Cruise vote vital, Chamber says, while raising concerns

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce believes the local business community, especially retailers, has a vested interest in the outcome of the referendum on a cruise port that the government is proposing to hold later this year, given its potential economic impact. But while the business advocacy group believes such a vote is vital, it is raising concerns about the timing of the referendum and the lack of a specific plan for voters to evaluate.

“Without a clear project proposal, businesses may find it challenging to decide on the broader question of cruise berthing,” the Chamber said in a recent newsletter. The business body had offered its support to the project the PPM-led administration was promoting in conjunction with the cruise lines in 2019, which, post-COVID, most people now agree would have been disastrous.

However, even though there is no current project and therefore no urgency, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan wants to hold a vote five months before the next general election instead of holding them both simultaneously, which would be much less costly. This is leading to rising concern — and not just from those who have consistently campaigned against a dock. Even those in favour of a pier appear suspicious about the approach this current Cabinet has agreed upon.

“Cruise tourism is a vital sector, contributing significantly to the local economy, particularly in retail, hospitality, and transportation,” the Chamber stated. However, the data and anecdotal evidence of many people working in tourism, including business owners, have raised questions about how significant cruise tourism really is to the economy.

The Chamber also noted that the development of cruise berthing facilities raises concerns about environmental sustainability, the impact on local infrastructure, and the long-term vision for tourism in the Cayman Islands.

“The Chamber of Commerce acknowledges these complexities and encourages all businesses to consider the referendum’s implications carefully. Business owners, operators, and employees must engage in informed discussions within their organizations and in public forums. By doing so, the business community can ensure that its voice is heard and that the economic realities of any future cruise berthing project are fully understood,” the organisation stated.

Offering support to the principle of public consultation, the Chamber said there are concerns about the timing of the referendum, which is now likely to be set for November, though the minister had previously stated it could be in October.

“With just a few months before the vote, there is limited time for comprehensive public education and debate. This compressed timeline may hinder the ability of businesses and the public to fully understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of cruise berthing, particularly in the absence of a detailed plan.

“Despite these concerns, the Chamber stresses the importance of participation in the referendum. Voting is a fundamental way for businesses and individuals to influence the future direction of the Cayman Islands. Whether in favour of or against cruise berthing, casting a vote ensures that the business community’s perspective is represented in the outcome,” the newsletter stated.

“By staying informed, sharing opinions, and voting in the referendum, the business community can help guide the Cayman Islands towards a sustainable and prosperous future,” the Chamber said. “For the local business community, this referendum is a significant moment that calls for active participation and informed decision-making. The Chamber of Commerce urges its members and the broader business community to engage in the process, share their opinions, and, most importantly, exercise their right to vote.”

Minister Bryan has promised that information about the cruise sector and what Cayman could lose if it does not cater to the leading cruise lines’ demands for a pier will be released shortly so that people can see what a decrease in cruise ship numbers would lead to.

He has stated on a number of occasions that the referendum will be a very simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question asking if voters want a pier. Bryan has implied that voting ‘no’ would be an end to the entire cruise business, a point that is disputed, given the many smaller ships plying the Caribbean and the fact that the industry continues to change.