RCIPS Lifts Curfew on GCM
Published 20th August, 1:51pm
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) would like to advise the public that the curfew imposed in Grand Cayman due to Hurricane Dean will be lifted at 2pm today, Monday, August 20.
The curfew was imposed at 10pm on Sunday, August 19 for all three Cayman Islands in the interest of public safety under Section 30 (1) of Police Law (2006 Revision). The curfew on the Sister Islands was lifted at 9am on Monday, August 20.
The majority of residents heeded advice from police and abided by the curfew order. One person who was seen out on two separate occasions in West Bay has been warned for intended prosecution. No major incidents have so far been reported to 911 with many of the calls relating to damaged electricity pole and loose wires.
Residents are urged to take extra care on the roads and only make essential journey's until the 'all clear' is given later today.
The RCIPS thanks the residents of the Cayman Islands for their assistance in this matter.
The RCIPS is asking residents to exercise caution now that the curfew has been lifted in Grand Cayman.
There is evidence of flooding in low-lying coastal areas which is creating significant debris build-up. In addition wave action of 12 -16 feet are expected to continue through this evening.
"Various reports of battering waves pounding the coast and fallen trees inland have been received and for this reason people should only make essential journeys," said Commissioner of Police, Mr Stuart Kernohan. "In addition, there are emergency personnel and workers from various agencies and government departments who need to move around the island assessing the situation and assisting with maintaining essential services as well as responding to incidents. This process will be much smoother and efficient if they can move freely around the Island without any traffic congestion."
The Commissioner also sent a strong message to anyone considering engaging in criminal activity or misconduct: "Residents should be prepared for stringent enforcement. Criminal activity will not be tolerated and those found to be involved in illegal acts will be dealt with using the full force of the law."
To assist and support the RCIPS and other agencies in their efforts, the Cayman Islands community is urged to consider the following points during this period:
Know when to call 9-1-1. Only call 911 in an emergency. If your situation is not an emergency, consider calling your local police station directly to make a report.
Keep 9-1-1 updated. If you have called 9-1-1 for urgent assistance and then move to another location, call them back and let them know; otherwise, emergency personnel will spend valuable hours looking for you when they could be helping the next person in need instead.
Avoid costal areas: Don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. The RCIPS is asking people to avoid coastal areas. Activities such as wind surfing, wave watching and picture taking should cease.
All Clear Not Yet Declared!
Although the Curfew on all areas of Grand Cayman was lifted at 2 pm today, the All Clear has not yet been declared as Hurricane Dean continues to affect Grand Cayman.
Until the All Clear has been given, members of the public are urged to use exercise extreme caution for their own safety and well-being when traveling on the roads. While road clearing is ongoing, some areas are still impassable.
Especially flooding in the Savannah gully makes driving to and from the East impossible at the moment.
While Curfew was declared to maintain law and order, the Hurricane Warning is still in effect to protect people from the ongoing dangers of Hurricane Dean.
The All Clear will be declared later today when the worst weather has abated. However, people should adhere to all road closures and continue to listen for public safety updates specific to their area.
For further information contact: Ariana Rahamut