Cat Island updates and developments
The first airlifts of food and supplies have started to arrive on Cat Island. There are four or five resorts on Cat and I use the term resort loosely. Cat Island resorts aren't the kind of places where you get hot stone massages or room service. Rather, they're places to go unplug and unwind. The bonds forged at those resorts though, are lifelong. Two of those resorts have stepped up and turned themselves into aid organizations. The Bahamian government is overwhelmed by the widespread damage and supplies are stretched thin to say the least.
The two resorts, Greenwood and Fernandez Bay Village , are distributing food and supplies to anyone who needs it over there. The Bahamians who own and run Fernandez Bay are people I know and trust implicitly. Pam and Tony Armbrister, the people behind Fernandez Bay, are two of the most decent people I've ever met. Tony's family has been on Cat Island since the 1700s and he's a walking repository of that island's history and culture.
Tony and Pam have a daughter who lives in For Lauderdale and she's taken over because the factor character for aid destined for Cat Island.
Cat Island is available through air and with the aid of the once-weekly visit by a mail boat. The mail boat leaves Fort Lauderdale and works its way even though the Family Islands (formerly the Out Islands). It's in this mail boat that the majority of the fabric aid destined for Cat Island gets brought.
Air lifts are a high-quality way to get emergency elements over there, but it is what ends up at the mail boat to be able to maintain every person until they could rebuild themselves.
I'm nonetheless planning to fly down there on Tuesday but Hurricane Katia seems like it is located to thwart my plans. Even although Katia isn't always going to threaten Cat Island without delay, the disturbance she's inflicting will make flying prohibitively risky. Add to that the lack of outdoor information to be had on the island as soon as there and it is searching pretty grim.
My fundraising has been an incredible success and I thank everyone who's donated with every fiber of my being. Every dime you sent will go directly to the people who need it. If I don't make it down there this week, I'm going to wire the money we've raised to Fort Lauderdale and to the Armbristers of Fernandez Bay. Once in the hands of the Armbristers, your donations will be turned into food that'll be distributed to anyone who's hungry and in need. If you want material aid to go to the orphanage or to schools, just let them know. You can also donate to Remote Island Ministries , they too have pledged to donate every penny they collect.
In addition to raising money, the Armbristers are collecting and distributing non-financial assistance. They're loading up the mail boat and giving away anything that comes their way. If you, your church or your school wants to donate something other than money, the gang at Fernandez Bay will take anything. In particular, they need soap, first aid supplies, Home Depot gift cards, flashlights, batteries, tarps, nails, Publix gift cards, canned food, Costco gift cards, candles, games, children's books, school supplies and clothing. You can send any donations to Tameron Armbrister at 151 North Nob Hill Rd., #310, Plantation, FL. 33324. Fernandez Bay will cover the costs of shipping everything to the island.
In addition to that, my first-class friend inside the universe and capable pilot JD has sweetened the pot for the next two weeks. He's kicked in $250 to the cash we've got raised thus far and he is agreed to fit every donation, dollar for greenback, for the next weeks. Please take him up on this beneficiant provide. I love him to loss of life but having said that, make this harm!
 |
| JD in better days on Cat Island |
Fernandez Bay will be open for business again on November 1st and if you're looking for a getaway, I can think of no better place. Buoying the Bahamian economy is another way to help them rebuild. From now through June 30th, 2012, Fernandez Bay is running a promotion to make that easier to do. If you book four days at Fernandez Bay through Majestic Tours , they will fly you from Nassau to New Bight for free.
If you're making plans to spend per week on a cruise or on the Atlantis, or Sandals or Club Med change your plans. Those locations do not want your cash however the smaller spots at the Family Islands do.
To make it less difficult, here are the ones hyperlinks again.
Fernandez Bay Village The Greenwood Beach Resort Majestic Tours
This video was recorded this past week and in it you can get a feel for the scope of this disaster and a glimpse into the character of the people who call Cat Island home.
Once once more, the hyperlink to donate is:
If that button doesn't work, click this link rather .