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
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.
Cayman now measures prisoner recidivism rate differently
Government is working to end the revolving door syndrome that sees the same faces cycling in and out of the prisons system.
But while inmates...
Justice delayed as one in three prisoners has not been convicted
A third of inmates in Cayman's crumbling prison have not been convicted of any crime, prompting concern about backlogs in the justice system
Government moves to restrict foreign-owned property development business
Government aims to freeze the grant of foreign business licences for most property development to protect local firms.
Caymanian’s ICE ordeal going to be ‘the story every American hears’
A Caymanian man released after 150 days in ICE detention wants to use his story to fight for others still in custody across the country.
Premier heads to Asia on first official financial services trip
Premier André Ebanks is travelling to Asia this week as part of a push to strengthen Cayman's relationships with financial services clients.
Exiled Caymanian killers must remain in UK prisons
A pair of gang killers deemed too dangerous to be held in HMP Northward have lost their latest bid to return to Cayman to...
Caymanian freed from ICE detention after ‘traumatic’ five-month ordeal
A Caymanian man held in US immigration detention for 150 days has been released and reunited with his husband and church community.
Parliament approves tighter coastal setback variance rules
Government has removed discretion to vary coastal setbacks in a bid to ensure new development does not impact the island's eroding beachfront.
Female prisoners report mould, decay and inhumane conditions
Inmates at Cayman’s female prison say HMP Fairbanks is unfit and unsafe, covered in mould and lacking facilities for a growing population.
Housing shortage poses ‘serious threat’ to society, report warns
Cayman must triple its rate of housing construction over the next decade just to 'tread water' with population growth, a landmark report has warned.
The...
Multi-million-dollar relief package targets fuel and electricity costs
Government has announced a $9 million relief package to protect Cayman families from rising gas prices and electricity bills.
