Minister Bush Announces Housing Solutions

Leader of Government Business, the Hon McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, recently won Cabinet support for a comprehensive emergency recovery plan for the housing sector.

In addition to his responsibilities for Tourism, Environment, Development and Commerce, the Minster has been assigned overall responsibility for Cayman’s recovery effort. In this new role, he will be answerable to the Legislative Assembly.

Initiatives approved by the Cabinet include the planned importation of trailer homes to serve as temporary housing, the establishment of work teams to assist with rebuilding in the districts, the pursuit of low-/no-interest loans, and research of alternative source of building supplies.

Mr. Bush stressed that quick, viable solutions are required for displaced Caymanians. “It is recognised that Government does not wish to see any sector of the Islands neglected or unassisted,” he said, but noted that the housing issue impacts many critical sections of the Cayman Islands economy and its ability to rebound quickly. “The Government is aware that if we are to sustain our position in the global financial community, we must position ourselves to relocate those personnel and businesses that have temporarily relocated off island,” Mr. Bush concluded.

Plan details include:

1. Acquisition by Government of between 50 and 100 travel trailer homes. The plan specifies that the trailers must meet the specifications of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The estimated cost is CI$11,500 each (excluding shipping costs). Government will rent these units to occupants for a moderate fee.
2. Establishment of work groups of approximately ten persons per team to assist in the rebuilding and restoration of homes. The plan calls for 10 teams in West Bay, 30 teams in George Town, 20 teams in Bodden Town, and as needed in other districts. All efforts are to be made to employ Caymanians. Cabinet recommends exemption of current work permit holders from the requirements of obtaining new work permits.
3. Appointment of a project management group to oversee the work groups.
4. Pursuit of low-/no-interest loans through financial institutions such as the Cayman Islands Civil Service Credit Union, Cayman Islands Development bank and the Cayman Islands National Building Society.
5. Research and pursuit of alternative sourcing of building supplies, including non-US jurisdictions, to bring materials to the Cayman Islands faster and at more competitive prices for the Government Housing Grant Scheme being administered by the Cayman Islands Development Bank.
6. Assistance to the National Housing and Community Development Trust and private sector initiatives in moving forward their programmes for the development of temporary and permanent housing in the Islands.