Volunteers from the Cayman Islands Red Cross came out in force to provide support during Hurricane Rafael this week, helping to shelter hundreds of people, including a group of Cubans who arrived on Cayman Brac just ahead of the storm.
A total of 36 volunteers worked alongside Red Cross staff to prepare and manage the network of shelters across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, as well as transporting seniors in need to and from the shelters.
Six of the volunteers were deployed to the three shelters on Cayman Brac, which housed a total of 227 people as Hurricane Rafael hit the Sister Islands on Tuesday night.
Six shelters were opened in Grand Cayman during the bad weather and sheltered 47 people, plus two cats who were looked after at the pet-friendly shelter at John Gray High School.
The group of 12 Cubans, 11 men and one woman, were transferred to Grand Cayman on a chartered flight on Tuesday and were given temporary housing, clothes and supplies at the Red Cross shelter, along with five other Cuban migrants who were already on island. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent visited the Red Cross shelter on Tuesday evening to check on the welfare of the group.
Comfort to those in need
Red Cross relationships and communications manager Ayala Hananel told the Compass, “The Cayman Islands Red Cross would like to reaffirm our commitment to supporting all individuals in times of crisis. Our shelter is a place of safety for everyone, and our mission is to provide aid and comfort to those in need, regardless of background or circumstance.
“During [Hurricane] Rafael, we worked alongside government and community partners to ensure the safety and well-being of these individuals, as we do with all members of our community affected by emergencies. We extend our gratitude to our volunteers and partners who make this vital work possible.”
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