February 5, 2025

Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Candidates Forums
New Debate-Style Format Introduced for Party Leaders to Discuss National
Issues

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce will host a series of Candidates Forums,
an essential platform for civic engagement and informed decision-making, beginning
March 13th. Throughout March and April, these forums will allow voters to hear directly
from candidates on the same platform vying for public office in their respective
constituencies.

Since 1988, the Chamber has facilitated these forums in each election and by-election
as a nonpartisan initiative to promote open dialogue and accountability. This year, an
additional debate-style forum will be introduced for political groups and party leaders,
enhancing the opportunity for voters to compare policy positions, leadership visions,
and national priorities in an interactive setting.

Forum Details and Format

All forums will be hosted in person at the Chamber’s conference room in Governors
Square, ensuring accessibility and direct engagement with the electorate. They will
begin at 7 p.m. All sessions will be live-streamed across multiple social media
platforms to maximise outreach. Additionally, all media outlets have been invited to
cover and broadcast the forums, ensuring broad public access to these critical
discussions.

The forums will take place on the following dates:

• Thursday, March 13, 2025 – East End
• Friday, March 14, 2025 – North Side
• Monday, March 17, 2025 – Prospect
• Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Savannah
• Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Newlands
• Thursday, March 20, 2025 – Red Bay
• Friday, March 21, 2025 – Bodden Town East
• Monday, March 24, 2025 – Bodden Town West
• Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – Cayman Brac East
• Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – Cayman Brac West & Little Cayman
• Thursday, March 27, 2025 – West Bay Central
• Friday, March 28, 2025 – West Bay North
• Monday, March 31, 2025 – West Bay West
• Tuesday, April 1, 2025 – West Bay South
• Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – George Town North
• Thursday, April 3, 2025 – George Town Central
• Friday, April 4, 2025 – George Town South
• Monday, April 7, 2025 – George Town West
• Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – George Town East
• Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – Party Leader Debate
  

Each forum will allow candidates to present their platforms, respond to moderated
questions, and engage with constituents on key local and national issues. The newly
introduced debate-style forum for party leaders will provide a dynamic setting for
discussing critical national policies and governance priorities. The format for the debate
will be announced by the end of February.

Why These Forums Matter

The Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering transparency, civic participation,
and open dialogue. These forums serve as a neutral platform where candidates can
address public concerns, outline their vision for the future, and engage in meaningful
discussions that shape the electoral process.

With 19 constituencies represented, these forums will cover an extensive range of
issues, including the Chamber’s three advocacy pillars: building a future-ready
workforce, sustaining economic success, and enhancing the quality of life. Additional
topics will address economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and
governance.

“An informed electorate is essential to a thriving democracy,” said Joanne Lawson,
President of the Chamber of Commerce. “Attending these forums will provide voters
firsthand insights into candidates’ policy positions, priorities, and leadership styles. By
introducing a debate format for party leaders, voters will have a unique opportunity to
compare perspectives on national issues in a way that has never been done before.
This platform will also highlight the importance of visionary leadership—offering a clear
direction for the country’s future and demonstrating each leader’s ability to navigate
complex challenges with foresight and purpose.”

How to Participate

Voters, businesses, and community members are encouraged to submit questions on
constituency and national topics via email. The public can tune in via the Chamber’s
live-streamed broadcasts on social media. The Chamber also invites all media
organisations to cover these events to further enhance public access to these critical
conversations.

Candidates interested in participating are urged to confirm their attendance and
prepare for an engaging exchange of ideas. For further details about the 2025
Candidates Forums, please get in touch with Chamber CEO Wil Pineau at 743-9122 or
wil.pineau@caymanchamber.ky

About the Chamber of Commerce
The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has been a cornerstone of the local
business community and a champion of civic engagement for six decades. The
Chamber promotes transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making among
the electorate through initiatives such as the Candidates Forums.

Wil Pineau, Cert. Hon., CCE, Chief Executive Officer
Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce
345 743-9122
wil.pineau@caymanchamber.ky

www.Caymanchamber.ky