Sister Islands Report

Hurricane Ivan and the Sister Islands

The Divi Tiara Beach Hotel continues to receive guests
from overseas and Grand Cayman

Divi Tiara’s beach bar continues to be a hub of activity

The hotel offers lots of watersports outings

Friday, November 5, 2004

Although Little Cayman and Cayman Brac did not entirely escape the wrath of Ivan the impact on both Islands was considerably less than that on Grand Cayman.

According to a government report the estimated damage to property is just over three million dollars, over 70 percent of which represents damage to hotels, condominiums and apartments. More importantly however there was no loss of life on either of the Islands.

Eight properties were damaged on Cayman Brac. Carib Sands, Brac Reef Beach Resort, and Divi Tiara Beach Hotel, all reported around $300,000 worth of damage to docks, boardwalks, dive shops and structures near the sea.

Ten properties were damaged on Little Cayman. Southern Cross Club reported major damage, including two cottages completely destroyed. The Conch Club, Head-O-Bay, Kingston Bight Lodge, Little Cayman Beach Resort, and Neptune’s Berth all reported damage between $125,000 to $225,000, as boat docks were destroyed and ground floor rooms flooded. Damage estimates for homes and government facilities both came in under half a million dollars. 

On Cayman Brac two homes sustained major damage and 45 minor damage, such as shingles, roof tiles or guttering blown off. 

On Little Cayman, 35 homes were damaged, seven on the South Side, reported major damage. All were affected by storm surge and debris. Three reported structural damage, and many also had docks washed away. 

Port Authority docks on both islands were not damaged; however, wooden Government docks took a pounding.

Kidco Dock on the Brac and the Government Dock on Little Cayman were both destroyed, and the Channel Dock on Cayman Brac was extensively damaged. The total assessment for all three is well under $250,000.

About $100,000 will be needed to repair roads on both Islands.

On Cayman Brac, two businesses outside of the hotel sector, reported minor damage and only one, Aunt Sha’s Restaurant, suffered major damage to the tune of $90,000. There was no damage to Texaco’s fuel storage tanks, the airports, or Government’s communications network.

The six-member committee which prepared the evaluation included Chairperson Noli Cruz and his PWD colleagues Justin Bodden, Clarence Ebanks, and Joel Scott, plus Twain Foster from Cable and Wireless and Chris Randal of CITN.

The eye of Hurricane Ivan passed 90 miles south of the Sister Islands, bringing 1.6 inches of rain and sustained winds of 75mph with gusts to 85-90mph.

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