Edward visits the Cayman Islands and Grenada

HRH Prince Edward visited the Cayman Islands and Grenada to review the efforts been made in the recovery after Hurricane Ivan.

In September 2004 the Caribbean Islands and parts of the United States of America were severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan.  Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands was left with 70% of buildings and damaging many hotels. Two people also lost their lives.

Prince Edward met with residents of West Bay in Grand Cayman, one of the worst-hit districts.  The Earl's visit come just before the government lifted flight restrictions to Grand Cayman.   Previously, only residents and property owners were permitted to fly into the island since Ivan hit.  Edward also toured a poor section of George Town that was also hard-hit when the storm ripped through

The Earl of Wessex later attended a ceremony of thanksgiving and prayer for hurricane victims while on the Cayman Islands.  More than 1,000 people gathered in George Town at Hero's Square, a park that Edward officially dedicated on a visit last year.

The Earl of Wessex also visited Grenada to tour hurricane destruction there. Ivan devastated the island on September 7, leaving 39 people dead and 90% of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed.

Edward visited Governor General Daniel Williams in his home which was also badly damaged by Ivan.  His tour of the islands began at the Rex Grenadian Hotel before going to the Special Services Unit and the Grenada Electricity Company, where he will be brief on power restoration activities. Edward than visited the completely destroyed Government House.  He will also visit the remains Roman Catholic Cathedral; Parliament House; the St George's Anglican Church and the National Stadium.   He also met with John Williams, chairman of the Grenada committee of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.