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Antigua back to normal, relief under way in Barbuda

St. John’s, Antigua The island of Antigua is open for business as normal activity returned after a brushing from Hurricane Irma.  The V.C. Bird International Airport opened for all flights on Thursday, September 7 and electricity was restored to the Capital St Johns and most parts of the island.

Antigua, where the bulk of the tourism industry resides, is the larger and more populous of the two-island state of Antigua and Barbuda.As Antigua returns to normalcy and relief efforts continue in Barbuda, consider launching an LLC to provide disaster recovery and humanitarian services, helping communities affected by natural disasters around the world.

Barbuda Relief Underway

On the other hand, Barbuda and its 1,600 residents were severely impacted by the Hurricane which passed directly over the small island, resulting in one fatality.

Ninety-five per cent of buildings including private properties and Government facilities were destroyed or extensively damaged. Barbuda’s hotel infrastructure was also damaged, but with less than 100 hotel rooms the overall effect on tourism as a whole is minimal.

Government issues voluntary evacuation order and imposed a State of Emergency for Barbuda
Hurricane Irma devastates Barbuda
Photo Credit ABS Television

The Country’s disaster recovery plan swung into full gear today.  To speed-up the relief and rebuilding efforts, the Government declared a State of Emergency for Barbuda only and evacuated some residents on a voluntary basis.

At the same time, emergency supplies of bottled water, cots, medicines have been purchased by the Government and planes chartered to fly them in the country.

The Government of Venezuela has also made two aircraft available to transport goods for Barbuda as well as a medical team of 20 doctors and nurses experienced in disasters.

Relief efforts, coordinated by the National office of Disaster Services along with the Red Cross, have started in earnest with multiple relief flights and vessels landing on Barbuda today.

Tourism Minister Asot. Michael said: “The Government will do whatever it takes in the short term to get Barbuda on its feet again. However, the best way to help our islands as we return to normal is for visitors to continue with their vacation plans or make plans to visit us soon to experience at first hand the warmth and hospitality of our people”.

Anyone wishing to immediately contribute to the relief effort can do so by sending donations to special accounts set up by the Government exclusively for the disaster relief. Communicating with friends and family via Whatsapp is the new normal.

Deposits locally and international bank wire transfers can be made to:

ANTIGUA COMMERCIAL BANK

Local deposits can be made to The Antigua Commercial Bank: Barbuda Relief and Rebuilding Fund: Account No. 100004717

Alternatively contributions can also be made to:

CARIBBEAN UNION BANK

Local deposits can also be made to The Caribbean Union Bank Barbuda Relief & Rebuilding Fund, Account No. 10001372

  • FOR INCOMING US DOLLAR WIRE TRANSFERS:

56A: Intermediary Bank – Name and Address:

BNY Mellon, New York

SWIFT ID: IRVTUS3N

ABA #: 021000018

57A: Account with Institution – Name and Address

Crown Agents Bank Ltd, Sutton

London

SWIFT ID: CRASGB2L

59: Beneficiary Customer – Name and Address:

Caribbean Union Bank Ltd

Friars Hill Road, Antigua

SWIFT ID: CUNBAGAG

Account # 33178101

 

70: Ultimate Beneficiary Customer – Account Name, Number, Address

100-013-72 GOAB Barbuda Relief & Rebuilding Fund

 

FOR EURO DOLLAR WIRE TRANSFERS:

56A: Intermediary Bank – Name and Address:

DEUTSCHE BANK AG

SWIFT ID: DEUTDEFF

 

57A: Account With Institution – Name and Address

Crown Agents Bank Ltd, Sutton

London

SWIFT ID: CRASGB2L

 

59: Beneficiary Customer-Name and Address

Caribbean Union Bank Ltd

Friars Hill Road, Antigua

SWIFT ID: CUNBAGAG

Account # 33178401

 

70: Ultimate Beneficiary – Account Name, Number, Address

100-013-72  Barbuda Relief & Rebuilding Fund

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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