For the latest information on Hurricane Beryl, visit Storm Centre.
Cayman Islands Regiment reservists and troopers were deployed into the community on Wednesday morning ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Beryl.
Beryl, a Category 4 hurricane, was last located 45 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica and about 320 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman, according to the latest advisory (1pm Cayman time) from the US National Hurricane Center.
Dressed in their full camouflage gear, the 88-member regiment team gathered at their base in Fairbanks in George Town to prep emergency supplies.
From cases of water to medical kits, the reservists loaded the critical supplies into the cabs of their trademark green vehicles before heading out to operational bases at the Clifton Hunter and John Gray high school campuses.
Captain and Logistics Officer Theo Kelly, speaking with the Cayman Compass Wednesday morning at the regiment vehicle park, said all members have been called ahead of the arrival of Beryl.
He said the team was trying to get everything sorted and make sure their “t’s were crossed [and] i’s dotted”.
“We’re doing vehicle checks, equipment checks, so we can deploy to our operating bases,” he said.
Kelly said the reservists and troopers were all hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.
“The feeling right now is a bit of anticipation, but I feel the team is ready for the challenge. Ultimately, we’re just trying to be as successful and as safe as possible. That is the ultimate goal,” he said.
The regiment captain said all operational field vehicles including JCB backhoes, Unimog trucks, wheeled loaders and transport vehicles are being utilised for Hurricane Beryl.
He urged the community to complete preparations before the stay-in-place notice kicks in at 6pm, and after that “as best you can, stay inside [and] utilise the shelters if need be”.
‘Ready for anything’
He said the regiment team is here for the community and ready for any eventuality when the storm comes.
Kelly said the troops receive instructions from the National Emergency Operations Centre and through Hazard Management Cayman Islands, but will step in wherever needed.
“We really try our best to go with our remit, which is urban search and rescue, and we’ll administer first aid when necessary. As you’ve seen us sandbagging, any task that is applicable to us we will do,” Kelly said.
Though the mood was lighthearted as the reservists teamed up to get their tasks done, the seriousness of what lay ahead was not lost on the team.
Kelly urged the community to work with them and look after each other.
“If you see us smile and wave… smile and wave. We are here to help. The more tasks we get, the best we’ll do. We are the Cayman Islands Regiment, we are for the people,” he said.
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