Editorial
The Greening of The CaymanIslands
We not talking about the scarcity of thecommodity - money, these days.
Instead, we are addressing the need forthe beautification of our Blessed Islands. We have much to beproud of:
· We are the world's fifth largest financial center
· We are among the most visited Caribbean islands
· More than a million cruise ship passengers visit us eachyear
· Some 300 thousand visitors come through our airport annually
· We have amazingly clear water
· Our air is still pure and clean
· Seven-mile beach is world renown
· We have some of the friendliest and most polite peoplein the world
However, we do not have a downtown and airportcorridor, which could be exactly termed beautiful. Except forthe fabulously landscaped Harquail by-pass, very little has beendone to beautify the Cayman Islands.
It is hard to believe, but as far as we are aware, there is nothingspecifically written into Government's last budget for beautification?
Thankfully, the streets are by and largeclean, owing to the frequent picking up of trash and most of usfortunately have the good sense not to throw garbage on the streets.But what about a budgeted landscaping project?
Most modern countries these days make this a priority, especiallythose like ourselves which are dependent on tourism.
We always compare ourselves to Bermuda.But let's face it, when it comes to a place that is visibly wellmanicured and landscaped, with a pedestrian and traffic friendlydowntown, Bermuda's got us beat.
That sister territory's airport corridorand thoroughfares leading to resorts and districts outside thecapital of Hamilton are meticulously greened.
Locally, developers are mandated by theCentral Planning Authority (CPA) to have landscaping as part oftheir building plans and although many comply, this is not sufficientto make the difference. What we need could be long-term, continuingprogramme between Government and civic clubs to truly enhanceour public rights of way.
Perhaps this is one way to get the ideaof District Councils started, with even modest funding to undertakethe responsibility of making their communities beautiful. An annualcompetition could then be held to select the most innovatively,beautified District.
It is known that the West Indian Club Nurseryis more than willing to work with Government and other communitybodies to provide plant materials and landscape maintenance advice.Some of the indigenous plants that they are cultivating, manynot seen except for hikes into the interior, could help to instillin many, including residents in Cayman, that there are many beautifulunknown species of flora.
Faced as we are with an economic downturn,the time is ripe to employ some of those who are being laid offin public works project. A greening of Cayman project would bean uplifting and much needed boost at this time.
Back in 1984, prior to his election into office, the Hon. LinfordPierson organized an airport beautification committee that plantedall those colorful oleanders on the perimeter road. That's a livingtestament to what can be done with a little public effort andcommunity pride. He also put forth a plan for downtown redevelopmentthat unfortunately was not implemented.
If we want to hold on to our status as aworldclass financial and tourism centre, it's time we dress thepart. The time for a beautification project for all districtsis way overdue.