Cayman Strengthens Readiness in Hurricane Exercise

By: Aliya Dunstan

The Cayman Islands Government, through Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI), has completed its annual National Hurricane Exercise, held from June 16 to 20. This exercise reinforces the country’s commitment to building a culture of readiness ahead of the peak of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

This year’s simulation focused on a high-impact scenario: a Category 4 hurricane making landfall in the Cayman Islands. The exercise tested national readiness through the critical post-impact assessment phase, culminating in the issuance of the “All Clear.” Key focus areas included the Infrastructure and Emergency Response clusters, supported by the Human Concerns and Support Services clusters. The Joint Communications Services team also faced challenges, operating under simulated conditions of intermittent local communication to test adaptability and resilience.

More than 115 departments and agencies—represented by 18 team leaders across the Cayman Islands Government—were engaged throughout the week-long exercise, supporting a cross-government approach to preparedness, response, and recovery. This marked the third consecutive year of scenario-based command training delivered by the UK-based Gold-Silver-Bronze (GSB) command structure specialists, which guide strategic response during major incidents.

“Each year, we push ourselves to improve. This year’s exercise helped us strengthen coordination, build capacity, and test complex scenarios. Under the theme start with the end in mind, it was emphasised that recovery begins with how we plan and act in those first hours,” said Dani Coleman, Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands. “This was not just a drill—it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods.”

On Day 1, members of the National Hazard Management Executive were briefed on the Government’s strategic command structure, their roles during activation, and lessons learned from the 2024 season. Last year, HMCI coordinated five weather-related activations, including the full activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) during Hurricane Beryl.

The 2025 exercise also addressed critical gaps identified in previous years, with targeted improvements in process design, capacity building, and inter-agency coordination. A unique component of this year’s training included a simulated court case, led by Barrister Graham Watson, following a major incident scenario. This exercise allowed members of the Strategic Command Group (SCG) to reflect on the importance of documentation, accountability, and adherence to established procedures.

Lead facilitator Paul Dutton of GSB praised the growing expertise within the Cayman Islands Government, stating:

“The commitment to realistic training and honest evaluation is what distinguishes strong emergency management systems. It’s clear the Cayman Islands is developing a high- performing emergency response structure, and that comes down to leadership, dedication, and a culture that values preparedness.”

The National Hurricane Exercise remains a cornerstone of the country’s preparedness efforts. With hurricane season underway, HMCI continues to work across government and with community partners to ensure the Cayman Islands is equipped to face any hazard with confidence and coordination.