More than 400 people helped begin the 40th anniversary celebration of Cayman Free Press at the Chamber of Commerce’s Business after Hours event Wednesday evening.
Attendees were treated to drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided by the soon-to-reopen Lighthouse Restaurant, with a harpist providing the musical entertainment.
In what Chamber President Joey Hew called a ‘crossroads of history and the future’ display boards gave a look at the newspaper’s past, while tours of the refurbished facility stocked with new and repaired equipment since Hurricane Ivan gave a look at the future.
‘Today there are more publications than ever before,’ said Mr. Hew. ‘In Cayman’s free enterprise system it certainly amazes me that so many can survive in this competitive, but limited advertising market.
‘The reality is, however that over the years we have seen many publications come and go. Cayman Free Press and its flagship publication, the Caymanian Compass, have witnessed these media changes and have adapted and have become stronger because of it.’
Mr. Hew noted the challenges Hurricane Ivan created when it damaged or destroyed much of the Caymanian Compass‘ facility and equipment.
‘Today the Chamber of Commerce is standing shoulder to shoulder with (Compass publisher Brian Uzzell) and the management and staff to show our support and appreciation for what you and your staff have been able to accomplish in the past year.
‘We also wish to express our deep admiration and appreciation for outstanding contribution that Cayman Free Press has made to the development of the Cayman Islands business community while serving as the newspaper of record for the past 40 years.’
Former Governor Thomas Russell, who took office in 1974 when the Compass was printed only twice weekly, recalled how information was disseminated back then.
‘In those days, there was no local radio, no television, no computers, no Internet. There was single Government Information Officer,’ he said.
‘In these early days, the Compass was a local newspaper with the serious responsibility of informing the public of what was going on in commerce, in government, on the sports field and socially.
‘We did not have mission statements at this time,’ he said. ‘We were supposed to know what we were doing.’
The name Cayman Free Press was a succinct statement of purpose before its time and the title, Compass, identified itself with Caymanian history, as well as indicating that it would point in what it considered the right direction.’
Publisher Brian Uzzell said that in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, the company had to ‘unlearn, learn and relearn’ in order to stay relative in today’s media mix, to connect with readers and advertisers, and to thrive in an era with new technologies.
‘While we are charting new territory as our knowledge grows and our methods evolve, we still must pressure and nurture the foundations of integrity and high quality journalism upon with Cayman Free Press was built,’ he said.
Mr. Uzzell noted that the Compass’ successes over the past 40 years depended on collective efforts.
‘Cayman Free Press’ capable staff, especially its leadership, is dedicated to improving the public’s awareness of these fine islands.
‘It has been an emotional and immensely satisfying experience over the past three decades to work with so many talented and committed people,’ he said.
‘When I began this job back in 1974, the trust and belief that people had in me was a supreme compliment and very humbling.
‘I hope that in some way I have repaid that trust.’
The anniversary celebration continued Thursday night with a formal dinner for management and invited guests, and goes on tonight with a private party for staff.
On 21-22 October, Cayman Free Press will carry the celebration to the Sister Islands for an event on Cayman Brac.
See more photos on pages 14-17.
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