As the petition verification process neared completion, CPR Cayman wrote to Premier Alden McLaughlin to renew their call for transparency and full disclosure of key information concerning the Government’s proposed Cruise Berthing Facility.
CPR Cayman’s 11th September 2019 letter states:
“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, at a minimum, will be concluded and made public, sufficiently in advance of the referendum on this matter of significant national importance.
1. the revised cruise berthing and cargo port design 2. the updated environmental impact assessment of revised design 3. the final business case report 4. full details of the proposed financing arrangements with Verdant Isle Port Partners”
Despite the announcement of the preferred bidder in late July, significant information about the port project has yet to be made public by the Government, leaving the citizen’s group concerned about when these crucial facts will be disclosed.
“We are sure that you and your Honourable Members of Cabinet will agree that holding our first People-Initiated Referendum without full disclosure of all pertinent information to the voting public would be a miscarriage of justice, failure of due diligence and set a dangerous precedent for participatory democracy in the Cayman Islands.”
Voters must be provided with key up to date information in order to make an informed decision on this costly and controversial project.
In accordance with Section 70 (3) of the Constitution, the referendum will be binding on the Government if assented to by more than 50% of registered voters.
Following a stellar effort throughout the summer by the Elections Office under the leadership of Elections Supervisor Mr. Wesley Howell, the verification process reached the 99% mark on Monday 9th September, and the confirmation of the 25% threshold to trigger the referendum is expected later this week.
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
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