The Governor’s Updates #4

• Flight to Canada confirmed: A flight to Canada has been confirmed on Friday 22nd May organised privately by Nikole Poirier – here are the contact details: nikolepoirier@yahoo.com / +1 345 517 0628 if you would like to book a seat. Caymanians and permanent residents wishing to come home on that flight should register with the travel helpline www.exploregov.ky/travel

• The Security Assistance Team from the UK MOD: The Security Assistance Team from the UK MOD arrived on 28 April on the BA flight. The team are specialist desk-based planners. They will not be on patrol. The 11 military and one senior police adviser will be in quarantine for 14 days and then tested for COVID-19. We’ve already set them to work liaising with various entities within CIG. We have asked them to support Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) who are already fully engaged on COVID-19, on hurricane preparedness. The team’s medical planning experts will be able to support us logistically with the procurement of medical supplies. We will also look to them to provide a link with the other UK assets in the region such as the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus in the region for normal pre-hurricane support. RFA Argus will be off the Cayman Islands next week but will not come ashore because of COVID-19. It will carry out training exercises with the RCIPS Air Operations Unit.

• Thanks to HSA Lab and Doctos Hospital: Heartwarming results are occurring daily. My thanks to Angela Tanzillo-Swarts and everyone at the HSA Lab and also to Doctors Hospital who have also helped us ramp up testing. We’ve reached a milestone with the Sister Islands in soon being able to remove restrictions. But practices such as social distancing, basic hygiene and the wearing of masks in public places are the new normal for all of us until we have a vaccine. They will need to be adhered to in the Sister Islands and by all of us for many months to come.

• Investigation into leaked information: An investigation is underway regarding the leak of the new shelter in place regulations. I am also very concerned about the leak of the map highlighting the districts where victims of Covid-19 live, which will also be investigated. I appeal to everyone not to leak information. It makes it difficult to for the Government to conduct business and it also causes unnecessary harm and distress to those involved.

• Closure of Philippines border: The Philippines borders closed suddenly at the weekend. We have been advised that this is temporary and we’re still looking at the possibility of flights there.

• Role of RFA Argus: RFA Argus, the Royal Navy Caribbean task force ship has arrived in Cayman waters. They will not be landing the helicopters on the Islands and the crew will not be coming ashore due to the Covid-19 situation. On 5 May, they flew two of their helicopters alongside the RCIPS helicopter on a recce of Grand Cayman. They are looking for key areas and landing sites in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season. They will also be conducting a drug interdiction exercise with the RCIPS Marine Unit. They also plan to conduct an overflight of Cayman Brac.

• The children of the Cayman Islands: Like the Premier, I too want to acknowledge our children in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman during this special time of the year. Our children have experienced such tremendous change and disruption in their lives in such a short period of time. They have done a wonderful job of staying indoors, more than they’ve ever had to in their lives before and have had their world turned upside down by all the new rules. My thanks to them all and to the adults in their lives who have been supporting them

• Shout out to firefighters: Shout out to all the Fire Fighters on International Fire Fighters day. They are on the front line, keeping us safe. My thanks to Paul Walker, Chief Fire Officer and all his team.

• Congratulations to Prison staff: Shout out to Deputy Director Clara Range and Custody Manager Richard Barton who have just celebrated their 39th year of continued service at Her Majesty’s Prison Service. That is quite something and very special. Thank you for your exceptional service.

• Thank you everyone for your continuing cooperation: You can all be proud of your contribution. We are in a very good place and a bit more patience will give us the evidence base to ease restrictions on Grand Cayman.