The main story in the 31 Oct. 1974 edition of The Caymanian Compass was about the ‘Largest Loan Ever For Government’, which would enable the drawing of up to US$3,750,000. The money was earmarked for construction and equipment of the government’s administrative headquarters in George Town, and the construction and improvement of highways in Cayman. The largest loan up till then had been in 1967 for CI$514,000 for ‘airport rehabilitation’.
Also on the front page was the news that after more than eight months of negotiations, an agreement was signed between James (Jim) Bodden and Rex Crighton and two overseas individuals to build an 18-hole championship golf course on 165 acres of land adjoining the east side of Omega Bay Estates. In addition to the 125-acre golf course, which would include a clubhouse, there would be residential units built over 35 acres, with the entire development called Cayman Golf and Country Club.
Page 2 contained a story on retired shipbuilder Captain Rayal Bodden celebrating his 89th birthday. His granddaughter, Aline Merren of the Department of Civil Aviation, was among those flying to Miami for the special occasion. The article also noted that Bodden built Elmslie Memorial Church.
The Compass editorial addressed the new hours that the Licensing Board had fixed “for the dispensing of intoxicating liquor”, noting that was “bound to create hardship among those who operate restaurants”. Between 2pm and 5pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 2:30pm to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays, premises operating primarily as restaurants would not be allowed to serve alcohol – but hotels could, with the Compass pointing out that could be “interpreted as discrimination”.
On a lighter note, on page 5, Mike Watler, pictured with bananas, cassavas and limes he grew in the Northward subdivision, asked, “Why wait for planes and boats to bring you things you can grow yourself?”
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