Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: 'We share existence in a disaster-prone region and Barbados remains firmly committed to lending support to the Cayman Islands and all other sister states rebuilding in the wake of recent natural disasters.'
Bearing words of encouragement from the Government and people of Barbados, these assurances were given last weekend by Minister of Education & Sport, Reginald Farley, at a fundraising function put on by the Barbadian community of the Cayman Islands. It formed part of their contribution to the recovery of their adopted country.
The Cayman Islands suffered extensive damage during the passage of Hurricane Ivan in September last year when, for a period of time, the sea overswept the island of Grand Cayman, cutting off its lines of communication and causing severe damage and disruption.
The Cayman Islands are made up of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman & Cayman Brac.
The British Overseas Territory, which is also an Associate Member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is still enduring residual effects of the hurricane. It was reported that not a life remained untouched by Ivan’s ravages. Each survivor had a personal story of fear, courage and inspiration. Some weeks following the hurricane, the Cayman Islands also experienced an earthquake.
The fundraising event, held under the patronage of Mr. Farley, was held on the island of Grand Cayman. An evening of gospel music billed “Niles & Niles”, it featured Barbadians, gospel singer Joseph Niles, and saxophonist, Ricky Niles.
In a message to the well-patronised function, Prime Minister Owen Arthur alluded to reminders of being “our brother’s keeper” and that the physical destruction of homes and businesses in the Cayman Islands had done nothing to “curb the resilience and unswerving commitment of its people who continue day by day and step by step to engage in the rebuilding exercise.”
The Barbados Prime Minister praised the members of the Barbadian Association of the Cayman Islands for their compassion and public spiritedness, assuring them that their efforts had not gone unnoticed.
Leader of Government Business of the Cayman Islands, Mckeeva Bush, in his address to the gathering noted that the Barbadians continued to make valuable contributions to the Caymanian Society and expressed appreciation for the kindness and support of the Barbadian community in this venture.
During the event, Minister Farley handed over a symbolic cheque representing proceeds of the evening. To this amount, he announced that the Government of Barbados would also add its own contribution to the reconstructive effort of the Cayman Islands.
The monies would all be channeled through the Department of Children & Family Services. In addition, technical assistance is being given to the Cayman Islands in relation to delivery of public communication, through the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS). In this respect, special emphasis is being placed on disaster communication.
The special fundraising activity last weekend was spearheaded by Juliette Gooding, Honourary Consul of Barbados to the Cayman Islands, and Barbadian cleric, the Reverend Mary Graham.
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