Premier’s statement on judge’s decision on referendum

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin said today that his concern that the referendum on Government’s proposed cruise berthing and cargo port project would be delayed has been realised.

“As I have been saying for the past few weeks, the referendum was at risk,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “We will now need to await the judicial review in January before having a clear idea as to the way forward. I do believe the majority of the country was prepared to go to the polls and vote in the referendum on the 19^th of December, which will remain a public holiday as it is now too late to rescind it.”

Grand Court Judge Tim Owen granted leave this morning to apply for judicial review and provisionally scheduled a full hearing for 20 January, 2020. He indicated the referendum should be delayed until after a judgment is delivered.