News

On January 31, amidst the backdrop of Heroes Square and surrounded by the monuments of our national heroes, Sustainable Cayman, along with representatives from Protect Our Future, presented to MPs over 500 letters written by community members urging our political leaders to protect the Cayman Islands' National Conservation Act. The amendments, if passed, would significantly weaken protections that safeguard our islands’ biodiversity and natural resources, allowing potentially irreversible environmental damage. Just over an hour later, upon the opening of Parliament, the Government withdrew the NCA Amendment bill, a response no doubt to the community’s emphatic opposition to voting on this unnecessary legislation. However, in withdrawing the bill, the Minister for Sustainability Hon. Dwayne Seymour defended the proposed amendments, and an exchange between the Government and official opposition suggested their intention to bring the changes at another time. The community's voice is clear in its call to maintain strong scientific oversight and reject any reductions in environmental assessments which are crucial for the sustainable development of the Cayman Islands. The rescinding of the controversial National Conservation Amendment Bill during the first sitting of the third meeting of the 2024-25 Session of Parliament is a significant development. This decision reflects the consistent messaging from people across the Cayman Islands and overseas, and extensive advocacy work by Sustainable Cayman and other environmental groups.
Sustainability Ambassador Connor Childs: “I am so relieved that this bill has been withdrawn and that the proposed amendments did not pass. This is a crucial victory for the protection of our natural areas for future generations. Thank you to the concerned citizens who stood up in defence of the National Conservation Act and to the leaders who supported this important legislation. The National Conservation Act plays a vital role in ensuring that development progresses in a way that both benefits Caymanians and preserves the very things that make Cayman special.” While we celebrate this victory for the environment and democratic engagement, we must all remain vigilant. With elections approaching, there is a possibility that future administrations could attempt to reintroduce similar legislation. Sustainable Cayman will continue to monitor these developments closely and advocate for permanent protections that preserve the integrity of the National Conservation Act without dilution. On January 28, Sustainable Cayman reached out to Members of Parliament, including the Honourable Dwayne Seymour, Minister of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency; Honourable Joseph Hew, Leader of the Opposition; and Former Deputy Premier André Ebanks, Leader of The Cayman Community Party. The correspondence requested their presence to receive over 500 letters written by community members urging MPs to protect our National Conservation Act. The Caymanian Community Party Leader André Ebanks, along with TCCP representatives Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Heather Bodden, Sabrina Turner, Wayne Panton, and Em DeCou received the letters from Youth Sustainability Ambassadors Connor Childs and Danielle Seales, and from Protect Our Future Youth Ambassadors Kathryn Lambert Wragg, Austin Marland and Raldayne Thomas of Cayman Prep. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who supported our cause and voiced their concerns. Your active participation has been crucial in upholding the standards of environmental governance in the Cayman Islands. Sustainable Cayman remains committed to protecting our natural heritage for the collective wellbeing of present and future generations. For more details on our position and the community’s overwhelming response, visit our website at Sustainable Cayman.