Premier outlines plans for GT
(CNS): Among the goals the Cayman government has for the new financial year is the rejuvenation of George Town, which the premier has said is linked, but not tied, to the cruise port development and will start this coming autumn. Outlining various government objectives in his policy statement at the opening of the Legislative Assembly budget meeting Monday, Alden McLaughlin said government had put together a team that is looking at the revitalization of the downtown area of the capital in keeping with the PPM’s election campaign promise. With road works already approved, the team is examining how to bring back business, and the premier said planning zone changes would be made to enable, among other things, residential development.
Hoping to turn the capital back into an economic hub, he said there was no reason why it should roll up its sidewalks "as the last cruise ship sails over the horizon each day".
The premier said that while this project would take into consideration the development of the forthcoming cruise berthing facilities, he regarded the project to re-energise the capital to play an important economic role, as any proud capital should, as independent from the proposed new port.
“Once government has the team’s recommendation, public consultation will follow with the aim to start implementation by the fall of this year,” he said, adding that government was aware of the lack of parking spaces in the city. “Plans are in the works for improved parking as well as a new park and a market at the former Tower Building site.”
That crown land at the heart of the downtown George Town area has been out of formal use since thebuilding was torn down after it was destroyed in Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. For some time it was used as an unofficial parking lot but during the last United Democratic Party administration, then premier McKeeva Bush announced that it would be turned into a Christian Heritage Park. Although a groundbreaking ceremony took place In April 2011, the project was abandoned shortly afterwards due to budget constraints.
The capital has been badly hit by the decline in cruise ship calls, the closure of businesses and a drift towards Camana Bay as a central point.
McLaughlin made it clear that he wanted to reverse the decline and make George Town more relevant, not just to visitors and Caymanians but to all those who make Grand Cayman their home.
“The Progressives-led government believes that it is of critical importance that the downtown not be allowed to die but that it regains its once pre-eminent status as a hub of economic, commercial and social activity,” he said, adding that government would propose legislation to amend the development and planning law to ensure the capital is re-developed with a modern Caymanian feel throughout.
“We want to be able to draw new restaurants and businesses back to George Town and for property owners to have the ability to eventually refit some buildings for apartments for residential use or develop new living spaces. It is our plan to make George Town more pedestrian-friendly, with wider sidewalks, trees, benches and one way, or no traffic,” McLaughlin said.
“During the different phases there will be the added benefit of new jobs, companies getting contracts and new businesses encouraged to start or move to George Town. It’s all about enhancing the experience of the capital,” he added.
Category: Local News
So, presently Geroge Town is facing competition from Camana Bay. What will happen when more such towns, as announced, are developed in East End!
Build the port for the cruise ships.
Say bye bye to your 'high-end' tourist.
1. Remove all those unsightly banners and advertisement billboards on the buildings and fences in town
2. Demolish the court house and re-built it (if possible for less than 100 mil) at the Glasshouse sight. Additional space needed for court offices whatever can be housed in the GOAB next door
3. Demolish that idiotic heroes square with its stupid fountain and no shade
4. Create a park and built a proper craft market where only local made crafts and art and other local products (heavy cake, soap, hot sauce etc) can be sold. Please ensure everyone has a trade and business license to sell there.
5. Lent assistance to entrepreneurs who want to set up small cafes, restaurants and bars where local and Caribbean cuisine is served (not food sold on the street by philipinos)
6. Plant trees, have potted plants around town which are actually maintained
7. Block the habour drive as a drive through for certain hours
8. Limited the type of stores in one area – no more jewelery stores, no more t-shirts stores etc. If there is an ice cream shop, there shouldn't be another one able to set up around the corner……
9. Demand that landlords maintain their properties, that businesses facilitate garbage bins etc and organize regular events held in town.
Agree. Re:#3 at least redesign Hero's Sq, but yeah, it's awful.
Astonished at the fact that most of the replies are in the negative. Why wouldn't we want to take steps that made teh waterfront, clean and easy to get around and was more about Cayman than Duty Free?
Maybe if town didnt shut down almost completely at 6pm or so promptly there would be more people hanging about there.
also i agree, the trucking has always been a problem through there. both the fact that they go straight through town and the fact that all of the drivers seem to think theyre behind the wheel of a formula 1 car.
Umm.. given that all the cruise ships have gone by then and the stayover tourists are on SMB and the GT workers have gone home, there is never going to be enough business to keep all outlets open in the evening.
Shiny, brand new Camana Bay could NEVER replace George Town.
I like comment threads like this one because it proves to and reminds me that a lot of non-Caymanians read and contribute to this website.
No self-respecting Caymanian would ever suggest the notion of Camana Bay "replacing" our capital.
Just to mention a few George Town gems:
No, sorry. Camana Bay might be useful if you want to buy an overpriced polo shirt – but it does not and will never compare to my beloved George Town.
Mussy' mad!
"Gems" must have an unusual local meaning. I thought it might be plain "building" but then Shedden Road was included in the list, so I am thinking the word means "places one is at risk of being robbed at gun point".
"sickening-ass tourist"….."cheap tourist"…..wow…..that certainly is "Cayman Kind"!
Tell us how you really feel…
Too bad I have already booked my annual 10 day trip.
I don't know anyone who would cancel their trip to a destination they like because one anonymous poster on a news website said something unpleasant about tourists.
It's not just one post…it is starting to become a trend.
See what happens when people jump to conclusions…
The reality is that "sickening-ass tourist" was actually a term of endearment within the Caymanian context of that post.
Come on down and hang with us for a couple of days and you'll return home energized via our unique culture.
P.S. Btw, you and I both know you are b.s.'ing re you being an actual visitor to the Cayman Islands – but it's all good.
A whodatis term of endearment is always a worry…
Sorry, Whodatis, but I am really a "sickening ass" tourist who WILL be down in a just about a week. Maybe you can buy me a $20 drink at Camana Bay since you know….I am a bit cheap!
Spending money on GT before the Dump is fixed is beoyond my comprehension. You might lose all your tourists and expats because of the dump. It had surprises in store for you you never imagined.
The first capital of Grand Cayman was Bodden Town, then it was changed to George Town, Town is now dying and Camana Bay by preception has replaced the once beloved George Town. Caymanians and George Towners we must regroup and save our town don't wait for some angel to come save it for us, we must do it ourselves, for every old structure that is left in GT let us come together and save it. We have three land mark in the center of town to begin with, Post Office, Town Hall, Library and Emslie these should be designated as historical sites let us save these to begin, we need to get something on record to state that these cannot be sold but should rather be preserved for future generations (and if the owners of those site want to sell them they should be bought by the Government). The first hospital just off Mary Street that we affectionately referred to as Miss Behula'a house. Capt Tom's shop in Rock Hole, Panton House, Merrendale, the Wesbsters House on South Church Street, The McCoy Villas in South Church Street, Miss Louise House on Goring Avenue, Ms. Arlett's House across the street, Mr. Shirley's Shop, Caymanians we need to realize what we have and try at all cost to preserve it. Our craft market is gone forever and this sadden me everytime when I remember the history of that place and the early Saturday mornings when the men would butcher and sell our favourite meat there.
Given the debt burden, I would be in favour of selling off the library, post office and town hall (there is one?). Elmslie is hardly a cultural icon, unless you want to memoralise where homophobes gather to hurl insult on gay cruise days.
Here is to recognization of NS Grand Cayman as home of the "Mudslide".
"Recognization". Love it!
I'll drink to that!
Don't be fooled friends this is call gentrification, there is a plan on the drawing board for GT and the surrounding areas. Coconut Grove was the first black immigrant settlement in South Florida most of it was sold off to developers who now want to remove the remaining residents of Village West and Grand Avenue so that they can expand and make the entire Grove neighbourhoods into one big CocoWalk and Mayfair. One only have to look at Mary Street GT that use to be a neighbourhood of families what has happen there, was it by design or did the families strike gold?
That "it [George Town] regains its once pre-eminent status as a hub of economic, commercial and social activity,” he said … MEANING: CAYMANA BAY IS READY TO PUT GEORGE TOWN OUT OF BUSINESS.
Revitalization of George Town is Needed
I have been on many cruises and can honestly say that our cruise tourism product needs a facelift. Existing merchants in George Town continue to struggle in off peak season and new entrants fold. I can speak from experience due to a failed venture. Cost of running a business is out of reach for the average Joe. The rents are too high and by the time you pay duties for your merchandise, salaries, etc. it is difficult to break even.
I am therefore curious as to what products wll be eligible for sale in the market that will not affect existing businesss paying exhorbitant rents. Cruise passengers are looking value for money and dont forget that Cayman is never the first port of call so they have less to spend.
Construction of residential accommodations may help some existing merchants but not enough to warrant new business unless of course you can convince overnight cruise like they do in the Bahamas
Crime must be dropping off. There is only one stabbing story on the front page of CNS and no shootings.
8;30
Lets hear it , Hats off to Bains and his crew!
All I can and will say is God help Cayman, this place is a reminder of the RMS Titanic and some Caymanians remind me of Captain Edward J. Smith. In the final analysis the good people of Cayman might later wonder why the leaders of Cayman did not heed the warnings that could have saved the good ship Cayman.
Is widening the Bobby Thompson Way on this agenda to ease the rush hour traffic? I guess not, because it is a little off the central "Capital". The work was started on it by the previous govt. but had to be stopped due to lack of funds, I guess. Are there enough funds now to continue with that project….and ease the early morning and evening stress of the commuters in that area?
You mean because the previous gowerment was 'nation building' instead of nation building?
the work was started by the previous, previous government (PPM last time around), and then aborted as money ran out and has sat thereever since.
George Town is history. When we finish work in the evening, we all want to get out of there! There are only certain merchants (mainly in the liquor business) who are envious of Camana Bay's success and who want to use the resources of government, because they know government is the one fool who likes to waste resources, to try to do the impossible. And government has fallen for it. Jackasses! Why don't these same merchants who are calling for revitalization put their plan in place? They are smart enough to know it's waste of time, energy and money.
You people think that a cruise ship dock is going to save everyone.
You will not find out untl too late that it is not going to do that.
Stayover tourist is the answer. That is who we should be catering to.
Full stop
As a tourist, I enjoy Camana Bay, but I find the prices over the top. GT would be a wonderful place to go in the afternoon and evening (if there was something going on and it was safe family friendly atmosphere). It would be nice if there was a park, an ice cream shop, benches and shade, little shops (not so much T-shirt places), music, local arts and crafts, hair braiding, face painting for children etc. I would even be interested in events that youngsters from the schools put on (steel band performances, chorus, plays, etc.). It would be great if one night a week they could have a festival where local food, crafts, music was available (thinking along the lines of Bermuda's Harbour Night). A water shuttle or trolley along 7MB= perfect.
On a side note, I am really interested to see local events while on holiday. I know GC has them, but it is hard to find them published (especially in advance)- i.e. concerts, sporting events etc. If someone can point out where to find such information, that would be helpful.
The first sentence says it all – Cayman is attracting too many cheap tourists.
I'm not saying cheap asin "tacky", but you must admit that Camana Bay is "over the top"! I went into a bathing suit shop and the suits were $200-$300. Really? For a bathing suit? I would like to see shops like Pure Art- local arts, crafts= things that I do not see in shops back home. I also have heard of a perfume/soap shop that sounds interesting and I believe that it is locally made soaps.
I also do not want to spend $15-20. per drink. I personally do not feel Cabana Bay has the atmosphere to be charging that much. IMO.
How many locals can afford to shop or drink/eat at Camana Bay? The majority or the minority? Why should the tourists be different? We are not "cheap", but we're not stupid either.
I wouldn't be complaining what type of tourists Cayman is attracting. Look at Bermuda- they wanted "high end " tourists and dedicated all their campaigns toward them and now their hotels and flights are half filled and they are in a bind. Be happy that tourists still want to head to your shores, spend money in your restaurants and sleep in your hotels. I used to fly to Bermuda 3x a year when it was affordable, now I fly to GC. Be careful what you wish for…..
Most people seek value for money it has nothing to do with being cheap. Why would I pay twice the price for an identical item at a name brand store when I can get the same item at an outlet makes no sense to me but then again maybe I am cheap.
Everything but the food is priced ridiculously. Upscale tourists are not all spendthrifts.
Oh then we will all just stay at home!
Please do, you clog up the side walkon my lunch hour.
Unless your lunch hour is before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. then it isn't me clogging up your sidewalk as I am on your lovely beach! You may want to investigate the clog a bit further….
Except for those that go to the dolphin prisons and spend $200
So in other words you would like George Town if it were cheaper and completely different from the current George Town.
It sounds like a big project though.
No, cheaper is not where I am headed with all of this. Cheaper than Cabana Bay, yes. I feel that George Town needs to have some "entertainment" consisting of local arts, music, food, etc. Start with one night a week and then expand. I do not think it would be a huge undertaking, just some planning involved.
First start……….NO more Jewelry Stores!!
Capitol = home town of Legislative Assembly
Capital = the money we don't have, people and expertise we seek but rarely factor into hare-brained decision-making, and/or the inevitable consequential dispute settlements we fork out for predictible Cabinet mistakes.
6 months have elapsed since the urgent NCL Law passage and we still haven't seen any rough draft NCL Regulations. Every week, there is some other national priority that supercedes the most obvious policy deficiencies.
Capitol = ghastly Americanism.
George Town is the capital not the capitol.
Capitol=the building in the US capital where Congress meets. It was coined specifically to reference the Capitoline Hill, site of the Roman senate, and to distinguish it from anything English. Perhaps that is why you don't like it.
Is that the same ghastly americanism that holds the majority of off shore accounts and contributes to the most of your tourism dollar that puts food on your table?
There doesn't need to be a "mayor" of George Town though as it would blow up into another level of government with another level of expense and bloat.
George Town is a mess and what are the GT MLAs doing to sort out the town?
Yes, it's super nice to sit on the veranda at Margueritaville and Breezes in the evening listening to the huge 18wheelers driving back and forth from the port hauling containers. The way they race them around the corner by the museum and the noise is quite exciting. Who cares if conversation must stop when they go by..
And the parking. There's actually plenty at night maybe some with a small stroll IF you feel safe enough.
I dont think we should name the park as 'Christian Heritage Park' though – remember we were giving it that name because of the then Premier's Christanity…
We all know how that turned out…
Mr. Reid, thank you for that excerpted gem. That is indicative of (Sir) John Cumber's vision for the development of the Cayman Islands, initiated almost 10 years prior and which formed a significant portion of the forward-thinking and very apt 1972 Development Plan – which was scuttled by the 1976 Government. Cayman has suffered from damaging and cyclical politics ever since, leaving us most definitely worse off than we were in the Seventies!!
Why would anyone go to GT when they have Camana Bay?
What is Toilet Linen?
I am not an importer for a business and have only been to customs twice in three years, the last time being this past week. My box contains less than ten items and it has taken me three days. One no one explains the process so you go to Customs, then to inspection, then back to customs office then to port office then to inspection to collect. I waited 3.5 hous on day one. Left too late to go to the second place. When I thought I was finished and was happy to hand over the paperwork to collect, the guy said, sorry but you need to go pay the port fees. Now I dont have a problem with that but how was I supposed to know? I think they need a check list for customers. Then I was not aware of all these tariff codes as again I dont import goods as a rule but these were gifts sent to me! So thankfully my CUstoms officer was very kind and fixed my errors on my form.
Question – how do I figure out what freight charges apply to what item? I hope I never have to go through this again but I am enrolling into the degree programme to learn how to fill in a customs import form!
Or – you could just go to Mailboxes Etc, US Link, or one of the other dozen or so importers and don't worry about any of that stuff.
8:19 I think you must have posted on the wrong page. This has nothing to do with this thread..
I agree that GT needs to be revitalised. YOu can only get so much of Camana Bay! Camana Bay is privately owned and Dart now owns most of the entertainment spots. In fact, while we can all say he helps the economy, I am afraid that one day with his taking over all of the Cayman Islands Assets that we will all get a letter from him asking us to leave his country. In fact, he may not even bother sending a letter!
He is owning this country lock, stock and barrell and we are all so busy thanking him for investing that we do not see he owns a large portion of this country and keeps expanding. So Government needs to keep something back for our children and generations of Caymanians to come. I only hope that in the redeveloping of GT that parking, access for employees in the city will be taken into consideration!
It'snot Government selling thier property and businesses to Dart it's you, The Caymanian people. If y0u want to keep something don't sell it.
What if you wanted to sell to anyone BUT Dart? Then you sell to a Caymanian only to find out that Dart hired them to buy it from you because you wouldn't sell it to him. Or more PC, the new Caymanian owner turned around the next week and sold it on to Dart. Hmmm wonder if that's ever happened.
There's that.
Then don't sell.
Reality check 07.58, owns most of the country? Please do go ahead and show us the back up to that statement? Last time I looked the Union Jack was still in the corner of the flag and I had not heard that the UK governement had put it up for sale, nor indeed that the private land here was all in Dart's hands. I wonder if my friends who own houses know that? Or the politicos who own great swathes of it, or certain families…
Your great at making things up to make sure you get your way without having to do any work or spending(risking) any of your own money. Just like CIG. Look how good they are doing! Dart gets things done by actually doing them. Caymanians just spend money and talk with nothing to show for it. If anything of value is to be done in GT it aint going to be the Government that does it. Or you.
Well said 21:03
In a way George Town now is a reminder of the history of Coconut Grove. Caymanians need to research the history of Coconut Grove and what it was then and now. I has a very wonderful history that can serve us well. Some people will sell everything while others will fight to perserve history and their way of life.
Just a friendly reminder the UK still owns this little rock called Cayman. HRH is still the supermama in all this and she has the Kryptonite to sort us all out and the answer TAXES.
Dart is competent.
The government is incompetent.
Get used to it.
Why not just accept that it is all over . . . .
hahahahaha this is the one of the funniest posts I've seen in awhile. What a downer you are. Whoa is we. Its all over. The sky is falling in.
You could have ranted on for paragraphs but instead you went with a simple "why not just accept that it is all over". Classic!
Well we are certainly on our way down and out, I would say that it will soon be over yes and you will be one the first on a B.A flight to London, Heathrow when all is said and done.
Umm…because it isn't.
But it is.
Seems like putting the cart before the horse! Everyone knows that any alteration of the Port will require a significant "re-organization" of the GT street network, including pedestrianizing a significant protion. To do this before the port project seems backwards – but what's new??!! Perhaps that will all be reversed when the port plans are introduced.
Some posters may have already identified the primary reason for this intent at this time – considering the family connections of the Deputy Premier. However, God forbid that conflict of interest or cronyism/nepotism is practised by this Government of "transparency"!!! In which case, perhaps the Premier is already conceding that there will be no Port project?? Hmmmm?!
Try reading the article, numbskull. They are "linked", i.e. that has been taken into account.
The following paragraphs are from a report entitled "Tourism and its Development Potential in Cayman Islands" issued in August 1974:
"The urbanized areas of the island are not large. George Town is sprouting with new government and office buildings. Taken individually they represent a growth image. But collectively the international style architecture contrasts sharply with indigenous character of the island. Planning of the central business district should take into consideration open space and most of all trees and landscaping.
The entire area appears to be paved over. Under the bright sun and in the absence of trees and shrubbery, the eye is constantly exposed to hard surfaces and harsh light/shadow contrasts. Even the landscaped area in front of the new Court House, surprisingly, was not designed for pedestrians. No consideration has been given to sitting areas or creating a restful environment. Softer effects, human scale and sensitive design [are] needed."
And here we are almost 40 years later. Still making plans and preparing reports.
And now in front of the courts we have a lovely fountain (I love that fountain) surrounded by concrete pavers!!! They are as good as solar containers they store so much heat… Who's bright idea was that anyway?
It's the thought that counts
Thank you Andrew Reid, thank you!!!!!
Not this governments "fault". The Prgressives weren't in the drivers seat these past 50 years.
And what about those in the current government who have held their seats for 20 years and more? Innocent bystanders no doubt.
I would like somewhere to park. I would like not to be stabbed or shot. So I don't go near GT at night, for both reasons. And you can put what you want in there, unless there is parking, lighting and a lot of police, then I am not going near there.
True I much prefer to get robbed by 4 machette weilding reprobates at Camana Bay !!!
Oh well you may have to go back from whence you come from. Hope it safe there too and that you can afford the security required. It is a changing world.
The "from" is redundant by reason of the use of "whence". I don'ttake advice from people that put redundant prepositions at the end of sentences.
Welcome to Old and New Kingston, results of the mass status grants of 2003. Time to run again, is there any place left to go?
The downtown restaurant trade died mainly because patrons were concerned for their safety in George Town, because there was no convenient parking and because other options opened up in areas that provided safety and convenience. If the government wants people to return to George Town in the evenings then they will first of all have to do something to make George Town safe.
Exactly. The only way GT could ever be revitalised is to a) put metered parking there during the day so that people could actually come into town to eat, shop, conduct business, etc; b) put multifple police foot patrols there in the evening hours; c) allow for some residential/hospitality units in the upper floors of the vacated bulldings so that there's a permanent clientele downtown; and d) create a more inviting atmosphere for residents and tourists alike in terms of pedestran experience.
But is won't happen because there's no political will to put in metered parking and there's no money to do the sewerage work that would need to be done to accommodate residential development or to do something about the pedestrian experience beyond a Band-Aid approach. It all sounds good on paper, but all of this is just Alden flapping his gums to make it sound like he's doing something to counter Dart.
GT needs officer patrols on Segways as seen in many other cities rebounding from bad crime. Fewer officers covering a larger area. They should be giving out parking tickets, towing vehicles to impound lots, and discouraging opportunistic criminal behavior from crackheads, theives, and predators that seep out of the adjacent lawless shanties.
He has founded it upon the seas. They came and found it the way it was, they stayed, planted their roots grew into a giant tree because of the good soil now that their branches have extended and is now blocking out the light of other trees, their cry is we have to chop down the other trees that were there before to allow the big tree branches to grow and cover the entire place because the big tree look better. He who have ears let him hear……
I thank the member of government who had foresight not to accept the offer that was made to relocate the GAO elsewhere and my greatest thanks to Charles Clifford (Chuckie) for standing up and being ostracized for protesting to save the GAO (Government Administrative Office) from being sold to the highest bidder. Thanks to all "Towners" that still live in town, let us make it home again, yes we can.
Alden. It is unsafe. There, I said it.
No one will shop, go to restaurants, live or whatever if they cant find a place to park
while you are at it Alden, maybe you want to ask Ozzie and all the other Bodden Town members' why the beach huts at Bodden Town public beach is still locked up from the residents of the town, While vagrants are sleeping in them and using them for drug houses. or should I suggest that by alowing residents to use them they will bexcome competiton for the near by gas station.
19:43 those back houses are not suitable for anyone to use. Limited space. The goods that would be sold in them shouldn't be any competition to the two stations that are in close proximity to the Public Beach.
.
Coe Wood Beach. Typical government waste project. Lots of ribbon cuttings and lots of money but in the end no maintenance and allowed to be overrun by vagrants.
It is a pity because it actually detracts from the excellent tourism product that private businesses (like Turtle Nest Inn – one of our top rated inns on Tripadvisor) are working hard to deliver.
Government needs to get out of the tourism business altogether. The savings would boost Marco’s operating surplus by another $30-50,000,000.
John John and Mark put them there without planning permission as a vote getting gimmick, they remain there unusable and useless as ever and simply need to be torn down and disposed, they serve no useful purpose, just like Mark and John John
To comment on the beach project I would say that this unforgiveable disgusting no planning piece of brain storming began under the PPM government with Mr Chares Clifford and Ozzie Bodden before the UDP Government came to show. Political meandeing: Then John John and Mark tried to make a wrong wright. Another slaped together waste; Another unsightly mess which included tearing down the Old Clinic for no good reason except to offer Parking Space for private hair saloons. Poliical votes.
So this brave hoax of a plan fell again into the arms of the PPM. This time the gas stations had no more interest for the Mega Yacht boat ramp as their desires had matured to bigger game plans, still ignoring the people who had obtained permisson to do someting out there.
Of course not under Ozzie or Daley shift. Cannot be heard of. So what next.. Does Al Sukoo, Anthony or Dwayne make decisons to over turn the Grape tree…………..never thougt so..
Can we get some answers from any of them before 6 months before election.
Too late for GT?
This idea has been around since the 1980s. Burns Connolly did a complete plan to bring back George Town to a pedestrian and lively town in the eighties. John Doak more recently also did a plan to revistalize George town…maybe the government can speak to those two architects instead of starting at square one….will save some time for sure.
Anyhow if they put a new cruise peir in town significant modification has to be done to the road network anyway just to deal with the increased foot and bus/taxi traffic from the ships…not only will we have more passengers on bigger ships come off but the crew will also be able to come off as the vessel will be docked.
Plan by Rutowski in the early eighties to pedestrianization George Town.
Does GT infrastructure and the waste treatment facility support an increase in flushed out water from all those extra visitors that will come with the pier? 1mil flushes by 2 gallons per flush= 2 mil. gallons of water that will need to be treated. Contamination of the ground water already happening in GC. Nothing should be started before the Dump issue resolved. NOTHING! No pier, no GT revitalization.
Cayman Islands are on the brink of environmental disaster because of the Dump, and they are talking about wasting money on GT
You are 100% correct! They need to stop with the non-sense, they had their time, their moment of fame. Now get to work.
It is a fact that the dump is the country's biggest issue and it MUST be dealt with before it is too late. PPM saying not until 2019. Well why am I not surprised, leaving it once again for another administration to deal with…..
PPM = talk, lies, corruption, deceit, and old men with lil boys' mentality. (sic)
Good idea to revitalize GT capital- all in favor but who will benefit the most- KIRKS? I suppose no harm or conflict here. Camana Bay is nicer than GT- I suppose coin toss between Dart and the KIRKS in the end. The port project is hanging by a thread. If only the deal could include retail space then maybe some investor would step up and commit the hundreds of dollars needed but there we go again- conflict or not to have new retail space to become competition for some local businesses on the waterfront. Oh my !!!!!
We all would benefit, you idiot. It is OUR capital.
Cost to revitalize GT > "hundreds of dollars". Try, tens of millions (we don't have in reserve).
When the Kirks, and other decendants from Jamaica, notably Kingston and not Kingstonians of colour flock to Cayman after Jamaica became independent (and maybe beforehand) non of them saw fit to assist in the economy or help those in the place they called home. Instead of using their brain capacity to come together (affluent Caymanians) they were too busy fighting over who will be the big chief in a small pond. No vision for GT but just themselves and their pockets. Dart comes in and sees an opportunity as he could not believe how folks in such a small island where fighting and back stabbing each other and so he sets up home, gains citizenship, denounces his USA citizenship and thus builds his own empire. Employing people whether Caymanians (born and bred) or paper status Caymanians and all of a sudden he is such a big threat to those who did "Jack S""t) to help. As my mother would say you reap what you sow. Now there is not enough in the kitty to go round and folks that were back stabbing are crying wolf. That's what you get. Learn from history. When the tribes where fighting amongst each other in Africa the colonial system sneaks in and thus becomes the slave trade. Folks here are too busy snobbing each other, acting like they are indispensible, lord of some castle, rubbing noses with nobody that is of no importance in the rest of the world rather coming together and build unity. It's all about now and not the future generation. Don't worry the young adults are not as stupid as their parents who sold their land, culture, history for the good old Almighty Dollar. I hope to God Cayman wakes up before it is all too late. As change is definitely going to come and dog eat everyone's supper. These youngsters are not going to roll over backwards and those who are acting like they are so important watch your back because people are not that stupid and are going to remember whether you helped them or not. GT let's see who is going to help in this great master plan
If by the Kirks you mean the Kirkconnells, they are not Jamaican but are Cayman Brackers. Some of them may have lived in Jamaica, and Capt Charles second wife and Mr Barton's wife were Jamaicans, but their background is from Cayman Brac
Thank you! Jamaicans seem to believe that anyone who has spent any substantial time in Jamaica and their descendants in perpetuity are all Jamaican. I hear the same nonsense about the Fosters. They even claim that because Cayman slaves were bought in the slave market in Jamaica that all of us are also Jamaican! LOL.
Good idea to get the hell out of Dogde, the time is definately here. Taxes in the USA all of a sudden don't seem so bad at all.