The main article on the home page of the 26 Feb. 1976 Caymanian Compass was of an MBE being awarded to Reverend Mannie Lee King at a special ceremony held on Cayman Brac. The award was presented by Governor Thomas Russell. There were more than 300 well-wishers in attendance, including members of the police force, who stood at attention when the governor arrived.
Executive Council Member for Inter Island Coordination and Information Trevor Foster addressed the gathering, saying, “I feel it an honour to congratulate Reverend King. As I look back over the years of our frustration, out of which you helped us you built up our morale. I remember some nine years ago when you came to this island, my father said, if this young man can do all he says he can, then we have a wonderful man in our midst.”
A ‘Close-Up’ on Reverend King appeared on page 5, and he is also mentioned in the editorial.
The photo on the front page shows a shipment of ganja that was discovered at the Airport Warehouse by a Customs officer.
Another article was on a new hospital wing. Following the dedication ceremonies, to which the whole community was invited, tours were offered and refreshments served. A blueprint with the specs of the new wing was printed in the paper as well.
Another article shared details of the 14th Agricultural Show, which was opened by the governor on Ash Wednesday.
The editorial on page 4 said the awarding of an MBE to King in a ceremony on the Brac was a “happy precedent”. King “made this choice most unselfishly” and “This effort at accommodation by the Governor, his staff, the Rev. Lee King, and the planning of a beautiful and moving ceremony by the people of the Brac stands as a tribute to all concerned.”
The editorial also discussed the protection of beaches. “One of our most important natural resources is being ruthlessly exploited – the sand that forms our spectacular beaches and protects our precious shoreline.” It mentioned sand being removed from Barkers as a glaring example, plus that there had been three sand removal court actions in the last six months for isolated cases. “The legal remedies are costly, time-consuming and difficult to prove.”
The editorial encouraged a different approach. “If we choose as a community to take strong action and urge legislation on this issue, then we must be prepared to provide outlets for sand locally through research or accept the higher costs of building.”
An advertisement appeared on page 3 promoting the Agricultural Show, encouraging people to “see the horses jumping – lovely” and “even the babies will be having their show”.
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