By Alric Lindsay
In the Parliament committee meeting room this morning, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, MP McKeeva Bush announced the launch of a non-profit organization named the Organization for a Better Cayman Islands (OBC). OBC is expected to address sustaining economic growth, community development, governance issues, environmental protection, wellness and health, and sports and culture development. OBC will also be able to field candidates in the next general election.
Sustaining Economic Growth
Regarding sustaining economic growth, OBC’s objectives are to support our financial services industry, develop new innovative services to attract new business and create mechanisms to ensure a better quality of life with lower food prices and lower energy, such as solar. In addition, OBC will seek to achieve a “lower cost of services that people need each month to live a better quality of life.” This includes issues surrounding rental, housing ownership, lower interest rates, and creating a national economic council.
Community Development
Concerning community development, OBC aims to address public education and awareness, public safety, improvement in living standards, enhancing social cohesion, and supporting marginalized groups.
Governance Issues
Regarding good governance, OBC seeks to promote transparency and accountability, advocate for policy reforms and strengthen civic engagement, including through the development of district councils.
Environmental Protection
For environmental protection, OBC will focus on environmental education and awareness, maximizing recycling programmes, conservation and sustainability, and climate change mitigation. This includes proper building heights- no more constructions close to shoreline beaches.
Wellness and Health
In the case of wellness and health, OBC will address health awareness and education, promote healthy lifestyle choices, prevent and manage disease, and provide mental health support.
Sports and Culture Development
For sports and culture development, OBC will seek to promote physical activity and recreation, preserve cultural heritage and foster creativity and innovation.
Board of Directors Sought
For the foregoing to be implemented, Bush indicated that a board of directors would be appointed. Their tasks will include the foregoing, including putting in place a mechanism to help manage and give guidance to political candidates.
It is understood that once a board of directors is in place, OBC will invite persons to be members.