🚢 Cayman Islands to hold referendum on cruise berthing facilities

Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan has announced that the Cayman Islands will hold a referendum on the construction of cruise berthing facilities. The vote, approved by the Cabinet, will not address the location, financing, or involvement of cruise lines in the potential facility. Instead, it will be a simple question asking residents if they want the country to build a cruise berthing facility. Bryan has suggested that the question is essentially about whether the country should continue to cater to cruise tourism, as without a pier, larger ships will cease to visit. 🚢

Bryan has promised to present an economic analysis before the vote, expected to take place in October or November. This will outline the implications if the Cayman Islands decide against building cruise dock facilities and the measures future governments will need to take to transition those reliant on the sector to cater to overnight guests. Despite the simplicity of the question, Bryan hopes that by implying minimal environmental damage and no upland development, residents will be more likely to vote in favor. However, critics argue that a 'yes' vote could lead to a future government implementing a major project without further public consultation. 🗳️

According to Bryan, the discussions about the specifics of the project, such as cost, location, and design, should only begin once the people have voted on the principle of cruise infrastructure. He believes that a simple single pier could be financed through a Caymanian-only investment fund. However, he also acknowledges the need to review immigration policies and perhaps even impose a moratorium on work permits in the tourism sector if the decision is made to exit the cruise industry. The tourism minister also highlighted the potential benefits of stay-over tourism, despite its critics. 🏝️