Leader of Government Business faces UK media

Hon. McKeeva Bush

Friday,  November 26, 2004

The Hon. McKeeva Bush, Leader of Government Business and Minister of Tourism recently met with the BBC to discuss the impact of Hurricane Ivan on the Cayman Islands and the recovery efforts currently underway.

The BBC interview took place during the Minister’s recent visit to the UK to continue discussions with senior government officials in the Foreign Commonwealth Office and other sectors about the status of recovery in Cayman and the need for support.

Ms Rosie Hayes of the Caribbean Bureau of the BBC World Service conducted the interview. The following is an excerpt from that interview, which took place on 11 November 2004:

BBC: How is the recovery process going? We understand there is much damage.

Mr. Bush: The damage caused by Ivan was very serious. Nearly a quarter of homes were damaged beyond repair and many people were left without electricity or water supplies. Much of Grand Cayman was left under water. However, despite the very serious damage, the recovery has proceeded thanks to much hard work and the enduring spirit of the Caymanian people.

BBC: Is everyone back in their homes?

Mr. Bush: No. Although most people are back in their homes, almost all residential properties have suffered damage of some form. Many homes do not have roofs and some people are living in buildings covered with tarpaulin. Housing is our Government’s greatest challenge. There is a great need to sort out the housing issue, both for overseas contractors who are in the Cayman Islands to assist with the reconstruction and for Caymanians. Around one-quarter of homes have been damaged beyond repair, and 95 percent of residences have been affected in some way.

BBC: Do you have the necessary tools and personnel for the recovery process?

Mr. Bush: The Cayman Islands imports all our supplies, and many of our skilled contractors in the construction industry. It is crucial to get people housed as quickly as possible. We are making major efforts to bring in skilled personnel from outside; and this is a strong and bold move to ensure that qualified contractors can participate in the restoration and recovery.

BBC: What is the health situation?

Mr. Bush: There are no major health concerns and health is not a major issue. All our health services have been operational for over a month.

BBC: Have you received any overseas aid?

Mr. Bush: We have been in contact with the U.K. government on this issue on a number of occasions since the hurricane. We have presented our case to the U.K. It is necessary for the Cayman Islands Government to go through the U.K. government to request and secure any aid from the U.S. and I have asked the British Foreign Office to write to the U.S. asking for assistance. I made this request several weeks ago and am still awaiting an answer from the Foreign Office.

BBC: What is the situation in regards to education?

Mr. Bush:: Approximately CI$18 million worth of damage has been done to Cayman Islands’ schools. Many schools suffered substantial damage while others had been used as shelters for residents whose properties were damaged. Government has been working hard to get all children back to school. However, we will not put children or teachers at risk, and for this reason many schools have been closed since Ivan hit. So far, six government schools and learning centres have already reopened and five more are opening this week.

BBC: Hurricane Ivan caused a great deal of damage. Has this led to a significant rise in unemployment?

Mr. Bush: Of course, there is unemployment on the islands, especially because of the impact of the hurricane on the tourist industry. However, the tourism industry is getting back on track. On 20 November, all restrictions on flights to and from Grand Cayman will be lifted and hotels will be reopening. There will be 700 hotel rooms available for use by that date. It was a gigantic clean-up task; around 200 people were involved in George Town alone working on the clean-up operation. Because there is work to be done, many people have been transferred from their usual occupations to assist in the cleanup.

BBC: The restrictions on travel to Grand Cayman are being lifted. What does that mean for the Cayman Islands?

Mr. Bush: Tourism earns between 45 and 50 percent of the country’s national income. It is therefore very dependent on this sector. This means that, as of this month, some people are back to work for the first time since the hurricane. The cruise ships had started visiting Grand Cayman ten days ago – that was a major step for the island.

BBC: Do you think people will be put off coming on holiday to the Cayman Islands in future?

Mr. Bush: We have been hit hard by the hurricane, but I sincerely believe that we will do more than replace what had been lost. We will improve on what we had before Ivan struck. The beaches are clean and, as ever, the place is safe and secure and did not suffer from much of the crime that neighbouring countries experienced. The Cayman Islands is truly a great location and I am confident that the tourism sector will bounce back.

BBC: So, the tourism sector will be up and running for the peak holiday season?

Mr. Bush: The Cayman Islands tourist season usually starts around the time of Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, the tourism industry and associated businesses will indeed be up and running in time.

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