🏝️ Cayman Islands government greenlights C$1.2M for cruise referendum

The Cayman Islands Government has approved an additional CI$1.2 million budget for the Elections Office to hold a referendum on the development of cruise berthing facilities. The decision was made at the Cabinet's regular weekly meeting on July 30. The referendum could potentially be held in October or November, less than six months before the general election. Critics argue that this timing could exclude younger voters who are still in the process of registering to vote and who would be most affected by the project.🗳️

Before the pandemic, the previous administration planned to develop piers in the George Town Harbour without a public vote. However, a petition forced the government to hold a referendum. While the current government has not specified a project or location for the cruise facility, speculation suggests it could be developed alongside a controversial cargo port project in Breakers. The referendum could also have been an opportunity to vote on other issues, such as marijuana decriminalisation and gambling law changes, but these topics will not be included.🚢