🛳️ Cayman Islands' ACT accuses CPR of bias over cruise berthing facilities

The Association for the Advancement of Cruise Tourism in the Cayman Islands (ACT) has accused the Cruise Port Referendum Cayman (CPR) of bias and scare tactics ahead of a planned government referendum on cruise berthing facilities. The ACT, which has the support of the tourism ministry and wealthy merchants, claimed that cruise tourism supports over 3,000 Caymanians, including tour operators, taxi drivers, retail workers and water sports operators. However, critics argue that many of these workers are not dependent solely on cruise tourism, and a large number are not locals but work permit holders. 🚢

The ACT also accused the CPR of using a survey as a propaganda tool to oppose the cruise berthing facility, claiming the survey's questions were skewed and failed to consider sustainable development methods. However, many locals oppose the idea due to the potential environmental damage and economic cost of developing piers. There is also a belief that reducing Cayman's dependency on cruise ships and transitioning towards overnight visitors would be beneficial for the local economy and environment. 🏝️

While acknowledging environmental risks, the ACT accused the CPR of exaggerating them and claimed that the proposed piers would be built using sustainable techniques. However, critics argue that there is no current plan or project on the table for a pier in George Town or anywhere else. The ACT also claimed that a berthing facility would eliminate daily emissions from ships, but this ignores the changing global attitude towards the cruise sector. The government has yet to offer clear facts or evidence to justify taking the risk of developing berthing facilities. 🌊