# CaribbeanComeback
The #CaribbeanComeback initiative is something that began the day after Hurricane Irma passed through the Caribbean. Active Interest Media General Manager Gary DeSanctis organized a call with the editors and some of our partners in the islands, such as MarineMax and The Moorings—two of the biggest yacht charter companies in the world. We asked them what we could do to help; at the time, they were frantically working to take care of their employees and customers.
A couple months later we met these partners in person at an editors open house during the Ft. Lauderdale boat show, and this time they did need help. Even though the islands were recovering and marinas had opened up, they were seeing an incredible drop in tourism, just as the winter charter season was scheduled to open as usual.
Both companies offered to let us borrow a boat—which is still the only way to really explore the BVIs—to experience the state of the islands for ourselves. These companies are fierce competitors, but in an unprecedented show of unity they worked together, with each giving us a boat, and helping us form an itinerary to best report on what islands were open. In attendance was an editor from Power & Motoryact, PassageMaker, Sail, Soundings, Soundings Trade Only,
and Yachts International. Once there, we cruised the islands and spoke to countless people whose lives were literally turned upside down. We bounced from island to island and produced videos and Facebook live content to let our online audiences know places like Jost Van Dyke and The Baths on Virgin Gorda were welcoming visitors, and the water appeared cleaner than it had in decades.
We also reported on the destruction. There were hurricane holes and anchorages that literally became yacht graveyards; cars on the road were missing windows because Irma’s winds sent deadly debris flying.
The videos we produced on our Facebook page ( facebook.com/powerandmotoryacht), Instagram page (@powerandmotoryacht) and at pmymag. com were viewed more than 100,000 times. I invite you to check out our full coverage on those channels and under the hashtag #CaribbeanComeback.