Trust reinstates conflicted chairman
(CNS): The National Trust for the Cayman Islands has reinstated architect Andy Gibb as chairman of its board, even though he recently resigned over his conflict regarding the proposed Beach Bay hotel development, which the Trust opposes. Gibb represented the investors behind the controversial development at a recent Central Planning Authority meeting, which caused considerable backlash. However, the Trust council has asked him to return.
Although the Trust said it still had concerns about the project, the NGO claimed that Gibb remaining as chair “in no way influences” the Trust’s position on the Beach Bay development and it remains concerned about the impact on the turtle nesting beach.
In a press release the Trust said Gibb was asked to serve out his final year as chairman after a council vote because of his “in-depth knowledge of the planning laws and regulations”, which the Trust said had benefitted the organisation on “countless occasions”.
Nadia Hardie, the executive director of the Trust, justified the council’s decision to keep Gibb as the chair.
“It is unrealistic to assume conflicts, apparent or otherwise, will never arise on our small islands,” she said. “The Trust operates on the basis of good governance and complete transparency, requiring all members of the council to declare any direct conflicts of interest. If a conflict is disclosed, the member is required to recuse themselves from the discussion and decision-making process. However, the Trust has further refined its conflict of interest disclosure processes as a result.”
The local National Trust is run by an elected council made up of nine general members, four executive members, five district committee chairs and an appointed legal counsel. There are also three representatives from the ministries of environment, education and tourism. Each member has voting rights and decisions are based on a majority vote.
After the council voted to reinstate Gibb, it was agreed at the first meeting since the new council was elected that he will complete the year remaining on his term and help the Trust identify suitable candidates to stand for chair at the 2020 AGM next September.
Meanwhile, six members were also voted in as co-opted council members and will take up their position on the Trust Council as non-voting members. They are Rayal Bodden, Carmen Damasco-Doucette, Cora James Grant, William Innes, Greg McTaggart, Justin Miller and Dan Peterson. Each co-opted member brings with them important skills and knowledge that assists the Trust Council in carrying out its duty.
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Category: Local News
“Gibb represented the investors behind the controversial development”….”The National Trust has been protecting the future of Cayman’s heritage since its inception in 1987. We are a nonprofit, non-governmental organisation created to preserve the history and biodiversity of the Cayman Islands. Through education and conservation we work to protect environmentally sensitive and historically significant sites across all three Cayman Islands.”
Does the chairman have a voice, or is it only heard at planning meetings? This island I love is a challenge to figure out. I hope all the planning laws he knows helps the development hecworks for enhances the environment he is supposed to protect. No conflict there at all.
How is it a disgrace? The Trust showed there was no conflict.
Fix the damn dump Gibb!
Ok by me. They opposed the development while he was there. Don’t see the problem.
Mr Gibb is a very wise and intelligent person, they would have to search the world over to find anyone a qualified as he is. Good move National Trust!
Dumb move.
Costly move.
In a press release the Trust said Gibb was asked to serve out his final year as chairman after a council vote because of his “in-depth knowledge of the planning laws and regulations”, which the Trust said had benefitted the organisation on “countless occasions”.
Well, at least now we have a much bigger list of individuals who can serve as chairman. Anyone who has ever served on Planning Board over the last 40 years should suffice.
Anyone who is a member of the Trust can stand for election as chairman – it’s an elected position.
Lol. You can see some shit on this little rock!!!
Oh well, there goes my funding.
Phew. Didn’t know Alden and the port had competition for island’s biggest public disgrace.