The National Conservation Council is still inactive months after its 13 members’ two-year terms expired earlier this year.
Compass enquiries to the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency revealed little progress has been made in re-establishing the environmental oversight body.
“Appointments and reappointments to the membership of the National Conservation Council is being considered by the Cayman Islands Government,” a spokesperson said on Thursday, 29 June.
“The Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency looks forward to sharing more information once this process is completed.”
They did not respond to further requests for information.
According to the National Conservation Act, a National Conservation Council is required to promote biological diversity, and the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
It also is responsible for maintaining protected areas and conservation areas, critical habitats of protected species and other natural resources.
In May, the National Trust revealed the council was being “effectively disbanded” and urged Cabinet to appoint new members.
“The lack of an active National Conservation Council is to the detriment of the people and environment of the Cayman Islands,” the natural and cultural heritage group said.
The National Conservation Act 2013 says the National Conservation Council may require an environmental impact assessment if there is a threat to a protected area or critical habitat.
During a parliamentary debate on the need for an EIA for part of the East-West Arterial extension, Premier Wayne Panton admitted the council does not have the members to run.
A subcommittee of the council, the Environmental Assessment Board, can still advise the government on EIAs, he said, but they cannot make any decisions.
During the early June session of parliament, Opposition MP Alden McLaughlin asked why members of the council had not been appointed or reappointed.
Panton said members’ terms had expired recently “and there have been some discussions about who should replace those people”. He said he expected it to be “resolved shortly”.
Last week, Deputy Opposition leader Joey Hew in an invited comment, told the Compass: “It is disappointing that such an important board has sat in limbo for so long.
“This is another clear indication of the conflicts that exists between the premier, and minister of sustainability, and some members of his Cabinet.
“This friction was also evident on the floor of parliament during the most recent sitting.”
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