Today’s Editorial November 05: Mother Nature didn’t get the rain memo

Editor

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Dave Martins’ hair must be turning greyer by the minute.

He and other members of the Pirates Week Committee have been working tirelessly to ensure this year’s fest rivals the success of last year’s.

The Cayman Islands is about to kick off the biggest money making festival we throw each year and the skies above us are threatening to dampen not only our spirits, but our fun.

We applauded the Ministry of Tourism in 2006 for moving Pirates Week from the last week in October to the second and third week in November.

Those who tried to attend Pirates Week activities in 2005 can well remember the rained–out and cancelled events; a miserable time as had by all in what became known as Pirates Day Festival.

The move was made to get Pirates Week out of the rainy season and into the drier months of our slow tourism season.

Apparently Mother Nature didn’t get the memo.

At this writing there is a potentially major storm brewing to the south of us. On Tuesday afternoon it was a rainmaker, threatening to dump several inches of rain on the Cayman Islands today.

The problem is we don’t know what this weather system is going to do. It could become a major storm and bring more than just rain to our shores.

We are still in the throes of hurricane season and anything is possible.

We are hoping and praying that the weather holds off and Pirates Week 2008 is a huge success.

On the premise that Mother Nature will cooperate, we also hope and pray that everyone who participates has fun, but stays safe.

Some people will get really caught up in the spirit of the moment than others, but everyone should remember the basic rules.

Drinking adult beverages is indeed a part of Pirates Week, but we urge everyone not to drink and drive. Please make other arrangements such as a designated driver or call a taxi.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has already sent out the obligatory press release stating that it will be on patrol in the streets and on the water in partnership with the Port Authority, keeping the revelry safe.

For those who do participate in the wilder side of the week, we ask that you do so responsibly.

In the meantime, send your prayers heavenward that the rains will stop and Pirates Week will by dry, safe and fun.

At this writing there is a potentially major storm brewing to the south southwest of us. On Tuesday afternoon it was a rainmaker, threatening to dump several inches of rain on the Cayman Islands today.