Ivan claims one life

Friday, September 17, 2004

The Cayman Islands Government on Wednesday received a report of one fatality on Grand Cayman, following Hurricane Ivan.

The man, believed to be a 52 year old Jamaican national, suffered chest injuries in the Bodden Town Civic Centre Shelter when the hurricane took the roof off the building. He was immediately transferred to a nearby secure shelter where medical aid was given, and once the weather eased, he was transferred to George Town Hospital where treatment continued.

Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, unfortunately, he died on Tuesday night.

McKeeva Bush, the Leader of Government Business, on behalf of the Government of the Cayman Islands said: “The Government of the Cayman Islands would like to express our sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the man who has died as a consequence of the terrible hurricane that hit our Islands.”

The Government has also received a report of one missing person, a 75 year old fisherman from West Bay, who was last reported securing his boat in heavy winds. No further information is available at this stage.

Other news:

• Food is being distributed around Grand Cayman.
• Supermarkets are open and food is available.
• Mains water supplies have resumed on a limited basis.
• Mains electricity supply has resumed in George Town on a limited basis. Electricity is expected to be available across George Town tomorrow.
• Construction personnel will be flown in to help with reconstruction and to supplement local resources.
• The reconstruction effort continues. Contractors, architects and quantity surveyors are coordinating their actions with the Government's Planning Department.
• The Government is liaising with the insurance sector to ensure that payments are released quickly so the reconstruction of homes can begin in earnest.
• Banks opened Thursday.
• Air Jamaica delivered supplies Wednesday, and took Jamaican residents wishing to leave the Cayman Islands back to Jamaica.

Back...