Despite significant decline in revenues in 2020, mainly from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent loss of cruise business and rental income,

the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands (PACI) posted a surplus on operations of $929,000. This was well below the operational surplus of $5.1 million recorded in 2019. In 2020, the PACI spent $6.4 on capital items, including the expansion of the container storage area for RTGs; repairs to the yard at the Cargo Distribution Centre; replacement of channel markers with new technology lights; and, replacement of Wi-Fi and other IT upgrades. However, as in all ports in the Caribbean region, disruptions caused by the pandemic created dislocations and demanded interim measures and creative solutions. Adjustments instituted to survive the pandemic included: reduction of contracted staff; redeployment of cruise operations staff to other departments; leaving executive and management positions unfilled, and redistributing work to competent staff. Staff salaries were not reduced and there was no lay-off of any staff employee. Executive and management personnel performed additional roles, so as to keep the PACI’s expenses in check. —