SportS | page 22 Acker’s legs still go the distAnce Veteran champ is hard to beat High of 90 Low of 81 Smooth to slight with wave heights less than 3 feet. editorial | page 4 cAymAn’s sAfety: our islAnds’ greAtest Asset ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – tuesdAy August 18, 2015 back to back wins www.butterfieldgroup.com Proud winner of The Banker’s prestigious Cayman Islands Bank of the Year award for 2013 and 2014. Bank of the year... Again! Seeks legal advice after nomination rejected JAmes WhittAker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Bruce Blake looks set to be re-elected un- opposed as first vice president and acting president of the Cayman Islands Football Association after Renard Moxam’s nomination to stand for election was rejected. Mr. Moxam had announced his intention to run, saying the game needs new leadership and a new image following the corruption al- legations that led to the arrest in Switzerland in May of former Cayman football boss Jeffrey Webb and other FIFA officials. Mr. Moxam was informed last week that his nomination did not conform with the asso- ciation’s rule book. He said he was taking legal advice after being advised of the decision. Mr. Moxam received email correspondence, seen by the Cayman Compass, immediately after he submitted his nomination form, indi- cating that the paperwork was in order. However, he was informed by letter from CIFA Acting General Secretary Paul Macey on Aug. 12 that his nomination did not meet the requirements of the association’s constitution and would not be accepted. The same letter stated that the deadline had passed for nominations and he would therefore not be able to run. A letter from Mr. Macey to CIFA’s executive committee and member clubs indicates that current first vice president Mr. Blake will be the only candidate for the position – one of three roles up for election at the association’s annual general meeting later this month. Incumbent Mark Campbell is listed as the only candidate for the assistant general secre- tary’s post, and Armando Ebanks is listed as the only candidate for the vacant treasurer’s post, previously held by Canover Watson. Sharon Roulstone, an independent political candidate in the 2013 general election, had intended to run against Mr. Campbell, but her Brent fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Although the Legislative Assembly has created a dedi- cated annual fund of $10 mil- lion for local road repairs, East End MLA and former roads minister Arden McLean said last week that it is not nearly enough to suit Cayman’s in- frastructure needs. “I don’t see $10 million [a year] cutting it, I really don’t,” Mr. McLean, an engineer by trade, said. “Every time it rains, [the National Roads Authority] can’t keep up with the drains. They can’t keep up with … cutting the verges of the road. Why? Because the re- sources are not available.” Planning Minister Kurt Tibbetts, who has oversight responsibility for government public works and the roads authority, said last week that maintaining Grand Cayman’s thoroughfares falls under the same financial constraints as every other service the gov- ernment provides. Mr. Tibbetts said the Progressives-led government was told “by London” that Cayman’s overall operating budget had to be $13 million less in 2013/14 than it was in the year before. In the 2014/15 budget year, it was reduced by a further $12 million. In the current budget year, which started July 1, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office allowed Cayman to maintain the same operating expenses as in 2014/15, Mr. Tibbetts said. “So this budget is $25 mil- lion less on the operational side than it was three years ago,” Mr. Tibbetts said. “Ten million [dollars] is the most that the National Roads Authority has ever had to operate with.” Owning fleet key to improving finances JAmes WhittAker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman Airways bosses say the airline made a $3.1 million profit in the past year. It is the first time on record that the national airline has ended a financial year without a net loss. The airline does not include the $23 million it received from government in the last budget in that calculation. Fabian Whorms, chief executive officer of Cayman Airways, said the airline’s finances are largely misunderstood. He said CAL generates $200 million annually for the Cayman Islands economy and therefore represents value for money for the government’s investment, which it classifies as a purchase of services, rather than a subsidy. “The return that Cayman Airways gives is some- times not easily understood because the government also makes payments for the services we provide,” he said. “The more we are able to provide these ser- vices without losing money, the more we feel we are less of a burden on the government in terms of them having to make these payments, despite the fact that we are delivering a return tenfold.” Cayman Airways received a $5.1 million equity injection to address past debts, as well $18 million from government to support the domestic service to the Sister Islands and “strategic tourism” routes in the last financial year. Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell has said the government payment is intended as a purchase of services to guarantee airlift and to keep the price of travel to the Cayman Islands low, Moxam’s CIFA leadership bid thwarted MLA: Road maintenance budget ‘not enough’ CAL claims $3.1M profit Traffic stacks up on the Linford Pierson Highway. The National Roads Authority recently repaired a section of the road that was buckling under the weight of too many vehicles on a daily basis. – Photo: Jewel levy PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL Tuesday augusT 18, 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. MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E (PG13) 1:00 I 4:10 I 7:00 I 9:40 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (PG13) 12:55 | 3:50 | 6:50 | 9:45 FANTASTIC FOUR (PG13) 1:15 | 3:45 | 7:30 | 10:00 STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON (R) 12:50 I 4:00 I 7:15 I 9:10 ANT-MAN 3D (PG13) 12:45 | 3:40 2D | 6:45 | 9:30 2D MINIONS 3D (PG) 12:30 | 3:15 2D | 6:40 *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - TUESDAY - $8.00 Robbery defendants say they were elsewhere during heist CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com All three men on trial for the Dec. 17, 2014 robbery of Blackbeard’s liquor store in Grand Harbour claim they were elsewhere when the robbery was carried out, a court heard Monday. The interviews Andrew Lopez, Bron Webb and Randy Connor had with police were read to the 12-member jury on Monday. They are also charged with robbery of a customer in the store and possession of an unlicensed firearm on the same date. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges. In his interview, Lopez told officers he spent the after- noon of Dec. 17 with his girl- friend, driving around town. Around 5 p.m. they went to his house in Prospect, around 7 p.m. he took her home to West Bay and got back to his home before 8 p.m., he said. He was arrested shortly after. Lopez said his residence was a “hangout spot” for guys who would smoke, drink and play dominoes. He had a shed on the property with a lot of old clothes in it, which he used in his mechanic work. He said he knew nothing about a shotgun that police found in his attic, and he denied having any part in the robbery. Webb told police he had been helping change tires on his uncle’s car that day. After that he was bored, so he got on a bus and went to Lopez’s house, arriving be- fore 6 p.m. He said he fell asleep at the house and was awakened by voices. He went to the door and saw Lopez being arrested. Asked why he tried to run from police, he said he was frightened they would shoot him. He denied any knowledge of the robbery or the shotgun that was found at the house. Connor told police he had been working on a car with another man about three houses away from where Lopez lived. After he finished, he walked toward the main road to get a ride to George Town. He saw Lopez and asked him for a phone call or a ride to town. Lopez said he could not give him a ride but could give him a phone call. Connor said he walked back to Lopez’s house. He did not ride in Lopez’s vehicle be- cause he was smoking. When he got to the house, he saw Lopez face down with police armed units holding guns to his head. He said he did not know about the robbery. The interviews Andrew Lopez, Bron Webb and Randy Connor had with police were read to the 12-member jury on Monday. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – More than 60 couples from around the region gathered in Puerto Rico’s capital Sunday to exchange vows at a same-sex marriage cer- emony while a crowd of supporters snapped photos and cheered. The mass ceremony at a promenade in San Juan’s co- lonial district took the same- sex couples through the tra- ditional marriage vows and exchange of rings. The event follows the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in late June requiring every state to recognize same-sex mar- riages. The U.S. territory’s governor signed an execu- tive order soon after that ruling to comply. Organizer Ada Conde, an attorney who filed a federal lawsuit seeking to have her same-sex marriage recog- nized in Puerto Rico prior to the Supreme Court decision, said Sunday’s ceremony was a “celebration of the tri- umph of love.” Most of the couples were Puerto Ricans, but others from the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela also par- ticipated in the event. Carrying an umbrella em- blazoned with the colors of the rainbow, Puerto Rican gay rights activist Pedro Julio Serrano described the cere- mony as “a historic moment for our community.” “After so many years, we are finally able to marry here in Puerto Rico,” he said from the promenade in Old San Juan as the couples gathered in wedding dresses and suits. The ceremony was criti- cized by the Roman Catholic bishop of Arecibo, Monsignor Daniel Fernandez Torres. Citing the church’s catechism, which defines marriage as a sacrament, he said that a marital union can be shared only by a man and woman and that same-sex marriages are “contrary to natural law.” “Today is a sad day for Puerto Rican so- ciety,” Fernandez said in a statement. Puerto Rico until recently prohibited same-sex mar- riage and the recognition of such marriages, but the gov- ernment struck down those laws after the Supreme Court decision. Officials also now allow gay couples to adopt children. In recent days, Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla also signed two executive or- ders that allow transgender and transsexual people to change their gender on their driver’s license and protect their rights when seeking medical services. The Department of Immigration will close its headquarters for all but es- sential services on Friday. The department released a statement Monday saying the closure will include the front counter, Passport and Corporate Services and the visa office. Work permit and per- manent residence applica- tions, including applications for permission to continue to work submitted prior to the closure date in order to allow continued employment, will be accepted. Any application for visitor extensions that are time sensitive will also be accepted, the department’s statement noted. No applications will be accepted in the Passport and Corporate Services Office, but visa waivers and pass- ports can be collected at the Immigration main counter. In the press release, the department invited people to take advantage of extended opening hours on Wednesday evenings, when the front counter is open until 7 p.m. Services will resume as normal on Monday morning. KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) – Jamaican narcotics agents have seized a load of mar- ijuana found hidden in two shipping containers at wharves in the Caribbean island’s capital. In a Sunday statement, Jamaican police say inves- tigators found 10 duffel bags stuffed with more than 1,000 pounds of com- pressed marijuana in a shipping container des- tined for Suriname. Another container destined for the Netherlands had nearly 75 pounds of pot. No arrests were made. Jamaica is believed to be the Caribbean’s largest pro- ducer and exporter of pot. Plants are grown mostly on the sides of mountains, swampy areas or hidden among other crops. Drug law amendments earlier this year partially decriminalized the pos- session of small amounts of pot in Jamaica. But au- thorities have not soft- ened their stance on trans- national drug trafficking or cultivation of illegal marijuana plots. The mass ceremony at a promenade in San Juan’s colonial district took the same-sex couples through the traditional marriage vows and exchange of rings. Same-sex couples celebrate marriages in Puerto Rico Immigration office to close Friday Jamaica police seize 1,000 pounds of pot at seaport Two women greet the crowd attending a mass same-sex wedding after they got married Sunday in San Juan, Puerto Rico. - pHoto: apThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 Cayman Compass • Tuesday augusT 18, 2015 The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 For most travelers and residents, Grand Cayman remains an extraordinarily safe place – one of the most- secure locales to visit or live, well, anywhere. Our safety ranks among our most important assets (along with our natural beauty, of course) and, therefore, it must be pro- tected with even more vigilance than our fragile coral reefs. Of course Cayman has its share of crime, and there’s been a troubling spike in burglaries this year. These com- mercial and domestic break-ins are especially troubling because they engender a fear that is oftentimes dispro- portionate to the actual threat. Statistically and realisti- cally, Cayman should not even be thought of in the same context as our Caribbean neighbors. Jamaica, we are not … Nevertheless, fear was evident in the responses we received in our first “Sound Off” feature. As readers will recall, two weeks ago, the Cayman Compass announced that it was abandoning its regular online poll and replacing it with a new feature called “Sound Off.” We stopped the online poll for a number of reasons: First, it was a non-scientific poll that could be taken by anyone, anywhere in the world, and thus not necessarily a good indication of public opinion on Cayman Islands’ issues. In addition, the more controversial the issue, the more the polls were subjected to attempts to manipulate the results by multiple voting. Lastly, the comments – which were probably the most enlightening aspect of the poll – were made anony- mously, and this newspaper abhors the usage of anony- mous comments. (This does not mean we will never use unnamed sources in our news stories; we will, but we adhere to strict guidelines for their use, beginning with the fact that we must know who is providing the informa- tion to us.) Sound Off lets readers weigh in, either anonymously or with their names, on a variety of issues. Although we will not reprint anonymous submissions, the input gives our editorial staff an indication of some of what the Cayman Islands community is thinking about particular topics. In the case of our first Sound Off on personal security, the key elements that came up in several of the responses were how fear is changing the way some people live their lives on Grand Cayman. It’s not just a matter of people locking their doors, installing burglar alarms or getting a dog; it’s also affecting the decisions people make about where they go, especially at night, and the faith they have in Cayman’s law enforcement and judicial systems. During his year as president of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, Johann Moxam spoke about the dangers of accepting the current levels of crime as “the new normal.” “If the Cayman Islands has reached a point where we are desensitized to the daily media reports on criminal activity, living in fear behind burglar bars and hiding in our gated communities, we have lost the battle, and that is unacceptable,” he said about a year ago. Of course, Mr. Moxam was correct. No one should be comfortable, ever, with lowering our standards to a “new normal” of social dysfunction. If the Cayman Islands is to continue to thrive as a financial and tourism center, we must put addressing crime near the top of our list of priorities. Providing an environment that is both actually safe and perceptually safe is paramount in enticing new visitors to the islands and in attracting the kind of talent needed to stay com- petitive in our financial services industry. Governor Helen Kilpatrick has remarked about the competitive advantage the Cayman Islands enjoys over many of our regional neighbors, since our residents and visitors can walk our streets and our beaches without fear or trepidation. Our security is a treasure we must protect – and should promote – at all costs. – EDITORIAL – Cayman’s safety: Our islands’ greatest asset 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. 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 findtheirownway” Tuesday augusT 18, 2015 • Cayman COmpass Clive Crook A ripple of controversy in the world of philan- throcapitalism recently caught my attention. Anand Giridharadas gave a talk at the Aspen Institute in which, in the friendliest possible way, he called on the capitalist plutocrats who pay for such gatherings to reflect on their sins and stop imagining that writing checks to support good causes is sufficient penance. Giridharadas, a Henry Crown Fellow of the insti- tute, went so far as to call out the “Aspen Consensus” – a set of shared and largely unquestioned assumptions, akin to the “Washington Consensus” or the “Davos Consensus” and so forth. The term wasn’t intended as a compliment. The Aspen Consensus, I believe, tries to market the idea of generosity as a sub- stitute for the idea of jus- tice. It says: Make money in all the usual ways, and then give some back through a foundation, or factor in so- cial impact, or add a second or third bottom line to your analysis, or give a left sock to the poor for every right sock you sell. The Aspen Consensus says, “Do more good” – not “Do less harm.“ Before going any fur- ther, I’d better declare an interest. I’ve attended a lot of the institute’s events and now and then have run a seminar under its aus- pices. Earlier this year I did one, it so happens, on “The Moral Limits of Markets.” The venue was a stun- ningly beautiful old library in Ronda, a stunningly beautiful medieval town in southern Spain. That was a tough assignment, I can tell you (but I believe I’d be up for it again). ‘Optics problem’ The Aspen Institute’s in- tellectual endeavors, as you can see, have a bit of an op- tics problem. Flying in each summer for the Aspen Ideas Festival, looking down at the fabulous homes and counting the private jets at the airport, you have to wonder if it’s altogether seemly to be chatting ear- nestly about your carbon footprint, or the struggles of the middle class, or race in America (Ta-Nehisi Coates is a regular), or whatever, in such a location. Yet this aesthetic disso- nance has little to do with the claim that the homes and the jets are ill-gotten gains. This idea that capitalism is a morally tainted enterprise was widely shared among the young people attending my event. I wasn’t surprised: It’s a very popular fallacy. The human tragedy, ac- cording to this view, is that ethically superior alter- natives such as socialism don’t seem to be feasible. Capitalism therefore must be tolerated. It’s a neces- sary evil – but, one is asked to understand, an evil none- theless. That some of the richest capitalists want to talk about these issues and give something back is all very well, but hardly enough. They have to con- front their underlying crimi- nality too. “Do less harm.” Successful capitalists When I think about the most successful capitalists of the age – Bill Gates, let’s say, or Steve Jobs – I’m not mainly struck by the great harm they’ve done. Gates, of course, has done enor- mous good twice over, first as a capitalist innovator and then as a philanthro- pist. But even when he was single-mindedly making money, he was still doing the rest of us an immense service. And the good he did in that role resided pre- cisely in his desire to sell us things we were free to buy or not buy – it resided, that is, in capitalism. Bad people will do bad things regardless of the prevailing economic system. But capitalism starts with a big ethical advantage. Capitalist acts among consenting adults are voluntary. Socialism is systemically dependent on coercion. There’s a lot more to be said about this, I don’t deny, about the deeper meanings of freedom and much else. All I’m claiming is that the presumption of capitalist immorality – that set of shared and largely unexamined assumptions we’ll call the Brooklyn Consensus – is lazy. ‘Greed is good?’ What about the view that capitalism, however decent it might look on paper, in practice brings out the worst in people? “Greed is good,” and all that. Again this is widely taken for granted; again it’s questionable at best. It isn’t just a matter of arguing that capitalism is better in this respect than the alternatives, though that seems to be true. An open-minded reading of history suggests that capi- talism actually brings out the best in people. Adam Smith anticipated this finding, arguing that commerce civilizes: It’s a main theme of “Wealth of Nations.” For a modern elu- cidation of the view that capitalism makes people better as well as richer, see Deirdre McCloskey’s “The Bourgeois Virtues.” Benjamin Friedman’s “The Moral Consequences of Economic Growth” shows that over long spans of time rising prosperity has fos- tered tolerance, the commit- ment to fairness and dedi- cation to democracy. Steven Pinker’s “Better Angels of Our Nature” shows that cap- italism and trade helped to end humankind’s saga of perpetual war. “Intellectual elites,” Pinker says, “have always felt superior to businesspeople, and it doesn’t occur to them to credit mere merchants with something as noble as peace.” Giridharadas says, as though it’s self-evident: “We know that enlightened capital didn’t get rid of the slave trade.” Actually, I think you could argue that it did – but even if that’s going too far, advances in social jus- tice were enabled by rising prosperity, and rising pros- perity was the product of capitalist development. The mistake in the Brooklyn Consensus is to see capitalism as morally tainted, as opposed to just morally incomplete. Social justice requires far more than a system of production and exchange. Moral ques- tions about opportunity, in- equality and what we owe each other as citizens and inhabitants of the same planet arise. That’s what politics is for. Capitalism as such has no good an- swers, but, far from being part of the problem, it’s the indispensable condition for finding them. No apology required. Clive Crook is a Bloomberg View columnist and a member of the Bloomberg View editorial board. I would like to use this medium to reach out to the owners of dogs. I am appealing, again, to them to please keep their dogs on a leash when in public places and to have them enclosed in a fenced- in area in their yards so that they cannot come out on the roads or attack passers-by. If their yards are not fenced, secure them oth- erwise and, my sugges- tion is, not too close to the road because if they bark at passers-by, this could cause a person to step/run out into oncoming traffic. Irresponsible dog owners I have heard about and experienced for myself the dangers caused by the irre- sponsibility of dog owners. Take for example, a pedes- trian or cyclist passes a yard, by a main road, and a dog rushes out at him/her. The first reaction is going to be to move away and into on- coming traffic. This could cause a driver to hit the person who could receive serious injury, disabil- ities or even death. No one needs to be a victim of such a circumstance. I am asking all dog owners to please keep their dogs on leashes while out in public. How much longer be- fore they will take responsi- bility for their dogs? Also, our government needs to take action as this is an issue of great importance. Let’s not wait until some- thing terrible happens before action is taken. Dora A. E. Ebanks No need to apologize for being successful Keep dogs on a leash5 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Tuesday augusT 18, 2015 CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF HELPING HOMEOWNERS FIND THEIR PERFECT HOME. TEN FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL CIREBA TRAINED REALTORS TO ASSIST Willow Point. Lowest priced condo 3bed/2.5 bath CI$245,000 CIREBA MLS 404400 Phillip Wood 916.0257 www.capitalrealty.com.ky Radio DJ on mend after road smash James Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A popular radio disc jockey is facing a long road to recovery after suf- fering serious injuries in a three-vehicle car smash at the weekend. Maurice Turnbull, known as DJ M, was on life sup- port at the Cayman Islands Hospital on Monday fol- lowing an accident on Crewe Road Saturday evening. His brother, fellow DJ Renato Harris, said he suf- fered extensive injuries to his ribs, lungs, chest and legs, but is expected to pull through. “It is probably a long road to recovery before he is walking again, but he is sup- posed to come off life sup- port tomorrow. I feel relieved, based on how he was when I saw him on Saturday night. I’m thankful the hospital was able to operate so quickly,” said Mr. Harris. Mr. Turnbull’s condition was upgraded from critical to stable on Monday. Another man and a preg- nant woman, also injured in the crash, were in stable con- dition in hospital on Monday. There was no official word on the condition of the baby. A Mitsubishi dump truck traveling west on Crewe Road and two cars, a Daihatsu Sirion and a Toyota Harrier, traveling east, were involved in the crash near Rosedale Gardens just before 11 p.m. Saturday. Mr. Turnbull and the other man had to be cut from their vehicles by firefighters. The pregnant woman was thrown from her car, police reported. All three vehicles were exten- sively damaged. Mr. Turnbull, a DJ for DMS Broadcasting who hosts a Soca show and a Caribbean music show on Hot 104.1 FM, is married with two children. Mr. Harris, who also works as a DJ for DMS, said his brother is a popular figure on the island. “We have both been on 104.1 FM since it started 10 years ago,” he said. “Everybody knows us. My phone has been ringing off the hook since this happened on Saturday. We are thankful for all the love and support. “I went to see him this morning and he was able to open his eyes and give me a thumbs up. There is a long way to go, but he is pulling through.” JeWel levy jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Walkers and runners have raised $40,000 for charity in memory of loved ones who battled cancer. Of the money raised, 50 percent will go to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, 25 percent to Cayman HospiceCare and 25 percent to the Lions Club to promote public awareness of the dis- ease with a year-round cam- paign and the walk/run event. The campaign aims to educate the population on the effects and possible pre- vention of diseases that pri- marily affect men’s health, starting with prostate, colon and testicular cancers, ac- cording the Lions Club of Grand Cayman, which spon- sored last month’s Prostate and Colon Cancer Event cam- paign, known as PACCE. More than 60 people took part in the walk and run over the holiday weekend of July 4-6. “The Prostate and Colon Cancer Delano Hislop Memorial 3-Day Journey for Life Walk/Run for prostate and colon cancer was a suc- cess,” said Carmin Godfrey, PACCE chairwoman and one of the event organizers. Ms. Godfrey pointed out the club’s focus on creating an acute awareness among the male population of cer- tain cancers with the goal of removing some of the myths that prevent many individ- uals from getting medical checkups or screenings. Since the first year of the program, PACCE orga- nizers say there has been a significant increase in pros- tate-specific antigen testing, which is offered free at PACCE awareness meetings and at the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. The walk/run campaign is held each year in memory of past Lion president Delano Hislop, who suffered from colon cancer and died in January 2011. The campaign aims to educate the population on the effects and possible prevention of diseases that primarily affect men’s health. Walk raises $40,000 for cancer charity Cash transfer services talks continue as deadline nears Charles DunCan cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com With the Aug. 25 dead- line approaching, negotia- tions continue to try to find a solution for cash transfer companies to stay open, according to a Jamaica National money transfer ser- vices representative. Earl Jarrett, general man- ager of Jamaica National Building Society, which of- fers money transfer ser- vices, called Friday’s meeting with Cayman National Bank and government regulators “very productive.” The money transfer ser- vices have to find a new way to move money from the Cayman Islands since Cayman National decided it would no longer offer banking services for compa- nies like MoneyGram and JN Money Services. The cash transfer industry has faced increasing global scrutiny and growing regu- lation in recent years as au- thorities in the United States and Europe seek to close loopholes for moving money to terrorist organizations and money laundering. Western Union branches closed suddenly last month when Fidelity Bank’s board of directors decided to stop offering the service, leaving Cayman National as the only bank in the Cayman Islands offering banking services for cash transfers. Mr. Jarrett said, “Both or- ganizations are committed to work with correspondent banks to try and find an ami- cable solution.” The bank did not extend the deadline, Mr. Jarrett said. People in Cayman sent almost $180 million off is- land as remittances through these companies last year, ac- cording to Cayman Islands Monetary Authority data. Of that, about $110 million went to Jamaica. Cayman National Bank and the Financial Services Ministry did not comment on the negotiations. In an earlier statement, Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton said, “While any commercial decisions regarding money-services businesses are a matter for the businesses and the banks to make themselves, Government and [the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority] are arranging these discus- sions in order to address con- cerns on both sides, with the aim of ensuring that options remain open to consumers.” The money transfer services have to find a new way to move money from the Cayman Islands since Cayman National decided it would no longer offer banking services for companies like MoneyGram and JN Money Services. PACCE Chairwoman Carmin Godfrey, second from left, and Lion President Ewan Jacques, fourth from left, present a $20,000 check to Donovan Brummer, chairman of the board of directors of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, third from left, as PACCE committee members Cordella Cholette, Sharmee McField and Donnel O’Sullivan look on. Cayman HospiceCare staff members receive a donation from Lion President Ewan Jacques, third from left, and members of the Lions Club PACCE committee. Maurice Turnbull, known as DJ M, suffered serious injuries in the crash.TUESDAY, AUG. 18 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The National Drug Council is preparing to conduct the fourth cycle of Her Majesty’s Prison Survey Sept. 7-11 to determine drug and alcohol prevalence. Volunteers are needed 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30 p.m. If interested, contact the NDC at 949- 9000 or info@ndc.ky. PENSION BILL MEETING: The North Side District Council is holding a follow-up discussion for those who may have missed the presentation of the proposed National Pension Bill on Aug. 3. Craddock Ebanks Civic Centre, 8 p.m. Come with your concerns, suggestions and recommended changes. ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: The next meeting of the Cayman Islands Astronomical Society takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Pedro Castle. All are welcome. Non-members are asked to park outside and walk in. In the event of the sky being more than 50 percent cloudy, the meeting will be canceled. If in doubt, phone (not text) 925-7657. MOONLIGHT & MOVIES: Tonight’s free film at 7 p.m. is “The Hundred- Foot Journey” (PG). Families are invited to Gardenia Court in Camana Bay to set up a picnic on the grass, or just bring a blanket. Relax and enjoy the show on the outdoor big screen. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 VEHICLE & DRIVER’S LICENSING: The Dept. of Vehicle and Driver’s Licensing informs the public that both offices (West Bay and Crewe Road) will be closed today for a staff retreat. Normal hours will resume on Thursday. Normal hours are: West Bay office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Crewe Road office from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. THURSDAY, AUG. 20 BRAC COURT: Summary Court convenes in the Aston Rutty Civic Centre today at 10 a.m. and continues tomorrow. PUB QUIZ: At Fidel Murphy’s. $10 per person. Six people maximum per team. All proceeds go to the Humane Society program for transferring dogs to new homes in the U.S. Call 949-5189 or email sarah.dyer.81@ gmail.com to reserve a table. SATURDAY, AUG. 22 CAYMAN OUTREACH ASSOCIATION: Dinner meeting 7:15 p.m. at Triple C School auditorium. Guest speaker is Professor Samuel Muchangi of Halifax, Canada. Admission is $15. For details call Raphael Bodden, 925-7798. DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross mobile thrift shop will be in East End close to the Pirates Cove Bar at 6:10 a.m. Items available include ladies’ bags and accessories, clothing and shoes for men, women and children, toys, books, linens, household items and more. SUNDAY, AUG. 23 REGATTA: Everyone is invited to attend the Cayman Catboat Club – David Foster Memorial Regatta, 9 a.m. at Garvin Park, at Morgan’s Harbour. THURSDAY, AUG. 27 NCU ALUMNI: The Cayman chapter of the Alumni Association of Northern Caribbean University has launched its website www. ncucaymanalumni.com. Graduates and friends of NCU may sign up as members. Anyone interested is invited to a general meeting of the alumni chapter on Aug. 27 at Cayman Academy Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m. A social networking period will include registration and refreshments. SUNDAY, AUG. 30 GOSPEL SEMINAR: Seventh-day Adventist Church presents “Impact East End” at the William Allen McLaughlin Civic Centre at 7:30 p.m. nightly (except Thursdays and Fridays) through Sept. 19. Sabbath service is 9 a.m. Free marital counseling, youth rap sessions, family life presentations, musical presentations and more. Guest speaker is Pastor Marlon Robinson. Transportation provided throughout the district. SUMMER CAMPS RUGBY CAMP: The CRFU hosts a summer rugby camp for children ages 8-14, Aug. 24-28, 8 a.m. to noon. Cost per child is $125 for the week and includes a rugby shirt. Coaching by members of the Cayman national rugby team. For more information or to register, contact Edward Westin, 927-1337 or cme_westin@hotmail.com. NATIONAL GALLERY SESSIONS: Summer sessions of art-related activities for kids every Thursday till Aug. 20, 2-4 p.m. Free, but space is limited. Register at education@ nationalgallery.org or call 945-8111. CREATIVE CAMPERS: In session through Aug. 28, for ages 3-13. Runs 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at Elmslie Memorial Church Hall. $80 per week, includes camp fee, field trips, snacks and lunch. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, science, talent show, Bible study. Contact 324-8707 or creativecampers@live.com. GENERAL INTEREST NCVO SCHOOL YEAR: Miss Nadine’s Preschool and Jack and Jill Nursery are registering for the new school year, which starts Aug. 31. Both facilities are under the auspices of the National Council of Voluntary Organizations. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Heather Lopez, Director, at 945-1078 or ncvopreschool@ncvo. org.ky. Cost includes breakfast, lunch and one snack daily. NCVO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Volunteers are needed for various activities within the National Council of Voluntary Organisations Children Services programs. Contact Alta Solomon at 949-2124 or ncvocoordinator@ncvo.org.ky. SUMMER BOOK SWAP: Every Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until the end of August, at the Learning Tree, Cassia Court in Camana Bay. Book lovers can find titles for all ages and interests. Browse the selection, take your pick and replace it with one of your favorites to help spread the joy of reading. REEF RESTORATION: Certified divers are invited to work on the Cayman Magic Reef restoration in George Town. A schedule of work dates and times is posted on Facebook under Cayman Magic Reef Recovery. Dates, times and places are listed under Events, for volunteers to check and sign up. NATIONAL GALLERY: The gallery has extended hours for the summer: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the exhibition halls is free and open to the public. Current exhibition is the gallery’s permanent collection. A 20-minute documentary film, “Caymanian Art – A New Frontier,” by Jacob Olde VI will be screened on a loop throughout the exhibition “All Access.” PUBLIC FEEDBACK: The Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs and the Department of Labour and Pensions has released the Labour Relations Bill, 2015 and the National Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2015 for public consultation. These bills can be accessed on the Ministry’s website, www.education.gov.ky/ labourpensions. In addition to participation at district meetings, the public can email their feedback on the bills to lpl@gov.ky. BETHESDA COUNSELING CENTER: Caters to all who seek help. Open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 68 Mary St. Appointments available Saturdays and late evenings. Center is owned and operated by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Call 946-6575. ARTISANS MARKET: Camana Bay Artisans Market every Wednesday. Visual Arts Society has artists displaying arts, crafts, paintings, prints, hand-crafted jewelry and ceramics for sale between noon and 8 p.m. near KARoo restaurant. For more information on displaying your work, email info@visualartcayman.com. DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: This group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Catboat Club clubhouse, North Church Street. All are invited to attend. For more information, call 924-4170 or email info@adacayman.com. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays from 5:30- 6:45 p.m. to assist with training athletes in track and field, bocce and football. Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Contact Penny McDowall, 516-2578, soci@candw.ky or pjmcdowall@gmail.com. MUSEUM TOURS: The National Museum provides guided tours for students and school groups free of cost. Students will gain an understanding of Cayman’s geological formation, flora and fauna, seafaring and rope-making heritage, political history and more. Contact the museum to book a tour in advance at 949-8368 or email info@museum.ky. PINK LADIES: Coffee Shop at Cayman Islands Hospital is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks. Takeout orders welcome, call 244-2661. Funds are donated back to the community. Contact pinkladiescayman@gmail.com. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK LOFT: North Sound Road. Open Monday 12:30-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers needed for front desk a few hours per week. Contact humanesocietybookloft@ candw.ky or 946-8053. Donations of books, games, CDs, stationery, DVDs, cards etc. in good condition always needed. OPEN CANVAS: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. at KARoo restaurant in Camana Bay. No fee, easels provided. Artists of all levels invited. KARoo offers two complimentary tickets for wine or beer. For more information contact visualartcayman@yahoo. com or jr@cib.ky or 546-9422. LOST DOGS: The Department of Agriculture and veterinary students of St. Matthew’s University provide an online list of dogs housed at the Department of Agriculture Animal Rescue Shelter in Lower Valley. Anyone missing a dog can check www.smustudents.webs.com. RED CROSS THRIFT SHOP: Open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Red Cross headquarters on Thomas Russell Way. Book bargain every Thursday and Friday, a bagful for $5. WAITING FOR JOSEPHINE: This is an ongoing appeal for secondhand magazines for the waiting rooms at the Cayman Islands Hospital. Please take magazine donations to Books & Books at Camana Bay or deposit them in the big bin outside the Cancer Society on Maple Road (opposite the hospital). For more information, contact Carol Hay at 526-6932. SPECIAL NEEDS FOUNDATION OF CAYMAN: For anyone who is a parent, relative, friend or carer of a special needs child. Also for professionals interested in special needs. SNFC is a nonprofit organization providing information, resources, education and support with meetings, social events and newsletters. Contact www.specialneedsfoundation.ky. PAWS THRIFT SHOP: Bodden Town Shopping Plaza, opposite Bodden Town Post Office. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. Please don’t leave donations outside shop. Call Sharon, 324-9760; or Susanna, 916-3957 for more information. All proceeds for animal welfare. HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT SHOP: The Claws-It Thrift Shop, 153 North Sound Road is always in need of donations of all types of clothing, shoes, household items, linens etc. Garage sale leftovers welcome. Volunteers always needed. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call the manager Terri-Ann Watler at 945-5596 or email cihs.thriftshop@outlook.com. ST. GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH BARGAIN CORNER: Located upstairs at St. George’s Anglican Church Preschool on Courts Road, off Eastern Avenue. Last Saturday of the month, 7-11 a.m. NEW TO YOU BARGAIN SHOP: Opening hours are 3:15–5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday. 90A Anthony Drive, George Town. Contact Alta Solomon at 949-2124 or ncvocoordinator@ncvo.org.ky. HUMANE SOCIETY DOG WALKERS: Volunteers needed to walk dogs. Anyone who can spare an hour is asked to come to the shelter around 9 a.m. HUMANE SOCIETY DOGS ON BEACH: Volunteers meet at public beach at 11 a.m. on Sundays with shelter dogs for training and playtime. We are looking for volunteers willing to pick up and drop off the dogs to and from the beach. Contact the Humane Society at 949-1461 or call Susan at 938-9903; email susang@candw.ky. CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meets daily to help with drinking problems. For more information, call 926-9044 or visit www.caymanaa.org. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Is available for substance abuse help. Call the info line at 929–NANA (6262). For more Community Calendar events, visit www.compasscayman.com/ caycompass/portal/community-calendar. The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 Community Calendar ■ Community Calendar is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. Tuesday augusT 18, 2015 • Cayman Compass The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 nomination was also rejected. “Nominations were sub- mitted for Mr. Renard Moxam as First Vice President and Ms. Sharon Roulstone as Assistant General Secretary but the nominations did not fulfill the requirements detailed in Article 10.15 of the Articles of Association,” Mr. Macey wrote in the letter to clubs. The articles of the as- sociation state that anyone seeking election to a position on the executive committee must be nominated by member clubs or members of the executive committee. “Nominations must have two proposers and two sec- onders and be agreed upon by the nominee,” the arti- cles state. It is understood that both Mr. Moxam and Ms. Roulstone were initially proposed by Academy Sports Club and seconded by Savannah Tigers Football Club. The same two clubs were used for the second nomination, with the roles flipped so that Savannah was the proposing club and Academy was the seconder. Mr. Moxam said he did not see anything in the wording of the CIFA rule book which prevented that. He said if that were the case, he should have been told at the time, and not after the nomi- nation deadline had passed. In fact, he says, he was told the opposite. In an email response to Mr. Moxam’s submission of his second nomination, Mr. Macey wrote: “Receipt of Savannah’s nomination and second letters is acknowledged. It would ap- pear that the requirements of the nomination process have been met.” Mr. Moxam said he as- sumed from that email that everything was in order. He did not hear from Mr. Macey again until Aug. 12 – five days after the final deadline for nominations. In that letter, Mr. Macey wrote, “In reviewing the nom- inations, yours does not con- form with the Articles of the Association which require nominations to be supported by two proposers and two seconders as well as being agreed by the nominee. I am not aware of a nomination having been previously ac- cepted when signed by less than 4 separate members. “We have also taken legal advice which confirms that the language of the Association’s Articles require nominations to be supported by 4 separate members. “You will be aware that Friday, 7th August 2015 was the deadline for submitting nominations. In this regard we have received nominations for the First Vice President, therefore nominations for this office are now closed.” Mr. Moxam said he is seeking his own legal counsel. He believes he and Ms. Roulstone were given a legit- imate expectation that they would be allowed to run and, in the interest of fairness, their nominations should stand. “My aim in running for election was simply to help restore the image of CIFA and to play my part in helping mold young lives through sport,” he said. “In my view, given the negative perceptions at- tached to CIFA coming out of the international allega- tions, it would have been a sensible gesture for all the members of the executive to step down and for full gen- eral elections to take place.” The CIFA annual general meeting takes place at the Marriott resort on Aug. 29. There are nine members of the CIFA executive committee, including six elected posts and three appointed posi- tions. Three posts come up for re-election every two years. Mr. Macey did not re- spond to calls from the Compass on Monday. Mr. McLean said he un- derstood the budget con- straints, but opined that government had not done everything it could to re- duce costs or increase op- erating revenues. For instance, the East End MLA said the roads au- thority could do contract work for certain private road improvements or parking lot paving to increase revenues. “I know we are afraid to allow them to go out to do revenue[-earning-projects] because then we say they are dipping into free enter- prise,” he said. Mr. McLean also ques- tioned why Cayman Brac, with a population of about 2,000, had National Road Authority paving equipment and an asphalt plant, while the much larger island of Grand Cayman – with nearly 60,000 residents – did not. “If we’re talking about efficiencies and effective- ness, we took all the paving equipment to Cayman Brac, and Cayman Brac has, what, 150, 100 miles of road? And it’s still there,” he said. “Where this country has the greatest need is right here in Grand Cayman. “It gets worse. We only have one supplier and one paver of asphalt. We are paying through our nos- trils to get the roads paved in this country.” The day-to-day mainte- nance of roads and drains is only one issue the country must consider, Mr. McLean said. He noted the sharp in- crease in registered vehi- cles from the time he left the Works and Infrastructure Ministry in mid-2009 – when there were about 30,000 cars registered on is- land – to 2014, when govern- ment records showed nearly 36,000 licensed vehicles. “What are we going to do 10 years from now when we have another 6,000 to 8,000 cars on the road?” he asked. “Aren’t we thinking about it? We better start. “If we don’t do it today … you’re going to have gridlock straight into Bodden Town. George Town will forever after that be no place you can drive. You’ll be walking on the top of cars … if we don’t start making decisions now.” Mr. McLean recom- mended that government consider adopting a policy similar to one maintained by the U.K. territory of Bermuda, limiting the number of ve- hicles each household is al- lowed to own. “At least consider re- stricting vehicles in this country,” he said. “We have a finite landmass.” Mr. Tibbetts said the Progressives-led government has begun a $27 million road-widening program in central George Town which has included the widening of Smith Road, Godfrey Nixon Way and the Linford Pierson Highway with an eye toward alleviating congestion during the morning commute. The Progressives govern- ment has not supported the idea of legal restrictions on vehicle ownership. The Chamber of Commerce has urged volun- tary traffic-reduction mea- sures for employers, such as allowing employees to work flexible hours or to work from home where possible. Cayman Compass • Tuesday augusT 18, 2015 “I don’t see $10 million [a year] cutting it, I really don’t.” Arden McLeAn, East End MLA MLA: Road maintenance budget ‘not enough’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CAL claims $3.1M profit boosting the tourism sector. According to the airline’s 2012/13 financial state- ments – the most recent publicly available accounts – the airline had a loss of nearly $7 million that year, even after government pay- ments were considered. Jet purchases Mr. Whorms said the im- proving financial position is due in large part to the pur- chase of three Boeing 737 jets. “Operating leases are the most expensive form of having the asset. Purchasing the aircraft has added around $4 million to the bottom line. We have also had a little bit of help with the low fuel prices,” he said. Philip Rankin, chairman of the Cayman Airways board of directors, said the airline owning its own aircraft and getting out of costly operating leases is the way to a more profit- able future. Speaking on Friday as the airline took possession of a new 34-seat turboprop that will fly between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, Mr. Rankin said additional aircraft could be purchased in the next few years. He said he would like to see a second Saab plane to service the Brac route and add options for short-haul flights to Cuba and Jamaica. Within the next five years the airline will look to replace the Boeing 737 jets, which he said are about halfway through their useful life. “They still have a good 10 years, but we are not keeping them for that long. We want to keep them for about five years and then start phasing in next generation aircraft,” Mr. Rankin said. He said the airline’s im- proving finances gives it some flexibility to stockpile cash for the new planes. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “My aim in running for election was simply to help restore the image of CIFA and to play my part in helping mold young lives through sport.” renArd MoxAM Mr. Moxam CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 US permits Shell to drill for oil in Arctic Ocean off Alaska First time in more than 20 years ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – The federal government on Monday gave Royal Dutch Shell the final permit it needs to drill for oil in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska’s northwest coast for the first time in more than two decades. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement announced that it approved the permit to drill below the ocean floor after the oil giant brought in a required piece of equipment to stop a pos- sible well blowout. The agency previously al- lowed Shell to begin drilling only the top sections of two wells in the Chukchi Sea be- cause the key equipment, called a capping stack, was stuck on a vessel that needed repair in Portland, Oregon. Because the vessel arrived last week, Shell is free to drill into oil-bearing rock, esti- mated at 8,000 feet below the ocean floor, for the first time since its last exploratory well was drilled in 1991. “Activities conducted off- shore Alaska are being held to the highest safety, envi- ronmental protection, and emergency response stan- dards,” agency Director Brian Salerno said in a statement Monday. “We will continue to monitor their work around the clock to ensure the ut- most safety and environ- mental stewardship.” The Polar Pioneer, a semi- submersible drilling unit that Shell leases from Transocean Ltd., began work July 30 at Shell’s Burger J site. It com- pleted what’s called a mud- line cellar, a 20-by-40-foot hole at the top of the well that will hold a blowout pre- venter, and continued drilling into rock above the petro- leum-bearing zone. “It’s possible we will com- plete a well this summer but we’re not attaching a timeline to the number of feet drilled,” Smith said. Safe operations will deter- mine progress, he said. environmentalists opposed Environmental groups op- pose Arctic offshore drilling, saying industrial activity will harm polar bears, Pacific walrus, ice seals and threat- ened whales already vulner- able from climate warming and shrinking summer sea ice. They say oil companies have not demonstrated that they can clean up a spill in water choked by ice. Sierra Club executive di- rector Michael Brune said in a statement that President Obama’s decision to grant Shell the final drilling per- mits goes against science, the will of the people and common sense. “Granting Shell the permit to drill in the Arctic was the wrong decision, and this fight is far from over,” he said. “The people will continue to call on President Obama to protect the Arctic and our environment.” Moxam’s CIFA leadership bid thwartedThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Pistorius prosecutors file appeal Prosecutors pushing for a murder conviction against Oscar Pistorius have filed papers at South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal. They want a panel of judges at the court to overrule his acquittal in the alleged murder of his girlfriend. Tuesday augusT 18, 2015 • Cayman Compass Bomb blast at Bangkok shrine kills at least 18 people BANGKOK (AP) – A bomb ex- ploded Monday within a cen- tral Bangkok shrine that is among the city’s most popular tourist spots, killing at least 18 people and injuring more than 100 across a hectic in- tersection surrounded by five- star hotels and upscale shop- ping malls. With a powerful flash caught on security video and a boom heard blocks away, the blast from the improvised ex- plosive device scattered body parts across Rachaprasong intersection, spattered blood, blasted windows and burned motorbikes to the metal. It ex- ploded during evening rush hour as the area was filled with tourists, office workers and shoppers. “Suddenly there was a big boom, and the whole room just shook, like someone dropped a wrecking ball on top of our ceiling,” said Pim Niyomwan, an English in- structor working on the eighth floor of the building right next to the shrine. “The whole building just shook. My four students were hysterical.” Video shortly after the blast depicts a scene of shock and desperation: people run- ning for their lives and crying amid the debris. An emer- gency worker in an ambu- lance, frantically pounding the chest of a victim. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. “Those who have planted this bomb are cruel,” said na- tional police chief Somyot Poompummuang. “They aim to kill because everyone knows that at 7 p.m. the shrine is crowded with Thais and foreigners. Planting a bomb there means they want to see a lot of dead people.” At least 18 people were confirmed dead and 117 in- jured, according to the Narinthorn emergency med- ical rescue center. The dead included Chinese and a Filipino, Somyot said. As a single, devastating blow to this Southeast Asian metropolis, Monday’s bombing has no equal in re- cent history, though Thailand is no stranger to violent at- tacks. A more-than-decade- long insurgency by southern Muslim separatists has left more than 5,000 dead far from the capital. In Bangkok, politically charged riots cen- tered on this very intersection in 2010 killed more than 90 over two months. Police said the bomb was made with a pipe wrapped in cloth and that it was too soon to determine the motive. “We still don’t know for sure who did this and why,” Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon told reporters. “We are not sure if it is politi- cally motivated, but they aim to harm our economy and we will hunt them down.” The bomb detonated at Erawan Shrine, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma, but is extremely popular among Thailand’s Buddhists as well as Chinese tourists. Although Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, it has enormous Hindu influ- ence on its religious practices and language. The shrine, adjacent to a five-star hotel, is at the inter- section of two major arteries in the city. Throngs of tour- ists come there to pray at all hours, lighting incense and of- fering flowers purchased from rows of stalls set up on the sidewalk along the shrine. The site is a hubbub of activity, with quiet worshippers some- times flanked by Thai dancers hired by those seeking good fortune, while groups of tour- ists shuffle in and out. Bangkok has been rela- tively peaceful since a mili- tary coup ousted a civilian government in May last year after several months of some- times violent political protests against the previous govern- ment. The secretary of the National Security Council said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- ocha, the former army chief who orchestrated the coup, was monitoring the situation. “We still don’t know for sure who did this and why.” Prawit wongsuwon, deputy prime minister China orders nationwide safety check after Tianjin blasts TIANJIN, China (AP) – China’s government ordered a na- tionwide check of work- place safety Monday to correct any irregularities five days after huge explo- sions at a warehouse in the port city of Tianjin killed at least 114 people and left 70 others missing. The directive from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology la- mented the frequency of fatal workplace accidents and de- manded a thorough inspec- tion of all safety risks. Meanwhile, prosecu- tors were ordered to inves- tigate possible dereliction of duty and abuse of power that may have contributed to Wednesday night’s blasts. “We must thoroughly in- vestigate [the incident] and hold accountable all those responsible,” state media quoted Premier Li Keqiang as saying. “We must give an answer for families of the victims, an answer for all residents of Tianjin, an an- swer for all Chinese people, and an answer for history.” About 100 people whose residences were damaged by the explosions gathered Monday to demand compen- sation from the government. Wednesday’s blasts orig- inated at a warehouse for hazardous material, where 700 tons of sodium cya- nide – a toxic chemical that can form combustible sub- stances on contact with water – was being stored in amounts that violated safety rules. That has prompted contamination fears and a major cleanup of a 1.8-mile radius, cordoned-off area in the Chinese port city south- east of Beijing. Chinese work safety rules require such facilities to be at least 3,300 feet away from residences, public build- ings and highways. But on- line map searches show the Ruihai International Logistics warehouse was within 1,650 feet of both an expressway and a 1 million- square-foot apartment com- plex. Those apartments’ walls were singed and its windows were shattered, and all resi- dents have been evacuated. “We victims demand: Government, buy back our houses,” said a banner car- ried by the residents outside the Tianjin hotel where of- ficials have held daily news conferences about the di- saster. “Kids are asking: How can we grow up healthy?” read another banner. Tianjin officials have been hard-pressed to an- swer how the warehouse was allowed to operate in its location. Questions also have been raised about management of the ware- house, and the country’s top prosecuting office an- nounced Sunday that it was setting up a team to inves- tigate possible offenses re- lated to the massive blasts, including dereliction of duty and abuse of power. Ruihai’s general manager is in a hos- pital under police watch. Bian Jiang, a resident of one of the nearby housing complexes, said he was asleep when the first ex- plosion struck Wednesday shortly before midnight. “Twenty seconds later I heard the second explo- sion and saw the rising mushroom cloud. Then, I was thrown out of bed by the force of the blast. I was wondering if we would able to get out alive,” he said, adding that his home is now ruined. “All the win- dows are gone.” The blasts claimed the lives of at least 114 people, with 70 still missing, in- cluding 64 firefighters and six policemen, Tianjin gov- ernment spokesman Gong Jiansheng told a news con- ference Monday. On Monday, He Shushan, a deputy mayor, confirmed there was 700 tons of toxic sodium cyanide on the site at the time of the blasts, al- though authorities said there have not been any substan- tial leaks. Authorities also said they had sealed all wa- terways leading into the sea from the blast site and built retaining walls to prevent any runoff. Sodium cyanide can form a flammable gas upon con- tact with water, and several hundred tons would be a clear violation of rules cited by state media that the ware- house could store no more than 10 tons at a time. The ministry’s directive ordered government author- ities at all levels to check whether companies within their jurisdiction that pro- duce and store hazardous materials comply with safety regulations, including if they are a safe distance from resi- dential areas and do not ex- ceed storage limits. The death toll includes at least 21 firefighters – making the disaster the deadliest for Chinese firefighters in more than six decades – and their toll could go much higher because 64 remain missing. About 1,000 firefighters re- sponded to the disaster. “We must give an answer for families of the victims, an answer for all residents of Tianjin, an answer for all Chinese people, and an answer for history.” Li Keqiang, premier Motorcycles are strewn about after an explosion at a central intersection during the evening rush hour Monday in Bangkok, Thailand. – Photo: AP About 100 people whose residences were damaged by the explosions gathered Monday to demand compensation from the government. – Photo: AP9 WORLD&REGIONAL Cayman Compass • Tuesday augusT 18, 2015 In Loving Memory of Mark Phillip Bodden Known by family as "Bouncer" Known by friends as "Tired" If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still ow What it meant to lose you No one will ever know But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store Since you'll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A place within our heart Is where you'll always stay From your loving Mother Geva, your loving Grandparents, Catherine and Johnny, Your loving Brothers Gordon and Jermaine. Uncles Tony & David (better known as Kenny), loving Sister Samantha, Step-mother Janet, and loving girlfriend Alvina Barnes and the rest of your family and friends. October 11th, 1976 - August 18th, 2014October 11th, 1976 - August 18th, 2014 But now we know you want us UN official ‘horrified’ by attacks on Syria’s civilians DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) – The United Nations humani- tarian chief said on Monday he is “horrified” by the at- tacks on civilians taking place in Syria, singling out in particular government air- strikes the previous day that killed nearly 100 people in a Damascus suburb. The protracted conflict not only “severely affects” the lives of millions of people in Syria but also threatens the stability of the en- tire region, Stephen O’Brien said at a press conference in Damascus. The stark warning comes amid a surge in vio- lence as Syrian government troops, Islamic militants and rebels carried out attacks that killed and wounded dozens Monday, including in President Bashar Assad’s coastal stronghold of Latakia. “Attacks on civilians are unlawful, unaccept- able and must stop,” O’Brien said, speaking at the end of a three-day visit to Syria, during which he met senior officials and visited the cen- tral province of Homs. Government air raids on Sunday killed at least 96 people in the eastern Damascus suburb of Douma, making it one of the deadliest single incidents since the crisis began in March 2011. The airstrikes hit a vegetable market in the suburb, which is a stronghold of the Islam Army rebel group. Syria’s conflict has killed more than 250,000 people, ac- cording to United Nations. “I am particularly ap- palled by reports of airstrikes yesterday, causing scores of civilian deaths and hundreds injured, right in the center of Douma,” O’Brien said. “I am horrified by the total dis- respect for civilian life in this conflict.” He appealed to all par- ties to protect civilians and respect international hu- manitarian law, and also ex- pressed concerns for 4.6 million Syrian “stuck in hard- to-reach and besieged areas.” O’Brien also lambasted armed groups for cutting off water in Damascus, saying it was unacceptable to “use ac- cess to water and other ser- vices as a weapon of war.” Water cuts have been used before in the Syrian civil war, with Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and former commercial center, most affected. U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura also condemned the Douma airstrikes. “Hitting crowded ci- vilian markets [and] killing almost one hundred of its own citizens by a govern- ment is unacceptable in any circumstances,” de Mistura said, repeating calls for the warring sides to urgently start a dialogue toward a political solution. Also Monday, the rebels in Damascus’ wider eastern suburbs – an area known as Eastern Ghouta – imposed a curfew, fearing more govern- ment airstrikes and saying the curfew was imposed out of concern for civilian lives. The rebel statement said the curfew would go on until fur- ther notice. Douma is part of Eastern Ghouta. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 22 air raids on Eastern Ghouta on Monday, including seven in Douma. The Local Coordination Committees said Douma was hit with mortar shells. Douma-based activist Baraa Abdul-Rahman said the streets there were empty and most people were staying indoors. “There is a situa- tion of terror and fear in the town,” he said via Skype. In Turkey, the head of the main Western-backed op- position group, the Syrian National Coalition, blasted the government over Douma’s air raids and urged the in- ternational community to help bring officials behind the “massacres and war crimes” to the International Criminal Court. “Any talk about political and peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict in light of the daily and systematic re- gime massacres … is mean- ingless,” said the coalitions’ Khaled Khoja. Syria’s Minister of Justice Najm El-Deen Ahmad, mean- while, told The Associated Press that the authorities are not worried about any crim- inal charges against them at the ICC. “It is the criminals who should be worried, and we have the evidence that could prove their involve- ment,” he said, referring to the opposition. Ahmad accused Turkey of setting up camps for training gunmen who later crossed into Syria to kill and plunder Syrian factories, and added that his ministry is preparing to file lawsuits against Turkey within a few months, both in local and interna- tional courts. Syrian state TV reported that attackers shelled the government-held neigh- borhood of Hamadaniyeh in Aleppo, killing 10 and wounding 17 on Monday. The TV also reported rebel shelling of the coastal city of Latakia, which killed six and wounded 19. “I am horrified by the total disrespect for civilian life in this conflict.” Stephen O’Brien, United Nations humanitarian chief ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Greek authorities said Sunday they have started resettling migrants living in tents in a park in Athens, but many were wary and had moved out ahead of the operation. Fire brigade buses moved the migrants, most from Afghanistan, to a set- tlement of 90 containers in the Athens district of Votanikos. Each can house six to eight people and has air conditioning, running water and a toilet. The government has said it is not a detention center and everyone is free to come and go. However, police estimated that about a third of the park’s almost 300 tent residents, wary of such promises, packed their belongings and left earlier. Another 30 have re- fused to budge. Police say a total of 171 were resettled Sunday, but many more live in other public spaces. More than 130,000 mi- grants have reached Greece so far in 2015, straining the country’s resources. “I am afraid that they are going to send us back to Afghanistan, I’m scared of being sent to a fenced place where I won’t be able to go anywhere,” said Zahra Mohseni, an Afghan migrant. Others found the new settlement a welcome change from the park. “It is so much better. The people who walk into their rooms are very pleased. There is a happy atmosphere, ev- erything is beautiful and there are special places for little children to play or hang around, like small parks,” said Arash Himati, another Afghan migrant. The settlement is far from other residences, but some feared that locals in Votanikos would object to the migrants in their midst, and the Greek media have played up the “locals pro- test” angle. About a dozen people turned up to pro- test and were kept at bay by police. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Turkey’s prime minister says no agree- ment has been reached at a last-ditch meeting with a na- tionalist party to form a co- alition alliance. The talks’ failure on Monday leaves Turkey with little option but to hold new elections. The ruling party lost its majority in elections in June, forcing it to seek a coalition partnership. Coalition talks with Turkey’s pro-secular party collapsed last week. The nationalist party had set stiff conditions for a partnership while Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu reportedly was seeking a short-lived alliance to govern until early elections. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who founded the ruling party, is also reported to favor new elections in the hopes that the party can win back its majority. Police say a total of 171 were resettled Sunday, but many more live in other public spaces. Greek authorities begin clearing Athens park of migrants No deal reached iN Turkey’s lasT-diTch coaliTioN Talks A migrant with his child makes his way to board a bus to be transferred from the city park where they have been living, to an organized camp set up by the Greek state a few miles from the center of Athens. - PhoTo: aPNext >