GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CMC) – The Cayman Islands government says the referendum to be held on Wednesday, the same day voters cast their ballots for a new government, will not be binding on the incoming administration.

Caymanians will have the opportunity to weigh in on three national questions, namely should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure, do they support the introduction of a national lottery in the Islands, and do they support the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis.

In a statement, the Cayman Islands government said that while a general election is used to choose representatives, referendums give voters the opportunity to express their views directly on key issues.

“The upcoming referendum, initiated by the Cayman Islands Government, invites voters to share their views on three national topics and help shape future decisions. However, this referendum is non-binding, meaning the result will guide the government but will not automatically lead to a change in law or policy.

“A ‘yes’ vote does not approve any past proposals or existing plans. It simply signals that the public believes the issue is worth exploring further,” the statement added.

It said that “this particular referendum is non-binding because it was initiated by the government, rather than through a people-led petition process under the constitution”.

According to the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009, a referendum triggered by a petition of at least 25 per cent of registered voters is legally binding. In contrast, when a referendum is called by the government, it does not carry the same legal requirement to act on the results.

The government defended the decision to hold the referendum at the same time of the general election on Wednesday, saying “this referendum is being held in response to ongoing public interest and discussion around the three issues.

“The government recognises that these matters have gained national attention and that many people have strong views. Rather than making a unilateral decision, the government chose to hold a referendum – offering a transparent and structured way for voters to share their views directly.”

Meanwhile, an estimated 23,829 voters are registered to cast ballots for the 19 members of parliament who will be directly elected via plurality vote. The attorney general, appointed by the governor, and deputy governor, appointed by the British monarch, serve as additional ex officio members.

The elections, which will be observed by an election mission organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region, follow a sequence of political maneuvering in the British Overseas Territory since the 2021 elections when independent candidates won 12 seats and e People’s Progressive Party (PPM) winning seven seats.

A government was formed by independent Wayne Panton, who became premier, but in November 2023, 12 legislators joined the new United People’s Movement (UPM) under the leadership of Julianna O’Connor-Connolly, who then became head of the government.

But on October 31, last year, four UPM MPs resigned from government, resulting in it losing its majority in parliament.

In February and March 2025, three of seven members of the minority UPM government including O’Connor-Connolly joined PPM to seek re-election.

The UPM has since stated that it will not contest the 2025 elections and will dissolve. The four former members of the UPM formed a new political party, the Caymanian Community Party (TCCP), headed by Andre Ebanks.

The opposition PPM will contest the elections with Joey Hew as its leader following the resignations of the Speaker and former premier, Alden McLaughlin and former deputy premier Moses Kirkconnell.

The Cayman Islands National Party, which is a new party formed by Dan Scott, a former regional managing partner at Ernst& Young, is contesting the polls.

All polling stations will open at 7:00 am (local time) and close at 6:00 pm (local time), the Elections Office said.