PACT supports bid to start EWA without EIA
(CNS): A private member’s motion by McKeeva Bush MP (WBW) in parliament Thursday was accepted by the government in a unanimous vote that could see work start on the East-West Arterial extension immediately, even though the premier didn’t appear to support the proposal.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Jay Ebanks, who is responsible for roads, offered his backing to the motion, saying that an environmental impact assessment for the stretch of the proposed road between Hurst Road and Lookout Gardens wasn’t needed.
Less than 24 hours after Premier Wayne Panton had, in his Strategic Policy Statement, talked about the importance of government doing projects the right way, it appears his PACT colleagues are willing to risk building a significant part of the road without understanding the impact it could have on flooding and other environmental issues on the surrounding area.
While the motion does not propose cancelling the entire EIA, it calls for the government to start the road right away from Hurst Road in Newlands through to Lookout Gardens in Bodden Town without the critical EIA, which will be the focus of the final phase of the road through to Frank Sound only.
During the contentious debate, Panton said he didn’t have a problem with the motion because the historical “kicking the can down the road” on this issue had led to understandable frustrations on the part of the people suffering in traffic.
But clearly caught between a political rock and a hard place, and facing a stand against him by his own PACT MPs on both the front and back benches, Panton indicated that he was only willing to push the civil servants who, he implied, had been dragging their feet on the EIA.
But he did not say he was willing to stop the process, despite voting in favour of Bush’s motion asking for the government to do just that for the next phase of the road through Savannah and Lower Valley. The premier said that he had been told by the National Conservation Council (NCC) that the EIA was necessary for the full road.
Government can and does accept motions all the time without acting on them, given they can only ever ask any government to consider a proposition rather than compel it to actually do what is proposed. But the vote to accept this motion has enormous symbolism. Several members of the front bench offered their wholehearted support to the proposal, especially Ebanks, Labour Minister Dwayne Seymour and Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan, who all want to see the road start now.
Bryan said he was not going to allow the motion to be ignored, and he would be driving this forward. The government had to override the National Conservation Council because all residents east of George Town wanted the road done immediately, he said. Voters should call their representatives to tell them they want the road now, and if they don’t get it, then they “know what they gotta do”, he added.
Although this stretch of the road doesn’t go through the Central Mangrove Wetlands, that unique environmental habitat is a basin and an interconnected system that will be impacted by development. Given the sensitivity of the route, experts have previously told CNS that this highway cannot be “sliced and diced”, and the need for an EIA ahead of the entire project is based on the need to understand the broad impacts along its full length.
This stretch also passes through the Savannah Gully and the Lower Valley water lens. Constructing a road without understanding its full impact is likely to lead to some major problems relating to potential flooding. Expert assessments have already indicated this highway could prove extremely problematic and will require substantial and costly mitigation.
In his response to the motion, which was originally proposed by Seymour before he was promoted to Cabinet, the planning minister said he was offering his “full support to this motion”, which asks for the road to commence immediately without an EIA.
Ebank said it was about improving the quality of life by reducing commute times and letting people have the extra hour in bed. He said there was no need for an EIA as the NRA knew what it needed to know about this stretch, and there were no mangroves along the way.
The minister railed against the National Conservation Council Board and said it should not have the right to block the government from getting a road done and that if necessary, the law needed to be changed.
The requirement for EIAs for projects such as this was part of the National Conservation Law, a hard-fought piece of legislation passed by Ebanks’ boss, Wayne Panton, when he was environment minister. But Ebanks said it was “not a perfect law” because the NCC should not be allowed to block the “highest people in the land”.
Ebanks, despite being a Cabinet member with collective responsibility on policy, said he was an independent member and was “no yes man”.
“I am not a PACT member, I am a member of the PACT Government,” Ebanks said in defiance of the premier’s policy position on the need for an EIA for the entire length of the road. But Ebanks said that if others did not want to work with him anymore, he did not have to hitch a lift as his car was parked right outside.
Although the premier accepted the motion, it was evident he was not in support of its basic premise. The debate also exposed a huge gap between some members of Cabinet and Panton’s science-based position and commitment to execute projects properly to avoid the ‘ready, fire, aim’ approach to past projects that have had terrible environmental consequences.
The premier reminded his colleagues that nature does not need us but that we need nature, but nevertheless led the vote in support of the motion, which, if adopted, would place homes, the community and the natural environment at serious risk.
See the proceedings on CIGTV below:
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Category: development, Local News
Average IQ of these guys probably struggles to get into double digits.
Start more roads but no end date of completion of what’s already started when will all this madness come to a end
There seems to be no accountability on completing all the present projects and the cost of finishing these roads
You know who pays for all this we do we are trusting these idiots in power with millions of our dollars that we pay into government by they high levels of duty we pay on everything these are in effect tax payers dollars
I see some very hard days ahead
Generally, we are not a very bright people.
Fellow voters: If we disagree with what is going on, we need to take a stand NOW. If we wait it’ll be too late. Peaceful protest is our right, to protect our islands is our duty and elected representatives will only capitulate when they see resistance at grass root level.
Courtesy of AI
To develop a more detailed framework for political reforms in the Cayman Islands, I will elaborate on each of the aforementioned criteria and provide specific recommendations:
Transparency:
a. Implement open data policies for government information and financial records, making them accessible to the public.
b. Require elected officials to disclose their financial interests, campaign contributions, and potential conflicts of interest.
c. Establish clear communication channels between elected officials and their constituents, including regular updates on government activities and initiatives.
Accountability:
a. Create an independent ethics commission to investigate allegations of misconduct and enforce penalties when necessary.
b. Establish performance benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs) for government ministries to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
c. Introduce whistleblower protection laws to encourage individuals to report corruption and other unethical practices without fear of retaliation.
Meritocracy:
a. Implement a standardized vetting process for political candidates, which includes assessing their qualifications, experience, and suitability for public office.
b. Assign ministries based on candidates’ expertise and experience, with a focus on matching individuals to roles where they can make the greatest impact.
c. Encourage ongoing professional development and training for elected officials to ensure they remain informed and up-to-date on relevant issues.
Public Participation:
a. Organize regular town hall meetings and public forums to solicit input from citizens on policy decisions and government initiatives.
b. Develop online platforms for public feedback and consultation, making it easier for citizens to voice their concerns and engage with elected officials.
c. Foster partnerships with civil society organizations and advocacy groups to promote civic engagement and ensure diverse perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
Inclusiveness:
a. Provide financial support and training programs for underrepresented groups to encourage their participation in the political process.
b. Develop policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and diversity in political representation.
c. Implement measures to reduce barriers to entry for political candidates from diverse backgrounds, such as campaign finance support and mentorship programs.
Integrity:
a. Strengthen anti-corruption laws and enforce strict penalties for those found guilty of corruption or other unethical practices.
b. Require elected officials to adhere to a code of conduct that outlines ethical standards and expected behavior.
c. Implement comprehensive campaign finance regulations to limit the influence of money in politics and promote transparency in the electoral process.
Adaptability:
a. Establish a system for regular review and evaluation of political reforms to ensure they remain effective and responsive to changing societal needs.
b. Encourage cross-party collaboration on key issues, fostering a more cooperative and adaptive political environment.
c. Implement policies that support innovation and forward-thinking approaches to addressing complex challenges, such as climate change, technological advancements, and socioeconomic disparities.
By focusing on these detailed recommendations, the Cayman Islands can develop a comprehensive framework for political reforms that will lead to a more transparent, accountable, merit-based, participatory, inclusive, ethical, and adaptable political system.
If candidates aren’t supporting reforms like this come next campaign cycle they shouldnt even bother campaign much less be be voted in. Press your representatives. Let them know it’s a wrap for this adhoc clown show.
Dream on, brother! We don’t have the right people for much of what is needed………..
Considering the average intellect of Jay, Jon Jon, Kenneth, Sabrina, and most of PACT, it makes eminent sense to not do an EIA for anything. It stands to reason that nobody knows what the IMPACT will be until AFTER it has been done. That’s the PACT logic that Wayne has to grin and bear while pretending that he is the Premier.
Why bother with a conservation council that ‘the highest people in the land’ can override. This is a controversial as the dock, but there is to be no referendum, because it doesn’t suit the ‘highest people in the land’. Minister Bryan says everyone East of George Town wants it. Do they Mr Bryan do they? Have you spoken to each and every one? I suspect that what people really want is less congestion and to get to work in reasonable time. The experts employed have said the road will not help, but the ‘highest people in the land’ seem to know something they don’t. There are other much cheaper solutions like a transport system, work from home, bike lanes, staggered working hours etc, but the ‘highest people in the land’ do not appear to drive these cheaper solutions, but instead opt for the most expensive, paid from the public purse. I do believe if we administer an IQ test many of the ‘highest people in the land’ will score poorly and may even qualify for assistance!
What I want to know is where are the protesters with the brass to stand up to the obvious corruption and destruction of this beloved island?! These uneducated, power thumping thugs are only interested in pleasing their handlers with total disregard for the negative impact their actions will have. Greed and lawlessness is ruling and we the people must come together in opposition. Let us unite and take a stand! Will someone with experience in organizing protests please come forward and help us? We need someone to get a referendum started asap. Let us unite and do this please!
To 6:47am: Create a post in any of the Cayman pages inviting people to gather at Heroes Square on a Saturday afternoon. The biggest challenge is getting people to understand that giving up one hour out of their weekend to protest is not a waste a time but rather, an investment in their and their children’s future. ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight!
I’m with you. MR. 6:47 am. It is disgusting to see supposedly intelligent people trying to change the road planning and get benefits in their favor, and ignore the people and what is best for Caymanians! Do those dipshits think they are smarter than everyone else? Doesn’t anyone care?
Make no mistake about Mac is Premier and Master of the puppets we have as Ministers. Jay is his pupil, Kenneth is his clown, John John the worshipper, JuJu his sidekick and Andre is just the puppet on a string. Now, all Mac has to say jump and they’ll do as he says,and there’s nothing poor Wayne can do about it. We’ve elected useless, selfish and poorly qualified people to run our country and time to change the system. The road will be built because there’s lots of cash involved and our “greedy boys club” need more cash & power, Dart, AL T and Joe Imparato are laughing to the Bank.
You have it all there for everyone to see, Mr. Kman. Please take a few minutes to advise us as to what path to take to get rid of the creeps that are destroying our islands. Have you ever thought about cleaning up our so-called Leadership? The Cayman Islands could be one of the greatest places on earth to live.
Yes, yes, yes…”follow the money” #LookoutHoldings
With this level of ineptitude in our representatives, i wonder how long before we experience an exodus of intelligence from these coral outcrops. The future of this place is really starting to look grim. At this point we’d probably be better off replacing the majority of caymans politicians with chatbots. BoddentownmlaGPT would not stand for this goofy shit.
Let’s ask it.
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions or preferences. However, I can provide you with general guidance based on best practices and expert recommendations.
In general, it is not recommended to skip an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for major infrastructure projects. The EIA process is essential for several reasons:
Identifying and mitigating potential environmental impacts: An EIA helps to identify and assess potential environmental consequences of a project, allowing developers and regulators to address these concerns before construction begins.
Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations: Conducting an EIA ensures that the project complies with relevant environmental laws and regulations, helping to avoid legal challenges, fines, or penalties.
Promoting sustainable development: The EIA process encourages the consideration of long-term environmental impacts and promotes sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Engaging stakeholders and the public: An EIA allows for public participation and engagement, ensuring that the concerns of affected communities and stakeholders are considered and addressed.
Improving project design and implementation: The EIA process can lead to better project designs that minimize environmental impacts, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of the project.
Skipping an EIA could result in significant negative consequences for the environment, local communities, and the credibility of the decision-making process. It is generally advisable to follow established procedures and conduct a thorough EIA for major infrastructure projects to promote sustainable development and protect the environment for future generations.
People are worried that ai will be more intelligent than people in the future but it’s clear that it’s already magnitudes more intelligent than most of caymans MLAs.
I commend our politicians for standing up for the regular people of cayman the environmental lobby is very powerful and the fact is majority of them are not even caymanians and have hidden agendas.
I am Caymanian and I completely support the Premier and the need for an EIA!
Good for you. Unfortunate that his own cabinet does not. Hell, he even voted against it himself.
Lol you support the EIA and the Premier but he went ahead and voted to abandon it! Do you see the problem ? It’s Weeenie
Let’s hope you are still commending the ‘highest people in the land’ when you are still stuck in traffic or waist high in flood water.
obvious troll 😄
One need not be an environmentalist to have common sense.
Has Jay appointed a new NRA board? Chairman ? or have we done away with the NRA now? They are just another govt department!
Looks like it is indirectly managed by a past politician/past employee. Watch for new chair to be another past politician with close ties.
The average caymanian wants this road to be built as soon as possible. This motion calls for the phase to Lookout gardens to be started immediately as it is the less environmentally sensitive area. But the fact is the environmental lobby who all live in south sound and west bay road do not want this road to go thru regardless of what the EIA says in the end.
What’s their solution for the regular person who lives in the eastern districts “ public transport” LOL you honestly think independent people going start to park their cars and take public transport everywhere as a solution to traffic? You clearly have no idea who Caymanians are and how much pride they hold. This our island if anybody going to be limited to public transport it should be foreigners. Everybody advocating for this road not to be built please start parking and selling your cars from now but you see that’s not going to happen the only people they want to not have their own personal cars are the stupid little monkey locals who should be packed in buses every morning and every evening.
we can’t assume most Caymanians share this view without some kind of poll. It’s presumptuous. In fact, the comments section shows different perspectives. We have to think about the long-term effects of projects like the proposed road, and the EIA is crucial to ensure it’s done responsibly and sustainably.
Don’t dismiss public transport as a solution to traffic problems. A well-designed and efficient public transportation system can benefit everyone, including proud and independent Caymanians. If you feel that average caymanians value having a car over having local access to fresh water then maybe we have to raise the average, terectly.
The CNS comment section does not dictate policy for the government and the people of the Cayman Islands! Let’s be real now how many of you commenting can even vote ? See the problem now we allow you people to come here and then y’all want to start dictating to us how we should run our own affairs.
I do value having my own car like I have done for the past 20 years and will not be parking it to go on a bus what part of that don’t you understand ? Talking sh*t about local access to “fresh water” try go somewhere else with that condescending attitude take it to your children.
Like I said the majority of “ REAL CAYMANIANS” want this road okay end of story every government campaigned on getting this road done no more need for debate or referendum. We voted for it already. According to your logic every caymanian living in the eastern districts should park their cars and hop on a bus so we can continue to have access to fresh water. So will the people of town, south sound and west bay park their cars to ensure access to fresh water. I can almost guarantee you don’t live up this side.
Youre presumptuous and I’m not quite sure how to respond to people that debate from emotions and ignore fact.
I’ma caymanian. And I didn’t say CNS dictates policy, i said there are different views being shared here. I said that you don’t know what the average caymanian thinks because there have been no polls. the fact that you think that you somehow magically know what the majority of “real caymanians” think tells me that you lack the communication skills to actually have a debate on this. You can carry on all you want but you sound unintelligent. Try so calm down before u buss a brain cell. Bout condescending… Trust me yute, you nuh ready.
Have a good day.
Yeah typical once I don’t agree with you I’m “ unintelligent” let me tell you the facts majority of voters voted for this road in the last election. Maybe you only follow politics when’s its popular to do so. But I’m here to tell you every politician for the eastern districts campaigned on finishing this road.
So why would we need to do a poll just to waste more time and kick the can down the road right? And please don’t bother start bout “ yute ” you know me awa ? I’ll sign my name if you want me to I can guarantee you won’t have that same energy in real life.
Unintelligent yute signing off 🤣 PS until you pay your mortgage off and have other property in your name free and clear from the bank don’t come for me alright I ain’t yah typical caymanian.
#stayready 🤣🤣
That Caymanian education shining through
Cayman securing its status as a Banana Republic.
Elections Time! Let’s go, I am sick and tired of the PACT pariahs! Wayne is not a bad leader (although naive at times), he just has the worst group in the World to lead. Return the power to the people Mr. Premier, so that we can choose a better team.
um… better team… Houston we have a problem….
Wayne, please pull the plug. Cut them loose. Resign and work on finding a better group to work with. Call an election.
this is bat sh*t crazy. building that section of road will do nothing for traffic. it will help those elected officals pushing the agenda make good on their promises to those who will benefit including them selves.
this needs to stop.
Based on the quality of our current minister of education, i lack confidence that we will be transitioning from self serving clowns to educated professionals representing us any time soon. We need higher standards, collectively, if we want a better quality of life.
cayman this is what we elected.
short sighted politicians who really don’t understand what they are doing. I suspect we will be creating another randyke Gardens when the road is built without an EIA.
shame shame on every politician who voted for this motion.
talk about buyers remorse.
I hear a new political party is coming out with some sensible people. I hope its true. cause this experiment has been an absolute flop.
Who says they are sensible? And are you qualified to deal with sensible people? Personally I think you’re blowing smoke!
Truthfully, I would LOVE to see some of those “sensible” people in charge…… Is it possible?
Fact
Parliament just voted to build a road through our wetlands without an EIA.
where is the outrage from those you say they support Good governance.
will they go on Sterling talk show or CMR and tell the public what a disaster this could be for our people.
or will they be selective of the battles they fight. if they do, they are just as bad as the persons they won’t criticise. they are part of the problem.
If you read the terms of reference for the EWA you would know Section 2 (Woodland To Lookout Gardens) will only cut thru a small section of the southern tip of the central mangrove wetlands. This section of the road will have minimal impact on the environment please read before making untrue statements as if they are facts. This section can also be done on concrete pillars similar to the Florida keys overseas highway. it will cost more but that will be more environmentally friendly than the traditional method of road construction where we dig to bedrock and bring up the grade level with quarry material.
https://www.caymanroads.com/upload/files/4/642dc1045e351.pdf
CMR wont stand for anyone saying anything bad about Wayne, you know that !
Magic 8 Ball says “Very Doubtful”
If they cared at all about people living East they would have finished the third lane past Lions Centre by now.
And fixed Hurleys bottleneck years ago…
Let’s see who owns the land through which this road will run. As ever, follow the money.
Well, “we” know the Beneficial Owner(s) is not the registered owner on the Land Registry/(aka Developer). However, it is notably interestering to see the Lookout Gardens Subdivision roads touting ‘His’ name (ie Harvey Stephenson Drive), ‘His’ in-laws names (ie Verniece Bodden Drive), ‘His’ family associates names (ie Tiverton, Drive, Dunbar Street, Leroy Frederick Drive), Quebec Lane, Passion Circle, Calabash Lane, etc.🤔
RSW Sr.[RIP🪦] must be rolling in his grave where his multi-milliin$$$ Estate(s) is concerned.
…and, the Bodden Town By-Pass named after his father-in-law, “Anton Bodden By-Pass” 😂😂😂
Mr. Harvey Hugh Stephenson (alleged Owner/Developer) of Lookout Holdings (Cayman) Ltd., according to Official Government Land & Company Registries🤔
Time for an election.
Had one when i woke up this morning
How’s the weather in China?
Can we have a Delection?
Almost certainly unlawful and unconstitutional in all the circumstances. Referendum please, and Judicial Review in the interim.
I’m not content to live my life day to day in traffic because I am trembling in fear about a possible once or twice in a lifetime flood that may or may not happen regardless of the road.
Build the road.
Why, if it won’t alleviate traffic. Answer that!
Until it hits you!
Severe flooding occurs annually in low lying areas with poor infrastructure, you clearly just don’t care.
Severe flooding occurs annually in low lying areas with homes flooded out. You obviously are too privileged to care.
The new road won’t do anything. the issue is that the roads are slammed all at once between 7 am – 9 am going west and 415 pm – 630 pm going east. the proper way to solve the traffic issue is staggered public service work hours, private school busses and a proper public bus system. there is nothing wrong with the current roads themselves, its just how they are being used thats causing the problems.
Remote work now. Likely 30 to 50 % of CIG jobs could be done effectively and more efficiently remote. Same for financial services. Make staff work remote 2-3 days per week and watch the traffic woes improve immediately
Lol “work”.
Another Caymanian education system success story
Never possible to predict the future but highly likely this will be a long term disaster for the islands. I feel genuinely sad for the younger generations of Caymanians that will grow up in a concrete sprawl. Their birthrate to live in a beautiful, peaceful nation is being sold out before their very eyes. As other have so rightly pointed out this is not about giving people an extra hour on bed, it’s about enriching those already rich and co-opting power away from the people into the hands of a corrupt, ill educated elite. Shameful.
Not a nation!
And yet… the government doing this is composed entirely of multi generational Caymanians, elected by Caymanians. Any suggestion that the vote should be extended to permanent residents or electoral candidacy to status holders who may be more interested in protecting the future of the country that they committed years of effort to try and join are greeted with cries of horror and fear that they will what – actually take the future well being of our islands where they opted to live into account rather than focus on the next $? I’ll cry a river for the future genera when I see the current ones stop voting for these self interested, short sighted and downright morally bankrupt rogues.
The highest people in the land are your children and their children who deserve the opportunity to enjoy the natural history of the island they are entitled to and instead are being ignored and their inheritance is being sold off for one time deals that they will never get back. This is a humanitarian crisis in addition to an environmental one.
This is good news for family members who could use a few truckloads of that nice red mole that has to be removed because it is no good as a road substrate.
This bit is terrifying and tells you all you need to know about the personalities of the people in Parliament:
“But Ebanks said it was “not a perfect law” because the NCC should not be allowed to block the “highest people in the land”.”
The power has gone to their heads and they genuinely believe they are kings and rulers, when in fact they are elected representatives whose primary goal should be to serve the people, not rule as dictators!
Agreed. No different to the tin pot rulers of some African countries.
or other countries!
Yes, but at some point someone needs to make a decision. There are people for and against this, but someone needs to balance the considerations and decide.
Then do the EIA !!! It’s purpose is to inform the decision.
You think the results change anything? Ha ha. New here?
True – but that decision needs to be made based on all the important factors, including environmental and practical (such as the possibility of the road simply making the bottleneck at Hurley’s worse). We don’t hasty decisions leading to horrible consequences like what is happening at the Marriott!
MLAs, or whatever they are now called, are Cayman’s celebrity rock stars. Allowed to misbehave with impunity and abuse social norms that the rest of us willingly accept and conform to. Normal human beings don’t need a special Code of Ethics to tell them how to behave in a lawful and civilised manner.
Rock stars are the ‘highest’ compared to these ’empty vessels’
I did a quick check through the comments and I don’t see an overwhelming support for the project the way the Ministers are claiming.
I agree with the Premier: “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
We should await the Environmental Impact Study. Better safe than sorry.
Kind of like he did when forming his government.
Overwhelming support from the illiterate perhaps.
Sorry for you that the comment section on CNS does not dictate decisions for the local people of Cayman. The locals want this road… every person that sit in traffic every morning and every evening want this road to be built along with over solutions. No we don’t want to be stuffed into buses like good little monkeys locals.
what so some consultant can come from overseas,write a report,charge 200k for doing so,that states that this piece of mosquito infested swamp is Vitaly important for the survival of mankind and the sky is falling if something as a leaf on a tree is touched,oh an let’s not forget all of the made up endangered species that those conceated individuals would have you belive live there ,when the only reason they want it not to go ahead is that cousin Marge has some landlocked swamp that will actually become worth something, and we can’t have that now cam we.crabs in a barrel spiteful asses.
all this whilst completely ignoring 1 the traffic problem is caused by an open door policy on immigration.
2 unregulated vehicle importation.
3 a public transport system that’s no longer fit for purpose, mostly due to #1.
the traffic problem wouldn’t exit if the population had been controlled in a way to allow a proper infrastructure development with some forward thinking.the lack of forward thinking has always been the problem in cayman as every government only looks once in power to undo the policy of the previous administration, this is the first 18 mths,then they start looking at the next election,so they then start addressing what should have been priority a decade previously.its a total shit show and anybody with a memory knows.
the politicians putting this forward are only looking votes at the next election,nothing more.
yes the road is very much needed but the need to address the other causes of the problems to.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely and precisely why an NCC should be able to ‘block the highest people in the land’.
“A private member’s motion by McKeeva Bush MP (WBW) in parliament Thursday was accepted by the government in a unanimous vote….”
That ALSO tells me all I need to know. I guess where money is concerned, they can all find something they can agree upon.
10:44 am. Minister Ebanks is absolutely correct. The National Conservation Act and its National Conservation Council do NOT have the authority to direct Cabinet. I suppose Cabinet members couldn’t (or wouldn’t) stop the NCC madness at the Cabinet level so they went straight to Parliament….good move!
I don’t understand how this is going to solve anything. There are massive developments near the Hurley’s roundabout that will only increase traffic. This is not a solution.
Could someone let me sign the petition against this?
Spoiler alert: It will solve nothing.
EE: Me too. #fixhurleysfirst
I am shook to learn that this was the chosen solution when investing in public transportation and school busses for ALL kids would be so much cheaper, more attainable, and better for the environment.
Have we already forgotten the lack of traffic on the roads during school holidays, even at peak hours, at major bottleneck points!?
Welcome to the Caymans
Welcome to the what now? Stay in the U.S of A.
You are the reason we can’t have nice things.
People tend to beileve that each child in Cayman is driven to school. Not saying that traffic isn’t better when school is out but please know SO ARE MANY PARENTS. Parents tend to take off on school holidays to spend time with kids, vacation or simply because they cant afford child care while school is closed so they too are not commuting to work. School buses for all will help but the insinuation that traffic will be consistently improved by this adjustment is not accurate. Especially as the population and development increases.
“The Caymans” ??!!
I am shook, shook I tell you.!
The Cayman Islands are a complete mess lead by corrupt, inept, self-serving, ill-educated donkeys.
I couldn’t agree more. Last evening I tuned in to the debate when Wayne was speaking about the “Everglades in Florida and not wanting children to have to sleep in their cars among other ramblings. I assumed he was talking about the EWA but he was all over the place. I understood that he was arguing against the road with half of his mouth while supporting it with the other half. Unfortunately I didn’t watch to the end because they took supper break and I fell asleep, however I was thinking that he would not support whatever it was he was rambling about. Guess I thought wrong. It is sad for Cayman that he has to get on TV and push back against his own members which he hand picked. Shouldn’t all of this be discussed in Cabinet until they come to a concensus instead of airing their dirty laundry in public. The Premier should ask the Governor to desolve parliament and call a new election. This PACK is not fit for purpose.
Better to air their dirty laundry…keep airing!
Do not insult donkeys, they are smart!
Paving All Cayman’s Terrain. The clue was in the name they chose.
PACT is a desperate and disparate clutch of rabble cobbled together for the purpose of unseating the PPM. That aim was good in principle, but unfortunately the mix of aggregate turned out to be bad. The foundation is unstable, badly engineered and guaranteed to crack into pieces. And, in the interim, the off gassing is dangerous and toxic.
Bit like the Dump!
“The evil that men do lives long after them”. Bill says it all, as usual.
This motion was daft. This guy stood up there and said they have 15K living in WB with lots more development coming and they are going to have to fix the traffic problem coming. He went on to congratulate himself explaining how he got WB a second arterial by giving up the public beach to Dart! How does that be an argument for doing the same for the Eastern districts when there is no socio-economic study being done. Government of idiots.
Certainly was. However the Premier could only blame the national conservation board. I hope they read CNS. He rambled around the edges of everything he possibly could but His Beloved conservation board that he help create which helped him get elected the first time has to carry the blame. I believe many voted for him back then because folks believed that he really cared. Just like we thought he really about ” she is supported” rallying cry. Don’t be fooled again, he is faking,
Jay do us all a favor and get in your car and leave since you don’t have to hitch a ride!
You claim you are not a yes man but it would appear that you are a yes man to McKeeva!
You feel that you are above the National Conservation Council due to your position as a Minister that they shouldn’t be allowed to “block the highest people in the land”?
Seriously??? You think you have all the answers?
It has been rumored that you did not even finish high school that is evident by your comments.
Your speech comes across as self centered and arrogant.
You may say that you are not PACT but you have collectively responsibility. Look that meaning up or get someone to read it for you.
Why the reason that certain members is meeting at top hotels with developers. Let’s not be fooled with this “one more hour sleep” folks. These are politicians we are dealing with. For once, let’s listen to the premier.
Jr
Developers meeting with politicians at the “top” floor of a hotel 🤣🤣 sounds like a bad plot from a movie. All jokes aside they don’t even be hiding like that. This is how it works who do you think they get their money from for their political campaigns ? It’s not little Sarah or Jim making $3000 a month. Big business run politics just like how it is done everywhere else in the world. Stop being naive thinking this is some perfect Utopia deals have to be made to move the country forward it’s that simple nothing nefarious going on. If the road goes thru we will have access to affordable land and low cost homes that’s going to benefit caymanians. The minimum cost for a house lot currently is $150,000 the minimum cost to fill that house lot will cost you another 50 to 75k depending on how swampy the land is. Before you build the house you’re already 200k plus in the hole without a foundation down. The cheapest price to build per sq ft is around $250 for a decent contractor that won’t screw you over. Say you build a modest 1200 sq ft home you’re 500k plus in by the time you get your CO. Which average young caymanian making 2 to 3k per month will ever be approved for a mortgage of that amount especially if they have no other property in their names to use as collateral. This road is not only about traffic this is a strategic project of national importance and it needs to be done. Anything that benefits real caymanians y’all fight out against.
any comment mrs governor???
is this good goverenence?
It’s nothing to do with the Governor or the UK, 8:06. They are leaving us to run things ourselves just as we’ve been bitching about doing for at least the last 40 years. Why is it when We mess up we always like to blame the Governor or the British? Never our fault.
I blame mainly Trinis and Jamaicans, aided by some Canadians. It was their #worldclass expertise that was invited in to replace the roles formerly held by generally excellent British civil servants. Some are good, but too many are causing direct harm, and do not even recognize it.
It’s in your hands, you messed up, you fix it!
a road that will only increase traffic congestion at the usual pressure points.
from cig…the people who said building roads is not the the answer to traffic issues….yep, you are getting more roads.
any investment or new proposals on public transport????….nope.
welcome to wonderland…..cayman is a lost cause due to its inept politicians.
Inept, Inept, I am not so certain they grasp the notion of ineptitude, if only our dear politicians would suffer of the consequences of their actions or lack of accountability and utter disregard for the people, the law, and the public at large. Madam Governor only you can help at this stage, if you do not intervene I fear that all is list for our tiny country for all who live here .
Direct rule and deep reforms are IMHO the only option left lest we see things degrade further á la sauce Bahamas in the best case scenario and Haiti in the worst!
Already a lot of people outside the country are looking elsewhere for investment or relocation.
But but real estate prices in cayman are on the rise ? Well I have some news on that front by the way of the USAID sponsored study, the moment that reality shows, there is going to be a lot of variation and a sudden shift as the highest valued products lie in high risk zones, already most home insurance policies exclude coverage of the ground floor of canal situated homes and this won’t improve in the future.
Our dear CIG lives disconnected from reality and our governance under PACT or PPM it has become a three ring circus and the clowns are gunning down the audience! Not because they are murderous , but by the consequences their ineptitude will certainly bring forward !
How can the FATF , the OECD take anything seriously when such policies which the very same MLAs have voted for are being ignored? We have the toughest AML regulations but not a single case has been brought forward to the courts! As a consequence Cayman will stay on the grey list or even get black listed until the only tradable share are CUC’s !
and only themselves to blame!
See you all a little earlier in the Grand Harbour bottleneck my friends from out East.
After they doze peacefully, with the additional hour.
Or later, if even some of the land near the new road gets developed…..
And this is what happens when you introduce small constituencies filled with people related to candidates and others willing to be bought!
How do I check Investor confidence this morning ?
Lick your finger and hold it up in the air.
Yet, the Public Accounts Committee members have a duty to raise their hands and oppose expenditure on capital projects missing supporting case logic, funding, and EIA. It’s their job as internal controls watchdog to question these proposals, not sponsor them, pressing forward with funding up one of the most opaque authorities in government. The NRA and CI Port are the two most suspect graft mechanisms the Cayman Islands. 🚨 🚩
“Expert assessments have already indicated this highway could prove extremely problematic and will require substantial and costly mitigation.”
Nevertheless, “Leeroy Jenkins!!!”
“It’s an old meme, sir, but it checks out.”
Thank you both for the laugh I needed to keep from crying
I live just a 7-minute drive east of Grand Harbour(without traffic). We still have to get our children out of bed at 5:30 and on the road by 6:45 to get them to school just after 7. If we leave any later than that, they don’t get to school until close to, or after, 8.
I feel that this road will just mean that we have to leave even earlier as there will be that much more traffic backing up at Grand Harbour at an earlier time.
The flooding impact has to be studied too. NRA have already created flood areas in Bodden Town and Spotts Newlands due to their thoughtless installation of the bypass roads which cut off the natural drainage paths. Government doesn’t have the right to do this to their citizens!
Me too! They refuse to acknowledge that in addition to better public transport and decentralization we NEED an alternative to the Grand Harbor bottleneck in which the improvements need to be carried out through to the other bottlenecks in town. We need flyovers, highways, we need to build over or at the edge of water if we must. Through the sound to industrial, we need to buy out some existing properties if we must but for goodness sake I am tired of additional lanes, roundabouts, new roads through untouched property to only meet in the same location at the same time.
(Because they get the extra hour in bed) I am tired of hearing about cost because we blowing money fast anyway foolishly and further more improvement of infrastructure is a multi-year deal that will take years to pay itself back regardless. I am tired of hearing traffic will be worse for that type of improvement, because if not now then when? When population is doubled? If we don’t suffer the inconvenience and cost now, can you imagine what it will be like later? Instead this government wants everything now, bad prioritization, Yes men, no vision, instant gratification, where we will ALL suffer LATER.
I beileve the report is very important and if they proceed without it, we will pay and incur additional cost in the long run. Just like the multi million dollar schools that budget blew through the roof, just like the airport that budget blew through the ceiling, both of which by the way they plan on improving AGAIN in such a short period of time. You cant make this up. I am not saying this road does not need to be extended to East, but it is not the highest priority.
You know why they are not addressing what many of us see as obvious? Is the same reason no one wants to build multi level parking garages anymore on this diminishing landscape, it is more of an expense and not an immediate gain. Because improvement of the obvious will cost them. where as there is gain to be made in running this road, further screwing the unattainable market because they don’t have the sense or interest to put up provisions to slow foreign development and housing accessibility down and leave a little hope for the youth and generations to come. That is GREED and a DISGRACE.
At this point I have lost confidence in the Government, NRA, Planning, the Justice system and no I dont have all the answers but I would feel more confident in experienced, accredited, educated outside consultancy to solve some of the issues we have been 3 laneing and roundabouting for YEARS!!
What an awful week for the environment, and a great week for landlocked property owners.
Landlocked property owners with the right friends / family.
Exactly. They need to push it through now whilst they are still in government.
put your spiteful crab in a barrel mentality away am think about people’s quality of life an betterment first for a change.
Push it thru big boy Jay! While you are at it lets dredge the North Sound for fill as it is government dirt in their anyway so lets save some money!
Sad that there isn’t a single elected member with the common sense or basic decency to be considered for reelection. Cayman must purge these parasites from parliament. Every single one of them.
Voters must petition for changes to Elections Law to prohibit those with criminal records and breach of trust offenses from being eligible to represent people, handle money, and direct policy. That voters feel it’s too controversial and/or dangerous to propose that we have honest leaders, speaks to the quality of those exercising the privilege of democracy.
Exactly!
No Mr Roy & Mr Joey are there and do not forget Sir Alden!
How can we tell if a politician is a complete idiot before we vote them in?
Safe to assume.
Its not because they are stupid – its because they are told what to do. Same question tho – we had assumed that voting in people like Wayne, with an established professional career to prove he was capable and sufficient personal wealth that he would not be buyable, was a solution. How wrong we were. We have a combination of those that are bought and paid for and those that would sell their mother in order to retain a title. What does it say about us as a community that we not only have such people amongst us but elect them.
There is nt much difference between the buyable and the bought. He wasn’t buyable but he was able to buy and he bought!
Attend their meetings. You only need about 5 minutes!
Jay and Mac no longer PACT members? who will be next? this must be very embarrassing for Wayne. is Mac really running this government?
There is no such thing as a PACT member. Never has been and never will be. You people are so damn naïve.
Wayne should resign as Premier, Minister and MP. He has no control over this Government, he has failed in his constitutional responsibility as Minister of sustainability by voting for this motion, that is a serious charge, he MUST now resign!!!
Agreed. Why would you want to hang with these bunch of imbeciles.
Walk across the floor in protest!
Wayne should cross the floor and take Andre, Heather, and Sabrina with him. The PPM have 6 so all in all thats would give the 11 needed to form the Government. But Wayne would need to expect nothing more than to be a Minister. Andre could also be a Minister. If Wayne stays as Premier then we will go from disaster to disaster. He has chosen to work with goons in suits. He should consider a different choice now.
I still have faith and this seems a good proposal. Makes sense to leave the buffoons and put all the brains together, less stress all round and we can #fixthedump🙂
I hate Progressives more than I hate PACT and it’s not even close.
No more PPM, UDP or PACT. Wayne keep Andre with you but try find some fresh blood who have two brain cells to rub together and who work with you for the people, not against you for themselves and family/friends.
Pride will not allow that . You must be kidding! He is still waiting for the returns on his investments while all of us watch our Beloved Isles Cayman descend to the bottom of the pile!
Kenneth sees himself as the next Premier.
He keeps saying it is time for young people to lead.His performance tonight proved to me he is UNFIT.
UNFIT.
What took you so long? Anyway better late than never.
Pride will not allow that . You must be kidding! He is still waiting for the returns on his investments while all of us watch our Beloved Isles Cayman descend to the bottom of the pile!
The problem with Kenneth is that he lives in a delusional world where he is unaware that he has no education, very little common sense, not political savvy but a hell of a lot of luck. The thing about luck is that it will run out. Yes, we need some young adult people to get involved in politics but we need educated, eloquent, honest, sensible caring, well mannered young adults. We need good men and women but not a carbon copy of most of them that we have to endure now.
I still want to know how he’s able to travel with a drug conviction?
Face it, we have a rogue Cabinet. Wayne is impotent, essentially a puppet Premier. Thug politicians rule and it’s not OK.
Wayne is Premier in title only, sad thing is he isn’t smart enough to realise it or if he does realise it, then this shows just how much he wants to have the title for 4 years, he sold his soul for this! What a fella SMH