The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Resorts on Paradise Island yesterday said they were fortunate not to have not sustained any damage from Hurricane Irma, and are either open or preparing to re-open.

Howard Karawan, Atlantis’s president and managing director, said yesterday: “The storm has passed us by and our prayers are with those who are affected by - and still in the path of -Hurricane Irma.

“We are extremely fortunate that everybody – our guests, associates and marine life - made it through the storm safely, and Atlantis has sustained no damage. Once all advisories were lifted, the team began the process of putting furniture back out and removing the sandbags that were filled prior to the storm. The resort is now fully operational.”

He added: “It is during times like these that we see it as our moral responsibility to support the community as best as we can, not close our doors on them. Everyone is safe. Everyone had a place here at the property, and together we navigated the storm.

“We were able to host hundreds of local residents who stayed with us, dined with us and participated in resort-curated activities. Our hearts break over the catastrophic loss from both Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.”

Warwick International’s special assistant to its president, G. Paul LeBlanc, said of the chain’s Paradise Island property: “We did very well with no damage from the winds, with the exception of certain trees in the Paradise Garden in front. With no rain, we were all very, very lucky. We are very glad that LPIA is back in operation.”

Baha Mar also reported that it had sustained no damage as a result of Hurricane Irma. The resort said in a statement that is is ready to resume full hotel, casino and retail operations tomorrow.