Scientists not consulted over conservation law changes
(CNS): The minority UPM government did not consult scientists or technical experts at the Department of Environment when it drafted the controversial amendments to the National Conservation Act. Since publishing the amendment bill, there has been no comment from the sustainability minister, senior ministry officials or the premier on the proposed changes, the justification for them or who drafted these changes that would effectively gut the legislation.
While the bill remains unlikely to pass when parliament meets later this month, it could still become a starting point for a new administration headed by the Progressives or any re-elected UPM members, and any MP elected with the support of the powerful development lobby will be expected to pick up the amendments when taking office.
CNS has learned that outside legal consultants drafted these poorly thought-out amendments to the law with no indication of input from any environmental scientists or technical experts.
The DoE has confirmed that they were not consulted about the amendments to the legislation, and although they offered comments on it once it was drafted, they were unable to say if any consideration was given to their after-the-fact advice as it does not appear to be reflected in the draft bill.
CNS has asked the ministry who wrote the bill and the justification for it, and we are awaiting a response.
The DoE experts between them have postgraduate qualifications in multiple disciplines relating to environmental management, biology and marine science. However, the proposed amendments seek to remove technical expertise from the decision-making process, handing the final say to unqualified politicians with no environmental science credentials.
Under the changes, the National Conservation Council would be unable to delegate any of its functions to the DoE director without Cabinet’s approval. The NCC would also lose the power to appoint advisory committees to help with its work.
From the elimination of these critically important advisory boards to taking scientists off the NCC and the creation of a non-technical appeals board, the amendment bill proposes a shocking backward step to where politicians and political appointees with no technical expertise, experience or scientific knowledge would make decisions on road building, public projects and private development.
Responding to CNS questions about removing scientific advice from, for example, the planning process, the DoE explained why the original legislation had called for experts on the NCC. The decision about whether or not a project needs an environmental impact assessment is best fulfilled by those with relevant scientific or technical experience and knowledge.
“To not require some technically versed persons on the NCC would be akin to not requiring some persons
with some relevant medical experience on the HSA board,” a DoE spokesperson stated. “It is not that in either case would we expect good people to not make the best decisions… but it will be much harder for them to do so in an independently informed manner.”
The coordination, establishment and adoption of national policies for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources such as wetlands or the excavation of aggregate and fill areas would also require expert advice.
Recommending and maintaining protected areas and conservation areas and conserving, maintaining and restoring their natural resources need the input from qualified scientists, not to mention emergency responses to activities or events, whether caused naturally or not, that present a grave and imminent danger to biological diversity and encouraging international co-operation to supplement national plans.
If the next government supports the climate policy adopted by the PACT Cabinet in 2023, even more scientists will be needed to help protect the Cayman Islands and mitigate the already worrying impact of the warming climate and rising seas. Yet the current Cabinet, without any justification, is choosing to ensure that politicians, not experts, will have the final say on the future of the country’s natural resources.
Local environmental activist groups continue to urge the public to lobby their MPs not to support these changes and to voice their commitment to protecting Cayman’s constantly threatened natural environment on both land and sea.
See the proposed amendment bill here and the existing legislation here.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
Category: development, Land Habitat, Local News, Science & Nature
Changes relate mainly to governance not scientific, funny how the conservationist believe the law can’t be improved and no changes are warranted, a public debate on this would be good.
But Ole Boy BOE made Millions by buying out locally, then selling out to Uncle doh!!
No gamble there
I don’t have an alternate recommendation, but democracy clearly isn’t working. A majority of idiots in the Cayman Islands keep electing idiots to rule. Look at the situation in the United States with Trump and all his moron/corrupt cabinet picks. Societies need a new form of governance. Urgently.
Leaders rarely lead by examining unpopular but necessary choices, because it’s perceived to be “risky” to both re-election and/or entrenched party interests. Uncoupling from that, and respecting the electorate’s mission, rather than their own, is a different mode of holding office, not seen in a long time. We only get that with democracy when an electorate understand their own inter-election cycle voice/power. Climate change inaction is the perfect example.
Better not to post instead of proving to everyone you are a mental midget.
Was Chamber of Commerce consulted? their grimey whitewash hands are in everything with a dollar sign
Ah yes, nothing says “we care about the environment” like letting politicians with no scientific background make the big decisions. Why bother consulting experts when you can just wing it?
any comment ppm?
any comment Mrs governor?
You expect PPM to comment negatively on this? 😂😂😂 The only reason they are trying to prevent this reaching a vote in parliament is so that they don’t have to show that they support it until after the next election.
The governor can not comment unless Ju Ju tells her what to say.
Gina is a lovely lady and is good for the environment. If only she could control her old Conservation Officers. XXXX
Can’t say I’m the least bit surprised. They don’t usually consult any experts or scientists for anything they do whatsoever.
Friggin idiots. Andre can come back. The other 18 gotta go!
Andre Ebanks is a greedy Globalist with a welfare state-of-the-art mind. as they all have.
This definitely doesn’t surprise me, but if you think if this was PPM it would not be any different. Remember PPM loved to remove DOE from having anything to say about the cruise berthing facility in 2018 and they made excuses when we repeatedly asked about this.
Yes, Yes, Yes. People seem to forget what happened before the COVID pandemic, and how the PPM, led by the Knight in shining black, the Kirkconnells and their in-laws the Wights, were hell bent on ramming through the cruise port and stifling any opposition to it. The PPM led Govt would not approve funding for proper debates or communications assistance with that had a view different from PPM’s
We really need a page or a section on a site where the public can get all of these historic facts together and keep them front and center so they don’t get lost in this noise. (CNS, Alric, Sandy, somebody!!!)
Anyone who has been apart of any mess that has been to our detriment, should not get back in !!!! This is the year we take back control and show them we are not not some bunch of gullible clowns.
Do not mess with our islands. We were born here. We are going to continue to live here. We will die here and be buried here!!
You may get buried here but if big developers want the land, your old corpse will be dug up and disposed of.
Never been a better time to buy!
People come voting day please remember this and what these now politicians are planning and they intentions. Once the environment is gone it’s gone. Lets preserve a bit for future generations.
Why didn’t this surprise me?
Our elected officials and some in the civil service feel we the people are to stupid and not rich enough to know about these things. Because they are in the high paying power positions rubbing elbows with the elite they will make all decisions and to hell with the rest of us smucks. Tell me, just where were these pompous clowns at before they got elected and given power? Were they in high paying jobs that required being educated or trained in anything? Unless I am mistaken, they were all just regular folks like all of us, scraping by and making ends meet working regular jobs. So how did they get all this wisdom? Did a supreme being give it to them in a vision? We need to wake up and throw off these jackasses before more damage is done.
Yessss!!!!! Do not vote anyone who had a hand in causing us any damage back in!!! I don’t care who they are.
Let me name a few – Mac, Alden, John John, Joey, Julie, Barbara, David Wight and any of the others with their secret, under the table selves. (Before you could say “no PPM. No UDP”. But now it’s all one big blob).
If they aren’t for the Caymanians of this land, they can’t work for me. I’d rather give a new candidate a try.
Because when that sick crew are done with us, God alone can help us!!
Their names should be marked in the history books and forever remembered in Cayman history as some of the most corrupt and self-serving individuals to ever hold power.
There names should be on the rolls of toilet paper that we wipe our behinds with and then flush down the toilet.
Voters must have deep concern for the unelected UDP’s continued appetite for last minute deal-making of any kind, in particular the secret negotiations with developer interests. It’s more than ironic that they are dangling additional valuable crown assets as remedies for previous regime’s incapability at sensible deal making. Cayman doesn’t need any more novice Cabinet assistance at this time with our crown property. We can only wonder what temptations beckon to motivate this further betrayal of pubic trust.
What deal did Seymour make with Dart about the public beach? Why is Dart preparing a new gate their?
Guess his guests at the new hotel don’t want the local people using their beach and water. Is segregation around the corner? Do these politicians think the rich folks will want them around when they are not in power anymore? Careful because it is a long painful way down to the bottom when you fall off the peak. How’s it go in the song – “nobody knows me when I am down and out”.
It’s been years since “the Crown” owned that beach. Why do you think CIG were so reluctant, even unable, to get involved with the illegal beach vendors. But if the recent repainting of the beach cabanas to match Hotel Indigo didn’t strike your awareness then I guess they will continue to get a lot past many on this island without noticing. Just stay busy and wrapped up in your own lives. One day we will be like other Caribbean nations where most if not all of the beaches are private and gated off.
Adeptus Ridiculous: The God-Emperor, Chaos, and Conservation Carnage
“Citizens of this fragile hive world, the Adeptus Ridiculous calls upon you to witness governance at its most… surreal.
At the helm, we have the Premier, who believes herself to be guided daily by none other than the God-Emperor of Mankind Himself.
Yes, the figurehead of humanity in the Warhammer 40K universe, whispering directly into her prayers—because apparently, this hive world is now on par with Terra. Meanwhile, the Silent Arbites, our Governor, presides with the detached serenity of someone who might as well be offering daily sacrifices to the Gods of Chaos.
Let us unpack this bizarre intersection of divinity, silence, and governance gone awry.
The God-Emperor of Mankind: Humanity’s Savior and Grimdark Icon
For those unfamiliar, the God-Emperor of Mankind is the central figure of the Warhammer 40K universe.
Over 10,000 years ago (30,000 years into the future) , He united humanity during the Great Crusade, creating the vast Imperium of Man.
A being of unparalleled psychic power, the Emperor sought to guide humanity into a new golden age of rationality and enlightenment, free from the shackles of superstition.
However, betrayal during the Horus Heresy left Him mortally wounded, and He now resides on the Golden Throne, a life-support machine that keeps His decaying body alive while His mind acts as a psychic beacon for humanity.
His whispers—cryptic, fragmented, and rare—guide His followers, though often misinterpreted.
One must wonder what He might truly whisper to our Premier:
• “Amend the Conservation Act; mangroves are overrated.”
• “Let Donkey Riders handle environmental policy. I’m sure that’ll end well.”
• Or perhaps: “Stop calling Me for advice about parking lots. There are Tyranids to fight.”
It’s hard to imagine the Emperor Himself taking a break from managing galactic crises to draft environmental policies for a tropical backwater.
The very thought might make an Adeptus Astartes—one of the Emperor’s genetically engineered super-soldiers—fall on his own chainsword in sheer disbelief at such trivial misuse of divine whispers.
The Premier and the Emperor’s Divine Hotline
The Premier’s governance style reflects what happens when whispered directives meet unchecked confidence. The proposed National Conservation Act amendments, crafted without scientific input, are a testament to faith over function.
By stripping power from experts and placing it in the hands of politicians, these changes risk turning the Cayman Islands’ environment into a grimdark wasteland—eerily similar to the polluted, lifeless lower levels of a Warhammer 40K hive city.
What makes this even more absurd is the looming economic disaster. If not for the revenues from financial services, which account for the majority of the island’s economy, this hive world would already be relying solely on tourism—a sector this leadership seems determined to undermine. Coral reefs, mangroves, and pristine beaches are the lifeblood of Cayman’s tourism industry, and yet they’re treated as disposable commodities.
Moreover, a significant portion of those who chose to reside in the Cayman Islands came not only for the tax neutrality of the jurisdiction but for its unique natural environment.
When the coral reefs are barren, the beaches are choked with erosion, and the air is thick with pollution, these residents will inevitably leave.
Their departure will suppress the island’s prosperity further, creating a cascade of economic and social consequences. If the environment disappears, so does much of what sustains the Cayman Islands.
The situation is so fundamentally absurd that even a stoic Space Marine—engineered to endure the horrors of the Warp and countless xenos invasions—would struggle to comprehend its lunacy. “Surely this is a plot by Tzeentch?” they might mutter before collapsing in despair.
The Donkey Rider: A Collision with Conservation
Enter John-John Seymour, the infamous Donkey Rider turned Minister of Environment. Tasked with protecting this hive world’s natural resources, his tenure is less about conservation and more about collisions—both metaphorical and literal.
In fact, as the coral reefs crumble and the mangroves are paved over, the lobsters themselves have decided enough is enough. In a scene straight out of a grimdark fable, the lobsters have packed their shells and are leaving the island.
But who should they encounter on their exodus? None other than the Donkey Rider, careening wildly through the convoy on his latest adventure, sending crustaceans scattering like debris after a poorly planned orbital bombardment.
The result?
• A tiara-wearing lobster filing for a restraining order.
• The Donkey Rider loudly proclaiming, “They were in my way!”
• And the convoy of lobsters realizing that perhaps fleeing this hive world was the best decision they’ve ever made.
The Silent Arbites: Chaos or Complacency?
While the Premier communes with the God-Emperor and the Donkey Rider ricochets through crises, the Silent Arbites, our Governor, remains steadfastly unmoving. Her silence is both profound and mystifying.
One can only wonder which Chaos God she prays to during her idle contemplation:
• Tzeentch, to weave a web of plans so complex they lead to perpetual inaction?
• Nurgle, to embrace the slow rot of governance as inevitable?
• Or perhaps Slaanesh, indulging in the serene pleasure of sipping tea while Rome burns around her?
Her role as the Silent Arbites seems to embody a single unifying mantra: “This too shall pass—preferably without me lifting a finger.”
The Chaos of Governance
Together, these figures form a governance trifecta so absurd it rivals the worst of grimdark theater:
• The Premier, enacting policies as if the Emperor Himself handed her blueprints.
• The Donkey Rider, galloping headfirst into crises while barely holding onto the reins.
• The Silent Arbites, who watches it all unfold with the serenity of someone who knows the tea won’t steep itself.
While they play their parts, the ecosystems of the Cayman Islands—its coral reefs, mangroves, and marine life—bear the consequences. The proposed amendments to the NCA are not just a legislative misstep; they are a full-blown ecological and economic catastrophe waiting to happen.
The Emperor Protects?
In the grim darkness of the Cayman Islands, one must ask: does the God-Emperor of Mankind truly protect this hive world? Or has He turned His gaze elsewhere, leaving the people to fend for themselves amid divine whispers and donkey collisions?
Citizens, beware the dangers of whispered governance and silent oversight. For when one acts without thought, the other refuses to act at all, and the third crashes through what remains, it is not leadership but chaos that reigns.
Final Observation:
As the lobsters flee, they leave behind not just their reefs but a message for humanity:
“Protect what matters, or watch it leave.”
May the Emperor protect this hive world—because the current leadership certainly won’t.
dude…you have too much free time. Where tf do you come up with this rhetoric?
Must be a CIG Civil Servant!
Can’t deny that if you take the time to read it, it’s quite clever and shares a very important message!
Why do you have to criticize people who have or make time to read, research or keep up with current events? Is it just because you’re so busy wrapped up in your own self interests that you only have the time and talent to put together a single sentence? If it’s too long or complicated for you to read or understand, just move on.
Crafting the rhetoric of the Adeptus Ridiculous requires following events, keeping one’s wits sharp, engaging with popular culture, and cultivating a curious mind.
It also demands familiarity with storytelling as either a pastime or profession, across various literary fields.
Writing aids are entirely optional—the process thrives on a deep sense of satire, meta-theatre (breaking the fourth wall like it’s made of paper), and creative experimentation.
Each character is crafted with their own voice, style, personality, humor, and imagery, ensuring every narrative stroke adds dimension to the storytelling.
If using AI, the creator must master prompt crafting, using it as a collaborative tool rather than a crutch.
The person always provides direction, injects twists, and deepens the imagery, ensuring that the final product reflects their creativity and intent , If you ever used an A.I tool it’s not easy to even come close to such results , you can always try but keep in mind you might not reach the same level !
AI is a brush in the hands of the artist, not the artist itself.
Crafting the rhetoric of the Adeptus Ridiculous requires following events, keeping one’s wits sharp, engaging with popular culture, and cultivating a curious mind.
It also demands familiarity with storytelling as either a pastime or profession, across various literary fields. Writing aids are entirely optional—the process thrives on a deep sense of satire, meta-theatre (breaking the fourth wall like it’s made of paper), and creative experimentation.
Each character is crafted with their own voice, style, personality, humor, and imagery, ensuring every narrative stroke adds dimension to the storytelling.
If using AI, the creator must master prompt crafting, using it as a collaborative tool rather than a crutch.
The person always provides direction, injects twists, and deepens the imagery, ensuring that the final product reflects their creativity and intent , If you ever used an A.I tool it’s not easy to even come close to such results , you can always try but keep in mind you might not reach the same level !
AI is a brush in the hands of the artist, not the artist itself.
Wow! I love to read your pieces. I understood it just fine and I agree!
It’s disappointing how silent the governor is, but yet she can comment about Samuel Rose!!
I understand what HB KWE AE and ST about stepping down, but I can only sit here and wonder, what if they didn’t. What would we have today?
What’s happening at the public beach? What of this gate? Can someone enlighten us?
Urgent Call To Protect Our Natural Heritage
Don’t let the amendments gut our National Conservation Act! This New Year’s Eve attempt to alter our environmental laws threatens the very core of our island’s ecological integrity and governance. 🌿🏝️
📢 Act now! Send a letter to MPs. Copy and paste the link below to find out more and have your letter delivered to MPs.
🛑 Say NO to Weakening Our Environmental Laws. Demand transparency and integrity in environmental governance.
📞 Demand Action! Call on all Members of Parliament, to uphold our constitution and reject these detrimental amendments.
🌍 Let’s Preserve Cayman for Generations. Do not let political interests compromise our natural beauty and sustainability. Tell our leaders to preserve our constitution and protect the Cayman Islands’ future.
https://forms.gle/Yu11D2H3UwuKzKb37
https://www.facebook.com/reel/597204099694967
Vote them out! Vote all 19 of the out!!!
Pity. You can’t legally vote.
I’m voting for André.
Can we agree on 16? (Andre, Wayne and Kathy all seem pretty capable, and fundamentally honest).
Wayne is beyond disappointing. Sold his integrity to be premier. Never again.
Wayne Panton is an educated person eligible for the role who did his best given the hand he was given . He had the Cayman Islands a home he loves best interest at heart and not for monetary gain unlike some of our current representatives. When I wrote to him, not knowing him personally to discuss stamp duty and housing price concerns . He took the care and time to reply to me with an extremely heart felt educated reply. If we could have Wayne with the right team behind him the Cayman Islands might be on the right course as opposed to what we currently have now. Thank you Wayne Panton for your service and love of the Cayman Islands an island that has provided so many of us with great possibilities, amazing marine life …. Let’s help protect what we have left.
Cannot fully agree here ,as I fully believe he saw himself as being the only capable one at the time of bringing substance and integrity , to the rable…however the Master Mind of politics saw a loop hole and in is usual style masterminded the plot(situation).
This stupid ignoramous one man one vote needs to be abolished in entirety… Imagine we can elect who we suck up to with as little as 10 votes more of less…
VOTE FOR INTEGRITY AND YOUR COUNTRY AND ITS FUTURE.
All WEF and pro DART
I’d vote for Andre if he was in my district! Please lets keep him.
Because scientists are always objective and seek the truth. No matter what.
Except for social distancing, safe and effective, and masks.
We know the development mob here just wants more money. Somehow, I think the environmentalists just want more money and power too.
And yet, it’s the UDP Cabinet that seeks to formally steal $55 mln, betraying the founding mandate of the Environmental Protection Fund (funded from passenger fees) and add this money to CI General Revenue. It’s literally theft and the opposite of prudence.
Seymour is a scientist.
Dr. Spock was a scientist too. Perhaps we need a tricorder.
A mad scientist
Do you mean a donkey scientist?
Yep. Going GREEN literally means that only people with green will be have rights to their property and be able to pay off whichever expert they need to submit a report that supports their goals.
Jay Ebanks the Minister of Planning undertook to hire a lawyer to craft changes to the NCC laws according to the former Sustainability Minister Wilks.
It was not the interim Minister Seymour.
Why the interim UPM government allowed Jay Ebanks to interfere with another Minister’s portfolio is laughable.
The people should be asking why is Jay Ebanks so hell bent in these changes. We already have out of control development but looks like they want more.
As the comedian Bill Engvall would say “here’s your sign”
Because he is in close alignment with MAC and all the big money people that have zero care about the environment..LETS VOTE THEM ALL OUT ALL 19 NEEDS TO BE GONE.
What is the connection/relationship between the CPA chairman and minister Jay Ebanks?
It was done at the direction of the Premier who then directed that it be hidden from Kathy. Facts