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14 15 AND FINALLY, A MUST READ: There’s a guy named Chuck who’s living in BVI and posting daily with real-time anecdotes from a survivor’s point of view. Chuck’s openness and sense of humor in the midst of unimaginable chaos is a boon to all who read his messages, and so helpful in garnering support and aid where it’s needed. FB: BVI Abroad –Hurricane Irma Public Group. Julia Bain posted Sept. 17 at 10:11am Chuck’s latest - It now appears we will be struck by Hurricane Maria on Wednesday. It is strengthening quickly. Needless to say, if we take a direct hit, it will be very, very bad. Last night, we had a strong thunderstorm with a period of heavy rain. The thunder and lightning kept me awake, but at least I was protected and dry. There are thousands of people who don’t have adequate shelter. The rains, combined with the inescapable mosquitoes,would have made last night misery once again. Even people who are rea- sonably well off and have generators shut them off at night to conserve diesel. It’s hot,with no breeze, and no one has slept well for the past 11 days. Some of the Expat managers and small business owners, shell-shocked by the whole experience, and having lost most of their things, have simply gone. Sometimes, they catch the first available evacuation flight or ferry and leave behind their pets, cars and remaining belongings.Often, they don’t leave any instructions, or even notice, to staff. Files and wet checkbooks are abandoned and others must now try to piece things together.One 60-year-old small business owner who’s had a successful business here for almost 20 years, lost everything and de- cided he’s too old to start over.He’s packing what he has left and returning to the States.He won’t be back. HURRICANE IRMA / HURRICANE MARIA A neighbor stopped by yesterday and we were talking about how this experience has not only ex- posed people’s true characters, but also their ability to cope with high stress levels.Of those staying with me after the storm, a mature, 40-something manag- er of a marina, responsible for the property and 24 large boats, immediately abandoned everyone and everything.He somehowmanaged to get on one of the first evacuation flights with pregnant women and children.At the other end of the spectrum, a 22-year-old young lady, in her first job after Univer- sity,was the strongest and most responsible. Without exception, those I’ve spoken with have told me how this experience has permanently changed their lives.It’s given everyone a chance to re- set their direction and priorities.The peoplewhowere born here are a resilient lot and aremostlyworking tirelessly.It’ll be interesting to see howmanyof the Expats return to the BVI and rebuild. I believe I reported that the last two dogs I was car- ing for were gone.I spoke too soon.They’re back.But I did experiencemore than two hours yesterdayof bliss- ful peace and quiet.For the past fewdays,the dogs were being kept inmy living room,whichwas one of my fewrooms left completely intact and undamaged. Mynice carpet is nowa patchworkof dog poop.Imag- ine a Jackson Pollack inmostlybrown shades.I guess I was growing tired of that carpet,anyway. We are still lacking basic supplies like tarps,genera- tors,and chainsaws,but I understand those things are on a large ship heading this way.Plywood is scarce but, again,I understand a load of ply is on a barge, now on its way from Florida. In fact, lots and lots of stuff should be somewhere in the pipeline, but is not here yet. Fuel is flowing and there’s food in the main stores, but that’s about it. People are cleaning up, but we really need tools,materials, and power from portable generators to make substantial progress. There’s only so much that can be done with ma- chetes and hammers. Themosquitoes continue to be amajor,major problem.If therewas ever a time for mosquito fog- ging,it’s now.I understandmydailyposts arewidely read.If anyone has a way to get the island fogged by airplane or helicopter, that would be an enormous help.Having said that, there are disaster specialists from the UK on the ground, so I’m sure they’re on it. My oatmeal was especially delicious this morning, by the way.After I get through this, I’m hoping Oprah gives me a car.