ACT presses for referendum without consultation on bill
(CNS): The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) is calling for the government to bring the referendum bill on the question of cruise berthing to parliament next month without any public consultation. The lobby group that represents a small number of merchants who rely on cruise passengers to sell their wares want the national vote to go ahead next year regardless, maintaining that the people should have their say on the longstanding and “critically urgent issue”.
The pro-cruise pier activists said that recent calls by André Ebanks MP and the Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) group for extended public consultation on the proposed referendum bill for a cruise pier and the National Conservation Amendment Bill were “political manoeuvring designed to hinder progress” and delay national decisions.
However, what CPR and Ebanks were calling for was the constitutionally required consultation on all laws, not for any extended period.
The requirement can be waived, but those who have concerns about this proposed referendum, from the question itself to the lack of a balanced public awareness campaign, have pointed out that neither the referendum bill nor the NCA amendments have ever been seen by anyone.
The usual consultations with stakeholders during the drafting period have not taken place, and neither the opposition MPs who will be asked to vote on these pieces of legislation next week nor their constituents know what is in the proposed bills, which have still not been published.
Nevertheless, ACT Executive Program Manager Ellio Solomon said that because the referendum bill isn’t about a specific project or changing a law, it should just be passed regardless.
“It is a simple mechanism to allow the people of the Cayman Islands to voice their opinions in a democratic process about a longstanding and now critically urgent issue,” he said. “Extending the timeline for consultation is not only unnecessary but also risks delaying the very referendum designed to give the public a voice. It’s counterproductive and, frankly, nonsensical,” he added, as he incorrectly said that this was an “expanded” consultation.
The cruise lobbyists said that waiving the 28-day notice period doesn’t undermine transparency or good governance, despite the fact that most people outside of Cabinet have never seen it. The votes would take place in April, leaving a very short window for the real issues relating to the question to be addressed.
ACT has claimed there is an urgency for this national vote, even though the question only establishes an opinion and does not pave the way for a specific project to get underway. It is very likely that even if voters said ‘yes’ to the general question about building a cruise dock, a second referendum would be required for any specific project, given the multiple issues that could arise once a proposal is on the table.
Despite their own political influence, ACT said prolonging the process with extended consultation risks unnecessary stagnation and allows political agendas to overshadow the democratic process. The lobby group also accused CPR and Ebanks of conflating unrelated matters.
“We recognise the importance of environmental protection, but we must be careful not to let these discussions become tools for political obstruction,” Solomon said. “Linking the referendum bill to broader debates, such as changes to the National Conservation Law, is a tactic aimed at confusion and delay rather than progress. Protecting the environment and preserving democratic integrity remain paramount, but these goals should not be weaponized to stall necessary action.”
However, the two bills are connected. One of the major concerns is that the proposed amendments to the NCA by the UPM, which has clearly turned its back on PACT’s promises of transparency and sustainability, include removing the legal requirement for government projects to undergo an environmental impact assessment.
Therefore, if that legislation is steered through under the current minority administration — one of the most unpopular and undemocratically formed governments Cayman has seen in many years — it would be bound to suffer a serious public backlash.
ACT hopes that the PPM will support its position, given that the party continues to advocate for cruise berthing facilities.
Without offering evidence that any businesses depend solely on cruise passengers, ACT claimed that thousands of livelihoods depend on the cruise market and that cruise tourism contributes “significantly” to the local economy.
“We believe it is possible to sustainably grow cruise tourism while protecting our natural resources and ensuring that all Caymanians benefit from the opportunities it creates,” Solomon said. “This balance is essential for the future prosperity of our islands.”
Despite representing a small number of local merchants and hundreds of permit holders, ACT suggested that the cruise sector has the support of ordinary people. “We need solutions that work for everyone, not just the select few, while maintaining a commitment to protecting our environment and fostering inclusive growth,” Solomon added.
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Category: Business, development, Local News, Politics, Tourism
No.
I never hear from people with no business interest in cruise passengers demanding a pier be built.
Strange that
At every turn Cruise proponents have gone above and beyond in their attempts to disregard the will of the people and past that to dissuade people from participating and having their say.
At the end of the day these people do not value democratic principles, they have no interest in what is good for Cayman in the long term. Their only interest is short term profit – and using public money to design and maintain projects for which they will be the ultimate true beneficiaries.
They want a port to line their own pockets, let them cough up the cash for it – and pay to maintain it, and pay to mitigate the damage to the environment. They would burn these islands to the ground if it meant they could make a bit of profit.
These people should be laughed out of any room they are in.
I sense we are in the presence of greatness, true visionary greats daring to risk it all for the greater good. If anything, I believe we shall shortly see Elio and Joey astride giant stallions (think Budweiser) as they trot through our streets, sharing knowledge, truth and destiny as we bask in the glittery glow of their shining lights. We truly are the luckiest people on Earth. Bless us all as Elio and Joey wrap the nation in their bosoms and rock us to sleep to the sound of leadership and wonder.
ROFLOL
Those in ACT now wish to circumnavigate the people now to get their way? The vote should also include that if it is defeated, members of ACT need to resign. Go all or nothing.
Just bring in CHEC and lets get this built, and while they are at it get CHEC to now do every major project as they will be cheaper. Great job Honorable Julie!
Let ACT and Mr. Solomon come forward and state that they will accept the outcome of the referendum so that when they get a no we never have to hear from them again.
He is the great Cornfoolio. He needs TP for his pie hole.
let us saddle the islands with hundreds of millions of dollars of debt for the next generation to deal with, ruin what remains of the reefs and fish spawning grounds and destroy the cute style of the waterfront just so somebody can sell a few more tshirts and run their smokey buses a while longer.
This is shortsighted, self serving nonsense even by Cayman’s standards.
Yeah let’s build a port and ruin Georgetown, and destroy the marine environment so a few businesses can prosper and the rest of the country suffers. That would be very stupid. What would be smart is for the businesses affected by a downturn in cruisers is to pivot to other businesses. Think food production. Those businesses should change and not demand something that ruins this country so they can benefit.
George Town
Anything that J Moxam is against I automatically support. Doing the opposite of anything he says is best.
ACT would never be so fortunate to have such sensible people that present facts and use logic plus are as honest as the CPR group.
Well he supports breathing …
Only because he gets something out of it for himself.
Still, it is important for you to stick to your morals and continue to do the opposite of him, right?
Then you are a Moron, unable to form your own thoughts, congratulations on that.
Is that all it takes to make a group? A spiffy acronym, a charter, titles and some signboards?
Okay, I hereby announce the formation of PASSPATM — People Against Self-Serving Politicians And Their Minions.
Yeah, I know. It needs work. A bit wordy, yes?
Needs a secret handshake also. No dues to join, you just have to give a shit about the people, conservation, our kids’ future and the environment. That’s it.
I think you need to change the word “minions” to “handlers.”
You’re right, plus as an added bonus, the acronym is improved! PASSPATH! Let it be so written.
Well done!
Where do I sign up – eliminating self-serving politicians and their minions from Parliament should be the main objective for Caymanians going into the next election.
yeah well ACT can cope. The law says it has have period of public consultation, sit down and wait your turn like everyone else.
The thing is, if this was about another issue that Elio and ACT did not support they would be the other way? This is about getting your way this time and something else for the next time. This is about having concrete rules and laws that guide the process for everyone and everything. If we get rid of public consultation now, then we open the floodgates that this could happen again and next time ACT might not agree that it should be waived. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
ACT are a collection of greedy and unscrupulous characters that have made tens of millions from the duty free business and other businesses that cannot get enough. How many Caymanians do they currently have employed?
According to my to ESO statistics about 2,500.
No stats provided by CIG can be relied upon especially financial statements, project management and eso
3:38 pm So what you’re really saying is: “No matter who says it or how qualified they are to say it or how much expert research went into what they say, if I and my buddies don’t agree with it then it can’t be relied upon.”
They want no public consultation on the referendum so that whichever way the referendum comes out, it will be meaningless. That way, they can keep pushing the cruise port regardless. Nuts to that. There has to be public consultation. And NO, NO, NO to a new cruise port.
These are the same type of people who Mr Berkeley Bush had encountered in the first building of a dock. We have a cargo pier that was built because we had a hero to the people who embraced the future. A future which saw the vision of a future of cargo demands growing with the population.
We cannot deny that Cayman Brac has a small dock that only allows a barge being pulled by a tugboat that takes a minimum of 2 days which can run into delays due to weather. It also needs to have a certain amount to make it profitable. Residents on the Brac usually come to Grand Cayman to buy fresh meats, vegetables, fruits and other items that can spoil waiting to come to the island. It is a crying shame with the population growing that the Brac has to go through this nonsense. We are not a third world country. We need to move with the times.
So obviously if there is no buildings or development in the brac over 3 stories we can’t use the excuse of merchants wanting a dock for tourism only. Why not observe the rest of the room (caribbean) and move with the times.
Cruise ships have been warning Cayman Islands that they are are building ships much larger. Thats the facts. It’s also the facts that not only merchants are losing business in town, but also the rest of the industry.
We constantly hear that stayover hotel or condominium guests are what is keeping the tourism industry going ? It isn’t true. We have 400 plus restaurants alone. We have stingray boats that hold 80-130 people. That business would soon close if they don’t continue to get more customers. As anyone that has gone to stingray city. The people who run those businesses are from West Bay. They are not foreigners. They have approx. 30-40 boats with 3-4 crew plus a captain. That also own busses, approx. 30-40 drivers. also caymanians. Multiply by3-4 members of their family the numbers are going up. What about all the attractions? Turtle center all caymanian staff. Botanic park, Crystal Caves will eventually expand. They have 105 caves on their property. There is a new expansion to the Eastern districts which includes food and beaches. Dolphin Discovery? Hell, beach by public being used along with restaurant. More and more new businesses trying to open but with less customers eventually will close.
We have 400 restaurants… Maybe we have too many.
Loss of stingray city tours with 80-130 passengers per boat… I would LOVE if they disappeared.
Less people on Public Beach = less higglers… Also a win for our lifestyle. Sorry, but your statements speak hollow for a better quality of lifestyle for Cayman. Loss of jobs? Do what every society has done – learn, adapt, be self responsible for your situation.
11:41 am If you’re so sure it’s so right for you to be so hateful to the many Caymanians in the Stingray City tour boat businesses that you would “LOVE if they disappear,” then let’s see if you have the courage of your convictions to put your real name to that post.
“Anonymous” is far too wimpy a name for someone making such a bold public statement!
Ah yes, bus drivers. Once a fully trained bus driver, it’s literally impossible to even imagine another career!
FFS, the turtle centre is terrible on many levels, the stingrays are already over-exploited, boat captains could do fishing expeditions, mangrove tours (if there’s any left) etc.
No to a big nasty cruise port.
It is a fact that we get more from stayover. Look at the statistics from ESO. Less stayover tourists generate far more revenue than the far more cruise passengers. It is not an apples to apples comparison and we will be fine without cruise passengers. Also, the tours you are touting do not get cruise passengers, at least the Eastern ones. The stayover passengers do all of those tours and more. And if stingray city and public beach were less or circus I bet they could make more money. People will pay more for less touristy places.
Vote No !
Here it is good people, a derelict government , parliament and both side of the political aisle wanting nothing better than to suspend consultations, elections, and if everything else fails to keep them in power, the constitution which I am sure is considered more of a hindrance to pursue their selfish agenda.
We should rename the parliament the Castle (Reference to Kafka) and the CIG the Holy Church whom were providing administrative services to the nobles’ estates with McKeeva as our local Cardinal de Richelieu, Juju as our local version of Marie Antoinette (reference to the multiple layers of upholstery she sports on all official occasions) and John-John as the king’s jester (Charles’ the third of France) and be done with it !
Their level of disconnection from the public shares an uncanny resemblance to the one the French nobles had from their fellow starving citizens , all is needed to light the powder kegs in the holds is a dry enough fuse or a decrease in receipts from Work Permits or Financial Services fees and 💥 !
This was the position of the PPM’s New Leader in October 2024
Hew criticised the government for holding a vote in the absence of any facts or defined infrastructure proposal. Echoing comments by those campaigning for a ‘no’ vote, Hew said the referendum does not address where the pier would be, the costs, any long-term benefits or the environmental impact.
“We are being asked to support a question that is at best vague and at worst incomplete,” he said. With no project for voters to properly consider, they don’t have the information needed to weigh the pros and cons and cannot make an informed decision on the proposed question.
Hew also warned that if there is a ‘yes’ vote and a future government goes ahead with a project, it may well still encounter fierce opposition, especially as the minister has downplayed the possible size of any cruise pier that might be proposed.
Those who may have voted ‘yes’ may still not support a specific future project because of the location, scale, costs, ownership, environmental damage or other factors that could emerge in the future, especially given the evolution of cruise tourism away from ports of call to the onboard experience and private islands.
Hew said Bryan’s public statements about a future cruise project, likely to be in George Town, with one pier and no upland development, financed through a Caymanian-only investment fund could have already constrained what might be possible in future.
“This referendum will not resolve the issue, and a referendum that fails to settle matters is largely pointless,” he said. “A lack of clarity undermines the referendum process, creating confusion and uncertainty rather than providing real solutions to the challenges facing Cayman’s tourism sector.”
Has anything changed? Besides the country now being run by a minority government of five ministers as a super slim minority government.
What has really changed about the cruise berthing referendum question?
https://caymannewsservice.com/2024/10/hew-referendum-on-cruise-wont-settle-the-issue/
Joey Hew will change his tune once he gets paid enough and contracts for his business interests. PPM are not the solution to lead the country because they have proven that their leader and party are for sale.
PPM would be silly to support the position put forward from ACT.
These are significant and contentious matters that should not be advanced any further until the country has a new government one that is not a minority group hanging by a thread.
PPM are pro-port sellouts. They don’t care about the optics – they care about the numbers handed to them under the table from the wealthy merchant families, the FCCA and, rumour is, the CHEC.
This guy foolio has really earned that name
ACT have no shame plus too much money and prove it by having Elio Solomon lead their efforts on behalf of the wild bunch that are completely unhinged and prone to violence when dialogue and common sense form the basis of any discussion.
Just Another Day in Absurdistan
Please go back to the rock you’ve hiding under foolio
Elio uses loads of words to try and confuse the public but when you listen carefully it’s pure bollocks
So ACT wants to destroy Georgetown and the marine environment so a few of their businesses can prosper. That is very stupid and selfish. Affected businesses should pivot to something else. Think food production. The sooner this country gets off the tit of the cruise industry the better off we will be.
George Town was destroyed by Caymanians a long time ago.
George Town
The man has earned the name FOOLIO! Can’t find a job so now desperate to get elected riding the ACT gravy train of lies and desperation.
Oh no … now Foolio is back. We already have to put up with Goofball Kenny B’s stupidity and now we have Foolio calling us nonsensical. God help us.