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
19th 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.