Red Cross expert talks climate change in Cayman Islands

While on a recent visit to the Cayman Islands Red Cross, Dr. Pablo Suarez of the Red Cross and Red Crescent's Centre on Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness had the opportunity to take his message to the highest level of policy making in the small island nation - The Cayman Islands Cabinet.

Dr. Suarez, who had been on island for nearly four days before the meeting with the Government officials, was able to incorporate some important local data into his 45-minute presentation to Cabinet as he already had a chance to meet with local experts from the Meteorological Services and the Department of Environment.

The presentation was well attended, with all but one of the ministers present. Among those present was Acting Governor, Mr. George McCarthy, as well as the Chief Financial Secretary and the Attorney General.

Cabinet members were impressed by the presentation, and all requested that copies of the presentation be delivered to their offices. 

This was of great impact not only to the issues of climate change, but also to the DIPECHO V project which uses the climate change component as a spring board to further propel the preparedness message among key communities.

Since Dr. Suarez’s visit the topic of climate change has become a hot topic in the local media. Contributing to the discussion has been an uncharacteristic tornado through the community of Prospect in the first weekend of September. The tornado flipped two cars and tore off three roofs.