The Cayman Islands Government defended Cabinet’s endorsement of a preferred route for the East-West Arterial extension, saying the decision supports “strategic infrastructure goals and future growth”.
“Route B3 was selected after a rigorous, data-driven analysis highlighted its superior alignment with the Cayman Islands’ long-term infrastructure vision,” said the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and Development in a statement issued on Sunday.
The route was one of four alternatives shortlisted for the long-debated and divisive East-West Arterial extension, slated to expand the road eastward along the southern reaches of Grand Cayman’s Central Mangrove Wetland. Those four options were eventually cut down to two, routes B2 and B3, based on cost-benefit analysis, the ministry said.
As environmental watchdogs opposed the route selection, government defended option B3 as more environmentally “responsible” compared to its other proposed options.
“Route B3 minimizes the impact on lands owned by the National Trust, a key priority in preserving the nation’s natural heritage. Moreover, it has a significantly lower impact on the critically important parrot habitat compared to Route B2,” the ministry said on Sunday.
Government also promoted the selection as the more favourable option for construction to reduce project challenges and costs, as well the route with a lower carbon footprint.
“Despite being marginally longer—by just 0.5 kilometres (0.3 miles),” the ministry wrote, “Route B3 results in lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per trip compared to Route B2. This key finding debunks the notion that a shorter route would be inherently more environmentally friendly, underscoring Route B3’s environmental advantages.”
Route B2 has been the expressed preference of groups like Sustainable Cayman, which has voiced concerns about route B3’s impact on previously undeveloped terrain, including 49.6 hectares of ecological habitat located primarily in the Central Mangrove Wetland.
“It also increases the risk of secondary development in an area that is already at high risk of deforestation,” the group said. “We urge them [government] to consider the results from the Environmental Assessment Board and make the right choice for the future of the Cayman Islands.”
Planning Minister Johany “Jay” Ebanks discarded the concerns, saying of route B3 in Sunday’s statement, “This choice reflects a careful balance between development, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility. Route B3 not only aligns with our strategic goals but also ensures the preservation of vital natural resources for future generations.”
Government said next steps for the road extension will include planning, design, and continued stakeholder engagement regarding the selected route.
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Who owns the land along the proposed route? Perhaps they should contribute to the cost of the road, which dramatically increases the value of their land. 😀
As recent events have proved we cannot rely on Government’s opinions. As has been mentioned elsewhere it seems we need the Auditor General to opine on any major project before it proceeds.
This is why a new government is warranted. There is no stopping of the destruction to the environment. Where are the new candidates? Now is the time to start your campaigns.
This road does not solve any traffic issues, the road is just being pushed by the landowners to make a windfall at the expense of the environment and the governments finances. The landowners include politicians, owners of large hardware stores among others. It appears some of these owners are pushing for this road as they will make tens or hundreds of millions… traffic will only become worse and the entire central mangrove area will be destroyed within 2 decades…. This will turn the whole island into a concrete jungle… if you think its bad now, wait until this road is in….
Improved roads is one solution to address traffic. However, what are the other plans? Other options and solutions for transportation need to addressed. Ride sharing, bus, car ownership, incentives to use other means of transportation, flex hours so not everyone is traveling at the same time??