I was a passenger on the ship Navigator of the Seas that arrived in Cayman on January 31.
I confess that I had long forgotten about a prior incident where a cruise ship with gays was not permitted to go ashore in Cayman and I had no inkling that there would be any protestation at all on this trip.
I was aboard the first tender. As I debarked and walked through the dock area to the street, I was immediately faced by a line of solemn-looking people who seemed to be merely staring at us.
Because they were standing in front of a church, I suspected this was a protest. I saw no signs. None of them spoke.
So I turned to continue down the street and was immediately greeted by a lovely lady who was welcoming us all to Cayman.
As I meandered through town and the shops, I noticed a couple of banners over shops welcoming our cruise group. I was touched.
I went to Sr. Frogs for lunch. As I stepped in, a gentleman asked me if I was from the Navigator of the Seas. He said ‘So they finally let you guys off the ship?’ He added, ‘The word is that you guys like to drink and spend money, so they’re waiting for you inside.’
That made me smile. My friend and I had a great lunch (and drinks) at Sr. Frogs and spent about $100 there.
Then we walked over to the shop near the dock selling the rum cake and spent $50.
We poked our heads in a few shops, stopped to pet the cockatoos, and then we went back to the ship.
I had many conversations later with my fellow passengers.
Most I spoke with were upset that our cruise company had chosen to go to Cayman.
The CEO of our tour company held a meeting to which all passengers were invited. He strenuously defended the decision to go to Cayman and enlightened most of us concerning Cayman’s work on a new constitution and their law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
He said he would continue to include Cayman on future tours as long as we were welcome.
I support his decision. I, for one, am glad I had the opportunity to visit your beautiful island.
Everyone was very gracious and welcoming, and I thank you all for making it such a pleasant experience.
I am also glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of this small, but historic, event in Cayman history.
Mark Hill –Virginia, USA
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