🏫 Cayman Islands government downplays asbestos threat at CIFEC campus

The Cayman Islands government has dismissed concerns over the discovery of asbestos at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC) during a pre-demolition inspection over a year ago. Despite the well-known health risks associated with asbestos, officials from the Ministry of Education and the Department of Education Services have assured the public that the material poses no threat unless disturbed and airborne. They maintain that the safety of everyone at CIFEC remains their top priority. 🏢

Asbestos-containing materials were found in certain sections of the CIFEC buildings during a routine inspection in early 2023. However, these materials were deemed to be in good condition and not presenting an airborne hazard. Upon discovery, technical experts were consulted who confirmed the materials posed no immediate health risk as long as they remained undisturbed. The CIFEC facility is set to be demolished as part of a redevelopment project, with CIFEC moving to a different site. Despite the discovery of asbestos, students and staff have continued to attend classes in the old building. 🎒

As a precaution, enhanced air quality protocols have been implemented, including air scrubbing, dehumidification, deep cleaning of all occupied areas and air conditioning systems, and more rigorous cleaning across the campus. The government has been transparent about the findings and the preventative steps taken to ensure safety. The planned relocation in July 2024 will permanently resolve the situation. Once CIFEC relocates, the asbestos materials will be removed under the supervision of the Department of Environmental Health before the old buildings are demolished. 🚧