MINORITY GOVERNMENT AND MAIN OPPOSITION BACK REFERENDUM

By Staff Writer

Parliament set the tone this week for three issues that seem set to feature prominently - collectively and individually - in the 2025 election campaign.

Coming under the heading of a hotly debate referendum proposal, the issues of the proposed cruise pier, a national lottery and decriminalising small amounts are already gaining considerable traction in the election run-up.

The matter of whether or not the referendum itself should be held was the focus of debate in Parliament this week.

The strategy of holding it alongside the ballot for the April 30th general election is that it would drastically cut the cost of the exercise compared to holding it on its own at a different time. Another issue raised was whether there would be adequate time for wide public education and consultation on the referendum topics.

The three issues for the referendum are being framed in binary ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions of whether or not they should be introduced in Cayman.

BRYAN MAKES THE CASE

The three-issue referendum was tabled by Hon. Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism & Ports, and Social Development & Innovation, Kenneth Bryan, the MP for George Town Central.

Significantly, the motion for the referendum and its three topics, presented by the governing minority United People’s Movement government, has received the support of the main Opposition - the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM/Progressives).

Addressing the issue of the cruise pier, Tourism Minister Bryan said: “The stakes are incredibly high,” reporting that cruise visitor arrivals had fallen dramatically resulting in a severe loss of revenue to the government and a negative impact on local businesses which service the sector.

On the question of the national lottery, he argued that “attitudes towards gambling and numbers had shifted over time” and further pointed out that the funds raised would be used to fund vital social programmes.

Regarding decriminalising the possession of small amounts of cannabis, Mr Bryan who is the Social Development minister made the distinction between decriminalisation and legalisation, stressing that the was not about legalisation. He explained that the current laws were slapping a criminal record, especially on young people convicted of possessing even small amounts of marijuana (cannabis) which jeopardises their employment and further education prospects.

“It’s about fairness and commonsense,” Mr Bryan stated.

Calling for the public to have their say in the referendum on Election Day this year, he declared: “There are moments, critical ones, defining moments when we have to pause and recognise the issues before us are too profound and too consequential to be decided by the individual in this parliament alone. And I daresay that these three topics is one of those moments.”

BACKING FROM MAIN OPPOSITION

Expressing support for the referendum, the leader of the main Opposition Progressives party, Joey Hew, said, his faction had given much thought to the issues at stake before agreeing to support the UPM government.

“We must not only think of politics but of what is the right thing to do,” he stated.

Speaking on the cruise pier question, he said “It would be necessary that the cruise lines have ‘skin in the game’ by providing financing and with repayments to come from a passenger levy.”

Mr Hew also insisted on mitigating and minimising environmental impacts as well as proper business cases and public consultation.

“It would by no means be a blank canvas for the next government,” he stated.

Regarding the planned national lottery, he stated: “We do not support legalising gambling in all forms but if the public wants to have a national lottery, then it should be considered.” According to the Opposition leader, it would provide a legal option for persons playing illegal gambling numbers games which is rife throughout the community with many games based in other countries.

On the matter of decriminalising possession of small amounts of cannabis, Mr Hew agreed that the impact of a criminal record especially on young people was too harsh as it “impacts them for life”. However, he said, “The consequences should escalate with every occasion the individual is found with a small amount of marijuana.”

Reminding that the proposed referendum is advisory, Opposition Leader Hew said: “The next government will only be able to use this referendum as a barometer on the public’s views on the three subjects.”

At press time on Wednesday afternoon, the vote was still outstanding.

The results of that vote will be published in our Wednesday, February 12 publication.