Last update September 22 2004 11:12:37. (ET)
Tourism Info
Many people have been mailing me asking what to do about their upcoming visit to Cayman. If your trip is scheduled before the end of November 2004 I would plan not to go. Though many of the resorts are fine, there are critical shortages of food, fuel, water, etc... The last thing the islands need right now is further strain on their resources. Furthermore, it is still not know when non-residents will even be allowed into the Caymans.
If possible, delay your trip and plan to visit after conditions have improved. Tourism is a major component of the Cayman economy. By delaying your trip you help ensure your vacation money will help the Caymans rebuild. When you do go, spoil your self - the more money you spend in the islands, the quicker the economy will return to normal.
If you're thinking about going to help with relief efforts please keep the following in mind: 1. Don't simply show up un-announced and expect to find a place to stay and projects to work on. Arrange with one of the relief organizations in advance. If you simply show up you're more likely to be a burden on locals than a help. 2. Relief efforts in the Caymans should be considered a 'hardship' posting. Don't expect to stay in a resort hotel and simply pound a few nails during the day. You will likely be without reliable electricity and air conditioning. You may have to boil your water and go without showers. There may be few places to escape from the heat, fouls smells, etc... 3. If you have any medical conditions that could flare up you could simply further strain the healthcare system. - If you have not participated in a relief effort before, this may not be the best time to start. - I don't want to discourage volunteers, but having done a fair amount of Red Cross disaster work in the US (DSHR), consider how you can contribute the most. In some cases simply writing a check may be the best thing you can do. --Andy