Source: The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands

ACT Executive Program Manager Ellio Solomon

ACT Expresses Disappointment in Caribbean Economist’s Cayman Presentation

CAYMAN ISLANDS (March 25, 2025) – The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands has expressed disappointment over recent remarks made by regional economist Marla Dukharan concerning the cruise tourism industry. The comments, delivered for CPR Cayman during a town hall and echoed during radio appearances before and after the event, have drawn backlash from stakeholders who argue that her analysis lacks context, consultation and credibility.

Her report – released conveniently ahead of the April 30 general elections and cruise berthing referendum – has been described by ACT as deficient and biased, failing to adequately engage with those most affected by the more than 40 percent decline in cruise arrivals since 2019.

ACT’s Executive Program Manager, Ellio Solomon, questioned the accuracy of Dukharan’s conclusions, particularly her claim that she found no data showing Caymanians are suffering due to the drop in cruise passengers. “I have looked everywhere for data to find where is it showing that there are people who are suffering and there is no data. That doesn’t mean that there are people who are not suffering. It just means that the data does not exist as to whether it’s three people, 30 people, 3,000 people we’re talking about and to what extent are they are disenfranchised,” Dukharan stated.

Cruise tourism across the Caribbean continues to perform strongly, with many destinations reporting robust arrivals. Since 2019, the region has seen an overall increase of 14.5% in cruise arrivals. While a few destinations have experienced declines, 25% of those are down by less than two percent. The Cayman Islands stands apart with a significantly larger decline – reporting a 41% drop in cruise arrivals compared to 2019.

“What’s troubling is that ACT was never consulted,” said Solomon. “We’re on the ground working with operators and stakeholders every day. For someone to claim they found no evidence of hardship without engaging those most affected is, at best, disappointing.”

Dukharan also cited indicators such as higher than average passenger spend, disembarkation and onshore tour purchase rates, and a trend toward smaller, high-end cruise ships as reasons to conclude that cruise berthing infrastructure is not currently necessary.

“We don’t have a problem from what I can see in the data. And in the absence of data demonstrating that lower cruise arrivals have caused some undesirable socioeconomic consequences in Cayman, I would therefore argue that the development of cruise berthing infrastructure in Cayman is unnecessary at this time,” she stated.

Solomon called her position “baffling and short-sighted”, pointing out that thousands of Caymanians rely on cruise tourism for their livelihoods. “She never contacted ACT, nor does it appear that her team reached out to the operators and families living this reality daily,” he said.

“Her presentation was an unbalanced spin job that ignored ground realities in favor of abstract data points,” Solomon continued. “She conveniently overlooked publicly available data showing strong growth in cruise arrivals across regional destinations with piers, while Cayman continues to face staggering declines.” 

He also offered a different perspective on Dukharan’s suggestion that many Caribbean nations have experienced similar downturns: “That’s not quite accurate,” he said. ACT references regional data indicating that cruise passenger numbers across much of the Caribbean in 2024 have actually exceeded 2019 levels. “The region as a whole is not down,” Solomon noted. “Cayman is down — and that’s because we can’t accommodate modern cruise ships.”

While Dukharan’s comparison of cruise and stayover visitor spending may be technically accurate, ACT says it falls short. “The hourly spending of cruise visitors surpasses stayover visitors as well as the upper hourly wage of more than 13,436 non-Caymanian workers. This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about the real impact on families, businesses and national prosperity. We stand firm in recognizing the value of real cruise tourism data, not bias, to shape the conversation.

Solomon also rebutted her dismissal of the growing prevalence of mega-ships, noting the industry’s clear trajectory. “This isn’t speculation – it’s happening. Every destination that can’t receive these ships, which carry high-value customers, will be left behind.”

Addressing Dukharan’s fiscal argument against investing in cruise berthing infrastructure, Solomon added, “Assuming the government alone must fund new cruise infrastructure is misleading. Viable public-private partnership models exist. And inaction carries its own cost – lost jobs, declining revenues, and shrinking economic activity.”

Solomon, a former member of the Cayman Islands Parliament, concluded: “No amount of statistical gymnastics or selective storytelling changes the facts. The Cayman Islands needs modern cruise infrastructure. It’s good business, good service, good for the environment – and essential for the more than 2,500 Caymanian families who depend on this industry. Voters deserve facts – not fear-mongering dressed up as economics. This kind of approach does a disservice to the good people of our country.”

Solomon, along with co-host Austin Harris, will further address Dukharan’s presentation on Straight Talk on Bobo 103.1 FM in Cayman on Tuesday, March 25, between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. (Cayman/Central Time). The program will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@StraightTalkRadioShow.

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.

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