BIG TROUBLE at Morritts Tortuga & Grand

[Caladezi]

There seems to be alot of "mold" at the resort both inside and outside of the buildings.

 

[Floridaski]

Are you there now?

Are you at Morritts now?

 

[Caladezi]

Are you at Morritts now?

No, not at the moment.

 

[Floridaski]

Did you personally see mold?

OK, thanks for the straight answer - I appreciate your honesty.

Now if you could answer just a few more questions.

Did you see the mold yourself?

If you saw it with your own eyes, when did you observe it?

Thanks for your patience, mold in a tropical environment is not a small problem. It may not be a huge problem, mold on the exterior is easy - bleach and a power wash solves the problem. Mold on the interior can be easy to get rid of or it can be a disaster.

We live in South Florida and most if not all insurance policy now HAVE a mold clause. So, if in fact there is a LARGE mold issue at Morritts, it is very possible that it would be covered by their current insurance policy. Mold mitigation is a common problem in the tropics. Thank you in advance for your clarity in the details.

 

[Caladezi]

OK, thanks for the straight answer - I appreciate your honesty.

Now if you could answer just a few more questions.

Did you see the mold yourself?

If you saw it with your own eyes, when did you observe it?

Thanks for your patience, mold in a tropical environment is not a small problem. It may not be a huge problem, mold on the exterior is easy - bleach and a power wash solves the problem. Mold on the interior can be easy to get rid of or it can be a disaster.

We live in South Florida and most if not all insurance policy now HAVE a mold clause. So, if in fact there is a LARGE mold issue at Morritts, it is very possible that it would be covered by their current insurance policy. Mold mitigation is a common problem in the tropics. Thank you in advance for your clarity in the details.

Flordaski: The mold that I am refering to is not the same kind of mold that you are thinking about, which is why I have written it "mold". What I am talking about is the "mold" that is deeply entrenched at Morritts which if not removed will destroy the resort. I simply used the term which was used by a previous poster as a vehicle. The "mold" that we have can not be washed away or bleached. It will have to be removed somehow or Morritts will suffer.
I hope that our "mold" mitigation problem can be resolved and we can once again be the resort that we were pre Ivan.

As for the other more common type of mold, I'm sure that it has been taken care of by our maintenance staff.

 

[Topcat]

As for the other more common type of mold, I'm sure that it has been taken care of by our maintenance staff.

Actually no it hasn't been. I did notice some mold or mildew in corners and along the base of the interior wall.

 

[Caladezi]

Actually no it hasn't been. I did notice some mold or mildew in corners and along the base of the interior wall.

I hope that you pointed that out to Dutch (the GM) and that he has it taken care of. When something like that is seen it doesn't do much good to mention it to the maids or sales people. Take it right to the top and then if it's not corrected the owners have a very legitiment complaint.

 

[Floridaski]

I guess the "mold" is walking around?

So, if I understand you correctly - this "mold" can mitigate very easily, perhaps on 2 legs? Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Janette]

When we exchanged in during March, they pressure washed the Grand with a clorox solution. We loved our stay there so I hope you can solve the problems.

 

[Caladezi]

When we exchanged in during March, they pressure washed the Grand with a clorox solution. We loved our stay there so I hope you can solve the problems.

Janette: Please check out:

http://morritts.17.forumer.com/viewforum.php?f=5

 

[Topcat]

I hope that you pointed that out to Dutch (the GM) and that he has it taken care of. When something like that is seen it doesn't do much good to mention it to the maids or sales people. Take it right to the top and then if it's not corrected the owners have a very legitiment complaint.

Didn't tell Dutch as I couldn't find him the 1 day I decided to make a stink about the whole problem. Where is his office for the next time I am down there? Showed it to maintenance several times since they were in the room multiple times looking at the water on the floor. See my previous post about that. And yes I am an owner there so would not have a problem with taking it to Dutch.

 

[Caladezi]

Anyone at the front desk can point you to Dutch's office. It is on the second floor in the main building.

 

[Gadaboutgal]

Any Updates?

So what's the latest word on Morritt's BOD meeting? I am actually in GC as I write, and I only know that the meetings were from Monday to Wednesday of this week. Reading in other forums regarding Morritt's, the threads have all disappeared overnight. So does anyone here know what "plan" of David's was presented at the meeting? Will we, the owners, be privy to the outcome?

 

[Topcat]

So what's the latest word on Morritt's BOD meeting? I am actually in GC as I write, and I only know that the meetings were from Monday to Wednesday of this week. Reading in other forums regarding Morritt's, the threads have all disappeared overnight. So does anyone here know what "plan" of David's was presented at the meeting? Will we, the owners, be privy to the outcome?

It is supposed to be posted on Morritts website sometime today. I posed a question yesterday about why we could not be told the short version immediately and the details later and got no response. May be interesting

 

[Caladezi]

We are being told that the information will be posted by 5:00PM today on the Morritts web site http://morritts.com/. The discussion was moved from the open section to the owners only section of the unofficial forum http://morritts.17.forumer.com/index.php?sid=6ca26671dbcf78e71d2342c3ee7d2e70. A decision made by that forums moderator.

 

[Topcat]

Here is what was posted :annoyed:

To all owners of timeshare interests at
Morritt’s Grand Resort and Morritt’s Tortuga Club

Morritt Properties Cayman Ltd (the “Developer”) wishes to announce that it will be listing for sale the Developer’s interests in the Morritt timeshare Resorts at East End, Grand Cayman as soon as marketing materials can be prepared.

Mr. Morritt wishes to determine what interest there may be by any qualified group to continue the developments he started in Cayman more than 20-years ago. Any prospective purchaser will of course have to abide by the timeshare plan and ensure that all rights of timeshare owners continue unabated.

Earlier this year David Morritt engaged in discussions with the owner-elected members of the Board of Directors of both Morritt’s Grand Resort Ltd., and Morritt’s Tortuga Club Ltd., who had expressed an interest in the purchase of the Resorts by or for their Associations/members. Mr. Morritt confirmed that he remains open to further discussions with that group or any other group of timeshare interest holders who make an offer competitive with other offers that may be made.

Mr. Morritt confirmed that there are no proposed changes in operation of the Resorts during the period of any future sales negotiations and that the Resorts, which have consistently been in the highest occupancy bracket in the resort business in the Cayman Islands, will remain open for business as usual to their thousands of members.

 

[Caladezi]

The FULL posting:
Management Update August 2009



The Morritt’s Tortuga Club, Ltd. (MTC) and Morritt’s Grand Resort, Ltd. (MGR) Boards of Directors met at the Global Resort Management, Inc. (GRM) offices in Largo, FL on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; August 24, 25 and 26. Present at the meetings were David Morritt, Dutch Hoffmann, and Mimi Morritt, representing Morritt Properties Cayman, Ltd. (MPC); Stephen Burger (GRM accountant), Chris Narborough (MPC attorney), Ursula Tripke (GRM, Operations Manager), and Jim Warmus, partner of Averett Warmus Durkee (independent CPA), Myron Holtz and Manfred Lissinna, owner reps for MTC; Les Graham and Daryl Thompson owner reps for MGR.

The purpose of the meeting was to review 2nd quarter financial operating statements and to discuss and approve the Proposed 2010 Operating Budget for each Association. Additionally and most importantly, the Boards were presented with an action plan prepared by the developer to address the financial issues apparent in the 2008 certified audits prepared by the independent CPA firm of Averett Warmus Durkee.

The financial issues, which were a major concern to the Boards of both Associations, were in the nature of the “Due To/From Developer” accounts. While it was a common occurrence in prior years for there to be balances in these accounts, the level of the “Due From Developer” accounts as of December 31, 2008 were of a magnitude that required an action plan from the developer.

2010 Proposed Budgets

The portion of the meetings dealing with the Proposed 2010 Operating Budgets resulted in the approval of a budget for each Association to be presented to the owners for adoption at the annual General Owners Meeting in October with no increase in maintenance fees over 2009.

Developer Action Plan

As to the Action Plan to focus on the “Due From Developer” accounts, from 2008 through June 30, 2009; David Morritt and his attorney, Chris Narborough presented a multi-faceted plan to address the concerns of both Associations. The plan, which was approved by each Board, consists of the following components:

· An announcement by the developer, which will be posted on this web site, will be forthcoming that David Morritt has announced that he will be listing for sale the developer’s interest in both resorts. He is in the process of preparing marketing documents, which will be presented to all interested and qualified parties.

· As the developer is aware that the Associations are interested in purchasing the resorts, he has agreed to provide a reasonable amount of seed money to be used by the Associations to explore the feasibility of such an acquisition.

· The developer has provided the Associations with a Promissory Note at reasonable business terms and rates with weekly payments. The outstanding balance will be payable in full at the time of sale.

· With the primary mortgage holder’s approval, the Promissory Note will be filed as a second charge (lien) against the property.

· Payments on the Promissory Note will be augmented by funds from the developer in the next few months.

· The developer has committed to infuse funds to MPC to provide uninterrupted operation of the resorts during the sale process. The Board considered this to be the most critical component of the action plan. It assures all owners and guests that the resort continues to operate with all services.



Boards of Directors,

Morritts Tortuga Club

Morritts Grand Resort



To all owners of timeshare interests at
Morritt’s Grand Resort and Morritt’s Tortuga Club

Morritt Properties Cayman Ltd (the “Developer”) wishes to announce that it will be listing for sale the Developer’s interests in the Morritt timeshare Resorts at East End, Grand Cayman as soon as marketing materials can be prepared.

Mr. Morritt wishes to determine what interest there may be by any qualified group to continue the developments he started in Cayman more than 20-years ago. Any prospective purchaser will of course have to abide by the timeshare plan and ensure that all rights of timeshare owners continue unabated.

Earlier this year David Morritt engaged in discussions with the owner-elected members of the Board of Directors of both Morritt’s Grand Resort Ltd., and Morritt’s Tortuga Club Ltd., who had expressed an interest in the purchase of the Resorts by or for their Associations/members. Mr. Morritt confirmed that he remains open to further discussions with that group or any other group of timeshare interest holders who make an offer competitive with other offers that may be made.

Mr. Morritt confirmed that there are no proposed changes in operation of the Resorts during the period of any future sales negotiations and that the Resorts, which have consistently been in the highest occupancy bracket in the resort business in the Cayman Islands, will remain open for business as usual to their thousands of members.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[JRS]

These issues always peak interest, if it is my resort or another. I am confused about one issue - maybe I overlooked the answer because of speed reading. Anyways just getting back to basics. IF these are RTU leases, does mgmt "really" need to get owner feedback (if they're leased the owner is not the lessee). regarding the budget ? Who in fact is the owner ? I am a member of another resort (one a RTU one deeded), have not received ONE financial statement, and wonder if I have any right to receive it ..... the deeded property I suspect I have more rights to this request .....

 

[Floridaski]

First thanks for keeping us all posted, I personally do not care if someone is an owner at Morritts or not. I just want truthful and factual information from any source that is available to provide that information - I think most owners would feel the same way. So if you are a non-owner and have info - please share it!

Big question, how exactly does David Morritt expect the current HOA to purchase the property. We know he will try to get the highest amount of money as possible, I am sure the property value is in question and then you have the credit crunch on top of the Hurricane issues. It all just rolls up into one big problem.

Does anyone know who holds the notes on the property currently? There is always this reference to London - but the offices are in Florida. Who knows perhaps the US Government may own a "piece of Paradise" with the huge bank bail outs? This is all speculation - bottom line, none of us really know the whole story.

I think Morritts will continue to operate, I am not sure David will really sell - because I think he will hard pressed to find somebody that will pay him what he "thinks" the resort is worth. We all know that folks that build from a "dream" tend to over value their properties worth.

I guess time will tell - in the mean time, please share any info you may have!

 

[tselios]

any updates on Morritts?

Just wondering if there were any updates on this situation?
Has anyone been there recently?
Is the maintainence being kept up at the resort?
Thanx for any info,
we are looking to exchange into this property for 2010.

 

[Caladezi]

Just wondering if there were any updates on this situation?
Has anyone been there recently?
Is the maintainence being kept up at the resort?
Thanx for any info,
we are looking to exchange into this property for 2010.

I was at the resort in September and had a great time. There are a few maintenance issues that were apparent to someone who has been there many times over the years but would not even be noticed by most people. The place for the most part looks great and I'm sure that you will have a great time. The staff, as always, is wonderful and will go out of there way to make your stay be beyond your expectations.

As far as the resort internal problems, they are still on going. The developer is paying back the money owed to the associations on a regular basis and has listed the resort for sale with a real estate company. None of this will have any effect on your stay at the resort and you will have no indication that there is any problem. There is absolutely no reason that you should not have a wonderful vacation at Morritts. Enjoy, and have a great time.

 

[judyjht]

I am going to the Grand in March for the first time - can't wait!!

 

[pefs65]

I am going to the Grand on a DVC RCI exchange for March 2011:whoopie:
I cant wait to go either

 

[Noni]

We'll be at Tortuga Seaside in June, 2010 for our annual trip. Whatever minimal problems we may encounter, it never interferes with our vacation.

Have fun.

 

[LisaH]

Which week in June will you be there? We will be at Morritts Grand from June 13 to 20.