Cayman Brac Shangri-La

Located on Cayman Brac, this 3100 sq. ft. home is unique in design and layout. Situated on 1 acre of Bluff edge land, half of the parcel is undeveloped in its natural state. With 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, the open floor plan is surrounded on the bluff side by a large screened porch all sitting above an earth basement. There is an attached garage with laundry and storage facilities. Priced to sell $399,000CI. Contact your Cayman Brac Realtor for more information.

Duty Cuts Remain for 2014

Duty on fuel and building materials remains reduced throughout 2014. Marco Archer said, “The extension of these concessions is consistent with the Government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate growth in the economy, and I encourage all developers and other stakeholders to accelerate their construction activity during this further concessionary period.”

Normal import duty on fuel is 75 cents/gallon and duty rate on building materials ranges from 17-22%. The reduced duty is currently 12.5 cents/gallon for gasoline for Cayman Brac. 100% waiver on building materials to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman remain in effect. 

Cuba via Cayman Brac

Talks are underway to establish a Cayman Airways flight from Florida to Cuba via Cayman Brac as early as next year, according to Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell. Preparations for the processing of international flights have been underway which includes an x-ray machine for checked baggage. "Our goal is to be completed in February, so that Cayman Airwatys can have flights coming in and out of the Brac on the Cuba route," Mr. Kirkconnell told the Caymanian Compass.

With this added influx of travelers, investors may consider a new hotel venture at the Divi Tiara site. which Neil van Niekerk, president of the Sister Islands Tourism Association, said Cayman Brac has sorely needed for several years. "The Brad has needed a new hotel since the Divi Tiara Beach Resort closed in 2007." Mr. van Niekerk said. "I understand they would be interested in investing and rebuilding at that site if the airlift was there."

National Conservation Law a Possibility

Could this be the year that the National Conservation Law is passed and Cayman's natural environment is protected? With the support of Minister Wayne Panton and Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Cayman's environmental future holds promise.

For over 10 years, Department of Environment Direction Gina Ebanks-Petrie has long hoped the National Conservation Law would come to pass, warning that Cayman's unique endangered species could disappear without proper protection. The department offers its opinion to the Central Planning Authority when it comes to major developments, but recommendations are mostly ignored. 

The DoE has also completed consultation on the enrichment of the Marine Parks legislation. After 25 years of successful legislation, the need to increase this protection of our local marine environment remains critical as precious coral reefs, mangroves and fish stocks are the primary draw for the overnight tourism market. 

Minister Wayne Panton has been a leading member of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands for many years, coupled with a new governor providing her support and commitment to the environment, local conservation groups are encouraged this could be the year that government shows their support and value for Cayman's natural assets.

The Splits Now Protected

The family of the late Dr. Roy Herrman and Estelle Herrman has given an additional 8.6 acres of Cayman Brac land to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Well known for its natural beauty, The Splits is a unique inland freshwater ecosystem that will now be protected. This increases the total National Trust donation by the Herrman Family to 26.1 acres via the International Reptile Conservation Fund. Located in the West End of the island, The Splits is part of an island long, naturally occurring fissure or "split" which provides fresh water to the wildlife of the Brac. It has ecological significance as it is also a nesting site for two species of heron, home to two endemic freshwater fish species, in addition to being a well-used watering area for local and migratory birds.

“In fond memory of our parents, Dr Roy and Estelle Herrman, we gift our Cayman Brac land to the Trust to help maintain a pristine home for rare birds and animals,” the Herrman sisters, Shirley, Barbara, Louise, and Carol, said in a written statement to the Trust. “We have very fond memories of time spent on Cayman Brac and the white sandy beach overlooking sparkling blue water, and this is our way of giving back to such a beautiful island.”

"Conserving this land is critical for preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our islands and the Splits is one of Cayman Brac’s true ecological gems being one of the very few inland sites with freshwater year round. With the exception of a rough footpath from the north, the site is undisturbed and contains many endemic and native plants,” Christina McTaggart, executive director for the Trust, said. “We thank the landowners for their generosity and vision in permanently protecting this natural treasure."

For more information, contact The National Trust. www.nationaltrust.org.ky 

Photos by CNS

Duty Concessions for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman

To help further stimulate the economy, The Finance and Economic Development Ministry has extended the following duty concessions for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman:

-        -   For the next 6 months, Cayman Brac will continue to receive a 12.5 cents/gallon gasoline duty rate vs. the normal 75 cents/gallon rate.

-       -   On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the 100% import duty waiver on building materials will remain in effect. Normal duty on building materials range from 17-22%. Building materials  are defined as “all physical components and substances, whether solid or liquid, used in the construction, renovation or restoration and forming a permanent part of any building or related structure.” This does not include furniture, accessories, electronics and appliances.

The 15% duty rate on imported building materials to Grand Cayman has also been extended to year end.

Hurricane Season 2013

Are you ready? 2013 has been predicted to be an active hurricane season. 

Here is a comprehensive list of supplies to have on hand:

-- A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.

-- Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.

-- A can opener.

-- Flashlight(s).

-- A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.

-- Extra batteries.

-- A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.

-- A small fire extinguisher.

-- Whistles for each person.

-- A seven-day supply of medications.

-- Vitamins.

-- A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.

-- Cell phones and chargers.

-- Contact information for the family.

-- A sleeping bag for each person.

-- Extra cash.

-- A silver foil emergency blanket.

-- A map of the area.

-- Baby supplies.

-- Pet supplies.

-- Wet wipes.

-- A camera (to document storm damage).

-- Insect repellent.

-- Rain gear.

-- Tools and supplies for securing your home.

-- Plastic sheeting.

-- Duct tape.

-- Dust masks.

-- An extra set of house keys.

-- An extra set of car keys.

-- An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.

-- Household bleach.

-- Paper cups, plates and paper towels.

-- Activities for children.

-- Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.

photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org