Editorial

CIRO Manager Orrett Connor

The year 2004 will be memorable for us all – it is not just the year when we finally experienced “The Big One”--but it has also been a time that has seen us dip into our souls and find the resilience and faith to show what makes us Caymanians and residents of these beloved islands so successful and integrated a community.

As we pause and reflect, it is appropriate that I thank the Civil Service for its phenomenal dedication and energy in driving the recovery of the Cayman Islands.

I must also thank the private sector for not only talking the talk, but walking the walk with us. We are indeed fortunate to enjoy a partnership that is such a valuable asset to the Cayman Islands. And I particularly want to recognise the Chamber of Commerce at this time; it has placed its resources solidly behind our recovery effort.

Our skirmish with this week’s earthquake further underlines for us the fact that we must always be prepared for disaster. We have seen how drastically our lives have been affected by the impact of Ivan; we need to pool our resources and put our hearts and minds together more than ever before. Thanks to everyone, as a country we are at a good place in the cycle of recovery – we have entered the final phase—restoration. There is still much to be done but now we are seeing the fruit of our labour.

The new year will bring challenges, I am sure, but it will be rewarding as we journey towards the completion of the restoration process.

Perhaps this year our Christmas celebrations will take on added significance and will be more in tune with the true spirit of our observance of the birth of Christ. That moment in history remains the most significant for mankind – and as long as we are one in Christ, that is all that truly matters.

I wish you all a Christmas of Thanksgiving and Praise!