Disaster Assistance Centres Open

With the aim of creating a clearing house of information the first Disaster Assistance Centres (DACs) opened last Wednesday (10 November) in George Town and Bodden Town, with three more opening by weekend, each in the districts of North Side, East End and West Bay. Government operates these district centres under the auspices of the Cayman Islands Recovery Operation (CIRO).

George Town’s DAC is located in the Compass Building, on Shedden Road, near the Bank of Butterfield. Space for Bodden Town’s DAC was donated by MLAs Gilbert McLean and Roy Bodden, in their MLA office in Bright Days Plaza. On Friday, 12 November, DAC centres will open in North Side, at the United Church; in East End, at the District Health Clinic; and, in West Bay, at the Town Hall.

Dr. Deborah Surat, special projects coordinator for the Department of Children and Family Services, is the overall manager and coordinator for the centres. Dr. Surat said that the centres, which are manned by trained staff, are designed as a one-stop distribution point for public information. “The purpose of the DACs is to help determine what needs are in the community and how government can best respond to these needs,” said Dr. Surat.

Earlier this week, 36 staff and several volunteers attended training clinics in preparation for the centre’s opening. Staff will be familiar with public health and safety issues, available counselling services and can assist with health and dietary needs. They are also able to assist individuals fill out forms for vehicle and home insurance and for financial assistance.

Centres will operate Monday to Friday, from 12 noon to 6 pm, except on holidays. (The DACS will be closed on Remembrance Day, 15 November, and for the day of Praise and Thanksgiving, on Wednesday 17 November.)