As we anxiously await the arrival of Cat 5 Maria, I received a note from Mark, my friend and owner of s/v Orion. Along with all the property owners in the islands Mark is still patiently waiting for his personal issues to work themselves out and in our many conversations Marks focus has been on the people and not his property. Those of you that have a relationship with TMM will read below that the staff is mostly accounted for, however I am told that Joyce was off island in SXM and attempts are being made to confirm her well being, they will update as soon as soon as she is heard from. Every resident and business throughout the islands is working harder than any of us can imagine, under the worst conditions imaginable, to get the people back on their feet again, they need our support. The following is from TMM;

"I just received this update on TMM. They have confirmation that their staff are safe with the exception of a couple people who were off island and whose safety is yet to be confirmed. TMM had 4 boats undamaged as they were en'route or off island. The rest of the fleet is damaged, many severely, but others repairable. While the BVI team are busy securing boats and buildings against approaching Maria, the stateside team are refunding charters they will not be able to fulfill and developing a realistic plan to rebuild and re-establish the top-notch service they have been known for.

Owners of TMM vessels have developed a fund to benefit the Tortola based TMM staff and to assist them in rebuilding their lives and homes. If interested in participating, please go to https://www.youcaring.com/tmmtortolastaff-952274 "

Also, Mark, owner of S/V Orion, is compiling a list of volunteers on behalf of TMM to assist with rebuilding efforts when the time is appropriate. If interested, you can PM him at SailOrion or via email at [email]mark@sail-orion.com"[/email]