We’re not anywhere close to convinced that moving the
country’s main cruise ship berthing facility out to Red Bay is the answer to
our current tourism issues, but the events so far this week should serve to
show everyone that significant consideration must be given to Mother Nature
when planning such a facility in the Cayman Islands.
On Tuesday and Wednesday alone, four of the eight ships
scheduled to come into George Town harbour skipped Grand Cayman – two of those
four, because there was basically nowhere for them to go. Spotts can only
anchor three ships at a time.
Some problems with the weather are inevitable and it’s
entirely possible that anywhere one might place a cruise ship pier could pose
problems.
However, we believe there are serious questions to be asked
about the viability of both the George Town and West Bay cruise pier locations
and what steps will be taken to protect those docks from the whims of the
weather. Even if cruise ships can’t come in on a given day, planners must
ensure that these costly and important projects aren’t seriously damaged in a
relatively minor weather situation.
Meanwhile, out in the North Sound, where rough winds are
also causing a problem, we must congratulate both police and local boaters.
Police have been out patrolling the sound for any wayward craft and it appears,
at least so far, that privately owned watercraft are heeding warnings and not
venturing out when it is simply too dangerous.
It was only two years ago that a group of five boaters went
out into the North Sound during rough January weather in a 32-feet canoe. They
were never heard from again.
Not so long ago, we were hearing almost weekly reports of
stranded and distressed boaters in the waters surrounding Grand Cayman. Dare we
hope that individuals have finally heeded the weather warnings?
It looks like we’re in for similar weather at least during
the next day or so. Let’s hope everyone keeps their sea wits about them at
least until then.
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