Food stocks run low as cargo operations still face problems

Huge waves damaged port area. The Port will not be ready to take cargo until Friday.	Paul Hurlston,  Director of the Port Authority

Friday,  October 28, 2005

Perishable food stocks in the Cayman Islands are running low as five cargo ships containing food destined for the country’s supermarkets, are stationary offshore due to damage to the George Town Port and by the sea surge associated with Hurricane Wilma, which forced the facility out of commission for a week.

Although one ship was expected to dock on Thursday 27 October the weather conditions and damage from Wilma both here and in Florida was playing havoc with food deliveries.

The Port Authority halted operations at the seaport and cruise ship berth during the passage of the hurricane which reached category five when it passed 170 miles southwest of the Island on Wednesday 19 October.

The National Emergency Management’s calls to prepare for the hurricane was heeded and some supermarkets became partially emptied of perishable goods during a mad rush to stock up. 

Store Manager, Renick Christian, said that the store, which he runs, Kirk Supermarket in George Town, could be out of perishable goods in a few days. 

“We are running out of stocks so we are hoping the ships can dock here soon. We could be out of perishable items in a few days,” he said. 

He added that his company carried out a brisk business last week as shoppers showed up in larger than usual numbers to stock up in preparation for the forth-coming storm and water was the most consumed item. 

The situation at Hurley’s Supermarket was regarded as “very crucial” by Store Manager, Raul Mena. 

“Our fresh produce, milk and eggs, which are in high demand on an everyday basis are very limited and that is crucial. 

“We are monitoring the situation at the Port before taking action,” he said. 

Store Manager at Foster’s Supermarket, Tanya Foster, said stocks were imported from Florida to meet the urgent need for perishables. 

“We imported a plane load of fresh produce, chicken and milk to meet the demand of our customers,” she said. 

Ms Foster added that her supermarket would absorb the cost of importing by air, which is far costlier than shipping. 

However if the situation is to continue and food has to be flown in for all the supermarkets then shoppers could see some price increases.

However as Port Director Paul Hurlston believes the situation should be rectified at the latest by Friday, 28 October, once the sea conditions improve, hopefully none of the stores will have to resort to the costly way of importing stock.

“We have everything in place to get started as soon as the weather improves,” said Mr Hurlston. “We have a lot of experience in handling these situations. 

“It has had a negative impact on the Port but hopefully we can get back into business by Thursday or Friday,” he said on Wednesday. He added that there was damage to one of the cruise ship terminals as well, to asphalt, fences, doors and washrooms.

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