Reader Comments on Hurricane Ivan

Sunday, September 12, 2004

During Monday, September 13, alone, the Cayman Net News website was accessed over 500,000 times.  This large amount of traffic has slowed the site down considerable, and has especially affected the ability of our validation software to process the number of messages being sent to us.  Please, therefore, be patient if you find that the site is not responding and try again later.

Readers submitting messages can also help by making sure they enter a valid email address to avoid our system being even further burdened by bounced messages.  Please also turn off any Spam blocker that may prevent our confirmation emails being received.  We do not have the resources to cope with the number of messages being returned for this reason alone.

We would like to automate this system in its entirety but it seems that some people still cannot resist the temptation to send inappropriate messages, even at a time such as this, requiring us to scrutinise each message before it is posted.

Would readers also please note that we cannot at this time respond to requests for individual replies with current information. Everything we know is reported on the website.

• Stay safe! I have a daughter living/working on the Cayman Island and I'm praying for you all! - Judi
  
   
• You are all in my prayers. I love the Brac and its people. Stay close to God through all the storms of life - Dottie Smith
  
   
• This is a wonderful web site. We have relatives in Cayman: the Buster Whitney family. Now we can keep abreast of the news, especially news about the hurricane. God bless you and keep you safe - Saranne Whitney
  
   
• God Bless, we're all thinking of you and using the net to keep updated with all our friends in the Islands. Best of luck - Joy Baker (Journalist and resident, Grand Cayman 1982-91)
  
   
• We really appreciate your updates as we are not now in touch with our son who works on Grand Cayman. A Big Thanks! - Canadian Mom
  
   
• May God be with you. Here in Indiana, near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we are praying that you will all be safe. Please e-mail needs we can send once the storm passes - Pam Pedersen
  
   
• Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am in Pulaski, NY, USA, safe and sound, holding my breath and saying a prayer for all of you. May God be with you all - Fred Dano
  
   
• I just wanted to say that I am so very concerned for the Cayman Islands with Hurricane Ivan on a direct path this evening. I spent a wonderful year living on Grand Cayman some years back and have fond memories of your beautiful island and people. Best of luck, you are in my thoughts at this time. Kind regards - Declan
  
   
• We logged on to your website interested in the storm. Then we became interested in your island and the safety of your people. We pray for people in the path of these storms. We believe that it is a direct intervention of the mighty hand of God that many more persons are not destroyed in such calamities, giving us another warning to get/be ready to meet him in peace when he comes soon. We believe that disasters will increase in intensity and frequency until he intervenes directly by his coming. Meanwhile we forward monies regularly to aid people in natural and man made calamities. Sincerely from Washington, USA - Lloyd
  
   
• We own at Morritt's Tortuga Club. We are so scared for you all. We are praying for all of you. We hope that with our prayers Ivan will change direction. God bless you all - Jan, Art and Bianca Manzo
  
   
• God be with you all. You are all in our prayers - Owen Merodon
  
   
• My family and I are regular visitors to Grand Cayman and have made a lot of friends there over the years. We are all praying for you tonight. May God take care of everyone and protect them from this devastating storm. God Bless - Dave Duebber, Dayton, Ohio USA
  
   
• Our prayers are with you during this horrible storm. It seems Ivan will be visiting my neighborhood soon as well. Good luck and be strong - Tonya in Florida
  
   
• The workers and staff of Globalizacion, Revista Web, from Mexico, wish you good luck under these terrible circumstances. You are not alone in your fight - Federico Garcia
  
   
• Could you please let Mary Woodward, Linberg Eden, and Doris Conolly know that we are praying for them and our other family members there and friends. Love - Denise Walters Miertschin
  
   
• Thank you for making this information available. We love your country and we are praying for you during this tough time - Friends in the USA
  
   
• My prayers are with you all. Please keep up the excellent communications. We are monitoring your reports frequently and we are sure that Canada will provide assistance for your recovery. I hope and pray that you will suffer only property damage. God save and protect - Richard
  
   
• Our thoughts are with everyone on the island, Dave G and Alison, take care, and phone Whitehaven as soon as you can! - Nichola Pearson
  
   
• We are praying safety for our daughter and son-in-law as well as our many friends and acquaintances on Grand Cayman. May God hold you in His hand and give you peace in the midst of the storm. We love you! - Jan Celoria
  
   
• Some of my family live there and I worry. The more information, the better. I love them dearly. They may be used to this. But I don't much like it. We have no idea what it could be like to face something like that, here in Canada. My prayers are with all who are in the Caymans this day. May God keep you safe - Sandra Hodges Schuetz
  
   
• I am feeling utterly helpless watching the hurricane make its path to Cayman. I can only hope and pray that my friends and family are okay. London seems a very, very long way away at the moment but my heart is with all you guys. Much love and keep safe - Sharsh xx
  
   
• Excellent updates and reports! We are keeping our fingers crossed for everyone on the Cayman Islands. Our daughter is working and living on the island. - A worried mum and stepdad from the Netherlands
  
   
• I evacuated Grand Cayman on Thursday and, as a frequent visitor, I am very concerned about the wrath of this storm. My prayers are with you all. Your spirit will prevail and you will rally together to rebuild your paradise island - Cathy Gangl
  
   
• Thanks for keeping us and the world informed about Cayman during Hurricane Ivan. My wife's family still lives in Grand Cayman and being able to read your reports helps us know what is happening. Our prayers are with all the people of the island as this hurricane makes its way past Grand Cayman - Michael Hamilton
  
   
• Over here in England we very rarely see weather events with such destruction as caused by Ivan to your beautiful island. Mine and my family’s thoughts are with you and all the residents on the three Cayman Islands affected by this devastation. God Bless and keep you safe - Karen Parker
  
   
• We married in 96 at Driftwood Village (Hi Otto) and we hope the damage caused by Ivan is not too great. We are worried about your nice island. Take care - Antje and Peter, Hamburg. Germany
  
   
• I was a firefighter in the Cayman Island Fire Service for 27 years. The people of Cayman will survive after the storm because the NHC have a good plan. After the storm they will put their plans in operation - John Tuggy
  
   
• Thanks for your coverage. We are not getting much information at all on the hurricane in media outlets in the US. Thanks and we pray for the safety of all Caymanians - Ricky Lynn, Memphis, TN
  
   
• We are thinking of you both and hope you found safe shelter. Be in touch as soon as you can (getting regular updates from this site). Hearts go out to all in Grand Cayman - Eileen and Alian Greenwood England
  
   
• My heart is aching so greatly for you all and I just wanted you to know that I am praying for each and everyone of you and for your homes and beautiful island. I wish there was more I could do for you… You are in my thoughts. May God be with you! – Nikyla, Queensland, Australia
  
   
• My family and I are praying for you all. Please be careful - Melissa Liedl of Wisconsin
  
   
• Hi Desmond, I am in Mn. recovering from a back surgery. I must congratulate you and your organisation for doing an excellent job of being able to keep us informed of the effects of Ivan on the island as it happens. We are unable to get through by phone to any of my family and friends, I don’t know how long you will be able to stay in your office, but you are our only source of contact. Keep it up and good luck to you all - Everard Leacock
  
   
• Thanks for keeping your site up to date. My Dad lives on Cayman Brac and the major news is very general and being able to read what is really going on and that there are shelters available brings comfort since I am sure phone lines will be down for sometime.
  Thanks again. I know it is dangerous there. Keep safe - Lori McRee
  
   
• We're praying for you all - Mike & Sarah, Newhaven, England
  
   
• Thanks for the updates. You've got the best coverage of what's happening that I can find. Our prayers are with you. Keep up the good work. God Bless - Randy Sarju
  
   
• I have been watching the NHC satellite pictures showing Ivan getting closer and closer to the Caymans from the comfort of my home in London, UK. Thanks for your excellent reports on how the Islands are coping with the disaster. I hope everyone comes through this safely - Tim Franey
  
   
• Just thinking of everyone on Cayman who made us part of the family of the Cayman people for five years - we are thinking of you all including the Cayman Humane Society who do such tremendous work. This web site is tremendous and keeps us in touch. Most distressing to hear what is happening with the water coming through. Keep going - it will pass - Liz Goodman
  
   
• We're from Central Florida and have just survived Charley and Frances. Our daughter, who was married at the Cayman Hyatt, did have some major home damage however. We wish you all well and hope the storm misses your lovely islands. Keep up the good work on your most informative website. God Bless! - Mike Steinacher
  
   
• My prayers are with all of you as Hurricane Ivan approaches. Keep up the faith. It will be alright - Cassiy
  
   
• We visit Grand Cayman regularly to see family and friends. We're thinking of you and following progress via this web site. Hoping for a safe outcome for all - Rollie and Judy MacInnis
  
   
• Dear Jackie Stirling, I am so worried for you and all the people in Cayman. We wish you all the best. Take care we are with you. Lots of hugs - Ruth + Jürg, Switzerland
  
   
• I pray that you all come through this. We are thinking of you here in the UK as you are all part of us. Good Luck – Brenda, Hertfordshire, UK
  
   
• With 45,000 residents in the Caymans, I have been very disappointed in the lack of news coverage in the States regarding this serious hurricane. I lived in Grand Cayman for two years and was there during Mitch. I have friends on Grand Cayman and I am very concerned. Grand Cayman is an extremely low lying island and the devastation could be beyond anything seen in Jamaica or Cuba, yet very little is being said about the Caymans in news coverage. How can I find out more about the conditions on the island? - Laura Curtis
  
   
• We want you to know that urgent prayers are being made on your behalf here in West Michigan, USA. We love Grand Cayman and have visited many times. We pray for God's protection and that He will turn the storm away to spare you from devastation. May He bless you and help you in the hours and days ahead - Donna Hausler
  
   
• To the People of The Cayman Islands… as a former resident of Grand Cayman, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God keep you in his tender care during this horrific hurricane - Alex Auld, Nova Scotia, Canada
  
   
• May Ivan pass safely away from you - Ed Bohannon
  
   
• We have family out there. What is it really like? The news here in England keeps on about Jamaica. How are you in Grand Cayman? Ann Jays
  
   
• I have a sister, Debra Gaibraith (nee Smagacz), her husband Dean and my parents, Gloria and Al Smagacz all remaining on Grand Cayman, throughout Ivan. I'm terrified for them as they were evacuated from the Hyatt on Saturday and returned to my sister's home somewhere along the south shore of the Island. Thank you for your updated information on Ivan. I'll be glued to this site for days - Sherry Quast
  
   
• I'm praying for the residents of the Cayman Islands - Lauren
  
   
• So many people are holding you in their hearts and prayers tonight. Throughout the internet there are posts from the United States, the Caribbean and other nations expressing profound concern and sending prayers your way. So many of us who have shared the beauty of the island and its people are praying vigilantly for it to be spared the brunt of Ivan's force. May God, grace and courage be with you - Lorah Steiner
  
   
• Thank you for keeping the world up to date. We have a place at Harbour Heights with friends staying there and are of course concerned for them - Jon McCabe
  
   
• Dear Mr. Seales, thank you for keeping us students who are away from home informed. You are a hero! God Bless! - Aime Ebanks
  
   
• Thank you thank you for keeping us informed (in USA) of the effects of the hurricane. Although we cannot know of the safety of our loved ones, at least you are sending out the damage reports. Please, please keep posting and God Bless - Betty
  
   
• Thank you for your extensive coverage on Ivan. My son and is family are on Grand Cayman for work and vacation. We have not been able to learn much from our local news about what is happening. Finding your story and NHC 5:30 update today Sat.11-04 has been of great help to us. Our prayers are for all those in the path and our thanks are to you for helping us be better informed. We hope to see you up and writing soon - Susan Nicolson
  
   
• Thanks for the information. Please keep it coming. My father Dick Christiansen is in East End at the quarry. Thank you - Linda Christiansen
  
   
• Your Web site reached while unable to reach the Government site (power out?). Thank you for keeping us "Off islanders" posted - Tom
  
   
• We are reading this from the UK and have family living and working in Grand Cayman, the report is excellent and has provided a valued link with our families - Alison Rodgers
  
   
• I thank God for this connection to the Cayman Islands. Our family is all praying for our family in the Cayman Islands (Tina, Clifton, Tris, Harry and Arianna and our new grandchild not yet born). We pray for God’s hand of protection over all the people on the island. Keep holding HIS hand. May God Bless and keep you in HIS tender care - Kay Forsythe
  
   
• Thank you for your information. You are doing a wonderful job! We wish you all good luck and take care. A special thought to my friend Jackie Stirling. All the best to all the people in Cayman. Be strong, you are living in such a great country - Ruth, Switzerland
  
   
• Any information as soon as storm has passed, please pass along. God bless you all and be with the Holly Spirit - Anonymous
  
   
• Thanks for the information you provide - Daniel Gil Garcia
  
   
• Visited Little Cayman years ago, in September. No storm then, just a wonderful visit. We are thinking and praying for you all - Craig Feeney
  
   
• What a relief it has been to read on line the Cayman Net News during times as this - the approach of Hurricane Ivan. My home is New Orleans and the Net keeps me inform of news events when I am not in the Island - Mary Powery Garnett
  
   
• We are praying for your protection. May the God Most high hide you under His wings. May the Hurricane not hit you - An Ex-Tourist
  
   
• I’m from France and I’m so sorry to see this disaster - Fabien
  
   
• My sister is living in Grand Cayman, we are praying for the safety of her and all the people in Grand Cayman. I spoke to her at 8:30am this morning, and the winds were bad with trees and roofs blowing by the shelter she is in. I love you Marcia - Shel
  
   
• Hello, I am a homeowner on Little Cayman and would appreciate any word on conditions on the island. Friends are in our house and we are worried about their safety. Thanks - Ed Aster
  
   
• I hope all at Pease Bay and Bodden Town are safe and well. Many childhood memories from the area - Moni
  
   
• I am sorry to hear of your loss and destruction. I have had the chance to spend some time there during Pirates Week. I love your island and hate to see this happen to it. I wish there was something I could do to help - Greg Desbien
  
   
• We visited your island and fell in love. Hope you remain safe whilst Ivan passes - Julie Staples
  
   
• I was somewhat relieved to find your report still coming through as I have many friends on the Cayman Islands and will be watching this page closely until I can get a phone call through. Thanks for the great work - Hugh Shannon
  
   
• I hope damage to the islands will not be as dramatic as it seems to be. For all the Cayman people: good luck! - Math Moens
  
   
• I'm British and live in England now, but I lived in Grand Cayman for two years whilst teaching at Prep School. I have been watching Sky News regularly and listening to updates from Mr Seales. It sounds truly awful. You are in many people's thoughts and prayers - Ian McNeilly
  
   
• We in the US (Florida) can feel your pain having just endured two hurricanes in the last few weeks although nothing of this magnitude. I rode out Luis on SXM in 1995 and it is not something I will likely forget ever so I understand some of what lies ahead. Godspeed to all of you - Lynn Ashman
  
   
• We have been following the news and checking the website regularly as our son is down in the Cayman Islands. Our last contact was on Saturday around 12 noon. We only hope and pray that he and his friends are all OK. Brian has been working there at the Cafe del Sol for almost 3 years and this is his first hurricane. We appreciate any news that comes out of the Caymans, and hopefully will hear from him as soon as communication lines are open again. We pray for everyone that is on Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. It is a beautiful place and will be again. Take heart everyone and have faith that all will be well - Erika & Rudy, Langley, BC, Canada
  
   
• Thank you Mr Seales for keeping this report and update on the conditions in Cayman. I am a Caymanian that’s off island and with the communications down your report is deeply appreciated. It’s too bad that there is not a live report coming from the island. I have tried to contact some of the TV stations here in Miami to see why they did not have a reporter on the island to cover the situation as they did in Jamaica and Grenada, but to no avail. I do hope that there is no loss of life even though from all reports there is extensive property damage, and I know that even as I am sending this the island is still being battered by the storm. There are many Caymanians here in Miami, for medical treatment and living here as well. Fortunately most families have computers that we can keep in touch. Thanks again for the most valuable service that you and your staff are providing. Keep safe. Looking forward for your next report, whenever it is possible add whatever pictures you can - Floyd De Osca
  
   
• Friends in the Portland OR area have gathered in prayer for loved ones in the Cayman Islands. We express thanks to this network for the communication of information we have had. We support you all and seek for you strength and guidance in these difficult moments - Mary K Wilcox
  
   
• We have not heard from our family there. We are getting worried. They went to a shelter near Savannah. Steve and Penni hope to hear from you soon - Susie Ford and Shayla Bell
  
   
• We served as Pastor and Youth Minister for the Community of Christ congregation on Elgin Avenue for nine years, returning to the States just about one year ago. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We know that the Cayman spirit is strong, and you will rebuild and press forward. God bless you all! - Jerry and Julie Ashby
  
   
• Thank you so much for keeping your site updated. We have a daughter living and working on Grand Cayman and spoke to her three times through Saturday night. The last communication we had with her was at 6:30 PST and at that time there was two inches of water in the condo she was in and water was coming in the roof. The news mentions very little about the Cayman Islands and it has been a godsend to be able to keep up-to-date with your publication. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you - Maureen
  
   
• Finally, an article entitled "No Communication" is the first communication those of us with family and friends on the islands have gotten. The words "no reports of casualties" are gratefully read. I hope when the Royal Navy arrives we will have more information. I'll be checking regularly. Like others, I am anxious to hear from my father, Sam Ebanks, and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Faulkner Ebanks. The last time we talked to them was 10:30pm last night (9/11). Our prayers are with all Caymanians and their friends and relatives - Lynda Ebanks Harrison
  
   
• Your NetNews site has been brilliant! It wasn't so long ago that Government was trying to put your enterprise out of business! And yet now you have shown fortitude and unmatched competence in maintaining (perhaps) sole International communications for Cayman during Hurricane Ivan's havoc. The work of Mr. Seales and Mr. Markoff has been truly remarkable if not unabashedly heroic. I pray that everyone of the fair Cayman Isles is safe tonight and has nourishment, safe shelter, and companionship - A Grateful Reader
  
   
• Thank you so much for the update. Our daughter is living in West Bay and our last communication was at 10:30 Sun am. It didn't sound good. We are hopeful that our daughter and the Sedwicks who took her in before the storm and everyone in Cayman are okay. Our prayers from New Mexico for you all are many. We just are so grateful that we have a connection to the islands through you. It is helping to make this ordeal bearable. God bless and thank you again for your coverage - Dick & Brenda W
  
   
• You are all in our prayers - Bobbi Buchanan
  
   
• Thanks for keeping us informed. My friend Leanne Byrnes and I left Cayman with our children and are safe, but worried, in Atlanta. Our husbands, Tom van Zanten who works at the Water Authority, and Tom Byrnes, owner of Cayman Marine Lab, are both still on Grand Cayman. We heard from them early this morning but haven't been able to reach either of them since that time. The Weather Channel and the NHC website haven't had much information available regarding how everyone is doing so your site is a real blessing. Two ham radio operators here in GA are also trying to get information for us as to their safety as well as general conditions throughout the island. Keep up your good work and God bless all! Everyone remains in our prayers - Amy Cofer
  
   
• Maureen and I continue to pray for a safe outcome for all the people of the Cayman Islands following the visit of Hurricane Ivan. If you can, please include us in any external communication via e-mail, Desmond - we witnessed your earlier report on Sky News when working out at our local gym here in Hertfordshire, UK. May God continue to bless the lives of you all and the future of such a beautiful country - Peter Bodden
  
   
• Mary, Mother of God, pray for the people of these islands that are jewel of God's creation. May St. Michael and all the Angels guard each and every soul - Loye Young
  
   
• Thank you for your continually updated coverage! We have family and friends in Cayman and can't seem to find updates anywhere else - Jackie Laing
  
   
• Dolphin Point residents, my prayers are with you throughout this frightening time. I am grateful to you, Michelle and Ron, for your hard work and your great loyalty. God bless! - Sandy Cooper
  
   
• To those brave souls at Cayman Net News: Thank God for your continued reports regarding Hurricane Ivan. Only Cayman Net News, not the government, nor the weather service, nor the tourist agency have had the courage and resources to continue to cover this story that all of us in the US who own property in the Cayman Islands so greatly need to have information on. Thank you so very much for your bravery to stick it out and we look forward to your next dispatch. Be safe - Ronald Graiff
  
   
• Having spent many wonderful vacations on Grand Cayman, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of the islands - may your losses be small and your love of the islands help you rebuild - Dana Brown, Denver, Colorado
  
   
• Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on the islands. Take care - Mike & Karen Breffit, England
  
   
• Good articles. As a frequent visitor to the Caymans (Holiday Inn on the beach) during the period 1986-1999 (on 16 occasions) I feel great sympathy for the Island and the Caymanians. I once spent 10 days in the rain a few years ago while a hurricane was passing by a few 100 miles north. Greetings from Germany - Henk Hogervorst
  
   
• Our thoughts are with you Cayman. We're listening to every news bulletin that we can and hope that everyone comes through this safe and well - Calvin and Pamela Morton
  
   
• Thank you for this information, it has been very difficult getting any. My son Paul Wammer and a lot of his friends are there and we are very worried - Sharon Wammer
  
   
• Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on the conditions on Grand Cayman. We have friends and property on the island, and no other source of good information. - Tom Lauerman
  
   
• We pray for your beautiful island and the people there. With hardly any news elsewhere this site is very informative. God be with you all - Kirstie
  
   
• Our thoughts and prayers are with you...May God bless and keep your beautiful islands and its residents safe and strong. Having represented and lived in Grand Cayman, I know Caymanians are survivors. Aloha - Eileen Dowling Killeen, Maui, Hawaii
  
   
• Please, let us pray for the safety of the people of Cayman. Almighty God, whom we give all our glory and thanks, we come before you and plead for Your protection for our dear friends, and their families and friends, in the Cayman Islands. Be with them in this hour of desperate need. We ask this in the name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen - Casey
  
   
• My family is with you in George Town working at the hospital. Don’t know if they are okay. Their house in Mariners is probably gone. I will make a collection at work for all in Cayman. We will not sleep till we hear you are all safe. God bless you all - Alan Slater, Colchester, England
  
   
• Thanks so much for providing updates. My brother and his family and my sister live in Grand Cayman and it is so scary being unable to contact them and hear if they are okay. We are praying for you all and thinking of you as this storm has wrought such catastrophe in both of our home countries - Nicola and the entire Jamaican McLaughlin clan
  
   
• I am very impressed by your efforts to keep the outside world informed with the events in Cayman. This site is a lifeline for us overseas who have people and family on the island and with no means to contact them at present, your site is comforting. And the only place to receive up-to-date news. I pray for you all and know that the Cayman people and residents will pull together and rebuild the damage done. Thanks again Cayman Net News for your dedication to service - Simon Robshaw
  
   
• We evacuated Grand Cayman Friday afternoon. We are praying for the safety of everyone remaining behind on the island. May God's light, love, and blessings find you on this beautiful island of love - Anne Decker
  
   
• Jennifer ? on Sky news is reporting that Radio Cayman and GIS are fully functional and also that all hurricane shelters are intact. If your reports are true then Government hiding the extent of damage is only going to hinder any aid programme required in the obvious emergency conditions on Grand Cayman - Nigel Jones, UK
  
   
• Our prayers and thoughts go out to our family and friends back home on the island. We hope all is well and everyone is alright. We will continue reading the coverage on the hurricane, and hope to get in contact with family as soon as possible. Much love - Drew and Kelly McNamee, Houston, TX
  
   
• My mum is in Cayman during this terrible time. It is good to have this site to have the news and updates. My thoughts are with you all at this terrible time. God be with you and keep you safe. Keep the news coming to us here overseas - Simon
  
   
• Having lived and worked in Grand Cayman for 6 months in 2002, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you on Grand Cayman. God Bless and protect you in this difficult time - Andy Gage
  
   
• Our eldest, Laura, is in Cayman with her boyfriend. She has been in the police HQ which although wet, seems to be safe. Last e-mail from her was at 7.46am local time. She has phoned since on her boyfriend's mobile but we do not seem able to phone in. We are not sure whether her boyfriend's family house in South Sound will still be there. This has been the main news on the BBC and Sky all day. Great work on keeping this site up to date and very best wishes for the next few hours and whatever it takes to recover - to all on the Cayman Islands - Rick and Anne, Devon, UK
  
   
• Thank you so much for your intelligent and up to date reporting on Hurricane Ivan. It is such a helpless feeling to try to get any useful information from US television coverage. I have been on your site constantly, refreshing every couple of hours for new information. My brother and his wife live and work on Grand Cayman and own a home on the Brac. They are safe, but our prayers are with them and all of you as you face the aftermath of Ivan. The strength of human spirit and cooperation of the people will carry you all through - Bob's Sister, Kathi
  
   
• Glad to hear the hurricane is passing and that you are all right Desmond. Our prayers are with you all. We saw your picture on Sky TV - the beard looks good! Give our love to everyone at Agape when you see them - Mike & Sarah
  
   
• I must congratulate you on your coverage of Ivan. I am a Caymanian (West Bayer) living in Pembroke Pines, Florida and look forward to your daily reports, but today it is very much appreciated as I cannot get the family on the phones. Keep up the good work - Alice Ebanks
  
   
• Our prayers are with you all - Rev. David Beckmann, Former minister of Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church
  
   
• Glad for your updates, we have a son on the island and we are very concerned for all the people on the island - Frank Ryan
  
   
• Je prie Dieu de vous protéger. Je suis bien inquiète de ma fille qui demeure là présentement. I hope to receive news soon - Liliane
  
   
• Keep up the great work on reporting the conditions in the Caymans. We're praying for a couple of SMU med students and girlfriend located on Grand Cayman. Circuits busy. No word yet - Chuck and Diane
  
   
• Having many good friends in Cayman and the Brac we are all thinking of you and hoping that you all stay safe, my nephew’s father and grandparents are there and he is beside himself with worry - Joan, Arthur, Tracy, Karen and Ben Western
  
   
• We are reading this from the UK and have family living and working in Grand Cayman, the report is excellent and has provided a valued link with our families - Alison Rodgers
  
   
• Not much has been reported on the TV in the US (just that the hurricane has hit), so this site helps to keep us informed. Thank you. Please as soon as it is safe for you kindly update us. I have been travelling to Cayman for many years and have developed many friendships and a love for your island. My heart breaks for the kind people of Cayman and the island who have always brought peace of mind to me. Thinking and praying for all of Cayman Islands this evening and for the days to come - Cathy
  
   
• Just wanted to say keep up the good work - thanks for keeping us all informed. I myself have family in West Bay and am so worried about the flooding and reports of people sitting on their roofs. Do you have any idea when the Navy will be there to offer assistance? God bless. Regards, Alison Ebanks
  
   
• My step family is in Grand Cayman with their young son. The last we heard was that they were staying in their apartment. I live in the UK and Julie’s mother in Spain. We are very worried as we care so much and cannot gain any form of contact. All we can wish is that God is with them at this scary time. If you read this Julie, Gary and Jake, we are all thinking of you at this time. Love - Emm, Ian, Sophie, Jean and Andy
  
   
• Your coverage is invaluable to us. We live in Tampa, Florida and our son, Neil Daniels, is the chef at Coconut Joe's on Seven Mile Beach. The US news has given us NO information yet on the damage in Grand Cayman and we have relied on your coverage to give us hope that Neil and his friends and others in George Town have survived the carnage of Ivan and are safe. Keep the coverage coming! - Nelson and Pat Daniels
  
   
• God Bless all our friends and 'family’ in Cayman especially all at St Georges and caring for others through the Social Services Department. We should be with you but are thinking and praying for all of you - Michael, Maureen, Alex and Tom Cooksley
  
   
• I talked to my friends, David and Paula, last night and they were planning to stay in an upper condo in Island Pines. That's when they thought the storm was going to hit East End. After the next report I couldn't get them on the phone. My parents’ home is on Boggy Sand Road. They happen to be here visiting, thank goodness. We are praying for our friends and all the people on the island. We wish we could get more news! How is it that this web site is up and running?? That seems a story in itself! Is someone running the website on the mainland US? - Laurel Mc
  
   
• Thank you for your on-going reports to those of us overseas who are terribly concerned about Ivan's affect on Cayman. We have not been able to reach relatives or friends by phone and are really, really worried. You are a lifeline of information and we wish you and everyone else God's blessing and protection at this awful time. Keep up the good work, Mr. Seales, you are truly a master of your craft. With sincere thanks - Mitzi Panton-Ebanks
  
   
• Cayman Net News seems to be our only source of information. We're all pretty scared about loved ones there. Are there any boats to rescue the people on roofs we're hearing about on the news? - Joan Hamilton
  
   
• It's 4:30PM MDT, Sunday, 09/12/04 and I cannot fathom what you are going through. Thank you for keeping this site up -- love to my daughter, Stephanie Meaghan Christou, Mark Campbell and his family and all the wonderful people I have met on my visits. How and when will I hear you are all safe? If I can help in anyway, just let me know! God Bless - Judy Christou, Calgary, Canada
  
   
• Thank you for your informed update. Even though it has been a disaster it has been good having new information updates regularly so we know what our loved ones are going through and we can keep an eye on them even from Australia. Thank you for the updates - you have done well! - Kristie Best
  
   
• Hi Desmond. Wish you the best. Hope your printing plant was high enough to stay dry. Let me know if I might be of help and God bless - Bill Penrod
  
   
• You are all in my prayers and well wishes. Take care, everyone! The sun will come out! - Suzanne Schiavoni
  
   
• Morritt's is our home away from home every summer. We love your island and pray you have no casualties. This website is the first real information on the hurricane's damage that I've seen. The media here (Kentucky, USA) have not shown any details or pictures. We pray that God intervenes and protects all of you - Darlene Morgan
  
   
• My thoughts and prayers are with all of you on Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands. Especially my brother Rick Mewburn. I wish I could have been there with him instead of sitting at home here in Australia - Michelle Mewburn
  
   
• Thank you for your informative updated news! I am very concerned about my pregnant daughter along with her 18 month old baby and husband whom I thought were safe in the shelter. BBC News has just reported that some roofs have even been torn from those safe havens! I have been unable to contact them via their cellphone and only have access to BBC News so any further info would be gratefully received. God bless you all! You are in my prayers tonight - Bernie
  
   
• We have visited Grand Cayman several times and love the island and its people. This is a horrific storm and we are praying for you all to make it safely through these difficult hours. May God lift you up and protect the people of the Cayman Islands - Rick, Linda and Brittany Lark in Ohio
  
   
• Our prayers and thoughts are with the Caymanian people. May God protect and guide you all. Friends from Florida, Nevada and North Carolina and the airlines industry - Dolores A Russo
  
   
• My son and I loved Grand Cayman and its people so much when we visited for the first time two winters ago that we had planned another trip in April of 05 to Morritt’s Tortuga Club. We are so worried for the people and business owners on your lovely Islands. God bless and keep you all! Jeremiah 29:11! - Julie D
  
   
• My sister is living in Grand Cayman, we are praying for the safety of her and all the people in Grand Cayman. I spoke to her at 8:30am this morning, and the winds were bad with trees and roofs blowing by the shelter she is in. I love you Marcia - Shelly Alger
  
   
• I just wanted to say "Thank you" for posting this article online - I'm not in Cayman right now (Sept. 12) - but I couldn't get through to anybody and reports from CNN and Weather Channel couldn't tell me what was happening - this article was the only thing I found reporting what was really going on in the country - Samantha Whittaker
  
   
• Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. We've had a couple of close calls with Charley and Frances, but were spared damage. Please give Mom (Mary Lawrence) and my sisters and nieces and nephews my love. God bless you all! - Iris Baker (nee Lawrence)
  
   
• I, too, have a daughter living on Grand Cayman. Last I heard from her she was huddled in the bathroom with 6 other people and a cat. All I can do is pray and wait, an agonizing time - Ingrid, a worried mum
  
   
• I don't understand the lack of information concerning the status of the Cayman Islands on the national news front here in the US. Seems like they are more interested in Jamaica and Cuba. I have an interest there and am extremely anxious as to what has happened there... especially in the area around the Ritz Carlton. I am praying for you all and hope I can help as I am headed that way this week, God willing - Richard Conley
  
   
• Thank you for your continual updates as we worry and pray for our friends in the Caymans - JoAnne Murphy
  
   
• Our prayers are with all of you and especially our dear friends Pastor and Brigitta Tiemann, Ruth, Lynette, Cathy, Michele, Annelle, Charlie and all our friends at Christ Church - Adeline and Erwin Branahl
  
   
• We have been to Grand Cayman a number of times since 2000. We love the island and its people - so much so that I have spent the entire day worried about everyone. We check the internet frequently for news, as there isn't much coverage on any US news channel. We are thinking about everyone there, and wish everyone the best through the storm and the cleaning and rebuilding process - Kim & Shawn, Ontario, Canada
  
   
• Thank you for providing information on the storm. Many of us are sending our best wishes for all of you, hoping for the survival of all the citizens and animals of Cayman, knowing that the damage will be severe. Again, thank you for continuing to stay in touch with the outside world - Anne Lichtenwalner DVM PhD
  
   
• Thank you for providing the only real information at the moment. The Weather Channel has barely mentioned Cayman, and the greatest concern is where to find gas or hardware supplies. BBC provided a little more, but without question you are the best source I have found, the big 'news" providers should have picked up your feed. The situation sounds grim but at least friends and family through you have a place to find more up-to-date info if they are lucky enough to have access to the internet, I will be passing you site info to as many others as I can who are also seeking information on the conditions in the Cayman Islands. Thank you - M. D. Andrews
  
   
• I just want to thank you for so much for the detailed update on our friends and family in Grand Cayman. It has taken a tremendous burden off my shoulders just knowing that no one is able to call out, and not just my family members - Amanda Brewer
  
   
• I'm thankful we have this site to obtain Cayman news. I'm sure the cleanup has already begun. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Stay safe! - Lisa in Minnesota
  
   
• Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with all people in the Caymans! I am appalled that the USA broadcasting stations rarely mentioned the Caymans in their reporting and neglected to keep us informed of the conditions and people on your islands. I have a very good friend living there and have been unable to reach him for several days... my thoughts and prayers have never ceased. Thank you for giving all of us that care a source for information! - Christine
  
   
• Help is on the way. Take care - Michael J. Krescanko
  
   
• Oh, my God! I spent 15 years in Cayman and lived there for Gilbert, Hugo and Mitch. Why can't we have a better communication system with our beloved Islands when there is a hurricane? Does anyone have access to a ham radio? My husband is there and was to fly out Sunday morning. I have a lot of friends there too. Please say prayers for all on the Island for their trials whilst they recover from this extremely close hurricane - Janie
  
   
• Sunday midnight, September 12, 2004… Waiting for reports after Ivan. Hope and prayers are with all in the Caymans - Rick P
  
   
• I live in New Zealand, and used to live in the Cayman Islands (the Brac 90-94 and Grand Cayman 94-96). I have been watching the events unfold and hope you are all able to make it through this. Our thoughts are with you - Jamie Punnett
  
   
• I am absolutely disgusted with the lack of coverage by US media. I see absolutely no reason why they can have personnel in Jamaica and of all the places Cuba, where they are opposed to the most, and yet not have anyone to report from the Cayman Islands!
  And the constant nonsensical rambling on about what the hurricane might do, and where it might go, what happened to real time reporting? I need to know what is going on at home, I find it unnecessary to be constantly reminded about Andrew 12yrs ago, nor of Frances last week, that is of the past. Enough said – Frustrated
  
   
• Like all former residents I read the news of the hurricane's passage with fear for the well-being of friends and for the Islands I love. My thoughts are with you - Martin Davies, Belgium
  
   
• Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the Cayman Islands as you recover from this devastating storm. God bless you all - Andrea Elias
  
   
• As a long-time visitor to the Cayman Islands, with personal and business friends living in Grand Cayman, please know that our thoughts and prayers are (and have been) with you throughout this ordeal - Tony Matta, Austin, TX
  
   
• Our prayers are with all of you. We own at Treasure Island and have been worried about everyone there. Thank you for the updates about the storm and the islands. We are in the US and received most information from your site - Jim and Pam Carr
  
   
• Just read the article from Cayman Net News with an update about the extensive damage hurricane Ivan left on the Cayman Islands. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for the best outcome possible from this horrible situation. I've been to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman several times and cannot imagine the devastation. Hang on, the Royal Navy will soon be there to help! - Greta Badstebner
  
   
• To all my good friends in Cayman… Maxine & Lewie Hydes, Jackie & Peter Balls, the entire Kirkconnell Family, Ben and Mary Gillooly, Debbie & Peter van der Bol, Kim and Rodney Watler, James Mason and Teresa Grimes, JC Calhoun, Reid and Dorothy Dennis, Alberto Estovanovich, Debbie and Tom Guyton, Barbara Levey and Ed Powers, Derek and Marguerite Wight, and my ex-husband George Nowak and his wife Regina, my church family at St. Ignatius and to everyone on Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac… I pray that you've all made it through the storm unharmed and are safe. God Bless! - Geri (Nowak) Centonze
  
   
• I’m in Cancun… I’m Caren T (CUC) friend. Thank you for keeping us informed - Rocio Segura
  
   
• As a resident of the Cayman Island for 9 years, it is my home away from home. I am praying not just for my family but the entire Island. I am pacing the floor haven't slept a wink since Saturday. The hardest part is not hearing from your loved ones. My last contact with someone was 11:00 am Sunday, I spoke with Natalee, my grandson's mother and she informed me that my son and my daughter were in danger. I am praying for the safety of everyone. Thanks, Cayman Net News, for keeping me updated - Pamela
  
   
• We have been anxious and have not slept properly since Thursday worrying about everyone on Cayman. We lived there 2001-2003 and still miss our friends there. As soon as you are able, please get in touch and let us know you are okay and if there is anything we can do to help - Lisa and Darren Bowyer
  
   
• Please do keep us informed, there are many Brits here in England who either have good friends on the island or are very fond of the place. I'm sure I speak for many when I say that you're all in our thoughts - Greg Millis
  
   
• May I congratulate you on the excellence of your web site and the up to date information that you provided during the hurricane. I have a young nephew studying at St Matthews University who was sheltering in the Marriott Hotel. His parents were on holiday with no access to a computer, so I was able to keep them updated. Best wishes to you all and I hope it is not too long until you get back to normal. Glad to hear that the tadpoles didn’t get in! - Stephen Boyle, Northumberland, UK
  
   
• Thank you for having this website and for having it restored so quickly! It is almost 4:00 am here in Tampa where we're weary from the storms this season. God be with everyone there on the Island. As a Hurricane Andrew survivor, I can only share with you my own conviction: when you've got nothing left but God, you've got enough to start all over again. Without that faith, nothing makes any sense. There are hard days ahead - look upon them as a test of faith. I'll be helping wherever I can... God bless you all - David Black
  
   
• May God be with all the community of the Cayman Islands. Our family’s prayers and thoughts are with you all. God bless to you - Pete Madden
  
   
• Thank you so much for this website for it, along with stormcarib, has been the major information source since last phone contact on Saturday evening with Cayman. May God hold you all in His care! - Betty Ann Trampe
  
   
• From Norway, a weather beaten country, the tropical hurricanes inspires fascination and awe. You have the sympathy of the whole world, and you certainly have a lot to think about right now, but would it be possible to post pictures on Cayman Net News? - Jon Erland Madsen
  
   
• Sue and Jarod Benson - thinking of you heaps, stay safe love and best wishes. Lots of love - Lobb and Benson Families
  
   
• We have watched the news following Ivan. I pray for you all especially Sue, Jeff Kerford John-Michael and Georgina, my god daughter. The people of Cayman are just the best - so friendly and helpful. Thinking of you all at this time - Teresa O'Neill, England
  
   
• Dear friends, our thoughts and our prayers are with you at this time. We love the Cayman Islands and we have many friends there. We are sure that the people of the Cayman Islands will conquer this challenge and that they will recover soon. Good luck, Cayman! - Marta & Jose Rolon
  
   
• I worked in Maternity at the main hospital 1999/2000. I have been watching reports of the storm with anxiety and hope all is well with the many friends I made - midwives, nurses, doctors and patients. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time - Dr Simon Jenkinson
  
   
• Thanks for the updates. Jon and Kyle van Jaarsveldt - we are thinking about you all the time and all the people on the island. Love - Corrie and Beat from Switzerland
  
   
• We are thinking of you and keeping up to date - hope that you all come out of this one. In our thoughts - Paul and Helen Hunt
  
   
• To my dear niece Charlotte who has just got married recently to Wayne in Cuba and just returned to Cayman from south Africa and bought her first house in Cayman, just to let you know we are all thinking of you both back here in UK and await news. All our love - John Ballantyne
  
   
• Just want all our friends on the Brac to know we are praying and thinking about them. Take care - Bob, Maggie, Brian & Linda (The Brits)
  
   
• I wish I had found this site earlier. No news at all in Australian media left me worried sick as I tracked Ivan on line - I am appalled at the pictures of devastation I see and my thoughts are with all my friends and my family on Cayman. David Allott and Ness Hansen - please stay safe. I think of you constantly... and Brent and Agnes. Relieved to know Fiona, Tonni and Bub are safe and Ashleigh, Kim, my dear little Brynne and baby John, Darolyn too... can't get any news from Jan, Jack and Shannon and worried for all my mates at the National Gallery. I send love to you all and to the people of Cayman.
  Is there anything I can I do to help from this far away? - Jill Allott
  
   
• Cayman people are special because of the heritage of the sea and persons from all parts of the world, all levels of life and that inbred British courteous manner; they will do fine… just allow adequate time. Bless you all - John Rossi (5 year temp resident)
  
   
• We’re praying for you all and especially all our friends in Kirk Freeport and Lindsey and Donna and their families please let us know that you’re all okay. Love and hugs - Sandra Steve and Samantha
  
   
• Thank you Cayman Net News for being there for those of us who were fortunate enough to leave but were desperate for news of the Island - Cassandra Greene
  
   
• Having escaped the island on Wednesday after queuing at the airport for 12 hours, I now feel for the thousands of people stranded without food, water or electricity. Disease will become a problem soon and I cannot see how basic amenities will be restored within weeks. Why is the Cayman government appearing to pretend Cayman is fine when it is totally devastated? Why has the world media forgotten us? Nobody in my homeland can understand why I have returned home because the media have not published the extent of the desperation of the Cayman people and expats. Cayman must ask for help and in turn help their people. We all want the paradise we had so suddenly taken away from us returned, but we need help… so the government must ask for it - Anonymous
  
   
• Having spent several very happy holidays with family on Grand Cayman I feel totally appalled at the looting which is taking place at this very moment on the island. All Caymanians must feel ashamed at their fellow citizens who would stoop to such a degrading act in these circumstances. Maybe it's not such a nice place after all! If that's the kind of folks you are we won't be coming back and I'm sure many others feel the same way - John M Dobbin
  
   
• All articles were great in a weird sort of way - I got off the island after a fabulous week long vacation - just before Ivan hit. My heart is broken for all of the island - my friends. Although currently unemployed I would like to help in some way - how do I find the status of my friends (residents) and what is the best way to help - a couple hundred dollars does not seem like much - R. Conover
  
   
• We have a home at The Commonwealth and appreciate your help in getting information off the island - Phillip H. Morse
  
   
• We are getting little if anything from the government… non-resident homeowners are still not allowed to return to Grand Cayman. When will they be allowed? They have generators and equipment to start repairing and securing their homes. We hear rumors of homes being looted and we would like to protect what is left - Vincent Macaluso
  
   
• Keep up the good work. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Cayman. God bless you all! - Ondina Ruiz
  
   
• Glad to get some up to date information on how things are in the Cayman Islands. We have been watching both the British and American Fox news to see any updates but to no avail. The best information we have gleaned has been on Euronews, coverage by a Portuguese television station! Says it all! Having spent two great holidays on Cayman with family, wish everyone over there the very best in the recovery programme. God bless - Liz Wilkins
  
   
• Cayman will get well again because its economy has been strong enough along these years. Some pessimistic persons are going to give a wrong opinion - Francisco R Montero
  
   
• Excellent coverage! Well done - Judi Donegan
  
   
• To all family and friends I am thinking of you at this time - John Twinn
  
   
• We are here and wondering what is it that you are trying to hide? Why did you remove the other pictures from the website, and why didn't you allow the reporters into the island. Many people are furious about this; did you receive your orders from Westminster? We do have families over in the Caymans and we want to know what is going on? And why was the BBC reporter was sent back and wasn't allowed into the island? And don't even try and deny it. Thank you - Smail
  
   
• It has been very difficult for Caymanians living in the U.S. with family in Grand Cayman. I have been trying for days to find out if my family is alright. I have gotten word on some but still have Carl and Monty Farrell and family that I have not been able to find out about. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and will do whatever we can to help. God bless all of you - Kay Beckner
  
   
• If I could come and help all of you I would, our prayers are with you here in Oklahoma. Someone somewhere needs to let people here in the US know about what is going on, we have only heard from our friends there in the Caymans - Holly Crouch-White
  
   
• Hope that things are slowly starting to get back to normal. I pray that everyone was safe. Cayman is a beautiful place as I have visited your island via cruise ships many times. I have a November trip planned and I hope we will be able to visit - Michel Tardif
  
   
• Should we return to Cayman? We are residents of Cayman with living accommodations in the US. Should we come back to Cayman or would we be more of a burden? - Paula Rossano
  
   
• I sure hope the government of Great Britain will show its strength in this situation and assist the Caymanian people fast and effectively so major traumatic experiences among especially the children can be avoided in this critical situation without law and order. And I also hope the Mayor in George Town now will take a strong lead as did Mr Giuliani in NYC after 9/11. My thoughts go to all of you in "my Paradise-island" - Christine Lundin
  
   
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