This petition supports extending the period of public consultation time for an additional minimum of 60 days regarding two specific Bills: Identification Register Bill, 2022 and the Cayman Islands Identification Card Bill, 2022  which have the potential to change the way we all live our daily lives both in work and in personal activities.  

This petition supports transparency, accountability and a balanced approach to passing legislation - Which is a cornerstone for a healthy democracy. To only offer the public just a couple of days past the minimum legal timeframe for public consultation, after these bills have been published is not a proper consultation period and is a disservice to all.  

Public participation is critical, especially where proposed legislation can impact our people beyond what is currently understood. Given the recent acknowledgement and response from the Honourable André Ebanks, the Minister of Investment, Innovation and Social Development regarding concerns received about a mandatory Identification Register, is a clear indication more time is necessary to ensure all affected individuals and businesses in our islands have the appropriate time to carefully review and submit informed feedback on both of these Bills.  

Further supporting the need for more consultation time, is the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Roy McTaggart, who has requested the Government to withdraw the National ID and Population Register Bills from the next sitting of Parliament to allow more time for public consultation.

This petition does not take the position to endorse or oppose the validity of the two proposed Bills. Instead, this petition recognises the timing of these two Bills and the impact on the public's ability and ease to give feedback:

November 2022 has been a very busy month for the community as we consider:

• The Public Holiday (Nov 14), Remembrance Day, which lead to increased travel and other family and Government activities such as honoring seafarers. These important celebrations can impact the amount of available time to read proposed laws (Bills).
• Recent community events such as Pirates' Festivities and expressed concerns over traffic congestion that resulted from these events has been a ongoing focus.
• Future events, such as the Air Show, which is being heavily promoted for December 5, 2022, redirects our attention to a very anticipated activity which will undoubtedly be a primary focus of time and discussion, as people make plans for this experience. 
• Upcoming Christmas Holidays - which many may be planning budgets, travel or addressing personal family plans as they prepare to celebrate. 

If you are currently a resident of the Cayman Islands: Caymanian, Permanent Resident, Status Holder etc. and support the opportunity to have MORE TIME to: review these bills, discuss and submit feedback, please sign this petition NOW.

Take an additional Step and CLICK HERE  (scroll down the page to submit comments - Use Safari browser if possible) to send a clear message:

"Extend the Deadline - The Public requires more time to review the proposed Bills, consider and give informed public consultation."

This coming week, on Wednesday, 7 December 2022, the House of Parliament will return for the second meeting of the 2022-23 session. Of noted interest for the public, the following two (2) Bills are expected to be tabled:

1. Identification Register Bill, 2022 Supplement No. 4 published with Legislation Gazette No. 44 dated 4th November, 2022.  CLICK HERE FOR REGISTER BILL 

A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF A REGISTER FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS; AND FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONNECTED PURPOSES 

and

2. Cayman Islands Identification Card Bill, 2022 - Supplement No. 5 published with Legislation Gazette No. 44 dated 4th November, 2022. CLICK HERE FOR CARD BILL  

A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE AND USE OF AN OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS; AND FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONNECTED PURPOSES 

This petition will be submitted to our  Cayman Islands Cabinet and Cayman Islands Parliament in due course.

“Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right … and a desire to know.”
—John Adams

Thank you, 

Those Who Support Extending The Deadline