Command centre upgrades to help LC weather storms

(CNS): An extension to the Little Cayman Command Centre which is expected to help residents on the smallest of the Cayman Islands was opened last week by the district administration minister. Work began in June on the existing multi-purpose building which serves as part of LC PWD’s residential quarters and also acts as a hurricane shelter. The 1,254 square-foot addition comes with a conference roomextra storeage capacity for hurricane supplies, bathroom facilities and an office for government staff. The windows, doors, walls and roof of the new facility are hurricane safety-rated and the building floor is 22 feet above sea level.

There is a backup generator to provide electricity if there is a power outage as well as internet service, to enable real-time access to Hazard Management Cayman Islands and Ministry officials  and to track approaching weather during a hurricane, officials revealed in a release from the ministry.

Juliana O’Connor-Connolly the minister responsible congratulated all the parties involved in the project for delivering it on time and within budget.

“This project was very important to the residents of Little Cayman because of the dire need for such a facility. I have been tracking hurricanes for many years and in particular Ivan, Gustavo and Paloma and we have noticed how easy it is for Little Cayman to be cut off in terms of communications and supplies, so this shelter will provide crucial back-up until unfavourable weather conditions pass," she stated.

Contractor James Thomas who was awarded the contract said it was a challenge to get material on the island but he and his 11-man crew made the most of it to complete the job on time.

Meanwhile, the district officer and PWD Project Manager Larry foster said he was relieved to have the new facility up and running. “We now have the privacy to make command decisions and we will be better equipped in the event of a storm.  This is a big improvement on what we had before,” he said.