National Weather Service Day

The Ministry of District Administration, Works and Gender Affairs will launch the Cayman Islands National Weather Service (CINWS), and celebrate National Weather Service Day on Tuesday, 1 June.

The public is invited to attend this event which will be held on the lawn of the Government Administration Building from 9:00am. to 4:00p.m. There will be presentations and displays by select government departments as well as local hardware stores and other vendors specialising in hurricane supplies and services. The official opening ceremony will kick off at noon. Traditional Caymanian food will also be on sale.

The new Cayman Islands National Weather Service will incorporate the staff and equipment from the Meteorological Office with additional administrative support from the Ministry.

Minister of District Administration, Works and Gender Affairs the Hon. Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, JP said the move is an acknowledgement of the important role that weather and forecasts play in national development.

"The former weather observation operations were developed primarily as aviation tools, but over the years this role has expanded into hurricane warnings, and providing data for tourism, education, marine interests and other sectors.

"Both Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands have experienced major hurricanes, so we know the importance of having up-to-the minute forecasts as part of our early warning mechanism," she said.

Mrs. O'Connor-Connolly also pointed out that having a more a streamlined weather service will be complemented by the new weather radar which will be constructed in East End by the end of 2011.

Director General of the CINWS Fred Sambula said that operations will remain at its current location in the General Aviation Terminal at Owen Roberts International Airport, but cites the importance of the added administrative and technical support in the context of the expanded services over the years.

"With the addition of the new weather radar being established in the Cayman Islands, our role in various socio-economic sectors at the national level will be further enhanced, as will be our regional and international contribution and involvement. This will require greater co-ordination," Mr. Sambula explains.

For further information persons may contact Mr. John Tibbetts of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service at 925-8548 or the Ministry of District Administration, Works and Gender Affairs at 244-2412.

(GIS)