Cayman Brac residents are partnering with a US non-profit organization to provide a journey of healing for injured servicemen and women through scuba diving.
Sergeant First Class John Beville, who will be coming to the Brac with the Underwater Warrior Foundation. |
Underwater Warriors Foundation is an educational organization that was launched in March 2006 to teach scuba as a therapeutic recreation to wounded soldiers and their family members, and operates without cost to the participants, said a UWF press release.
They will be making their first visit to Cayman Brac 24-31 March.
According to Melissa Wall, UWF Program Director and Fundraising Coordinator, the spectacular reefs of the Sister Islands provide the perfect dive setting for the programme, while the beautiful clear water and excellent visibility are ideal for certification dives and the ongoing diving education offered by UWF.
In addition, Ms Wall, who has been making regular dive trips to the Brac for the past 20 years, believes the peacefulness and simplicity of the island provide a particularly suitable atmosphere to support the healing process.
‘Large numbers of soldiers are returning to the US from current conflicts with severe injuries. The philosophy of this programme is to heal the body, mind and spirit of soldiers with disabilities in order to motivate them to rebuild their lives. Bringing families together is part of the process,’ she explained.
‘We want to change how people look at scuba diving; it is not just a sport. Using the therapeutic powers of scuba, UWF has evolved into a wellness programme, developed specifically for servicemen and their families.’
‘As an ex-serviceman, I understand the huge sacrifice these brave men and women have made,’ said Craig Burhart, owner of Indepth Watersports, the operation that will be diving with UWF.
‘My staff and I are happy to do whatever we can to help restore their confidence and ability to enjoy life,’ he added.
As Sister Islands District Commissioner Ernie Scott pointed out, though the weeklong event was driven by UWF, it was made possible through the cooperative efforts of both public and private sectors on Cayman Brac.
‘This is further proof that a partnership between businesses and government can produce powerful results. We see huge potential for the development of our island’s relationship with UWF,’ said Mr. Scott.
‘Cayman Brac is one of the safest, most tranquil places on earth, and we are delighted to be able to share our beautiful island with those who have had to deal with the trauma of war,’ noted Sister Islands MLA Moses Kirkconnell.
‘A programme to serve those who deserve so much is entirely honourable, and Cayman Brac’s involvement is simply the right thing to do,’ he added.
Spokesperson for UWF, country singer-songwriter Deborah Allen, will also be coming to the Brac with the group.
In addition, a local artist, known as Foots has announced plans to create a special commemorative piece to mark this visit.
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