Huge Storm Surge Left Legendary Bar ‘In Ruins’
For tens of thousands of travelers to the British Virgin Islands, the Soggy Dollar Bar has long been a place to “kill the pain” from a long day or night of drinking rum elsewhere because of its legendary cocktail known as the Pain Killer.
But now, it is the Soggy Dollar that is feeling the pain, and it’s a result of Hurricane Irma.
Three weeks after the storm devastated the BVIs – including many of its legendary watering holes like the Soggy Dollar – the owners of the Soggy Dollar have issued the following statement. Here it is in its entirety:
“Hello from White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
“Let us start by saying Thank You for all the love and support sent our way over the last few weeks – we are so grateful to report that the entire Soggy Dollar family is alive and safe after the devastating Hurricane Irma that hit us on September 6th, followed by Hurricane Maria two weeks later.
“Jost Van Dyke, along with all of the neighboring British and U.S Virgin Islands, was extremely damaged. Residents are being forced to evacuate for unknown periods of time as their homes, businesses, and places of work are no longer standing.
“White Bay was hit hard by the eye of the storm with winds up to 215 mph and a huge storm surge leaving Soggy Dollar in ruins. Our hotel, boutique, and beautiful palm trees are no longer, but we are happy to say our infamous bar, which has seen many painkillers in its day, is still standing!
“Our General Managers Jamie Gladman & Stacy Bachali worked tirelessly to prepare SDB and our island for the storms, and they continue to face the Irma & Maria aftermath head on with strength and courage to make sure our employees and surrounding neighbors on Jost Van Dyke are safe with food, water, & love.
“Jost Van Dyke has a long road ahead with the rebuilding of power, water, and communication, but we know the love and strength that this island has will help us recover quickly. Once we have a chance to take a deep breath (and maybe a few painkillers) we will work towards the re-birth of the Soggy Dollar Bar. 47 years young, SDB has so much more to give!
“We are in the process of coordinating a relief fund to help support the restoration of White Bay & Jost Van Dyke, BVI. We appreciate all the love and support during this time of recovery and can’t wait to get back to the days of palm trees and painkillers. Stay tuned!
“We will continue to spread the Soggy Love worldwide through memories, music and, swag. Our webstore, based in St John, VI was also effected by the storms, but we will be re-launching in the near future! In the meantime, keep listening to Soggy Dollar Radio until we can open the “doors” to Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke again.
“Let’s Raise a Painkiller!
“Jerry, Tish, Kevin, Annie, Jamie & Stacy”
The Soggy Dollar is getting better now; thanks!
Horrible story.
There ya go Mike.
Please consider posting this information this is a fabulous thing this husband and wife are doing : http://mooringsownersgroup.com/
I was thinking about returning to Ivans campground in Jost in a few weeks. How fare along are they in their recovery? Is the island taking/want visitors or are they still rebuilding?
This is beautiful Jimmy. Thank you!
I have been visiting JVD every other year since 1993 and I am not stopping…I am sincerely saddened by this and although I am not known by any of the residents of JVD, I feel as though a piece of my heart has been stabbed. I love this island and if it were within my abilities, I would move there and make it my life. God bless you and I will see all of you soon! I am so grateful that no one was hurt and saddened to hear that Gurtrude was in need of surgery….all of my prayers and wishes for a quick recovery. My piece of Heaven on Earth!
Nice!
I have a go fund me page for them. Under rebuild the Soggy dollar
CGB was very special to my family, as well as the other islands in the BVI. We send love and prayers to the Rhymer family and all others. You will be back and so will we.
Much Love Soggy Dollar!!! Will see you again in full glory soon.
This is great. Thank you! –- PubClub
My husband’s favourite drink while in the Islands was a painkiller. We would stay on St. John, and take the interisland ferry each year to Jost. Loved the Soggy Dollar. I know you’ll be back, and although he passed in 2015, and I’m not a rum drinker, I will make a special trip to toast both his memory, and you!
This is finally some good news after such a disaster. It’s hard to fathom from up here in my safe haven in Maryland. What you have been through. I’m so sorry to see you go thru this. We will. BE back to the SDB to enjoy a PK and share our love. One love 🙏🏻
We were there in April 2107 for our 25th Wedding anniversary! What a special place. We so hope that you rebuild and rekindle the traditions of the islands. Much good luck to you and godspeed.
Thank Goodness all are alive and safe. SO happy that the best bar in the world will be rebuilt 🙂
Love this place and so glad all survived…broken hearted to see my lovely BVI in ruins…as soon as posdible I will return and swim ashore again! Love and best wishes from London UK xxxxx
You WILL RECOVER.TOO MUCH LOVE AND PASSION THERE NOT TO.One day at a time.Good Luck and be kind to yourselves.Hope to visit you all in the coming years.I worked as a nurse at St.Thomas Hospital in 1991.What a paradise!🌴🌴🌴💪💪💪👍👍👍👍👍💙💙💙😎🐟🐠🐬🐙🦈🍹🍹🍹Hugs
Your positive attitude is amazing and inspiring. We’ll be back!
Virgin Islands relief effort
How a 57-y.o. created local jobs and manufactured a REAL product : pre-fab 6000psi concrete structures . 4 Walls & Roof . TRYING TO GET THERE . WANT TO HELP . Contact Jim Trimble DBA Texas Dozer / Septico / SST ( Solid Structure Technolgy) texasdozeranaerobic@yahoo.com
Cretecoin@gmail.com
936-672-1600 cel
836-856-3333 office in Willis Tx
Not specific to Soggy Dollar but we published these legit BVIs donation places. Be careful – in the immediate aftermath of Irma there were a lot of frauds. This is why we published these sources. https://pubclub.mystagingwebsite.com/destinations/caribbean/hurricane-irma-british-virgin-islands-legitimate-relief-funds/
How do we donate? is there a link or name to use?
Please be diligent in posting where to send relief funds! I spent many happy hours at SDB and would like to show my appreciation for those great memories!
Geaux Tigers
AG from Zachary, LA
We Will return! So happy/thankful to have been there July 2017.
Use Paypal for donations.