Dear readers and Compass team,
Today marks an important date in Cayman history and a momentous milestone in our journey – 60 years since our first issue of the national newspaper.
As we celebrate this anniversary October 6, I want to take a moment to reflect on what this means – not just for us as an organisation, but for the communities we serve and the people who make our work possible. Today, our news reaches every corner of Cayman across every media platform – newspaper, television, radio, streaming, digital, social media and magazines – and reaches far beyond our shores to readers, viewers and listeners in more than 50 countries.
To our readers:
Thank you. For six decades, you have placed your trust in us to inform, challenge and connect the community of the Cayman Islands. You have welcomed us into your homes, your conversations and your lives. From the daily news to in-depth investigations, community profiles to cultural coverage, our mission has always been rooted in service – to provide accurate, independent and impactful journalism that reflects our community.
We have grown and evolved alongside you, embracing new platforms, new voices and new ways of telling the stories that matter. This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past – it is a recommitment to the principles that have carried us this far and will guide us forward.
To our Compass team, past and present:
This moment belongs to you. Every reporter, editor, broadcaster, photographer, designer, producer, printer and team member behind the scenes – your dedication is the reason we have reached this milestone. Your passion for truth, your pursuit of excellence and your resilience in an ever-changing media landscape continue to inspire.
Many of you have given years – some, decades – to this institution. To those that came before, we work each day to honour your legacy that shaped our identity and standards in building an enduring trust with the people of Cayman. Others are newer voices bringing energy and innovation to our work. Together, you are, and will always be, the heartbeat of the Compass.
As we celebrate our 60th year, let us also reflect on the impact we’ve made: stories that sparked change, gave voice to the voiceless and helped our readers make sense of the world. We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved and excited for what lies ahead.
With gratitude and pride,
Tripp Donnelly
Publisher
Compass Media
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Congrats to the team at Cayman Compass on this milestone! Thank you for sharing the edition from October 6, 1965, brings back memories of a simpler time in our islands.
To our Publishers, thank you so much for sharing the first edition of the Compass, in it’s entirety. It makes for some really nostalgic reading, a time when the Cayman Islands were like one big village and really were the “Islands Time Forgot”.
Thank you Mr. Donnelly for this message, and congrats to the entire Compass family on this milestone. You and your team are doing a great job. The quality of the articles, the depth of research, and the local content (even if at times provocative) has certainly consistently improved in recent times.
I have journeyed with the Compass for many decades, including when I was the Manager of the Chamber of Commerce from 1988-1992. During those difficult days we debated and wrestled with many issues, but together “showed the light so that others may see”. During those challenging and lonely days my mind goes back to your then long-term Editor-in-Chief Ms. Urzula Gill, and also the late Ms. Carol Winker, and others.
In recent years I have also interacted with other talented members of the Compass edtorial and publishing family, names too numerous to mention – some who are still there.
Again, congratulations on your 60th…many Happy returns.