Independent candidate Alric Lindsay is emphasising sustainable development and eradication of misogyny, arguing that both issues are critical for the Cayman Islands’ future.
Lindsay highlighted ongoing treatment of women within the civil service, referencing a reported “boys club” culture. He called for mandatory gender sensitivity training, workshops on microaggressions and the establishment of mentorship programmes for women.
“We need to have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of negative behaviour towards women that keeps them down in a workplace,” Lindsay said. He suggested anonymous reporting mechanisms through independent bodies, such as the auditor general, to protect complainants from potential repercussions.
He stressed that addressing gender issues effectively requires senior management’s performance evaluations to specifically include their success in promoting and training women.
In a broader sustainability push, Lindsay criticised current development practices that he says threaten the environment, particularly in South Sound. He called for comprehensive stormwater management plans and rejected the government’s proposal for a four-lane highway through the South Sound Basin to prevent exacerbating flooding risks.
“What is being proposed now is considering stormwater management on a project-by-project basis rather than a basin-wide basis,” Lindsay said, adding that MPs “continue to go to lunch with developers and do whatever they want.”
He further advocated that condo owners and developers should bear the costs of environmental damage through infrastructure fees, particularly regarding beach erosion.
“The fee is actually an incentive to consider how you’re going to build… you’re going to start building more environmentally friendly in the future because you know you have to pay the fee,” Lindsay said.
Lindsay also voiced strong support for a scientifically robust National Conservation Council, criticising recent restructuring attempts. “If we have people and their sole purpose is to please developers, then we’re not going to have proper environmental protection,” he warned, advocating for ongoing public consultation on environmental projects to ensure community involvement and awareness.
The George Town South candidate called for balancing development and environmental integrity through more sustainable housing options, suggesting developers include low-income units within larger developments to increase accessibility to affordable, environmentally responsible housing.
