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FOI reveals lost document

FOI reveals lost document

| 25/09/2014 | 9 Comments

(CNS): The Education Ministry appears to have lost a 2011 report requested under the freedom of information law but has refused to make public an updated 2014 document, despite the fact that at least some of the information is now in the public domain anyway. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is also of the opinion that the applicant, which is CNS, has grounds to appeal the refusal. The information requested pertains to the amalgamation of the primary schools on Cayman Brac – which has since been revealed as one of the proposals made in the Ernst & Young report on the rationalization of government. Unlike the information requested, this was released into the public domain on 9 September in the spirit of openness and transparency.

On 18 February this year CNS requested a 2011 document regarding proposals for cost savings for the provision of education on Cayman Brac; the PowerPoint presentation regarding this proposal produced in 2011; any updated report on the same subject (proposals for cost savings for the provision of education on Cayman Brac) that has been produced since 2011; and the current enrollment figures and teacher/student ratios of all government primary schools and the Lighthouse School.

The ministry released the teacher/student ratios requested but refused the other documents regarding the potential cost savings of amalgamating the Brac primary schools.

The savings of this proposal is now known to be estimated at $600,000 per year. The E&Y report (see below, page 76) also lists the potential educational benefits of the amalgamation, which includes more time per student for PE, music and art, more scope for ensemble music and team sports, and more classes of optimum size (15-25 students).

Furthermore, the reports says, although five teachers’ and one principal’s posts would be lost, the headcount savings could be put towards a speech and language therapist based on Cayman Brac.

Also noted was the potential to use the existing Spot Bay campus for the relocation of the UCCI Brac campus, thus saving rent for the local university.

Potential risks and issues listed by E&Y focused on public perception by Brac residents. The loss of professional jobs on the island “may meet with resistance”, the consultants noted. They also pointed to additional transportation time for some parents, but noted that existing school transportation services could be extended to those affected.

“The loss of certain teachers who are highly regarded by the community may be controversial,” the report said, but outlined how this too could be mitigatedby offering support and career development for younger Caymanian teachers to transfer to Grand Cayman to develop skills and experience.

Nevertheless, while the public now has what information is in the E&Y report, the ministry continues to withhold their recent report on the subject, which might offer the public a better understanding of the proposal, on the grounds that it was prepared for Cabinet. It has also, apparently, lost the original document about this proposal prepared three years ago and, in the FOI response, completely ignored its one-time existence.

The ICO said in its response to the appeal by CNS: “In regards to record keeping, the ICO notes that each Public Authority has an obligation to keep accurate records under the Public Record and Archives Law. In this case existing records appear to have been updated and no record of previous versions was kept. That is the Applicant requested 2011 documents, which appear to have existed at some point, but received records dated 2014.”

CNS appealed the refusal by the ministry on two counts and ICO Analyst Clara Smith in her report to asses the grounds for appeal said that while it was possible that the ministry had grounds for refusal, it had not supplied any documented evidence to support its claims.

Investigating whether the disputed records were, as the ministry maintained, opinions, advice or recommendations prepared for Cabinet, the analyst saidthat the records did not appear to indicate this, nor did the cabinet minutes provided by the ministry regarding this issue reference the relevant documents.

The ICO was provided with a Ministerial Affidavit, and said the minister “indicated that the responsive records were created for her view” (which the 2011 could not have been). However, the ICO noted that meetings of cabinet and subcommittees “were not discussed in the affidavit”.

The FOI watchdog analyst also looked at whether releasing the records would inhibit the free and frank exchange of views, as the ministry maintained.

in her response on behalf of the ministry, the chief officer at the time, Mary Rodrigues, had stated that “… civil servants must be able to share all possible options and provide advice and recommendations freely and frankly to be considered by senior management and by policy makers to ensure decision making processes are robust. Releasing records – particularly before a decision has been made on the proposals – would likely restrict the open dialogue that currently exists within the Ministry to share ideas and opinions which often include ‘thinking outside the box’.”

However, the ICO said that the records did not show the views of individual civil servants; that the names within the documents were those of senior ministerial officers; and that the recommendations were evidenced based practical measures.

The ministry had claimed: “It would not be in the public Interest for public servants to be restrained in the execution of their duties by the fear of the proposals they make – particularly if those proposals are not accepted by the government and contain recommendations that would be unpopular among general population – being made public under that FOI law.”

However, the ICO said that the arguments to support this argument “were not convincing given the specific circumstances of these records. In particular, that the recommendations were made by senior civil servants who should have an expectation of accountability should be addressed. Furthermore, the recommendations were not unusual given the circumstances. There was at least a possibility that the recommendations would have been well received. There is no evidence provided of the actual repercussions for these civil servants that would result in future inhibition.”

Following the ICO report, the ministry has now released the names of government officialsand Cabinet members present at a focus group meeting with parents (understood to be the presidents and vice-presidents of the Brac PTAs) and Education Council members, even though CNS had amended the original FOI request to exclude the names of civil servants involved.

Related articles on CNS:

WEPS tops child/teacher ratio

Cost saving report buried

CNS: The article has been amended. an earlier version indicated that the ICO had made a decision on the matter.

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Mind Your Own eBusiness

Mind Your Own eBusiness

| 21/09/2014 | 17 Comments

The new line of the 21st century now is “there’s no business, like eBusiness” – or at least I like to think so. But, unfortunately the Cayman Islands are still having some difficulty catching up with this global trend and there is certainly not enough opportunities in place locally to educate people on the benefits of starting or expanding a business online.

Sure, having a nice website is one thing, but I am not talking about a website, I am talking about a BUSINESS. There is a huge difference.

With the unemployment rate in the Cayman Islands ever growing, many individuals are now exploring self-employment opportunities for the security of not being fired or laid off, and many are overlooking the amazing advantages of eBusiness.

It doesn’t take a lot of brainwork to see why so many business owners choose or seek the opportunity to operate wholly or partially online, but for anyone questioning such a decision, here are some clear factors:

  • Cost-savings – operating a business or retail outlet online can save many thousands of dollars by way of not requiring rent, utilities, employees, equipment, property maintenance and insurance, janitorial services and so forth
  • Improved client service through greater flexibility – owners ofonline businesses have a lot more flexibility with time and where they operate for all the obvious reasons
  • Global reach – the internet is everywhere, and depending on the business model, a business can reach international customers instantaneously
  • Work from home – this is one of the big reasons individuals choose online business, it allows more time for self and family
  • Increased Productivity – by spending less time and money on running business you will be able to invest more on growing your business and efficiently run and manage your projects.

These are just 5 of the top reasons entrepreneurs are lured in the eCommerce direction, so why is Cayman taking so long to step up to the innovative plate of eCommerce? Is it lack of public education? Definitely not, the local consumers and customers are very familiar with the convenience of businesses who maintain a strong online presence, in fact those are the businesses we remember most; but for some reason many local businesses are still operating the “old-fashioned” way and are expecting to reach “new-fashioned” customers.

Customers and potential customers these days are accustomed to having everything within reach of the internet, love information, love comparing products and services, and tend to navigate towards the businesses that provide the convenience of quickly answering all their potential questions from easy to explore websites versus having to call or stop to find an email address and send the email (after having to draft one of course). 

We cannot blame the businesses for this of course (at least most of the time), because simply put – the opportunities for expanding to eCommerce in Cayman have been vastly limited by lack of proper resources.

For example, the process for obtaining payments online has been barred by the high cost of third party overseas payment processors or tedious bank processes for getting local processing, many business owners have been disappointed by the difficulties of developing and maintaining an ecommerce website, and hiring a web development team to keep any online inventory up-to-date outweighed the benefits for many of Cayman’s local retailers who would love to give their customers the ability to access their stores 24/7 via internet, and let’s not even start one the cost of running the delivery or hiring a courier to deliver any potential orders.

But, with the whole world now recognizing the importance and significance of expanding businesses and services online to the demanding, tech-saavy customers waiting patiently for them to catch up with the time, I would suggest that our islands and their business owners begin exploring, demanding and taking advantage of the eCommerce market arena sooner than later.  

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Breeze Fusion in November for good causes

Breeze Fusion in November for good causes

| 19/09/2014 | 0 Comments

(Radio Cayman): The 8th Annual Breeze Fusion Walk/Run is coming up on Saturday 1 November starting at 6:30am from Smith’s Cove. Originally conceived as a family oriented event in 2007, this year’s fundraiser features an increase in the distance to a more competitive 5k or 3 miles, as well as a children’s race. Breeze Fusion is organized by Radio Cayman/Breeze FM and the Phoenix Athletic Club, assisted by Coach Jerry Harper and service club volunteers. As is customary, part proceeds will go to the National Council for Voluntary Organizations, a charitable organisation dedicated to the care, education and well-being of children and families in need of support. (Left: 2013 Male Champion Dominique Corbin with Radio Cayman's Kathy Miller)

The second beneficiary this year is John Gray High School’s “Helping Hands Program”, through which JGHS provides—among other things—hot meals, uniforms and school supplies for any grade 7 to 11 child, who needs this assistance.

So far, sponsors Cayman National, ROMA United Sports Club, Maedac Supply Company through their WATA brand and Grand Old House, already confirmed their support. 

Event registration is still an affordable $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for students under sixteen and is ongoing at radiocayman.gov.ky and caymanactive.com/breeze.  All participants receive an event t-shirt & goodie bag.  Trophies go to the overall male & female finishers in the run, along with medals & prizes to the top competitors in each age category for both the run & walk, with random prizes also up for grabs.
 

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Moses supports development plan for Sister Islands

Moses supports development plan for Sister Islands

| 19/09/2014 | 0 Comments

Cayman News Service(CNS Business): Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell, who has responsibility for the Sister Islands, says the Cayman Islands’ new National Conservation Law adds significant protection from unsuitable or inappropriate developments. Kirkconnell told CNS Business that he considers that the current planning laws are robust enough to prevent unsuitable development in the Sister Islands. However, the DP also said he supports the establishment of a strategic development plan for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman to ensure that future developments on the two smaller Cayman Islands continue to align with the overarching economic, social, environmental and heritage objectives for the islands. Read more and comment on CNS Business

 

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Local movie showcases Cayman Islands talent

Local movie showcases Cayman Islands talent

| 18/09/2014 | 3 Comments

(CNS Business): A short film written, directed and produced by an entirely local team shows that movies shot here don’t have to be about money laundering or pirates. Although the Devil you Know film is shot almost entirely in Cayman, the location is unrelated to the story and demonstrates that the islands can provide the backdrop for movies unrelated to the more common labels attached to the jurisdiction. Watch trailer on CNS Business

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Living the differently abled life

Living the differently abled life

| 18/09/2014 | 6 Comments

Most don't get it … and I hope they never will … because the only way someone will ever "get it" is to LIVE IT. Living with a disability is hard enough – whether it be your own or that of someone you love – but to endure the struggles of physical difficulties while trying to navigate a society of cluelessness is downright impossible. The average person is blessed to avoid this reality and can only look upon those "less fortunate" with apathy or empathy. They will never truly understand the struggle. 

It hurts me to no end that parents of specialneeds children are looked upon with sympathetic stares and teary eyed nods of encouragement, called amazing parents and wonderful people … just because we were given the monumental task of caring for someone who requires 24 hour love, support and attention. We are no different than any other parent, except that we are more tired, more stressed and more likely to face divorce, physical ailments (brought on by lack of rest and stress!) and a deeper look into the darkness of society vis a vie the lack of support on a daily basis.

Don't misinterpret what I am saying – as a recent recipient of the most wonderful kindness and generosity of this country, I am the first to say that we are a nation of philanthropic givers … but let's be honest, that's really only in crisis … as most find it easier to turn a blind eye to the plight of the disabled on a daily basis. Not because they are evil or cold-hearted, but because they simply do not grasp the struggles that these members of society endure and it is too uncomfortable to remain exposed to it for an extended period of time. Once in a while is good enough, thank you very much!

Unfortunately, those with disabilities do not have that luxury and must live with themselves 24/7/365 … no escape, no reprieve. Those primary caretakers, parents, grandparents, siblings, etc, likewise must learn to cope with "normal" life … that their own abilities permit … while experiencing the reality of life that their disabled family member brings to the table. Some days that life is amazing, wondrous and so rewarding … some days (and nights!) it really sucks.

So I do not expect anyone who is not living it to understand. What I DO expect is for those who do not understand to accept that we, the parents and those disabled with a voice, have SOMETHING to say. We want the needs of the disabled to be heard and answered. We want the support of the government to make and enforce laws that protect and help our children and family members. We are not asking for money, for hand-outs or for favours. We are asking for the people that sit in the big building to carve out some time to address this festering situation and make it a national priority. We are asking for some respect from the RCIPS and we are asking that the citizens of the Cayman Islands appreciate that life as a disabled person is hard enough … don't make it worse by being insensitive and ugly!

Recent comments by the RCIPS, defending the actions of their officers caught illegally parking in a Blue Spot (a specifically dedicated parking space for the disabled) brings to light the insensitivities at the highest levels of our society's protection echelons. For a body of authority to declare that the spot did not meet the requirements to officially be deemed a disabled parking space – despite being clearly painted the right shade of blue and despite it bearing the universal symbol of the disabled – was a slap in the face to every disabled man, woman and child in Cayman. What that utterance may very well have succeeded in doing was to discredit the exhaustive, hard work of so many dedicated and committed individuals who are trying to raise awareness for the disabled. In declaring that a spot without a sign, regardless of its colour, proximity to the front door or symbolic demarcation, was not good enough for someone in a wheelchair but just perfect for police officers wanting a short walk or quick spot, sent a message that anyone, anywhere can challenge the rights of the disabled. Thank you very much RCIPS for your support in our lame cause.

Forgive me for being too emotional. That's what becomes of parents who run on fumes, sacrificing a good night's rest to ensure that their disabled child is comfortable and their needs are met, even if it takes 3 or 4 awakenings throughout the night. Parents who are emotional say things that will get them in trouble; it kind of goes with the territory!

Clearly, emotional parents are the only ones who feel that it is wrong for teachers to mock the disabled children that they teach at special needs schools. Such was the case right here in Cayman, where parents were in utter shock and disbelief at the annual game of "Best Imitation of a Student", where the teachers competed to do their best and funniest impressions of their students. Golden moments! What would YOU as a parent expect from that school, should you learn of these activities? I can tell you what the parents involved expected, but as you can guess, there hasn't been much movement in that respect. The parents, meanwhile, as well as their own child, have been shunned at the school … for taking a stand and expecting at least a minimum of compassion for an already difficult and challenging life. Heart-warming.

How can we, as a society, not circle wagons to protect our vulnerable? How can we challenge those chosen to raise them, care for them and defend them? Whether it is for a parking spot or insurance coverage? When did it become ok for people to throw the defenceless to the mercies of the world?

While there have been strides over the past years to paint parking spaces blue, the reality is that most of those spaces are simply blue painted, normal parking spots – not wide enough to allow a wheelchair ramp to come down without hitting the closely parked car beside it. While there is a planning requirement to have disabled parking at every establishment, the reality is that there aren't ramps at many of them, preventing wheelchairs from even making it onto the sidewalk. While many establishments have engineered ramps from the parking lot to the sidewalk, the reality is that the doors into their premises are not wide enough or there is a step up that makes it impossible to get inside. While many of these situations do not exist in places, the reality is that there are often no elevators to the 2nd level of restaurants or businesses, eliminating those options and shrinking the world of someone who cannot climb stairs due to their disability.

Why? Because it is not a priority to make the Cayman Islands accessible to all.

Medical bills mount. Insurance premiums sky rocket. Opportunities are few and far between and continued education, employment and meaningful adulthood is all but a wish of the parents who once looked upon the impending birth of their perfect child with hope and dreams of greatness.

The life of a differently abled person is fraught with dilemma, disappointment, frustration and depression. Please consider that the next time you make fun of them, park in a disabled spot or choose to look the other way, rather than face them head on like a real person who deserves a smile, a hello, a chance.

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Ocean energy project on cards for North Side

Ocean energy project on cards for North Side

| 18/09/2014 | 33 Comments

(CNS): A US-based company wants to develop a floating platform off the coast of North Side to supply renewable energy to the Cayman Islands via Ocean Thermal Energy. What would be the first power plant of its kind in the world, if it goes ahead, is proposing to generate 6.25 megawatts of wholesale electric power to CUC via a buried cable under the ocean. OTEC International (OTI) is now seeking input from the public for an environmental impact assessment for the floating ocean power station. Having already met with North Siders, the company said it will be hosting an open house meeting next Tuesday in the district to present its proposal to a wider audience.

Although Cayman has been slow off the mark in exploring alternative energy, under CUC’s licensing agreement the firm is now obligated to supply at least a small part of its power via renewable energy.

In 2013 the firm stated that it had identified two companies it was working with to provide two 5-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plants and one 3MW small scale wind turbine project: New Generation Power (NGP), which proposed to provide 3 megawatts of wind power and 5 megawatts solar, and Electric Power LLC, which plans to provide an additional 5megawatts of solar energy.

A spokesperson for OTI stated this week that CUC has been in discussions with OTEC about energy alternatives since the 90’s. On this latest proposal CUC has provided some guidance and assistance with the firm’s efforts to obtain the permissions from the relevant authorities and has agreed to purchase the energy output from the plant.

“As CUC gets closer to bringing new technologies to the business that may reduce the cost of electricity, International Electric Power, one the two companies chosen to provide solar photovoltaic power plants, is at the permitting stage and recently applied for planning permission for their 5 MW photovoltaic plant in the Bodden Town district,” the firm added.

The ocean thermal project is a longer term proposal, however, and OTI said that in 2011 they and CUC entered into “a term sheet for the development of OTEC as a renewable resource” within the local power provider’s generation portfolio.

“The companies have an agreement in principle on OTI eventually supplying 25 megawatts of wholesale renewable power, starting with this first proposed phase of a 6.25 megawatt floating power platform (FPP). OTI is now beginning the EIA phase as it seeks various government and regulatory licenses and permits,” a spokesperson for the project stated.

An environmental impact assessment has now been initiated for the floating plant, which proposes to use Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, a technology that coverts solar energy stored in tropical oceans to utility-scale power through a process that exploits the large temperature gradient between the water on the surface and that found at depth.

“This is a demonstrated technology that’s been around for more than 30 years,” said OTEC International President Eileen O’Rourke. “OTEC provides consistent, renewable power delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

She described the power plant as “a low-profile platform moored off the north coast of Grand Cayman and connected to the power grid through a buried cable running to a substation on shore".

Before the EIA begins the public can review and comment on the draft Terms of Reference document, which is published on the Department of Environment’s website.

There will also be an Open House session for the public to review and comment on the EIA process on Tuesday 23 September at the North Side Civic Centre at 7:00pm followed by a 7:30pm presentation and question-and-answer period.

Public Comments on the Terms of Reference may be provided through submissions during the open house session, via email to doe@gov.ky, posted to Department of Environment, PO Box 10202, Grand Cayman, KY1-1002, or hand delivered to Department of Environment, Environmental Centre, 580 North Sound Road, George Town, Grand Cayman.

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Cop’s death ruled suicide; RCIPS ‘lacks sensitivity’

Cop’s death ruled suicide; RCIPS ‘lacks sensitivity’

| 18/09/2014 | 4 Comments

(CNS): After deliberating for about 90 minutes, the jury at the inquest into the death of PC Raphael Williams, who was found hanging from a tree in East End 12 January, reached a verdict of death by suicide, noting the policeman “felt embarrassed and humiliated by his arrest and felt extremely stressed and distraught with the fear of going to prison”. Williams had been arrested on 9 January for allegedly soliciting sexual favours in exchange for not issuing a traffic ticket. The unanimous verdict by the seven jurors came after Coroner Eileen Nervik directed the jury on the various options available to them.

To return a verdict of suicide, the jury had to be sure beyond a reasonable doubt that the deceased intended his own death and acted on that intention. After the verdict was read, while declaring the inquest was complete, the coroner, in what she acknowledged was an unusual step, addressed the courtroom.

The coroner told the court, “It was clear during this inquest that police officers found this tragedy and death of a colleague under these circumstances very troubling.” She noted a lack of counselling, people skills and sensitivity training.

Her remarks were apparently in reference to testimony heard during the inquest, which included William’s widow as well as numerous police officers discussing his state of mind during custody at George Town Police Station and while on bail.

Several statements read out in court Monday, 15 September, said he was stressed, embarrassed and ashamed, and that he felt he was being treated like a criminal by his fellow officers. His wife previously testified that he told her Richard Oliver, head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, informed Williams at the time of his bail that when he returned on the following Tuesday to answer his bail he would be “booked into Northward”.

Natalee Williams had testified her husband told her what Oliver had said, telling her he had sent a number of prisoners to Northward and was afraid they would kill him, that going there was his biggest fear.

The coroner continued, saying that while she wasn’t intending to be critical, “The RCIPS may wish to consider providing grief counseling and other counseling services to its members that are specifically designed for the RCIPS.” She added that the police would benefit from sensitivity and people-skills training on an ongoing basis, pointing out that such training actually took place in Cayman in the late-90s.

After the verdict, the RCIPS issued a statement saying an officer “took notes of the coroner’s comments that the RCIPS should consider future ‘sensitivity training’ of its officers and the availability of ‘grief counselling’ for its staff under such circumstances. The RCIPS utilizes the services of its police chaplain and Employee Assistance Programme.”

Lastly, noting she has been a coroner in this jurisdiction since 2012 and has presided over about 140 inquests, she said, “I would like to mention knowledge, or lack thereof, of attorneys in private practice in this court.”

She suggested that attorneys instructed to appear take the time tolearn about procedure in a coroner’s inquest. “It would also be helpful to sit in and observe an inquest,” she said, adding it would benefit all parties, including the court, helping to ensure “the smooth running of the inquest and less time for irrelevant matters.”

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‘Chicken Adoptions’ raise $1k for National Trust

‘Chicken Adoptions’ raise $1k for National Trust

| 15/09/2014 | 0 Comments

(CNS): Combining a marketing strategy with a fundraising effort for the National Trust, Massive Media Ltd raised $1000 with their recent Chicken Foundation campaign. The local creative agency created the ChickenFoundation.com – a satirical website fundraiser that invited people to name and ‘adopt’ one of the wild chickens featured on an online gallery. Each time a chicken was named or the website shared on social media Massive Media Ltd committed to making a donation to the National Trust. (Left: David Kirkaldy and Rich Dyer of Massive Media Ltd with Marketing Coordinator Danielle Watler of the National Trust)

“We were really happy with the local response to the campaign and we heard from people all over the island who had got a kick out of it and helped us reach our donation goal,” explained Massive Media’s David Kirkaldy. “We are already dreaming up our next campaign so stay tuned to Massive Media to see what we come up with next!”

“We are very grateful to Massive Media for the campaign. Not only have they given the Trust a valuable cash donation but we have also seen it raise great awareness for the charity and the work we do,” said Christina Pineda, Executive Director of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.

The project was also supported by local video production company, CML TV, who created the teaser campaign video free of charge.

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Red Cross gets ‘Happy’ for Ivan anniversary

Red Cross gets ‘Happy’ for Ivan anniversary

| 12/09/2014 | 15 Comments

Cayman Islands Red Cross(CNS): The Cayman Islands Red Cross has got everyone dancing to celebrate the recovery from Hurricane Ivan, which devastated Grand Cayman in 2004. Set to Pharrell Williams’s mega-hit 'Happy', the video includes several well-known faces, including the Cayman Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, Chief Officer Eric Bush, RCIPS officers, staff from the HSA and PWD, Red Cross volunteers and response teams. Watch full video on CNS Business

Of all the words in the English language that one would associate with Hurricane Ivan,
“happy” is certainly not one that comes to mind, the CIRC noted as it launched the video. But on the 10th Anniversary of the worst disaster to have affected Grand Cayman, the Red Cross said it was challenging the community to a new perspective.

“To say that Ivan was horrific is a gross understatement,” said Deputy Director, Carolina
Ferreira. “It was our biggest challenge to date, and quite possibly the scariest thing that
most people have ever lived through. Our aim is not to try to minimise that in any way,
but rather to showcase our resilience, as a nation, not only directly after but for the past
decade following that disaster.” 

The CIRC’s focus is on the work that was done and continues to be done by various sectors of the Cayman community to ensure that we take the lessons learned to heart and apply them.

“We would be doing ourselves as individuals and our community as a whole a disservice
if we took nothing away from the steepest learning curve we have had to date,” explained
Disaster Manager, Danielle Coleman. “The CIRC via its volunteers and its work with the
Community Emergency Response Teams, along with other key response agencies, have
been working tirelessly to help build resilience at the individual, family and community
levels. That is what we need to celebrate- the unbreakable spirit of our people.”

The music video, created with the help of the Cayman Story Company, gives a “then and now” retrospective look at how far the Cayman Islands have come in the ten years since the devastation. Set to the tune of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”, the video is a composite of Ivan photos and footage intermixed with current day shots of members of the community expressing their gratitude and happiness for being able to get to where we are today.

“The video is aimed to make people feel good, grateful and empowered,” explained Ferreira. “It has cameos by CIRC volunteers and staff, members of the Community Emergency Disaster Teams, members of the RCIPS and HSA, and even the deputy governor, among others. We have accomplished a great deal, and we need to remind ourselves of this. When people watch this video we want them to nod their heads in agreement with us when we say ’10 years later… 10 years stronger’,” she added.

The CIRC “10 years later… 10 years stronger” video was launched via social media at
midnight on 11 September 2014. 

To see it log on to the CIRC website www.redcross.org.ky and follow the YouTube, Facebook and Twitter links. For more information contact the CIRC directly on 949-6785 or dm@redcross.org.ky.

Watch it now on CNS Business

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