Local and overseas staff meet with Tourism Minister

(CMR) Newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Transport  Hon. Kenneth Bryan hosted a meet and greet on Friday, 7 May with over 75 staff members within his portfolio. 

The meeting was held at the iconic Pedro St. James Castle, which also falls under the Minister’s remit and included staff from the Ministry and Department of Tourism, the Public Transport Unit, the Tourism Attractions Board with their Board of Directors. DoT staff members based in the US, UK, and Canada, on island to attend marketing meetings, were also in attendance.   

The Minister stated that since taking office, he has received a very warm welcome, and he has been keen to meet more of the men and women who keep the tourism and transport engines turning. Noting that he was a “young and energetic new Minister,” Minister Bryan affirmed his interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the roles that each member of his team plays so that he could be a better leader and a better Tourism Minister for the Caymanian people.

The Minister confirmed that he is keen to build a productive working relationship with his team members, and he encouraged open dialogue and the sharing of ideas.

During his remarks, Minister Bryan discussed his vision and priorities for the Ministry of Tourism, which included putting plans in place to reopen the borders safely.

“We know that we can’t keep the country locked up forever, and therefore we have to start giving serious thought to stimulating the economy and getting people back to work, the Minister stated. “That’s why the Ministry of Tourism is doing all that we can to support the vaccination program to get 80% of our population vaccinated. That is the most effective way to ensure our people are protected going forward,” he said. 

Commenting on the transportation aspect of his portfolio, Minister Bryan revealed that his vision is to have a first-world, first-class Ministry of Transport that is fully supported and resourced and able to effectively resolve the Country’s transport-related issues particularly regarding traffic.

“It is my goal to transform our approach to public transportation, and I am committed to making the necessary amendments to regulations and legislation that will empower the Ministry of Transport to operate more effectively, with respect to traffic and public transportation in general,” he said. 

Earlier in the week, before the staff meet and greet, Minister Bryan visited the Public Transport Unit office on Eastern Avenue, accompanied by his Chief Officer, Stran Bodden.