MEDIA STATEMENT

The sitting minority UPM Government has withdrawn their National Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2024. It is a just outcome and testament to the value of principled, democratic opposition as well as the power of the community.

It vindicates the decision by Andre Ebanks, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Sabrina Turner and Heather Bodden to resign from Government on 31 October 2024. Had they remained in position, all four would have been bound by collective responsibility to pass this far reaching and harmful Bill which would undermine the quality of life for this and future generations. Only by resigning could they have the freedom to speak out and stand up against the proposed amendments.

The National Conservation Act is vital legislation that ensures we do not overlook the potential environmental impact when considering the economic and social benefits of development. The proposed amendments, such as removing the requirement for an environmental impact assessment for government projects and removing scientific expertise from the National Conservation Council, increase the risk doing irreversible damage to our community.

TCCP supports the National Conservation Act in its current form and is deeply committed to advocating for legislation that advances the interests of the people of the Cayman Islands and protects our future.