🌍 Cayman Islands Government accused of misusing Environmental Protection Fund

The Cayman Islands Government is facing criticism over allegations of misusing the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The fund, which is financed by fees collected from tourists, is intended for conservation efforts. However, it has been revealed that the money has been redirected to fund the general operating budget of the Department of Environment (DoE) over the next two years. Despite the government's denial, it has been confirmed that MPs voted to use the fund in a way that was not originally intended. 🏝️

Approximately CI$1.4 million has been taken from the fund to finance the capping of the old Mount Trashmore, a project currently being undertaken by the Dart-led consortium. Another CI$13 million has been allocated to cover the DoE’s day-to-day costs, and CI$10 million will be used to buy land for conservation and beach access. As of October 31, the EPF had a balance of $51.3 million. The fund was created to finance specific conservation projects, tackle environmental threats, and protect important habitats or specific species. It was not intended to cover DoE salaries or other general spending. 🌳

Despite the controversy, officials have noted that the government cannot spend money from the EPF without explicit authorisation by the parliament’s Finance Committee. However, critics argue that this does not justify the misuse of the fund. The Cayman Islands currently has less than 12% of its land under any formal protection, falling short of the global initiative, 30 by 30, which aims to designate 30% of Earth’s land and ocean as protected areas by 2030. 🌎