Proprietor of Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Sam Raphael says his resort was destroyed by landslides caused by Tropical Storm Erika and 65 persons are now jobless as a result.
However, guests were relocated in time and no one was injured, Raphael said.
“The mountains came down on the property. It is very unfortunate. What was fortunate was that our staff and all the guests, all 43 of them, were unharmed. They were able to be moved,” he said.
Jungle Bay was in close proximity to Petite Savanne which was devastated when Tropical Storm Erika ravaged Dominica on August 27. Petite Savanne was being evacuated this week.
“Jungle Bay is on the back side of Petite Savanne and anyone who knows the calamity that happened in Petite Savanne, we were not spared,” He said.
According to him, the guests were relocated to the Delices Primary School for a few days. The French Government then airlifted them to Roseau via helicopters. Raphael extended his gratitude to the French Government for assisting.
Meanwhile, he wants to meet with staff at the Fort Young Hotel on September 2 at 11:00a.m. The meeting is intended to discuss assistance for staff members who Raphael said are mainly from Delices and Petite Savanne.
He is urging employees to make an attempt to cross the blockage at Delices, assuring that a vehicle will be waiting for them from 9:00a.m. to take them to Roseau.
“…Right now my focus is to try to find a way to support our staff and their livelihoods going forward. We want to meet with them to put a plan into motion.”
Jungle Bay has received many accolades over the years. Forbes Traveler declared it as being among the top 10 eco resorts while the Independent (UK) rated it among the top five jungle lodges.
Islands Magazine placed Jungle Bay among the top 10 island retreats in the world.
Jungle Bay comprised 35 rustic luxury cottages.
Don’t feel sorry for Sam. He has shown the world how a little boy from Bellevue Chopin can grow up to be among the top hoteliers in the world. Now he will show the world how one can have a colossal loss and rise up from the ashes, stronger and even more successful Sam grew up in St. Croix, USVI. He could have built a hotel equally as successful as Jungle Bay Dominica in St. Croix. Yet he chose to invest his time and money in the land of his birth. A businessman as astute as Sam would not have a property like Jungle Bay Dominica and not have adequate insurance.
In typical Sam fashion, his first concern was not for lis “loss.” Rather, it was the welfare of his employees. He truly feels that his employees are part of his family and a big reason for his success. They are his first customers and he treats them as such. My husband and I travelled to West Africa with Sam and his wife in 2007. He brought back a gift for every single one of his 58 employees. Sam WILL succeed!
Luck for the future, if we can do anything for you, tell us we are in Guadeloupe (Gosier). Ramlall family
Jungle bay and the staff there was one of the most welcoming places I have ever been fortunate to visit. Giving locals a trade to develop in creating jungle bay was a great initiative and I hope those skills and warm smiles can be given the opportunity to rebuild. Best wishes to all
this man Sam R exhibits the true character of humility, concern ………….a real person , hoping that a favorable door of opportunity opens up for you, you have impacted positively on many up and coming entrepreneurs
Words cannot express the sadness I am feeling , I have been to Jungle Bay on many occasions for
well deserve rest and relaxation. I cannot believe this is the end. When one door closes another one
opens . Sam is just such a creative mind , I am convinced he is going to get through this of course with
all our help. My prayers and thoughts are with his wonderful and dedicated staff , brother and the gang..
Constantine, bless up!
Jah live!
I know that this left a bitter taste in Sam mouth but I would be happy if he rebuilds Jungle Bay, even not in the same place but the same concept. This was a beautiful and peaceful place….
Where there’s life, there’s hope. Jungle Bay will be back bigger and stronger than before.
How we can help you? we fall in Love with your Country and the People. Please send me Information where we can donate
money
Thanks in advance and we are with you
http://www.opm.gov.dm
Thank you.
Thank God they evacuated in time. Imagine if they did not, what could have occurred to them.
Due to the extent of damages, I am wondering if that area could ever be re-built.
This is very sad for Dominica. Hats off to Mr. Raphael making the effort to look out for his staff.
Thanks should also go out to Joshua Theophile… who walked from Delices to Roseau to bring news to the police head quarters that there were foreigners stuck in the Delice area both at Jungle Bay and at Moses James cottages.
One has to really feel for this man who has put so much time, money and effort over the years to develop the resort and contributing heavily putting Dominica on the tourist map. I hope he can get help. It brings tears to someone’s eyes just reading about it.
Sam
I’m really sorry to hear this. You have been one enterprising and patriotic person doing your best to add value to our country and create employment for so many people.
Bless you! I hope your establishment can recover from this
You’re a great guy, Sam! I hope all turn up well for your business and ones dependent on you for sustenance.
Sam, We are so sorry to hear this news of your property and business. We appreciate your hard work and everything you’ve done over the years, for the island and for the people of Dominica. We sincerely hope that Jungle Bay, and Dominica, will rise up from this terrible disaster.
My heart goes out to Sam Rafael of jungle bay and the people/workers of Petite savanne and surroundings.
Very sad news about Jungle Bay… one of Dominica’s leading Eco-Tourism resorts… However, there is light at the end of the tunnel and the rebuilding must commence soon… Keep the spirits up… we are bound to rebound as a people and as a nation. May God continue to bless and protect all citizens in these trying times
So sad,, We need to give him debt forgiveness.
This is an unfortunate blow to the business, Sam, his staff and Dominica. Resilience will prevail.
I hope Sam has insurance and is able to recover.
Sam, feeling very sorry for your employees and hoping you can help them. Exceedingly grateful that everyone is safe and with no injuries. You are a resilient fella. You actually succeeded in making jungle bay a reality. No mean feat in Dominica.
Blessing to you, your family, and staff at this trying time.
Sam please rebuild elsewhere if funds are available or insurance reimburse. We need y in dca.