Questions from Our Readers

Friday, October 22, 2004

The following are some of the questions we are continuing to receive from our readers. We regret that we are unable to reply to each individually because Cayman Net News itself is still operating under reduced conditions and we just do not have the resources to deal with such a high volume of enquires. We are therefore passing on these questions to the appropriate government departments and/or private sector associations and we will publish any general or specific responses from them. 

Readers should however bear in mind that both public and private sectors are extremely stretched at the moment and, even assuming the information requested is available in the first place, a response may not be forthcoming quickly or at all. Readers can also correspond directly with Government Information Services (GIS) by e-mail to the Chief Information Officer as follows: patricia.ebanks@gov.ky

• It is my understanding that there is a list of hotels/condos on the Cayman Net News website that advises travellers what is open or when they will be open. I have looked on the website and cannot find that information. Many thanks - Nancy Landry
  • Editor's Note: We have not so far published the information you refer to because it has not yet been made available to us. The only list released by the CITA is one of open restaurants.
    
     
• I was wondering about visiting the island soon. Are things getting back to normal, or would it be advised to wait a year? Thanks - Gary Brisky
  
   
• We have been searching for information on what happened in the Caymans after the Ivan. We have been to the island a number of times and were concerned what happened. The news here in Michigan only mentioned it once. How can we help? - Alice Barrett
  
   
• We are planning a special birthday with our family. We are arriving January 4 - 11. Is the Driftwood Bar back up and running as well as Over the Edge restaurant? Please advise. Thank you - Renee Feduniue
  
   
• I would like someone at the Grand Caymanian Resort to refund my $1,596 deposit for Christmas 2004. They have refused to respond to my repeated attempts to recover my deposit. Their website said they will not open until April 05. Why is it they will not refund my money? I have stayed there over ten times and I have found them to be a very honest and well run company. Please advise. Thank you - James L. Pitney
  
   
• Has a proposed date to allow tourists been announced? As soon as there is a date I am coming to see family. Thank you – D R Jones
  
   
• We are so sorry to hear of the heavy damage that hurricane Ivan recently caused. Hopefully restoration is well underway for the many folks who suffered so much. I just have one question. My wife and I are planning to visit the Cayman Islands as part of an upcoming cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Our first planned stop from Miami is George Town. The cruise starts on November 6th, 2004. Due to the recent hurricane, I am not sure if the ship will be stopping at Cayman. Do you think cruise ships will be able to make the Cayman island stop in November? - Jim Bailey
  
   
• We hope to arrive in your wonderful town next month while on the RCCL Mariner of the Seas. Two members of our group were hoping to golf at the Links at Safe Haven. I had been in contact with the golf pro there some months ago but since the hurricanes I have not been able to make contact. Do you happen to know the status of their facility and grounds following the hurricanes? Any information you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated - Sarah Aumiller
  
   
• My wife and I have been frequent visitors to the Hyatt Hotel on Seven Mile Beach. When can we expect that property and the surrounding restaurants to open? - Tom Schatz
  
   
• Our daughter lives and works in Grand Cayman and suffered like so many others from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan. My husband aged 53, is a time served joiner and has worked in building and construction throughout his working career. He would like to work in Grand Cayman to help reconstruct your beautiful island. Can you advise of job opportunities, work permits, etc. to allow us to work in Cayman. Your help would be greatly appreciated - Lynda Bolton
  
   
• I will be aboard the Carnival ship the Miracle from Nov 7 to the 14th. One of our ports of call is Grand Cayman. Will our ship be one that will be able to dock? - Carol Cernoch
  
   
• We are very sorry about what happened to Grand Cayman. Are there any cruise ships coming to your island yet? We will be on the Carnival Conquest in two weeks. I hope we are still coming there. I would love to see it even if it is still bad. Best regards - David Stone
  
   
• Who do I contact in regards to any recovery jobs available? - Salih Ilond
  
   
• Is it true that there are about 1,000 deaths in Cayman after the Hurricane Ivan? - Mike
  
   
• We were planning on traveling to Cayman Brac on the 15th of November. Do you think the ban will be lifted by then? - Sandra Ped
  
   
• I just read the article (St Matthew’s classes resume in the States) and I was wondering if you have additional information on the campus in Safehaven (St Martin) if the students are being relocated. I have a relative registered there and I will appreciate any more news you may have - Doreen
  
   
• When will the turtle farm web cams be back on? - Turtle Farm Visitor
  
   
• I am trying to find out about the condition of one resort in particular, Spanish Bay Reef. I am planning a vacation to the resort in December and have sent a few e-mails to the resort, but no response. Any information on the condition of the resort? Thanks for your time and my thoughts and prayers are with you all! - Cheridy Bolinger
  
   
• I’m trying to find out if apartment #35 at the Villas of the Galleon is livable and if they have air conditioning as I plan to come to the island on Oct. 26th. I have Caymanian status. I’d appreciate any info you can get for me. Thanks - Ken Ceresne
  
   
• Please give me the telephone number and address of Public Works Department. Thank you - Cleo
  
   
• Retail banks offer loans relief: Does this include credit card payments? -Yvonne
  
   
• Any news on when and if Grace Christian Academy will reopen? - Margot Weber
  
   
• We had reservations at the Christopher Columbus condos. We understand that the condo is uninhabitable. What can you tell us? The rest of our family has made reservations at another location. However, Priceline.com, where we purchased our air travel tickets to the Grand Cayman, refuses to let us change our reservations because they don’t know of any damage. Is there anything you can do to help? People don’t know about the devastation - Craig Olson
  
   
• When do you expect power to Frank Sound? I heard December at earliest. - Mark
  
   
• What is the date when tourists will be allowed to visit Grand Cayman? We are planning to arrive at Grand Cayman on Nov.21st for a ten day stay. My friend’s condo is on Seven Mile Beach near the Hyatt hotel and sustained no damage. Will we still be able to come? - Gwen Lewis

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