How refreshing to deplane at Owen Roberts International Airport and be greeted once again by live musicians.
Travellers and residents accustomed to the Caribbean rhythms that greeted them upon arrival to Grand Cayman were met with eerie silence in the months following Hurricane Ivan.
People who fly in to this country are used to musicians on steel drums, keyboards and bass guitars ushering them in with songs and smiles.
Getting the bands back to the airport is good for tourism and excellent for those who make these islands their home.
A return of the musicians is another step at returning to normalcy following the devastation of Ivan in September.
The Department of Tourism is to be commended for bringing pre-Ivan normal activities back to the Cayman Islands.
The return of cruise ships – whether you’re for them or against them – the reopening of the Turtle Farm and Botanic Park and other tourist attractions have all helped us heal.
Regaining a sense of normalcy is good for all of us – residents and tourists alike.
It helps settle rattled psyches and lets us all know that eventually, everything is going to be OK.
Most of us have experienced a sense of hope as little things occur to bring life back to normal.
The reopening of supermarkets and other retail establishments has helped us regain our senses of normalcy.
We rejoice each time a restaurant re-opens its doors; when telephone lines are restored; when power is hooked back up to a home or business.
Each success brings us that much closer to getting over the destruction and frustration Hurricane Ivan dumped on the Cayman Islands eight months ago.
Make no mistake about it – the work is far from over.
We each must strive daily to maintain a healthy balance in our own lives. If we take care of ourselves individually we can be better equipped to help each other as a community.
We can all take solace in each success that brings the Cayman Islands back.
We were told shortly after the storm that no country or community goes back to what it was before a disaster. There will be change, hopefully, for the better.
Musicians back at the airport are a welcome change to the deafening quiet that greeted visitors and residents after the storm.
The bands at the port and airport were good before Ivan. Now they are also appreciated.
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