Cayman downplays threat to tourism sector

[Lazie]

Cayman officials are downplaying concerns that their economy could suffer fallout in the wake of Jamaica's decision to allow casino gambling.
A report on the Cayman netnews.com website said there are worries that the island's tourism sector will lose out to Jamaica.

But Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush said there is no need for alarm.
He said Cayman will maintain its tourist clientele which is more family-based.

President of the Cayman Islands Tourist Association, Karie Bergstrom, echoed Mr. Bush.
She said the Cayman Islands' target market for tourism was dramatically different than that for established gambling.

There was also comment from the church.
Former chairman of the Cayman Ministers' Association, Al Ebanks, said his fears were not so much for the Cayman Islands as for Jamaica.
He said gambling attracts organised crime and this will lead to more harm for Jamaica.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced that the Government had decided to license casinos.
He said the money earned from casino operations will finance capital development in health, education and security.

[Lazie]

Al Ebanks sound like one of my coworkers. According to him the mafia is going to move in because of the casino.

[Assasin]

who my brethren?

Them not there yet?

[Gamma]

suh offshore banking doesn't attract organised crime proceeds?

[Lazie]

who my brethren?

Them not there yet?

No .. no .. a Jamaican.

[Assasin]

and Jamaica don't offer family tourism

What people don't see is more people travelling to the region is better for all the countries in the caribbean.

We too damn competitive.