🛳️ Government motion for cruise berth referendum filed with parliament

The Cayman Islands government has filed a motion with the parliament proposing a referendum on the development of cruise berthing infrastructure. The motion, dated 26 August, does not specify a date for the public vote but indicates it would take place before the end of 2024. The motion is expected to be debated in the next parliament session, and once passed, the government will draft a referendum bill based on the motion. The bill will then undergo a 21-day consultation period, be redrafted if necessary, and be brought back to parliament for a vote. 📜

The cost of the referendum, estimated at $1.2 million, has sparked controversy, particularly as it is likely to take place just a few months before the general election expected in April. Election officials have suggested that holding the referendum simultaneously with the general election could halve the cost. The government has not yet provided data on the number of Caymanian-owned businesses and Caymanians employed exclusively in cruise tourism jobs, expected passenger spending, or details of the potential project and its financing. 🏦

The question of whether to build a cruise dock has been a contentious issue since 2018 when the PPM administration proposed a costly project in partnership with cruise lines. The Cruise Port Referendum Cayman group, opposing the project, managed to gather enough signatures to force a referendum. The group has been reactivated to promote a 'no' vote, while the Association for the Advancement of Cruise Tourism in the Cayman Islands is pushing for a 'yes' vote. 🚢