Respect for each person’s opinion
Patrice Donalds-Morgan writes: Well, the date for the people-initiated referendum on the cruise berthing facility has been set. It’s exciting, isn’t it? This whole process has been a beacon of democracy at work and the Cayman Islands has made history as the first British Overseas Territory to ever bring a people-initiated referendum. As Caymanians, we should be proud.
What I’m not so proud of is the anger and animosity this issue has stirred up within our community. This is not who we are; we are better than this.
Newsflash: I am a Caymanian. I love the environment. I love my country. I support the cruise port project. Guess what? Those four things are NOT mutually exclusive. I can be all of those things all at once.
Sadly, the group who oppose the port project have constructed this narrative that says if you are FOR the port, then you’re against the environment. Even worse, they are employing bullying and intimidation tactics, both subtle and explicit, that have discouraged people from stating any opinion that is contrary to what they are promoting.
I know this for a fact because I’ve talked to many people who support the port project but are reluctant, even afraid, to say anything publicly because they just cannot stomach the backlash and the vitriol that is visited upon them, all because they gave their opinion, something we are ALL entitled to in this country. Some of these people are in the cruise tourism and hospitality industry, while others are, like me, a concerned Caymanian.
Basically, the anti-port group’s message is, our opinion is fact and your opinion doesn’t count because it doesn’t line up with ours. Furthermore, you are a bad person because your opinion about the port is different from ours. This is so disheartening.
The Support Our Tourism group recently posted a video of a young Caymanian in the cruise tourism industry saying she supports the port project. One commenter suggested she is being fed lies and that Support Our Tourism is spreading propaganda. That person said he would like to believe she was stating “an unbiased opinion” but that the source she refers to which made her change her mind might be the people directly involved with the port project.
DUH! And what of it? Isn’t the Cruise Port Referendum brigade doing the same thing? Aren’t they talking to people who might be for the port or on the fence and persuading them to change their minds? Both groups put out their messaging to inform and persuade the community to CONSIDER it and see where they stand – the whole point of a public education campaign and public discourse!
I’m sure that commenter has had conversations with friends and family, giving his opinion on the port in the hope of convincing them over to his side. Let’s not be hypocrites here. Let’s not vilify people who don’t think like us. It’s low-brow strong arming tactics, which is simply beneath us.
Another thing: an “unbiased opinion” is an oxymoron. An opinion by its very nature is biased. Much of what the anti-cruise people are saying is opinion and speculation, too. It’s just as biased because it’s their opinion. Some of it is also misinformation and/or misinterpretation, but I’m not about to jump into that bangarang.
I do have some facts though. Not opinions but facts based on history. Back in 1976, when the current port was proposed by Berkeley Bush, ExCo member for Communications and Works, there was a lot of criticism about the facility, much as there is today. Bush was actually kicked out of government because of his decision to build the port and he was ostracised by the Cayman community.
Everyone said that the port would not withstand the first Nor’wester, and worse yet, it would destroy Seven Mile Beach. Here we are, 43 years, countless nor’westers and one Hurricane Ivan later, and the port is still here, not necessarily operating as well as it should be, but still here. Let’s stop the fear mongering.
As for environmental impact, every time we build any structure on the beach, there is environmental impact. Every time the planning department allows a developer to build a 10-storey condo on Seven Mile Beach, there is environmental impact. Every time we get a cold front, there is environmental impact. Every time a cargo ship comes into port with the goods we need to live or a cruise ship with passengers we need to fortify our tourism industry, there is environmental impact.
When tunnels are built on West Bay Road or the road is diverted to make way for a beachfront hotel, there is environmental impact. Every time a new car is put on the road, there is environmental impact. Even the electric ones have environmental impact. So please don’t come to me with the vaguely constructed and one-sided argument about environmental impact; that ship sailed a long time ago, no pun intended.
I say all of the above to say this: dial down the rhetoric. We are all entitled to our opinion; nobody has the right to make me feel less than because of my opinion, and no one has the right to make me, or you, afraid to state that opinion.
I am a Caymanian. I love the environment. I love my country. I support the cruise port project. I am all of those things all at once. Don’t try to tell me otherwise.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
Category: Viewpoint
This lady seems as bit confused in this viewpoint
One side is critiquing, questioning and holding the gov accountable perfectly normal part of any representative system
The other side wants to simply repeat talking points as gospel and wonder why citizens won’t just sit down and accept them
Instead of demanding everyone make way for your opinion and your position perhaps take a second and figure out why your position needs a combative defense in the first place
Erecting rhetorical walls and and an unquestioning uncritical echochamber serves nothing and no one in the long run
Argument by assertion is the logical fallacy where someone tries to argue a point by merely asserting that it is true, regardless of contradiction. While this may seem stupid, it’s actually an easy trap to fall into and is quite common.
You have your full right to voice your opinion, and I have the full right to think your thoughts are idiotic and contradictory. Amazing how it works right?
Writer’s workshops teach how to write persuasive or argumentative thesis.
This viewpoint is a lengthy complaint filled with anger and emotion. It doesn’t persuade readers to agree with it.
But to be fair, hardly anyone, unless they have majored in public relations/ political debates, knows how to deliver a strong and valid argument.
Late Bo Miller’ “An argument against cruise berthing facilities” is an example of a persuasive argument.
https://www.caymancompass.com/2015/07/30/an-argument-against-cruise-berthing-facilities/
Gone too soon. The country lost a true visionary.
Miss Patrice, I applaud you, for not being fooled by CPR. Younger people are now seeing the truth by simply looking on the internet. Browsing through the Caribbean on how all ports are not destroying the environment. A close enough one is Mexico. Their small island practically as small as Cayman with a larger population has PROVEN the piers did not cause any environmental impact. They also have 5 piers (2 ferryboat piers and 3 large Cruise ship piers). You would think with all the educated people proclaiming they know what is going to happen to the environment that they were all scientists in the field??? Amazing!! Where oh where is their videos on Youtube? Plus as many have seen the only ONE that will be impacted is a Multimillion dollar company. A Caymanian company that have mostly foreigners working for them. They have had their time for decades in the tendering business. Never have they even offered a rain free ride to the ship in decades. Still to this day tourists still stand in line in the sun with elderly, young children, handicapped etc. Definitely not “Caymankind”.
But you’re right, one is afraid by the shouting over when you give your opinion. I hope none of them is going for politics. Cause there will be people who will remember how they were handled. 95% of the people who are against the needed infrastructure for cruise ships don’t benefit from this industry. One member of this group who is possibly seeking a political position did own many stores, did want a cruise sip facility but sold out to the largest investor in Cayman. Wasn’t that an environmental impact? Royal Watler? No one said anything about it?
What about all those ships anchoring on the drop-off ? That started from 1937. So let’s be honest and cut out the story that any of you were worried about the reefs. If you were, why now?
I as scuba diver have seen the difference in the reefs, they are dying in fact they are dying all over the world. Plus they claim sea level is rising, if true that will probably be the cause of less beach. Royal Watler did not cause loss of beach sand on 7 mile beach.
Sorry, but
CPR was not, is not, fooling anyone. They simply want you to vote. Yes or No is up to you. Use your own brain if you think someone tries to fool you.
It is actually funny that so many people blame others when they have no own opinion and disagree with opinions of others.
Vote no . Kurt Christian
Guess what- I am a CAYMANIAN and I love my country, I love my grand children, great grandchildren AND the environment. AND I OPPOSE THE CRUISE PORT AS PRESENTLY PLANNED.
Sorry but I disagree. I respect your right to have an opinion but there is no onus on anyone to respect that opinion.
Thank you Patrice. I support what you said 100%. I would also like to add that the anger and disrespect shown towards the Tourism Minister at the public meeting in South Sound re the CBF made me scared for the first time that violence would erupt at such an event. After that I have been very careful when it comes to speaking out on this subject. I have also watched and listened in shame as commenters have vilified and crucified the Capt Eldon Kirkconnell family without many of them even knowing the family or the honorable person that the Captain is.Shameful.So thank you once again Patrice for speaking up for those of us too scared to speak.
Cayman Kind. I though you know each other, stand one for another, support one another. United we stand, they say.
However Patrice’s viewpoint has no clear thesis or sound reasoning, her claims are not supported by evidence.
She has long way to go to really make an impact. One can improve debating skills by learning how to create a persuasive argument if it doesn’t come naturally.
If you heard the way a radio talk show hosted behaved at times recently with verdant group you would be shocked. The frustration should be targetted at the government, not the group bidding to build the port. It was a very disrespectful peice of showboating and a sign of where this is all heading.
I oppose the port and am not in any “group.” I suspect most of us are not. Signing the petition does not mean I am in a group either. It was the only way to do anything about the “group” of politicians and their main contributors pushing this dock forward without telling the truth.
The port will bring jobs to the people. I am still waiting to see that list of jobs.
There will be jobs, but wait and see how many Caymanians (born and bred) not imported, will be employed. The government is only interested in the work permit fees.
“Provide job opportunities for caymanians” Now that’s a load of bull shit for you.
I read this and just got angry.
I’m sorry Patrice if you feel/felt bullied by anyone. I’m equally sorry that the treatment you received has probably contributed to your decision to support thus project.
The reason I say this is because if you really searched for truth you would find that the Government has not provided much information for ANYONE to make an informed decision on the project.
Their blatant disrespect to the electorate in treating us like idiots must be ok with you as well?!
I’m Caymanian and I also love the environment and I feel like it would be idiotic of me to destroy something that literally cannot be replaced.
Are you ok with the knowing that they are trying to relocate the coral but nothing is in place to address the reefs that will also be wiped out? Do you know how long it takes coral to grow?
What about the facts that it’s been proven that almost all relocated coral will likely die after relocation? What happens to all of the animal life that surround these corals, are they being relocated as well?!
What will they do to the infrastructure in George Town to facilitate this port? How will traffic be handled? Will we be denied access to Town on busy cruise ship days?
I worked in tourism for many years. I left because the money was sad at best. I’m not making money in the financial industry and would still go back to tourism any day they could pay me even half of what I make now.
I believe wholeheartedly that we Caymanians are servers and in the best way possible. I loved my job and I was great at it. I loved talking about and sharing the stories of my beautiful island.
The motto on our flag reads ‘He hath founded it upon the seas’. WHat happens when we destroy the one thing that we is so much a part of our life and heritage.
The old seamen I’m sure are all turning in their graves.
I do not support this project for the below reasons and I was not bullied or coerced by anyone. I literally read all that I could on what has been going on and researched what has happened with other islands where ports were built. I didn’t just read though. I have friends in the tourism sectors of Honduras and in Jamaica who were able to tell me first hand the effects the ports have had on their jobs as well as their islands and though they are not experts I did not hear a good thing.
Reasons I don’t support the port:
1. I do not have enough information on the proposed design and destruction of the underwater environment to make a comfortably informed decision;
2. I feel like our Tourism product should concentrate on exclusivity since we are such a small island;
3. I live in Bodden Town and I am not for anything that will contribute to traffic getting worse in any way;
4. I LOVE this island and I refuse to consider continuing to destroy it when we have developers and a useless government doing just that with no retribution or consequences;
5. I’m concerned because Alden is in charge, his track record should not make anyone comfortable with this;
6. Why all the secrecy?!;
7. I remember the days I used to swim in George Town Harbour, there was actually sand and a little beach out there, I don’t want to see it destroyed any further.
8. What proof/guarantee/study do we have that any of the information that Government has said will come to fruition?
9. See point 1.
I hope that irregardless of how we all feel that we try to support and respect each other’s decision, which is more than we can ask of our own elected Government.
I hope that everyone will go out and vote (even if it’s a yes) just to exercise our democratic rights to do so.
I do hope that sensibility and not the almighty dollar prevails but that will have to be seen.
I don’t want to be the person in a few years having to say, ‘I told you so’ because I can tell you the devastation to these islands will force us all to have to relocate.
Truthfully,
S. Coulburn
I love Cayman too, but sometimes love is not enough. Sometimes we have to take very strong actions. When I first spoke with the CPR group outside Hurleys, I deliberately asked the lady manning the booth ” is this Referendum for or against. Her response was refreshing. She said ” that would be up to you, we are out here asking for your signature so that you will have your say whether you are for or against”. I stopped by on a few occasions after that and I heard her telling others exactly what she told me. They gave us as much information as they could, considering the way information is being withheld. Thank you CPR, much appreciated.
Firstly, as a general principle, not all opinions are to be respected – especially the opinions that have nothing backing them. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that doesn’t mean that I have to respect it. If an opinion is backed up by facts and evidence, I would respect it, even is it is different from my own. But there’s no rule saying that I MUST respect another’s opinion.
Now, with regard to the port, the pro-government side hasn’t released any evidence to back up its claims. However, I have seen reports and documents and evidence for the anti-port side.
If you want to sway my opinion (which is the reason we share opinions to begin with), please bring evidence. Until then, I don’t have to respect your pro-port opinion.
-Selah
Ms. Patrice what if they go ahead and build this mega port and all the destruction happens? Will you still be ok with that? Once it’s done it’s done.
I respect Patrice and her well-written commentary. However, I think there is a massive contradiction in caring about Cayman’s natural environment and supporting the port proposal.
And it doesn’t make sense to justify harming the environment because we already harm the environment.
Respect Patrice, but ask yourself where does all this end? At what point will we stop cutting down trees, ripping up mangroves, and pouring concrete? Do you honestly imagine that the port would be the last big destructive development? Unless we wake up and grow up, there will alway be another project. It will continue until Grand Cayman has nothing more to offer.
#lame
So much yapping about the port.
Great job owner of the tender boats.
Think of great countries and think which of them don’t have a port.
Think of the money earned by the tender boats by not having a port.
In my opinion, a great country, should have a decent port.
We are a tiny island – not a great country. We don’t have our own armed forces either…so you think we need our own Air Force/navy/army.
Week argument for wrecking our natural resources, without which we would be a tiny poor island, as there would not be any stay over tourists.
We do not need more cruise ship passengers.
We do not need a bigger dock.
We do need to preserve what we have.
Exactly, why blatantly destroy our undersea treasures to get more concrete and more hordes of broke people, that surely will never make us great. Personally I prefer quaint and prosperous to great and gaudy. Grand Cayman is an island, 8 x 27 sq. miles. A nice little verdant isle suits me fine.
…”We don’t have our own armed forces either…” Problem fixed today. A Bermuda Regiment is being created with the assistance of the British Army. The Coast Guard is also being done. All we need now is a modern port.
Please post or include a link to any evidence that C.M.S which operates the ship tender operation , has contributed negatively about the cruise berth expansion project , or has supported and promoted the discussion of the referendum ? As we are discussing the validity of facts. As your comment has considerable up-votes, I am sure some of the now +40 commenters may have something to contribute on this.
To the people of Cayman : Anyway you chose to vote for or against the cruise berth and cargo expansion project in the upcoming referendum, make sure your vote reflects valid facts , which can be verifiable & substantiated. The issue is too important to just use emotional reasons & rallying around personalities for the vote.
I feel your pain, however:
“As for environmental impact, every time we build any structure on the beach, there is environmental impact. Every time the planning department allows a developer to build a 10-storey condo on Seven Mile Beach, there is environmental impact. Every time we get a cold front, there is environmental impact. Every time a cargo ship comes into port with the goods we need to live or a cruise ship with passengers we need to fortify our tourism industry, there is environmental impact.
When tunnels are built on West Bay Road or the road is diverted to make way for a beachfront hotel, there is environmental impact. Every time a new car is put on the road, there is environmental impact. Even the electric ones have environmental impact. So please don’t come to me with the vaguely constructed and one-sided argument about environmental impact; that ship sailed a long time ago, no pun intended.”
I will never, EVER, understand this argument. Because other ongoing activities have environmental impacts we should never raise concerns about any other environmental impact? We shouldn’t take into account that there are different levels of environmental impact and some things (such as, say, a port) will have a massive environmental impact compared to, say, a new condo? We should pretend that this particular environmental impact doesn’t negatively affect attractions that generate hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue for the country?
What kind of argument is that?
“Newsflash: I am a Caymanian. I love the environment. I love my country. I support the cruise port project. Guess what? Those four things are NOT mutually exclusive. I can be all of those things all at once.”
They are mutually exclusive. You can’t say you care for the environment yet support a project that will destroy coral reefs. Dredge up silt and sand that will damage even more marine life. Cause pollution into the water into Hog Sty Bay. There are many reasons why this port will be bad for the environment.
“I know this for a fact because I’ve talked to many people who support the port project but are reluctant, even afraid, to say anything publicly because they just cannot stomach the backlash and the vitriol that is visited upon them, all because they gave their opinion, something we are ALL entitled to in this country. Some of these people are in the cruise tourism and hospitality industry, while others are, like me, a concerned Caymanian.”
A truly “Concerned Caymanian” would do more research and understand that this port is not the right plan for this island. No EIA or any real information has come out from the government to even consider a yes vote at this stage. There are just too many unknowns. People are passionate about rejection of this cruise berthing terminal as it comes across as a big money grab for the government.
“Basically, the anti-port group’s message is, our opinion is fact and your opinion doesn’t count because it doesn’t line up with ours. Furthermore, you are a bad person because your opinion about the port is different from ours. This is so disheartening.”
Not true, we encourage people like you who don’t have all the information to change your mind about this port. If you still vote yes after really reading all the information, I don’t know what else to tell you. That’s how obvious the choice is to vote no. The facts stand with the protesters in this case. There isn’t any evidence to show this port will be a good thing for the Cayman Islands. $450 million out of the country while the dump continues to get larger and larger. Government wants to talk about national importance, yet they do nothing about the thing that is more important to fix than the port! Why? Because there’s money for them to be made in the port and no money to be made at the dump. Even though its a much more important problem to deal with. This government doesn’t care about Caymanians, they care about their own personal bottom line.
“DUH! And what of it? Isn’t the Cruise Port Referendum brigade doing the same thing? Aren’t they talking to people who might be for the port or on the fence and persuading them to change their minds? Both groups put out their messaging to inform and persuade the community to CONSIDER it and see where they stand – the whole point of a public education campaign and public discourse!”
Because it is such a big hill to climb that’s why. The government has stacked the deck so they will always win. We can’t allow that. We have to show Cayman why this port is one of the worst ideas to actually come real since they started making buildings higher than the treeline. The government doesn’t have an argument more than “build the port or you don’t support tourism” which is frankly ridiculous. If you don’t see the obvious corruption going on here, I can’t help you.
“I say all of the above to say this: dial down the rhetoric. We are all entitled to our opinion; nobody has the right to make me feel less than because of my opinion, and no one has the right to make me, or you, afraid to state that opinion.”
You know what they say about opinions right? Everyone has one. I urge to look at the facts and base your decision on those facts. The fact is, the government has none and the opposition has lots. Vote no on December 19th. Show the government they can’t rule this island like Kings. The people matter.
A truly concerned Caymanian cares about people and their livelihoods too.
I could make the same argument that saying no to the dock is mutually exclusive from caring about people and their children. Very silly rhetoric.
The port will not make life better for most Caymanians. To say otherwise is disingenuous at best.
Without the new cruise terminal livelihoods will not be impacted. With it you will be importing more expats to build it. More pressure on rental units.
What pressure on rental units we don’t know where this imported labor will stay as we do not have all the facts the Verdant Isle company who won the the contract may subcontract to the Chinese Harbor company and then there will be no accommodation worries and no jobs for Caymanians. So far all is see from the Government is smoke and mirrors
This argument is pretty silly.
People who make their living from cruise passengers and currently work on the dock, what are they going to do during the construction phase of the current proposed port??
The gov’t estimates that it will take 4 (+ years cos nothing ever finishes on schedule) to build what they are proposing. Ships will be directed to Spotts, or will miss Cayman altogether. 4+ years of that!
What are these people going to do? How are they going to stay in business? My dad works on the port currently as a vendor, once construction begins and tenders can’t come that way, he is out of a job.
Vote NO come December 19th.
There is a solution to our need for improved infrastructure and continuous development of our cruise tourism, BUT THAT AINT IT!
VOTE NO
Those of us living in the eastern districts should go ahead and rent our homes as AIrB&B and try to rent a little apartment or cotchup with family or friend further down in Savannah, lowervalley, prospect etc. if the ships will be mooring at Spotts along with the traffic as it is now we will never get to work. PLEASE VOTE NO!!
No bobo.. the port will not be closed for 4 years so stop promoting that idea. Just as in the past when work was carried out on the dock it will continue to operate.
“Sadly, the group who oppose the port project have constructed this narrative that says if you are FOR the port, then you’re against the environment. Even worse, they are employing bullying and intimidation tactics, both subtle and explicit, that have discouraged people from stating any opinion that is contrary to what they are promoting.”
Patrice, you are correct and I respect you for your opinion because I can agree to disagree but the “employing bullying and intimidation tactics, both subtle and explicit” comment? What about the very beginning, the CIG’s withholding of information, back door dealing and misleading propaganda PR campaign funded by public funds against the public to tell them if they are anti-port they are anti-Caymanian?
Maybe the reason people against the port are like they are is because they are fed up of being a mushroom. You know, kept in the dark and fed a lot of crap?
I am against the port and have never bullied or gave backlash to anyone who was, I like I said, like to agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Funny how there are no articles about how the opposition government members were going door to door with the CPR special interest lobby group to convince people to sign. If the politician from your constituency shows up on your door step, there is huge intimidation to sign ESCPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A CIVIL SERVANT!!!
Signing the petition just meant you wanted to know all the information then have a referendum.
“ESCPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A CIVIL SERVANT!!!”
Being a civil servant makes you more likely to feel intimidated into signing a petition against government’s explicitly stated plans???
Signing to have a referendum had nothing to do with a yes or no vote. Those of you who think that obviously have no clue about what is going on…
Members of the Opposition went with the CPR group to introduce them to their constituents. Nothing wrong with that. Please talk about all the money, our money, that the government, obviously your government spends on their Ads trying to convince us to support the port. Are you ok with that?
yes 4.15 I am ok with Government spending money to inform of their reasons why we need that port expansion. The CPR leaders should be ok with it too as they have been requesting that Government educate the voters on the CBF and cargo dock.Nothing is free so this will cost money. If CPR leaders do not want Government to pay with public funds then the CPR leaders can offer to pay for it with private funds . I am ok with that too as long as they do not attempt to control what Government can say.
XXXX I admire this person for disclosing her name and not being afraid to express her point of view when nearly everybody else, myself including, is hiding behind Anonymous.
Patrice write a view point about being bullied if you are for the port and what happens? a bunch of bullies, left wing liberals and wannabe politicians show up to tell her that her opinion is garbage and she is a kool aid drinking fool.
There are a ton of supporters for the port, but trust me, as one of them myself, I don’t like even talking about the port neutrally in public because of this very same issue.
I will be voting yes in the beautiful, unbullied comfort of the polling box.
Why bother. Just take the day for Christmas shopping and automatically get your yes vote cast. I would urge you to reconsider because this project is terrible for the island. I’m not gonna list the million reasons why right here but the anti port information is quite compelling.
And if that is not a good example of the corruption of politics I don’t know what it. How can a vote that is not used be an automatic yes or no to anything. That is not real democracy but a perversion. Can you imagine the pro-porters outcry if an unused vote was a automatic no?
What is really puzzling about these Activist bullies is that while they cry out for transparency they are really speaking Oita the side of Dey mouth. Who is really Funding the whole movement , what is their budget how much have they spent? Are they being backed by people who may be affected by building the Piers.
The Public needs to know the truth because you never know somebody’s windshield may get plastered , not just with that but also other things now or when you run hmm ,
not threathening just following Dey modus operandi . Yeah M& M yeah!
I think we can all (including the author of this viewpoint) agree, we all have priorities and for a certain set sometimes a government contract is worth more than the legacy we will leave to our grandchildren.
Very good Viewpoint and I 100% agree
Fellow Caymanian
Even if this project would have zero environmental impact, it is simply not needed, for its positive value to the economy of the Cayman Islands would be negligible.
All pro-port rhetorics are based on emotions and wishful thinking.
Premier and Minister of Tourism have engaged themselves in a pissing contest with people of the Cayman Islands.
Sooo you went to university to be unemployed? Building this dock will preserve and increase jobs. Not building the dock will decrease jobs. So arguing that the wage is too low…one thing I can tell you is something is better than nothing.
Not true in the slightest. There is no evidence this port will bring in more money to the island. In fact, it’s going to cost more than any benefits it will bring.
Jobs huh? Be specific.
You mention how everything we do impacts our environment (whether that be a condo going up, new cars on the road or a new port, etc.) – my question to you is, at what point do we say “enough is enough”?
For me, this port is that point. I am tired of seeing this island I am so proud of to call my home turned into some developers dream. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for progress because we need to stay competitive but at what cost? You are right, every condo that goes up has an impact – that needs to be strongly considered for the future of the island. You are also right, every new car on these roads has an environmental impact and that too needs to be considered for the future of our islands. We are past the point of blind acceptance of greed-filled development.
What I want to see for this island is more transparent, conscious planning that considers progress and what that means now and for the future and in my humble opinion, this port project has yet to do that.
7:34 if you don’t build the dock your Grand children will have to!
Excellent article! Cayman will be surprised at the vote for the piers just as the US was surprised by the election of Trump. I am not a Trump supporter, but the analogy holds. When people are criticized and shamed, with the full support of the media, they clam up publicly but react forcefully when afforded the opportunity to vote anonymously.
What Mr. Berkley Bush built is small scale and land based on the ironshore Nothing in comparison to this thing being proposed. Do not take the propaganda of one eleted Bush from West Bay, made recently, to underscore the salient points of respect that you make. Those two are most definitely mutually exclusive. That political dinosaur need to go sorta-like yesterday. Finally, to water-down the struggles of the caymanian people to call for a hold up for now on the unbridled risky destruction by sighting our other failures (such as proper planning) is a bit disingenuous at best; and certainly, no grounds as justification for continuing this run-away nightmare we call progress and development. That’s is my opinion now. Thanks for sharing yours.
Oh Ooooooooo….look out, here they come now.
I am a generational Caymanian. I did not go to university to work for Carnival or Royal Caribbean for $1400 a month. I am better than that. We are all better than that.
My point exactly! I want to be able to rise through the ranks of my corporate job and some day enjoy the luxuries that this place I call home has to offer. Currently, not many Caymanians can, and most Caymanians in the Tourism Industry live pay cheque to pay cheque. Most will never become entrepreneurs and have their own company now. Even less chances with this port built.
My Caymanian Son makes $6 dollars Per Hour in the hospitality industry, guess where his tips come from? STAYOVERS, not cruise passengers, this month his paycheck was CI$500, why does our youth have to suffer because of our poor decision making? Our sons and daughters can no longer live comfortable on this island; rent, electricity, food, gas, water combined are outrageous, if i don’t help my son he can’t even afford rent. Please think about our children, we need to fix our internal problems like cost of living before even thinking about the stupid port that will only benefit waterfront stores and not even because cruise ship passengers do not spend off that boat when they have everything included. WAKE UP CAYMAN!
Cruise passengers visit the island, get to see what it has to offer, then return as STAYOVERS. The cruise industry bring people directly to our shores therefore I would argue that it’s a direct form of advertising for potential STAYOVERS.
Ask DOT for those statistics. A large percentage of cruise passengers could never afford the cost of accommodation on this Island. They go on cruises to take advantage the all inclusive feature and the multi-jurisdictional journey. Have you checked the price of a hotel room during high season?
There is really not a lot of overlap between stay over tourists and cruisers. Cruisers don’t grow brains and lose 100 pounds before coming down as stay over. They’re different subspecies of human being.
You’re wrong and a bully. I work along the SMB corridor and meet people daily that say they first came via cruise then decided to return as a stay over.
9:56 can you explain in detail what having a port have to do with your son problems?
Very biased opinion but everybody is entitled to one…
There are non so blind that will not see…
Rather than being biased or being accusatory it would be good if we could make these decisions based on facts, true figures and not speculation and innuendos. Neither side has the information to make an informed decision but I will err on the side of the status quo.
If Government can give me something other than a pretty drawing and empty promises then maybe you could get me to change my mind but my late father always told me that promises are comfort to a fool. The government has not had a good track record with completing projects on time and on budget, ie the $200M schools and the already outdated and undersized and over budget airport. I have children and I cannot afford to see my country once again placed in a position where the UK takes over our budget and tells us what we can spend…
If the government had been open and transparent during the entire process they wouldn’t be in the mess they are in now
I will be voting no and so will thousands of others you all have brought this on yourselves
With undemocratic plans, ignoring people’s concerns and sheer arrogance
10:12 you will not have a year to get those noes!
Hopefully about 11 thousand of us…
“The other side are evil liars and bullies. Dial down the rhetoric”
Lol
So lets just get this straight, you haven’t seen the finalized plans, the updated EIA, the geo-technical study which has not yet been done, or heard all the details about the project or the 25 year contract yet here you are dismissing people who have legitimate concerns about this project and making nonsense arguments about why the damage here doesn’t matter because everything is damaging.
I have to admit it is hilarious seeing people like you come out against vague arguments while backing a government that has hid information at every possible opportunity, that refused to hold meetings updating people on the project, or made promises to appear at meetings or reveal information and then failed to do so.
You are the type of voters that the government is relying on to step up to spread completely illogical defenses of this project.
Its quite embarrassing to see someone unapologetically spreading nonsense and acting as if they are being reasonable.
Newsflash: You can write “I love the environment” as many times as you want, at this point pro-port supporters claiming to care about the environment is about as convincing a convicted criminal promising never to commit a crime again if they are let off the hook. Its an empty platitude.
Someone who cares about the environment wouldn’t be giving a government with a horrible track record on developments carte blanche on the largest capital project in our history without seeing the details and the information on all aspects.
The same government that is currently in the process of slashing environmental protection laws to help their business interests in construction and further development.
So you’ll have to forgive me if your claims of caring for the environment are dismissed for the hot air they are
You people are the voters the PPM loves
as a former MLA put it: ” Keep em dumb, keep em under your thumb”
Excellent comment! Thank you.
9:48 I listen to certain anti port people speaking with fork tongue on the talk shows when question, making sure they will be on what ever the winning side.
What about the Environment, Coral, and Beach then?
When the V isle group was here a few weeks ago and making their rounds. Why [didn’t] the anti port CPR ask them questions. This was there opportunity to get there questions answered instead they accused the group of interferring. Well the group was here and willing to be transparent they did nothing because CPR kniow what they are saying are not facts and do not want to hear the fcts from the horses mouth.
The people voted for our government that are driving the project NOT the winning bidders Verdant Isle Port Partners. It is disrespectful for the elected government to delegate their responsibilities to any third party.
The government should be sharing all the information about the project with the people not hiding behind Verdant Isle and the cruise lines with a track record of pollution violations and breaches of environmental laws.
Did the government do any due diligence on Verdant Isle before awarding them preferred bidder status?
https://caymannewsservice.com/2019/10/cruise-lines-still-polluting/
12:30 For you anti Port people what information can the Government have
that y’all don’t know about?
when everyday you can preach in detail every aspect of the project!
Do you have any more then pretty pictures, promises of jobs for Caymanians and demolition of the dives sites and coral in the GT Harbor???
Not enough information for me to vote yes…
Oh yes please do tell how your voice is being stiffed when every level of government has been pushing for this project for the past 5 years, when the government has spent almost a quarter of a million dollars pushing pro-port propaganda
With lies such as any vote whatsoever would stop the project: https://caymannewsservice.com/2018/09/ministry-claims-cruise-port/
yet there is now a planned vote and the deal is still on the table
You are entitled to your own nonsensical opinions Patrice, but some of us rely on facts
and you most certainly are not entitled to your own facts
Well said Patrice. I am tired of being called a “cool aid drinker”, or a “pigeon with a handler” just because I support the cruise and cargo dock. I am tired of honest individuals who were elected and who work to better Cayman being called corrupt. I’m tired of of the misinformation – the Chinese have the contract- the cruise lines won’t do a deal – the cargo port is being moved – or the cargo port was never part of the original plan.
Patrice thank you. What you said needed saying. I too am Caymanian and care about the environment. But I also care about people and I support the cruise and cargo port.
If you cannot see the corruption, no one can help you.
If it’s so blatantly obvious why haven’t you or anyone reported it to relevant authorities?
Because hearsay and conspiracies =/= factual evidence
Until we have respectable and honest MLA’s that are part of the current government and willing to enact the SIPL law then nothing can be done about it. If that doesn’t scream corruption in your face, again no on can help you.
This government loves people like you.
The Cargo port is a distraction. The issue is the cruise berthing facility. Dont be stupid, read and gather info and you will see why this is such a bad idea.
Patrice, thanks for your viewpoint.
However, if you support a project without having full financial disclosure of the deal, your viewpoint in favour of the project is just as weightless as that of someone against it.
Withouts facts, government creates a polarising situation that is fueled by misinformation on both sides.
“…if you are FOR the port, then you’re against the environment.” Did they actually said that?
“…. they are employing bullying and intimidation tactics, “ Really? May be they’re are just expressing their opinion to which, as you say, everyone is entitled to? Without hard core facts it is just a hearsay. Can you please support your statement with some facts?
your 5th paragraph is just empty, generalized talk about some mysterious people who are afraid. Can’t they speak for themselves?
I guess, I’ll stop here, for your entire comment delivers what you are trying to accuse others in. Pure baloney, in other words.
You love the environment and you support deliberately destroying 12 acres of incredible coral to build a stupid dock. LOL. Sorry but I didn’t read any further.
me either …
People make decisions based on momentary feeling and not on some sound understanding of how those decisions will improve or hurt their life.
Frankly, I’d say, go ahead with your project and learn from your own mistakes, as fools do.
I’ll be an observer from now on. I love good entertainment. Can’t wait for the show to begin.