The Caribbean Hurricane Page

Updates from the Islands

- - The Bahamas - -

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 13:55:04 -0700

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 13:52:29 -0700

• From: RUIZAMC AT aol.com
• Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 22:25:21 EDT

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Lynn and I will be flying over 
the 15th for a quick weekend to sum up some things on the Cay.... Vince & 
Cheryl due to arrive here in the states on the 14th for a much needed break.  
 Annette & Bill came over yesterday and will be leaving for Canada in a day 
or two via automobile.   Leanne has her heart on staying in Ft. Lauderdale 
currently looking for a job, car, etc... Donna & Charles Sands were here in 
the states then went back to the Cay.  

Power was restored to various parts of the cay at 1:00 AM Monday or Tuesday 
morning not sure of the day... I've had insomnia lately...  Plans for the 
beautification are a go and any recommendations regarding agriculture, 
landscape ideas would help the cay.

Thanks for your continued support.

much love,

Michelle

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 11:33:35 -0700

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 09:11:33 -0700

• From: BDavis545 AT aol.com
• Date: Sun, 10 Oct 1999 10:10:55 EDT

New challenge:

Billie and I arrived from Abaco last night.  What a mess; we took over a 
donated ambulance, fully equipped for Northern Abaco.  What a blessing it was 
for us.  The ambulance was donated by AMR and friends fully supplied it.  The 
need was great for it in Abaco.  We have sent over 20 planeloads and 1 
truckload of supplies since Floyd.  We have another truck going down next 
week.  The islands are coming back slowly but the need is still great; homes 
gone, lives changed.

On Saturday morning Billie and I started on the north of Abaco and went south 
village by village giving toys to children, hundreds.  Although it made us 
feel good to see the joy on the faces, I cannot for the life of me see how 
they can still smile.

Our home is 85% gone but we were insured; I just hate to do it all over 
again.  Billie and I plan to spend the rest of the year raising money and 
supplies for the communities that were hit the worst.
____________________________________________________________

My family and friends are still sending supplies, primarily to the North.  We 
have sent over approximately 20 planeloads of supplies-mostly foodstuff and 
chain saws.  One truckload of food and clothes and one load with medical 
supplies.  The ambulance we received from AMR was fully equipped.  Major 
needs are for EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES,   all over the Abacos.  We sent two 
life packs, one for Cooper's Town and one for Marsh Harbour plus back boards, 
splints, gauge, tape, soap, bleach, saves, lotions, washing products, library 
books and toys.  Fr Ken Mackenzie and wife Mary are distributing the majority 
of the non medical items to the north of Abaco.

A joy was provided to Billie and I as we passed out toys, hundreds, from 
Crown Haven to Blackwood.  We also offloaded carloads of supplies to several 
families in Blackwood, and Cooper's Town and Hope Town.  One child looked up 
and said "For me?  For me?"  I plan to make another trip at the end of this 
week with a new load of mostly clothes and shoes.  Building materials are 
finding their way to the needy by the government and others.

My next project is to get a FIRETRUCK for Cooper's Town and another Ambulance 
for the south of Marsh Harbour.  In addition, we plan to organize a major 
crusade to get textbooks and computers into the schools.  DO NOT THROW OUT 
YOUR OLD 286, 386 OR 486 get them to me and I will get them repaired.  We 
will need hundreds.  Textbooks and library books are a major priority.  (If 
the building is still standing), that does not mean the water did no damage; 
books are wet, we need them all.

I cannot sit at the computer and type to keep the word going forth.  If you 
can help, please advise.  Besides those items that will come in naturally, I 
would like to organize for BOOKS, COMPUTERS, AND A FIRETRUCK.  

WANNA HELP, SEND ME AN EMAIL.  I am looking for someone to work at the desk 
and computer work while I go ask companies for things.

Thanks

Billy Davis

• From: "Gene & Dolly " <seagrace AT together.net>
• Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1999 17:38:14 -0400

Hi there!

Just a "thank you " for the pictures of our house.  They meant a lot.   

We returned from Gov. Harbour last night.  The house suffered 
severely, but the insurance adjustor has been very efficient and we 
should have a check within ten days.  Work is scheduled when supplies
arrive.

Gov. Harbour has power to all areas in town and some out lying
areas.  Electric employees are working around the clock literally. 
Telephone service is being restored on a daily basis. Most of GH 
has service now, as does Cupid's Cay. Water & electric was 
suppose to be on today in areas around Balera Bay north of GH. 
 Buccaneer Club in GH and Mate and Jenny's in Point is now open
for business. Pam's (GH) will be open this weekend for food. The grocery
store downtown and Cathy and Sidney's store are open and well stocked.
 
We were very impressed at how well everyone is doing!  All
are pitching in to clean up, and supply boats are coming in
on a daily basis!  Very upbeat people!  

If anyone has specific questions, please pass them on to me.
I'll answer them the best I can. We toured from Hatchet Bay to Rock
Sound.  (Although with phone service back, communication is much easier!

Gene & Dolly Bisson  "SEAGRACE HOUSE"  GH

• From: " Bill Sandlin" <wsandlin AT texas.net>
• Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1999 21:32:25 -0500

gregorytown survived basically intact, at least not as bad as
andrew.however the primary school was severely damaged. government is
trying to close it down. help is needed to repair, rebuild, and resupply.if
anyone wants to help send a check to gregorytown primary schoolp.t.a. c/o
kay sandlin p.o.box 124 weir, texas 78674 it would be much appreciated.
thanks kay cartwright, pam thompson, gladys thompson,eva thompson, rebecca
courtemarche, ocelia daniels,and valencia thompson officers:gregorytown
primary p.t.a. 

• From: Justin <justin AT ics-vcr.com>
• Date: Wed, 06 Oct 1999 21:09:52 -0700

Gert,

If you could give the following some space on your site, i would be most
grateful.........justin

Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas  was hit very, very hard by Hurricane Floyd.
Over 30% of homes
were destroyed or seriously damaged. the Bahamian Government has
declared Elbow
Cay as one of the areas most affected by this terrible storm.

We need YOUR your financial support to help rebuild the island. PLEASE
every little donation counts !

Please send what ever you can afford to :-

The Hope Town Association Relief Fund
c/o Royal Bank of Canada,
Miami Agency,
801 Brickell Avenue
Suite 2100
Miami, Florida 33131

or send by bank wire transfer to:

Royal Bank of  Canada
Miami, Florida
ABA # 066010694
Account:  The Hope Town Association Relief Fund
Account # 100-321-9

Thank-you,  by your generosity, you can guarantee that you will have
made a difference.

• From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
• Date: Sat, 9 Oct 1999 21:00:31 -0400 (EDT)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:28:46 EDT
From: BDavis545 AT aol.com
Subject: abaco updte from Doug Evans

I agree with you 110%.

What is not being shown or noted is the quality construction that we do
have
in Abaco.   Our houses are beautiful.  Our houses are strong.  Our
building
codes have always far exceeded those in Florida.   Many houses are built
to
exceed the local codes.  The damage to well built homes has been mainly
minor (shingles, eves and gutters).

A big problem was tree damage and debris.  But, clean up continues and
most
communities are well along the road to getting back to normal.   What is
not
being reported in the strong sense of community.  For example,  the entire
able bodied community of Great Guana Cay  has been doing community work
every day from 7am to 11am.

I am also very pleased to report a return to green.  The leaves have
started
to come back and the bush is starting to recover its lush green.

Doug Evans 

• From: BDavis545 AT aol.com
• Date: Sat, 2 Oct 1999 08:18:30 EDT

If you have seen the Phoenix, I need the picture.  Please send to me or email 
me the location.  While I am in Abaco this week I will take it's  picture and 
post for all to see.  LOOK FOR THE PHOENIX.  This bird could be rising from 
the foundation next door; he is fast so hurry.

Billy Davis

• From: BDavis545 AT aol.com
• Date: Sat, 2 Oct 1999 08:10:27 EDT

Have you seen the Phoenix?  I received this message from Fr. Ken:

Bill you are right on to focus on the renovation efforts. We have seen great 
progress since you were last here. People have collected and disposed of 
trash (sometimes their former possessions in their homes) and are trying to 
rebuild what they can. We have already spent some $7000 on building supplies 
for all the folks up and down the line from Blackwood to Crown Haven, and 
they need more. Soon replacement of things like refrigerators, etc., will be 
an issue. We have 3 folks who need a whole new house, but most of our people 
can rebuild where they are. The government has collected around $800,000 in 
donations, but like all bureaucracies, are still trying to figure out how to 
spend it. Meanwhile we just keep praying and building. Please contact us when 
you arrive and we would love to meet your wife. Next week promises to be as 
busy as the ones preceding it, but we would not be any place else right now. 
We will try to track down the things that come over this weekend. God bless 
you, Mary and Fr. Ken

• From: BDavis545 AT aol.com
• Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999 21:50:55 EDT

Like the Phoenix Bird rising from the ashes, Abaco is rebuilding fast.

Billie, my wife and I are leaving Atlanta for Palm Beach with an ambulance 
for shipment on Tuesday.  Then, on to Abaco with the many supplies provided 
by displaced Abaconians in Atlanta.

When in Abaco this week, I plan to check on our house, and then spend my time 
taking pictures.

I will not be taking Hurricane Photos.  I will be showing that Abaco is 
coming back.  I realize that we must continue raising money and supplies but 
we also must begin turning the public perception away from a Paradise waiting 
for a Storm.  My personal crusade will be to show the strength and beauty of 
the Abaconians with positive photos.

On Friday we will be presenting the ambulance to the Clinic in Copper's Town 
and meeting with the Director of Emergency Medical Services from Nassau.

I will be eager to show you rebuilding and positive attitudes on our web page 
when I return.

• From: BDavis545 AT aol.com
• Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 23:07:42 EDT

 WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

      The relief effort to overcome the ravages of Hurricane Floyd is
now underway and many people have helped in the recovery so far
but more needs to be done. Too often, after the media has stopped
coverage, people forget the extent of the disaster.

      Anyone who has been involved in the aftermath of a major
hurricane knows that relief must go on long after the media concern
stops. Before this happens again and relief slips to the back of public
awareness we need to appeal for volunteer action and set in place
funding for relief efforts that can be accessed until a full recovery
has been made.  The many people devastated by Hurricane Floyd
will need help for the better part of a year and simple donations will
wain in that time.

      Raffle/lotto sales can continue for the years that funding
will be needed. Proceeds from these sales can reach hundreds of
thousands and perhaps to the millions if the prizes are plentiful and
the network of volunteers is in place.

      For example:  If just the original recipients of this e-mail buy
one
ticket a week from now until Christmas we will raise over $50,000.
If they will each sell 5tickets per week we will raise $250,000.
If each will recruit 5 others to sell 5per week we will raise
$1,250,000 before this Christmas. You can make the difference.

   The first step has been provided by The Christopher Foundation.
They are making raffles available to groups and individuals
seeking funds for hurricane relief. These Raffle Ticket Sales provide
the incentive of a valuable tax deduction plus a valuable prize
(a one-week condominium vacation) for helping a cause that the
buyer is already inclined to support. The Relief Raffle can be the
catalyst that loosens up the purse strings to turn concern into
dollars-$$$. Forward this e-mail to everyone you know!

     Buy tickets, sell tickets &/or recuit volunteers.
Raffle tickets and details are available  AT  1(407) 982-2575 or
<A 
HREF="http://www.travelrecreation.com/relief/">http://www.travelrecreation.com
/relief/</A>

Billy Davis

• From: Gail Carew <carewG AT loki.cofc.edu>
• Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 20:57:40 -0400

> > >Here is a synopsis of the damage on San Sal.  Feel free to forward to
> > >anybody you like.
> > >
> > >Sept  17-21, a team of five researchers, lead by Doug Gamble, surveyed
> > >damage on San Salvador from Hurricane Floyd.  Overall, given the size
> > >and intensity of Floyd, the damage on San Salvador was less than
> > >reported and expected.  There were NO FATALITIES OR INJURIES.  Below is
> > >a summary of damage to the island.
> > >
> > >*Bahamian Field Station: The worst damage was to faculty storage.
> > >Windows were blown out and rain blew into the building.  The T building
> > >sustained minimum damage, loosing a vent on the roof and screens on the
> > >wet lab.  Two windows were blown out of the dromitory.  The snack shop
> > >survived with screens intact.  Only one coconut tree survives along the
> > >road between the dorm and the snack shop.  All other buildings recieved
> > >minimal or no damage.  A door was blown of the pumphouse and cracked a
> > >PVC pipe to the water storage tanks.  Two-thirds of the water in one
> > >tank was lost and at the time of departure, there was decreased pump
> > >capacity.  Due to this damage, limited freshwater was available to
> > >island residents.  As many know Kenny and Don were off island during
> > >Hurricane Floyd.  Tom Gossen, Gordon's replacement, did an excellent job
> > >of preparing for Floyd and leading rebuilding efforts.  Tom should be
> > >commended for his efforts.
> > >
> > >*Airport: No visible damage.  In fact, I haven't been to the island
> > >since last December, so it seemed the airport grew during the hurricane.
> > >
> > >*Club Med: Extensive loss of shingles from roofs.  Chain link fence
> > >around tennis court down, planks from dock missing but no structural
> > >damage.  Evidence of flooding 100 yards from coast.  Construction crew
> > >claimed will reopen in two weeks.  In short, minimal damage.
> > >
> > >*Riding Rock: Extensive damage.  Wave erosion destroyed sea wall and
> > >side walk behind 'hotel', and villas.  Supports for porch 'missing' on
> > >one side.  Extensive water damage in dining area.  Portion of roof blown
> > >off bar.  Tree fell on two villas.  Workers claim Inn will be ready for
> > >guests by the end of October.  Workers also claim the bar will be
> > >expanded to encompass cement pad next bar and all work will be finished
> > >in December.  Minimal damage to the Riding Rock Marina.  Docks broken up
> > >and flooding on north end of Marina.
> > >
> > >*Cockburn Town:  Roof damage to church, museum, and old jail.  Much
> > >rubble washed up on 'Iguana Square'.  Beach erosion caused structural
> > >damage to several pink buildings near beach.  Some roof damage to
> > >buildings down town.  Harlem Square stayed open for a party every night
> > >during the hurricane.
> > >
> > >*Road along Fernandez Bay: Sea wall destroyed, portion of road
> > >demolished and washed out.
> > >
> > >*UE and Lighthouse:  Minimal roof damage.
> > >
> > >*Interior: Salt spray damage but little downed vegetation.
> > >
> > >*I talked to Bernie about the well field near the airport, he said no
> > >wells were lost, but power to one well was down for a while.
> > >
> > >*Snorkeled French Bay, Pigeon Creek, and Graham's Harbor.  Poor
> > >visibility, but looked like minimal damage to marine life.  Lots of sand
> > >washed up on banks of Pigeon Creek.
> > >
> > >*Very little damage on east side of island.
> > >
> > >Talk to you soon, and see you on San Sal in December.
> > >
> >
> > >

• From: RUIZAMC AT aol.com
• Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 22:22:29 EDT

Magic!   A bud begins to bloom.   That's when you know it will all grow back, 
it's the cycle of life.   

        Great Guana Cay, Abaco Bahamas the island known for  the 3rd most 
beautiful beach in the world along with the longest barrier reef and home to 
the World Famous  "NIPPERS" bar&restaurant, who by the way, served a group of 
tourist from England today on upper deck under one of those colorful  
umbrellas overlooking the Atlantic.

  The sun is shinning the water variations of blue and the Beach!   Is 
beautiful, absolutely beautiful the sand is white, white, white it's more 
beach than I've ever seen exclaims "Johnny Roberts" owner of Nippers Bar & 
Restaurant along with his wife and family.   It's prettier than I've ever 
seen it.....

Tell everyone Great Guana Cay has been working hard.  We have cleaned up the 
front street and the paths to the beach.   I 'm back to the regular schedule 
of running the Mosquito fogger as usual so Mosquitos are at a minimum.   
Although the grass and bushes took a wind beating from Floyd.  We are seeing 
the beginnings of new sprouts.  A sign of good things to come.   

We had been told to cut down the trees that remained standing near power 
poles by BEC.  Because of this the harbor looks barren.  However, we are 
deciding  what types of plants or flower bushes to place where the Royal 
Palms once stood.    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  

Folks, we are here and wait for your company..... back  to the laying low in 
Abaco,

Dolphin Beach Resort -  Open 
Coco Paradise          -  Open 
Nippers Bar & Restaurant  - Open    
Fig Tree Liquor Store  -  Open   *check your vhf for times*
Fig Tree    -  awaiting tourist to come by and sit for a spell.
Barrier Reef -  awaiting tourist to come snorkel
Beach  -       awaiting tourist to sun / tan and play

It's better in the Bahamas but it's Gooder in Guana!

• From: "Randy Blake" <yblake AT acadia.net>
• Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 20:47:22 -0400

• From: Cheryl Christ <abacogirl AT yahoo.com>
• Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 10:58:30 -0700 (PDT)

Hi Gert,

Vince and I are well.  It was an experience going thru
the hurricane. The winds were clocked at over 219 mph
for 2 minutes.  We cannont complain. We had only a few
shingles off and one rain gutter. Lots of trees down.
Our community is working hard to restore the island. 
Harmony abound for us all.  Vince has been repairing
generators, fixing tires and offering assistance where
needed.  My ICU experience has been called upon.  I
want to thank you for all your concerns. We needed
those prayers.  There are about 10 houses down and in
need of much repair or demolished.  It's chain saws by
day and generators by night.  BEC delivered the
electric poles today and cable and wiring. We have
heard we may have power by the end of the week.  I
will e-mail again when I get a chance. I happened to
stop in Marsh Harbor today.

Cheryl

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 16:34:40 -0700

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 14:24:20 -0700

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 14:11:07 -0700

• From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
• Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 18:02:06 -0700

HARBOUR ISLAND
Harbour Island sustained damage to both property and to its roads.

Coral Sands Hotel
http://www.coralsands.com
The Coral Sands Hotel is closed until October 29th and sustained no damage. 
All facilities will be available to guests. The beach sustained some 
erosion and a beach bar was damaged.

Ocean View Club
The Ocean View Club is temporarily closed and will advise as to when it 
intends to reopen.

Romora Bay Hotel
http://www.romorabay.com
The Romora Bay Hotel is closed between September 7th and reopens September 
30th. The hotel sustained little damage except to its landscaping.

Dunmore Beach Hotel
http://www.dunmorebeach.com
The Dunmore Beach Hotel is closed between July 8th and October 31st. The 
hotel experienced no damage other than some trees being blown down and some 
beach erosion.

Pink Sands Hotel
http://www.islandoutpost.com/PinkSands/
The Pink Sands Hotel is open but will close between October 1st and October 
31st for its regular period of closure. The hotel sustained little damage 
but there was some beach erosion.

Runaway Hill Club
http://www.cpscaribnet.com/ads/runaway/runa.htm
The Runaway Hill Club is closed between September 16th and November 15th, 
1999. The hotel sustained no reported damage.

Tingum Village Hotel
The Tingum Village Hotel is closed temporarily and will advise when it 
intends to reopen.

The Landing
The Landing Hotel sustained some roof damage and is closed temporarily. 
They will advise when it intends to reopen.

Valentine's Resort
http://www.valentinesdive.com
The Valentine's Resort has extended its regular seasonal closing from 
October 31st until January 15th 2000. The hotel sustained limited damage 
and the dock will need to be repaired.

For the latest information, check out the Briland Modem:
_________________________________________________________________________
Island News & Information for North Eleuthera & Harbour Island, Bahamas
<www.briland.com>
E: <rum AT briland.com>
[It's much better in the Out Islands.]

• From: Rick Graef <outislands AT earthlink.net>
• Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 10:37:53 -0400

Abaco Relief and Rebuilding Updates:
26 September 1999 - 9:25PM

Update #2 contains the following information:

1. Relief/rebuilding effort overview
2. A request for additional (reliable) information
3. Introduction of an interactive Abaco information map
<http://go-abacos.com/storm/map.html> which includes vacation facilities
"reopening" updates and timeframes as well as settlement/cay relief, repair
and rebuilding updates
3. The Bahamian government's relief effort policies
4. South Florida donation addresses for supplies, materials and financial
assistance
5. Supplies still needed
6. Thanks to all the participants in our relief effort
7. Instructions on how to remove your name from this mailing list
--------------
1.
The relief effort is starting to make a difference for the better in the
lives of the folks most dislocated by the impact and influence of Floyd.
Due an on-going lack of reliable information regarding Man-O-War Cay's
relief and rebuilding efforts, the following update and related references
focus on all the Abaco cays and settlements except this wonderful Cay.  As
is true of 'most all of the Abaco relief efforts, we are doing everything
possible to target relief effort attention on the areas and people most in
need of assistance: the Abaco settlements and cays of Fox Town, Crown
Haven, Grand Cay and Coopers Town to the north, and Crossing Rock, Little
Harbour, Sandy Point and Mores Island (75 percent of the Mores Island's
homes are completely destroyed or uninhabitable) to the south.

Electricity and phone service are still virtually non-existent in Hope
Town/Elbow Cay and Guana Cay.  Electricity and limited phone services have
been partially restored in Green Turtle, Marsh and (to a lesser extent)
Treasure Cay. Settlement by settlement information and relief/rebuilding
update pages have been created on the go-abacos website
<http://go-abacos.com/storm/map.html> and are accessible through an
interactive Abaco map.

Marsh Harbour information keep coming in, and (as you might expect) the
marinas and docks have apparently taken a major beating.  The central part
of town has electricity in areas, two gas stations were open as well as
several hardware stores, one bank and the Golden Harvest Supermarket. The
ferries are once again providing their essential services, even though
their docks in Marsh Harbour are mostly destroyed.
All but one or two of the docks along Eastern Shores are entirely
destroyed. Triple J Marina has ruined docks with many boats sunk or
completely broken up. Royal Harbour subdivision (behind Sand Dollar Shop)
has 3 large boats on land.

Many of the oceanfront homes on Scotland Cay were heavily damaged or
destroyed due to beach erosion, wind or water damage.

Mores Island was just about decimated ... over 75 percent of all housing on
this industrious little Cay to the west of Great Abaco Island has been
destroyed or is unfit for habitation.  Virtually all homes in Sandy Point
(western shore of Great Abaco) experienced flood damage.

And, speaking of flood damage, readers of this update may have seen the
video or print images of Floyd's destruction which showed many homes to be
still relatively intact (many still had their roofs and "looked"
inhabitable).  However, due to many, many of the Abacos' settlements' close
proximity to salt water (Sea of Abaco or the Atlantic), the "invisible"
damage caused by salt water flooding (and a 23 foot storm surge recorded in
north Abaco) is extraordinarily.  Ruined appliances as well as electrical
and plumbing systems (including electrically powered well-water pumps),
buckled floors, fallen walls, sagging (unsafe) roofs, ruined furniture
(including bedding) ... and the list of salt water damage just goes on and
on.  The municipal distribution systems for electric and phones also
suffered significant damage as a result of salt water incursion.

However, on a brighter (and final) note  for this update, many of the
Abacos public schools (including the "All Grade" schools on many Cays and
Settlements) plan to reopen for students (some schools will operate on a
restricted basis until repairs can be completed) as early as September 27.
Amazingly enough, this includes schools in some of the hardest hit areas!

We hope to provide additional positive update information in the very near
future.  We offer a heartfelt thanks for your interest, concern, prayers
and donations and, in the very near future, expect to offer information in
this update about a long-term program to continue helping to make the
Abacos just a little bit better.

Regards
Rick Graef/webmaster
rick 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
--------------
2.
If you have any RELIABLE knowledge of specific relief and rebuilding
efforts, or re-opening dates not included on go-abacos or in our
newsletters, PLEASE send it to: reopening AT go-abacos.com.  While we're
currently focusing on the relief/rebuilding efforts, the 6500-7000 people
per month who visit the go-abacos website will be looking for
rebuilding/reopening information to plan their next Abaco adventure.  This
repair, rebuilding and reopening information will be posted on the
appropriate Cay/Settlement page regardless of whether or not a specific
property is a go-abacos sponsor.  You might also want to provide this
information to Lori at http://www.bahamastravelnet.com, Sinclair at
http://www.oii.net or any other Abaco-information resource (website) you
know of (the grammer's bad, but the meaning is fairly good).
--------------
3.
Additionally, if you are planning to bring relief supplies or donations to
the Abacos (or Eleuthera), the government regulation on duty free/stamp tax
free importation of materials are easy to follow, but strictly enforced as
follows:

PLEASE DO NOT go to the Abacos to deliver relief supplies unless you have
some kind of permission, authorization or permit from The Bahamas
Government or other pressing emergency reason.

You need permission, even if you just want to drop off relief supplies.
Please address your faxed permission request to The Bahamas Government
Hurricane Relief/ Administrator Joseph Ferguson (FAX) 242-327-5807 -
Attention of Ms. Theresa Butler - Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime
Minister. On your fax, you must include who you are, where are you going,
why are you bringing materials (for the relief effort), the list of items
on your plane or boat, tail number of plane or boat registration ... you
need an official authorization (by return fax - usually 4-5 hours) before
you leave, or you may not be allowed in and/or will be charged duty on your
relief supplies.  The Administrator's office will forward a copy of your
duty and tax waiver for your relief shipment to the customs officials at
your stated destination, and the whole relief supplies and immigration
process will then proceed smoothly. If you need to come in, you must bring
your personal documents as well. Please check for updates, because policies
will change at some point.

Additionally, as is unfortunately the case in major catastrophes, a few
"less than altruistic" relief groups have also come crawling out of the
woodwork so, if you're considering donation of funds or materials for the
relief/rebuilding effort (or know someone who is), please make sure you
have dependable knowledge of the groups or individual(s) to which/who
you're donating.  The relief organization of which go-abacos is a part
(primary members as well as contact, financial donation and material
drop-off information can be found at the end of this update) are working
under Bahama government guidelines and are in contact with senior
government officials on an almost daily basis.
--------------
4.
Abaco supplies/material drop-off locations:

GULFSTREAM International Airlines
5926 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale
Mon-Fri., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information, please call: 954--266-3000 Ext. #200

G & G SHIPPING
750 NE Seventh Ave.
Dania Beach, FL
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For information, please call: 954-920-0306

TREASURE CAY RESORT & MARINA'S US operations office
2301 S. Federal Highway,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316.
For information, please call: (954) 525-7711

Financial donation information:
Neighbors-4-Neighbors
[CBS CHANNEL 4 - WFOR - SOUTH FLORIDA
8900 NW 18th Terrace
Miami, FL 33172.

Accepting monetary donations only - 100% of all donations will be applied
to BAHAMAS RELIEF. Please note BAHAMAS RELIEF on your contribution.

For information, please call: 305-597-4404.

Marine Industries Association of South Florida
2312 S. Andrews Ave.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
Accepting monetary donations only - 100% of all donations will be applied
to BAHAMAS RELIEF. Please note BAHAMAS RELIEF on your contribution.
For information, please call: 954-791-2600.
--------------
5.
Supplies still needed include:
Bottled water, water containers (at least one uncontaminated water supply
has been located in Treasure), non-perishable dry foods (rice, flour,
grits), towels, toiletries, baby food and formula, diapers, mattresses and
bedding, cooking utensils, chain saws, home siding, generators, plastic
sheeting, sunscreen, gloves, bleach, rakes, mosquito spray, screening,
first-aid kits, battery packs, brooms, VHF radios, canned foods, lumber,
Benadryl, shovels, flashlights, construction materials including material
required for roof repairs (sheet rock, plywood, shingles, roof felting,
facia boards, lumber (2x4, 2x6), roof nails, tacks, hurricane clips and
wiring); tarpaulin and visequeen (heavy plastic sheeting); furniture.
--------------
6.
Many, many thanks to:
Gulfstream International Airlines (Airline President Mr. Tom Cooper and
Wendy Clements); Channel 4's (WFOR) Neighbors-4-Neighbors program (Lynn
Cameron and Mayte); the Jefferson-Pilot radio stations in South Florida;
radio stations WIOD-AM, WINZ-AM, WQAM-AM, ZETA 94.9 FM; Stiles Corporation
(Ft. Lauderdale - Terry and Theresa Stiles, Jeff Lis); Broward Motorsports
(Davie - Shawn); Home Depot; Italian Seaways (Miami); Treasure Cay Services
(Ft. Lauderdale - Robert and Kelly Meister); Ride Motors (Hallandale); G &
G Shipping (Dania Beach); American Marine Products (Bob Sullivan); Marine
Industries Association of South Florida (Maureen Anstey of Prudential
Florida Realty), Florida Yacht Brokers Association (Barb Tierney of
Bradford Yacht Sales), Catholic Charities (Bruce Netter - Archdiocese of
Miami) and many, many other anonymous Florida residents, clubs,
organizations and corporations.
--------------
7.
To be removed from this list:You have received this newsletter/Abacos
relief and rebuilding update (the first of an on-going series) as a result
of (1) your request, (2) your e-address was provided by Lori
Lachnicht/Bahamas Travel Network, (3) you previously expressed interest to
go-abacos in finding out more about the Abacos or (4) you "opted-in" to
go-abacos.com's e-mailing program.  If you would rather not receive
additional information from go-abacos about the Abacos relief and
rebuilding efforts, please send a blank e-mail to nostorm AT go-abacos.com
FROM THE E-MAIL ADDRESS WHICH WAS ON THE NEWSLETTER YOU RECEIVED and we'll
immediately remove your name from our update list.  We've received only two
removal requests to date from the 800+ recipients of this update, and
neither of the removal requests referred to an e-mail address within our
files.  We apologize if you've received this newsletter in error.
----------------------
NOTE TO ALL ABACO BUSINESS - mailto:rebuild AT go-abacos.com - Whether or not
you're a go-abacos sponsor, PLEASE provide us with news of your business'
occupancy/use status and, if you're "closed for repairs", please tell us
when you expect to be open.  Go-abacos averages (pre-Floyd) more than 7000
individual visitors per month, and these folks need to know as soon as
possible when you'll be "open for business" so they can begin planning
their next "Abaco Adventure".  Please send all information to
rebuild AT go-abacos.com and we will post it as quickly as possible.


Rick Graef
outislands AT earthlink.net
--------------
Bluewater Marketing Services, Inc.
Regional, national and international marketing, advertising and
communications services
--------------
1574 NE 36 Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33334
954/568-5214