Demolition of old-time houses causes public outcry
(CNS): The sudden demolition of two historic Caymanian homes on the waterfront in George Town over the weekend stunned the community and lit up social media. Both houses were built in the 1930s and are listed on the Nationals Trust’s Heritage Register. Benny Bodden’s House, which was recently home to Da Fish Shack restaurant, and Ainsley Bodden’s House, both on North Church Street, were bulldozed on Sunday to make way for a new commercial development.
According to planning documents from November 2016, JIL Construction Ltd was granted planning permission to build a commercial building at the site, which will include retail stores and two restaurants with decks extending to the ironshore, despite being too close to the ocean.
The proposed development was refused planning permission by the Central Planning Authority in September of that year because the plans didn’t meet the minimum high water mark setback requirement and there was insufficient parking. The application indicated that the two historic buildings on the site would be relocated.
The application went back before the CPA in November 2016, when Carolyn Johnson, Ian Kirkham and architect Rob Johnson appeared before the panel and presented slightly revised plans. Although they still didn’t meet the high water mark setback, the new plans included additional offsite parking and the project was given the green light.
But for a long time nothing happened. Signs were reportedly posted at the site several years ago about a potential new development and CNS understands that no objections have ever been raised. While we have been unable to confirm the timeline of the project, there is some indication it had been due to start in 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic.
News last month that Da Fish Shack had closed was the first indication that the project could be back on track. The owners of that restaurant reluctantly closed down after they were told that they must vacate the premises by 31 July.
It is not clear if the project ever went back before the CPA for further modifications in the intervening years or if other changes are planned with a new application, but it seems that planning permission granted more than six years ago is in effect until November of this year.
On Saturday, messages and videos of the demolition were shared hundreds of times on social media platforms and messaging services, and many expressed shock at the speed with which it happened. Two buildings that were around 90 years old were lost in a matter of hours without any notification of the planned destruction, which fuelled calls for demonstrations among some local activists, as people said how powerless they felt in the face of the continued loss of heritage for commercial development.
It is not clear if the National Trust was given the option to preserve any elements of the two traditional buildings, which instead of being moved were crushed and taken to the dump, regardless of their historical significance. CNS has contacted the Trust and we are awaiting a response. However, it seems the non-profit was likely aware of the pending destruction as Ian Kirkham, one of the representatives for the developer, is a member of the National Trust Council. He is also on Planning Minister Jay Ebanks’ local district council in North Side.
The Trust formally established a Historic Preservation Fund in January specifically for donors to directly support the preservation, protection and promotion of Cayman’s built heritage throughout the Cayman Islands. There are no laws in Cayman or grade listings to protect old buildings. Hundreds of traditional homes and buildings remain under threat but buying and maintaining them can be costly.
When the new fund was launched, Trust Executive Director Annick Jackman said, “It is of the greatest importance that efforts are made to reach out to the public for assistance at this time, as Cayman’s culture and heritage have never been so at risk by the rapid pace of development and a deficit of general knowledge around the area of Cayman built heritage.”
Recently, a cottage that is more than a century old was moved from the site of Foster’s supermarket in West Bay. While there had been discussions about the grocery store owners being required to maintain the old home at its site, they were given planning permission for a proposed expansion on the grounds and the cottage was moved.
Work on that began last month and the oldest part of the property is expected to be taken to Frank Sound, where a traditional home enthusiast will be working to restore the old-time house.
See the minutes of the CPA’s meetings in the CNS Library
(scroll down to JIL Construction)
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Category: development, Local News
Why all the moaning? this is a great idea, its not like we don’t already have about 200 restaurants in Cayman…and the cost of food and eating out keeps coming down, doesn’t it? Its a great business idea, no way they’ll go bust…and for sure, we’ll all be eating there every day just like we do all the other empty restaurants that scatter the land.
WTF are we doing to Cayman? This place so corrupt and moral less.
Think you mean ‘immoral’?
Think you mean amoral
Nobody actually cares about this except for the 2 or 3 ladies at the national trust.
They say you are not supposed to respond to taunting but sometimes you just have to call bollocks when required!
Maybe the solution to this issue is that the developers involved should donate a nice sized monetary contribution to the National Trust’s Heritage Fund . The Trust can use the money to protect and preserve other heritage sites and natural habitats. Perhaps the Government and Planning Department should make this a condition for development of sites where buildings on the Heritage Register have to be demolished. Mr Panton did actually promise sustainable development and this could be a solution to keep everyone happy.
For those with long memories, in Jim Bodden’s day for a short period of time developers had to pay a development fee of 4% on condos but I cannot recall what that fee was earmarked for.
Jim Bodden?
So Chris, do you know who the land owner and developer is?
After reading this article it’s pretty evident that the lack of planning law and the national trust are to blame for the buildings coming down considering that there’s no protection for the older built environment in Cayman. So why is the landowner being blamed here? Why do we always target the developer? And why don’t we ask for the planning law to be updated and more complete? We should also insist that the people at the National Trust responsible for protecting these buildings to do their job and protect these buildings instead of getting upset for their own inaction.
There are two things going on here- firstly, property ownership is not absolute, but is a bundle of rights and obligations one of which is that with few small exceptions, Central Planning Authority grants permission for what one wants to do or not do on one’s parcel- there is no law or obligation binding one not to demolish a structure. Demolition needs no planning permission, but usually (but not always) demolition happens ahead of redevelopment of a parcel.
Secondly, unless the National Trust actually owns parcels of historic significance-which it does- then all the Trust can do is record the old ‘uns onto their Register with photographs, survey, measurements etc so they are not totally lost to posterity in the event of their destruction.
However, parcel owners who have historic structures on their property that are slated for demolition for whatever reason, can invite the Trust’s Historic Advisory Committee to assess, record and survey the structures for the Register. There is no legal protection of historic buildings in the Cayman Islands, but the Central Planning Authority can make rescue or relocation of sensitive buildings under reasonable circumstances a condition of planning permission if it is in an area of significant historic amenity (Boggy Sands Road comes to mind) or exceptional circumstances warrants it.
Where the National Trust slipped up here was that there was no formal awareness of the application to re-develop the site as the Trust’s nearest parcel is 1,200 feet to the south- about 900 feet short of the trigger for formal notification. This grant stayed submerged as the owner did not find it expedient to contact the Trust about the buildings. What doubles down on this is that the owner, knowing all of this as a National Trust Council member, still elected not to declare his interest in the development nor his willingness to allow the Trust to record, measure, survey or photograph the old houses for posterity.
The National Trust Council must find ways to balance their obvious and commendable concern for things environmental with things of historical significance which currently do not enjoy the same attention. This is not surprising as the Council is saturated with enviro-warriors- no less than three persons employed by the Department of Environment sit on that Council…
Why not tell all of these developers that if they wan to tear down these buildings that they must build something in “like style.”
What will it be, another white rectangular boxes of stores with glass fronts like the same developer did across the street from Cassanovas?
They should build condos or apartments on top of that building. You want to revitalise George Town then provide places for people to live.
When they start pouring concrete on the lil cay by the Lobster Pot dock, people will realize that Planning permission was granted from JUNE!!
Private sector strikes again. Can’t we blame CIG for this?
Why not? Ain’t they got the biggest grip on the money?
Yes, because their planning dept should moderate the private entities yet instead, they facilitate them.
Cayman has no more heritage. Point blank. We have been followers of bigger, better and newer for as long as I’ve been alive,(43 years). It comes as no surprise to me because from the time I was in school the only two careers they taught were banking and tourism that’s it. These industries are the only backbone Cayman has. We make Nothing. We are selling only two things 1.’Cayman kind’ which seems to have dryed up with the Quadrill dance and rope making. And 2. Real estate. I mean ‘da fish shake’ was already a commercial establishment so what are we really crying about. It was in bad condition and needed to be rebuild. Come on now ..90 years and nothing must change??? And that’s those people property to with as they wish.
“More” implies there was some heritage in the first place.
Oh well … what is done is done! Don’t make sense to cry about it. What we need to do now, is ensure we have proper legislation in place to protect our historical sites and artifacts. That’s with the PACT government, how they will respond to these demolitions.
@5:39Pm They way the PACT Government should respond is that the PPM Planning Board approved this about 6 years ago.
@5:39:
The Panton-PACTless Clown Car will respond to it the same way as they usually do: promise to look into it and then tell us they are forming a committee to study the issue and make recommendations, then they will announce that they are planning to plan about addressing the issue. I had to laugh at the part that said “The application indicated that the two historic buildings on the site would be relocated.” The developer was true to his word: They were relocated fi true: relocated to Mount Trashmore.
Why the hell have setback and other rules in place then the CPA just overlooks them and grants permission anyway? What damn good are the rules? The CPA ignoring the rules has happened over and over and over again! Same for the Development Control Board in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Theses bodies are as worthless and ineffective as a screen door on a submarine. The government must set reasonable planning rules and regulations and make them so the CPA and DCB have no authority to override them to suit the whims of big money, developers, good buddies and relatives. Any requested variances must be advertised BY the CPA or DCB weekly for at least 60 days and clear guidance given as to how to object to the variance. The application must then go to Cabinet for consideration. If Cabinet is mindful to move forward with the application, Cabinet must then schedule and advertise weekly for 30 days the time and venue for a public meeting in regard to the variance. Make the application fee for a variance sufficient to cover the actual cost to government of processing the variance, including covering the cost of the Planning Department processing, advertising, CPA time, Cabinet time, and expenses involved with the public meeting, plus extra to go into a fund to move and preserve historical buildings. If historical buildings are involved, Cabinet must assess if the buildings can be safely relocated and make the arrangements for the buildings to be preserved/relocated. Make it easy for the developers and Cabinet, and every Tom, Dick and Harry will get variances like they do now. Enough is enough! This has to stop!
There’s barely anything left to protect. Once its all gone, then they’ll legislate, and jump in front of the camera claiming they did something good.
The interior of the Fish Shack building had long ago been gutted and transitioned to a restaurant/bar/kitchen/washrooms with an added deck. Nothing on the inside was authentic or original. Returning the interior to “original” form as a home would require another gutting and be new construction with new materials.
The external shell was badly rotting wood (much of which wasnt original), and refurbishment would be new material.
In the end, if someone wanted to “restore” the building, it would essentially be a replica.
CPA permission 6 years ago, conditional on relocating two historic National Trust structures.
Here’s where to direct complaints:
https://www.planning.ky/code-compliance/
This is factually incorrect. If you read the conditions of planning approval for this project you’ll see that none of the conditions request the buildings to be moved. CNS has got this point wrong. Please report the facts next time. Thanks
CNS: Reading comprehension is important. The article says, “The application indicated that the two historic buildings on the site would be relocated.” There’s no mention that this was a condition of approval. We will continue to report the facts but you have to engage your brain and read what’s there and not make things up. Thanks.
They did relocate them!
To a high perch on Mt. Trashmore.
If those shacks were considered “historic” then you have no history.
The buildings were 80 years old, which in any normal country is not old.
But at least Kenny is going to build us a new cafe as a exciting tourism experience.
Turtle Farm II.
“Clients who request buildings that look ‘modern’ or ‘contemporary’ are those most pleased by our work.”
http://rjda.ky/about-johnson-design-architecture.html
“ The application indicated that the two historic buildings on the site would be relocated.”
So is there any penalty for demolishing them if the application said you would relocate them? Guess not.
Then again, how is that’s by different from the lack of consequences for developers who reach planning permission requirements, or even fail to ask for permission in the first place?
File a complaint. That’s the only part missing here. Planning has an enforcement division. If that fails, Ombudsman, and so on.
Oh dear- heritage fails again and developers reign?
This is factually incorrect. Please see the planning approval and note that none of the conditions require moving the buildings.
Hi CNS, note that this is factually incorrect. The buildings were not required to be moved as per the planning approval letter.
CNS: As noted in another comment, the article does not say this was required as a condition of planning approval. Read what’s there.
The buildings were relocated
Technically, they were relocated.
In terms of aesthetics, they have been moved to a better place.
I wonder if the young drunk drivers will be attracted to the new development and greet it with the same warm embraces that the old house enjoyed.
People who own land do something with it. People who don’t own it complain. Affordable entertainment.
Exactly! Sounds like they did what they were suppose to do but apparently that is not good enough. Sad that it is always the other persons fault. If people wanted the houses saved they had plenty of time considering the planning permission was years ago and it says in the article there was signs put up.
Do something without permission? I don’t think so.
They had planning permission
Conditional that they relocate registered historic buildings, and that was 6 years ago. They are hoping everyone forget or won’t care enough to pursue a complaint. National Trust should be filing it, or explaining to the public why not.
They did relocate the buildings!
The 2016 application said that, the one that was approved in 2020 didn’t mention relocating anything.
Don’t just go around making up things.
Exactly! If people/National Trust want a say in what happens to property, then they need to purchase it. Simple.
Go on Goole Maps, Street view if you want to look at the building again. I understand the building had history however they are old wooden structures that have been rotting for years, there was no way they could have been moved and stayed intact. What you suggest that we just leave them there to rot until they are so frail that nobody can even enter them anymore??…Cayman history is more than just old wooden huts, your not talking Pyramids and colosseums here!
In the same way Woody Foster is managing to move the one next to West Bay Fosters. Of course that costs money. Guess Woody just cares a little more than these guys.
He had no choice. Everyone knew what was happening & he got bad press before planning made their final decision. Someone with money paid for it to be moved & is restoring it.
Fosters are generational Caymanian’s- they care and are here for the long haul not just the quick buck. They found a solution. The stealth removal of these homes is spiteful.
How do you know the owners aren’t generational Caymanian? Spiteful is all the comments that are incorrect and nasty. Very little Cayman Kindness shown to these people.
Yes! To all those who decry this – Please look for an old rotted boat and go out for a fishing venture. Old rotted building on valuable property have been getting torn own for as long as buildings have been built. Cayman has MUCH more pressing issues that this.
Yes, truth. These building had no future value. I value preserving that which is worth saving. I’ve been in Da fish shack – it was begging to be torn down. Electorate, find a much more pressing cause to vent your opinions. Like how to get respectable, educated, ethical candidates for ministers to oust those with criminal records. How to educate voters to not be bribed for worthless women-beaters. We have much to do.
It was left to fall into disrepair because of the impending destruction. Duh
No not really
Classic Cayman. All about the $$$
I am so shocked and dismayed. As a member of the National Trust I just got notice of the AGM where I am being asked to elect members of the council.
I see this Ian Kirkham is on the list
HOW on earth can that BE??
12:27 the strategy seems to be to put people on the boards who are anti the boards mandate.
12:27 Can you please post your name. You have posted Ian’s who is one of your fellow National Trust Members but I’m positive he’s doing a better job than you serving on this board. Shame on you Seriously.
Better job? Maybe for birds or bike trails but not these poor houses.
its cayman.
Give me a break. Very little of the Fish Shack building was original, with piece-by-piece alterations made over the years, mostly in the last 20.
The floor plan was completely altered to provide for a restaurant/bar, and in no way resembles that of a home.
If you want to display original homes, you can build new replicas in the original form.
Logic is wasted on these viewers.
There was nothing to preserve at the Fish Shack building. That place (made of wood) was falling apart and in bad shape. Even if “relocated” that place would need to be entirely rebuilt, to the point it would only be a replica.
The National Trust in Cayman is a joke run by “jokers” that mostly just want a name for themselves. And staffed by employees wanting an easy income whom really don’t care or they would have been standing in front of that back hoe. If I was unemployable I would join there ranks.
12.14pm Million to one you are a local and your description of the employees would be much better suited to civil servants.
3:41pm – Expat actually and former member of NT
The Ugland’s bought the land after the building was knocked down.
Very bad form, George.
The KirkConnell’s destroyed Viking Gallery and all the buildings around to build a monument Kirk Free Port serving cayman since 1972. And Ugland was allowed to destroy Dr Roy’s home. CI Gov cut down all the Casuarina Trees that lined GT waterfront. We can go on and on and on………
Caymanians killing Cayman.
It wasn’t Ugland that knocked down Dr Roy’s house.
12 pm. We shoulda started protesting from them. Those houses on the waterfront in GT should have been purchased by Govt long ago. Thanks to whomever proposed the acquisition of that little piece of land near lobster pot. Perhaps that was Minister Bryan. We keep electing people who either don’t care about our heritage or have no ideas how to protect it. Anyone can tell us how much is in the environmental protection fund?
P= Plenty
A= Always
C= Costly
T= Taking
11:58 how stupid of you!!
How is this a PACT issue when they Developers were given permission by the previous PPM Planning Board?
private derelict structures were demolished by their owners in accordance with all planning/statutory regulations……where is the story here?
there are many more structures around gt that need taking down…..or is garbage development now part of cayman’s pretend heritage and culture????
They weren’t derelict – both maintained in daily use (Art Gallery/Shop and Bar/Restaurant) for many years. You obviously have no idea what you are talking about.
I’ve been in both – they were not very well maintained or worth their space.
How those developer boots taste?
Chris who? I see no Chris in the article.
if derelict tin roofed shacks are your heritage and culture….then you need to re-assess your national identity.
Yawn, not derelict, in daily use and maintained. Clueless and making comments for the sake of it. You’re obviously not Caymanian.
i am caymanian…i passed my heritage test in 90 seconds too!
Been in them, glad to see them gone.
Developer boot licker bot
I’m more concerned about the site than the houses which I agree did not seem to be well preserved. Image a vacant spot where they had been, a place where we could create a venue for fun and leisure. Ideal for sunset supper. If you have any imagination. Watch for the thumbs down.
Good call, the thumbs down win…
George, sorry but I must tell you, you are such an arrogant and ignorant FOOL! It was not the Da Fish Shack we lost, they can come back in operation elsewhere, but it is the old Caymanian buildings they destroyed that we care about. Lots of ppl liked Da Fish Shack located in the old Caymanian building, including me, and certainly we didn’t miss you and you were not any loss to us, either!
No reason why these buildings couldn’t be relocated and renovated. Cayman Islands is loosing all its historical value.
How do you move them when they were wider than the road. Only cockroaches holding hands kept the buildings upright. This will all be forgotten soon just as the destruction of Dr Roy’s house was allowed to happen. Now that house was worth preserving.
@12:37 yet over the past many years it was a thriving restaurant enjoyed by many and nothing fell on anyone..boy you can hear some $hit!
No reason except the cost of doing so and needing to effectively rebuild it as a home instead of a restaurant.
We could always commission a replica with National Trust funds, but by all means, try to find a reason to be outraged instead of a solution.
Hi Martha, they could not of been relocated unfortunately. They were too wide for the roads.
*could not have been
Ugly 1930’s houses/stores. No historic or other value. And you have many f them. But it still brings out the professional hand-wringers to criticise anything people do.
Troll! Good luck.
Anti logic! Get educated, then a job.
Developer bot activated
If they were your family buildings, like they are, sorry were, mine, you wouldn’t have that pathetic attitude.
I might be wrong, but doesn’t planning permission only last 2 years? If it’s not built within that time, don’t they have to re-apply?
I don’t completely understand how it was approved when they have met the high water mark point.
Also, having parking on another property just means that people will cross the road on the bend, after just passing the 101 pedestrian crosswalks in central GT. I have nothing against crosswalks, I honestly wish that people actually used them and didn’t cross wherever they chose to, but there is certainly an excessive amount.
Very sad to see it happen. I originally heard that the new building was going to be condos, so I’m a little sad to see that it’s just more retail and bars. At least with condos there may have been some options for housing.
Yes,you are wrong.
Planning permission is for 5 years during which time you must get a building permit. Once a permit us issued, planning permission is VESTED (as in forever). And a building permit can be extended by paying fees.
Ian Kirkham must resign his post now Cayman ! Enough is enough this foolishness needs to stop
and tail between his legs.
That will never happen as he is a friend & supporter of Minister Jay. You will just have to accept it and get over it because this is the new Cayman!
1.17pm I’m confused, what’s new about this?.
Kirkhams’s wife owns the land..
Geeze, it gets even worse!
Kirkham’s wife died a few months ago.
In no other civilized society with which I am familiar is such wanton disregard for a people’s history and culture sacrificed so callously on the altar of greed and avarice.
These buildings not only carried architectural and cultural currency but were also of great historical and anthropological value. To begin with , both were the homes of prominent Caymanians . Older generation Caymanians will remember one of these houses as being the home of the late Benny Bodden , one of the most expert sailmakers these islands have produced.
Having lived in another society where history and culture is appreciated ,I can say that such buildings would have been declared as historical artifacts ,never to be destroyed. As a m matter of fact these buildings would carry a plaque indicating as much . And while such a designation would not prevent the sale ,no alteration or gentrification not in keeping with the original design and construction trends of the era would be allowed.
As a Caymanian historian I lament the practice of severing our connection to the past through the destruction of these statements of our being. For if we as people do not know from whence we came ,how then can we know where we are going? Or,of equal importance , who should take us there?
It is no wonder our progeny have no idea of who they are as a people.
I have come to the frightening conclusion that there is a concerted attempt to obliterate us as a Caymanian people . There can be no more effective way of doing this than by removing any semblance of pride we may have in our history ,culture , architecture and achievements. I am afraid if something is not done soon to reverse this ‘conspiracy’, by the next generation Caymanians as a people of worth will be extinct.
Thank you, Mr. Bodden. Completely agree.
I disagree with Roy Boddens comments. I think if he was better informed about how the modern building industry works he would understand what happened here and why it’s not the fault of the developer but actually that of CIG and the national trust for not pushing CIG for a more developed planning law. The current one is weak and minimal. I don’t think the structures carried much architecture history, sure culture but not much architecture.
The powers that be just lost a great opportunity to create two very special tourist attractions? There are many people out there in the worl who would enjoy visiting and learning about the structures, Couldn’t government have acted on this. Surely they must have know that these two houses would be torn down. I remember going to Mr. Ainsley’s home to buy lemon and coconut pies from his wife. On one of my visits I was admiring the furnishings and all of the little rooms, she showed me around the house. There was unique dresser in th bathroom with a beautiful patterned ceramic basin and jug. I suppose all those antiques are long gone. Any responsible government should have had enough interest and foresight in the Cayman of now and the Cayman of yesteryear to have been involved in the preservation of our old Cayman homes and history. Not just these two but many others that have been destroyed over the years? A fund could have been set up many decades ago to spruce up and secure these houses wherever possible. Everything does not have to be new and shiny to have value. It is part of our history and should remain integral to our present and future! I cannot understand our people, why don’t they care about these things?. We do not have mountains. waterfalls; beautiful landscapes like some other Caribbean islands. SEven mile beach is hardly accessible to us, most of the trees and shrubs endemic to our Beloved Isles Cayman has been destroyed so every effort to preserve what little we do have is of paramount importance. Roy you are always about “things Cayman”, and our culture, you and others , have done so much research on our past; I can feel the disappointment and despair in your post. I am from your era and I feel the same way. What are we to do? I have passed on my knowledge and things I remember of our past to my children, especially my daughter, who is a historian and very much involve in our cultura. Apart from that I guess there is very little more I csn do. What will our grandchildren and future generations think of us, of this wonton destruction.? .Not much I guess. How long before they tear the Botanic Park?
After reading the article I understand that there is no law to protect Cayman’s built heritage and because of this we shouldn’t blame the developers. Rather, Cayman should work in concert to protect old buildings through law if we want to as an island. Sadly, I don’t think the island or government cares enough to do anything about it.
CIG and Caymanians have to take much of the blame for not understanding and protecting their built environment.
Mr Bodden. To imply that someone or some group is trying to “obliterate” Caymanians or their culture is disingenuous. If you dig a little deeper you may well find that most of this type of activity is being carried out by TBC’s. Remember Royal Palms beach was never for sale at any price only to then be sold! To a developer.
I do respect your opinion. Just think this one is a little off base.
Oh but Caymanians are allowing it to go on!
Spot on!!! I can still hear Uncle Benny yelling, “Vallee, bring the handibillie!” as they stretched the sails. Many times, as a child, I tagged along with my father who would sometimes go to help them. I sat on the iron shore behind Uncle Ainsley’s house, watching them (and the waves) meanwhile eating a generous piece of Aunt Louise’s coconut cream pie. Precious memories!
There is no reason why those two buildings could not have been renovated, restored, repurposed, or even carefully relocated, but leave our built heritage visible.
When will someone in Government have the vision to create and enforce laws in Cayman to protect old buildings? Why don’t our “Planners” have a planning vision to uphold OUR architectural heritage? Why do they seem hell-bent to allow destruction of everything from the past? This area is all part of the George Town Revitalization Plan which states the Plan hopes to achieve “preservation and renewal of historic buildings and landscapes”.
We do not want to look like a replica of another country. We are UNIQUE and the reason visitors love these islands. Stop allowing greed to destroy us!
I do understand that this planning application was supported by the George town revitalization committee at the time. It’s not right to blame the landowners when they have done nothing wrong.
I could not agree more.
Mr Roy,
How about making the developers national heroes, the precedent has already been set with the destruction of the Old Fort on “Harbour” Drive.
I was with you Mr Roy , until you said there is a plot afoot to obliterate Caymanians.
You are obviously ignoring the fact that all theses buildings were sold by Caymanians, and certainly in this case, to Caymanians.
Such a pity that the chip on your shoulder dilutes your well intentioned commentary.
Your words are prescient, and I agree, but you fail to mention that this is Caymanians failing Caymanians. Far too often we blame expats, Jamaicans, needed foreign workers; and remain SILENT of what Caymanians are doing to OUR own country. Our electorate continually votes in the most corrupt officials as ministers. We have no one else to blame than who we see in the mirror.
Mr Bodden, you want to make a change… Help to educate the electorate, help to get better candidates. None of your words will mean much if these do not change.
But Roy you were one who had a front row opportunity to make such preservation changes. Remember. You were a member of several governments. I do not recall any such efforts.
Caymanians have destroyed their own Islands.
Pompous, arrogant and entitled and of course they knocked the old homes down when few people were around to see or complain. I am sure someone would have tried to move the houses to a piece of vacant land. Just greedy and soulless. They care about dollars not Cayman.
I have been in and assessed both of those buildings and can tell you right now, due to the amount of renovations, storm damage and rot over the years, only about 15 percent of the both buildings is original (and that is being generous). The rest has been rebuilt/replaced piece by piece as was needed over the years, mostly in the last decade or two.
The houses of Theseus
don’t bring facts and reasoning into this discussion!!!
Facts are exactly what needs to be brought to this discussion
This is not just about nuts and bolts. You don’t seem to get it.
No, you just don’t get it. You are like Trigger from Only Fools and Horses. He changed the head of a broom 14 times and the handle 6 times and still thought it was the same broom. The buildings were not original or preserved.
Well, if government had take interest in them decades ago, maintained them properly they probably couolc have been saved. Even homes of brick and mortar need repairs over time? No one is saying that the wood shouldn’t have been repaired. The could have been move to a less exposed environment and for e.g. Repair with Cayman mahogany and ironwood. Anything would have been better than nothing! Miss Lassis’s house is on the water, has been repaired and still standing strong.
Well, if government had take interest in them decades ago, maintained them properly they probably couolc have been saved. Even homes of brick and mortar need repairs over time? No one is saying that the wood shouldn’t have been repaired. The could have been move to a less exposed environment and for e.g. Repair with Cayman mahogany and ironwood. Anything would have been better than nothing! Miss Lassis’s house is on the water, has been repaired and still standing strong.
Who cares about your opinion Georgie – especially when it is a perfect example of – ME ME ME
Well I certainly did
GREED – MONEY – GREED……….developers, on occasion Caymanian developers, who couldn’t give a tuppeny toss about emblems of historic Cayman couldn’t care less. If there is a protection order for the Post Office and Town Hall it would be the only thing preventing them from demolition and development – maybe with twin 10 storey tower blocks……………
Caymanians kiss your island goodbye…..too late to close the stable door – the horse is already down the street and disappearing around the corner.
This is unconscionable and an absolute disgrace. To not even relocate the homes? Shame on all involved.
To me it’s a preservation of the site as well as the structures.
The establishments left available to sit for dining or having cocktails is quickly diminishing and being replaced by higher end restaurants and bars that not everyone can afford.
We are being out priced in our country. More and more our country is not for the ‘regular man’.
For several years I’ve been warning and preaching about this in the vacuum that represents complacent Caymanians, many of which feel there is nothing they can do to prevent this. We all know the biggest culprit but he is NOT the only one. Our own brethren are a part of this too. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Money hungry.
Greediness choked puppies.
…and killing our heritage and destroying our identity as Caymanians. This greed needs to hurry and “choke the puppies” so we are not a concrete jungle and we can only know or see anything of our past in pictures on display or in a book!! I am so sadden and angered by this blatant disregard for our monuments and historical buildings. I just can’t believe this was done to these old buildings, older than most of us and represents ties to our past. And to just dump the shiplap and ironwood in the landfill. I for one would have gladly came and collected some of it to restore and reuse it in some project. This is a total disgrace!!! Where is our Premier, in charge of Sustainability and Environment? Could/should he not be concerned and active with preservation of our old historical buildings as well. Guess not, the money must come in and to heck with our Caymanian history…we as a people almost done anyway. O Almighty God, help us please, I pray!
Why is Ian Kirkham on the National Trust board? Seems there are a lot of people on that board with self interest being the guiding factor. Do they all even live in Cayman?
Good question. I asked multiple National Trust Council Members if he had ever mentioned his involvement in this project and I was told he never mentioned it. The past two years has seen the poorest of poor leadership in a very long time. There are a lot of people on the NT Council (and up for nomination again) that should be removed permanently but it will take National Trust members with guts, love, and a deep passion for this island to demand a new Nomination list immediately. If you are a National Trust Member, be sure to attend the AGM or give your proxy to someone you trust to uphold the mandate of the Trust. Be careful. Be VERY careful who you vote for. I was appalled and horrified when I saw the list of nominees. Shameful and disgraceful!
Those homes were the homes of my extended family members and where I spent many wonderful childhood days. There is no reason why they could not have been renovated.
Are you passionate enough to be a National Trust member?
I am a lifetime member. And I also served on Council for many years. It sickens me to see how low the leaders allowed the Trust to drop. Truly sickening.
The National Trust has been in disarray for much more than the last two years.
A completely opaque nominations committee system.
Authoritarianism. Cronyism. Self-interests.The list goes on.
Travesty
Very sad this is happening… such a shame. Could have been relocated and saved. Cayman doesn’t have much culture as it is.
We can always trust our planning to do the WRONG THING 😡😡
Such contempt should be met with charges and prison sentences. Developer aggression with Environmental, Planning and Cultural Law violations won’t end until those involved and underwriting, are put in jail with their type of people.
Are you crazy?! they had permission for the demolition. How are you going to say they should go to jail? for breaking what law exactly?
The CPA permission is described as having been conditional on an application indicating that the two historic buildings, both registered with the National Trust on their website, would be relocated. Ian Kirkham, one of the representatives for the developer, is also a member of the National Trust Council. He does not have the authority to abuse his position by having a meddling hand in waiving any requirements for the developer. Hoping that 6 years is enough time for people to forget, doesn’t get you off the hook. National Trust should expel him from the Council for starters. Planning has a Development Enforcement Division (though, we’d be forgiven for not knowing that). Complaints can be filed here: https://www.planning.ky/code-compliance/
What you are saying is factually incorrect. You should read the conditions of the planning approval which is a fact and the opposite of what you state. Shame on you.
Gah. People like you get the rest of us defending developers when you go so counter-factual.
a) Moving the buildings was not a planning requirement. (And CNS did not say it was.)
b) The National Trust don’t enforce Planning rules, or developer promises that they will move old buildings.
Please put your energy into actually trying to affect change rather than just shouting nonsense. Step 1 – talk to your MLA, directly and in person, and ask them to bring a private members motion (even if they are a PACT member) for the development plan to be reviewed in public in 2026 (that makes it apolitical).
Are you crazy! As a Caymanian we have seen many sites disappear in the night. Does anyone have a pride in where we came from. Money 💰 isn’t everything! Culture is much more important than 💸 flying out of our hands. What type of society are we living in.
I think there is a very easy way to show these developers what we think of them. Boycott any future shops or restaurants on this land- you have been warned
Unfortunately this does very little, and is soon forgotten. Its like saying we should boycott using plastic utensils. People will still use them, and companies will still buy them because its cheaper. Its all in the governments hands to come up with the regulations and associated charges to make any meaningful difference.
IF WE WERE TO STOP SAYING “IT WOULDN’T MAKE ANY OR LITTLE DIFFERENCE”, BUT ACTUALLY TRIED DOING IT, AND SEE HOW MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD MAKE!! I am so tired of this negative mentality of “I’d rather don’t do anything because I say it won’t work” than to try something to see if it would help!! It’s no wonder our Islands are being destroyed right in front of our eyes and taken over by the greedy, powerful money-whores!
I think you are missing the point here. Stop wasting time and pretending that boycotting will make a difference and start pressuring the government (PACT) to put in laws and regulations that will protect buildings such as this for generations to come.
Are the two mutually exclusive? It’s possible to boycott (vote with your wallet) as well as keep elected officials informed with our wants.