🛣️ Cayman Islands government accused of environmental deception

The Cayman Islands Government (CIG) has been accused of misleading the public over the environmental impact of the planned East-West Arterial Road extension. The planning ministry suggested that the chosen Route B3 is the least environmentally damaging option, despite an environmental impact assessment indicating otherwise. The route is believed to have been selected to support potential dredging in the Breakers area for a new cargo port and further development in the Eastern Districts and interior. This decision could put almost 50 hectares of important ecological habitat at risk and pose a significant threat to the Central Mangrove Wetlands. 🌳

Despite the environmental concerns, officials in the planning ministry have attempted to portray Route B3 as an optimal balance between infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. They argue that it could reduce emissions by potentially reducing congestion. However, local environmental activists have disputed this claim, stating that the alternative Route B2 would pose less of a threat to the environment. The government has the legal right to disregard the advice given in any environmental impact assessment. 🏞️

The government has also claimed that Route B3 minimises the impact on lands owned by the National Trust and has a lower impact on parrot habitat compared to Route B2. However, local activists, including Sustainable Cayman, have pointed out the potential for massive destruction of critical wetlands and the intrusion into inaccessible habitats that are crucial to Grand Cayman’s natural environment. They have urged the government to properly consider the results from the Environmental Assessment Board, and continue to endorse Route B2 as the more environmentally friendly option. 🦜