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(CNS): This week CNS reported that the UPM government is attempting to repeal the National Conservation Law, which has local environmentalists deeply concerned. Efforts are underway to build public support to prevent any attempt to undermine this important legislation, including launching a petition. Sustainable Development in the Cayman Islands and other activist groups have also urged people to contact their MPs and ask them not to support the proposed amendments.
An ambassador for Sustainable Cayman told CNS they are “deeply saddened and betrayed” by government plans to gut important parts of conservation legislation.
“It is deplorable, disgusting and downright un-Caymanian to undermine the essence of what makes Cayman the island we love and cherish. The government’s attempts to dismantle the systems that ensure accountability are not only anti-democratic, they are authoritarian. To discuss removing checks and balances out of personal fear is reckless and dangerous.”
Meanwhile, a group of concerned citizens recently formed a “nonpartisan, nonpolitical community united by shared concerns” under the banner #Don’tPaveTheRoadToHeaven release Online Petition To protect threatened legislation.
Although the group claims to be apolitical, they accuse the UPM government of lying about the National Conservation Law hindering development. “This is fake news. Do not be misled by this misinformation,” the organizer of the event, who has not yet been named, said in the preface to the petition.
“The National Conservation Act doesn’t stop us from building the housing and infrastructure we need; it just ensures we do it right. The National Conservation Council is not the decision-maker on environmental impact assessments and does not have the power to designate land for conservation. Ultimate authority lies with Cabinet and always has.”
Cabinet does not control requirements for environmental impact assessments. That is usually guided by the National Conservation Council, based on advice from technical and scientific experts at the Ministry of Environment. But Cabinet does decide whether to accept the scientific findings and recommendations of these important reviews, and the government can ignore them even in the face of dire warnings.
Almost all the work done by the NCC and DoE on conservation law is advisory in nature and comes primarily in the form of recommendations.
“It’s a lie to say the NCC can stop any development,” a #Dontpaveparadise spokesperson said of the petition. “It’s also a lie to say the Environment Secretary has more power than the Cabinet. These are lies exposed by the Grand Court, the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council.”
Lynne Byles, general manager of Tower Marketing, told CNS that the local agency has launched the #DontPaveParadise campaign on behalf of a group of concerned citizens. She said it gives people a platform to speak out against unsustainable development and support environmental protection.
“Government is reviewing the National Conservation Law, but it is important that our leaders understand how important our natural resources are to the well-being of the people of the Cayman Islands and our future,” Byers said. “We encourage people to post on social media, sign our petition, write to their MPs and be as loud as possible in calling for a more sustainable future.”
As part of a campaign to protect the Cayman Islands’ dwindling wetlands, a Facebook group Wetlands thrive, life survivesThe group was particularly concerned about the need to retain the government’s requirement for environmental impact assessments of its projects.
“In our fight for transparency and accountability, we demand fair access to technical expertise through the democratic process, such as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs),” a spokesperson for the campaign said. “Government development projects – whether roads, airports or schools – are funded by the fees consumers pay for every product sold in the Cayman Islands. As the cost of living rises, it is only fair that we see a corresponding increase in the quality and transparency of these projects, which must include comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments to assess their social, economic and environmental impacts.”
The public overwhelmingly supports protecting natural resources during development, and campaigners say practical solutions are needed to address Cayman’s transportation and infrastructure challenges, but not at the expense of natural habitats.
“The proposed changes to the National Conservation Law, including the removal of environmental impact assessment requirements for projects such as the East-West Arterial (EWA) extension, are deeply concerning,” said the wetlands activist. “We must hold government accountable to ensure that all development projects in the Cayman Islands, whether public or private, adhere to rigorous environmental impact assessments. This is the only way to achieve responsible, equitable development that truly serves the people.”
since CNS Report There was a strong reaction on social media on Monday over concerns that government may be rushing to draft a revised bill for presentation to Parliament next month. Angry exchanges took place on many social media platforms between those who support development on one side and those who are concerned that the relentless unsustainable development of the past decade has had a negative impact on the Cayman Islands.
The report revealing the government’s plans has attracted more than 200 comments, most of which support the legislation.
Former Prime Minister Wayne Panton, the original architect of the Act, has also publicly stated that it would be a mistake to try to repeal the Act. Panton described the act of repealing the Act as ‘Corrupt measures’ Between a group of “developers” and some politicians who take campaign funds from them.
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