Sunday, 13 October is the United Nation’s International Day for Disaster Reduction. The theme this year is Build Strong.

The Minister for Financial Services and Home Affairs, Hon. Tara Rivers JP, has recorded a message to mark this day, which can be viewed using the below link:

A transcript of the message is also published for reference - see below:

Honourable
Tara Rivers, Minister for Home Affairs

United Nations International
Day for Disaster Reduction October 13, 2019

On Sunday, 13 October, the Cayman
Islands will join the rest of the world in recognising the United
Nations’ International Day for Disaster Reduction. The theme for
this year is Building Safer.

We are fortunate in the Cayman
Islands to have one of the most robust building codes in the region.
Legislation and mechanisms are in place to ensure that the required
standards are maintained from the design stage through to
construction. This safety regime is extended to commercial licensed
premises which are also inspected annually for ongoing compliance.

In addition, there has been a great
deal of investment in vital infrastructure
and communities to improve safety and enhance resilience.

For example, flood barriers have been built around the
main generator at the George Town Hospital. Concrete electricity
poles have replaced many of the older wooden ones. Emergency shelters
have been strengthened and more shelter spaces have been added. The
Government Administration Building was also built to Category 5
standards to improve business continuity and to ensure safe operation
of the National Emergency Operations Centre and other critical
services.

We must all commit to building
stronger today to protect ourselves tomorrow. We must take safety
measures on a personal level to reduce the potential impact of a
disaster on our families and properties.

I encourage everyone to conduct
annual checks on your homes and businesses to ensure that you are
prepared for potential hazards. Check that your property’s
foundation is solid and that the structure is stable and secure,
including doors and windows. Inspect your roof and guttering for any
signs of damage and make any necessary repairs a priority. Check that
your hurricane shutters are operational and practice installing them.

If you are embarking on a project to
build a new home or other structure, ensure that you follow the
prescribed codes from the inception of the project. Enlist help from
the relevant Government agencies if you are uncertain what is
required.

Let us give thanks for the progress
that we have made in building safer communities. Let us also remember
our neighbours in the Bahamas who will be working to rebuild in the
months ahead. Let’s pray for God’s continued blessing and
protection for our people and the Cayman Islands.