A hurricane is set to hit the Cayman Islands where academy midfielder Reggie Lambe is currently playing with Bermuda in Digicel Caribbean Cup qualifiers. The players are unable to leave the islands with flights suspended ahead of Hurricane Gustav's expected arrival later today.

The Bermudian FA's programme developer and co-ordinator Ian Rawlins outlined the situation at a press conference yesterday: "As we all know by now, our national senior men's football team is competing in the Digicel Cup in the Cayman Islands.

”With that in mind, Hurricane Gustav is scheduled to be a category two by Friday, as it makes its way to the Cayman Islands. Cayman is known for its low lying areas, therefore this will be major problems for any one on the island at this present time.

"To date, the country has been advised to make all preparations for the hurricane, this coming from their Government.

"In the meantime, Anthony Francis, head of delegations for the Bermuda team, has been advised to purchase as much bottled water as possible, at least two to three days' supply, and dry foods. Their Government will be shutting down the electricity and water supply some time during Friday.

"This is a normal procedure for the Caymans when they have to deal with hurricanes of this magnitude.

”In total 17 players and six staff members are staying at the Comfort Inn, as they now brace themselves for Gustav, which is to touch down some time on Friday.”

Barbara Carby, director of hazard management in the Cayman Islands, says everything is in place to withstand the hurricane, which has already killed 51 people in Haiti: "Supplies have been checked, Government buildings on all three islands have been shuttered, and the government hospitals, including Faith Hospital, are ready.

"Shelters are ready to receive persons and the Government is working closely with the business and tourism sectors to keep an open flow of two-way information."

Bermuda were due to play their second game of the four-team qualifying tournament later today, but the competition has been suspended until Saturday and Sunday, and even then the go-ahead for the competition's resumption might not be given by the authorities.

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