Chamber says Cruz vote crucial, but also causes concerns: Cayman News Service

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

“Without a clear project proposal, businesses may find it difficult to make decisions on the wider cruise berthing issue,” the chamber said in a recent newsletter. The chamber supported the project promoted by the PPM-led government in 2019 in conjunction with cruise lines, but most now believe it would be a disaster in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, despite the fact that 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, rather than holding two votes at the same time, which would be much cheaper. This has caused growing concern – not just among those who have always opposed the pier. Even those who support the pier have expressed doubts about the approach agreed by the current cabinet.

The chamber said: “Cruising is a key industry that contributes significantly to the local economy, particularly in the retail, hospitality and transportation sectors.” However, data and anecdotal evidence provided by many in the tourism industry, including business owners, raises questions about how important cruising is to the economy.

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

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

The chamber supported the principle of public consultation and said there were concerns about the timing of the referendum, which is currently likely to be in November, although the minister had previously indicated it could be in October.

“With only a few months until the vote, there is limited time for comprehensive public education and debate. This compressed timeline may prevent businesses and the public from fully understanding the potential pros and cons of cruise ship berthing, especially in the absence of a detailed plan.

“Despite these concerns, the Chamber stresses the importance of participating in the referendum. Voting is a fundamental way for businesses and individuals to influence the future direction of the Cayman Islands. Whether for or against cruise ship berthing, voting ensures that the results reflect the views of the business community,” the newsletter reads.

“By staying informed, sharing their views and participating in the referendum, the business community can help steer the Cayman Islands towards a sustainable and prosperous future,” the Chamber said. “This referendum is an important moment for the local business community and requires active engagement and informed decision-making. The Chamber urges its members and the wider business community to engage in the process, share their views and, most importantly, exercise their right to vote.”

Minister Bryan promised that information would be released soon about the cruise industry and the losses that the Cayman Islands could suffer if it did not meet the major cruise lines’ demands for docks so that people would understand what the consequences would be of a reduction in the number of cruise ships.

He has said repeatedly that the referendum will be a very simple “yes” or “no” question asking voters whether they want the marina. Bryan has suggested that a “no” vote would mean the end of the entire cruise industry, but that view is controversial because there are many small ships in the Caribbean and the industry is still changing.