2
June, 2020

Good
day,

Sometimes
I feel like all we have been doing this year is moving from one
serious event to the next and now we are into June and the official
start of the hurricane season.

We
are told this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely to be
extremely active, so I make my usual plea to you to make sure your
hurricane supplies are stocked up, that you have a plan for your
family and business and that you stay safe.

But
my usual plea goes a bit further this year because we still have to
be concerned about the impact of COVID19. And I know that there are
many people out there right now who are out of work, so just getting
the necessary 3 to 5 days of non-perishable food, water and perhaps
plywood for shuttering may be difficult. Government is keenly aware
these are very challenging times and we will continue to assist where
we can.

Government’s
National Emergency Operations Centre is working to ensure that
appropriate social distancing protocols are in place in all emergency
shelters and that there will be stocks of masks and Personal
Protective Equipment available for everyone.

We
are also aware that normal evacuation options are not readily
available, so that will likely result in additional demand for
shelter spaces. Social distancing measures also reduce available
shelter space, so we have been actively seeking additional shelter
capacity. Additional shelter buildings have been identified and are
currently being assessed for suitability. We plan to update the list
of approved shelters in a few weeks. If you do plan to go to a
shelter, please do take masks, sanitizers and a stock of food and
water - but you won’t be turned away if you don’t have these
supplies.

Whilst
shelters are available if needed in the event of a storm, given the
shortage of shelter space and the need for social distancing, we ask
that you also consider any other sheltering options that may be
available to you. For example going to strong elevated structures of
friends or family members, or to resilient office buildings if those
options are available.

The
extended activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre in
our response to the Coronavirus pandemic has in some respects created
an environment where we are as ready as we have ever been for any
threat we face, including a hurricane.

Here
in the Cayman Islands we know we can weather storms; we have a long
history of doing so. We are a strong and resilient people and we are
at our best when we are helping one another during a difficult time.

Also
we are blessed that we have a National Weather Service that is linked
regionally and can stay on top of all weather issues and inform us
well in advance when bad weather is headed our way. Those warnings
give us ample time to make preparations.

But
I ask you not to wait to prepare.

If
we do find ourselves facing another storm this year, I beg you to
please pay attention to Government announcements and bulletins. All
of our media outlets – Radio Cayman FM89.9, the Breeze FM105.3,
Cayman Islands Government TV, Cayman Islands Government Information
Services and http://www.caymanprepared.ky
– will carry information to tell you what to expect and what to do.
Hazard Management Cayman Islands also works with private media houses
that have been diligent each time we have faced a storm to get out
the important, necessary information.

The
memories of Hurricanes Ivan and Paloma still weigh heavily on the
mind as do those of the major earthquake we experienced in January
this year. All of these events taught us all the importance of being
prepared and having a plan.

So
most of all, please make sure you are prepared, have a plan and join
me in my prayer that God will once again spare our three beloved
Islands this 2020 Hurricane Season.