Premier’s statement on judge’s decision on referendum

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.