Looters damaged what Hurricane Irma spared - Business owners
Businesses that were not damaged by the hurricane were deliberately broken into by unscrupulous individuals looting everything they could get their hands on.
There are many stories of some businesses left virtually untouched by Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 only for looters to gain entry the following days after by breaking down doors, smashing windows and even going through walls before making off with goods.
There are even reports of business owners being on site at the time of their business being looted but could only look on as the perpetrators, some armed with machetes, raided.
According to reports, looters had entered a bakery in Road Town when the business owner was there and calmly told him that it was necessary to take what was there since a hurricane had just passed.
There are also reports of a woman loading her vehicle with looted goods and deciding to go back in the store for more items when someone drove off with her vehicle and goods.
Many looters went for food, clothes, medicine and beverages while some were interested in cologne, electronics, jewellery, home appliances and alcohol.
"Most damages were done by looters"- John I. Cline
In an exclusive interview with Bishop John I. Cline, owner of Infinite Solutions, he stated that damages to his business were not caused by hurricane Irma but by looters.
"Most of the damage came from being broken by the looters," while adding that it was a security guard that informed him that his business was being looted.
Bishop Cline disclosed to our news reporter that his business lost approximately $50,000 worth of products and in damages as well.
Infinite Solutions, located in Jayla Place, Road Town, is open for regular operations from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
"We are doing okay"- Vanterpool Enterprise
Vanterpool Enterprise was among the businesses looted after hurricane Irma. Damages to the building were caused by the hurricane and persons decided to help themselves with items from the store.
Speaking with a representative from Vanterpool Enterprise who wished to remain anonymous, they stated that the business is doing fairly well since the incident.
"We are doing okay. Right now the pharmacy is fully operational but we do not have an official open date," adding that they are trying to get items to restock.
Vanterpool Enterprise's hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays.
Customers can contact Vanterpool Enterprise at 284-494-2702 or email at vanterpool@surfbvi.com.
Among the many other Tortola businesses that suffered at the hands of looters were RiteWay in Prospect Reef and Nanny Cay, Arawak's also in Nanny Cay, International Motors, Mi Amor, Bolo's Variety Store and Said's Department Store.
Police have since arrested and charged a few persons for looting and are appealing to the public for information to to help bring others to justice.
18 Responses to “Looters damaged what Hurricane Irma spared - Business owners”
Build and rebuild we must but with quality materal. Seize the opportunity for a better BVI.
The day after Irma.. we were driving by and saw the looting by vanterpool. Very hurtful to how some humans act.... I was so mad but what can I do.. Irma really show some people true colors..
People should drop on their knees and give thanks for life..
Why was there so many people out on the streets. Where was the law enforcers.
Our government should have put some many things in place at least the morning prio to the storm and al least two days after. They failed us . Agree with one of the proprietor of a pier park store.
I am a business owner, now was, who I learned had minimal damage from the storm but was vandalized and looted. I wish the looters well. Hope they enjoy wearing the apparel and using everything else that was taken.
One should not expect to benefit to freely benefit from the sweat of others. They will be violently dealt with on site the next time. Giving them for community service is insulting. Those who are not from here should be DEPORTED
The last time I checked Ms. Dabrei was not in charge of the RVIPF. That is under the Governor but wait they were out looting too.
I agree the most inexperienced PS who thinks he knows everything is leading the charge but he is only part of the problem. Let's rewind the mismanagement of funds by this administration:
1) claiming the country broke to get VIP out and build a parking lot in front the hospital days after being elected.
2) a cruise pier debacle that should have costed 60M for three phases and we got two phases for 80M plus as the verdict is still out on the ending balance and he same mi....... who rape the country walking around like a peacock without NO ramifications for his actions.
3) payment to an airline that had already owed the gov't over 150k and was in bankruptcy. This educated govt. Still turn around and gave them 7million of tax payers money as their friends and family have private interest in the same said company.a
4) expensive retaining wall for high school when the school didn't have money for even toilet paper but the minister still expected people to adopt schools.
5) creating a beach by destroying the environment when you're the minister for the subject and have tax payers pay for it. Sand, beach and money gone when a blind man with wooden glasses could see it didn't make common sense.
6) The same one for the beach used tax payers money for studies bout going to pay for runway extension when the plane the government wanted to use landed on the tarmac several times mind you.
I could go on and on but what's the point. Educated fools who fail to plan so they as.leaders planned to fail.
They make he decisions and for the past 6 years they have done a POOR @$$ job of it. They just need to go fly a kite and leave
But I would say that it is the Gov which has created a predictable demographic group predispose to committing this type of crime in the BVI. We saw the stolen goods in the airports and the docks as they were being whisked to their predictable destinations. We witnessed them being confiscated by a police force who knew just where to follow up. So yeah let's give the lawsuit a try. Let Gov know that it is a new and a lesser BVI that has been created and they need to stop their foolishness in this regard.