Please allow me space in your paper to comment on an article that appeared in your 28 February edition regarding a condo development where the Seaview Hotel used to be.
The article seems like an advertorial rather than an independently written piece of journalism. I quote: ‘Located on the site of the former Seaview Hotel, the mention of the former structure still elicits emotional reactions in some,’ he said, which is why he was keen to see something special built in its place.
‘I, like most Caymanians, have fond memories of the old Seaview; this site has a lot of history but I am glad to see that such a sophisticated development will take its place on what is one of the finest locations on the island,’ he said.
The ‘he’ is Mr. Paul Aiken.
The Seaview Hotel was consistent with the character of the neighbourhood that it was in. Maybe Paul Aiken does not know South Church Street very well. There used to be lots of picket fences and coconut trees. It provided a counter balance to the unsightly spawn of development along Seven Mile Beach.
To follow Paul’s logic through it is absolutely okay to destroy the character of a neighbourhood in the name of sophisticated development.
I would suggest to this government that this country does not have the luxury of other countries that can take 150 years before it legislates to preserve areas of historic and cultural value.
If Camden, which is in the heart of London, can be designated a conservation area surely the government should think of enacting legislation to afford areas in Cayman like South Church Street such a designation as well.
Samuel Cowan
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