Editorial

CIRO: Make Your Housing Needs Known

Several initiatives are addressing the insurance gap that has added to the vulnerability of a sizeable segment of our population. So far, excluding efforts by the churches and other NGOs, joint initiatives have aided almost 400 homeowners, to the tune of about $4.5 million—and the figure continues to rise…

This week’s Spirit also notes today’s handing over of keys to the first occupants of temporary trailer homes. (For those wondering if a trailer home might be the right solution, you may gain some resolution by attending today’s handing-over ceremony at the Ed Bush Sports Field in West Bay—see story inside). Note that Government is extending provision enabing import of trailer homes to private sector employers, who may wish to consider this option as part of their employer/employer contract where necessary.

These initiatives notwithstanding, if you are still unable to access the type of help you need, you are strongly encourged to bring your case to the attention of the authorities as soon as possible. Spirit recommends that you register your concerns with either the Cayman Islands Development Bank (*see contact info below) or the National Recovery Fund (see story inside) as soon as possible. You may also wish to drop in at the National Housing and Community Development Trust (**contact info below).

Now is the time for everyone with housing needs that have not been addressed to come forward. And, if all else fails, You may wish to consider discussing your situation with your MLA.

Spirit further encourages wealthy persons with business interests in the Cayman Islands to join in the recovery effort in one of the most meaningful possible ways—lend a helping hand by donating to one of the schemes mentioned above.

And, neither those who share nor those who benefit should shy away from getting involved: “Charity never humiliated him who profited from it, nor ever bound him by the chains of gratitude, since it was not to him but to God that the gift was made” (ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY, 1900-1944, from Flight to Arras, ch. 23, 1942).

Contact information:

*The Cayman Islands Development Bank: Cayman Financial Centre [formerly British American Centre], 36B Dr. Roy’s Drive, Telephone: 949-7511 Fax: 949-6168.

**The National Housing and Community Development Trust (permanent location), Elizabethan Square, Unit 1 (above the Thai Restaurant), Telephone: 945-7649, Fax 945-767.