For the first time, the government has hosted an online only forum to give the public the opportunity to learn about the draft National Energy Policy 2023-2050 and give feedback.
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said residents have been critical of the government and the civil service in the past for not allowing them the chance to voice their opinions.
“We have listened and we are doing things differently to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to comment and to provide feedback on this very important initiative,” he said.
Cayman’s climate, sustainability and energy chiefs gathered for the hour-long live online broadcast on Wednesday, 9 August
It included presentations and a panel discussion, and members of the public were allowed to ask questions before and during the event.
Manderson said successful policy achieves what it is set out to do, has the support of the key stakeholders, and has “broad reaching buy-in across each sector of our community”.
“These are all reasons why public consultation is so critical to the policy development,” the deputy governor told those watching the broadcast.
“Your input helps us better define the challenges we are trying to solve, helps us become aware of our blind spots and avoid unintended pitfalls.
“And helps us determine the matrix of success, not just from facts and figures perspective, but from the real impacts on you and your family.
“As a democracy, that is our civic duty. Our governance framework gives us a voice. It’s up to each of us to use it.”
Public input is ‘invaluable’
Manderson said the responsibility of civil service policymakers is to engage in dialogue, to listen to questions and concerns, and be transparent on how that is used to refine policies.
“That’s our commitment as part of our purpose to make the lives of those we serve better,” he said.
The deputy governor added that the government will take advantage of every opportunity to gather feedback on government policy, bills and initiatives.
“Your input is an invaluable part of the process,” he told those watching, “we simply cannot do this without you.”
He urged any policymakers tuned in to ensure they are not building policies in a vacuum.
“We have to we have to continue to be collaborative and ensure cross agency alignment whenever possible,” he said.
Event host Jennifer Ahearn, chief officer in the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, agreed that public consultation is “an essential part of the democratic process”.
But it can be overwhelming, she said, especially as the government currently has other public consultations taking place.
“We know that your time is valuable and that you have a lot of different priorities demanding your attention,” Ahearn said.
“And that’s why the [ministry] is testing this new digital town hall format as a way of ensuring that everyone in our community can access this information on demand.”
James Whittaker, chairman of the Energy Policy Council, gave an overview of key recommendations from the review and how they were implemented into the draft policy.
Also speaking were Premier Wayne Panton, Minister of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, and Richard Hew, president and CEO of Caribbean Utilities Company.
Those interested in the event were given the option to tune in live on YouTube or on the government’s social media channels, or watch the recording at a later date.
The policy can be read and reviewed at www.gov.ky/nationalenergypolicy.
Comments can be sent by email or in an online survey before 31 August.
Related Videos
