Dart gets go-ahead to dig up 7MB
Image from Dart’s video about its coastal works application
(CNS): One of Dart’s web of property companies has been given the go-ahead for the first step in the developer’s goal to remove the natural formation of beach-rock in an area of Seven Mile Beach just north of its new Kimpton resort. Department of Environment officials learned yesterday that the application that Crymble Landholding Ltd had made to Cabinet for a coastal works licence to dig up the famous beach and take rock samples was successful.
It is understood that the developer will be excavating a small area to begin with to see if it will be feasible to pull out all of the rock, as the developer is considering another brand beach resort in the area but believes that the beach-rock, a result of a natural phenomenon, would be an inconvenience for guests and if the rock cannot be removed, there may not be a hotel.
Dart Real Estate, formerly known as Dart Realty (Cayman), received its certificate of occupancy this week for the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, which is scheduled to host the Young Caymanian Leadership Awards on Saturday ahead of the first guests, which are expected the following weekend.
But Dart, the biggest single landowner in Cayman, is already looking at developing its next beach-front lot and the rock excavation is the first step.
Officials from the DoE explained earlier this year that the fast forming beach-rock forms when salt and ground water meet and may simply recur even if it is removed. They also stressed that it is an important element in Cayman’s diverse coastline.
CNS has contacted the developer and is awaiting comment but officials have previously stated that they do not believe that removing the rock will have an adverse impact on marine life or Seven Mile Beach in general.
When the plans were first announced earlier this year on CNS, readers posted more 120 comments on the article, many of which expressed concern about the issue. Environment Minister Wayne Panton said shortly afterwards that there would be no special treatment for Dart in its application and it would be considered in light of advice from environmental experts at the department.
It is not clear when the Cabinet approved the licence.
CNS has also contacted Minister Panton, who is currently in London for the JMC meeting, and is awaiting a response about the basis for the approval.
Category: development, Local News
Poor Dart.He wants so much to push the Cayman islands out of its third world status. Now he has to deal with 30,000 ignorants that are all experts (all evidence to the contrary). He has taken swamp and turned it into the best place to go and hang out for the afternoon and made it look easy. Build a hotel on time and budget? no problem. Best school on the island? Simple. Take the third world mentality and ignorance out of the locals. Not today Bobo. Fight on Mr. Dart. For Cayman Islands future people and let the old ways be a comfort to those who will not be here long.
If people here are so ignorant, why are you here?
I guess it’s just all how you look at things. Calling the people of the Cayman Islands ‘30,000 ignorants’ makes it clear how you look at things. I am an expat and I will say to you, please go home.
Believe it or not, there are people (myself included) that think your statement about turning a swamp into a place to go hang out in the afternoon is the rallying cry for the death of this earth. Please shut up. Just shut up.
“Poor Dart”
He also has at least one bot blogger seeing everything with Seafire coloured glasses… idiot.
never have i seen so many comments on something pepole obviouly know nothing about……
let’s leave this to the professionally qualified scientists…..
Money talks louder than qualified scientists. That’s why people are worried.
The experts Dart buys or independent ones?
Like the DOE you mean?
DART already owns the Cayman Islands. The Natives are only just starting to find out about it. Eventually every single one will work for DART, live on or rent a DART property, listen to the DART radio stations (most of them now financed through DART), read a DART newspaper, kids will play on a DART park or water fountain, Swim at a DART beach, shop at a DART supermarket (yes one of those coming too), watch movies at DART cinema, eat DART Ice cream, buy DART jewelry, eat at DART restaurants…..
Unless everyone actually starts to “Buy Local” not the pretend local and start supporting actual Caymanian businesses.
Unhealthy obsession with Dart, please seek help.
They are seeking help.
One thing that came out of the Port Environmental Study was that the Sand comes from the North of the Island. Moving this beach rock will do much worse than any cruise dock could and will affect all of the beach and sand all the way down 7 Mile.
and all the way to East end.
All the way into dart’s bank account.
Where are all the so called “Save Cayman” petitioners, protesters and funding for advertising campaigns now?
I guess this doesn’t affect their income stream, probably increases it since their founders also own the biggest watersports company on the island.
Right here;
https://www.change.org/p/vote-no-for-dart-permission-to-dig-up-coral-reef-beach-rock-along-seven-mile-beach?tk=1sF1h6XMBIBLjdI7wXQM8ys8Xp5vi8nl4mZI8dwCjLo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=signature_receipt&utm_campaign=new_signature
Good enough for a start?
Guess you should see what they had written
https://www.facebook.com/SaveCayman/posts/1739485239705407?notif_t=like¬if_id=1478517642255207
Pretty moronic statement Ananymous 12:10 Save Cayman, as well as Sustainable Cayman came out very much against this, with facts and surveys to back up their case. If you would want to email me direct, I will make sure you get this delivered straight to your email, since you seem to have missed the arguments.
It seems they did… http://www.caymanreporter.com/2016/11/08/32096/
for those who have a problem with this…..show me the scientific evidence of the damage this will cause??? end of story.
anything else is just hysterical nonsensical waffle………
Where is our Boggy Sand developer hero to lead the charge against this, as he did with Smith Cove. Cat got his tongue ..?
Here you go;
https://www.change.org/p/vote-no-for-dart-permission-to-dig-up-coral-reef-beach-rock-along-seven-mile-beach?tk=1sF1h6XMBIBLjdI7wXQM8ys8Xp5vi8nl4mZI8dwCjLo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=signature_receipt&utm_campaign=new_signature
Please sign up
Dear Anonymous, thank you for the shoutout. You can find the petition and related articles on my FB page Saved The Cove. Thanks. Morne Botes.
It will remove coral that is growing on the rocks. It will remove various cleaning stations for fish. It will remove the only food source for all algal grazers living in that area. It will remove the caves and ledges under which everything from puffer fish to crabs. It will cease acting as a breakwater in storms and add to beach erosion in that location.
where is your evidence? have you completed a scientific study on this proposal?
The scientific evidence is that this is a reef. It is an ecosystem. Show me your evidence that destroying a reef won’t….destroy a reef. “End of story” is the argument of an imbecile.
where is your evidence in realtion to the issue at hand?
wow…you have obviously seen the scientific data relating to this proposal….please pass it on….
How about I just don’t want him mucking around with the ocean just so some 5 star tourist doesn’t have to see an off-color rock while getting pleasantly wasted on the beach.
Let him use his great talent to build a giant indoor aquarium with uniform grains of anti-bacterial artificial sand for the little darling creme de la crime clients of his 11 star hotel.
You know he would do it right and you could tell all of you friends just that.
As an expat being here for the last 8 years i have been largely in support of the dart developments. Building camana bay is one thing.. and it was done right.. but i think this is a step too far.
Beaches form naturally. Each part of 7mb is a product of natural forces; tides, weather, storms, reefs and, in this case, rock deposits. Remove one aspect and you then allow nature to reshape the beach. We should never allow anyone to interrupt this natural system, in my opinion.
Does Dart have permission to dig it all up – or to do a test, sample dig?
He will get what he wants.
Sadly. Only because our politicians worship his money more than they do what is right for Cayman.
We have to do everything we can to preserve our natural heritage and sea life!
Here’s a beautiful 8-minute video taken by a snorkeler right outside Dart’s hotel of the EXACT coral reef that Dart wants to dig up!
Because of the vibrant and abundant sea life currently living in this coral reef, we cannot agree to the destruction of our ecosystem living there.
https://web.facebook.com/JCesarC/videos/10201617294270384/?hc_location=ufi&_rdr
Except it’s rock, not reef. And not in front of any hotel.
It is a natural formation that has formed due to its location and the sea moment. It is there for a purpose and removing it may mean changes to the coast line. I guess that Dart is trying to improve upon the Creators work. As the old ad says “it’s not nice to mess with Mother Nature.”
Except it’s in front of where the 4 Seasons is supposed to go. You know, that bit that was too narrow for anything until the road was moved to accommodate.
Please sign this petition to stop Dart from digging up the coral reef on Seven Mile Beach?
Here’s the petition to sign and share.
Thanks!
https://www.change.org/p/vote-no-for-dart-permission-to-dig-up-coral-reef-beach-rock-along-seven-mile-beach
This petition will go nowhere as ninety percent of signatures will be from expats who should have no say in the way we develop our country.
8.46 Expats for the development!!! Start a counter web page. We’ll be spending the money there anyway…so we vote, with our wallets. Thanks for the chance to be a little xenophobic. BTW, do you really believe there is anyone in Cayman, other than expats, qualified to say how you should develop it?
Why let science get in the way of misguided emotion?
Name me a Caymanian who has put that much back or anywhere near it into the community. Think before you answer.
So the wealthier you are the more right you have to destroy the natural environment?
I’ve thought it through, and now I think your argument really has nothing to do with wether or not Dart should be able to dig up the sea.
Now please return the favor and think about you position, your selfish desires, and your fears ( this could take some time) before you post again.
Like climate change? Evolution?
This last piece of approval that Government has given , is going to make another Island when we have the next Hurricane Ivan .
Just let us stop and think of how these Islands were formed and how they have been for 100’s of years before man started destroying / developing them .
Just look at how many places around the Islands that has so much sand behind that iron shore that is protecting this sand and Island from being eroded away during weather / hurricane.
The amazing thing is, if you read the DoE recommendations (they are on the website) taking the beach rock out of this site will endanger the beach in front of the Kimpton and other points south.
The hypocrisy of Alden and his PPM cohorts never ceases to astound me! As Opposition they were all over UDP every time McKeeva and his cohorts approved something like this. Remember their criticism over the West Bay road deal?
Anything for those planning fees!! Oh wait, weren’t they waived?
Well here is the issue I see… Under our laws the beach up to the vegetation line is considered public which means it is for the people. So Dart really does not have a right to dig that up as he does not own it. In fact it is owned by US THE PEOPLE. So Government either needs to get their tails in gear and do something or because this island claims to be a democracy then put it to a vote. I am sure Dart can wait a few months til election for the people to decide via referendum as to their thoughts on this. We need to step up the game that these investors play and start playing it with them in terms of standing up and using our rights that they intend to step on cuz I am damn sure once built Caymanians wont be allowed to freely use anything there.
Actually owners of beach front parcels own up to the mean high water mark. The public is allowed the use of the beach up to the edge of a vegetation. What he will be doing is digging up the queens bottom, which is in fact crown land…..
Agreeing on Point of Sand point. Was so disheartened after hearing that Dart bought it. Please keep it pristine.
anything dart has done has benefited cayman. end of story.
Lets hope your upper case expertise is not an indication of the intelligence of your comment.
You like the end of story argument?
You need to go live in Mongolia. Are you ready for it?…..End of story. Sheesh.
Skroo yoo, 9:47! Dart is not interested in you! He employs a few Caymanians for a while, but in the end He gets all the gravy. Less what he uses to buy his political friends, of course.
It’s time for a change in our politicians come May. Time longer than rope. Unbelievable what state our country is when our beach is being destroyed.
Cns Dart owns the land, how come he owns the seas now? As a nation (the ones that cares) we must stop this madness. We the people and future generations are the owners of the beach and we must protect it.
Change politicians all you want. Nothing change. You need to find out who your leaders really are, and change them.
About time. Get on with it and let’s all see what is actually down there once and for all.
So why can we only “like” one comment and my “dislike” button doesnt work. I used to like this website. Smh
CNS: It’s a glitch that we are aware of and are working on.
It’s been like that for a lo-o-o-ong time, CNS. Is there anyone REALLY working on it?
I’ll be getting right on it. First I am going to be finishing my vindaloo.
Where is the EIA? This dept of Environment and NCL council are so bias. Well ,I hope they know there will be no EIA in the East either.
http://www.doe.ky/sustainability/environmental-assessment/coastal-works/doe-coastal-works-reviews/
Can government PLEASE try and rescue Point of Sand from Dart the same way they saved Smiths Cove? It literally gives me nightmares to think what they might do to that gem of a beach. Future generations will hate us for what we have allowed this vulture to do to our islands.
Dig baby dig. If DART doesn’t do it will be done by others that buy out top Cayman Politicians and well, at least we know DART likes Cayman and wants to stay here. Besides I have a light bill to pay and children in school.
This will surely have a negative impact on the marine life and beach. Greed and ignorance, nothing more nothing less.
More tabloid journalism from CNS. Pretty sure that Dart does not have permission to ‘dig up 7MB’, but why let the truth get in the way of a headline?
You are right . He has permission to dig up a sizable portion of the ocean bottom just off of the beach.
I think he actually Does have permission to dig up the beach. Pack a lunch and take the little lady and the kids and go watch for yourself.
After you buy someone high up, you don’t need permission.
Unbelieveable! Dart is given permission and is allowed to dig up a living reef, yet we want to fine ships for dropping anchor on our coral reef.(same difference just done another way) The same day’s newspaper DOE is talking about preseveration of conch and wilks. This is what I call very confusing and one sided! What is good for the goose, should be good for the gander! Come on power’s that be, when will this monopoly end! Gov’t we are watching you.
Not a living reef – do try reading the article.
All the better for the whelks. Read the poster’s point.
Except it’s not a living reef… their is no coral there just compacted sand that has made some rock formations
Great habitat for whelks then. (Who like rock, not living coral reef.) So you’re saying the OP is right, but you want to distract things with a red herring no one was talking about. – Deflect much?
This is incredible. I cannot believe how the government sits back and just watches this guy buy and develop whatever he wants, wherever he wants. I understand the argument that he has created an improved infrastructure on the island with the addition of roads etc. but all of it is self-serving. He builds roads etc to improve his own real estate holdings. Camana Bay is a mixed use development generating a fortune in rent. If someone can name more than two philanthropic things he’s done for the betterment of Cayman I will be very surprised. That story last month about him wanting to remove the beach access strips tells you all you need to know. Such a shame that a private individual with a murky past holds so much of this precious little island.
1) Hurricane Ivan recovery (millions spent on supplies, equipment, and reconstruction, yet kept very private – no self egrandizing)
2) Dart Parks
3) Youth Scholarships
4) Camana Bay is still not profitable. Was built to improve the community. No Return on Investment calc done. At best, it’s a break even deal.
The employment numbers and boost to the economy, this man has helped to provide (literally thousands of jobs and millions spent here can be attributed to this man, whether directly or indirectly), that is charity enough for me.
Good point, never looked at it this way.
Sounds like he’s no ordinary man/corporation. Sounds like he’s an unbelievably benevolent God. I idolize this ether we calls dart.
12:57 This is an excellent comment. I could not agree more.
Let Dart sort out the dump now. He has the largest vested interest in that he owns all of the adjacent land. Otherwise, we don’t need anymore large developments. It’s insane that he not be allowed to fix this problem without any cost to the Government.
Smfh
West Bay Road all over again…knowing dart he will put some reef balls out there or something else to help protect the marine life…at the end of the day marine life is one of the reasons people come here and he is not stupid enough to have missed that.
At the end of the day I don’t really thing dart customers come here much for the marine life except to eat it. Now you may go back to your lovely sleep-walk.
reef balls don’t work
They do at the Marriott, but don’t let fact get in your way
They do, really?
Did they stop the erosion (why they were put out there in the first place)? No.
Did they regrow any coral (that they transplanted to the reef balls to jumpstart the process)? No.
Are there some fish around them? Yes. But if you put down an engine block some little fish will aggregate to it. That’s not to say that its ‘working’ in any meaningful way. Much less in the way (shoreline protection and fish habitat) that the ledges served for generations.
Dig it up and pave it… The DART way!
You said that yesterday. Repetitive and uninformative.
Accurate tho.
Relax guys. Brian Butler got permission to remove similar sand rock at Discovery Point in the early eighties. He did it without the adjoining property owners knowing about his intentions.
WWBBD? Ha ha, good one.
what?
Relax guys, Satan has permission to burn souls in hell and it happens all around you and you don’t notice.
So?????
What did Butler and his brother put back into the local community? Answer Zilch.
DART has already poisoned the planet with his Styrofoam now he’s digging up one of the most beautiful beaches in our region. This guy doesn’t give a crap about the environment. $$$$$$$$$ is all that matters, sorry for anyone or thing that stands in their way.
Thanks for the distraction. My only hope is that the next northwester could sweep the entire area including the Seafire out to sea. Thanks to the UDP west bay gang that sold us out.
You are absolutely right. Money is Dart’s thing. And more money, and more money, and more money.
There will be no special treatment to Dart…. Hahahahahhaahah, good one minister panton. MLA and now comedian . Dart is Caymans sugar daddy …he will give you nice things but you better believe he wants something in return . Nothing wrong with that if you go into the arrangements with your eyes open . Just lie back and think of Cayman .
DARTbots will be on full damage control right now!!
Did you notice that there aren’t as many Dartbots as there are Kirkbots?
Dart don’t need em. He never loses.
Stop looking at the one man Dart and focus on who his CEO and managers of the Dart Group are, they are the people working with the politicians regardless of party so it doesn’t matter who you elect unless you get people in the LA not buddies with the Head of his real estate company etc and it is these people with status that are making the recommendations, making the deals and we are suffering.
Stop blaming Dart. Ask his top guys why are they selling us out, destroying our environment etc and why was it so easy for them to destroy WB first.
Re all the benefits from Dart, let’s start first with his top people, their friends and business ties to this entire Dart group and we’ll see, probably not the fault of Dart the man alone, his money is being used he expects a profit yes, but look at who has been making the deals!
Let’s see if CNS will give as much grief to this direct destruction of seven mile beach as they give to the port project which will have no effect on SMB.
You mean the port project which is “alleged” to have no effect on SMB. It has not categorically stated there will be no effect.
My kids liked to wade there because there were lots of little fish and snails. Hope they keep at least a little of it. There are not many wading spots with any wildlife.
Barkers is better for that.
Until he moves his equipment there. Sheesh.
Comment is a little bit thick.
F U!!!! I want to do it everywhere god put it.
Great rock pools down at the start of seven mile – poinsettia to treasure island. Great for little ones
While it is a beautiful thing that you want to preserve at least a little natural wonder for your children, I don’t think in this case it’s a realistic hope. Send them to Caymana bay to play in the fountains with styrofoam cups. Sorry, I really am.
It is nice to see that Dart still has control of its “puppet” government. This is disgraceful PPM.
UDP give a away our road you give away our seas.
Not entirely correct; UDP gave away both to Dart. I have nothing against rich people, especially those who invest in our country. I have something against rich people who purchase politicians who are easily swayed to do their bidding. Mac sold us all down the river, and that is the naked truth. He was almost sucessfull in selling Georgetown to China, but for the UK oversight.
We no longer have control over the works that take place in our country. Dart can fairly do as he wishes, and when he’s gone, his heirs will take up the helm.
I feel confident that some of the current administration feel the crush and want to preserve Cayman for Caymanians, visitors and other residents.
We are in deep crapola if the laws of the land do not apply to us all equally.
Fine. I agree. But the fact is Dart tells the government how to make and even word the laws.. They bow and say “yes Sir”. Ask minister Bodden about the 110 story Kimpton loop hole and whether it was closed or not.
“Dart can fairly do as he wishes, and when he’s gone, his heirs will take up the helm”
This line just adds another layer to my sadness over the ecological decisions made by dart/doak.
Thanks for ruining my day AND my tomorrow.
Light blue touch paper, stand back and ……….
Dearest Dart while you are at it could you please seize all the land our dear leaders and their henchmen have acquired during their tender as political profiteers. Thanks Bro i am doing this because i did get anything.
While crime is running amock in our communities, sexual predators and perverts are raping our children our beaches are disappearing. Our dear leader and his cohorts are giving away free liquor to those who are plotting our demise socially and economically.Some people will do any thing to say in power?
All. All people will.
Smith Cove protestors – Mount up!
nonsesne headline……
ask yourself….why would dart do something that would not make the area better?
Rather, why would Dart accept any competition? He is ensuring that his hotel has all the amenities any of the others have on 7 Mile; smart businessman.
Tourists won’t be comparing his beach area to that of the Westin or Marriott’s and thinking “hey, we should have just stayed at Westin, it was even cheaper and they have a better beach!”
He stamps out competition and undoubtedly at the moment has the most breath-taking view from his hotel of the entire island and 7 Mile.
I do say this will all the native pride I hold; everything this family does is of quality and I certainly prefer the public beach as it is now with an ACTUAL parking lot, an added volley-ball and soccer sand pitch and the beautifully paved roads that came with it!
I’m a born and bred Caymanian, he has done more for this Country than our own.
This is the truth no-one wants to hear.
Driftwood troll alert!
11:35, You are either a born and bred idiot or a Dart troll! What Dart does, he does for Dart. You are just a pawn.
You may be a born and bred Caymanian, but you are also a Dart troll.
I don’t like to call people names as it’s not really productive but you are either a troll ( I hope) or a moron with suitable keyboarding skills.
What garbage. My boat to evacuate is gased and ready to go. Cause believe you me at ths rate we won’t have an island to share with any future generations. I hope to heck Dart can fit all of his wealth on his boats too cause when this place starts to rapidly deteriorate environmentally, socially and otherwise, he’ll be the first to want to disappear. I am going to pray for him and hope that maybe God will speak to his heart.
Don’t let the propeller hit you on the way out.
off you go then, maybe we could elect some sensible people if you all do the same…
We really don’t ever have much to choose from.
Sensible people??? Where are we going to find them?
Leave the damn beach alone! If you didn’t like the rocks you shouldn’t have built the hotel there!
It’s like Mr Dilbert building his hotel on a stinky pond in the Brac, hoping that he would get approval to dig it out and make a marina… But I guess Mr Dilbert doesn’t have enough money to buy the Government like Mr Dart does.
I hope you lose all of the beach with the first Nor’Wester, DART!
He hasn’t built a hotel at the location under discussion and dart say they won’t build a hotel there unless there is a better water entry. They are considering a 5 star hotel there eg 4 seasons but 5 star guests expect a 5 star beach and the entry to the water in this location is too rocky. Government if they are crafty will deny the permits then buy the beach front property off him at a reduced price and then do the works themselves and make another awesome public beach.
Then maybe 5 star people should go where the beach is suitable. Or maybe just deal with life as it it.
Isn’t there a machine, like a front end loader, that could just lift their fat, 5 star asses over the disagreeable parts of gods creation?
When you loose the beach I hope you don’t wonder why. IDIOTS.
This is horrible!!! You begin to wonder how much of Cayman does Dart really own??? To dig up our beaches?
I can tell you, he owns 1/3 of these islands. That’s a lot, but you can’t buy what isn’t for sale; remember that.
I say, 11:37, I believe he owns more than 1/3 of our MLA group.
The right price and anything and everything is for sale! 1/3 ownership of small islands is quite sizable -and take into account that this organization which is officially ‘Caymanian’ because of Status grant, has its tentacles into every big and small industry within these Islands and are a monopoly!
I foresee other beach front developments requesting the same permission. The luxury resort in Beach Bay that was announced last year comes to mind.
Also some other areas on SMB that, rumor has it, previously had their similar applications turned down. Now they can reapply for a ‘test’.
As a young man I learned to spearfish on those rocks. The marine life was abundant. It could be again (and with 20 20 hindsight, education and maturity I regret my participation in the depletion of that marine life).
Leave them be! Who is in charge of this country? Not anyone we voted for!
Why were you spearfishing in a marine park?
Entitlement
It wasn’t a marine park back then, but I forgot you just got here right?
Just as well, some needs to rescue you from yourselves.
Probably wasn’t a park then, assuming the OP is over ~25 years of age.
It wasn’t. It was 1975.
Maybe it wasn’t back then doppoe. Anyway, about 1/1,000,000 of the destruction that dart caused. Actually probably more like one one trillionth.
spearfishing in 3 ft of water? What an athlete.
One does not just learn how to spearfish in the deep. There are levels to this.
Can you find a fish big enough to fit on the end of a spear in 3 ft of water?
You can, around the ledges, at least while the ledges are still there.
The title of the article is somewhat dubious. Taking a sample does not equate to “..dig up 7MB”.
They are doing a very extensive “sampling”. even if it proves to be a bad thing he will have done the damage in that area but will have his sandy bottom “walk through.
For those of you not concerned about what Dart is doing to our islands be not afraid. Dart has all the politicians right where he wants them and you do not have any fear of our elected officials doing anything other than what Dart dictates to them.
Really?
It’s more like 4.5 Mile Beach. That’s another whole story for another day though.
Cabinet members should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this destruction of our natural environment. More proof that this Govt. Is just as in – bed with Dart as the last one was. Where will this end.?
Cabinet members and shame don’t go in the same sentence.
To answer your question. It will end when Dart says it will and unless we elect politicians with a set of balls that will not be for a while.