Source: The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands

Ellio Solomon, Executive Program Manager, ACT

ACT criticizes anti-berthing group for walking away from public dialogue, says Caymanians deserve full transparency on critical tourism decision

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (April 17, 2025) – A public discussion that was expected to bring together opposing views on the Cayman Islands’ cruise berthing referendum was called off.

The Cayman Islands Government forum was originally planned for tonight (Thursday) as a live panel discussion featuring government officials and representatives from both The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands, a group advocating for cruise tourism and cruise berthing infrastructure, and CPR Cayman, which opposes the initiative. However, CPR declined the invitation, citing concerns over the tone and composition of the discussion.

“While we fully support open dialogue and the dissemination of accurate information to the public, we do not believe this particular forum is conducive to a fair and constructive discussion,” CPR Cayman stated, criticizing certain invited participants as demonstrating “a clear disregard for respectful and fact-based discourse.” The anti-pier group also stated that “the presence of the Deputy Premier on the panel, who rather than demonstrating the expected neutrality has been openly aligned with pro-port groups and campaign for a Yes Vote – adds further concern that this forum will not lead to a fair and balanced discussion.” 

The proposed discussion, planned to be broadcast on Radio Cayman and YouTube, was to focus on three referendum topics and feature the Supervisor of the Elections, a representative of the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Deputy Premier.

ACT expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, calling it a “sad day for public discourse” and warning that Caymanians are being denied the opportunity to hear a full and balanced debate on an issue with long-term implications for the country’s economy and environment.

Speaking on “Straight Talk” on Bobo 103.1 FM this afternoon, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Ports Kenneth Bryan expressed his sadness over CPR’s refusal to join the cruise berthing forum, explaining the group had become “political”. “I somewhat feel deflated today based on what I know now is a full bias by the CPR group and their team … and this has nothing to do with the people’s lives that are being affected in cruise (tourism or) a balanced approach to the discussion,” he said.

He added: “This group has become a political group … telling people the country can’t afford (the cruise pier) when they know the models that are available within any proposal for infrastructure can be one that does not [cost the good people of the Cayman Islands one penny].”

“This is bigger than ACT or CPR – it’s about the future of Cayman and the livelihoods of thousands of Caymanians,” said Ellio Solomon, ACT Executive Program Manager. “Refusing to engage in public forums while businesses suffer and the environment continues to degrade is not leadership – it’s obstruction.”

Solomon stressed that a “Yes” vote in the April 30 referendum does not mean construction begins immediately. “A Yes vote is not a green light to build – it’s a green light to explore,” he said. “It allows government to begin responsible planning: environmental studies, public consultations, financing models, and careful design. That process could take several years before any construction begins.”

ACT has positioned the berthing facility as a necessary step to keep Cayman relevant in the modern cruise market, where larger ships increasingly dominate. The group warns that Cayman risks losing its position as an attractive cruise destination if it fails to build infrastructure compatible with mega vessels. “Without a pier, we are watching cruise tourism wither by the day. Businesses are closing. Workers are being laid off. And the cruise lines are clear – the ships are getting bigger, and they will bypass ports that can’t accommodate them,” Solomon noted. 

The Cayman Islands has experienced approximately a 45 percent decline in cruise tourism arrivals since 2019.

Meanwhile, ACT also challenged the environmental rationale behind CPR’s opposition, arguing that anchored ships and tender operations are more damaging than a properly constructed pier. “When ships anchor or use dynamic positioning systems to stay in place while tendering, they burn significantly more fuel and emit more pollutants than when safely berthed. Anchoring also damages the seabed – and the constant use of diesel-powered tenders adds even more emissions at sea level throughout the day. A purpose-built cruise pier reduces fuel use, protects marine habitats, and cuts carbon output – making it a greener, more sustainable option.”

The group took issue with individuals and groups that are against berthing infrastructure without offering clear alternatives. “‘Coulda, shoulda, maybe’ is not a policy,” Solomon said. “Voting ‘No’ shuts the door on even exploring solutions. Voting ‘Yes’ gives us the time and space to find the best path forward – economically and environmentally.”

ACT said it remains willing to participate in any future forum that enables genuine, fact-based public engagement and urged voters to examine the long-term consequences of inaction. “Cayman cannot afford to stand still while the rest of the region moves forward,” Solomon said. “The cost of doing nothing is already being felt across our communities and in our stores.”

About The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands

The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) represents a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to the sustainable and responsible growth of the cruise tourism industry in the Cayman Islands. With members across a broad spectrum of the local economy, including tour operators, merchants, restaurants, bars and transportation providers, ACT advocates for the businesses, entrepreneurs and local stakeholders who benefit from cruise tourism, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions impacting this crucial sector. ACT is also dedicated to educating the public, advocating for balanced policies, and supporting initiatives that drive economic growth while benefiting all residents of the Cayman islands. For more information, visit actcayman.com.

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