2025 Caymanian referendum

A nonbinding referendum was held in the Cayman Islands on 30 April 2025, alongside the general election. Voters were asked three questions.

Questions

1. "Should the Cayman Islands develop cruise berthing infrastructure?"
2. "Do you support the introduction of a National Lottery in the Islands?"
3. "Do you support the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis?"

Campaigns

The Association for Cruise Tourism (ACT), a coalition of stakeholders in the tourism industry, have led a campaign to promote the 'yes' vote on the question that, if passed, would allow the government to build cruise berthing facilities. Cruise Port Referendum (CPR) Cayman, a group advocating for environmentally-conscious tourism, has led the campaign to vote 'no'. On 11 April 2025, CPR Cayman accused the ACT in a press release of using misleading ads in their campaign. Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell responded to CPR's concerns by stating:

There are no provisions in the Referendum Act or the applicable sections of the Elections Act that make it illegal or unlawful to erect a sign or issue a broadcast, for that matter, which is viewed as misleading in relation to a referendum question. I therefore have no legal authority to address your concern.

Results

Voters rejected a proposal to build cruise ship berths, but approved the creation of a national lottery and the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of cannabis.

Share voting yes/no

Question	Yes		No		Spoilt	Total votes	Registered voters	Turnout	Result	Ref.
Cruise berths	5,417	31.15%	11,973	68.85%	1,275	18,665	25,643	72.79%	Failed
National lottery	9,563	55.17%	7,770	44.83%	1,330	18,663		72.78%	Passed
Cannabis	10,385	60.40%	6,809	39.60%	1,483	18,677		72.83%	Passed