As Hurricane Beryl disperses into a tropical depression over parts of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, the Caribbean is still picking up the pieces and on its way to normalcy, though some islands were more fortunate than others. Read on for an update on what’s open and what’s not and how you can help with the post-hurricane relief efforts.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has set up a relief fund. Individuals, businesses and organizations that want to contribute to regional hurricane relief efforts may do so at www.chtaef.com.
The Direct Relief organization has also responded with emergency medicines, supplies and funding for impacted communities across the Caribbean. For more information, visit directrelief.org.
Jamaica: Thankful After Beryl
All three airports and the cruise port in Jamaica are open, and the island has launched a limited-time offer of 65 percent off at 50 participating hotels in six resort areas to rekindle visitation.
“We’ve seen unprecedented visitation in 2023 and 2024 and are now ahead of schedule in our goal to reach five million annual visitors,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, in a press statement. “To show our gratitude, we are offering the opportunity for generous savings for visitors looking to experience Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and immersive culture before the year’s end.”
Book your clients between now and July 31, 2024, for travel between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1, 2024, using the code JAMGETAWAY.
For more information, please visit visitjamaica.com/deals.
Jakes Hotel on Jamaica’s Treasure Beach, while battered, reported no injury or loss of life, and has set up a relief fund to help their neighbors in and around Treasure Beach and southern St. Elizabeth, which suffered extensive damage. They have added a link to their website that leads to The American Friends of Jamaica for tax-deductible donations to help rebuild.
For more information, visit theafj.app.neoncrm.com.
Union Island Hurricane Relief
The Grenadines were hard-hit, causing widespread destruction on Union Island, which left most residents homeless, including many of the Palm Island Resort & Spa staff. The resort has organized a relief effort to send essential supplies to those affected. With Palm Island managing the proceeds, a GoFundMe page has been created to raise funds with a goal of $250,000. All donations will directly support the staff and their families on Union Island.
Palm Island’s owners have already committed over $100,000 in emergency supplies and will match GoFundMe donations up to a further $100,000.
Spice Island Beach Resort
Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort has resumed full operations after Hurricane Beryl impacted Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The luxury all-inclusive resort on Grand Anse Beach was spared significant damage and quickly returned to business. Maurice Bishop International Airport has also reopened, with major airlines resuming service.
For more information, visit spiceislandbeachresort.com.
Sandals & Beaches Resorts Post-Beryl
Sandals and Beaches Resorts reported that all guests and team members are safe following the hurricane’s impact, with all resorts open and running.
The group has set up a Disaster Relief initiative through their Sandals Foundation, with 100 percent of every dollar going directly to the organization’s Caribbean Emergency Response Efforts.
For more information, visit sandalsfoundation.org.
Updates from Mexico
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection resorts in the Mexican Caribbean are fully operational and have sustained no damage. This includes all 29 properties, including Breathless, Dreams, Hyatt, Impression, Secrets and Sunscape brands.
In addition, the international airports in Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum are fully operational.
Stay tuned to this page for continuing updates as we receive them.
