In the Legislative Assembly yesterday (11) Cayman Islands premier, Hon McKeeva Bush, announced that there would be a referendum this summer on the question of single member constituencies. He said his government had decided to hold the national ballot before the next election on 12 July because of what he described as “the divisiveness that the debate was causing in the country.”

“It is a very divisive issue and when combined with the politics that have been infused into the discussion, it has, and will create significant confusion in these Islands,” Bush said. “My government had previously made a commitment to hold a referendum on the issue at the same time as the next general election. However due to the deepening divide in the country caused by the way the opposition, and the independent member from North Side, has used this issue, my government feels it responsible to put this issue to the electors of this country.

“It is important that the public be given its full voice on a most important constitutional issue. In this vein I am pleased to announce that the Government will hold a Referendum on the issue of Single Member Constituencies on 18th July 2012.  However, my position on the electoral system still is, if it is not broken – we shouldn’t meddle with it.

“My Government will embark on a public education process on the proposal for single member constituencies which will be a significant change.

“I am optimistic that after the intelligent people of the Cayman Islands have made themselves fully knowledgeable and informed on the pros and cons of the various systems, as they have always done, they will make the right decision on this subject.”

Hon. Alden McLaughlin, the PPM leader, asked what the question would be and if the referendum would be based on the question in the petition currently circulating asking for a people initiated referendum. But the premier would not be drawn and only said “the question or questions would be revealed at the earliest opportunity.”

He said, “The ballot question will be arrived at soon but first there will be an education campaign.”

He added he had heard lots about the petition but he had never seen it and was not aware what it said.

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