🚧 East-West Arterial Road extension planned for development, not traffic relief

Minister Kenneth Bryan and opposition independent MP Chris Saunders have clarified that the primary purpose of the East-West Arterial Road extension into the Eastern Districts is to make green space land accessible for development, rather than alleviating traffic congestion. The officials stated that the road would provide an opportunity for Caymanians to purchase affordable land in the east for development. Saunders emphasized the importance of careful development in light of the climate crisis and insisted that only Caymanians should profit from it. 🏞️

However, Bryan seemed less concerned about the potential impact on the Central Mangrove Wetlands. He criticized local environmental activists who are working to limit the potential damage the road could cause to this crucial ecosystem. Bryan argued that there are ample wetlands to spare some for housing and accommodation for local residents and Caymanian developers. He also suggested the development of a new Caymanian town in the Eastern Districts, an area currently untouched. Bryan blamed those fighting to preserve the country’s dwindling natural resources for delaying the EWA extension and preventing Caymanians from accessing affordable land. 🚜

Bryan also dismissed the idea of an absentee landowner tax to curb the increasing foreign ownership of property across the country, which is pricing people out of the market. Instead, he suggested that opening up the land in the interior would increase supply and reduce land prices. Despite his views on development, Bryan insisted that no one in parliament intends to harm the environment. He also warned that without opening up the interior for development, the country would face homelessness. 🏡