Following Cabinet approval, Government is seeking new proposals for developing a business case for cruise berthing in George Town as a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for developing a Business Case for the cruise berthing facility was released on Friday, 3 May 2013.

Cabinet also approved Government’s policy directive issued on 5 March for developing Grand Cayman’s cruise berthing as well as improving existing facilities at Spotts Landing. The directive titled Strategic Outline Case for Cruise Berthing in the Cayman Islands is also being released today.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Duncan Taylor, CBE, stated, “I am happy to see that a clearly defined and robust procurement process has begun, and that the Government is committed to an open and transparent process in the development of the cruise berthing facility.”

Tourism Minister the Hon. Cline Glidden Jr., JP, explained, “The policy is intended to support Government’s goal of enabling success in the Islands’ tourism industry. Specifically, it addresses obtaining increased representation on cruise ship itineraries for the Cayman Islands, with a view to developing more tourism opportunities for our people.”

He continued, “A number of benefits will accrue from the project. The construction and development phase, followed by a fully operational facility will generate additional jobs for our people. More importantly, it will deliver significant economic benefits to the Islands, notably improving public revenue and raising the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from increased visitor spending.”

The Minister noted additional benefits include increased opportunity for the continued sustainability and profitability for the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands.

Ministry of Tourism and Development Chief Officer, Mr. Stran Bodden, JP, explained that the procurement process will follow an open, competitive process in keeping with international best practice and the Public Management and Finance Law. The exact number and size of the piers will be developed in the business case, he said.

A competitive procurement process will identify the project’s private sector partner(s) who will be responsible for designing, building and financing the facility. “Operational responsibility will then revert to the Port Authority for strategic reasons,” Mr. Bodden noted.

Funding is through PPP in view of Government’s inability to seek further borrowings. Key stakeholders include Government, the private sector, cruise lines and the public. Identified options include moving the cargo port. The strategic policy document also notes that a major risk involved is environmental impact from construction.