Imparato to face East Enders
(CNS): The man who has proposed excavating a 4 million sq.ft. basin and 60 foot deep channel in the picturesque High Rock area of East End, which he claims will become a commercial sea port, is entering the proverbial lion’s den tomorrow evening (Thursday 9 June) to face the people of East End in an open public forum for what is understood to be the first time. Joe Imparato will be heading into the district where the majority of the people have expressed their unequivocal opposition to the proposal. Imparato will also be accompanied by the authors of the recently published environmental impact assessment which has caused considerable concern.
This meeting comes on the heels of a recent meeting in the district held by local MLA Arden McLean, who has vowed to take civil action to stop the project, where a considerable number of local people made it very clear that they opposed the project and would support McLean in whatever endeavour he chose to ensure the development would be stopped.
Both McLean and his legislative colleague from North Side, Ezzard Miller, say that if the development, which they believe is no more than a quarry, were to go ahead, it would destroy their communities. The two district representatives have confirmed that they will be attending the meeting to hear what the developer has to say and to pose a list or questions to the developer.
McLean and Miller, along with a significant number of people in the district, are fundamentally opposed to the project for a myriad of reasons, not least the potential devastating environmental destruction the project would pose.
Many people are now also convinced that the proposed commercial port project, which has been dubbed the “big hole”, is nothing more than a smoke screen to enable the developer to extract a significant and valuable amount of rock from the land he owns in the district. In short, the proposal, if approved by government, would allow him to circumvent the usual planning laws and spend some three to four years excavating high quality marl from the earmarked project zone with no guarantees that he would complete a port to be handed over to the Cayman people.
A significant body of opposition to the proposed plans from across the islands has emerged and many people question the developers real intent to ever develop the port and now believe his goal is merely to extract the fill. This position has been fuelled by the developer’s refusal to enter into a bond guarantee about the port element of the project.
The recent EIA has also raised far more questions than it has answered, with local tour operators and environmental experts shocked at the results and the suggested mitigating action in response to the significant damage that the project proposes.
Given the scale of the proposal and the potentially devastating consequences were the developer to be given the green light by government, both local MLAs and other activists are calling on as many people as possible to attend the meeting to show their opposition.
Last week the premier denied that he had offered official government support for the project to commence this financial year. However, in the Throne Speech delivered in the Legislative Assembly last month, as a preamble to the delayed budget, the governor singled out the East End commercial port as the one infrastructure project that governmentplanned to get underway during this financial year.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30pm at the East End Civic Centre.
Category: Local News
Pilar Bush should be ashamed of herself.
She was the Director for Tourism for how many years? She knows first hand that the East Enders, North Siders, and Bodden Towners do NOT want this type of development! She was there when the people voiced their opinions during the GO East public consultations. She advocated for the small scale type of developments then. Now she is the owner of AtWater which represents Joe Imparato andthe EE Seaport.
P.S. She also represents Dart and was there at the WB community meetings regarding the Beach Access and Moving of the WB Rd.
I believe I've read this same comment on at least 3 different articles, or even twice on this one… We've already read it! thanks!
I'm a tad confused. How is a temporary infusion of jobs compounded with a potentially severe environmental impact considered "sustainable"?
Is this project good for our children's future, or is it a short-term financial enhancement for the few?
I feel sad, watching my former quiet, safe, pristine island being Americanised. Even the Brac is being asphalted. This rock, this land, the purity of it and all the fauna and flora and sea life that comes with it…….. this is our heritage, and our greatest resource. Does every "advancement" have to involve destruction of the very resources that we cherish?
I beg you, MLAs, government, and the good people of the Cayman Islands……. we may have but a few chances to get it right, and keep our islands from loosing their uniqueness.
Answer me this: If continual construction is our future, how is that sustainable?
Once again….No, no, no to the "Big Hole".
I've read the EIA and spoken to many.
The developer is NOT proposing a port….but only to remove a large part of this small island, pocket the profits and give us the hole (pun intended).
I am totally confused. Why is Arden so against Mr. Imparatos project.
Is,nt Mr. Imparato the reason why Arden is in politics, or has there been a falling out.
So just because someone suports a politician, does that mean the politician must never oppose them in performing his duties?
This si why politics in Cayman is so rotten now! People like you!
No one has answered the central question surrounding the "quarry" issue.
If it is just a "quarry" and it is 140 acres big, why did he buy 800 acres of Land and propose a 1500 acre tax free zone???
Makes absolutely no sense to be "just a quarry"!
I don't know his intentions, but I can tell you this, if Joseph makes millions upon millions of dollars off his quarry, it is hard to believe that he would give away those millions to help the Cayman Islands.
But let's give him the benefit of the doubt, and say that he becomes generous, and keeps his word. The deal would entail our government also participating in its construction, because there will be a cruise berthing facility and cargo dock included; moreover, new roads would have to be made. In the end result, the people of the Cayman Islands would have to pay for this massive project and all indirect taxes would have to be increased. And with government, the more money they make, is the more they expand in size and raise salaries. That is the nature of the beast.
Seeing that a cruise berthing facility is already being considered in George Town, there is really no need for one in East End. A larger cargo dock is needed, but tied to this project, it would be a financial risk indeed. We are coming out of one recession, and it looks like the world is heading into another one very soon.
Also, never forget the environmental impact this project may impose; especially, the farm lands and water lens. I am now learning from expert divers that the marine life and key dive sites may as well be negatively effected from this massive project.
Simple, it’s because he has bigger plans then just a quarry, but ignorant people cannot see that..This man is an inovator his ideas are far beyond the average Camanians ability to comprehend.
Whatever happened to eco tourism and protecting the environment?
Isn't this crown land anyway?
The little strip of ironshore behind "Lover's Wall" is government Land. the rest is privately owned, sold to him by East Enders! Can you imagine that..??!!
Its funny how people will sell the land they supposedly so cherish, and then call others greedy and try to control what they can do with it. If they loved the land so much they should not have sold it…
Thats why we need to press our MLA's to establish a proper legal framework for lease ho,d so that we retain a say in what is done with the land.
They obviously thought he would end up doing something sensible with it.
Can someone clarify why the EastEnders are objecting? Are they proposing a nature reserve?
I can't follow their babbling blubber.
I believe that most of the EastEnders are not thinking, that this is not about East End and Imparato but about Arden Mclean Imparato. it is something different.
Totally agree with you 14:39
Self-preservation.
Protect the quarry owner, which has almost double the price of quarry product, imposible to develope or construct any buildings in the Cayman Islands.
Most of the East enders are being brain washed by Arden, they need to invite Mr. Imparato, and thank him for openning the opportunity for them to become Entrepreneurs in their own district.
shhhhh… it's because east enders want their cuc costs lowered. now just hush or you ruin everything
You sure waited long enough to ask. I suggest you start with the EIA and see if you can pick up the thread of the conversation.
As much as I can understand, Arden initiated the babbling blunder.
Every Wendnesday he broadcasted it on Rooster, so it bacame a propaganda, and of cource the East Enders are being brainwashed and fooled by him.
Just look at his sentiments in regards to this development , a big hole …a quarry…Imparto is going to make millions! He can't be concerned with the Invironment…just look to the east of where this proposed development is planned, and you will really see who Arden and Ezzard are protecting.
They are protecting this existing quarry business, which is located much closer to the East End village, and the farm lands, than the east end proposed port.
This quarry that made millions, providing fill for the roads and other capital projects, during Arden's administration, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
Caymanians..it's all about self- preservation.
Look at the mountain of quarry product ,sitting on that inviornmental zone, I remember Government stopping the previous owner of this quarry, from doing anymore mining, because he had blasted down to the water table, but the minning is still going on.
East Enders..here is an opportunity to develop you properties, and turn them into big money…. to become Entrepreneurs, you also deserv to become business owners within your district, your land is not only the for the foreign owners, that build their resorts in east end, and take up all the coast line for their money making ventures( dive sites) The good Lord gave you all that land not to worship, but as a tallent.
Stop letting your own dictate rubbish to you.
That "existing quarry business, which is located much closer to the East End village" has not been operational for over 12 years.
How is more jobs and economic growth "not good for the Cayman Islands in general?"
Just curious about that one….
What about increasing tourism for the Island – is that a bad thing as well?
It is a good thing that he is going to present his views, but at the end of the day talk is cheap. If he wants to dig a big hole in East End then he should be required to pay into a trust fund AT THE TIME OF EXCAVATION the amount of $5 per yard excavated. These funds should then be used at the end of the excavation period exclusively for the purpose of building the roads and other infrastructure to support the proposed port. That way after Mr. Imperato has made his tens of millions from the marl, the people of the Cayman Islands will not be left with a bill for tens of millions in order to get a long term benefit from the big hole.
Long term benefit??? What long term benefit? There is no long term befit from environmental destruction that I know of.
16:34
you must be blind or you don't know what you are talking about.
Just drive down the west bay penisula, and tell me what is left of the mangroves, and how many develoments that exist, that has helped feed us.
40 years is long term, and many more to go.
That my friend is long term benifits, did you get your share? maybe not…but alot of us did.
12:54 i have to agree with you on this one, but can you say if the other 5 quarries are paying up front CI$ 5.00 a yard for minning their product, or paying anythging at all.
As far as i know, anything below grade belongs to our Queen, which means a Royalty has to be paid.
How is this being monitored and how much has been paid so far to the Caymanian people..maybe Arden nad Ezaard can enlighten us on this issue…we await your responce.
Yes he should have to provide the base material free of cost for the high way to connect east end and savannah.
We shouldn't worry about his millions, we have quarry owners that are doing the same, it is his property.
Where is all the want-to-be polititions- we haven't heard from one of them. Where is Johnny? – In the philipines ? Where is Truman Bodden and John McLean – Nothing from these guy either. Then it one thing left to conider – They are inagreement with it. Come on John McLean, former MLA, let East Enders hear your views on this matter.
Johnny who?
John "Johnny" McLean Jr. He ran in the last election.
Of course, these gentlemen are not stupid, why shouldn't they be in agreement, of this revenue making proposal.
Johnny, get the best for your people..support it!
While I understand the fears of the East Enders…I would caution you from pushing investment away from Cayman. Many in Cayman have been living off the government for decades..either directly or indirectly….our government is strapped for cash…..so think about your childrens future…this could represent serious socio-economic problems in the future…lack of work is likely part of the problem associated with the increased crime rates already..
I must say i agree with you; a few days ago my 18 year old son said to me and I quote "why are we so against development; if tourism is not cutting it, the financial sector is drying up, where does these people who are objecting to everything proposed expect us to work, dont they realised that crime will only get worst when there is no employment opportunities for young Caymanians, i have only heard objection but no one is proposing anything, we need development to move this island forward, i am sick and tired of hearing these now it all".
I will leave it there…i hope in a few years the career objectors will have a full, frank explanation for our young people.
Our forefathers travelled the world and benefitted themselves and their families.
The expats have travelled to the Cayman Islands to do the same. It is a global world. Expand your knowledge and opportunities.
Limiting yourself to only what is in front of you will limit your progress.
We should protect the enviornment while we have it. In a few years your son will have nothing to enjoy aside from pollution and destruction if we do not protect it now.
Please relay the message to your son.
Good Luck Joe. These people are like talking to a wall.
Please note that the people that are against this project including our politician for the district of East End MLA Arden Mclean has taken countless hours going through the report and the conclusion remains the same.
We have taken a whole week to read this report line by line and the conclusion is that this project is not good for East End or The Cayman Islands in general.
Mr. Imparato has many questions to answer tonight. Please remember not all that glitter is gold.
…and that all that is written on this political blog is not true either!
If we were able to buy shares in his venture, there would be no opposition.
Joseph Imparato has lived in Cayman for over 30 years, he has children and grandchildren here. Cayman is his home.
Joe wants to make Grand Cayman a better place for all who live there; to create more jobs and bring in more economic growth to the island seems like a good thing to me –
and
would the people who live on the East End would not benefit from this?
Have any of the nay-sayers actually read the report?
HMC
How about Joe Imparato lower the cost on all CUC light bills! Or, lower the cost of East Enders and North Siders utility bills!
Only then will I know he is looking out for Cayman's best interest!
Joe doesn’t work at CUC anymore – not since 2003…. Stop asking for handouts and start taking advantage of real opportunities p
As usual someone who expects something for nothing, standard fare of doing business here.
Now I support this, Do something about CUC, but are you sure Mr Arden would want that, lower shares? I am not sure.
arden, my man arden has shares in cuc??
said he gave them to his child at election time, remember?!!
Imparato does not own CUC anymore as far as I know it is now owned by Fortis in Bermuda. But I may be incorrect!
I thought he sold out his share of CUC 10 years ago
I can't speak for everyone that is against the project, but yes I have read the report and it is completely biased. It leaves so many questions.
It also negates the severity of an oil spill or other such disaster. I'm sorry but the potential for an oil spill or other disaster may be slim, but it does not reduce the severity if it happens.
There are many things within the report I have questions about and where there evidence really comes from.
Well perhaps Joe needs to also listen to the people of the Cayman Islands and think about the type of future they want for their islands and their children and grand children. Instead of forcing his ideas on an entire nation of people who are 99% opposedto his idea. There are lots of other ways he can help to make Cayman a better place.
This idea of his, however great his intentions may be, is obviously terrible for the natural environment of East End and the entire island, will compromise the water lense, our main agricultural area and the safety of those who live in East End. Not to mention the marine environment, the habitat of the Blue Iguana, and the cherished scenic coastline.
Please Joe, go listen to the people in East End tonight and be human enough to be moved by their pleas and put an end to this project.
There are lots of other projects in Cayman where your time, energy, investment and entrepreneurial skills could be put to great use.
Interesting to see Imparato's web-PR team out in force on this website.
wha, UDP got the whole gang of MLA'S writin in today for moral support.
More like someone with access to a lot of vacant computers. Which ministries are run by men with trucking companies on the side? Or I guess better to ask which ones don't. Your government speaks softly and hides behind a big desk. The big hole will most likely be dug and by the time the first hurricane hits it and ruins the water lens well, any boats that are still in there, and of course all the infrastructure including fuel tanks it will be just another dumb idea in the long line of many. Maybe after that they can fill it with Mt. Trashmore. Please don't.
Just cause someone lives in a country for over 30 years doesnt mean that they will always have the best interest in mind for the country. A lot of people only care about money and what they can do to get a head in the world not caring if it hurts anyone else.
Have you heard from Joe Imparato himself that he wants the better for caymanians and that he intends to build this port?
This "nay-sayer" can say that I have read both the report and appendices and I still stand by my opinion that this is the most ridiculous project I have ever heard in my life. I would like to know if you have read all 500 odd pages, and if you have how in the world can you still be for it? With all the destruction that he intends to do, how can you say it is for the better of cayman? I will never understand why some caymanians look at other countries and want to be just like them. So what if they have this and that….good for them. That same stuff may not work for cayman, we are smaller and supopse to be paradise. Tourists come here to get away from all that in their own country and now all you guys want to do is be exactly like them. My father always tells me how beautiful cayman was when he was growing up and you know I wish I could have seen it cause all cayman is becoming is concrete and more concrete. I am not trying to stop development cause that needs to be done but why rush it so much, cant you guys just be happy with what you have and not constantly trying get what someone else has? I thought we grew out if that a long time ago….
Nay-sayers have read the report and yes some would benifit BUT most would not and many may actually be harmed. Have you read the whole thing?
Create more jobs for who? The low paid expats on work permits that is paid in US$ 5-$6 p. hr. That's what the Ritz Carlton and Dart promised as well, what a farce…
Bring your pitch forks!
don't think you need to tell folks that
Bunn dat, I bringing my backhoe Bo Bo!
Do not do that cuz Arden might think its Imperato coming and lay down in front of it. Road Kill
People people what are you all worrying about? The world is gonna end October 21st or december 2012 anyhow, so lets make him do it and get some jobs going so we can have a good time the few months left here on this earth,Or in this world i should say.
I thought the rapture when they take you to heaven was in May…
… gulp…. I'm screwed!!!
Now why would i get 15 thumbs down? Cant you all take a joke?Geez!
Yo man! You got all the thumbs down because you forgot you're in the Lord's country. Jokes about the rapture are taken seriously here.
Don't forget this is where the Deputy Premier, Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, thanked the Lord for creating the beautiful Cayman Islands nearly 2000 years ago in a public speech that was an embarassment all over the web.
I guess she figured the Lord wanted to re-pave the beautiful roads in the Brac more than he wanted to pave the roads in Grand Cayman as well. Oh, and private drive-ways. Oh, and church parking lots too.
🙂
lol ok knukie!
I have no position on this, but I do have an open mind.
A while ago I attended a presentation on this project.
The detail behind the plan was impressive, but, more so, was what certainly seemed to me to be genuine intent from the developer to do something that serves Cayman.
Of course he will need to make a profit, that is a given, but what I saw from him was more than that.
I ask of my fellow Caymanians, from EE and elsewhere, to go to this presentation with a truly open mind. I'm not saying those opposed to it now will change their opinion, but if you go in determined to oppose something that few have actually researched, that doesn't give either the developer or our country a fair chance.
I, too, have no position on this and have also attended a presentation on this and have specifically heard that the developer intends to process the material (fill) extracted on-site, to then onsell to the public. Whatever the stated reason given for doing so (be it to off set costs, etc.), the developer intends to operate a quarry on-site. Pure and simple. This is an indisputable fact! Given the amount of fill to be extracted, this quarry operation will be a fixture in East End for many, many years to come. The Caymanian people need to be aware of this when making up their minds, either way.
I personally think Joe is wasting his time, these people have obviously been so manipulated by a couple of disheartened fear mongering politicians that they’re not even going to listen to what he has to say.
I think he should just take his money and invest it somewhere else while Caymanians go on raising their little Criminals because this is obviously not a problem with these same Politicians. They are quick to instigate rallying cries with the people only when it benefits them while ignoring the deep inset problems that exist. And 2000 Signatures on a piece of paper from a population of over 20,000 doesn’t sound like significant opposition to me. Every district on the island has had to make sacrifices to sustain the Cayman economy so the east end is not different, it’s time you east enders start contributing too.
Ouch…………………………… straight talk my frend
Wonder how many more signature we would have if Civil Servants could sign????
The Govenor spoke of "the hole" as a government infrastructure project in the throne speach? What! Isn't this a completely private initiative for a quarry with absolutely no impertive on Mr. Imaprato to build a port after he's extracted the marl? This is just another episode of the Premier trying to make it appear that his government is making important infrastructure improvements [ of course, the government has absolutely no sapre cash to move forward with any serious infractusture projects: the country's broke!] and the Governor has let himself be used as a puppet to deliver the spin.
Apart from Mr. Dart's recent investments — who has been on our doorstep all the while — for all of McKeeva's world tours, high level meetings, MOU's (which mean nothing, other than a press photo opportunity, until a real contract has been executed) and promises to the people of Cayman, give me one example (just one) of an inward investment project the Premier has achieved (that means start, not just brag about) in the first 2-years of this term in office.
While the Premier continues his futile (and very expensive)quest for the elusive "third arm" of the cayman economy, the first two arms are being decimated due to the dogmatic adherence to destructive economical policies — like raising taxes in a deep recession, for example!
Will there be police presence to prevent our rabble rousers frm misbehaving.?
Are you kidding me?
Your comment is so disrespectful to all the people of the Cayman Islands, particularly those who care enough to get involved.
When the people of the Cayman Islands gathering to share their opinions on matters of greatimportance such as this, it is always done with passion and respect. I am not talking about political meetings but meetings on environmental or development projects or the constitution, bill of rights etc
Your ignorant comment shows you have never attended one.
11:49 as they say prevention is better than cure you can get all huffed up about a police presence but the truth is the ee repnhasnbeen heating up a storm in the district and feelings may be strong. Wouldmyou rather have the presence of the popos than tonhave to ask the question where they if some mishap occurred?
Quar·ry
1 [kwawr-ee, kwor-ee] Show IPA noun, plural -ries, verb, -ried, -ry·ing.
–noun
1.
an excavation or pit, usually open to the air, from which building stone, slate, or the like, is obtained by cutting, blasting, etc.
2.
an abundant source or supply.
–verb (used with object)
3.
to obtain (stone) from or as if from a quarry.
4.
to make a quarry in.
Mr. Imparto should also accept one of Austin's and Gilbert's many invitations to discuss his project on Cayman Crosstalk on Rooster 101.
Why would anyone in their right mind subject themselves to Austin and Gilbert or the vicious, narrow minded people who call in to his show? Have you noticed that unless they are promoting a business on Thursday the only people who really WANT to go on his show are the politicans … what exactly does THAT say to you?!
How is going on that talk show bad? i dont hear any vicious narrow minded people that calling in…I hear people how are concerned with their country calling in to voice their opinions, its called freedom of speech…
This show takes our real problems and brings it to the front so that they give the people of cayman a chance to say how they feel…you may not agree with it, but just cause you dont doesnt mean that these people have to saty quiet for you.
11:46 The Austin and Gilbert show is just that vicious and narrow minded. The same people call in day after day with the same vicious and narrow mindedness and anyone that gets through with a difference of opinion gets a tongue lashing fom the hosts. The intimidating, loud vociferous speaking is totally unnecessary.
It would really be nice to get two new hosts who can be fair and balanced, one for the government and one against if they are going to predicate themselves on using politics for their ratings.
I hate to say it Randy, but this show has gone to the dogs and is in my opinion repulsive, opinionated and downright nasty at times. I am sure your dad if he was alive would have something to say about this. Why don't you do a shake up like you have done with other hosts? it will help let them understand that they need to be fair and balanced.
I agree with the above comment. Whilst open balanced debate is crucial for any society, Austin & Gilberts show is always a one sided narrow rant.
Totally agree with 08:56. The Austin and Gilbert show has become so nasty and one sided that it is very difficult to listen anymore.
Austin has proclaimed himself god and knows everything. He has this habit now of being rude and talking bad about any caller that disagreed with him after they have hung up so that he can always get the last word in. Reminds me of a school yard bully. Gilbert blames the government of the day for everything but never stops to look in the mirror and remind himself that he did absolutely nothing whilst he ws in office. Asa minister he was ineffective and out of touch. Now for some reason he has the solution for everything that ails the country.
I wish someone else would start a competitive morning show as I would certainly like to turn these clowns off.
Phase One – Dig the Hole, which will take years
Phase Two – Then build the East End Sea Port
Now…. after Joseph makes all those hundred of millions from selling rock, will he give those millions back to the Cayman Islands???
I am a business man and I can tell you, I don't believe Joseph, and I don't think Cayman should take such a risk, seeing that the XXXX hands of government leaders are involved in this massive project.
Oh God…. please don't talk about the environmental impact and the possible negative repercussions!!!
Anyone and everyone that really cares about this astrocity to our Island should be there, regardless of what party you belong to. common sense MUST prevail here.
If our government cared they would look into this as much as mr McClean and Mr. Miller has, but as usual its the same old story with the blind leading the blind. Folks take your blinders off and show support for the end of this project before it starts.
Stop the dredging in East End.
As Mr. Imparato is showing the courage and integrity to go to East End and face the people who have been fired up by the politicians, I sincerely hope that the people of East End show him the courtesy of listening with an open mind.
If I had to chose which to believe, it would be Mr. Imperato every time.
"If I had to chose which to believe, it would be Mr. Imperato every time."
So much for your open mind…..
I think the comment expressed a preference for believing Mr. Imparato over Messrs. McLean and Miller.
It didn't express a view about the project.
You need to consider that the politicians might be fired up because the people do not want it. Not the other way around.
Unlike Joe's politician the one that lives in West Bay but is off Island most of the time. He wants it because Joes wants it …….and I am sure there are other econimic reason that he thinks it is favorable to him.
Bottom line . The people do not want it; any other discussion is secondary!
As usual there will be no opposition show up to voice their concerns against this quarry.
We all have plenty mouth behind the scenes but are afraid to show our face in public.
People, I will be there and I am not an East Ender and I will let my voice be heard in opposition to this quarry and I am begging you all to show up tonight in the hundreds and voice your opinion.
Into the lions den, good luck Joe.
It probably wouldn't BE a lion's den if he had done that long ago.
I wish we would please stop referring to this man as "the developer" everything I have heard about this project very clearly indicates that what he is "developing" here is a big ugly hole in the ground in East End in absolutely no one's interest but his own and with absolutely no regard for our island or the East End people.
It sounds like you are spewing the marl road gossip and slander about this project which does not necessarily state with any accuracy the plans for this project.
The objectionists have successfully redefined this project as a big quarry and many like yourself have joined the bandwagon.
Try to have an open mind and go and listen to what Joe has to say. I respect his going into the East End district and stating his position on the project.
Since you seem to know it all, would you care to state with some accuracy the plans for this project?