News

Disembarkation and conversion: Cruise tourism myths?

March 21, 2025

In a panel discussion at the RF Cayman Economic Outlook conference on 14 March, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Kenneth Bryan made several statements about cruise passenger tourism and the consequences for the Cayman economy if cruise berthing infrastructure isn’t built.

The dilemma over cruise tourism

March 21, 2025

One of the sessions at the RF Economic Outlook conference held 14 March at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa was a panel discussion about the controversial cruise ship berthing facility.

Dukharan: ‘Mega ships not a panacea’

March 20, 2025

One of the main reasons suggested by proponents of building cruise berthing facilities on Grand Cayman is that the 43% decline in cruise arrivals seen between 2019 and 2024 is because the larger-class “mega ships” are bypassing the Cayman Islands.

Economist questions need for cruise berthing infrastructure

March 19, 2025

In a comprehensive analysis released this month, economist Marla Dukharan raises significant questions about the proposed development of cruise berthing infrastructure in the Cayman Islands, just weeks before voters decide on the issue in an April 30 referendum.

Royal Caribbean and other cruise stocks are sinking right now

March 18, 2025

Cruise lines have been hit by multiple waves of bad news recently. First, in February, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick vowed to pursue foreign-flagged cruise lines and require them to start paying more taxes in the U.S.

Bryan warns of risks if cruise berth rejected, as opponents critique absence of details

March 17, 2025

Deputy Premier Kenneth Bryan has warned that not building a cruise berth in the Cayman Islands could lead to a decline in business revenues, a rise in unemployment and an increase in crime.

Cruise vote illogical without details, CPR founder argues

March 17, 2025

One of the founders of the non-profit group Cruise Port Referendum Cayman (CPR), which is campaigning for a ‘no’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the development of cruise berthing facilities in the Cayman Islands, said the government’s decision to put the question to voters without giving them any idea of what those facilities would look like, how or where they would be built, how much they would cost or how they would be funded is illogical.

CPR not asked to contribute to Referendum Hub

March 14, 2025

The Cayman Islands Government has created an online Referendum Information Hub as the central platform for the public to access official information, records and data related to the upcoming referendum. This webpage is designed to provide transparency and ensure that voters have access to key details that can help them make informed decisions.

Cruise dock won’t solve problem of decline, says economist

March 3, 2025

As Cayman voters prepare to answer the referendum question about whether or not the Cayman Islands Government should develop cruise berthing facilities, respected regional economist Marla Dukharan has presented a report challenging the idea that it would be the answer to the declining cruise calls.

CPR Cayman

1 week ago

Missing referendum law paves way for misinformation(CNS): As the opposing campaigns for the referendum on whether or not the government should construct cruise berthing facilities heat up, CPR Cayman activists, who are advocating for a ‘no’ vote, say that signs being used by ACT, the group campaigning for a ‘yes’, are misleading the public about the question voters are being asked.Since there is no general referendum law, there is no way to hold anyone to account for the misinformation now being peddled, the local grassroots activists said in a press release on Friday.CPR said that signs stating “Vote Yes for Cruise Tourism” that are being posted by the ‘yes’ campaign infer that voting ‘no’ for cruise berthing would be voting against cruise tourism as a whole.“This is not at all a part of the referendum question and is clearly and intentionally aimed at misleading the public that a vote against cruise berthing is a vote against cruise tourism. They are not the same,” a spokesperson for CPR said.In response to their concerns about the misleading signs, Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell explained that his office could do nothing about misinformation.“There are no provisions in the Referendum Act or the applicable sections of the Elections Act that make it illegal or unlawful to erect a sign or issue a broadcast, for that matter, which is viewed as misleading in relation to a referendum question. I therefore have no legal authority to address your concern,” he told the activists.The Referendum Act that Howell referred to is the law brought to parliament by the UPM minority government and passed with the support of the PPM opposition. That legislation made no provisions for managing campaign financing or laying down rules about how campaigns should be conducted.As a result, anyone campaigning on any of the three referendum questions, including those relating to a national lottery and the decriminalisation of ganja, can spend as much money as they like and do not have to declare their sources of funding, not even money from overseas, such as from the cruise lines, which can influence the vote here and say whatever they like with impunity.While the elections legislation regulates all aspects of general elections, including candidates’ expenses, advertising and disclosures, the government passed the Referendum Bill without any regulations for that national poll.CPR had argued against holding this particular referendum because the government has never enacted a general referendum law to govern the rules and equality relating to both people-initiated and government-initiated referendums and the related campaigns.The activists have consistently called for a fair referendum process in accordance with good governance principles and best international practice. Without that law, people have been allowed to act in ways that violate those principles beyond breaking point.“Misleading information should be regulated, and there should be recourse to challenge thisinformation. The people of the Cayman Islands deserve to have a fair and equitable referendumprocess,” CPR said.At the heart of the issue is that those campaigning for a pier somewhere on Grand Cayman are conflating the referendum question with the future of cruise tourism. CPR said that a ‘no’ vote is not a vote against cruise tourism but a vote against costly, inappropriate, environmentally damaging and unnecessary development, especially in George Town Harbour.The non-profit supports improvements to the existing cruise infrastructure, such as the provision of adequate shade, innovations to reduce wait times, and improved facilities and attractions.“Cayman has the opportunity to be a leader in responsible tourism, ensuring thoughtful, community-centered development that protects our economy, environment, and quality of life for generations to come. By working together, we can create a future where local cruise operators continue to thrive, tourism flourishes, and growth and preservation go hand in hand,” they said.CPR Cayman is advocating for a sustainable tourism future that balances high-value overnight visitors with a thriving boutique cruise sector, ensuring that local cruise operators continue to benefit from a model that enhances Cayman’s unique appeal rather than prioritising unsustainable mega-ship volume. ... See MoreSee Less

Missing referendum law paves way for misinformation - Cayman Islands Headline News

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Misleading ‘Vote Yes’ sign (from social media) (CNS): As the opposing campaigns for the referendum on whether or not the government should construct cruise berthing facilities heat up, ...

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CPR Cayman

1 week ago

Data driven decisions are crucial to ensuring we make wise decisions for our Islands. ... See MoreSee Less

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CPR Cayman

1 week ago

Stop by and say hi to Shirley at Hurley's Marketplacepl#saveourcaymana#VoteNooteNo ... See MoreSee Less

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CPR Cayman

1 week ago

TCHT: Cruise Berthing & The Environment ... See MoreSee Less

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CPR Cayman was live.

2 weeks ago

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Articles and Letters

CCMI Urges Close Look at Downstream and Long-Lasting Impacts to the Island

September 12, 2019

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has released a new statement regarding the proposed George Town Dock on Grand Cayman and the need for serious consideration of the potential impacts it may have to Seven Mile Beach.

CITA statement on current cruise berthing procurement discussions

November 1, 2018

At a recent CITA Board of Directors meeting, a decision was taken to remain neutral on the matter of Cruise Berthing Facilities for the Cayman Islands.

National Trust Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

October 19, 2018

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-governmental organisation whose mandate under the National Trust.

Central Caribbean Marine Institute Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

September 23, 2018

CCMI releases updated statement regarding the George Town dock

Mission Blue: Guy Harvey on Grand Cayman Port Controversy

September 17, 2018

In 2016, George Town Harbor was designated by Mission Blue as a Hope Spot. Mission Blue and the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) define Hope.

Mission Blue designed George Town Harbour as new Hope Spot

December 1, 2016

For the residents of George Town Harbour, observing mammoth cruise ships pass through their glimmering turquoise backyard is not uncommon.

National Trust Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

October 7, 2015

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands has thrown serious doubt on assumptions made by the consultants to support the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the cruise port facility.

National Conservation Council

September 14, 2015

Members of the National Conservation Council have said they are 'deeply concerned' about the economic costs and environmental damage of the cruise berthing project.

DEMA urges Dive Industry to Sign Online Petition

August 3, 2015

Thousands Have Already Signed Online Petition to Stop Plans for the Cruise Ship Berthing Facility.

Cayman Islands Tourism Association Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

July 17, 2015

The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is opposing government’s current proposal to establish cruise berthing facilities in George Town Harbour.

Chamber of Commerce Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

July 3, 2015

The Chamber of Commerce Council has said it supports the development of the cruise sector and cargo port improvements, although the organisation's survey results on the issue do not appear to back the government's plans.

Cabinet selects preferred bidder

July 29, 2019

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (29 July, 2019) The Cayman Islands Government (CIG) has formally approved the selection of Verdant Isle Port Partners.

Historic moment as cruise port petition handed over

June 12, 2019

The petition calling for a people's vote on the controversial cruise berthing project was handed over to the Elections Office Wednesday in what was described as a 'historic moment' for the Cayman Islands.

The issue explained: How the Referendum Process Works

June 2, 2019

Cayman is entering 'uncharted waters' with its first people-initiated referendum, according to Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell.

Environment chief removed from cruise project committee

September 3, 2018

The Department of Environment is no longer represented on the steering committee overseeing the cruise berthing project.

Opposition calls for referendum on cruise project

August 17, 2016

Opposition politicians are calling for government to hold a public referendum on whether to proceed with the cruise pier project in George Town harbor.

DOE Public Consultation Report

August 11, 2016

An overwhelming majority of those who responded during a public consultation on the proposed cruise berthing project oppose the $150 million plan for new piers in George Town harbor.

Cabinet approves cruise project

October 29, 2015

Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed Tuesday that Cabinet has formally approved the decision to move to the next phase of the proposed cruise pier development.

Opponents seek Referendum

June 30, 2015

A coalition of Cayman Islands voters will seek to force the local government to abandon plans for a cruise pier in George Town harbor via a people-initiated referendum.

PWC Conclusions

October 15, 2015

Estimates of the potential economic impact of Grand Cayman's cruise port project have varied widely during the planning phase of the project.

Baird Case Study

September 15, 2015

The Cayman Islands Government is considering the construction of a major cruise berthing facility in George Town Harbour, including two piers, dredging and land reclamation works.

Department of Environment

September 15, 2015

The Cayman Islands' Government is considering the prospect of constructing a two pier cruise berthing facility in George Town.

Department of Environment Environmental Statement

August 12, 2015

Attached is the Environmental Assessment Board's (EAB) review of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Cruise Berthing Facility (CBF).

Rankin: What's in it for the cruise lines?

September 4, 2019

As the petition verification process nears to an end, the first ever people-initiated referendum is imminent.

Bodden: For whom are we developing?

May 22, 2019

While I can see how the information in two recent articles ['Number of foreign workers hits all-time high' and 'The changing face of Cayman's workforce'].

CPR: rebuts premier's misleading claims

February 28, 2019

Premier Alden McLaughlin again stated at last week's Chamber of Commerce Luncheon that no public money will be used to build the proposed cruise berthing facilities.

Panton: Warns of Tourism Conflict

January 16, 2019

Former environment minister Wayne Panton has expressed concerns that the proposed cruise berthing development in George Town.

Whicker: Questions following the cruise port meeting

October 5, 2018

I attended last week's public meeting, headed by Minister for Tourism Moses Kirkconnell, on the proposed Cayman cruise berths. Although I had a number of questions.

Community groups surrounding the port debate

September 20, 2018

Battle lines are being redrawn over the controversial cruise berthing project. As campaigners close in on the number of signatures they need to trigger a public vote, supporters of the dock are revving up their own publicity engine.

Moxam: Cayman must have a referendum on the cruise port

August 22, 2018

The proposed project and the potential consequences have the ability to negatively impact the future of the Cayman Islands.

Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum highlights concerns over cruise pier project

June 6, 2018

Regular readers of the Cayman Compass and other local media are surely used to seeing headlines over the years such as 'Cruise dock deal on track,' 'Government gives green light to George Town cruise.'

Dyer: Cruise Port Too Expensive

May 9, 2018

We cannot afford to build a cruise berthing facility in George Town. This is true from both an economic and, more importantly, an environmental perspective.

DOE director speaks out about cruise port project

September 21, 2015

The environmental consequences of proceeding with the cruise berthing project will still be 'extremely dire' even if mitigation measures are deployed.

Environmental Assessments Boards warning on impact of port construction

August 19, 2015

The negative impact of the three-year construction period estimated for the proposed cruise berthing facility in George Town harbor should not be underestimated.

Additional cruise visitors will put a strain on popular tourist attractions like Stingray City

July 30, 2015

The proposed cruise berthing facility in George Town harbor could bring half a million more cruise passengers to Grand Cayman annually.

An argument against cruise berthing facilities

July 30, 2015

Cayman was built on two pillars – its people and its peaceful, pristine environment. After 40 years of development, it is past time we carefully examine both and make the necessary adjustments toward a sustainable future.