Cayman: Protect Our Future on motion passed by parliament to build EWA without the EIA
POF is saddened and disappointed at Parliament’s passing of a motion to begin the extension of the EWA without an EIA. Systems and laws have been put into place to allow for sustainable development in Cayman in order to protect our future. These systems were established by the National Conservation Council (NCC) and their undertaking of EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessments). However, these systems are being ignored by Parliament’s Motion.
If passed, this road will set a frightening precedent for future development in Cayman in which the government doesn’t follow the necessary recommendations at the expense of the environment.
The National Conservation Council was put into place to “promote and secure biological diversity and the sustainable use of natural resources in the Cayman Islands.” This council protects the future of the youth in the Cayman Islands. As a youth-led environmental organization, we urge our government leaders to complete the Environmental Impact Assessment before moving forward with any development, especially a road which will impact so many ecosystems.
Grand Cayman is unique because of its natural environment. The Central Mangrove Wetlands, the Mastic Reserve, the Meagre Bay Pond, the Lower Valley and North Sound freshwater lenses are all at risk with the EWA development.
With the extension of the EWA road that PACT has suggested to begin without the EIA, the Lower Valley and North Sound freshwater lenses will be impacted, causing more flooding for residents while also jeopardizing valuable freshwater resources.
The catastrophic damage that will be inflicted on the mangroves and natural environment by the EWA will only be matched by the damage that will be inflicted on the people living near that land. People living in North Sound and in the road area are still regularly flooded out and damaged by rain and hurricane season. Their homes should not be expected to withstand a worsening of these conditions as the road is built. Additionally, the road will be incredibly costly and time-consuming. Why should the youth of Cayman have to pay for the road not only with our money, but also with our time and our future?
Protect Our Future does not support the unsustainable development proposed by government, and as members of the youth on this island we’re asking the government to first look at alternative options before making decisions that could impact the future of this island. These include better public transportation and buses for all schools, including private. Options such as this – creating and implementing a bus route for private schools – will actually contribute towards fixing the traffic problem, without spending millions of dollars,and focusing on projects which are not a priority for the entire nation, such as this Extension.
POF are a group of solution-finding young students who are pro-sustainable development, not anti-development. We wish to emphasize our island’s continued mental and environmental health, especially in the face of damaging and profit-driven development.
POF
https://www.instagram.com/protectourfuture.eco/
