EDITORIAL

Making Grand Cayman bloom

Thursday,  October 13, 2005

As we come towards the end of what has been a very wet rainy season, we are finally seeing the green return to Grand Cayman, after Hurricane Ivan stripped away so much of the Island’s vegetation.

Yet while nature is trying to get a grip one again, Cayman’s green fingers don’t seem to be twitching as much as they could be. Nature may be trying, but the assistance it needs from the country’s gardeners is definitely lacking.

It therefore seems appropriate to raise the issue again of a ‘Cayman back in bloom’ contest that could help make the Island attractive once again, not just for visitors but also for all of us to enjoy.

With so many issues making demands on Government revenue, a ‘Cayman back in bloom’ campaign is definitely something for the private sector to sponsor and a great way for companies here to get close to the communities.

A real contest between the districts could see each one sponsored by a local telecoms firm or one of our many financial giants companies and bring with it serious prestige for both the sponsor as well as the champion bloomers in the winning district.

It can offer a real opportunity for members of the community to come together and help each other make their environment more attractive. It offers a great chance too – to show youngsters about the importance of managing environments and the need to have a variety of flora and fauna to attract a diversity of insects, birds and wildlife.

Above all though, embarking upon such an initiative will give us all chance to get close to nature and be proud of the results six months from now.

It is time to take landscaping re-planting, sprucing and cleaning up seriously. As nature struggles hard to make a comeback the least we could do is help her, by tidying up and adding to the flora and fauna that is now returning.

This means clearing rubble, debris, Ivanised cars and other unwanted and untidy wreckage left in the wake of Ivan and allow nature to flourish. We need to plant more trees and mangroves not just to look good but to help our environment.

With all hands on deck and real enthusiasm from residents and above all support from the private sector, we could see Cayman burst into bloom once again very soon.

Moreover the focus on districts looking out for themselves may also turn thoughts to the idea of local government and district councils.

Many of those living in the outlying districts realized how having someone going to bat for their area may have improved their lot in the aftermath of last year’s hurricane, perhaps ensuring that cars were removed in a timely fashion or road repairs conducted.

Encouraging a sense of community spirit too – is often easier when there is a rallying point. A face to plead the districts’ case could make a real difference to our neighbourhoods. With so many of the country’s MLA’s serving in Ministries, the introduction of local representatives would ease some of their workloads.

All countries are made up of regions and while the Cayman Islands may be a small country, it still has districts with differing needs and local councilors could be an ideal way of helping to meet those local needs.

Communities are the backbones of countries and offering support at the grass roots is often a way to solving the major issues of the day from crime to drug misuse. But right now it would be nice to see local representatives gunning for their area and making Grand Cayman a brighter and beautiful place to live once again…..without lingering eyesores. 

An independent voice for the Cayman Islands  

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