Archive for September 29th, 2010

Schools closed to students

Schools closed to students

| 29/09/2010 | 128 Comments

(CNS): Updated 7:30am –Education officials have now confirmed that all government schools remain closed this morning for students. Staff who can travel safely, however, are asked to attend.  With continuing worsening weather and more rain expected, officials said parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor local media for further updates. The government run Cayman Brac Day Care Centre, which is an official hurricane shelter, has also been closed today, so too has UCCI and all private schools. At this stage government offices remain open. Schools closed at lunchtime yesterday in the wake of a tropical storm warning. HMCI said there is flooding on the road networks and drivers are asked to proceed with caution.

"Standing water poses a risk, particularly when driven through at speed. Heavy rainfall can cause deep pockets of water to accumulate making roads impassable," HMCI said, adding that when driving through flood water drivers should proceed with caution. "Maintain a very slow, steady speed. Flooded roads could hide significant potholes. Be especially vigilant when driving at night."

Government urges the public to listen for updates on the radio or view CaymanPrepared.

All public service announcements about Tropical Depression #16 will be posted on CNS Storm Watch, which has a quick link on the main menu bar in Classifieds to the latest updates about hurricanes and storms under the sub-categories ‘Be Prepared’, ‘Business Update’, ‘Official News’ and ‘Personal Notes’. The link to the Cayman Islands Weather site is also on the Classifieds menu bar so that all the weather information is easily accessible.

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Economic struggles tough on community’s elderly

Economic struggles tough on community’s elderly

| 29/09/2010 | 5 Comments

(CNS): Government officials are drawing attention to the plight of the older members of the community as the tough economic times can be even tougher on senior as they may not be physically, emotionally or financially independent. During Older Persons Month this October the focus will be on economically challenging times and helping old folks cope. Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Deanna Look Loy explained that the theme was selected to draw attention to the importance of older persons’ care, particularly during the current economic difficulties.

 
“Older persons face similar challenges to the rest of society. However, their situation is exacerbated because some cannot care for themselves either financially or physically and must rely on others to look after their affairs,” she said. “We hope to guide seniors in better-managing their resources, but also to reinforce the message that the community can make a positive difference in the lives of older citizens.”
 
Community affairs minister Mike Adam said that the community must redouble efforts to care for, protect and empower seniors especially in the face of the global economic situation. 
“We must help to guide them; assist in providing their material needs where possible; keep them engaged as active members of the family and community, and last but not least, learn from their wisdom,” the Minister said.
 
Detailing the month’s activities in a release from government information services, Older Persons Month Committee Chairperson Zemrie Thompson said that the extended celebration is intended to show appreciation to seniors. It will launch with the much-anticipated Governor’s Tea Party at Government House on Friday, 1 October.
 
A seniors’ weekend retreat is scheduled for 7 to 10 October at the Ramada Grand Caymanian Resort, and a Wellness Fair at the Seafarers Association is slated for Wednesday, 20 October from 10:00a.m to 1:00p.m.. The ultimate event – a Seniors’ Bash, again at the Red Bay Seafarers Association, will take place on Friday, 29 October between 7:00 and 10:00p.m.
 
Each district will also be staging community luncheons throughout the month. First up will be West Bay’s, on Thursday, 7 October at the Ramada Grand Caymanian Resort. It is a by invitation only event.
 
The North Side luncheon will take place at the district’s civic centre, 10:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday, 12 October, while in Bodden Town, Coewood Beach has also been selected to host the 4:00- 7:00pm, Saturday,23 October dinner.
 
The venue for the Monday, 18 October George Town lunch is the Walker’s Road Family Life Centre, between 10:00am and 1:00pm. East End’s celebratory meal will also take place at the civic centre, on Tuesday, 19 October between 10:00am and 1:00pm. On Cayman Brac, a senior’s social celebration and the Launch of the Cayman Brac Seniors Social Club will be hosted on Thursday, 23 October at 7:00pm in the Aston Rutty Centre
 
 

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