Hi Everyone,

I first want to thank eveyone for there concerns and warm wishes. As you know already American Samoa was hit by a 8.5 earthquake and 10 minutes later the sunami. No time for reaction, almost.

Jeff, I am sorry but do not live up in the mountain, but along the Pago Bay. Many now know that the Pago Pago Bay area was hit very hard. I live right along side the bay.

My first at utmost concern with only 10 minutes to react before the first of 3 powerful waves was the safety of my family. I am happy to say all of my children, wife and family members are fine.

When it comes to loss, yes both of my stores, Treasure Island Jewelers and The Pink Polka Dot Fashion boutique were completely destroyed. I mean completely. The report of jewelry around the pago bay area is true. Right after the first way the looters were in the store or on the street taking everything that they could. They even risked their lives when the 2nd wave hit. and again for the 3rd wave. Amazing. What really upsets me is my oldest son was helping a person that was died in a truck and across the street people would not help and only cared for what they could take from the ground.

When it comes to my home. Yes, it was hit also. We have slept outside on the driveway for 5 days. Today we finally got lucky and have a tent. I was lucky to have my own generator so we at least had lights and kept the refrigerator going.

Somebody mention they heard American Samoa doesn't really use insurance. You are correct. There just seems no to be a need. Most with cars only have liabliltiy. Bussinesses also don't carry insurance. I know it is hard to understand but that is just how it is here. Only the multi milllion dollar businesses, 10 million or more carrry it.

On to my MGB. After the earthquake I had my boys put all family members in the trucks, jeep, and cars that I own. Loaded them up wi9th everybody and parked the vehicles up the moountain. 5 vehicles total. My MGB made it through it as I was the last one to go up the mountain to make sure everyone was safe. My son who works for the National Park lost his vehicle. It was my sons 21 birthday present. He turned 21 the day of the Sunami and lost his brand new truck. He was nactually in the Pago Plaza where my businesses were located and when we called him to get home fast after the earthquake he went to his new truck to drive home. When he got to his truck all he seen was the big wave coming. He ran as fast as he could as the wave chased him. He made it to the second floor of the Pago Plaza. He was so lucky.

The only real thing I can say is I am so happy to have my family all safe and sound. Money and business means nothing. I started with nothing, made something, lost something, and now I will make it again. I am still lucky I quess because I still have another jewelry store on the other side of the island. It is my start. My heart goes out to my employees who have no jobs and also lost their homes. I will make jobs again, and hopefully more than before.

Once my family was safe I tried to help people who were in the ocean, but there was nothing I could do. Just as fast as the wave came in it went out with people in arms reach. I felt so useless to these people. It is something I hope I never have to expierince again.

Again, thank you everybody for your concerns. My family and I really appreciate your thoughts. I have much to do but will check in from time to time.

Best Regard to everyone, Ray

Thanks, Basil.

Steve, I edited the post, and the link now works.

Rick, any word on your friend? I used the Paypal address but got no reply so don't know if it worked.