Greetings from Anguilla.
I hope this message reaches you well and that all is well. As you’re probably
aware, just over a few 
months ago, Hurricane Irma hit Anguilla and St. Martin with
Category 5 strength winds. I’ve lived here for almost thirty years, and I’ve never
witnessed anything like it in my entire life. Our beautiful paradise that you know
and love so well has been, sadly, torn apart. In the aftermath of the devastating
storm, most of the island was unrecognisable. The weeks since the passage of
Irma have been very tough. It’s taken weeks to ascertain the full extent of the
damage. But the sense of resilience and community on the islands has never
been stronger. The worst of events bring out the best in people.
Sadly, I lost my home in Marigot, on the French side of Saint Martin, in the
storm. Most of the town took severe flooding and the walls gave way to the
weight of the water. By the next morning, there was nothing left. My car was
completely submerged and destroyed. My vessel, Scorpion, which has been the
backbone of my business for twenty years, was also damaged.
On a more positive note, paradise is returning, even faster than expected. The
airports are now re-opened and some of the resorts and restaurants are re�opening too. The season ahead is critical for everyone here, and I’m challenged
to now get my business prepared again in time for the upcoming season. I want
to return to running the boat excursions with Scorpion that have become such a
special moment in so many of my guests’ vacations. To do that, I’m looking for
support so that I can repair the boat, and start re-assembling the business.
I’m truly grateful for any contribution you might be able to give, no matter how
small. I have included wire transfer information for my Anguilla bank accounts on
the following pages. I can accept transfers in both USD (U.S. Dollars) and EUR
(Euros).
My sincere thanks to you for reading, and I do hope to see you in our special
paradise again soon,
Anguilla and Sint Maarten are open for business. See you in the sunshine,
Yours sincerely,
Eric DRAI
Donations in BTC 1Cbbm3wVaCBkKG5CuGH7j63LeNnJyp4JXq
in LTC LdffA42oTJeDUWBjRaqvTscckf7BHNQoVw
