In the Tuesday, 13 July 1976 issue of the Caymanian Compass, an article appeared on the front page “Government increases holdings in CAL”, which reported that the Cayman Islands government purchased 67,500 shares in Cayman Airways Ltd. The purchase gave government a 60% shareholding in the airline, an increase from its previous 51% holding. The remaining 40% was owned by the Costa Rican airline Lacsa.
At the same time, a subsidy of $10,000 was granted to Cayman Airways for the inter-island service for 1976. Subsidies for this service had ceased when the overall operation of the airline showed a profit, the Compass reported. The article also stated that the purchase made Cayman Airways a “truly national airline of these Islands in the eyes of Civil Aeronautics Board and other international organisations”.
A photo appeared on the front page showing the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club competing against local sailors.
An article also appeared on page 2, titled “Olympic dispute”, which reported that the Olympic Games, which were due to start in Montreal on 17 July 1976, were threatened with cancellation by the International Olympic Committee if a dispute with Canada over Taiwan’s participation was not settled.
A photo also appeared showing Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in Philadelphia as they arrived in the US as a part of the bicentennial celebrations.
In the Friday, 16 July issue, the top article was titled “Olympics start tomorrow” and provided details on the Caymanian Olympic team, including that Gerry Kirkconnell had decided to stay until the end of the World Youth Laser Championship, “although it was obvious that the heavier entrants would get nowhere. He was recognised as the Cayman ambassador and the only Olympic competitor.” It also reported that the second half of the Cayman team, Peter Milburn, had lost 19 pounds to be in “tip-top shape” for the Olympics.
Another article reported, “The Caymanian Compass has achieved the distinction of having its leading article on May 28, 1976, being placed among the permanent record of the United States Congress.” The editorial, under the heading “It’s up to the government to solve the bankers’ dilemma”, was quoted by Charles Vanik, representing Ohio. The editorial referred to the situation in which the managing director of Castle Bank and Trust (Cayman) Ltd. Anthony R. Field was found guilty of civil contempt by the US Courts for not divulging bank account owners’ details because of Cayman’s secrecy laws at the time.
An article titled “Final countdown at Radio Cayman” reported that Radio Cayman would broadcast at full power on both the AM and FM bands within 10 days. It discussed the efforts to complete installation of the AM stations at Gun Bay. “When Radio Cayman comes on air with its full programme service of some 95 hours of weekly programmes on entertainment, education and information, one of the daily features will be an hour of ‘Your Requests’.”
The article stated that listeners could write to Radio Cayman with details of their requests. It added, “It may not always be possible to play the exact number requested and the duty announcer may have to make a suitable substitute, but it is hoped that Caymanians will make use of this programme.”
An advertisement appeared on page 9 for Cheval Ranch, which was holding a series of horse racing events at the High School playing field.
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