Cayman Strengthens Disaster Recovery Readiness
Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) has concluded a week of intensive training and exercises strengthening the Cayman Islands Government's ability to lead, coordinate and govern recovery efforts following a major disaster.
Facilitated by UK-based GSB Command Training Ltd., the programme brought together approximately 65 participants from across Government and Statutory Authorities and Government Companies (SAGCs) to test plans, sharpen decision-making and deepen understanding of how the national emergency management system transitions from response to recovery.
The week opened with a strategic briefing for the National Hazard Management Executive and culminated on Friday with the National Hurricane Exercise. This year's exercise, Hurricane Franz, was named in honour of retiring Deputy Governor the Honourable Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., in recognition of his decades of distinguished service and longstanding commitment to national resilience and emergency management.
The exercise was based on a simulated Category 4 hurricane impacting the Cayman Islands and challenged participants to manage a range of complex issues that emerged during the response phase and extended into recovery. These included widespread telecommunications disruptions, isolated communities with limited access, interruptions to water services, displaced residents and competing demands for government resources and support. Participants were required to navigate difficult decisions while transitioning from emergency response operations to longer-term recovery efforts, ensuring essential services were maintained, affected communities were supported and recovery priorities were coordinated across multiple agencies.
As part of the exercise, Acting Deputy Governor Stran Bodden, Strategic Coordinating Group Chair Rob Atkin and Tactical Coordinating Group Chair Laura Watler briefed Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen and Acting Premier the Honourable Gary Rutty on the evolving situation, recovery priorities and actions underway across government.
While emergency response often commands attention during and immediately after a disaster, recovery is frequently the most complex and enduring phase. Depending on the scale of an event, recovery may span days, months or even years as communities work to restore services, rebuild infrastructure and support affected residents and businesses. This year's programme deliberately focused on recovery planning and coordination to ensure agencies are prepared not only to respond, but to guide the Cayman Islands through the longer-term challenges that follow.
"This exercise reflects our ongoing commitment to preparedness, continuous improvement and building national resilience," said Dani Coleman, Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands. "Response is only one part of the emergency management cycle. The decisions made in the days, weeks and months following a disaster can have a lasting impact on communities, businesses and the economy. By testing our recovery arrangements and challenging our leaders through realistic scenarios, we continue to strengthen our ability to support the Cayman Islands through any emergency — directly supporting our broader outcome of Good Governance and Public Safety."
The programme also welcomed regional and international partners: Andy Hill of the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Humanitarian Unit), Liz Riley, Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and Mandela Christian, CDEMA's Programme Manager Preparedness and Response. Their participation enabled substantive discussions on recovery governance, regional coordination and lessons from recent disasters across the Caribbean and beyond.
"Recovery is where resilience is truly demonstrated," said Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director of CDEMA. "The Cayman Islands' continued investment in exercising and strengthening recovery arrangements reflects a proactive approach to disaster management. By engaging leadership across government alongside regional and international partners, the country is ensuring recovery considerations are embedded long before an event occurs."
Participants were also challenged by a surprise media engagement scenario, requiring designated spokespersons to respond to live interview questions under pressure — reinforcing the importance of timely, accurate and transparent public communications during emergencies.
The programme marks the conclusion of Preparedness Month 2026, which ran from 1 May to 14 June under the theme "Preparedness is Power: Be Ready Every Day." Throughout the campaign, government entities reviewed plans, conducted training, strengthened operational arrangements and encouraged residents to take proactive steps ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
While Preparedness Month has concluded, readiness remains a shared responsibility. HMCI encourages all residents, businesses and organisations to continue reviewing their plans, refreshing emergency supplies and staying prepared throughout the hurricane season.
HMCI extends its appreciation to all participating agencies, facilitators and partners for their continued collaboration in building a safer, stronger and more resilient Cayman Islands.
