The Cayman Islands government will organise a national programme to help low income families retrofit their homes with storm shutters or plywood in case a major hurricane strikes.
Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts said Monday that the government cannot force existing homes to install hurricane-resistant windows or storm shutters.
‘There is not a legislative tool readily available that would allow us to mandate the installation of hurricane shutters and storm windows in existing structures,’ Mr. Tibbetts said.
Instead Mr. Tibbetts said a country-wide effort, including the help of non-profit groups and local residents, would be needed to make sure homes are protected.
‘There are many among us in positions of genuine need,’ Mr. Tibbetts. ‘They cannot easily afford the cost of retrofitting their homes…but they can least afford to rebuild their homes if they are damaged.’
‘It is government’s intention to dedicate the necessary resources to an on-going programme to assist those in need to make provisions to protect their homes.’
He did not state how much would need to be spent on such a programme.
Mr. Tibbetts said that help could take many forms including getting plywood for needy families, providing labour to help cut and fit the plywood, or even installing shutters in the event of a storm.
He said government would rely on district hurricane committees and volunteer clubs to help identify people who are needy, such as the elderly or single-parent households.
There might also be incentives put in place for homeowners who voluntarily agree to strengthen their windows and doors against the onset of a storm.
‘We will meet with the insurance companies to explore whether some rebate can be given to those who have taken steps to protect their property,’ Mr. Tibbetts said.
Both Mr. Tibbetts and National Hurricane Committee Chairman Donovan Ebanks said government would also consider duty concessions for the importation of storm-resistant windows and shutters.
Part of the programme would also include a public education campaign urging people to review home and business protection plans, and to retain plywood bought during Hurricane Dean so it can be reused in the event of another storm.
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