Dart to get $45m in waivers

| 16/06/2011

(CNS): The Cayman government is entering into a massive partnership deal with the Dart Group that includes land swaps, public infrastructure projects and road building, as well as regulation changes and duty waivers of up to $45 million. The premier has said the deal is designed to facilitate the development of a new resort and further expansion of Camana Bay and stimulate the local economy. Government has confirmed that it will be allowing a stretch of West Bay Road to be closed and in turn Dart will pay for the development of the extension of the Esterly Tibbetts by-pass to Batabano in West Bay. Dart has also given land in Bodden Town to government in exchange for the current landfill in GT which it intends to cap and redevelop.

As part of the new "For Cayman Investment Alliance", McKeeva Bush announced that government will soon be signing the deal with the country's largest investor, which will see Dart offered various concessions, regulation changes, and re-zoning, plus tax and duty waivers. In return the group will be making significant investments in both private sector and public sector development projects.

Dart will be contributing land to the new Barkers National Reserve — and will in return receive land from government in Viste Norte (the Salt Creek area) –  funds to Grace Christian Academy to build a new school, central mangrove wetlands for conservation and a new public beach north of the new resort on the site of the former Marriott Courtyard, as well as some $18 million in cash for community project s such as parks and educational programmes.

Although the values of the quid pro quo deals have not yet been detailed, it is understood that Dart will have to spend over $1.2 billlion to get back the $45 million in duty waivers. Another 50% rebate on any further duties will be given to Dart if its spending exceeds that amount.

Government has also promised other fee reductions and waivers, such as planning application and infrastructure fees, tourism tax abatements directly related to the new hotels and various other concessions. It has also been offered regulatory and procedural changes to facilitate its development programme.

Speaking at a press conference held to announce the broad details of what is not only the largest ever public-private deal in Cayman but a complex one as well, the premier said Dart would be investing US$3 billion over the next 25-30 years in the Cayman Islands, with more than US$200 million of that being spent in the next two years.

“Nothing from nothing is nothing,” the premier observed as he announced the myriad concessions given and benefits he said would be gained for the country. “So before people start crying about our giving away duty concessions, if Dart does not spend their money here, there will be no duty accruing and nothing to collect.”

He added that if the developer was incentivized to spend money in the short term the country would benefit through other government revenue and the stimulation of the economy and the multiplying effect of the investments. Bush said the projects and investment by Dart would create hundreds of jobs for local people and trade for local businesses.

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  1. B.C. says:

    CNS: You really think that former US President Bill Clinton uses blogspot.com?

  2. Anonymous says:

    Who cares if we are not the 4th largest financial center any longer, this is a good thing it takes the spotlight off us. None the less we are still a word class financial destination.  How about that? still make you jealouse though I can see the envy, just wishing that it was your country of origin.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Why are some of you so blinded by hatred for Dart when it is Caymanians that sell their properties to him.  Not one single piece of property that was purchased by Dart was done by force or duress.

    Caymanians sold their lands to him and got money in exchange the current site of Camana Bay was all swamp land as was most of the other purchases. To most Caymanians swamp lands is useless much as beach lands was back in the 40s and 50s.  I assume that now most of the money that the Caymanians got for the lands are gone, done, wasted, spent on trips, clothes and new cars they are crying over the fact their generational lands are gone and they have little or nothing to show for it, while Dart make multi million project on the lands, but I ask who's fault is that most certainly not Dart's.  Dart is an investor plain and simple he does what he does to make money… he is not not a charity.

    The financial industry has made more money off the backs of this country and what have they done and given to this country in terms of infrastructue and social developments (i.e. roads, parks,education, arts and culture).  Two of the major law firms in the world were started from humble begining right here in the Cayman Islands and have been here a lot longer than Dart but just show me or tell me what have they given to the people of these Islands (schools, parks, roads and lands, I think not)?

    Government has done more for the financial industry that they could or will ever do for Dart so why is the financial industry not coming to our aid to bail us out with the trillions that they made here, why no offers, why are they so silent?  Why do we have to rely on Dart when we are so afraid that he will own us soon and why are we not running to he financial industry which has owned us since the late 1950? 

    Dart should be given an award, he has saved us from going under before and I believe he is our only hope of not having to pay taxes.  Yes I would prefer to see Dart own more in Cayman than the financial industry because he has demonstrated that he is more willing to help us and stay with us when things are rough.  He will not close shop and run to another location.  I just hope that he opens a bank here soon.

    • Anonymous says:

      All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what has the financial services industry ever done for us?! 

      Brought Jobs?

      Oh Jobs…. SHUT UP!!

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExWfh6sGyso

  4. Anonymous says:

    FYI to 7:06

    The Cayman Islands are no longer the worlds 4th largest financial center. 

    Please learn your facts.

    http://217.154.230.218/NR/rdonlyres/661216D8-AD60-486B-A96F-EE75BB61B28A/0/BC_RS_GFC7full.pdf

     

  5. Anonymous says:

    Haters, Dart has done more for the Cayman Islands than an other investor(s) born Caymanian or not.  Show me one developer that has given so much to the people of these islands, how many parks have Dart given to these islands, how many has anyone from the financial industry given?

    Everyday these Dart haters brag about how wealthy we are and how much a financial mecca we are being the 4 largest financial center in the world yet now that we are broke I don't see the financial industry who has made trillions on our backs since the 1960 to date coming to the aid of this country.  I see Dart who has been here for less time and who has brought and invested millions of dollars in this country coming to our aid. 

    For all you haters who is so dead against Dart investing in this country what is your solution?  Until you find one, stop the hating and say a prayer of blessing for Dart and say thank you for helping us out when most other is ready to cut us loose and run, bunch of Haters.

    • Anonymous says:

      Speaking of haters…

    • Anonymous says:

      I don't think its that we hate Dart, but check articles on his business dealings.  THere is a reason he is doing this for Cayman and it isn't out of the goodness of his heart. 

  6. Anonymous says:

    Build a new Grace Christian Academy.  Oh, yes, John Gray is a pig sty.  Clifton Hunter will not be finished.  The current govt. high schoolers do not matter to this govt.  They are in desperate need of new facilities and proper management. John Gray is absolute chaos.  I don't think you can blame the teachers.  YOu have to blame those in charge.  What a mess – and no I'm not speaking about my own child.   I took him out of the antiquated govt. system a long time ago but I have friends and family with kids going to John Gray and it is ridiculous.  But then the Premier's grandchild goes to Grace and so do Cline kids.  So obviously, they need a new school – not!!!!

    • anonymous says:

      Land for School, "Land"..not building a school.  Read properly.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is disgusting to learn that GCA was included in the dealings – the GCA board should be ashamed for accepting. Sounds like hypocrisy to me and not Christianity. A good Christian school being dragged into the Governments dirty laundry basket. Shame on you GCA!

      I was once on the PTA and proud to be affiliated with GCA but this is downright disgusting.

      As a government how do you look your people in the face and say I am not willing to negotiate government school improvements despite the fact that they are in desperate need. The majority of McKeeva’s voter’s children and children’s children go to government schools. West Bay wake up this is a direct slap in the face, most of you will never have the opportunity to afford to send your children to GCA and nor will GCA approve your applications even if you could. So why the hell are we the people paying for GCA to have a better school? YES, I said paying – this is a Government deal which means it impacts us all.

       

  7. Anonymous says:

    I can see the future of the Cayman Islands…and DART is going to own everything!

  8. All hope is gone says:

     

    well kiss mi grannie!!!!

    deja-wu………this is making me sick.

    yup, the level of stupidity

    What monies will be put in our country;s saving account?

    When our country falls in need of money in the future, WHERE will be get it from?

    Was this same transaction n deal done for Ritz Carlton, Marriott, and now Shetty and Dart???  YES, YES, YES, YES,

    WHEN WILL THIS COUNTRY EVER OPERATE IN SURPLUS??? Sure;y is wont be in the future cu z UDP govy just gave that away.

    Maybe its a thing of the past.

     

     

    • BORN FREE says:

      What is in it for Cayman? Why should we give Dart $45 million in waivers & much more in deals? Why should we give him anything? He has more money than our government! If he wants to develop make him pay like everyone else! Why shouldn't our government get what is due to them? Dart will make his millions while our country goes more broke because of Mckeeva Bush & his UDP cronies selling out to Dart! I do not know what else to say, I'M FRUSTRATED & sick & tired of this government giving our country away. Who is getting the money in this deal I wonder, because it sure as hell is not the Cayman Islands government! Damn this crap, I'm sick of it. 

      • Anonymous says:

        You all need to understand what you are reading or being told. Government is not GIVING Dart anything. He is not LENDING anything to Government.

        Dart is going to NOT PAY AS MUCH as he would normally ONLY if he spends $400M+ here in the next 5 years. Simple.

        And guess what his $400M+ will do?  Feed a lot of people here and keep a lot of businesses from going out of business and keep a lot of people in their houses. Don't be silly whoever you are.

         

  9. Beachboi says:

    $45,000,000.00 is nothing when you are a billionaire, but to Cayman it is a lot!!!  XXXX I read with interest the part about the resort.  That means that West Bay road will be moved around this new resort.  No doubt about it.  What a shame that our leader is for sale!!!!  What good does it do to have an "Opposition" party if they cannot vote against the UDP and change decisions that they make and impliment without seeming "opposition???
     

    • Anonymous says:

      I totally agree with u
      It’s like going to USA and try to buy the white house
      Sure the Gov needs money… but some things are priceless
      I feel bad for people of cayman island

  10. Jayman from Cayman Fed Up! says:

    NEWS ALERT!! NEWS ALERT!! Name change for the Cayman Islands:

    DARTMAN ISLANDS!!

    My predictions are coming to light from years ago that i had foreseen; Dart will literally, physically own THIS WHOLE FREAKIN' ISLAND people!!! ….which is exactly what he wants and thrives for… he finally found an Island full of gullible, naive people… That's what he's all about….  Mark my words this 16th of June 2011…. better reckonize…. memba I tell you…!! from the words of….

    The Jayman…

  11. Anonymous says:

    Finally!  Some Work!!!

    • A Guilty Pleasure says:

      This is no joke, this is the end of Cayman as we know it. I do not know about you but I do not like the idea of anyone owning my country, I don't care who it is. We will ALL soon be working for the biggest monopoly in the Cayman Islands, & to think that it was this bunch of hypocrites (UDP) that opened up the telecommunications market because they were so against the C & W monopoly! I wonder why they are so in favor of this man having the largest monopoly in our history, a monopoly that is far more dangerous than C & W ever was? HYPOCRITES! Goodbye Cayman. I am extremely worried for our children, grandchildren & future generations. They are the ones that will SUFFER most because this government has sold us out once again, but this time FOREVER!

    • Anonymous says:

      For some cheap labor expatriates!!!!

  12. HardTalk says:

    Ok… I’m one of those who do not agree with the direction that Cayman is heading concerning DART. I believe we’re selling out this small unique island to people who do not have the best interest at heart. We’re trying to fix the problem with solutions that will affect our children and grand-children (God help them). I think we have given Mr. Bush a position that is too much for him, and he’s operating out of complete ignorance. But I guess that’s the result of casting votes based on hand-outs.

    Anyways, let’s get to the point. What bothers me the most is that Cayman have a lot of wealthy and powerful Caymanians who can do the same or if not, more than what Dart is doing. I don’t think all of what he’s doing is necessary anyway. If such Caymanians can merge and invest in Cayman, we would not have an issue with selling our country for nothing. Most would agree with me if I would suggest that Cayman do not need any development. People come to Cayman to get away from the world, not to feel the same thing as everywhere else. We are losing our distinctiveness, just to be like everywhere else.

    Cayman is getting like a 65 year old that think he/she is still 18, and is going over board to show that they still “have it”!

  13. Anonymous says:

    Are we selling this island piece by piece?

    Now they are going to close West Bay road ? So Mr .Dart property price will sky rocket.

    People of Cayman wake up!!

    They don't care about you they are just thinking about their pocket.

    Why the People of Cayman Island do not have a say in this?

    About a referendum??

    How many buisiness have to close in order to make few people richer??

    This is not progress this is destroying our economy and our Island!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Did Dart give a sh%t when our first local cinema was sold out to his Holywood?

      That was just the beginning. Just watch and see how many other businesses will soon be effect from this deal!  We all will end up working for Dart.

      • Anonymous says:

        Our first local cinema was on north church street owned by indigenous caymanians. Get your facts straight

      • The Lone Haranguer says:

        Half of the Caymanians will be working for Dart and the other half working for Goverment, sweet happiness, big pay little work great benifits, all correct.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Has anyone reported this to the Anti-Corruption commission because they need to look at it in light of the Anti-Corruption law.

    • Anonymous says:

      ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haha haha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha  whew! 

  15. Anonymous says:

    Since Dart & Government are now in the business of swapping land let me suggest another land swap.

     

    Give Dart 10A43REM2 (67 Acres of Crown Land)

    In exchange Dart (Registered as Crymble Landholdings Ltd.) can give the people of the Cayman Islands the following adjacent parcels.

    10A54 (25 Acres)

    10A55 (15 Acres)

    10A57 (26 Acres)

    That's 66 Acres in total of Dart Land.

    Maybe Dart can subdivide another adjancent parcel so that the people of Cayman get the last 1 acre they deserve but I think we should even settle for the 66 acres just to keep things clean and avoid subdivions which would require planning permssions.

    Dart/Crymble can use 10A43REM2 as a part of their Salt Creek development.

    Dart, please go ahead and make some more beautiful canal homes down their in Salt Creek. You have a canal already dug that can serve this purpose.

    Now this is what I would like for the the FORCAYMAN Alliance to accomplish with the land exchange.

    Use the 66 acres (A54,55,57) to create another botanical park with ocean frontage on that cliff looking toward Rum Point with areas for recreation, hiking and picnics etc.

    We need a botanic park on the western end of the island and what more beautiful a place to put it.

    And now that Dart is constructing a road to connect the Esterly Tibbets Bypass with Batanbano Road in West Bay they can easily create another road that would lead to the New Botanic Park.

    I feel this venture will also enhance the Salt Creek product. I know I would like to live in a fancy neighbourhood with a beautiful oceanside park with hiking trails etc.

    More impotantly this would enhance the Cayman product.

    Since we are forming an Alliance for the next 30 years lets make Cayman as beautiful as possible.

  16. West Bayer says:

    Soon be known as Caymana Islands my friend and the history books will have to be rewritten to read: "In 1991 Dart cruised around an island on his mega yacht and noticed children swimmming and laughing and people happy and prosperous and he saw that they were naive to the white man. He then anxiously sent over a letter to his former country and said: "today I found the island that I will claim, and I will name it  CAYMANA BAY ISLANDS so screw the taxes I owe am going to open my own financial center!!" And lo and behold with his pockets full he was able to buy the stupid politicians out and enslave them for life"!! And that my friend will be how our great grand children will hear how there ONCE were caymanians on cayman!!! "Christopher Colombus, who's that mommy"???

     

    SHAME ON THE FOOLS WHO CALL THEMSELVES UDP (Unna Dirty People)!!!

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Take a drive down to Camana Bay and tell me where you see a Caymanian working. You hardly don't see Caymanians working over there.

      CASE CLOSED

      • Anonymous says:

        You should shut up adn talk what you know, I am a young caymanian and i have a very good job here at Camana Bay working for Dart Realty, and there are ALOT of other Caymanians working for the other Dart Entities aswell! You obviously walk around with your eyes closed because there are caymanians working in the retail stores, my friend A CAYMANIAN just got a job in one of the clothing stores.

  17. Anonymous says:

    People – stop whining about this and look at your CUC bill…maybe you should start working towards a fix on that ! I am all for the East End MLA's plan to get Govt to reduce duty by .50c on fuel…this months bill is INSANE…maybe Dart will start his own power corp and bring in some competition…CUC is what is foolishness, not Dart.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Wait, did we get that $6m from Ritz developer yet?

    All developers promise jobs for Caymanians and construction work. But it never works like that, does it?

    think about it and stop buying into empty 'promises'.

    Caymanians are still moaning about not being able to get jobs during the project, at the start, or at the end when the business is up.

    doh!

    • Anonymous says:

      $6m from the Ritz developer – LOL – not while MAC is camped out at the Ritz.

  19. Anonymous says:

    My request – please don't make it all look like we are in South Florida. Keep some of the Caribbean flair in it and don't destroy the environment in the process.

  20. Anonymous says:

    I may support such a thing, given the stipulations that Dart has to spend a certain amount to get these concessions but how do I know Mr Bush isn't just blowing wind out his bunky?

    I've heard talk, and often different actions, so I'm reserving my support until I see evidence that it'll happen. 

    Question: did Ritz pay their's yet?

    Pardon the tone of my message but I may never support anything Mr Bush says until I know it set in concrete and even then he walks around with hammer & chisel.

    I applaud Dart for thier interest in investment & I believe we should not view him any higher than a businessman investing or we'll continue to get upset when he makes business decisions and gains from his investments… Camana Bay is great for the economy but don't think he aint made back his money (or soon will).

    _________

    Mr Premier Mckeeva Bush, please make decisions for the wellbeing of our country with the little time you have left in term cuz I sure aint sending you back to represent me at the rate you going…

  21. David R. Legge says:

    May I suggest that a much more positive headline, and an obvious choice journalistically, would be 'Dart to Invest More than $1 Billion in the Cayman Islands'

    • Anonymous says:

      Sounds like a great headline for an article in a glossy everything-is-wonderful-here-in-the-Cayman-Islands magazine where there's no such thing as a bad investor, "journalistically".

    • Anonymous says:

      Thanks David.  PR for Dart is your job, eh?  Leave the "journalistically" to the journalists.

    • Just Commentin' says:

      Huh??? "Dart to Invest More than $1 Billion in the Cayman Islands" is cetainly a more sensational (and less accurate) headline in light of the fact that in the article there is nothing confirmed directly from Dart about his level of investment.

      So far the news is coming solely from Mac. From the standpoint of source (Bush), the waivers are closer to the sourch and much less speculative that the (claimed) prospective Dart investment.

      From the standpoint of hierarchy and chronology, (chicken and egg) the legislation for the waivers seems key to Dart investing and thus would would seem a fitting subject to headline. The article is about a Bush announcement. In my opinion the CNS headline is just fine as is.

      One of the first things a competent editor would ask relative to your suggested headline is "You got anything from Dart confirming this?" Inclusion of a source attrribution would give us: Premiere Claims Dart to Invest More than $1 Billion in the Cayman Islands, or for the sake of brevity, Bush:"Dart to Invest More than $1 Billion in the Cayman Islands".

      Of course my quite obvious choice for an obvious headline for this article would be both obvious, accurate and attention-getting: "More Bush Big Bucks Pie-in-the-Sky".

      • Peter, Paul or Mary says:

        What kind of pretzel logic is that?????  You can't get a dime in duty waivers unless you develop in the first place.  So, by your simplistic chicken and egg chronology it's spend first, receive duty waiver on part of that spending as a result.  You do realise $1 Billion is much more than $45 million, right?

        "Dart to get $45 million duty waiver on $1 billion investment" is probably a more accurate headline.

    • Silly Rabbit says:

      Well now David, you should know better than that.  If you feel that the people of the Cayman Islands are more likely to benefit from this deal, it's "Dart to invest 1 billion dollars in the Cayman Islands".  If you feel that it's the dealmakers, including Dart, then it's "Dart to get $45 million in waivers".  Just remember, Trix are for kids.  Silly Rabbit 

  22. Anonymous says:

    Interesting that nothing has been said about the increased value of the Dart's road-front property which will now be beach-front property, nor the increase in value of the acres of undevelopable storm belt which will now be ocean-front. I believe the developer is one of the better ones we have ever had but business is business; we sent in the donkey to negotiate with the genius. Or did someone else also profit?

    • Anonymous says:

      What I don't understand is, how will West Bayers get to and from  GeorgeTown short of going through the long route of the Barcus by pass?  

      The way I see it, I am going to have to drive the equivalent of half way to Town in order to first get on the road that will take me there in the first place!

    • Anonymous says:

      Robbing Hood the donkey at work again. Robbing the poor to feed the mega rich. Dart is the very last person on the face of this earth that needs $45 million in waivers on projects that DART is going to make countless millions from. It is the average Caymanian family struggling to pay their atrocious utility bills every month that need concessions, people, not Mr Dart. Wake up Cayman.

      • Anonymous says:

        Agree.  How about concessions so that more people can open their own little business and shops?  Oh yes, they are all being put out of business instead of being able to go into business.

      • Anonymous says:

        If you think Dart shouldn't get any concessions for everything he's doing then maybe you should pull some money out of your pocket to pay for the landfill problem, and dish out something for the schools, roads, etc. You think money is just going to fall from the sky to fix the country's problems. Wake up. We should be grateful someone is stepping up.

        • Anonymous says:

          These concessions have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the landfill, which Dart is doing not at all as a gift to Cayman but in exchange for a very valuable chunk of commercial property. they also have absolutely nothing to do with finishing schools and roads in Cayman except where it isin Dart's own interest. Obviously it is you and McKeeva that need to wake up.

        • Anonymous says:

          We ARE grateful someone is 'stepping up'. You are completely missing the point here.

  23. Freedom Man says:

    I'm planning on putting an addition on my chicken coupe so I don't have to pay over $6/ dozen for old imported eggs.  Can I get a waiver of $100 so I can afford the over inflated prices for lumber and materials?  I've paid taxes here all my life and I would have no problem paying back the $100 after I save enough from the eggs to fee my family.   XXXX

  24. Anonymous says:

    I was really wondering how CNS would break this news.  It's really unfortunate that a spin would be put on it in such a way that would make it seem as if Dart got away with highway robbery.

    This isn't the case and we certainly need to applaud Government AND Dart for an agreement such as this.  Undertaking the dump remediation is a HUGE undertaking and will likely cost much more that any and all anticipate.

    Cayman certainly gets the net benefit from this partnership.  We don't have anyone on or off our shores that is willing to invest and show this much confidence in our island and spur the economy forward.

    Please look at the facts of the proposal and not just the sensational headline that mearly attempts to portray this as a lop-sided deal.

    • Anonymous says:

      Are the waivers necessary?  Why are waivers not given to smaller businesses that NEED them?  Why do you think that smaller businesses are going out of business?

  25. Anonymous says:

    Dart has given land to Government for the Dump.  If you haven't figured this one out, guess where the dump is going now????? Get ready Bodden Town.

    • Anonymous says:

      well its an improvement on the current location!

    • Anonymous says:

      And if WE do not change out habits and start recycling and re-using we will end up with another Mount Trashmore. It's up to us, not Dart, to make the change!!!!

    • chad says:

      yup… just near Midland Acres. Isn't near Meagre Bay, a protected zone

  26. Anonymous says:

    Our Premier is ridiculous. This country’s education system is a mess, there is no money to finish the public schools and this includes the primary and high schools. But our premier and government wants to use the money they swindled from Dart to build a new Grace Christian Academy. What the hell is wrong with these people? That is a damn private school, let the school raise its own funds and build their own school. There is only abt 150 kids there anyway, they are definitely not out of space. That flipping school even has a pool on campus already.

    That money should be going to the Government schools, not to Mckeeva’s grandchildren and CG’s children. Foolishness.

  27. Anonymous says:

    Thank you Premier Bush and Congrats Dart Enterprise this is a good venture for the Cayman Islands.  I am most grateful for this venture and the assistance that this valuable project will bring to these islands.  Again I say congrats, the Dart Enterprises offers Caymanians good jobs and they pay government its taxes.  I would much prefer the Dart Enterprises than us having to pay taxes.  Well Done Premier Bush and thanks to Dart it was a blessed day for the Cayman Islands when they choose to do business and live in the CaymanIslands. 

  28. Anonymous says:

    Headline should be “DART commits to spending $415M”. Unbelievable!

    • Anonymous says:

      Agreed.   While there are some duty concessions, the government will still collect substantial direct revenue from this, as well as substantial indirect revenue.  

      I dont know why a negative spin has to be made on everything by CNS.  Dart is one of the most environmentally responsible entities I have ever seen. 

      Too bad they built that eyesore, Camana Bay.  I know when my kids were running around and laughing at the Easter Egg hunt this year at Camana Bay….they were just masking thier pain 🙂 

      Please CNS, be more balanced in your reporting, rather than obvioulsy putting out a headline that is just intended to draw out negativity.  

       

      • Anonymous says:

        I believe most people in Cayman are aware of who and what Mr. Dart is and they appreciate him for that. The question remains, do we HAVE to put $45M. in his pocket as incentive to spend HIS $415M so HE can make hundreds of millions more?

      • Geo says:

        What u talking about the reporting is a standard and or typiccal of all local media who are ppm supporters

  29. Anonymous says:

    Thanks McKeeva and Uncle Dart thats exactly what we need right now to get this economy going.    As we have heard the Govt. cannot do anything because of the PPM reckless spending and  FCO will make sure no more borrowing takes place –  so we really need a helping hand, and i guess that will have to be Dart, there is no one else around.

  30. Anonymous says:

    The Premier wants to go down in history as the first Premier who "saved" the Cayman Islands from econmic disaster and the "reckless spending" of the PPM but for me he is going to go down as the most gullible, naive leader in the history of Cayman. He is merely Dart's puppet on a string and sadly for the people of these islands the Premier is selling out this country piece by piece all in the name of progress. 

    The Premier thinks he is suave and slick in his business dealings but the people of these islands are going to be ones that suffer ultimately. They are going to be the minority in their own country. 

  31. Mindy says:

    "and a new public beach north of the new resort on the site of the former Marriott Courtyard'' WHAT????!! Caymanians wake up!

    You all do realize that is where the rocks and not so clear crystal water you are used to is right? 

    DART is going to snatch up all the prime beach front land, convince the Premier that he is developing the island and in theend Caymanians are going to end up like the Aborigines in Australia. I hate all this development that Dart is proposing and the Premier seems to be blinded by money. 

    Caymanians who are we developing the country for? There is going to come a day when we are going to look back and say "remember when we could freely go to the public beach on Seven mile beach" years later we won't even be able to go near there unless we are waitresses and waiters at the Dart's hotel. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Agree, look at it now.  It is difficult enough now to find a spot on the beach to sit and enjoy.   Where is the beach…oh yes, Royal Palms, Calico Jacks, Tikki Bar……..???

  32. Ken P says:

    Thumbs up I say and I believe this is a good move by government to inject new revenue into Cayman and create new jobs for Caymanians. Dart is here for the longterm and yes they'll profit from these developments as they are a business and not a non profit organization. If getting new 4 and 5 star hotels with 400 rooms will bring an additional 80,000 high end tourist who'll spend on average $500 a day with hotel stay,room fees, eating out, retail shopping and possible car rental and also airport taxes which could potentially be $35million per year to the local economy. So look at this as an overall good thing to stimulate our economy in these slow times.

    We as Caymanians are often too critical of each other and I am one of those who believe that give credit where its due and I say good job Mac and Dart. The capping of the dump is long needed and with a waste for energy and recycling on the way Cayman could become in 20 years a green island and eco tourism destination. By providing land for parks, schools and public facilities Dart is looking at future generations of Caymanians, tourist and residents being able to enjoy and appreciate Caymans natural beauty. If Camana Bay is to by then we know that the hotels will be built to high standards. Cayman needs a stable population of 70,000 and a GDP growth of 4% to maintain a healthy economy. However I'll still approach over development as a negative step and don't agree that the EE port needs to be bulit so I nah ca bi foo foo fuh Joe.

    Blessings to all,

    • Anonymous says:

      This really sums it up!  Well said.

    • mommabear says:

      This is going to further ruin Cayman.  The development is unnecessary.  An EE port is needed, WHY?  If the "port" and dingy's have been working for this long, why change it?  Revamp the areas that are run down. If there are not enough jobs to support the people, then do not hire people that are other than Caymanian.  Cayman Islands is heading for disaster.  Recently when I was on the beautiful island, I was shocked at the service workers (bartenders, waiters, waitresses, tour operators, etc) None were Caymanian and they all moved slower than molasses on a winter day.  I would wait over 15 minutes for someone to just ask if I would like a drink, to hand me a menu, to ask what tour I was interested in.  The service industry was horrible and they were not Caymanians.  Is that because salary is lower for expats? Is it because Caymanians are lazier than what I experienced?  I think not!  I would much rather go to a bar or restaurant and have a native take care of me.  Why?  So I could find out about the culture.  Talk to people who love the Island and have lived there.  I went on a tour with a wonderful Jamaican but he had just started in the Caymans and couldn't tell us what shells were what, what type of fish we were seeing, anything about local culture, etc.  That is a shame!  The bars were filled with Honduran women who spoke in Spanish, chatted on their phones and completely ignored the paying customer. 

      While my last trip was not the best due to the service I received all over the Island, I will be back to enjoy the beauty.  I learned to stay away from Georgetown and West Bay because the peace and serenity is located on the East End and Northside.  It is so nice to go to an area that has very little development, uncrowded beaches, crystal clear waters, and a whole lot of natives just waiting to tell stories of the "olden days".

      Good luck Cayman!  Money is not what brings happiness.  Money brings greed.  Before you know it, the Island will be sold off to developers.  The visitors who come to the Island will be those that like business and lots of buildings.  We have that in the states, why would we want to visit an Island with nothing but developments all over?  The best store is a Caymanian owned store or restaurant.  Before you know it a WalMart will be built in the middle of the Island!

      I have been to many Islands and Cayman is the most expensive by far.  Why is that?  All items are imported on the other Islands also. The prices need to be lowered in order for people to travel to the Island.  Not only are the flights expensive, but the food and spirits are way overpriced!  The cost to rent a property is comparable but the other necessities are over the top!

       

       

  33. Anonymous says:

    CNS, it bothers me that no matter what the story is regarding the Government you always spin it  in a negative light.

    Why is it that the only thing that you focused on was the waivers?.Look at all the other positive things in agreement, there must be one that is positive, the landfill for example.

    Whilst the devil is in the details, for once I have to side with the government as there are many positive things for Cayman in this deal and at least we know that Dart has a good track record unlike Imperato who is still killing us with extremely high electricity bills.

    I know that this will be fodder for the Austin and Gilbert show as they same to do the same and consistently spew out the negativity that gets our country no where. It really bothers me that they don't even stop to think that what they say on that show is heard all aorund the world and one would think that we are just a bunch of uneducated savages that want nothing to do with foreigners. It is terrible!!

    Let's look at his together and pull out the negatives and the positives and look for some balance that will be beneficial to us and to the developer in the long run.

    Businesses are closing every day because the environment here has become one of hate and suspicion not to mention the threats of marching and picketing to putting up signs. Nobody wants to come here and invest where there is constantly unrest and ill feelings toward them. We don't have to give them everything but we must strike a balance to move our country forward otherwise we will continue to fail as we have been doing.

    It is time for some positive thinking….and yes CNS, some positive headlines every once in a while will be welcomed and in my case admired and I will be the first to congratulate you.

  34. Whodatis says:

    CNS … naughty, naughty move regarding the headline!

    Ironically, even if one ignores the plethora of proposals that are resulting in this "$45m in waivers", it still stands as a testament to the level of investment that is proposed.

    In a nutshell we are between a rock and a hard place with the UK / FCO on one side.

    History teaches us it would be wise to fully explore all options other than our "mother country" at times like these.

    At least this "hard option" (Dart) is in the egg basket along with us. (Yes, I am aware of his / their track record, but it pales in comparison to what the UK tends to do when it comes to dealing with her citizens of our particular category. Simple truth.)

    If there is one thing that I can respect in the Premier is the way in which he resists the cynical and sinister moves of the UK.

    All the best Cayman.

  35. Anonymous says:

    every caymanian should be thankful there is a mr dart on cayman……without him you would be sunk!

    • Anonymous says:

      We're thankful for Mr Dart. Its McKeeva we're worried about.

    • bradley says:

      Mr. Dart is getting Governments aid to help him compete against the local free market. Who can compete with Dart? That's worrisome.

  36. Not Interested says:

    Create hundreds of jobs for local people? Why only a few hundred? Why not thousands? Why not setup a construction type school for locals so as you can have locals interested. This much money and these little few jobs. Yes there will be revenue for local companies, but overall, I don't think its enough gaurantee. If he plans on creating revenue in Cayman and keeping it here, look after the everyday people, not the ones with big pockets.

    What bugs me is that 'MAC'millions always seems to get something beneficial out of everything he does. doesn't he have 2 units in the Ritz? Look at that mess – Has M. Ryan paid back his monies owed? 6 million I think he owed. Kurt tried his best to get it. Wonder if its paid. Maybe CNS should have a chart with all thats signed with MACmillions and see what transpires. I would bet my '3rd world shoes' that I never had, that MACmillions will be given a condo/apartment/house in Caymana Bay.

  37. Anonymous says:

    That's  a 300+% return for Dart! Wow!! Imagine giving someone$18 and they give you $45 in return plus more than doubling the value of your land by moving the road so that your land is now directly on the beach.  Surely it is Dart who should be saying a big 'thank you" to Government.  I know I be very very happy to receive a 300+% return on my few pennies.

    • Anonymous says:

      Please reconsider WHAT Dart is spending …

      From CN story above:

      Although the values of the quid pro quo deals have not yet been detailed, it is understood that Dart will have to spend over $1.2 billlion to get back the $45 million in duty waivers. Another 50% rebate on any further duties will be given to Dart if its spending exceeds that amount.

      Government has also promised other fee reductions and waivers, such as planning application and infrastructure fees, tourism tax abatements directly related to the new hotels and various other concessions. It has also been offered regulatory and procedural changes to facilitate its development programme.

      Speaking at a press conference held to announce the broad details of what is not only the largest ever public-private deal in Cayman but a complex one as well, the premier said Dart would be investing US$3 billion over the next 25-30 years in the Cayman Islands, with more than US$200 million of that being spent in the next two years.

       

    • Anonymous says:

      You apparently failed at math. The $18m is for schools, parks, etc. You didn't include refurbishing the landfill and building a new waste management facility let alone any other concessions Dart is giving. Get your facts straight!

  38. Libertarian says:

    People, bear in mind that these waivers in the millions will give the favored entity, Dart, a competitive advantage over other local entities.

    And hence, if I own a company and business that is similar to Dart's company and business, because of the exemptions and favors that were bestowed to Dart by government, my customers will end up leaving me for his services. 

    Will not these favors and concessions cause an unfair competitive state in the local market?  Will not these waivers effect similar business owners, giving Dart a leeway advantage over everybody else? 

    Just food for thought. 

  39. Anonymous says:

    To quote from "Mac singles out Dart in plans" below, quote: "They have demonstrated through their charitable activities and contributions — which exceed US$30 million in the last decade alone — that they are committed to helping make Cayman a better place for this and future generations,”end of quote. Apparently we have now decided to grant them CI$45 million in waivers in exchange for their US$30 million in charitable contributions. Can anybody figure out who the winner is here? 

    • Fisherman says:

      So that means any "big shot" can sell themselves to government through charity. O please…. they can't be so weak to take the hook!

  40. Anonymous says:

    When are we going to put and end to McKeeva's Madness?  Are Bodden Towners going to sit flat their Axxxs and let them put the dump in our district?  He should have it next to his Wallof Jehrico.

    • Mar's Mum says:

      "…let them put the dump in our district"

      I really wish CERTAIN Caymanians would get over themselves and the MY district b.s. !!! Cayman is how big again?… FYI the Dump has to go SOMEWHERE!!! Get a dam grip!  If u don't want it by u…MOVE to another district…o wait you will probably still be able to see from anywhere else it moves! So u might as well move to another country!!! lol

    • Anonymous says:

      @22:52..So who's district should we put it in?? I know lets build another island just for our garbage.

      How stupid can we get..if Dart builds a state of the art landfill, it will be nothing like the site we and our visitors have to see and smell everyday.

      I am a Bodden Towner and I welcome this move. it will bring jobs to our districts and it will get our country a most needed and proper landfill.

       

  41. nauticalone says:

    On the surface of it (this proposed agreement) sounds workable and of benefit to both the Cayman Islands and the Dart Group….on that basis i say congrats to the Govt. and The Dart Group and others involved.

    Very different from what Mr. Imparato is proposing!….where he wants to take and give back a "Big Hole" in the ground.

    The Dump alone is a HUGE issue! Once again congrats to all, job well done!

    Now if we can get to redeveloping/extending the GT Port also…..and completing the schools. And REFUSING the EE Seaport!

    • Anonymous says:

      So coz Dart shouts about all they do and Imparato is more modest and does not you na like him? Trust me – Imparato gives plenty to this rock too.

  42. Anonymous says:

    Dart investing in Cayman gives me some confidence inthe future of the island, however, I do have concerns over potential conflicts in making this decision by our current leader.  Also, I would really like to know what he is paying for ocean front land he is taking over which is currently part of the NRA and belongs to all Caymanians.

     

  43. Anonymous says:

    The caymanian people need to do something rather then sit down and take the Premeirs word on everything. We the PEOPLE can overturn this monster of a man! He has no good intentions for the future of our island. Sure we'll dig our way out of debt but is it really worth oweing our way of life to a company that has been kicked out of other islands and governments??? How can the Government be so stupid and BLIND?? WE need to do something now!