🚢 Cruise vote may coincide with 2025 General Election in Cayman Islands

McKeeva Bush, Member of Parliament for West Bay West, has suggested that the Cayman Islands government may reschedule the proposed referendum on cruise berthing facilities to coincide with the 2025 General Election. The referendum, initially planned for later this year, seeks public opinion on whether cruise berthing facilities should be developed in the region. Bush, a former premier and speaker, stated in a social media group chat that there would be no vote on the issue until the election. However, he is no longer in Cabinet and advised the public to wait for an official announcement from Tourism and Ports Minister Kenneth Bryan. 🏝️

Despite Bush's claims, it appears that the Cabinet has not yet agreed to reschedule the referendum. Bush, who is known for his support of cruise berthing facilities, said that Bryan needed time to prepare for the Cabinet meeting. Bryan's current focus is reportedly on addressing the decline in cruise visitors and exploring alternative solutions. The government motion to be debated next month will ask the public: "Should the Cayman Islands Develop Cruise Berthing infrastructure?" However, there is public concern that the vote will take place without a specific project proposal, leaving voters to decide based on an abstract idea without understanding the potential environmental, economic, or social consequences. 🛳️

There has also been debate over the cost of holding the referendum separately from the General Election. Election officials have noted that a concurrent vote would cost around half of a standalone vote, estimated at CI$1.2 million. In a recent poll, 63% of participants agreed that the referendum should not take place until a specific project is proposed. Of the remaining 37% who support a vote, 31% believe it should coincide with the General Election, while only 6% support a standalone vote. 🗳️