Cayman Islands Minister Hon. Dwayne Seymour

Minister Seymour highlights strategic value of public land acquisition and enhanced beach accessibility.

Hon. Minister Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Border Control, Labour & Culture, Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, and Wellness, officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the soft opening of the newly developed Pease Bay Public Beach on Friday, 25 April. The ceremony celebrated the transformation of the area into a welcoming public space designed by Department of Public Works architect Mr. Dudley Ramsay, who attended the event. 

Reflecting on the land acquisition, Minister Seymour shared, “When I initially proposed spending $1.5 million to acquire this land during my tenure as Minister for Community Affairs, the idea was met with skepticism and criticism. However, with growing concerns about overcrowding at Seven Mile Beach, the foresight behind this acquisition has become clear.” The new public beach offers a convenient and relaxing alternative, particularly for residents in the Eastern districts. The facility currently features four cabanas, a volleyball court, beach swing, restrooms with showers and ample parking.  Still under construction is a designated camping area equipped with power outlets and other essential resources, enhancing its usability and appeal for Caymanians, especially during the Easter holidays. 

Acting Chief Officer Wilbur Welcome encouraged attendees to enjoy the new amenities and highlighted the many public beaches available to residents of the eastern districts, which could be found using the Ministry’s Shoreline iMap at gov.ky/shoreline. Launched in 2024 by the Ministry of District Administration and Lands under Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly’s leadership, the tool allows users to easily locate publicly available beach access points all across the island, promoting equitable access to natural resources.  Mr. Welcome noted that “plans have been developed by the same architect for the development of future public beach spaces at Frank Sound, Gun Bay, Lower East End, and several other public beaches while the intention is for much of the other beach land purchased and outlined on the Shoreline iMap will remain undeveloped and in their natural state”.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, project contributors including representatives from the Public Works Department (PWD) and Edgewater Development, in addition to community members, who gathered to celebrate the community milestone.