ACT Advocacy Gains Momentum as Legislators Work to Finalize Cruise Referendum

Ellio Solomon, Executive Program Manager of ACT, addresses Monday’s packed town hall meeting in George Town.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (December 18, 2024) – The Association of Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands has expressed optimism about renewed momentum to place the proposed cruise berthing referendum on the agenda for the General Elections scheduled for April 30, 2025.

Following a successful rally in front of Parliament last Thursday and robust engagement efforts with parliamentarians from both sides of the house, ACT welcomed the recent update shared by Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Deputy Premier, regarding plans for the referendum on cruise berthing infrastructure to move forward expeditiously.

During a well-attended and energetic town hall meeting at Constitution Hall in George Town on Monday, which drew more than 150 attendees, the Deputy Premier revealed that the cabinet is poised to approve the necessary bill for the referendum this week. The corresponding legislation, set to coincide with the General Elections, is scheduled to be brought to Parliament next month.

Hosted by ACT, the event attracted government officials, local business owners, electoral candidates, and concerned citizens. The goal was to present facts about the cruise industry, address misconceptions, and foster dialogue about the future of the Cayman Islands’ cruise tourism sector.

Ellio Solomon, ACT’s Executive Program Manager, delivered a compelling keynote address, explaining that there has never been a referendum on cruise tourism. He framed the need for a cruise pier as a longstanding challenge, adding, “You are not going to get 15 years of elected officials all preaching to you that we need cruise piers … unless indeed you need cruise piers.”

The former parliamentarian and dynamic public speaker highlighted the sector’s economic impact, explaining that many families depend on income generated by cruise tourism. He noted that approximately 3,000 people depend directly on the sector, with many more benefiting indirectly. “Taxi drivers and tour operators (were) making $400 to $500 on a good day when cruise tourism was booming – that’s real money,” he said. Reflecting on the Cayman Islands’ maritime heritage, he added, “Our story began with a ship … let’s make sure that our story doesn’t end with one.”

Panelist Joseph “Joey” Woods, a member of the ACT Steering Committee and a former acting head of the Port Authority, stressed the economic ripple effects of cruise passengers. “Cayman is not a producer, (we are consumers) … so we need to be grateful for those who come here as cruise passengers. Their injection of US dollars in our economy enables us to live the life that we live now, simple as that.”

Fellow committee member Noel March shared insights from recent conversations with cruise line CEOs at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show in St. Maarten in October: “It’s all about (the) guest experience. Every one of those cruise lines emphatically stated with no doubt that Cayman has a good product. When the people are onshore, they like Cayman. It’s getting onto the land and getting off of the land that is the problem.”

Tim Adam, former Chief Executive Officer of Cable & Wireless, Cayman Islands, as well as Cayman Turtle Centre, disclosed that when comparing cruise tourism statistics from January to October in 2018 with the same period this year, cruise passenger arrivals are down by a whopping 45 percent. “Individuals are hurting, families are hurting, and businesses are hurting. And enterprises, some of them government-owned, are hurting,” he stated, adding: “We are deciding, are we going to have cruise tourism or not? Because anyone that tries to fool you into believing that we continue in cruise tourism without cruise berthing facilities – you don’t have to believe me — (just) look at the Port Authority numbers: 45% down!”

Environmental concerns were also addressed, with Solomon noting past damage caused by anchoring. “In 2014 alone, one cruise ship tore up 16,000 square feet of reef. If we build piers … that allows the water to flow, the sand to flow, and the fish to thrive … it’s going to have less impact than tearing up 16,000 square feet of reef,” he said.

Solomon stressed that there is no justifiable reason for the Cayman Islands to settle for a “trash-class” seaport, urging attendees to unite and make well-informed decisions for the country’s benefit. He also emphasized that ACT will campaign nationally in all districts, with plans to host at least eight meetings to engage the public and gather collective input.

In attendance on Monday were André Ebanks, Independent Member of the Opposition; Barbara Conolly, Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Isaac Rankine, Minister for Youth, Sports, & Heritage, and Home Affairs; and Roy McTaggart, Member of the Opposition and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

Ellio Solomon urged higher standards for the nation’s future.

ACT Steering Committee member Tim Adam makes a point during the meeting. Looking on are committee members Joseph “Joey” Woods and Noel March.

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.