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A Week of Gratitude: Celebrating Our Culture of Readiness

5 December 2025 | Press Release | By: CIG Communications

With Hurricane Season 2025 behind us, the Cayman Islands Government has dedicated the first week of December to expressing gratitude - recognising the unsung heroes who serve year-round to build a stronger, more resilient Cayman.

Through a coordinated Week of Gratitude led by Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI), Government agencies and departments are highlighting the spirit of service demonstrated by the volunteers, public servants, and community partners, which underpins our national resilience. The week coincides with International Volunteer Day on 5 December and leads into Cayman Thanksgiving on 7 December - a time for reflection, community, and giving thanks.

Director of HMCI, Dani Coleman said: "As we give thanks this December, we recognise that our greatest strength lies in our people and their commitment to keeping Cayman safe. Our Culture of Readiness doesn’t happen by accident: it is the result of countless hours of training, planning, and dedication by volunteers and professionals who put service above self."

The Week of Gratitude reminds us that preparedness is not just about plans and protocols - it's about people, partnership, and the unwavering spirit of service that makes our islands resilient.

Year of Achievement in Emergency Preparedness

Throughout 2025, HMCI and its partners demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting our islands and supporting our neighbours through collaborative exercises, enhanced training programmes, and strengthened regional partnerships. Key milestones included Exercise Event Horizon 2025, which tested emergency response capabilities under challenging scenarios; expanded mass rescue response operations to enhance the country's readiness to handle large-scale incidents; participation in the annual Caribe Wave and National Hurricane exercises testing our islands’ readiness to respond and recover from tsunamis and storms.

Additionally, during National Preparedness Month HMCI engaged communities in the campaign to make readiness a personal responsibility; and the Cayman Islands National Weather Service unveiled enhanced public information tools, making it easier for residents to access vital weather alerts and forecasts through modern platforms.

Throughout the year, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers completed intensive training in fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. These dedicated volunteers represent the heart of Cayman's Culture of Readiness.

Beyond our shores, when Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica in October, Cayman's response exemplified regional solidarity, leading the first relief flight to Jamaica delivering life-saving supplies in addition to the Government’s pledge of US$1.2 million in support.

For more information visit caymanprepared.ky and HMCI social media channels.

Photo: Exercise Event Horizon 2025