GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands (7 November, 2024) Honourable Kenneth Bryan, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Ports, and Chief Officer Stran Bodden will be travelling to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac on Friday 8th November to evaluate the extent of the damage incurred from Hurricane Rafael, and assess the needs of the tourism sector. Following the passage of Hurricane Rafael on Tuesday of this week, the Ministry’s immediate focus has been on ensuring the safe evacuation of approximately 110 visitors currently on Little Cayman.  The Department of Tourism, in coordination with Cayman Airways, has scheduled shuttle flights to provide 150 seats from Little Cayman to Cayman Brac, and onward to Grand Cayman, to safely transport residents and visitors off the island. Additional flights will be added if necessary, to accommodate any remaining persons wishing to leave, particularly during the interim until services such as electricity and internet have been restored.

Minister Bryan expressed deep concern for both the residents and visitors affected by the hurricane, stating, “The Ministry of Tourism is acutely aware of the damage that Little Cayman has sustained due to Hurricane Rafael. Our first priority has been to focus on the safety and well-being of human life, and I commend the Department of Tourism and Cayman Airways for their efforts to ensure that residents and visitors are able to safely depart from the island.”

With respect to the tourism sector, Minister Bryan continued, “I would like to also assure all residents, business owners and tourism stakeholders that my Ministry and the Government are fully committed to providing the necessary support and relief to our Sister Islands to help with recovery efforts. During my visit tomorrow, I will be assessing the needs of the tourism sector, and recovery plans will be developed as needed to aid the residents, businesses and properties impacted. My priority, and that of my Ministry is to facilitate a swift return to normalcy, he said.”  

Minister Bryan and CO Bodden plan to meet with key stakeholders ensuring all efforts are aligned for the fastest possible recovery of Little Cayman’s tourism sector, to minimise further disruption to the tourism-dependent community.