The top article in the 18 Dec. 1975 issue of The Caymanian Compass described the events that had Cayman air traffic controller Sheldon Hislop trying to reach the pilot of a Cessna 401, which had had a scheduled refuelling stop in Cayman after leaving Panama. Hislop radioed Kingston, Jamaica to advise them of the situation. Luckily, another private aircraft from Cozumel, Mexico, had been in radio contact with the lost plane and provided details of the problems the pilot was having with his automatic direction finder, saying he was not sure of his present position. After some efforts to reach the Cessna, which the Mexican pilot realised must be now low on fuel, Cayman learned that Havana was in contact with the lost pilot and the aircraft had its coastline in sight. It eventually landed at the Isle of Pines with both occupants safe.
The photo on the home page showed the arrival of “Santa, the Clowns and the Fairy” at the airport. Governor Thomas Russell and Mrs. Russell were on hand to greet them.
Continuing from the previous two issues, a story detailing the “biggest ganja haul trial” was also on the front page, merged with details of a forgery case as both had experts testifying.
The editorial covered three topics:
- Water safety – with the start of the winter season, the editorial stressed the importance of water safety, especially for high-powered speed boats.
- Political ideologies – these were centred on Jamaica’s ruling party, the PNP, and its support of Prime Minister Manley’s private view about that country becoming a republic.
- Response to a letter to the Editor – The letter, which also appeared on page 4, was from Ena L. Watler, who pointed out – with humour – the long lines at the post office, due to few staff, were deterring people from posting mail early before prices increased. The editorial acknowledged that “she raises a valid point which unfortunately cannot now be adequately rectified because the incident referred to, occurred on the last day of the former postal rates”.
Various adverts encouraging shoppers to stock up before Christmas appeared, including one from Kirk Plaza Supermarket on page 8.
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