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The National Trust for the Cayman Islands staff, council, and leadership have followed the recent media coverage regarding proposed changes to the National Conservation Act with grave concern. The National Conservation Act provides essential protection to our natural resources which are fast disappearing under a tide of development. Any amendments that weaken this legislation and undermine the National Conservation Council risk harming our living world, which includes the people of Cayman.

Despite having a permanent seat on the National Conservation Council and being mandated by law to advise government on conservation matters, the National Trust has not been consulted on any potential amendments to the National Conservation Act. Our elected officials have a duty to uphold the standards of good governance and we feel they are currently falling short of their obligations to the people of Cayman by attempting to rush through amendments without proper public consultation.

For the National Trust to be effective in fulfilling our mandate to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands in perpetuity, we need our elected politicians to commit to the true principles of sustainability which seek a balance between economic, social, and environmental interests. This means upholding the National Conservation Act and listening to the recommendations of the National Conservation Council. This law does not stop development, it only seeks to empower and encourage decision makers to develop in a way that benefits us all.

This is not the first time the National Conservation Act has come under attack since it was passed in 2013. Five years ago, when the previous administration also sought to dilute it, the National Trust was vocal in our support of the NCA and we stand resolute again today in opposition to any amendments which would weaken the law.

We have a duty and responsibility to protect these islands for present and future generations. Failing to give the environment due consideration today can have unintended, unforeseen, and irreversible consequences tomorrow.

We hope that the Caymanian public will join the National Trust in speaking up to defend the protections the NCA gives to all of us.