Cayman Islands at a Crossroads: CPR Group Debates Cruise Berthing’s Impact

By Christopher Tobutt

On Tuesday, March 18, the Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) Cayman held a pivotal meeting at Constitution Hall, George Town, drawing attention to the pressing question of whether the Cayman Islands should invest in a cruise berthing facility. This marked CPR’s first major public event since Parliament approved a referendum on the issue.

The evening began with a prayer, followed by introductions from CPR’s co-founders Michelle Lockwood and Shirley Roulstone. Both have been instrumental in the group since its 2018 inception, championing transparency and informed decision-making over the years.

Roulstone set the tone for the night, offering a metaphor that resonated with the audience: “Imagine hosting a party for 15, but more and more guests keep arriving until it spirals into chaos. At what point does it become unsustainable?” Echoing her sentiments, Lockwood emphasized CPR’s stance: “We’re not anti-cruise tourism. We support quality tourism that aligns with the Cayman Islands’ sustainable future.”

Economic Analysis by Marla Dukharan

Economist Marla Dukharan, the keynote speaker, presented insights from her recent report, Cruise Tourism in Cayman. Known for her rigorous analysis, Dukharan provided a non-partisan overview, cautioning against simple assumptions. Using data from the Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) 2024 report, she highlighted alarming regional trends: declining cruise market share, stagnant disembarkation rates, and low spending by cruise passengers.

Contrary to popular claims, Dukharan noted, “Building cruise ship piers is not a panacea against declining arrivals.” Her findings revealed that ports equipped with berthing facilities, like St. Maarten and Cozumel, have also experienced declines, challenging the idea that infrastructure alone guarantees success.

She also raised concerns about the socio-economic trade-offs of such projects, warning that expanding the low-paid cruise tourism sector could exacerbate inequality rather than alleviate it.

Environmental and Social Considerations

Courtney Platt, renowned for his photography and environmental expertise, shared visuals illustrating the vibrant marine ecosystem in George Town Harbour. He underscored the potential environmental devastation posed by a cruise berthing facility, from coral reef destruction to overcrowding’s ripple effects.

Dr. Katherine Jurn provided historical context, recounting CPR’s uphill battle to initiate Cayman’s first-ever referendum. Gathering 25,000 petitions and navigating judicial reviews were monumental tasks, but they paved the way for April 30th’s long-anticipated referendum.

A Call for a Comprehensive Tourism Plan

Throughout the evening, CPR speakers rallied the audience around the necessity of a thoughtful and inclusive tourism strategy. As Roulstone aptly put it, “We cannot let this party get out of hand. The traffic is already a nightmare.”

Dukharan echoed this sentiment, advocating for a shift from mass-market cruise tourism to a higher-end, quality-focused model. “Is expanding cruise berthing what we really want?” she posed.

As CPR Cayman invites voters to reflect on the environmental, social, and economic ramifications of cruise berthing, their core message remains clear: Informed decision-making is paramount. On April 30th, Cayman Islands residents will have their say, shaping the future of tourism and sustainability for generations to come.