High of 92 Low of 81 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. Gorgeous Odie Odie loves just about everything and is a joy to be around. She would especially love a forever home B3 Love Dr. Seuss There’s even an app for The Cat in the Hat B8 Food Fashion Technology ■ special event Little Cayman loves rum Flor de Caña 12-year-old rum a hit with residents B4 Print it, eat it 3D printers will change the way we eat B2 Fashion Weeks around the world The ‘big four’ shows are coming up B6 Friday august 7, 2015 • Cayman Compass LOCATE THE ONES YOU LOVE! PocketFinder GPS locators for People, Pets and Vehicles • Use your computer or your Android or IOS cellphone or tablet to view their location at any time. • View historical locations or receive alerts when the device leaves safe zones or enters danger zones you have established. Monthly fee: CI$35.00 (No Long Term Contracts Required) Pets Keep an eye on your pets at all times because they can’t call home. $149.00 CI People The easiest way to locate children, teens, seniors, luggage and more. $149.00 CI Vehicles Theft-recovery and tracking technology for cars, trucks, boats & motorcycles. $249.00 CI T: 938-3463 (938-FIND)E: info@pocketfi ndercayman.comW: www.pocketfi ndercayman.com cAYMAN WEEKENDER Litttle Cayman loves rum Editorial | pagE 4 Truck Trouble: Time To puT on The brakes ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 75 CENTS – Friday augusT 7, 2015 The hidden costs of PR applications brenT Fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Unstated costs involved in applying for permanent residence in the Cayman Islands can add thousands of dollars to what is an al- ready pricey endeavor for those seeking to re- main in Cayman for the rest of their lives, local attorneys and immigration advisors warn. The upfront costs of an initial PR appli- cation were greatly increased when the gov- ernment amended the Immigration Law in October 2013. Those amendments included re- quirements to pay a one-year work permit fee, a one-time fee based on salary, a $1,000 appli- cation fee and any dependants’ fees. If the ap- plication is denied, everything but the $1,000 fee is returned to the applicant or the com- pany supporting them. However, those costs, which can range from $3,000 to $30,000 or even higher de- pending on who is filing the application, do not include other costs associated with filing for permanent residence. Those costs, depending on what is re- quired, can add anywhere from a few hun- dred dollars to thousands of dollars to the application fees. Most of those costs are as- sociated with official documents that must be submitted in support of the permanent residence application. “People rarely give [these fees] much con- sideration in advance of applying,” said Daniel Altneu, an immigration attorney with the Samson and McGrath law firm. “[However] the [total] fees are considerable in all applications. “I submitted one last week where the ap- plicant was a high earner, had two children and a spouse listed as dependants and … the total fees submitted with the application [were] almost $40,000.” Business costs One such area given little consideration by both applicants and the companies they work for is the period between the application for permanent residence and the final ruling on HealtH City opens new sleep lab James WhiTTaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Health City has opened a new “sleep lab” to treat, diagnose and study a range of sleep dis- orders which doctors believe could be contrib- uting to other illnesses. Patients can spend the night at the lab while doctors monitor brain flow and breathing patterns using sophisticated equip- ment, including electrodes attached to the head and body. Snoring and sleep positions are also moni- tored remotely by the medical team as part of the study. Dr. Archita Joshi-Bhatt said information from the tests could be used to diagnose and help treat disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea – a condition involving pauses in breathing during sleep. She said staff at the medical tourism fa- cility, in East End, had identified a “burning need” for proper facilities to treat patients with sleep issues. Untreated sleep disorders are linked to a range of more serious health problems, leading to a higher risk of hypertension, dia- betes, heart problems, kidney problems and stroke, the doctor said. She added, “Sleep deprivation can lead to trouble in making decisions, solving problems, controlling emotions and behavior and coping with change. “Sleep deficiency also has been linked to depression, suicide and risk-taking behavior. It can result in poor performance on the job or at school and a two-time greater risk for an accident.” Dr. Joshi-Bhatt said the sleep lab would fill a gap in the island’s medical care services and help generate research on the James WhiTTaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Businesses across Little Cayman are pulling up the shutters from this weekend in preparation for the great summer slowdown. Three of the four major resorts on the is- land will close for at least two months and the Hungry Iguana bar and restaurant will also shut its doors. Peaceful at the best of times, the is- land becomes positively tranquil during the late summer months. “You could fire a canon down the street and it would just keep on going,” said Marc Pothier, manager of Paradise Villas, which shuts Sunday until Oct. 23. The Southern Cross Club dive resort closes Aug. 15 until Oct. 30. Resort manager Jen Mills said it is an annual tradition on the island for the ho- tels to close up, make improvements to their properties and give staff a chance to recharge at a time when bookings are slow. A new swimming pool and pool deck will be added at the property during the off-season. Ms. Mills, who stays on the is- land for part of the summer to oversee the upgrades, says it is an interesting time to be on Little Cayman. “It is actually a very nice time to be here. There are even fewer people than normal. If you want to go to Point of Sand or Owen Island you can have it to yourself. “It is a very tranquil and quiet time to be here,” she said. The Little Cayman Beach Resort will Little Cayman’s big summer shutdown PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » Little Cayman is expected to be quiet for the next two months. - pHoto: stepHen ClaRKe PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 »2 LOCAL NEWS Friday august 7, 2015 • Cayman Compass Other charges include possession of hatchet CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Shyheim Peter Burke, 20, appeared in Summary Court on Wednesday charged with robbery, as- sault and possession of an offensive weapon after a man was robbed at Rum Point on Aug. 2. Burke, together with others, is accused of stealing jewelry from a named individual and, in doing so, put the man in fear of being subjected to force. The jewelry was valued at $1,000. Magistrate Valdis Foldats transmitted the robbery charge to Grand Court, where Burke is scheduled to appear next on Aug. 14. Defense attorney Laurence Aiolfi did not apply for bail. The defendant was also charged with assault and possession of an offen- sive weapon – a hatchet – that allegedly occurred on the same date, also at Rum Point. The charges do not iden- tify a specific location in the popular weekend area. Burke is also accused of assaulting the rob- bery victim, causing him bodily harm. The assault and weapon possession charges remain in Summary Court and will be mentioned there again on Aug. 14. 945-2290 • West Shore Center, Seven Mile Beach • 10am to 10pm Fresh, Healthy & Delicious! Cayman Cookin’ Over a Wood Fire! Taste why we’re voted “Best”! If you’re Hungry! Hungry! Come to Chicken Chicken! International Award-Winning Caribbean Chicken! Eat-in!Take-out! Indulge on a feast for 2 to 4 or 6 or more! With an awesome selection of sides to choose from. Eugenio Leon Harpist Extraordinaire, serenades tableside tonight and every Friday night! Salsa Tuesdays with DJ Flex Free lessons with Kirk starting 9.30pm Every Tuesday TOMORROW Saturday, August 8th Barefoot Man and Sea N’B Starting live at 8:00pm Come for dinner Stay for Dancing No Cover Call 949-2231 or email: thewharf@candw.ky Tuesdays Salsa Free lessons with Kirk starting Tarpon Fish Feeding 7:30pm & 9:00pm Nightly Tonight! Friday Happy Hour 5pm-7pm with FREE Hors d’oeuvres + Drink Specials BEER $3.50 MIXED WELL $4.75 GLASS. WINE $6.75 Come for Happy Hour and stay and enjoy the Beautiful Sunset!! PALM TREE PARADISE 3 bed + D, 3 bath, 2000s/f Ocean front in Frank Sound More than 180 degree views Fabulous island home l l l l REDUCED! US$595,000 Member CIREBA MLS#403986 345-945-4411 info@cirealty.ky caymanislandsrealty.com Shabbat Candle Lighting time on Friday, August 7 6:41pm Chabad Jewish Center of the Cayman Islands jewishcayman.com-345.516.4474 Man missed trial, must pay cash bond CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man who missed his trial on Tuesday came to court on Wednesday, but an apology for his absence was not enough. Magistrate Valdis Foldats ordered Akeem Jamaal Seymour to pay a $200 cash bond, in addition to a recog- nizance and surety, to make sure that he comes to court for his next date. Seymour, 19, had pleaded not guilty in May to as- saulting police, possession of an offensive weapon and affray. He admitted re- sisting arrest and another date was set for the Crown to review the charges. On June 9 his trial was set for Aug. 4. The court file shows that the defendant had not at- tended by 10:45 a.m. The presiding magistrate re- leased the two police officers who would have been called as part of the Crown’s case. On Wednesday, Magistrate Foldats told Seymour, “Two witnesses were present. You wasted their time. You wasted the court’s time.” He pointed out that he had the power to keep the defendant in custody until the next trial date. However, he said he would continue bail with a $200 cash bond. Defense attorney John Furniss later advised that Seymour could not get $200. “Then he’ll have to re- main in custody,” the magis- trate replied. A little later, Mr. Furniss told the court that a rela- tive of Seymour’s had pro- duced the funds. Bail conditions were then set. In addition to a recognizance (promise to pay) and a person signing as surety (guarantee) in the sum of $950, the $200 was paid in cash. Seymour’s new trial date is Feb. 25, 2016. A defendant who misses a court date can be charged with failure to surrender to custody. It is up to the Crown to lay the charge. In the past, a guilty plea to this charge has typically re- sulted in a fine of $50 and a conviction on one’s record. The court also had the op- tion to issue a warrant for the person’s arrest, with or without bail. The Bail Law, last revised in 2010, states that a person released on bail in criminal proceedings shall not fail without reasonable cause to surrender to custody. Forgetting the date is not a reasonable cause. The law provides for punishment by way of a fine up to $5,000 and to imprisonment for up to 12 months. The magistrate pointed out that he had the power to keep the defendant in custody until the next trial date. Man charged over robbery at Rum Point CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Magistrate Angelyn Hernandez rejected a teen- ager’s explanations for the presence of his fingerprints inside a George Town resi- dence and found him guilty of burglary, saying credibility was the issue. After hearing mitiga- tion from defense attorney John Furniss, she sen- tenced 19-year-old Devonte Wayne Brown to 18 months imprisonment. The burglary occurred on Dec. 16, 2014, between 8 a.m. and noon. The wife and mother of the family came home to find the back-door screen cut and the glass smashed. The downstairs was ransacked. Stolen items included jewelry and elec- tronic items with a total value of $4,919. One of the items taken was an iPad, but the box for it was on a bed upstairs. Scenes-of-crime of- ficers found fingerprints on the box and subsequently matched them to Brown. He was interviewed in January and denied any in- volvement. He pleaded not guilty in April. In May, he maintained his not guilty plea, but pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods – the iPad and a pair of binoculars. At his trial, Brown said he was riding his bicycle past the house when a man he did not know whistled to him and offered to sell the iPad and a pair of binocu- lars for $150. Brown said he touched the box while taking the iPad out, but then the man kept the box. Brown said when he tried to use the iPad, security fea- tures advised that it was stolen. He said he was going to take it to his “bail officer” at the police station the next day, but the officer was not there. He said he then dis- posed of it in the garbage because he was afraid. He also expressed fear of the man from whom he bought the iPad, although he had not given the man his name or told him where he lived. The magistrate said she had to be satisfied that Brown was the person who entered the premises as a trespasser. She noted that his ex- planation for his finger- prints on the box came after blanket denials in his inter- view. If he lied in his inter- view, that was not neces- sarily evidence of guilt, she pointed out. However, he never men- tioned his explanation until he came to court. Further, in reaching her verdict, the magistrate did not accept that Brown was afraid of the unnamed man. Given his young age, she said she had to consider whether there were sen- tencing options other than imprisonment, but Brown appeared to have exhausted those options already, with two previous convictions for handling stolen goods. Crown counsel Candia James had pointed out that residential burglaries, whether by day or by night, had to be discouraged. This offense took place days before Christmas and made young children scared and fearful. Although the value of the stolen items could be quanti- fied, the sentimental value of certain items was priceless. The magistrate also con- sidered the fact that Brown was on a suspended sen- tence and in breach of a pro- bation order at the time the burglary was committed. At his trial, Brown said he was riding his bicycle past the house when a man he did not know whistled to him and offered to sell the iPad and a pair of binoculars for $150. Young burglar gets 18 months Armed robbers tArget bAr A George Town bar was held up at gunpoint on Wednesday night. Armed robbers struck at Ultra Lounge on Smith Road, making off with some of the takings. Two men dressed in dark clothing, with their faces cov- ered, burst into the bar just after 11 p.m. The exact amount of cash stolen in the raid was unclear at press time. Police said they had re- covered a vehicle suspected of being involved in the rob- bery, shortly afterwards. Anyone with information can call George Town Police Station at 949- 4222, or call Cayman Crime Stoppers anonymously on 800-8477(TIPS).The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 Cayman Compass • Friday august 7, 2015 4963 LIME - SUMMER Roaming - Full Page Ad - CMYK - 10.33 x 15.97 - 22 July 2015 ROAMING 50% OFF UPGRADE TO ROAMING THIS SUMMER LIME Terms & Conditions Apply All summer long, get 50% off any roaming plan from LIME. Visit lime.com/roaming to activate now. POSTPAID FROM $ 999MONTHLY $ 450 PREPAID FROM5 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Friday august 7, 2015 Carol Winker cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man appeared in Summary Court on Thursday charged with the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend and another man in West Bay last month. Robert Aaron Crawford, 22, faces two counts of at- tempted murder and one count of possessing an unli- censed firearm. Crown counsel Scott Wainwright told Magistrate Angelyn Hernandez that the charges were based on an incident that occurred after 5 a.m. on July 4, 2015, on Sunburst Lane in West Bay, where Crawford’s former girlfriend was at the home of a man with whom she may have been in a relationship. The Crown says that Crawford had a loaded .38 Taurus revolver. He allegedly kicked in the door and pro- ceeded to enter the home. On seeing the defendant, a young man who was in the bedroom closed the door. Crawford allegedly discharged the firearm four or five times. A struggle ensued and Crawford sustained inju- ries from a knife kept at the premises. When an ambu- lance arrived with emer- gency medical technicians, Crawford was still there. A police report described the injuries as stab wounds to the head and chest, which re- quired hospitalization for an extended period. Mr. Wainwright said Crawford was interviewed this week and accepted that he went to the premises, but denied being armed. He said the firearm was produced by the man inside the premises. Mr. Wainwright told the court that Crawford’s clothing was retained for gunshot residue testing. At the time of the inci- dent, Crawford was on bail for a firearm charge before the Grand Court. He had been wearing an electronic mon- itor and when he was taken to hospital it was discovered that the monitor was still around his ankle, but covered in foil. Mr. Wainwright said Crawford accepted that he tampered with the monitor. Crawford is also charged in connection with an in- cident involving the ex- girlfriend on July 1 along Northwest Point Road. He is accused of common as- sault, threatening to kill her, damaging her blouse and stealing her iPhone, which was valued at $500. Defense attorney Guy Dilliway-Parry said he would not apply for bail until he received papers from the Crown, including witness statements. The magistrate trans- mitted the three charges from the July 4 incident to Grand Court. Crawford was remanded in custody to ap- pear there on Aug. 14. The charges relating to the July 1 incident are still in Summary Court and will be mentioned on the same date. Defendant, 19, faces 10 counts of indecent assault on seven young girls Carol Winker cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A 19-year-old former school aide facing 10 charges of indecent assault on young girls appeared in Summary Court on Thursday. The charges are Category B, meaning the defendant can elect to be tried in either Summary Court or Grand Court. Magistrate Angelyn Hernandez asked if an elec- tion would be made that day. Defense attorney Karin Thompson asked for a brief adjournment because of mat- ters that had been brought to her attention. She described the matters being of a deli- cate nature and requested another week so that she would be in a position to se- cure any necessary orders. The defendant is accused of indecently assaulting seven girls at a government primary school where he worked as a special aide from September 2014. The man re- portedly resigned on Dec. 1, one week after the school re- ceived the first complaint. Ms. Thompson advised the court that her client had previously been granted per- mission to travel to Jamaica to obtain a student visa; he had gone and come back, handing in his passport on his return as another magis- trate had directed. The defendant was di- rected to return to court Aug. 13. The magistrate said she hoped that on that date an election would be made and pleas entered. The Cayman Compass is not naming the man or the school in order to protect the children involved from poten- tial identification. School aide in court on indecent assault charges Man charged with attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend Robert Aaron Crawford, 22, faces two counts of attempted murder and one count of possessing an unlicensed firearm. Labour Dept. earLy cLosure The Department of Labour and Pensions is ad- vising that it will close early on Friday, Aug. 7. The department will close at 12:30 p.m. to facil- itate a staff function, ac- cording to a notification is- sued on Thursday. The office will re-open to the general public at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 10.6 LOCAL NEWS Friday august 7, 2015 • Cayman Compass Get your business noticed today with a sleek new website from Cayman Islands Yellow Pages FREE WEBSITE Purchase a print ad in the Yellow Pages and receive a free website with free site maintenance*. Call Yellow Pages today! 925-9912 Online • Mobile • Print *Minimum full color quarter column booking required. Website development includes 3 pages and free site maintenance for the rst year. Offer valid for new advertisers only. Terms and conditions apply. Limited Time Offer. High Quality Granite, Quartz, Glass Countertops at Affordable Prices 100’s of full size slabs to choose from Tiles Wall & Floor* Seamless shower enclosures kitchen & Bath Cabinets * Customers own Material fabricated & Installed 947-7767 email: info@stonepros.ky Visit our Showroom 985 Crewe Road (IMP Bldg) before the Cayman Contractors Store Caymanians strike a pose for model-search show By Kelsey JuKam kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com During the first season of the model-search television series Caribbean’s Next Top Model, Caymanian Traveen Stewart stole the show. On Wednesday evening, close to 30 aspiring models came out to Grand Old House for a live casting call for the show’s second season, hoping to show the judges that the Cayman Islands can come out on top again. Candidates at the casting call got their first taste of what it’s like to be in the limelight. Cameramen filmed the audition process, which began with an individual photoshoot before the girls were invited to strut their stuff for the judges. Nateisha Foster, 23, from George Town, said she was “a bit jittery but did well” in front of the judges, and hopes her confidence and strong personality will set her apart from the other contestants. Her modelling tip? “Just be natural.” Four local stars in the fashion industry were there to judge the Caymanian con- testants: “Beyond the Red Carpet” host Pearlina McGaw- Lumsden, former Miss Cayman Nicosia Lawson, professional makeup artist Stephanie Ford, and fashion designer Isy Obi of Isy B. After demonstrating a runway walk, the judges chatted with each contestant, asking them why they wanted to be Caribbean’s Next Top Model. The candidates were also asked: what three adjec- tives best describe you? Patri-gail Allen, 19, from Bodden Town, knew just which adjectives to use. She described herself as “eccen- tric, determined, and eclectic,” and said she’ll “bring pizazz to the runway.” She said she’s ob- sessed with fashion and high- end models, but has a solid backup plan, too. No matter what happens with the show, the recent graduate hopes to pursue a career in law. Shanice Kelly, 23, from Bodden Town described herself as “composed, pas- sionate, and patient.” Ms. Kelly is a fan of the show, be- cause she thinks it’s a great way for Caribbean models and designers to get interna- tional exposure. “There’s a lot of creative people in the region,” said Ms. Kelly, who hopes to help nurture regional talent by pursuing a career in fashion management. Patricia Plummer, 27, from George Town says her strength will set her apart from other contestants, and that she came “full force” into the audition. She said she has “the glow, the energy,” that’s re- quired of a top model, and is “ready to show the world what I’m able to do.” “I want to be an am- bassador to my fellow Caymanians,” Ms. Plummer said. “I want to lift up young women.” Caribbean women be- tween the ages of 18 to 27 are eligible to audition. Producers are primarily looking for candidates who are 5 feet 7 inches or taller, but may make some excep- tions on a case-by-case basis. The show, which first aired in 2013, is part of the America’s Next Top Model franchise created by Tyra Banks. It is produced by former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam and her sister, Dionyse Fitzwilliam, and the first season was shot in the sisters’ home country of Trinidad and Tobago. This season will be sponsored by telecommuni- cations company Flow. Live casting calls are also being held in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and producers aim to cast around 30 girls. Hopefuls who missed the live casting call can apply online at www.carribbeansnexttop- model.com. The show will begin airing in October. Top row: Contestants Kristina Wright, Thia McLaughlin, Patricia Plummer, Yasenia Herrera and Shanice Kelly. Bottom Row: Judges Nicosia Lawson, Isy Obi, Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden and Stephanie Ford.7 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2015 179226_PRINT2-IH-Secure-Sonny.pdPage 1 6/11/15 1:18:05 PM Eight recruits join police ranks JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service wel- comed eight new recruits to its ranks on Thursday. In a ceremony at the Police Training and Development Unit in Governor’s Square, Police Commissioner David Baines swore in the new re- cruits gathered from a local recruitment drive launched in March. “It’s only the second time in 30 years that we’ve had an all Caymanian or perma- nent resident class. I think we started off with 280 ap- plicants and we’ve ended up with eight,” said Mr. Baines. Taking the oath and vow of affirmation, recruits ranging from 18 to 35 years were: Police Constables Trishana Osbourne, Steven Brown, Cody Barnett, Dave Barnett, Tamar Thomas, Darado Thompson, Rayan Chambers and Diana Myles. The recruits will begin 17 weeks of intensive training, after which they will receive on-the-job training during their two-year probationary period. The training will pre- pare them to be posted in units such as criminal inves- tigation, traffic, marine, air operations, financial crime and the family support unit. Mr. Baines said he was impressed with the level of interest and quality of can- didates this year. The police service received 283 applica- tions. Of these, 166 applicants met the minimum criteria, which included the require- ments of Caymanian nation- ality or permanent residency. The commissioner said he was trying to raise the pro- fessionalism of the service. “That in itself means that you routinely see higher educa- tion qualifications, which is not just an issue for policing – it’s an issue across society. There’s an expectation now that people will have college education or university de- grees. It’s a recognition of so- ciety,” he said. He told the recruits, “No longer can you walk past any incidents in the streets, where it is your duty to take action to intervene, to protect and in- deed to uphold the whole law, … duty or not, there is an ex- pectation on you.” He said the recruits were now at the point where they went from being civilians to being police officers with legal requirements and legal duties to uphold. The recruits then took the oath and vow of affirmation to uphold the law. “Be proud to be po- lice officers, wear your rank and title with pride,” Mr. Baines said. “There are three outcomes to any inci- dent, make it better, make it worse or leave it the same.” Deputy Commissioner Stephen Brougham, Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ennis, Inspector Kevin Ashworth, Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Christian, Detective Superintendent Mike Cranswick, Chief Inspector Claudia Brady and Superintendent Adrian Seales were among those who wit- nessed the ceremony, along with the families of the recruits. Ashani Francis-Collins contributed to this story. Commissioner David Baines, far right, with, from left, Police Constables Steven Brown, Trishana Osbourne, Tamar Thomas, Diana Myles, Dave Barnett, Rayan Chambers, Darado Thompson and Cody Barnett. – PHOTO: JEWEL LEVY Ganja washes ashore in East End BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A drug shipment that went overboard into the Caribbean Sea sometime last week has washed ashore in East End in Grand Cayman. A member of the public came across the cache of sus- pected ganja Tuesday along the island’s southeastern coast. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service would not im- mediately confirm whether the substance recovered was ganja, or state its weight, but they have seized the package and plan to destroy it within the next 24 hours. Police said it was believed the package was connected to an overturned 28-foot motorboat discovered last Thursday in the same area that was brought to shore by a member of the public. Beached shipments of co- caine and ganja have been found in significant quan- tity in recent years in both Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands. In mid-June, customs officers seized a package con- taining more than 70 pounds of cocaine that had washed ashore on Cayman Brac’s southern coast. In mid-April, a bag con- taining 23 packages of com- pressed cocaine was found by residents walking the beach in East End. It is estimated several million dollars of cocaine and ganja has washed ashore in the Cayman Islands within the past three years. “It’s only the second time in 30 years that we’ve had an all Caymanian or permanent resident class. I think we started off with 280 applicants and we’ve ended up with eight.” POLICE COMMISSIONER DAVID BAINESThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Friday august 7, 2015 • Cayman Compass Also receive our standard of 10% OFF prepay on House Hold items and Wedding Gowns. YOU ARE ALWAYS A WINNER AT PURITAN CLEANERS Put your pick up tickets in the box at any of our 4 stores for your chance to win at our big end of year prize drawing. YOU FEEL GOOD WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD ” “ 949-7104 You win again with getting 15% DISCOUNT prepay or 10% DISCOUNT pick up within 7 days on Wearing Apparel orders of $20.00 or more. Tel: 949-5211 209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park www.brandsourcecayman.com inspire design install keep the flag flying for the island’s tourism industry, staying open throughout, as it does every year. Manager Kimberley Dangerfield said the Bloody Bay Wall remained an at- traction for divers and, with other hotels and dive oper- ations closed, the resort did good business. She said the resort’s Beach Nuts Bar was particularly popular at this time of year. “Everyone on the island ends up here,” she said. “We do a lot more, in the summer months, for our guests and resi- dents because there [are] not many other options on Little Cayman. We do a lot to keep up the com- munity spirit.” Carla Reid, who runs McLaughlin Car Rentals and the Iguana Crossing Liquor Store, said both busi- nesses and the island’s gro- cery store remained open. She said condo rentals were popular in the slow season and there were also workers on island for resort repairs. She said August and September were the best months for “staycations” from Grand Cayman. “It is always peaceful, but even more so at this time of year,” she added. prevalence of sleeping disor- ders in the Caribbean. U.S. figures suggest roughly 42 million Americans have a sleep disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea is estimated to affect around 4 percent of people worldwide, yet most are unaware of it and only one in 10 are re- ceiving treatment. Dr. Joshi-Bhatt added, “Although no definite figures are presently available for the Caribbean region, in the last year of our practice here at Health City my colleagues and I came across several pa- tients who had a high like- lihood of sleep disordered breathing, either by itself or co-existing and complicating other medical conditions.” Health City opens new sleep lab CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Little Cayman becomes especially tranquil during the slow season. - PHOTO: STEPHEN CLARKE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Technician Deepesh Vaidya, left, and Dr. Archita Joshi-Bhatt demonstrate the sleep lab technology on Health City staff member Lisa Burke. - PHOTO: JEWEL LEVY Tourism board moves to Pedro Castle Plans for more craft artists on site The Tourism Attraction Board has relocated its ad- ministrative offices to Pedro St. James historical site, one of the attractions managed by the board. The move from George Town to Savannah took place on Friday, July 24. Chief executive officer Gilbert Connolly has as- sumed direct responsi- bility for the management of Pedro Castle, taking over the reins from Carson “Dennie” Ebanks, who retired at the end of June 2015 after 20 years as general manager. Assisting Mr. Connolly in this role will be Debbie Bodden, in the new position of opera- tions manager. An announcement from the board explained that Mr. Connolly will continue to have oversight responsi- bility for the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Pirates Week Festival, Cayman Craft Market and the Hell site. “The relocation of the TAB is part of the board’s stra- tegic plan to reduce cost and grow revenue,” stated Carla Reid, chairperson. “The board expects that the new man- agement team will increase the admission numbers and improve the events business at Pedro Castle,” she added. “Pedro St. James is one Cayman’s most beautiful and important historic sites and I welcome the opportunity to be more involved with the challenges of managing the attraction,” Mr. Connolly said. “Our first priority is to improve the product offering and make it more interesting to visitors,” he said. Ms. Bodden elaborated. “This process began last week with the introduction of local craft artists on site, demonstrating the produc- tion of Caymanian craft to visitors,” she said. Plans are under way to have more local artists on site on a regular basis. Landscaping and signage will also be improved. Additionally, Pedro Castle’s two popular ex- hibitions, “How Cayman was, 1940s-1960s” and the Cayman stamp collection, have been relocated to the Steadman Bodden House on the site. “The Board’s next priority is to find the right person to lease the Pedro Café,” Ms. Reid said. The Tourism Attraction Board office has a new home at Pedro St. James in Savannah. - PHOTO: STEPHEN CLARKE Little Cayman’s big summer shutdownThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Cayman Compass • Friday august 7, 2015 We have been asked to announce the passing of Mr. Everton K. Wright who passed away on Friday, July 17, 2015. A Service of Thanksgiving will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2015 at William Field Seventh Day Adventist Church, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the family Cemetery in Newell, Jamaica Condolences can be registered at: www.churchillsfuneralhome.com We have been asked to announce the passing of Mrs. Juanita Elizabeth Whittaker who passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at Seventh Day Adventist Church, # 48 Robin Rd., Old Man Bay, North Side at 10:00 a.m. (next to the Football eld). Interment to follow at Old Man Bay Cemetery Condolences can be registered at: www.churchillsfuneralhome.com We have been asked to announce the passing of Mr. Charles Denvy Whittaker, affectionately known as “Charlie” who passed away on Wednesday, July 29th, 2015. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at East End United Church, Seaview Rd., Viewing will be from 2:00-2:45p.m. Interment to follow at the Old Man Bay Cemetery Condolences can be registered at: www.churchillsfuneralhome.com We have been asked to announce the passing of Mr. Charles Denvy Whittaker, affectionately Interment to follow at the Old Man Bay Cemetery Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page A Celebration of the life of Cathy Richardson will be held on Saturday, August 15th at the South Sound Community Center at 1:30pm. Cathy was a loud and vivacious person who loved bright colours especially turquoise so people are asked to please wear loud happy colours, No Black. In lieu of flowers people are asked to make a donation to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society or to Cayman Hospice care. The family of the late Mary McField nee General wishes to send thanks to all those who have showed us patronage with your prayers, kind words and visits during this bereaved time. We wish to send special thanks to the GT SDA church family especially Mrs Elsie Myles, Pastor McDonald, Elder Truman Myles, the Soup Kitchen Committee and the GT SDA children’s Department. Special thanks to the Churchill’s Funeral Home staff , Honorable Kurt Tibbetts, Honorable Anthony Eden, Honorable Marco Archer and Mr Linford Pierson. that application. The issue arises every six months when an appli- cant with an expired work permit must seek permission to continue working from the Immigration Department. “Given the current de- lays in processing … this can present cash flow issues and other challenges to busi- nesses and individual ap- plicants who may have very recently paid a full year’s permit fee as part of their PR application,” said local im- migration attorney Nicolas Joseph of HSM Chambers. Mr. Joseph explained fur- ther: “Take the example of a person with a $10,000 [an- nual fee] work permit [who] may have a nine-year term limit in January. When they apply in December for PR, their employer will usually provide CI$10,000 towards the application cost. Two weeks later they will have to pay $5,000 in relation to the permission to continue working application and, six months later, a further $5,000. The result is that in that first year CI$20,000 is paid to Immigration in re- spect of the equivalent of work permit fees, in rela- tion to a worker whose an- nual work permit fee is only half that.” The good news is, once the application is approved, the applicant has already paid the first year’s per- manent residence fees, Mr. Joseph said. If the employer does not support the applica- tion, the initial costs must be borne by the applicant. Security and health The Immigration Department requires that all applicants for permanent residence have a clean police record and are in reasonably good health. The cost of ob- taining a local police clear- ance from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is $25 per application. Applications are not required for depen- dent children under 18 years of age. A medical questionnaire and series of tests are re- quired of the permanent residence applicant and spouse. The costs of those can vary, but they are typ- ically between $100 and $150 per person. In addi- tion, passport-type photos are required to be submitted for the applicant and each dependant. Those cost $15 apiece at Island Photo. Financial/professional records Applicants must also prove they have the requisite education, professional expe- rience and financial invest- ment in the islands. In order to do this, a number of documents must be provided, including birth certificates, university de- grees, bank letters, up-to-date land registry information – if the applicant owns a house or a business – and other as- sociated fees. If the original copies of those records are not avail- able, they must be certified by a notary public. The cost of that can range from free to $25 per document. Mr. Joseph said, in prac- tice, some of the records should already be in im- migration’s files if the person had previously ap- plied for a work permit. However, other records will have to be mailed from overseas, he said. The cost of obtaining of- ficial bank letters is $20 per letter. Updated land register documents, of which two are required, cost a total of $40. Getting a professional valuation of an applicant’s property or business can cost between $400-$600, but Mr. Joseph said those are no longer legally re- quired under the amended Immigration Law. Education Applicants also have the potential costs of paying $200 to take a four-week course on Cayman Islands history at the University College of the Cayman Islands. The course is to as- sist applicants in taking a 40-question test as part of the process. However, additional costs of taking the course can in- clude $60 to $100 in books to assist in studying for the test. Legal fees The permanent residence application process has be- come increasingly complex over the years and many ap- plicants choose to retain the services of either a specialist human resources firm or li- censed attorneys to assist them in the process. The professional firms can charge between $75 and $200 per hour, while attor- neys’ fees are more. Some companies charge a flat fee for the provision of immigra- tion services. “With the uncertainty surrounding appeals, the fact that all appeal sub- missions are now made in writing … there is an even greater emphasis on en- suring that the initial appli- cation is correctly submitted, contains properly-worded submissions and is supple- mented by all requisite sup- porting information and doc- umentation so as to ensure the best possible chance of a grant of PR at first instance,” Mr. Altneu said. The hidden costs of PR applications CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Plywood snarls rush-hour traffic A load of plywood that spilled off a flatbed truck just before 5 p.m. Wednesday onto the round- about at Grand Harbour caused major rush-hour traffic problems. A red BMW sedan, ap- parently just behind the Cox Lumber truck when it lost its load, drove up onto part of the wood pile, fur- ther worsening delays for people commuting home to the east. Sheets of plywood spread across the road. A bystander directed traffic around the piles of wood as traffic backed up along South Sound Road and Crewe Road. Cox Lumber declined to comment on the incident. A truck dropped a load of plywood onto a roundabout just before rush hour Wednesday. Date set for annual Hedge Funds Care benefit Kelsey JuKam kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com Hedge Funds Care Cayman has set a date for their an- nual “Open Your Heart to the Children Benefit.” The event will be held Nov. 21 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. “The Hedge Funds Care Cayman organizing com- mittee is working hard to gear up for what we are sure will be another hugely successful and enjoyable fundraising event this November at the Ritz-Carlton,” said Nicholas Butcher, co-chair of Hedge Funds Care Cayman. Since the chapter of the in- ternational organization began in 2005, Hedge Funds Care Cayman has raised more than US$2.5 million to help prevent and treat child abuse and ne- glect. The benefit, now in its 11th year, raises as much as $250,000 annually, which is granted to local organizations and government programs that fight child abuse. This year’s benefit will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a live auction and dinner starting at 7 p.m. The theme is “Midnight in Paris” and the dress code is black tie or “Parisian Chic.” Many clothing shops and party stores on the island have been notified of the theme and should be able to assist. For women, the suggested attire is flapper-style dresses, feather boas, pearls, long gloves and headbands, while men may come in slim-fitting suits or waistcoats, sporting a thin moustache, a cravat or a beret, organizers suggest. “As always, we depend on the very generous support from our community to raise funds for the grantees who do such crucial work with vul- nerable children in Cayman,” Mr. Butcher said. “We thank you for your continued in- terest in our mission and ask you please to save the date!” The 2015/16 grant recip- ients include The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, Cayman Islands Red Cross, the Children and Youth Services Foundation, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Counselling Services, the Health Services Authority, the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman. Those interested in attending the event can find the sponsorship and registration form on the events page of the Hedge Funds Care Cayman website: www.hfc.org/cayman. For more information, contact Mr. Butcher at nicholas.butcher@ maplesandcalder.com or Cindy Hislop at lhislop@deloitte.com.10 WORLD&REGIONAL Friday august 7, 2015 • Cayman Compass SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Puerto Ricans are learning to live without water on an island that already was suf- fering an economic crisis. A severe drought is forcing businesses to tempo- rarily close, public schools to cancel breakfast service and people to find creative ways to stay clean amid sweltering temperatures. Rationing rules that had meant water coming through the pipes only one day out of three will increase the cutoff to one day out of four starting next week, govern- ment officials say. “I’ve grown fearful of the weather report,” said Cornelio Vegazo, owner of a roof-re- pair company. “There’s no light at the end of the tunnel.” The drought is one of the worst in the U.S. territory’s history. July was the fourth driest month in the capital of San Juan since 1898, the year Puerto Rico became a pos- session of the United States. Only 1.60 inches (4 centime- ters) of rain fell last month, and forecasters predict sev- eral more weeks and possibly months of dry conditions. More than 20 percent of Puerto Rico is in extreme drought and an additional 45 percent is in a severe one, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, which says 2.8 million people are affected. The situation has grown so dire that Puerto Rico’s water and sewer company an- nounced Wednesday that it would spend about $200,000 over three months on a pilot project to use “cloud seeding” in hopes of creating rain clouds over three of the is- land’s main reservoirs. If Puerto Rico does not receive significant rain- fall this week, tens of thou- sands of clients who depend on the Carraizo reservoir will get water only every fourth day starting next week, said Alberto Lazaro, executive di- rector of the water and sewer company. “We are doing everything within our reach to address the situation at the reservoirs,” he said. “We will not stop looking for alternatives to deal with a situation that, without a doubt, is one of the island’s biggest concerns.” Forecasters blame the lack of rain on El Nino, a warming of the tropical Pacific that af- fects global weather and has led to a quiet Atlantic hurri- cane season, which began in June and ends in November. So far this year, it has rained as much as 12 inches ess than usual in San Juan and as much as 20 inches less in some areas around the Carraizo reservoir, said Carlos Anselmi, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack has declared 20 of the island’s 78 munic- ipalities as disaster zones, with farmers reporting an in- crease in crops shriveling and cattle dying. The drought comes as Puerto Rico struggles in a nearly decade-long economic slump that has hit the gov- ernment’s coffers and led au- thorities to raise the sales tax, even on bottled water. Puerto Ricans also are grum- bling about having to pay high water rates amid severe ra- tioning measures. “It’s not fair,” said Hector Linares, a car wash worker. But he is resigned. “You can’t fight Puerto Rico’s bureaucracy.” The government has set up water trucks throughout the San Juan metropolitan area and beyond, including one at a public housing complex in a working class community in Rio Piedras. As the truck rumbles through the Gardens of Paradise complex, Alexander Cabrera says that one of his fellow residents there has taken to yelling: “The water is here! The water is here!” “That’s when everybody comes out running. They look like ants,” Cabrera said. The drought has forced people to change their routine, with many seeking help from friends and family in places where water service has not been affected. Jose Bonilla, a retired power company worker, said he moved in with a female friend after his service was cut. If the situation worsens, Bonilla said he would leave. “I’m on the first flight out, to Santo Domingo or New York,” he said. But other Caribbean spots also are struggling with drought, including the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and St. Lucia. It is the region’s worst drought in five years. Vegazo, who has the roof- repair company, said he and his family are not thinking of leaving. “We’ll just get another barrel of water and keep on going,” he said. “We’re de- pending on God.” The drought is one of the worst in the U.S. territory’s history. July was the fourth driest month in the capital of San Juan since 1898, the year Puerto Rico became a possession of the United States. Puerto Ricans face punishing drought amid economic slump Fishermen gather on the shores of the drought-affected Carraizo reservoir in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, Wednesday. Children play Wednesday on land partially exposed due to drought at the Carraizo reservoir in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. Due to the severity of the drought, rationing rules are being expanded. – Photo: APNext >