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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Rasputin]
#144162
09/20/2017 10:16 PM
09/20/2017 10:16 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
OP
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
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Those in a hurry to get back to the island, depending on their individual situation or circumstances, may want to consider that their return may strain the already limited resources (food, water, etc.) more than their presence will help anything. Just something to consider.
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Rasputin]
#144164
09/20/2017 11:32 PM
09/20/2017 11:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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Rasputin said: Those in a hurry to get back to the island, depending on their individual situation or circumstances, may want to consider that their return may strain the already limited resources (food, water, etc.) more than their presence will help anything. Just something to consider. Rasputin, A well respected island resident shared a post on Facebook suggesting that while they know we want to help, at this juncture and for the immediate near future, tourists will be more of a hindrance, regardless of our good intentions. My thoughts, make donations earmarking them for SXM relief if you're able but let the people get back on their feet and figure out where they're able to do regarding their homes and livelihoods. I honestly doubt John Q Public will be allowed to return for a while but I'm thinking my earliest return will be around November 2018 if the island sounds like they're ready for guests but that's still to be decided down the road. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: sailbynight]
#144165
09/21/2017 05:34 AM
09/21/2017 05:34 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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sailbynight said: Amazing. It appears that the supply line for basic goods has been devastated by looting as much as the storm itself! An island local/resident/friend told me there was nothing left to loot/steal within a few days of the hurricane.
J.D.
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Rasputin]
#144170
09/21/2017 02:29 PM
09/21/2017 02:29 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,683
LBI2SXM
Traveler
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,683
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Rasputin said: Those in a hurry to get back to the island, depending on their individual situation or circumstances, may want to consider that their return may strain the already limited resources (food, water, etc.) more than their presence will help anything. Just something to consider. Well stated Rasputin! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Another big factor facing SXM is disease. Cholera, dysentery, etc. Medical supplies will be needed. Mosquitos, rats, garbage will cover the island and those poor residents will have no protection!
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Leagle49]
#144171
09/21/2017 07:41 PM
09/21/2017 07:41 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108 Florida
Kamehameha
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108
Florida
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I'm looking at the PR on their website dated 9/21 and don't see 6 months mentioned. Could you provide a link. Thanks.
<a href="https://www.TickerFactory.com/"> <img border="0" src="https://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;125/st/20180504/e/3+weeks+in+Aruba%21/k/38b6/event.png"></a>
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Rasputin]
#144173
09/25/2017 07:38 AM
09/25/2017 07:38 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,464 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,464
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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Rasputin said: Those in a hurry to get back to the island, depending on their individual situation or circumstances, may want to consider that their return may strain the already limited resources (food, water, etc.) more than their presence will help anything. Just something to consider. Exactly. Even though it's possible that our unit at La Vista Beach will be available for our late November trip, we have canceled for the very reason you state. The island needs to concentrate on rebuilding now, and not on catering to needs of tourists.
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: GaKaye]
#144174
09/25/2017 08:00 AM
09/25/2017 08:00 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Everyone has to do what is right for them. However, to me it depends on when you're talking about. Right NOW, there is still a curfew in place and Juliana isn't even open, so there is really nothing to talk about, about going. However, once the curfew is lifted, at some point, people have to make MONEY in order to survive. The vast majority of people on the island, if they're not working, they can't afford to live and if there are no tourists, there is no income.
Carol Hill
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#144175
09/25/2017 09:38 AM
09/25/2017 09:38 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 185
VitaMan
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 185
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Thank you Carol and also Tom for stating what I think is the obvious. This is not a chicken/egg either/or situation. Sure, it's hard to start over from scratch. Everyone will have to work harder and smarter and the gov't needs to take a pro-active role, but at some reasonable point there's no reason both activities, rebuilding the island and catering to tourists, can't exist simultaneously. While people in the construction trades will have plenty of work, people such as gardeners, housekeepers, shelf stockers, office workers, cooks, bartenders, and waiters also need jobs in order to survive. Every dollar spent circulates through an economy five times - that's how wealth is created and jobs are created. So whether you send in donations or visit the island sooner rather than later and spend your money at whatever businesses are open, that will allow for the island to rebuild even faster. Just my opinion, but I think the people on the island need our support more than our sympathy.
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Traceysxm]
#144178
09/27/2017 10:33 PM
09/27/2017 10:33 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 39
SXMDeepBleu
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 39
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Most readers and posters here are long time visitors. The last thing on most vacationers minds (other than us here and a select few) this season or even most likely next season is "Hey, let's go to a place that was just devastated..." I think most of us here also know just exactly what island time is and when things are publicly announced they always seem to be a little premature. It's just Island nature to be a bit over optimistic on real timelines or deadlines.
If you stop and think of the amount of contractors and professionals that will have to be there to build in the amount of time most businesses predict is a logistical nightmare. Especially when most are working on their own homes themselves. The shipping in of building supplies, the lack of sand needed for concrete, to wood or steel supply to the amount of machinery needed. Add the recent announcement placed by VROMI to locals that no business, home or otherwise can be rebuilt until it is assessed by the Govt. for safety to rebuild, and all will have to apply for permits and go through proper building approvals before swinging a hammer. There are not enough locals to handle the adjustment in regards to insurance, and when will they pay? Not enough skilled staff in VROMI to expedite any permit. How fast will you be approved to rebuild? If these things are taken into consideration, then the knowledge we all have here is that It's really going to be longer than anyone wants or anticipates.
Last edited by SXMDeepBleu; 09/27/2017 10:41 PM.
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Tom]
#144180
09/28/2017 09:56 PM
09/28/2017 09:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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Tom said: With due respect. I feel that we have a situation that needs to be reviewed daily. I understand the current crisis with food and water shortage and appropriate actions we can take as mentioned. But I also feel that suggesting time frames (years?) to anyone's return is premature and potentially harmful to those rebuilding SXM. Resorts and restaurants that are able to reopen will rely on as many guests as possible. As with any business, reduction of customers will result in fewer employees needed to support them or worse, having to permanently close. I fear you have rose colored glasses on, and aren't looking at reality, yet how you wish it would be. https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/69...yment-post-irmaThere was a simmering element prior to this hurricane. It has risen to the top.
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: Tom]
#144184
10/01/2017 10:31 PM
10/01/2017 10:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 539 Sugar Land, Tx
IslandBoi
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 539
Sugar Land, Tx
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Tom said: Rose colored glasses? Maybe glass half full or half empty? My point is that it is (in my opinion) unwise for anyone to suggest people cancel or postpone their vacations in SXM for years when economic recovery is so dependent upon tourist dollars. We have seen the greatest devastation on the news because that's what makes the news. But what about the resorts or restaurants that had only minor damage and are open for business months ahead of others? We will all make decisions on when to return if ever, but I prefer to let accurate updates rule over dark long term predictions. you obviously understand economics...i really don't get the people, who mostly have no financial stake in the island, that keep telling people to stay away, and even come up with baseless timeframes for returning, like 6+ months, 1 year, 2 years, etc....if they choose to stay away, all the power to them, but those that choose to return, should be encouraged to do so, providing much needed revenue to the local economy and the businesses that continue to open to those that encourage tourists to stay away, what about the businesses (restaurants, hotels, casinos, rental car agencies, etc.) that are able to open earlier than others? should they be penalized, and forced to stay closed until all other businesses open? (or at least until the message board royalty say it's ok?)
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: IslandBoi]
#144185
10/01/2017 11:19 PM
10/01/2017 11:19 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,198 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,198
Auburn, WA
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IslandBoi said:Tom said: Rose colored glasses? Maybe glass half full or half empty? My point is that it is (in my opinion) unwise for anyone to suggest people cancel or postpone their vacations in SXM for years when economic recovery is so dependent upon tourist dollars. We have seen the greatest devastation on the news because that's what makes the news. But what about the resorts or restaurants that had only minor damage and are open for business months ahead of others? We will all make decisions on when to return if ever, but I prefer to let accurate updates rule over dark long term predictions. you obviously understand economics...i really don't get the people, who mostly have no financial stake in the island, that keep telling people to stay away, and even come up with baseless timeframes for returning, like 6+ months, 1 year, 2 years, etc....if they choose to stay away, all the power to them, but those that choose to return, should be encouraged to do so, providing much needed revenue to the local economy and the businesses that continue to open to those that encourage tourists to stay away, what about the businesses (restaurants, hotels, casinos, rental car agencies, etc.) that are able to open earlier than others? should they be penalized, and forced to stay closed until all other businesses open? (or at least until the message board royalty say it's ok?) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: IslandBoi]
#144187
10/02/2017 06:09 AM
10/02/2017 06:09 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,242 South Portland , Maine
sugarae
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,242
South Portland , Maine
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<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> IslandBoi said:Tom said: Rose colored glasses? Maybe glass half full or half empty? My point is that it is (in my opinion) unwise for anyone to suggest people cancel or postpone their vacations in SXM for years when economic recovery is so dependent upon tourist dollars. We have seen the greatest devastation on the news because that's what makes the news. But what about the resorts or restaurants that had only minor damage and are open for business months ahead of others? We will all make decisions on when to return if ever, but I prefer to let accurate updates rule over dark long term predictions. you obviously understand economics...i really don't get the people, who mostly have no financial stake in the island, that keep telling people to stay away, and even come up with baseless timeframes for returning, like 6+ months, 1 year, 2 years, etc....if they choose to stay away, all the power to them, but those that choose to return, should be encouraged to do so, providing much needed revenue to the local economy and the businesses that continue to open to those that encourage tourists to stay away, what about the businesses (restaurants, hotels, casinos, rental car agencies, etc.) that are able to open earlier than others? should they be penalized, and forced to stay closed until all other businesses open? (or at least until the message board royalty say it's ok?)
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: jeepers]
#144189
10/02/2017 09:25 AM
10/02/2017 09:25 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,562 Long Island, NY
RICKnGRACE_LI_NY
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Traveler
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Posts: 1,562
Long Island, NY
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When the Airport is opened up to commercial aviation I believe that decision is personal. If you like to park your [censored] in a beach chair and stare at the beautiful water, go do it. We all know the situation on Island is not great. If you can live with that, go do it.
My only request, and I know I have no right to make one, is if you are not there to help rebuild, stay out of their way. Don't be a gawker. I am sure if we were in their situation none of us would want a bunch of tourists just stand and watching and getting in the way.
JMHO <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Rick and Grace
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Re: Press update of conditions Wed. Sept. 20th, 2017
[Re: RICKnGRACE_LI_NY]
#144190
10/02/2017 09:59 AM
10/02/2017 09:59 AM
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,242 South Portland , Maine
sugarae
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,242
South Portland , Maine
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<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> RICKnGRACE_LI_NY said: When the Airport is opened up to commercial aviation I believe that decision is personal. If you like to park your [censored] in a beach chair and stare at the beautiful water, go do it. We all know the situation on Island is not great. If you can live with that, go do it.
My only request, and I know I have no right to make one, is if you are not there to help rebuild, stay out of their way. Don't be a gawker. I am sure if we were in their situation none of us would want a bunch of tourists just stand and watching and getting in the way.
JMHO <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
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