Donna Bush
At the time, Donna worked with the television station, Cayman 27.
“Hurricane Ivan and September 2004 will forever be embedded in my memory.
I weathered the storm at the CUC shelter which provided critical safety and support for me and my youngest daughter. Going out with CUC in a bucket truck as one of the first people to survey the damage, was a significant moment. It highlighted the initial steps toward recovery and the importance of utilities in restoring normalcy.
Roads were blocked by debris, utility poles were toppled, and buildings were severely damaged or destroyed. The first building we saw was Paramount Carpet; the side of the building being blown out is a testament to the storm’s force. I cried and had feelings of anxiousness and fear at what was to come. As we made our way towards the Cayman 27 building, I was relieved to see it standing as it was one of the buildings that held significant personal and community value at the time.
Unfortunately, the sight of the building still standing did not reveal the extensive interior damage, which is a poignant reminder that appearances can be deceiving. The need to gut the first floor due to flooding illustrates the less visible but equally impactful damages caused by Hurricane Ivan.
Despite the destruction, the resilience of the Caymanian community shone through. People came together to rebuild, support each other, and restore their homes and businesses. I am happy to say that the shared experience of facing and overcoming such adversity often strengthens community bonds and highlights the human spirit’s capacity for recovery.”
Lana Gilyun
“My memories of September 12, 2004 are fading away but will never be forgotten. Hurricane Ivan changed the lives of many people in Cayman. We learned fear of dying, urge to survive, scared of uncertainty; and, as well, a willingness to help others, to experience the kindness of close people and strangers.
On the next day, I went around the island and photographed the damage that our island suffered. I wanted people to remember good and bad. Bad – because we have to be prepared. Good – to encourage people to be supportive of each other.
Caymanian people are strong, and kind, and caring. And we all have to be prepared.”
Matthew Ebanks
“I was 13-years-old when we were at home in Grand Cayman ‘til we saw what started with the wind …It was very devastating how close we (were) to losing our lives but thank God that he (answered) my prayer to protect my family and home in West Bay and the Cayman Islands.“
Thomas Birmingham
“My septic tank backed up and flooded our family home. Pump your tanks before the storm.”
Moby Dick Tours
“I was at Pirates Lair – downstairs completely gone…upstairs not touched so we lived there for a while. (There) was a great community feel on the islands, people coming together to help each other. I felt like I was in a reality TV show (as a) Cayman survivor.”
Julie Karner Menendez
“Ugh – it was awful.”
Clinton Ebanks
“I could do a book of my memories/experience from the 10th of Sep., through the 10th of Oct.”
Krista Vaicaitis
This was a reply to the Facebook comment above.
“Clinton Ebanks you should! I’d read it. I’m fascinated how resilient Caymanians are after a storm. The worst I’ve experienced is a Cat 3. It’s hard to even imagine a 5.”
Lana Bonilla
“It is hard to believe that it is 20 years since we experienced Hurricane Ivan in Cayman.
Although it has been 20 years, we will never forget it. We prayed all night for protection as the wind vibrated our homes, breaking off satellite dishes and removing shingles.
We listened to the radio as long as we could before the electricity went out island-wide. We saw the sun come up and we were all thankful to be alive.
We removed some of the shutters to see destruction, flooding and most of our trees were gone. It was unbelievable. We were okay but needed to get to work outside and we all helped each other; neighbours helped each other.
I remember the few cars left working were missing doors, windows etc., but we had to use them to get around. We saw armed guards at stores, and we learned to take showers with a small bottle of water. Everyone worked together and worked hard to get Cayman to our beautiful island again.”
Mark Barrere
“I had a condo at Mariner’s Cove. Ended up across the street! Wasn’t able to go to Grand Cayman until November, but my friend Nina went through it all. She is a true icon!”
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