Tying up Dean's Loose Ends

Published 21st August, 1:21pm

Following Cayman's brush with the outer bands of Hurricane Dean over the weekend, the country is gradually reverting to a state of normalcy today (Tuesday, 21 August).

In an effort to speed the process along, the following data addresses enquiries still being received from both businesses and residents alike:

Roads: The National Roads Authority (NRA) confirms that road damage is minor. Acting Managing Director Edward Howard noted the presence of sand, rocks and debris in patches of coastal roads, particularly in/around East End, Bodden Town, Old Prospect Road, South Sound and West Bay Road near the public beach. NRA crews are already working on clearing and repairs. Further, 'Savannah Gully' water has now receded.

Health Services: The George Town General Practice Clinic opens today between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for urgent care only. The pharmacy and dialysis services are operating normally today, as is the Accident & Emergency Unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital. However, regular hospital and district health centre clinics are cancelled today (Tuesday, 21 August), but will resume routine scheduling tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 August). All elective surgeries are also cancelled today and patients who have missed appointments should call to reschedule. All Chrissie Tomlinson Hospital and Faith Hospital services are operating normally today.

Flight Travel: The Owen Roberts International Airport is fully operational and there are no restrictions on visitors to the Islands as long as they confirm ahead that their hotels are open. All airlines are operating scheduled flights and Cayman Airways is also offering extra flights to and from Miami. The public should call local reservations at 949-2311 to confirm times or call Miami reservations at 1 800 422 9626.

Utilities: CUC confirms that service has been restored to all Grand Cayman districts, but some isolated customer faults are still being addressed. Anyone still lacking electricity who has not yet contacted CUC is asked to do so on 949-5200. The Water Authority and Cayman Water Company have restored service to their customers.

Shelters: only two shelters - the East End Civic Centre and the Prospect Primary School remained active this morning (Tuesday). They are expected to close this afternoon. On Sunday night, reports confirmed that 2,201 persons were in 19 shelters.

Wrapping up Cayman's glancing encounter with Hurricane Dean, National Hurricane Committee Chairman Donovan Ebanks offered sobering advice: "While we are indeed thankful that we need only report relatively minor damage, I urge all residents to maintain at least a minimal state of hurricane preparedness. The Caribbean basin is now entering the most active period of the season and major storms can form with little warning," he said.

For further information contact: Wosila Rochester