Latest storm updates (all times EST)

Saturday, July 16, 2005

• Changes to CAL Express schedule due to Emily
  As Hurricane Emily passes our area, Cayman Airways Express will continue normal operations until noon Saturday, and also add as many extra flights as needed to meet demand up to this time.
  Both the Twin Otter aircraft of the inter-island service will be moved to Key West around noon. However, it is anticipated that both planes will return to the Cayman islands Sunday morning and that the normal flight schedule will resume Sunday afternoon, weather permitting.
  
   
• District shelters to open Saturday
  The National Hurricane Committee’s Essential Relief Services Subcommittee informs the public that the following hurricane shelters will be opened at 9:00am tomorrow (Saturday, 16 July):
  The North Side Civic Centre; East End Civic Centre; Bodden Town Primary School hall. In George Town: the University College (Community College) Hall; and in West Bay, the John A Cumber Primary School Hall.
  Other shelters will be opened if conditions warrant and an announcement will be made.
  
   
• Inbound travel restricted
  The Cayman Islands Government and the National Hurricane Committee are taking every precaution in preparation for Hurricane Emily. In the interest of safety, it has been decided to temporarily restrict inbound travel, allowing only Caymanians, status holders, residents of the country, or work permit holders. Therefore, we are asking all visitors to contact their travel agents or airlines for information on rescheduling.
   
• Sister Islands shelters to open Saturday am
  Shelters in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will open Saturday 16 July at 7am for any residents who wish to enter the shelter as a precaution.
  Hurricane shelters for Cayman Brac are:
  • Aston Rutty Centre (EMC & public shelter)
  • West End Primary School

  The hurricane shelter for Little Cayman is:

  • The Public Works Department Building (EMC and public shelter)

  District Administration Closed Saturday 16 July
  District Administration in Cayman Brac also advises residents that all Government offices including Customs will be closed on Saturday 16 July.
  The National Hurricane Committee website has more information: www.gov.ky/ 
  
  
   

• CUC customer advisory
  While there have been many rumours to the contrary, CUC assures customers that there is no pre-determined time for a shut down of the power plant but the Company encourages customers to be prepared for disruption of electrical service during the passing of Hurricane Emily.
  CUC expects to keep the power plant operational during the passing of the Hurricane. However, in the event there is a fault in a particular area of the Island, CUC’s linecrews will not be dispatched to conduct repairs until winds have subsided to a level that is safe for them to work in.
  Customers are encouraged to call CUC’s Fault Reporting Hotline at 945-1CUC (1282) to report outages in their area. Reports of downed power lines should be made directly to 911. CUC is also cautioning the public to stay away from downed power lines as they could be energized! If customers should experience flooding, they should immediately turn off the main breaker to prevent electrical shock or damage to electrical equipment.
  If it should become necessary for CUC to shut down its power plant during the Hurricane, the Company will commence its restoration plan as soon as it is safe for its employees to start repairs. .
  
   
• Please clear your mailbox
  In light of the approaching Hurricane Emily, the Cayman Islands Postal Service advises all customers to begin clearing mail and parcels from post offices across the Cayman Islands.
  In preparation for the storm the Postal Service will be removing mail to place in protective containers. Postmaster General Sheena Glasgow said “We’re asking for the public’s assistance to help us lighten our load when packing up.”
  At this time all post offices will close at 5pm unless the NHC determines government offices should close early.
  
   
• Importers should collect cargo Saturday
  The Port Authority advises the public that it will not be responsible for any items stored in its cargo warehouse which may become damaged as a result of hurricane Emily. To facilitate the collection of cargo, the Cargo Distribution Centre will be open tomorrow morning, Saturday, from 7am to 11am, in order to allow importers to clear their cargo.
  
   
• West Bay Licensing Office to close
  As a result of the Hurricane Watch, West Bay Licensing Office will close at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 15 July 2005.  The office will remain closed on Saturday, 16 July 2005 and will reopen on Tuesday, 19 July 2005 at 1:00 p.m. The department apologizes for any inconvenience.
  
   
• Environmental Health and Landfill close at 4pm
  Due to the impending Hurricane, the Environmental Health Department (including the Landfill) will be closed from 4 pm today until Monday, 18 July, when normal collection will resume.  This is a precautionary measure and the Department apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
  
   
• Closure of Government Offices
  The Chief Secretary’s Office advises the public that due to Hurricane Emily, government offices on Grand Cayman will close to the public at 4:00 pm today (Friday, 15 July).  The closure will remain in effect until further notice.
  
   
• CIMA closure due to Hurricane Emily
  The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (the “Authority”) wishes to advise the general public that its offices will close at 1 p.m. today (Friday, 15th July) due to the threat of Hurricane Emily to the Cayman Islands area.  This closure is necessary to facilitate implementing the Authority’s Business Continuity Plan and to enable staff to make personal preparations.   The Authority will announce details of its re-opening subsequent to the National Hurricane Committee’s issuance of the “All Clear”.  The Authority also wishes to advise all licensees that have activated their Business Continuity Plans to advise CIMA immediately of any relocation arrangements.  Please also be advised that the Authority’s website, www.cimoney.com.ky will continue to be accessible in the interim.
  
   
• Digicel on high alert
  Digicel would like to assure its customers and staff that it has put its hurricane contingency plan into high gear, with the approach of Hurricane Emily.
  The company has mobilized its Crisis Management Team (CMT) which will continue to monitor and track the storm’s progress. This is all in an effort to ensure that all areas of Digicel’s operations are secured.
  The CMT will consistently liaise with the Cayman Islands Weather Service, the NHC, and other relevant agencies to keep abreast of any challenges the hurricane might pose.
  All Digicel stores remain open at regular hours today, Friday July 15th and are offering the Nokia 1108 with built-in flashlight for $49 with free car charger.
  In preparation for Hurricane Emily Digicel recommends that you charge your phone, ensure you have a car charger handy and that you top up your Digicel prepaid phone or pay your postpaid bill at any Digicel payment location.
  The Digicel corporate office will shut down at 1 p.m. this afternoon as we take steps to ensure the safety of our employees and equipment.
  The people of the Cayman Islands are important to us and we urge you to take precautionary steps to protect your lives, families and property. Digicel is prepared for the hurricane season. Make sure you are too.
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

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