🏢 Cayman Islands Ministry seeks public opinion on PlanCayman again

The planning ministry of the Cayman Islands is once again asking the public to provide feedback on PlanCayman, an initiative aimed at replacing the outdated 1997 Development Plan. The PlanCayman project, which was launched over five years ago, has faced numerous challenges due to the inability of successive governments to balance the need for environmental protection with the demands of developers. The plan is intended to reflect the evolving needs of the country and promote a balance of economic, social and environmental outcomes. However, it has been criticized for its bias towards development. 🏞️

Despite increasing public support for the preservation of the natural landscapes and biodiversity of the Cayman Islands, the consultation process remains skewed towards the development sector. The ministry claims to have improved the consultation strategy to increase outreach and engagement efforts, which were previously focused on developers. However, the process remains unchanged since its inception in 2019, and the website has not been updated since then. The ministry has expressed its aim to foster a sense of ownership among residents and ensure that PlanCayman accurately reflects the community's vision for responsible development and land use. 🌴

Planning Minister Jay Ebanks has emphasized the importance of reintroducing PlanCayman, but has also indicated that the government is considering another review with a view to limiting the powers of the National Conservation Act. Despite this, he maintains that Plan Cayman represents a commitment to a better, more sustainable future for the Cayman Islands. The details of the consultation process can be found on the planning website. 📝