MLAs plan to blockade GT
Posted on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 09:38 in Science and Nature
(CNS): The opposition representative for East End and the independent member for North Side have sounded the alarm that government is pressing ahead with the East End cargo port and called on the people to join them in a full scale blockade of George Town to demonstrate the country’s opposition. Given the results of the developer’s environment report and the announcement on Monday that the premier still intends to approve the plan, Arden McLean and Ezzard Miller have warned of the serious need to stop the project before it is too late. With the support of their constituents in both the districts, a commitment from local quarry owners and truck owners, the MLAs are planning a full scale demonstration.
At a public meeting in North Side Tuesday evening McLean and Miller stated that the need to put a stop to the project was greater than ever. Pointing to the Throne Speech delivered by the governor in the Legislative Assembly Monday morning in which the cargo port was the only major public/private development project other than the cruise terminal cited by government as planned for this year, he called on the people to join the planned demonstrations.
With no mention of the Hon special economic zone or the plans for Dr Devi Shetty hospital, Miller said he believed this was a clear indication that the premier was prioritizing Joe Imparato’s plan for the East End Sea Port -- which was nothing more than a disguised major quarrying project – as something he believed he could get off the ground.
“We need to continue and intensify our opposition to this project if we are to successfully stop it,” Miller said. He warned that, based on the government’s track record, the legislation to create the exemptions for the commercial port development project from taxes and other planning regulations could come to the House suddenly and without warning.
As a result, the MLAs were formulating a plan that would include as many people as possible to be ready to come to George Town with trucks to block the roads around the parliament building at a moment’s notice if necessary. He said there was a need for the people to come out in significant numbers and stand on the steps of the Legislative Assembly and make their feelings known as there was no other way to protect their country.
“We may have to act quickly,” Miller said. “We can’t say when this may happen it could happen very suddenly and we have to be ready to call on people to come to the capital and show their opposition.”
His colleague and opposition member for East End said that the government has the numbers to push through the legislation so the opposition MLAs cannot stop the premier from inside the Legislative Assembly. “This one will be fought outside and I shall be out there on the step with the people,” McLean promised.
Although the two MLAs say they will be carrying on with the petition to collect enough signatures for a people’s referendum, the process could take too long to have any impact. By the time more than 3500 signatures could be physically collected and verified as voters the project could have already gained official approval and the necessary legislation passed.
The EIA has indicated very real dangers that the authors claim can be mitigated, but a closer examination of the report would suggest that mitigation would be difficult at best. McLean said the developer must think the people of the Cayman Islands are “stupid or that they won’t read” the report, as he said it has listed all of the things that both he and Miller had warned against, from the contamination of the water lens to the exposure during bad weather to dangerous flooding, among many other issues.
Aside from the obvious environmental issues, the MLAs warned of the special treatment that the developer of the project would be given, and even if the development was to ever be more than a “big hole” it would exclude the local people. The two men also pointed to the plan to allow the development to build up to seven storeys, a first for the eastern end of the island, where development has traditionally be held at a five storey maximum.
The law which will be passed to exclude the developer from the usual regulations is being drawn up by Imparato’s people, and according to the EIA, the Central Planning Authority will be guided by this master plan. The new legislation is said to be akin to that passed in the UK’s capital during the development of the London Docklands.
Miller and McLean explained that once he has written the rules he wants to play by, it will be up to government to pass them, which was an outrage. “The UDP government is manipulating the laws of this country for their friends and themselves,” the East End member added.
He said the people from across the Cayman Islands had to come together had to put a stop “to this rubbish” and called for full and wide civil disobedience if necessary to save the eastern half of the island from destruction.
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Do you approve of a blockade of George Town to protest the East End Seaport?
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People, the old switcheroo
People, the old switcheroo was pulled on you. Dervyn Scott is building this in Cayman Brac and guess who is interested: the Chinese.
Actually, this is quite interesting.
1. Dervyn is building this project and his son is building the first Phase of Hurricane Hilton.
2. Julie is paving parking lots.
3. McKeever is travelling the world and not getting any projects started.
4. Hmmm...maybe Julie needs to assist him with his projects.
Well, at least it looks like Enterprise City stands a chance.
Re: Submitted by Business man
Re: Submitted by Business man (not verified) on Fri, 05/27/2011 - 13:48 ...
Communism?
Socialism?
Protectionism?
Xenophobia?
Anti-development?
Spin?
Wow - you really crammed it all in with this post didn't you Mr. Business Man?!
My friend - let us stick to the matter at hand.
I am opposed to THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT!!
Are you able to comprehend that simple yet crucial fact?
Of all the forwarded projects by government as of late - this is the only one that I have held a strong opinion against.
It is people like yourself who are the spin doctors. You are the one willing to attach all sorts of labels and categories onto individuals like myself along with a cocktail of elevating keywords.
According to you I want to hang on to the past and fight against all forms of development in this country.
I will say this much. My very existence and upbringing within the Cayman Islands was directly connected to development and infrastructural advancement in this country. Furthermore, many people within my immediate circle stand to gain (economically) from this ridiculous proposal. Even more interesting is the FACT that even I myself could find myself in a vicarious position of economic gain from this project. HOWEVER, I still stand in my position of strong oppostion!
Some may consider such a stance to be an example of putting country, legacy and future before self. However, judging by your chosen alias, such concepts may be lost on you.
So, Mr. "Business Man" - kindly refrain from referring to Whodatis as "you people" - it is a very pathetic and cheap shot.
I am but one individual and one that you obviously have no clue as to his thought process.
Remember when West Bay Road
Remember when West Bay Road used to be West Bay Road? Holiday Inn and all dat? Right, 30 years fast forward! Where would Cayman be ef we never allowed for investments in the future for the country and for Tourism back then. Think people would have jobs along Seven Mile Beach?
Keep living in the past and try so naw try plan for the future, in a sustainable way. Sustainability is not about not changing. Its about balancing the Environemental, Social and Economic aspects of development. Walk good unnuheeree!
Because an individual is
Because an individual is opposed to this particular project does not mean that he or she is "anti-development".
Why are so many of us forwarding this ridiculous notion?!
The issue at hand is ONE PARTICULAR PROJECT - and obviously this one has stirred up a lot of controversy.
The simple question to ask is - "Why is that?"
Was everyone simply bored and idle this week?
My mother grew up in the days of smokepans and such, and I am grateful for the things that "development" has brought to this country, however, the point of contention at the moment is not that of general "development" - it is of this particular ridiculous proposal in East End.
* Questions:
Are you hopeful and wanting for a West Bay Road-like level of development along the proposed stretch of coastline for this project?
Do you consider that to be a good thing for the Cayman Islands?
Do you think our tourists are lying when they tell us that they love the tranquil and peaceful elements of the Eastern side of the island?
Have you traveled much and or lived elsewhere for an extended period of time? (Perspective is crucial to every opinion in life.)
Do you not see merit in centralizing our development and coincidentally preserving other areas?
Since we are calling for
Since we are calling for alternatives to stimulate the economy....continue with the Shetty Project.
I am an East Ender and I think the Shetty project is good for the country. Please also note that our elected MLA Arden Mclean is also in favor of the Shetty Project.
Plain and simple we are objecting to the sea port because its not good for East End.
Look at the archives
Look at the archives regarding our G.T port 150, 100, 50, 25 years ago and presently, see how it has changed. Just imagine what it will need to look like 25, 50 100, 150 years time.
Gorge Town will out-grow it, South Sound don't want it, North Sound don't want it. Will Bodden Town, or North Side allow t to be built there, or will they march to the L.A against it also.
The Capt. Brian and group are not going allow the airport runway to be extended out in to the North Sound.
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision the people perish.
Please let me know what your, Mr. Mclean, and Ezzard vision is for Cayman in the future, 100, 200 or more years time.
It is amazing that you have
It is amazing that you have not one blogger, opposing this project, who has came up with one stable revenue-measure idea that would boost the economy and create jobs?
All of them tear down and oppose it to the core, but no one has anything to bring to the table to better our economy.
Now... that is interesting!
Your comment seems to imply
Your comment seems to imply that a lack of the ability to come up with a "stable revenue-measure idea" as an alternative to the port project is a criterion for one's comment to be worthy of condemnation. No?
So, can you come up with a suggestion for "stable revenue-measure idea that would boost the economy and create jobs" as an alternative to the port project? Do you have anything to bring to the table to better our economy? Or in your opinion is the port project the only possible "stable revenue-measure idea" that will work? Just wondering if I will be amazed that you are in the same boat as those whom you condemn.
Now...this could be interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
Very interesting indeed.
That says a lot though Karen
That says a lot though Karen doesn't it!
i gaurantee that 99% of the
i gaurantee that 99% of the naysayers have not (or cannot) read the EIA report........
I'm willing to bet that of
I'm willing to bet that of those still in favour of the project, even less have read the EIA.
if they do that west bay will
if they do that west bay will be in problems i hope they know about that crack; if they do this seaport in east end, where they have to blow up the sea grounds west bay is gonna sink
I'm sure there's a lot of
I'm sure there's a lot of people that will rant and rave but I'll bet they are the first ones in line for Job at the Quarry or Port or whatever it is..
I hear people talking about how they are tired on Money influencing decisions but one of the biggest reason thing like this are proposed is because the government has to earn money to sustain the country and they do not have the means to build high revenue earning projects like this, so they are willing to work with private investor that will fund it themselves.
That’s the price you pay to live in a Tax Free environment, People say that they don't want the east end to change it's look. How many of you would rather have Direct Taxation in lieu of these types of projects.
You know if every Caymanian paid income and property taxes there would most like be no need for projects like Shetty, EE SeaPort or Enterprise city and the island could keep it's pristine look. But the reality is the government right now has to do everything they can to bring in money and that will mean sacrifice in a lot of different ways. And it looks to me like the last thing the current government that you all call dictators want to do is tax the people. The fact is they have to do something or else be prepared to answer directly to the queen at which point there will direct taxation anyway but it will be paid to her.
The outcome of all this internal bickering will be Cayman ultimate undoing and you can thank you politicians for that. Because they are the ones that started all this. When everyone else is broke and unemployed and start losing their homes because they can’t pay their property taxes watch how comfortable all these guys will still be in their big houses and huge pension plans. You’ll see how much they are for the people when folks start asking them for help and they put a lock on their front gates.
Talk about ignorance. We do
Talk about ignorance. We do not live in "a tax free environment". Every Caymanian and resident alike pays taxes, lots of them as a matter of fact. They are in the form of indirect consumption tax. Since virtuallly everything consumed here is imported and almost everything imported has a 22% duty on it we all pay plenty. If direct taxation is so great then why is the U.S. in over 12 trillion dollars in debt. The UK is in bad shape as well. Why are nations like Ireland, Greece, Portugal, and Spain on the verge of bankruptcy when they have direct taxation. If direct taxation is so great how can this be? If indirect taxation just does not work then why was the Cayman Islands completely solvent less then what, 6 or 8 years ago? Is the reason for all the countries mentioned above including Cayman is they spent beyond their means, have bloated governments and entitlement programs? Now the East End Seaport is going to save us right? The developer and government both acknowledge that in order for the end product to be viable the government will have to build a new highway through island. Awesome, where's the money going to come from. The government doesn't have it. If big government projects were the key to economic success for the country then the school projects shoud going full speed ahead. Why aren't they? The idea that this seaport is going to attract transhipment business here is an absolute joke. Go to the Port of Kingston, our closest neighbor and look at the size and scope of that facility. Do you really think Cayman is going to compete with something like that with our abundant cheap labor (that's sarcasm by the way). Dream on. Recognize it for what it is, a few very rich individuals trying to get even richer at the expense of the entire country, economically and environmentally. By the way I'm all for the Shetty project, the cruise berthing and the Enterprise city.
I think you misunderstood my
I think you misunderstood my post, I do not think taxes are the answer at all, in fact I think that taxes are nothing more than government robbery. The point I was trying to make is that since the Cayman island government doesn’t collect Income and property taxes and has that revenue to pull on is the reason they are pushing all these big projects to try and get money from wherever they can. And yes I agree with you that the reason the Caymans as well as the US is in a financial mess is because of wasteful spending. No I don’t think the EESP will save Cayman but it may help, I think the only reason they are pushing this is because they believe it won’t coast them any money. You mentioned why the Schools project isn’t going full speed ahead and the key to economic success, it’s because it’s coming out of the public wallet and not adding anything to it, unlike the other project which are privately funded for the most part.
And to comment on the 22% duty you pay for consumption products. That’s nothing compared to the 33% Federal Income Tax, 6 % State Income and 8% Property Tax New Jersey people have to pay and still have to pay taxes for consumables.
At least the taxes you pay can be controlled by the individual shopping habits of each person, where the bulk of our just come out before we even see our money.
Your first sentence very
Your first sentence very clearly demonstrates that you are anything but qualified to write this post.
NJ2Cay, your argument holds
NJ2Cay, your argument holds no water. PPM will do better than UDP, and if it take stalling all of these projects, we will do whatever to cause this to happen!
Submitted by Anonymous (not
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/27/2011 - 10:00.
Hopefully you're right, but from what I here and have read, the PPM did no better when they were in office. How do you propose the PPM will fix the budget issues currently going on ?
Just be clear, I am no fan of the UPD or PPM, I think all Politians are two faced....
Hopefully you're right, but
Hopefully you're right, but from what I here and have read, the PPM did no better when they were in office. How do you propose the PPM will fix the budget issues currently going on ?
Just be clear, I am no fan of the UPD or PPM, I think all Politians are two faced....
What??? PPM is objecting to
What???
PPM is objecting to those projects because they are bad for the country. Period.
Signed,
Another PPM Supporter
And because of party
And because of party politics, development stops?
Ignorance, I say! Can't we please at least lay down our partisan swords and be unified when it comes to our economy?
JE, I'm sorry but you can't.
JE, I'm sorry but you can't. Cayman has demonstrated that time and again. It's why I fear for Cayman's future.
Respectfully, you are full of
Respectfully, you are full of it - here are a few reasons why:
"That’s the price you pay to live in a Tax Free environment, People say that they don't want the east end to change it's look. How many of you would rather have Direct Taxation in lieu of these types of projects."
- That is nothing but scaremongering, plain and simple.
"... if every Caymanian paid income and property taxes there would most like be no need for projects like Shetty, EE SeaPort or Enterprise city and the island could keep it's pristine look."
- What the heck are you talking about?! Please stick to the issue at hand which is the "big a$$ hole / quarry / EESP. This is not a package deal. Just because one is opposed to the ruination of the best and last semblance of natural beauty in the country does not render him or her as "anti-development". Personally, I have no issue with the Enterprise city and I am neither here or there in regards to the Shetty hospital.
"The outcome of all this internal bickering will be Cayman ultimate undoing and you can thank you politicians for that. ..."
- Now you want to conclude your intellectually dishonest post by pretending to be for the people of Cayman. No sir / madam - such irony and hypocrisy do not exist together by way of circumstance.
You are a trickster and we see through as plain as day.
Try again.
Whodatis, thanks for your
Whodatis, thanks for your assessment my ideas but nothing I said has to do with Scaremongering as you so eloquently put it. All I was doing is trying make a point that if the government collected income and Property taxes from Cayman Citizens they would have a lot more income and would most likely be less hard pressed to rely on foreign investments and ideas from people with money to sustain their infrastructure. No I am not saying that taxes are the answer, I actually think that would be the worst thing Cayman can do but the fact remains that Cayman is in dire straits financially right now with the UK just waiting say this land is our land and the government UPD or PPM is going to have make some sacrifices to bring in money. The point I am trying to make about your politicians is that they all have their own agendas. And they manipulate the people to reach their own goals. I am no fan of the Sea Port Idea but I don’t think it’s going to destroy the island or make the island sink as some people would have you believe. And as for the Big A$$ Hole and it only being a quarry, that seems to have a started from statements made by one politician whom I’m sure has his own agenda just like every other one.
"... if every Caymanian paid
"... if every Caymanian paid income and property taxes there would most like be no need for projects like Shetty, EE SeaPort or Enterprise city and the island could keep it's pristine look."
I don't think that is scaremongering, Whodatis. It is a known fact and accountants know this ver well that if you fail to balance your budget through "cuts" of expenditures and "increase" of revenue, then the other option there is, is "sustainable revenue," i.e., implementing a tax in order to do this.
The simple fact that there is
The simple fact that there is a proposal to produce a mega industrial and commercial development in one of the most pristine, untouched and awesome parts of the country should be enough to trump all other arguments.
Why are so many of us unable to understand that?
I spent a number of years living in a "concrete jungle" where I witnessed people desperately trying to regain the slightest element of nature in their lives.
A place where a mere 10' x 10' "garden" was a treasured commodity.
A place where a vibrant and active environmental community was comprised of pimple faced 14 year olds all the way up to beige jacketed, flat capped, horn-rimmed glasses wearing Grandpas even though one was hard-pressed to even witness a decent plot of green land.
A place where hundreds of miles of its coastline was / is adamantly protected and defended regardless of the fact that it is in no way as identified by, dependent and reliant on its coastline as we are in the Cayman Islands.
(By the way. This is NOT an "East End issue". Think about it. Who benefits at times like this from dividing up this TINY island nation in such a manner? Surely not the people.)
It honestly and literally PAINS me to read and hear some of the comments in support of this destructive project today. For I have been submerged in the other side of the coin, so to the speak.
I know far too well where, if given the opportunity, this road of unbridled development will end - and none of us will like it.
Sadly, I also realize that had I never moved away from my beloved Cayman and experienced the things that I have, I would not feel as passionately about this issue as I do today - this is the frustrating part!
If the wider world was to somehow catch wind of this particular battle taking place in Cayman today we would be the laughing stock of the decade - actually, we would probably be the "pitied" stock of the decade - for others would simply assume that we know no better.
However, the MAJORITY of us DO KNOW BETTER!!
Come on Cayman - let us turn the page in our story. Let us surprise ourselves a bit this time around. Let us pull together and create another moment in history, similar to 2004, for which we can be proud as a people.
Make no mistake about it - this is a turning point in our history.
It is that serious.
Join us.
- Whodatis
Will there be food laid on?
Will there be food laid on?
Whodatis, Cayman is not as
Whodatis, Cayman is not as fragile as you maintain. As a Caymanian, I am sorry to say, but your doctrine is like so many other Caymanian proptectionist's views that is base off the FEAR OF CHANGE. The world has been in existence for thousands of years and have either evolved or adapted to diverse conditions. You make it look like this island can be damaged and it is irreversible - that is not the case! As human species, we have come a long way in technology and way and means of developing that is not like you and others would think! Why are you and others so scare of the outcome of human action; especially, if such action will help to boost a people's economy? You people talk so much about the value of nature and our environment - Aren't we a part of nature too? Don't we have value to ensure there is production and growth?
It is not surprising that when you look at the more xenophobic and protectionist views in certain people here, they would use such a front like this against development. I can tell you, people like you, are the same ones who attack and oppose expats and population growth that would bring more money circulation / opportunities to the island.
Stop spinning the doctrine of "what ifs" and "maybes"!
And on the question of greed, because I hear Ezzard bring it up alot of times. So what if Joe is going to get a profit from this project? It makes it sound like Ezzard and Arden is jealous of the man for the millions he could make from digging a quarry. So what?? That is what capitalism is all about! And the speculation that Joe would just leave it as it is, as a quarry, I think is a very demonic accusation against the developer. Has Ezzard / Arden came up with any proof of their beliefs?? I have not heard them with any facts but speculation. So what if Joe gets something in the millions from this project, the politicians get something as well for helping the developer, and the people get something as well from the final result?? This is the 21st century, this is how capitalism works! Do want a communist and socialist state instead?? If people have the spirit of capitalism, government leaves them alone, and they looked out for themselves and make a profit, I can tell you, we would be an island better off than we are now. But it is people like you that whenever a develop commences, you are opposing it.
At least, come up with a solution of a better project to pursue that would outweigh the benefits of this one.
Sorry Business Man, but your
Sorry Business Man, but your arguments here are so painful to read that I tend to be among those who would suggest you just hang it up. (Please?)
For example:
"Fear of Change" You proposed a baseless claim as there is no support for the idea that all those who oppose the port project do so because of their fear of change. It is Irrelevant to the issue anyway as fear of change has no effect on the impact (for the good or bad) of the project upon the economy or the environment.
"The world has been in existence for thousands of years and have (sic) either evolved or adapted to diverse conditions." What does this have to do with the immediate concerns regarding short to medium-term negative environmental impacts of the proposed project? What you seem to be arguing is that if the project is an environmental disaster is it ok because in "thousands of years" the Cayman Islands will adapt. That is not very comforting to me as I might not make it that long even though I am trying to give up several bad habits. Not really a brilliant argument.
"Why are you and others so scare (sic) of the outcome of human action; especially, if such action will help to boost a people's economy?" Let's take that thought process to the extreme and see where it leads: Do you need an economic boost? You say you would not be afraid of an action that could potentially lead to boosting your economy. Right? So suppose we decree that everyone who needs an economic boost must serve as a part-time prostitute. Even though this action would be effective in boosting your economy, I kinda think you would probably be a bit scared of that action, if for no other reason than concern over that action's impact on your sphincter.
"I can tell you, people like you, are the same ones who attack and oppose expats and population growth that would bring more money circulation / opportunities to the island." Well dude, I do not attack exacts - unless those particular expats are deserving of rebuke or a slap upside the head - whichever is most appropriate at the time. I do not oppose population growth. My spouse and I made whoopie and we had children - did it more than once actually - and thus I happily did my part to contribute to population growth in deese yah islands. But I still oppose the current proposal for the port project.
"Stop spinning the doctrine of "what ifs" and "maybes"!" Physician, heal thyself! Your doctrine is no more proven that those held by those whom you oppose. Your life is based to a significant degree on analysis of probabilities. Your argument here is based on the "ifs" of what will happen if those who oppose the project have their way. I would opine that your support for the project is based in part on the "maybe" that the developer is a good and honourable man since I doubt you know him personally.
"And the speculation that Joe would just leave it as it is, as a quarry, I think is a very demonic accusation against the developer." Why is this "demonic"? It is a very real possibility, especially in a slow economy. In my many journeys throughout the world I have seen many a project abandoned by developers. We need some concrete guarantees in place.
"Has Ezzard / Arden came up with any proof of their beliefs?? " Have you come up with any proof of yours? Or are you merely speculating according to your opinions?
"At least, come up with a solution of a better project to pursue that would outweigh the benefits of this one." So are you condemning those who are unable to come up with a better project that the proposed port project? Alrightie then. Can you not come up with a better proposal? If you cannot come up with a better proposal then you are in the same boat as those whom you condemn. Are you of the opinion that the proposed port project is the one and only single sole lone solitary viable project that can boost our economy? Does the lack of a better proposal make this proposal any more practical or lessen potential negative impacts?
"If people have the spirit of capitalism, government leaves them alone, and they looked out for themselves and make a profit, I can tell you, we would be an island better off than we are now." So you believe in giving unbridled capitalism free reign? Crack dealers are consummate capitalists who certainly embody the "spirit of capitalism": they make a great profit on a product that has good demand. Would you suggest that we disregard the negative impacts of crack sales and urge government to "leave them alone" because of their good capitalistic spirit?
And finally: "So what if Joe gets something in the millions from this project, the politicians get something as well for helping the developer, and the people get something as well from the final result??" Your moral compass is so trashed that you have no problem with political graft. Far from being a solution to the woes of this country, thinking like yours is a large part of the problem.
One such better project;
One such better project; "Shetty Hospital"!
XXXX
XXXX
You are so right. This is
You are so right. This is such a huge, appalling crock of garbage concieved by greedy, ignorant, uncaring minds. Yet it is typical of what Caymanians have been offered and have blindly accepted in exchange for our souls in this country. Imagine a hungry man on the street being given a very attractive box of chicken and finding upon opening it that only the bones remain. This hole in our land is purely and simply greed driven with no consideration whatsoever for anything other than money. It is dangerous and destructive to our land and to our people and at best will permanently disfigure Cayman and the district of East End. It must be stopped. Enough is enough.
I would attend if
I would attend if arden/ezzard actually had hard facts behind their arguments....or maybe some proven scientific data....but they have nothing except the quarry trucker mob.......
Suggest you read the EIA with
Suggest you read the EIA with an objective view....and ask the DoE for their concerns/thoughts.
I have no doubt that many of
I have no doubt that many of us are concerned about the potential impact on the environment of the EES, I am one of them also.
That being said what are we doing about the dump in GT and its impact on the lense? What about the large amount of canal developments that tore up and reclaimed acres of mangrove around the Island that are still empty after years of for sale signs (why didnt East End demonstrate against those)
What about the dangers associated with the fuel storage facilities being located so close to residential areas and schools not to mention the open ocean, and the dangers associated with piping fuel from the ships to shore.
What about the almost non existent recycling program in Cayman.
I think we all need to take a more long term look at what this could provide us with in terms of net revenue over time to the people of the Cayman Islands.
There is a number of various attributes to this project that could provide jobs either directly or indirectly to Caymanians in the future. Unemployment is creeping up and what is in place or being proposed to help this situation? I would suggest that we all take a closer look and think about what matters, that of income and the ability to support our families as it is clear that the government is being pushed to retract more and more programs.
The days of entire generations being employed by the government are coming to an end and we need to start looking at private sector initiatives for future sustainable employment.
I would be very very cautious about scaring away private fully funded projects like this as it could make Cayman a place 'not' to do business.
Its about what is good for the entire country not just what some East Enders dont want to see happen.
In closing I would ask why in decades past Caymanians have allowed massive destruction of the mangrove for still empty parcels of marl with no comment or uproar and now because a politician (who is quite comfortable financially) tells you to demonstrate you tow the line? Look at the facts and the numbers and what you need to pay your bills and if that can be balanced with a careful approach to minimizing the impact on the environment make your own decision.
Again, Cayman, here's the
Again, Cayman, here's the breakdown:
1. You don't want property tax
2. You don't want to cut Civil Service
3. You don't want unemployment
4. You don't want Mr. Shetty's hospital
5. You don't want Dart developing more to this Island
6. You don't want a Marina in the North Sound
7. Your critics of a new Cruise Berthing Facility
8. Your critics of an Economic zone
9. Your critics of having an Oil Refinery
10. You don't want crime to increase
11. You don't want a welfare state feeding over 8000 Caymanians
12. You don't want Population increase and more Status Grants
13. You don't want permit and trade and business fees increased
14. Your critics of having a Premier to develop these islands
On and on, your Christmas list of criticisms never end...
Now you don't want an East End Port!
So..... what is it that you really want??? Do you want the UK to take us over and declare full British Rule??? Do you want us to become like Turks and Cacois Islands???
Our economy is in a mess, in a sham! The UK has given us a deadline to balance the budget or else they will take action and do things there way. From one local dictator to a UK one!
Party Politics, like I said, is going to ruin these islands. Our economy needs to be improved and people need jobs, and you would have the gall to tear down EVERY SINGLE project proposal mention in Government! I notice not one MLA opposing these project, have provided a rational economic solution to boost the economy!
YOU TELL ME, WHAT SENSE DOES THAT MAKE!!!
IF YOU LOVE YOUR COUNTRY, STOP THIS FOOLISHNESS!!!
Uneducated destructive people
Uneducated destructive people have no honor. These same people surrender their loyalties to a man that does not have our country or its people’s best interests. In fact this same man refuses to seriously deal with the financial back logs to see where our country’s finances are to plot a true course forward. Furthermore, this same man singlehandedly destroyed a bank, gave massive status grants to foreigners some deserving some not and short changed our government insurance after Ivan. Now they want to bring in a smelly toxic oil refinery destroying our tourist industry. Dredge-out the North Sound for millionaire mega yacht owners, their true supporters in the process destroying our Mangroves and Stingray City and build a cargo dock in the Eastern District to leave our Island vulnerable to Hurricane destruction and the governor went along. The negatives are out of balance with the positives. The ruling party has bitten off more then they can chew. We must fight back! Sign the petition.
Sign which petition? We are
Sign which petition? We are not signing any petition because all of them is the same, let them fry in their own fat. As soon as or if UDP is challenged and out, the PPM will do the same thing, and the Independent is only standby waiting for an opportunity. I am not marching and I am not signing a thing. Disgraceful causing havoc in the eyes of tourist, they should be ashamed. Why dont they go to the site and do what they have to do.
Do these gentlemen have the
Do these gentlemen have the genuine the interest of the Islands at heart or do they want to be "history makers" to have their names recorded in Cayman's history.Freedom of movemets and freedom of association and speech are fundamental rights of the citizens but lets hope that prudence and common sense prevail. Just be careful that when you do this blocade of the Parliament Building and picket the steps of the LA you don't commit various criminal offences and instability in the Islands that will be distasteful to visitors and investors. Then if there is large scale disturbance the British Navy will come and put it down with brute force. Your militancy may give the mother country the excuse to enforce direct rule from England with all the unfavourable consequences. History has shown that what started out as innocent protest can lead to large scale disturbance. A street protest with placards is one thing, but actually blocading Parliament building is quite another thing. If you don't control your followers some may go further and try to assault lawful users of the LA building. Who would you blame for that? And if serious damages is done to the image and reputation of the country, would you think the rest of the voters of this country would vote you into Parliament again. Over to Alden you are a lawyer I hope you guide these members as to the potential problems these poffered actions could cause.
Submitted by Anonymous (not
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/26/2011 - 07:51.
Would Caymanians be willing to work as truck drivers to bring the goods from the East End port to George Town?
Would this be acceptable work for them?
Anon 05/26/2011-0751
It seems as if you took my post and made it into an expat issue, which has absolutely nothing to do with it.
The business centre is in George Town which means that everything will have to be trucked to George Town which will inflat the prices of everyday items at the storm. To me it does not matter if little alians from Mars did the shipping.
And no one has answered anything with regards to the cost for tourists to come to the Cayman Islands. Right away they will have to take a taxi from distance as Cayman goes.
I'm sick of hearing the bull
I'm sick of hearing the bull s@@@ about long drive from East end to George Town, will cost the Cayman businesses a whole lot of money.
Have you been anywhere else but cayman? what the hell is 22 miles of driving?
Do you realise what the go east initiative means? Development of the Eastern districts, which means most of your freight/ cargo won't have to track the 22 miles to GT.
Businesses are going to inflate their prices, no matter what distance the freight comes from.
Do you live on Cayman? i see truck with Caymanians driving them everyday, making a decent living.
Arden you and the PPM should
Arden you and the PPM should not have pulled the rug from under The Chuckster when he was organising the march against the UDP. If that march had not been undermined by the PPM it would have kept the UDP in check and we wouldn't be facing all of this BS now. Just look at what the mere threat of the march did......it stopped McKeeva's proposal to sell the NEW Government Administration Building !!! Its a pity you all didn't see the importance of the second reason for the march and that was the very damaging immigration policies which were being introduced by the UDP to the detriment of young Caymanians. Young Caymanians are feeling the pain now.....real pain and yet you and your PPM pick and choose what is important to your party and decide to protest simply for politicial expedency. What about us young Caymanians and what our immigration policies are doing to us. Fix that first and we will join you on your East End Seaport protest otherwise we will fix what you all seem incapable of fixing !!!!
The threat of a march caused
The threat of a march caused a turnaround in McKeeva's plan to sell the GAB which was the main reason why anyone would have marched. It was a simple question of do you want the building sold or not.
The East End port hole is another simple question, do you want this project or not?
Immigration Policy is a host of questions that does not have a single answer, and is beyond the comprehension of many who might have marched.
Either a march, and by that I mean lawful assembly, or threatened march will not be effective if used repeatedly. It must be reserved for very important items and issues when those in power will not listen to the people. The sale of the Government Administration Building, the East End port, and dredgeing of the North Sound fall into that category.
People should march because they feel very strongly about an issue, not because Chuckie, or Ezzard, or Arden, called them to march. The last thing we need is a bunch of illiterates marching behind a pied piper.
I agree with you about
I agree with you about marching earlier (for the Govt. Admin Bldg). However, Mr. Cliffords efforts did work for the better of the country!
What Arden and Ezzard (and others) are calling for here (stopping the EE Sea Port, really a huge Quarry) is much larger than any individual or even politics.
This is about saving Cayman from man made destruction. And i have no doubt that Mr. Clifford supports this initiative also....as being in the best interest of Cayman and it's people!
I have heard Charles Clifford
I have heard Charles Clifford on Rooster telling them that he fully supports Arden's and Ezzard's efforts in relation to the East End Seaport. Unlike the PPM Clifford is decisive.....if he decides to do something you can believe that he is going to do it and is not going to flip flop like some in the PPM.
You obviously haven't been
You obviously haven't been listening to PPM. The WHOLE PPM is with Arden on this. Mac and Imparato sure has a ton of opposition from the Opposition AND the people.
to 13:45: And the best part
to 13:45:
And the best part about that is that all those quarry owners are only interested in their owns selves. They are no better than Mr. Imparato who they claim is destroying the island. These Quarry owners only hire Phillipinos not even the poor Jamacans can get a job, because the phillies are dime a dozen and will work for anything. The quarry owners are all like the government only seeking their own powers. Ask the quarry owners how many Caymanians they provide jobs for - very few! The Philipinos don't even buy groceries, they don't pay rent they live six to a room- That's running down our standard of living - before we speak - these are some of the deadly issues that are slipping through. Quarry owners show us what you mean, and we will support you, otherwise Mr. Imparato you make your plans, we need jobs.
The only quarry owner this Island had was Dick Christinsen. Say what you may, but he provided jobs for East Ender, Ask the current owners who they provide jobs for. But you know what I hope Mr. Imparato does dig a Quarry some East Enders will get some jobs unlike the current ones that are around now.
I am an East Ender
Calls for revolution and mass
Calls for revolution and mass protests will be met with apathy and no shows - prove me wrong!
I recently visited a friend
I recently visited a friend in Texas. He pointed out all these huge "holes" that were all over the place where companies had come in to excavate and then.............nothing! The area looks now like something you would expect to see on the moon or so. Nothing much left growing there. Nobody has any interest to develop anything there.
Why bother to get an environmental impact study if a couple of bullies are just deciding to do whatever anyway? Why do we call this country a democracy where it is clearly a dictatorship. No, the dictator isn't Bush, it is the $$$$$!!
I have said it ime and time again, everywhere else they are moving towards environmental protection and learning to develop WITH mother nature in mind, not going against it.
But here in Cayman we are still blinded by some idiotic promises that are likely never coming to frutation.
If the people residing here do not put their foot down now and make it very clear that this project is not wanted, then there is no turning back.
Remember the Ritz had set a presedence for 7 story buildings on 7 mile beach! Well see what 7 mile beach looks like now - everyone going 7 story high and has all this developing done as any good??? No - we are still experiencing a recession just like the rest of the world.
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