Scores of Caymanians set to return to work as tourism reopening date officially announced

Two free training courses to be offered ahead of reopening to prepare Caymanians to return to the workforce 

GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS — The long-awaited return of tourism is upon the Cayman Islands at last, and the promise of a mass return of jobs that comes along with it, as Premier Wayne Panton announced yesterday that come November 20, international visitors who are vaccinated will no longer be required to quarantine once they arrive.

The relaxed restriction will mark the country’s entry into Phase 4 of its tourism reopening plan, with both Panton and Minister of Tourism Kenneth Bryan noting it is a sigh of relief for workers in the industry who can at last return to jobs that have been stalled for over a year.

During a press conference yesterday, Panton said, “The whole country has been waiting with bated breath for an announcement on the reopening… As promised in last week’s briefing, we are here today to announce the transition into Phase 4, which we have agreed will be Saturday, November 20. At Phase 4, we are removing quarantine requirements for most vaccinated travelers.

“While we’ve had some visitors during the recent months, our tourism partners have always made it very clear that the real economic turnaround will come with the removal of quarantine for vaccinated travelers. This now gives us the opportunity as a country to rebuild a reputation we’ve built as a world-class tourism destination and get many families and businesses back to work.”

Minister Bryan compounded on the premier’s announcement, noting that his ministry intends to offer Caymanians free skills training courses ahead of the reopening.

“Welcoming visitors back means people can get back to work,” said Bryan. “As part of the National Training Programme, the Department of Tourism has hosted several training opportunities to help people upgrade their skills to re-enter the workforce.

“I am very excited to share the news that two new training courses will be offered in November, but you have to be aged 18 and over. The courses are the Shaker International Bartenders course and the Front of House Servers course.

“These internationally accredited courses are sponsored in part by the Department of Tourism and are being offered free of charge to participants… I encourage anyone, especially displaced tourism workers who either wish to launch a career or develop their skills in the beverage and hospitality industry, to please register.”

The Department of Tourism is expected to release more information on the courses next week.

You can find the latest jobs in the Caribbean with Caribbean Employment