🚢 Future of Breakers dock tied to East-West Arterial Road extension

The location of a new cargo dock in the Cayman Islands could hinge on the chosen route for the East-West Arterial Road (EWA) extension. Planning Minister Jay Ebanks' selection of option B3 for the EWA extension, which he claims balances development and environmental responsibility, aligns with the United Progressive Movement's (UPM) plans to build a new cargo dock at Breakers. This plan would rely on the new road's existence. 🏗️

Four locations were shortlisted for the new dock: West Bay, Bodden Bay, Breakers Quarries, and Frank Sound. The West Bay location, despite being on the shortlist, scored negatively due to the significant dredging in North Sound it would require. Both Bodden Bay and Frank Sound would be expensive as they would necessitate the construction of an offshore breakwater to protect the dock in rough seas. Breakers Quarries, however, was deemed the least expensive option. 🚢

While the Breakers option would have the least impact and be the least expensive, it does not take into account potential environmental damage from building the dock and the EWA extension. The National Trust for the Cayman Islands warned that the development around a new port could severely impact the natural terrestrial environment of the area. The final decision will be made once the outline business case has been completed and presented to Cabinet. 🌳