One of the arguments against the
proposed seaport in High Rock proffered by East End Legislator Arden McLean was
that it would “forever change the character” of his district.
That statement raises many
interesting points.
First of all, the character of
Grand Cayman as a whole has been forever changed by development over the last
40 years. The district of George Town
has borne the brunt of the change, but then most of the economic benefits as
well.
The question going forward is can
the people of the Cayman Islands really expect George Town to continue being
the focus of development. Interestingly, even Mr. McLean’s own political party
– when it was the sitting government – understood the necessity of spreading
development out to other districts when it launched a ‘Go East’ tourism and
development initiative in 2005.
In the end ‘Go East’ failed
partially because it was simply too risky for developers to attempt projects in
places on Grand Cayman that weren’t serviced by the proper infrastructure,
especially without concessions from government.
But ‘Go East’ also failed because of a prevailing political paradox –
emanating primarily from Mr. McLean – of wanting development, yet not wanting
to change the character of the Eastern Districts. We would suggest that you
can’t have one without the other.
Mr. McLean is probably entirely
correct when he says the proposed seaport would forever change the sleep
village character of East End. What the
people of the Cayman Islands need to decide is whether that is such a bad
thing. The Eastern Districts have not
kept pace with the economic development of the Cayman Islands and the seaport
would facilitate the kind of commerce that would create jobs and business
opportunities for residents in the area. For the Cayman Islands as a whole, the
East End Seaport could help diversify the narrow economy, something which is
sorely needed.
Change is inevitable no matter what
path this country follows. However, if the Cayman Islands wants to continue to
prosper, it will have accept that development also has to continue and that
change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
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