ACT Statement on CPR Cayman’s Misleading Accusations

The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) unequivocally dismisses the latest accusations by CPR Cayman regarding our campaign messaging. Let us be clear – we stand by every word: a Yes vote is a vote for cruise tourism, and a No vote is a vote against it. That is not spin – that is reality.

Cruise arrivals have plummeted by nearly 50 percent since the pre-pandemic peak, and the numbers speak for themselves. Without the infrastructure to support modern cruise ships, Cayman continues to fall behind – becoming an afterthought on cruise ship itineraries. This issue is not only about berthing – it’s about preserving a critical pillar of our tourism economy that supports countless Caymanian jobs and businesses, including those in land-based tourism.

We have taken our case directly to the people, armed with facts – not cherry-picked statistics from a regional economist parachuted in to validate CPR’s narrative. Although we are sick and tired of the manipulative tactics and misleading headlines being used by our opponents, we know Caymanians are too smart to be deceived by that approach.

It’s telling that CPR’s distorted claims continue to find favor on online platforms known for their bias against the working-class people of this country. But we’re not chasing nostalgia or some illusion of “greatness”.

ACT is fighting for sustainable development, jobs, careers, and opportunities for all Caymanians – not only the elite, the expats, or the wealthy retirees.

To those who say cruise tourism doesn’t matter: try telling that to the local families struggling to keep their small businesses open. A No vote will only deepen the pain.

Let us also make something absolutely clear. Every dollar behind ACT’s campaign has come from local Caymanian businesses. We are the people who live and raise our families here, employ Caymanians, and pay taxes. We know firsthand that if cruise tourism collapses, our businesses will follow – and the resulting financial burden will fall squarely on the shoulders of government, and ultimately, on us the people. These are not small numbers. We are already looking at losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually – losses that will have to be made up through increased fees, duties and taxes.

ACT will not back down. We say YES to cruise tourism, YES to critical infrastructure, and a resounding YES to putting Caymanians first.

It’s time to Make Cayman for Caymanians Again.