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A proposed cruise berthing facility in the Cayman Islands has sparked much debate between environmentalists and the government, after the government issued a policy directive in March 2013 to develop the cruise sector, as part of efforts to boost tourism opportunities. GlobalData says: “In its current form, the KYD200m project would include two piers with space for four cruise ships, including two suitable for Oasis-class vessels – ships which have a capacity for more than 6,000 passengers.

“Reports show that the project could attract more than 2.5 million passengers compared to the 1.9 million currently arriving each year. However, it will cost the public a minimum of $6m annually, which resulted in activists questioning its value for money, and whether damage to coral reefs is worth it.

“With an aim to get an accurate opinion from residents, the government published its draft referendum bill in October 2019 titled – ‘Should the Cayman Islands continue to move forward with building the cruise berthing and enhanced cargo port facility?’

“The government set a December 19 2019 date for the poll asking Cayman’s voters to vote for or against the project.

“However, the referendum was delayed by an application for a judicial review, with a court hearing provisionally scheduled for January 20 2020.

Pending the outcome, GlobalData outlines the arguments which have been made for and against the cruise facility.

Pros:

A bigger cruise facility will attract ships which currently bypass the Islands

More tourists will bolster the local economy and create business

The escalating number of cruise passengers would potentially create nearly 1,000 jobs, the government claims

Cons:

Project could cause considerable damage to the marine environment

Port construction will cost taxpayers and the government millions of dollars

Activists questioned the feasibility of the project, asking: “Will the promised benefits truly outweigh this enormous economic, cultural and ecological loss of our natural capital?”