Quick note regarding insurance. You CAN get insurance on wooden structures here on the island. The insurance companies are careful regarding WHOM they decide to insure. And obviously, if you have wooden/thatch building next to the hottest barbeque and grill spot in town, you might possibly not get coverage.

There are some basic critia that you need to fulfil in order to be covered - such as not storing gasoline in the building, maintaining required building set-backs, pruning trees, having a fire extinguisher on site etc.

I had a wooden house for 10 years that was insured. After hurricane Keith my house had some damage. The insurance company paid me for my claim within 4 days of my claim - which went in less than 2 weeks after the storm. And, when it came time for renewal I was still covered. I have subsequently sold the house - and the new owners also have the house insured.

Just wanted to dispel this strange myth.