Caymanians would next year decide whether small amounts of marijuana should be decriminalised and a lottery should be introduced to earn the Cayman Islands much needed revenue, according to Minister of Tourism and Ports, Kenneth Bryan.
“It should be noted that both of these topics have been the subjects of considerable debate for some time,” he said. He explained that the results would decided on a simple majority of more than 50 percent of the votes cast, not the total number of registered voters.
He recalled that in December, 2022 a parliamentary motion on cannabis was virtually unanimously approved and so the decision to take the issue to a vote is in keeping with the passage of that resolution.
Mr Bryan said government opted to put the marijuana question to a popular vote because it could impact on many areas of society. He said those in favour might say it is about giving young people, particularly youths, “a chance to thrive and succeed without carrying the weight of a criminal record for what can be described as a relatively minor infraction.” On the contrary, others, he said, might deem decriminalising that “drug use is condoned and encouraged.”
He said the Cayman Islands did not intend to “fully” legalise marijuana to allow for the narcotic to be bought and sold at licensed shops. “This is not what the government is intending or suggesting in this referendum,” he said. Instead, Mr Bryan said decriminalisation of possession of specified small amounts of marijuana would mean no serious criminal offence, jail time or criminal record.
The Minister highlighted that one of the most compelling arguments for a national lottery is its potential to increase revenue. “Lotteries are popular means for raising funds for various causes without imposing taxes or fees on our people. In many countries, lotteries are used to fund programmes in education, sport as well as infrastructure and community development,” he said.
Mr Bryan acknowledged that pro-lottery advocates might argue that a well-regulated gaming system would curb illegal gambling that operate in the black market in the Cayman Island, while opponents might contend that a lottery might increase gambling as well as religious objections.
He said if there is a ‘yes’ vote for a national lottery, the next government would be in a position to hold consultations with experts on creating a responsible and beneficial system.
The Tourism Minister said if there is a “no” vote, government would have to move ahead with stiffer penalties for gambling.
Caymanians would also vote on whether the territory should invest in cruise berthing facilities to allow for larger ships.
