We, the undersigned, all residents and/or land owners in Little Cayman, are opposed to the proposed closure and relocation of the Little Cayman airport and airstrip. We call on the Governor to:
- Keep the current airport and airstrip and not move to a new location;
- Engage an independent airport contractor to provide options that would satisfy the Civil Aviation Authority's concerns to grant the current airport a more permanent status; and
- fully consult with local residents and land owners on any future proposals
We have recently been informed that:
- the Little Cayman airport and airstrip cannot continue to be used in its current condition; and
- building a new airport and airstrip in another location is the only way forward.
This is not a binary choice and we respectfully request that all efforts be made to facilitate the airport and airstrip remaining in its current location. It is our opinion that this is the wish of the vast majority of residents and land owners as well as being an integral part of the identity and character of Little Cayman.
There are other options which have not been considered. Those driving this change are trying to present this as an unavoidable and required change which we do not accept.
We are aware of other airports around the world, including in our region, that cannot comply with all regulations and are granted certain exemptions or derogations that ensure safety is not compromised. In fact, we understand that the current airport has operated with these types of exemptions for many years now without serious incident and has an excellent safety record. While we understand the need to make some changes to enhance the safety aspect, we would like to understand more as to what modifications would be needed to be made to allow our current airport and airstrip to continue its operation in its present location.
We are also aware that the proposed location for the new airport facility will have some very serious challenges, environmentally and from a geotechnical standpoint. Additionally the cost will be substantial and beyond any reasonable value for money analysis. This proposed misuse of public funds is reckless and shortsighted.
We have very recently had the Plan Cayman presentation made to residents and/or landowners of the Island, and it is very clear that there is no current development plan that would support the need for a new airport. Our view is that there no need for this new facility, and this would be an incredible waste of Government funds, while taking away from the distinct character of Little Cayman, against the wishes of a majority of the residents and land owners.
Modifying the current airstrip has never been given serious consideration as a way forward. We are deeply concerned that the new proposed facility will change the unique offering here, destroy the character of Little Cayman and negatively impact those in business who rely on that character to attract guests.