Cayman in the News 13 October 2015
SAVECAYMAN.ORG organizers say they are not against the cruise berthing facility itself, but they ARE adamantly opposed to destruction of George Town Harbour@s marine environment
George Town, Grand Cayman, October 13, 2015 (SAVECAYMAN.ORG) – Young volunteers with SaveCayman.org, which works to preserve Cayman’s environment, are rallying the Caymanian community for a public protest on Saturday, October 17 to oppose the destruction of 15 acres of coral reefs to make way for a cruise berthing facility the Government has green-lighted. Motivated by something that will impact their future, young Caymanians are encouraging everyone to take a stand against the dredging and to urge their Government to consider other options that don’t require significant reef destruction.
“We are gathering to show the Government how widespread and strong the opposition to the destruction of GT harbor's marine environment is amongst Caymanians,” says avid free diver Jessica Lopez. “The majority of Caymanians are very concerned about the Government's announcement to move forward with this plan. We support improvement to cruise facilities, however we oppose this method, which involves unnecessary coral reef destruction.”
“As potentially the largest capital project our Islands have ever seen, with significant implications for the development of our country, this is a decision we need to make very carefully so that we can ensure the sustainable development of our country,” adds Gabriella Hernandez, also working hard to rally the community for the protest. “We believe that through cooperation and inclusivity, we can achieve this together and work towards a better solution. By doing so, we can build a destination that our visitors and tourists can admire and enjoy whilst improving the quality of life for Caymanians.”
Hernandez adds that they are hoping to encourage a transparent, fair, and fully informed discussion as to how Cayman can improve its port facilities WITHOUT the irrevocable loss and destruction of its reefs. The volunteers say the response from the community so far is excellent, and they expect hundreds to show up for the protest on Saturday.
The demonstration will start at 3 pm at the George Town waterfront across from Breezes, and people should take this opportunity to stand together and plead with Government to reconsider. A petition against the dredging will also be available for people to sign at the waterfront rally.
For more information on the rally and the organization visit www.savecayman.org.