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”.
LinkCCMI 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.
LinkCPR – 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.
LinkCruise 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.
LinkActivists 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.
LinkMission 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.
LinkCPR 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
LinkNational 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.
LinkOcean 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.
LinkCCMI: 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.
LinkCPR: 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.
LinkMissing 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.
LinkCritical 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.
LinkDisembarkation 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.
LinkThe 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.
LinkDukharan: ‘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.
LinkEconomist 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.
LinkRoyal 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.
LinkBryan 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.
LinkCruise 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.
LinkCPR 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.
LinkCruise 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.
LinkDredging 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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New government called a 'turning point' for environmental protection
www.caymancompass.com
Environmental campaigners are hailing the rise of newly formed National Coalition for Cayman as a watershed moment for sustainability, signaling promise in how the islands balance development and envi...
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.
LinkCITA 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.
LinkNational 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.
LinkCentral Caribbean Marine Institute Statement on the Cruise Berthing Facility
September 23, 2018
CCMI releases updated statement regarding the George Town dock
LinkMission 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.
LinkMission 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.
LinkNational 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.
LinkCayman 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.
LinkHistoric 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.
LinkThe 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.
LinkEnvironment 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.
LinkOpposition 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.
LinkDOE 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.
LinkCabinet 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.
LinkOpponents 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.
LinkPWC 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.
LinkDepartment of Environment
September 15, 2015
The Cayman Islands' Government is considering the prospect of constructing a two pier cruise berthing facility in George Town.
LinkDepartment 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).
LinkRankin: 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.
LinkBodden: 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'].
LinkCPR: 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.
LinkPanton: Warns of Tourism Conflict
January 16, 2019
Former environment minister Wayne Panton has expressed concerns that the proposed cruise berthing development in George Town.
LinkWhicker: 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.
LinkCommunity 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.
LinkMoxam: 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.
LinkChamber 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.'
LinkDyer: 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.
LinkDOE 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.
LinkEnvironmental 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.
LinkAdditional 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.
LinkAn 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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