GOVERNMENT ACQUIRES PRIME PROPERTY ON CAYMAN BRAC ‘FOR THE CAYMANIAN PEOPLE’

In a move that has been welcomed by the public, especially conservationists, the government has secured ownership of the land around which the Cayman Brac lighthouse stands.

Regarded as a prized piece of real estate, campaigners had lobbied for the area to be retained as part of the national cultural and ecosystem patrimony.

The land which has been on the market for around KYD6.9 million, has been purchased by the National Coalition for Caymanians Administration(NCFC) for a reported KYD5.5 million.

Addressing the issue on the Radio Cayman talkshow For The Record with Orrett Connor on Monday (this edition guest-hosted by Dr. Steve McField and Dr. Theresa Pitcairn), Hon. Premier Andre Ebanks disclosed that one consideration for the acquisition was a United Nations guidance on how much green space a country should reserve.

Outline the possibilities for the location under government control, which could include a national park layout, the Premier welcomed the public’s supportive feedback on the decision.

Stating that it fits into a balanced development outlook, he said: “The country is looking for a balance. The country knows that it will have to enhance infrastructure and have the built environment, but I think they want it done in a way that takes account of preservation of land for Caymanians.”

Meanwhile, in a post on social media, Hon. Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Jay Ebanks, hailed the decision by stating: “One of Cayman Brac’s landmarks has returned to its rightful owner, the Caymanian people.“

The 125-acre property, which had been listed for sale by a real estate company and advertised as prime land with “immense potential” for development, had already been subdivided into 44 lots to capitalise on its market value.

In addition to its location as the highest point in the Cayman Islands, the area is also the site of the Cayman Brac lighthouse, a functioning navigational aid for maritime traffic in the area.