From Hazard Management Cayman Islands' Joint Communications Service (JCS)
As the post-Paloma recovery continues, top officials including HE the Governor Mr Stuart Jack CVO, and Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts JP, witnessed first-hand the scale of the hurricane's devastation.
They also spoke with residents and volunteers and noted the characteristic resolve to pull together to restore normalcy to the Sister Islands as rapidly as possible.
The visitors inspected wide-ranging damage, from the South Side hotels and condos, to the airport and commercial buildings on West End, and extensive damage in Spot Bay.
However, a range of services were already administering assistance, and work crews and residents were working to remove debris and restore living conditions.
And from the Ministry of District Administration, Planning, Agriculture and Housing Command Centre on Cayman Brac, the welfare of residents and the restoring essential infrastructure remain the major areas of focus. Government department heads are leading the initiative to evaluate and regularize areas such as health, building integrity, education and transportation. MLAs are also mobilizing support where needed.
The private sector, including churches, businesses and the Red Cross, are heavily involved, doing everything from organizing donations of goods and funds, to tracing residents for relatives and distributing relief supplies.
The country's leaders are thank all concerned and agree that, in spite of the mammoth task ahead, the collective effort's systematic approach is key to the recovery and is already paying dividends.
They further agreed that the resilient and positive spirit of the residents is most impressive and bodes well for the future of the Sister Islands.
For further information contact: Lennon Christian, Direct line: (345) 244-1764, Email: lennon.christian@gov.ky