Island paradise faces climate disaster, but we’ve got the answer, er, move to Scotland!
Migration plan highlights shared historical ties
‘Culture aligns with seafaring traditions’
IT is a Caribbean paradise with stunning beaches and practically guaranteed year-round sunshine.
But now residents of the Cayman Islands could end up being relocated to Scotland if rising sea levels continue to threaten their homes.
Environmental campaigners have submitted a report to the UK Government proposing a new ‘economic town’ in Scotland to house those fleeing from natural disasters on the islands.
The 102-square-mile British Overseas Territory, south of Cuba, is famed for its tropical marine climate, sunshine, turquoise waters and palm tree-lined shores – while Scotland boasts 265 days of rain a year.
However, Cayman is under a more immediate threat from rising seas and devastating natural disasters which could result in the area being swallowed.
In a bid to avoid the self-governing nation being wiped out, activists at Sustainable Cayman have come up with a draft policy to move its population to Scotland.
The not-for-profit organisation hails the country as the ideal destination for its climate refugees.
However, the Rising Tides Departing Shores Action Plan makes no mention of the less than tropical conditions the newcomers would have to deal with – and the word ‘midge’ has been left out too.
The report claims to offer a ‘holistic and inclusive approach that can serve as a blueprint for global collaboration, extending its positive impact and enabling the planned migration of Caymanians to a new resilient regenerative community in Scotland’.
It adds: ‘For a potential destination, Scotland offers shared British heritage, linguistic ties, and a coastal culture that aligns with Caymanian seafaring traditions. Diplomatic negotiations should explore the feasibility of migration to Scotland, emphasizing historical and cultural connections.
‘Considering the threats, we suggest exploring the establishment of a new economic town in Scotland for British Overseas Territory passport holders.
‘This envisions economic collaboration, emphasizing finance models centred on climate resilience and nature. The strategy aims to secure economic growth while fostering seamless integration, knowledge exchange, and regenerative finance collaboration between migrating Caymanians and Scottish communities.’
The Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – were discovered by Christopher Columbus in the early 16th century, with no significant colonisation until England took formal control in 1670.
A permanent English-speaking population has existed there since the 1730s and the country now has a population of around 81,000 – roughly the size of Paisley.
The climate campaigners have submitted their plan to Westminster, pointing out there are precedents for Britain facilitating mass migration from overseas territories hit by natural disasters.
In 1995 the UK stepped in to aid Montserrat, another Caribbean island, after it was hit by volcanic eruptions. The islanders were offered full British citizenship for
‘Plan for evacuating’
easier migration, while £41million was donated to rebuilding and £24million handed to individual families to pick up the pieces and start afresh.
Sustainable Cayman said: ‘The looming climate crisis has the potential to devastate low-lying islands like ours, and should be a top priority for UK representatives, including starting to plan for evacuating the islands.’