Cayman has delivered a firm “no” on the building of cruise ship berths, but backed a national lottery and decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of cannabis.
Results showed about two-thirds of those who cast a vote on cruise berths – 64.5%, or 11,973 people – voted against the controversial plans in a referendum run alongside Wednesday’s general election.
Only 28.75%, or 5,417 people, backed the proposal.
Decriminalisation of personal-use amounts of cannabis also notched up a convincing majority based on the figures, this time in favour – 55.13%, (10,385 people) compared with 36.14% (6,809 people) against.
But the ballot on a national lottery ran closer – 50.76%, or 9,563 people, took a chance on the proposal, against 7,770 (41.24%) who rejected it.
A spokesman for sustainable tourism group CPR Cayman, which campaigned against a purpose-built cruise pier, said the message from the electorate was “loud and clear”.
He added, “Given the overwhelming results, the new government has to honour the result and understand the people have used their voices on this matter regarding building any proposed cruise berthing infrastructure or facility in the future.”
The group added that the subject was never “a top five priority” for voters and that the proposal was too vague.
The spokesman said that it lacked “pertinent details, cost projections and failed to address the concerns the public expressed regarding the legitimate environmental, financial and socio-economic concerns”.
It added later that it wanted the government to invest in “carefully planned, fit for use upgrades to the existing cruise tender port facilities, that are affordable and not destructive to the environment and include provisions to enhance visitor satisfaction”
The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT) which backed new cruise ship docks, said in a Facebook post on Thursday it was unhappy with the verdict, but respected the views of the electorate.
The pressure group added, “While we are deeply disappointed by the result, and concerned about the likely negative impact this will have on our sector, we remain committed to advocating for a sustainable and competitive cruise tourism industry.
“The livelihoods of many Caymanians are tied to this vital pillar of our economy, and ACT will continue to work toward securing long-term opportunity for our people and our country.”
Kenneth Bryan, re-elected in George Town Central, as tourism minister in the last government backed the proposal.
But he said after his win was announced that he would also respect the voters’ views.
Bryan said, “That’s what democracy is.”
Long discussed
The decriminalisation of possession and use of small amounts of cannabis and the introduction of a national lottery have never been as polarising as cruise ship berths, but have been discussed for years.
Some had concerns over prison terms for people convicted of relatively minor crimes – being caught with a joint or playing the illegal ‘numbers’ game.
The decriminalisation of small quantities of ganja is not the same as legalisation.
It would mean that anyone caught with illegal cannabis could still be penalised, but would not get a criminal record.
The most likely route would be a fine, similar to the type imposed for traffic offences, and also without the stigma of a conviction.
Politicians who voted in favour of a referendum on a national lottery were keen to emphasise they had no intention of legalising gambling in Cayman, but wanted to tackle unregulated lotteries, which are fairly common.
The last government also said that the cash raised through a lottery could be used to fund good causes, including support for the country’s top athletes.
Voters were – along with the general election – asked to vote on the three referendums.
A total of 18,839 people voted across the 19 constituencies on the three questions, which were:
- Should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?
- Do you support the introduction of a national lottery in the Islands?
- Do you support the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis?
This story has been updated with the final figures.
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It will be interesting to see if there will be increased mental health referrals after this change in the law to the relating to cannabis usage, I fear so.