News

The Ministry of District Administration and Lands (MDAL) proudly announced the official commencement of construction for the Cayman Brac (CYB) Accommodation Block, set to be completed by November 2024. This pivotal project was inaugurated with a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony, signifying a significant step forward in the development and improvement of essential services on Cayman Brac.

The CYB Accommodation Block will provide 38 suites and is designed to facilitate long-term overnight stays for developers and construction teams involved in the new high school and gym projects, as well as other future government initiatives. Additionally, it will serve visiting school and sports teams, fostering the growth of sports and events tourism on the island.

Premier and Minister of Lands, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, hosted the ground-breaking ceremony at the development site. In her address, she emphasized the project’s alignment with the Government’s strategic priorities, stating, "By removing the obstacle of accommodation for future construction teams, which has historically been a deterrent to developers, development in Cayman Brac will be encouraged in a manageable way. This will lead to the implementation of projects that enhance the lives of Cayman Brac residents and improve essential services. Furthermore, the accommodation block will promote and facilitate the growth of sports and events tourism due to its potential of utilisation by visiting sports teams and schools."

The key features of the CYB Accommodation Block include:

• Prime Location: Situated between the Cayman Brac Sports Complex and Multi-purpose Hall.
• Spacious Design: Comprising two single-story buildings, each 5,342.5 sq. ft., for a total of 10,685 sq. ft.
• Extensive Site: The block and parcel (107A 111) span a total of 18.1 acres.
• Sustainable Construction: Designed to resist hurricane-force winds per the Cayman Islands statutory code – International Building Code (IBC 2009 CI Building Code).
• Robust Safety Standards: Windows and doors meet hurricane design wind pressures and impact resistance in accordance with ASTM E1886-97 and ASTM E1996-97.

District Commissioner of the Department of District Administration, B.L. Mark Tibbetts, served as the Master of Ceremony, welcoming esteemed guests, including Government officials, key project stakeholders from both the private and public sectors, and notable community members of Cayman Brac.

The construction of the CYB Accommodation Block marks a transformative phase for Cayman Brac, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, future proofing for resiliency and supporting community development. The project will significantly reduce lodging expenses attributed to the new high school construction project and create new opportunities for sports and education programmes that require inter-island travel to Cayman Brac.