🏛️ Cayman Islands Court of Appeal rejects Central Planning Authority's application

The Cayman Islands Court of Appeal has denied an application by the Central Planning Authority (CPA) to take the contentious 'Boggy Sand Cabana' case to the Privy Council. The case, which involved a dispute between the CPA and the National Conservation Council (NCC) over the redevelopment of a Cabana on Boggy Sand Beach, has seen the CPA lose twice in the Grand Court and the appeal court. Despite these legal setbacks, the case may not be over, as the CPA is likely to make a direct application to the court of last resort. 🏛️

However, the pending change in the PACT line up and the reported resignation of Wayne Panton as premier and minister for climate and sustainability could render these legal battles irrelevant. The case is expected to revert back to the CPA and the new minister could ensure that the NCC no longer challenges the authority if it approves the project again. The appeal court did not provide details when it rejected the CPA application, but the three senior justices made it clear in a recent ruling that the NCC has the authority to direct government bodies when their actions could have an adverse effect on protected areas or species. 🌊

The Cabana and sea wall at the center of this project, which is in a protected marine park and is now submerged in the ocean for significant periods of the year, has become a symbol of the poor planning decisions that have been made in the past. The future of the project remains uncertain, with the potential for further legal battles and the impact of the changing political landscape. 🏖️