Grand Opening of Viewing Platforms at Malportas Pond Bird Sanctuary Celebrated

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands proudly celebrated the grand opening of new viewing platforms at the Malportas Pond Bird Sanctuary in North Side with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government representatives, sponsors, and members of the community. Over 40 guests gathered to mark the occasion and recognise the importance of protecting one of Cayman’s most significant wildlife habitats. The North Side Constituency Office Manager, Felisiana Ebanks, performed the official ribbon cutting, and the Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister of Health, Environment, and Sustainability, was in attendance to show support for the project and the ongoing protection of Cayman’s natural environment. Light refreshments were provided by Zelmalee Ebanks. The new viewing platforms were made possible through the generous support of community partners including Pestkil, Dart, Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), AMR Consulting Engineers, Chad Hextall, and Johnson Design and Architecture. Cayman National (CNB) donated 50 native trees to the site in celebration of their 50th anniversary, while KPMG funded the creation of a butterfly garden. These generous contributions have created a welcoming space where people can experience the sanctuary’s biodiversity and observe Cayman’s wildlife. Malportas Pond forms part of an internationally recognised Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) and provides essential feeding and nesting habitat for both resident and migratory birds. The pond and surrounding vegetation are known to support over 80% of known bird records for the Cayman Islands and are considered a bird-watching hotspot. In addition to birdlife, the site supports a diverse range of native plants and animals, including reptiles, insects, and salt tolerant vegetation adapted to Cayman’s dry coastal conditions. The National Trust acquired land bordering the pond to create a protected wildlife sanctuary where the public can connect with nature while ensuring the long-term conservation of this fragile ecosystem. The addition of viewing platforms is part of the National Trust’s vision of providing educational and recreational opportunities while safeguarding habitats for future generations. And while the project is not yet completely finished, they are already popular with residents and visitors looking for an accessible nature experience. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making these viewing platforms a reality,” said Frank Roulstone, Executive Director of the National Trust. “Malportas Pond is an incredibly special place for wildlife and for our community, and these new structures allow people to enjoy the sanctuary while helping us protect what makes it so important.” The National Trust encourages the public to visit Malportas Pond Bird Sanctuary and experience one of the Cayman Islands’ most treasured natural areas. If you are interested in exploring more National Trust protected areas, bird sanctuaries and hiking trails download our FREE app, to discover 39 National Trust sites including interesting facts and geo maps to their location. For more information visit our website https://nationaltrust.org.ky/get-involved/download national-trust-app/