Cabinet appoints new members to the National Conservation Council

The Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability has announced the appointment of nine new members to the National Conservation Council (NCC) as confirmed by Cabinet on Thursday 15 May.

The membership of the Council is established in Schedule 2 to the National Conservation Act, and consists of 13 voting members, of which four are ex-officio statutory members, representing the Government Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Planning. The Department of Environment also provides a non-voting secretary to support the Council. There are eight voting members appointed by the Cabinet, of which at least four must have relevant scientific or technical expertise and at least one person shall be from each of the following districts: West Bay, George Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, Bodden Town, North Side, and East End. Additionally, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands nominates a member who is appointed by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet appointed one of the previous members to serve as the Council’s Chairperson, providing continuity and experience to the new Council. The Chairperson holds a casting vote only. Council members will serve for a term of two-years and may be considered for reappointment prior to the expiry of this term.

Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment & Sustainability, on behalf of Cabinet, thanked the outgoing Council members for their service and welcomed the new members: “I want to express my gratitude to the outgoing members of the National Conservation Council and welcome the new appointees. This Council plays an important role in protecting our environment and natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. The updates to the Council demonstrate the Government’s commitment to good governance and balanced decision-making that prioritises national wellbeing and sustainability for all Caymanians.

“The new members ensure representation from all districts and the Sister Islands and bring valuable technical and scientific expertise on conservation and environmental issues, while ensuring inclusion across gender, age, expertise and experience. I am pleased that this was the very first matter of business for our administration, the National Coalition For Caymanians. Now that the Council has been re-established, I look forward to having them provide their valuable advice to the Government.”

For more information on the NCC, visit www.conservation.ky