Executives of Colonial Group International watched with keen attention as Hurricane Ivan?s ferocity was released upon the Cayman Islands and the homes and businesses of customers of British Caymanian Insurance (BritCay), a group affiliate.

Fortunately, casualties were light, while reported gusts of up to 200mph wreaked havoc across a community that barely lifts its head above sea level at the best of times. With a storm surge of some 12-20 feet the inevitable whole scale flooding and destruction of property in the path of giant waves left parts of Grand Cayman unrecognisable. BritCay House, headquarters in Cayman was flooded to a depth of 38 inches, inundating essential IT resources.

Water, power, and in some cases homes, were no longer viable with many hotels housing people with no roof over their heads. Alan Peacock CEO, Colonial, explained: ?Cayman suffered a massive blow to it?s infrastructure, requiring our teams to focus on the logistics of getting essential supplies, skills and expertise in place to restore a semblance of normality. People needed help, advice and assistance with damage assessment and it was essential we responded quickly to their needs?.

Peter Oliver EVP Colonial Insurance, Ian Cummings (IT systems) and a team of loss adjusters from Cunningham Lyndsey were flown in by charter jet on September 16. On the flight was Larry Covington, Foreign and Commonwealth officer stationed in Miami, who has responsibility for the British Caribbean with a key role in times of national emergencies. With them went supplies from Atlanta, including electrical power generators, satellite phones, batteries, flashlights, water, sleeping bags and food. ?It was fairly basic accommodation to start with?, said Mr. Oliver who, in the absence of power and with mould collecting on internal walls, camped under the stars in a sleeping bag, on an upper storey balcony. ?No washing facilities was the least of our worries when you consider the damage inflicted upon the residents of Cayman,? he added.

Mr. Oliver assisted in the creation of a response plan, including policing, banking and emergency services. Colonial chartered an additional flight to bring an architect and engineer from Bermuda. The engineer was tasked with restoring the reverse osmosis water plant. Parts and generators were also taken.

Ian Cummings ensured necessary computer equipment was reinstated and Colonial was able to help BritCay Insurance transfer operations to offices in Elizabethan Square, Georgetown by Septemeber 18. Mr. Cummings said: ?Two days was a remarkable achievement under the circumstances and we?re now fully operational?.

BritCay employees were given essential supplies ? at least one substantial meal a day and cash to help them through the immediate post storm period. Staff also took children into the offices for safety reasons.

Alan Peacock commented: ?Inoculations were made available to all staff against the risk of infection from foul water. We are also supplying laundry facilities and we?ve sent 180 exercise mats to make temporary sleeping accommodation for children a bit more bearable. As for the business of damage reports and claims, our initial assessment of key commercial clients was completed quickly. We have received over 100 commercial claims and we can report that many buildings have fared well. We have received approximately 600 motor claims and 500 related to homes. Our focus is now on the well being of our employees and customers. We are working with Derry Graham, General Manager of BritCay Insurance, to maintain essential continuity in health insurance provision and the settlement of claims. Fortunately, our health plan allows clients to accept benefits with ease in the USA and in some cases, where customers have temporarily relocated to Bermuda, their health plan can function as if they were at home?.

Mr. Peacock said: ?Ivan?s impact has been devastating in a community that is now beginning to lick its wounds and start the process of repair. It is the intention of our executives and staff to ensure that we play a role in helping the Cayman Islanders get back on their feet.?