The lead story in the 25 July 1974 edition of The Caymanian Compass was headlined ‘Governor Crook Gives Advice on Oil Terminal’. The article reported on one of Governor Roy Crook’s farewell speeches before departing Cayman, in which he addressed proposed plans for an oil transport terminal on Little Cayman. He noted that the government of the day had hoped that “some project large enough to bring more prosperity to these islands would come up”. But he raised several questions regarding the plan, and stated that Cayman would not “leap at it with mouths wide open, like a foolish fish tackling a bait. To do so would be just plain irresponsible.”
Also on the front page, under the headline ‘Caymanians Gain Law Degree’, were two now-familiar faces in Cayman’s legal field. Back in 1974, the newspaper was reporting on David Ritch and Steve McField receiving their Bachelor of Law degrees after completing their studies at the University of the West Indies Law Faculty in Barbados. The story noted that both men would proceed to England later in the year to read for their Bar finals at the Inns of Court – McField was heading to Lincoln’s Inn, while Ritch was entering Inner Temple.
Another page 1 story was headlined ‘The Haunting of Pedro Castle’, though a read of the article indicated that the “malignant spirit” mentioned in the first paragraph was more likely someone with a grudge against the owner of the newly-opened restaurant at the castle. The article noted that about three weeks earlier, several “unpleasant incidents” started occurring, such as a signpost pointing the way to the restaurant being ripped off, thrown to the ground and even set on fire. Also, felled trees had been placed along the road leading to the site, making access by car virtually impossible. Owner Glen Evans told the Compass, “It looks like I’m being subjected to some sort of intimidation or pressure. I can honestly think of no reason for this hostility.”
Related Videos
