Tourism Stipend to Continue

Good afternoon to all who are joining us here in the studio, and to those tuning in online and via social media.

As you’ve already heard, today’s press briefing focusses on a subject that is vitally important to our country at this time. I’d like to thank the Honourable Premier for allowing me this opportunity to participate, and to update the public on some of the Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives; specifically our ongoing support to workers in the tourism industry, and also our commitment to the national vaccination programme.

As many of you would recall, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of our borders in March 2020, our tourism and hospitality sectors were immediately impacted, and they remain the areas that are most affected, over a year later.

Prior to the pandemic, tourism accounted for 25-30% of this country’s GDP and played a significant role in driving our economy forward.

But without tourists arriving to our shores, the millions of dollars that would normally have been received from this sector, are having to be supplemented by revenue from core Government.

I’m certain that everyone can understand that this is not a suitable option that we can continue over the long term.

As the new Minister for Tourism and Transport, I am taking every opportunity to familiarize myself with the various Departments and Statutory authorities within my portfolio.

Although I am not fully briefed on every aspect of the Ministry’s work yet, I am very much aware that the number one priority for our tourism industry, and for our Country at this time, is ensuring that our people are protected from the coronavirus. The only way to do this is by having a wide cross section of our population vaccinated.

In order for us to return to some level of normalcy, it is vital that we achieve the 80% vaccination target that has been set by Public Health. Only then, can we start to think about safely reopening our borders and rebuilding our tourism industry; which in turn will strengthen our economy.

In the meantime while we are vigorously pursuing that goal, the PACT Administration is cognizant of the tremendous strain that this health crisis is placing on our tourism workers who have lost their jobs. We currently have 3,371 people receiving the stipend and we know that for many of them it is their only means of income while our borders remain closed.

Since taking on this role as Minster for Tourism, I have heard numerous concerns about the stipend programme being discontinued. I would like to reassure all of the recipients that those rumours are false and I can confirm that the PACT Administration is extending the programme and will be continuing the payments. The length of time, in terms of the number of months that the stipends will continue, is still being considered, and further announcements will be made in that regard once the decision has been taken.

This is a government that cares for its people and we are united in our commitment to doing all that we can to ease the pressures people are facing due to the pandemic. I thank God every day that we continue to remain safe under the guidance of Public Health, and through the collaborative effort by government Ministries and entities that work around the clock to keep us all safe. But I think everyone knows that we can’t stay in this bubble, separated from the rest of the world, forever.

As I said earlier, the most effective and safest way to start that process is by having 80% of the population fully vaccinated.

I know some of you have concerns about the vaccination, and to be honest, I had many questions myself. But I’ve heard enough from Dr. Lee and the Programme Board, and those who closely follow the scientific research, to convince me that the vaccine is safe to accept. I have asked the hard questions and I am satisfied with the answers, to the point where I am able to say with confidence that I have no hesitation in taking the vaccine myself. In fact, I will be taking my first shot this weekend.

Being vaccinated is the most effective way for you to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and your protection is vital to our economic recovery. Because it is so important on so many levels, I am appealing to everyone within the sound of my voice, to please take advantage of this golden opportunity to go and get your shots while it is still available.

I will even go one step further and am inviting all of the people who have not yet been vaccinated, to join me and the other members of the PACT Administration this Saturday 8th May at 10am, at the airport, and I challenge you to take the vaccine together with us.

To demonstrate how much we want to encourage you to get vaccinated, the Ministry of Tourism will be hosting an island wide draw and everyone who gets vaccinated from the 8th May to the 8th June will be entered to win a variety of fantastic prizes. These include 6 tickets on Cayman Airways (2 to the Brac, 2 to Miami and 2 to any Cayman Airways destination) as well as staycations, dinner packages, free entry to our top attractions, and so much more.

I am extremely proud of our tourism partners who have already come on board to support this prize draw and I sincerely thank them for their generosity, especially at this time.

Because this is an island wide initiative I am also inviting our entire business community to be a part of this national effort and help us to sweeten the deal by donating other great prizes - such as laptops, phones, TV’s, gift vouchers for groceries, CUC and even gas for the car.

No prize is too big or too small and I’d really like to encourage every business to help us offer prizes that are so amazing, that people will be rushing to be vaccinated just for the chance to win them!

Anyone who wants to donate a prize can email the Ministry at MOTT VAX at Cayman Islands.ky (MOTTVAX@caymanislands.ky) to let us know what you would like to contribute. 

We have enough supplies to vaccinate close to 7,000 people, so we really need a massive response from the public and from the business community, to drive our vaccination percentages up to 80%.

I look forward to seeing a huge crowd at the airport this Saturday, at 10am, joining myself and my colleagues, even though some are already vaccinated.

It will be a fun atmosphere with music and refreshments and I’m encouraging everyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to make the effort and join us, so that we can all be protected and can safely plan for the reopening of our borders.

Thank you.