The Cayman Islands Law School Library, which lost nearly 50 per cent of its books because of Hurricane Ivan, is set to undergo a transformation with a substantial donation from two alumni.
Peter Stafford and his wife Claire Stafford gave CI$10,000 towards the purchase of new law books for the devastated library.
‘As graduates from the Cayman Islands Law School, we believe in the importance of having an institute where Caymanians can study law, and we would like to see it continue as a centre of excellence,’ they said.
The donation is also a continuation of Mr. Stafford’s long-standing record of support for the Law School – as a former partner of local law firm Hunter & Hunter (now Appleby, Spurling, Hunter), he has helped many students with funds and internships.
Mr. Stafford is returning to the books and is doing his master’s in business administration at the Darden University Graduate School of Business in Charlottesville, Virginia. The family will return to the Islands on completion of his studies.
‘This gesture couldn’t come at a more appropriate time,’ said Attorney General Sam Bulgin. ‘The Law School is more than half way done with restorations and this money together with the insurance payout will go a long way in restoring the library to its pre-hurricane capacity.’
Law School Director Mitchell Davies also thanked the Stafford family for the gesture.
‘Sourcing replacement books for the library is a time consuming and expensive exercise as some were centuries old. Donations like these will surely make the load lighter.’
The Law School, previously in the condemned Tower Building, recently moved into its new premises on the second and third floor (above Cayman National Bank) in the CIBC building on Edward Street in George Town.
‘Despite last year’s setbacks, the school currently has over 100 students enrolled, and we fully expect to continue as a centre of academic excellence in the provision of tertiary education in the Cayman Islands,’ Mr. Davies said.
He paid tribute to the law firms and other government departments who have been instrumental in the school’s recovery by providing classroom space in the months following the storm.
‘We had great support from the law firms of Appleby Spurling Hunter, Quin & Hampson, Ogier, Solomon Harris, Stewarts and Walkers. I would also like to thank the Chief Justice, who provided court rooms for lectures, as well as the departments of Customs Training and Legislative Drafting, and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority for accommodating our lecturers and students.’
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