Smith Barcadere project protest planned

| 10/02/2020 | 124 Comments
Smith Cove enhancement, artist’s rendition

(CNS): A peaceful protest is planned at the Smith Barcadere this Saturday as a demonstration against government’s planned enhancement project at the site, even though the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure has already started the tendering process. Among the objections is that the enhancement will encourage tour operators to drop off cruise ship passengers there. However, Barbara Conolly, the MLA for the district that includes the beach, has stressed that there will be no commercial activity at Smith Cove.

Speaking on Radio Cayman’s call-in show “For the Record” with host Orrett Connor on Monday morning, Conolly noted that there are covenants in place to restrict commercial activity in that area, so there will be no cruise ship packages, tours or group activities conducted at Smith Cove.

Another point of contention about the redesigned enhancements at the property is that an area of ironshore next to the beach will be cleared for a parking lot for around 45 cars plus restrooms. Some objectors have noted that there is there is a vacant property immediately behind the existing parking lot accros the road that could be acquired and the parking lot tripled in size. However, former planning minister Kurt Tibbetts, now a planning consultant who also appeared on the show, said that the owner of that lot refuses to sell it.

Conolly said that what motivated her to spearhead the enhancements was that she used to get calls from police about the crime going on there, such as drugs use and sexual acts.

At the end of the show, Conolly said it was very disheartening to have to come on the radio and have to defend the project that will benefit everyone, including the disabled and the elderly. She called the objectors “selfish” and suggested that objections were about promoting people’s political ambitions.

Tristan Hydes, the deputy chief officer of the planning ministry, noted that safety was a priority, hence the location of proposed parking lot on the same side of the road as the beach plus the addition of sidewalk and lighting. However, they took on board the points made at a public meeting on the enhancement, for example reducing the number of gazebos from eight to one and making it “more islandy”.

Hydes stated on Radio Cayman that the estimate for the project is “nowhere near” the $2 million that some objectors have suggested.

According to a release, the Public Works Department, which is carrying out the project management and consultancy services for the Smith Barcadere Project, stressed that there will be no interference with the existing beach.

The project is being managed by the Smith Barcadere Committee, which was formed specifically to administer the affairs of the project. The group is made up of representatives from the George Town Revitalisation Initiative, public and private sector and residents of the area.

Conolly said the Smith Barcadere Committee is working with the PWD to ensure that the concerns that were expressed at the public consultation meeting were taken into consideration.

“Smith Barcadere will be a park and beach where all Caymanians can come and enjoy. It is a treasured beach spot for families to swim and spend time together and our vision for it is to do what we can to enhance what we already know and love. We will be adding additional restrooms that will offer the disabled full accessibility, an improved parking lot and environmental friendly lighting,” she noted.

“It is important to take account of the public feedback at the consultation meeting held in July 2018. The proposed parking lot will be located to the northern end of the purchased parcel so as to minimise loss of vegetation and not block the view of the sea. In addition, local material will be used for the parking lot instead of asphalt to support natural drainage,” Conolly added.

Hydes noted that because the tender process is ongoing, some information cannot be disclosed. “The tender closed in January so we are in a position to share more information at this time, but we still cannot jeopardise the process. We want to be as transparent as possible as this project is for the people, and so we will ensure that information is available to the public through several channels as we proceed with various stages of the plan,” he said.

Hydes said the proposed enhancements of the improved Barcadere public beach and park will be for the enjoyment of all Caymanians, increased accessibility for older persons and those with disabilities, reduced congestion and improved safety.

PWD has said that safety and accessibility are critical elements in the proposed plan with sidewalks and traffic calming measures included to increase safety of pedestrians in the area and users of the existing parking lot across the road.

On the proposed project, restrooms will be located closer to the new parking lot for easier access for older people and those with disabilities. The location of the restrooms is also to minimise any loss of indigenous trees. There are some non-native vegetation such as invasive “pop-nut” trees that will be removed to allow for the construction of the parking lot. In addition, local vegetation such as coco-plum and grape trees will be added to improve shading and beautification.

The project is expected to commence in March 2020.


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Category: development, Local News, Politics

Comments (124)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Take a look at this folks; from a CNS poster who obviously lives within walking/ riding distance of the cove. “Exactly!
    Walk or bike if you want to get to Smith Cove. It doesn’t have to accommodate everyone. Can’t find parking? Tough life, Smith Cove comes without it.
    PROMOTE WALKING! ” Get it? Smith Cove is not for everyone. In other words ‘ Smith Cove is not for all of you ( It belongs to us).

    • Anonymous says:

      Take your medicine.
      The key word is “accommodate”. Thousands of worlds natural wonders available to everyone, but not accommodating to all. Simply put,
      they don’t come with parking lots, changing rooms and mobi mats.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Does anyone think that Barbara will get elected again.. I noticed that even David Wight has started distancing himself from her..

    Bringing out Kurt, I guess was supposed to lend some credence to her position and character but I noticed even he had to try to soften her up when she got worked up on radio..

    She needs to just resign.She does not understand that the will of the people is what matters. If they want Smith Barcadere left alone, then leave it alone…She would be a hell of a lot better off calling out the press and delivering some more water to Windsor Park. Those people living there must think they are her puppets to drag out when she needs a little political lift..Next thing you now she will be dragging their babies out for a press show.

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  3. Anonymous says:

    I was so proud of Berna this morning on the Radio. She set aside her family relationship with her brother for her country…Family will recover but if Babs and gang destroy Smith Barcadere it is gone forever…

    Glad to see some true stalwart Caymanians still standing up and being counted!!

    Thank you Berna!

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Please listen to third world wanting third world for third world. Throw a couple of beat up car hulks on the beach and more trash and call it good.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    Class action lawsuit for this too.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Referendi!

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  7. Anonymous says:

    It’s interesting she says we are being selfish, when the only reason she wants this is to have her name at Smith’s Cove.

    If you had actually engaged the public, this may have turned out differently.

    We can disagree without attacking one another, but it’s hard not to be on the defence when the level of BS we get from Ms. Connolly.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yeah, like the Hon Barbara Connolly honorary administrative building serving no other declared purpose other than to presumably call it something, or affix a rededication plaque with her name on it.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Johann you should go up against her in the upcoming election and take away her seat. Imagine calling her constituents selfish? Clearly she hasn’t learnt anything in the past 3 years.

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Morons don’t even know that popnut trees are indigenous! They used to be used for building boats! Do not destroy the natural, native vegetation!

    Morons in charge!

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  10. Johann Moxam says:

    Given all the other real priorities including its failure to address rising costs of living, a substandard public education system, a lack of programs to assist old persons, decreased funding or a lack of after school programs for young persons and other issues facing our government and our people…I have to ask the following questions:

    How does CIG justify the expenditure of CI$2,000,000 for what is now being described as an enhanced parking solution for Smith’s Barcadere?

    How does CIG develop its list of national priorities?

    Why do the elected government/MLA’s struggle to listen to the wishes of the majority of the people it is sworn to represent?

    #STAYWOKE🇰🇾

    Best regards

    Johann Moxam

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    • Anonymous says:

      Johann – It’s essentially about Barbara building a monument to represent her failure as a politician.

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      • Anonymous says:

        well, she will not be getting back in. I guess that’s why there is such a push to start in March? Wow. Just Wow.

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    • Anonymous says:

      There is no effort to seek polling from constituents or even an organized mechanism for a suggestions box or complaints jar. District Councils don’t exist. It’s all done in a vacuum where their preferred customers are the only ones with their number. What would you do differently?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Johann, They are listening to the wishes of the majority. It is the minority who are against everything that are making all the noise. The parking lot will be on property that was not part of he original smith cove and it is badly needed. The brush needs to be cut for safety reasons. I dont know what is so hard to understand.

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      • Anonymous says:

        “brush needs to be cut for safety reasons”
        Are you saying that the safest, friendliest, kindliest territory in the Caribbean needs to cut brush so criminals, rapists, robbers and muggers wouldn’t hide behind it?
        Grand Cayman either safe or not. Choose what you are.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Of course the property in question was and is part of Smith Cove, it’s not Smith Cove without the brushy trees keeping the road out and the beach vibe in! The trees frame the area whether you’re looking at it from the road or the water. Why do you think everyone protested the development that was going to go there? Nice try with your fast one though.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Barbara has lost the plot! She’s obviously cracking up under the pressure. This line of work isn’t for you Babs. Please do the right thing and resign and take this stupid idea with you.

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  12. Anonymous says:

    Ms. Connolly has forgotten that she works for the people, to call people objecting selfish and for political ambition is ridiculous. It is clear that a large proportion of your voters do not want the new parking lot that is simply being done to Improve the view and possibly noise from Mr. Thompsons house. Mr. Thompson could quite simply sell the government the piece of land behind the existing car park which is neither full or dangerous to cross and leave everything as it is untouched and as local people wish it to remain. Ms. Connolly could maybe focus her money and time down the road at dart park which 15 years ago was a beautiful park full of flowers, trees and grass where families spent weekends with picnics and having children’s parties. It is now a massive dust ball of dry soil, no plants , no grass to sit on, broken children’s playground, benches and landscaping have not been maintained….. a total mess that government should be totally ashamed of. It’s time for change in Cayman, let’s hope the younger brave people speaking up who care about the environment they live in and understand the ramifications start to take the place of these completely out of touch politicians.

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    • Lomart says:

      Please repair and upgrade the beautiful Dart park that was also given to the people. That has everything that you’re now trying to put at Smith Barcadere. It’s just in such a run down state that no one can use it now. It also has a nice seafront amphitheater!

    • Anonymous says:

      Tell me 9.41… South Sound residents have been complaining about lack of parking at Smith Barcadere for some time. They said that cars parked on the road causing a hazard; they also complained that the parking lot was on the wrong side of the road. Now that there’s a proposal for getting parking off the road and unto the beach side ..they are objecting. They are just a selfish bunch that has to be reined in or they are going to cripple this Government and any future Government.. Of course if we allowed expats to hold elected office they would probably stop protesting. XXXX Keep yours eyes open peeps things are not always what they seem.

    • Anonymous says:

      @ 9.41 You say “to call people objecting selfish and for political ambition is ridiculous.” Why is is ridiculous. Are you saying that Johann, Alric or Shirley do not have political ambitions? Did you check with them?

      • Anonymous says:

        Do you really think that Barbara was referring to just those three? She was referring to everyone that was protesting her decision…and yes it pissed me off and I am neither selfish not seeking office…We are not all like Barbara who obviously feels some threat to her elected position…and so she should!

  13. JJTA says:

    POPNUT TREE IS NOT INVASIVE!!!! Honestly I do not know where they pull this stuff out of but that is just pathetic. Popnut tree is what has been traditionally used to make the ribs of catboats.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    Huh? That parking lot? Are the people proposing this actual cretins? Because you would have to be a class 1 grade A premier league moron to think that is a good idea. Either that or corrupt as hell.

    Here is a thought – no parking on the beach side – none, nada, zilch – including behind the no parking lines – enforced strictly, violators get towed, repeat violators get vehicles towed & crushed. Park in the existing car park or walk or ride a bike.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Exactly!
      Walk or bike if you want to get to Smith Cove. It doesn’t have to accommodate everyone. Can’t find parking? Tough life, Smith Cove comes without it.
      PROMOTE WALKING!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Walking too much leads to knee problems.

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      • Anonymous says:

        You do either of those down South Church Street, you be taking your life in to your own hands.

      • Anonymous says:

        To 7.39am Just as I thought . It is all about keeping the rest of us away from Smith Cove.Imagine trying to walk there from East End or Bodden Town. Not a good idea . but walk from South Sound that’s feasible.

    • Anonymous says:

      Make bike riding safer here and people will do it…I gave up because I got sick and tired of the numerous attempts by f**kwit drivers to maim or kill me. You literally take your life in your hands on a bike here…

    • Anonymous says:

      That would take actual law enforcement. Not gonna happen in your lifetime Bobo.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Leave Well Enough Alone, Barbara!!! Don’t “fix” what ain’t broken!!!

    To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, the eleven most feared words in the english language:

    “I’m from the Cayman Islands Government and I’m here to help”

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  16. Anonymous says:

    Minister Conolly we the elderly and disable don’t want the redevelopment of Smith Cove. Everything you guys touch you all destroy. Just take a look at ORIA, the traffic problem, the high cost of living, minimum wage, etc. leave a little piece of Cayman for the Caymanians please.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I went to Smith’s Cove last weekend. I have a physical disability and I had no problem parking my car in the existing lot and crossing at the cross walk. A huge parking lot on the sea side is a horrible idea!

  17. Anonymous says:

    Is the consultant being paid by government or the landowner who owns the property adjacent to existing parking lot who I understand is the Planning Board chairman?

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  18. Anonymous says:

    Parking lot need to be bigger so the Trolley Roger can turn around, seeing as it can’t reverse and all.

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  19. Anonymous says:

    It is truly the only beach in GT locals can go to get away from the cruise shippers. With the upcoming closure this year of Royal Palms are we sure it won’t end up being a cruise shipper’s tour destination. The government must think we are all idiots.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I support this 100% someone was going to get killed crossing the road from the current parking lot.

      If you want to protest….protest against the sale of alcohol on sundays.

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      • Anonymous says:

        No one ever got killed crossing that road. Stop scaremongering.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It’s not that hard to look both ways, then cross. We don’t need to create a $2mln public space for tailgate DJs and karaoke. No thx.

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    • Anonymous says:

      How many times do you have to hear there will be NO COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY. and yes you are all idiots

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      • Anonymous says:

        A swarm of cruise tourists is commercial activity. They paid to come here and paid to be taken wherever they go and think they have bought the experiences they are having, which dictates how they behave and what they expect. It only takes a handful of them and the charm of wherever they are is lost.

  20. Anonymous says:

    What about simply clearing out some trees where the new parking is proposed. Then let us park amongst the trees. Natural shade.
    While they are at it, how about doing the same at the Gov. beach area on SMB thereby increasing the parking.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Because then you’d have every idiot in their 4×4 testing the limits of physics.

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      • Anonymous says:

        At least when they crash on the iron shore we would be rid of the vehicle.
        FYI – this was how we parked at various beach/swimming locations for many years.

  21. Anonymous says:

    So the Police calls Barbara to tell her there is crime such as drugs and sex going on at Smith Barcadere??? Boy unnah can hear some $hit..When since was sex a crime??

    There are many people I know that went there in their teenage years to get a little piece and plenty still do..All now until she said it, I didn’t know it was a crime..lol

    Wait a second too, why the Police calling her? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

    You can’t make this $hit up!!

    Only in Cayman!

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  22. Anonymous says:

    poor Cayman!

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  23. Anonymous says:

    If this doesn’t include signs that say “No tour bus stopping or parking”, then you will know for sure who this is for, and it for sure ain’t you.

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  24. Anonymous says:

    sorry mate, but it was Smith Barcadere long before it became ‘Smith Cove’

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  25. Anonymous says:

    Further evidence that the original purchase may be construed as a theft of Environmental Protection Funds money, money which is earmarked for the protection of wild habitats, animals and plants? I hope the scales have fallen from the eyes of those who were hoodwinked in clamouring for this.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Hear hear!

      Everyone Please please COME to the peaceful protest picnic this Saturday at noon.

      Please park far away and walk over…. we wouldn’t want ALT to be upset we are parking on the Road..

      By the way, there were 12 open parking spots last Saturday at noon and at 2 PM today there were 14 open parking spots during high season we do not need a 45 car parking lot.

      No bulldozers until we “see” the cost proposed in full transparency Barbara and ALT!?!

      Protected trees are on that lot acquired by Government should be under the care of the National Trust designated “protected” how did the Government ROB the Enviromental Fund to do this?

      Bathrooms = Yes
      Boardwalk = No
      Cabana = No
      Mobi Mats- Yes

      Done….:under $200K

      No need for “an air conditioned office”

      Geezum!
      Leave the Cove alone and pristine with every single tee in place. Stop cutting trees!!! (It has already started….)

      Bring as many “Senior Citizens” as possible this Saturday- we need their VOTING voices to Barbara and Mr Hydes and ALT

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      • Anonymous says:

        Just one thing: “Protected trees are on that lot acquired by Government should be under the care of the National Trust designated “protected”” You mean National Conservation Law or maybe the Tree Preservation Order Law?
        There us no direct way that National Trust can act in the case of individual tree species.

        But Trichilia havanensis is protected under Part II of Schedule 1 of the NCL. The problem with that is, it is not it is not an offence under section 31(2) to destroy those trees, unless a conservation plan has been made under section 17, which requires many hoops to be jumped through with Cabinet, to achieve.

        The only way to protect them right now is for Dept Environment to urgently issue advice to the National Conservation Council to act under section 16(9) to make an interim directive to prohibit damage to them. But Cabinet can remove it again immediately under section 16 (10).

        You could try petitioning under section 16(2) to get Trichilia moved to part 1 of the Schedule (protected at all times) but (guess what) Cabinet approval is need for that too, and look how well that designation is working for GT corals amid the Port plan to destroy acres.

        Bottom line: the government claims that it needs to review and remove impediments to development in the NCL are fake, spurious, claptrap. They already hold all the cards.

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  26. Tampon John says:

    As someone who has had sex (and plans to have more sex) on that beautiful beach, I say leave the natural habitat alone and use those funds that are allocated for redevelopment to feed the hungry children Ms Barbara Councilor of Education !!!! FEED OUR YOUTH & LEAVE THE BEACH ALONE !!!!

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  27. Anonymous says:

    You just can’t win these days. Even trying to improve things for the community and people complaining.

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    • Anonymous says:

      2.20pm All these protests and complaints originate with the same group of anti Government folks who want to replace this group of MLAs with one they control. So every chance they get they sing out-PROTEST.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Isn’t that the whole pointed of having elected representatives… people that do your bidding because that’s their JOB??

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      • Anonymous says:

        Stop pretending you know what others think, you can only speak for yourself. I am against this project and I have no affiliation with the anti-Government group.

        Furthermore, protest is natural part of democracy, don’t forget that. Governments should fear the people, not the other way around. This is our money, we have the right to decide what our money is invested in.

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  28. Anonymous says:

    More complaint culture … protest everything. Folks rather people park both sides of the road on a busy day and then they will complain when someone’s kid gets run over darting out from behind a parked ice-cream truck eh. Look at the master plan and see it for what it is; providing a safe and pleasant experience for the masses that show up daily. DYOR

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  29. Anonymous says:

    Mean while we are all dying slowly because the dump is not being addressed.

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  30. Anonymous says:

    She ‘used to get calls from the police”. Why on earth would the police call a politician? If a crime is committed or suspected of being committed they have the power of arrest.

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  31. Anonymous says:

    Why are we spending money that the majority of the people don’t want their money spent on?..How much will this cost? Wouldn’t Barbara be better off paving some more roads in Windsor Park or handing out some more turkeys and hams. At least with those she could be seen as helping rather than wasting…of course I don’t think either will get her re-elected..

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  32. Anonymous says:

    I found it quite interesting today that Kurt said that there is nowhere else to put the parking lot because they have been negotiating with the landowner for years to purchase the land behind the current parking lot won’t sell.

    I did a little checking today Block 15B Parcel 350 located directly behind the current parking lot is registered and owned by AL’T and his wife Melissa. Does anyone see why AL’T inserted himself on this board to ensure this parking lot was not put on his land? Barbara should be calling him “selfish” instead of all of us that want to save Smith Barcadere.

    AL’T could have come clean this morning and admitted that the land belonged to him and he wasn’t about to sell it, which is his right but for them to act like it is some unknown landowner is mischievous at best..

    If he wanted to be helpful, he would offer to sell this to Government which would alleviate all of the parking issues and would give them a lot more than 45 parking spaces. A simple bridge over the road like they do along the SMB corridor could be installed. If the bridge is deemed unsightly then a simple stop light rather than the stupid flashing ones they have now would be much better.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Kurt Tibbetts is a retired private citizen. CIG can requisition private land whenever they want, and they do it all the time for roadworks and other matters of territorial importance. They want to insulate ALT, their all-star rubber stamping development and port board member. Pretending there isn’t a conflict is the very definition of corruption.

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    • Anonymous says:

      However, former planning minister Kurt Tibbetts, now a planning consultant who also appeared on the show, said that the owner of that lot refuses to sell it.

      BS! Government can just take the land and give him its money’s worth.

      BS Board ! BS Project!

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      • Anonymous says:

        I have an even better plan for you. He can nominate his land for purchase under the Environmental Protection Fund and Cabinet will pay him with money meant to protect endanger species and habitats, not parking lots.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you for your research and answering the question on everyone mind.

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  33. Anonymous says:

    CIG logic: Buys land with money from the Environmental Fund and proceeds to send in the bulldozers to destroy the environment.

    You really couldn’t make this shit up!! What does that annoying repeat poster say all the time?? Another day in Absurdistan!

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  34. anonymous says:

    She must be off her rocker… total destruction of the ambiance of Smith Cove – the car park will bring totally unnecessary danger to children and other pedestrians, gas fumes and vehicular noise, overcrowding, not to mention the potential for illicit activities within the parked vehicles. It renders a huge portion of the purchased land unusable for recreation, and will take away shade and indigenous flora and fauna. Seriously, who wants to go to the beach in order to sit next to someone else’s parked car?

    Didn’t vote for her, never will. Please let’s have viable candidate stand in GTS and stop the madness. In the meantime, support the protest.

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    • Anonymous says:

      2021 can’t come soon enough…oust her ass and elect someone with integrity

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    • Anonymous says:

      Just see what has happened to Spotts. Ugly, and very few turtles cos tourists harrasing them..

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    • Lomart says:

      There were great alternatives in her precinct in the last election too but they didn’t get the votes. PPM $$ got Barbara and David elected. The people had great choices in those two districts but voted for turkey and ham instead!

  35. Anonymous says:

    They have already rolled back some of the proposals. It used to include an ugly entrance way and a boardwalk. It also included unnecessary decking through the trees and these semi-cabana, boardwalk thingys which similarly had no use.

    The land behind the existing parking lot belongs to ALT and Melissa Lynn Thompson. You can add that to the list of conflicts of interest. Pretty rich to claim that the owner doesn’t want to sell when that person is also sitting in the recording studio. Should that person really be on the steering committee for the project?

    Ditch the whole thing.

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  36. Anonymous says:

    I listened to Barbara’s bull crap this morning and came away feeling more and more offended at her unkind and rude remarks.Between her an AL T, I was shocked and appalled by the rudeness..Calling people selfish and only doing it to further their political careers..

    Hate to tell Barbara this, she had better get on the other side because her political care is headed dead straight for a one time member..

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  37. Anonymous says:

    “non-native vegetation such as invasive “pop-nut” trees that will be removed to allow for the construction of the parking lot” Where are they getting their advice from? Pop or plop-nut is a native seashore tree all over the Caribbean, including the Cayman Islands.

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  38. JTB says:

    This government doesn’t respond to protests. Court action needed.

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  39. Anonymous says:

    the only thing they need to change there are the awful toilets, or at least get them cleaned every day, the stench alone puts me off from going to smith cove

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  40. Anonymous says:

    I’m probably not the only posting one this but they’ve truly, ‘Paved paradise and put up a parking lot,’ here. Why was it rebranded ‘Smith Barcadere’ anyway? I remember it for at least the last three decades as ‘Smith Cove’.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes to the irony of buying land with environmental protection funds then paving it to put in a parking lot.

      As to the name, previous to you and I (I’m in my 40s) apparently it was called Smith’s Barcadere (barcadere being applied to a lot of coastal spots where people pulled up boats and there probably weren’t many other spots along that part of the coast). It got renamed (depending on your point of view) a few years ago as part of the surge to reclaim heritage. So its basically a non-issue.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Wrong 2.10. It was renamed because Cove was seen by some as more easily understood by visitors and more commercially saleable.

  41. Anonymous says:

    “Conolly said that what motivated her to spearhead the enhancements was that she used to get calls from police about the crime going on there, such as drugs use and sexual acts.”
    IS IT a JOKE?

    * motivated her? She represents people and should not “spearhead” anything, unless people of the Cayman Islands support it.
    * objectors are selfish? Stop using disabled and elderly to justify this destruction of natural state of the area. Think about disabled and elderly when working on emergency preparedness plan.
    * she used to get calls from police? Is it another joke? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

    As for sex, it is natural and unavoidable, so people would do it wherever they will find a suitable spot. Hardly a reason to spend 2mil to destroy nature.

    I”ll finish with a short true story about this natural and unavoidable drive we call sex.
    One freezing winter night a young couple was looking for a spot to engage into sexual activity. The only spot they found was a construction crane. The climbed into its cabin which apparently was large and warm enough for the activity. I don’t remember what caused the cabin fire, but one jumped out to his death and another perished in fire.

    The moral of this sad story: look the other way, unless it is happening in the open in a public place.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Your story REALLY sucks. No punchline, and the moral isn’t in line with the story at all.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Be nice. He has waited years for even the slightest opening to tell that non-story. Now he has that little sexual image out of his head.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Don’t pave every sq.inch of public land, leave some bushes for people to have privacy. Sex is always sweeter in nature.

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    • Anonymous says:

      That sounds more like a Meth story than a sex story…

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      • Anonymous says:

        It happened in a communist country 30 years ago in a small settlement with no hotels, bars, etc. She worked for a construction company that was building a power plant, he was a laborer on parole (initially given 5 years for re-selling jeans on black market).

  42. Anonymous says:

    Talk about paving paradise to put up a parking lot!!

    I feel sick to my stomach seeing the artists rendition of the planned destruction. They have already done too much by removing the undergrowth which used to be home to many redshank and soldier crabs. Leave the cove alone!!!

    Destroying the natural environment is not the answer to reducing crime that might be happening at the cove either. Have police regularly and sporadically check the area for God’s sake!

    Barbara, I didn’t vote for you in the first place, but your political career in GTS is finished!

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  43. Anonymous says:

    It is about time we upgraded the parking facility at Smith Cove! No more playing “Frogger” trying to cross the road!

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    • Anonymous says:

      I bet you haven’t been in a while. There is a heavy duty pelican crossing now.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It does not mean that people now slow down. I’m with 11:24.

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        • Anonymous says:

          So how about we enforce the law, rather than using our failure to enforce the law as our excuse to permanently destroy the environment.

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  44. Anonymous says:

    “objections were about promoting people’s political ambitions”

    Funny how this comes up whenever anyone opposes the government, like genuine concern isn’t ever possible.

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  45. Anonymous says:

    Barbara is in for a shock on Saturday! This mindless project is going to be met with fierce opposition!

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  46. Sunrise says:

    Seems very fair what they are proposing, especially if it will easier and safer for the elderly to access. A nice little improvement in the area would be great especially with proper lighting to discourage drug use and sexual activity. I am one for improvement when it is done in a sensible manner, not like the berthing facilities that they are proposing, that is suicide!!! Yes, and please keep all commercial activities away from there, especially the tour operators!!!

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  47. Anonymous says:

    Don’t fix what is not broken. Barbara you would get more support and respect if you stood up to those ignorant bullies in the LA and stop laughing at their jokes bashing the LGBT community. That is what is needed not a parking lot at Smith Cove.

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  48. Anonymous says:

    CNS should get a photographer down there, apparently PWD’s typical insensitive work to clear the indigenous trees has already begun. There needs to be better consultation and approval of a public works plan, long before that – and any tampering approved should involve senior arborists overseeing and signing-off on that effort, not menial anonymous $10/hr work crews assembled for a day.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Do they have planning permission? I doubt it.

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      • Anonymous says:

        If they do not have planning permission I expect that the chairman of the planning board ensures that all appropriate enforcement action is taken forthwith!

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