Misleading Information Signage and Lack of Referendum Regulations
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CPR Press Release
CPR Cayman are very concerned about misleading signage and advertising being posted publicly by the cruise berthing Vote Yes campaign. Signs stating “vote yes for cruise tourism” infers that voting “No” for cruise berthing would be voting against “cruise tourism”. This is not at all a part of the referendum question and is clearly and intentionally aimed at misleading the public that a vote against cruise BERTHING is a vote against cruise TOURISM. They are not the same.
CPR Cayman contacted the Elections Office about the misleading signage and received the
following response from Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell:
There are no provisions in the Referendum Act or the applicable sections of the Elections Act that make it illegal or unlawful to
erect a sign or issue a broadcast, for that matter, which is viewed as misleading in relation to a referendum question. I therefore have no legal authority to address your concern.
Cayman Deserves a Modern and Fairly Regulated Referendum Process CPR Cayman has consistently called for a referendum process that is fair, in line with good governance principles and best international practice. CPR Cayman advocates for a sustainable tourism future that balances high-value overnight visitors with a thriving boutique cruise sector, ensuring that local cruise operators continue to benefit from a model that enhances Cayman’s unique appeal rather than prioritizing unsustainable mega-ship volume.
While the Elections Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands carefully regulates all aspects of general elections, including candidates’ expenses, advertising and disclosures, the Government has passed the referendum bill without any regulations for the referendum.
Modern democracies have carefully crafted referendum regulations to ensure fairness and
efficiency of the process and outcomes. In the UK’s Brexit referendum all campaigners were
required to register and complete campaign spending returns if spending was over GB£10,000.
The Canadian Referendum Act requires the registration of referendum committees and prohibits contributions from persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, corporations that do not carry on business in the country, and foreign governments or their agents.
Misleading information should be regulated and there should be recourse to challenge this
information. The people of the Cayman Islands deserve to have a fair and equitable referendum process.
A Vision for the Future of Cayman Tourism
CPR Cayman is also in favour of enhancements and improvements to the existing cruise
infrastructure, to include providing adequate shade, innovations to reduce wait times and along with improved facilities and attractions.
Cayman has the opportunity to be a leader in responsible tourism, ensuring thoughtful, community-centered development that protects our economy, environment, and quality of life for generations to come. By working together, we can create a future where local cruise operators continue to thrive, tourism flourishes, and growth and preservation go hand in hand.
