‘Absurd’ attack on NCA a ‘corrupt initiative’ says Panton

| 13/06/2024 | 176 Comments
Then-premier Wayne Panton in 2023

(CNS): Former premier Wayne Panton MP (NEW) has accused the developer lobby of a “corrupt initiative” to influence the UPM into amending the National Conservation Act to allow them free rein. In a scathing attack on his former colleagues, Panton has said the same agenda that drove him from Cabinet is driving the “absurd attack” on the law, which is being gutted behind closed doors, as reported by CNS this week.

He said there is no good reason to amend the law or for the false narrative being peddled about the power of the National Conservation Council and the director of the Department of Environment. He also said this effort to undermine the conservation law was about a “cabal of developers” who want their way.

Appearing on a local social media video show on Wednesday morning and speaking to CNS afterwards, Panton, the architect of this critical legislation, said that the powers trying to upend it are the ones that lobbied against it from the very beginning. Panton would not single out and name anyone who was part of this cabal, but he told CNS that the impetus to change the law was coming from developers, politicians, board members and even some civil servants.

He said the developers don’t want to engage in the proper processes to protect the environment when they are developing land and feel they are entitled to do whatever they like. The former premier indicated that the issue is wrapped up with campaign financing as well as the fall of his PACT government as a result of those with political influence taking their revenge.

CNS has recently learned that the Central Planning Authority’s application to appeal to the Privy Council in relation to the Boggy Sand case refused. Panton told us he believes that the CPA’s failed attempts, made on behalf of the development lobby, to fight against the conservation law in the courts has led to pressure on the government to amend the law and meet their demands for unrestricted and unsustainable development for profit.

Panton, who steered the legislation through parliament (then called the Legislative Assembly) when he was environment minister in 2013, said that by the time the bill reached the House it had been the subject of multiple consultations with stakeholders and the broader public that had led to changes and compromises. Even during the debate when he presented the proposed law, he made further compromises to ensure its support.

It was eventually passed with unanimous backing of all members, several of whom are now supporting proposed changes that could prove extremely damaging. At the time he said there was a concerted effort by the planning and development community to derail it, helped by the editor of the Cayman Compass at the time, who ran a disinformation campaign against it.

“But the same old agendas existed then as they do now,” Panton said, adding that there is still no evidence to support the idea that somehow the conservation act and its supporting council is restricting development. “That is such an absurd allegation it defies belief. Our people can look around and feel it every day,” he said about the obvious development going on everywhere.

The evidence points in the opposite direction as development has ben far from curtailed, he noted. There has been no public consultation at all about the potential changes to the law because this was not a legislative review led by the issues but based on the needs and wants of a wealthy, powerful group who have been able to assert pressure on those they have financed to run for office.

“Where has this come from?” he asked, noting that there had been “no public discussion about it” and “no bill has been published”. He added, “But I know this is, unfortunately, what I would regard as a corrupt initiative which had its genesis around the time of trying to remove me as premier last year… It is very unfortunate… as it is against the interests of our people.”

Panton said the people are seeing what is going on; they are not stupid and know that development in Cayman cannot continue the way it has. But the developers don’t care and do not want to hear or follow the scientific advice that makes it clear that we must change our future approach, he said.

He also bemoaned how DoE Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie has been personally targeted and the “wild allegations that have been made” about her and the law that are completely untrue. He said Ebanks-Petrie was an intelligent, educated, strong Caymanian woman who cared very deeply, but was fair and tried to bring balance. Yet she is maligned almost on a daily basis by the cabal of developers and some politicians.

Panton said that funding for politicians comes from these developers and, like everywhere else, the rich and powerful try to buy influence. But he questioned how anyone believed they could continue to do exactly as they want in today’s circumstances and the impact of climate change.

He said the fact that people think they can ignore this existential crisis is “astonishing”. He pointed to the continued destruction of pristine habitat and mangroves and the failure of the current administration to adopt the climate change policy, even as Cayman faces more than 50 areas of critical risk.


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Category: development, Land Habitat, Laws, Local News, Politics, Science & Nature

Comments (176)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Wayne should get Pilar to drawn a few diagrams to explain all of this.

    People we voted in Bernie Jay Kenneth Sabrina Heather Issac Blunders Mckeeva Seymour Kathy … what did we expect would happen.

    If we don’t change this group in 2025 we can kiss the cayman we know and love goodbye.

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  2. Anonymous says:

    What the absolute piece of fudgery. At this rate we might as well say to hell with it and let the foreigners and greedy politicians do with the island as they wish. It’s going to happen anyway. This attack on the NCA regardless of who brought it into motion of who is trying to protect it is a clear indicator that there are those in power, positions to benefit (local and foreign alike) and those wanting to carve out their little niche of this island and turn it into the mutli-storied monstrosities we see everywhere else. The politicians behind this attck should be ashamed of themselves. This isn’t being done in the name of growing Cayman, it’s being done in the name of greed and selling out. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth staying. My 3yo won’t be able to get much if anything here. SMH

  3. Anonymous says:

    Wayne has spent a lifetime developiong land, partnering in a law firm, starting multiple busineses and becoming filthy rich, but doesnt want anyone else with land to prosper it seems. He doesnt even want us to get a decent highway through the Eastern Districts.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you for confirming that this is all about money and making money, nothing to do with a second roadway to improving traffic.

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    • Anonymous says:

      This is bullshit.

    • Anonymous says:

      Oh cut the BS – you know Wayne is not a developer and if the E/W extension is built you can thank him for forcing them to do it properly.

  4. Anonymous says:

    This is what you get for independents who have no loyalty to anyone except themselves and the highest bidder. Remember this at the voting booths next year, Cayman.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I am a bit confused as to what is being implied here? Were you asleep for the period of 2017-2019 when the PPM fought tooth and nail to ignore the voters of the Cayman Islands and push through their port proposal with no mandate and against the will of the people

      The PPM all but wrote the playbook on pushing corrupt projects and policies that negatively affect the environment – its about the only thing they did sucessfully in their time in power

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    • Bullish says:

      Compared to whom? The two, all about their parties, PPM and UDP. Those party poopers? 🤡

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    • Anonymous says:

      As opposed to those in a party who also have no loyalty to anyone except themselves and the highest bidder?

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    • Hubert says:

      11:29, But there will be no one of talent to vote for next year. Same old gang on both sides.

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  5. Ironside says:

    Our elected “representatives” in government are so far removed from the reality of most the people they “represent”.

    They certainly don’t same or want to think twice about half the shit they come up with.

    The almighty dollar rules them and for others with many dollars already, it’s the power they want to wield.

    “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~Alice Walker

    You have the power to vote, and you should use that power to vote out the corrupted, self-serving politicians who are all for this and other environmental destructive initiatives.

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    • Anonymous says:

      The problem is not who you vote for it’s what you get after the horse trading is done and this is the issue with current system. The voters should be able to vote who is premier, deputy premier and ministers, period.

      • Anonymous says:

        Make electoral reform a referendum issue.

        Change Campaign financing so that they have to disclose all source of funds for 12 months before an election AND all throughout their term in office.

      • Anonymous says:

        And the people who are in charge of ministries should be acquainted with the subject matters of their portfolios.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Assuming he called in from his solar powered Hatteras?

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    • Anonymous says:

      No probably from his big ass truck. Sure it’s electric 😂

      You put them in power Wayno. Own it!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Wayne didn’t put them in power. He was cornered in the White House by the real power broker who was determined to remove the Progressives.

    • Anonymous says:

      Reasonably-successful lawyer has a boat. This and more shocking news at 11.

      Do you think that invalidates what he is saying in some capacity?

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    • Anonymous says:

      …and there it is, the sort of attitude which will kill us. Snide, unconstructive sniping at personalities.

      Like me, you might deplore the clown-car of incompetent egos which Panton cobbled together after the last election and his tactics in grabbing power, but that doesn’t prevent him from saying the right thing occasionally. And not only is this the right thing but it needs repeating loud and clear: some, not all, members of this government, cabinet ministers no less, are financed and controlled by one very wealthy unelected individual, to whom when he says “jump” their only reply is “how high?”. It’s common knowledge and it’s deeply corrupt. And well done Panton for pointing it out, however complicit you were in enabling it in the first place.

      It’s only gonna get worse….

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  7. Anonymous says:

    I call bull on this. Wayne has been in politics forever, he’s had his chance to step up and do more for the environment. This is just early campaigning. He’ll get in again and go silent til election time like every politician.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    McAlpine at Sister Islands Affordable Housing recently. Big Developer made friends with District Administration – the local contractors being shut up and shut out.

    This is what is happening now. Not sure why we need McAlpine over here on Brac —-period.

    Support your own community dear Premier and representative for Cayman Brac East – quit selling out to the big developer from Grand Cayman. . . they not got enough work for them over there?

    While we are at it – need to do something about Planning and Building Control Unit on Brac. Takes way too much time to process simple house plans. Too much bureaucracy.

    You have a planner who is overpaid and has virtually no authority – has to refer everything to Grand Cayman. Then you have an inspector who also is under the heavy thumb of Grand Cayman.

    Grand Cayman is trying to turn the Brac into another district of Grand Cayman with all of its burdensome rules/regulations – while at the same time not having a planning department that is properly staffed.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I agree with just about everything else you wrote, but “Grand Cayman” isn’t trying to do anything to the Brac: your own elected politician is the current premier of all three islands, and until you accept some responsibility for your choices, nothing will change. Vote better next time. Both Julianna and Moses need to be ousted if you don’t want ridiculous overdevelopment to occur at home.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Brac is over-represented in freebie handouts as well as political influence. You and Little Cayman should have one representative total.

        Amend the constitution to right this wrong.

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    • Anonymous says:

      They could likely complete the work much more affordably than the local overpriced contractors. Moreover, if you are at least somewhat competent, the local contractors can subcontract to McAlpine. I believe no housing development meant to support lower-income Cayman citizens should be exploited for profit. Every job on that site should be done with minimal margins. If you can’t grasp that these projects serve the social good, you shouldn’t be involved.

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  9. Anonymous says:

    A lot of comments seem to think this is a recent issue in Cayman which shows their lack of historical knowledge.

    Caymanians started protesting en masse in the 1970s when the Government of the time dared to introduce a law that vaguely resembled a planning law (and when it was it was watered down massively) as Caymanians were then and are now under the impression that it’s their land to do whatever they want with.

    I think the major problem Caymanians have with the current situation is that it is no longer them doing it (because they already did it and sold it all out).

    Caymanians did in fact bring this on themselves and in fact wanted it. They wanted it so badly that Jim Bodden (Yes, mr i’m going to bulldoze Fort George out of spite, that national hero) had to caution against protesting because it got that bad.

    When Jim Bodden is telling you that your protests against planning laws are getting wild enough that they need to be toned down then that tells you about the real character of Caymanians, or at least the older ones.

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  10. Anonymous says:

    Is “it” supported Wayne? “She” quite clearly isn’t.

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  11. Anonymous says:

    If marl road Wayne has evidence of corruption he has an obligation to report it to the relevant authorities. We’ll wait. Zzzz

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  12. Anonymous says:

    It amazes me that this government of greedy morons thinks the public is so stupid that we’d believe their lies that the National Conservation Act is hindering development. We have eyes! We sit in traffic every day! We see the cranes all over the place! We see all the Jamaican construction workers! We see how our island has become a concrete jungle. We see the flooding that is made worse by all of the development. It is a travesty that sons and daughters of the soil are selling us out for their own personal gain. Have you no shame people?

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  13. Anonymous says:

    IF this “corrupt cartel” is true then surely not reporting it to the POLICE and Anti-corruption Agency is a crime, or is it not, Mr. Panton? When you do what you should do it this is true- instead of just talking talk on CMR (which frankly tells me the quality of the content of your interviews in and of itself, then I will believe you. Until then this sounds like a lot of politics.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Moral corruption, unfortunately is not a crime

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    • Anonymous says:

      If you want a message to reach the largest number of residents, regardless of income, education, gender, nationality, age then you use Cayman Marl Road.

      Nobody reads the Compass.
      Loop content is controlled by a failed politician and Jay’s best friend.
      Caymanian Times has a tiny reach.

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  14. Anonymous says:

    All this rain just proved we are destroying our environment only to destroy ourselves.

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  15. Don't Pave Paradise says:

    Say NO to NCA Amendments – SIGN the petition.

    The proposed NCA amendments put our future at risk. The consequences of developing without properly considering the environmental impact will affect us all and ultimately make us all poorer in one way or another. Show your MP and Govt you adamantly oppose any amendments to NCA at this time.

    Sign the petition. Share your support. https://www.change.org/DontPaveParadise

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    • Anonymous says:

      You have no idea what the proposed amendments are. A pointless petition as usual.

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      • Anonymous says:

        People who have seen the documents confirm the PAHI Ministry hired a UK based knighted KC and gave him the instructions to prepare the amendments to the NCA.

        These proposed amendments were then given to the CO for the Ministry of Sustainability for her to implement.

        No wonder they insisted on moving CO Jennifer Ahearn out of the Ministry. She would never have allowed this BS to go on and would have exposed the PAHI BS.

        Same CO with nine lives. Protected by Governor and Deputy Governor.

        #coverupagain

      • Anonymous says:

        The proposed amendments are in fact known to many. Only a matter of time before the damning emails are published.

        Senior Civil Servants are complicit and acting for the developers too.

        Worldclass alright. World Class corruption.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you for posting this petition. I totally agree with the need to preserve the NCC and the current legislation.
      However, given that the attack on the NCC is only one part of the attack on Cayman , would it not be better to petition for a referendum on ending the role of developers in funding corrupt politicians and in the CPA?

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    • Pot calling kettle black ⚫️ 😒 says:

      did you know repay the people that made you a multi millionaire by passing the Legal Practitioner Act. pot calling kettle black.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It was actually the Legal Services Act 2020 (not the Legal Practitioners Act), which the PPM passed in Parliament (along with the help of Alva Suckoo on the Opposition side of the aisle) in December 2020, that later the PACT (led by former Premier Panton) brought sections 1-22, 99 and 101 into force.

        But, in a nutshell, yes, with respect to this, Panton could be accused of the pot calling the kettle black, at least when viewing what he did with legislation for lawyers and law firms.

        Two wrongs don’t make a right!

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  16. Anonymous says:

    The people of Cayman desperately need a plan to stop the destruction now – which ew leader has that plan

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    • Anonymous says:

      None of them has any plan but to line their own pockets and destroy these islands , bring more poverty and suffering to their own caymanians
      . But you tell one of them to cone about votes this election these no good politicians just a bunch of shit pots , greedy bastards

  17. Anonymous says:

    Wayne – when you supported the legislation that provides each each elected politician with $5,000/month to buy votes this is what you were in fact voting for

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  18. Anonymous says:

    People – if you are going to sell your votes to crooked politicians at least get $100,00 – the politicians are making millions

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  19. Anonymous says:

    The NCC has been inhibiting the flow of corrupt payments from corrupt developers to corrupt politicians – could that be the reason it is being gutted?

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  20. Anonymous says:

    It is time for honest intelligent Caymanians to step forward as potential candidates for next years election. We should be having town hall meetings to discuss this and other issues now and developing strategies to oust the current lot of developer’s shills.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Next year might be too late. Don’t you see everything is being charged now? Most of the existing government is aware they will certainly not be voted back in. So they making all thrust towards of setting themselves up in their golden years.

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      • Anonymous says:

        While I agree with your points, I’ll politely disagree with electing better Ministers. Sadly, while the deck chairs may get rearranged, I expect most current Ministers will get re-elected.

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        • Anonymous says:

          No. If that were the case, the Premier would prorogue Parliament early and call early elections.

          Highly doubt that will occur, as not all incumbents will retain their seats.

          So, as the music will soon stop for certain MPs, they will ride it out until the end and get all the entirety of salaries and benefits.

          There will likely be more new blood elected in the upcoming election than ever before.

          Same old, same old, is not working anymore: the Cayman Islands needs men and women who are intelligent, capable and have integrity.

  21. Anonymous says:

    The largest rogue private landowner is behind this. Their organisation openly resents Caymanians, the need to publish notice, seek permissions, consider the environmental impacts, or avail plans for public scrutiny. They also haven’t honoured their previous deals and the essential preconditions underpinning valuable land transfers from the crown.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Sadly, there are several born Caymanians behind this as well and it wouldn’t be happening if there wasn’t.

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    • Anonymous says:

      This is one time you can’t blame Dart. The Dart CEO believes in following the rule of law.

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  22. Anonymous says:

    If our current lot of politicians (with the possible exception of Wayne) was honest Parliament would have a new motto hung over the entrance

    “Profit before people and environment every time”

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  23. Anonymous says:

    I think you missed the point. Our current and past politicians are bought and paid for by the RE Developer cabal. I don’t think you need qualifications to have tons of money thrown your way for influence. Yet, the police are busy looking for the guys on street smoking a spliff. The real criminals wear suits.

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  24. Anonymous says:

    Everyone who really cares about Cayman should read the story of the small island nation of Nauru, located in Oceana.
    https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/dark-history-nauru/
    They had a booming economy in the 1970s, thanks to their phosphate mining. They started their own airline, the locals imported fancy cars and motorcycles, and everyone was living the good life. It all collapsed, with massive greed, corruption, obesity, diabetes, environmental disasters, etc. Is this what we want for our future?

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  25. Anonymous says:

    Thanks to Wayne and CMR for the crap show we call CI government today. Lie down with CMR and the island gets flees. She and Wayne almost started a civil war in order to have these idiots lead the island. And what happened….he got voted out by the very group of thugs he put in positions of power. Thanks for nothing Wayne.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you CMR for bringing this issue to the forefront and now doing the right think.

      So many of use know the truth and appreciate your stance!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Who could blame them? We were all sick of PPM who were all for the developer lobby. They were not better and promised to also tear the NCL apart. It’s all in black and white and quotes.

      We expected better from this group but there you have it. So if we don’t want PPM and we don’t want UPM who is there?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Better result than letting Sir Alden “The Terrible” pull the strings of Roy with another PPM-led Government. Aside from Andre, this whole bunch has got to go in the next election.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Are you determined to stay blind?

      It wasn’t Wayne, it was the real king maker in the background. He was to the one sook Sandra on Isaac and Sabrina.

  26. Anonymous says:

    Lie down with CMR and the island gets flees.

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  27. Anonymous says:

    Perhaps a separate issue, but … Please can there be a quick change to whatever planning regulation is relevant to ensure that all new developments provide, and pay for, suitable drainage to at the very least maintain the surrounding area in a similar, or ideally improved, drainage situation.

    It seems unlikely to materially impact a development’s overall costs. And it is unreasonable to expect that these costs continue to be paid by the government.

    Does anyone know why this has yet to be done?

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    • Anonymous says:

      yes, it hasn’t been done yet because it would cut into developers’ profits. they want to do the minimum, sell the units, move onto the next.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Its the National Road Authority that directs storm water drainage to Planning and their base requirement is only to manage storm water WITHIN the proposed development site. I think the past week of flooding, as well as previous years, proves that a National stormwater management plan is long overdue.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Thank you for the clarification.

        I see the logic, but it doesn’t sound like it is being properly applied.

        If you replace a swamp with an elevated new development, the perimeter WITHIN the new development should be designed to capture the water the swamp once absorbed.

        Otherwise, the law is effectively providing a permit to the new development to turn the neighbouring properties into a swamp.

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        • Puddle Jumper says:

          Bingo! And there has been many, many years of talk about this very same and real issue. But alas, all we’ve been hearing are crickets and frogs in the wetlands and now wetter lands!

        • Anonymous says:

          All the new lakes and ponds are proof of poor enforcement. Two giant ones on Batabano road now on either side of that new development.

        • Anonymous says:

          Proof in point, go look at Lookout gardens where it backs onto Belford Estates. Some of those plots were filled several feet higher, with steep inclines so the water runs off directly into the properties in Belford.

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  28. Anonymous says:

    we saw first hand Sabrina flip flopping, willing to turn to whoever had the best offer. speaks alot to her character and I don’t think the rest of them in government is any better. we are in dire need of a meritocratic government.

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  29. Richard Arch says:

    all commercial developears east of the Hurley’s round-a-bout should take notice of the congestion there already and should be expected to contribute financially to whatever corrections are required to releive the situation.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Agreed. A special infrastructure tax should be implemented for multi-dwelling for profit developments. It should be island wide also.

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  30. Anonymous says:

    The large generational landowners pay no taxes on anything but they impose costs when they develop their land through an economic term called negative externalities.

    It is time to stop subsidizing these people and instead make them pay.

    Far too long have they dominated the Cayman Islands. Put a stop to it.

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  31. Anonymous says:

    Completely agree that a “cabal of developers” does exist, as MP Panton noted. However, MP Panton should be used to the legal profession cabal, which he was part of too and did its bidding.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Exactly! This is nothing but playing politics! We don’t even know what the changes are that he talks about so let’s wait and see what it actually is. I think this is just a political platform for him. Loves his own voice and CMR

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    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe, but shenanigans in the legal profession aren’t causing me to sit in traffic everyday. This is a false equivalency.

  32. anonymous says:

    Politics is such a dirty game!! Hopefully the Voters can see what is really happening if they care about Cayman and the Cayman people. Please look beyond the couple dollars of handouts and Gifts, This will not make yours or your Children future any brighter.

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  33. Anonymous says:

    Hey Wayne-o, remind us again who assembled this merry band of imbeciles and why.

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    • Anonymous says:

      The voters. Wayne could only work with the gang of misfits that were provided to him by the voting public.

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    • Big Bobo In West Bay says:

      10:52, Remind us again who elected this merry band of imbeciles?

      Time for direct rule from London to save this place from developers and vested Caymanian interests.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Lmao shut up already. Have you looked at the shitshow going on back in your home where they already have direct rule?

        No, thank you.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Direct rule is not called for. However, a Commission of Enquiry (or more than one) is ripe to clean up some of the dirt that is being swept under the rug which, pursuant to the Commission of Enquiry Act, could be appointed by H.E. Governor Owen.

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    • Anonymous says:

      We did. We voted for them. Shame we expected better from them.

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    • Anonymous says:

      This is the same Government save for Wayne as leader. Saunders supports them from the Opposition. Wayne put them in power and took the tiger by the tail. He could have continued work on an updated Development plan but did diddly squat about It. Now he blames others. He can look in the mirror for who to blame first.

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  34. Anonymous says:

    ‘helped by the editor of the Cayman Compass at the time, who ran a disinformation campaign against it.’

    this is really, really f***ing serious, and who owns the Compass right now ?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Nice try. You do know he was throwing shade at Legge not Bergstrom, right? What on earth does the current ownership have to do with it?

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    • Anonymous says:

      DART, DART, AND MORE DART.

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    • Anonymous says:

      if there’s really truth to this surely an immediate top level investigation is required, we’re talking National Security

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  35. The Constitutional Critic says:

    I have always enjoyed the oxymoronic idea that despite nonstop constant rampant development over the past 10 years that the conservation law has been obstructing projects

    Every year the government of the day praises economic growth linked to construction and development sector and says that it is strong. New multistory buildings are going up constantly, new housing projects are constantly underway, every month it seems there is some developer clearing land prior to even getting planning permission to proceed with a project – none of which points to particularly obstructive conservation laws

    The greedy developers and construction firms just want more profit, more projects and even less scrutiny and restrictions than the few they already have – they are basically saying to us ‘don’t believe your lying eyes’ every person on Cayman can see the full extent of the constant development but they demand we all believe the falsehood that they are drowning while raking in endless amounts of cash

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  36. Anonymous says:

    And here comes the speculation that it was ALL politicians, ALL board members…the usual extremist reactions

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    • Anonymous says:

      they won’t be soo far off.

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    • Anonymous says:

      The fact that ALL of our other elected politicians are silent speaks volumes about their proximity to the development cabal and their true allegiance.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Ok. Name one of the sitting MPs aside from Wayne and one member of the CPA who took any concrete action to put their neck on the line to stop rampant development.

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      • Anonymous says:

        The CPA has a legal obligation to follow the laws placed in front of them. Not sure why that is so difficult for your sort to understand.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Convenient excuse Mr. Pandohie has been throwing around for years. If he so desired, HE as the Director of Planning could have implemented best practices within Planning, with little if any legislative change needed. Just look at the Civil Service Strategic Plan Franz produced and you will see it was even REQUIRED of him, but that would require his CO Bush to a) have a clue, b) give a damn because he is content to look the other way, as long as he and his wife are at the right dinner parties; and 3)hold him accountable, and well, I need say no more…#worldclass

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  37. Anonymous says:

    The NCA gives too much authority to one individual. It is irrelevant as to who that individual is. Wayne knows this.

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    • #factsmatter says:

      that’s just a bold faced lie.

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    • Anonymous says:

      That’s a convenient narrative that developers want you you to believe. Problem is its not true.
      Stop repeating this BS.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Clearly it does not.
      Or do you want us to not believe our own eyes?

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    • Anonymous says:

      It gives authority to a board not a person. The board then directs the DOE.

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      • Anonymous says:

        NOPE- that’s what it should do but what is happening in practice is the Board just lets Gina call the shots because it “delegated” all its power to her- a single civil servant who should not even be voting on the Board because she is a civil servant and the PAA prohibits civil servants from voting on statutory boards. Maybe that’s what they are trying to fix? The Board SHOULD be making the decisions but it is not- not in practice!

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        • Anonymous says:

          You do understand that the NCC is not your average board where the perspective of a layman is enough? It needs the integrity of science based decisions! The Public Authorities Act does not apply to the NCC or the CPA for that matter!

        • Anonymous says:

          LIE.

          NCC Meetings are public and the voting record is public.

      • Anonymous says:

        and how often does that Board meet or even know what the ‘delegated’ DoE person is doing?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Share the Minutes of ONE meeting where the council reviewed ANY proposed development application and subsequently directed DoE.

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    • Just the facts ma’am says:

      10:07- Those are Facts!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Repeating a wornout lie does not make it true!

      The Director of planning has the ability to approve certain applications administratively. As does the Director of WORC.

      Do we hear wild vitriol of being too powerful being spit in their direction? I imagine if women held those positions they would be in for criticism from these insecure men too though.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Pretending it isn’t true doesn’t make it any less so.

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      • Anonymous says:

        So what you are saying is that it is indeed true but you’d like to pretend it isn’t to aid in furthering your agenda. Gotcha.

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  38. Anonymous says:

    If this rogue, ruthless uneducated, greedy, inept government that we have here is allowed to, they will destroy everything that means anything and leave our Beloved Rock as a mere shell of what it used to be and what it should be. Our Beloved Cayman Islands can hardly survive the disrespect and assault that has been and is being pouring down on us by these horrible elected jackasses. Why are they so hell-bent on denying all of the weather related events happening worldwide by throwing all caution to the winds?

    We clearly know that many of them have no understanding of our venerability as low low- lying Islands in a vast Caribbean Sea that when angry enough can wipe us out in a few minutes. Please for the sake of “all the people” take your heads out of the sand ( or wherever ) and appreciate what has been put in place to help protect us and keep us less venerable. We depend on you people to help protect our homeland and keep us healthy and safe as possible. If you refuse to do that then tell me whey the heck were you were elected.

    When you all ban together to tear down all the that was put in place by the previous environment minister you are being disrespectful to Cayman and all of us. Perhaps you think you are hitting out at him, because that is how juvenile you all are, and yes it will hurt him but please understand that you are hurting all of us, Caymanians and everyone who lives here.

    In your feeble minds you are thinking you are doing it to make more land available for more houses, more roads that we are all still being stuck on because more houses being built for more people requires more roads, more flooding, more traffic jams etc., etc. can we get some new elected members who can see further than their noses, with some functioning brain cells who will come up with a holistic plan to ” MAKE CAYMAN SAFE AND COMFORTABLE AGAIN”.

    We are jammed packed and suffocating so help us breathe ! Ensure that we will still have a few shade trees, able to see and hear a few birds song, have a few open spaces to go for a walk etc.etc. maybe I am here dreaming again. I pray it will be more than a dream.

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  39. Anonymous says:

    Wayne – thank you for speaking out. Everyone including the corrupt buffoons in power recognize the current situation. What are your suggestions for getting us out of the mess????

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  40. Daphne Orrett says:

    THANK YOU, MR. PANTON…! And Thank you, Mrs. Ebanks-Petrie! The current rapid pace of Development in Grand Cayman, is UNSUSTAINABLE! Fellow Csymanians, We must speak out… and Stand Up… against the destruction of our FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT. Thanks, Mr. Panton!!

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  41. Anonymous says:

    Confirmation the government is corrupt from within government and there is nothing the people it serves, can do to stop it.

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  42. Anonymous says:

    Cayman does not need any more development and property rentals should require a work
    Permit just like any other income generating activity. What’s the difference between buying a fleet of houses to rent compared to buying a fleet of cars, boats or buses to rent out?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Anything above two rental units of property requires a Trade and Business Licence and, if one is not obtained, it amounts to illegally carrying on business (as a landlord).

      So, if one person were to buy a whole fleet of houses (i.e., over two houses), that would require a Trade and Business Licence to rent more than two of the houses.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Note that the two houses also have to be on the property where they (the landlord) lives too.

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      • Anonymous says:

        That’s a laugh, there are countless Caymanians, some of which are slumlords from hell renting out anything from 4 plexes to mult-room hovels in ramshackle buildings all without a T&B licence. And they have been doing it for decades with impunity.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Wait until D.C.I. Enforcement catches them. FAFT 5th Round Mutual Evaluation is right around the corner.

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  43. Anonymous says:

    To be honest, I like Wayne…generally. But the fish rots from the head and he put together this government of fools to stay in power and that fish rotted quickly. Then of course he got ousted by the same morons he put in power.

    Now we have a different fish, still rotting from the head.

    But here is where I’ve lost all respect for him: if this issue is really as important as he says (which I think it is) and there really is a cabal of developers (which is rumored but I don’t believe is true) then he should have the balls to say who they are. The media (CMR and CNS) have alluded to this “cabal” numerous times yet never said who they are. Name them. If it’s Dart and Imperato then say so…if it’s someone else then just spit it out.

    Otherwise we’re just complaining about some phantom cartel and nothing will ever come of these complaints.

    If there’s campaign fundraising truly involved then expose it…it may be a financial crime and if you have knowledge of it then you have a duty to report it Wayne.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Wayne didnt get ousted. The vote failed. The reality however, is that the PPM was a part of the effort and were as bad as the bad elements on his side and the PPM seems as beholden to the developers as some of the existing crew. So what could he do.

      I think he has concluded that the only thing to do is to inform the Country and have the people demand the right behaviour – in that case the bad apples won’t have much of a choice (we hope!) with an election imminent. I hope he is right!

      Keep this in mind too – the PPM supported most if not all of those bad apples (other than kenneth – it seems no one wants him).

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      • Anonymous says:

        Semantics…he got ousted. One day he was premier and the next he wasn’t. Yes the vote was split but that’s all that was needed to push him out. I have no idea who is beholden to who…but the PPM still is not in power (unless you count Jon Jon and Juliana who were independent/ppm and flopped).

        So it would appear that all which remains of Pact…now upm is of the same opinion regarding the ncc as the ppm.

        I don’t really know what to make of it beyond that.

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        • Anonymous says:

          Okay, let’s look at the facts:

          1. Our current Premier O’Connor-Connolly has not resigned from the PPM (although being a Minister and then Deputy-Premier, when Saunders was ousted for good reason, with the PACT).

          2. Sir Alden McLaughlin, who is clearly PPM, is the Speaker.

          3. Leader of the Opposition, Roy McTaggart, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Joey Hew, are both PPM.

          From my perspective, this is the first time in the history of Cayman politics that one political grouping (that being the PPM) has the following positions: Premier, Speaker, Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

          PPM really pulled outmaneuvered the rest of the current MPs. The electorate needs to ensure that doesn’t happen again.

    • Anonymous says:

      ..says a likely member of the phantom cabal I am sure. You wont attack the man’s credibility with a fake claim of objective analysis.

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      • Anonymous says:

        It is perfectly objective to ask him to name the people/developers.

        If you knew about a murderer or a pedophile and just went around all day talking about how you know who did it but wouldn’t say who…we would question that. Obviously he’s not harboring a murderer but everyone keeps talking about this alleged cabal and nobody has the balls to say who is in it?

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  44. Anonymous says:

    Heh-heh, we got what we wanted and got rid of you. Tough luck old buddy

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  45. Anonymous says:

    Madame Premier and esteemed CPA chairman, pay no attention to these sour grape comments as you all know we need development desperately. Keep up the good work.

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  46. Anonymous says:

    if the disappearance of the beach in front of Marriott didn’t have Caymanians protesting in the streets for immediate change, nothing will.

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  47. Anonymous says:

    Madame Auditor General I sincerely hope you are following this noteworthy news.
    Wayne Panton is an honourable gentleman. He made a mistake forming a government with the likes of Jay Ebanks whose ministries are embroiled in alot of issues namely NHDT, NRA and planning.
    We are anxiously awaiting your audits that we understand are behind by no fault of yours and that of your team.

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  48. Anonymous says:

    Your horse trading behind closed doors to form a government has come full circle Wayne. Caymanians need to vote them all out come election day – make no mistake. YOU HAVE TO VOTE THEM ALLLLLL OUT! If not this constant shower of permit holders who see themselves as permanent citizens the day they arrive, the constant environmental destruction (we just witnessed flooding on a hurricane scale), the over priced homes and apartments, CUC, the grocery store prices and the gas stations all in a Kabal will be irreversible.

    LTB the unboozzler

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    • Anonymous says:

      Wayne was a useless Premier and is a useless opposition. And he continues to empower (and enrich?) CMR and Sandra.

      Amazingly he complained on CMR about unknown people spreading misinformation and lies and going after a Caymanian woman.

      Who spreads more disinformation than CMR? Who goes after and ‘attacks’ women more than CMR? No one. Yet he supports and promotes CMR.

      Amazingly blind to his own incompetences and faults. Shame on you Wayne.

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  49. Cheese Face says:

    In Wayne we trust.

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  50. Anonymous says:

    Wayne, “you reap what you sow!” In chasing your dreams, you put these individuals in positions of power, that none of them are qualified to wield!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Idiot!!! He is not reaping the people are!!! He did not elect them the people did! He tried to reign them in and they conspired against him. He put that idiot Jay Ebanks head of PAHI and that was a huge mistake. Those independents lied about their allegiances and did what they could just to get elected. We are voting Jay out and his cronies next year.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Idiot, he was warned well in advance and chose to take no heed.

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      • Anonymous says:

        And who are you voting in instead of Jay? Ezzard again? We need better options!

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        • Anonymous says:

          North Side had a better option – Justin Ebanks who ran against both of them! I hope he runs again cause he has my family’s full support.

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    • They wield and yield. We need to get some status holders in Parliament.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Correction – Wayne totally underestimated Mac and Caymanians and other residents are now reaping the result of Wayne allowing the WB teflon Don and his band greedy idiots to have power.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Except, it’s us reaping what he sowed. He got to be pretend Premier for a little while.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Or, to phrase it colloquially, da wha ya get.

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    • Hubert says:

      9:06, The political talent pool was so dismal Panton did not have much to choose from.

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    • Anonymous says:

      thought Cayman voters, voted in the MLA’s.

      Then Wayne had to look at the uneducated idiots (some even with drug convictions) and try and choose from a terrible bunch

      Waiting on the next announcement to build accommodation for the workers, while building the accommodation for the workers while building the new school

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      • Anonymous says:

        So you are telling me that Kenneth, Mac and JAy were better choices versus humbling himself and working with his former party the PPM? this mess is all 100% Waynes doing and now he wants to complain. #notbuyingit Wayne is simply looking to get re-elected so he can create a bigger mess. (“Scratch my back”).

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