The top article on the front page of the 8 Jan. 1976 Caymanian Compass was on a surprise enclosure in Caribbean Utilities Company bills. A letter had been enclosed in some of the envelopes, which was unsigned, on plain paper, and explained rising fuel costs, closing with the sentence: “That’s why we’ve had to adjust your rates.” As CUC had not gained approval for an increase in rates, people sought an explanation.
The administration manager of CUC, Audrey Thompson, said she was unaware of the enclosure. A local board member, Bill Parkhurst, was also surprised at the letter. ExCo members met to discuss the mysterious increase report, and CUC confirmed there was no increase. The mystery was solved when Parkhurst reached Robert M. Odear, a Lexington attorney and director of CUC. Odear claimed no knowledge of the reference to rate adjustments in the letter, but said he had approved an enclosure explaining the rise in fuel costs, “which was intended to merely keep the public abreast of company costs and efforts to provide service in a time of skyrocketing fuel rates”.
The main photo on the front page was of Governor Thomas Russell, wearing helmet and plumes, as he inspected the guard of honour. This was part of the opening of the Grand Court, which, at the time, took place every two months.
Cayman National Bank announced its 1975 results as “satisfactory growth and good profit” in an article with a brief overview of the audited financial statements, which appeared under the main story.
Another article described a burglary that took place on Boxing Day at a West Bay store owned by Willie Farrington. He had stopped by to get some cash out of the safe, only to discover that the store had been broken into and his safe stolen. It appeared to be a carefully planned burglary. Approximately $1,000, as well as records and papers, had been in the safe. Police were investigating.
The editorial discussed hospital fees, as “Cayman is expected to get its newly renovated and well equipped hospital soon.” The editorial questioned, “Can our people afford to pay these new highly scaled fees … ?” It recommended that those who can afford to pay should, and those in “stringent circumstances” should still gain the full benefits of the “best health services” through the government.
The editorial also addressed irresponsible cow owners, as cows had been straying on Owen Roberts International Airport and creating a nuisance and hazard there. Aircraft had been delayed frequently, especially in the previous three months, due of cows being on the runway. “We call upon people whose animals stray on to Owen Roberts Airport – some jumping the fence and even breaking strands of barbed wire – to show a more responsible attitude in this matter which affects the lives of those who travel in and out of the Cayman Islands.”
On page B1, the week’s top 12 LP records were advertised by Stereo City, with ‘Hot Chocolate’ in the number one spot.
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