Science & Nature
EIA TORs released for damaging airport projects
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) is inviting the public to take part in the consultation process for three of its proposed major projects outlined in the 2041 Airports Master Plan. Terms of reference for the EIAs were published last week and are now available for people to read, consider and submit their thoughts. […]
NCFC ends legal battle, appoints new NCC
(CNS): The National Coalition for Caymanians has revoked the previous controversial appointments to the National Conservation Council made by the former UPM minority government earlier this year. The new government has appointed a new slate of members, which includes scientists and technical experts, putting an end to the legal battle between the old members who […]
Saving Seven Mile Beach: between sand and sea
Matthew Feitelberg writes: I want you to close your eyes and picture something. You’re walking down a beach; the sun is shining; a Christmas breeze is blowing. In both directions, the sand stretches for miles. Waves crash into the shore, splashing your legs as you instinctively raise the bag you’re carrying to keep it dry. […]
‘No’ vote will protect future for youth eco-activists
(CNS): The young activists from Protect Our Future are celebrating the recent ‘no’ vote for the referendum question on cruise berthing facilities last month, when 64% of those who came out to vote rejected the concept. For years, the young members of POF have spoken out against the potential project due to threats to the […]
Endangered rock iguana bounces back after cat cull
(CNS): The endangered Sister Islands Rock Iguana, which has been in steep decline for years, is making an impressive comeback on Little Cayman after the apparent success of a feral cat cull. According to the Department of Environment’s latest survey undertaken in March, the iguana population on the island has more than tripled in three […]
We are nurtured by nature
The Department of Environment writes: As the tops of a deep-sea, underwater mountain range, the Cayman Islands evolved in isolation for millions of years. As animals and plants found their way across the sea to our shores, they brought new life to the land, which over time developed many unique and biodiverse ecosystems. As humans […]
CIG to begin drill ahead of hurricane season
(CNS): With the 2025 hurricane season almost upon us, which scientists predict will be another busy one, the Public Works Department, National Roads Authority and the Department of Vehicle & Equipment Services (DVES) will be fitting shutters on more than 100 buildings and test standby generators across Grand Cayman over the next few weeks. With […]
Loggerhead turtles lay first nests of season
(CNS): The first turtle nest of the season was found by the Department of Environment’s volunteer team on Cayman Brac last month, and just a day later, the first nest on Grand Cayman was discovered. As the season gets underway, six loggerhead turtle nests have been found on five different beaches so far. Female loggerheads […]
OfReg’s ‘solar bid’ was meant to replace CON
(CNS): CUC delayed submitting a certificate of need (CON) for more fixed generating power because OfReg had planned to solicit bids for an additional 22.5 MW of solar as an alternative in 2021. CUC told CNS that OfReg had accepted the alternative proposal and agreed it was more appropriate than a traditional CON. However, CUC […]
UPM Cabinet OKs destruction of critical marine habitat
(CNS) UPDATED: At a special meeting of the minority UPM Cabinet on 28 February, the five remaining ministers approved a coastal works permit to dredge 8,000 square feet of seagrass (turtle grass) on the edge of a marine protected area off Public Beach in East End, championed by Minister Isaac Rankine. The approval was given despite […]
OfReg rejects solar storage answer to firm power need
(CNS): In another blow for the future of green energy in Cayman, due to CUC’s licensing deal and its obligations to supply ‘firm’ rather than renewable energy, OfReg’s position on the power provider’s Certificate of Need will mean that it will be generating more, not less, electricity through fossil fuels over the coming years. With […]
