UPDATED Note amended dates for East End and North Side from previously published

From Laura Richardson

Research Support Officer, Cayman Islands Department of Environment

As you may know, Department of Environment is now at the end of a three year project which has involved the review of our existing Marine Parks.  By combining data we have gathered on reef health, habitat types and locations, with public feedback acquired last September and recommended international standards for marine protected area planning, we have designed and drafted proposals for NEW MARINE PARKS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

We have now launched a Public Consultation on these new marine park proposals.  The success of our marine parks relies on everyone’s support so we need to know what you think and where adjustments to our drafted proposals should be made if necessary.

Formal public meetings in each District will commence from next Tuesday 23^rd October. Please see the schedule of meetings on the attached flyer.  Please feel welcome to attend any meeting, regardless of your District. The proposals will be displayed in an Open Exhibition format with plenty of information and staff on hand to answer questions and take feedback. In each district, we will be at the exhibition location from 11am until 10pm on each date. A verbal presentation of the same information will be given at 7pm on each date at the same location.

For those who attend one of the District meetings and register for our random PRIZE DRAW, you will be entered to win one of over 100 generously donated prizes.  Donors to date include:

Heather Holt Photography, DOE (of course!), Cowboy Town Stables, Michael’s Genuine, National Trust, Everett Turner and Essi Evans, Acupuncture Works, Cayman Sea Elements, Island Veterinary Services, Michael Maes and Ellen Cuylaerts, Cashwiz Cayman Consignment Shop, Frans De Backer, Caybrew, Cayman Spirits Company, Al La Kebab, Bliss Yoga, DNS Diving, Cathy Church, Ocean Frontiers, Divetech, Ellen Rierson, Marriott Beach Resort, Indigo Divers, Grand Cayman, Grandview condos, Grand Cayman, Fosters Food Fair, Atlantis Submarines, Southern Cross Club, Agua Restaurant (Prosecco Ltd.), Capt. Marvin’s Watersports Ltd., Cimboco, Cobalt Coast Dive Resort, Divers Down, Happy Fish Divers, Premier Wine & Spirits, Ragazzi, Stingers (Quentin Ltd), Sunset House and Mick Booker, and more!

If you are unable to attend a District meeting, we would also like to extend an invitation to each of you to come to the DoE’s library on the second floor of the Cayman Environmental Centre, 580 North Sound Road, anytime between 9 am and 4 pm from Monday 22nd October – Friday 23^rd November to view the proposals in an Open Exhibition format, and give us your feedback on the proposals.

We would be most grateful for your attendance and feedback.

We would also be very grateful if you could circulate this information to friends, family, employees, or your members. Please also feel welcome to print a copy of the flyer and display it in your shop, office, or home!

We look forward to seeing you.