Sept. 11 RescueWorkers Coming February
The Cayman Cares Committee is finalizingplans to bring a group of 80 fire and rescue workers and theirfamilies to the Cayman Islands the week of February 19 to 23.Allsectors of the tourism industry are collaborating to make thisproject a reality, with local hotels donating rooms and some functions,tourism operators providing a variety of land and water activitiesand a number of the islands' restaurants donating meals. Additionally,Cayman Airways is providing an aircraft, Cayman Airways pilotsand cabin crew members are donating their time to operate thecharter, and Texaco is providing the necessary fuel.
Many companies and individuals have comeforward offering items for a welcome pack for the group and additionaloffers are still welcome.
Rod McDowall, President of the CITA said,"The Cayman Cares Committee has been overwhelmed by offersof support from the Cayman Islands community at large and we arevery grateful to everyone who has come forward.
The committee is in the process of developingan itinerary for the group that will offer activities, entertainmentand relaxation. With only five days to spend on the island it'simpossible to include everything the island has to offer. Thebest way for individuals or companies to get involved at thisstage is to 'sponsor' a person by covering the US and Cayman taxesof US$83.50 per person that have to be paid per ticket. The CITAwill collect the donations and administer the funds, and any moneyleft over will be donated to a charity in aid of the September11 victims."
Through the efforts of the Emergency ServicesRelief sub-committee, consisting of the CI Fire Department, RoyalCI Police, CI Emergency Medical Services and the Glamourous Grannies,$70,000 was collected from the local community and will be donatedto the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's BenefitFund.
Representatives of this sub-committee willtravel to New York to officially present these funds to the properadministrators of the chosen fund.
US media representatives will be invitedto the presentation of funds in New York, and select media willbe invited to travel to Grand Cayman on the charter and will havethe opportunity to experience the warmth and caring of the CaymanIslands with a view to developing positive stories about the CaymanIslands for leading publications.
The Cayman Cares Committee consists of membersof the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA), Emergency ServiceWorkers, representatives of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourismand Chuck and Barrie Quappe two local residents whose familywas personally touched by the September 11 tragedy.
For more information please contact theCITA on 949 8522 or email cita@candw.ky.