Barbados is a blessed island not least because it escapes the hurricane season… but today we bring you Elsa Bim heroes in half-shell.
Bim, as it’s affectionately known, last had to brave a hurricane, Janet, in 1955.
Until now with Elsa deciding to swoop to the southern islands.
My old West Indian pal Jevan has posted images from Barbados of Elsa at her fiercest.
Thankfully though Elsa has not been too vengeful to Bim.
With Jevan reporting that his only loss is some banana trees and potted plants.
While best and most surprising of all was a new appearance when Jevan braved the storms to check on his tortoises.
And discovered that one Mother Tortoises of his had given birth in the Hurricane.
Shell Superstars
West Indians proudly value their heroes in a half-shell, both tortoises and turtles.
And I even had to return to Bim to find me the swimming turtles I had missed the year before.
Probably because they were taking shelter from my boozy rum breath.
Tortoises and turtles are made for the Caribbean, moving at a slow, casual place. Irie!
And they have a natural homing instinct as you all know from me having flagged up Aruban nesting turtles.
While, of course all our favourite small islands look out for their visitors.
And few more passionately than Mother Turtle in the Maldives.
What’s the difference?
Of course, the question that has been racking our brains as we replay Jevan’s video is…
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
The Scary One won’t be convinced… a tortoise is more a landlubber while turtles prefer to give you the runaround in the sea.
Elsa Bim heroes in half-shell
I’m beginning to think this is her plan to get me to take her out to Bim.
Barbados and much of the Caribbean is on the UK green list so what’s keeping you.
And Tropical Sky will look after you.
So welcome to Jevan’s menagerie… here’s to Elsa Bim heroes in half-shell.
