It’s that time of year again, and tents will start popping up on Cayman’s beaches in the coming days.
Although camping on Cayman’s beaches for the Easter holiday has become a beloved tradition, the government is reminding campers that there are strict rules that must be followed.
Yuliet Smith, the acting deputy chief inspector with the Public Lands Commission, said, “Our main job is to ensure the public can enjoy the use of public lands and we want everybody to have a happy Easter.”
But she added, “We expect, if people are using public land, they keep it tidy and dispose of their garbage in the appropriate receptacles.
“We want people to camp safely, keep sites clean and not break any laws while doing so.
“There shouldn’t be any loud music that will be nuisance to other people using public lands, or to neighbours.”
Smith added that people should also contact the fire service and the public health department to check their chosen site is suitable for a bonfire before applying for a permit, which costs $50, from the lands ministry.
The Department of Environment can also block bonfires if the proposed area is near a turtle nesting site as the light and heat may disorientate or even kill hatchlings.
Easter falls before the breeding season starts, but bonfires can be restricted if they are close to known nesting sites.
Cayman residents – anyone normally resident on the islands – can camp without a permit at Easter, but non-residents must apply for a special permit and a fee is chargeable.
Cabanas cannot be used for camping.
The commission said pets were welcome to accompany their owners, but that they be must under control and not threaten people or wildlife.
People can camp permit-free for five consecutive days, 10 days before Good Friday or 10 days after Easter.
If a bonfire is permitted, they should never be lit near to vegetation or structures.
Water or a fire extinguisher should be kept nearby, and fires should never be left unattended.
The commission warned that fires should be properly extinguished by wetting them down and stirring the ashes to ensure all embers are put out.
Officials added that failure to get a permit or to observe the rules could lead to offenders being fined or hit with other penalties.
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