Guadeloupe Avoids Direct Hit From Maria

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The French Caribbean department of Guadeloupe avoided a direct hit from Hurricane Maria, although the storm caused the death of two people.

The island did not see infrastructural damage, however, and within two to three days “things will be back to normal in the Islands of Guadeloupe,” according to Annick Girardin, France’s Overseas Minister.

Indeed, Guadeloupe’s Pole Caraibe Airport suffered only minor damage, and has been 100 percent operational since Tuesday afternoon.

“Air traffic has now resumed,” said Jerome Siobud, Operations Director for Guadeloupe Pole Caraïbe Airport.

Guadeloupe hotels are now “up-and running and suffered only minor damage,” according to Daniel Arnoux, CEO of the Des Hotels and Des Iles Group.

“Hurricanes are an integral part of Caribbean life, we are grateful that the archipelago is able to get back to normal so quickly,” said Sandra Venite, USA Director for the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board. “Our expertise in hurricane measures, hurricane proof infrastructure and more importantly, the solidarity of the People of Guadeloupe make a strong difference.”