THE EDITOR, Sir:
I JUST viewed some pictures of the disaster in Grand Cayman, and I cannot even begin to describe the magnitude of the damage. I saw destroyed graves, overturned boats on cars, houses with foundations only. The story of a woman and her husband working on the islands was even more horrifying. As she des-cribed the sequence of events during and after the storm, it reminded me of those gripping horror movies. Ironically, the storm struck on September 11.
I do not want to be critical at such a sensitive time, but is it because of pride or ignorance why the authorities are not allowing regional or international journalist coverage, to accurately access the situation. Twelve days after the hurricane, not one single death has been officially reported; it is amazing, or perhaps a miracle. Do they have their priorities wrong by deliberately downplaying this catastrophic disaster to protect their tourism and off-shore banking investments?
Surely, I would think that their first priority would be to get all the technical expertise and labour skills available to help rebuild the islands as fast as possible, so that they can get their economy going again. Remem-ber, the saying 'no man is an island', or are there exceptions?
Also, it must be a traumatic and psychological experience for local and foreign residents of this middle-upper class island to adjust to a completely new 'survival' lifestyle overnight. Some are now homeless, their clothing and possessions washed away, living with no power, limited food and water. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Cayman as they go through such a difficult time.
I am, etc.,
IVAN'S EYE
Bridgeport P.O.
