Public boat ramps need to be improved
Why are the public launching ramps constantly kept in poor condition due to not being excavated regularly, whilst the private sector can attain excavation permits by simply going through the proper legal channels?
Is the government planning on upgrading or adding boat ramps for access to Seven Mile Beach? The one by the Lobster Pot has virtually no parking and is almost always occupied by cars with no trailers. The West Bay ramp is virtually useless and there is nothing else. The population has grown threefold in 30 years but the public access to the water for boats has not changed.
Auntie’s answer: I received two questions relating to boat ramps so am including both of them here. I was unable to get a specific answer to either but the Ministry of Planning offered a general reply, which I will share.
According to the ministry, “a long-term solution must be struck that balances the community’s public spaces, recreational boating requirements and parking in these key locations”.
However, any solution will be dependent on funds, and we know how that goes. As the official explained, “Unfortunately, due to the high cost of coastal land an expansion project to enhance the boating features could only be entertained in the future when the funding becomes available.”
There is one bright spot. With the newly implemented Public Lands Law, 2017, “access and proper use of ramps should be better regulated by the Public Lands Commission”, which has been established under the new law.
Perhaps the two readers who asked the ramp questions could let me know if the situation improves.
Category: Ask Auntie
All of these comments are kind of funny.
Don’t people understand that anything the government does is sub-par? Look at the roadways, and how filthy they are with medians filled with dead plants and overgrown grass. Government sits on its’ bum, while workers sit at home collecting pay while “being investigated”. What a joke CIG is.
Hi Rodney,
Thanks for reminding us. Id like to take your point a little further however.
Can anyone please tell me. Why is the public dock in West Bay South ( John Bush Cove) constantly occupied by Dive boats? Did our government no run CAYMANIANS OFF the main public beach due the lack of business license? Well? The last time I licensed my business in “Feb of this year” The application Specifically asked for a location ie block and parcel, business address. Did these licensed? boat operators
Fill in those spaces? did they mention that they would in fact be congesting to the point of nuisance, a facility that is owned by native Caymanians tax dollars?
And when our native children are out there trying to have some clean fun such as king of the rock ruler of the dock they are frowned upon by impostors?
Thanks Rodney,
Your Friend Bing Ebanks
“Unfortunately, due to the high cost of coastal land an expansion project to enhance the boating features could only be entertained in the future when the funding becomes available”. Gosh what a lot of words to say they are going to do nothing!
The Gun Bay ramp is near useless. Hard to launch a 13 foot Whaler.
I agree. We damaged out boat there trying to get in and out when the prop hit the bottom. Almost impossible to use unless its very high tide.
Red Bay ramp in South Sound currently needs cleaning of weed and a front end loader to lift 2 large logs from the ramp , that washed up the weekend .
Perhaps this can be funded by a healthy annual licence fee imposed on all vessels.
Exactly. Marked and illuminated channel markers would also be appropriate in 2017. Pay to play.