was fairly severe, wiping out all the tikis and leaving a 6-10 or 12 foot drop off down to the beach in some places. The Coral Sands beach bar, although not destroyed, was damaged to the extent that it is unusable until its concrete support pillars and sea wall are rebuilt. The Coral Sands storage bldg. where they keep the beach equipt. is no more and if you step out of the beach showers, you'll have about an 8 foot drop off. Down near the south end of the beach the erosion reached back almost to some of the houses. A few of the decks are right out to the edge of the ledge created by the erosion. The owners will probably have to do something to shore up the support under the decks or they may lose them. It kind of reminded me of those mud slide scenes out in Malibu when the houses are left out on the edge of a precipice with very little support. The vegetation island wide was pretty badly damaged though not nearly as bad as Andrew. Most palms are o.k. but the small plants and flowers took a pretty good hit. There are still leaves on a lot of trees and very few trees destroyed compared to last time. Contact me with any specific questions. Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. I did fly the police commissioner, doctor and a couple of other officials down to Governors Harbour to survey the damages there. It was much worse there. Water was actually up in the police station there and the downtown village area about 5 feet deep. They have no power, communications, or water and don't know when they'll get any. The glass window bridge was shifted over about 3-4 feet and of course is impassable indefinitely, so no traffic between North and mid-Eleuthera. Keep in touch. David Ledbetter _________________________________________ Harbour Island, Bahamas <www.briland.com> E: <rum AT briland.com> [It's much better in the Out Islands.] |
| - Briland Modem: Florida Drop Off Locations for Emergency, Building Supplies |
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Briland Modem <www.briland.com> Drop-Off Locations for Harbour Island/North Eleuthera Relief Supplies: [You can also send clearly-marked packages via UPS/Fedex to these locations] Gulfstream International Airlines 4100 Ravenswood Road, Fort Lauderdale Located on Perimeter Road on the west side of Fort Lauderdale International Airport Tel: 954-266-3000 Broward Motor Sports 4101 Davie Road Extension 2 blocks south of Stirling Road on Davie Road Tel: 954 436 9905 Italian Seaways 6113 NW 72nd Avenue near Miami International Airport, 826 to 58th street, go east to 72nd ave and go left one block. Tel: 305 885 6518 _________________________________________ Harbour Island, Bahamas <www.briland.com> E: <rum AT briland.com> [It's much better in the Out Islands.] |
| - (no subject) |
|
Gert. I heard from Guana today. What a relief to here from the Island. Someone had a Sat. phone. Great news the front street is cleaned up and the people are working hard to rebuild the damage done! The supplies they need are getting sent and we have been working around the clock to send more relief. I will say hello to abacogirl for you when I am there. It sounds as though the businesses will be ready for tourists as soon as the excitement dies down. I'm glad to know this paradise has not lost its spirit!!! Leanne Gravelle/ Roberts Guana Rescue Secretary |
| - Briland Modem: Eleuthera Update [20 Sep 1999] |
|
Note from Judy McGinty:
David and I returned last night from a one day trip with relief supplies.
We tried to visit as many houses as we could in the time we had. I will
send individual pictures to those of you whose homes I saw.
The good news is that the G&G came in yesterday with water which is still
needed. What we found was water running in a few places but definitely not
everywhere as they are using it from the reservoir and afraid of draining
it. The airport bathrooms do work! They have rebuilt the connection to
Cupid's Cay so they boats can be unloaded. It is a round about way, but it
works.
It has been one week since the storm and the people are really doing great.
They have worked together, gotten Queens Hwy open from the bridge south (it
is one lane in a couple of places and tree limbs stick out some places --
but definitely passable). The worst part was in downtown GH and then north
of the airport toward James Cistern.
We know there is power on the main line from the airport down to Savannah
Sound. I know it is in Palmetto Point at some homes but not sure if at all.
Bahamas Electric is really working hard. It will probably not be around the
Heron Hill area south to Double Bay for at least a few more weeks due to
trees and poles down, plus less population there.
Some phones on the island are working to call other phones on the island
that are working! Still nothing off the island.
They have put a large dumpster in GH and they move it daily for people to
throw out their debris. They take it to the dump on Wed. and burn it.
As mentioned in someone else's e-mail, the island is brown. The only color
you see occasionally is a Croton. It looked like Florida after a freeze.
You can see sights previously hidden by foliage. This is called eco-shock
and most of the plants will return. We even saw signs of some of the palms
already putting out new shoots. All of the citrus was blown off the trees.
Another good thing--the birds were not all blown away. After Andrew it took
almost a year for the song birds to return.
Now for the other news. The most extensive damage was roof damage as to be
expected. Roofing materials will be in high demand. In flying over the
island blue tarps were plainly visible, especially over JC. It was hard to
determine from the air, the damage at Hatchet Bay but did
see sail boats up on land. Saw the graveyard they have talked about.
Austin Knowles called from Nassau on Sat. night and said that was the worst
part of all of this, cleaning up the bodies.
The spirits of the people are high and recovery is in full process. For
those of you who know her, Lois Hanson stayed and is working on getting her
roof covered. Her son is getting married here in the States in 2 weeks so
she is really feeling pressure.
The worst damage was to Manon's house, Flipper, where she lost the second
story and one wall.
If you are planning on going over: take your own water and food. Your
cistern could be contaminated and food supplies limited. More good news,
Mate and Jenny's survived and I believe will reopen on schedule in Oct.
Tweety had said to bring pampers which were really a big hit as were D size
batteries.
We had no problems with customs. We followed the procedure on the internet
of faxing off our request and getting the permission. Yes, they were very
quick. When we arrived we were prepared to pay duty on those specific items
we had for specific individuals (such as the chain saws), but they said no
problem, just deliver them, which we did.
Hope this helps.
Judy McGinty
dgmcginty AT msn.com
http://www.the-bahamas.com
_______________________________________________
CONVERGENZ/Solutions
New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy
Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning
Public Relations - Corporate Communications
<www.convergenz.com>
10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602
T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com
jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154
|
| - Briland Modem Reminder: VIP Customs Information |
|
|
For all of you coordinating
emergency supply and building materials runs to the islands: In order to get a duty-free status on donations and materials being brought in, the following procedure need apply: FAX: (242) 327-5806 MS TERESA BUTLER Permanent Secretary Office of the Prime Minister Nassau, Bahamas Address letter to the referenced above explain 1) WHO you are 2) WHERE you live 3) REASON WHY you are bringing the materials 4) COMPLETE DECLARATION OF GOODS being brought in and 5) HOW they are arriving and at which PORT Once you fax this information to Ms. Butler you will get a fax back within an hour or so with a faxed permission slip which you will need to present to the customs officers upon landing at airport. Remember to bring all of your receipts. Ms. Butler has been really reliable, and has turned these requests around in one hour on a Sunday morning! _______________________________________________ CONVERGENZ/Solutions New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning Public Relations - Corporate Communications <www.convergenz.com> 10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602 T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154 |
| - Gt. Guana Cay Fund Set Up |
|
WE now have a Relief Fund Account Set up for Great Guana Cay Community.
These funds will go directly to the Local Community as to their needs. If
you wish to call us please do not hesitate: 305-826-7447 Mr. Lynn or
Michelle Borrow
Relief Fund Account
Acct#198-316-2008
ABA#321180748
Washington Mutual
Miami Lakes Financial Center
14045 NW 67th Avenue
Miami, FL 33014
Important:
Please email me back your wire confirmation with your name to
RUIZAMC AT AOL.COM
|
| - Briland Modem: 20 Sep - Batelco Status, Nassau to ELH/Briland |
|
Note from Don Ritter: I JUST SPOKE TO BATELCO IN NASSAU 8:30 AM MONDAY AND THE MAN I REACHED SAID THAT LONG DISTANCE [ AT LEAST TO NASSAU] PHONE SERVICE SHOULD BE RESTORED TO THE ISLAND BY PERHAPS TODAY OR TOMORROW. I ASKED ABOUT THE TOWERS THAT WERE DOWN AND HE SAID THERE WERE NO TOWERS DOWN THAT WOULD BE RELEVANT TO HARBOUR ISLAND. I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW ACCURATE THIS INFO IS BUT HOPE IT IS CORRECT. D.W.RITTER _______________________________________________ CONVERGENZ/Solutions New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning Public Relations - Corporate Communications <www.convergenz.com> 10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602 T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154 |
| - FW: [Bahamafriends] Photos of Eleuthera... |
|
_______________________________________________________________________________ From: R Elliott on Mon, Sep 20, 1999 7:03 AM Subject: Fw: [Bahamafriends] Photos of Eleuthera... To: Leslie File(s): text.html -----Original Message----- From: Reg Metcalfe <regkit AT ican.net> To: Bahamafriends AT onelist.com <Bahamafriends AT onelist.com> Date: Friday, September 17, 1999 3:06 PM Subject: [Bahamafriends] Photos of Eleuthera... here's a site with photos of Eleuthera after storm http://www.gopbi.com/PORTALS/storm/floyd-bahamas-photo.html modie Bye from Reg and Kit. Orillia, Ontario, Canada Bahamas Site!!! Check it out...NEW!!!!! http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/2477/index.html Drop by and sign our guestbook!!!! UPDATED SEPT 12TH-99 AT 8:01PM Check out the 12 new websites.... Also Join our Bahamafriends Mail List......Lots of News! http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/Bahamafriends Just one click from your mouse!~!~! To Post to Bahamasfriends... Bahamasfriends AT onelist.com regkit AT ican.net regkit AT email.com regkit AT geocities.com ICQ # 1375312 Q-Talk Connection |
| - FW: relief of import tax |
|
_______________________________________________________________________________
From: R Elliott on Mon, Sep 20, 1999 7:06 AM
Subject: relief of import tax
To: Leslie
File(s): text.html
-----Original Message-----
From: Reg Metcalfe <regkit AT ican.net>
To: Bahamafriends AT onelist.com <Bahamafriends AT onelist.com>
Date: Friday, September 17, 1999 6:21 PM
Subject: [Bahamafriends] HURRICANE FLOYD RELIEF ASSISTANCE
Read carefully for details as to what carries an import duty tax, and on which island[s]:
HURRICANE FLOYD RELIEF ASSISTANCE
The Government of the People of The Bahamas wishes to express appreciation for
the numerous offers of assistance being received in the aftermath of Hurricane
Floyd.
As announced yesterday, the Minister of Finance has waived all customs and stamp
tax on the importation of drinking water to those Family Islands seriously
affected by Hurricane Floyd.
It is to be recalled that Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Ragged
Island and Cays, Cat Island and Andros have been declared customs duty and stamp
tax free for the purpose of the importation of construction materials for the
rehabilitation, remodeling, or extension of new or existing buildings under the
Family Island Development Act.
Inagua, San Salvador, Long Island and Exuma and Cays have been declared customs
duty free under the Act for the importation of construction materials for the
same purpose.
a.. Further, so as to facilitate the entry of relief goods and to ensure that the
b.. maximum benefit of donations reach those residents most seriously affected by
c.. the hurricane, the Minister of Finance will also approve the waiver of stamp and
d.. customs duty on the importation of approved relief materials consigned to the
e.. most seriously affected Family Islands of Abaco, Eleuthera and Cays, Harbour
f.. Island and Spanish Wells, Cat Island and San Salvador, the latter of which only
g.. qualified for customs duty exemption under the Family Island Development Act.
h.. All requests for waivers of customs and stamp tax on hurricane relief materials
i.. for the islands of Abaco, Eleuthera and Cays, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells,
j.. and for stamp tax relief in San Salvador must be made in writing to the
k.. Hurricane Floyd Relief Committee at Fax Number (242) 327-5807 and must be
l.. approved for importation in advance.
More detailed information now available on damage caused by the storm in the
various island communities indicates that the items most in need in the affected
Family Island communities are as follows:
a.. Potable drinking water
b.. All canned foods and juices
c.. Non-perishable dry foods (rice, flour, grits)
d.. Generators
e.. Chain saws
f.. Construction materials:
g.. Material required for roof repairs (sheet rock, plywood, shingles, roof
h.. felting, facia boards, lumber (2x4, 2x6), roof nails, tacks, hurricane clips and
i.. wiring)
j.. tarpaulin and visequeen (heavy plastic sheeting)
k.. furniture, particularly bedding
_________________________________________
|
| - FW: Eleuthera |
|
Some of you may have already seen this- haven't had a chance to sort out all the email addresses. Great update-- thanks to Judy and her husband for making the trip . Leslie _______________________________________________________________________________ From: dgmcginty on Mon, Sep 20, 1999 5:40 AM Subject: Eleuthera To: Leslie; tweedy; Tamara Camden; Marty Erbaugh; Joanne Granberry; Jane Scranton; Donna Lockwood; Donna LaPierre; Dolly Spragins; Dawn Marshall; Dave McGettigan; Dale Teske; Craig and Jayna Ashcraft; Chuck Eaves; Carol Craiger; Bret Sigillo; Bill Webster; Armand Dinkel; Keith and Fagan Murray David and I returned last night from a one day trip with relief supplies. We tried to visit as many houses as we could in the time we had. I will send individual pictures to those of you whose homes I saw. The good news is that the G&G came in yesterday with water which is still needed. What we found was water running in a few places but definitely not everywhere as they are using it from the reservoir and afraid of draining it. The airport bathrooms do work! They have rebuilt the connection to Cupid's Cay so they boats can be unloaded. It is a round about way, but it works. It has been one week since the storm and the people are really doing great. They have worked together, gotten Queens Hwy open from the bridge south (it is one lane in a couple of places and tree limbs stick out some places -- but definitely passable). The worst part was in downtown GH and then north of the airport toward James Cistern. We know there is power on the main line from the airport down to Savannah Sound. I know it is in Palmetto Point at some homes but not sure if at all. Bahamas Electric is really working hard. It will probably not be around the Heron Hill area south to Double Bay for at least a few more weeks due to trees and poles down, plus less population there. Some phones on the island are working to call other phones on the island that are working! Still nothing off the island. They have put a large dumpster in GH and they move it daily for people to throw out their debris. They take it to the dump on Wed. and burn it. As mentioned in someone else's e-mail, the island is brown. The only color you see occasionally is a Croton. It looked like Florida after a freeze. You can see sights previously hidden by foliage. This is called eco-shock and most of the plants will return. We even saw signs of some of the palms already putting out new shoots. All of the citrus was blown off the trees. Another good thing--the birds were not all blown away. After Andrew it took almost a year for the song birds to return. Now for the other news. The most extensive damage was roof damage as to be expected. Roofing materials will be in high demand. In flying over the island blue tarps were plainly visible, especially over JC. It was hard to determine from the air, the damage at Hatchet Bay but did see sail boats up on land. Saw the graveyard they have talked about. Austin Knowles called from Nassau on Sat. night and said that was the worst part of all of this, cleaning up the bodies. The spirits of the people are high and recovery is in full process. For those of you who know her, Lois Hanson stayed and is working on getting her roof covered. Her son is getting married here in the States in 2 weeks so she is really feeling pressure. The worst damage was to Manon's house, Flipper, where she lost the second story and one wall. If you are planning on going over: take your own water and food. Your cistern could be contaminated and food supplies limited. More good news, Mate and Jenny's survived and I believe will reopen on schedule in Oct. Tweety had said to bring pampers which were really a big hit as were D size batteries. We had no problems with customs. We followed the procedure on the internet of faxing off our request and getting the permission. Yes, they were very quick. When we arrived we were prepared to pay duty on those specific items we had for specific individuals (such as the chain saws), but they said no problem, just deliver them, which we did. Hope this helps. Judy McGinty dgmcginty AT msn.com http://www.the-bahamas.com |
| - Briland Modem: 20 Sep - Motorola Wants to Donate SatCom Phones |
|
Note from Nicolas Claude For now communication is down, who knows when it will be back up, if you would like information on how to purchase satellite telephones please email me at Nicolas.Claude AT Motorola.com. Motorola would like to donate satellite telephones to aid in the relief effort, and is currently contacting Bahamian officials. _________________________________________ Harbour Island, Bahamas <www.briland.com> E: <rum AT briland.com> [It's much better in the Out Islands.] |
| - Harbour Island Phone Service |
|
RE: HARBOUR ISLAND
TELEPHONED BATELCO IN NASSAU AT 8:30AM MONDAY AND THE MAN I SPOKE TO SAID
THAT LONG DISTANCE PHONE SERVICE SHOULD BE RESTORED BY TUES [TOMORROW] I HAD
READ ON A CHAT BOARD SOMEONE REPORTED IT WOULD BE 4 MONTHS !!!
ALSO THERE ARE NO TOWERS DOWN RELEVANT TO HARBOUR ISLAND NASSAU SERVICE.
I JUST HOPE THIS MAN A BATELCO NASSAU IS CORRECT
D.W.RITTER
|
| - [Fwd: Reports from Eleuthera] |
|
Maybe old news by now. -- Douglas Goodfellow, 9 Laurier Court, Beaconsfield PQ H9W 4S7 Phone: Home-514-630-6107 Work-450-635-6511 Cell-514-927-9750 Fax: 450-635-5078 E Mail goodlbr AT mbr.centra.ca
|
| - Abacos hurricane info and updates |
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Dear Gert ... Working in concert with Gulfstream International Airlines, CBS Channel 4 (WFOR), five S. Florida radio stations and a lot of other good folks, we've assembled a rapidly growing Hurricane Floyd/Abaco infomation section on our site, at http://go-abacos.com/storm. We've had a ton of community support, have all content (by permission) from South Florida's Sun-Sentinel newspaper and are receiving Abaco updates almost every hour. We're posting everything as quickly as we can verify it and upload it. Perhaps a link from your page would provide additional information for your site's visitors? Regards Rick Graef webmaster AT go-abacos.com http://go-abacos.com The "local knowledge" vacation and map guide for The Bahamas' Abaco islands ................................ 1574 NE 36 Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 Phone: 954/568-5214 |
| - Briland Modem: 19 September 199 - Storm Updates AT www.briland.com |
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Briland Modem Harbour Island and North Eleuthera Storm Updates www.briland.com Introducing the earlier-than-anticipated launch of the Briland Modem, headquartered at www.briland.com on the World Wide Web. Although we’d expected to have a few more months to prepare, we’re taking this opportunity to host a centralized hurricane information resource board that will inform all friends of Harbour Island and North Eleuthera as to the cleanup efforts presently underway. Please feel free to coordinate emergency supply runs via the board. Briland Modem is intended as a community resource for all island homeowners, businesses, resorts, diveshops, school and library outlets, educational resources, historical resources, aviation and marine resources, fishing charters, travel information, airline connection info, expat newsletters and … of course, an up-to-the-minute chat room. We look forward to working with you to develop this community resource. Many thanks go out to Mandy Barton for content development assistance and Gene Black for cool graphic support. Feel free to contribute a regular column, or send in news items of interest to the island. Please e-mail all of your suggestions and contributions to Kimberly at info AT briland.com. Goombay -- Kimberly King-Burns _______________________________________________ CONVERGENZ/Solutions New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning Public Relations - Corporate Communications <www.convergenz.com> 10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602 T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154 |
| - Briland Modem: 19 Sep - News From Harbour Lounge |
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Note from Ashley Gore, at [acr0e513 AT aol.com]:
I talked to my mother this morning (Judy Bloodworth), she is
in Nassau
now for a week. She and everyone else on Briland are fine in
health and
spirit! They are busy cleaning up the island and she says that
it is in
remarkable shape considering.... Have part-time electric, some
local
phone service and a tanker of water has arrived. Locals need
diapers,
formula, insect repellant. The reports we've been getting
about damage
are basically true according to her account. She is returning
to Briland
Fri or Sat - let me know if you have messages to send. Thanks to
everyone for their help!
_________________________________________
Harbour Island, Bahamas
<www.briland.com>
E: <rum AT briland.com>
[It's much better in the Out Islands.]
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| - Briland Modem: 23 Sep Supply Run to Gregory Town |
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We're going to Eleuthera on 23rd. Plan to bring generator and chain saw plus water, canned goods etc. Let us know if there is anything really needed and if there are any requests from our dear friend Elvina in Gregorytown, or any other Gregorytown residents with young children such as Rebecca Cartwright. Linda Brosnahan at lettemgo AT dmv.com _________________________________________ Harbour Island, Bahamas <www.briland.com> E: <rum AT briland.com> [It's much better in the Out Islands.] |
| - www.briland.com |
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The www.briland.com messageboard is now available for
coordination of
all Harbour Island and North Eleuthera emergency relief and supply
efforts.
_______________________________________________
CONVERGENZ/Solutions
New Media Brokerage & Tech PR and Marketing Consultancy
Guerrilla Marketing - Strategic Planning
Public Relations - Corporate Communications
<www.convergenz.com>
10153 Riverside Drive - Suite 244 - Toluca Lake California 91602
T: 818.761.5688 - F: 818.761.0024 - E: info AT convergenz.com
jFax: 1 (661) 761-9154
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| - Made Telephone Contact with Marsh Harbour Friends |
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For all interested parties, At 8pm Sunday evening a successful telephone contact was made with our friends in MH. They report mainly roof damages and one home had 4ft. flooding. This home was in a lower elevation area somewhere behind the lower side of the harbour, not sure of street name. The son's home on the bay had the sea come within just a few feet of his doors and the mother's home on the higher side of the harbour had the sea mid-way up her back yard. They report having power and water at her house and have been doing laundry from the daughter's flooded house there. They lost all the fruit crops at their groves as well as some trees. They report that supplies are arriving via air and sea daily and getting to those who need them. After being homebound the initial two days they now can travel the roads again. The Hatian villages lost everything as I understand, and are finding refuge in the churches. Their needs are great! Interesting notes: They reported that a friend in MOW said he had never "seen" the wind before but he actually saw it, "it came in balls." Unofficially, the friend on MOW reported the winds clocked at 230 mph. Another MH friend found a dagger driven into the siding of their home "up to its hilt." The steady winds on MH clocked at 150-160 mph with gusts up to 200mph according to our friend. Best regards to all and God's speed! |
| - gregory town |
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everyone ok,not as much damage as feared, mostly loose shingles, own home in Eleuthera island shores, some roof gone, photos to follow. power expected within 2-3 days |
| - More Pics |
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For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - More Pics |
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The following pictures are of my house and dock. I am 30 feet from the Sea of Abaco across from the cut at Ambergris Cay and Manjack Cay. I have been in the water hundreds of times; I have no idea where the huge boulders came from. My front porch was destroyed by the waves and new rocks coming ashore. I have big rocks inside the house. One of the rocks is under a sliding glass door. I do not know how the rock got under the glass door before the door fell in, nor why the glass did not break. My front area is nothing but rocks and clean. It will take years for the greenery to come back. Dennis took my dock and Floyd took my deck. For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - Update |
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I just talked with Marilyn who just returned from two days in GHB She had some messages concerning specific houses and I have talked to all of you -- So if I didn't contact you then I have no info at this time. Here is what was said- I will talk with her again tomorrow and I am sure she will have more info. There is power on -- not sure if all have power but it is on in GHB and places North of GHB Water is back on-- not sure if all have water but it is on in GHB and places North International Phone Calls will not be working for at least 4-6 weeks. Mundy Tours is setting up a relay station in Nassau and will be forwarding messages to GHB. When I know the Number I will let you all know. The Food store and Hardware store are both open for business. The vegetation is all turning brown from the Salt Water. The road coming into GHB from the North-- by the light has some damage but is ok. That is all I have right at the moment I am sorry most of the conversation was concerning homes and I have been making calls to them. I will talk with Marilyn again tomorrow and try to get more details on GHB She said alittle paint and some clean up and things will look normal in GHB later leslie |
| - Pics of Houses |
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My family is dragging me from the computer; kicking and screaming. I will check my email tonight and post more pictures tomorrow. Good night. For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - More Pics |
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Plane down at TC Airport (It went over with Dennis). Church between TC Airport and T/Cay. Ed LaRoada (unsure of spelling) is the Pastor and was injured in auto accident months ago. The other photo is where a friend of mines business use to sit. All is gone, building, business, and docks. I saw him last Thursday; he hugged me and said, "all is gone, Bill, all is gone". I had to quickly turn away myself, "Should big guys cry?" For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - Cooper's Town |
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more pics For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - Front Street |
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Cooper's Town. Front Street is just about gone. All the docks and businesses are gone. No fuel on the water. One of the pictures is of the Shell Station. For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - Cooper's Town Photos |
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For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - Blackwood Photos |
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The photos that I am sending were taken from videos. They are Treasure Cay, Leisure Lee, TC Airport to Blackwood, Cooper's Town. They are not that good but I am not a master of the camera. For easier viewing they are available 'unzipped' -Gert |
| - Great Guana Cay Report |
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I returned from Abaco late last night and am still in shock from seeing Great
Guana Cay in a disaster. The Island was hit by the eye of the storm. My
family and friends are working together as a team to make sure that everyone
is safe and has a roof over their head.
The conditions are deteriorating. There are health issues due to flooding
and sess pit overflow as well as pests that are competing to survive. On a
positive note most homes are standing, but the roofs all have damage and
there are not enough supplies at this time to start repairs. The once
tropical Island looks like a war zone! I took over 100 pictures that I will
post on the next update. You will not recognize this Island (our home).
Several trees of all sizes down and those that are standing have not one
leaf. It is a baron forest dead from wind and salt.
The locals have suffered and are emotionally drained. I am concerned for
them because there is not enough time in a day to complete all the necessary
tasks. I know most are not taking care of themselves. Although they are
working together well as a team they need the support of those who know and
remember the kindness they received while vacationing in Abaco. The locals
are gentle and live simple lives. Guana Cay has always been very giving to
those who visit. I remember as a young girl, Milo who would make bracelets
out of shells and fishing line every year for my sister and I. Milo is one
of the most generous who never expected anything in return.
REPORT ON FIRE Thursday Sept. 16 th: Approx. 1:00 am the residents of Great
Guana Cay were woken out of their beds to either the smell of fire or local
respondents who implemented an immediate evacuation from the settlement. The
already stunned locals feared that the 25 feet flames that surrounded the
Guana Beach resort would cause an explosion due to hazardous materials in
that area. Propane tanks and backdrafts made the sounds of a loud firework
display. within one hour a portion of the locals decided that the flames had
subsided enough to activate fire response. Captain Laura Sands Of Guana
Rescue headed the team. The fire was contained with Every Effort to keep
flames away from the dry trees. The fear that fire might spread toward the
gasoline drums and create another Catastrophic Disaster. Those who helped
to put out the fire risked their lives for friends and family who waited in
fear far from the unsafe area. Finally at 5:00 am the fire was minimal.
Exhausted and emotionally drained the residents of Great Guana Cay were
afraid but had no choice but to return a couple of hours before sunrise.
To Anyone who is trying to send needed relief please contact me, Leanne
Gravelle/Roberts. I am the Guana Rescue Secretary and am going to be
bringing supplies that we as a community have collectively listed in
priority. I only have the best interest of the local community. The
community themselves have a list of who needs what and through this we are
sending supplies that they will distribute collectively.
At this time if you would like to help we are accepting immediate donations
of any amount. We are flying out for a first load of supplies and generators
this Wednesday.
I just want to say thank you to all and god bless,
Checks should be made out to : Mr. Lynn Borrow
2650 West 84th Street
Hialeah, FL 33016
(305)826-7447 Office
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| - Great Guana Cay Community Report/Johnny Roberts Nippers |
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Lynn Borrow and Myself will be flying over with the generators to Guana Cay
this Wednesday.
The Community has Elected me as the Guana Cay spokes person to organize our
relief efforts. The community has supplied me with a List of items needed.
Donna and Charles Sands, Johnny Robert's and the Robert's Family, The
Gravelle Family, The Bethel Family basically the Community has made a list of
the locals who need specific items. So if you want to help please Please!
contact me via phone at the home of Mr. Lynn & Michelle Borrow (305)
868-0005. I am going to pick up photos of Guana I have about 100 of them
that Michelle will Post for your review on Monday.
If you have supplies you wish to send or a monetary donation please send it
to:
Lynn Borrow
2650 West 84th Street
Hialeah, FL 33016
(305)826-7447 Office
(305)826-3328 Fax
I am going to post a Great Guana Cay report of conditions as well as the
Guana Beach Resort fire and the community emotional state right now.
Thank you for your concern.
God Bless
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| - Emails |
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---------- I am attempting to answer questions from the top of the list down. Each email that I send will have the information of the last one I answered. In doing this I am able to type less and answer more. (Mostly water damage, Ocean Villas, Treasure Cay). The roof on Green Turtle Club came in. There was lots of water damage all over. Bluff House took damage. New Plymouth wind and water damage. All this I was told but I did not have time to go over. Boats are down at the Treasure Cay ferry. I did not go by Seahorse Marine but would think it is alright based on the overall area. Hope Towns Lighthouse is still there and all the buildings around it as well. I have heard of no serious injuries. A lot of boats are down. I did not go to MOW but I did hear that they were doing very well and was not hit as bad as Elbow Cay and cays I know nothing of Long Island but heard that Cat Island was hit pretty bad. I have no first hand knowledge of Spanish Wells. but..... September 18, 1999 Gert has asked me to answer some of the many questions about Abaco. I returned today from Abaco. I may not know the exact answer because I did not go throughout the islands and cays. I will not be able to converse back and forth with each person due to the great number of questions. I have no problem in receiving email but if I cannot respond please understand. I will be posting my answers to your questions so that ALL will be able to learn. Thanks, Billy Davis - bdavis545 AT aol.com I was in Marsh Harbour and the people are doing quite well under the circumstances. Power is beginning to come back on and phone service (only local, no outside of Marsh Harbour calls) is working in some places. I did not see any business buildings down in the main part of town. Dundas Town and Murphy Town have very bad water damage and many roofs off. Homes and building have lots of wind damage. Both Airports are in good shape. Power is coming back on, little by little. Not many places open for food service. Banks, insurance agents, fuel, lumber yards, and most businesses either working or beginning to open. Many docks in the marinas are warped but not that many down. Ferry boats are working. I was in Cooper's Town yesterday. I did not go up to Fox Town. The Prime Minister was in Cooper's Town as well. There are no more docks, and most of Front Street is gone. No power as yet and I do not think there will be for a while. The power was restored in Blackwood so that the well could work to pump water to Blackwood and Cooper's. Blackwood had mostly water damage because it is at or below sea level. The water was chest high in the homes. Many roofs off or leaking. The spirits are high; what a great people. I have good video and will begin putting up pictures as soon as time permits. Fox Town was hit just as hard. I was up there, it seems like a long time ago but only last week, looking at the damage that Dennis did. Dennis hurt Fox Town about as bad as Floyd hurt Cooper's Town. I can only guess what it is like now. Spanish Cay has lost its docks and buildings are in bad shape. |
| - Re: On Behalf of Great Guana Cay-Johnny Roberts of Nippers(autoreply) |
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gert, Leanne is the sisiterinlaw to Johnny Roberts of Nippers. She is now staying with me and she will be Great Guana Cay's Spokesperson. She will be contacting media to get attention to Guana. Tomorrow morning I will set her up with a email address get her familiar with the board. She wanted to tell you that Abaco girl wanted you to know that she was fine. but Leanne say's emotionallly all the Guana Cay Community is shell shocked. here's Leanne, Hi Gert, Thank You for your concern. Everyone in Abaco needs as much support as possible right now. I left there feeling hopless. I know that I will be more of a help here in Florida as a liason for Guana locals. I am the Secretary of Guana Rescue. Cheryl used to work in the states as a ICU Nurse and is now our medical advisor and responder on this team. We are working together to relieve the local community. There are health issues as well as minimal communication and no sign of power in the next few months at best. I have much to tell but just arrived and will be no good without some food and rest. I will e-mail you tomorrow with more information. Thank you again!!! Good Bless Leanne Gravelle/ Roberts |
Older reports can be found on another page.
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