Like many other locations around Grand Cayman, the more than 150 year-old waterfront building which houses the Cayman Islands National Museum is waiting for its hurricane damage insurance settlement.
This structure suffered extensive rainwater damage during Hurricane Ivan and needs a new roof before the imminent rainy season.
Other exterior and interior repairs are also required, including the restoration of the exhibits.
In light of these necessary repairs, the Museum’s Board has been particularly grateful for the recent donations they have received, and the restoration work commenced this week, states a GIS press release.
A CI$10,000 donation was given by the Cayman Islands Government Office in the United Kingdom, as well as a US$10,000 donation from a long-time Canadian resident and Museum supporter, which will go toward the restoration of the natural history exhibit and various museum programmes.
Much delight
Chairman Harris McCoy and Museum Director Anita Ebanks expressed delight at the government funding the Museum received in April from the Ministry of Education, Human Resources and Culture, as well as the various other private contributions. These funds are facilitating the start of the most urgent repairs – especially the roof. The first works contract, for roofing restoration, has already been granted to Pride Construction and preparatory work is underway.
Commendations
Ms Ebanks commended the effort of all participants, saying, ‘They were committed from day-one to the recovery project and staff worked tirelessly to rescue the national collections and reorganize the museum’s gift shop – which reopened on 1 November.’
She noted that, as another indication of the national spirit, the shop reports record sales of all sizes of the Cayman flag since the hurricane. The Museum Shop is the official retailer of British and Caymanian flags and the Cayman Islands coat of arms.
Mr. McCoy explained that while the main building was not flooded by seawater, it was damaged by the battering winds and rain last September.
However, none of the art or artefacts housed there were lost, as everything had been safely packed and stored by the staff days before Ivan struck.
However, as the staff shifted their focus to the hard-hit Museum Support Facility near the North Sound, a serious mould problem developed in the waterfront museum building.
The problem was eventually corrected after the building was de-humidified and underwent mould remediation treatment.
‘The National Museum is an important artefact in itself,’ said Mr. McCoy. ‘A building this old has its own unique issues and challenges. Many old homes on Grand Cayman were destroyed and others are in perilous straits, but this building is special for it belongs to everyone.’
He noted that there have been other donations and expressions of interest from residents, visitors, schools and the tourism sector, and these sentiments are serving to reaffirm the direction of the National Museum.
But the most inspiring contribution, noted by museum officials, was an envelope containing $25 that was sent in by an elderly West Bay couple.
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