The top article on the front page of the Caymanian Compass on 18 March 1976 was news from the United Kingdom; on the nomination of ministers to take the place of Harold Wilson, Labour Party leader and prime minister of Great Britain. The five ministers named were: James Callaghan, foreign secretary; Roy Jenkins, home secretary; Wedgwood Benn, minister for energy; Michael Foot, minister for employment; and Anthony Crosland, minister for the environment. The article said that Callaghan is considered the front runner. However, if the chancellor, Denis Healey, decides to enter, this could change.
The main photo showed two cruise ships that were in the George Town Harbour at the same time – which was a first for Grand Cayman.
Another article featured the developments and changes at the Caribbean Utilities Company, with the latest news of a new manager, Ted Bowyer, taking over. Bowyer expressed faith in the progress of CUC and said he would be looking into ways to improve the service in cooperation with his fellow employees.
The front page also had an article that George Town legislator Claude Hill was quitting politics and would not be contesting the November general elections. Two candidates stated their intention to run: Charles Christian in East End, and Ira Walton, president of the Taxi Owners Association and bus operator in Grand Cayman, in George Town.
Another article said that the Financial Secretary Vassel Johnson introduced a controversial motion that the government purchase approximately 50,000 shares of $1 each in the Cayman Turtle Farm Ltd. in exchange for the tax and duties which will be due on the property transfer transactions in the reorganisation of the turtle farm operation.
The editorial on page 4 discussed the new police bill, saying, “The new Law makes it abundantly clear now that policemen have the same security of services and benefits which are enjoyed by members of other branches of the Government service.”
However, MLA Haig Bodden referred to Criminal Investigation Department men taping a recent public meeting in his constituency as “Gestapo”. The editorial said, “… if police officers are to be engaged in this sort of exercise, then they should present badges or other proof of identity, if they are not in uniform.”
On another topic, headlined ‘A Good Example’, the editorial said chairman of the West Bay Community Council and member of the National Council of Social Services Executive Bryan Bothwell was complimented by the attorney general for bringing to the attention of government oversights in the Succession Law.
“Far too often, people are content to sit by and allow Government and those responsible for administration to do everything. It is for citizens to take an interest in the affairs of their country,” the editorial noted.
A letter to the editor begged the paper to bring back the ‘Tommy the Turtle’ cartoon and included a sketch that featured Tommy telling other cartoon characters to leave “and don’t come back!!”
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Ted Bowyer is an unsung hero in the development of the Cayman Is.
Had he not had the vision and strength of character to demand the investment that CUC needed to keep up with the rapid growth of these islands in the late seventies and early eighties, the financial services and tourism industries would not have been able to grow.
He used to tell me “We don’t need flashy adverts saying what a good job we do, we just need to keep the lights on. “.
He was a great boss and an excellent mentor to whom I personally owe a great deal, as do the people of Grand Cayman.
Alan Roffey. CUC employee 1979-1984.