With the airport closed for four weeks and the island closed to tourists until the end of November, reports of the destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan were few. Telephones were down, water supplies contaminated, power supplies failed, and many residents found themselves homeless.
Location of Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman, part of the Cayman Islands, lies approximately 500 miles south of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. The name Grand Cayman usually conjures up thoughts of tax haven retreats, million dollar houses, and large banking conglomerates. Indeed, the island is often referred to in novels such as John Grisham’s The Client as places where billions of dollars are stashed. True, the island is home to a number of wealthy residents and many large financial institutions, but it is home also to Caymanians who have been born and raised on the island and who struggle to make a living on an island dedicated to providing superior services and facilities to wealthy tourists and businessmen.
The Cayman Islands is one of five remaining British overseas territories. The British Government is responsible for security and foreign policy, but otherwise the island is self-governing.
One of the difficulties of living on an island is that they have to import everything. After the hurricane all building materials had to be brought in from the States, and there was a delay because the hurricane swung over to the East coast of Florida where the container ships were berthed, and they could not attempt the journey whilst the storms were around.
Many homeless had to make do in shelters or live with friends or family until supplies could be brought in and repairs started. Water pipes were shattered so there was no safe water to drink. The British had a warship in the area following the hurricane, and when they could berth they brought in bottled water and medical supplies. People had to queue to receive their ration which was 6 litres of water a day per family. In addition food was rationed and again people had to queue to receive tins of corned beef, hard tack biscuits, and batteries. The humidity soon rose to over 90% and with no electricity it was impossible to keep food fresh. Supermarkets were shut for over six weeks. There was no point in their opening because they had nothing to sell.
Ecologically, there was surface damage to the reefs but the deep sea reefs escaped relatively unscathed. A factor that is important to an island famed for its reefs and corals. The turtle farm, however, was not so fortunate. The large concrete breeding tanks on the seashore were completely destroyed and the adjacent buildings flattened by the ferocious waves. All of the turtle stock was lost. In addition, 86% of green turtle nests and 25% of loggerhead turtle nests were lost on the beaches.
Ordinary, every day Caymanians lost their homes and their possessions. Many were under insured or quite often had no insurance at all. Only Canada and Belize helped directly by sending electricians and water technicians, and Bermuda sent a battalion of soldiers to prevent looting.
Caymanians Help Themselves
The Caymanian Government brought in mobile buildings to house homeless families, Local Caymanian building firms provided free labour and materials at weekends to help the locals who were not insured. They really worked together to help each other.
That is the nature of island living. Frequently battered by storms and hurricanes, the Caymanians are strong in the face of adversity.
Jane Finch - After 25 years working in Family Law I decided on a career break and have not looked back. Being a homemaker has enabled me to home ...
