(CMR) Following a public outcry led by Cayman Marl Road, Minister Hon. Jay Ebanks oversaw the removal of cones, barriers, and other obstacles unlawfully placed in front of hotels, condominiums, and businesses on West Bay Road, ensuring that public access is restored and maintained.
CMR first raised concern about the issue in 2022 when businesses started placing cones along the roadway; however, the issue was not addressed then. Metal barriers were placed earlier this month, with businesses like Avalon going from plastic to metal.
CMR contacted the National Roads Authority and was notified that Jay Ebanks, the Minister of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and Development (PAHITD), agreed the barriers were now an issue and that more roadside condos were installing them. Less than a day after CMR's Sandra Hill raised the issue, the barriers were removed from in front of Avalon.
After being mentioned again on yesterday’s show, the remaining barriers along West Bay Road were removed within hours.
Minister Ebanks, accompanied by National Roads Authority (NRA) Managing Director Edward Howard and the NRA crew, took decisive action to address the issue on Tuesday, 25 June.
In addition to addressing the barriers on West Bay Road, Minister Ebanks conducted a comprehensive assessment of stormwater management needs in multiple areas.
Minister Ebanks emphasized the critical importance of public safety and accessible roads, stating, “Accessible, safe, and efficient roads are vital for the well-being of our community. My Ministry leads the National Road Safety Strategy, and addressing these two critical issues—removing unlawful barriers and assessing stormwater management—is essential for public safety.”
“Road Safety is a community effort—everyone has to do their part. The Ministry and the NRA are dedicated to
ensuring our roads remain open and safe for everyone to use,” Ebanks, who thanked CMR for bringing this issue to his attention, stated.
Community members are encouraged to report any issues affecting public road access, except those related to NRA-sanctioned road works or improvements. For concerns about public road access, please contact the NRA directly at (345) 946-7780 or email [email protected].