🚢 Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce stresses importance of cruise port referendum
📊 Business community urged to consider economic implications of vote
The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has emphasized the significance of the upcoming referendum on a proposed cruise port for the local business community, particularly for retailers. The Chamber believes the vote could have a substantial economic impact, but has expressed concerns about the timing of the referendum and the absence of a specific plan for voters to assess. It has urged businesses to consider the implications of the referendum carefully and engage in informed discussions. 🗳️
The Chamber previously supported a project proposed by the PPM-led administration in conjunction with cruise lines in 2019, which many now agree would have been catastrophic in a post-COVID world. Despite there being no current project and therefore no urgency, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan plans to hold the vote five months before the next general election, rather than concurrently, raising concerns among both opponents and supporters of a dock. The Chamber has also highlighted concerns about environmental sustainability, the impact on local infrastructure, and the long-term vision for tourism in the Cayman Islands. 🛳️
Despite these concerns, the Chamber has stressed the importance of participation in the referendum, stating that voting is a fundamental way for businesses and individuals to influence the future direction of the Cayman Islands. The Chamber has urged its members and the broader business community to engage in the process, share their opinions, and exercise their right to vote. Minister Bryan has promised that information about the cruise sector and the potential impact of a decrease in cruise ship numbers will be released shortly. 🗺️
