Road starts in ‘good faith’

| 08/09/2011

(CNS): Although no agreement has been signed between it and the government, local investor and developer Dart is beginning work on the Esterly Tibbetts extension “in good faith”, Jackie Doak, the firm’s CEO, said on Tuesday evening. During the groundbreaking ceremony for the public road at Batabano, she said that even though a full agreement had not yet been reached, Dart was prepared to start the road to get people back to work with the expectation that a deal would be signed. Doak also committed to preserving any rare or endangered, culturally significant and mature plants and trees for transplanting as the land clearance for the road went underway.

The Dart boss said she expected some people would question the decision to commence the road works, at some levelof risk to the firm, before there is a signed agreement.

“At Dart we are prepared to get started with the preliminary works as a way to help get people back to work and start engaging local companies now,” she said. “We do so in good faith that the main agreement and the related smaller separate agreements will be signed,” she added.

Welcoming the Cabinet approval of the road project, Doak said the project was a duly approved project through the required regulatory process. She added that Dart wanted to see the proper processes throughout, such as coastal work licenses and vested lands for all of the projects, even if it took longer than people would like. “It is important to Dart that the appropriate process are followed.”

She told the audience gathered for the groundbreaking event that Dart was fully committed to the alliance with government as it was good for government, good for Dart and good everybody.

The road marked the official start of a number of projects under the ForCayman investment alliance that she said would stimulate the economy in the short term but in the long term would set out the conditions for sustained economic prosperity.

“The extension of the Esterly Tibbetts Highway to Batabano Road has been identified as a necessary and important road for almost a decade,” she said. “It is a project that will directly activate many of the benefits intended in the ForCayman investment alliance as it will put people back to work and create opportunities for businesses.” 

She said that while the road would benefit the whole community, she admitted that it would also provide access for the recently acquired properties of Dart.

Doak also revealed that the work packages and requests for proposals would soon be circulated among the local business community by DECCO, Dart’s construction company. She said the critical work of clearing the undergrowth and prepping the land would now start. She said the plants to be transplanted would be identified by the nursery staff during this period. 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Here in the States, this would be a recipe for a lawsuit.  I don't know of any reputable government or municipality that would allow work to begin on a project with just an "expectation".

     

    Can the Cayman Government just have a consistent way of running their policies?  In one breath, the Cayman Islands Premier states that "plans to upgrade the Spotts dock area where cruise ships anchor during bad weather have been postponed until government completes its negotiations with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC)". 

     

    Then in the next breath, it is reported that "even though a full agreement had not yet been reached, Dart was prepared to start the road to get people back to work with the EXPECTATION that a deal would be signed".

     

    The world is watching you, and business/money in the Caymans seem UNSTABLE, especially in this global economic climate. You have to consider what this looks like to the outside world. It does not appear to be good governance with sound political and business practices, and reeks of favoritism and desperation on someone's part.  Either have a level playing field for ALL developers who wish to do business with the Cayman Government, and let the Chinese begin the Spotts dock on "good faith" also, or keep ALL Crown dealings transparent and agreed to in advance to avoid any misunderstandings in the end, which the Caymanian people will eventually have to pay out to clean up.  This is startling basic.

     

    As the key decision maker with potentially millions in your jurisdiction, it is causing us great pause to keep from pulling out of the Caymans as we know others have already done, because of reading these unsettling comments and articles in the press of what is happening locally that other key decision makers worldwide can read also. 

     

    Word of advice: get your political House in order.  You might not have any further say if other investors and cruise companies also decide that they are selecting other jurisdictions because they don't have a dog in this politically unstable fight.

  2. Anonymous says:

    The love and worship of money will be the demise of these once beautiful islands.  Caymanians have become so self centered and  blinded by material possessions that like the captain of the Titanic they have already charted the sinking of the good ship Cayman by being careless in its management.

    While the entire world is in a recession many of us  some how  believe that we are insulated against it. Some of  our leader and people are so skewed in their reasoning that it leaves me shaking and scratching my head in disbelief.

    Majority of our business comes from the USA yet we try to blame them for our apparent demise.  I see bloggers blaming the USA for the decline in banking within these islands a move spear headed by the OECD and FATF about 15 years ago.  There was knowlege of this since 1995 but no one prepared for it because like the sinking of the Titanic we believed it would and could never happen and as a result the proper mesures were not put into place until too late in the game.

    Now I see us scrambling to attract investors from all over the world, try asking Dubai how hard this is they have tried it and was forced to abandon that idea and try different alternatives.  I will bet my bottom dollar that a new cruise port, the proposed new hospital, the enterprise city deal and the alliance deals (albiet very good concepts) will not solve the problems of Cayman, it will only exacerbate the problem along with compounding and creating many new problems that we know will happen but won't  admit to.   What are our alternatives other than investors and construction? We should welcome suggestions on how to revive and improve our stay over tourism product which have served us well during the years.  Believe it or not the world of finance is become a lonely place when it comes to an end what will we do?

    Caymanians had better begin to think outside the box or we will be in deep trouble soon, do you really believe if the world economy continues to decline that the financial industry will not have to make grave decisions that will result in hardships for many of us.  We had better begin to prepare our children and grandchildren for a country without the financial industry encourage them to become doctors, medical professionals,  teachers, independent business owners, plumbers, electricians, journalists, authors, architects and town planners, service industry employees and the many other jobs that exist beyond our shores and world of finance.  Again I will bet my bottom dollar that our local attorneys and accountants will not be given the same opportunities in the countries of their colleagues should they have to migrate to find employment.  It is high time to encourage our young people to become more than employees of the financial industry.

  3. Anonymous says:

    We need investments that is for sure but what are the driving factors of our economy and where do our primary sources of revenues come from?

    I hate to think that our survival is dependant upon one individual or entity.  This would have been possible when the population was still small but quite impossible to do today.  So Caymanians stop the complaining, sit back enjoy the new roads and enjoy the ride. 

  4. Anonymous says:

    Cayman is a great place to live, Camana Bay is an excellent placeto visit if things are done the right way it can be a win, win for all, as Charlie would say "WINNING".

  5. Chris says:

    Errrr, why didnt Dart start remediating the land fill in "good faith" 10 years ago. Then we would not be having this discussion.

    • Anonymous says:

      Errrr……because Government wouldn't let them.  Dart has stated that they offered several times to previous Governments that they would fix the dump. Not until now has any Government seriously entertained these "free" proposals.

      • Anonymous says:

        Free? wisen up there is no such thing as a free lunch or free drugs.  Let me try to explain it to you.  With the free lunch, you will have to buy a more expensive lunch the next time around. The free drugs is always free the first time but after the first high you will forever continue to chase that high and will do anything to get it.  In other words a wise person will know that everything comes with a price even those "free" deals.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Road starts in good faith? They just need to get that road finished in order to close the section of West Bay road all before the new government takes over. That's the real reason.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Just hope Dart constructs a dual carriageway and not single lane as he did through Camana Bay. Traffic jams on that stretch soon come.  Also, give us 'Bayers who live in the Church Street, NWP, Bosun Bay, Rose Garden, Boltins/Old Bush, Town Hall, Hell, Watercourse areas a convenient road to connect instead of having to drive to Batabano to access the bypass.   

    All of that and I'm down with the new road but not particularly excited about the SMB closure from Tiki Beach to Yacht Club. Oh well, that's a done deal. 

    • Anonymous says:

      I asked NRA and they said DARTs deal 10 years ago with Governor on the bypass that he built is that when the road is dual lanes in both directions from Camana Bay, both north and south, then the portion through Camana Bay will be opened to 2 lanes in both directions at his cost. The dual lanes only go north at moment.

    • Anonymous says:

      Pay attention…..every drawing and every statement by both Government and Dart have said DUAL LANES to Batabano Road

  8. Anonymous says:

    Dart for Premier Bobo

    • Anonymous says:

      Could we show a little gratitude, please.  Do you know how many countries would like to have a Dart?  I am tired of the thoughtless, inane comments.  Of course Mr. Dart is a businessman and wouldn't be doing this if it were not ultimately at least going to be profitable, but we need all the help we can get.

      Thank you Mr. Dart.  We get twisted up in the political winds and we know not what we do.

      We appreciate having you here in the Cayman Islands to add to the vibrancy of our overall economic outlook — and for your community spirit — we are well aware of the many civic initiatives that you contribute to and make a difference in.

  9. Chris says:

    Thanks Dart for setting this precedent.

    I am going to start my house in "good faith" that the govt planning department will pass my plans with no problem…..

    thats after i open a business "in good faith" that the govt will approve my business licence…..

    and clear the merchandise for my store in "good faith" that i will pay the customs duty at some later date yet to be agreed upon.

     

  10. Tamara says:

     

    The rants on here are delusional and full of 'crystal ball' gazing. At the end of the day does Cayman want economic and employment growth or not? If not which seems to to be the consesus on this site then chuck on the life jacket because this ship is going down and the crew is not even going to bother bailing. If you do then projects such as these should be supported, or at the very least opposed on facts, not delusional arguements that Dart is taking over control of these islands etc etc

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Tamara, I think people are upset with government for the special grants they give to Dart and not to everyone. There is favoritism, and it could seriously hurt the economy, because still many businesses are not given a break to spend less and save more. It seems like UDP have forgotten all about the small eutrepreneur and that they want their businesses to grow and hire people. Special favors with certain people excluding everyone else, is not good.   

      • Tamara says:

        That is fair enough, but there are many other businesses that receive special grants – we just don't necessarily hear about them all. Also I can uderstand people's concern about Dart owing and operating too much, but what is the alternative, are the people complaining going to put up their money to get this economy moving – of course not! Is there another investor wating in the wings that could have been chosen over Dart – not to my knowledge. My point is it is easy to sit back and critisize  – but how about doing something instead?

      • Anonymous says:

        DART has not received one concession or grant since arriving here 15 years ago. After spending $650 million, building parks and sponsoring stuff here I think we should not complain one bit if he now gets a concession or two. If anyone has earned his concessions it’s the DART Corporation.

        Without economic drivers like the Dart Corp , small business folks would not have an opportunity in the first place. While I hear your concern, and support the little man, we need the imput of dollars in our economy to ensure the engine starts up initially.

  11. Libertarian says:

    I can only see the end result:  Exploitation on low paid Caymanian workers – and less Caymanian entrepreneurs on the island.  It turns out that you have hiked fees, duties, permits, and business license fees with immigration restrictions that it is almost impossible for locals to start and maintain their own businesses or companies on the island. They have to compete with the big shots, but you don’t allow them to do that; rather, you keep them with high cost of living, and give favors to the big shots. Then when many Caymanians, are unemployed, the only opportunity they will have is with Dart and well-off few.

    Have you ever look in the newspapers and see how much Dart pays for unqualified jobs… it is shameful.  It is chicken fee!  Do you seriously want to only work for Dart???  Do you want to have difficulties starting and/or maintaining your own business in a non-competitive market where Dart dominates everything???  Cayman, I don’t think you want that!

    We need to revamp the Constitution, provide more direct democratic provisions therein so the people can hold the MLA’s accountable and through vote get them out of office easily, and provide more checks and balances against political corruption. The system needs to be changed. Developers of big projects should not have say over a thousand petitioners that don’t want such a development in their neighborhood. There should be in the Bill of Rights, prohibiting public monies from being sent to churches and private entities. These are some changes we seriously need.

    • Anonymous says:

      Ah Dart bashing is so refreshing from the normal Bush bashing I hear about.

      Perhaps you are applying for a slot on the Rooster talk radio show. Your comments fit their format perfectly. A little shrill for my taste but many seem to enjoy it.

  12. B.B.L. Brown says:

    Well, you can toss the UDP, the PPM and the whole "democratic" government in the trash can.  Dart is running the country now.

  13. Anonymous says:

    "In good faith?" — Always a good business practice when your dealing with multi-million dollar contracts, right?  The way Bush goes about GOVERNMENT business is a complete joke!  But what's more troubling is that nobody is able to stop this demagogue of a leader trashing due process: like signing a contract before beginning a huge public/private infrastruture project!   SHAMEFUL buisness practice, SHAMEFUL! 

  14. Anonymous says:

    Better if Dart administered to the whole island including security. The fools here obviously need to be told what to do and made to do it

  15. Anonymous says:

    “Welcoming the Cabinet approval of the road project, Doak said the project was a duly approved project through the required regulatory process. She added that Dart wanted to see the proper processes throughout, such as coastal work licenses and vested lands for all of the projects, even if it took longer than people would like. “It is important to Dart that the appropriate process are followed.”

    So is Mr. Dart going to open a “Due Process” School?

    Then let us hope that someone awards Premier McKeeva Bush a scholarship from the Nation Building Fund to pay the school fees for Premier Bush to attend the new Dart “Due Process” School (DDPS). 

    Premier Bush’s “substance” has already cost our islands taxpayers millions of dollars wasted in his sweetheart deals with devils.

    Just the thoughts of a younger island sister.

  16. NJ2Cay says:

    Go Dart Go, let get some things happening..

    Here's my new motto.

    DART DOES!!!!!

     

     

  17. Anonymous says:

    Voice your concerns and objections via email to Cabinet (and the UDP) who still have to decide whether this project goes ahead. 

     

    Seems as if Dart will go ahead with road regardless, so we will get the kickstart to our economy even if the road closure doesn't happen!

    It's important to get these emails off as quickly as possible!

    Email:

    mckeeva.bush@gov.ky,
    rolston.anglin@gov.ky,
    Mike.Adam@gov.ky,
    Mark.Scotland@gov.ky,
    Juliana@udp.ky,
    Cline@udp.ky,
    Eugene@udp.ky,
    pearlina@udp.ky,
    dwayne@udp.ky,
    jonathan@udp.ky,
    ellio@udp.ky

    • Anonymous says:

      This is an automated message.  I will be out of the office 'on business' from 8 September 2011 returning…….errr…depends on how the shopping goes.  Please call Mr K Dart on 007 should you require urgent assistance.  Have a nice day now.

  18. Anonymous says:

    The UDP was elected in "good faith"…

    (Tongue firmly placed in cheek)

  19. Anonymous says:

    I believe it is on his property. If the deal does not go through he has a road to nowhere.

  20. Anonymous says:

    In good faith.  Bull !!!!

    They are starting the road on Dart Land.  Land that they will need a road on even if it is not going through.  I can't believe they think we will fall for this.

    They should not be allowd to do any work on public land until the feal is finalzed through proper procedures.

    The final agreement needs to be properly vetted and debatedby the public and the opposistion before it is signed.

    Do any of you think that will happen????  Not if Mac has his way.

  21. Good says:

    Good, this road should have been gazetted years ago when the Governor's Harbour looooong setback was put on the books (thanks to the locals that owned the land back then).  Use the bypass if you want to get to town faster!

    I hated seeing tourists jump out of the way of SPEEDING West Bay cars!!!  Good, good, good  Maybe this will slow some of our awful lead-foots down.  Slow down!  

    Now, if only we had pedestrian pavements along side the roads.  Mr Dart, would you please install these?  My son would like to ride his bike on your "sidewalk".

  22. Anonymous says:

    OR the set up to a nice fat lawsuit if the deal falls through.

     

    ….in good faith

     

    We all know what that means

  23. Anonymous says:

    Has this project been signed off by the Governor as yet?

  24. Anonymous says:

    You can explain the early start of the construction of the road in two ways:

    1. As explained above, in "good faith" that all contracts will be signed. Or

    2. Dart doesn't care about contracts, he now owns the country and does whatever he wants.

    Btw if no agreement/contract has been signed, isn't this an illegal construction ?

     

    • Anonymous says:

      It would only be illegal if no approved plans are available. Certainly Dart would not start without approval from the planning department.

      • Anonymous says:

        There is alot of differnce between a "ground breaking" and "clearing". In fact I am having a ground breaking next week at my land for a new 40 storey highrise casino and condos. All welcome just BYOB

    • Anonymous says:

      If you cant see the light here let me help you.

      This Road project is approved and will be constructed in any event because Dart needs the Road to develop his Property and increase its value.

      The agreement with Government to give up the portion of West Bay Road as part of the deal is to allow Dart to Acquire the Road without paying forit.

      Anyone with any common sense should know that Dart is in a win win situation here because he would have had to build the Road through the swamp anyway and turn it over to Government free.

      By tricking Mac into a deal he gets hsi road to develop his property free.

      Now if that is not in the interest of the Caymanian people, tell me what is.

    • Anonymous says:

      He owns some politicians and he owns some of the country but he does not own me.

      I am not for sale.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        He and certain others will soon own you when they buy out the island. Then where will you work?

        • Anonymous says:

          Libya!  Lots of oil there.

        • Anonymous says:

          For DART! LOL! Like majority of the island does already! Nowadays when anyone is leaving their job to go to another or simply getting a job,nine out of 10 persons that you ask "where are going to work?" They usually say Dart.  And that's locals and work permit holders alike! Thank God somebody can still afford to be hiring! 

        • Anonymous says:

          Surely you mean when Caymanians SELL OUT their lands and businesses. Takes two to tango!

      • Anonymous says:

        Thank God.  Who would buy you?

    • Anonymous says:

      Anyone can start a road on their own property especially if it has been gazetted by government for the last 4-5 years! Not illegal in any way. This way we don't have to pay for it or the land we would be taking from DART to build it.  So yes they can do it and they are "in good faith". At worst case (ie no contract ever), they made a road across their land that will not be connected at either end- just a private driveway.

       

      Please use the time you are wasting on this blog to instead go and read some Cayman Laws and understand how things really work.

       

       

       

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Not true, clearing land by machine requires Planning Approval. If this route is not Gazetted under Sec. 3 of the Roads Law then it is not even an "intended" road.

        • Anonymous says:

          But I think the road may have been planned allready. Not sure if they went throught he planning process but it has been talked off for a while.

          In the end if the deal with Government does not go through (Which it is written in stone) he could still charge Government for the work done on extending the road.

          • Caymanian Concern says:

            Those roads were planned way back when the Websters owned the land.  About six different plans were gazetted including Governor's Harbour and The Yacht Club.  Ancient history.

            • Anonymous says:

              Hello Ancient Historian….get your facts straight.  Neither the Governors Harbour or the Yacht Club Roads are gazetted.  They are private roads.

      • Anonymous says:

        UDP advisor?

    • Anonymous says:

      Can you tell me how "DART owns the country"?  What does that mean? Does he own your house? my house? owns government buildings? owns Government debt? owns the roads? the airport? Hurleys? Kirks? Ritz?…..Can he really drive down the SMB road at 80mph and not get a ticket- not sure Baines would agree to that.

       

      What does he own other than many hundred acres of land that we Caymanians sold him and 5 buisinesses that we also partnered with him on or sold to him?? What do you mean own??

       

      Would love to hear this answer 08:06.

      • Anonymous says:

        There is none so blind as those who will not see…. it is a wasted effort to try and explain to you something that is as plain as day to others. Don't worry, maybe in time you will see and understand.

      • Anonymous says:

        Hurleys?  Funny you should mention that…….