E-mail submission from Victoria Timms,
Jesus College, Oxford
This statement of written evidence is a synopsis
of on-site fieldwork and analysis undertaken by Victoria Timms,
finalist at Jesus College, Oxford University. The purpose of the
research was to provide an accurate and comprehensive account
of the structure of environmental governance in the Cayman Islands,
with specific focus on the engagement of civil society. The investigation
explored the role of non-state actors in governance, defined to
include the more abstract elements such as international conventions
as well as corporations and national and international individuals.
Several conclusions that might be of use to your inquiry were
made, based on evidence provided by a triangulated methodology
which was comprised of textual analysis, a discussion session
with members of the Legislative Assembly, the Cabinet and related
government departments, and 10 semi-structured interviews. These
interviews were conducted with leading figures in politics, business
and environmental groups. This fieldwork was analyzed and will
be presented as a dissertation counting towards my undergraduate
degree.
(I) ACCOUNTABILITY
From discussion with politically-orientated
individuals it was ascertained that there is a strong tide of
feeling that there is no need for a bi-cameral system due to the
accountability already inherent in the current political institution,
and consistent opportunities for the feedback and evaluation of
development plans would seem to indicate this. However, in discussion
with non-state actors it was suggested that the government could
stand to gain legitimacy with a stronger and more defiant media
role and with greater presence of advocacy groups. It would therefore
appear that there is some feeling held by those outside the government
that greater accountability is desirable. The majority concluded
that greater accountability would be best ensured by an increased
role for civil society, achieved through campaigns of political
education and an increased sense of national identity.
(II) INTERNATIONAL
TREATIES, CONVENTIONS
AND OTHER
AGREEMENTS
The second conclusion of relevance to your inquiry
concerns the application of international treaties, conventions
and other agreements to the Overseas Territories. In particular
my investigation centred on the UK White Paper "Partnership
for Progress and Prosperity", as embodied in the Overseas
Territories and Environment Charter (2001). The terms have since
been drawn up to form the National Conservation Bill, due to be
tabled later in 2007 although likely to be subject to some moderation
during the process, and the Darwin Initiative-led BAP. It also
being used a lever by the Department of Environment to ensure
that the government fulfils its commitments to the environment.
The second is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which the Cayman Islands
became party to through the UK's acceptance on 31 October 1976.
This in the main has been well received for its environmental
intentions, and has been applied fully to the economic hindrance
of the Turtle Farm, now named Boatswain Beach. It is felt that
the sale of specifically-bred turtle meat and products is a part
of Caymanian culture and should not be held in the same light
as the illegal trade in furs for example.
10 October 2007
|
