Interview with Mayor Winni Grosbøll

Mayor Winni Grosbøll on the cruise industry, what works at Folkemødet and why the terrorism legislation annoys As mayor, where do you see the strengths of your commercial ports on Bornholm? Basically, we are an island. So the ports are the most crucial infrastructure we have. The ports represent the entrance and are the gateway to our island. Therefore, it is also crucial that we develop the infrastructure in the ports throughout the island. I am very concerned about this. Some of the things we struggle with as an island in the middle of the Baltic Sea can also be turned into an advantage. We have the whole blue growth around us. There are good opportunities in that. We are the gateway to the Baltic Sea. Ports can be strengthened by developing and actively using the opportunities that our geographical position gives us. Here, the cruise industry is an obvious opportunity. Many more ships could dock here. Wind energy and offshore wind turbines are also interesting. Bornholm is at the crossroads of some of the large planned offshore wind farms in Germany and Sweden. The ports therefore offer good opportunities for growth on the island. The ports make it a strength to be located in the middle of the Baltic Sea. This was the case in the past with the fishing industry. Bornholm took advantage of its geographical location. We can do that again. What can the ports and politicians do together to ensure more calls and increased earnings via the cruise industry on Bornholm? This is a joint task between ports and politicians. But we must also pay attention to preparedness on land. The ports can ensure that as many people dock, but there must also be excursion destinations on the island. I see it as a triangle. A collaboration between the ports, the municipality and the tourism operators. Of course, we must be aware of developments. As the cruise ships get bigger and bigger, we must also invest in facilities and infrastructure that can accommodate the larger ships. We need to raise some investments, and we are currently looking into this. So basically, it's about good cooperation between ports, the municipality and the tourism industry and ensuring a well-functioning infrastructure throughout the island. The Folkemødet on Bornholm is becoming a bigger and bigger success every year. You are a sought-after panelist and have also been a panelist at a Danish Ports event - "The tourist comes by sea". How is a good event at Folkemødet put together? This year, I participated in 20 events myself. The events that worked best were generally those that had a slightly looser framework than the classic model of five minutes per speaker. The moderator is also important. The more active and the more the moderator steps in and keeps the debate going, the better. A debate where the audience is involved is also a better event. So a moderator who can keep the pot boiling - Niels Krause-Kjær, for example - gives something extra and creates a good dynamic. It can also be an advantage for participants to think beyond their own tent. There is great potential in participating in and questioning other people's debates. So think along the lines of "where do we also want to be". Ports are exciting and vibrant workplaces. They are business and culture. Ships and fish. How do we create events together and how do we connect water with hinterland for maximum impact? We get that through cooperation and dialog. I can feel when I move in port circles that it can be dominated by conflict, if I may be so bold as to use that expression. I myself have visited a number of ports over the years through, among others, the Port Law Committee. And there is traditionally an orientation towards what conflicts may arise - with housing, the surrounding community and the city. I'm a little surprised that this is the focus. But we can work together to solve some of the challenges that exist. It's a bit of a generalization, but there are some ports I've met that want to shield themselves from the world. Of course, there must be room for noise and muck somewhere, but there must also be room for the other things. With cooperation, we can get it. But what annoys me most about the ports is the new terrorism legislation. There are many people in Rønne who pass by the port every day. And the new terrorism legislation means that the harbor is shielded and natural movement in the harbor is no longer possible. This means a lot to islanders. Of course, the port is also a workplace, but it annoys me that the port is cut off like this. Which port did you last visit and what was the occasion? The last port I visited was last Sunday, and it was Allinge Harbor in connection with Folkemødet. Bornholm is the place in Denmark with the most ports. We have 29 municipal ports. The Circus Square was originally intended as the main site of the Folkemødet, but in the four years that we have had the Folkemødet, it is now quite clear that it is Allinge Harbor that is the main attraction. That's where most people want to stay. It shows the attractiveness of the harbor and that the harbor can create a completely unique environment. Apart from the Port of Allinge, the Port of Rønne is the last port I visited. Source: Bornholms Regionskommune