Fight over fish market site heads to Conservation Council

An application to construct a seaside park at the location currently being used as the fish market in George Town, has been referred to the National Conservation Council for review, by the Central Planning Authority.

The referral, which was issued by the planning board on 22 Nov., is the latest development in the multi-year battle between the landowner Chris Johnson, and the fishermen who operate at Red Spot Beach, off Seafarers Way, on the waterfront.

Prior to the application being heard on Wednesday, Central Planning Authority chairman Ian Pairaudeau warned Johnson that, because of the location of the project, there were several factors that had to be considered, in order for the hearing to proceed.

“While designing the plans for the site, I took great care to ensure a light touch was used, as I was very mindful of the environment and the eco-systems which inhabit the area,” said Johnson’s son, Robert, who is the architect behind the project.

The $60,000 project will comprise three sets of stairs and a ramp to provide access to the beach, as well as the removal of a concrete slab – on which the fish markets is operated – that the Johnsons say was illegally constructed.

“Of course, this will have to be done with the greatest of care so as not to cause further damage or harm to the environment,” Robert Johnson said.

During the 30-minute hearing, he told the planning board members that no recent high water mark coastal survey had been conducted, as the beach has fluctuated in size due to coastal changes in the area.

“Ever since the port was built in the area, the beach has been constantly and naturally increasing, which means that each time we do a measurement, the high water mark goes further and further out towards the sea,” he said.

When referring the matter to the National Conservation Council, the Central Planning Authority urged the applicants to ensure a new highwater mark survey is done, and that the property set backs are clearly defined.

Johnson: Land is intended ‘for the people’

During his brief remarks at the meeting, Chris Johnson told the board that his ultimate intention was that the land be used by the people of Cayman and its visitors in perpetuity for recreational purposes only.

“Since my friend and I purchased the plot of land back in the 1970’s I have made so many fond memories of the location, the people nearest and dearest to me learned to swim at that beach,” said Johnson. “Several members from the Rock Hole community learned to swim at that very location. Now it’s used mostly by tourists who come to the area looking for a place to swim in walking distance.”

According to Johnson, he intends to have the property one day turned over for the benefit of the people of Cayman, but on the strict condition that no commercial activity is allowed at the site.

“The government has offered to purchase the land from me, I have had significant sums offered to me by other members of the business community, even had persons approach me to partner with me by placing different things on the site,” he said. “But I have turned them all down because my intention is to have the property placed into a trust… for the people of the Cayman Islands in perpetuity with one rule, that there is no commercial activity on the site.”

Several fishermen also attended the meeting. Although many of them have opposed the project, they are not considered official objectors, and were not given a chance to air their concerns, as the application was deferred, pending the review of the NCC.

After the meeting, several expressed to the Compass their continuing objections to the project, and their disbelief that the land will be handed over to the people.

In the past, several of the fishermen have urged government to purchase the site because of its cultural significance.

No date has been set for when the application will be heard by the NCC nor for its return to the CPA.