File 026759
Great Bay Condominium Owners Association Hurricane Irma Relief Notice (File 026759)
Communication from the Great Bay Condominium Owners Association in St. Thomas, USVI regarding damage assessment and recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma in September 2017, mentioning President Trump's planned visit.
Summary
A letter dated September 13, 2017 from the Great Bay Condominium Owners Association Board to club members detailing Hurricane Irma's impact on their property in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The letter reports approximately 40% of residences remain usable, describes ongoing restoration efforts for infrastructure and landscaping, and notes the club's closure through October 7 with reservations suspended through December 17. It also mentions President Trump's planned visit to the island for disaster relief coordination and requests continued support for the employee relief fund.
September 13, 20176910 Great Bay. S. Thomas. USVI 00802BoardStThomas@aol.com1.340-71S-9042Dear Fellow Ritz-Carlton Club Member,If you've been following the TV news, you already know that St. Thomas has taken a dreadful hit byHurricane Irma. President Donald Trump, who has authorized disaster relief for the Virgin Islands, plans tovisit St. Thomas "in the next six or seven days" according to Governor Kenneth Mapp.Our Club appears to have stood up reasonably well, at least when compared with the devastationelsewhere on the island. Many homes have been reduced to rubble, including those of some of our employeesas you have heard. The insurance adjusters arrived today, an important step in obtaining the detailed damageand insurance information. The damage seems to grow from the far end of the beach toward the Hotel, withonly modest damage in the Lily Building, more damage in Gardenia and Heliconia and even more at the Hotel.About 40% of our Residences are currently usable—with electricity and air conditioning—and they arefully occupied mostly by our employees. Many of these employees have returned to work, notwithstanding thehardships in their personal lives. 70% of the exterior lighting has been restored. Road and pathways on ourproperty have been cleared. Work has also begun on restoring the landscaping, which was decimated by Irma.The Food Center is back open. Some electricity has been restored in the downtown area. Many ATM machinesare now operational but with most limiting cash withdrawals to $100.The airport is still closed to commercial traffic. We know that some of our roofs have been damaged.Our air conditioners have been damaged. Some windows were broken and some doors were blown in by the200 mph gusts. So we know there is water damage. But we don't know how much. Communication is still amajor challenge. There is no internet service at the club yet and cell service on our side of the island isextremely spotty.HOUSE OVERSIGHT 026759There has been some looting and other lawlessness in some areas. Local law enforcement is nowsupported by resources from our federal and state governments. Our on-site team reports that we havebeen spared that threat. In addition to our own Loss Prevention staff, our Management Company hashired an independent security team to help protect our property.One of the most important questions we must address is just when our Club might open again. TheClub is closed through October 7 and Member Services is not presently taking any reservations throughDecember 17. There is a strong possibility that our re-start date could hinge on when the rest of St.Thomas recovers, and it is simply impossible to predict that date at this time. Your Board and theManagement team are monitoring this closely and we will keep you apprised.And finally, we thank all who have contributed to the GBCOA Employee Relief Fund. Our Ladiesand Gentlemen are in desperate need of your help. They deeply appreciate whatever you may offer tohelp, as does the Board. Thank you!GREAT BAY CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.6910 GREAT BAY; ST. THOMAS USVI 00802President: John DoyleVice-President Abbey ChungTreasurer: Thomas DoyleSecretary: Michael GickDirector: Steve RedanHOUSE OVERSIGHT 026760