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CPR Press Release
With the Government Initiated Referendum (GIR) now confirmed for 30 April 2025, CPR Cayman remains committed to ensuring that voters have access to the critical data needed to make an informed decision. Every Caymanian deserves full transparency on this project’s implications before casting their vote.
CPR Cayman believes that local cruise operators are essential contributors to our tourism economy and that their long-term success must be protected. However, the push for mass cruise tourism at the proposed magnitude will not benefit local businesses but large international cruise lines seeking to reshape Cayman’s tourism landscape in ways that may not align with our island’s long-term best interests. Instead of reactive expansion, we advocate for a strategic, measured approach that ensures a thriving cruise sector while safeguarding the unique advantages that make Cayman an exceptional destination.
Seeking Transparency & Public Accountability
To date, the Government has provided no transparency regarding the proposed cruise berthing facility which it is asking the public to vote on. There has been no disclosure of a detailed plan, cost projections, location analysis, or environmental impact assessments—critical data that should be available before Caymanians are asked to make a decision of this magnitude.
CPR Cayman remains committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue on all aspects of this issue and continues to seek greater clarity on how a cruise berthing facility would impact our already strained quality of life in the Cayman Islands. Decisions that affect our islands’ future must be based on complete and transparent data, not speculation.
Lack of Referendum Regulations
In the Cayman Islands, there are no rules governing the financing of referendums. The implication is that not only can government spend promoting a yes vote without restriction, big local and international companies with deep pockets with a vested interest in one outcome can finance massive campaigns to influence the voters without a fair and equal campaign for the other view.
While the Government Initiated Referendum is set to go ahead on 30 April, in the interest of safeguarding our democracy, we restate our call for the introduction of comprehensive referendum regulations.
The danger of referendums proceeding in the absence of such regulations include:
- Distorted Democratic Process: Unlimited spending by wealthy entities can drown out grassroots voices and skew public discourse.
- Information Asymmetry: Voters may receive disproportionate exposure to one side of the argument, leading to uninformed decision-making.
- Foreign Interference: Without restrictions, external entities can significantly influence domestic policy decisions through financial backing of campaigns.
- Lack of Transparency: Without reporting requirements, voters cannot know who is funding the campaign messages, or their true motivations.
- Erosion of Merit Based Arguments and Unfair Competition: Groups with limited resources cannot effectively counter well-funded campaigns, regardless of the merit of their arguments.
- Conflict of Interest: Government using public resources to promote one side creates an inherent conflict with its role as a neutral administrator of the referendum.
A Call to All Caymanian Voters
Despite the uneven hand that has been dealt to the public by the Government, we urge all Caymanians
to participate in this referendum and take steps to ensure they are fully informed. For those who require assistance—including students overseas—please contact the Elections Office as soon as possible to arrange for mobile or postal ballots. Every vote counts in shaping the future of our Islands.
A Smarter Path to Long-Term Tourism Success
Cayman’s tourism success is built on its unique appeal, pristine environment, and high-value visitor experiences. Instead of sacrificing these strengths for the sake of accommodating mega-ships, Cayman should focus on long-term tourism strategies that emphasize high-value overnight visitors and a thriving boutique cruise sector. By doing so, local cruise operators can benefit from a future that plays to Cayman’s strengths rather than forcing a shift toward a volume-based model that may not be sustainable.
A Vision for the Future of Cayman Tourism
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.
