Premier of Cayman Islands Alden McLaughlin has announced that the British Overseas territory will be reopening its border to tourists in March.

“By March we hope to have successfully vaccinated and protected a sufficiently large number of our population, including all of those at most risk,” McLaughlin said.

He pointed out, however.that all visitors must be vaccinated and provide a negative COVID-19 test or they will be required to quarantine.

“Our first shipment of vaccines will arrive in early January and we will then roll out our national vaccination plan,.” McLaughlin said.

The premier noted that the availability of vaccines is the safest way to open up the country and the economy more broadly.

But rebuilding will take time and “resolute effort,” he added.