Leader of Government Business McKeeva Bush said next Thursday, presuming he is re-elected, he will re-name the George Town Port the Royal Watler Port.
Mr. Bush made his comments at the opening of the finger pier of the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal on Thursday evening, named after faithful civil servant Mr. Royal Watler, now deceased.
Leader of Government Mr. Bush welcomed all present at the opening, including the Acting Governor George McCarthy and various Government officials, along with Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and cruise industry representatives.
He pointed out that the Port Authority is important to the Cayman Islands and the first impression of Grand Cayman received by visitors is the panorama of beautiful waterfront. He said the local tourism providers had done a great job of providing a great visitor experience.
Aside from the top class shopping, transportation, diving, attractions and a safe and friendly harbour, cruise visitors had to suffer through lining up on the streets to board the cruise tenders. This was now changing with the opening of the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal’s finger pier.
‘It is with great pride that the ribbon will be cut,’ he said.
Mr. Bush pointed out that the terminal building will include over 20 retail stores, restrooms, Immigration and Customs offices, information on Cayman Islands history, phone services and an official welcome for visitors. It is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, he said.
Mr. Bush asserted that the cruise industry is a very valid part of the tourism sector, some thing, he said, that was demonstrated following the 9/11 attacks in the United States, after which people were reluctant to fly, and following Hurricane Ivan last September when the tourist accommodation sector was hard hit.
‘Much to the chagrin of several people, we re-organised cruise tourism and the business it generated helped with stay-over and the cruise sectors,’ he said.
Mr. Bush commended the partnership that had taken place between stay-over and cruise sectors of the tourism industry.
He asked those still opposed to cruise tourism to stop and think. He said the year, perhaps more, would have been lost without it.
Director of Tourism Pilar Bush said the message being given is that cruise tourism is as important as air arrivals, perhaps more so for some sectors of business, and it is important to make sure that cruise guests leave the island with the best impression possible.
Mr. Bush said people could look forward to further improvements on the waterfront as the debate over making it pedestrian continues.
Mr. Bush thanked the Port Authority for its work and he also thanked the FCCA, who put up the money for the project.
The Royal Watler Terminal will represent the first part of a US$26.5 million dollar loan for cruise dock facilities in George Town and West Bay that is being re-paid by the FCCA.
‘The FCCA were glad to put money into the Cayman Islands as we’re a good port of call,’ said Mr. Bush.
Mr. Bush also paid tribute to Mr. Royal Watler, who he said, ‘was a great Caymanian and one who made these islands grand’.
Mr. Watler was born in 1898 and passed away in 1982. Having spent years at sea, Mr. Watler returned to work in the Cayman Islands civil service as a customs officer in George Town and was so dedicated to his job he never took a vacation and could still be seen cycling to work whenever he was ill. Mr. Watler had been awarded a British Service medal and when he died he ended a long and faithful service to his country, said Mr. Bush.
President of the FCCA Michelle Paige, unable to attend because of a last minute emergency, was represented by Mr. Mike Ronan who accepted a special award on her behalf from Mr. Bush, who also presented an award to Mr. Brainard Watler, son of Royal Watler.
Mr. Bush wished Port Authority Director Paul Hurlston well, as he was unable to attend due to recent surgery. Deputy Port Director James Parsons gave a vote of thanks at the end of the proceedings.
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