Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Candidates Forums New Debate-Style Format Introduced for Party Leaders to Discuss National Issues

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce will host a series of Candidates Forums, an essential platform for civic engagement and informed decision-making, beginning March 13th. Throughout March and April, these forums will allow voters to hear directly from candidates on the same platform vying for public office in their respective constituencies.

Since 1988, the Chamber has facilitated these forums in each election and by-election as a nonpartisan initiative to promote open dialogue and accountability. This year, an additional debate-style forum will be introduced for political groups and party leaders, enhancing the opportunity for voters to compare policy positions, leadership visions, and national priorities in an interactive setting.

Forum Details and Format

All forums will be hosted in person at the Chamber’s conference room in Governors Square, ensuring accessibility and direct engagement with the electorate. They will begin at 7 p.m. All sessions will be live-streamed across multiple social media platforms to maximise outreach. Additionally, all media outlets have been invited to cover and broadcast the forums, ensuring broad public access to these critical discussions.

The forums will take place on the following dates:

• Thursday, March 13, 2025 – East End

• Friday, March 14, 2025 – North Side

• Monday, March 17, 2025 – Prospect

• Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Savannah

• Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Newlands

• Thursday, March 20, 2025 – Red Bay

• Friday, March 21, 2025 – Bodden Town East

• Monday, March 24, 2025 – Bodden Town West

• Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – Cayman Brac East

• Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – Cayman Brac West & Little Cayman

• Thursday, March 27, 2025 – West Bay Central

• Friday, March 28, 2025 – West Bay North

• Monday, March 31, 2025 – West Bay West

• Tuesday, April 1, 2025 – West Bay South

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – George Town North

• Thursday, April 3, 2025 – George Town Central

• Friday, April 4, 2025 – George Town South

• Monday, April 7, 2025 – George Town West

• Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – George Town East

• Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – Party Leader Debate

Each forum will allow candidates to present their platforms, respond to moderated questions, and engage with constituents on key local and national issues. The newly introduced debate-style forum for party leaders will provide a dynamic setting for discussing critical national policies and governance priorities. The format for the debate will be announced by the end of February.

Why These Forums Matter

The Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering transparency, civic participation, and open dialogue. These forums serve as a neutral platform where candidates can address public concerns, outline their vision for the future, and engage in meaningful discussions that shape the electoral process.

With 19 constituencies represented, these forums will cover an extensive range of issues, including the Chamber’s three advocacy pillars: building a future-ready workforce, sustaining economic success, and enhancing the quality of life. Additional topics will address economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance.

“An informed electorate is essential to a thriving democracy,” said Joanne Lawson, President of the Chamber of Commerce. “Attending these forums will provide voters firsthand insights into candidates’ policy positions, priorities, and leadership styles. By introducing a debate format for party leaders, voters will have a unique opportunity to compare perspectives on national issues in a way that has never been done before. This platform will also highlight the importance of visionary leadership—offering a clear direction for the country’s future and demonstrating each leader’s ability to navigate complex challenges with foresight and purpose.”

How to Participate

Voters, businesses, and community members are encouraged to submit questions on constituency and national topics via email. The public can tune in via the Chamber’s live-streamed broadcasts on social media. The Chamber also invites all media organisations to cover these events to further enhance public access to these critical conversations.

Candidates interested in participating are urged to confirm their attendance and prepare for an engaging exchange of ideas. For further details about the 2025 Candidates Forums, please get in touch with Chamber CEO Wil Pineau at 743-9122 or wil.pineau@caymanchamber.ky