JOY AND RELIEF

No sooner had the government announced that the suppression level for Cayman Brac was going to be reduced, there was instant excitement amongst residents. Having been shuttered in for the better part of 2 months, one could understand the jubilation that seemed to roar across the island.

“I am so thrilled and excited about this. Though not fully back to normal we can breathe a sigh of relief,” says one resident.

“I am delighted for these restrictions getting some ease, especially the beach areas. The kids have been longing to get into the water.”

“Well I am really happy about this. We couldn’t wait to get to the beach. However, I hope we do not drop our guards and become complacent. Let’s first be giving God thanks.”

“Man I can go fishing again. In fact, the very next day I was out in the ocean. Big haul. Let’s be safe.”

These are just some of the sentiments residents have shared about the new normal, so to speak. Business owners are also delighted because these last 2 months or so have been very difficult for them. They expressed their admiration for the residents as they adjusted to the restrictions placed earlier on.

“It was just pleasing to the eyes to watch citizens follow the various protocols asked of them,” expressed business leaders. Over the weekend scores of residents flocked to the popular Scotts Dock and Divi Tiara beach areas to have fun and relax. Many young children and teenagers were also seen having an enjoyable time. Boating was also a big event amongst residents, as was fishing. In speaking to residents many expressed that the last letter surname shopping approach should have remained in place. Many parents have expressed gratitude for the marvellous job the teachers are doing with their children. To quote some, “We could not have done this.”

I also spoke with District Commissioner, Mr. Ernie Scott and these were his remarks. “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to adjust how we go about our daily lives. We applaud the people of the sister islands for working hard to keep the islands protected. Both communities have supported the measures taken by our government to suppress COVID- 19 in the country. Our business community quickly embraced the regulations and made the necessary changes to protect staff and citizens. Families shifted to technology as the primary means of communication and educating our children. Frontline workers and essential staff followed strict guidelines to keep their interactions safe while providing important services. Masks, social distancing and curfew hours, have become a normal part of the daily vocabulary for our residents, and we encourage all to continue to practice these safety protocols and curfew restrictions advised by Public Health, Police and the Cayman Islands Government.”

For his part, Deputy Premier and MLA for the sister islands, Hon. Mr. Moses Kirkconnell was excited about what has been happening over the last couple months. “Our strategy followed the model of Taiwan, New Zealand, and Singapore. The initial phase was to ensure the safety of all peoples of the islands. We are happy that citizens followed the curfew and social distancing protocols. Let me emphasize that social distancing must be continued, to ensure that the medical facilities do not become over-burdened. Praise to the Hon. Premier and Dr. Lee for deciding to gradually ease restrictions. Testing is continuing extensively, as we try to get a balance in order to get the economy running again. We are going to monitor the isolated activities of the islands as we look to the next phase of ease. May God bless our beloved islands.”