Last September, Hurricane Irma, the enormously powerful storm that caused widespread and catastrophic damage throughout its two-week lifetime, particularly in parts of the northeastern Caribbean, tore up Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, which was struck by Irma as a Category 5 hurricane, leaving irreparable damage.
Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio immediately took to his Facebook to address the disaster, establishing a Tortola Relief Fund which focused on helping the people of Tortola to rebuild their island. Phish’s WaterWheel Foundation promised to match donations to this fund, with a widespread response of generosity from the Phish community and beyond. Trey has been visiting the island of Tortola since 1992 with family and friends, and has recounted the important career-shaping memories that took place on the small British Virgin Islands community.
Anastasio came to Facebook today to share an update on his and Sue’s (Anastasio) Tortola Relief Fund, stating,
Just over a year ago, my wife Sue and I established the Tortola Relief Fund through The Waterwheel Foundation in response to the complete devastation caused by Hurricane Irma on the island of Tortola. Due to the amazing generosity of many members of the Phish community, WaterWheel was able to partner with One Love BVI and Team Rubicon UK two nonprofits who are working to rebuild Tortola. I wanted to share some photos of the progress. With your help, we have been able to provide the funding to rebuild the West End Community Centre (WECC) on the island. The building, which serves as a main hurricane shelter in BVI, was seriously damaged during the storm and the government was unable to provide sufficient funding to fully rebuild it. The refurbishment is now fully funded and underway. The rebuilt hurricane shelter/community center will be better equipped to withstand future severe weather events and will include a solar and wind-powered back up power system. Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. Thank you so much!
Read Trey’s full update below:
You can also listen to three recordings that Anastasio made while practicing for his first acoustic shows while in Tortola. Click to listen to “Brian And Robert,” “Strange Design,” and “Love Is What We Are.”
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