Land Habitat
Minister claims to be ‘inclusive’ over changes to NCA
(CNS): More than two weeks after the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency gazetted the National Conservation Amendment Bill and began a public consultation, which will close in less than two weeks, Dwayne Seymour, the minister responsible, has claimed that the process represents “inclusive and transparent governance”.
National Trust alarmed by proposed NCA changes
(CNS): The National Trust for the Cayman Islands has raised the alarm about the UPM minority government’s attempts to gut the National Conservation Act. The local non-profit organisation, which is required by law to provide advice, information and assistance to the government on matters that affect the natural and built heritage of the Cayman Islands, […]
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 […]
Panton warns of political risk posed by NCA changes
(CNS): Former premier and sustainability minister Wayne Panton has raised significant concerns about the minority UPM government’s attempts to gut the National Conservation Act, specifically the damage the proposed changes could cause to the environment as well as the political and governance risks they present. Panton said the draft bill not only undermines the intent […]
Changes to law would pave way for unchecked development
(CNS): One of the most fundamental changes the UPM government is proposing to make to the National Conservation Act would, if the amendment bill passes, almost eliminate the main purpose of the law. One of the clauses removes the National Conservation Council’s ability to curtail even the most egregious development if, for example, the Central […]
Conservation NPO opens shoreline community park
(CNS): Local conservation advocacy non-profit organisation Sustainable Cayman has opened the first of its own community shoreline parks in South Sound. It was officially opened on Tuesday evening when government officials joined members of the public and those who helped to create the space, plant the local flora and help rewild the area. The activists […]
Mailer: It’s ‘blindingly obvious’ NCA not stalling development
(CNS): Stuart Mailer, the chair of the National Conservation Council, hit back on Wednesday at the false narrative being peddled by developers and politicians that the National Conservation Act was slowing down economic development. As he opened the NCC general meeting, he said the rate and scale of physical development taking place in the country […]
Bryan continues to criticise conservation battle
(CNS): The tourism minister’s criticism of efforts by public and private sector entities to protect Cayman’s environment and dismissal of the hard battle to preserve our dwindling natural resources were on display again last week at the Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, where he implied that the balance is tipped too much in favour of […]
Threat to blues grows in face of another sub-division
(CNS): A planning application by South Cove Ltd for another residential sub-division off the Queen’s Highway in East End is placing Cayman’s critically endangered blue iguana under further pressure. The application is for 26 residential lots on nine acres of land currently zoned agricultural-residential, so it will require a variance from the Central Planning Authority […]
Minister says ignoring DoE advice has led to devastation
(CNS): In a post on her social media pages, Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks recognised that developers’ failure to heed science-based advice from the Department of Environment and the National Conservation Council has had a devastating impact on the Cayman Islands’ environment and economy.
Lawyer argues review of CPA action in blues case is critical
(CNS): The lawyer representing the National Conservation Council, Chris Buttler KC, argued that the court needs to review the actions of the Central Planning Authority in the wake of unlawful land clearing of pristine habitat in blue iguana territory in East End. Buttler said the case is far more than an academic legal exercise. Until […]
