With George Town poised to benefit from an unprecedented amount of public- and private-sector development, the consulting team preparing the revitalisation plan for the capital is seeking public input to assist with the direction that the capital should take.

Accordingly, the consultants, in conjunction with the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI) encourage the public to attend the meeting on Tuesday evening, 20th October from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. There, officials will gather ideas, suggestions and input on the “George Town Revitalization Plan” especially from those who own property and business, and those who work and live in the area.

People who attend the meeting will see those specific areas which have been demarcated for upgrades. They will also learn more about the proposed mix of retail, residential and commercial enterprises that will supplement the Cayman Islands Government’s proposed enhancements of the port, public utilities and roads.

For instance, roadwork improvements have already begun, with the Godfrey Nixon Road completed and the Smith Road upgrade nearing completion. There are plans to have new connecting access roads which will link these to other arterial roads, and to downtown.

“This is an exciting time for our capital, with the plans calling for the beautification and modernisation of George Town. We are already a world-class centre for tourism and finance, and we hope that, with input and partnerships from the public and private sectors, the result will be a revitalised capital that reflects our international standing,” said PLAHI Minister Kurt Tibbetts.

The project-development and -management has been contracted to Design with Nature International, a private company headed by two of the country’s former Directors of Planning, Messrs. Kenneth Ebanks and Carson Ebanks. The Ministry’s coordinator is Deputy Chief Officer Tristan Hydes.

“Local business leaders were very receptive of our launch during a Chamber of Commerce luncheon event in May. Since that time we have begun fact-finding meetings with stakeholders, and interest has continued to grow amongst the business community,” said Mr. Hydes.

“We are confident that this plan will improve life for all residents and businesses, not only those living and working in the capital, and as such they should be afforded every opportunity to have input. We are therefore seeking national input on themes such as more pedestrian-friendly streets, convenient, inviting, environmentally responsible, business-friendly, and interesting mixed-uses.”

Mr. Kenneth Ebanks added. “This is also an opportunity for residents and investors to get in on the ground floor, and we want to hear of any business proposals that would enhance our historic centre,”

Meanwhile, Mr. Carson Ebanks, who formerly headed the Ministry responsible for Planning, commented, “The intended result is a centre which is appealing, accommodating and sustainable. It will blend the best concepts in urban architecture, and traditional neighbourhood design to develop a diverse, mixed-use capital.”

Tuesday’s three-hour community meeting will include presentations, displays and conceptual maps and drawings. Officials will be on-hand, and refreshments will be provided.

The public is also invited to take the online survey hosted on the Ministry of Planning’s website, or the hard copies of the survey which will be available at the meeting.

To take the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G9DKLHF

or visit the Ministry’s website at: http://www.plahi.gov.ky.

For more information on the project, or to offer input, email [email protected].

Photo Credit: Lennon Christian / Government Information Services

(L) Errol and Mark Watler of Funky Tang’s are supportive of revitalizing the capital.