The Cayman Brac government plans to start construction on ten new government buildings in early 2019.
New customs and immigration, a new vehicle inspection center and a new planning, lands and survey building are among the anticipated projects that should be completed within the year.
Article Snapshot:
- The Cayman Brac government plans to start construction on 10 new government buildings in early 2019.
- Buildings include new customs and immigration, a new vehicle inspection center and a new planning, lands and survey building.
- By design these building projects will create new jobs and increase private enterprise and revenue in the tourism sector.
- By building these new office spaces, the CI government hopes to move a handful of jobs from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac.
- Employees would be relocated on a voluntary basis and positions would be available to those whose jobs are not location-specific.
Building on the Brac
According to Deputy Premier and Brac representative Moses Kirkconnell, the government is pursuing these projects in order to foster new jobs and increase private enterprise and revenue in the tourism sector. The Bluff playing field will undergo renovations with new restrooms and changing facilities, while a group of affordable housing projects are also being prioritized.
Mr. Kirkonnell stated that the government is focusing on the expansion private enterprise above all else, and believes that these building projects are the fastest, most efficient way to jump-start the economy.
Employee Relocation
Although job opportunities have been steadily increasing on the Brac in recent years, it is hoped that these new buildings will bring employees to the island by transferring a handful of government jobs from Grand Cayman to the Cayman Brac. In dire need of new office space, the government workers of Brac are welcoming the change.
Employees with the opportunity for relocation will do so on a voluntary basis, and will be selected purely because their jobs are non-location specific. Being that the government is the primary employer for the island, Kirkconnell hopes that transferring these jobs will stimulate the economy in 2020.
An Effort to Continue Growth
Bids on the projects went out at the end of 2018, and Mr. Kirkconnell has high hopes that they will soon be underway. Once the Cayman-style office “cottages” are completed, he believes that Cayman Brac will quickly see a return on the investment. Residents anticipate that the projects will offer new opportunities across a variety of industries.
Cayman Brac has seen steady growth, year after year – in part due to new Saab planes and the renovation of Cayman Brac Beach Resort. An increase in rental units, marketing efforts and a focus on obtaining visitors from Grand Cayman have also contributed to the steady stream of visitors.
Often referred to as “A Nature Lover’s Paradise,” Cayman Brac is known as a diving, rock climbing and fishing mecca. In fact, many travelers are turning to Cayman Brac as a must-see stop on their trip to the Cayman Islands. Although the current population hovers around 2,000, we predict a spike in numbers and a growing demand for Real Estate in the upcoming years.