From The Office of the Premier

George Town, Grand Cayman: The Government
has welcomed the completion of the process to verify signatures on
the Cruise Port Referendum petition.

Premier Alden McLaughlin said, “I would like to
repeat my thanks to Supervisor of Elections, Wesley Howell, and his
excellent team for their hard work and efficiency in concluding the
signature verification process so quickly and smoothly.”

The Premier added, “The drive to build a new
cargo and cruise berthing facility for the Cayman Islands has been
going on for at least the last six years while my Government has been
in office. This referendum process has been going on for a year.
With a preferred bidder now ready to deliver the cargo and cruise
port enhancements this country needs, we need to get on and bring
things to a conclusion.”

“We understand that many Caymanians have signed
the petition because they had questions and concerns about the port.
We are answering those questions as we release more information now
the preferred bidder has been appointed.”

“Sadly, there is also a small group of people
who are simply opposed to the government’s plans at any price and
who appear willing to throw out any kind of misstatement or
half-truth to further their objectives.”

“At each stage in this process, those opponents
have been quick to allege impropriety on the part of Government
Ministers. At each stage they have been wrong.”

“First, scurrilous allegations were made that
Cayman’s cruise and cargo port improvements were being made solely
to benefit the business interests of one or more Ministers. We have
repeatedly shown not only that there are no such business interests
but the port is in the vital best interest of our nation not any
individuals.”

“Secondly, they alleged that the Government was
failing to follow proper procurement and bidding processes. In fact
we have followed a best in class procurement route.”

“Then we heard that civil servants were being
intimidated from signing the referendum petition. That was shown to
be false.”

“Next the country was told that the whole thing
was a stitch up and that a deal had already been agreed with China
Harbour. The preferred bidder announcement demonstrated the untruth
of that assertion.”

“Political interference in the verification
process was the next hue and cry of our opponents. Yet again, they
have been shown to be wrong as the verification process has been
followed through efficiently and diligently by our elections staff.”

“Now we are hearing allegations that the
Government will try to duck the referendum by determining that
Cayman’s cruise and cargo port is not an issue of national
importance or that the Government will somehow pervert the purpose of
the referendum by manipulating the question.”

“As throughout this process, those allegations
are completely without foundation. Let me lay them to rest now.”

“It is central to the Government’s support for
Cayman’s new port and cargo facilities that they are necessary in
the national interest. There is no question of us seeking to avoid a
referendum.”

“As to the referendum question, we intend that
the question should be drawn up in accordance with best practice
principles including that it should, as far as possible, be neutral
in its phrasing. Throughout this process, the Government has
maintained the highest standards of probity and good practice. That
will not change now.”

“The business of government needs to go on and
there is much we need to do in the next few weeks, not least bring
forward a two year budget. However, the country needs certainty and
the Government therefore intends to get this referendum process
completed as quickly as possible.”

“To that end, Cabinet will turn its attention
immediately to considering a draft Bill, including a proposed
formulation of the referendum question and the date on which the
referendum will be held.”