A letter we received from a couple who had visited Cuba during the devastating hurricane season of 2008:

This is to say we have just arrived from Sta. Lucia, where the effects from the recent hurricanes is terrible. Fortunately the government is getting supplies, but the food situation is not good. Club Mayanabo is up and running and they have done a fantastic job of clearing most of the debris and  have been ready for business for a few days - in fact, the hotel had tourists and many Cubans. There was not a problem with water nor communication and the only problem from the outside was the lack of a few trees and bushes and they  have no pier  and down to only two palapas on the beach.  Somewhat deserted, but we are sure things will improve greatly. We visited the Consultorio clinica in Terraco and was told they desperately  need  medical supplies. Many area residents have lost most of their possessions and have very little clothing. We have tried to help, but only one drop in the bucket. 

One piece of news, Peter and I were selected to plant a small tree on the beach in Club Amigo Mayanabo dedicated to all tourists. The Assistant Minister of Tourism and hotel  staff were on hand for  the tree-planting ceremony and a beautiful  show was presented afterwards  depicting the fall and rise again of  the Cubans' suffering, truly a show  that brought  tears to our eyes in  the midst of such  despair. We were  told we were on National television yesterday showing our interview!

Our Cuban amigos are very resilient and face each day with a smile on their  faces telling us "Everything is going to be alright,  we have our life and that is the most important thing". Whilst on our way to the consultorio, where our eyes could not believe the damage caused by Hurricane Ike , we passed a young Cuban who gave us the most wonderful smile and told us with the most  beautiful smile what a lovely day it was!