James Whittaker
Editor (Issues)
James Whittaker is the Cayman Compass Issues Editor, with responsibility for leading the organisation’s enterprise journalism.
The Issues section focuses on starting constructive conversations on key areas of national importance, investigating wrongdoing, and exposing concerns that are often swept under the carpet.
James has been a journalist with the Cayman Compass for more than a decade. He was previously news editor at the Bermuda Sun newspaper and has also worked as a reporter for several titles in the UK.
ARTICLES BY JAMES WHITTAKER
From a single truck to a leading role in tackling waste
For Jason Brown and Island Waste Carriers the opening of a new headquarters is the culmination of a journey that started with a single truck.
Report: Cayman profited from population growth but failed to plan for its cost
Cayman has profited from a massive surge in population over the past two decades but has not invested in the infrastructure to match, according to a new analysis.
New dawn as planning, environment boards bridge divide
The era of "uncontrolled development" is over, Cayman's planning chief said Friday as government promised a fresh approach to balancing the demands of the natural and built environments.
Flying doctor’s daring voyage could fund cancer test trial
Doctor's Hospital chairman Dr. Yaron Rado flew a single-engine plane from Cayman to his home in German to raise money for medical research in Cayman. He makes the return journey Monday.
War and whitefly prompt spending increase for farmers
War in the Middle East and a widespread whitefly infestation at home have prompted a $2.5 million increase in the Cayman Islands' agriculture budget.
Beyond building: Five ideas to make home ownership easier
From government-backed mortgages to shared equity home ownership, policymakers are mulling a range of ideas to make housing more accessible.
Golden period for Cayman athletes prompts calls for funding
In the last few years, Cayman has sent athletes to the US Masters, the Indy 500, an Olympic swimming final, and now to the NHL. Is it time to fund sports stars carrying the Cayman flag?
Families still wait for alternative to condemned homes
Families are still living in condemned government homes amid a growing social housing 'crisis' in Cayman. Government plans to create a new Housing Authority with an expanded remit to correct a longstanding national issue.
Government buying up land for port expansion
Government has allocated $8 million in new spending for land and equipment to begin upgrading the cargo port at its existing location.
A business case...
Outdated land acquisition law leaves landowners out of pocket
Government has voted $5 million in new funding to pay outstanding compensation claims on land seized for road development and committed to reform legislation to ensure a fairer deal for property owners in future,
Water Authority defends Christmas payouts
The Water Authority has defended its spending of $1 million on Christmas cash gifts for staff over a five year period.
Housing shortage fuels affordability crisis for aspiring homeowners
A recent report warns Cayman needs to build thousands of new homes over the next decade or more to catch up with demand from...
New October public holiday planned as first wellness day
A new public holiday is planned for the second Monday in October, after government gave its support to a new 'national day of wellness'.
Public sector payroll tops $700M as costs outpace revenue
Government is now spending more than $700 million each year on salary and benefits for a growing public sector workforce.
Housing repairs budget tripled to meet growing need
Government has tripled the budget for housing repairs to CI$1.5 million in an effort to assist more vulnerable Caymanians.
Toppling Mount Trashmore: What now for Cayman’s landfill?
With 130,000 tons of garbage going into landfill every year and less than 3% diverted for recycling, the long-term future of Mount Trashmore remains Cayman's biggest unresolved infrastructure challenge.
How other islands solved the solid waste problem
From banning trash completely to shipping it out or burning it for electricity, the examples of other small islands point to possible solutions for Cayman's waste management problems.
Flyovers or bus lanes? Compass readers divided over traffic solutions
Government's decision to explore flyovers as a solution to traffic gridlock has sparked debate and calls for investment in public transport.
Our man in Mexico: Cayman football boss previews biggest World Cup in history
Cayman football chief Alfredo Whittaker had a ringside seat when the biggest World Cup in history opened in front of a packed Azteca stadium in Mexico City Thursday.
Island House fights back over planning enforcement action
A Cayman Islands non-profit that hosts free summer camps for young people at an oceanfront farm is fighting planning enforcement action that threatens its programs.
