The National Trust for the Cayman Islands has for some time been concerned about the possible environmental and social consequences of the proposed development of the East End Seaport and the creation of the Port Development Zone, but has waited for the developer to provide more details before commenting. The land area under consideration is home to many native reptiles, birds and other animals. In addition, it contains a variety of native plants many of which are endemic and included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as either endangered or critically endangered. These include our national tree, the Silver Thatch, and our national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid.
The National Trust supports the Government in its efforts to create sustainable development in the Cayman Islands. We believe, however, that this project is culturally and environmentally unsound as it will adversely affect the environment both on land and off shore as well as the lives of the residents of the Cayman Islands, particularly those in East End.
The proposed development will include the total destruction of several hundred feet of coastline and at least two pristine dive sites, as well as the potential to damage several other dive sites. In addition, the urban changes associated with this development will alter forever the way of life on Grand Cayman and particularly for the people of East End.
Having reviewed the Environmental Impact Report commissioned by the developer, we believe that it does not satisfactorily address the profound impacts on the terrestrial environment, especially when such a large area of East End will be affected. While the EIR acknowledges some negative impact on the water lens, we consider it has not adequately addressed what will likely be severe widespread and lasting consequences, resulting from the cumulative effect of the development of the Seaport and the creation of a Port Development Zone totalling some 1,500 acres.
Any damage to the water lens, which covers an area of approximately 3,000 acres, is likely to have a detrimental knock-on effect on the environment and people living directly above the lens. Further, whilst the EIR does include possible mitigating measures, it does not address the extent and effectiveness of any such actions nor does it state who will monitor the compliance.
We do not propose to comment exhaustively on the EIR, but rather wish to support the comments already made by Cayman Islands Tourism Association and the Environmental Advisory Board. We express our opposition to the proposed development of the East End Seaport, the creation of the Port Development Zone and ancillary infrastructure, including additional roads, which would trigger massive habitat loss.
The National Trust urges the Government not to give its approval for this project as the risks far exceed the potential benefits that could be derived from the Seaport. Its impact on the people, the land, the sea and the ground water will be to the detriment of present and future generations of these islands.
National Trust
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