Premier reveals talks for Dart skyscraper

| 28/02/2019 | 282 Comments
Cayman News Service

Premier Alden McLaughlin at the CEO conference

(CNS): Premier Alden McLaughlin opened a new can of worms Thursday when he delivered his ‘state of the nation’ address at the Cayman Economic Outlook conference and called for a national discussion about drastically changing building height limits to accommodate a Dart proposal. He said that Dart Enterprises has asked government to consider allowing an “iconic tower” in Camana Bay that would be many stories taller than the current maximum allowed, suggesting it could become a national landmark.

In his address at the conference McLaughlin said, “I believe we must at least take a long, hard look at the potential for the kind of tower Dart is proposing… The potential economic benefits are considerable.”

After the premier’s speech Dart posted a media statement on its website about the proposal, suggesting it would “create a new skyline”. The company said it would invest another US$1.5 billion, supporting local economic growth and resilience in the face of a possible recession.

The Dart Group said it had approached government about the possibility of a tower to signal Cayman’s standing as a global centre of excellence and attract “ultra-high net worth individuals”.

This echoes comments made by House Speaker McKeeva Bush, the leader of the CDP, the PPM’s partner in the Unity Government, in his New Year’s message this year, when he said that government should allow at least one 50-storey building for the “wealthiest among the wealthy”, suggesting that the proposal was submitted to government by Dart some time ago.

In the release, Mark VanDevelde, CEO of Dart Enterprises, said that “discussions have been preliminary and no agreement is in place”. He said it would provide ongoing employment and be an economic engine for the government for decades.

“Dart welcomes the opportunity to partner with the Cayman Islands Government in creating an iconic building that would be recognised around the world as a symbol of our national identity,” the CEO said, adding that with limited land available on Seven Mile Beach, the ability to build upwards would provide new opportunities.

In his address at the conference, the premier said he expected the announcement would be highly controversial and ignite considerable debate.

“If so, good; that is my intention because this is a debate that the country needs to have,” he said. Increasing building heights was a way of meeting the growing demand for property development and pressure to go beyond the current maximum of 10 storeys.

“I pose this as a series of questions that we as a nation should now consider: do we want to continue with the approach of incremental change? Or is now the time for us to think bigger and act more boldly when it comes to our land use and building heights? If so, how high and where do we want future development to be allowed?” he asked, as he sought to trigger the debate.

The premier told the CEO audience that his government had already removed many of the constraints that had prevented innovative planning approaches in George Town and was willing to look further and remove other obstacles, such as restrictions on building heights.

He said the Seven Mile Beach corridor was another area where “there may be no obvious limit to building height in terms of what the market will bear”.

The question, he said, came down to what the community was willing to see happen, which would depend on the benefits any such development brings.

“[I]f we are to take bold steps then there must be clear and tangible benefits for Caymanians. If development is seen to be just about luxury hotels and accommodation for rich foreigners then our community will rightly reject it. If, on the other hand, it is not just seen to be, but actually is about, the delivery of improvements in infrastructure and in the economic and employment opportunities and the social conditions of Caymanians, then I believe this is a debate we should be willing to engage in,” the premier stated.

With proposals for a number of redevelopments along Seven Mile Beach of condos built in the 1970’s and 1980’s to new 10-storey luxury residences, he asked whether they should continue “gradually ratcheting up building heights”, with the result being just a higher wall of glass and concrete.

“The alternative is to be bold and look at something different: a more proactive approach that considers taller buildings and that conserves ever scarcer beach land on the important Seven Mile Beach strip; taller buildings but in particular hotel developments that generate much more income and economic activity for our islands than other types of development do; taller buildings that will require developers to give back more of the beach and to have farther setbacks, creating a large open space between the building and the beach.”

The premier appeared to look favourably on the idea, which he said would meet the needs of a different kind of tourist and a different kind of resident, and serve as “a much-needed buffer over the next few years when the inevitable next recession occurs”. Such a proposal would also bring forward infrastructure investment, such as road improvements, schools and affordable housing, the premier suggested.

“As a Caymanian, I am excited about the idea. As premier, I am determined that we engage positively with Dart and with any other developers who might want to bring forward such ideas to see what might be possible,” he said. “There is an awfully long way to go before such ideas might come to fruition but now is the time for a national debate. The Plan Cayman process gives us a timely and appropriate vehicle to have that national debate.”

McLaughlin stated that the next phase of consultation will be on an area plan for the Seven Mile Beach Corridor and the potential for a landmark development could be addressed as part of that consultation. He said that no commitment has been made about the Dart tower proposal but he made it clear he believes it should be considered.

Tall buildings are landmarks that, over time, become symbols of national pride and identity, the country’s leader stated. He pointed to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is 2,722 feet, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which is a mere 1,063 feet. The current building height limit in Cayman is 130 feet.

“Before people start taking to social media to decry this idea, hear me out,” McLaughlin said. Noting that a proposal for any major development here would generate objections, he said that the Eiffel Tower was controversial in its day, but now, it “is not just part of the Paris skyline, it is the very symbol of the city itself.”

“Could we in Cayman imagine a similarly iconic structure here that would come not to threaten our cultural heritage but to reimagine it and to symbolise the bold future we want for our islands and our people?” the premier asked rhetorically.

See the premier’s full CEO address in the CNS Library

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Comments (282)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Emotions aside, what ultra rich forgot here?

  2. Littlefinger says:

    Sometimes, when I try to understand a person’s motives, I play a little game. I assume the worst. What’s the worst reason they could possibly have for saying what they say, or doing what they do? Then I ask myself, ‘how well does that reason explain what they say and what they do?’

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  3. Anonymous says:

    Go ahead – make them build a “landmark” next to the other “landmark” called the dump!

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Would prefer an island wide monorail service to help reduce congestion and environment damage.

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    • Anonymous says:

      What we really need is a competent bus and taxi service that transports all, not just a few.
      We need a properly scheduled ferry service with multiple routes to enable people access to GT and SMB without using personal or hire cars.
      And we need properly planned roads that don’t end in bottle necks at the end of 4 lane highways.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Excellent public transportation system in Bermuda. So Bermuda can and Cayman can’t?

        • Anonymous says:

          Bermuda is light years ahead of Cayman in so many ways. Wait till their new Canadian built airport built next year and see what Bermuda got for the same price as Cayman’s airport with jet ports too.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Now that’s progressive…

    • Anonymous says:

      yep…did wonders for North Haverbrook, Ogdenville & Brockway.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    At least we know what his plans are for the Britannia golf course or tip the only pieces of land free for a 20 story carbuncle.
    But then where does the tip go of course BT.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    i wonder if the Premier would have a little chat with the Dart group concerning the horrible issue with traffic every day if you live in the eastern districts and work in town. There is bumper to bumper traffic from Guard House straight to George Town every day. To get to work at 8:30, and having to drop my child to school on the way, we have to leave home by 6:45! That equates to one hour and forty five minutes to drive about twenty three miles or so. So dear Mr. Premier since your government doesn’t seem to have any remedy to this disaster please put in a word on our behalf to the Dart group to see if they can come up with a solution to help us. I know you and your ministers read CNS first thing each day, so I will tune in to the news this evening for you response. Thank you sir for your attention to this matter.

    Waiting with bated breath!

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  7. Anonymous says:

    I read the press release and immediately realized that between the new tower and their current commercial spaces, Dart will be able to accommodate most of the current George Town business within Camana Bay. Early on in Dart’s development I’d heard rumors that the intention was for Camana Bay to replace Gerorge Town as the capital. For the first time in 10 years of living here I’m actually starting to believe it…

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    • Anonymous says:

      ANOTHER NEW TOWN BLOSSOMS!! Any one remembers that slogan with a bird’s nest and an egg. Nest egg for who? Any suggestions? Who will be sitting under the branch with the nest, picking up the droppings? While the rest of us scratch in the ground for a little morsel?

  8. Kman says:

    Alden now you’ve lost the plot and keep eating that good chicken feed Mac’s giving you. Holy cow the man is a stool pigeon and what next out of his mouth will be that there’s rich oil wells in the wetlands. Our assets are out natural environment and people and the reason we’re successful so please stop with this quest for over development and destruction.

    We’re an island and heaven help us don’t need any ugly skyscraper like major cities, 10 stories are already an eyesore. Dart has got too much power and sad but he along with our useless politicians will be the nail in our coffin. No more hotels for Dart as he’s creating a 1 man monopoly and will soon control the beach access in Cayman.

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Caymanians would much rather live in the past then in the future. Less work and responsibilities. Unfortunately for them they have sold Cayman for money and are now trying to process the fact that the money is gone and so is the land. How long can they last without the intelligence to keep up with what the future brings to this planet?

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  10. Anonymous says:

    How one could compare a tiny island in the hurricane belt and seismically active area to continental cities?

    You don’t freaking need one more building, one more hotel or one more tourist. You get plenty money from financial services. Learn to spend it wisely and prudently.

    To satisfy your ego erect cayman flag on top of the Dump- the symbol of your identity.

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  11. Rodney Barnett says:

    I realize many people will say Cayman is not the Cayman they grew up in. With huge mega stores replacing the corner grocery, fast paced shinny restaurants replacing quaint cafes tucked away on people’s front porches or garages, and friendly neighbors chatting away while winding rope or weaving beautiful hats to protect from the sun.

    But truth be told, that Cayman is long gone. Even with an ineffective government, ever growing in size and failing in performance, we have the Dark Group here to improve the quality of life for Caymanians, and bring in new businesses and residents with housing, cultural, shopping and recreational facilities government can only dream of.

    At first thought skyscrapers may seem out of place, but look at other cities and countries that have embraced them for decades. Yes, Dubai out of the desert, Monte Carlo out of the mountainside, and even Miami Beach once a Bronx retirement haven. All rich, thriving self sustaining environments where people around the world dream of living. And all out of much less than we have here already.

    Cayman, this just might be our change — especially if we let the private sector lead the way! Think carefully, think long term, think creatively, and try, just try to have a real vision for these islands, we all love so much.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    After the invasion of Panama, have any of you seen the major change in that country? 2011 they started 165 skyscrapers 60-70 stories tall and brought the whole country into the 21 st century. Salaries rose, infrastructure improved, real estate values have almost reached Cayman’s worth, hospital best in Latin America, largest shopping mall in Latin America, Airport is new Latin America hub connecting all major cities, Canal is now wider for expansion of Larger Cargo ship crossing from the Pacific to Atlantic, Retirement benefits in Panama include:

    25% off airfares

    50% off hotels, entertainment and public events

    25% off restaurant meals

    15% off hospital care

    10% off medications

    You only need US$ 1000 per month plus $250 per month for a spouse if you have one. It’s time Cayman

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    • Anonymous says:

      Great sell job…don’t forget the daily afternoon rains, endlessly circling turkey vultures, raw sewage low tides, extreme poverty, criminal violence, and police checkpoint cash shakedowns…after you.

    • Anonymous says:

      why don’t you move to Panama then?

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  13. Anonymous says:

    This is probably why Mckeeva was talking about it during his NY message the Government had him float the idea to see the public response

    This plan is probably already in motion
    Just like the dock

    Major decisions are made behind closed doors and the people are only clued in after the fact

    Another ridiculous project

    and no one will ask whether the fire service has the equipment or staffing to handle a potential fire in a huge building
    Or the damage a hurricane could possibly do having people trapped up dozens of floors for days

    Monied interests always win

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    • Anonymous says:

      What about the education system? Our children are flailing (not a spelling error) and they always get pushed to the side…except when election time then all of a sudden, it’s all about the kids…shameful!

  14. Anonymous says:

    What’s wrong with going upwards, at least we will be closer to god!!! At some point we are going to run out of land.

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  15. Anonymous says:

    I say build it!!

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  16. Anonymous says:

    We are overdue for a hurricane or recession or something. I mean I’m just saying. Something huge to take these guys away from their klepto Lodge agenda. Typical Alden arrogance to say ‘any big idea would be opposed’. That seems to be the basis upon which they proceed with every big idea. You don’t get to pay less attention to public opinion the louder and clearer it is; you have to pay more, and do what you’re ******* told.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    low rise is guaranteed formula for the demise of cayman and its ecology. take your head out of the sand. the anti-dart rhetoric is nonsensical.

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    • Anonymous says:

      if you have no brain, yes, all you can do is destroy, destroy and destroy….. and turn your island into a Walmart.

      There are many prosperous islands catering to ultra rich who prefer seclusion, pristine environment and feet in the sand (not freaking 50th floor penthouse near the Dump). They pay premium and that is how those islands prosper.

      Dart is a great manipulator and your government is easily manipulated.

      P.S. How did it happen that one person is allowed to owe so much?

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  18. Anonymous says:

    object!… because high rise has been the curse of so many city-scapes on the planet….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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  19. Anonymous says:

    submit to planning ..go through the process with the obvious nonsensical objections….then see what happens.
    why is this even news?

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    • Anonymous says:

      9:40, It is news because building a 50 storey skyscraper on a dinky island is beyond normal comprehension. Do we want a Singapore or a Hong Kong here?

  20. Anonymous says:

    Oh look, teleprompters. Finally he can keep his head up, and out of the podium.

  21. Anonymous says:

    A building that would be recognised around the world as a symbol of our national identity, so a skyscraper would be the identity of the Cayman Islands? It would be recognised as something on a level with the Eifel Tower!
    This along with the proposed 3 to 5 stories to be built on top of the 2 tunnels already in place you wont be able to get from West Bay into town.

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  22. Anonymous says:

    Oh thank you this is the most I have laughed this year

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  23. Anonymous says:

    One slight problem and it relates to the foundations they’re considering building this on. Grand Cayman isn’t part of a large land mass, it’s the peak of an undersea mountain. What that mean in simple terms is one half decent earthquake is probably going to demolish any high-rise building.

    I was working in the Sinai in 1995 when we were hit by a magnitude 5+ earthquake. This was something totally unprecedented in that area and it did a heck of lot of damage including destroying a four-storey hotel in Eilat that was a pretty much bomb-proof reinforced concrete structure. The hotel I was working in at the time was part of the Hilton chain and although it was a low-rise, resort-style structure large sections of it, including the main restaurant, collapsed.

    This is from the official FCO website – A number of earthquakes have struck the Cayman Islands in recent years. The largest, of magnitude 6.8 and with an epicentre 20 miles south-southeast of the capital George Town, struck the Cayman Islands on 14 December 2004, but caused no serious damage or injuries. There was an earthquake of magnitude 5.8 in Grand Cayman on 19 January 2010. The epicentre was 32 miles east south east of Bodden Town, at a depth of 33 kilometres, but caused no damage or injuries.

    So would you want to be 50 floors (or even 20, 30 or 40) up when the ground starts shaking? After my experience in 1995 I can tell you it’s not a sensible option.

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  24. Anonymous says:

    Will Dart pay for all the associated infrastructure and support services for such a tower – necessary fire department equipment, etc.?

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    • Anonymous says:

      yes..the same as any other developer.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I just want the traffic fixed going east. The Hurleys roundabout is the issue, but now that roundabout can never be expanded as hurleys parking lot and that ne Carlton development are in the way. Skyscraper but we can’t get roads.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Overpasses (excluding bridges) have a range from $150 to $250 per square foot or $1,073,000 to $5,366,000 per complete installation, depending on site conditions.

      • Anonymous says:

        Yes 9:47 the Carlton development now means that the road / roundabout can never be expanded in that area. Planning sleeping again. Stupidity at its best.

        Sorry to say but traffic going east will never be fixed and will only get worse.

    • Anonymous says:

      Amazing. I hope the Government gives the green light. Cayman will be the envy of the world soon. The iconic Seaman’s Tower named and designed in recognition of our seafarers history. A world class dock. A booming capital filled with condos restaurant and a night life that makes south each looks like a dead place. Wow. This is so amazing. Build build build.

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    • Tell It Like It Is says:

      Cayman people, how long will ye suffer them to to rape, pillage and destroy your values, you’re environment , your home.

      How simply pathetic is it to have leadership whose evolving thoughts have come from No to Dart to full circle take me Dart! Do you people remember the strong opposition to Michael Ryan, Mckeeva Bush and the Ritz Carlton , on gaining power what did the PPM do hold their convention at the Ritz Carlton. Do you recall when there was a Dart proposal to build to buy the Dump and move it and establish recycling programs as well as build a Government Administration building , who in the hell opposed it who else but the self acclaimed Progressives.

      Now full circle evolution of thought Dart has become the best thing since slice bread to a hungry for legacy, hungry for agrandiosement and as some will say the perks that come along with acquiescence to the demands of the rich and famous.

      So much “For the Love of Country” battle cry which pierced the heart of many who firmly believed that the pandering and misguided policies and whatever other adjectives you may wish to add were finally over. It is a true saying that which proclaims, Greed is in the eyes of those who wish to covet what others have,

      Pray for the Cayman Islands you call home and for better leadership people yes, and for wisdom knowledge and understanding and the moral and physical stamina of men and women to emerge within our shores, to stamp out the craziness we are having to endure by people who you have entrusted with the present and future generations of your Island Home Cayman.

      Stop the madness.

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      • Anonymous says:

        7.04am… Tell it like it is…thank you. Sad to say the least. So many greedy, mentally ill representivies. They real need to understand they just that “,representivies of the people”. They need to stop and do a revaluation of things.

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  25. Anonymous says:

    I say as long as its in George Town, why not. Heckuva view and it could be a reason to redevelop downtown. Nothing to lose there at the moment.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Did you even bother to read the article?
      Here, let me help you;
      2nd sentence in the FIRST PARAGRAPH, Dingdong.
      “Dart Enterprises has asked government to consider allowing an “iconic tower” in Camana Bay”
      What I call pissing on your territory, like a stray vulture cat.

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  26. Anonymous says:

    How absolutely retarded is this government?

    Gone are the islands that time forgot with their charm.

    Make way for a whole new type of tourist.

    You ain’t gonna like ‘em, just sayin’…

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    • Anonymous says:

      Been a tourist for 20 years and I don’t like the “new” plans for the island. Not interested in going to an island and seeing skyscrapers. Soon be traveling elsewhere where the sea is the view and habitat is not being destroyed.

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    • Anonymous says:

      The question is not why the CIG is retarded, but why Caymanians are so politically docile? The dump, the port, now skyscrapers. What gets the Caymanian people mad?

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    • Anonymous says:

      The time has come for a Green Party to be formed on these Islands. Matters are getting totally out of control in terms of our overall environment both on the land and on the sea. Who will step up to save Cayman? Does anyone really care?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Extremists at the other end of the spectrum are no better

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        • Anonymous says:

          So what do you suggest 7:44? Dart and real estate development interests control everything on these 3 Islands now. The political pendulum has moved to the extreme right. Build, build, build at any cost. The 2 political groups here don’t serve the interests of the majority of people but a small group of real estate interests. They are “taking Paradise and putting up a parking lot”. SO SAD.

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  27. Anonymous says:

    Is there anything- anything at all – that Alden and MAC wouldn’t sell or do give Dart? Anyone? They can sell their souls if they wish – do they have to sell what makes Cayman special? I guess that’s what attracts the big bucks.

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  28. Michel says:

    Please don’t. Yes take a hard look. You will set a precedent and that will be the beginning of the end. Money is not everything.

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    • Anonymous says:

      That is not correct, money is everything to certain people. Keep it going honorable leaders!

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  29. Anonymous says:

    They will have a great view of the dump. Maybe Dart should fix that eye sore first. The dump is our national identity at the moment

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  30. Anonymous says:

    Is there anything this Premier would not agree to for enough money? With his lack of leadership Cayman will look like a cross between Disneyland and South Beach.
    That is not a compliment.

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  31. Anonymous says:

    Well what everyone speculated about the reinforced tunnel on SEven Mile Road might be coming to fruition!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      The drive thru tunnel underneath a Dart hotel wasn’t speculation…Dart actually answered the question at the Planning meeting.

    • Anonymous says:

      They insulted us by pretending the tunnel structure was a “crosswalk” now the deception continues with “no design has been done for the tower”. How else would Mac plant the concept that he was told to introduce ?
      Why don’t these people just tell the truth ?

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  32. Anonymous says:

    We already have a tall unique landmark called the Landfill

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  33. Anonymous says:

    Dart says “jump” and the Government says “how high”

    They can pretend this is just an idea

    The plans are likely already in the works
    The rules don’t apply to Dart
    Public opinion won’t matter
    Dart wish is the Governments command

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  34. Anonymous says:

    When are we going to decide what our future and that of our children will look like, or have we left that all up to DART and Alden?

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  35. Anonymous says:

    Alden continue to dream- you will be voted out long time before you see this sky scraper

    Hope it will be tall enough that you can see it from your farm in East End.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes 5:57, and McKEEVA will replace him. Just great.

      There are no alternatives because Caymanians are docile sheep when it comes to politics.

  36. Patricia Bryan says:

    Honorable Premier. Please be mindful of the ecological effects of construction growth on our three islands. Money/financial gain, control, and possession–if these are the end result for all connected, particularly investors and owners–will not be of significance when the main resources that sustain the islands’ economies begin to falter. People do NOT visit or invest in our islands to see high rise buildings. Only one particular investor truly has done so for such a controlling purpose. What do you think will happen when said investors have nothing more to but or control? On to the next jurisdiction leaving the Cayman Islands to pick up the pieces.

    Please encourage the Dart family to invest in SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING, TWO-STORIES TOWNHOMES HOUSING, SENIOR CITIZENS HOUSING, for the CAYMAN ISLANDS CITIZENS AND PERMANENT RESIDENTS. Not want to build more and more to draw attention of anyone who only want to DEPLETE our islands’ resources. If the Dart family and our government have the Cayman Islands as their best interest–encourage them to INVEST IN THESE TYPES OF BUILDINGS. HOUSING CAYMANIANS.

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  37. Someone flew over the Cuckoo's Nest says:

    They’re definitely gone bonkers….You already have THE landmark- THE DUMP.

    To start with, NO WAY this country would meet international fire safety standards.

    The only thing for ultra rich to see here is THE DUMP. The only things for ultra-rich to do here is to smell the stench that would poison their “precious” bodies.

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  38. Anonymous says:

    Trust no politician. They all have their heads in the rich man pockets.

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  39. Anonymous says:

    Worry bout dart. Lets get Trump in here.
    If we gonna do this thing lets build that wall as well.
    At this point what difference does it make.?

    This one man fake show going on too long now.

    Hint Hint. Trump could do with one of those status grants right about now. We talking about legal and what is possible under the laws. Heck if a nanny can get status.
    Why not a Billionaire. There are millions of nannies. But only a few Billionaires.

    If he is entertained and grabs the bait. Set the budget as to what he has to invest to get that prestigious Status. How about say 250 Mil? $500 mil? All negotiable. within reason.
    Any other big corporations here wanna cry foul, then let them feel what other caymanian business have to face every day.

    Then we set it straight with him from the beginning before he become a runaway train.
    No building next to Ponds and complaining about the smell. No building Schools next to Dumps and complaining about intoxicating the children. you get the point.
    It’s a win win. Cayman gets to see some real Towers.

    Any cuban migrants to this islands that do not like it can take a direct flight. After all Mr. Castro is gone, and they said he was the reason they fled. That’s another story.

    Food for thought and a little controversy.

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  40. Anonymous says:

    Any chance we can solve the dump problem first before addressing a 50 storey lunacy?
    We really need to get our priorities correct.

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    • Anonymous says:

      you wish. This is not how things are done here. We $hit (the Dump) in our own yard and pretend it is not so.

    • Anonymous says:

      You forget Dart gave you a dump fix option, but you rejected it. It belongs in BT!

  41. Sybil says:

    Basil? BASIL!

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  42. Anonymous says:

    If you want to build something iconic then build something that reflects the values and traditions of the island, not some sort of theoretical economic carrot that you plan to wave in front of ‘high net individuals’.
    What about being the first island in the Caribbean to be completely plastic free? Poverty free? Highest level of education? Lowest unemployment rates?
    These are the things that toot the success of our economy, not an infrastructure.

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  43. Anonymous says:

    Oh my word?

    CNS has provided another soapbox for the unemployed, under-employed, unemployable, and the downright bored belly achers.

    Ready, set, go!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Psycho. Just because you have money, or are making money, does not employ the right for you to impose your version of reality on anyone. Get real office sucka – you don’t run in the streets, the real streets. Therefore, you never know when you’ll be jacked next buddy…..gang gang, they say.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Whoops, I meant to give that a thumbs down. Subtract 1 ? please

    • Anonymous says:

      CNS provided? Like they came up with the idea – or do you just not like public debate of what our government gets up to?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Time for you to find a job 4:57.

      Ready, set, and begin knocking on employers doors.

      Wishing you success in your job efforts. Try Dart.

    • Anonymous says:

      Which one are you?

  44. Johnny Be Good says:

    Just when you think the Premier has lost his scruples, when now he’s lost his marbles too. With growing anti-urbanism sentiment, I truly don’t think this will become a reality while this meglo is in power. Lets hope this sellout does not get re-elected

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  45. Anonymous says:

    Is this an early April fool joke?

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  46. Anonymous says:

    Well we knew this was in the works when they amended the legislation to include air parcels.

    Rumor mill from what i’ve heard is that there will be two high rise skyscrapers in addition to this one they are talking about. One on top of each of the bridges that were recently built by Camana bay..

    Makes sense really .. why would you need close on thirty, three meter thick steal beams on top of each of the bridges? Because you’re planning on supporting some serious structures on top of them.

    We see through your plans. It really isn’t rocket science

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  47. Anonymous says:

    Did anybody else read this and say, “this is just the beginning”?

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    • Anonymous says:

      exactly!I bet the folks in Red Bay that voted in Alden wont be staying or benefitting from this glorious tower! Ya’ll should be ashamed and hold this L!

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    • Anonymous says:

      The beginning? Bobo this is way past the beginning. We’re at least only a quarter of the way in…
      There is so much already set in stone, the ‘pretending’ of things is laughable. If you follow what I mean.

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    • Anonymous says:

      South Miami Beach here we come.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Change us to line his already bulging pockets. Dart, you are allowed citizenship and allowed to live here and work and build. You don’t represent us, and you never will. Please allow your already massive footprint to settle some. You don’t have to change everything.

      Some things, the majority of us — those around you, of the country you attached yourself to — want left alone. Just fine they way they are. We don’t want to grow that big or that large. We don’t want floating hotels like Dubai. I know you like that visible-from-the-ISS shit.

      You have already substantially changed the place, and in some cases not for the better for anyone. You must have enough of whatever it is you seek by now.

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    • Anonymous says:

      It began many years ago – people just refused to see it.

  48. Anonymous says:

    Welcome to the Singapore of the Caribbean! A bold vision for certain.
    Time to start the Pro and Con list.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Singaporeans have better electoral judgement and more respect for their environment than the average wannabe empire builder here.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Who in Lord’s name wants to be the Singapore of the Caribbean? This is not bold but stupidity. A 50 storey building at Camana Bay? You cannot be serious.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Shame, cause I like to chew gum.

  49. Anonymous says:

    I’m for the tower. Camana Bay is the best thing on island and was a turning point for the island as a whole.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Hush your mouth Dart bott.

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    • Anonymous says:

      $300. bathing suits and other outrageously expensive shops that most locals or tourists ,for that matter , can not afford to shop in is not the best thing that ever to Cayman.

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  50. Anonymous says:

    Has DART promised him a statue on top of his skyscraper?

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