Clampdown coming on ‘mango tree’ mechanics

| 16/11/2020 | 60 Comments
Cayman News Service
Derelict vehicle on the way to landfill (file photo)

(CNS): The Public Lands Inspectorate is warning all unauthorised and unlicensed mechanics working on crown land in various areas of George Town to remove derelict vehicles before 3 December, otherwise they will be seized and taken to the dump. Officials pointed to Webb Road, Rock Hole Road and Liberty Lane as areas of concern where so-called ‘mango tree’ mechanics are using public land to repair cars.

“The presence of these vehicles defaces these communities, limits residents’ safety and security, and creates environmental concerns with the breeding of rats and mosquitoes,” said PLI Chief Inspector Winsome Prendergast. “The Inspectorate has enlisted the support of the Environmental Task Force, of which we are a member, to ensure the proper use of these public lands.”

The Environmental Task Force comprises representatives from the Public Lands Inspectorate, the Department of Environmental Health, Department of Environment, National Roads Authority, Public Works Department and the Department of Commerce and Investment.

For more information on the use of public lands, contact Prendergast on 244-2452 or by email at plc@gov.ky.


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Comments (60)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Some subdivisions are being defaced by persons having too many cars and not enough parking space on their own property. So they park them on the roadside creating obstacles for safe driving and hamper emergency vehicles. If you are used to this wherever you come from, it is not an acceptable practice here in Cayman. If you must get a helper who has a vehicle, then for Christ’s sake provide adequate parking on your private property and keep the streets clear.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Should probably deal with their own dumped vehicles ((off Crewe Road, near the mini mart) first. Ps. Painting over the logos and letting the Bosh grow up around them doesn’t change who responsible.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Can we stamp out the car parts price scandal issues?

    Mercedes Benz – ABS wheel speed control sensors x2 here KY$564; UK same part GB£20 – it’s a 2 inch piece of plastic with a wire attached to it for gods sake. Needless to say MB/Car City have failed to provide a response as to the discrepancy. Similar experience with BMW – KY$302 rear brake pads; GB£11 in the UK. They’re pulling our pants down and fingering us folks.

    If we can start getting parts here that people can afford without re-mortgaging and the retailers don’t apply extortionate mark ups, perhaps the general public could afford to have their cars repaired instead of them being abandoning all over the Island.

    If there was a proper 2nd hand part dealer, who didn’t take the pi$$ out of us all, knew there was a difference between US, Europe and Asian models of cars it would also reduce the ridiculous numbers of vehicle imports.

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh you don’t want to pay that much for a part for your luxury Mercedes? You poor poor dear.

      My heart bleeds for you.

      • Anonymous says:

        Apologies – I should have used my previous Ford and Mitsubishi examples I didn’t realize I’d be judged on the car I drive. Same principles apply, and conclusion we’re all being shafted. Mitsubishi brake booster and master cylinder here KYD$1800; UK GB153. Just want someone to explain it to me, other than we’re all being robbed.

        If everyone is fine paying over the odds for parts regardless of make and model of car I’ll pipe down.

    • Anonymous says:

      This is why I drive a Honda despite being able to afford a Benz/Audi/etc. Reliable and when it does have an issue parts are the cheapest and the easiest to source.

      Yet unna take the pi$$ on me for driving a Honda and then come on here to complain about part prices.

  4. Anonymous says:

    All these laws but no one enforcing shit.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Time to stop these people from destroying our environment. They come here and do what they are used to doing in their own country, where untidy yards our roadsides are the norm. Every subdivision is littered with dismantled vehicles and make shift garages. Government must get their act together and clean this place up.
    Too many tenants are allowed to deface the neighborhoods.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Check the paint shop down Poinsettia Lane while you out and about.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Can we follow up on all the Automotive industry? There is serious issues with the industry that needs to be addressed. In most of the world it’s a vibrant industry with some class and sophistication. Here it’s a lost opportunity for young Caymanian kids to get into a trade. Why would they want to work in a situation like these places. Grease all over the ground and no bathrooms. How is it even aloud? Venting HFCs to atmosphere should also be addressed. In most countries it’s a huge fine.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why can’t the private sector get this right? Why does the tax payers have to pay CIG to solve this problem?

      Come private sector take your vehicles to the land fill.

    • Anonymous says:

      Firstly, it is a vibrant industry here . The dozen major car dealerships represented have top facilities , very good service management and well trained staff . This extends to the other non-dealer affiliated shops as well that cater to multiple brands. Secondly, the trade is now a highly technical one as well as being one that requires extensive training and certification. There are many that work in the industry that don’t have access to all the training and top tier jobs in the industry, as those jobs are scarce. These workers referenced in the article remain committed to working in the industry and do we where they are able to make a living. this is not a unique problem for Cayman, it exists everywhere.

  8. Anonymous says:

    Where else am I supposed to work on my car?

  9. S. Panner says:

    Just another instance of Big Brother oppressing people who are simply providing a public service and trying to make a dollar in these difficult times.

    The stupid argument about rats and mosquitos has been trotted out as an excuse for ever and it is absolute rubbish. The rats are everywhere, likewise the mosquitos but because DEH and MRCU can’t control them they invent excuses like this.

    Some people may not like the sight of a partially dismantled vehicle and a conglomeration of rusty wrecks is indeed unappealing, but if work is actually being done and vehicles come and go again once repaired, then where’s the harm? This is PUBLIC land so the public should have free use of it.

    • Anonymous says:

      This is not an intelligent argument. That land belongs to the crown. Its held for the people, not for people to abuse.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes! “This is PUBLIC land so the public should have free use of it.” – So move ya dyamn ol cars off it so the rest of us can use it.

      Waht’s that? What good for goose not good for gander?

    • Anonymous says:

      I was going to write a similar post with your first paragraph, but from the dislikes it is easy to see that people do not understand. There is no social security in Cayman. These people are prepared to work in poor conditions just to make money. If they are cleaned,up, they will be a burden on the government. The government knows this, so while they may support it on the outside the enforcement will be minimal just like it was with beach vendors. One solution is for government to provide low cost industrial units and regularize these people. Encourage them to use proper facilities without onerous bureaucracy. We can’t all be Doctors, Accountants and Lawyers.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Check out eclipse drive at the end. Dumpsite

  11. Anonymous says:

    Lot on corner of Orange Drive/Marina Drive – two $hitty cars on there now – tow them, they’re a skid mark on society.

  12. Just saying says:

    I taught it was “Grape Tree” mechanic, but what do I know. LOL

  13. Anonymous says:

    Why not clamp down on those dirty thieving mechanics that rip you off?

  14. Anonymous says:

    Make sure you check the one on Denham Thompson Way!

  15. Anonymous says:

    Another Ivan and expect a clapped out CRV/Civic/Accord/Fit to land on your head.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Jamaicans.

  17. Bracker says:

    Attention Government:
    Do not forget Cayman Brac. Look to the west of Billy’s Supermarket and behind the Administrative Government Building at Stake Bay. Junk cars are everywhere and a big eyesore!!!!
    Thank you.

  18. Anonymous says:

    There’s also a huge issue of improper oil disposal by these mango tree mechanics.. Literally watched a guy pour some sort of oil over steel when welding the other day down sound way.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Is this the same as the previous clampdown on roadside car sales? That one lasted around 7 days.

  20. Anonymous says:

    Better go check down Blue Lagoon Drive too..

  21. Anonymous says:

    Don’t forget the eyesore opposite Wellys Cool Spot on Sound Way.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thats Auto King. Licensed business (it appears).

      • Anonymous says:

        Yes it maybe licensed but they have cars parked on the sidewalks which are public I believe and often times cars are actually on the road you have to come way out in the road to see if traffic coming HE HAVE OUTGROWN THIS SPOT LONG TIME HE NEEDS TO GO IN LAND SOMEWHERE ELSE NOW AS ALT NOT GONNA MAKE HIM EXPAND ON THERE LAND.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Why act only against those using public lands? Why not enforce the law equally, all the time!

    • Anonymous says:

      Because if its not public land then its private property and people are allowed to do whatever they want to their cars on their private property.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why don’t you think about it for a few seconds?

  23. Anonymous says:

    Great news!

    • Anonymous says:

      How about we clamp down on the importing of cars first. Too many cars on this island. Then again ppl are forced to have cars because cayman is built as a driving society. If road laws were actually obeyed scooters would be a good option but you can’t trust these drivers who are afraid of a turning signal.

  24. Anonymous says:

    i bet the cars will still be there this time next year…

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