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Compass News
Fish Market Squabble Headed to Court
One landowner is heading to court in a bid to stop government from forcibly acquiring his George Town waterfront property.
Chris Johnson and his company, Shireoak Ltd, have been granted leave for a judicial review of government’s move to take over his land at Red Spot Bay — home to a small fish market, and a popular spot for cruise tourists and locals to swim and sunbathe.
The Grand Court ruled the case has enough merit to proceed and has temporarily blocked the acquisition until a full hearing can be held.
Government says it wants to preserve the site for cultural and community use. But Johnson says their attempt to force a sale sets a “dangerous precedent” — and he’s vowed to take the fight to the highest court if needed.
He argues the site was never intended for commercial use, and says government already owns nearby property that has sat untouched for years.
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Cayman Compass
Landowner granted his day in court in fish market dispute
A landowner fighting government’s attempts to forcibly acquire his waterfront property in order to preserve a local fish market will have his day in court.
Chris Johnson and his family company Shireoak Ltd have been granted leave to apply for judicial review of government’s compulsory purchase of the George Town property.
That means a Grand Court judge has decided his case has enough merit to proceed and a civil hearing will be held to determine if government can compel him to sell the land. An injunction has been granted to block the acquisition until the judicial review hearing has taken place.
The land at Red Spot Bay is used by cruise tourists and some locals as a place to swim or sunbathe. It is also the location of a fish market, which government is seeking to preserve and which Johnson wants moved off the plot.
