‘We Are Working To Make It Better’ As Cane Garden Bay & BVIs Recover From Irma
There are rays of optimism is beginning to peek out from amid the destruction.
The after-effects of Hurricane Irma are still readily apparent in the British Virgin Islands but locals are picking up the pieces and bar owners are rebuilding their businesses.
In this update to PubClub.com, Myett’s owner Val Rhymer explains the current situation and looks toward the future while proudly proclaiming “the islands will come back.”
She is also looking at re-opening in November. By that time several charter sailboats will once again be searching for the breezes of the BVIs.
Here’s the full statement Ryhmer provided to PubClub:
“It’s been three weeks since the devastating Cat 5 Hurricane Irma made her path with a direct hit. And then, a brush from Hurricane Maria. There was an exceptional amount of damage island wide. After seeing the first reports I didn’t think we could ever come back from it.
“But, after doing an initial clean up & evaluation we think that we may be able to open the bar in time for the November charter boats!
“And it seems that our gift shop fared pretty well. The Myett’s team is doing an amazing job of cleaning up and trying our best to get back on some sort of track. The BVI is strong!
“I am working and won’t stop with relief efforts to get supplies and funds to our community and staff. Our friends of Myett’s have donated so many desperately needed supplies and I am working hard to get them to our people in Cane Garden Bay.
“There have been many delays in shipping due to the weather. Our first shipment finally arrived yesterday (Tuesday, Sept. 26). And another one left today. It is only a start. We still need lots of help. Please share our plea with all you know.
“With everyone’s help we will have Myett’s back up and running and some of our employees back to work. For those employees that cannot stay we would like to help them with airline tickets back to their mother islands and put some cash in their hands to get by with. We need lots of support to do this.
“We have 34 employees. Many of which have lost their homes, have children to support, and are desperate or our help. The BVI is still under a state of emergency. The UK military is in charge of security but not enough food or water has been distributed to all the villages. Here are some updates:
• 90% of all homes were destroyed or damaged
• 85% of all utility infrastructure was destroyed or damaged
• The population is under a strict curfew
• The roads were washed out
• A few vehicles survived being severely damaged or destroyed
“The old Myett’s will never be the same. But we are working on making it even better.
“The islands will come back. It will be pretty and tropical & green again. The crystal clear water and sugar white sand beaches are still there.
“Once on a charter boat where visitors are self-sustainable they will be able to enjoy the trade winds, beaches and islands.
“We hope that we can give them a place to visit in Cane Garden Bay. I’m hearing that Foxy’s is getting ready too! As are many others.
“We look forward to be able to open up again. The beat goes on at Myett’s…..Please share our plea so we can get to a better place.”
Relief Fund Link: http://www.gofundme.com/myetts-green-team-hurricane-relief
PubClub spoke with Princess cruises last week and they anticipate returning to St. Thomas in November, and charter boat companies will have boats in the water starting that month. Hopefully you will be able to go on your trip and enjoy a few cocktails at Myett’s and other bars in the BVIs. Cheers. — PubClub.com
We’re due in Tortola on a cruise in a February and we’re very much hoping we willl be able to stop in at the BVI. Our cruise line is delaying the decision as long as possible so hopefully we’ll be with you to enjoy a cocktail at Myetts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on on our favourite Caribbean island