The Chamber and Sustainability

Sustainable development has long been at the heart of everything the Chamber does. The organisation embraces every aspect which goes to support a healthy business life, a healthy natural environment, and prosperous, safe and sustainable communities, and children who are able to grow up to reach their full potential.

All of these facets interact, because it is impossible to talk about enjoying life here if our environment has been degraded, or see a good future for the islands if our children have been left out or left behind. Although it seems that Sustainability is Cayman’s new watchword, The Chamber has been constantly engaged in all of these aspects for decades, encouraging businesses to build our human capital and strengthen our communities and take care of our environment.

Sustainability means understanding and respecting the integrity of the natural environment.  While saving rare and endemic species is an important part of that, other issues such as the erosion of one of our greatest natural assets – Seven Mile Beach – has been a real wake-up call. Potential loss of revenue from the depletion of one of the local tourist industry’s biggest draws shows an obvious link to the islands’ future economy and taking care of the natural world entrusted to us.

Land here is under constant pressure from new development, whether from roads, homes, offices or hotels. So, how do we move forward in a way which meets present needs without compromising our future?

The Chamber believes in taking an integrated approach that calls all stakeholders into the dialogue. That is why we have called for National Development Plan. Our islands are too small and precious for their future to be left purely to chance, and that is why such an approach is crucial. It means that means that all voices, from environmental protection groups through schools and colleges, our communities, and our businesses must have a say in our future, and the Chamber’s role is to be an advocate for them.

During July’s Parliamentary Luncheon, sustainable development emerged as the chief theme from Government and that private sector alike. Moving forward in a way that recognises the key role played by every aspect of our economic and social ecosystem is crucial. As Cayman’s catalyst for change, Chamber is in a key position to promote sustainable growth here by encouraging active and ongoing dialogue between all the stakeholders, to continue its mandate to Support, Promote and Protect.