Cayman Update

Hurricane Warnings now in effect for the Cayman Islands

2005-07-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Emily, reached Category 4 status, with winds over 130 mph effective with the 8:00PM AST advisory. It continues to move west northwest at 20 mph. It continues to follow the track outlined below.

Hurricane Warnings now in effect for Jamaica

Hurricane Watch now in effect for the Cayman Islands

Hurricane Emily makes 2005 the most active June and July period for named storms since the National Weather Service began tracking tropical storms and hurricanes. There have never been 5 named storms this early in the season before, and there are still a couple of tropical depressions moving off the African coast that may increase this record breaking year.

HURRICANE EMILY ADVISORY NUMBER 23
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
11 AM EDT SAT JUL 16 2005

...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY FOUR EMILY MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD...RAINBANDS SPREADING OVER JAMAICA...

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR JAMAICA AND FOR ALL OF THE
CAYMAN ISLANDS.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

AT 11 AM EDT...1500 UTC...THE GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ISSUED A HURRICANE WATCH FOR THE EASTERN COAST OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA FROM CHETUMAL TO CABO CATOCHE INCLUDING THE ISLAS MUJERES.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE SOUTHWESTERN PENINSULA OF HAITI FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI BORDER TO
PORT-AU-PRINCE. THIS WARNING WILL LIKELY BE DISCONTINUED LATER
TODAY.

AT 11 AM EDT...THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR THE COAST OF BELIZE FROM BELIZE CITY NORTHWARD TO THE BELIZE-MEXICO BORDER.

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CARIBBEAN...AND THE SOUTHERN GULF OF MEXICO...SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF EMILY.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED
BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 11 AM EDT...1500Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE EMILY WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 16.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 77.3 WEST OR ABOUT 130
MILES... 205 KM...SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF KINGSTON JAMAICA AND ABOUT
335 MILES... 540 KM...SOUTHEAST OF GRAND CAYMAN.

EMILY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 18 MPH...30 KM/HR...
AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24
HOURS. THIS MOTION SHOULD BRING THE CENTER OF EMILY SOUTH OF
JAMAICA TODAY AND NEAR GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND TONIGHT.

REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE
THAT MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 145 MPH...230 KM/HR...WITH
GUSTS. THIS MAKES EMILY A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN STRENGTH ARE EXPECTED
DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 70 MILES...110 KM...
FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP
TO 150 MILES...240 KM. FOR JAMAICA...HURRICANE FORCE WINDS MAY
OCCUR IN GUSTS IN RAINBANDS ALONG THE COASTS...WITH POSSIBLE
SUSTAINED HURRICANE FORCE WINDS AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS...ESPECIALLY
ABOVE 3000 FEET.

THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY THE HURRICANE HUNTER
IS 943 MB...27.85 INCHES.

EMILY MAY PRODUCE RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES OVER
JAMAICA WITH MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
RAINFALL TOTALS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES IS POSSIBLE OVER THE CAYMAN
ISLANDS...WITH SOME 1 TO 3 INCH AMOUNTS POSSIBLE OVER SOUTHEASTERN
CUBA. THESE RAINS COULD PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND
MUD SLIDES. RAINS WILL BE DIMINISHING OVER THE WESTERN PORTION OF
HISPANIOLA TODAY.

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Cayman Update is a service of Cayman Information Service. FInd us at caymaninformationservice.com

Cayman Islands under Hurricane Watch for Hurricane Emily

2005-07-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Emily, reached Category 4 status, with winds over 130 mph effective with the 8:00AM AST advisory. It continues to move west northwest at 20 mph. It continues to follow the track outlined below.

Hurricane Warnings now in effect for Jamaica

Hurricane Watch now in effect for the Cayman Islands

Hurricane Emily makes 2005 the most active June and July period for named storms since the National Weather Service began tracking tropical storms and hurricanes. There have never been 5 named storms this early in the season before, and there are still a couple of tropical depressions moving off the African coast that may increase this record breaking year.

For great details specific to the Cayman Islands
go to the Cayman Islands Forum

Current Advisories from the National Hurricane Center Tropical Prediction Center include

HURRICANE EMILY ADVISORY NUMBER 18
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
8 AM AST FRI JUL 15 2005
...DANGEROUS HURRICANE EMILY CONTINUES TOWARD THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA...

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF JAMAICA. A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION. A HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM PUNTA SALINAS WESTWARD TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI BORDER...AND FOR THE ENTIRE SOUTHWESTERN PENINSULA OF HAITI FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI BORDER TO PORT-AU-PRINCE.

AT 8 AM AST...1200 UTC...THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR VENEZUELAAND FOR BONAIRE...CURACAO...AND ARUBA HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. INTERESTS ELSEWHERE IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CARIBBEAN SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF EMILY. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 8 AM AST...1200Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE EMILY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 14.1 NORTH... LONGITUDE 70.0 WEST OR ABOUT 345 MILES... 555 KM... SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF PORT AU PRINCE HAITI AND ABOUT 525 MILES... 845 KM...EAST-SOUTHEAST OF KINGSTON JAMAICA.

EMILY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 20 MPH...32 KM/HR... AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 135 MPH...215 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. THIS MAKES EMILY A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE.

HOWEVER...SATELLITE IMAGES SUGGEST THAT EMILY MAY HAVE WEAKENED A LITTLE DURING THE PAST FEW HOURS. A RECONNAISSANCE PLANE WILL CHECK THE INTENSITY SHORTLY. HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 40 MILES... 65 KM...FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UPTO 140 MILES...220 KM.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 952 MB...28.11 INCHES.

EMILY MAY PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHESACROSS PORTIONS OF THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES...AND 3 TO 6 INCHES AREPOSSIBLE OVER PORTIONS OF HISPANIOLA. EMILY IS ALSO EXPECTED TOPRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 10 INCHES OVER JAMAICA...WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES POSSIBLE. THESE RAINSCOULD PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES.

Cayman Update is a service of Cayman Information Service

Cayman Summer Splash 2005

2005-06-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Cayman Summer Splash is on again for 2005. Come to Cayman this summer for great vacations and save money too. Visit the official Cayman Islands site for more details on savings available during Cayman Summer Splash.

Grand Cayman coming back strong

2005-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Now that it is nearly 9 months since Hurricane Ivan struck Grand Cayman, the Islands, and especially Grand Cayman are coming back strong. New building and remodeling is going on everywhere but most of the primary hotels, restaurants, and businesses are now back in operation. It is time to plan YOUR vacation to Grand Cayman to enjoy the outstanding World Class Scuba diving, Cayman attractions, and more. Come to the Cayman Islands this year for the time of your life.

Grand Cayman earthquake details

2004-12-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

From the Cayman Families user group daily email digest come details of the Cayman Earthquake and it's impacts.

For more information on this earthquake, here are the links:-
http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/neic_sadb.html

Magnitude 6.7 CAYMAN ISLANDS REGION Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 23:20:13 UTC

Preliminary Earthquake Report
U.S. Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center
World Data Center for Seismology, Denver

Magnitude 6.7

Date-Time Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 23:20:13 (UTC) - Coordinated Universal Time
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 06:20:13 PM local time at epicenter

Location 18.98N 81.31W

Depth 10.0 kilometers

Region CAYMAN ISLANDS REGION

Reference 35 km (20 miles) SSE of GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands
325 km (205 miles) ENE of Swan Island
360 km (225 miles) SSW of Cienfuegos, Cuba
760 km (470 miles) S of Miami, Florida

Location Quality Error estimate: horizontal +/- 4.5 km; depth fixed by location program

Location Quality

Parameters Nst=204, Nph=204, Dmin=1010.1 km, Rmss=1.01 sec, Erho=4.5 km, Erzz=0 km, Gp=75.2 degrees Source USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)

You can file an eyewitness report here:- http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/ous/

AP Breaking

news:-http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2004/12/14/international2035EST0733.DTL

Pictures fell from walls, store shelves rattled and swimming pools cracked when the earthquake struck at 6:20 p.m. local time (6:20 p.m. EST/2320 GMT), residents said, but there was no early sign of major damage to buildings in the British territory. U.S. Geological Survey spokeswoman Kathleen Gohn said the service had heard some early reports of damage but gave no details.

From the Cayman Families email digest

Radio Cayman reporting:-

*zero chance of tidal wave activity at this time.

Tidal waves occur within a few minutes of an earthquake and rumors of tidal waves are just that, rumors.

* west end of Cayman Brac and north side of Cayman Brac felt it. Only report of damage from there is a picture falling off the wall.

* may experience smaller aftershocks over next few days, same thing that occurred in Trinidad a couple of weeks ago.

* Dr. Margaret Anderson (sp?), University of West Indies Seismic Dept. said it was also felt in Jamaica, and that there have been a spate of moderate to strong earthquakes along Caribbean boundaries at this time - Jamaica, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, and now it's moved into the northern Caribbean.

To listen Live to Radio Cayman, click mms://209.27.53.25/RadioCayman.
Requires Real Player or go to www.radiocayman.gov.ky.
Permanent link also in the link section of this website.

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service.
Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at
Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island
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Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits Grand Cayman

2004-12-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

From Cayman Net News
source URL is http://www.caymannetnews.com/breaking.shtml

Tuesday, December 14, 2004
A strong earthquake was felt throughout Grand Cayman at 6:20 pm on Tuesday, December 14, 2004. According to a preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center in Denver, the epicenter of the magnitude 6.7 event was located some 21 miles south of Bodden Town at a depth of 6.2 miles.

Seismicity maps published by the National Earthquake Information Center indicate that this event was the closest to Grand Cayman occurring since 1990.

According to eyewitness reports, the earthquake lasted between 15 and 30 seconds and prompted the evacuation of offices, supermarkets and other buildings, including the airport control tower, where one witness reported the tower was “rocking one and a half to two feet.”
No casualties have been reported.

Cayman Net News is following this story and will be publishing full details as soon as they are available

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company. Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at
Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

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Sea View Diver hotel is closed

2004-11-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

The Sea View Diver hotel has been sold and will be demolished due to the damage associated with Hurricane Ivan. No further information is available at this time.

2004-10-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

CAYMAN ISLANDS NATIONAL RECOVERY FUND
Press Release
1 October 2004
On 23 September 2004 the Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund was formally established. It has received significant contributions already including the sum of One Million dollars from the Bank of Butterfield International (Cayman) Ltd. This trust is chaired by His Excellency the Governor and has a board of trustees also comprising The Leader of Government Business, The Leader of the Opposition, The Honourable Speaker, The Financial Secretary, Mr Huw Moses, Mr Connor O'Dea, Pastor Winston Rose, and Mr Dan Scott. Mr Andrew Jones Q.C. has been appointed the "Enforcer" of the trust.
This fund is and will be, the only official fund accepting and distributing monies to private individuals in the Cayman Islands as part of the relief effort. The beneficiaries of the fund include any persons injured, bereaved, rendered homeless, destitute or otherwise adversely affected by the Hurricane in the Cayman Islands on or after 11 September 2004. The trust has already commenced making grants to assist in the restoration of roofs of the homes of low income persons. Application forms for a grant for this purpose can be obtained from locations such as police stations, gas stations, shelters and churches throughout Grand Cayman.
The fund will be audited and considerable checks are in place to ensure proper placement and use of donations. The trustees are concerned that there may be a temptation to some to take advantage of the situation for personal profit and accordingly, any official or authorised fund raising for the Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund will bear the crest of the Cayman Islands.
Any fundraising on behalf of the fund is most welcomed and ideas should be discussed with one of the trustees. Contributions, which should be tax deductible for United States Tax purposes, should be sent to any one of the clearing banks operating in the Cayman Islands. Separate accounts have been established in CI, US, and Canadian dollars, together with Pounds Sterling.

The table below sets out the relevant accounts established to date and which are ready to receive donations.
Bank US$ Account CI$ Account Canadian$ Account Pounds Sterling Account
Bank of Butterfield 01101-036345 02101-036345 03210-036345 04210-036345

Cayman National Bank 021-77-999 011-88-999 031-00097 041-00066

Fidelity Bank 01521-114052-00 05521-114052-00 04521-114052-00 03521-114052-00

First Caribbean International Bank
1003-2530 1003-2522 1003-2994 1003-3009

Royal Bank of Canada 262-581-2 112-896-6 725-077-2 710-044-9

Scotiabank 70007-66 70007-68 70007-67 70007-69

The trustees look forward to working with all the people of these Islands to a prompt and lasting recovery from the tragic events of Hurricane Ivan and thanks the public for its efforts and donations.
The Trustees of The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund
Contact: Huw Moses Appleby Spurling Hunter 949-4900 hmoses@applebyglobal.com

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company. Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

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The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund Established

2004-10-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Taken from the official update site for the Cayman Islands caymanislands.ky

September 2004

The Government of the Cayman Islands is in the process of establishing an independent trust to accept monetary donations for relief and reconstruction following Hurricane Ivan. The trust is known as “The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund”. The Trust will benefit those who were injured, rendered homeless, destitute or otherwise adversely affected by the hurricane and their families and dependants and to further the social, educational, economic, religious and environmental recovery of the Islands.

A U.S. Dollar and a Cayman Islands Dollar current account will be established at each of the local clearing banks. The first of these accounts have been established with Cayman National Bank. The account numbers at Cayman National Bank are as follows:

US Dollar account #: 021 77 999
CI Dollar account #: 011 88 999

When the accounts have been established at the other local clearing banks, further announcements will be made giving the account numbers at those banks. Overseas donations can be routed via Citibank in New York, London and Toronto. For wire transfers, the following bank routing instructions should be specified:

In the United States of America:
through Citibank, N.A., 111 Wall Street, New York, ABA 021000089, for credit to Cayman National Bank Ltd, Account Number 36148883, for further credit to The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund, Account Number 021 77 999;

In Canada: through Citibank 100 King Street West, Suite 3400, Toronto, SWIFT CITICATT, for credit to Cayman National Bank Ltd, Account Number 2014031002, for further credit to The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund, Account Number 031 - 00097; and

In the United Kingdom: through Citibank, 335 Strand, London, SWIFT CITIGB2L, for credit to Cayman National Bank Ltd, Account Number 8924309, for further credit to The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund, Account Number 041 - 00066.

The Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands, the Honourable George McCarthy, stated: “The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund will be administered by a Board of Trustees pursuant to the Trusts Law of the Cayman Islands.” Mr. McCarthy continued that His Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands will chair the Board of Trustees. The other Trustees will be the Honourable Leader of Government Business; the Honourable Leader of the Opposition: the Honourable Speaker of the Legislative Assembly: the Honourable Financial Secretary, Mr. Huw Moses, Managing Partner of Appleby Spurling Hunter: Mr. Conor O’Dea, Managing Director of Bank of Butterfield International (Cayman) Ltd.; Mr Daniel Scott, Managing Partner of Ernst & Young; and Pastor Winston Rose.

Mr. McCarthy noted that the Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund is the only officially recognised account into which donations should be channelled, adding, “The Fund will be independently audited.” Mr. McCarthy continued: “We know that there are individuals, agencies and businesses that have set up accounts to assist the Cayman Islands at this difficult time. We are very grateful for these efforts and hope that they continue. The Government of the Cayman Islands and the Board Trustees of the Fund simply request that these funds be transferred to The Cayman Islands National Recovery Fund,” said Mr. McCarthy. “This will enable the Board of Trustees to know the full extent of donated funds available for the recovery effort.”

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company.
Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

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Atlantic Hurricanes Should Slow in Oct-Forecaster

2004-10-05T13:06:00.001-07:00

Taken from the Rueters UK new service
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=6392804&section=news

Atlantic Hurricanes Should Slow in Oct-ForecasterFri 1 October, 2004 19:32 By Jim Loney
MIAMI (Reuters) - A noted storm forecaster offered Floridians some good news on Friday as they mopped up from an unprecedented four hurricanes in six weeks by forecasting that the disastrous Atlantic hurricane season will go out with a whimper rather than a bang.

Following a period in which millions of people in the Caribbean and along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts were on hurricane alert constantly, October may bring only three more storms, two of which may become hurricanes, said William Gray of Colorado State University in an updated storm forecast.

More of this story is available here

************************************************************************************Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company.Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at
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Atlantic Hurricanes Should Slow in Oct-Forecaster

2004-10-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=6392804&section=news

Hurricane Ivan: A Two-Week Anniversary Retrospective

2004-10-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Taken from Reliefweb Serving the information needs of the humanitarian relief community

Article source at Relief Web
http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/6686f45896f15dbc852567ae00530132/ca20d7c302266ac8c1256f230043074e?OpenDocument

Source: Government of the Cayman IslandsDate: 2 Oct 2004

Hurricane Ivan: A Two-Week Anniversary RetrospectiveAs Grand Cayman began experiencing tropical storm force winds from the outer bands of category 5 Hurricane Ivan on Saturday afternoon, 11 September, 3,094 persons were in public shelters. Others had made other arrangements for refuge, and as winds rose and the rains began, people throughout the island prayed.

Hurricane force winds set in from approximately 2 a.m. Sunday morning, with the worst conditions, the 155 mph sustained winds and gusts of over 200 miles an hour, being felt between 6 and 11 a.m. As torrential rainfall lashed the island, roofs were torn from buildings, utility poles snapped and trees were uprooted. Even more horrific, driven by Ivan's monstrous winds, the sea rose eight feet above normal levels and surged inland, flooding all that stood in its path.

For more than 24 hours, there was no respite from the pounding winds, rain and seas.
When the last tropical storm force winds died down on Monday morning, shell-shocked residents began emerging to see the full impact of the devastation. Statistics would corroborate initial observations as the week wore on: preliminary damage assessment from the National Hurricane Committee (NHC) indicated that 95% of buildings on Grand Cayman sustained damaged - 10-15% beyond repair. In Breakers and East End, the areas hardest hit, 80% and 50% of homes, respectively, were lost and Bodden Town's coastal strip accounted for another 40% of destroyed homes. Several sections of road along the east and south coasts were ripped up.

Across the island, thousands of people were displaced and dazed, lacking housing, food, water and utilities. Commercial activity was non-existent and vehicles, trailer containers, power lines, buildings and vegetation, swirled together in tangled masses.

Two weeks on, however, Grand Cayman has made real strides towards recovery: just one day after the hurricane, airport services were restarted, and some roads made passable. Basic food, water and other relief supplies were distributed and for several days, supermarkets and other businesses donated necessities to the public. Several gas stations have now reopened for regular business, along with supermarkets and supply stores. Repairs have already begun.

First external response came from the British Royal Navy ships, the Richmond and Waveruler, whose officers provided supplies and humanitarian assistance in the critical first four days. Overseas, families and friends also loaded planes with relief supplies, supplementing provisions sent by the Red Cross and other international agencies. Representatives from Jamaica, Barbados, Honduras and other parts of Central and South America, the USA, Canada, UK, and South Africa, arranged evacuation flights and assistance for their nationals. Many private companies did the same for their employees and large numbers of expatriates and Caymanians alike took advantage of those flights, put on by Cayman Airways, Air Jamaica, and North American and other commercial and chartered carriers.

The British Government also sent two representatives to assess local needs, which resulted in the shipment of additional relief supplies, and also from the UK, came help with security issues and funding for the deployment to Cayman of 21 police officers from the Turks and Caicos, the British Virgin Islands and Bermuda.

The Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, themselves only minimally damaged by the hurricane, were back to normalcy within a few days and also sent in supplies. They have also served as a haven for significant numbers of Grand Cayman residents.

Hotels that could, opened their doors to local and incoming relief workers. East End's Morritts Tortuga also arranged a daily supply of 75,000 gallons of fresh water and shower and toilet facilities for that hard-hit district.

Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) restored electricity to emergency facilities such as the airport, NHC headquarters, and the government hospital within four days, despite damage to some 20% of its transmission and distribution system. Service was restored to most of the central George Town business district by the end of the first week (Friday, 17th) and piped water was restored to that area by the following Monday (September 20th) to allow businesses to resume operations that day. Businesses returning to work included all insurance companies and agents, while local clearing banks had already reopened with reduced hours the previous day. They confirmed that their records and data were unaffected and that the banking system remains sound.

Operational government services at the end of the first week included Immigration, Customs, the Companies Registry, Summary Court and the Health Services Authority's general practice clinics and district health centres. Accident and Emergency and in-patient facilities had remained operational throughout. One week after Ivan's passage, the CI Monetary Authority and the Grand Court had reopened and garbage collection services had resumed in many parts of the island.

In the business/financial district, resumption of activity was helped by the fact that 60% of business premises were undamaged and mobile telephone, email and Internet services were restored in days (Cable and Wireless did not lose its cellular service). Already, workers who had left the island in the first few days have begun to return and traffic jams have returned to the centre of George Town.
At the end of week two, priority for housing repair assistance is going to the approximately 800 persons who remain in shelters. Government's national recovery fund, launched with a $1 million donation from the Bank of Butterfield, will be used to provide housing and care for those most severely affected by the hurricane and to assist in the "social, educational, economic, religious and environmental recovery of the Islands." Retirement home residents and those whose homes are uninhabitable were being relocated to one of the local hotels.
Restoration of electricity and piped water continues. Assisted by crews from affiliated companies in Canada, Belize and the USA, CUC is rebuilding power lines out of George Town along the West Bay Road and from the North Sound Road power plant to the South Sound sub-station in preparation to expand service eastward. At the same time, it is preparing its undersea cable and sub-stations in West Bay and Rum Point to start the restoration process for those areas. The Water Authority has restored water eastward to Northward and plans to restart the supply to feeder roads off the main road after testing that pipes are intact. Cayman Water Company is supplying piped water to the West Bay district morning and evening.

Other than ten cases of gastroenteritis treated at the government hospital, there have been no outbreaks of illness. Tetanus vaccinations are being encouraged and are free at health centres, hospitals and at some private doctors.

On Friday the 24th the Governor assented to an amendment of the Police Law that allows the police to impose curfews. This paved the way for one of the most significant signs of recovery, the lifting of the State of Emergency. On Monday, September 27, the Governor rescinded the Emergency Powers he invoked on 11 September as the hurricane careened towards the island. The NHC having stood down, normal governance resumed - including the reopening of the Government Administration Building and its ministry and department offices.
Naturally, worrying issues remain, including the environmental clean-up, short- and longer-term housing and getting children back in school. Parents are assured that classes will resume, even on a limited basis, by the end of October. Some educational services,, such as those for pre-school and special needs students may restart before. With year 11 and 12 students preparing for exams, those groups are also being given priority for an early start.

All around Grand Cayman there is stark evidence of Ivan's visit. It will take much time and care to recover. The psychological trauma may take even longer to overcome. But, as the sun sets in a blaze of oranges and purples over the now tranquil sea, for a moment you can almost forget the harsh scenario that surrounds you. And at night, without the distractions of electricity, you can be enchanted as heaven pulsates with its riot of shimmering stars. In another day or so the moon will be full and already the island is bathed in its brilliant, cleansing light . . . my neighbours- who I only knew by a wave of the hand before Ivan-and I are already talking about a moonlight bar-b-que.
GIS (Cayman Islands Government Information Services)

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company.
Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

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Cayman Islands: Health Information Post-Ivan

2004-09-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Taken from Reliefweb Serving the information needs of the humanitarian relief community

Article source at Relief Web
http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/6686f45896f15dbc852567ae00530132/02b24e879619b3bc49256f1f000e4878?OpenDocument

HEALTH ISSUES: DR. A. K. KUMAR Director of Public Health
General Update

Close monitoring during and post Hurricane Ivan confirms a death toll of two, one due to injuries and the other being under investigation.

Five people sustained fractures and 29 others received lacerations while handling debris and building damage.

Flooding and limited water supplies make cases of gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) likely. To date, 14 children and one adult were admitted to the hospital for treatment of diarrhoea and vomiting since 13 September 2004. A further 10-12 persons were treated for diarrhoea and vomiting as outpatients and this number has now declined to 4-5 per day. These figures indicate that Cayman does not have a major outbreak of gastroenteritis.
Reports of 4-5 cases of rash have been received per day, due to heat as well as allergies resulting from foreign body contact.

Cayman is not endemic to Cholera, Hepatitis A or Typhoid. There were no such cases during this period. As our water supplies are from desalination, and bottled water, chances are remote for an outbreak even if a case were to be imported. Therefore, vaccines for these diseases are not recommended.

Cuts, bruises and puncture wounds will occur during this period of recovery and reconstruction, caused by nails and scrap metal. About 2-4 puncture wounds are reported daily.

How to Handle . . .

Cuts: Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding, then rinse with clean water and apply antibiotic ointment over the cut and dress it with a bandage. If the cut continues to bleed with pressure, elevate it if possible above heart level. For cuts that are difficult to clean or to stop bleeding, call 911 for immediate medical attention.
Minor sprains and bruises: apply a cloth-wrapped ice pack for about 20 minutes to the area to reduce swelling. Bandage the area to give support, and also elevate the sprained area to alleviate the swelling.

Fevers: (these may occur even with a mild infection, that is, a body temperature above 37ï C or 98.4 ï F). Paracetamol or aspirin can be taken as tablets by adults and as syrup by children. A doctor should be consulted if the temperature is over 40 degrees C or 104 degrees F.

Tips for Staying Healthy
- Use gloves when cleaning up around the yard and handling debris.
- Wear full shoes or sneakers if working in the yard or walking the streets.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer after any clean-up.
- Wash hands thoroughly before preparing foods and before eating.
- Keep kitchen clean and dry.
- Ensure all food is cooked thoroughly and served piping hot rather than merely warm.
- Keep foods properly refrigerated, if possible; if not, use coolers for short-term storage and check for spoilage prior to use.
- Avoid eating raw eggs or products made from them.
- Discard products past their use-by date-do not eat them.
- Drink plenty of water (desalinated or bottled).

About Tetanus or Lock Jaw

Tetanus bacilli live in the intestines of horses and other animals and are harmless at that stage. The soil can become contaminated with their excreta and tetanus spores can be introduced into the body usually through a puncture wound or lacerations contaminated with soil or street dust. Tetanus is not directly transmitted from person to person.
Protection against tetanus: Due to possible injuries from nails and metal, boosters are given once in ten years.

A booster dose is recommended for adults who did not receive a booster during the past five years.

Most children (up to 95%) would have had their tetanus immunization up to date; hence they are protected. Children who left school within the past 5 years should also have had their booster; hence they are protected.

Some children aged 13-15 did not have their booster yet and will need one.

Some adults over 50 years old may not have had any tetanus vaccine during their childhood. They need two doses one month apart which will provide protection for a year and a third dose 6-12 months later to extend the protection.

Tetanus shots are available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday at the following locations:
West Bay Health Centre
North Side Health Centre
East End Health Centre
Prospect Primary School
Bodden Town

PrimaryMoulds in the Home
Moulds are one of the major forms of fungi. They are found y everywhere in the environment, both indoors and outdoors. The common term for mold growth is mildew.

Moulds require two things for growth:
(1) Food source: for example ceiling tile, dry wall, etc.
(2) Moisture: such as high humidity, condensation, water from leaking pipes or floods.
In such suitable conditions, mould growth will be abundant. Therefore the goal is a clean environment that is both free of visible mould growth and free of mould-related odors. The easiest way to detect mold growth is to see or smell it.

Cleaning up Mould:
(1) Wear gloves and a good quality nose mask.
(2) Discard truly porous materials such as sheetrock and ceiling tiles.
(3) Clean the surface with a standard detergent. DO NOT USE AN AMMONIA-CONTAINING CLEANER. MIXING AMMONIA WITH BLEACH CAN CAUSE RELEASE OF VERY TOXIC GASSES CALLED CHLORAMINES. THESE GASSES CAN CAUSE COUGHING, A FEELING OF SUFFUOCATION, OR EVEN DEATH.

Mould and . . .
Cloth-covered furniture can sometimes be cleaned by using a very high efficiency vacuum process (referred to as HEPA vacuuming), but this is expensive and simply discarding the furniture is the safest thing to do.

Floor carpets flooded with grossly contaminated sea water must be discarded. Floor carpets soaked just with rain water may be cleaned and dried using the usual methods or professional cleaning.

Semi-porous materials (concrete and wood) may have varying degrees of fungal penetration. These can often but not always be cleaned.

Non-porous surfaces (plastics) usually only have surface contamination and are readily cleaned.

Porous materials such as clothing and upholstery, can be cleaned using appropriate routine methods (for e.g., washing or dry cleaning), and need not be discarded unless cleaning fails to restore an acceptable appearance and to be odor free.

Moulds as Health Hazards:
(1) Can moulds infect human beings? Generally not. Many of these environmental fungi are unable to tolerate the temperature of the human body. And, even those that do sometimes cause infection in people (e.g., Aspergillus) usually do so only in individuals with significant reduction in their immune function (e.g., undergoing cancer chemotherapy).

(2) What are the symptoms of mould exposure? People vary in their sensitivity to moulds, but the most common symptoms are those due to mould allergies. Symptoms such as wheezing (difficulty with breathing), dry cough, and sore throat seem particularly common. Unfortunately, these symptoms can also be due to many other things. Thus, it can be difficult to know if a mould is causing your symptoms. The best way to find out is to prove to yourself that (a) getting away from the mould makes you better and (b) being exposed makes you worse. Other sorts of symptoms (headache, fever, joint aches) are much harder to relate to mould exposure.

(3) How does one get checked out for mould infection? There are two main ways that environmental fungi might make a person sick. The first is the well-known process of just being allergic to the fungus. For this kind of problem, one needs to see an allergist and be tested. Being allergic today doesn-t necessarily mean it is due to the fungus found last night. The person might have become allergic years ago, but have symptoms now due to a new exposure to the fungus.

The other way that fungi might cause disease in humans is through mycotoxins. Here, we-re not aware of any meaningful ways to make a diagnosis. We don-t know of any reliable blood test for fungal toxins, nor do we know of any tests that are specific for the effects of fungal toxins or fungal exposure. Usually the symptoms are very general in nature (e.g., a headache or fatigue).

(4) Is ringworm caused by a mould? The fungus that causes ringworm in humans and animals requires nutrients found in the skin and hair for its survival. It is quite different from the moulds that cause infestation of the walls and ceilings of homes.
N.B. Environmental Health Department may be contacted for advice on mould clean up at 949-6696.

Department of Substance Abuse Services
General Information:
Hurricane Ivan destroyed the DOSAS outpatient offices, but with the assistance of Lands and Survey-s Nigel Bates, as of Monday, 4 October, DOSAS will operate out of Trinity Square (ground floor) on Eastern Avenue, next to Sounds and Things.

Hours: 10:00am-8:00pm, Monday-Friday.

Counseling is provided on a walk-in basis-no appointment necessary. For further information phone 916-7545 (during above office hours)

While DOSAS counselors will be available for existing clients, counselors and family therapists will not be limited to addiction issues, but services will include assisting parents to help their children cope after Hurricane Ivan, providing adults with self-care tips for dealing with stress, and general counseling services. Services are open to families, children, individuals and employee groups.

Residential treatment services for addiction are still available at Caribbean Haven Residential Centre in Breakers and these services may be accessed through both locations.

Update:
Since Hurricane Ivan, DOSAS staff members have been visiting shelters to offer assistance, but demand for this service is dwindling as shelters empty.

Current emphasis is on providing community assistance through the counseling process and getting the new fixed outpatient location up and running so that people know where they can go to obtain necessary help.

Signs of Stress:
It-s important to know when stress is impacting your life and to understand that in the aftermath of Ivan, feeling stressed is a strong possibility.

Adults may be suffering from stress if you experience any combination of several of the following factors:
Difficulty sleeping
Nightmares
Easily frustrated, or irritability
Loss of appetite
Headaches, stomach problems, colds or flu-like symptoms
Mood swings
Crying easily
Persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness
Chronic fatigue
Increased use of alcohol and/or other substances as a coping mechanism
Disorganized thought patterns or an inability to concentrate

In addition, children may exhibit the following behaviours:
Bed-wetting
Thumb-sucking
Clinging to parents
Difficulties expressing thoughts and feelings
Fears of darkness
Withdrawal from peers
Aggressive behaviour - including rebellion and refusal to do chores
Sleep and appetite disturbances

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company. Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island
**************************************************************************

Morritt's Status On Reopening - September 28th 2004

2004-09-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Report Taken from Storm Carib
at http://help.stormcarib.com/read.php?f=14&i=5212&t=5212

Morritt's Status On Reopening - September 28th 2004

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

Management is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of their guests.

Consequently, due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan and until further status can be obtained as to their condition, Morritt’s Tortuga Club & Resort and Morritt’s Grand Resort will not be accepting guests through December 31, 2004 nor will we be accepting reservations for the Year 2005.

Currently, we do not have any specific information beyond December 2004. Once a determination has been made beyond December 2004, all those guests with reservations confirmed for 2005 will be contacted via telephone to update our owners and guests.

We want to thank everyone for your patience and consideration during this very difficult time. Management is working diligently to provide you with as much information in a timely and efficient manner. It is also our aim to open the resorts as soon as possible so that you will once again be able to visit your slice of paradise.

Steve Minotakis, President
Global Resort Management, Inc.

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company.
Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Island News Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island
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Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Open for Business

2004-09-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

This content was sourced from the official website for Updates on the Cayman Rebuilding effort www.caymanislands.ky

New York, NY, September 28, 2004 -

Two weeks ago, destructive Hurricane Ivan left behind a damage trail in the Cayman Islands not previously seen in more than 80 years. The largest of its trio of islands, Grand Cayman, suffered the most loss where the damage was significant and many inhabitants were left temporarily homeless. As efforts quickly turn from relief to recovery to rebuilding on Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the famed "Sister Islands," are open for business.

The Sister Islands, known for their world-class diving, majestic nature tourism features and its tranquil atmosphere, have historically complemented Grand Cayman's busy charm. In the aftermath of Ivan, they continue as the flagships of the Cayman Islands tourism industry

"While Grand Cayman is busy cleaning up and rebuilding, both Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are busy welcoming visitors and accommodating re-located residents for much needed rest and relaxation" said Pilar Bush, Acting Director of Tourism. "With the availability of hotels and condos on the Sister Islands, a modest but effective international air schedule into Grand Cayman and reliable inter-island air service, the Cayman Islands is able and willing to receive guests on two of its three islands," she continued.

Hurricane Ivan did leave minimal damage to some of the resorts on the Sister Islands. Little Cayman Beach Resort Paradise Villas, Southern Cross Club and Pirates Point Resort on Little Cayman reported damages to some rooms and property facilities and are currently being repaired and will be completely open in late October.

Cayman Brac's properties - Brac Caribbean and Carib Sands, Brac Reef Beach Resort, Divi Tiara Beach Resort and Cayman Breakers reported light damage, but are open for business.

"We are all pleased that Government of the Cayman Islands and the Immigration Department have lifted travel restrictions to the Sister Islands, as we are ready to receive guests," stated Moses Kirkconnell, Director of Marketing for Cayman Airways.

Cayman Brac offers the country's most dramatic scenery. Visitors can experience the breathtaking view on its spectacular bluff, explore the enticing caves and sinkholes, and wander through the woodlands filled with exotic flowers and plants and revel in some of the world's best bird watching.

Little Cayman is the smallest and least developed of the three islands. Its 10 flat square miles of unspoiled surroundings are a nature lover's dream, complete with more than a dozen secluded beaches on a mostly undeveloped coastline, lagoons, mangrove forests, salt ponds and tropical forests strewn with orchids.

For information on Cayman Airways call 1-800-4-CAYMAN or visit http://www.caymanairways.com.

Additional inter-island flight service is also provided by Islands Air at (345) 949-0241.

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company.

Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island
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Good News from Ocean Frontiers

2004-09-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

The following was taken from the Ocean Frontiers website at www.oceanfrontiers.com

Ocean Frontiers Dive Report for September 24

The staff made one extensive shore dive yesterday covering two of the most weather-exposed dive sites, River of Sand and High Rock Drop Off. Both are near the famous Cayman Blowholes on the south side of the island, near East End. The visibility was good and the whole area has a much "cleaner" appearance as any algae that was there is now gone.

Many new gullies, tunnels, and swimthroughs are now further exposed and safe for divers to enter and exit since most of the sand has washed away. In fact, much of the sand has naturally relocated and may be found on the new 30-foot wide beach that mother nature dropped on the Compass Point doorstep -- happily there is a silver lining.

The hard corals and reef structure seem to have been built to "hurricane code" appear to be in very good shape. While some sponges remain on these two dive sites, many have tipped over, leaving their "root" for healthy regrowth.

The parade of marine life was out in full force, with a large grouper, 2 turtles and a school of 5 barracuda escorting Steve around the reef. Given that this dive was made on two of Cayman's dive sites that were most exposed to the full brunt of Ivan's fury, the prognosis is excellent for the other less-exposed areas around the island.

For current information on the Cayman dive scene, and the latest on things happenning on Grand Cayman's East End, check the Ocean Frontiers website at www.oceanfrontiers.com

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company. Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

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Cayman Damage Reports - Cayman Dive Lodge 9/24/04

2004-09-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

This content came from the Cayman Dive Lodge website at http://www.caymandivelodge.com

CDL REPORT: Written by Jim September 24, 2004

CDL was badly damaged with the passing of Hurricane Ivan September 12th. We experienced a near direct hit of a category 5 storm with sustained winds of 165 miles per hour and gusts up to 208 mph. There was much destruction on the island, we are not alone.

As for CDL, it will require a re-build of the accommodations building and dining room; or perhaps a complete re-build to make it better. We are waiting on the insurance adjuster before taking action, but the plan will be to re-build the lodge better than its previous existence. This will obviously take some time, as contractors will be in short supply on Cayman with so many damaged buildings. This may be premature, but I would conservatively estimate a year before we re-open. Obviously this could change and we will be keeping you updated on progress. Our home was also destroyed, and this experience has significantly affected our personal lives as well. All of the staff members except for Roy have left the island for now, and all have expressed interest in returning when we re-open.

One bit of good news…I have had a chance to dive, and at depths of 40 feet or greater I see no change in the reef life (at least at one location where I was). Oh, and we gained about 20 feet of beach/sand along the water line at CDL.

Some of you have requested refunds for upcoming reservations. Unless otherwise requested, I will be refunding deposits and payments for all upcoming guests as soon as we are able and have the services to do so. I will send a confirmation of this to all of you whom this applies to. I would ask you to refrain from canceling the transactions with your card carrier, as this will cause confusion and possibly duplicate debits to our account. I sincerely appreciate your patience as we try to get an operational office together. Some have expressed interest in keeping a deposit on file for a future trip and we appreciate the gesture.

Most of all I would like to sincerely thank all of you who expressed concern for us during this trying time. We will keep in touch, and I look forward to seeing you at (a new and improved) CDL in the future.

Gratefully,
Jim Andrews
Cayman Diving Lodge

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company.
Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

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Great News for Cayman divers from the Seaview Hotel

2004-09-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

Taken from the Seaview Hotel main site at www.seaviewdivers.com

Great News from the Seaview Hotel Update through September 24

September 24, 2004 Ron Kipp announced today that roof repairs on the hotel would start Monday. Ron also reiterated that The Seaview Hotel would be at DEMA in Houston next month and asked that everyone stop by the booth in the Cayman Islands section.

September 18, 2004: Today the decision was made to rebuild the Seaview Hotel. Ron Kipp reported from Grand Cayman that the effort would take some time but the hotel's popularity and historic value make it mandatory to restore the popular dive resort.Schedules and information will be posted here on the Ivan page as work progresses.

Alisha Racz, Manager of the Hotel, returned to Cayman September 17th and intends to contact those holding future reservations as soon as possible. Your patience while we rebuild our records systems is appreciated.

September 16, 2004Hurricane Ivan has disrupted all operations at the Seaview and the hotel will be closed for at least a month. Information on the extent of the damage, staff, and plans for reopening will be posted here as soon as it is available.

************************************************************************************
Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company.
Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island
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Cable & Wireless not beaten by Ivan

2004-09-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

The following content comes from Cayman Net News Friday, September 24, 2004

Original content sourced from http://www.caymannetnews.com/2004/09/740/candw2.shtml

Go to Cayman Net News for the latest updates, directions, and stories from the Cayman Islands

Cable & Wireless not beaten by Ivan Friday, September 24, 2004

All the way through and even during the worst onslaught of Hurricane Ivan, Cable and Wireless managed to maintain their communication systems. Albert Anderson, spokesperson for Cable & Wireless, said: “We are pleased that at no time during Hurricane Ivan did we lose entire communications. We suffered from congestion as everyone was trying to keep in touch with their family and friends but our network did not go down, in fact our SMS (text messaging) worked great the entire time and it was the most effective way to communicate.”
Appreciation of the company’s incredible service throughout and in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ivan has been widespread.

“A number of people have phoned or called by our One Technology Square Office or stopped our employees in the street to express their gratitude for helping them to keep in touch with their family and friends during the difficult times as Hurricane Ivan passed over the island” added Mr Anderson.

By Sunday, 19 September, 70% of the company’s GSM mobile sites were up and functioning. Over half the island’s fixed lines were back up. The Fort Street office, George Town has voice and data, meaning that the major banks can operate.

“We are working closely with CUC to ensure that once buildings and homes get electricity we can get telecommunications working,” said Mr Anderson. “Cable & Wireless is committed to getting resources, equipment and tools onto the island to ensure that no effort is spared in getting communications to all of the districts as soon as possible”

At the new Seven Mile Beach site, most of the plant has been severely affected by the seawater which came ashore during Hurricane Ivan, but crews have been working diligently to find all of the wires and connections in that area to see if there is anything the company can salvage. Although first inspection suggests that all may be lost and the company believes, if that is the case, equipment will be needed to be brought in to get communications quickly restored. This will take some time, so Cable & Wireless are appealing to customers in that area to be patient and understanding.

Anyone with access to the internet can check the website www.candw.ky as the company is endeavoring to keep the site up to date with the areas in which service has been restored.
In spite of their personal circumstances, which in some cases are dire, a lot of Cable & Wireless employees have been working around the clock to get the systems back up and running. The winds from Hurricane Ivan took down a number of poles and they have been doing their best to repair where possible and order replacement materials as required.

“Two days after Ivan passed members of staff went out to East End, North Side, Bodden Town and Savannah to help people who were unable to contact family and friends due to communication in those areas being down,” said Mr Anderson. “Our employees came back into George Town and made the calls on behalf of these people to reassure their family and friends that they were okay. We continue to provide any support we can to persons in the community who need help with communication.”

During the night after Hurricane Ivan, OTS was the home to 450 persons. These included people who were rescued from their flooded homes. C&W staff assisted in every way they could to bring calm to those persons who lost so much as a result of the Hurricane.

“To date we continue to house the Police and 911 in our building - One Technology Square,” added Mr Anderson. “Cable and Wireless is happy that we can offer our facility to these two essential services in these critical times and we were happy to assist our competitors AT&T Wireless and Digicel to get their services back up and running. This has helped us to alleviate some of the congestion on our system”.

The Cable & Wireless stores, Marque by the Cinema and the Anderson Square location, are now open. Unfortunately the Galleria location is too badly damaged to reopen. Customers in the outer districts are being asked to watch out for the Cable & Wireless big orange and yellow mobile van which will be heading out around the island to sell phones and phone cards over the next few days.

There is no doubt that Cable & Wireless have made an invaluable contribution to Grand Cayman during our ordeal and it should not be forgotten anytime soon.

... Committed and willing to serveOn Friday 10 September, the night before the arrival of Hurricane Ivan, Cable and Wireless (Cayman Islands) executives offered shelter to all employees and their immediate families at One Technology Square. This act of real generosity extended to those within the C&W family and was just the first act of many that served to demonstrate the telecommunication company’s commitment to the people of the Cayman Islands.

By the following day, C&W had offered to house 911 at One Technology Square. As of 21 September, just a few of C&W’s accomplishments included: bringing in the first cargo flight to the island after Ivan, sending representatives to shelters in Northside, East End, and Bodden Town to take messages from people in shelters to send out to their loved ones, and setting up a temporary clinic at One Technology Square to assist employees, police, and 911 staff with their medical needs.
In a recent conversation with Timothy Adam, Chief Executive Cable and Wireless (Cayman Islands), and Rudy Ebanks, Vice-President of Regulatory and Carrier Relations and also Chairman of the Crisis Management Team, the two friends who first met in their youth at Cayman Prep School and Cayman Islands High School discussed the work behind the scenes that has many in Grand Cayman extending boundless gratitude to their company.

Amidst the humming, bristling activity in the crisis centre atop One Technology Square, Mr Adam took a few moments to reflect on the past 11 days, with Cayman Net News.

“The first thing we can do is to thank almighty God because no matter how clever man may be, one thing we discover is that there will always exist some risk of failure in anything conceived and created by man,” he humbly stated.

Mr Adam continued: “The second thing that has been reinforced is that the things you choose to do when you don’t have to, those things will determine the things you will have to when you don’t have the choice.”

In looking back Mr Adam and Mr Ebanks recounted a series of steps C&W had taken to ensure successful operations, which proved prudent beyond their expansive imaginations. Mr Ebanks stated: “This building (One Technology Square) has been key. Some 15 million dollars was invested in this building which was deliberately designed for this kind of storm.”
Mr Adam echoed Mr Ebanks comments about what has become to be referred to as ‘The Bunker.’ Mr Adam said “The first one of those things we didn’t have to do at the time was to invest some 15 million dollars in a facility that quite frankly does not allow us to produce any new service, nor in and of itself generate any stream of revenue. But this fulfills C&W’s commitment and responsibility to keep the lines of communication open through all sorts of threatening situations.”

Mr Adam pointed out that the commitment to this project had its roots running deep in the community of Grand Cayman. He stressed that the world class local architect OBM designed the building and that the world class local construction firm Arch & Godfrey erected the soon-to-be completed building when they broke ground in November 2002.

C&W’s investment in a disaster planning and recovery system, along with the company’s investment of time and effort to create a comprehensive robust plan to prepare and for and recover from a disaster, allowed the company to never lose its entire communications during Hurricane Ivan. The company did suffer from congestion as everyone was trying to keep in touch with their family and friends but the network did not go down. In fact, C&W’s text messaging worked the entire time and was the most effective way to communicate.
Mr Ebanks and Mr Adam said it all came down to the people who make up the company. Mr Ebanks said: “Many employees went days without seeing their families and properties and worked long hours displaying sheer hard work”

Mr Adam added: “When it comes right down to it, it was our staff and the decisions they made, the initiatives they took hour after hour. That was how we brought these island’s telecommunications systems securely through the worst national disaster in the recorded history of this country.”

When Mr Adam spoke of his staff, it was evident that he was proud of the professionalism and expertise displayed by his team. “With those fundamentals in place the protocol and discipline was a given,” he said. It was clear that he believed that he had not only hired the right people, but that they were better than even he imagined.

As for the lessons that Hurricane Ivan provided, Mr Adam could not emphasise enough what he learned about communication. “The thing I learned was a stark realisation of how vital to the preservation of human life is the ability to communicate over a phone.” The friends from childhood, who both joined C&W in July, 1973 on the same day and left for technician training together in the United Kingdom in August of that same year, expressed their own personal thanks to those predecessors in C&W who made their own careers possible. In particular, they both sent gratitude to Lionel G. J. Downer.

Both Mr Adam and Mr Ebanks agree that there has been great satisfaction in seeing the speed of the recovery now underway in Grand Cayman, and knowing from grateful customers that C&W has played a significant part in that return to normality.

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company. Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at

Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

**************************************************************************

Cable & Wireless – taking care of its family

2004-09-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Taken from the Cable and Wireless website easily found at www.cwinternet.ky

This original content item can be found at http://www.cwinternet.ky/internet/media/news/index.php?ID=202211413&month=09

Cable & Wireless – taking care of its family

25 September 2004

One Technology Square, the Cable and Wireless $15m state –of- the- art building provided refuge for a number of Cable and Wireless employees and their families during the onslaught of Hurricane Ivan.

To date, it is still home to the company’s crisis management team, and number of employees who lost their homes and currently have no where to live. But providing shelter is one of the ways Cable and Wireless has been helping their staff.“Despite their circumstances many of our employees have been at work 12 plus hours a day 7 days a week and they are the real reason that the people of the Cayman Islands have been getting communications services back so quickly.

As one of the largest employers on the island it was inevitable that a lot of our employees would be affected by Hurricane Ivan and therefore we had a plan in place to provide the needed support for our employees” said David Bodden, Vice President for Human Resources. Cable & Wireless got to work straight away to assist staff. Firstly staff along with their families who wished to leave the island were evacuated. For staff who stayed the priority was to assess the damage to their homes and where possible to make them watertight and clean so that they could live in them.

Mr. Bodden and other members of the HR staff arranged for a team of people to travel across the island visiting homes to make assessments, small repairs and fix tarpaulins over roofs. Following behind were an army of cleaners to mop up the mess. “ We had to first ensure that our employees were taken care of so that they could come out to work to ensure that the island’s telecommunications services are up and running at full capacity.”

As one of the first cargo planes to land in Grand Cayman after the Hurricane, Cable & Wireless brought in food, water and other supplies for staff including generators. The Stores department looked like a mini Supermarket as staff picked up their bags and filled them from the boxes to take home to their families.

So far more than 20 cargo planes have landed in Cayman bringing $350K worth of supplies from Florida and $150K worth from Panama including clothing. The company has also shipped 33 tons of cargo to Grand Cayman, including one thousand bottles of water a day for its employees.

In an effort to protect its employees health, a mini medical department has been set up at One Technology Square to give Tetanus shots and administer first aid to staff as needed.Some families whose homes are not inhabitable are still living in One Technology Square, which means quite a few children of school age are on the compound. On hand to assist is Ann Pease; wife of Bob Pease VP for Procurement Northern Area. A former teacher, Ann recently worked as a volunteer teacher at the Prison in Northwood. “I am thoroughly enjoying teaching the children, I have a mixed age group from five up to ten and they are all eager to learn,” she said.

Throughout One Technology Square all you can hear is praise for the company. “I can’t believe how well we have been treated by Cable & Wireless,” said Darnol Kelly, Cable & Wireless residential dispatcher. “They have done everything within their power to make sure we have the necessities, plus a few luxuries as well”.

Mr. Bodden reiterated that Cable & Wireless will continue to support staff through these difficult times and supplies will continue to be shipped in as long as our employees need them..

About Cable & Wireless

Cable & Wireless is one of the world's leading international communications companies. It provides voice, data and IP (Internet Protocol) services to business and residential customers, as well as services to other telecoms carriers, mobile operators and providers of content, applications and internet services. Cable & Wireless' principal operations are in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Panama and the Middle East. For more information about Cable & Wireless, go to www.cw.com.

Cable & Wireless Launches New Hurricane Relief Fund

2004-09-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Taken from the Cable and Wireless website easily found at www.cwinternet.ky

This original content item can be found at
http://www.cwinternet.ky/internet/media/news/index.php?ID=202517766&month=09

Cable & Wireless Launches New Hurricane Relief Fund

25 September 2004

Kingston, Jamaica. – September 21, 2004 – Cable & Wireless announced today it has established a new relief fund to help victims of Hurricane Ivan.An initial US$1 million contribution is being made by Cable and Wireless plc to kick start this initiative.

Cable & Wireless employees around the world have asked how they can help and are being invited to make additional private donations to the fund. Monies collected will be used to support efforts to provide relief to those most affected and to rebuild local communities in Grenada, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands where Cable & Wireless employees live and work.

Cable & Wireless will work with relief agencies and local authorities in each country to ensure that the money is channeled directly into support and reconstruction work with the communities which need it most. This will complement the company’s ongoing work to provide urgent supplies, telecom equipment and expert help in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.

Cable & Wireless is continuing to bring in vital supplies and expertise to support reconstruction work not only for its own services but also for its employees and customers where help is needed.Chief Executive Officer of Cable and Wireless plc Francesco Caio said, “our colleagues in Grenada, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and the other businesses involved in the recovery work are making extraordinary efforts and contributing enormously to the recovery of their communities.

The Cable & Wireless Group wants to provide all the practical support we can.”

About Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless is one of the world's leading international communications companies. It provides voice, data and IP (Internet Protocol) services to business and residential customers, as well as services to other telecoms carriers, mobile operators and providers of content, applications and internet services. Cable & Wireless' principal operations are in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Panama and the Middle East.

For more information about Cable & Wireless, go to www.cw.com.

Grand Cayman devastation

2004-09-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

Grand Cayman devastation

One of the now more famous pictures coming early out of Grand Cayman showing the impact of Hurricane Ivan.

Cayman Kids helping Cayman children out of harms way

2004-09-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

From the Cayman Kids website at www.caymankids.org

The aim of this new organization is to find temporary homes in the US and Canada for children in the Cayman Islands affected by Hurricane Ivan

Grand Cayman, known by many as an "Island Paradise", is now a scene of devastation.

The damage caused by Hurricane Ivan on September 11th and 12th is difficult to imagine by those who are not there. Residents are without so many of the necessities that we take for granted. People are homeless, without electricity and standing in long lines for water, gas and food. This is not a place right now for the children of Cayman.

Caymankids.org was set up to help these people we hold dear to our hearts by placing children in temporary, safe and caring homes in the US and Canada thus allowing their parents to get on with the difficult task of rebuilding the islands infrastructure.

We need anyone who is interested in this programs to contact their Social Service organization as they have a screening program which will help us ensure that kids are placed with appropriate Families. Please fill out the Contact Form so that we can forward more information to you. Contact Form

Official Cayman Update for 9/21/04

2004-09-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

This content comes from www.caymanislands.ky

Cayman Islands Update as of 5pm EDT, Tuesday 9/21

New York, New York, September 21, 2004 -- Below please find the most up-to-date information about the Cayman Islands from the US Cayman Islands office.

The Monetary Authority opened on Monday 9/20

Normal garbage pick-up resumed Sunday 9/19

The Ministry of Education is working on restarting classes as soon as possible.
Water was restored to portions of central George Town yesterday with efforts now focusing on Walkers and Shamrock Roads. Also restored to operation was the Red Gate reverse osmosis Plant.

Computer services is taking part in returning the Glasshouse to service, facilitating Treasury’s efforts with the coming payroll and working to restore IRIS to full capacity.
Disaster Recovery Efforts

Comprehensive relief and recovery efforts are underway and the Cayman Islands thanks everyone who has contributed towards assisting the Cayman Islands in this time of emergency

The Red Cross noted that major distribution of relief supplies to districts was completed this weekend

Plans are also in progress to establish relief service from Canada

Information and questions regarding shipment of supplies can be sent to ivaninfo@caymanislands.ky with FREIGHT as the email subject.

Those who would like to volunteer their time and resources can email ivanvolunteers@caymanislands.ky

As soon as more information becomes available, the DOT New York office will be disseminating this. Please DO NOT overload the already stretched resources of the Government and emergency personnel by trying to call the Islands directly for an update.

For the most up to date information on the Cayman Islands, click Cayman Islands

Cayman Update is a service of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company

Hospital reports low casualty rate in wake of Ivan

2004-09-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

The following content comes from Cayman Net News
by Christopher Tobutt Friday, September 24, 2004
Original content sourced from http://www.caymannetnews.com/2004/09/740/hospital.shtml
Go to Cayman Net News for the latest updates, directions, and stories from the Cayman Islands

Hospital reports low casualty rate in wake of Ivan

The Cayman Islands Hospital reports that it is operational and continuing to provide health care to the people of the Cayman Islands. The Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit continues to provide 24-hour medical care and never ceased operations at anytime during the passing of Hurricane Ivan.

The hospital in Walkers Road suffered from a stoppage of power on Sunday following the hurricane, but their generator was soon running and the normal activities of the hospital were close to being resumed; the only qualifier being that priority has been given to urgent operations, rather than non-urgent and routine operations. The reason that urgent operations are being given priority is attributable to a lower than normal number of staff, rather than higher incidence of serious injuries.

Chief Executive Officer of the Health Services Authority, Eloise Reid, announced that apart from two fatalities, the list of serious casualties attributable to the hurricane has been very low, considering the extreme conditions the hurricane had left. However, there has still been a higher than normal incidence of minor injuries such as cuts, bruises and abrasions, which have been mainly caused by contact with rubble from people’s homes.

Ms Reid recommended that people get an anti-tetanus injection at one of the regional health centers, at North Side, behind North Side Primary School, at West Bay, near to the Town Hall, and at East End, near the gas station, near or at George Town Hospital at the junction of Smith Road and Walkers Road. The health centers are open every day from 9 am to 1 pm.
Bodden Town Primary School is being used as the local health center, because of damage to the regular Bodden Town health center.

Ms Reid said that it was important to get the injection, being offered free of charge, because of the possibility of infection coming from scratches or abrasions, which were more likely because of contact with sharp-edged rubble. Ms Reid said that as far as she could see there was no danger from outbreaks of contagious diseases such as cholera or typhoid, as these were not endemic in the Cayman Islands.

Staff at the Chrissie Tomlinson Hospital in Walkers road confirmed that, apart from “a couple of fractures,” there had been surprisingly few injuries attributable to hurricane Ivan.

At Cayman Islands Hospital, Specialist, Dental, and Eye Clinics will be operational in a short time and an announcement is expected on Friday concerning the resumption of these services.

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company. Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

2004-09-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

The following content comes from Cayman Net News Update on September 24
http://www.caymannetnews.com/index.shtml

Go to Cayman Net News for the latest updates, directions, and stories from the Cayman Islands

HURRICANE IVAN
Legislation enables Emergency Powers to be lifted

HE the Governor Mr. Bruce Dinwiddy assented to legislation that paves the way for the Emergency Powers, invoked on the eve of Hurricane Ivan to be lifted. The amendment to the Police Law enables the Commissioner of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIP), with the written permission of the Governor, to impose a curfew or a cordon in specific areas if either is required to maintain good order... More news...
Cayman Hurricane Information Email
Issue No. 740 Friday, 24 September 2004

Rumours Reign
In the week following Hurricane Ivan’s crushing of Grand Cayman, rumours tore up and down the marl road almost as rapidly as the category five winds tore across the island on 11 and 12 September. From the alleged house arrest of McKeeva Bush to outbreaks of cholera, the rumour-mongers have been hard at work... read more...

Updated each weekday after 6:00 p.m. EST

Cable & Wireless Donates Relief Food and Funds

Cable & Wireless have established a new relief fund to help victims of Hurricane Ivan. An initial US$1 million contribution is being made by Cable and Wireless plc to kick start this initiative. The company’s employees from all over the world have asked how they can help and are being invited to make additional private donations to the fund. Monies collected will be used to support efforts to provide relief... read more...

Hospital reports low casualty rate in wake of Ivan

The Cayman Islands Hospital reports that it is operational and continuing to provide health care to the people of the Cayman Islands. The Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit continues to provide 24-hour medical care and never ceased operations at anytime during the passing of Hurricane Ivan. The hospital in Walkers Road suffered from a stoppage of power on Sunday following the hurricane... read more...

Special Constables step into the storm to help the public
Appointed on 1 July as Commandant overseeing the Special Constables in the Royal Cayman Islands Police (RCIP), Richard Harris has overseen this sector of the RCIP with admirable aplomb in the aftermath of hurricane Ivan. Having just retired from PriceWaterhouseCoopers as a partner, this past week has shown him that retirement can be an unpredictable time of life... read more...

Retail banks offer loans relief
Local banks offered Cayman residents some desperately needed breathing space when they announced Wednesday 22 September, that an agreement had been reached among the Island’s retail banks to offer a moratorium on loan repayments for all loan payments in good standing until January 2005... read more...

Cayman Kids STATUS REPORT- Thu Sep 23, 2004 12:30 pm

2004-09-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

From the Cayman Kids email updates on Thursday September 23, 2004

Also available on the Cayman Kids web site at www.caymankids.org

Cayman Kids has not been able to develop a workable plan to put hostfamilies together with children in need of sanctuary from the effectsof Hurricane Ivan.

At this time all plans are on hold.

The second that we receive the green light from any of theinternational disaster relief organizations, we will let you know.The issues of citizenship, insurance, liability, screening hostfamilies, screening children in the Cayman Islands for participation,transportation cost, medical needs, education, clothing and food, andmore, have not been comprehensibly solved. Our best efforts to put a working relationship together with anynumber of international disaster relief organizations has, to date,proved unfruitful.

While Cayman Kids will continue working thru the channels available tous, it is important everyone contribute their own efforts to bringrelief, everyway and anyway possible, to the Cayman Islands.If you have any idea to contribute, please share it.

If you can develop a local area network and begin putting Caymanchildren into the homes of host families, do not hesitate do so.If you are able to put a Cayman child into your own home, let nothingdiscourage you from making that happen.There continues to be a need to get many children off Grand Caymanduring the restoration and recovery that will be taking place duringthe coming weeks and months.

Cayman Kids will continue to work to move our plans forward, but,please do not stop your own relief efforts while waiting for CaymanKids to complete its mission.Where Cayman Kids may not be able to get a large effort up andrunning, individual and small groups might succeed.

Please continue to use this website, and the recourses of this Yahooforum, as a communications and networking center for your efforts.Let's hope our friends in Cayman will receiving all theassistance andsupport that they require.

Special thanks to John Wilson, Anita Law, Paul Tyler, and ChrisGebhardt for their tireless and faithful efforts to bring relief tothe children of the Cayman Islands. Casey LeydonWe are a group of people who live off the Cayman Islands that are working to find temporary homes off the islands for the children of Cayman during the hard and difficult clean-up and restoration period following the devastation of Hurricane Ivan.

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Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Information Service, a virtually Texas company. Find what you need on the Cayman Islands at Cayman Islands Internet or Grand Cayman Island

Cable & Wireless keeps you connected thru the storm!

2004-09-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

Taken from the Cable and Wireless website easily found at www.cwinternet.ky

This original content item can be found at http://www.cwinternet.ky/internet/media/news/index.php?ID=83849682&month=09

Cable & Wireless keeps you connected thru the storm!

22 September 2004

Cable and Wireless is pleased that at no time during Hurricane Ivan did we lose entire communications. We suffered from congestion as everyone was trying to keep in touch with their family and friends but our network did not go down, in fact our SMS (text messaging) worked great the entire time and it was the most effective way to communicate. Since the 13th our employees have been working 12 hours a day 7 days a week to ensure that the residents and businesses in the Cayman Islands get full service as quickly as possible.
September 10: All employees and their immediate family are offered shelter at One Technology Square

September 11: In preparation for Hurricane Ivan we offer to house 911 at One Technology Square

September 11-13: Cable and Wireless houses approximately 450 people in One Technology Square during Hurricane Ivan

September 12-13: Cable and Wireless starts testing and repairing internal switches

September 13: The first Cable and Wireless authorized agent opens its doors to customers.

September 14: Cable and Wireless brings in first cargo flight to arrive on island after hurricane Ivan

September 14: Cable and Wireless sends work crews out to start repairing lines and exchanges

September 15: Cable and Wireless starts evacuating the families of employees off the island

September 15: Cable and Wireless offers to house the RCIP command post at One Technology Square

September 15: The Human Resources Department confirms that there is no loss of life of any Cable and Wireless employee.

September 15: Broadband services are up and running

September 15: Cable and Wireless send representatives to shelters in Northside, EastEnd and Boddentown to take messages from people in the shelters to send out to their loved ones.

September 16: Cable and Wireless starts providing generators, tarpaulins and other essential goods to their employees

September 17: Cable and Wireless bMobile Marque Store (located next to the cinemas) reopens to serve our customers

September 19: One week after Hurricane Ivan we have 65% of GSM service is up and 51% of land line customers are connected and we have full capacity on internet service.

September 20: Anderson Square Store opens with generators to serve our Georgetown customers

September 20: Cable and Wireless starts providing tetanus shots to its employees

September 21: The mobile van goes out to outer communities to offer phone cards and allow people to charge their mobile phones.

September 21: Cable and Wireless sets up a temporary clinic at One Technology Square to assist employees, police and 911 staff with their medical needs

September 24: Cable and Wireless technicians made tremendous strides overnight with the following exchanges; Spotts exchange restored to 100% service; West Bay exchange restored to 93% service; ADSL in West Bay restored to 100% service; Safehaven GSM & TDMA cell sites restored to 100% service.

Cayman Islands Property Update 9/18/04

2004-09-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

This content comes from the official web site for the Cayman Islands www.caymanislands.ky
The link for this content is found under the Hurrican Ivan Archives

Cayman Islands Property Update

The latest reports into the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism office are listed below. This information will be posted on www.caymanislands.ky and will be continuously updated as reports come in. Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman is closed until December 1, 2004 due to water damage sustained from the passing of Hurricane Ivan. Repair will begin on the affected areas as quickly as possible and are accepting reservations for travel beginning December 1, 2004. (source: Hyatt website) The Marriott - The hotel is temporarily closed through October 15, 2004. (source: Marriott website) Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa - The hotel is currently closed and more updates will be posted as we receive them. (source: website)
25% totally damaged
50% good, some water damage
25% operational The Ritz Carlton – Nothing stated at this time Sunshine Suites – Property still being assessed. (source: website) Divi Resorts - Pleased to report its resorts were fortunate to encounter either no or only minimal damages from Hurricane Ivan. At this time eight of Divi’s nine resorts are fully operational, receiving guests and taking future reservations. Divi Tiara Beach Resort in Cayman Brac is expected to resume operations once the Cayman Government lifts its restrictions for non-resident entry. Sunset House - All the blocks are standing with roofs on all of them. There is obviously shingles missing, but the plywood is still there. The upper floors have water damage. The sliding glass doors and windows are all still in place! The dive shops roof is missing, but walls are still there. ALL THE BOATS ARE OK! The 800 number is going to be re-directed for the next few days as they get the office back into shape. They have a little water damage coming in from up above. My Bar is leaning, but the roof with all the palm fronds is still there. The Barringtonia tree next to the 300 block is still standing, but does not have a leaf on it. There is damage around the pool (some of the railings), but nothing near what happened during Hurricane Michelle. The restaurant is fine and the chef’s have been preparing excellent meals for the staff! The generator is on giving power to the front office and restaurant freezers. The propane is supplying gas for the kitchen. Water has been switched to the cistern for showers and they have bottled water for drinking, but still boil water for safety. Tentative open date is in 6 weeks. (source: management)

Official Cayman Islands Update as of 2pm EDT, Friday 9/17

2004-09-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

CAYMAN ISLAND'S FINANCIAL INDUSTRY UP AND RUNNING The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (the Authority) has announced that it will resume operations this Monday, September 20, 2004.

Despite the destructive force of the category 5 hurricane, the headquarters of the Authority received little damage and all of its operating systems and records remain secure and intact.

The Authority is able to assist its licensees, wherever possible, in making as smooth a transition to normal business activity. Internet access is now available in the capital George Town, where electricity was restored to the Authority's headquarters as well as other surrounding buildings. Central George Town is expected to receive power over the weekend.

Many financial institutions, therefore, will also re-open for business on Monday, 20th September. The Cayman Islands clearing banks confirmed that their records and data were unaffected and that the banking system remains sound. Due to lack of mains electricity and telecommunications, they began skeleton operations yesterday offering withdrawals to their customers, and commencing Monday, they will make available a wider range of services to all clients. Their branches in the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which received minimal damage from the hurricane, have been operating fully.

The Managing Director of the Authority, Cindy Scotland, said that the Authority working closely with the Cayman Islands Government, in particular the office of the Financial Secretary, and the private sector, has facilitated the fast re-start of the financial services industry. Cindy Scotland said: "Our willingness and ability to work together is a testament to the industry's commitment to ensuring that the Cayman Islands maintain its leadership role in the global financial community."

---------------------------------------------- As soon as more information becomes available, the DOT New York office will be disseminating this. Please DO NOT overload the already stretched resources of the Government and emergency personnel by trying to call the Islands directly for an update. Media - we ask you to please stand by we are doing our best to get you the most accurate and up to date information. You will have it as soon as we do.Click here for previous updates Cayman Islands Update as of 2pm EDT, Friday 9/17 New York, New York, September 17, 2004-- Below please find the most up-to-date information about the Cayman Islands from the US Cayman Islands office.

The Cayman Islands Office in New York has started receiving donations to the Cayman Islands Hurricane Relief Fund which will be used to buy necessary emergency, medical and rebuilding supplies. Those wishing to drop off supplies can do so at Cayman Airways Cargo and Tortuga Rum Company in Miami and Cox Lumber Company in St. Petersburg Florida. (Full details are again attached).

AT&T restored network service yesterday in George Town, Seven Mile Beach and Red Bay with data service is up and running

The Monetary Authority will be open on Monday 9/20

Cayman Utility Company (CUC) is restoring power today with the priority to Government Buildings including the Emergency Operations Center and Hospital

Posted as of today, available property status updates are listed on www.caymanislands.ky and will be updated daily as reports come in Official Comments from the Royal Family and the Governour Today the British Royal Family sent warm expressions of support to the people of the Cayman Islands. “I was horrified to hear of the dreadful devastation which has been inflicted upon the Cayman Islands by Hurricane Ivan and wanted you to know how deeply I feel for all those who have been affected by this appalling storm. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to all those who have lost their loved ones and whose properties and livelihoods have been destroyed,” stated His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. The Royal Highness, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Edward and Sophie, asked the Governor to, “Please convey to the Government and people of the Cayman Islands our concern at the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan. Our prayers are with you all, and especially for those who have suffered bereavement or damage.” Late last night, Governour HE Bruce Dinwiddy said: “We are delighted by the extent of recovery. Its incredible and exciting what momentum has been established in four days. The representatives of the UK DFID and I met last night where I was told that the speed of recovery activity was quite unlike any they have seen before in similar situations,” he continued. “There has been colossal goodwill from around the world with offers of international assistance streaming in and with so much local determination and expertise we will surely make it.” Security and Airlift

The FCO is arranging a total of 25 police officers to come to Cayman from Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands and other territories. The UK is sending none at this time.
Additionally, a contingent from the Bermuda Regiment will be arriving shortly. The Bermuda Regiment played a key role in post-hurricane Fabian recovery last year.

More than 50 Caymanian constables are paired with local officers

Owen Roberts International Airport is still operating on limited service of 12-14 flights

US Department of State is issuing visa/waivers for children. Other consulates assisting with departures for their nationals Disaster Recovery Efforts Comprehensive relief and recovery efforts are underway and the Cayman Islands thanks everyone who has contributed towards assisting the Cayman Islands in this time of emergency

The Cayman Islands Government is working aggressively to centralize coordination of aircraft and freight shipments from the United States and Canada.

To date four drop-off points have been established in Florida and Houston with nine additional locations in various firehouses in New York. More details to follow.

More than 50 Caymanian constables are paired with local officers

Plans are also in progress to establish relief service from Canada

Information and questions regarding shipment of supplies can be sent to ivaninfo@caymanislands.ky with FREIGHT as the email subject.

As soon as more information becomes available, the DOT New York office will be disseminating this. Please DO NOT overload the already stretched resources of the Government and emergency personnel by trying to call the Islands directly for an update. Media - we ask you to please stand by we are doing our best to get you the most accurate and up to date information. You will have it as soon as we do.

Cayman Islands Update as of 2:00pm EDT Thursday 9/16

2004-09-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

From the Official source for Cayman Islands updates, www.caymanislands.ky

Actual source link is http://www.caymanislands.ky/hurricane_archive.asp

Cayman Islands Update as of 2:00pm EDT Thursday 9/16

New York, New York, September 16, 2004-- Below please find the most up-to-date information about the Cayman Islands from the US Cayman Islands office.

It has been reported that one person has died following Hurricane Ivan of complications which arose during the storm. The man, believed to be a 52 year old Jamaican national, suffered chest injuries in the Bodden Town Civic Centre Shelter when the hurricane took the roof off the building. He was immediately transferred to a nearby secure shelter where medical aid was given, and once the weather eased, he was transferred to George Town Hospital where treatment continued. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, unfortunately, he died on Tuesday night. Leader of Government Business, the Honourable McKeeva Bush, on behalf of the Government of the Cayman Islands said, "The Government of the Cayman Islands would like to express our sympathies and condolences to the family of the man who has died as a consequence of the terrible hurricane that hit our Islands."

The Government has also received a report of one person person, 75-year old fisherman from West Bay who was last reported securing his boat in heavy winds. No further information is available at this stage.

The Cayman Islands Government (CIG) is working closely with the United Kingdom Government to coordinate and provide emergency support to the Cayman Islands. The situation in the Cayman Islands remains controlled

Retail banks did open with at least one branch of each scheduled to open for three hour periods.

ATM machines will be available during daylight hours.

Limited electricity is up in both Central George Town and the fire station. CIG is cautiously optimistic that there will be more electricity over the course of the next day.

Exxon Mobile is transporting a commercial generator to Grand Cayman to the South Sound ESSO facility which will help Cayman Utility Company (CUC) expedite efforts to restore power

Hurley’s and Fosters supermarket at the airport are open.

Royal Cayman Islands Police has increased its presence in certain areas such as the hospital and the airport.

Travel into Grand Cayman Owen Roberts International Airport is expected to be fully operational by Friday remaining in restricted use exclusively for emergency response and disaster recovery efforts.

Cayman Airways Continues to operate an aggressive, schedule restricted to emergency relief. The schedule, released yesterday extends to September 26. It is again attached.
Is flying anyone that wants to leave Grand Cayman to Miami or Kingston.
Cayman Airways Express continues to provide inter island service to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Please call 1-800-G-CAYMAN for more information and please be patient.

Air Jamaica continues to provide support flights and bring supplies on their inbound journeys. British Airways has confirmed a flight to Grand Cayman from Heathrow for Saturday 9/18 for Caymanians and essential workers with permits only and will transport back anyone who wants to depart to the UK.

Flight plans and landing approvals are being coordinated by: Richard SmithDirector of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (345) 916-6285 Cayman Air Traffic Control Tower(345) 916-6531

source: www.caymanislands.ky http://www.caymanislands.ky/hurricane_archive.asp

Cayman Update is a publication of Cayman Inforamtion Service, a virtually Texas Company

Cayman Islands begin to rebuild and restore

2004-09-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new BLOG designed to communicate the progress, status, requirements, support, relief, and infiormation requirements regarding the Cayman islands restoral efforts as a result of Hurricane IVAN.

The best news possible is that the people and the island are intact and working together to bring as much normalcy as possible back to their lives. To do this, they need our help.

Grand Cayman felt the most significant impacts of hurricane IVAN. All Caymanians are pulling together in this relief and restoral efforts. Not just those native to the islands, but those of us also who have come to love the islands as a second home.

The best CURRENT information at any given moment will always be at
Cayman News Network

The official Cayman Islands website

Great forums and running details for Cayman Islands after Ivan

There are a number of outstanding forums already up focused on looking for people, discussing destruction estimates and impacts. We will help aggregate and assimilate some of this content together through this forum, but will always try to point you back to the point of origin for actual content.

We're just getting this kicked off so come back again tomorrow.

Unpredictable Ivan Moves Closer

2004-09-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

The following content comes from Cayman Net News
Update on September 10 http://www.caymannetnews.com/index.shtml
Go to Cayman Net News for the latest updates, directions, and stories from the Cayman Islands

Unpredictable Ivan Moves Closer
Friday, September 10, 2004

The Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee issued a Hurricane Watch for the country at 10 pm on Wednesday night for all three Islands. However, the extremely dangerous category four hurricane’s path was far from certain on Wednesday night.

Two of the computer models used to forecast the storm had Ivan taking a right turn before reaching Jamaica and heading out toward the Atlantic Ocean, through the Bahamas. Another model had the hurricane coming very close to Grand Cayman.

The official forecast issued by the National Hurricane Centre in Miami on Wednesday night had Ivan passing north of the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, making landfall in Cuba and then proceeding to the west coast of Florida.

In this projection, the system was expected to begin affecting the Sister Islands by late Friday afternoon and Grand Cayman in the early hours of Saturday morning. Hurricane Ivan had reached category 4 graded only one tier below the most menacing in its class and continued to be viewed as extremely dangerous. Maximum sustained winds were at 140 miles per hour and hurricane-force winds (greater than 75mph) extended out some 70 miles from the centre and tropical-storm force winds some 160 miles from the centre.

This system “should be taken very seriously by all persons in the Cayman Islands,” said Acting Chief Secretary, Donovan Ebanks, Acting Chairman of the NHC. Mr Ebanks emphasised that conditions were favourable for even further intensification.

In line with current forecasts, the NHC advised visitors scheduled to leave the islands this weekend or next week to consider departing by Friday.

A “Hurricane Alert” is the signal for residents to begin taking precautions.

Emergency supplies need to be checked and stocked up.

After a storm, electricity and water supplies may not be available and stores and supermarkets may not be able to open, so residents need to ensure they have enough non-perishable food, water, first aid, any required prescription medication and other survival supplies for each person for five to seven days.

People need to assess their property and make the necessary preparations to protect it, such as roof repairs and battening down homes or businesses as well as removing overhanging limbs and fruit from trees

The National Roads Authority (NRA) also issued a reminder that it is necessary to clear all drains. Private property owners are strongly advised to clean out their drains as soon as possible .

The NRA is in the process of clearing and making ready drains along the Islands’ roadways.
Residents should take whatever precautions required as quickly as possible as supplies tend to quickly run out once an alert is declared.

Residents also need to decide as soon as possible if they will need to go to a shelter or to stay with friends or relatives.

People in ocean-side houses or condos should also prepare to move inland as high seas and wave action pose a grave danger to property near the shore.

Anyone who is not sure if there home is safe enough to withstand a hurricane should prepare to stay with friends or family, or go to a shelter, even if they live inland.

Residents with serious health issues, or in the last three months of pregnancy should plan to go to an emergency medical centre. Check which shelter is closest and decide how to get there.

People also need to make arrangements for pets. If you go to a shelter you will not be able to take your pet with you. Some local kennels offer boarding but space is limited. Make arrangements early.

Everyone is advised to stay tuned to the media for the latest weather bulletins and to official notices from the National Hurricane Committee.

These notices and general hurricane information are also available on www.gov.ky/nhc