Strong Turnout at George Town Rally Against Cruise Pier Referendum Delays

A strong turnout of demonstrators gathered on Thursday in Heroes Square in front of Parliament, rallying under the chant “No Piers, No Vote,” sending a powerful message to legislators about the urgency of addressing the Cayman Islands’ cruise tourism industry and its vital role in the nation’s socioeconomic future.

The rally, organized by the Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands, aimed to highlight the critical importance of the cruise referendum bill. Protesters carried placards reading, “The Caymanian Story Began with a Ship,” “Yes to Cayman Jobs,” and “Build the Pier,” emphasized the connection between cruise tourism and the livelihoods of thousands of Caymanians.

Ellio Solomon, Executive Program Manager of ACT, addressed the crowd, urging citizens to hold politicians accountable. “It’s time to put pressure on our leaders to take the socioeconomic future of the Cayman Islands seriously,” Solomon, a former parliamentarian, stated. “We must continue exercising our freedom of speech, using our voices to advocate for the 3,000 Caymanians whose jobs depend on cruise tourism. All visitors are created equal – and we ought to deliver the same good quality of service to our visitors at our seaport as we do at our airport.”

As part of its ongoing advocacy, ACT announced it will be hosting a presentation and discussion on cruise tourism at Constitution Hall in George Town on Monday, December 16. The event aims to share the latest facts about the cruise industry, dispel misconceptions, and foster an informed dialogue on the subject. The schedule includes a Networking Reception with Refreshments from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by the Presentation and Discussion from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The rally followed criticisms from ACT over calls by parliamentarian André Ebanks and the Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) group for extended public consultations on the proposed referendum bill and related legislation. ACT has described these calls as “political grandstanding” that hinder progress and delay urgent decisions vital to the Cayman Islands economy. The government earlier announced plans for a referendum on cruise berthing to coincide with General Elections on April 30, 2025.

“The referendum bill is not about implementing a specific project,” Solomon explained, “but about allowing the Caymanian people to have their say in a democratic process. Delays in consultation risk stagnation, leaving livelihoods and economic stability hanging in the balance.”

Cruise tourism remains a cornerstone of the Cayman Islands economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving sustainable growth. Solomon emphasized the need to balance environmental stewardship with economic prosperity. “We can grow cruise tourism sustainably, protecting our natural resources while ensuring opportunities for all Caymanians,” he stated.

ACT called on all stakeholders to prioritize national interest over political agendas. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to public education on the referendum, ensuring Caymanians are informed about the benefits of cruise tourism and the potential impact of delays.

Thursday’s demonstration highlighted the community’s determination to safeguard its economic future. As chants echoed through George Town, the message to parliamentarians was clear: the time for decisive action is now.