CPR Cayman issues a statement informing the public that the petition for our first people-initiated referendum on the proposed cruise berthing facility was submitted to Cabinet Wednesday morning (18 September), through Cabinet Secretary Mr Samuel Rose.   The group says 727 original signature pages containing 5,305 verified signatures of registered voters, and overall 5,862 signatures of registered voters, was submitted exceeding the constitutional requirement of 25% of registered voters needed to trigger a people-initiated referendum.  CPR says it now looks forward to the issuance of the Referendum Bill by Cabinet which will outline the referendum date, question, and other important procedural matters such as campaign finance limits, observers, agents and the referendum day public holiday.

The group anticipates a referendum date in January 2020 based on constitutional requirements, precedents set by previous referendums, and processes outlined by the Elections Supervisor in May 2019. CPR notes  the Referendum Bill were to be issued on 23rd September 2019, the earliest date the referendum could be held is 23rd December 2019, therefore effectively January 2020.

Although the Elections Office has already started their preparations, as with previous referendums,the group believe that the 10 weeks previously advised is necessary, at a minimum, to ensure a fair and just process to ensure that all voters have time to educate themselves, understand the referendum question, and ensure overseas students and voters have sufficient time to organise their voting ballot.

CPR Cayman says it is a concerned citizens group and non-profit organisation that is advocating for a democratic approach to the proposed Cruise Berthing and Cargo Facility (“CBF”) in George Town harbour.

More information can be found on the campaign Facebook page. People can also contact [email protected].