Shetty hospital to go East End

| 09/08/2011

(CNS): Full story – Dr Devi Shetty’s medical facility will be built on the land owned by Joseph Imparato that was until recently to be the location for the East End Seaport, a proposal that had faced considerable opposition. The agreement between the Narayana Cayman University Medical Centre (NCUMC) and the owner of the 600-acre site was announced Tuesday and ended months of speculation as to where the hospital complex would be built. In the Legislative Assembly last week the premier indicated that government was not satisfied with the proposal made by Imparato regarding the commercial port, which may have triggered the developer’s decision to sell to Shetty.

According to local director, Gene Thompson, the property was the first site that the Indian heart surgeon had selected as an ideal location for his medical city.

In a press statement issued by both Shetty’s local representatives and Imparato, the parties involved stated that the “High Rock” site in East End would now be home to the healthcare city. Thompson also confirmed that an application would be made to have the land re-zoned but that there would be no need to create a specialised economic zone as had been planned with the proposed port.

Although the site owned by Imparato covers 600 acres it is understood that Shetty has purchased just 200 for the medical facility, which is expected to launch an entirely new leg of Cayman’s local economy — medical tourism. Since the Cayman government signed an MOU with the acclaimed surgeon 18 months ago, laws have been changed to facilitate the proposal, including capping non-economic medical damages and the health practitioner’s bill in connection with the requirements for physicians and other medical personnel.

However, concern was mounting that despite government’s moves to meet with Shetty’s legislative needs, the doctor had not made any commitment to Cayman and in particular a land purchase. Consequently, Tuesday’s announcement is likely to offer some comfort to government and the broader community as the hospital has been one of the more popular project proposals.

Thompson revealed that the parties had been discussing the possibility of Shetty purchasing the land at ‘High Rock’ for more than a year.

In the last few months it had become increasingly clear that the proposed sea port was generating considerable popular opposition. After careful consideration “and listening to the voices of the community,” Imparato said that he came to an agreement with Thompson.

Imparato added that while he still firmly believes in the concept of a seaport in East End, it was not politically feasible to continue with the project. He said that eventually the cargo facilities in downtown George Town will have to be relocated, which, in contrast to his cost-free option, would be “terribly expensive” for the Caymanian people.

“Nevertheless, Gene Thompson, his partner Harry Chandi, Premier McKeeva Bush and others have done great work to advance Dr Shetty’s vision for a healthcare city in the Cayman Islands,” Imparato added as he offered his support to the medical project. 

Shetty’s officials said the new arrangement appeared to have the support of most elected members of both political parties, including the premier, the health minister and the opposition representative for the district of East End. since Shetty wants to maintain the elevation for his hospital, Thompson said there would be no need for excavation. He noted that the High Rock site brings a number of advantages to the project, including the height of the location, which offers natural protection against flooding. Furthermore, the site provides adequate property that is necessary for the hospital, other infrastructure needs, and future expansion.

The site’s close proximity to deep cold seawater might also allow engineers, if feasible, to employ a simple and environmentally friendly air-conditioning technology called a Seawater Air Conditioning System (SWACS) for the complex. The technology will enable energy savings approaching 70 percent compared to conventional AC systems, important given that more than half the cost of operating a hospital in a warm climate is attributable to air conditioning.

Thompson told CNS Tuesday that the requisite financing for the project was now in place, in the wake of recent international media stories that Shetty was still raising the capital. He also stated that work would begin later this year and officials on the project would soon be revealing more details about the design of the first phase.

He said it would be designed and implemented to benefit in every way possible the Caymanian people. “In all instances,” said Thompson, “Caymanians will be given preferential opportunities during the construction phase and also in educational, training and career opportunities as the project moves forward.”

Although the first phase will be the construction of a small hospital of between 150 to 200 beds, the long term plan for the Narayana Cayman University Medical Centre, stretching over 15 years, will include a tertiary-care hospital, an educational facility, a biotech park, and an assisted living community. According to the developers, the project will require a capital investment of approximately $2 billion.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    NO SITE FOR SHETTY

    A year ago Mr. Thompson said he would have a release about the Shetty Hospital site, reading this he had no site for the hospital before this.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Thank You Arden!   This is a much better project for the district of East End.  In essence your leadership stand against the seaport has shown what can be accomplished through participative democracy.

  3. Anonymous says:

    shetty hospital won't work…show me the business plan!

    as a private projrect ……let it proceed and fail……..

  4. Anonymous says:

    when ?

  5. Anonymous says:

    Why is it the advocates of the Shetty project cannot see how the deal will RESTRICT the growth of medical tourism in Cayman; because  the MOU between the good doctor and the UDP givesShetty EXCLUSIVE rights to medical tourism.  CTMH, HSA, nor any other proposed medical facility has the chance to compete with Shetty in this proPosed new arm of the Cayman economy.  It's clear Mr. Bush doesn't truely care about medical tourism, he just wants the investment — any investment.  I'm sure If Devi Shetty wanted to open a cotton mill, Bush would be sounding off about textiles being the third arm of the Cayman economy! And our premier seems more than willing to destroy competion by giving exclusivity to a single business; to sell out Cayman entrepreneurs to get any sort of foreign investment.  

    • Anonymous says:

      Tell me where are all these qualified Cayman entrepreurs that are looking to Invest millions into medical Tourism?

    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe if there were more Caymanian Investors, the CIG wouldn't feel that they had to rely so much on foriegn investment…..

      How many Caymanians actually invest into thier own country ?

  6. Libertarian says:

    The information about the Shetty medical facility sounds good. But there is always a bait, there is always a catch!  And I don't think people really understand the elements behind this grand deal. Like many others, I prefer to suspend my judgements about this grand facility. But yes, I do see alot of positives and some negatives, and I do give the UDP and the Premier credit for the work they have done in terms of introducing Medical Tourism in the Cayman Islands.  If all goes well and Caymanians are not left behind, it will make history that we can feel proud of. But people, let us not jump the gun here and start celebrating. There is still alot of questions unanswered in terms of what's good for our economy and job-creation.   

  7. Anonymous says:

    I think this is so ridiculous….. how can we not want a proper dock?!?! We claim to be sooo rich and yet still the tourists have to come unto our shores in little boats. How sad do we look?!?! Even poorer countries than us has a dock or even docks. This shows that we are content in staying stagnant and we have no intentions of moving forward in developing this country and improving our ecomony. JUST PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      One proper dock in George Town is sufficient, you don't need more than one on this little 2 x 4 island.

      • Anonymous says:

        This little 2 by 4 islands gets a lot of tourist and has a business sector above and beyond what you would expect. The country needs a soution to the dock. I personally had issues with the EE seaport but what about reworking to one at spots?

        The site already serves as a second port.

        It is not that far out of town to impact costs

    • Anonymous says:

      "May have triggered the idea to sell???"  Unless we are simple Turtles, this cannot be easier to see through people!  It's simple:  *Suggest a ridiculous idea like an East End Sea Port (the worse possible place to put a port in Cayman with prevailing Easterly winds)-and  let the public go crazy over the proposal and then placate the masses with a more palatable pill to swallow…..in marketing, we call this a bait and switch….Well played.

      • Anonymous says:

        Reality check! The seaport on this location has been proposed to Govt since at least 2000.  The shetty hospital proposal is new.  Ease off  the Kool aid!

    • Anonymous says:

      JUST PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  8. Anonymous says:

    They na goin stop til they get that quarry up there eh?

  9. Anonymous says:

    if this is a university hospital dos it mean that caymanians will be trained to be the surgoons of the future…if so then i think this is will be an answer to out unemployment problum

    • Anonymous says:

      Anon 12:21

      you seem to be the only one on here with foresight, and common sense.

      Yes, all hands should be on deck, to now get Roy at the university to set up the various courses to train and prepare our Caymanians for these upcomimg jobs.

       We also voted Ezzard, Alden, and Arden, to repensent us. they shouild now be taking a stand to get us ready for these jobs, lets see if they worth their salt.

  10. Foxtrot Oscar says:

    Let's be radical – how about a casino-hospital with its own seaport?

    Sail in, get a vasectomy and blow your wad on the roulette.  Win, win, win.

    • Anonymous says:

      How about sailing back out with your very own barrel of refined oil…

  11. nauticalone says:

    I'm happy to see that the Shetty Hospital is moving forward. Certainly one of the better proposed projects of recent times.

    Thanks Ezard and Arden for stronly taking the Lead to ensure that the Quarry/Port did NOT happen in the Eastern Districts! And thanks to ALL others who lent your support!

  12. Anonymous says:

    Why does everyone who come here invest and  work think that we own then such a big favour that we should bow down and kiss their rings.  Before Caymanians believe this ready this and learn http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34762339/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/shattered-dubai-dream-echoes-across-mideast/

  13. Anonymous says:

    We already got 2 hospitals we don't need anymore.  We don't have casinos we need casinos, they bring constructions jobs for Caymanians, hotel jobs for Caymanians in all fields of the industry and most of all they bring people and money on the islands for short term, no strain on our infrastructure or roll over policy, the bring in high rollers.  People with money to spend big time.  Make that 600 hundred acreas a casino area like Las Vegas or Paradise Island perfect placeand setting.  Maybe our Premier should go to Las Vegas and look for Mr. Winn instead of running all over the world seeking investment that don't materalise.  I am sure that Mr. Winn or some other Las Vegas develoer would endorse that idea just seeing that it would be tax free with hugh concessions and rewards.  This would be a win win situation for all.  Casinos bring in lots of jobs every one in Cayman that want a job or two job could get jobs.

  14. Anonymous says:

     

    The one thing I have to ask after reading all these negative comments about the hospital is was is it that Caymanians want, what will make them happy. You were against the seaport now you don't want the hospital because you say it will do nothing for Caymanians and the developers are going to make money, you act like it is illegal or immoral for someone to profit from their investment. Listen up people no one is going to come to Cayman and invest their millions just to give it to the people. They will want to make a profit which is what investing is for. If you are looking for someone to come to Cayman and invest all their Money and give it to the people you are looking for Charity and handouts and it will never happen. Where are all the Caymanians with money and how many of them give back to the people or plan their businesses in a way that benefits locals or do they own actually own businesses that rape the country and its people as well as hire Expats over locals so they can pay them nothing. Why is it that when I go into a local Caymanian owned restaurant an expat serves my meal or when I hire a local contactor to work on my home that worker are all expats.  You are so busy hating expats who are just looking for a better life for themselves and their family, maybe you should be looking at the people that are hiring the most of them. You are so quick to look at foreign investors and developers like that are stealing land from the Caymanian People and looking to destroy that Caymanian culture. Maybe you need to look at and blame the ones that sold off their family land that their Grandparents and Great Grandparents owned for generations to get a quick buck.  Ask them what they did or are doing to help preserve the Caymanian way of life and keep the island from being over developed.

    Just my 2 cents

    I’m sure plenty of people will snap at me for saying this and there will be plenty of thumbs done, I won’t be surprised because the truth hurts.

  15. R.U. Kiddin says:

    The multi-million dollar hospital for rich foreigners is a pipe dream.  Caymanians would benefit VERY little from it even if it became a success…… which it WON'T.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Why can't we encourageMr. Winn from Las Vegas to invest here we need people  with real big money to invest.  Cayman is tax free and a Casino would be perfect in East End.  We need to do a petition for Casinos like Bahamas.  Lots of jobs and revenues for government and lots of construction jobs for Caymanians.  Oh and the churches should not object so much seeing that they got lots of hush money. 

    • Anonymous says:

      What would be the point? Already tried a petition for a national lottery and that failed miserably. Goven our crime situation casinos are the last thing we need in Cayman. Nassau is not a place that we should follow.

      • Anonymous says:

        There is a big difference between a Casino than a national lottery.  There is more crime on West Bay Road, Grand Cayman than there is on West Bay Street, Nassau Bahamas and sad to say West Bay Street, Nassau Bahamas has casinos and West Bay Road, Grand Cayman has none.  Now all things equal West Bay Street, Nassau seems more safe that West Bay Road, Grand Cayman at the moment.  That is my 2 cents for Casinos.  Cayman has always been too religious for all the wrong reasons.  A casino is no bigger sin than buying lottery tickets. 

        • Anonymous says:

          You're right. There is a big difference. Casinos are far worse because of the criminal element they attract. We are not yet worse than Nassau but if you have your way you would solve that in a jiffy.  

          • Anonymous says:

            Oh!  Certainly!  We wouldn't want to introduce a criminal element into the private sector.

             

            • Anonymous says:

              Criminal element into the private sector, would this include banks and insurance companies?

              Lets start with the banks – Client borrows $100,000 pays $1,400.00 per month for 10 years and the loan has only gone down by $28,000 do the maths how's that for high way robbery?

              Insurance Companies – Many Caymanians are still left holding the bag after Ivan, under insured they say but they were more than happy to collect your money for many years without a claim and time to pay up you are told sorry the property was under insured so you ended up with Zero how's that for criminal element into the private sector?

              Sorry but I would much rather take my chances with casinos and the real life mobster can't be no worse than the banks, stock markets and insurance companies. 

               

              • Anonymous says:

                I agree with your comments re banks and insurance companies but to compare them to dangers of occasions is ludicrous. A real life mobster will literally kill you, you ass. You are inviting suicides in hotel rooms that they cover up in Nassau.  

  17. Anonymous says:

    I would rather see Las Vegas style casinos here than a Dr. Shetty hospital, this is just my thoughts.  It most certainly would provide more jobs for Caymanians and less people living in the country than a hospital would.  Why don't Mr. Imparato develop this site as a casino mecca just for tourist like Paradise Islands in the Bahamas this would bring more money for him and the country than any hospital or port will.  Please Mr. Imparato and government do this for our country and people we need tourist that will spend big money.  People gamble all the time just look at Monacco. 

  18. Shepherd says:

    This is good news!  Welcome Dr. Shetty and God speed your development.  The Islands need an economic injection and if it means bringing in skilled employment, well, then it will fill all those empty apartments for rent and maybe buy some of the many, many homes for sale.  It also means that this may interest more young Caymanians to become involved in the many aspects of the medical field.  It will also create a lot of jobs for the hard working Caymanians on the Island.

    It is interesting the two views on development:  Don't develop Cayman and leave it as the Island that time forgot and develop on!  Yet, we have the Sister Islands, which are like Grand Cayman was 25 years ago, but people are complaining that they are NOT being developed.

    I think the people that don't want change should move to the Brac and leave it as it is (which is lovely by the way) and the people that want change move to Grand Cayman, then everyone will be happy!

  19. Anonymous says:

    I am not in the business of politics.

    I am glad the Shetty Hospital project is taking a step forward. From what I have read , it is not in competition with HSA Hospital or CTM Hospital. The services are different fromwhat is available now and will provide a better range of medical services to this island.

    Only family and friends realise the stress and concern with having to go overseas for care not available here- especially in emergencies .

    I have spoken to a number of people who support the idea unlike a minority of the public and doctors who have vested interests. I think we need to look at the larger benefits to this country from projects and support them.

    Lastly, as the economy gets worse , the rising  cost of healthcare and insurance will deny many people to access it. In retirement it could wipe out ones savings in a flash.

    Even a big country like the USA and the UK are having to look at Medicare etc and the possibily of delaying benfits and the reduction of services. So let us be pro-active and leave negativism aside for the benefit of our people.

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree wholeheartedly. Another thing that comes with this hospital will be the possibility of having organ donation on the island, something that would be a huge benefit for all citizens of Cayman.

      • Anonymous says:

        how would organ donation benefit caymanians?

        • Anonymous says:

          a brain transplant definitely would benefit some, starting with the ones running things.

          • Anonymous says:

            We take it you mean a brain implant?

            • Anonymous says:

              That's a good one.  You can't transplant something you never had in the beginning, hence the correct word is implant.  Ha ha haaaaaaa – this has sooooo made my day!

        • Anonymous says:

          How would it not???  What an ignorant question.

        • Anonymous says:

          For one thing, it would give you something else to sell.

           

        • Anonymous says:

          That way the poor churches wouldn't have to buy their own.

    • Anonymous says:

      P.R. much?

  20. Ken P says:

    I'm a bit skeptic about this Shetty Hospital as I think this isn't going anywhere. How many times have we heard Mac talking about all these grand of schemes projects involving multi millionaires and nothing ever happened. Until I see it built then I'll believe it, soon you'll hear plans for a space station to be built on Cayman Brac that will create 50,000 jobs for Brackers oops forgot there's only about 2000 people in Cayman Brac. With so much hot air blowing around these days we could use it for energy. Do think theShetty Hospital would be a good project and if they could do it with protecting the natural landscape, provide jobs for locals and attract tourist then I'm for it. Yet I won't be holding my breath on this.

     

    Blessings to all

    • Anonymous says:

      I did not realise that the space station plans had been revealed.  I was keeping quiet about it.

  21. William Verhoeven says:

    This is fantastic news. I would love to see the hospital built in the reclaimed swamp area behind the ridge but I am extermely doubtful that this will happen. Most likely it will be built right on top of the ridge for a view of the ocean. Unfortunately there is an incredibly biodiverse forest on that ridge which will likely be entirely destroyed, along with one of the most scenic untouched stretches of road in Grand Cayman.

    I suppose it is a sacrifice we will have to make, but if developers in Cayman were a little more intelligent they would see the value in these beautiful forests and build with as small a footprint as possible and save as many large trees and orchids as possible. Instead they clearcut the land and create the wretched barren landscapes that western Grand Cayman is becoming. All developers should be required to go visit Orchid Village in George Town to see how incorporating our natural fauna is 1000x more beautiful than anything you could ever landscape from scratch.

    • Anonymous says:

      "untouched stretch of road"??? what is that?

      • Get Real says:

        I would think with a little common sense that "untouched stretch of road" would mean its not like the West Bay Road – its undeveloped!

        There has been no developers so far destroying that beautiful "untouched stretch of road" and I hope to God it stays so!

        • Anonymous says:

          It ain't "undeveloped" if it has a big concrete highway down the middle (plus seawalls, plus large stretches of forest cut down).

        • Anonymous says:

          Move to the Brac or Better Little Cayman..

          • Anonymous says:

            And if Grand Cayman falls you will have to take a sailboat to Jamaica weekly to get your food supplies. When we fall we all fall together.

      • Anonymous says:

        It refers to a certain stretch of road that has not, and WILL not, be XXXX by personal greed.

        CNS: Rape is a violent sexual act but it is increasingly used to mean "being taken advantage of" by people commenting here. In trying to emphasise how you feel in this context you are watering down its actual meaning. 

  22. Anonymous says:

    After reading so many of these xenophobic (sometimes racist "indian workers") remarks, I would wonder why Shetty would want to bother with Cayman and Caymanians. If it was me I would say eff unna and go elsewhere. Caymanians want money to flow in here but without any of the downsides that go with that. No problem. Get the thatchpalms and rope weaving going again.

    • The lone Haranguer says:

      I say bring back the mosquitos and the whompers. Yeah

    • Anonymous says:

      I've only seen one derogatory comment

      • Anonymous says:

        Honestly I have only found ONE.  If there are more, feel free to point them out.

    • Anonymous says:

      be realistic

      he would still come here because he's not coming to do charity for Cayman or feel good about himself he is coming to make money – that's the bottom line.  If he didn't think he could make money he wouldn't come.  If a little "abuse" gets the money he's looking for I'm sure his skin will be thick enough

  23. Anonymous says:

    psssssssss come a little closer I have a spining wheel that can turn straw into gold, better yet I have properties with an oil wells and diamonds.  For an investment of $65,000,000 this will get you a return of $10,000,000,000.  To contact me you can find me in the the yellow pages listed under 1-800-fools-gold.

    • Anonymous says:

      Mac, is that you? Good to see you online. I thought you disliked "dem old bloggas".

  24. Anonymous says:

    $65,000, 000 is a long way off from $2,000,000,000 just the facts.  This hospital is nothing more than a pipe dream.  Looks like just another prospector throwing out figures and baiting, this is no more than a dream.

  25. Anonymous says:

    I guess Everyone thought Cayman should be Miami and not Cayman

  26. Libertarian says:

    Like indicated by Dr. Tomlinson, the Shetty deal with the special concessions affixed, will take away business from local medical practitioners on the island, and hopes of these local practitioners expanding, as they will be in competition with the Indian doctor. I say… nothing wrong with a hospital to help people, but what about helping locals and Caymanians?  Then again… can I accurately judge?  Do the advantages of the Shetty Hospital outweigh the disadvantages for Caymanians?  Am I wrong?

    • Kung Fu Iguana says:

      To answer your question, you are wrong.

      Healthcare in Cayman is atrocious.  Why are insurance rates going up?  Massive settlements for negligence covered up by confidentiality agreements.  I would rather open up choice for the consumer than maintain the ineffective domestic oligopoly.

      • Libertarian says:

        I think the settlements of negligence can be avoid and a win-win situation for doctor and patient by giving the patient the option to sign a waiver of malpractice. Other than that, perhaps you're right. I will suspend judgement on how it effects our medical practitioners.  

  27. Anonymous says:

    Who owns the property on the corner?  I would like to set up a Kwik-E-Mart.

  28. The lone Haranguer says:

    Shot !!                                                                                                                            

    Nice one Mac, let's here Arden and the DNNIBSFMC (do nothing no ideas big spending fear mongering crowd) now.

    • Libertarian says:

      I think Premier Bush should be working hand-in-hand with Alden McLaughlin and Ezzard Miller on how they can better the economy and create jobs. There should be that political unity between them when it comes to the national issue of our economy in the Cayman Islands!  Apparently, we are not seeing that embrace of togetherness, but the Premier making a coalition with big names on the island, such as, Dart; and the MLA's Alden McLaughlin and Ezzard Miller seeking for his demise from power. Yes… continue playing Nero's fiddle whilst Rome's vineyard burns to the ground. The ones who will suffer from the politicking, will be thepeople of Cayman and their children's children.

      • Anonymous says:

        Premier Bush would do well to take a lesson from the great fire in Rome that gave rise to the legend of Nero fiddling while Rome burned…

        In that great fire a part of Nero's own palace was burned. While it is certain Nero didn't play the fiddle (such an instrument would not be invented until several hunder years later), there is debate even now as to whether Nero gathered a suitable effort to control the fire and limit the extent of damage.

        In the aftermath Nero paid, from his own funds, for relief supplies and he opened his palaces to shelter the homeless. Is Premier Bush willing to do the same?

         

         

         

         

         

      • Anonymous says:

        I don't know why you still don't get it. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "unequally yoked cannot work together."

        As far as I'm concerned, UDP is a XXXXXX. The PPM was responsible for introducing FOI; that concept is about transparency…something that is completely foreign to the UDP (they have proved that time and time again). How can you expect them to work together?

        • Libertarian says:

          There is a true saying I tag to Cayman: "A kingdom divided against itself, will not stand." I feel since the party system and wrongful immigration policies have been introduced, Cayman has started on its rapid decline. Only God can save us now.

      • Anonymous says:

        The divide and conquer plan is working, eh?

    • Anonymous says:

      Obviously a victory for Arden and Ezzard, and nothing to do with Mac.  

      Typical illiterate UDP supporter. Learn the difference between "here" and "hear".  

      • Anonymous says:

        Anon 18:13

        I sthat al you can cotribute to your country, critising the people taht are tryinf to make sense.

        I havent seen one of you xenophobic, Mackeeva  haters, UDP haters, your own Caymanian haters,  crab in the barrell, suggesting that the Government, the back bench , the oppositions, and the indipendent, now make a sensible move, to train and prepare our Caymanians people for these upcoming jobs.

        You just tearing down everthing that the UDP trying to get approved, you all just  not making any sense….very vain 

        The bunch of you are  being brain washed by the opposition, and the indipendent, stop the personality bull shit, look towards progress and prosperity, leave Ezzi, Ardri and Aldi alone, they are politrickians, their only goal and ambition are  to get you guys hyped up to vote out the previous Government and continue with the same policies in place to continue to f@@@ us all.

        You cant chage the guards and keep the policies, if you want change…which we need, ask your boys to bring motions to  parliment, I'll bet you  hell will freeze befor that happens. They are not interested in change, they are only interesed in POWER GREED AND MONEY.

        Go ahead ask them to  

         

        • Anonymous says:

          LOL. There you go proving my point. Why is it that the average UDP supporter seems to be only semi-literate and have little understanding? Clearly, I am in support of the Shetty hospital. And stop trying to use words that you clearly don't understand the meaning of.  

          Obviously the Oppositon seeking to bring motions to the House will not bring about change since they are in the minority.  McKeeva will just not put them on the Order paper or otherwise block them. To bring change we need to dissolve the House and call new elections.

          The UDP is all about the pursuit of "power, greed and money". That underlies their every  move.

           

           

           

      • Anonymous says:

        You're probably wasting your time with THAT one.

  29. Anonymous says:

    If the Shetty (did I spell that correctly?) deal does not come through then look for JuJu to revisit the site as a possible shrimp farm!

  30. Forelock says:

    Well goodness gracious me!

  31. Stiffler says:

    Can we have get a Casino and strip club now please? Oh, and for the clubs to open till after 12 on a Saturday night?

  32. Dare to Dream says:

    IThis is great news!! I am very happy that I took the day of work to join the march against the "Mega Quarry"  I only wish that  those  who organised the meetings to oppose Emerald Sound and For Cayman should have done the same.  We need to march now to get the Premier out of office before he destroys everything that we hold dear on this island

  33. Freedom Man says:

     As I said over a year ago Hegelian Dialectic.  If you don't know what it means …WAKE UP!  Look it up!  

    • Anonymous says:

      thesis–antithesis–??

    • Anonymous says:

      You are crediting McKeeva with far too much intelligence. This was about making good on a campaign promise to a political financial backer. All Mckeeva had to do was be able to say I tried my best but there was just too much opposition. No Hegelian Dilalectic because there was never much opposition to the Shetty hospital so there was nothig to overcome. As far as Imparato is concerned there is no doubt that he would have made much more money quarrying the land than selling it to Shetty.        

      • Anonymous says:

        he will get the contract to quarry nit for the hospital

        • Anonymous says:

          Exactly, the hospital will be used as justification to quarry the land. I'd be willing to bet that we see far more of the land quarried than Shetty is planning to or able to build on so that Imparato gets his way.

          • Anonymous says:

            That really does not make any sense. You cannot have both a quarry and build a hospital on the same land. How will Imparato be able to quarry if he sells the land to Shetty? The Radio Cayman news this a.m. said that the quarry idea was dead. I think this was simply Imparato's backup plan as he sensed he was in a for a firestorm over the quarry proposal – sorry EE seaport.

  34. Rollin G. Calfe says:

    And no doubt all 600 acres will have to cleared entirely for the purposes of "site preparation" before Dr. Shetty can lay a brick.

    By hook or by crook, someone is going to quarry this property!

     

  35. Knot S Smart says:

    Glad to see progress in this project. At least they now know that there is a property available.

    Now they just need to figure out where to get the money to buy the land, and then where to get the money to build the hospital, and then where to get the patients, and then how to convince the overseas doctors to recommend that their patients leave the best healthcare system in the world to come here for their operations, and then they just have to figure out how to make this an economically viable operation on the most expensive island in the Western Hemisphere.

    So the good news is that they are thinking of building a hospital and have identified a property that was a port,  just yesterday it seems…

    And remember. Rome was not built in a day…

    • Anonymous says:

      If Mackeeva had been in charge Rome would never have been built!….There would have been lots of MOU's signed and no doubt lots of Civil actions started but a building being errected…you must be joking

      • anon says:

        yup.. a lot of talk, embarrassing behaviour and million dollar handouts to churches.

    • NorthSideSue says:

      I agree is part, but it is not going to be the docs who will convince their patients to come to Cayman, it will be the insurance companies.

  36. Anonymous says:

    We still need to see the detail of this.  It makes sense but only if the coast is left alone.  No hospital needs a canal.

  37. Anonymous says:

    Talks have been going on for over a year!!!

    What is Imparato doing, playing both sies towards the middle to see which comes out more profitable to him?

     

  38. Anonymous says:

    Did you ever consider bait and switch? Maybe there never was going to be a seaport in East End. They just wanted to be sure no one complained about putting the Hospital there. No one will complain about the Hospital now will they?

    • Anonymous says:

      Hardly anyone was objecting to the hospital in the first place. I certainly didn't.

  39. Chris says:

    Arden and Ezzard along with the Caymanian people have once again emerged victorious.

    This is a true victory for the Caymanian people as we do not have to suffer the dire consequences of the mega quarry and we have PROVEN that people power still WORKS!

    This is also proof that Ezzard's strategy of holding out and insisting that the Caymanian people get a better deal, works. 

    It is unwise and counterproductive to rush into major long term decisions to attract or please an investor to the detriment of the Caymanian people. 

    A strong and decisive leader is not good enough if they are too hasty to calculate the best deal for the Caymanian people.

    Yes, we need economic stimulus. But not at the expense of future generations. The oil refinery, the Cohen deal, moving the West Bay Road, these are all severely flawed agreements that do not represent the best deal for the Caymanian people. 

    While the details of the Shetty MoU are flawed at best and are not in the best interest of the Caymanian people, few can claim the Shetty project is worse than the mega quarry.

    Details of the Shetty MoU need to be thoroughly reviewed and in many cases renegotiated. Dr. Shetty has changed (downsized) the scope of his project, the Cayman Islands government has the right to reduce the concessions made in the original agreement.

    Keep up the most excellent work Ezzard and Arden.

    The Caymanian people deserve only the very best.

    • rob says:

      if the details of the MOU need to be reviewed then review it and get back to us. thanks.

  40. Anonymous says:

    I aqree Cayman Brac would have been an ideal spot and boost the economy for sure and also help get Cayman airways out of some debt. You would have to fly into Grand Cayman first and then another to CB. Its more peaceful over there. Then again I am so happy the people won this one and that site would be great also for the people and districtof EE.

    Maybe we soon see more Dr. Rankins and Forbes…He He  

    • truth says:

      By all means do all you can to make it MORE expensive for a potential patient to get to the hospital.  This type of comment explains yet again why anyone with money and brains will find it hard to make a business succesfull in Cayman.  Its ALL about feeding the tribe.

  41. Anonymous says:

    Great news . I am from East End and one of the people that lead the protest agaisnt the Sea Port and I can say with confidence that both Arden and Ezzard has always supported the Shetty project and will be delighted to have it proceed.

    We welcome it.

  42. Don't count yer chickens before they hatch.... says:

    Are we absolutely certain the East End Seaport is no longer going ahead?  The web site is still active.  I'll celebrate only when I see this confirmed in black and white for all to see.

  43. Anonymous says:

    This beautiful coastline will now be one of waste and garbage; it will be nothing but syringes and medicine bottles floating right down cayman's coast.

    A sad day for cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      Just like all the syringes and medicine bottles littered all over Walkers Road from our two hospitals……….come on, what kind of comment is this?  No one is going to be dumping anything into the ocean. 

    • Anonymous says:

      I think they'll be offering brain surgery there too.

  44. Anonymous says:

    I am still baffled that anyone could believe that an 800 bed hospital is feasible for Cayman. This is a joke. Lucky if we see even a quarter of the plans come to fruition.

    • truth says:

      I am still baffled that after all the failures here in Cayman and all the successfull businesses run in other countries that you and those like you can't understand why that is.

      • Anonymous says:

        colour me stupid but, what is your point?

        • Anonymous says:

          That would be both the right colour and the point…

          • Anonymous says:

            truth –

            I expressed my alarm that this project is completely wrong for the country and that people actually support it,  you then think it is necessary to insult me? Very mature. There are many things about this project that I object to; the very size and scope are just the beginning.

            Your implied disdain for Cayman and peoplethat live here coupled with your admiration for all the "successful businesses run in other countries" makes one wonder why you are here at all. Just a passing thought actually as I don't really care who you are or what your agenda is. 

            Feel free to disagree with my opions on this project but, there is no need to insult me.

             

             

            • truth says:

              I am truth and not anonymous so it wasn't me but then you don't need to know the truth to speak as if you do.  I am not "here" at all but go ahead and make things up to suit yourself.

              I didn't feel the need to insult you for reasons you will not be able to comprehend.

              I Implied disdain only for those who continually fail in business but still think themselves superior.   All facts to the contrary.  It was you yourself that implied it was Cayman and its people.  Maybe if you get that chip off your shoulder you could see the truth for yourself.

        • Anonymous says:

          my question was actually directed at "truth".

      • Anon says:

        You obviously dont know what the size of a 800 bed hospital looks like. Do  you have any idea  what kind of area and infrastructure that would be needed to complete and maintain such a site. If you think this is a good deal for East End, think again. if this is built you can tell yourself that eastend will be swamped with rental units/apartments to facilitate hospital guest.

        Nothing is wrong looking out for the best interest for the country, but it looks like if people dont agree with the current government "build up" plans, then we are the problem. 

        Before you all start to hype up this, why dont half of you people who are so gun ho to have something else built here, find out what are the deals that are being made to have this hospital come here… XXXX You all see this as a wise investment and look for cayman?!?! Seriously?

        Some people want this so bad that they are willing to turn a blind eye to whats morally wrong.. Any thing for the almight dollar eh? Thats is even the church's moto now. 

        I dont think people mind development on this island, it's when the people are getting screwed that makes it so insulting, and it's salt on an open wound when its your own Caymanians selling you out.

        You all can start with the thumbs down now… The truth hurts.

  45. Whodatis says:

    Personally, I really don't like my emotions to be toyed with in this way.

    Anyway, does this mean that the current roadway will remain as is and there will be no coastline disturbance whatsoever?

  46. Anonymous says:

     

    How many Indian workers are we expecting from this project.  I hope that we will still be able to maintian our standard of living, and not have to tolerate with the low wages that the cheap labor market brings to us through the various nationalities.

    • willows says:

      the various nationalities working here are the people who are ACTUALLY working.  we are are getting paid less doing what you should be doing, in your own island.  all you do is whine about how bad the economy is  while the rest of us sweat to finish the job.  maintain the standard of living?  wake up, people are living these islands, exactly because of the high standard of living that you want maintained.

    • Anonymous says:

      You really ought to be ashamed.

    • Anonymous says:

      If you are worried about the Indian workers then put the money up yourself to get the hospital happening!! 

    • rob says:

      stop spilling your ignorance on the wall. you think in a nation of a billion people all of them are poor? Try travelling somewhere other than Miami, the cultural exploring will do you some good. 

      • Anonymous says:

        You are so right with a country of a billion people they have more money than the entire Cayman Islands.  We know that there are many Indians worth millions and billions of dollars as a matter of fact one of the richest man in the world is from India.  This is why it would be more beneficial for the Shetty hospital to stay in India where they would be of more benefit to their country.  As we are well aware Indians are very traditional people and do not really assimilate into other cultures even when they travel to Miami, New York, Canada, Cayman and elsewhen they still maintain their culture and this is a good thing so good that India  and their cultures will always be vibrant where ever their people travel and live just look at London or any part in England where they settle. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Regardless of who is coming.  There will be a hospital bed for every thirty people currently on island, we do not have the expertise or population to support this.  What economists would call the 'externalities' of this project will be society changing.

    • Anonymous says:

      they will be hardworking

      they won't commit crime

      they will be pleasant and polite

      they will live modestly amongst themselves

      have caymanians got a problem with this?

    • Anonymous says:

      WAKE UP! Are you even aware of the meagre wages that many people on this island work hard for everyday? Before you start disparaging Indian nationals, why don't you appeal to the goverment to establish a minimum wage that is fair to all. Further, don't look down on people who are willing to work hard for small wages. They weren't born with a silver spoon shoved into their mouths and they don't have entitled viewpoints which prevent them from doing an honest days work, regardless of the job at hand.

      • Anonymous says:

        Since 1503 to 1990 people living and working in these islands were able to live a good life without a minimum wage until greed took us over and we started importing people who were willing to work for slave wages.  We don't need to turn Cayman into a 3rd world country.  But if we continue down this path it will most certainly happen.  We don 't need a minimum wage we need to return to our basic christian heritage.

        • Anonymous says:

          Correction: We had no settlers until the 1660s. Life wasn't so good then though.

      • Anonymous says:

        The same wage is worth much more in their home countries.  What do you think the rental, food, and utility proces are where they come from?

        • Anonymous says:

          Maybe so, but they don't live there, do they?  They live here, so they pay the same prices you do.

          • Anonymous says:

            And yet somehow they manage to live here and send money back home to support their families.  Makes me wonder how come you complain so much and you don't send money off island – are you living too big?  Don't knock the people who come here trying to support their families.  Be glad they come here to do work you obviously don't want to do because it is too beneath you.

    • Anonymous says:

      India is no longer an emerging country, it has emerged.   Kudos to the young Caymanians who are studying in India competing with MILLIONS !    

      • Anonymous says:

        Caymanians studying in India?  do you mean the Caymanians with both parent born in India and who's culture is purely Indian, do you really believe these people see themselves as Caymanians, if you do then you believe that pig can fly.

  47. Anonymous says:

    I certainly won't be happy to lose that amazing view of the coast, however, all is not lost as the reefs will at least be preserved. Still a sad day in my opinion….money really is the driving force for many. Forget environment. Forget herritage. Forget anything of true value. The island I once loved so dearly is lost and will not be coming back.

    • Jamine says:

      Come on, you can't have it both ways. You have saved the reef, the water lense etc…looks like some people will not be happy until we reduce this country to third world poverty. 

      • Anonymous says:

        Anon 14:06

        It shows the level of idiots that this  country has.

        And all along you thought it was the Inviornment they were fighting for? I could have told you from the start, We Caymanians are conceited, selfish, a crab in the barrell  people.

        We want all the nice cars, mansions and  vacations, but we do not want no foreigners in our country.

        We do not want to see the next Caymanian prosper, we will shu shu on our own people,  to the same foreign developers, to stop them from working with their own Caymanians.

        It's not about the Inviornment, for the last 35 years we have cleared mangrove,buldozed land, cut canals, dynamite  and dredged  land as deep as 60 feet , mowed down our seagrape trees, our cocoplum trees, our coconut trees, our weeping willow trees ….and nothing was said, or protest were made  about this , but look around you today, the rich Caymanians, these are the ones now do not want the poor Caymanians  to get a piece of the pie, and of course we have in our midst,  the idiots that dont want anything so they protest.

    • Anonymous says:

      Why worry – just get sick and go to the Shetty Hospital and enjoy the view.

  48. Anonymous says:

    Now this makes sense:  Can't wait to see it happen – I am sure all East Enders will appreciate such a venue, further more it should produce a few jobs for East Enders.  But sadly, from what I heard, funding is still left to be revealed.  Just hope he gets through with it.  East End really need some sensible development.  I tust Arden and Ezzard does not opposed this.

    • Anonymous says:

      Do you honestly think the reason for caymanian unemployment is lack of Jobs?

      • Anonymous says:

        13:07

        I can tell you it isn't, it's called laziness and stupidity of the parents, and lack of foresight of our past Governments.

        A born Caymanian.

    • Anonymous says:

      not a good time to be looking for funding…….

      • Anonymous says:

        15:28

        You still in the dark ages. Did you build your house with cash, from your pocket or you went to the bank for funds?

        If you dont want this project , just come out and say so, but stop sounding like a fool.

        As rich as the USA is they seek funds for their infastructures…get educated!

  49. Anonymous says:

    Hallelujah! Commonsense prevailed thanks to those who stood in opposition to the Mega Quarry.    

  50. Anonymous says:

    Libertarian: 

    Excuse my Anonymity – but does this mean that the UDP government will not go through with the East End Sea Port?  If that is the case, the people won!  Now… what about Emerald Sound Development in South Sound?  What about the fact that they are going to dredge a canal inland?

    • Anonymous says:

      Because PPM adn UDP supports Emerald Sound Development.

      • Libertarian says:

        Well if that is the case, I would like to know why Arden and the PPM team, opposed the quarrying before the East End Sea Port, yet are silent about this dredging?  I feel something is not right with that. 

        • Anonymous says:

          Because its wrong when a foreigner is being enriched and right when a Caymanian is. Why is this so hard to understand?

          • Anonymous says:

            What an ignorant comment. It is misplaced sarcasm. Obviously both Shetty and Imparato are expats and Shetty doesn't have status. The issue was never about whether Imparato was going to make a lot of money.  

          • Anonymous says:

            The only things that get through in this Island are for rich expats preferably those worth $100m+.

          • Anonymous says:

            Where is there always some idiot trying to turn every issue into a Caymanian versus expat issue? I attended the peaceful protest and there was a remarkable unity on this issue among many expats and Caymanians.  

        • Anonymous says:

          No one in south sound can vote for arden,he said he was saving the quarrys,if he was talking about the one in east end it must be for work permit fees.That quarry employs 56 people and not one single caymanian.

        • Anonymous says:

          Arden opposed it because it posed a much greater risk to this Island as a whole and it was vehemently opposed by his constituents.

          Did you oppose the Mega Quarry? Did you sign the petition or attend the protest?  

        • Anonymous says:

          Did you oppose all of these, Libertarian? Doesn't that make you anti-development as you suggested the PPM was? 

        • Anonymous says:

          The silence from Lib on whether he opposed these other projects is, to use his phrase, deafening. LOL.

    • Anonymous says:

      Since we're in the process of relocating contentious projects, maybe the oil refinery can now be put in South Sound.

    • Anonymous says:

      no, because es wentbefore planning board and objectors and was approved by planning!

    • Anonymous says:

      UDP does not support the Emerald Sound project.  Hopefully the objectors and the UDP can stop this project before it's too late.

      • Anonymous says:

        If the UDP doesn't support it that is probably evidence that it makes sense…AHHH, I just realised, it's being done by CAYMANIANS…

  51. Anonymous says:

    Like we didn't know! We are not as stupid as Government officials think we are!

  52. Anonymous says:

    Sounds like the east end seaport proposal was a negotiating ploy by Imperato?  Sure got people in a sweat for nothing. Government totally gullible as always, but a win/win situation for old Joe. What will the oil refinery turn into I wonder?

    On the other hand the hospital is going to be a fabulous shot in the arm for the economy. It will attract tons of wealthy latin americans who now go to the US and pay top dollar (Chavez won't even have to go to Cuba anymore.)

    • R.U. Kiddin says:

      Quote:  "It will attract tons of wealthy latin americans who now go to the US and pay top dollar".

      Maybe…. but don't bet on it!  I still don't see the need of it and I believe jobs offered to Caymanians will be few.  Of coures, if the hordes of rich people don't come, the government can always subsidize it with our money.

  53. Anonymous says:

    You can almost hear all the real estate agents crying into their soup….

    • Knot S Smart says:

      Yep. They used to have champagne and lobster for lunch but these days they are having Campbells soup, or patty and pepsi.

      • anon says:

        Yes are a few extortionist in that industry that give it a bad name, but no need to put them all under one sad umbrella. Some in there are just trying to make an honest living.

    • Anonymous says:

      You have got to be joking. This is the best thing to happen to the real estate business in 10 years. Construction too.

  54. Anonymous says:

    Good news!!!

  55. Cayman Braker2 says:

    I am so sorry that Dr. Shetty did not choose Cayman Brac.  With it's elevation and the influence /clout that he would have, it would have been an easy fix.  Plus I'm confident, he could have bought the land cheaper.  We would have welcomed you with open arms.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Do not fret my Brackers.

      We have the regional prison for the worst of the worst palnned for the Bac

    • rob says:

      Cayman Braccertainly had a lot of affordable land for him to choose from. And you know, it could have worked.. but the flight system needs to improve first. more airlines, more destinations, an airport expansion. It would be been an ideal choice.

    • Anymous says:

      Hey!, Hey!, stop, why is every one cossing Bodden Town with the hospital and Port on their backs while all the garbage from their dump is piling up in Bodden Town.

      Can we atleast get something beside the trash.