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Fundraiser set for Boatswain Bay group

Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church, Women in the Church will hold its biannual Ladies/Teen Girls Conference and Retreat May 13-15.

Cayman’s colors fly in British Columbia

Aimee Egglishaw, 18, who hails from West Bay, did some creative marketing for Cayman.

50 years ago: District kids excel at sports day

“Although the Inter-Scholastic Sports held in West Bay last week have been covered by another reporter I still feel constrained to write about the excellent performances of the Bodden Town children."

Burglars remanded after guilty pleas

Two young men were remanded in custody after they appeared in Summary Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to a residential burglary.
Police tape

Two arrested in West Bay burglary

Police say they arrested two West Bay men, 18 and 21, Wednesday on suspicion of committing a burglary on March 24.

50 years ago: A death and a wedding

“News has been received of the death of Mrs. Terrence Ebanks, 67 years, which occurred in Isle of Pines on the 23rd. ‘Hillie,’ as she was affectionately called, left here many years ago and has never returned."

Shot fired during robbery at West Bay restaurant

One customer was struck in the head, several other customers were robbed and a shot was fired during a hold-up at West Bay’s Alfresco restaurant Sunday night.

Inquest held in 2014 death of fisherman

A coroner’s jury this week returned a verdict of misadventure in the death of a fisherman who died while snorkeling off West Bay on Sept. 27, 2014. The jury heard evidence on Monday concerning the death of George Bernice (Burnis) Ebanks.

Suspected gunshot fired in failed robbery

An armed man smashed his way into a West Bay liquor store with a concrete block, but ran away without taking anything in a failed robbery on Saturday night.

Turtle Farm’s education programs bring learning to life

The district of West Bay is home to a unique opportunity for youngsters to connect with Cayman’s natural and cultural heritage.

Sir John A. Cumber students get growing

A group of West Bay youngsters recently had the chance to brush up on their gardening knowledge with a fun hands-on outing.

Fishing Tournament to honor ‘Gressy’

In the spirit of tradition, family and friends are planning a fishing tournament in memory of the late Gressmon Ebanks.

The People Time Forgot: Erskin Ebanks

Depending on the weather, every morning, just as the sun was rising (except on Sundays) Erskin Ebanks would cautiously maneuver his 12-foot boat over the West Bay ironshore and head out to sea.

50 years ago: Three births and other arrivals

In the March 9, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Mr. and Mrs. Livingston Powery are the happy parents of their first child, a daughter born on the 3rd. Weight 7 1/2 pounds."

DoE, Paul Allen settle differences to salvage coral reef

Work will resume Tuesday on repairing an area of coral reef that was damaged when the mega-yacht Tatoosh, owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, dropped anchor off West Bay in January.

Kittiwake shipwreck photos garner accolades

Images of Cayman underseas vistas including West Bay’s Kittiwake dive site have earned two photographers high acclaim in the 2016 Underwater Photographer of the Year awards.

Around the district: West Bay beaches

The West Bay shoreline offers many contrasts, with craggy ironshore giving way to sugary sand along the western coastline at the top of Seven Mile Beach, while rustic charm defines the district’s northeast beaches that culminate at Barkers.

50 years ago: A new baby, and a lovely wedding

In the Feb. 23, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Mr. and Mrs....

Seafarers elect new president

The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association has elected a West Bay sea captain as its new president.

Changing times for conch business

Increasing competition and tighter supply is making it harder to make a living selling conch shells on the roadside, says West Bay fisherman Isen Powery.

Vivo menu not just for vegans

A recently opened West Bay restaurant is attracting diners from around the island, even though it primarily serves only vegetarian and vegan food.

50 years ago: Fundraisers, homecomings and a close call

In the Feb. 16, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, news from West Bay included: "West Bay members of...

Suspected DUI crash knocks out power

A predawn car crash Saturday was blamed for knocking out power to a large area of West Bay for several hours.

Magistrate sentences burglar to 22 months in prison

Citing a defendant’s guilty plea to one burglary charge and one theft charge and his efforts to deal with his drug addiction, Magistrate Valdis Foldats sentenced James Orville Ebanks to 22 months in prison.

Minister Rivers calls for Hewitt bankruptcy

A late January filing in the Grand Court seeks to bankrupt West Bay’s John Gordon Hewitt and wife Velma Powery-Hewitt for failing to pay nearly $140,000 in costs to Education Minister Tara Rivers.

A West Bay wedding innovator

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air. And when it comes to weddings, Francine Jackson and her husband Vernon have made a name for themselves.

West Bay updates: Cobalt Coast

West Bay’s Cobalt Coast Resort and Suites was officially acquired by JEM Holdings Ltd. on Dec. 1, 2015 from owner Arie Barendrecht, who opened the resort in 2000. Dive operations are now managed by Reef Divers.

Literacy Week brings out creativity

The Sir John A. Cumber Primary IB World School celebrated Literacy Week from Jan. 26 – 29, under the guidance of literacy coach Giselle Elias and library skills teacher Annette Vaughan.

A district family celebration

Members of West Bay’s Ebanks family were among the district’s honorees at the 2016 Heroes Day ceremony recognizing achievement in agriculture. The family made sure the moment was an affair to remember.

Farm-fresh produce

On a 7-acre stretch in West Bay, a variety of trees, fruits and vegetables are grown by local farmer Tony Powell.

Another nor’wester on the way

A week after huge waves battered the Cayman Islands, forecasters say another nor’wester will move into the area Friday. The new system will again bring rough seas and high winds, though probably not to the extreme seen last weekend, according to the Cayman Islands National Weather Service.

West Bay stabbing leads to attempted murder charge

A crew member of a fishing boat has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in West Bay on the night of Jan. 21.

Library reopens, literacy week kicks off at school

It has been an eventful time for literacy at West Bay’s Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, with the official reopening of the school...

50 years ago: Fried rice, fun and farewell

The Jan. 19, 1966 Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, reported: “On Thursday last, about 70 invited guests spent a very enjoyable evening...

Police identify tourist in snorkeling death

The tourist who died this week after getting into trouble snorkeling off Cemetery Beach in West Bay has been identified as Joseph Dieschbourg, 65,...

Tourist dies in first water death of 2016

A 65-year-old American tourist died Wednesday morning after getting into difficulty while snorkeling off Cemetery Beach in West Bay. Police reported that someone called 911...

Police: Masked man indecently assaulted female jogger

In the latest in a series of indecent assaults on female joggers in the district of West Bay, police are investigating an attack on...

Barkers looking worse for wear

Plastics, glass bottles and cans and a diaper box protruding through garbage bags: These are just some of the things you can find lying...

District diving having good season so far

The rough weather in recent days has brought some heavy seas and cool breezes to the waters of West Bay, making for some wild...

50 Years Ago: West Bayers mark a variety of career developments

In the Jan. 19 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Miss Sicily Rivers left...

Car donated to auto program in memory of slain cousin

The cousin of the late David Ebanks, who was shot dead in West Bay early last year, has donated a car to the apprenticeship program he was involved in.

Go ride a kite at TRIO 2016

Kitesurfing competition The Rock International Open returns for its second event.

Cancer Society urges community to Stride

The Stride Against Cancer on Jan. 31, the walk/run of varying distances in four locales in the Cayman Islands, is one of the biggest fundraising events for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, and organizers are urging participants to come out and support the cause.

Illegal lander worked for $5–$10 per day

A man who identified himself as a Cuban national pleaded guilty in Summary Court on Tuesday afternoon to illegal landing and working without a permit.

Miss Cayman motorcade on Saturday

Eight contestants in the Miss Cayman contest will be parading on Cayman’s roads Saturday to drum up public support for the beauty queen title.

Police arrest two men at sea

Two men were arrested Sunday after being intercepted by marine police officers 10 miles off Barkers in West Bay.

Voter numbers continue to decline

The number of registered voters in Cayman has continued to decline since the general elections in May 2013.

Presbyterian Church of Boatswain Bay celebrates 85 years

Emerging from humble beginnings, the Presbyterian Church of Boatswain Bay, with its motto “Know God, Love God, Serve God,” recently celebrated its 85th anniversary.

50 years ago: A peaceful Christmas, sad passings and a wedding

In the Jan. 5, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates reported on Christmas in the district, as well as funerals and a wedding.

Powell museum a jewel box of West Bay history

West Bay's Powell museum is a treasure trove of local history.

Liquor board: Shaken, stirred, freshened up

The entertainment industry is too vital a part of Cayman’s economy to become a playing field for political football.

Cayman Premier League matches set for this weekend

The Cayman Islands Football Association’s Premier League is under way, with four matches being held over the coming weekend.

Penalty flag: Putting a price on patriotism

In the Cayman Islands, patriotism doesn’t come free of charge. According to our government, the cost can range up to $5,000 per display.

50 years ago: Teachers get in the party mood

The Dec. 29, 1965 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, reported on a festive event held at West Bay’s Club Inferno:

Ebanks family reunion draws a big gathering

Ellen Marie and James Albert had 10 children, 105 grandchildren, and now, many great-grandchildren, all indelibly marking their spot in Cayman’s history.

West Bay seniors celebrate the season

With close to 600 guests in attendance, it was a packed house at the annual Senior Citizens Social.

A month-by-month roundup of Cayman’s 2015 news stories

Top stories of 2015 in the Cayman Islands

In Memoriam: Obituaries of 2015

Obituaries of nine people who died in 2015 and who received Queen's Honours during their lifetime.

Top stories of 2015: One man, one vote approved

The approval of 'one man, one vote' in 2015 marked a "sea change" in Cayman Islands politics.
Purple Ribbon buses

Routes announced for free Purple Ribbon buses

Routes for the free Purple Ribbon buses on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day have been announced by the National Drug Council, organizers of the initiative.

Tourist hit by truck on West Bay Road

A British tourist was hit by a truck as he crossed West Bay Road Tuesday evening.

Top stories of 2015: Twelve die in road accidents

Twelve people died in car accidents in 2015, three times as many as the year before.

Top stories of 2015: Dart's grand plans change Cayman landscape

The current and future plans of the Dart group continued to alter Cayman’s landscape in significant ways in 2015.

Helping out during the holidays

Between the unwrapping of Christmas gifts and popping of New Year’s champagne bottles, let’s take a moment to recognize some of the good works being done this holiday season by Cayman Islands residents.

Christmas at Belford

Bodden Towners enjoyed a festive Christmas party at the Belford Estates Community Emergency Response Team annual family fun day.

50 years ago: Holiday news and an anniversary

Arrivals and departures for the 1965 holidays.

New HospiceCare site announced

It’s an empty dirt lot now, but possibly as soon as the end of next year, a site on West Bay Road will be the new home of Cayman HospiceCare.

Two machete woundings reported over Christmas

Emergency services responded to two separate reports of people being injured by machetes over the Christmas holidays.

West Bay's own sustainability pioneer

Catboat maker Kem Jackson is an off-the-grid pioneer.

What is your New Year's resolution?

West Bayers share their New Year’s resolutions.

Cigars: culture, history and ecstasy

Valerio Cornale is one of the world's foremost collector of antique humidors, and is an authority on cigars. He has advice on everything from how to smoke a cigar, to what we need for a happy life.

Car crashes pile up over holidays

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has seen close to double the number of vehicle accidents during its holiday season traffic crackdown than it recorded in the typical month during the rest of 2015.

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