Save Cayman out in force

| 28/05/2011

(CNS): Campaigners aiming to protect the North Sound from proposed dredging projects and other major developments that could threaten the local environment were out in force Saturday at Grand Cayman’s local supermarkets collecting more signatures for the petition and recruiting people to assist with what is growing into a major green movement. Captain Bryan Ebanks, who is spearheading the campaign, said that the support for Save Cayman is growing and more and more people are pledging their support. Following a week of radio appearances and meetings to help promote this weekend’s push, Ebanks said he was really pleased that more and more people were willing to step up to the plate and say enough is enough.

The campaigners will be at Foster’s Republix in West Bay, Kirk’s Supermarket in George Town, Hurleys at Grand Harbour and at Fosters Countryside in Savannah. Campaigners will be there from around 9-30am until 4pm on Saturday and will have information about the campaign.

Although the main focus of the fight is to protect the North Sound, Save Cayman is also lending its support to the opposition of the East End Sea Port as well as proposals to move the West Bay Road. However, as the protest gathers pace it is shaping into a movement that is pressing for more controlled and sustainable development that includes greater participation of the local people.

“It is not easy to keep going with the campaign as there is a lot of work to do,” Captain Bryan said this weekend. “However, when we get so much moral support from people out there and have many people willing to help, it’s what keeps me going.”

Ebanks is still aiming to collect enough signatures from the local voting population to trigger a people initiated referendum to prevent government from dredging the North Sound. Although it is not clear if the current government has abandoned its latest plan for a channel, the issue keeps reoccurring. The campaigning captain says it is important to demonstrate to government the level of opposition to the principle of dredging the Sound to hopefully put a stop to any current or future considerations for a channel.

With past dredging already having damaging the water quality of one of Grand Cayman’s most important assets, the threat of a larger channel cutting through the reef could pose enormous risks to both West Bay and George Town during hurricanes but also it could threatened the very existence of the Sand Bar, which is one of Cayman’s leading tourist attractions.

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  1. Libertarian says:

    I took a look at their website. This is my response to those who are all hot with zeal about signing a petition, want to play defensive instead of offensive, and say they don't have the monies to pay the National Trust or any non-for-profit organization to have purchases and expansions made to our nature reserves:

    Know that the goal of what we have now, the National Trust (non-for-profit organization), is to preserve the environment, marine, and cultural treasures of the Cayman Islands. I understand that the foundation's reserves are protected from government legislation. The foundation is also quarantined from governmental corruption in that their own financial activities are audited by accountants not within their organization.

    From KPMG statements which are posted on the National Trust's website, for the year ended June 30, 2009, it states the National Trust received in donations of goods and services the amount of 295,533, and government grants for the fiscal year estimated to 308,000 C.I. From fundraising events they've made 94,447 C.I. The total from their revenue and support operations, KPMG recorded 800,103 C.I.

    My take is, if the National Trust can make such figures within a fiscal year, just imagine how much it can make if there is a spearheaded campaign (like this petition one) to fill the coffers of the Trust for purchasing of lands and marine zones!

    So far, National Trust have been able to purchase valuable reserves, which are a testament of what donations can do. The financial statement ended June 30, 2009, stated the acquisition of Booby Pond Nature Reserve, which was valued in 2009 at 1,232,424; the Brac Parrot Reserve – valued at 1,177,931; the Mastic Reserve – valued at 1,133,315; the Salina Reserve – valued at 997,440; the Central Mangrove Wetland – valued at 501,400; Uncle Sammy's Pond – valued at 315,000; Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary – valued at 223,862;  Brac Splits – valued at 222,220; Dr. Roy's Ironshore – valued at 178,252, et cetera… There you go!  No one can that the National Trust's net assets, were not achievable!

    If people really want to "Save Cayman," would they not donate and pursue towards this foundation's cause like they would give to their church every Sunday?  Wouldn't they want to as well save Barkers in West Bay, a very very valuable nature reserve?

    My view is if you can sign a paper (play defensive) to stop government from destroying Cayman's wildlife and environment, you should be able to reach down in your pockets to as well play offensive by capturing and securing areas like Barkers in West Bay and parts of the North Sound!  Don't say that it is impossible at this time!  The National Trust is an important organization made up conservationists who at least have an understanding of what our ecosystem and environment needs. They should know what to secure best from the grasping hands of greedy politicians and developers. 

    The National Trust is located at 558A South Church Street, George Town. Website address – http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/

     

    • Anonymous says:

      A simple answer to your question is that people who complain and thrive on starting controversy are usually not willing to put their money where their mouth is. You see a lot of people complaining and saying what the government should do all the while doing nothing themselves.

    • Anonymous says:

      Interesting…. you should have posted this on Viewpoint!  I think it needs to be discussed as to what Save Cayman should really be about. 

  2. Anonymous says:

    LOL

    You follow Ezzy, you are wasting your vote!

    You follow a libertarian, you are wasting your monies!

    You follow Ppm with a piece of paper, you are wasting your time!

    XXXXX

    And if you follow any tree hugging environmentalist, you are stopping this island from economic growth and development, and putting us at serious risk of being "taken over" by the UK government, which wants us to balance our budget. See what happened in the LA when the Governor spoke….

    So you all can keep playing Nero's fiddle, and see what happens!

  3. karen says:

    You all about Save Cayman never ceases to amaze me. Has any of you considered that we have a National Trust to protect and preserve nature and environment, and to buy certain lands for their protection?  Why hasn't any of you, donated to its worthy cause???  Like one blogger said, maybe you all should put your money where your mouth is!  Take a drive down to the National Trust and each one of you donate a $100 dollars or more if you are so serious about saving Cayman.

    As far as I know, this petition to attempt to change the heart of government will get you no where!  And whatabout Barkers?  Only a feww bloggers here like libertarian are on the right track. You Save Cayman group need to wake up and start digging your pockets!  Let us work with the National Trust and/or other private organizations to secure Cayman's future. 

    Folks, you can't rely on government!

    • Anonymous says:

      I make regular contributions to the National Trust. What do you do? Pray tell how the National Trust is going to buy the North Sound.

      Signed,

      A member of Save Cayman

    • Anonymous says:

      Karen, this Save Cayman supporter is a lifetime member of the National Trust. What makes you think you know all about those of us who are involved in Save Cayman?. If we all donated $100 it wouldn't add up to much but the thousands of signatures we have collected will.

  4. Anonymous says:

    I guess I look like an expat or a tourist with my blonde hair. They didn't even blink at me.

    Might be missing a large segment of the voting population if you continue to 'racial profile' folks.

    And speaking of which, this might be a good way to get those 'nasty' expats on our side. They seem to care more about environmental things on this island than our MLA's

    • Anonymous says:

      I do not understand. Were you expecting to be begged? The information was displayed so that interested persons could take there own initiative and stop by to sign the petition(s). It has nothing to do with nationality or residense. Had the persons at the table locations been hassling shoppers to sign would that have not been more offensive? I witnessed many persons of varing "racial profiles" signing the petition so I guess that the problem is yours. Next time stop by to sign & discuss and you may be surprised.

  5. Anonymous says:

    I agree that the manner in which the UDP government has gone about attempting to revive the Cayman economy has not always been well thought out and even unorthodox, but the opposition by the public instigated by a few with political or personal agendas is regrettable.  The country needs to continue to develop and you have to give up something to get something.  There are potentially negative consequences to everything one does but these have to be weighed up and if the benefits outweigh the costs then the decision should be 'yes'. e.g. everyday you go to work there is the possibility that you could get into a car accident and lose your life.  This is remote but possible.  You don't stay at home and not go to work, make a salary and enjoy the benefits this salary affords you, because there is the very remote possibility of dying in a car accident whilst going to work.  The same goes for the East End Seaport. In my estimation this is a good project, and the only argument being advanced is Ezzard and Arden's suggestion that Imparato will remove the fill and leave a hole in the ground and not complete the project.  The simple answer to mitigate this eventuality is that the government incorporate into any approval granted that the revenue from fill excavated and sold be placed in escrow/reserve which must first be applied to the project, and further if the project is not completed by the developer as planned, then the land and incompleted project is forfeited by the developer and transfer to the government.  This would protect against the eventuality suggested by the Ezzard and would be sufficient disincentive for the developer to think twice about moving ahead with the development if he does not intend to fully complete the same. 

    • Anonymous says:

      This is a good idea in principal, however, we understand that it has already been agreed that planning laws will not apply, taxes will not be payable and lots of other concessions. My problem is circumventing the law for ANY developer and the fact that Mac seems to make these decisions all on his own. The developerhas not said that he will build a port, or the roads to get to it or anything else. Everyone assumes that he will, but he has not said it. Therefore, we need to assume that he will only blast a hole and mine the fill.

  6. Michael Mouse says:

    I have signed many many petitions many many times.  I am already signed up on this one.

  7. Whodatis says:

    Considering the age in which we are living, the current efforts of mankind all over the world, and our extremely high stakes in this regard (size, locale, economy, reputation and limitations) – we would be absolute fools to not place greater emphasis on our enviroment.

    If it was up to me there would be tons of red tape, bureaucracy and legalities surrounding any proposal for further coastline / coastal development in the Cayman Islands.

    Frankly it is the only sensible, visionary and natural thing to do.

    (E.g. Hundreds of miles of coastline are "untouchable" in many European countries, yet here we are openly exposed to the whims of any wealthy entity hoping to make a quick buck. The irony is mind-boggling.)

    Unfortunately some of us fail to realize this. I only hope that we will not find ourselves in the position of realizing it until too late.

    * Enter the naysayers! "Well, if Cayman doesn't accept development then we stand to lose inward investors and blah blah blah …"

    Not to worry oh silly, short-sighted and misguided ones – we are here to save you from yourselves.

    You can thank us later.

  8. peter says:

    why not move the road back? weekends it is full of children and tourists having funn from public to tiki beach, tourists seem to be enjoying them selfs and look the wrong way when crosssing and i would a feel more comfortable if my children where playing there and cars was not coming pass at 40/50mph+ why worry if somebodys land is going to be worth more? its not going to change you life, but moving the road could save one!!

    • Anonymous says:

      "It's no going to change you life?" What about the fire trucks/ambulances that would no longer be able to get onto West Bay Road without heading back into West Bay "proper" and then heading down the bypass? The road is not just being moved, it will be access only for this development! What guarantee do we have that we will even be able to access the beach north of Tiki Beach?  For those of us who live in West Bay, particularly the south side, our journey to town will be even longer. 

      This "whatever you want, no matter the price everyone else has to pay" attitude to wealthy developers has to stop. There seems to be an announcement every two weeks on what has already been agreed with this one and that one. No public input, no environmental input, no economic value to the country input, no details of what they are REALLY going to do………………

      We certainly don't need to give them scarce crown land so that they will build a road forall to better access their developments!

      The cars should not be going 50+ mph, I have always supported changing the speed limit on West Bay Road to 25mph, by the way. I don't believe most parents let their children play anywhere near the road. I certainly wouldn't. Agreed, it would be a terrible loss if any child was killed on that road but I think you are clutching at straws here.

      The dangerous precedent set by moving the road would continue all over the island, remember the South Sound development?

      • Anonymous says:

        What about the fire trucks/ambulances that would no longer be able to get onto West Bay Road without heading back into West Bay "proper" this is highly unlikely … no plans have been developed and even the old NRA plans or Stan Thomas plans didn't call for the whole road being moved …. it would connect back to West Bay Rd. and continue on up. Even Dart doesn't have that kind of cash to build all the necessary access roads, extend all the necessary water, electricity etc. etc. Come on people – think rationally and then apply rational thought to your emotions.

    • Anonymous says:

      Loving this idea!! There should be plenty of safe parking for people instead of fighting to cross the road to get to the beach. There is NO place to park to go to the beach unless you live at one of the condos.

       

  9. Anonymous says:

    Has Save Cayman and Ezzard -Alden actually joined forces? Certainly Ezzard will be happy to claim the numbers and support of every anti govermental group in the western hemisphere.

    Are we considering different projects here or is it all just anti government?

    The North Sound group and the 1 person – 1 vote group my not be as feverish as Ezzard with the East End project.

    But if you can whip them up into a frenzy and give them a pen and paper who knows how many petitioners you can muster?

    I wish this same passion was found with the slaughter of the grouper spawning holes or the passing of the Conservation Law.

     

     

    • Caymanians for logic says:

      You ask?….you should know that Ezzard will never support "telling Northsiders what they can do with their land",  be that digging for marl or clearing the central mangrove swamp….but he is happy to tell East Enders what to do with theirs..totally hypocritical.

    • Anonymous says:

      It's all anti government.

      And  we also wish that they would be more passionate about their Caymanians. We want to see Ezzard and Arden join forces passionatly, to carry private  motions to the assembly, for laws to  get the Caymanians that they claim they love, educated, trained and asserted for these upcomiing projects..help pave the way for their prosperity.

      Stop preaching doom to the Caymanian  people…( the chinese are bringing their own people to do the work) Get a work shop going, round up all those young men on the streets, that has no jobs,

      psychologically you will brainwash your people into sitting on their arses, and then the Chinese will have to do all the jobs.

      Get your medics prepared and  ready…get Roy to start med classes at UCCI or ask St. Matthew to help train our Caymanins to be a part of Dr. Shetty Hospital,

      Stop the negative campaign, we are sick of it.
      This government is trying damn hard to bring this economy up and running.

      Caymanians… what do you really need to know? that we have jobs so we can feed and educate our children, pay our bills, keep the bill collectors off our back. Maybe some of us already have enough money, and do not care whether we will survive or not.

      We are not interested in  Mr.Emperato millions, Mr.Dart's millions,Makeeva's money, or how much him and Julie travel to meet dignitaries in the far away world, it sounds so childish.

      We want jobs…help us get these jobs….Ezzard, Alden and Arden…please!

  10. nauticalone says:

    No, no, no to EE Seaport (really a large quarry) no to oil refinery, no to dredging the North Sound.

    Cayman is far too small for such detrimental projects.

    Govt. should concentrate on Shetty Hospital, Special economic zone, GT Port Extention and completing the schools/GCM Hurrican Shelters and dealing with the Dump and Sewage needs.

    And it's time now!….for one person, one vote!

    Thanks to ALL who are involved!

     

    • "Get the facts" says:

      You are contradictory. The Shetty Hospital will eventually clear and fill more land than the EE Seaport..a total of 1,000 acres.  The Economic zone will clear 1,500 acres! That is 15 times the EES harbour basin size.  The new solid waste facility will take 500 acres of land to be created.

      So why choose/support one project over the other?…clearly this objection has nothing to do with the "environment". Do not be used for someone else's politics.  Please understand what you are supporting before you do. Get the facts then object or not.

      I agree with you on some points however. I do support fixing the dump, the sewage, the human garbage we Caymanians seem to leave everywhere these days, the school completion and the like, but please get the facts and not be used by a few politicians or "wannabe politicians".

       

      • nauticalone says:

        "The facts" are that Mr. Imparato proposes to dig a large hole (quarry) and sell the material, providing marginal temporary employment oppotunities. And providing irreversible environmental damage.

        Mr. Shetty proposes permanent revenue opportunities (more professionals working and living here) and also permanent opportunity to lower Govt./insurance expenditure and also for the Cayman Islands to access first world medical care at a much reduced cost. Additionally a first class medical university.

        Both developments would require large land clearing. However Mr. Shetty has proposed to fund and build his project in phases to completion whereas Mr. Imparato has proposed to sell off a large part of this little island, pocket the profits….and give us the hole (pun intended).

        Myself and many others are "for" develoment….as long as it's upside outweighs the downside significantly and is in the long term best interest of the people of Cayman.

        These two projects are as different as day and night!

        Those are "the facts". Pleased you can agree with the concerns on the dump and sewage needs.

      • Anonymous says:

        It seems you might take your own advice and get the facts.

        While any of the projects will mean many acres being cleared, only the EE Seaport/Quarry will most assuredly result in permanent environmental damage with no long term useful contribution to Cayman as it is NOT a proposal for a Port….only an artists rendering of what the "hole" could be used for.

         

      • Anonymous says:

        The environmental concerns are for much more than "clearing land". It's about a completed project that will bring more positive results than negative.

        Thankfully some Politicians are willing to make a stand for the long term good. Most usually aren't!

  11. Anonymous says:

     

    The people can easily distinguish between those projects that are probably in their long-term interests, such as the Business Park, the George Town finger piers, the airport extension and the Shetty Hospital and thosethat have the potential to seriously and irrevocably damage the quality of life in these islands, such as the East End quarry and the North Sound channel.

    It can't be a coincidence that the plans for Barkers have just been announced, the timing presumably chosen to distract attention from the wholesale destruction of Cayman's iconic scenic coastline at Breakers, and the possible damage to one of Cayman's great natural cash-cows, Stingray City.

    The quarry at East End will make the lives of those living along the delivery routes unbearable, yet these residents don't  have a voice in the matter.  I once lived along that coast road, and know first-hand the maddening reality of the constant rumbling, grinding and explosive crackling of illegal Jake-brakes, 14 hours a day. I was there when the bypass was being built. Yet this same punishment will go on for a decade or more, and I see that those who stand to make the most money out the destruction of Breakers and its forests, live furthest away from the delivery routes.

    Never has the quality of life in Cayman been so threatened, with so little benefit to the Caymanian people. And never have such grandiose and dangerous schemes been pushed forward in the face of such universal opposition. There is a desperate urgency to re-wite the laws of these islands during the short window of opportunity before the next election, and ram this stuff through. I never imagined Cayman would come to this. Never.

  12. Caymanians for logic says:

    It is easy to support a group Called “Save Cayman”. Who would not? But is the premise to their arguments fact or not. Will dredging actually destroy cayman?. Maybe.maybe not and I know the answer back will be” why test it”. Are we going to contiune to give Goverment handouts to 1/4 of the population?

    Is the half moon bay dock going to destroy the village of East End 3 miles away? Surely that one has been cleared up by now with the EIA. Ezzard and Arden know that and are trying to join Capt Bryans ship. They may end up sinking his ship if the new harbour Facts actually blows away the myths. That is Very close to happening.

    I thInk we have to look at these projects technically and not emotionally. Here are the non-emotive facts surrounding the Half Moon harbour project. Will hold comments about the NS dredging until the facts are known. Here goes at the popular myths:

    “Myth 1: Cost on island will go up due to traffic drive.

    Fact 1: Shipping cost TO island on the bigger ships will go DOWN MORE than the extra $200 of trucking from East End. 

     

    Myth 2: Travel time to East End will increase. More trucks will be on road.

    Fact 2; Myth partially correct if the required road is not built. For port to go there then the bypass road will be needed, particularly around Bodden Town. All eastern roads actually far under capacity as is.

     

    Myth 3: The East End water lens will die

    Facts 3: The EIA shows very little potential impact over 50 Years. Secondly building the port with steel piles all around will eliminate all such issues. The ecoli has already been identified in the EE water lens.

     

    Myth 4: The East End water lens will pour out into the sea

    Fact 4: The water lens is not like a bag of water. It is like a sponge with water in it. Even if you cut off some of the sponge the rest of the water remains in sponge. Yes there are splits in rock (sponge) that isolated fresh water on the edges will turn brackish if the basin approaches it but see Myth 3.

     

    Myth 5: Project bad for sea.

    Fact 5: Being inland basin any oil spill or such is contained in the basin very easily by booming entrance.

     

    Myth 6: Inland basin will swamp inland areas, North Side, Bodden Town etc.

    Fact 6: By the time water or wave leaves sea and enters basin then climbs sea wall and the berm around project those other areas will be long swamped by the normal sea action. Bodden town will be swamped just as it was in Ivan (over the reef and over the beach). East End Port will not impact that. Also with breakwater offshore the lands will in fact get much better protection than the little seawall (lovers Wall 🙂 ) placed there now.

    This does not even take into account the fact that if the hurricane passes to the northside the basin will actually feel a negative pressure and take water out.

     

    Myth 7: Its just a quarry1

    Facts 7: The “quarry” will cost $50M to build. The material coming from it will produce $180M( if you can find someone to buy all that stuff). Developer makes big profit….however if developer takes that $130M potential profit and fills his other 500 acres that he bought for $6M and turns it into development lands he ends up with $400M worth of land- High and dry. So I say, will he take the $130M and run or stay around to complete it and take the additional $400M? Joe has more insight than that…yep folks..this is not just a quarry! sorry to end that little myth.

     

    Myth 8: Will kill the other quarries.

    Fact 8: Actually will kill other quarries if the quarry owners and government does not negotiate with Joe- although he has promised to send fill off island.  On the goodside, will kill the local cartel and reduce the cost of fill on island (costs go down obviously). Also this would be inline with CM2Hill report to DOE on deeper, more localized quarries rather than many shallow holes all over the island.

     

    Myth 9: We don’t need a new cargo dock.

    Fact 9: One of the biggest myths out there. We have a puny 300 foot pier in the middle of our town. It is highly susceptible to major wave action. In a westward hurricane the potential for building ruble and sand to fill the harbour in now great given the construction around it in the last 35 years. We have to work at night to land cargo so we can use dock in day for tourist. Our cargo loads have been down only because of this recession and the fact is the other Half of the existing dock is in Industrial park anyway and most importantly the East end port would not come fully functional for 10 years- in that time we will see the benefit of the foresight of moving it there.

     

    The long and short is there are a lot of myths about Joe’s project. I agree that if he does not finish it, it will be bad. If done incorrectly from an environmental point it can cause some damage however the myths surrounding this just for politics is huge. Most of these issues are easily dealt with technically. We should analyze it properly but not with these myths above.

    • Anonymous says:

      What a load of BS. Your facts are self-evidently wrong.

      • Whatisname says:

        His facts are more like myths! So self-evidently wrong.

        • myth says:

          well I won't say you're self-evidently wrong when you're self-evidently in the wrong of being self-evidently wrong,  but that's okay just ignore the commenter

    • Anonymous says:

      Ok myth buster. You seem to know it all and have all the answers but please just write them here in cyberspace and please dont waste good paper writing them down.

  13. Anonymous says:

    http://www.bronxriver.org/

    The Bronx River Alliance could be a useful reference. Besides an environmental success, it has been a social success: the diversity of employees and volunteers includes prisoners embedded with the teams. They soon share the pride of ownership with the rest of the team, and many are later employed by various Parks programmes.

  14. Libertarian says:

    Funny that you will find that a man is more conscious and caring of his environment, when he is able to own an aspect or part of it as his own private property. No one in their right minds, would take good care of plants, shrubs, and wildlife that he/she has not called or referred to as their own.  

    Libertarian, what are you saying?

    This green movement campaign should not be attacking the developer, Mr. Joseph Imparato. I don't see anything wrong with a business man wanting to make a profit. Some will see it as greed, but what I see is a man who wants to develop, make millions, create jobs, and boost the economy. As far as I know, there is no government involvement as to what he will be doing – except for the green light to go ahead with it. I think it actually defames the man's character to insinuate that he has a sinister plan to ruin the Cayman Islands' economy and environment just to dig a quarry, so he can take his millions and run away. I don't know if you noticed, but interestingly with such claims against the man, I have not seen any evidence to back them up. As far as I know, the only factual record we can make claims from, is from Mr. Imparato's website and most importantly, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). And I just wonder how many of his critics have carefully read the EIA and have weighed the knowledge that they have with the pros and the cons? How many are following the evidence and not authoritative figures?  Joseph Imparato, I feel, is a man we can at least give the benefit of the doubt. He is a local successful business man, easily envied because of wealth he has generated. He knows Cayman better than Mr. Kenneth Dart, and he has been a shareholder for the CUC utilities for many years. For anyone to come and claim that the man on his own property, would just dig a hole to leave the Cayman Islands with a crater, I think that is just wrong!

    Instead, this campaign should be focused on attacking the continous attempts by our governments (UK/Local), our politicians to better our economy. Once you see that a clear cut divorce and separation between the governments and the private sector is necessary in order for the people and private sector of this country to thrive and grow, you will see that it is a waste of time to attack developers and investors unless they are in some coalition with the government towards a mutual goal. Nevertheless, you will find that it is government interferences, high indirect taxes, regulations, immigration, and anti-business laws that are really hurting our economy. Everything else they may be good at doing, but to run the people's economy, well… that should be left with the people. 

    In both perspective, the environment is an important factor; however, I feel the Mr. Imparato would do a better job at taking care of the environmental factors relating to his personal property than would the government that doesn't have the monies like Mr. Imparato to maintain and upkeep the environment. 

    Hence, I wish instead of the campaign being referred to as the green movement campaign, it is called the "small government movement campaign." Nothing else is the source of our problems, but the government's interventions upon the market!

    • Blukoto says:

      I'm not sure exactly what it is you're trying to say Libertarian, but I think you're missing the point.

      It's fine for Mr. Imparato to want to make a profit, and to actually make that profit.  But it is also fine for the rest of society to comment on, support or reject that profit making idea if it's benefits do not appear to outweigh it's detrimental aspects.

      In this case, is it worth it to all of us to have a hole in the ground?  Even Mr. Imparato has admitted that he has no intention of actually building a port.  His intention is to dig a quarry and hand the hole overto government to build a port, if it so wishes.  I for one see no benefit in that and oppose this project.  Unless there is some other aspect of this project that I'm missing I will continue to oppose it.

      • Libertarian says:

        May I ask –

        What detrimental aspects?

        And where is he quoted in saying that he is digging a quarry just to hand the hole over to government to build a port?

        Please come with the facts, and maybe I will consider my stance on this issue.

         

        • Blukoto says:

          Detrimental aspects: read the EIA

          Quotes: from the very beggining he has been honest about his intentions.  And actually I credit him for his honesty.  Other developers are no where near as honest.  Maybe if he showed more of an actual commitment to building the port itself I would support the project.  I may not wholehearedly support it, but I like the idea of a developer with integrity.

      • Anonymous says:

        I believe the error here is in attaching the Govt Cargo Port to the East End Seaport as the ONLY thing that is going to happen. If Govt chooses not to move its port – it can still be a Port … only a port which caters to the other land and marine based industries which are a part of this project. It is not the East End Government Cargo Port project – it is the East End Seaport and it can see industries, businesses and opportunities grow with or without the government cargo port.

    • Mr. Pibb says:

       

      If you are going to rehash the same point over and over I will just re-post why you are very sadly only able to see the world from dollar tinted spectacles. 

      Lib this is where your warped world view is brought into sharpest relief.  The free market does not "do" environment very well – and if we all followed your approach the march of profits would go untrammelled.  In terms of pollution one needs the government to intervene to add to the cost of polluting thereby internalising the externalities.

      But here is the rub Lib.  Your model has largely one method of assessing value – the dollar.  Some of us see value in things above monetary terms and preserving sites of beauty (it is all relative), ecosystems etc is something many of us value.  Since there is never going be the Gentle Green Giant dispensing its financial largesse to save us from the greed of developers and land owners, we the people need government to step in and act. 

      You may not like that.   But then you probably think Sarah Palin has quite a few goods ideas too . . .

      • Libertarian says:

        In the free market field, you have non-for-profit organizations and charities that I can tell, does a better job than a bloated government.

      • molested cat says:

        Government = a Gentle Green Giant

        Hmmm… that's a new one!

  15. nauticalone says:

    Very Good job peeps!

    We should all encourage full participation by all. It's called Democracy.

  16. Anonymous says:

    The west bay and Capt Bryan Ebanks may be able to do what Ezzard could not, ironic but clever for Ezzard to realize this and enlist their support.

  17. IRON CLAD says:

    For those who have not yet signed the petition(s) and interested in doing so, you may visit the Save Cayman blog site @ SaveCayman.Blog.Com, where the petitions are available for download, printed and signed.

    You may also have other friends and family sign the petitions and email the Save Cayman group to have them picked up or delivered.

    On behalf of the Save Cayman, the Save Cayman group wishes to thank everyone who has signed and supported thus far in 'Saving Cayman' and looks forward to the success in their objective.

    Sincerely IRON CLAD

    • Anonymous says:

      By joining forces you may each give up some signatures as I for one up in support of one initiative and against the other … yeap … that is what can happen when you research the facts as opposed to just listening to Arden and Ezzard who speak as if they know it all, but in reality know nothing on one project or jumping up and down in support of Capt Bryan. Research for yourself and find out the facts. Conservation is good, but not at the expense of development — sustainabel development is what is needed for our country to continue to survive. As much as my childhood memories make me wish we could stand still and protect what we have today, I also know that if my parents had achieved that when I was a child my life today would not be what it is. I want the best for my children and that means sustainable development.

      • B. B. L. Brown says:

        Sorry, Anonymous 8:54…. I just can’t go along with your “sustainable development”. Given free rein our government (and I include both parties) would have us looking like Miami in short order…… Which I, for one, do NOT want. Some people think more population, more traffic, more bars,etc. along with an increase in crime is “progress”. I don’t. Let Cayman be.

  18. Anonymous says:

    The Young Progressives were also out at Book Nook collecting signatures for the North Sound Dredging and the One Man One Vote petitions.
    Keep up the good work Denise!

  19. Anonymous says:

    Has there been a study to see if this is a doable project?

    One does not want to be an environmentalist wacko by saying no to everything but if this project is going to involve more of the groundwater being ruined like it already is in George Town.   Please, people, say no to this project.

    So, is this something that is safe?   Is it or is it not?   What are the truths about this entire projet.   There are lots of comments in other cayman news service articles that shed light by persons that apparently have thought this through.  

    I do wish the Government would issue a statement saying that this has been reviewed and that it is safe to go ahead with this.  Seems though that the inference one would draw from reading the previously written commens would be that the Premier wants to do this because of it taking care of his buddies.   Sort of like the United States bailing out the big banks and the Governments helping their buddies.  Typical corruption going on?   Hope not.   Everyone will be the losers if this is the case because afer the island is ruined because of sewage not being able to be taken care of, the increase of storm water not being properly managed and other things like a ruined water lense?   No one will want to come to a God forsaken place that will have odors in the air at all times. 

    People?   Wake up and speak out or your entire island will be ruined.   Cayman is NOT Saint Lucia as is spoken of in previous commentary on here.   Cayman is a dot on the map while St. Lucia is a much bigger island and bigger infrastructure.  

    Well, God bless Grand Cayman and hope that wiser heads will prevail and say no to this project that sounds like a huge mistake.

  20. Libertarian says:

    I wonder why isn't there a "major green movement" to privately fund for the purchase of lands and beachfronts for conservation, parks, and protection of wildlife???  Why aren't charities / heads of community coming together and funding for the preservation of God's lesson book (nature)???  

    I wonder wouldn't it be much more cost-effective for these advocates to stop trying to make this government protect the environment and wildlife? Not to mention, more legitimate. Besides, whatever government does, is it completed and done well?

    Just food for thought.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Please ask the National Trust this

    • Son of Thunder says:

      The selling out XXXX must be stopped & I hope that all the campaigning, protesting & petition-signing will have the desired effect. We the people run things & it is time that the present government realise this & accept it. They must listen to the people, to the majority, & therefore they must take into account the three petitions & put a stop to this foolishness & destruction (the dredging in the North Sound, the oil refinery, & the massive port development in East End) as well as accept "one person, one vote"! 

    • Anonymous says:

      There is – it is called the National Trust – and it needs all the donations it can get to further the protection of Cayman's lands and heritage.  Stop by the office on S Church Street and buy or donate – it is money well spent to a good cause.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Good point 15:49 , all you hard core environmentalist, tree huggers, just stop by South Church Street, put your money where your mouth is. National Trust….don't hold your breath!

        • Libertarian says:

          "Put your money where your mouth is"

          It is worth repeating!

          Barkers which makes up 261 terrestrial acres of mangroves and vegetation, as well as 2,036 marine acres of reef and fish wildlife, is the last place in West Bay that serves as a great bulwark against storms and hurricanes.

          If you are willing to sign a paper, you should be willing to come together and donate for a worthy cause!  Because, trust me, to leave it in the hands of government is taking a big risk – already they're talking about using the place for trafficing tourists and employing rangers.  

           

          • west baya says:

            Am willin to donate. just hold a sec.  let me check piggy bank. here…. ten one dallas for barkas!

            • Logic says:

              West baya the comedian, note is Libertarian is right!  I agree with him 100%

              WE SHOULD ALL BE CONTRIBUTING TO A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOR A WORTHY CAUSE – NOT SIGNING PETITIONS TO HAVE GOVERNMENT DO "GOOD" FOR US!!!

              IF WE DON'T WANT THESE PROJECTS, WHY NOT SIGN A "REFERENDUM" TO SIMPLY REMOVE THE PREMIER!!!

              That's in the Constitution!

              • Anonymous says:

                Cuz that's the one thing you can't use a referendum to do. Read ya constitution again, bobo!

      • Libertarian says:

        Stingray City and the North Sound could be "expanded reserves" that could prohibit government's North Sound dredging.

        You are right money and donations talk!

        Not signatures to a paper!

    • Mr. Pibb says:

      Lib this is where your warped world view is brought into sharpest relief.  The free market does not "do" environment very well – and if we all followed your approach the march of profits would go untrammelled.  In terms of pollution one needs the government to intervene to add to the cost of polluting thereby internalising the externalities.

      But here is the rub Lib.  Your model has largely one method of assessing value – the dollar.  Some of us see value in things above monetary terms and preserving sites of beauty (it is all relative), ecosystems etc is something many of us value.  Since there is never going be the Gentle Green Giant dispensing its financial largesse to save us from the greed of developers and land owners, we the people need government to step in and act. 

      You may not like that.   But then you probably think Sarah Palin has quite a few goods ideas too . . .

      • Libertarian says:

        All non-for-profit organizations, charities, and foundations like our National Trust of the Cayman Islands can be susceptible to accounting fraud where monies can be channel towards other things other than the foundations designated goal of preservation. Like you say, profits could go untrammelled. I as well see the value of things above the dollar. What I just don't see, is the need for a campaign to try to twist the arm of government.

        One of Cayman's most important natural areas, the Mastic Reserve, was recently expanded through the purchase of an additional 18 properties by the National Trust. The purchase add 110 acres to the Reserve. At least, pressure the National Trust to make some more land acquisitions. Stop relying on government to be your Trust.  

        CNS:  Please note that the National Trust is audited annually by a major accounting firm, so they cannot be susceptable to fraud as you claim.

        • Anonymous says:

          Is not the National Trust a government institution?

          • Libertarian says:

            Good question. They do have the right to enact regulations for specific areas that needs protection. And certain (don't know) senior management, maybe chosen by government. But if they are so aligned to government that government in the end has influence on their decisions, I would recommend the people coming together and making donations to do purchasing themselves.

            See also this web address to the National Trust official site:

            http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/

             

            • Anonymous says:

              The National Trust is not a government department and cannot enact regulations.  It is however an effective organization which purchases property in order to protect it in perpetuity.

              Please donate to the NT.  They already own over 3,000 acres of land, but that's a drop in the bucket when you consider the forces they are up against.

        • Mr Pibb says:

          Small government and profit driven decisions lead the monstrous destruction of the beauty of Seven Mile Beach.

          The National Trust cannot buy up the whole of Cayman.  The Government can play a role in every land transfer transaction.

          • Libertarian says:

            Well… wasn't it years back that the government played a role in paving asphalt roads along side the seven mile beach, and this caused the hotels to be built right smack adjacent to the sea. At that time, the leaders had did not foresee to lay roads at least 300  to 400 feet from the sea, private residences were also built right adjacent to the sea. 

            The way I see it, the less there is a government, all your montrous destructions and heartaches are solved.

    • Anonymous says:

      You can purchase all the land you want but government can still come and take it away by compulsory purchase and do whatever they want with it. With a one man government, anything can happen. Government also has a history of taking land and not paying for it. Check out what happened with the land the community college is on.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Capt Bryan, May God protect you, give you strength and bless you and your family.

    I seriously respect what you are doing.

    A "Paper" Caymanian, but Caymanian in my heart.

    This is God's country. Keep it so.

  22. David Shibli says:

    I am really proud of these people. True Caymanians.

    CNS: David, can you register if you are going to use your own name please. See here for explanation. Thanks!

    • Anonymous says:

      I even saw the Young Progressives out at Book Nook collecting signatures. Good on them!
       

  23. Anonymous says:

    Good luck with the effort, but I will bet my bottom dollar this project is a done deal.

    • Anonymous says:

      it seems like they're all 'done deals' by the time we hear about them.  Fortunately, bigga macca ain't so good on the follow through

  24. Anonymous says:

    I hope the petition was reviewed by a lawyer or someone who knows the legal technicalities. I can guarantee you that once the signatures are obtained the petition will scrutinized to the nth degree in court for any kind of deficiency that would invalidate it.

    • Anonymous says:

      The petition was written by a very experienced local lawyer

      • Anonymous says:

        Well, we know it wasn't Steve McField, as there are no references to sacred vessels or damn furriners.