🚢 Cayman Islands government allocates $1.2 million for cruise berthing facilities referendum

The Cayman Islands Government has earmarked $1.2 million for a referendum on the development of cruise berthing facilities. This decision comes despite the fact that the referendum is likely to take place a few months before the general elections, which are expected in April. Election officials have voiced concerns about this decision, stating that combining the referendum with the general elections could cut costs by half. 🏦

Tourism and Ports Minister, Kenneth Bryan, who initiated the government motion for the referendum, has not provided any data to support his claim that a continued decline in cruise calls could significantly impact the economy. Bryan has also not provided any explanation as to why the referendum should be held as a separate event from the general elections. The motion, which is slated for debate in the next parliamentary session, does not specify a date for the public vote, but indicates it will occur before the end of 2024. 🚢

The referendum question proposed is broad and non-specific, asking Caymanians, "Should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?" Currently, there is no specific proposal regarding a cruise port, and the question does not provide any details about the potential location, size, or construction of such a dock. 🏗️