Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 10:47:42 -0600
From: Bob Love <blove_AT_candw.ky>
Gert,
I took a cleaning break yesterday and went over to Governor's Beach on our world famous
Seven Mile Beach and was amazed at what I saw. The beach was nearly all cleaned up!
It's still all there and looks vibrant and as healthy as I have ever seen.
Our clear turquoise waters have returned and were calm and refreshing. I can't wait
to see what this place looks like in a just a couple more months!
On another note.My t-shirt campaign at http://www.hurricaneivan.ky
<http://www.hurricaneivan.ky/> has
raised $1000 in the first three days after launch! Thanks for everyone's support!
Regards,
Bob Love
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands |
Author: mike barcroft (---.ADSL.CandW.ky)
Date: 09-26-04 12:28
FROM THE BRAC
I have just got back from a week in GCM (Recovery Work for Fosters) and will return on Mon
for another week or 10 days - I am among the very very fortunate - I live on Cayman Brac
and can skip over for an R&R period, as many from Grand Cayman are doing.
Yes - there is damage ranging from catastrophic to moderate depending upon what part of
the Island you go to - I drove around on Friday - actually got lost on my way to Rum Point
to do a specific job - go figure - for me the usual land marks are gone. Luckily had about
30 bottles of frozen water in the car and 2 cartons of cigarettes so was able to stop and
talk and offer some little respite to some of the many people (all people working to
recover Cayman - all colours and all nationalities) working especially out at East End -
above all else was such a display of resilience and determination that I then resolved to
take no more pictures of damage - only of work and smiles - yes there are many of those
around thankfully.
I cannot talk of any other organisation with any authority at all - but I can say within
the Foster Group of Companies the morale and total dedication to a full recovery to better
than before makes me immensely proud and privileged to be alongside these men and women -
regardless of their normal status within the Companies, everyone is pitching in on the
manual as well as the mental work.
Yes, there are setbacks, major problems and more difficult times ahead but the spirit
displayed by ordinary people is something that cannot ever be quelled. As the curfew is
gradually lifted (think it is still 10PM to 5 AM) some Bars and restaurants are opening up
even in a "basic" format - people are able to get out and try to relax a little.
I saw no examples of drunk, irresponsible behavior - I am sure there probably is some -
but then there always will be from some people - all I saw was outstanding comradely.
Whilst I did come back somewhat tired, bruised and aching and not necessarily smelling my
best, I also came back with an immensely positive feeling of "can-do" - a
feeling that echoes back to my military days - belonging, kinship, pride and a
"nothing can defeat us ever" cockiness.
Progress is going to be an ever growing series of baby steps and stumbles and falls here
and there - but guess what - all the bay steps will start to weave together into little
strides and bigger strides and then we are going to be up and walking and then running
once again.
To All - continue the gruelling hard work and keep the spirits up - my mind is with you
right now and my body will be back on Monday.
Regards
Mike Barcroft |
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2004 13:01:48 -0500 From: Tom McCallum
<tmccallum_AT_thereef.com.ky>
Cayman will be "open for business" January 1st, 2005..... the best thing
anyone who cares about Cayman can do is to plan a visit to Cayman for early 2005.... and
bring your friends and family...... you will be GUARANTEED the warmest and friendliest
welcome and hospitality you have every received in your entire life...... we will be so
happy to see you all. Numerous hotels and resorts will be open for business before year
end, some in time for Thanksgiving.... I will arrange for updates on individual properties
to be sent to you weekly from now on, with the first detailed update expected by Wednesday
next week. |