CPR RESPONSE TO THE ANNOUNCED CRUISE BERTHING REFERENDUM

CPR Cayman as a non-profit organisation and grass roots initiative made up of a diverse group of concerned citizens, is committed to continuing to represent the views of the public on matters related to any proposed cruise berthing facilities in the Cayman Islands and related referendums.

Following widespread concern from the community in the wake of Minister Bryan’s 31 July 2024 announcement that there will be a Government Referendum on cruise berthing before the end of the year, we are currently awaiting a requested meeting with Minister Bryan to seek further clarifications and information.

CPR Cayman’s main areas of concern are:

(a) The justification for a referendum now. The Covid-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated the inherent risks and volatility of the cruise line industry and the need for Cayman to strike a careful balance in developing a sustainable cruise tourism sector focused on quality high spending visitors, which does not compromise the environment which much of that tourism is based on. A Government initiated referendum is not binding on current or future Governments and without a pressing need for a referendum at present and no projects or agendas on the table, we do not see that there is justification for a referendum in 2024.

(b) The cost of the referendum. At a time when so many Caymanians are struggling with the soaring cost of living, housing and traffic, the justification to spend precious Government and community resources on a referendum on what is currently not a matter of national priority, seems ill-timed and irresponsible use of the people’s money. If the Government determines that this referendum question should be asked, it would be better use of the people’s resources to hold the referendum at the same time as the 2025 general elections. Holding the referendum at the same time as the general election would also allow greater participation and a wider number of citizens having the opportunity to have their say on the important issue.

(c) The date of the referendum. Minister Bryan has stated the referendum will be held before the end of the year. As we quickly approach the end of August, we are concerned why there is such a rush to hold the referendum, and particularly concerned that the lack of notice will exclude all eligible voters not already registered to vote, with the cut off for being an eligible voter in a referendum in 2024, having already passed on 30 June 2024.

(d) Campaign financing. If and when the referendum proceeds, the Government should put in place stringent and fair campaign financing regulations, in line with international best practices, and allocate equal funding from the Government to an appropriate organisation representing each side of the issue to ensure equal resources and opportunities are allowed for the public to be informed on the pros and cons.

As an NPO we will continue to advocate and question the referendum process. It is critical that the highest standards of international best practice, fairness and equality which are crucial in the democratic process, are upheld with any and all referendums.