The importance of mangroves
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from November 1998.
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Over the past few weeks we have been very fortunate having Hurricane Mitch pass by us, doing very little damage to our island.
I could not help but to see the number of boats racing to get into the North Sound to have protection for their boats, protection behind the mangroves, the same mangroves some of our leaders say we do not need.
I think it is time we as a country stood up and demanded that we are heard and our politicians listen to us and do what they were elected to do, and that is to actin the best interest of the people. and the country. Explanation from the Governor
It was only a few months ago, Mr. John Owen introduced Vision 2008, with hope that we as a country would come together and come up with plans which would guide us into a successful 10-year goal. Many people have turned away from this plan (Vision 2008) because of many reasons, some of which I think should be publicly explained by Mr. Owen, and soon, as I do feel that the public deserves some kind of explanation as to why he will and will not do certain things as: A) Allowing any further dredging in the North Sound, after he has stated in his Throne Speech that there would be no more dredging in the North Sound.
b) Will he sign the go-ahead for the Ryan Group (Ritz Carlton promoters) to develop on the Crown land on the other side of the old Holiday Inn site, and why, now that he has heard and read how the majority of the people feel about this project.
c) Referring to the headline of the Caymanian Compass on 4 November (RITZ LEASE PAYMENT DEADLINE PASSES). I feel it is now time the Governor stepped in to insure that:- 1) The wishes of the people be heard. 2) No more favours be given to Mr. Ryan and his group. We the people (All Elected Members and Mr. John Owen) can and should now consider nullifying the agreement and seek a credible developer to build on the old Holiday Inn Site.
d) Explain to the people why they should not feel as if Vision 2008 is a waste of time, when some of the most important issues being addressed at this time are being ignored by our present politicians who are supposed to be the ones to listen to the people involved in Vision 2008. These are only a few issues, but very important issues which I believe should be explained to the people of these Islands. I hope the public will now stand up and demand answers to these questions and Mr. Owen does not act in the same manner as many of our politicians have, as to doing whatever they want, with little or no regard to the wishes of the people. Capt. Vince Christian
