ACT Rejects Calls for Legislative Delays on Cruise Pier Referendum

The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) in the Cayman Islands has criticized recent calls by parliamentarian André Ebanks and the Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) group for extended public consultation on the proposed referendum bill for a cruise pier and the national conservation amendment bill, describing them as political maneuvering designed to hinder progress and delay critical national decisions. Referring to statements advocating for prolonged consultation, ACT labeled them as “political grandstanding,” which obstructs efforts to move the country forward.

Ellio Solomon, Executive Program Manager of ACT, emphasized: “The referendum bill is not about implementing a specific project or altering existing legislation. It is a simple mechanism to allow the people of the Cayman Islands to voice their opinions in a democratic process about a longstanding and now critically urgent issue. Extending the timeline for consultation is not only unnecessary but also risks delaying the very referendum designed to give the public a voice. It’s counterproductive and, frankly, nonsensical.”

ACT strongly rejects the assertion that waiving the 28-day notice period undermines transparency or good governance and asserts that the urgency of these legislative measures stems from the need to address critical issues affecting the Cayman Islands’ socioeconomic future. Prolonging the process with extended consultation risks unnecessary stagnation and allows political agendas to overshadow the democratic process. The referendum bill, as proposed, does not obligate immediate development or legislation but initiates a transparent and democratic process. Further delays in presenting these bills are counterproductive and serve only to hinder progress on issues that directly impact the livelihoods, economic stability, and long-term sustainability of the Cayman Islands.

On the broader legislative issues raised, Solomon, a former parliamentarian and member of the legislative assembly, warned against conflating unrelated matters: “We recognize the importance of environmental protection, but we must be careful not to let these discussions become tools for political obstruction. Linking the referendum bill to broader debates, such as changes to the National Conservation Law, is a tactic aimed at confusion and delay rather than progress. Protecting the environment and preserving democratic integrity remain paramount, but these goals should not be weaponized to stall necessary action,” he stated.

ACT also urged the opposition party to demonstrate consistency by supporting the referendum bill proposed by the current minority government, noting its alignment with policies they endorsed in favor of the pier in 2019. ACT emphasized the importance of refraining from politicizing an initiative that serves the national interest, allowing the people to have their say through a democratic process.

Cruise tourism is a bread-and-butter industry for many Caymanians, directly supporting thousands of livelihoods and contributing significantly to the country’s socioeconomic development. ACT underscored the need to balance economic benefits with environmental stewardship and quality of life. “We believe it is possible to sustainably grow cruise tourism while protecting our natural resources and ensuring that all Caymanians benefit from the opportunities it creates,” said Solomon. “This balance is essential for the future prosperity of our islands.”

ACT emphasized the importance of prioritizing decisions that uplift all Caymanians rather than perpetuating the current system that favors the wealthy and privileged. “It is time to say ‘au revoir’ to divide-and-conquer politics and ‘hello’ to spreading wealth and opportunity equitably across our community,” said Solomon. “We need solutions that work for everyone, not just the select few, while maintaining a commitment to protecting our environment and fostering inclusive growth.”

ACT reaffirmed its commitment to public education on the importance of cruise tourism and its role in driving sustainable economic growth. “Regardless of these distractions, ACT will press forward with our educational outreach to ensure the public has clear, factual information about the referendum. We believe that Caymanians deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions about our future without undue interference,” Solomon added.

ACT urged those advocating for delays to respect the democratic process and allow the government to fulfill its constitutional mandate without unnecessary obstacles.