Caribbean Travel – Avoid Non-Essential Travel Canada Says Of These Caribbean Nations

French Prime minister Edouard Philippe (4L) visits the damaged stadium of Marigot, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin on November 6, 2017, during a visit following the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September.(Photo credit: HELENE VALENZUELA/AFP/Getty Images)

By NAN Contributor

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Fri. Nov. 10, 2017: As three Caribbean islands decimated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria try to put the pieces back together – a little at a time, the Canadian government is warning its nationals to avoid ‘non-essential’ travel to all.

Global Affairs Canada is advising Canadians wishing to travel to Dominica, The British Virgin Islands and Saint Martin to avoid travel there unless it is absolutely necessary.

They warn against travel to or through the affected areas of the Islands since the storms caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructures on the island.

“Transportation routes, power and telecommunications systems have been heavily damaged, and, in some areas, destroyed,” the advisory states, while adding that “emergency and medical care and water and food delivery have also been severely affected. “

For Saint Martin, the Canadian government further warned that none of the resort facilities on the island are operational and there is limited tourist service.

The advisories were updated on November 8, 2017.

The news comes as Dominica’s Tourism Authority said Atlantique View Resort, Caribbean Seaview Apartments, Classique International Guest House, Coffeeriver Cottages, Hibiscus Valley Inn, Picard Family Guest House, Pointe Baptiste Guest House, Portsmouth Beach Hotel, Rejens Hotel, Rosalie Forest Eco Lodge, St. James Guest House, Suite Pepper Cottage, Sunset Bay Club, and Tamarind Tree Hotel are all open for visitors while Air Antilles, Air Sunshine, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines, WINAIR, and Trans Island Air have all resumed service to the Douglas Charles Airport.

It also comes as Saint Martin’s tourism agency said Grand Case International Airport has been open since September 23rd  while the Princess Juliana Airport re-opened on October 10th and as the BVI’s Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus  said the destination lost entire structures and many homes are without roofs, or have been diminished to mere foundations.