Hurricane-felled tree blocks Jersey family in home

Friday 08 September 2017

A couple from Jersey living in BVI have been blocked in their house by a tree that fell when Hurricane Irma hit, and are now preparing to face another major storm, with Jose threatening to slam the Caribbean.

Tim Ringsdore, JT's former managing director, and his wife Shona moved to the BVI nearly two years ago. They were staying with friends when the eye of the storm hit Tortola on Wednesday evening.

Their daughter Katy, who lives in the UK, managed to talk to them on Wednesday evening, just after the worst of the storm had passed. She said they were extremely shaken and that the property they had been staying in with friends was badly damaged. She said: "The roof was blown off and the balcony was destroyed. The six of them took shelter in a small bathroom under some concrete stairs for two hours. The eye of the storm lasted for around 45 mins but it was deathly still they said. They went outside during the eye of the storm and it was devastating scenes."

Shortly after the conversation, the phone lines and power went off leaving Katy without news from her parents for nearly 24 hours. She finally managed to speak to them on Thursday night, taking advantage of the intermittent phone signal. She explained they were now trying to clear up the wreckage the hurricane created. She said: "They are currently starting the massive clear up but the problem is they are stuck in their house as a massive tree and a structure have fallen and blocked them in. They can't get out at all at the moment. The roof and the entire first floor of the house have been destroyed."

Pictured: The map shows Hurricane Irma on the left and Jose on the right. (Google)

More worrying than the damage is the threat of a new hurricane looming over the BVI. As category five Irma heads for Florida, Jose, which reached a category three overnight, is threatening to hit the already battered BVI. The Governor wrote on Thursday that Jose was expected to pass north of the islands on Saturday or Sunday.

He said: "So soon after experiencing such a devastating hurricane I am sorry to have to bring your attention to another tropical system in the Atlantic. Hurricane Jose is moving towards the Leeward Islands and it is important we monitor the progress of this. If it stays north of us we will not be significantly affected. But if it comes any closer to us we will be affected and so our preparation and response efforts have to be immediate. We need your cooperation and your support to ensure that we can ramp up our operations in the event that we are impacted again." 

Jersey's Chief Minister released a statement yesterday to offer his "heartfelt sympathies to all those who have suffered loss and grief caused by the destructive passage of Hurricane Irma through the Caribbean." He added that the Government is examining the most pressing needs and options for providing humanitarian aid" and mentioned "digital infrastructure support to Caribbean businesses as they rebuild." He also encouraged islanders to contribute to the relief funds that have been established to support reconstruction in the region.

Horrified to see the devastation wreaked by hurricane #Irma across the Caribbean. My thoughts are with those caught up in the storm.

— Senator Ian Gorst (@Ian_Gorst) September 7, 2017

Katy was also contacted by Senator Ozouf, who she thanked for the "wonderful support."

Meanwhile, firms in Jersey are trying to establish contact with their partners in the BVI, who have have to close down their offices and even evacuate. Jane Pearce, Managing Director of Vistra said on Thursday they hadn't been able to contact their teams. She added: "The events have been absolutely tragic and we are desperately awaiting news of all our friends and colleagues in our BVI office."

Edward Mackereth, Global Managing Partner at Ogier said: "Our BVI office is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Irma. We are in contact with our team and are supporting them and others from our Jersey and Cayman offices, and are continuing to support our clients through our BVI-qualified teams in Europe and Asia. Our thoughts are with all of the people affected at this time."

Ports of Jersey announced on Friday they were setting up a collection site at their engineering depot at the Airport Cargo Centre on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 September between 8:00 and 15:00. They are asking islanders if they can donate essential items such as water purification tablets, tinned food, metal cooking pots and container, candles and first aid kits. They are also asking for rope, duct tape, plastic sheeting, nails, hammers and wood saws to help with the rebuilding efforts.