Ironwood Forest Preservation and Linford Pearson H’way extension approved

The National Coalition For Caymanians (NCFC) administration is moving ahead with two major plans that delicately balance environmental preservation with development and growth. Cabinet has approved the proposal to declare the Ironwood Forest’s Crown land as a Protected Area. At the same time, the green light has been given for the long-awaited Linford Pierson Highway extension. Both matters will now go to public consultation for input and feedback.

“Cabinet approved the proposal to designate, subject to public consultation, the Ironwood Forest’s Crown land as a Protected Area. Cabinet also approved the long-awaited Linford Pierson Highway extension between Outpost Road and Olympic Way along the forest’s boundary,” a government statement advised, reporting on the decisions taken during a July 15th Cabinet meeting.

It also noted that for nearly 20 years, the question of how to resolve the issue of preserving the Ironwood Forest in George Town while also developing a road corridor to ease traffic congestion in the Cayman Islands’ capital remained unresolved.

“The NCFC Government’s decision has a dual purpose: to preserve one of Cayman’s rarest ecosystems, while simultaneously meeting our people’s need for modern, effective road infrastructure,” noted Hon. Premier, André M. Ebanks. “But in today’s world, equally rare is the means by which this problem was resolved. This is the outcome of several Government bodies choosing to solve a problem together for the good of our country,” he added.

Regarding the public consultation on the protected area designation proposal, the National Conservation Council (NCC) will announce the consultation details in the coming weeks. Following consultation, the NCC will submit the final proposal to Cabinet for approval, after which the designation will be made official.

For the Linford Pierson Highway extension, Cabinet’s approval sets the process in motion in which the National Roads Authority (NRA) will acquire the land required to open the highway extension, adhering to established legal procedures.

However, no physical works will begin until all required environmental permits, mitigation measures, and management instruments are in keeping with the relevant laws. In the meantime, survey and investigation work are already underway.

Once complete the extension will round out the Olympic Way Connector, improving access from Walkers Road to UCCI, John Gray High School and surrounding neighbourhoods.

PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS

According to the government statement, the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, along with the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, as well as the Ministry of Education and Training, and the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), have all been instrumental in this process from the beginning, and continue to work together as it moves forward.

“We move forward when we choose to work together, rather than around – or to attack – each other,” Premier Ebanks stated. “This breakthrough also speaks to the immense value of the Cayman Forward Initiative(CFI) as a process for governing innovatively and finding common ground, to resolve problems that have stagnated for far too long.”

Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks MP, welcomed the news for what it means for the environment.

“Ironwood Forest is home to certain species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. By protecting it, we’re protecting the uniqueness of our Islands,” she said. “This is a proud day for the Cayman Islands. Many countries grapple with balancing environmental protection and developing modern infrastructure, as we’ve done for decades. But this Government and our people are demonstrating that with integrity and vision, both priorities can be met.”

Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, the Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, JP, MP, said the announcement demonstrates that responsible development and environmental stewardship can work hand-in-hand.

“Good infrastructure and a healthy environment are not competing interests,” he said. “When we plan properly, they support each other. This approach allows us to deliver the road improvements our community needs while protecting an area that matters deeply to our people. That is responsible planning, responsible governance, and it is good for Cayman.”

OUTCOMES ON TARGET

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has confirmed the approval is not expected to have a material impact on Core Government’s forecast financial position to 31 December 2026.

The Ironwood Forest/Linford Pierson Highway Plan advances three of the NCFC Government’s Broad Outcomes for 2026 to 2028.

Broad Outcome 1: Education, Immigration and Workforce Development: Strong Education and Immigration Systems that Support a Highly Skilled and Adaptable Caymanian Population. “Government will focus on strengthening education at all stages, improving pathways into employment, and maintaining a modern immigration and workforce system that supports opportunities for Caymanians while meeting national needs.”

Broad Outcome 2: Housing, Infrastructure and Environment:

Sustainable Physical Development that Prioritises Affordable Housing, Ensures Resilient Infrastructure and Protects Nature. “Government will support access to affordable housing, invest in resilient infrastructure across all three Islands, and protect the natural environment through responsible planning and long-term sustainability measures.”

Broad Outcome 5: Caymanian Identity, Culture and Heritage:

A Cohesive Society that Protects and Institutionalises Caymanian Identity and Culture. “Government will preserve and promote Caymanian heritage, strengthen cultural education and participation, and ensure that traditions and cultural values remain central to national development.”

Fact Check: Why the Ironwood Forest Matters

At 54 acres, the Ironwood Forest is the largest remaining fragment of George Town’s ancient forest, containing a significant diversity of plants, some of which are endangered and found nowhere else on the planet.

Almost the entire Cayman Islands population of the Old George giant bromeliad (a highly endangered tropical plant), and a significant share of the world’s Ghost Orchids, are found within this forest.

The decision covers the Crown parcel at Block 15B Parcel 392, the essential first step in protecting the forest and the globally significant species it holds.

Significant educational benefits would also be realised, as this Protected Area would also serve as a “living laboratory” for educational institutions.

As the road moves into its design phase, Government will explore viewing points and interpretive signage so the public can appreciate the forest from the corridor itself.

Fact Check: The Road Corridor’s 20-Year Timeline

2008: A proposed road through the heart of the forest met strong public opposition, and the proposal remained stalled for nearly 20 years.

In 2026, the NCFC Government agreed to re-route the road along the forest’s northern periphery. That rerouted alignment is now the approved Linford Pierson Highway extension, running between Outpost Road and Olympic Way.

As part of Cabinet’s 15 July 2026 decision, protected area boundaries and management arrangements have been designed to complement, not delay, the road project.

The National Roads Authority (NRA) has now commenced the statutory survey and investigation process to support the detailed planning and design of the proposed corridor. This work, including topographical, cadastral, environmental, and geotechnical investigations, is being progressed in consultation with the University College of the Cayman Islands and the Department of Environment (DoE), and will inform the detailed engineering design of the proposed road alignment.