Lady Retiree Rebuilds Island Home

Regardless of birthplace, the human ability to adapt, share and overcome the hazards of nature is perhaps what separates us most clearly from – and has allowed us dominion over – the animal kingdom. Common stereotypes are set aside when, in times of challenge, the survival spirit activates, as it has on Grand Cayman since September 11.

For instance, diminutive English retiree Pauline Ronald surprised many, including her relatives and friends overseas, when she decided to hunker down for Hurricane Ivan and then stayed to rebuild her home and help her community. Standing all of five feet one inch tall, she demonstrates the same resilience as our own ‘iron men and women’ of days gone – and of the present.

After forging a life on two continents, Pauline retired more than six years ago to Grand Cayman – to the idyllic but rustic life of painting and teaching art. At a recent social event hosted by the National Gallery for local artists, she said, “I love the Cayman Islands and the many different aspects of Grand Cayman, especially the beauty and the people.” She adds, “There’s a common tendency to think that all foreigners are pampered but that’s not true – we’ve all gone through our experiences.”

Relating how she grew up in England during hard times and shortages, she was taught to make do when necessary. She said her parents, the late Peter and Doris Hume-Shotton, shared with her the initiative they had learnt by going through two World Wars: “Do what needed to get done – that was their attitude. To use what’s around you and make it work for you.”

That philosophy and strength of character has seen Pauline through hardships such as being trapped in blizzards in North America, etc. “Things are going to be tough for a while,” she says, “I feel I have to see this through because my island home means a lot to me.”

Even new friendships are emerging from the debris. As Ivan threatened, her daughter and friends called from the US and England, encouraging her to leave Cayman. When she didn’t, a friend from overseas called a West Bay man, Elvis Watler, to check on her. He did, and as her home was battered the two new acquaintances shared a small closet space — as well as fears, tears and prayers. “Now,” she says, “We’ll always be friends after helping each other though the terrifying experience.”

Today, in the house she built on Birch Tree Hill and in the garden she lovingly cared for – another tribute to her father’s influence – she copes without electricity —cooking over an open fire, using the dry wood from her once lush plants and trees. She says Ivan has served to put things back into perspective.

“While this has been devastating for everyone, when we look around we can see how much more other people have lost. I especially see in the eyes of the older people a very strong determination to re-build,” she adds. While she still misses her refrigerator, her telly and her washing machine, she feels “A little civilized at night,” with a light and fan – thanks to neighbour Darvin Ebanks’ generator.

Such strength saw Pauline’s and our own ancestors through to today; Cayman’s experiences of recent weeks similarly promise to strengthen our children, and to prepare them to face realities and appreciate the wonders of our world.