Cayman Islands donate relief supplies to Turks and Caicos
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| Published on Friday, September 12, 2008 |
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GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (GIS): A Cayman Airways flight left for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Thursday loaded with some 24,500 pounds of relief supplies.
These goods comprise a special donation from the government and people of the Cayman Islands to the TCI, a fellow British Overseas Territory that last week was devastated by category-4 Hurricane Ike.
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| Airport workers load the supplies |
The decision to assist was made during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. In Thursday's Cabinet press briefing, Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts said he’d been in contact with TCI Premier Michael Misick, and had told him that Caymanians are praying for all in the TCI.
Referring to the similarities with Cayman’s situation in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, Tibbetts said, “The food, water and other essentials are being sent to reduce the suffering of neighbours who now find themselves in the same plight.”
He particularly thanked local suppliers and Cayman Airways (CAL) for making the special humanitarian flight a no-charge reality.
Tourism, Environment, Investment and Commerce Minister Charles Clifford, who has overall responsibility for the national carrier, said that CAL was pleased to assist the effort. “This is our way of showing that that we empathize with the people of the TCI and want to see a speedy recovery,” he said.
Tibbetts also explained that government is working closely with local Cuban-Caymanians to organise hurricane relief supplies for Cuban residents, particularly those in the Isle of Pines with whom, he said, “Cayman has strong historical and family connections.”
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| Assistant Collector of Customs Alberto Powery (L) and Tim Hubbell on the scene |
The LoGB further noted that assistance in the form of trailer homes has been offered to both the Turks and Caicos, and Cuban, governments. Decisions on their allocations are to be confirmed in the near future.
Cabinet Secretary Orrett Connor, Cabinet Office’s Director of Special Projects Tim Hubbell, Hazard Management Cayman Islands Board Member Angela Martins and others arranged the collection and transportation of the goods.
“Supplies included generators, tarpaulins, non-perishable foods and staple items such as toiletries and baby supplies,” said Martins. | | | | Reads : 1209 | | | |
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