“We have recently had a question regarding whether the cruise ships will operate their own vehicles on island to transport passengers to local attractions and the simple answer to that is a resounding no”, said the Minister.

“In order to ensure that our local taxi and other transportation businesses benefit, all transportation opportunist are strictly reserved for local operators” he added.

Members of the taxi and transportation sector were very pleased to hear of Minister Kirkconnel’s confirmation.

“They are upgrading our Cargo/Cruise, the relocation of corals better for the environment and then staying in port longer. This would inject more capital for transportation, shops, restaurants and local watersports operators. There will also be better parking for the taxis and tour operators. I think this is a Win, Win for the Caymanian People. And as a Generational Caymanian I am Voting "YES" for the Piers” said Ms. Paula Swaby Ebanks, a recognized leader who has spent many years working in the Cayman Islands taxi and tour operators industry.

The Minister says the government has been making extra efforts since being able to announce the preferred bidder, to get as much information to the community as possible.

“As a government we made a commitment to arrange several public meetings so everyone could obtain the information about the new port and cargo facility. But in addition to that we are also committed to addressing the concerns expressed to us as best as possible”, he said.

The Minister explained that if the project receives approval to proceed based on the upcoming referendum. there will additional efforts to ensure that remaining concerns are addressed.

“The concerns raised by environmentalists are also very important to us. We agree with them that the natural environment is one of this country’s most valuable assets and we are going to do everything possible to strike a balance that protects jobs and opportunities for local businesses while minimizing any harm to our environment” said Mr. Kirkconnell.