Botanic Park appeals for help with clean-up
(CNS): Tropical Storm Grace caused substantial damage to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Tourism Attraction Board (TAB), which manages the park, is appealing to the community for help with the clean-up. The park needs hands, heavy equipment and cash to tackle the massive job of removing debris, which could take many weeks without support from the public.
“We lost a lot of big trees, many of them were snapped in half. One appeared to tear down power lines as it fell, so the park also has no electricity at the moment,” Botanic Park General Manager John Lawrus said on Thursday.
He and TAB Director Patrick Thompson conducted a damage assessment following the storm and determined that a significant amount of manpower and assistance with equipment was needed to tackle the clean-up.
“While we are reaching out to our partners in the public sector, we know that there is a lot of damage island-wide, so human resources within government organisations may be stretched,” Thompson said.
But the park is a non-profit entity that is already struggling to raise funds to continue the development of the Children’s Garden. “Unfortunately, we now have the additional burden of dealing with post storm damage. We need help in removing the downed trees and other debris, and it appears the damage to the attraction may cause thousands of dollars to address,” he said.
Lawrus urged people to contact the park if they can help in any way. “We need equipment like chainsaws, a dump truck, a backhoe and garbage skips. We also implore anyone who can volunteer to please reach out as soon as possible,” he said.
At Pedro St James, which is also under the management of TAB, there were some downed trees and minor damage to the Great House in the wake of the storm. But all staff have reported to work and are assisting with clean up. All TAB attractions are closed until further notice.
Anyone who can offer the park assistance or money is asked to call John Lawrus directly on
916-2609 or the TAB office on 949-6999.
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Category: Business, Land Habitat, Science & Nature, Tourism
Has anyone thought of making mulch from the fallen trees. Just like they do with the Christmas trees.
Why dont you use those ppl getting cash hand outs each mo th? Or mos to show examples of island teamwork ? Just an idea
This is a 100% Caymanian responsibility or get the labor from Northward so they can be rehabilitated.
Was there any damage to any of the new developments?
Some PR points folks. Run for it.
Really. Is this how people are…yeah it is. I forgot how it used to be here when everyone helped each other.
I remember also. Botanic Park is a mess. Just an hour or two from people would make a significant difference.
Maybe they could call on some of the unemployed tourism stipend recipients to lend a hand.
Only if they are vaccinated
Perfect choice!
Dear TAB,
Please forward your request to the newly formed and much lauded CI Regiment.
I saw them doing critical clean-up in front of GAB just a few hours ago. They are there to serve!
Yeah, don’t worry, Dad’s Army will get it sorted in no time.
Yes sir, 3 bags full Capt. Mannering!
That’s Lt. Watson to you!
@ 8.03 Capt Mainwaring actually. But don’t panic…
They should be cleaning up communities. The tourism stipend taxi mafia should go help.
Sorry. Taxi mafia unavailable. A number are home in Jamaica, checking ‘tings there.