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Press ReleaseThe recent refusal by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to allow the introduction of a Private Member's Motion for a referendum on the new Constitution proposed by the Constitutional Commissioners has prompted a group of civic minded individuals to get organized.
PEOPLE FOR REFERENDUM have started a campaign to both educate the public at large and acquire the necessary signatures for the proposed referendum. People for Referendum was created out of the obvious need for the issue of a referendum to be put to the people of the Cayman Islands. Carol Pairaudeau, a member, noted that "The people of the Cayman Islands have been given the opportunity to modernise our current constitution through the formerly appointed Constitutional Commissioners. However, our responsibility does not stop there. We the people must continue to have a voice throughout the entire process. The only way for the UK to know "the true wishes of the local people" is to give them a chance to be heard through a referendum."
The group is of the opinion that the issues identified in the Private Member's Motion that was recently rejected by the Speaker of the House are of critical importance to the future of these islands. Mr. Billy Adam said that, "The Governor proposed two possibilities. One option proposed was to write a letter to the members of Executive Council. However, his second proposal of organizing a petition has been widely accepted as the best option to have Executive Council give this matter further consideration."
PEOPLE FOR REFERENDUM have made the point of noting that this matter oversteps any and all partisan boundaries. Sandra Catron stated, "that this issue is of concern to her as a young Caymanian; not as a member of any political organization. I have a vested interest in the betterment of this country as a whole because it affects my own personal well-being. I think that most people have realized the very personal impact these proposed Constitutional changes will have on their lives. I personally have participated in the entire constitution review process. However, we must give everyone the opportunity to have their say on the proposed changes themselves before it reaches the UK government."
Residents over the age of 18 years of age are eligible to participate.
It is regretful that civil servants are unable to participate in this important progression toward democracy. However, it was noted that all civil servants should exercise the opportunity of letting their voices be heard load and clear through their family members.
Petitions have been widely circulated and are available at a number of venues throughout the island; including supermarkets and gas stations. Interested persons may also obtain petitions via e-mail, online or fax. E-mail requests can be sent to
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. Call for more information 345-926-0716.
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