The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) in its role as the private sector voice of the hospitality industry fully recognizes the importance of the cruise industry to the overall economy of the Cayman Islands. Ongoing sustainable development, where a balance is struck between the environmental, economic and social concerns intrinsic to this industry, is of paramount importance to our Islands.

CITA is fully engaged in the process of reviewing and assessing the documentation that has been presented by the Government to date on the creation, implementation and operation of cruise berthing facilities. CITA’s Executive Director has sent to all CITA members a link to the DoE’s website which contains a questionnaire on the Environmental Statement presentation, and other supporting documentation from the EIA and resultant Environmental Statement. CITA Members are encouraged to complete and submit the questionnaire individually. CITA’s Board Directors are reaching out to their sector members to obtain and collate their feedback on the Environmental Statement, the presentation, and the Cruise Berthing Facility proposal in general. CITA leadership has been and will continue to be in very candid and robust dialogue with the Deputy Premier and Ministry of Tourism on this subject, and CITA very much appreciates the consistent forthrightness and accessibility that the Deputy Premier has displayed in our discussions, and ongoing relationships.

We do recognize that there are further steps in the process still to be completed before either the Government or CITA leadership can make a fully educated and informed stance and decision on this undertaking that is of huge national significance.