ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – Monday april 20, 2015 The Fix A new face for the $20 bill? 3 Politics Quick rise of Marco Rubio 45 Myths Fast-food jobs 23 THOUSANDS DEAD FEW PROSECUTED Among the thousands of fatal shootings at the hands of police since 2005, only 54 officers were charged, a Post analysis found. In the resolved cases, most were cleared or acquitted. PAGE 12 Art America’s doodlers- in-chief 16 ABCDE NATIONAL WEEKLY THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 . IN COLLABORATION WITH Thousands dead, few prosecuted THE WASHIngTon poST Editorial | pagE 4 Mr. Miller’s ‘revolution’: a condeMnable and conteMptible fiction Smooth to slight with wave heights less than 3 feet. High of 88 Low of 74 Seven mile beach WaTeRFROnT WalKeRS ROaD TOWn cenTRe PlaZa Premier and OPPOSitiOn Leader cOndemn remarkS MLA Ezzard Miller warns of ‘revolution’ and ‘bloodshed’ in Cayman streets In remarks made on the floor of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, North Side MLA Ezzard Miller warned of coming “revolution” and “bloodshed” in the streets of the Cayman Islands if the territory does not change immigration policies that impact employment of Caymanians. “If we don’t do it soon, we’re not going to do it without bloodshed,” Mr. Miller said. Mr. Miller went on: “I’ve said on the floor of this assembly several times: Revolutions are not caused in coun- tries by poor, disadvantaged people. They are the people that are used. It is them [sic] kind of unemployed, ed- ucation [sic] people that are going to cause the revolution in this country. “We have two options being pre- sented to us on a daily basis in this country: People are asking for a Martin Luther King to come out and get us a part of the pie that we used to have, get it back for us. There are others who are asking with a Malcolm X attitude. ‘We want a part, we must have a part and if we can’t get a part we’re going to destroy it.’ The latter is becoming far more pop- ular than the former.” Mr. Miller continued: “The young Minister: speed liMit changes to take effect in May brent fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A number of speed limits on local roads, most notably through the heart of Cayman’s main tourism district, will change as of early next month, Planning Minister Kurt Tibbetts announced Friday. Mr. Tibbetts said the reduction of speed along West Bay Road between “the KFC [at Bay Town Plaza] and north of Public Beach [the RBS Coutts building]” would take the speed limit from its current 40 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour. Also, he said, additional pedestrian cross- walks would be installed, apart from the two that exist near the Strand shopping center and Royal Palms. Minister Tibbetts’s announcement came less than two weeks after the April 6 accident that left a teenage tourist in critical condition on West Bay Road. The teenage boy – a pe- destrian who was crossing the road – was hit by a minivan around 9 p.m. that Monday and eventually had to be airlifted off the islands to the U.S. for further medical treatment. Mr. Tibbetts said the National Roads Authority had just placed an order for and re- ceived the equipment to install an additional crosswalk near the Marriott Hotel when the April 6 accident occurred. Innovation on display at Small Business Expo JaMes Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A Cayman brand of wigs and hair extensions, an aerial photography firm and a gym equipment mechanic were among the niche businesses dis- playing at the Small Business Expo on Saturday. Officials say small and micro businesses can be hothouses of innovation and job creation in the Cayman Islands and claim they have cut red tape and gov- ernment fees to make it easier for entrepreneurs to get started. Saturday’s event at the Family Life Centre was a chance for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses to the public and learn more about some of the less glamorous work in- volved in running a company, through seminars on pensions, Trade and Business licensing and marketing. tessanne Chin wows Cayman crowd Singer and songwriter tessanne chin returned to cayman with a virtuoso performance at Festival Green in camana Bay on Friday night. chin previously performed at the Breast Cancer Gala last October. The 29-year-old Jamaican performer, winner of NBC’s fifth season of “The Voice,” and her full band who traveled to cayman with her, took to the stage shortly before midnight. She entertained the enthusiastic crowd with, among others, her debut single “Hideaway” from her “In Between Words” album, as well as Pink’s “Try” and Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” – photo: taneos raMsay PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » “I’m going to probably be in front with them in leading the revolution …” Ezzard MillEr, North Side MLA mr. miller PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL Monday april 20, 2015 • Cayman Compass www. REGmovies.com SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any lm starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. © Warner Bros. Pictures y x FURIOUS 7 3D (PG13) 12:45 I 1:30 2D I 3:45 I 4:30 2D 6:45 I 7:30 2D I 9:30 2D I 9:45 DESERT DANCER (PG13) 1:10 I 3:30 I 7:20 I 9:40 GET HARD (R) 1:15 I 7:10 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 (PG) 1:00 I 4:00 I 7:00 I 9:20 THE LONGEST RIDE (PG13) 3:40 | 9:50 HOME 3D (PG) 12:20 I 2:40 2D I 5:00 I 7:15 2D *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. MONDAY $8.00 Kids of Cold War crocs going to Cuba on conservation mission STOCKHOLM (AP) — Cuba’s efforts to sustain the crit- ically endangered Cuban crocodile are getting a boost from Sweden, home to a pair of reptiles that Fidel Castro gave to a Soviet cosmonaut four decades ago. A Stockholm zoo on Sunday is sending 10 of the couple’s babies to Cuba, where they will be placed in quarantine and even- tually released into the Zapata Swamp, said Jonas Wahlstrom, the zookeeper who raised them. “It’s the dream of any zoo director to be part of releasing animals into the wild,” said Wahlstrom, 62, clutching one of the stout- legged youngsters out- side its enclosure at the Skansen zoo and aquarium in Stockholm. The Cuban crocodile, once found across the Caribbean, is restricted today to two swamps in Cuba, where it is threatened by inter- breeding with American crocodiles, habitat loss and illegal hunting. Wahlstrom said he received his original couple during a 1981 trip to Moscow. They had ended up in the Soviet cap- ital after Castro gave them to cosmonaut Vladimir Shatalov in the 1970s as a token of friendship between the communist nations. “He (Shatalov) brought them back to Moscow and he had them in his flat until his wife said: ‘No more!’ And then he had to give them to the zoo in Moscow,” Wahlstrom told The Associated Press. But the zoo officials didn’t have a good space for the aquatic reptiles so they asked Wahlstrom if he could take them to Sweden. “I had them as my hand luggage back from Moscow,” Wahlstrom said. Zoo officials in Moscow confirmed the background of the crocodiles and their handover to Wahlstrom. Later named Hillary and Castro – in a nod to interna- tional politics – the two croc- odiles have become a star attraction at Wahlstrom’s zoo, where they have been breeding since 1984. Wahlstrom said he’s sent hatchlings to zoos world- wide, but this is the first time he’s given any to Cuba for in- troduction into the wild. With only about 4,000 animals remaining in the wild, the Cuban crocodile, or Crocodylus rhombifer, is red- listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The population is re- stricted to Cuba’s Zapata Swamp and the Isle of Youth. This would be the first time that Cuban crocodiles raised abroad are introduced into the wild in Cuba, ac- cording to Natalia Rossi of the Wildlife Conservation Society. She’s been involved in other efforts to protect crocodiles in the Caribbean island nation but not the Swedish project. However, the crocodiles first would be genetically screened to ensure that they come from a pure breed, Rossi said. The Cuban crocodile can be distinguished from its American cousin by the way it walks and its character- istic bony ridge behind the eyes. But you cannot distin- guish hybrid crocodiles from pure-bred Cuban crocodiles by their appearance, she said. Wahlstrom said he was sure his crocodiles were pure Cubans and expected them to adapt quickly to the real world. “A crocodile is al- ways ready for the wild,” Wahlstrom said. “They are al- ways aggressive.” As if to emphasize his point, the baby croc he was holding briefly writhed out of his grip and snapped at an AP journalist’s jacket. Two adult Cuban crocodiles rest inside their enclosure at the Skansen zoo and aquarium in Stockholm. - PHOTO: AP Jury noTiCe The Grand Court jury re- port date has been changed. Grand Court jurors who are in the April 1 – June 30 session are now to report on Monday, April 20, at 10:45 a.m. Call the Jury information line at 945-5072 for the most up to date information. TwO fAce TriAl fOr fireArms Austin Lloyd Jackson and Jordan Manderson pleaded not guilty on Friday to possession of an unli- censed firearm and three rounds of ammunition. They are charged with having a .38 pistol and three .38 auto rounds at Hirst Road on August 16, 2013. Hirst Road is in Savannah. Grand Court Justice Charles Quin set trial for Oct. 26. Gyrocopter pilot returns to Florida RUSKIN, Fla. (AP) — The letter carrier who caused a full-scale security review in Washington when he violated national airspace by landing his gyrocopter on Capitol Hill expressed frustration Sunday that his message wasn’t get- ting through. Doug Hughes had hoped to raise awareness about the in- fluence of big money in politics by deliberately breaking the law to deliver 535 letters, one for each member of Congress. Instead, the overwhelming focus of news coverage has been about the gaps he ex- posed in national security. “We’ve got bigger prob- lems in this country than worrying about whether the security around DC is ironclad,” Hughes told The Associated Press. “We need to be worried about the piles of money that are going into Congress.” Hughes, 61, spoke as he returned to his home in Florida, where he’ll wait for his next court hearing on charges of operating an un- registered aircraft and vio- lating national airspace. He said his house arrest begins Monday, and he will wear an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet until a May 8 court hearing in Washington. Hughes said people weren’t scared when they saw his ultralight gyrocopter. He says they waved to each other as he flew in over the National Mall, over the re- flecting pool and onto the Capitol’s West lawn. In this March 2015 photo, Doug Hughes flies his gyrocopter near the Wauchula Municipal Airport in Wauchula, Florida. - PHOTO: AP Man gets 30 days for immigration offenses False representations made on application forms CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A Colombian national had the assistance of a Spanish language inter- preter on Thursday when he was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment after pleading guilty to two im- migration offenses. Alvaro Gabriel Hawkins, 35, was charged with causing a false representa- tion to be made on Jan. 5, 2015, to the Immigration Department on a tempo- rary work permit applica- tion in regards to a previous conviction and deportation from the United States. The second charge was causing the same false rep- resentation to be made on a visitor’s visa application on Oct. 29, 2014. Crown Counsel Nicole Petit told Magistrate Grace Donalds that Hawkins was arrested after immi- gration officials received information. The defendant had been arrested in 2004 on a vessel with cocaine aboard. He was convicted in the U.S. and sentenced to 135 months imprisonment. After completing his sen- tence, he was deported to Colombia in Dec. 2013. On both the visa and work permit applica- tions, the question is asked whether the applicant has any convictions in Cayman or any other country. Hawkins answered no. The forms also ask if the applicant has ever been deported from Cayman or any other country. Hawkins again answered no. According to the Immigration Law, a person who is not a Caymanian or permanent resident is re- garded as a prohibited im- migrant if he has been con- victed of an offense for which the sentence is more than 12 months and he has not received a full pardon. Defense attorney Amelia Fosuhene, speaking as am- icus curiae (friend of the court), explained that some- body else had filled out the forms for Hawkins and he had simply signed them. She urged the court to say that Hawkins should have a plane ticket back to Colombia instead of a lengthy stay in Northward Prison at the expense of the Cayman Islands government. The magistrate imposed the term of 30 days and gave him credit for time in custody.3 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Monday april 20, 2015 LegisLative roundup Caretakers get break on rollover Brent Fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Non-Caymanian workers hired by local families to take care of elderly, sick or disabled patients will, once again, be given up to a 10-year exemption from the term-limit provisions of the Cayman Islands Immigration Law. Legislators voted unani- mously last week in favor of a proposal to re-establish the “Certificate for Specialist Caregivers” under the law. Unlike the previous ver- sion of the law, approved in 2010 under the United Democratic Party govern- ment, applicants who suc- cessfully obtain such a cer- tificate would be able to apply for permanent res- idence once they have reached at least eight years of continuous residence on the islands. Currently, all non-Cay- manian workers must leave the islands for at least one year after nine years of continuous residence, un- less they are married to a Caymanian, have obtained a government contract or ob- tain permanent residence. The Certificate for Specialist Caregivers adds a fourth op- tion that allows someone in that particular occupation to apply for a five-year exten- sion to continue working for the same family. The five-year extension on residence takes effect at the end of the caregiver’s or- dinary term limit on resi- dence and can be renewed for another five years. In the case of a specialist caregiver who has been “rolled over” for less than a year, they would be allowed to apply for a five-year certificate in the same manner. Anyone who left Cayman for more than a year could simply apply for a new work permit. In a rare occurrence, both Premier Alden McLaughlin and Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush agreed that reinstating the caregivers exemption was “the right thing to do.” Duty exemption, liquor motions fail Two private members’ motions proposed by North Side MLA Ezzard Miller were voted down by government members. Mr. Miller’s pro- posal to raise the exempted value of dutiable goods brought in by Cayman Islands passport holders from $350 to $500 was opposed on an 11-4 party line vote. The exemption sought to apply to otherwise dutiable and personal house- hold goods. Finance Minister Marco Archer said government op- posed the motion for a number of reasons, chief among them that the govern- ment could lose potentially tens of millions of dollars a year in revenue from the ex- empted duty items. In addition, Mr. Archer said limiting the $500 exemp- tion to a specific group of people – Caymanian passport holders – would be difficult to enforce and would mean more time spent by customs officers checking each air- port passenger who came through the gate. Commerce Minister Wayne Panton said the in- creased duty exemption might encourage local shop- pers to go overseas to buy household products, as well. Mr. Miller returned in his debate reply stating that government seemed willing to give millions of dollars in duty concessions to “billion- aire developers” while the average Caymanian traveler was being denied an extra $150 duty break. A separate motion from Mr. Miller, which was also defeated, asked that limits on importation of intoxi- cating liquor for personal use be increased from the current one gallon limit to “five cases.” premier McLaughlinMcKeeva Bush Trial date set for bar robbery Property stolen from four people CArOl WInKer cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man charged in con- nection with a robbery at Coconut Joe’s bar last year pleaded not guilty on Friday to four counts of robbery and one count of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery. Grand Court Justice Charles Quin set trial for James Romano Whittaker for Sept. 21. All charges arose from an incident at Coconut Joe’s BeachBar and Grill on West Bay Road on Oct. 16, 2014. The first count alleges that Whittaker, together with an- other person, stole $600 and a gold chain from a named person and put him in fear of being subjected to force. The next three counts are similarly worded and per- tain to stealing $15 and a gold chain valued at $300 from another man; a wallet with $5 and various discount cards from a third man; and US$40 from a fourth victim. Whittaker entered his pleas by means of video link from Northward Prison. There will be a pre-trial di- rections hearing on July 17. No indication was given as to whether the trial will be by jury or by judge alone. Grand Court Justice Charles Quin set trial for Sept. 21. Legislators voted unanimously last week in favor of a proposal to re- establish the “Certificate for Specialist Caregivers” under the law. The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. Mr. Miller’s ‘revolution’: A condemnable and contemptible fiction “We have two options being presented to us on a daily basis in this country: People are asking for a Martin Luther King to come out and get us a part of the pie that we used to have, get it back for us. There are others who are asking with a Malcolm X attitude. ‘We want a part, we must have a part and if we can’t get a part we’re going to destroy it.’ The latter is becoming far more popular than the former … “I’m going to probably be in front with them in leading the revolution … They’re not going to be leading it against me, I’m going to be with them. The Bahamas made their adjustment in the ‘70s, you know. They made it early enough that they had no bloodshed. We don’t have too many moons here to make the adjust- ment locally and put Caymanians back in charge.” – North Side MLA Ezzard Miller A half-century of careful toil – assaulted, if not extinguished, in a single, careless, reckless breath. For decades, the people of the Cayman Islands have labored together to construct a country blessed with the most meager of raw materials – sunlight, seawater, sweat and sand. Thanks to our forebears’ vision, Cayman has made the improbable ascent from a subsistence-oriented turtling enclave to an interna- tional hub for finance and premier magnet for upscale tourism, where residents enjoy some of the highest standards of living anywhere in the world. The “secret” to the “Cayman Miracle” is not a secret at all. It is, in fact, a concoction of fundamental human aspirations, essential elements that have long defined Caymanian society, namely: safety, security and stability. Throughout Cayman’s “modern” era, our leaders in the public and private sectors have spent many millions of dollars promoting and projecting those ideas – which, fortunately, are reality in our islands. On that foundation, our country has built two world-class industries and has created a high-powered economic engine that is envied around the globe. The fact that, in Cayman, you can walk the streets free of fear for your person; that you can run your business in the knowledge that your proceeds will remain yours; that you can settle yourself and your family here for life without risking violent social upheaval – those qualities are what set Cayman apart from our competitors. That includes the Bahamas of the 1970s which Mr. Miller extolled so highly in his cavalier address to the Legislative Assembly. Many here remember, and many more are aware of, what happened back then when the Bahamas, in Mr. Miller’s words, “made their adjustment” – their banking industry fled, much of it to Cayman. Almost instantly, they became poor, and we became rich. Indeed, the recent history of Cayman has been a 50-year case study in just how wrong Mr. Miller’s “revolutionary” ideas are. Financial markets are very sensitive to third-world despots who employ language similar to what Mr. Miller used in the House. (His remarks, by the way, were televised.) Many here may ask why anyone should take Mr. Miller’s allusions to “revolution” and “bloodshed” seri - ously. (“Oh, that’s just Ezzard being Ezzard,” they might say.) But while we know Mr. Miller (and the fact that he was voted into office on the strength of 326 ballots), the international media do not. Reporters from the Associated Press, Financial Times and Wall Street Journal may, out of ignorance and objectivity, be inclined to treat Mr. Miller with the same regard they might bestow upon Sir Vassel Johnson or Premier Alden McLaughlin. Mr. Miller’s irresponsible talk of revolution and bloodshed merits universal censure and condemnation. It now becomes the duty of our leaders to make certain the rest of the world knows exactly how far from the mainstream Mr. Miller has strayed, and how out-of-touch his comments are with the reality pre- vailing in Cayman. Mr. Miller often declares how much he loves Cayman. If this is love, what does hate look like? Despite any fantasies Mr. Miller may have to the contrary, Cayman has become, and remains, a model of safety, security and stability for all who live, visit and invest here – independent of birth, nationality or immi- gration status. Monday apriL 20, 2015 • Cayman COmpass Mother of injured teen appeals for information To the wonderful people of Grand Cayman: My written and spoken words are not adequate to thank all those in Grand Cayman for their prayers, love, sup- port and faith during these days since 9 p.m. on April 6. The Christian love and prayers for my son Harrison, me and our family have car- ried us through this tragedy. Harrison remains in critical condition in a Miami hospital and is stable. We are living in the present of each day. I can never personally thank each of you who have helped in ways I am not aware or may never know, who prayed and shared the need for prayer throughout the island and world. All our prayers are continuing to lift Harrison for God’s healing. I cannot mention everyone, but there are those I must note here: Dr. James Akinwunmi; the Staff and nurses at George Town Hospital, espe- cially Riley; Lana Mae Smith, Velma Hewitt, Lucille (LuLu), Tevita and Rosemarie Navuki, O’Neil Miller and Angela Miller, Christine and Ken Dobeare; the Marriott hotel staff, especially Nicholas; the U.S. Consular Agency and the Department of Tourism. I pray that good will come of this tragedy and horrific event. We still do not know all the details of the accident. I hope that as a result of the in- vestigation into this accident, all the circumstances will be carefully considered by the au- thorities with a view to taking such steps as may be neces- sary to improve the safety of pedestrians in the area. If anyone was there that evening and took video or pictures of what was hap- pening after Harrison was hit, I would appreciate you sharing them. The doctors have noted that Harrison’s reaction in the minutes after the accident may help in their medical treatment. Please share with us at: Harrisonzierenberg547@ gmail.com. I look forward to the day that Harrison, brother Leighton, sister Caroline and I return to Grand Cayman so Harrison can meet everyone that entered his life that night and will forever be a part of his life story. God Bless, Lee ann, Harrison, Leighton and Caroline Zierenberg Printed and Published by: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town send us yOur VieWs Or neWs: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com adVertise With us: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS daVid r. legge and Vicki l. legge EdITOR-In-CHIEf daVid r. legge A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will find their own way” FroM CAyMAnCoMpAss.CoM “Tests examine dump’s impact on North Sound,” April 17 I hope they survey the area on the south coast of North Sound. I have owned a prop- erty on the water there for over 30 years. In the old days it was a nursery area for an incred- ible variety of fish, crabs, and lobster. Now it is a desert, and when there is a strong Norther, the surface is covered in a dirty yellow-brown foam. When I lifted an old mooring at the back of the house, the stench when it broke free from the mud on the bottom was nauseating. Something has changed. David Wheaton When will results of envi- ronmental testing of Cayman Brac’s huge dump on South Side be revealed? This 25- plus year scourge of a dump, and the odor of burning landfill wafting towards the southwest end of the Brac, has affected homes and ho- tels and real estate sales and tourists to the island. nan socolow If there’s one thing the Cayman Islands govern- ment is good at, it’s commis- sioning studies and hiring consultants to study and in- vestigate Cayman’s issues, think things through for them and make well-qualified recommendations. Whether they listen to this advice or follow these recom- mendations is another story. michael Davis If they are determining the impact on the surrounding environment, I suggest they need to take a photo of our magnificent mountain from any one of our hundreds of visiting cruise ships. Roger Davies A unlined dump site will sooner or later leach into the groundwater and sur- rounding area like North Sound. I wish the people of Grand Cayman all the best of luck, but the monster is al- ready loose. pete Digiacomo “Police name tourist in fatal Jet Ski crash,” April 17 We have had multiple ex- periences with Jet Skis riding too close to shore when we have been snorkeling. These Jet Skis have been clearly in- side the markers, sometimes significantly, once even while towing a second one. Several close calls necessitated calls to the police marine unit. I’ve been scared once too many times and will never snorkel off Seven Mile Beach again. mary scott5 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Monday april 20, 2015 Cayman, Cuba agree to faster repatriation James Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Officials from Cuba and the Cayman Islands signed a new memorandum of under- standing Friday which they say will help speed up the process of repatriating mi- grants who land illegally in the territory. Few details of the new agreement have been un- veiled, with Cayman officials stating only that it “outlines a more efficient repatria- tion process for irregular Cuban migrants.” Discussions between the two countries have been on- going for the past year, with Cayman Islands authorities anxious to reduce the esca- lating cost of detaining in- creasing numbers of mi- grants arriving on Cayman’s shores in makeshift boats. A large jump in the number of migrants passing through Cayman in 2015 has put a new focus on the problem with the deten- tion center at Fairbanks ap- proaching maximum capacity throughout March and April. More than 160 Cuban mi- grants were estimated to have shown up in Cayman’s waters in the first three months of 2015, compared with 24 per month on av- erage in 2014, and four per month in 2013. The current MOU, signed in 1999, commits Cayman of- ficials to a series of enforce- ment actions once Cuban mi- grant boats appear in local waters, including a time- frame for returning the mi- grants to Havana. The signing of the new agreement follows two days of talks at the Government Administration Building be- tween a Cayman delegation, led by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, and a Cuban del- egation, led by Ambassador Rafael Dausá Céspedes, Director of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad. The delegations also agreed on an annual review of the operation and effective- ness of the memorandum, ac- cording to a Cayman Islands Government statement re- leased on Friday night. Talks, which began in early 2014 have centered on the speed of the repatria- tion process, shared expenses and asylum claims. Following the last round of negotia- tions in September 2014, Mr. Manderson said a new agree- ment had been drafted. “We are confident that the new MOU will better fa- cilitate the return of illegal Cuban migrants from the Cayman Islands, largely due to, among other things, a sig- nificant reduction in pro- cessing time,” the deputy gov- ernor said at that time. “This should deter il- legal migration from Cuba and, consequently, also re- duce costs to the Cayman Islands government incurred in detaining and main- taining the migrants.” Repatriations currently take three to six weeks on average and can run to sev- eral months, with Cayman bearing the cost of housing and feeding the migrants. The Cayman Islands gov- ernment spent $1.6 mil- lion last year on the de- tention, housing and repatriation of Cuban mi- grants who arrived illegally on the territory’s shores. The figure is increasing year-on- year. In 2013, the government spent $589,000 on migrant detention, care and repa- triation. In 2012, that figure was $300,829. In 2011, it was $26,031. A further increase in Cuban arrivals in 2015 has prompted officials to in- vestigate options for in- creasing the capacity of the Immigration Centre or finding new secure accommodation. Officials believe the thawing of relations be- tween the U.S. and Cuba is behind the increase in mi- grant arrivals in 2015. In the wake of U.S. President Barack Obama’s policy shift toward opening up relations between the two countries, many Cubans fear the Cuban Adjustment Act may be sus- pended or abolished. The Act confers special status for Cubans who make it to U.S. soil, allowing them to qualify for expedited legal perma- nent resident status, and eventually U.S. citizenship. Wesley Howell, deputy chief officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said concerns that the Act may be abolished appeared to be fueling an in- crease in the number of mi- grants trying to reach the U.S. Cuban migrants pictured at the Immigration Detention Centre at Fairbanks last week. Most of the inhabitants of the camp were repatriated to Cuba by the end of the week. - PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKER6 LOCAL NEWS Monday april 20, 2015 • Cayman Compass Protected species legislation comes into force this week James Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Substantial parts of the National Conservation Law, including the sections for designating protected land and protected spe- cies, will come into force on Earth Day later this month, Environment Minister Wayne Panton has confirmed. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly last week, Mr. Panton said the full law would likely be implemented before the end of the year. The National Conservation Council, established in September, has been working behind the scenes to put the framework in place for ad- ministering the complex and controversial law, passed by legislators in December, 2015. Mr. Panton said, “It is so appropriate, so perfect, for the Cayman Islands to cele- brate Earth Day by providing even greater legislative pro- tection to our precious envi- ronment, for the betterment and enjoyment of our resi- dents and visitors.” He added, “I am proud of the work that has been done over the years to de- velop and implement the National Conservation Law. I am grateful that Cayman can now point to a leg- islative framework that speaks to our love, protec- tion and appreciation of our environment.” Parts 1 and 2 of the law, which include estab- lishing the Conservation Council, were implemented in September last year. Mr. Panton said parts 3, 4 and 6 will come into force on Earth Day, this Wednesday, along with schedules of protected species. The new sections set out the process for Cabinet to designate crown lands as protected areas or enter into agreements with willing landowners for pri- vate land to be designated as conservation areas. They also include a schedule of protected species and es- tablish the process for adding or removing species from those lists as well as measures to conserve and protect them. Certain species including sharks, rays and crocodiles are protected at all times. A second schedule of species, including grouper, lobster and conch, are protected but can be hunted in accordance with regulations or manage- ment plans. The remaining parts of the law dealing with li- censing and permits and gen- eral matters will likely be im- plemented before the end of the year, Mr. Panton said.Minister Panton Man arrested for fleeing accident scene Woman injured in crash near Sunset House James Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fleeing the scene of an accident after crashing his black Nissan Murano into another vehicle, sending both cars careering into a concrete wall. The female driver of the other vehicle, a silver Kia Sportage, needed hospital treatment for injuries to her head and hands following the incident close to Sunset House on Friday evening. Police said the Nissan was observed overtaking a line of vehicles as it headed east on South Church Street before colliding with the silver Kia at around 7:35 p.m. The impact caused both ve- hicles to crash into the con- crete garden wall of a house. The driver of the Nissan had left the scene when of- ficers arrived, according to a statement from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service on Sunday. A man turned himself in to police later the same evening and admitted to being the driver of the Nissan. He was arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an ac- cident, careless driving and driving under the influence. He was bailed to return to the police station at a later date for interview. Children’s arts festival begins The National Children’s Festival of the Arts is under way, beginning on Thursday with speech and drama per- formances by eight primary and high schools. The festival, a showcase of the musical, drama, speech and artistic talents of the young generation in Cayman, will continue throughout the month and into May. The kick-off speech and drama performances were held at the Church of God on Walkers Road. Judges are traveling around the Cayman Islands to assess more than 100 items by individuals and speech choirs from 15 gov- ernment and private schools. During the competition, young entrants present dra- matic readings of poems and plays in standard and dialect English, by overseas authors and local writers like Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette, Alta Solomon, and Patricia Bent, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Education. The Cayman Islands Civil Servants Association Co-operative Credit Union Instrumental Showcase will be held on Monday, and music eliminations open on Tuesday and con- tinue for a week. The Amin Mohammed Memorial Steel Band Competition is set for Wednesday, April 29, at the Mary Miller Memorial Hall. The festival is also asking schools to observe International Jazz Day on 30 April. Meanwhile on Cayman Brac, speech and drama eliminations take place on Monday, April 27, and music eliminations on April 28. Next month, the dance adjudication will be held on May 4, the Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Ltd. Young Musician of the Year Competition will be on May 7, as well as arts and craft exhibitions on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. The National Children’s Festival of the Arts Final Concerts are open to the public on May 9 in Cayman Brac, and run from May 11-14 in Grand Cayman. Officials will recognise award-winning entries on May 29. George Town Primary School’s speech choir performs Valerie Bloom’s Tall Tales. Special Olympics marks 100 days to go ron shillingford rshillingford@pinnaclemedialtd.com The 100 day countdown to the Special Olympics World Summer Games Los Angeles 2015 was marked at the Crescent in Camana Bay last Thursday with all the athletes present. Governor Helen Kilpatrick attended the event, helping to pass the Flame of Hope to the law enforcement torch rep- resentatives before the full team of 28 athletes was named. There will be nine uni- fied partners at the Games along with coaches in what will be the largest contingent Special Olympics Cayman Islands has ever sent. “In Los Angeles, we will be part of the greatest sporting event in the world this year,” said Special Olympics athlete Matthew Ebanks. “And we will see for ourselves how people who train and compete to- gether can learn how to make friends and share re- spect and love.” The Games will host more than 10,000 athletes and coaches and runs from July 25 to Aug. 2. Cayman’s athletes will compete in aquatics/open water swim, athletics, bas- ketball, bocce and football. The Games will host more than 10,000 athletes and coaches and runs from July 25 to Aug. 2. Shushan O’Connor, Governor Helen Kilpatrick and Rodney Rivers with the Flame of Hope. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY The impact caused both vehicles to crash in to the garden wall of a house.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 Cayman Compass • Monday april 20, 2015 HomeOptions BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE CO. LTD. BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town, P.O. Box 74, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Tel. 949-8699 12 Kirkconnell Street, Stake Bay, P.O. Box 254, Cayman Brac KY2-2101 Tel. 948-1760 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International: insurance, health, pensions, life Shop around and pay less for more insurance! Save $250** with your car insurance! • $250** gift certificate with each new buildings insurance policy (see below) • Convenient, interest-free installment payments • Competitive deductibles • Fast, uncomplicated claims service! • Flexible home contents and lifestyle protection Ask for a quote 949-8699 or visit www.britcay.ky FREE $10 Million ASSET PROTECTION! with motor cover* $250** CERTIFICATE WITH BUILDINGS INSURANCE *private motor insurance **Applies to new private buildings insurance policies only. Certificate can be used with car insurance purchase from BritCay. people, the families they have tried everything in the former, of trying to negotiate to be a part of. One commodity, cap- italist market, free society, that has no value is quali- fied Caymanian labor. Why? Because we allow the route of the work permits. “We need to do something about it urgently. I believe one way to do that is allow them to see what’s available [through making business staffing plans public information].” “I’m going to probably be in front with them in leading the revolution,” Mr. Miller added. “They’re not going to be leading it against me, I’m going to be with them. The Bahamas made their adjust- ment in the ‘70s, you know. They made it early enough that they had no bloodshed. We don’t have too many moons here to make the ad- justment locally and put Caymanians back in charge.” Contacted over the weekend, Premier Alden McLaughlin and Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush both distanced themselves from Mr. Miller’s remarks. Mr. McLaughlin said, “I was shocked and disap- pointed at the rhetoric em- ployed by Mr. Miller in his debate. I regard it as irre- sponsible and dangerous for an elected member to make such utterances.” Mr. Bush, while acknowl- edging that he agreed that there were some employers in Cayman who discriminated against qualified Caymanians in the job market, said he in no way would agree with, or condone, Mr. Miller’s remarks regarding revolution and bloodshed. Mr. Bush said that the fi- nancial services sector in Cayman was “already under pressure from the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, and one of our greatest strengths and attractions to interna- tional investors is our safety, security and stability. “Both our tourism and fi- nancial services industries – and for many years I was re- sponsible for both – are highly dependent on tranquility and stability, and we must never allow those to be compro- mised or called into question. “Ezzard and Alden have already done enough hell to both while opposing me in 2009-2012.” Mr. Miller’s comments on the House floor came in re- sponse to the Progressives-led government’s opposition to his private members’ mo- tion that asked the adminis- tration to force local compa- nies who employ 15 or more people on work permits to make their business staffing plans public. Cayman Compass re- porter Brent Fuller contrib- uted to this report. Premier and OPPOsitiOn Leader cOndemn remarks mLa ezzard miller warns of ‘revolution’ and ‘bloodshed’ in cayman streets “I want to … wish God’s blessings on the young man that was injured in the ac- cident,” Mr. Tibbetts said. “We wish him a full and speedy recovery.” Plans to change speed limits on a number of local roads were placed before Cabinet in late February or early March 2014. Proposals to lower the speed limits and install crosswalks on West Bay Road along the Seven Mile Beach corridor date back to the first People’s Progressive Movement ad- ministration of 2005-2009. In addition to changing the speed limit and in- stalling more crosswalks, Mr. Tibbetts said other improve- ments would be coming shortly for West Bay Road. “[The safety measures will] prevent the middle lane from being used to overtake,” Mr. Tibbetts said. “Those [who] are in a hurry can use the Esterley Tibbetts Highway.” Speed limit changes pro- posed as part of a National Roads Authority review in late 2013, included setting the speed limit on Frank Sound Road at 30 miles per hour between Bodden Town Road and Botanic Road. That route is now set at 50 miles per hour. On North Sound Road, the speed limit of 25 miles per hour is set to in- crease to 30 between the Butterfield roundabout and Shedden Road. Mr. Tibbetts said the public should see new speed limit signs going up around the district where changes have been made in the coming weeks. George Town works Road widening on Godfrey Nixon Way and re- pairs to Shamrock Road in the Red Bay area of George Town are already under way, Mr. Tibbetts said. Once work is completed on Godfrey Nixon Way, the Smith Road widening project will begin, Mr. Tibbetts said. Smith Road will be widened to accommodate one lane going in each direction and a turning lane in the center of the road. In addition, two side roads that currently dead- end, Melrose Lane and Humber Lane, will be ex- tended to connect in the middle of what is now empty land just south of the Government Administration Building. The new road would allow drivers using the government’s open air parking lot behind the Immigration Department to exit directly onto Smith Road, rather than turning onto Elgin Ave. Bikers take to road for Meals on Wheels Local bikers took part in their fourth annual Wheels 4 Meals charity fundraiser this weekend. Following a successful food drive at Cost U Less on Saturday, during which they reached their target of col- lecting one ton of food for the charity, members of the Cayman Islands Motorcycle Riders Association rode through the streets of Cayman, from the Turtle Farm in West Bay to Rum Point in North Side on Sunday. The association collects food items each year for Meals on Wheels, which provides meals to Cayman’s elderly and housebound residents. Bikers make their way through George town sunday. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY minister: speed limit changes to take effect in may CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Monday april 20, 2015 • Cayman Compass Public Meeting The Honorable W. McKeeva Bush, Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bernie Bush, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Capt. Eugene Ebanks, Fourth Elected Member of West Bay, will be holding a Public Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the Sir John A. Cumber School Hall at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to come out to hear and discuss the “One Man, One Vote” change that the PPM government is proposing for our islands. This change will be the most damaging to our voting system and will change it forever. Come out and hear the Truth and the Facts. Capt. Eugene Ebanks JP, MLA Fourth Elected Member District of West Bay The Hon. W. McKeeva Bush OBE, JP, MLA Leader of the Opposition Mr. Bernie Bush MLA Deputy Leader of the Opposition Ryan Rajkumarsingh, di- rector of the Department of Commerce and Investment, said, “It is very simple and easy to open a business in the Cayman Islands. People think it is difficult, but in fact it is the opposite, even more so because of the in- centives in place right now.” Among the exhibitors on Saturday was former Miss Cayman Stacy-Ann Rose Kelly, who has just set up her first business, Hair by Kelly Rose. She said she had started up by bringing in wigs and hair extensions for her friends and is now estab- lishing a Cayman brand, based out of Kyle’s Beauty and Barber shop, off Eastern Avenue. She hopes to tap into a growing market for women looking for hassle- free glamorous looks, using extensions made from real human hair. “We are not the first to sell hair extensions, but I think we are the first to take it to this level of estab- lishing our own Cayman- based brand,” she said. Other exhibitors included AirVu, the first photography business that is licensed to use drones to capture aerial images in the Cayman Islands. The business uses the new technology to pro- vide new perspectives, mar- keting its services to real- estate firms, among others. Fitness Plus, a two-man operation specializing in the sale and repair of fitness equipment, was also dem- onstrating its products and services at the expo. Floyd Baptiste, one of the founders, said the company had recognized a gap in the market for someone with the niche set of skills re- quired to service a growing number of private gyms around the island. Brothers Darion, Josh and Stephan Cotterell were displaying fashions from their YNC urban streetwear label. The brothers estab- lished the label based on Darion’s designs and are now selling online and through the 3fortyfive clothing store. Mr. Rajkumarsingh said there were some ex- citing emerging businesses on display at the expo. He said many entrepreneurs had great ideas that they were passionate about but needed some support with the more mundane aspects of running a business, in- cluding book-keeping and regulatory and licensing requirements. He said the Department of Commerce and Investment was there to help them and encour- aged anyone who needed support to call into the of- fice at the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue. Wayne Panton, min- ister responsible for the Department of Commerce and Investment, said gov- ernment had incentivised small business creation by reducing the trade and busi- ness fees to zero for new small and micro businesses. “This event is all about affording small business the opportunity to come here and demonstrate to the public the amazing prod- ucts and services they have available,” the minister said. Former Miss Cayman Stacy-Ann Rose Kelly has set up a business selling wigs and hair extensions. - PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKER Floyd Baptiste markets and maintains fitness equipment. Innovation on display at Small Business Expo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Woman mugged on West Bay Road A lone woman was mugged by a machete- wielding robber as she walked along West Bay Road in the early hours of Friday. The woman told police she was confronted by a man who jumped from the bushes armed with a ma- chete and stole property from her handbag and her wristwatch. She was walking along West Bay Road close to the Cayman Reef Resort just before 1 a.m. on Friday when the alleged attack took place. The woman, who suffered a minor hand injury in the incident, told police that her assailant, who had his face covered with a red cloth, fled in a dark colored vehicle. An 18-year-old from George Town was later ar- rested on suspicion of rob- bery, possession of ganja and consuming a controlled drug. Police said he was in posses- sion of the property stolen in the robbery. “This event is all about affording small business the opportunity to come here and demonstrate to the public the amazing products and services they have available.” Wayne Panton, commerce ministerThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Cayman Compass • Monday april 20, 2015 Air strikes kill 60 in Yemen Clashes between rebels and pro-government forces and Saudi-led air strikes killed at least 60 people in Yemen, medics and military sources said Sunday, after Riyadh pledged to fund a UN aid appeal. Relationship Counseling by Joan Summers 25 years experience in counseling broken relationships. Help to repair marriages, boyfriend and girlfriend issues, family troubles and emotional problems. Help with stress related problems. Call for free consultation. 305 290 0888 Small Engineering and SEL Consultants would like to let their clients and new customers know our NEW OFFICE LOCATION Unit #702 George Town Villas Behind World Gym The Manager’s Office 47 Snooze Lane West Bay Rd. Hundreds missing in Med as migrant boat capsizes ROME (AP) — A boat be- lieved to be crowded with 700 migrants capsized in the waters north of Libya over- night, leaving at least 24 con- firmed dead and sparking fears for what could become the Mediterranean’s deadliest known migrant sea disaster, Italy’s Coast Guard and other officials said Sunday. The Coast Guard said in a statement that the mi- grants’ 66-foot vessel may have overturned because mi- grants rushed to one side of the craft when they saw a Portuguese merchant vessel approach it late Saturday night. The cargo ship had been dispatched to come to the migrants’ aid. The Coast Guard said at least 28 survivors had been rescued by Sunday morning. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat put the number of survivors at 50. It was not clear whether Muscat’s figure included the 28 survivors reported by Italy. Maltese search units were aiding rescue efforts. Muscat said rescuers were seeing people in the sea and were “checking who is alive and who is dead.” The capsizing of such a crowded boat repre- sented the “biggest human tragedy of the last few years,” Muscat said. A United Nations ref- ugee agency spokeswoman Carlotta Sami tweeted that according to one survivor, the boat had set out with 700 mi- grants aboard. But the Coast Guard and other authorities said they had no immediate way to determine how many were aboard or how many might still be rescued. The total number of passengers was expected to be clarified as officers interviewed survi- vors. Given the depth of the sea – as deep as 3 miles or more in the area – it was possible that many bodies would never be recovered. This has commonly been the case in similar tragedies off the coasts of Libya, Italy, and other Mediterranean nations in recent years. Spain’s prime minister urged the European Union to take swift action following this latest incident. “Today, and this is the umpteenth time, we hear of yet another human tragedy in the Mediterranean, off the Libyan coast,” Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told a political rally Sunday. “It’s a daily drama. Three days ago, it was 400 people. Four days ago they were 10.” Rajoy said a response has to come from Europe and that “words won’t do any- more.” He added, “We have to act, and as Europeans we are gambling with our credi- bility if we aren’t able to stop these dramatic situations that are now happening on a daily basis.” Pope Francis was among those following the news. “There are fears there could be hundreds of dead,” Francis told the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. He bowed his head in silent prayer as did many of the tens of thousands in the crowd. For a second day running, he called on Europe to do more to help Italy manage its continent-leading flow of migrants. Italian Premier Matteo Renzi summoned his top ministers to a Sunday night meeting in Rome to discuss the latest tragedy. “The numbers (of the dead) are still provisional but the numbers are destined to rise,” Renzi said. “How can it be that we daily are wit- nessing a tragedy?” Rescuers reported seeing wreckage in the sea. “There are large fuel stains, pieces of wood, life jackets,” Italian Border Police Gen. Antonino Iraso, whose force has boats deployed in the rescue effort, told Sky TG24 TV. When asked whether the boat capsized because the migrants rushed to one side as the Portuguese vessel pulled alongside, Iraso re- plied: “The dynamics aren’t clear. But this is not the first time that has happened.” The numbers of mi- grants attempting the dan- gerous crossing by sea from Libya swells as the spring- time weather improves, pro- viding calmer seas and warmer water temperatures. But the smugglers’ boats are frequently overcrowded or unseaworthy So far this year, more than 900 have died in failed cross- ings. Last week, 400 people were presumed drowned when another boat capsized. ROME (AP) — Migrants seeking a better life in Europe have died by the thousands in the Mediterranean Sea in re- cent years while fleeing pov- erty and bloodshed in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The precise number of deaths is unknown. But the ill-documented toll is rising again Sunday as rescuers search for an estimated 700 passengers from a cap- sized boat north of Libya. The Italian Coast Guard has confirmed 24 deaths and 28 people rescued, but au- thorities expect the death toll to rise. Authorities count only those bodies found in the sea, on shore, or aboard boats where migrants can die of thirst or exposure. Survivors often tell of fellow passengers who lost their lives at sea, but the bodies are never found. Here is a list of the dead- liest migrant boat events, based on bodies recovered or survivor accounts: Christmas 1996: 300 be- lieved drowned in the waters between Malta and Sicily. June 20, 2003: 50 corpses found, 160 migrants missing, 41 survivors in a shipwreck off Tunisia. Oct. 20, 2003: At least 70 dead in waters off Sicily. May 12, 2008: 50 dead off Sicily, including 47 who died aboard after suffering from exposure. May 6, 2011: Boat carrying more than 600 migrants is shipwrecked off Libyan coast. Hundreds reported missing. June 2, 2011: At least 270 missing when boat with 700 aboard sinks off Tunisian coast. July 10, 2012: Motorized rubber dinghy deflates be- tween Libya and tiny Sicilian island of Lampedusa; 54 die. Dec. 14-15, 2012: At least 21 people die, six missing after boat sinks off Greek is- land of Lesbos. Aug. 10, 2013: Six mi- grants drown, 94 rescued some 15 meters (50 feet) off a crowded swimming beach in Catania, Sicily. Oct. 3, 2013: 366 people die, 155 survive after ship- wreck off Lampedusa. Jan. 20, 2014: 12 people, including nine children, drown when boat over- turns near Greek island of Farmakonisi. Feb. 6, 2014: At least 15 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa die while swimming from Moroccan coast as they try to reach Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Police fire rubber bullets at the swimmers to force them back to Morocco. Sept. 10, 2014: Some 500 Syrians, Palestinians, Egyptians and Sudanese drown after their boat is rammed by another boat of human traffickers off Malta. Sept. 14, 2014: Libyan navy reports 26 rescued from a boat carrying 250 migrants off Libyan coast. About 200 missing and presumed dead. Feb. 8-9, 2015: At least 29 die and 300 people reported missing after four boats be- come waterlogged in the frigid sea after leaving Libya. April 12, 2015: Nine con- firmed dead after boat cap- sizes off Libya. Some of the 144 survivors tell aid workers that about 400 aboard drowned. April 15, 2015: Christian survivors from a boat of African migrants arriving in Palermo, Sicily, tell Italian au- thorities that Muslim passen- gers threw 12 migrants over- board to their deaths when fighting broke out on board. Sea of sorrows: Many migrants drown trying to reach Italy A chart comparing worldwide migrant deaths. - Source: AP Migrants receive relief after disembarking in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. In the background is the King Jacob, the Portuguese cargo vessel that was the first ship to arrive near a boat in distress, believed to be crowded with 700 migrants, only to see it capsizing in the waters north of Libya. - PHoTo: APNext >