Editorial: A role for all of us

To say uncertain times lay ahead could very well be an understatement. The Cayman Islands, like other countries around the world, are taking steps to safeguard their people from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, businesses but ultimately people will feel not just a pinch but real pain. As the saying goes, the struggle is real.

The tourism and entertainment industries have been shut down for the foreseeable future. Those industries and others with weekly paid earners are among the most vulnerable and one can’t blame workers for feeling anything other than bleak. A number of business would have unknowingly closed their doors for the last time or will likely do so in the coming days.

Utility companies must also be credited for putting a halt to disconnections for the time being, and financial institutions have promised to work with those impacted so they don’t run headfirst into foreclosure. At least one supermarket has made it easier for the elderly, disabled and pregnant to get in and out with as much ease as possible.

Meantime, government is trying to lessen the impact of its decisions to ward off COVID-19 by providing one-off payments to those who require government benefits for survival. At the Caymanian Times, we have provided government with free advertising to allow them to get their messages to the public while spending that money assisting those in our community who need it the most.

The truth is that not all businesses will fold. To those who appear to be able to weather the storm, at least in the short term, the question you should be asking yourself is how can we assist the community in these uncertain times?

Let’s find ways to help each other as we navigate these uncertain waters. In doing so, we’ll help ensure that we all get through the storm together and be able to enjoy the brighter days when they come.