The top story on the front page of the 28 Nov. 1973 Cayman Compass carried a headline that shows how much things have changed from 50 years ago: ‘Cayman Budget Goes Over $11 Million’. Who would have guessed then that in 2023 the news would be about government spending nearing $1 billion? Financial Secretary Vassel Johnson was quoted in the story as saying that 1973 was “a very successful year financially”.
There was also a story on renovations at the George Town Post Office, to the “great delight” of staff, with it “undergoing a complete transformation”. The counters and inside post boxes were relocated, increasing space threefold. Also to be addressed as part of the finished product was “staff conveniences”. These, which had been “barely minimal, will be adequate and working conditions much more pleasant”.
Among the other front-page news was this little item: ‘Divers Return From Cuba’, which told of a private plane that was heading from Florida to Cayman with 14 scuba divers and a crew of two, that was forced down in Cuba. According to initial reports, the plane had “developed mechanical difficulties”, but once back in Florida, the pilot told a different story – that two Cuban fighter jets forced their charter to land in Havana. The passengers and crew were released after paying $11,000, which one passenger called “ransom”. And, fun fact: the plane had once belonged to Cuba’s former dictator, Fulgencio Batista.
Page 6 carried the news, ‘New Ambulance Is Now In Service’, about Bodden Funeral Supplies buying a new ambulance/hearse. Capt. Theo Bodden’s company had been supplying ambulance services to Grand Cayman for the last 15 years. The 1973 Ford Ranch Wagon was specially modified to include a medicine cabinet and emergency first aid kits, plus a special bed and portable oxygen unit. The vehicle was also air-conditioned for “comfort and to moderate heat-caused conditions such as sun-stroke”.
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