Hurricane Iota relief Old Providence Island (Colombia)

Hurricane Iota relief for the Old Providence Island

The small Colombian Island of Old Providence (Isla Providencia) has been hit hard by the Category 5 Hurricane Iota in November. According to official sources, 98 per cent of the island's infrastructure has been destroyed. The island and its people have already suffered from the Covid-19 pandemic, with tourism (the island's main income source) being at almost zero for most of 2020.

Myself and my wife, Yohana, have visited the island many times. It is a paradise for snorkeling, beach life, restful time, and my passion, fly fishing!

We have made good friends over the years visiting the island, while we were living in Bogota. Now, back in Switzerland, and unable to travel there due to the Pandemic, we wish to help our friends on the island, to get back on their feet from this horrendous year.

The Colombian state has deployed emergency relief for the population on Old Providence. Tents, basic food items, and basic medical services are being installed. The military assists with the cleansing of the debris on the island. Our friends do need, however, to buy tools and construction materials to be able to start their life in a decent shelter as soon as possible. The Winter months correspond to the rainy season and the tents only can bring that much shelter from the elements.

This is our priority with our good friends on the island: helping with the purchase of construction materials and tools to rebuild their homes; getting their boats back in shape for them to be able to go out fishing and bribg food and income to their families; and purchase basic items such as clothing and household items to reinstall their homes.

We will send the funds directly to the families we have made ties with during our time on the island over the years. Chroushman Lemuel Borden and his wife and kids; Andrew Archbold and his wife and daughter; Jaisel Archbold Borden and his mother. And of course, their borader families and friends.

We thank all of you for your support, and we are certain that our friends in Old Providence will be forever thankful to the help received in these dire times!