September 2004: Ivan the Terrible

Treasure Beach Forum: Profile: September 2004: Ivan the Terrible
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 10:14 am: Edit Post

ivan
Ivan the Terrible began life September 2, 2004 near the Cape Verde islands in the far eastern Atlantic ocean. Known only as Tropical Depression Nine in its early days, it gradually grew and gained strength to become a hurricane on September 5 and thus earned its name.

Early on, Ivan provided  a glimpse of its ultimate power and fury. The National Weather Service noted its rapid strengthening, from a category 1 to almost 4 within a day, was unprecedented at such low latitudes in the Atlantic basin. Though it had weakened to a category 2 storm as it passed Grenada on Sept 7, it was quickly back to 4 strength as it entered the Caribbean Sea. Ivan pounded St. Vincent, Grenada and Barbados for several hours before moving on.

On the 9th, Ivan hit category 5 status with winds over 160 mph (260 kph)! A wicked rude bwoy if ever there was one!

As the monster roared towards Jamaica on the 10th, it made a jog in its path that took it to the south and away from its direct-over-the-island path. Be it a 'wall of prayer', a low pressure system, or the great unknown that affected its path, no one complained.

Ivan the Terrible spent most of the 11th slowly lumbering about 20 miles off the coast of Jamaica, battering the land, buildings, and people with its horrific winds. Fortunately, it did not carry a huge amount of rain with it, thus lessening the damage due to flooding.

As Don Noel, who rode out the storm in Billy's Bay wrote, "The result was that we had 30 hours of howling winds Friday night through Saturday night with gusts well over 175 mph, and seas more than thirty feet high." When her concrete house started shaking, Rebecca wondered if there was an earthquake happening at the same time as the hurricane.

By the 13th, Ivan had moved on, though it retained its category 5 status as it ravaged the Cayman Islands and moved through the Yucatan Peninsula as it brushed the western tip of Cuba and eastern Mexico.

As it chugged into the Gulf of Mexico, it weakened to a category 4 gale on its way towards the Alabama/Florida border, finally making landfall at Gulf Shores, AL early on the 16th. Finally, late that night, Ivan lost hurricane status and was downgraded to a tropical storm. While the wind speeds were reduced, it still had massive amounts of water to drop on the eastern United States from Alabama all the way up to New Jersey, causing devastating flooding in areas already hit by previous storms.

Officially, Ivan lost its characteristics as a tropical storm on the 18th, though part of its northern edge went on to cause havoc in Canada. And as a final insult, some of the remnants of the southern portion of Ivan looped back through the Atlantic and crossed Florida again and dumped a load of rain on Texas before finally dying on September 22.

The death and destruction Ivan wrought is staggering. Hersley " Precka" Moxam from Treasure Beach and his crew mate"Indian" are still lost at sea. Our prayers are with them. All told, over 112 people were killed in in the hurricane's 20 days of life. At least 34 in Grenada, 20 in Jamaica, 16 in other parts of the Caribbean, and 52 in the U.S. from the high winds, tornadoes, and widespread flooding. And there are billions of dollars in property and environmental damage.

To those who lost their life to Ivan and all other hurricanes, R.I.P.

And to Ivan itself, good riddance!

Picture of the storm's effects and the rebuilding efforts can be viewed here.

Thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org, Andrew Ginzell, Don Noel, and Rebecca Wiersma for information and images used in this profile.

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Please add your comments or messages for Ivan the Terrible below


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By nurse ratchet on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 06:53 am: Edit Post

I had no idea there were still people missing at sea. My thoughts and prayers are with the familes of these men and with all the people of Treasure Beach.

I'm thankfull that my family & friends in TB are ok.

I spoke with a family member in Great Bay last night. I was amazed when he said that they still do not have current.

I hope things are soon back to the peaceful norm.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MEEX on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:40 am: Edit Post

I'M STILL CONFUSED.IS THERE MEN MISSING FROM THE PEDRO KEYS?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By VISITOR on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:50 am: Edit Post

COULD SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THE BEACH EAST OF THE CALABASH BAY MARKET LOOKS LIKE.(YOU KNOW THE BEACH IN FRONT OF THAT NICE GUESS HOUSE THEY CALL

MAR BLUE.I ONCE STAYED THERE AND HAD A GREAT TIME.
I WAS TELLING MY FRIENDS ABOUT IT AND WE WERE THINKING OF COMING DOWN AND STAYING THERE OR EVEN GOING THERE FOR THE FOOD.
A REPLY WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.THANKS.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 07:47 pm: Edit Post

All the men and women were found on the Pedro Keys. Precka and Indian were on one of the large boats which dock in Black River. They had attempted to get the boat to a safer place to ride out the storm when the boat experienced engine troubles.

Mar Blue experienced only minor damage and was up and running a few days after the storm. In cleaning up the beach in front of them, they discovered a fresh water spring! The beach in Calabash Bay has lots of exposed rock now, but there is still a beach where you can enjoy a swim in the sea. The Mar Blue pool is also crystal clear and very inviting.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tivertonhouse on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 04:50 am: Edit Post

MAR BLUE.VERANDAH will be opening 5 new 'verandah suites' in a new building with a new pool with its own 'Club Hatari' lounge, next to the existing 3 room MAR bLUE.DOMICIL. There are special inaugural rates. See 'Beach Villas by Tiverton House' here (WHERE TO STAY section) for more details -- and a great new photo of RHEMA.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By NEW YORK PASSY on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 11:53 am: Edit Post

TREASURE BEACH PEOPLE PLEASE BE NICE TO EVERYONE
AND STOP HOARDING UP ALL THE AID AND GRANTS THAT GENEROUS PEOPLE HAS SENT TO EVERY ONE THINGS WERE SENT TO EVERYBODY NOT JUST CERTAIN PEOPLE WE NEED TO UNITE TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER SHAME ON YOU, EVERYBODY WAS AFFECTED SO GIVE TO EVERYBODY


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Milwaukee Mike on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 12:40 pm: Edit Post

Typing in all capital letters is the equivilant of screaming.
Now just what is it you are accusing the good people of Treasure Beach of?
Hoarding the worst of the storm?
Having friends that would like to help out?
Please give an example of what you are talking about.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By curious on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 01:26 pm: Edit Post

HI REBECCA,

Who is RHEMA? Or should i ask what is RHEMA.

Is it a person or a Guest House?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 01:18 pm: Edit Post

To NY Passy:

Could you provide examples of what you feel is being done wrong with the distrubution of aid in TB?

As stated on this site, the money collected by the TBNet Fund will be used to supply the relief as identified by the Relief Committee's needs assessment forms.

Here are a couple of posting giving a better explanation of what's the plan is:

http://treasurebeach.net/discus/messages/1584/2693.html?1096339735

http://treasurebeach.net/discus/messages/1584/2395.html#POST9227

http://treasurebeach.net/discus/messages/1584/2700.html?1096622338

For the Treasure Beach Fund (not controlled by TBNet)
http://treasurebeach.net/discus/messages/1584/2755.html?1096596169


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tiverotnhouse on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 02:48 pm: Edit Post

RHEMA is the wonderful 'do-everything' staffer you'll meet at Mar Blue; she's also a very fine cook, her Country Pork Stew being a particular guest favorite. See the scroll down page on the first MAR BLUE property details page on www.jamaicaescapes.com for her photo.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 05:05 pm: Edit Post

To NY Passy, I am not sure exactly what you mean by your statement, but maybe I can clarify a few things. First, if you are speaking of individuals, I have to say that the rule here to my witnessing is to share and the exception to the rule has been hoarding. I have countless stories to back up my theory, but please allow me to share one. Someone in TB who well needed some help received help from an outside source. This is a person in legitimate need and could utilize every dollar given to them. Upon receipt of this gift, this person immediately handed me back 1/3 of the money and asked me to put it into the relief fund stating how God had blessed them, so they must help to bless others.

Regarding relief efforts, we are very well aware that we are blessed with so much outside assistance from the private sector and we are very grateful.

Those of us who have been contacted by other relief agencies ie Red Cross, USAID, etc. are quick to point this fact out and have steered them to other communities in the area who were hit exceptionally hard like Yardley Chase, Hopewell, Greenfield, Big Woods, etc. and do not have access to outside sources as we do.

The 'Relief Committee' has been working hard on accessing needs and evaluating the overall situation not only in Treasure Beach, but surrounding communities. Our 5 mandates are to get the fishermen back fishing, farmers back farming, infrastructure back up and running, houses rebuilt, and outreach to other communities. Allthough we have been overwhelmed with the support we are getting, there will never be enough for total rebuilding. That is why we are making every effort to fully investigate the most effective way to put the relief efforts in place. It has taken some time for the funds to reach us due to power and phone outages. During this time we have made a great effort to analyze the situation, and, I feel, have come up with some great solutions. It is our goal to start implimenting these solutions next week.

The 'Relief Committee' consists of folks from all over TB and we have had many friends and experts come in to give advice along the way of which we have appreciated. The committee includes Jason Henzell, Dennis Abrahams, Maureen Powell, Norma Moxam, Sheila Hamilton, Sandy Tatum, Celeste Anderson, Cookie Kinkead, Patty, Joe and Beth, our Peace Corp volunteers, ToJo Hill, Darin James, myself, and now, a welcome addition of Karen Kennedy. In the meeting this morning it was, once again, confirmed that Breds, Treasure Beach Foundation, and TB.Net will be pooling the money we have been able to collect, allowing us more buying power and effective use of the funds and minimizing any overlapping of efforts.

We realize that it is inevitable that not everyone will be pleased with some of our decisions, however, I assure you, not one decision has been made in haste and it is the whole committee that votes on our plans of action.

I can't wait to start reporting back on details of how everyone's generosity is being put to good use and, again, I hope to be able to start this next week!

Lastly, I will end with this thought. Please do not forget what all the residents of the South Coast of Jamaica have been through the last few weeks. This has not been an easy time for any of us. Remember, I would say at least 40% of the residents of TB alone still do not have electricty today 21 days later and about 30% do not have phones. These are trying times. My sister has been emailing me articles from Florida talking about 'post hurricane fatigue syndrome'. And I can tell you from personal experience that we all have and are feeling that strongly. I came up to a friend this morning sitting on his verandah. When I asked him how he was doing, he said, "Rebecca, I can't even get the energy up to clean my yard." This is from someone I rarely would see sitting down pre-Ivan. I shook my head in total understanding, went home and took a nap because I was feeling so exhausted.

What we need right now is encouragement, prayers, and good vibes being sent to us. The support we have received from all of you has kept us strong and we are leaning heavily on it. What we do not need right now, on top of all the trials that a day is bringing, is any negativity. So I am pleading with all of you to keep it positive.

As always, may Jah Guide.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gil Lhotka on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 11:28 pm: Edit Post

Rebecca,
I am very pleased with the way my small piece of the overall donation pool is being handled, and encourage you to continue with the great efforts of the local relief committee.

Thank you for all you have done for the community and the extended community whose hearts are with our TB friends, even if physically we are not there now.

Gil


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christine on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 11:07 am: Edit Post

Rebecca,

I do not know you personally, but I am from the Treasure Beach area, I was born right across from "Jakes" so I guess you know who I am related to, even though I am now living in New York.

I would like to tell you that you are doing a marvelous job, helping the people in my community, you are right all we need is positive vibes. May God bless you for all your good deeds. I for one appreciate everything that you have done not only for my immediate family, but the entire Treasure Beach community. You are a great woman and please continue the great work that you are doing. You will definately get your reward from God. I will continue keeping you in my prayers. God bless.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ME on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 01:34 pm: Edit Post

Hi Rebecca,

I'm a native of TB living in Florida and we had our share of hurricanes and see all the destructions around us and we do not hear or see anyone complaining of any organizations giving or showing favoritism to (ANYONE COMMUNITY)If it was then i missed it.What i do think this is not the time for anyone whether there or abroad to start the rumor that was written by someone from NY about HOARDING OF GRANTS AND AIDS.PLEASE let us all give thanks to GOD he speared all lives and for everyone to live in love and harmony with all. .
REBECCA this is for you and all the others that are doing the most comlpicated tasks may GOD bless and keep you all strong and in good health because the task is far from over and i know me and my family cannot thank you enough for all you have done for us especially the day after when we were totally cut off from the Island not knowing what on God's earth was happening there.
I will make it my duty to come and meet you in person when i come to TB not too far off.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MEEX on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 01:53 pm: Edit Post

HI REBECCA'

THANKS FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONCE WHEN WE ASK FOR INFORMATION. YOU ARE THE BEST.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By GUEST on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 02:08 pm: Edit Post

HELLO REBECCA,
COULD YOU PLEASE DO ME A FAVOR AND FIND OUT HOW LENNIE FROM IRIE REST IS DOING. I HEARD HE GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT YESTERDAY.

THANKS REBECCA AND GOD BLESS.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tbs on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 03:54 pm: Edit Post

could someone tell me if precka was found?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Saturday, October 02, 2004 - 07:45 pm: Edit Post

Gary Moxam just left my yard. He came over to say they had gotten a phone call to say it was on the internet that Precka was found. When I searched through a few search engines, the only reference to Precka was TB.Net. We are trying to find out where the people claim to have seen it, but as of yet, this is still a rumor. I repeat, as much as I would love to hear that it is true, this is still very much a rumor. It could be that someone read the info on this profile and hearing his name say they saw a reference to him and the next and next phone call has it that he was found.

Let us all pray that the news is so, but let us not add to the rumor and wait for facts before passing on any further information. I have asked Gary to contact me, no matter what time day or night, to let me know any futher information and he has promised to do that. I promise to you that if I hear any more, I will post it immediately.

Fingers crossed and prayers being sent.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By liz roberts on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 10:32 am: Edit Post

In case anyone reading this happens to be in the Provincetown, MA area on Oct 19, Bubala's Restaurant, which employs many great people from Jamaica every season, the majority of them from the Treasure Beach area, is having a benefit for "Breds". Traditionally we have had a "closing party" on our last night of the season where we cook off all the food and invite all our patrons to come and eat. This year we are charging a $10 cover, and are recieving many donations from our food and beverage purveyors.There will be a raffle, a silent auction and a band. All proceeds raised will be donated to "Breds". It should be a fun party with a great cause!
(Bubala's is owned by John Yingling, who owns a guest house in Southfield)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mair on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 01:54 pm: Edit Post

What time does it start??!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 03:26 pm: Edit Post

Sure wish I could be there Liz. Being a Massachusetts gal, I'm good for a couple dozen steamers myself! Big up to the Provincetown Posse and thanks so very much for your support.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By liz roberts on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 07:42 pm: Edit Post

Hey Rebecca-- We are trying to help in any way possible, but nothing compares with your dedication. It starts at 7PM- Should be a good time. I will think of you next time I am slugging back some steamers! See you in Feb. 2005-- Liz


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Monday, October 04, 2004 - 06:58 am: Edit Post

Do you think you could manage a few clam cakes too? Mmmmm, I can taste them already!

Thanks Liz and see ya soon!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 09:18 pm: Edit Post

Big thanks go out to the Provincetown Posse. Their fund raiser was a huge success raising $15,000 US! If you are reading this Liz, we would love some details of the event and who won the raffle. I know one of the prizes was a 5 night stay at Jakes.

I understand you had some good ideas of how you all would like to utilize these funds like purchasing a satelite phone so we will not be out of contact again, and making Sandy Bank School a proper hurricane shelter complete with a generator and a clean water supply. We will do our best down here to make sure that happens.

Again, thanks to Liz, Eric, John, Tee Tee, and all the other folks who helped put this together and participated.

Hope to see all of you soon!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Annmarie on Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 04:48 pm: Edit Post

Hi Rebecca,you don,t know how greatful i am and pleased for the hard work you and the others are doing out there to get jamaica back to some normality. God will continue to bless and provide for his people. Keep up the good work girl and don,t give up.May you be richly bless for your work.Take care and continue your work. Love ANNMARIE (Donna,s and Lucia,s sister from Great Bay.