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NATIONAL HURRICANE COMMITTEE
AFTERMATH OF
HURRICANE IVAN
Cayman Islands
Recovery Committee Meeting Release
A shorter curfew, reports from utilities, and other matters were considered by the Cayman Islands Recovery Committee at its meeting today (Saturday, 18 September).
At the start of the meeting, members approved a suggestion by HE the Governor, Mr Bruce Dinwiddy, that the Committee should recognise the important work of the churches at this time. It was agreed that people attending church tomorrow should remember the difficulties that the churches will be experiencing in rebuilding, and re-establishing their programmes. All too many members of their congregations were also in very difficult financial circumstances. But any church-goers short of cash who could afford it should be encouraged to place cheques in tomorrow’s offering.
The RCIP recommended a reduction in curfew hours. The committee agreed that with immediate effect the curfew will operate only from 8pm to 5am. The police and the committee recognise that, as business returns to normal, people will be leaving early to drive to work.
The following reports came from the representatives of the utilities that were present:
· CUC reported it was doing well on its restoration of power to central George Town and will soon extend its work in residential areas.
· Cable & Wireless will liaise with CUC to ensure that business systems have the necessary operating power and that both companies are working within the same prioritised areas. To handle congestion on the mobile network, the company has repaired and adjusted most of its antennas, and additional capacity is being flown in.
· The Water Authority has restored water to the hospital, will soon, hopefully today, have it piped to the University College shelter. It plans to have water restored to the business district on Monday. The Authority also reported that the sewerage system is working.
· AT&T has restored most of its local capacity and is bringing in generators to complete island-wide coverage.
· Esso confirmed that gasoline is still being sold at the pre-storm price of $3.31 per gallon. There have, however, been problems with the digital displays at the gasoline pumps, resulting in some of them showing higher prices which are not charged to customers. Esso has limited its customers to purchasing not more than $20 worth of gasoline at each visit to the pump. The company assures customers that they are paying for and receiving $20 worth of gasoline at $3.31 per gallon. The company reported no damage to tanks and thanked CUC personnel for helping to clean pumps damaged by salt-water. Three stations, Brown’s in Industrial Park, Hell in West Bay and Jack’s in North Side are operating; other stations will soon come on-line.
· Texaco also reported no tank damage. The Walker’s Road station should be open today and generators are arriving to assist in bringing other stations back into operation.
The Recovery Committee heard several other reports. Committee member Mr Conor O’Dea said the telecommunications connection with the Visa company had been restored and that Cayman-issued Visa debit and ATM cards are now working overseas. Max Jones of PWD reported on productive meetings held with contractors and insurance companies. He told the committee that materials for rebuilding are not readily available, following the number of hurricanes already experienced in the region this year. Mr Woody Foster said all three Foster’s stores were damaged; however, the airport store is now operating from the warehouse. There are no refrigerated display cases but cold or frozen items can be fetched for customers on request.
The committee discussed several other important issues including the possibility of setting prices on certain goods, and other powers allowed under a State of Emergency; moving goods more quickly through Customs; and relaxing work permit requirements – on which some significant changes will be announced by early next week.
Tomorrow the Committee will meet early so that members can attend church. On the agenda is a report from Environmental Health and others involved in public health issues following the hurricane. The Committee will also take forward discussion on an overall strategic plan for recovery from the hurricane.
In discussion of times for future meetings, the Speaker, the Hon. Linford Pierson, said that gentlemen members of the Legislative Assembly will not be required to wear suits and ties at the meeting of the Assembly on Monday.
(GIS)