CAT5 IRMA takes out PARADISE
Debbie (Pomeroy) Cloud
Strategic Analyst of Emerging Trends & Incapacitation, Community Grassroot Empowerment & Principal RE Broker
During the last few years I have been running resorts with John Chris Cloud. We have had an amazing time with the islanders, guest and others running local resorts. Though we fell in love with our last island, alas we had to return home due to family concerns.
The last one over the last couple years was Jost Van Dyke. This is an island everyone fell in love with and called home. The 300 people making up a variety of families made the island a magical place. People that come spend years longing to return, and many come every year!
https://www.facebook.com/destinationislandtim https://www.instagram.com/debbiepomeroycloud/
When we left, we mourned the end of our time on Jost Van Dyke. The island family we have come to love, mourned with our departure.
This last week watching from Virginia, the people and island we love were hit dean on with they eye of the storm as a CAT5. The perfect storm destroyed the island devastating the dreams of people around the world. The islanders lost everything. No housing, no food, no water and nothing left. They are strong people who hold their head up high. People from around the world are reaching out to them. Our heart goes out to our island of Jost Van Dyke, and to all those that have suffered loss in the wake of IRMA and other disasters.
We want to thank our President for being in command of so many disasters in so many area - and the aid of so many emergency relief organizations and people. Our island we love was hit by the eye of IRMA as a CAT5 and decimating JOST VAN DYKE. I personally made calls to the State Department, Fema, US Coast Guard and the overseas region Embassy. The team was responsive and actively engaging to immediately respond to the needs of US Citizens overseas.
The actions were immediate, swift and positively working with the British and BVI governments. Incredible to see. It did take 5 days for boots on ground and almost 6 for food and water, yet in that time three emergency evacs occurred and other islanders were able to be evacuated by boats. People helping people made all the difference. Islanders overseas outside the wake of the storm allowed for the minimal texts and messages to be received and responded to immediately. Guests of the island stepped up and are finding ways to contribute back to the losses faced by so many. A great leader and the people with a heart making an immediate impact while a country devastated tried to find its feet.
Conn Davis - https://www.facebook.com/groups/274077226417115/permalink/276848139473357/
We set up a command central as a Facebook group with other Facebook groups to share information as it leaked out of the island with families and loved ones here in the United States. With still no power, no cell coverage and no internet its a miracle we could help get people what they needed when they needed it.
Facebook JVD United Open Group - at https://www.facebook.com/groups/274077226417115/
The US Coast Guard did a medical evacuation the first day of an islander seriously injured during the storm.
There have been multiple other evacuations as they come up with different military groups stepping up.
The damage is unbelievable yet no one died. Supplies took days to come, yet now the supplies are starting to come in.
There are options for donations all over the place for the British Virgin Island. We are supportive of our little island Jost Van Dyke.
Remember as you go through your day and we have the ability to do most anything, there is an island not too far away that lost everything, like many others, and is working together right now to restore some kind of shelter, clean up the disaster, wait for power, cell service and internet and depend 100% on others for food and water. We are all here. They have suffered a great loss. With the help of people like you and me, this little island will rebuild and people once again will come and visit the island life they have come to love!
Debbie & Chris Cloud, Realtors ? & Strategic Consultants
EXIT Heritage Realty
Local Specialty: Northern Fauquier County, Marshall, Hunt Country of Middleburg, Upperville & The Plains, Piedmont Countryside, Warrenton and surrounding areas in Northern Virginia.
Chris Direct: 571-451-9112
Debbie Direct: 571-469-1068
www.encompassrealproperties.com
The CLOUD Difference: The dynamic team of Chris & Debbie Encompass your dreams into Real Properties!