Campaigners for Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) Cayman have announced that they have reviewed and verified over 90% of the petition signatures required to a trigger a people’s initiated referendum under section 70 of the constitution.

With just 500 signatures to go, the grassroots campaign aims to give the voting public the right to make a fully informed decision as to whether or not the Cayman Islands proceeds with the controversial cruise berthing facility that would be Cayman’s largest capital project to date.

Since the project was announced in 2015, the matter has been a sensitive topic with people voicing their support and opposition to the project based on a wide range of environmental, economic and social considerations.

Campaigners are optimistic, noting that they have had a number of persons who have registered to vote for the first time just to be able to participate in the initiative which they see as an encouraging sign that more Caymanians are paying attention to current issues and willing to participate in national decision-making as involved citizens.

In addition to those voters, there has been an outpouring of support to the referendum campaign from those residing in Cayman and overseas who are not able to vote, but have expressed their deep concern and love for Cayman.

Campaigners are amping up door to door efforts to collect the final signatures and make final appeals to the public about the importance of the proposed referendum and project. There will be a petition table at Hurley’s this Saturday from 10am to 2pm and campaigners will continue door to door efforts with MLA Kenneth Bryan on Sunday in George Town Central.

“Given that to date we have yet to see finalised plans, costings, and that the documents government is basing its proposal on themselves raise severe environmental and socio-economic concerns about the project, we urge those in the community that have not yet

signed to reach out to us. Our community deserves to decide on this project as it will have long lasting repercussions on everyone,” campaigners said.

Those wishing to assist petition efforts are asked to message 328-8187 or email [email protected] for a petition sheet and FAQ Summary.

Petition booklets are also available at the following businesses around Cayman: Rubis Savannah, Four Winds Esso & Hell Gas Station in West Bay, Foster’s Food Fair Strand, Silhoutte in Camana Bay and Pure Art and Cathy Church Photo Centre in George Town. Registered voters who wish to have the petition brought to them, at home or at work, can call 327-5411.

Organisers continue to encourage people not registered to vote but eligible to do so and interested in participating to register at the Elections Office.

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