Not the time for vote on cruise project, say activists
(CNS): CPR Cayman, the activists opposing the construction of cruise berthing facilities, have said there are still too many unresolved issues to support a national vote on the subject at the general election and have welcomed the members of the opposition who have said they’re not going to support the referendum bill when it comes to parliament in January. CPR believes the question is too vague, leaving voters without a clear understanding of what they are voting for or against.
Key information that would allow voters to make an informed decision such as the location, costs, environmental impacts, and logistical details are missing because there is no plan on the table. Government has also failed to present precise numbers that could justify the case for development of the project given that the actual number of Caymanians directly set to lose their jobs or business as a result of not constructing berthing facilities has not been revealed.
The CPR laso have concerns that there are still no referendum regulations that establish the rules governing campaigns, campaign financing, or ensuring a fair and transparent referendum process for either a people initiated referendum of a government initiated one.
Former premier, Wayne Panton, has said that he doesn’t believe that cruise lines will stop calling on Grand Cayman if we don’t build a pier. “I do not believe we should be considering it…and I do not buy the narrative that is being put out there,” as he pointed to claims that the cruise sector is going to have a slight bump up before it dwindles away to nothing. “I think that is non-sensical, illogical and completely untrue.”
He has also said that the minority government should not be trying to impose a referendum on any of the subjects as it no longer has a mandate and certainly not before the necessary research has been done on all three of the issues and presented to the people. Panton pointed out that all three subjects are considered contentious by some people.
The CPR activists also believe that as a minority government the UPM should not be forcing through the referendum given that they are only being supported in quorum for parliament by opposition members to ensure that all eligible voters have the time to register and make it on to the electoral roll so they can vote in April.
It is clear that if the election law had been amended to shorten the time it takes for people to register and checks to be made to make the quarterly roll the election would have been held earlier.
CPR pointed out that this together with the various issues relating to the campaign and the question now is not the time for a vote on such an important national issue.
“The Government’s urgency in pushing this referendum is ill-timed and unwarranted, given the lack of any immediate justification for revisiting the issue of cruise berthing facilities,” CPR stated in a release. “The current instability of the minority Government, who were a given a mandate to continue to the April 2025 general election on the basis that they would not pursue any contentious legislation or policies such as this, only compounds these issues, making it clear that this is not the right time to pursue such a divisive and poorly prepared referendum.”
The activists welcome the position taken by most of the opposition members who are refusing to support
the minority Government’s push for a referendum.
“We call on all the all members of the Government to focus on rebuilding trust and ensuring transparency before asking the people to make decisions on matters of national significance,” CPR stated.
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Category: Local News
2024 worst year for cruise Norovirus outbreaks
Link: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/03/travel/cruise-ships-worst-year-stomach-bugs-cdc-data/index.html
Ewww.
I read about the smell of “ganja” at the Public beach, and it seems there will be a referendum as to whether or not to legalise it here. There is also talk of legalising “gambling” here.
Both these activities worldwide are run and will continue to be operated by “spurious” individuals. and we have plenty.
With a Budget of one Billion dollars do we really need any further income bases in Cayman?
Vote no for the future of our once paradise Island.
Ecoterrorists gonna ecoterrorist.
It must be their way because everyone else just isn’t brainwashed, I mean enlightened to the whole climate change psychological operation that has tainted your minds.
I’ll have what you’re having.
The government will find a way to build the port. Plain and simple- they do not care to hear what we have to say.
Don’t worry, after paying for their $200Million prison resort, there won’t be any money left as we’ll be bankrupt.
So. Spend over 1$million for a Non Binding Reeferendum to say “OK Maybe”
because there are NO Details or to inform the public as to what type of pier/s might conceivably be built there?!
And with the new major investor of GT Property, just what is he doing behind the scenes!!
Really..?, what’s the quiet new investor up to..?
Better still…who is the quiet new investor..?
How about multi level parking block in GT, and another at the airport? Also, fix the dump!!
…and when all of that is done we still don’t want to hear about a stinking cruise ship pier!
The one that no ne seems to care about is the Cargo Port which is in dire need of repair? WHe is the money collected over the years from each ticket? Its like US$2 per passenger? Where is this money gone.. The craen at the dock are 50+ years ol; the channel needs maintenance
Went to pay for Scranton Park
And Kenny’s travel budget
Cargo dock does need to be expanded, but the money gone on stipends salaries parties and fireworks.
Wayne Panton is out of touch with reality! He needs to be mothballed.
He’s a better man and leader than Kenneth, Joey, Alden, Franz, Roy, McKeeva and the high priestess of the Brac Juliana
Better man, maybe. Certainly not a better leader given how that government fell apart.
Gonna need a big box of mothballs for that
The CPR Cayman activist group, which was originally founded on the principle of advocating for a referendum on cruise berthing facilities, is now astonishingly opposing the very referendum they once demanded. The hypocrisy is undeniable and raises serious questions about their true motivations.
The claim that the referendum question is “too vague” simply doesn’t hold water. The question posed by the government, “Should the Cayman Islands have cruise berthing facilities?” is straightforward and clear. It allows voters to decide on the fundamental issue before time and resources are spent on detailed plans. This approach respects the public’s intelligence and ensures that decisions are rooted in principle, not unnecessary complications.
CPR’s suggestion that there is no urgency to address cruise berthing facilities ignores the stark reality. Cruise passenger arrivals have plummeted by nearly 39% since 2019, and without modern berthing facilities, Cayman risks losing its competitive edge to destinations with better infrastructure. This decline isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening now. Thousands of Caymanians who rely on cruise tourism for their livelihoods are at risk, from taxi drivers and tour operators to small business owners. CPR’s refusal to engage with these facts shows a troubling disconnect from the realities facing our economy.
The argument that a minority government lacks the mandate to pursue contentious issues misses the point. This referendum isn’t about imposing a decision; it’s about giving the people the power to decide. As Minister Kenneth Bryan said, “What could possibly be controversial about asking people their opinion?” After over two decades of debate, this referendum is the most democratic way to resolve an issue that affects the entire country.
CPR also criticizes the government for not presenting detailed plans, yet they themselves avoid engaging in meaningful discussion or providing alternative solutions. Their dismissal of the referendum denies voters the chance to make an informed decision and undermines the democratic process they once championed.
The idea, echoed by former Premier Wayne Panton, that the cruise industry will thrive without modernization is not grounded in reality. Cruise lines have already stated that tendering is no longer viable for the larger ships dominating the market. Ignoring these facts risks further declines in visitor numbers, government revenues, and job opportunities for Caymanians. It’s not just complacent; it’s dangerous for our future.
This referendum is about much more than cruise piers. It’s about the future of Cayman’s tourism sector, the livelihoods of thousands of Caymanians, and the economic stability of our country. The government’s decision to table the bill is a recognition that the public deserves to have their voices heard on this critical issue. Delaying or dismissing this referendum only prolongs uncertainty and jeopardizes the progress Cayman needs.
CPR Cayman’s opposition to the referendum they once fought for speaks volumes. It’s time for clarity, leadership, and action. The Caymanian people deserve the opportunity to vote on the future of cruise tourism, an issue that has been debated for far too long. Let the people decide.
Nobody will tell you, but I will. They were never in favour of the cruise port. They were the ones who created the People’s Initiated Referendum(PIR), then were forced by the government to recertify virtually EVER signature, and then before we could be allowed to actually vote on the damn thing, the PPM moved up the election date, thus negating the PIR. The PPM knew they would get shot down, so they instead kicked the can down the road. Again.
Juju’s and Kenny’s UPM minority government is a deadly collection of egos that have lost grip of reality. Kenny lives in a bubble ignoring all basic levels of common sense and mature leadership. Time to vote them all out before they bankrupt Cayman.
Kenny says don’t worry, Eden Rock will grow back under the piers. What an utter fool!
Your second paragraph: “The claim that the referendum question is “too vague” simply doesn’t hold water. The question posed by the government, “Should the Cayman Islands have cruise berthing facilities?” is straightforward and clear. It allows voters to decide on the fundamental issue before time and resources are spent on detailed plans. This approach respects the public’s intelligence and ensures that decisions are rooted in principle, not unnecessary complications.”
The concerns for many of us (most persons I imagine) are: The referendum question may not need “detailed plans” BUT it does need to provide information to answer basic questions such as: how many piers? where will such facilities be located? What is the estimated cost? how do we pay for it? what is the return on investment?
These basic questions need to be answered, otherwise ANY political group can take a Yes result as a blank cheque to move ahead with ANY plans for “pier facilities” that they feel like!
The question is in fact “too vague”!
Juliana, we want three cruise ship docks on Cayman Brac before you retire in April.
One south side, one by west end cemetery and one across the street from your church.
Make it happen.
LOL no one wants to go to the Brac though.
Sure were a lot of you over here this past week, as well as a LOT of visitors. It’s not for everybody. I’m fine with you thinking there is nothing here for you. Sure enough, you’re right!
Brac has too.many people now, we happy if no more comes.
And a bridge from the Brac to the Little.
Ha! Funny. Sort of.
Doesn’t CPR stand for Cayman Port Referendum?
Yet, they don’t want a Referendum?
HUMMMM!!!
How about clearing public beach of all vendors making it look like a shanty town first?
That’s a referendum question I would actually register to vote for.
Just put it to a referendum already. It is non-binding and is just to get a sense as to what people think of the concept. It is essentially a very efficient opinion poll of the voting population.
I suspect that that it would likely be 65/35% No (I would vote No as well). But I could be surprised and maybe just the silent majority supports this.
But there is no harm in getting people’s Yes/No view at this point on the concept.
There is no right time for CPR, they are afraid to let the people decide.
The logical points raised by CPR will always offend the short sighted and ignorant.
Too many are desperate for every opportunity to eat at the troughs like greedy piglets with no care for the trust costs to the country and the long term effects that will have dire effects which will eventually bankrupt the country.
So democracy is not your thing then. Understood.
I don’t want the cruise port. But Wayne is not the guy whose opinion matters any more. They’re 100% right that this minority government isn’t supposed to be doing this but they are pushing quite a few contentious items through at the last second.
Our government right now is the laughing stock of the world. And between Juliana, Kenny, and Dwayne running so much we look like absolute imbeciles.
Government needs to shut up, sit on their hands, and deal with the election and see what happens when the dust settles. Until then, just stop everything (including the constant overspending)
By the Authority of the Ordo Ridiculus: The Cruise Port Referendum—A Saga of Titanic Absurdity
Ah, Cayman’s cruise port referendum. What began as a questionable proposal has evolved into a narrative so absurd, even the Orks would stop and say, “Wait, dis is gettin’ a bit much, innit?” The referendum is no longer just about building a port; it has become a monolithic symbol of bureaucratic excess, political stubbornness, and the sheer power of denial in the face of reason. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving—like an uninvited Waaagh that just won’t leave.
A Tragic Tale of Timing and Tyranid Pods
The timing of this referendum seems as elusive as the funding for it. Every time the public calls for accountability, proponents respond with economic promises wrapped in uncertainty. It’s as if the cruise port proposal were a Tyranid pod, ominous and mysterious, promising benefits while hiding the cost of unleashing devastation upon our coral reefs and public coffers.
The cost estimates have grown from $200 million to a predicted $600 million, swelling like a Hive Fleet consuming resources unchecked. Meanwhile, the voices of concerned citizens—activists, environmentalists, and anyone with a calculator—are dismissed as background noise. It seems the government is so focused on building this port that it has forgotten the fundamental principle of governance: to serve the people, not special interests.
The Fleet of Filing: Ship It or Scrap It
This referendum has reached such ludicrous proportions that Cayman will need more than one solution—it needs an entire fleet of mega-ships to carry the endless drafts, studies, and debates far, far away. Let us commission the Fleet of Filing, a flotilla so massive that it would make the Black Ships of the Sisters of Silence look like rubber dinghies.
1. The “S.S. Bureaucracy Eternal”
Capable of holding every piece of paperwork related to the cruise port proposal, this leviathan will include an onboard archive for feasibility studies and economic projections that have aged like unpasteurized milk.
2. The “HMS Referendum Repeater”
Equipped with endless playback loops of press conferences and public consultations, this ship will float as a reminder of the infinite feedback ignored by those in power.
3. The “S.S. Coral Warden’s Lament”
Housing a symbolic reef in a saltwater tank, this ship will drift aimlessly, a poignant reminder of what we’re risking: the very ecosystem that sustains Cayman’s tourism industry.
4. The Flagship, “M.V. Cayman’s Patience”
Bearing a glowing LED sign reading, “Sponsored by Cayman’s Last Nerve,” this vessel will stand as a testament to the unyielding will of the people who refuse to let this saga sink them.
Orkish Engineering Meets Government Logic
Let’s not forget that the cruise port proposal itself is reminiscent of an Ork mekboy’s invention:
• The blueprints are half-finished, sketched on the back of a cocktail napkin.
• The funding promises rely on untested Exterminatus Virus Bombs, guaranteed to backfire spectacularly.
• The execution depends on duct tape, wishful thinking, and ignoring every environmental and economic warning flashing bright red.
Yet, like any mekboy worth his teef, the government insists, “Dis time, it’ll work, honest!”
The Flesh Hound Solution
But let us not stop there. To ensure this madness is never revisited, let us station a Necromunda Flesh Hound on the steps of Parliament. This cybernetic predator, equipped with a nose for absurdity and an appetite for reckless proposals, will immediately go on a rampage at the slightest suggestion of building the cruise pier.
No feasibility study, no economic projection, and no amount of lobbying will survive the wrath of the Flesh Hound, whose only directive is to protect Cayman from environmental destruction and financial ruin. Its glowing red eyes and steel-clad claws will be a constant reminder: Some ideas are too dangerous to unleash.
The Road to Reason: A Safer Way Forward
The roads of Cayman are already fraught with tragedy, both literal and metaphorical. Let us not allow this referendum to become another oversized speed bump on the path to progress. Instead, we must insist on safety—not just for our roads but for our governance, our environment, and our future.
1. Listen to the People:
Over 99% of Caymanians have voiced their concerns. It’s time to stop filtering their voices through the lens of political convenience and start taking action based on what’s best for the community.
2. Protect the Reef:
The reef is not just an environmental asset; it’s the lifeblood of Cayman’s tourism and heritage. Destroying it for short-term gains is as reckless as treating a roundabout like a ramp.
3. Scrap It, or Ship It:
If this referendum cannot deliver clear benefits with transparent costs, it’s time to pack up the papers, load them onto the Fleet of Filing, and send it adrift with the Flesh Hound standing watch to ensure it never returns.
For Cayman, For Justice, For the Reef
The cruise port referendum has become an unending loop of absurdity, but it also presents an opportunity: to stand up for what truly matters. The people of Cayman deserve better than empty promises and political games. They deserve leadership that values their voices, protects their environment, and invests in sustainable solutions.
For Cayman. For Justice. For Maximum Ridicule.
Let the Adeptus Ridiculous declare this Waaagh over and call for a return to reason!
The “acitivists” have always been wrong. Every time.
My advice is whatever Johann Moxam advises you do to. Do the opposite. Just look at how he ran his last political blunder. (Campaign)
Johan is too smart, sharp tongued and understands the issues for many to appreciate the valid points he makes and owns. He is brave and a leader at a time when Cayman has elected too many uneducated and corrupt yes men that need a job who won the cayman lottery by spending their financiers monies by buying votes.
We need more smart people that are competent elected not more desperate people that will sell out Caymanians to the highest bidder.
Totally agree with this part of your comment:
“Cayman has elected too many uneducated and corrupt yes men that need a job who won the cayman lottery by spending their financiers monies by buying votes.
We need more smart people that are competent elected not more desperate people that will sell out Caymanians to the highest bidder.”
As for the rest of your comment … I am not sure that Johan on his own, smart as he is, is capable of being part of a team that can rescue Cayman from the abyss into which it is falling. No one can do that on their own.
Foolio is that you?
Johann just a lighter Foolio. Watch.
Johan is credible, intelligent and respected. He calls balls and strikes while making sense when he speaks on issues. He is trustworthy.
Elio will do anything for a dollar. He has earned the moniker Foolio every time he speaks. He cannot be trusted.
Zero comparison between the two.
Mr. Moxam is very knowledgeable. He is 100% more credible and capable than anyone in the ACT collective that seemed to have lost the plot from the beginning by demonstrating their desperation with zero facts and unhinged emotional rants
Lol, he can’t even spell Johan.
If only there was half thus much MPs debate when the ReGen Dump for Barker$ SWAP was being negotiated in Secret last month!
Now it’s handed to DepGovernor to execute after the MPs washed their hands of it. Ha!
Kenneth needs to learn when to hold-em, know when to fold-em, know when to walk away and know when to run!
The San Juan Puerto Rico cruise ship pier was damaged in April 2024 by MSC Meraviglia and has been offline to cruise ships, forcing business interruptions, diversions and refunds. Repairs need to be certified by the US Coast Guard and could take weeks. St Maartin has been bypassed or similar issues. It’s not just building a port facility, it’s the lifetime cost of keeping it running while their captains crash into them. It’s continuous costs, forever, to feed their NYSE-listed corporate profit lines.
Excellent points thank you.
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/royal-caribbean-shares-big-plan-124700078.html
They are building more smaller ships for ports that tender. Fact. They replace the older smaller ships.
There is a market for the beheemoths, and Cayman does NOT need to be a part of it. However, the cruise industry knows most monster ships crawl through the Caribbean so they want to have Cayman on the list, but, fact, as shown above, if we stand our ground, they will build the ships to suit OUR PORT. NO PIERS.
Sadly, a very small and vocal group of cruise industry businesses that rely on volume are trying to tell us otherwise.
WE DO NOT NEED TO BE A VOLUME DESTINATION – we will become another Cozumel or Nassau, that by the industry’s own admission, are over visited and becoming stale. Any benefit from a pier will be a short lived jump before we become another has-been.
Keep the quality and exclusivity. Don’t bow to the big $$ business. They WILL still visit, and they will bring higher class and paying visitors (the ones we REALLY want coming back as stayovers).
As for local businesses that are modelled on volume, you should be the ones changing your business plans to meet the tourist product we want to attract. No more $5 t-shirts and 5-for-$10 beer buckets.
LET’S BE CLASSY CAYMAN!!!! We can be special, for once we don’t need to be “jus’ like Johnny…”
Worst Minister of tourism in Cayman’s history! Fire him now before he does more stupid stuff
I would prefer the matter be settled now – the issue is, anyone with a brain knows that it won’t be settled regardless of the outcome
If No wins (which I believe is the likely outcome) any future Government that wants to proceed with a cruise project will ignore the vote and say “that was not a vote on OUR specific project, that was a vote that had nothing to do with us and our Government is not bound by that past vote”
and
If yes wins the Government will likely go overboard like the 2019 PPM plan for multiple piers, dredging and destroying everything in the Hog Stye Bay area and letting a foreign group like CHEC or a foreign Cruise Consortium own the port on paper for decades – people in opposition to the port will demand a vote on that specific project and we will be right back where we started in the first place fighting a government to try and force a vote.
The original 2019-20 vote should never have been cancelled by the PPM in the first place – there is no Constitutional mechanism that allows for a Government to simply waive a People’s initiated Referendum once it is triggered otherwise that entire section of the Constitution would be pointless.
Its absolutely ridiculous what Kenneth is trying to do! No mean no!
In all honesty I really do not see CPR Cayman supporting any referendum on the port. Not saying I support this but I am calling a spade a spade.
To have an effective referendum on the cruise port I feel we need more meat on the bone. Things such as cost, ideas to mitigate environmental damage, projected outcome revenue wise for Cayman, what happens if we don’t, etc. People really need a full lay of the land. What are the projected revenue losses to date of pissing around and not doing the port.
Tell us everything so when we go to vote it won’t be just someone crying don’t do this or do this but hard data we are making our decisions on.
I feel we also need a full plan for the “fixing” of SMB sand loss and the pier aspect should have a build in factor to it.
Do the following pieces of the puzzle fit together? 1) Why is this minority government pushing so hard for this matter to go forward? 2) Are there hidden aspects to a possible deal that voters will never be told about? 3) Is there a reason that MPs are so against passing an ethics law that has actual teeth?
Kenny is a power hungry delusional idiot! We can all agree on that without a referendum
Kleptocracy
A form of government in which the leaders, known as kleptocrats, use their political positions of power to gain or increase their personal wealth by stealing money and valuable resources from the countries they rule.
This is 5he definition of Cayman politics
Most of the elected officials we now have are the poster child for the tragedy of non educated, undisciplined, unexposed, unteachable person colliding with too much power and authority. That combination always results in chaos and destruction. The only remedy is to cancel and reset.
PPM playing the game for now but Joey is no different than Kenneth. They deserve each other. God help the Cayman Islands.
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.”
He accused the government of shirking its responsibility by shifting the burden of such a major decision onto the people instead of developing a comprehensive plan to address the cruise industry decline without doing the necessary groundwork. He said the government should lead with a clear plan, indicating that if the PPM is reelected, they will probably pursue a project regardless of the outcome of the referendum, which is non-binding and merely advisory.
Will the PPM and Joey Hew as leader now change their tune and support their ppm comrades Juju, Jon Jon, Ken Ken and Jay in UPM to push the port referendum and project even though he corrected the folly of their ambitions in parliament?
https://caymannewsservice.com/2024/10/hew-referendum-on-cruise-wont-settle-the-issue/comment-page-1/#comment-658929
Vote No !
1. Relatively few Caymanians are employed in cruise business.
2. Most Caymanians employed in cruise business are themselves imports who became Caymanian, sometimes in highly questionable circumstances.
3. Most expatriates employed in cruise business are forced to live in atrocious conditions and are here to survive with little positive contribution to anyone other than their employer.
4. Cruise tourism has directly contributed to the destruction of our capital as a place for persons who live here to visit, and enjoy.
5. Cruise lines take take take. Too little of their pre-booked tours make it into the local economy.
6. The fact that our port has to effectively cease operations whenever a cruise ship is in, is contributing to a higher cost of imports and problems with the efficient distribution of cargo.
7. Any Caymanian who loses employment in consequence of an end to mass market cruise tourism can have a choice of thousands of jobs in stay over tourism.
So the answer is no.
Good points 2.06 pm…especially number 2, Cabinet status grant from you o now who.
Just say NO!
The desperation from Mr. Bryan and his new minority government makes no sense at this time. How is this a priority for the Caymans?
Good to see the cpr group led by sensible and patriotic people like Shirley Roulstone continuing to engage and highlight real issues with any berthing project in GT Harbour
Thanks CPR for the common sense approach whilst highlighting the issues with this terrible idea from Kenneth and Juliana.
Kenneth and the minority UPM are as bad as the PPM. What is the rush for a referendum when this referendum question and process about the cruise port makes zero sense?
So CPR is trying to prevent the voting public from having their say, again.