Green Goals and Bold Ideas: Sustainability and the Environment
. From hydroponic farming to energy infrastructure, this seminar was a deep dive into how Cayman is navigating the complex intersection of development, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
The afternoon kicked off with a tour of Primitive Greens, a cutting-edge hydroponics facility tucked away in Newlands. Co-founders Kerry Lawrence and Codi Whittaker showcased how tech-driven agriculture is reshaping local food security—growing leafy greens and mushrooms with minimal water, zero soil, and a whole lot of innovation.
Next stop: CUC’s main site, where participants got a behind-the-scenes look at the island’s energy backbone. With solar integration and grid resilience top of mind, the tour highlighted both the progress and the challenges of transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
The evening seminar, hosted at the Government Administration Building, featured a powerhouse panel of environmental leaders. Jennifer Ahearn, Chief Sustainability Officer for the Cayman Islands Government, brought a systems-level view of how sustainability is being embedded across public sector operations. Her mission? To make government the most climate-resilient employer in the country.
Jason Brown, founder of Island Waste Carriers and Island Recycling, shared his journey from one truck to becoming a national leader in waste management. His work in glass, tire, and food waste recycling is helping shift Cayman toward a circular economy—one bin at a time.
Demoy Nash, Deputy Director of Agriculture, brought the conversation back to the land. With a focus on food security, tree planting, and sustainable farming, he emphasized the importance of local resilience in a world of global supply chain shocks.
Breakout sessions tackled hot-button issues: landfill fires, beach erosion, the scrapped ReGen project, and the delicate balance between development and conservation. Participants explored how Cayman can lead on climate adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism—without losing sight of its natural heritage.
The takeaway? Sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a blueprint. And Cayman’s future depends on bold leadership, smart policy, and a whole lot of collaboration.