The majority of loyal online readers of caycompass.com don’t think enough has been done in the Cayman Islands to clean up Hurricane Ivan’s leavings.
One commenter wrote that there is still too much debris on vacant lots.
And the writer is right.
There is still much too debris on vacant lots, and in yards, and in the sea, and along roadways.
But much has been accomplished in a year’s time.
Think back to 29 September, 2004, and remember what Grand Cayman looked like.
We were all still in a state of shock, especially those of us who stayed on the island and endured the 36 hours of torment that Hurricane Ivan dealt.
Debris was everywhere. Most of us didn’t think we’d ever get the mess cleaned up.
But here many of us are, a year and a few days later, back in our homes and offices. Most of the debris has been cleared, especially in George Town where the commerce that is so vital to this country’s lifeblood thrives.
Bodden Town looks a whole lot better today than it did after Ivan when we couldn’t even drive through the village because of debris and sand dunes.
Roadways have been repaired in East End and the house that blocked the middle of the road, moved there during the hurricane, removed.
It’s easier now to get around West Bay and South Sound certainly looks much better, although the absence of the mighty mangroves is all too evident. But even that area has been replanted.
While Grand Cayman has come a long way, we think, in debris removal, we also think that much more needs to be done.
Beautification committees have been formed in the districts of Grand Cayman and work goes on constantly to help neighbours clean up and remove debris.
For those who aren’t happy with the cleanup efforts, we urge you to work hand-in-hand with your neighbours to make sure your patch of the island is free of debris and neat.
Government can be expected to do only so much.
The rest of it is up to each of us. If we each take care of what’s immediately around us then a total cleanup of the island is possible.
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