Letter to the Editor
The True Cayman Tourism Product
Dear Sir,
Many are the issues to be dealt with bythe proprietors of tourism-related businesses, workers, and theMinistry of Tourism for the Cayman Islands.
Indeed, one can venture to say that in the absence of major highlights,tours and attractions that are provided by other destinations,our task locally is formidable.
Notwithstanding, we have managed to maintain an 'image' of tranquility,peace and friendliness (although some of our residents don't feelthat way), and a decent quality product long before some of the'new kids on the block' in the industry were around.
I refer specifically to the Cayman Tourism Alliance (CTA), which,irrespective of the platitudes being launched through the media,does not have, in my opinion, the Cayman tourism product at heart.I ask the question: "Why is it that, in the first instance,as soon as Caymanians elected a Caymanian President for the CaymanIslands Hotel and Condominium Association (CIHCA), that the immigrantoperators of the large hotels on the beach, restaurant associationmembers and others allied with the tourism product should suddenlydecide that "it is time to embrace all involved in tourism"yet leave out condomium operators and associate members?"
The reason is that they were not able to control the numbers orthe minds of Caymanians who are qualified and trained. Now wehave to get Caymanian arbitrators to reintegrate the dissenters.Only in Cayman could this happen!
I ask your readers: "Why is it that Caymanians have beenable to achieve senior positions in Banks, the Financial Industry,in the legal field; and other areas which require astute decisionmakers, and yet, for some strange, non-embracing reason, thereare no Caymanians holding the post of 'The Manager' of a hotel?"
The CIHCA continues to provide encouragement to Caymanians toenter the industry and will continue to work on the grant of scholarships.The renegade (CTA) Association, in its first official act afterdefection, should have at least offered one Caymanian the opportunity.
This, in my view, would have demonstrated their commitment andloyalty to the island and the tourism product.
A merger of the two associations is indeed the right approach,as it is in the best interest of the Cayman Islands tourism product.The integration, however, must be one of solidarity with, andrespect for, all Caymanians to enter into an industry which isvibrant, and where the opportunities are available for all whoachieve the required standards of competence.
I am an associate member of the CIHCA and I believe that our presentexecutive is extremely capable and if fully supported by all,will continue to work with whomever in the interest of all involvedin the industry and our tourism product.
John Henry Ebanks.
George Town