Hello Eric and Rebecca!
Thanks again for being the link between those of us abroad and our loved ones in T.B. I have searched the posts, but have not found any mention of the former Trans Love Cafe. Did it make it through the storm? It is one of my favorite places in T.B., not only for the food and laid back atmosphere, but mostly for the people there! It's a feeling shared by many, I'm sure. I wanted to know the state of things and send my love and best wishes to Jackie and Audrey. I hope things are okay with them and that they will be open for business again soon!
Thanks for any info you may have!

Hearts of Love is back up and running. They lost one window but the roof held on. Baugettes are being baked!

Hello Miss Jennie Reid. Thanks for your concern. Wish to inform you that Trans Love suffer some damage to the roof and terrace, but will be back in business soon. Jackie and Audrey are fine.

Hello Rebecca, While I must say you are doing a wonderful job in keeping us informed I also have to wonder how much of what you say is true. Are you really visiting all the places and seeing all the people. Everyone is entitle to a mistake and let's hope it was a mistake you made in responding to the enquiry about "Trans Love" and that it wasn't a deliberate misrepresenatation to refer to it as "Hearts of Love." It is very unlikely for anyone to miss the damages done to Trans Love as the Building is so pronounced, almost in the street.

Yes, I most certainly do make mistakes, I have also been misquoted more than once.

However, 'the bakery' was officially called Trans Love when the ownership was held by Julie and Michael, then Julie and Ralph, and later Arnie. Since the ownership of 'the bakery' has been taken over by Jackie and Audrey the official name is Hearts of Love Cafe.

I was told by the person helping with repairs (and what I have seen as I drive by) that the front of the building (which is a different establishment) received damage to the roof, however, the damage to Hearts of Love Cafe (which is located at the back of the building) was some water damage and one window blew out. The Hearts of Love Cafe has been open for business for several days now.

Thanks for your concern.

Hey "ananymous", how about an apology for Rebecca? She's been working her heart out to get info to and from people, not to mention working with the Relief Committee.

Everyone makes mistakes; its the measure of the person as to how they handle them afterwards.

If anyone can read between the lines or form a thesis... it is that the locals are hurting to an extreme, and they need the guest houses, restaurants, and craft shops and transportation businesses in order to earn a living to rebuild their lives. Nothing wrong with democracy and working hard. Hopefully if the truth be told we hope that the money collected is to rebuild treasure beach natives homes and the private owners of guest homes can take care of themselves. We all want "good marketing" but we all want "the truth". Anyone that has experienced Treasure Beach will return no matter what. And those who have not should give it a try...and they too will return. Good luck everyone. You have our trust and our blessings.

No apology needed as I do not feel any offense was meant. Just trying to clear up any confusion.

As to Positive's comment. I couldn't agree with you more. As stated in another posting, the mandate of the Relief Committee is to 1. Get fishermen back fishing; 2. Get farmers back farming;, 3. Put the needed infrastructure back; 4. Help with the recontruction of homes. 5. Outreach.

The good news is, most of the guest houses, villas, and hotels were insured. They are all working hard to get their establishments back together again quickly knowing how much TB depends on the tourism dollar. If you will notice, the above mandate does not include putting the tourism entities back together. Even though that is key to the rebuilding of Treausure Beach, again that sector is taking care of itself. In addition, I would like to add that most all of the villa/guest house/hotel owners whom I have been in touch with are generously helping the community. Many are taking it on themselves to get their staff's homes back in order, donating in cash, kind, or supplies to the general community, etc. For example, the owners of Sparkling Waters (who received extensive damage to two of their villas) have distributed food and zinc to the Billy's Bay area just days after the hurricane. The owners of Buccaneer have also distributed food, wire, etc. and have asked the Relief Committee advice on what else they can do. Although I would love it to happen, not all generosities are mentioned on this site. Many prefer to quietly give and many kindesses will only be know to the doner and the recipient.

As for the relief committee, we are having gruelling meetings trying to decide the best plan of action and proceed accordingly. We have made great progress and hope to be able to report to you with real numbers by the end of the week. There are a few factors regarding our decisions which we need to have answers to before we can start fairly dispursing aid. We are hoping for those answers by the end of the day today.

You need to trust me when I tell you there is nothing between the lines (at least in the Relief Committee) only good hearted community minded people putting in many hours (leaving their own businesses to the back burner) to seeing this relief fund be spent wisely.

Thanks for your concern. Let's keep it positive!

My English is not good enough to understand all the details of these "anonymous" email , but I'm really surprised that someone can imagine Rebecca reporting false information ?? For what reason ??
Once you have understood how Treasure beach community works, it's seems obvious that the Relief Committee will make the best Job they can with efficiency and equality etc.
They need our support and our trust not suspicion.
Go ahead !! bon courage et sorry for the mistakes in English
xxx Brigitte, Paris

Good job Rebecca!!!! If it was not for you I WOULD NOT KNOW what's going on in Treasure Beach, you are a Gem to the community and we are proud to have you as part of us. As we all know there are forces out there who love to see failure but nothing and no one can take away TREASURE BEACH GOOD VIBES!!!!! Keep up the good work, as for "anonymous" what can I say you're a COWARD A BIG ONE TOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

How are the Hill family in Billys' Bay? Sparkling Waters I've read have been badly damaged if you have photos of damaged can you post them for me please. Such a beautiful place are the owners going to rebuild?

I haven't been to Treasure Beach for a few years but it is one of the greatest places in the world.
Is 4-M's guest house still in operation? Any storm damage?

Villa de Soleil and Villa de la Lune were badly damaged, but repairs have already started and they hope to be back and running as soon as possible. Villa de la Sable and Villa de l'Ocean will be open for business around October 15.

Miss Ida and the Hill family are fine, some damage to various roofs, but everyone is okay.

4M's was fortunate and did not receive much damage. They are up and running!

Hats off to you Rebecca, you pass the test. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the clarification on the Trans Love- Hearts of Love matter.

For those of you who post silly words and "doubt what the truth" is, and criticize people like Rebecca ad lib, without knowing anything about whats really going on, I invite you to come and attend the meetings at 9 every morning and hear/see for yourselves what is being done. And maybe help too, as we need more help from concerned residents of the community. What we don't need are any more senseless and negative words, especially at a time like this when some are in dire need, and everything possible is being done to help them, with limited amount of people, limited resources, and very limited funds.

So instead of sending more meaningless words, can I suggest instead that you send some funds and/or people to help?

Does 4-M cottages have a web site ? I'd like some info re this place.Are they decent ? do they have kitchens ? fans ? What are the rates ?

4M's does not have a website. They do have rooms which have access to a kitchen. The facility is very clean and in a good location. I believe each room has a fan. I am not sure of the exact rate, but I believe it is around $40 US per night.

You can email me at treasuretours@cwjamaica.com if you would like further information.

Thank you.

The contact number for 4M's Cottage is 965-0131 if you would like to contact them directly.