Grand Cayman to decide future of cruise ship berthing facility in upcoming referendum

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Government of The Cayman Islands has announced plans to hold a referendum on the construction of a cruise ship berthing facility, a move that has sparked widespread debate on the island in the past.

This announcement was made by Kenneth Bryan, The Cayman Islands’ minister of tourism, during a press briefing at the State of the Tourism Industry (SOTIC) 2024 Conference, now on at the Westin Grand Cayman.

Currently, cruise ships visiting Grand Cayman rely on tenders to transport passengers to shore, as the island lacks a dedicated cruise ship dock. The proposed facility aims to accommodate larger vessels that cannot be tendered, potentially stabilising and even increasing the island’s cruise tourism numbers, which have seen a significant decline of more than 30 per cent in recent years.

While the cruise sector has faced challenges, Grand Cayman has seen positive trends in other areas of tourism. Stopover visitors have increased by 6.5 per cent compared to the same period last year, with a total of 250,699 tourist arrivals so far this year. Repeat business has reached an all-time high of 43.2 per cent, and March 2024 was recorded as the best month of the year to date. The United States remains the largest source market, accounting for 84 per cent of visitors, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom.

Despite the importance of tourism, it only represents 25 per cent of The Cayman Islands’ economy. The island’s economic foundation is diversified, with financial services and real estate playing the most critical roles in its economic stability. This economic diversity allowed The Cayman Islands to weather the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively than many other Caribbean nations.

Bryan emphasised the government’s commitment to balancing environmental concerns with economic sustainability.

GOV’T ANALYSING POTENTIAL IMPACTS

“We are very sensitive about our environment,” he said, highlighting that the decision to build the berth would not be driven solely by economic benefits. He stressed that the government is analysing current industry trends and the potential impacts on both the environment and the economy before making any final decisions.

The upcoming referendum represents a significant shift from the last major push to develop a cruise berth, which was met with substantial public opposition and legal challenges. The previous proposal had been well advanced, with financing secured through a public-private partnership with major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival. However, due to environmental concerns and a lack of clear public support, the project was eventually stalled.

Bryan, who also chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), acknowledged the polarised views on the project within the Caymanian community. He noted that while the cruise industry is important, it is essential to respect the democratic process and the voices of the people.

“We want to ensure that any decision made is in line with the wishes of the Caymanian people,” Bryan stated.

The referendum, expected to take place between October and December 2024, will ask a straightforward question: Should The Cayman Islands build a cruise berthing facility? This approach contrasts with the previous plan, which had already determined specific details such as location and financing.

As the referendum date approaches, the people of Grand Cayman will have the opportunity to shape the future of their island, weighing the potential economic benefits of a new cruise berth against the need to protect their environment for future generations. The decision will also reflect the island’s broader strategy of ensuring sustainable development while maintaining the robust and diverse economy that has made The Cayman Islands one of the Caribbean’s most successful nations.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com