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
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.
Flyovers considered as solution to traffic gridlock
Flyovers are being considered as a possible solution to Cayman's mounting traffic problems.
Tougher laws planned to fight rising sex crimes against children
Tougher sentences for sex offenders are on the way amid a "painfully upsetting" rise in crimes against children.
Little Cayman water supply challenges drove rate increase
Government has defended an increase in water rates, saying it is needed for infrastructure upgrades, including on Little Cayman where all three reverse osmosis plants failed simultaneously last year.
Talks under way to address development and environmental policy tensions
Government has brought in professional facilitators to host a summit in an effort to resolve longstanding tension between development and environmental policy.
Borrowed time: Cayman’s cramped cargo port nears ‘precipice’
The Cayman Islands port is handling more than ten times the amount of cargo it was originally built for in a facility that has not been meaningfully expanded since it opened in 1976. The Compass joined the night shift to chart the strain on the island's key artery.
Cayman’s cargo conundrum
Cayman's port is running out of space. The Cayman Compass spoke to government and port officials to break down challenges on the waterfront and why solving the cargo conundrum could be a $500 million problem.
Cayman pilots tool to measure readiness for climate threat
A new resilience index aims to help Cayman make better long term choices about policies and projects amid the rising threat posed by climate change.
Cayman needs an infrastructure plan that transcends politics
Cayman needs a long-term national infrastructure plan that can survive changes in government, experts and political leaders believe.
‘Bursting at the seams’: Cayman has outgrown its infrastructure
From the cargo port and the landfill to the airport and the energy grid, Cayman has outgrown its infrastructure and is facing a bill that could run to billions of dollars to catch up.
Stranded sailing vessel sinks off Barkers
A 60-foot cruising yacht that ran aground off Barkers has now completely sunk and is washing ashore in pieces.
Premier hails ‘meaningful momentum’ after NCFC government’s first year
Premier André Ebanks says his coalition government has made meaningful progress on tackling decades-old problems in its first year but acknowledges the harder work is still ahead.
Short-term rental market compounds housing crunch
The rapid growth of Airbnb and vacation rentals has compounded Cayman's housing crisis by removing more than 1,000 residential units from the long-term market, according to a new report.
Life after prison: ‘The biggest concern is acceptance’
For prisoners coming back into the community after a long sentence, housing, employment and acceptance are vital.
