Friday 3rd December 2004






Aedes aegypti Under Control: A campaign by the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) to control the annoying and potentially risky mosquito Aedes aegypti has been effective.
As you Rebuild... Hurricane Proof your Home or Business: When rebuilding your home after Ivan, take time to safeguard it against the fury of the next hurricane. Check your roof, windows, doors, shutters and garage doors for vulnerability to strong winds as these four areas can make the difference between a home that fails and one that survives the storm.
Brac Hospitality Hits the Sweet Spot: Emerging from shelters and battered homes after Hurricane Ivan, it was good to know that there was a place to go where water was still running, utility poles standing and cars being driven.
CIMA Investigates Unfair Practices Claims: Cabinet has asked the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) to investigate claims of unfair insurer practices. CIMA is responsible for regulating the industry and will report to Cabinet via the Financial Secretary.
Debris Removal Accelerate the Process: MC Restoration has started roadside debris collection. Since properly sorted debris speeds processing and minimizes environmental impact, the categories for sorting have been further refined. Four district disposal sites are open to residents and a drop-off centre is now open to handle the disposal of hazardous materials.
Editorial: Now moving into its third month of operation, CIRO (the Cayman Islands Recovery Operation) has achieved some important benchmarks, as outlined this week by Manager Orrett Connor in his address to the Chamber of Commerce.
Housing Grant Deadline Extended: The Cayman Islands Government Housing Recovery Grant (HRG) programme has extended its deadline for applications for its “no-strings-attached” grant to eligible persons who need help in repairing their homes. This extension, to remain in effect until further notice, recognises the difficulties and delays applicants are experiencing in getting estimates for repairs and sourcing repair materials.
MRCU Resumes Night Flights: The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) recently resumed night aerial spraying operations, albeit with a degree of caution.
Modular Classrooms Temporary Solution: As plans to rebuild schools get underway, a number of modular classrooms have been ordered as a short-term solution, and are scheduled to arrive by January. Two have already arrived and will be allocated as a priority to George Town and East End Primary Schools.
More Resources For Future Disaster Mitigation: While government agencies responsible for disaster planning have prepared and executed their plans with proficiency over the years, additional resources will now be allocated to reducing the impact of future disasters.
Pre-school and Day Care Centre Update: 17 pre-schools and day care centres are now open
Price Gouging Law Carries a Big Stick: Persons who contravene the new Price Gouging Control (Emergency Circumstances) Law 2004 could be fined up to $100,000 on summary conviction by the Courts. The law, which came into effect on 1 November 2004, and is only applicable after a declaration of a state of emergency in the Islands following a tropical storm, a hurricane or some other natural disaster, puts the burden of proof on the person accused of price gouging to show that any price increase is “reasonable and not unconscionable.”
Red-tagged Cars Off Limits: Members of the public are reminded that red-tagged cars remain private property, say Cayman Island Recovery Operation (CIRO) officials.
Shelter Update: There are currently (as at 2 December) 29 homeless residents remaining in the East End shelter. As soon as electricity and basic furniture have been installed, a few of these families will be relocated to the Lyndhurst Apartments.
Thumbs Up for the BT Clinic: During this week’s tour of the relocated Bodden Town Clinic, Health Services Minister, the Hon. Gilbert McLean expressed pride in its continued service—despite the challenges.
Travel Trailers on the Way: CIRO, the Cayman Islands Recovery Operations task force, has established a group that will procure and locate travel trailers for use as temporary accommodation.
Travel Trailers on the Way: CIRO has established a group that will procure and locate travel trailers for use as temporary accommodation.

Friday 3rd December 2004

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