BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE sustaining major damage during the passage of Hurricane Maria, Marina Telca has reopened for business but it is going to cost the owner, Regiwell Francis, over US$1M to fully fix.
Speaking with reporters yesterday (Nov. 22), Francis explained that they sustained serious damage at the New Guinea-based St. Kitts Marnie Boatyard and all the boats that were bunkered in rode out the storm well.
He also explained that most of the damage was at the breakwater facility, which is to the front of the boatyard.
“The breakwater was well over a million in damage,” he said. “It blocked the entire entrance. Due to the fact that we are a marine and salvage company, we have all the equipment for dredging. Immediately after the storm passed over, the next three days we proceeded to dredge and clear the entrance. We were able to make it possible for all the vessels to leave.”
According to Francis, since that incident they have been able to accommodate more vessels from other islands.
He noted that the facility is one of a few in the region, and with the storm damaging several islands that carry out the same service as they undertake, his is the only functioning one at the moment between Florida and St. Lucia.
“Our yard was full because vessels started coming and we are out of space right now. We are trying to get more space to accommodate more boats, and more boats would mean more work for individuals repairing the boats.
“At the time it is a challenge working with the Government with it, and they are trying their best and we are trying to facilitate all the needs in the marine sector.”
They are currently dredging at the commercial dock at Bird Rock because there are several areas that were refilled with sand following the passage of the hurricanes.
Upon completion, Francis disclosed that they are expected to venture to St. Maarten to assist that island in the removal of sunken weckage.
The businessman explained that prior to the storm they had dug the breakwater facility to a depth of approximately nine feet, but since the passage of Maria they went to 14 feet.
“The breakwater is still not up to par, but hopefully we have passed the hurricane season and over the next six months or so, if we can make a little bit of money, we can purchase some more stones and build back the breakwater for protection.”
With regards to the accessibility of financial assistance to remedy the existing problem, Francis explained that initially he was told that there was a fund to assist critical businesses such as his that sustained damage caused by hurricanes, but he noted that it is proving to be difficult to non-existent.
