CPR Cayman Calls on Cabinet for Full Disclosure Before Referendum

CPR Cayman wrote to Cabinet yesterday 19th September, renewing their call for the Government to make full disclosure of all pertinent information on the proposed cruise berthing facility before the referendum. It is imperative that the Caymanian people have the opportunity to make a fully informed decision at the polls in our first people-initiated referendum which will set a precedent not only for people’s referendums in Cayman but in all of the Overseas Territories.CPR Cayman wrote to Cabinet yesterday 19th September, renewing their call for the Government to make full disclosure of all pertinent information on the proposed cruise berthing facility before the referendum. It is imperative that the Caymanian people have the opportunity to make a fully informed decision at the polls in our first people-initiated referendum which will set a precedent not only for people’s referendums in Cayman but in all of the Overseas Territories.

CPR Cayman’s letter which also covered concerns on the fairness of the referendum date, detailed the numerous reports and crucial information on the project which the Government has still to date not released, despite announcing the preferred bidder and winning design over 7 weeks ago. The letter reads:

Disclosure of information in the public interest, before the referendum date

In the interest of good governance in our first people-initiated referendum, it is imperative that the Caymanian people have the opportunity to make a fully informed decision at the polls on the Government’s proposed cruise berthing facility, and we request your assurances that the following information and reports, will be made public, sufficiently in advance of the referendum on this matter of significant national importance.

a. the revised cruise berthing and cargo port design showing numerical data to quantify the footprint including dredge area, concrete area and location relative to the surrounding marine ecosystems

b. the quantity of pilings, width of pilings and anticipated piling depth inshore and further out to shore

c. the final or updated business case report and/or related information that is available such as projected increases in cruise passenger arrivals

d. full details of the proposed design build finance operate maintain contract with Verdant Isle Port Partners, including all conditions of the 25-year financing arrangements

e. confirmation that the appropriate protections and standard clauses which serve to protect the interests of our government and the public purse from penalties and potential lawsuits for breach of contract including the following, are included in the proposed contract:

I. Force majeure clauses that benefit Verdant Isle Port Partners and financiers of the project

II. A decline in cruise passenger arrivals over the 25-year term of the PPP and loan facility

III. Global recession

IV. Hurricanes and Natural disasters

f. the results of the geo-technical studies

g. the updated Environmental Impact Assessment

h. in light of scientific data presented by Caribbean Central Marine Institute, an update on the Government’s position concerning Seven Mile Beach impacts and coral relocation

i. studies which are not yet complete, a timeline of when these studies will be completed and shared with the public

CPR Cayman submitted the petition to Cabinet yesterday Wednesday 18th September, through Cabinet Secretary Mr Samuel Rose containing 5,305 verified signatures of registered voters, and overall 5,862 signatures of registered voters, exceeding the constitutional requirement of 25% of registered voters needed to trigger a people-initiated referendum.

We now look forward to the issuance of the Referendum Bill by Cabinet which will outline the referendum date, question, and other important procedural matters such as campaign finance limits, observers, agents and the referendum day public holiday.

CPR Cayman is a concerned citizens group and non-profit organisation that is advocating for a democratic approach to the proposed Cruise Berthing and Cargo Facility ("CBF") in George Town harbour.

More information can be found on the campaign Facebook page.People can also contact  cprcayman@gmail.com