✈️ Little Cayman residents resist new airport construction plans

Residents and the tourism sector of Little Cayman are voicing their concerns over government plans to construct a new airport on the island. They fear that the project will lead to overdevelopment, an influx of people, and potential harm to the island's pristine marine habitat and natural beauty. The Sister Islands Tourism Association (SITA) is spearheading the opposition and has initiated a petition calling for the intervention of Governor Jane Owen to preserve the existing Edward Bodden Airfield. 🏝️

For over two decades, various administrations have proposed moving and upgrading the airport, citing non-compliance with international safety regulations. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) insists that the airfield must comply with these regulations, necessitating the construction of a new airport and runway. However, locals argue that many islands worldwide use similar airfields certified by their local aviation authorities and are challenging the government to consider alternative solutions. The petition requests the governor to engage an independent airport contractor to provide options that would satisfy the CAA’s concerns and grant the current airport a more permanent status. 🛫

Little Cayman's marine environment is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Status, and local activists have been campaigning for the island to become a fully protected area due to its unique beauty. However, the construction of a larger airport, which would increase tourism and development, could undermine these efforts. The island's residents believe that alternatives to a new airport have not been seriously considered and that a small group of influential individuals are pushing for a larger airport to facilitate more development, a prospect most residents strongly oppose. 🌊