Hurricane Irma Damage at the Royal Islander Resort.
HERE IS THE LATEST OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ROYAL ISLANDER CLUB
issued on January 20 2018.
“La Plage and La Terrasse will remain closed at least until July 1, 2018
“Dear Valued Members, As you know St. Maarten suffered severely due to Irma, the strongest Atlantic basin hurricane ever. Those who have visited St. Maarten have seen the devastation first hand. Both Royal Islander Club resorts sustained catastrophic damages.
Progress on the island has been slow and the road to recovery will be lengthy. Especially as both harbors and airport have been affected and are currently unable to keep up with the traffic required by the reconstruction efforts. We would like to emphasize that the reconstruction process is underway and that we remain fully committed to restore both resorts to the high standards you have always experienced.
However, due to the unprecedented damages sustained, both La Plage and La Terrasse will remain closed at least until July 1, 2018.
Unfortunately at present we are unable to provide you with an official reopening date due to the logistical challenges encountered all over the island and throughout the Caribbean. As soon as the situation on the island has become clearer and more stable, we hope to be able to provide you with an official reopening date.
Finally, both management and staff would like to express their profound gratitude to all members and guests for their overwhelming generosity and support during these last months”.
Here are the Internet links to click on to see what is happening.
https://www.facebook.com/RoyalIslanderOwners Facebook follow Owners Association
https://www.facebook.com/RoyalIslanderClubStMaarten Facebook follow Royal Islander
https://www.facebook.com/groups/6297726366/?fref=mentions Facebook follow Everything St Maarten
http://www.royalislander.com/ Royal Islander St Maarten Website
March 19 2018. The Employee Relief Effort has now concluded its fund raising efforts , Over $112,000 was raised and shared with Royal Islander employees…… thank you so much for your support.
First Relief Distribution. The first distribution of $51,500** was made on Tuesday October 17th 2017 when Ed Misiph, and myself traveled “on our own dime” to the Resort to personally distribute the delivery of your contributions. All employees and folks who are part of the Royal Islander experience (103 folks) received Food vouchers worth US$500. All Tortuga staff,Lobby Bar, Beach Boy, Towel boy, Security Guards were included Many thanks to the management team of Nicola, Nina, Simon, Nelson and John and the staff at the Resort who were so helpful and supportive to us during our stay. ** We should mention through the efforts of management at the Resort we were able to get a 10% top up on these vouchers so our initial distribution of $51,500 in vouchers only cost us just over $46,800 Bravo Nicola Induni CEO for your work on this
This was a very moving experience for both Ed and myself. Pictures below Almost all staff came to a luncheon prepared by the Resort and we personally presented to every employee their envelope which contained 20 x $25 food vouchers plus there share of the 260 Ibs of clothing T Shirts etc.. that we brought with us. It was “hugs” and “hand shakes “ and many of the employees were moved to tears as they accepted our aid and wanted to express their heartfelt thanks over and over to the owners whom donated on their behalf. These folks are very proud and determined people whom have a significant challenge ahead of them and need our support.
Second Distribution was made on Dec 15th 2017
The 2nd distribution was $500 in 10 x $50 vouchers for a local St Maarten business Kwik Bargains and Kwik Ideas. Kishore Mirchandani, the owner agreed to give us 10% discount on all appliances and furniture and 15% discount on household items. For the staff who have lost everything this was an ideal way to assist them in refurbishing their homes. Home shopping for the holidays, the staff was very thankful excited. We want to thank again the management team of Nicola, Simon, Nelson John and most especially Nina Persaud for negotiating this arrangement who have been so helpful and supportive on helping us share this aid. Special thanks to Ed Misiph & 30 year La Plage visitor Denise Gilligan who traveled, at there own personal expense to the Resort to present these vouchers on your behalf.
Third Distribution has being distributed to the employees Jan 25 2018
Shelley Dull, an owner from Staunton, VA has done a truly outstanding job of putting together a voluntary shipment of 4,000 lbs. of materials. That is two ton’s ! The shipment contains lots of clothing for all sizes, babies to adult, girls and boys, men and women. shoes. nonperishable food, limited medical supplies (Advil, band aids, Neosporin). Toys for kids, household items, bedding, sheets, blankets, some pillows, towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, women’s hygiene products, a few full sets of dishes, pots and pans, strollers, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, about 20 flashlights, curtains, sheets, socks, light jackets, a portable grill, tarps and bungee cords plus other too numerous to mention. She received tremendous support from friends and neighbors and her hubby plus went about some very aggressive purchasing through her local stores. With Shelley’s help we purchased 83 pairs of running shoes for $570 which was added to the shipment. Her efforts were truly exceptional. We have paid the shipment costs of $4574 from our fund-raising funds Please email her at Shelley.Dull@sprint.com and say thank you
March 19 2018 Here is a statement of funding and distributions to date:
Richard March at the Royal Islander Timeshare Owners Group Cell 519 819 4733
Call me anytime Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm