News

Governor says referendum results are clear

May 7, 2025

Governor Jane Owen told parliament that the results of last week’s referendum were clear, and while they were not binding, “government will have discretion in how it proceeds to develop policies in regard to the three issues under deliberation in ways that best support the will and the interests of our people”.

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CCMI Statement – April 2025 Public Referendum on Developing Cruise Berthing Infrastructure in the Cayman Islands

May 1, 2025

The Cayman Islands and its gorgeous beaches have been built over tens of millions of years by the stony limestone skeletons of millions of coral reef organisms. It is these corals and skeletal organisms that break down from natural physical and biological processes to produce the sand on our beaches.

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CPR – Cruise Berthing Referendum Results

May 1, 2025

CPR Cayman are pleased that the result of the 30 April 2025 referendum has demonstrated clearly that the majority of Caymanians do not support the development of cruise berthing infrastructure.

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Cruise ship piers sunk but voters take chance on lottery, cannabis decriminalisation

May 1, 2025

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.

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Activists make final bid for ‘no’ to cruise pier

April 29, 2025

After six years campaigning against a cruise dock in George Town, CPR Cayman and other activists are making an all-out final push to persuade voters that cruise berthing facilities will be a disaster for the country and there are many more ways of improving the cruise sector.

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Mission Blue - The time to act is now. We must unite to... | Facebook

April 29, 2025

The time to act is now. We must unite to safeguard the ocean – the planet's blue heart – currently heavily impacted from threats such as unsustainable development, pollution, and warming waters.

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CPR Cayman - Dr Silvia Earle's Mission Blue Urges Cayman: Protect George Town Harbour Hope Spot

April 28, 2025

CPR Cayman welcomes this powerful statement from renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue

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National Trust urges voters to reject call for cruise pier

April 23, 2025

A costly permanent cruise berthing facility has the potential to cause enormous environmental damage when there are other options to help Caymanians who are still dependent on the cruise sector to transition and adapt, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) has said.

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Ocean icon Cousteau opposes cruise berthing in Cayman

April 22, 2025

Renowned oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau has added his voice to those of opponents of cruise-ship berthing in Cayman, as the islands draw closer to a referendum on the issue on 30 April.

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CCMI: Voters don’t have enough info on cruise question

April 16, 2025

The Cayman Islands’ environment is an intrinsic part of its identity and critical to the lives, livelihoods, and lifestyles of Caymanians and residents, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute said in a press release about the potential development of cruise berthing facilities.

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CPR: CIG cash crisis makes cruise piers even less viable

April 14, 2025

Campaigners pushing for a ‘no’ in the upcoming cruise port referendum have said the pre-election finance report shows the country is in no position to invest in a costly cruise berthing facility.

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Missing referendum law paves way for misinformation

April 11, 2025

As the opposing campaigns for the referendum on whether or not the government should construct cruise berthing facilities heat up, CPR Cayman activists, who are advocating for a ‘no’ vote, say that signs being used by ACT, the group campaigning for a ‘yes’, are misleading the public about the question voters are being asked.

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Critical cruise info still missing 26 days from vote

April 4, 2025

Less than four weeks before Cayman voters will be asked to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the construction of cruise berthing facilities somewhere in Grand Cayman, campaigners advocating for a ‘no’ vote in the referendum say the people still don’t have access to important information.

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Disembarkation and conversion: Cruise tourism myths?

March 21, 2025

In a panel discussion at the RF Cayman Economic Outlook conference on 14 March, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Kenneth Bryan made several statements about cruise passenger tourism and the consequences for the Cayman economy if cruise berthing infrastructure isn’t built.

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The dilemma over cruise tourism

March 21, 2025

One of the sessions at the RF Economic Outlook conference held 14 March at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa was a panel discussion about the controversial cruise ship berthing facility.

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Dukharan: ‘Mega ships not a panacea’

March 20, 2025

One of the main reasons suggested by proponents of building cruise berthing facilities on Grand Cayman is that the 43% decline in cruise arrivals seen between 2019 and 2024 is because the larger-class “mega ships” are bypassing the Cayman Islands.

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Economist questions need for cruise berthing infrastructure

March 19, 2025

In a comprehensive analysis released this month, economist Marla Dukharan raises significant questions about the proposed development of cruise berthing infrastructure in the Cayman Islands, just weeks before voters decide on the issue in an April 30 referendum.

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Royal Caribbean and other cruise stocks are sinking right now

March 18, 2025

Cruise lines have been hit by multiple waves of bad news recently. First, in February, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick vowed to pursue foreign-flagged cruise lines and require them to start paying more taxes in the U.S.

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Bryan warns of risks if cruise berth rejected, as opponents critique absence of details

March 17, 2025

Deputy Premier Kenneth Bryan has warned that not building a cruise berth in the Cayman Islands could lead to a decline in business revenues, a rise in unemployment and an increase in crime.

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Cruise vote illogical without details, CPR founder argues

March 17, 2025

One of the founders of the non-profit group Cruise Port Referendum Cayman (CPR), which is campaigning for a ‘no’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the development of cruise berthing facilities in the Cayman Islands, said the government’s decision to put the question to voters without giving them any idea of what those facilities would look like, how or where they would be built, how much they would cost or how they would be funded is illogical.

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CPR not asked to contribute to Referendum Hub

March 14, 2025

The Cayman Islands Government has created an online Referendum Information Hub as the central platform for the public to access official information, records and data related to the upcoming referendum. This webpage is designed to provide transparency and ensure that voters have access to key details that can help them make informed decisions.

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Cruise dock won’t solve problem of decline, says economist

March 3, 2025

As Cayman voters prepare to answer the referendum question about whether or not the Cayman Islands Government should develop cruise berthing facilities, respected regional economist Marla Dukharan has presented a report challenging the idea that it would be the answer to the declining cruise calls.

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Dredging has decimated regional coral reefs, says expert

March 3, 2025

Renowned regional marine scientist Dr Tom Goreau has revealed the extent of the damage to marine environments all around the Carribean resulting from dredging for cruise berthing facilities and marinas or large ships stirring up sediment as they pull into docks.

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2 weeks ago

CPR Cayman
Amazing to see a new luxury cruise line visit our shores and without a pier! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 month ago

CPR Cayman
Thank you Mission Blue and our inspiring young people #protectourfuture 🩵Amazing news for our George Town Hope Spot and friends! In a landmark victory for the Cayman Islands, the majority voted "NO" to the proposed cruise berthing facility, thus protecting the amazing marine biodiversity of the area. George Town Hope Spot Champion Chloe Bentick-Lalli, stated, “I am deeply proud to have stood alongside so many passionate individuals in defense of Georgetown Harbour and Eden Rock. The success of the referendum is a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we come together, educate, and stand firm in our values. Our reefs have a voice, because of our actions and I hope this voice helps sustainably shape Cayman’s future as we grow together.”📸 Protect Our Future ... See MoreSee Less
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1 month ago

CPR Cayman
Cheers to this incredible win for the People, a sustainable future and our democracy 🥂🎉🪸🙌🩵💜💚#cprcayman #VoteNo #referendum #PeoplePower #saveourcayman #protectourfuture ... See MoreSee Less
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1 month ago

CPR Cayman
Cayman, we did it! 🎉Now it’s time to celebrate this historic win for our islands and our future! 🌊💙Join CPR Cayman as we toast to the power of community and a sustainable tomorrow.📍 Cayman Cabana🗓️ Saturday, 3rd May🕕 6–9 PM✨ 🐠 Soak in the views we fought to protect✨ Come earlier and swim, snorkel and enjoy the floaties 💦✨ Celebrate with the people who made it happen — YOU!✨ A 345 discount will be applied to each bill 🎉Let’s raise a glass to the people, the reefs, and the future of Cayman. 🪸#CPRCayman #CelebrateCayman #VoteNoVictory #CommunityWins #ProtectWhatMatters #SustainableFuture #CaymanStrong Cayman Cabana Oceanside RestoBar ... See MoreSee Less
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Articles and Letters

CCMI Urges Close Look at Downstream and Long-Lasting Impacts to the Island

September 12, 2019

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has released a new statement regarding the proposed George Town Dock on Grand Cayman and the need for serious consideration of the potential impacts it may have to Seven Mile Beach.

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CITA statement on current cruise berthing procurement discussions

November 1, 2018

At a recent CITA Board of Directors meeting, a decision was taken to remain neutral on the matter of Cruise Berthing Facilities for the Cayman Islands.

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National Trust Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

October 19, 2018

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-governmental organisation whose mandate under the National Trust.

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Central Caribbean Marine Institute Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

September 23, 2018

CCMI releases updated statement regarding the George Town dock

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Mission Blue: Guy Harvey on Grand Cayman Port Controversy

September 17, 2018

In 2016, George Town Harbor was designated by Mission Blue as a Hope Spot. Mission Blue and the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) define Hope.

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Mission Blue designed George Town Harbour as new Hope Spot

December 1, 2016

For the residents of George Town Harbour, observing mammoth cruise ships pass through their glimmering turquoise backyard is not uncommon.

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National Trust Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

October 7, 2015

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands has thrown serious doubt on assumptions made by the consultants to support the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the cruise port facility.

National Conservation Council

September 14, 2015

Members of the National Conservation Council have said they are 'deeply concerned' about the economic costs and environmental damage of the cruise berthing project.

DEMA urges Dive Industry to Sign Online Petition

August 3, 2015

Thousands Have Already Signed Online Petition to Stop Plans for the Cruise Ship Berthing Facility.

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Cayman Islands Tourism Association Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

July 17, 2015

The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is opposing government’s current proposal to establish cruise berthing facilities in George Town Harbour.

Chamber of Commerce Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility

July 3, 2015

The Chamber of Commerce Council has said it supports the development of the cruise sector and cargo port improvements, although the organisation's survey results on the issue do not appear to back the government's plans.

Cabinet selects preferred bidder

July 29, 2019

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (29 July, 2019) The Cayman Islands Government (CIG) has formally approved the selection of Verdant Isle Port Partners.

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Historic moment as cruise port petition handed over

June 12, 2019

The petition calling for a people's vote on the controversial cruise berthing project was handed over to the Elections Office Wednesday in what was described as a 'historic moment' for the Cayman Islands.

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The issue explained: How the Referendum Process Works

June 2, 2019

Cayman is entering 'uncharted waters' with its first people-initiated referendum, according to Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell.

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Environment chief removed from cruise project committee

September 3, 2018

The Department of Environment is no longer represented on the steering committee overseeing the cruise berthing project.

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Opposition calls for referendum on cruise project

August 17, 2016

Opposition politicians are calling for government to hold a public referendum on whether to proceed with the cruise pier project in George Town harbor.

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DOE Public Consultation Report

August 11, 2016

An overwhelming majority of those who responded during a public consultation on the proposed cruise berthing project oppose the $150 million plan for new piers in George Town harbor.

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Cabinet approves cruise project

October 29, 2015

Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed Tuesday that Cabinet has formally approved the decision to move to the next phase of the proposed cruise pier development.

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Opponents seek Referendum

June 30, 2015

A coalition of Cayman Islands voters will seek to force the local government to abandon plans for a cruise pier in George Town harbor via a people-initiated referendum.

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PWC Conclusions

October 15, 2015

Estimates of the potential economic impact of Grand Cayman's cruise port project have varied widely during the planning phase of the project.

Baird Case Study

September 15, 2015

The Cayman Islands Government is considering the construction of a major cruise berthing facility in George Town Harbour, including two piers, dredging and land reclamation works.

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Department of Environment

September 15, 2015

The Cayman Islands' Government is considering the prospect of constructing a two pier cruise berthing facility in George Town.

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Department of Environment Environmental Statement

August 12, 2015

Attached is the Environmental Assessment Board's (EAB) review of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Cruise Berthing Facility (CBF).

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Rankin: What's in it for the cruise lines?

September 4, 2019

As the petition verification process nears to an end, the first ever people-initiated referendum is imminent.

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Bodden: For whom are we developing?

May 22, 2019

While I can see how the information in two recent articles ['Number of foreign workers hits all-time high' and 'The changing face of Cayman's workforce'].

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CPR: rebuts premier's misleading claims

February 28, 2019

Premier Alden McLaughlin again stated at last week's Chamber of Commerce Luncheon that no public money will be used to build the proposed cruise berthing facilities.

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Panton: Warns of Tourism Conflict

January 16, 2019

Former environment minister Wayne Panton has expressed concerns that the proposed cruise berthing development in George Town.

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Whicker: Questions following the cruise port meeting

October 5, 2018

I attended last week's public meeting, headed by Minister for Tourism Moses Kirkconnell, on the proposed Cayman cruise berths. Although I had a number of questions.

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Community groups surrounding the port debate

September 20, 2018

Battle lines are being redrawn over the controversial cruise berthing project. As campaigners close in on the number of signatures they need to trigger a public vote, supporters of the dock are revving up their own publicity engine.

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Moxam: Cayman must have a referendum on the cruise port

August 22, 2018

The proposed project and the potential consequences have the ability to negatively impact the future of the Cayman Islands.

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Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum highlights concerns over cruise pier project

June 6, 2018

Regular readers of the Cayman Compass and other local media are surely used to seeing headlines over the years such as 'Cruise dock deal on track,' 'Government gives green light to George Town cruise.'

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Dyer: Cruise Port Too Expensive

May 9, 2018

We cannot afford to build a cruise berthing facility in George Town. This is true from both an economic and, more importantly, an environmental perspective.

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DOE director speaks out about cruise port project

September 21, 2015

The environmental consequences of proceeding with the cruise berthing project will still be 'extremely dire' even if mitigation measures are deployed.

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Environmental Assessments Boards warning on impact of port construction

August 19, 2015

The negative impact of the three-year construction period estimated for the proposed cruise berthing facility in George Town harbor should not be underestimated.

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Additional cruise visitors will put a strain on popular tourist attractions like Stingray City

July 30, 2015

The proposed cruise berthing facility in George Town harbor could bring half a million more cruise passengers to Grand Cayman annually.

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An argument against cruise berthing facilities

July 30, 2015

Cayman was built on two pillars – its people and its peaceful, pristine environment. After 40 years of development, it is past time we carefully examine both and make the necessary adjustments toward a sustainable future.

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