GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – As part of its ongoing commitment to promote a safer and more resilient country, Government has announced its plan to support the Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) in its appeal for funding to ensure the continuity of the organisation’s critical services to the community.

In July 2018 the CIRC officially launched the ‘Shelter from the Storm Appeal,’ (the Appeal), with a preliminary target of raising $600,000 towards the cost to carry out immediate and essential remedial renovations to the CIRC Headquarters building to ensure compliance with current building codes, and provide a safe space for both staff and the various clients that it serves.     

Corporate donors and individuals within the community have pledged their support towards the Appeal. Initial construction work on the building commenced in September 2018 and is scheduled to continue through the first half of 2019.

“Following a presentation to the Government by the Director of the Cayman Islands Red Cross and members of its Building Committee, the Cabinet approved funding to support the CIRC’s appeal,” Minster for FSHA, Hon. Tara Rivers, said.

“The Cayman Islands Red Cross is a key stakeholder in Government’s national disaster management strategy, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated organisation like this that stands ready to respond to critical incidents, and provide support and aid when needed,” Minister Rivers explained. “The facility operates as a primary hurricane shelter and is the first shelter to open in the event of an emergency, so ensuring that it is fully operational is critical to the safety and wellbeing of the community.”

 Through a collaborative partnership with a local private charitable foundation, $450,000 will be contributed towards the Appeal.  

“With the generous support of this Government, local charities, businesses and members of the community, the Cayman Islands Red Cross can continue to provide shelter, training and other critical services to those in need,” CIRC Director, Jondo Obi, said.

Minister Rivers concluded: “We are extremely happy to support charitable organisations, especially one like the CIRC that has provided essential services in the Cayman Islands for more than 30 years.”

The CIRC aims to have its headquarters building open and ready to once again serve as a national shelter by 1 June 2019.

Photo By: Jamie Hicks, GIS

Photo caption: Minister Tara Rivers & Cayman Islands Red Cross Director, Jondo Obi, at the headquarters building on Huldah Avenue in George Town, Grand Cayman.