STAFF from Caribbean-based businesses are settling in to their temporary work place in Guernsey. A total of 31 people and their immediate families from three companies arrived at the weekend to activate business continuity plans from facilities at Itex.

The move was prompted by the passage of Hurricane Ivan that has caused widespread devastation through the islands of Grenada, Jamaica and Cayman.

Overnight, it struck the western tip of Cuba.

Heavy rain and massive waves have been lashing the island’s west coast, but the eye missed the heavily populated areas.

Ivan is now heading across the Gulf of Mexico towards Mississippi and Alabama, but is also threatening the Yucatan Peninsula.

The companies involved cannot be named due to confidentiality agreements.

Itex’s Chris Oliver said the situation in the Caribbean was being monitored closely

‘We are relying on satellite technology to keep our clients in touch with the unfolding events on the ground,’ he said.

A contact in Cayman had confirmed that a total loss of communications had been suffered in the islands at about 1.30pm Caribbean time on Sunday. Though they were being restored yesterday, progress was erratic.

Mr Oliver said the visitors were naturally keen to get information on those they had left behind.

‘Of course the most worrying time for our visitors are the very human concerns for family and friends who have remained in the islands.

‘At this early stage it is impossible to say how long their stay here will be. Damage assessment is only just beginning in some of these islands.’

With limited communications, there was uncertainty as to the exact situation on the ground, he said.

‘I certainly know that some people have had to stay behind to deal with the problems and assess the issues that arise after the event and many of their colleagues that have come to Guernsey are quite rightly concerned for their well-being.

‘With the emergency satellite telephone technology that we have put in place with some of these companies, communications have certainly been easier than the hard hit public networks.

‘It’s not just about dealing with a company’s ability to recover. Those far away from home have been able to get messages of reassurance from family and colleagues.

‘I’d like to think that was how they would remember Guernsey at a very personal level when at last they are able to return to their own homes.’

The transfer of work operations had gone according to plan and the whole concept of getting crisis management correct was based around the ‘what if’ scenario, he said.

‘With most Caribbean clients, extreme weather events are a high profile issue, this being a real risk particular to that area of the world.’

Regular operational practice and adaptation of plans had enabled clients to move their normal place of business before they had to think about reactive recovery, he said.

‘This weekend has been a great success for those clients in need of exactly that help, it has demonstrated we have the people and facilities here to bring theory to life and place Guernsey on the world stage as a best of breed provider.

‘From the outside, Guernsey may seem an extraordinarily long way to travel for Caribbean continuity facilities, however, closer examination reveals the various advantages that show the island to be an ideal choice.’

These included an acceptable governmental attitude towards crisis managers and the commonality of insular legislation and practices.

* The Guernsey office of the Royal Bank of Canada has been supporting its hurricane-hit office in Grand Cayman.

The Caribbean island’s office has been closed by the impact of Hurricane Ivan, but should reopen tomorrow. It is intact and no employees were harmed by the hurricane.

Several RBC global private banking offices, including Guernsey’s, have been doing their bit to ensure continuity of client service, the bank said.