SPORT | Page 16 Dyer steps up FiDelity Fun pace Second of three Fun Runs attracts 180 runners High of 90 Low of 80 Slight with wave heights 1 to 3 feet. ediTORial | Page 4 Heroes For HannaH: cayman is Full oF tHem ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – tuesDay september 15, 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! No theft charge for Pines manager Lack of “public interest” cited in case brent Fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The former head of a Grand Cayman retire- ment home who was once accused of taking more than $300,000 from the charity will not face prosecution, according to public safety officials and the leadership at The Pines. “The directors and management of The Pines wish to express their disappointment that the director of public prosecutions has determined not to prosecute its former man- ager, Sue Nicholson, in connection with the theft of goods and services from The Pines,” a statement The Pines sent to the Cayman Compass late Friday indicated. Pines Chairman Julian Reddyhough said in 2013 that the board had conducted its own forensic investigation and discovered “several hundred thousand dollars over an eight year period” had been taken. The cash, including interest, was restored to the charity by Ms. Nicholson’s then-hus- band “without any admission of wrong-doing,” according to Mr. Reddyhough’s statement from December 2013. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service informed The Pines management last month that charges would not be pursued in the case, and that Ms. Nicholson was now back in the U.K. She could not be reached for comment by press time. According to correspondence sent to The Pines from RCIPS Detective Sergeant Claire Jackson: “If we were to lay charges, we would have to seek her extradition to stand trial, in circumstances whereby [The] Pines [has] re- ceived in excess of what the prosecution can prove she stole.” “It is not in the public interest to charge her and seek her extradition,” the statement continued. “The position may well have been different if no money had been repaid and she had assets that we could restrain with a view AcAdemy-style schools proposed for cAymAn KPMG recommends schools be taken out of direct ministry control James WHittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Independent governing bodies made up of business leaders, parents and former students should be put in charge of Cayman’s schools, a consultant’s report on the islands’ education system recommends. The KPMG report suggests “Cayman Partnership Schools” funded by government but controlled by private boards of governors as the new model for the education system. The concept is similar to charter schools in the U.S. and academies in the U.K., though the report also references similar models in Sweden and Hong Kong, in what it describes as a Cayman-specific model. “It is clear from our analysis that change to an alternative model with a governing body who are autonomous from the govern- ment would make the greatest impact of pro- gressing education in the Cayman Islands. Therefore, we recommend the Cayman Partnership School,” the report states. “The Cayman Partnership School model facilitates a greater degree of community in- volvement and integration which is proven to enhance the success of the schools. “Parents, employers and past students that have the ability and passion to make a dif- ference in education within their community have an opportunity to become part of the Blatter under fire over World Cup TV rights micHael klein mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com A 2005 FIFA contract obtained by Swiss broadcaster SRF indicates that FIFA President Sepp Blatter allegedly sold TV rights for the 2010 and 2014 World Cup for a fraction of the market price to the Caribbean Football Union and the regional football body’s then-president Jack Warner. It is the first evidence that shows Blatter’s personal involvement in TV rights deals and the extent of the profits made by disgraced former CONCACAF boss Warner from FIFA contracts, SRF re- ported on Friday. FIFA sold the TV rights for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa to the Caribbean Football Union for $250,000. The CFU re- ceived the TV rights for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for $350,000, the documents show. The deal was signed by Sepp Blatter on behalf of FIFA and Warner, as presi- dent of the CFU. The rights were later transferred from the Warner-controlled CFU to his Cayman- registered company JD International, which sold them to Jamaica-based broadcaster Sportsmax in 2007 for a reported $15 mil- lion to $20 million. Former FIFA anti-corruption adviser and criminal law professor Mark Pieth told the Associated Press the contract was “prima facie evidence” of potential embez- zlement and that a criminal investigation should be launched. So far, Blatter has not been charged with any wrongdoing and he maintains he PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 10 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 10 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 10 » Michael Lauber, attorney general of Switzerland, and Loretta Lynch, attorney general of the United States, speak at a news conference Monday in Zurich, Switzerland, on football-related investigations. - photo: Ap2 LOCAL&REGIONAL Tuesday sepTember 15, 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. THE PERFECT GUY (PG13) 1:20 | 3:45 | 7:00 | 9:35 THE TRANSPORTER (PG13) 1:00 | 4:15 | 7:30 | 10:10 NO ESCAPE (R) 1:30 | 4:30 | 7:15 | 10:00 THE VISIT (PG13) 1:10 | 3:30 | 7:10 | 9:40 MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E (PG13) 12:50 I 6:45 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (PG13) 12:55 | 3:50 | 6:50 | 9:45 *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - TUESDAY- $8.00 CAL employee gets 22 months for theft ‘Naive’ cargo agent admitted stealing money from airline to give to woman in U.S. CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A Cayman Airways cargo agent who admitted stealing US$46,500 from the airline was sentenced last week to 22 months’ imprisonment. Joseph William Byrd Jr., 28, worked as a cargo agent from March 2011 until July 2013, generating airway bills for customers who wanted to ship goods and accepting payment from them for the service. He should have submitted daily sales reports but failed to do so on 28 occasions be- tween April 2012 and June 2013, the court heard. An air- line investigation of late sales reporting led to an audit, which showed funds that Byrd had failed to record. When interviewed, he ad- mitted stealing from Cayman Airways and sending the money to a female em- ployee of British Airways who resided at the time in Miami, Florida. Defense attorney Richard Barton told the court that Byrd looked up to the woman and had devel- oped trust in her. The wom- an’s mother was diagnosed with cancer and this was a factor in Byrd’s mind be- cause his own mother was a cancer survivor. When the woman told him of financial difficulties she was experiencing over prop- erty in Miami, Byrd helped her out by initially giving her some of his own money and then by sending her unau- thorized sums he had taken from the airline. Mr. Barton said the woman had promised to re- turn the funds once the prop- erty in Miami was sold, and Byrd intended to replace the money. However, he was never reimbursed. Describing Byrd as having been extremely naive, Magistrate Philippa McFarlane said, in passing sentence, that she was trou- bled by the fact that Byrd had been lured into pro- viding the money. She noted there was a dearth of in- formation about what the money was used for, but she understood that Byrd did not benefit from the thefts. Theft from an employer almost always results in im- prisonment, she noted. In this case, the sum was not small and there were no excep- tional circumstances. There had been some impact on his Cayman Airways colleagues in that they were subjected to additional scrutiny after Byrd’s offenses were discov- ered, she said. The magistrate said she was minded to make an order for repayment. Mr. Barton said his client had always expressed a willing- ness to pay, but the level of earnings from subsequent employment did not enable him to do so. The magistrate gave him four years from the date he obtains employment after completing his prison sen- tence or serve additional time in lieu. With a full dis- count for his guilty plea, the sentence that would have been 33 months was reduced to 22 months. A charge of false ac- counting was not proceeded with. A charge of money laundering – removal of the stolen funds from Cayman to the U.S. via money trans- fers – was dealt with by way of a concurrent sentence of four months. When interviewed, he admitted stealing from the company and sending the money to a female employee of British Airways who at the time resided in Miami, Florida. Top chefs prepare special meal at Government House Seven top chefs in the Cayman Islands converged at Government House on Sept. 11 to prepare dinner for the successful bidders of an auction item at the Cayman 4 Nepal fundraiser at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in June. The event raised more than US$26,000 for relief for the victims of the April 25 earthquake in Nepal. Governor Helen Kilpatrick said she has hosted several charity dinners over the past two years, but this was the first time that chefs from Cayman restaurants were involved in the preparation of the meal. Pictured, from left, are Ritz-Carlton banquet chef Lucas Julien-Vauzelle, Westin Grand Cayman executive chef Sandy Tuason, Westin executive sous chef Thinesh Madhavan, Government House chef Audrey Brice, Ritz-Carlton pastry chef Melissa Logan, Governor Kilpatrick, Ritz-Carlton executive chef Frederick Morineau, personal chef Keith Griffin and Blue Cilantro executive chef Vidyadhara Shetty. - Photo: AlAn MArkoff Argument over $10 ends in hospital, court CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Two men known to each other for a long time ar- gued in the early hours of Sept. 13 outside the Globe Bar in George Town. On Monday morning, one was in the Intensive Care Unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital with a stab wound, while the other, Antonio Seymour, appeared in Summary Court charged with wounding. Senior Crown Counsel Tanya Lobban said it was alleged that the two men were arguing over $10 that Seymour owed to the complainant. The complainant punched Seymour in the face and Seymour re- sponded by stabbing the other man in the shoulder, she told Magistrate Valdis Foldats. There were appar- ently no eyewitnesses to the stabbing, Ms. Lobban said. The man who was stabbed was in stable con- dition Monday afternoon, according to police. A press release from the Royal Cayman Islands Police indicated that of- ficers responded around 1:45 a.m. to a call about a stabbing near the bar on Martin Drive. A man with a stab wound to the chest was lying at the rear of the building and was trans- ported to the hospital by ambulance. Detectives and uniform officers arrested Seymour, 63, from George Town around 3:45 a.m. that day on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm. In court Monday, de- fense attorney Alice Carver advised that Seymour had no previous convictions except taking whelks in 2008, a Marine Parks of- fense, and missing a court date. She pointed out that the defendant is employed as a mechanic. The magistrate agreed that, on the information before him, bail could be granted with conditions. These include no con- tact with the complainant, a prohibition from ap- proaching the Globe Bar, and a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. He set the re- cognizance and surety at $950. The matter will be men- tioned again on Sept. 29, at which time Seymour will be expected to say whether he wants the matter dealt with in Summary Court or Grand Court. Drug boat captain arrested The captain of a boat suspected of importing ganja was arrested during a police pursuit on land and sea late Friday. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service re- ported around 10:30 p.m. that its helicopter patrol spotted two boats tied to- gether outside the Frank Sound area. After they were sighted, police said the two vessels took off in oppo- site directions with the first vessel, a fast canoe, going southeast and the second vessel heading toward the Frank Sound dock. The police helicopter fol- lowed the fast canoe until it reached international wa- ters, after which the heli- copter turned around to track the second boat. Police officers from the Bodden Town station searching the shoreline in the area recovered what po- lice described as a “signifi- cant quantity of drugs” in the bushes near the shore- line. They arrested the second boat’s captain after he arrived on shore. The 39-year-old sus- pect was arrested on sus- picion of importing ganja and has been released on police bail. new court forMs for gAy weddings TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s court clerks will start using new marriage and divorce forms that no longer use the words “husband” and “wife” from Oct. 1. State officials on Monday began sending the forms to county clerks, who asked for new forms after Florida’s ban on same sex marriage ended in January. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court le- galized gay marriage across the country. The forms will have the words “spouse” in- stead of husband and wife or bride and groom.3 LOCAL&REGIONAL Cayman Compass • Tuesday sepTember 15, 2015 OCTOBER , The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman www.breastcancerfoundation.ky info@breastcancerfoundation.ky PRINT MEDIA SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSOR to our Thank ou Joan Lunen Featuring Celebrity Keynote Speaker and Breast Cancer Survivor Burn victim in car crash needs overseas care Brent Fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman Islands health services officials were scram- bling on Monday to make off-island medical arrange- ments for a woman who was critically burned in an early morning car crash along West Bay Road. The woman suffered burns over 80 percent of her body in the 1:30 a.m. accident involving the vehicle in which she was a passenger. A man in the vehicle suf- fered burns over 20 per- cent of his body, police said. Both crash victims are residents of the Cayman Islands, police said. The car, a black Audi, was traveling north on West Bay Road when it hit the curb at the bend in the road in the Public Beach area and flipped over. Police said the fuel line in the vehicle ruptured and then ignited after the car flipped. When police arrived, both people were lying on the ground near the burning car. The woman was taken to the Cayman Islands Hospital in critical condition. The man was listed in stable condition at press time Monday. Health Services Authority Medical Director Dr. Delroy Jefferson said hospital crews were trying to stabilize the woman and make sure she retained enough fluid and oxygen while they searched for a hospital burn center to send her to. Once the patient is stabilized, Dr. Jefferson said, it is likely she would have to be sent off island to either the U.S. or Jamaica. “This kind of extensive burn is best treated in a burn center … we have no burn center in the Cayman Islands to deal with such an injury,” Dr. Jefferson said. It was not known at press time whether the male victim from the crash would also need off-island treatment. Fire damages generator in CUC engine room KelSeY JuKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com A fire that broke out in an engine room at the Caribbean Utilities Company Monday morning was quickly extin- guished, causing only super- ficial damage to a generating unit, a company spokes- woman said. Two employees who ex- tinguished the fire were taken to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation of possible smoke inhalation. “All of our employees are safe,” said CUC spokes- woman Pat Bynoe-Clarke. The fire broke out in Engine Room 5 around 10:33 a.m., according to Ms. Bynoe- Clarke. She said the fire was the result of a broken fuel line that leaked fuel onto the exhaust system of one of the generating units. The gen- erating unit is expected to return to service later this week, she said. “Our team worked quickly to stop the unit, isolate the fuel source and extinguish the fire,” Ms. Bynoe-Clark said in a press statement. Two fire crews and an ambulance responded to the scene after the company called 911. At 10:52 a.m. the fire crews entered the fa- cility; they gave an all-clear at 11:13 a.m. Acting Fire Chief Ronnie Dixon said the fire emitted a significant amount of smoke. To make up for the tem- porary loss of capacity, CUC returned to service other generating units which had been offline for scheduled maintenance. As some of these units were returned to service, there were brief ro- tating outages, Ms. Bynoe- Clarke said. As of 11:55 a.m., power had been restored to all customers. Drugs stolen from police station Brent Fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com After initially reporting that nothing had been taken following a July 13 break- in outside the George Town Police Station, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service confirmed Monday that a quantity of illegal drugs were stolen from an evidence container there. RCIPS officers are cur- rently investigating the break-in, which involved a container that po- lice described as storing “old evidence” and “drugs awaiting disposal.” The initial press release on the incident noted pad- locks on the container were removed, but that police processed the scene and determined nothing was taken from the container. Another official state- ment from the police re- leased to the Cayman Compass Monday indi- cated otherwise. “In addition to pursuing the culprits of this break- in and theft, we are re- viewing internal controls and procedures with re- spect to the handling and storage of evidence,” a po- lice statement noted. The statement also in- dicated that the “actions of those responsible” for fol- lowing evidence handling and storage procedures would also be reviewed. Two employees who extinguished the fire were taken to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation of possible smoke inhalation. The woman suffered burns to over 80 percent of her body following the 1:45 a.m. accident involving the vehicle she rode in. Former Tampa police employee Faces Federal charges Tax refund fraud among charges TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – A former Tampa police em- ployee is facing federal charges after authorities say she stole identities from law enforcement da- tabases and conspired to use information to commit tax refund fraud. A grand jury indict- ment against 53-year-old Tonia Bright was unsealed Monday. Bright worked for Tampa police for more than three decades. She was accused in a recent search warrant affidavit of providing names, birth dates and Social Security numbers to Rita Girven, who pleaded guilty to aggravated iden- tity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud six months ago. Girven was a former Tampa police informer. Her record includes theft and fraud convictions.The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. 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 sepTember 15, 2015 • Cayman COmpass “We support the George Town dock,” Sept. 11, 2015 I will be honest, I had lost hope in the Compass but they have fully renewed my confidence. The Compass has proven that they are the only re- liable news source in the Cayman Islands. I applaud the edito- rial board for their due dili- gence in this matter and for weighing all of the facts. I 100 percent agree that we need to not only protect the environment but make sure that everything we do can also be used to enhance it going forward. Jonathon Barnes It would be so easy to support the status quo. After all, change is very uncomfort- able, almost scary to some, and aren’t we doing fine now? Remember when ev- eryone was asking, “How can they allow them to build that huge Ritz-Carlton on Seven Mile Beach?” The future is not built on the status quo. I applaud the Editorial Board for their well-rea- soned and forward-looking support for the George Town dock project. peter newton I agree that this dock has to be built but concessions must be made to make the losing end of this stick happy. There needs to be an as- sessment of the amount of damage done below the wa- terline, and the extra pro- ceeds reaped from the new dock need to be put into a fund to start a restoration project to grow and harvest new coral. I think with a well-drafted plan, both sides can be happy and Cayman can flourish! mike Carp I don’t agree with their findings but it is a good piece of journalism. I for one am concerned with the debt we have now. I think we are in the region of $700 million and we are going to add $50 million for the air- port and $150 million to $200 million for the dock. All of this is debt. The last time we were going down this road we were told that we would have to find a sustainable way to service the country’s financial needs and what was spoken about on how to meet our financial needs to run this territory in the future was income tax and property tax. This is what I am worried about. Rod Bodden The Editorial Board has reached the only logical de- cision which is supported by a wide cross section of the Caymanian populace. In the real world, “If you stand still you move backwards.” I choose to see Cayman moving forward with opti- mism, knowing that her best days are still ahead of her. George Ebanks I do agree that there is a cost of progress, be it finan- cial or environmental. I hope it’s worth it. michael Davis I suppose the fact that the two main pro-dock ad- vocates have significant ad- vertising accounts with the Compass had nothing to do with this decision? David Williams … Or maybe the editorial board is basing their opinion on plain ol’ common sense based on the facts which have been blatantly staring us in the face for more than two decades? aJ Ebanks Three cheers for everyone who pitched in to support childhood cancer research at the Heroes for Hannah event last Friday. Heck, make that 320,000 cheers. As we reported in Monday’s edition of the Compass, hundreds of people showed up to cheer on nearly 100 brave volunteers who lined up to have their heads shaved at the Wicket at Cricket Square in George Town as part of a fundraising effort for the Heroes for Hannah “Hero Fund.” All told, the event raised well over $320,000, which will go to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity that gives grants for childhood cancer research. The top fundraising teams, whose totals were still being updated as we penned this editorial Monday, included Dart Cayman Islands ($50,000), “Maples and Balder” ($50,000), “Gonyers” ($36,000), “Least We Can Do” ($35,000), “Harney, Westwood & Razors” ($11,000), KPMG ($11,000) and “Elian – We’re Raising the Bar” ($10,000). Now in its third year, Heroes for Hannah is one of the most successful shave events in the world for St. Bal- drick’s, said the charity’s Hero Fund Manager Kelly Fore- baugh. Since 2004, St. Baldrick’s has donated more than $176 million in the form of some 890 grants to more than 358 institutions in 26 countries. As most of our readers are aware, the Heroes for Hannah organization was established in honor of coura- geous young Cayman Islands resident Hannah Meeson, age 7, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012 and has since become the face of childhood cancer research in this country. Through perseverance, selflessness and determination — and always with grace — Hannah and her parents Nigel and Gaylene have transformed their own personal trial into a string of inspirational victories of the human spirit. On Friday night, Mrs. Meeson, characteristically, shifted the spotlight away from her family: “Tonight, it’s not about Hannah; it’s about all kids fighting cancer,” she said. Her words are no mere platitudes. Tears mingled with hair clippings at the packed, emotional event, where parents, family members and friends of childhood cancer survivors demonstrated their solidarity by going bald themselves (mimicking the signature side effect of che- motherapy). The freshly shorn included Woody Foster, whose daughter Charli has been diagnosed with leukemia; Mechon Evangelista-Ebanks, whose daughter Mimi has been diagnosed with brain cancer; and the Grant family, consisting of dad Trent, mom Belinda, son Tayden, who has been diagnosed with leukemia, and his brothers Trey and Tajai. Also volunteering were MLAs Winston Connolly and Roy McTaggart, 6-year-old Olly Thorpe, 9-year-old Matteo Carbini and many others. News reports are often dominated by natural disasters, man-made calamities and senseless acts of violence and destruction. When a serious illness, such as cancer, strikes an innocent child, it is difficult to perceive this world as anything but a stage for grand tragedy. Fred Rogers, the eponymous host of children’s tele- vision show “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” — in order to assuage the fears of children (and grown-ups) — used to recall something his mother had told him in such dark times: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.” Heroes for Hannah: Cayman is full of them From CaymanCompass.Com Labour chooses death with honor BloomBerg View editorial Board Jeremy Corbyn’s land- slide victory in the election for leadership of Britain’s Labour Party begins a fas- cinating experiment. Voters and political parties every- where ought to pay attention. The upset underscores one striking fact: People are fed up with politics as usual. And it raises one especially impor- tant question: Can a party of the left be true to its princi- ples and still get elected? Corbyn, a hard-left ac- tivist rather than a career- building politician, had been such an unlikely candidate that he barely secured the nominations he needed to run. (Colleagues who didn’t want him to win, and never dreamed he would, nudged him into the race as a friendly gesture.) But after starting out as a 100-to-1 outsider, he won a four-way race against well-qualified ri- vals, with almost 60 percent of the vote. The runner-up polled less than 20 percent. Corbyn didn’t crush his opponents: He annihilated them. Yet the outcome is even more dramatic than that. The Labour Party members who voted – many of them new- comers who’d joined for that purpose – have repudiated not just the other candidates but the party’s entire leader- ship, its rank-and-file mem- bers of Parliament (only 15 out of 232 backed Corbyn) and its whole “modern left” posture. It is nothing less than a counter-revolution. That’s why many of the party’s shadow ministers are saying they won’t serve under Corbyn, whose circle comprises mainly hard-line activists like himself. The Corbynistas want to renationalize the railways; in- crease public spending and tax the rich to pay for it; pull Britain out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and maybe the European Union as well; and command the Bank of England (which is independent, for now) to print money to pay for public in- vestment. Anti-Americanism is a prominent part of the mix. Corbyn once called the killing of Osama bin Laden a “tragedy” and has called Hamas and Hezbollah “friends.” In short, it’s prehistoric leftism. As you’d expect, the ruling Tories are strug- gling to contain their joy. They now face an opposi- tion in the mold of Labour before Tony Blair – an outfit so out of touch with the broader electorate, it kept the Conservatives in power for the better part of two decades. Corbyn is as familiar with this history as anybody, and therefore faces a dilemma. His strength is an unas- suming authenticity – like Bernie Sanders in the U.S., he is a straightforward man who tends to say what he means. People like that, and his seeming lack of guile will appeal to voters beyond his political base. The problem is, his policies won’t. Corbyn is a winning per- sonality with a losing pro- gram. But if he softens his line to reach out to wavering Tories – as he surely must, to win a general election – he’ll be committing the very of- fense his supporters most despise. Perhaps, like them, he’ll prefer to lose honorably than win through compro- mise (or betrayal, as many ac- tivists would see it). Perhaps the party will split, with the left on one side and Blairite social democrats on the other. Britain’s humiliated center- left should think hard about how it ever let this happen – and social democratic parties in other countries ought to re- flect as well. It boils down to this: The Labour Party failed to truly embrace the changes wrought by Blair in the 1990s. It saw no real virtue in prag- matism: Rather than cham- pion moderation, it came to apologize for it. That’s a pos- ture that inspires nobody and quickly shades into cynicism. Now, the British left will have to learn all over again to advocate moderation on prin- ciple, not just as a tactical calculation. It must again be- lieve that competence and re- straint in pursuit of its goals make for good policy, not just good politics. Chances are that Corbyn, one way or another, will help the point to sink in. © 2015, Bloomberg View The George Town cruise berthing project has the full support of the Cayman Compass Editorial Board. - Photo: Chris Court As you’d expect, the ruling Tories are struggling to contain their joy.5 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Tuesday sepTember 15, 2015 Eleven students studying for their first higher educa- tion degrees overseas have been awarded grants from the John Gray Memorial Fund Committee. This year a total of US$22,000 was dis- tributed to applicants. The students are studying a wide range of courses, in- cluding biology, music, en- gineering, special education, architecture and animal sci- ence. They are also encour- aged to become involved in volunteer work. Four of the students are past recipients of the grant, and the other seven are first-time recipients who the National Council of Voluntary Organisations hopes to con- tinue to support throughout their degree course, providing that they maintain high grade averages. Janice Wilson, chief ex- ecutive officer of the NCVO, said, “The John Gray Fund has been an NCVO program for over 20 years, distributing thousands of dollars and helping hundreds of young adults achieve their dream of pursuing a degree quali- fication. Several of those as- sisted have volunteered in our Children’s Services pro- grams upon completion of their degree course.” Funds are granted each year to young Caymanian stu- dents who wish to attend col- lege or university but do not have enough money to cover their living expenses. The “top-up” fund and assistance is intended for expenses as- sociated with pursuing a degree, such as for books, accommodation or transpor- tation, and helps those who may have funding for tuition through government grants or other means but not for additional expenses. The John Gray Memorial Fund, named in honor of the late Rev. John Rae Gray, a former NCVO council and ex- ecutive member, is a project of the NCVO, a nonprofit, charitable organization ded- icated to the care, educa- tion and well–being of chil- dren and families in need of support in the Cayman Islands. NCVO committee members Charles Farrington, Elizabeth Scholefield, Janice Wilson, Alta Solomon and Olive Miller reviewed the applications forms. Donations to the John Gray Memorial Grant can be made to NCVO. For further information, contact Janice Wilson at ncvo@ncvo.org.ky. www.capitalrealty.com.ky CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WITH 10 GREAT AGENTS! WE MOVED TO A BRAND NEW LOCATION. Tropic Centre1, Ste #7 (Across from Park Place Plaza) WITH Call us today 623.1400 Eleven students awarded John Gray Memorial grants NCVO committee members who reviewed the applications were, from left, Liz Scholefield, Charles Farrington, Olive Miller and Janice Wilson. Absent from the photo is Alta Solomon. Women Who Care attraCts 300 members A new charity group in Cayman called 100 Women Who Care has already ex- ceeded its nominal number by attracting more than 300 members – before it holds its first meeting. With one month to go until the inaugural meeting, the group still hopes to bring in even more supporters. The first meeting of the Cayman Islands chapter will be held on Oct. 14 at the Grand Cayman Beach Resort. The concept of the group is this: Take 100 women with $100 each and put them in a room. Three charities ex- plain why they need a finan- cial boost, and the 100 women vote on which one will receive all of the money on the spot. According to the group, the meetings provide the perfect opportunity for women to get together and make a collective difference, as well as a chance to network and mingle. Maya Lewis, a represen- tative from the organizing committee, said, “We’re re- ally looking forward to our first meeting...the Grand Cayman Marriott has gener- ously donated their ballroom to host the event and we’re thrilled to have some very charitable local businesses on board as sponsors who are helping us create a fan- tastic environment for our first gathering.” Earlier this year, another newly established group, 100 Men Who Give A Damn, raised $21,500 at its inaugural meeting for Meals on Wheels. Sponsors who have al- ready signed up to sup- port 100 Women Who Care, Cayman Islands include: Ogier, Sotheby’s International Realty Cayman Islands, Signs of Paradise, Trees4life, Tea Time in Cayman, The Security Centre and BlackBeard’s. Students learn to checkmate Jewel levy jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Shaun Tracey has a dream – to see chess become part of the curriculum in schools on the island. At George Town Primary School on Monday, stu- dents began to learn about the game. Principal Marie Martin said, “Who knows? The next great chess player from Cayman may just very well be out of this first group from George Town Primary.” At the school’s library, Year 3 students were the first to be involved in the pilot program in Cayman government schools. “If all goes well, we will look to getting someone in full-time to do it and roll it out more widely,” said Mr. Tracey, who is involved with the Cayman Islands Chess Association. “We are working with George Town and West Bay Primary in the government sector and some private school chess clubs,” he added. Year 3 student Jetson Bennett said he had never played chess before. “I want to see if it is fun,” he said. The noise and energy levels in the library would be what you might have ex- pected from kids on recess or having a classroom party – but it was just a chess game for students learning the moves for the first time. An hour earlier, students did not even know the rules of chess. But as they sat in the library facing their op- ponents, they seemed eager to learn. Young Fred Booth, with his fingers rubbing his temple in anticipation, waited for Paul Robinson, deputy director of the George Town Public Library, to make a move. Mr. Tracey and other members of the chess associ- ation were teaching the stu- dents the basics of how to move their pawns, knights, bishops and rooks to attack their opponents and to pro- tect their kings. Educators tout the game’s benefits as improving crit- ical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills. “It is good to get the young minds involved in this way by playing the game of strategy, and we look forward to exciting times ahead,” said Principal Martin. “ … We are de- lighted to be a part of the new partnership with the Chess Association.” Mr. Tracy described the game as one of the “oldest and greatest” in the world. “It is partly to have fun. but also to learn. You learn to play and play to learn. “Chess is a game where you learn to use your brain. A war between teams without fighting, and a fun way for kids to develop crit- ical thinking skills.” Students at George Town Primary School are introduced to chess during the launch of a pilot program in Cayman government schools by Shaun Tracey of the Cayman Islands Chess Association. Isaiiah Bush looks to take Okenie Mclaughlin’s knight during a game at George Town Primary School. – Photo: JeWel levyThe islands’ most-trusted news source 6 HealthNEWS Input from Conquering Cancer doctors Today’s Health section in the Cayman Compass concentrates on Thursday’s Conquering Cancer event and features columns from several of the doctors and medical experts who will be attending and presenting at the event. Tuesday sepTember 15, 2015 • Cayman Compass Cancer Society health fair offers free screenings KELSEY JUKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com Health screenings, cancer prevention infor- mation and access to phy- sicians will be part of the Conquering Cancer event on Saturday. The free health fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marriott Beach Resort will help attendees learn about their cancer risks and what they can do to lower them. “It used to be that no one wanted to even say the word cancer,” said Jennifer Weber, Cayman Islands Cancer Society op- erations manager. “Now people are so much more interested and know that if they’re aware, then they have the power to make a difference.” Armed with more infor- mation about cancer, Ms. Weber added, individuals have less to fear. The event is part of a three-day cancer sym- posium organized by the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. Experts are being brought in to provide con- tinuing medical educa- tion for local medical pro- fessionals so that they are up-to-date in the latest di- agnostic and treatment options. Those same ex- perts will also speak to local businesses on Friday, and then give talks about cancer prevention and dif- ferent types of cancer every 30 minutes throughout the day at the health fair. “We feel like this is a really good way to make sure that the information is well-disseminated to ev- eryone,” Ms. Weber said. “The information is readily available to doctors and patients alike and we feel like that helps promote a great dialogue between pa- tients and doctors.” The fair will feature booths for more than 30 local health-related orga- nizations, including the Cayman Islands Red Cross, Cayman Islands Hospice and the Cayman Islands AIDS foundation. Health insurance companies will also be among the orga- nizations with booths at the fair, as well as the standing health insurance commission. Attendees will also be able to speak to doctors one-on-one and can receive up to $1,000 worth of free health screenings and tests on site, as well as vouchers for tests that need to be completed off site. “This is of particular in- terest and importance for people who might have either no health insurance or low insurance,” Ms. Weber said. The Cayman Islands Diabetes Association will offer a free A1C test, which is a blood test used to diag- nose diabetes. The Cayman Heart Fund will perform cholesterol checks and other tests. Those inter- ested in receiving a general screening by the Cayman Heart Fund should fast for at least 10 hours be- forehand, according to event organizers. The fair will also have giveaways, prizes and refreshments. Among the medical pro- fessionals from Cayman and overseas who will be speaking at the Cancer Symposium for med- ical professionals on Thursday night are Dr. Troy Gatcliffe, a gyneco- logic oncologist affiliated with West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital and Doctors Hospital, who will give an update on ovarian cancer; Dr. Adrian Legaspi, medical director of the Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida, affili- ated with Tenet, who will speak on trends in surgical oncology and management of gastrointestinal malig- nancies with minimally invasive robotic surgery; Dr. Vineetha Binoy, resi- dent oncologist and head of the Department of Medical Oncology at Health City Cayman Islands, who will make a presentation on the genetics of cancer; Dr. Moises Lichtinger, a spe- cialist in gynecology, gy- necology oncology, obstet- rics and gynecology, and robotic surgery at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who will present on the sen- tinel lymph node and en- dometrial cancer; Dr. Chad Ritch, assistant pro- fessor in the Department of Urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who will present on contempo- rary management of gen- itourinary malignancies; Dr. Rabih Bechara, chief of interventional pulmon- ology, pulmonary and crit- ical care medicine at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Georgia, who will speak on screening for lung cancer; and Dr. Luis E. Raez, director of the Memorial Cancer Institute at the Memorial Health Care System and clinical associate pro- fessor of medicine at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, who will present on target therapy and immuno- therapy for lung cancer. Also speaking at the symposium will be Dr. Tanja Ebanks of Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital who will give a presentation on breast cancer diagnostics and treatment in the Cayman Islands and Dr. Christine Gourin of Johns Hopkins who will address HPV head and neck cancers. The cancer symposium takes place Thursday to Saturday. For more information, call the Cayman Islands Cancer Society on 949-7618. The free health fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marriott Beach Resort will help attendees learn about their cancer risks and what they can do to lower them. Detecting endometrial cancer NANCY EAgLEtoN Endometrial cancer oc- curs in the endometrium – the inner lining of a wom- an’s uterus – and is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs, according to the American Cancer Society. The ACS estimates nearly 52,000 new cases of endo- metrial cancer will be diag- nosed this year in the U.S. The majority of endometrial cancers are detected and treated early with good out- comes and statistics show there are more than 600,000 women who are survivors of endometrial cancer. Currently, there is no screening test to detect en- dometrial cancer early in women who are at average risk for the cancer and have no symptoms. The fa- miliar Pap test is effec- tive at detecting cervical cancer and, in rare cases, may reveal unusual cells associated with endome- trial cancer, according to Dr. Troy Gatcliffe, a gyne- cologic oncologist affiliated with West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital and Doctors Hospital. Because there is no spe- cific screening test, it’s im- portant that women know the risk factors and symp- toms of endometrial cancer and discuss this infor- mation and any changes in their bodies with their doctor. Risk factors Endometrial cancer oc- curs more frequently in Caucasian women over age 50. It is a hormone-driven cancer. After menopause, the ovaries stop making es- trogen and progesterone, but a small amount of estrogen is still made naturally in fat tissue. This unopposed estrogen raises a woman’s risk for developing endo- metrial cancer. Greater cumulative es- trogen exposure also is a risk factor, which means women who have never given birth, never were preg- nant, began menstruation at an early age or began meno- pause later in life have a higher chance of developing endometrial cancer. Additional risk factors in- clude high blood pressure, diabetes; endometrial hyper- plasia – an abnormally high number of cells in the uterine lining; polycystic ovary syn- drome – a hormonal disorder among women of reproduc- tive age; hereditary nonpol- yposis colon cancer (HNPCC, Lynch syndrome); history of benign endometrial growths; history of colon, breast or ovarian cancer; family his- tory of uterine cancer; taking hormone replacement therapy, especially taking es- trogen alone versus a com- bination of estrogen and progesterone; taking tamox- ifen – a medication used to treat breast cancer; and being overweight. “Women with a BMI greater than 30 are espe- cially at risk,” Dr. Gatcliffe said. “Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and ex- ercise is the most impor- tant step women can take to lower their risk of endome- trial cancer.” According to the National Cancer Institute, obese and overweight women have two- to-four times the risk of de- veloping endometrial cancer than women of a normal weight, regardless of meno- pausal status. Symptoms Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom. Women may expe- rience extremely long, heavy or frequent bleeding episodes or bleeding between periods or after menopause. Additional symptoms in- clude lower abdominal or pelvic pain; a lump or a mass in the lower abdomen; dif- ficulty or pain while uri- nating; pain during sexual intercourse; and unexplained weight loss. “Post-menopausal women should not experience any bleeding – not even for a day,” Dr. Gatcliffe said. “If they do, they should consult their doctor. Early detection im- proves treatment outcomes.” Diagnosis If you have symptoms of endometrial cancer, your doctor may review your med- ical history and family his- tory of cancer; examine your abdomen for any abnormal masses or lumps; perform a pelvic examination and a Pap test; perform a blood test; order a CT scan, MRI or transvaginal ultrasound; perform an endometrial bi- opsy; or perform a dilation and curettage (D&C) sur- gery to remove the uterine lining to check for cancer or abnormal cells. Treatment options The four basic types of treatment for women with endometrial cancer are sur- gery, radiation therapy, hor- monal therapy and chemo- therapy. Your doctor will recommend one or more treatment options, taking into consideration the stage of the disease and other factors, such as your age, overall state of health and fertility goals. “Regardless of the treat- ment chosen, the key is early detection and that means paying attention to your body and reporting any unusual changes,” Dr. Gatcliffe says. Dr. Gatcliffe will be one of the speakers at the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s Conquering Cancer three-day event, Sept. 17-19. The majority of endometrial cancers are detected and treated early with good outcomes and statistics show there are more than 600,000 women who are survivors of endometrial cancer. Dr. Gatcliffe7 HEALTH NEWS 7 Cayman Compass • Tuesday sepTember 15, 2015 Uterine cancer risks explained Dr. Moises Lichtinger Uterine cancer is the most common female genital cancer in the United States and is the only genital cancer experiencing a continuous rapid increase in frequency. In the U.S., 45,000 new cases are expected to be di- agnosed in 2015, and of those, 8,000 will die. Uterine cancer occurs later in life and in the ma- jority of cases, the woman is in perimenopause. The risk increases from 3 to 10 times if the patient is obese (more than 30 pounds over ideal weight), two times more common if the patient was never pregnant, has Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension or took tamoxifen as adjunctive therapy after breast cancer. There are three theoret- ical explanations regarding the increasing incidence of uterine cancer. First, the life span of American women has been expanded; second, the U.S. is experiencing the largest growth of postmeno- pausal sector in its history; and third, 35 percent of the population are obese. Less than 10 percent of patients have a genetic high susceptibility for this cancer (Lynch II Syndrome) where a mutation predisposes to uterine, colorectal, stomach, biliary tract and ovarian cancer. For those patients, it is recommended to perform gynecologic risk-reducing surgery as soon as child bearing is completed. The procedure consists of a com- plete hysterectomy with the removal of both ovaries and both fallopian tubes with an effectiveness of 100 percent. Symptoms The symptoms of uterine cancer are bleeding or bloody discharge after menopause, ir- regular or unusual bleeding before menopause and/or presence of a pelvic mass. This usually prompts the gy- necologist to order a pelvic ul- trasound which will help de- cide if an endometrial biopsy can be performed in the of- fice or as outpatient during a dilatation curettage hysteros- copy. Once the pathology re- port shows cancer, a CAT scan and/or MRI (magnetic reso- nance imaging) is ordered to stage the disease. The majority of patients are diagnosed in stage I-II (when the tumor is still in the uterus) with an ex- cellent five-year survival rate of 74 to 90 percent for stage II and stage I cancers. The mainstay of treat- ment is surgery with a hys- terectomy, bilateral salpingo- oophorectomy and biopsies or excision of neighboring lymph nodes. Once surgery is performed, the final pathology results cat- egorize the patient into low/ intermediate/high risk for re- current cancer depending on several features, including grade or aggressiveness of the cancer cell, size and de- gree of invasion into the wall of the uterus, and status of the lymph nodes excised. Patients at higher risk of recurrence are treated with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Advanced cancers where the tumor has traveled outside the uterus (stage III, IV) are treated with a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in a more individualized manner. Unlike Pap smear screening for cervical cancer, there is no screening test for uterine cancer, but it is advised that women with genetic suscep- tibility, as well as patients with uterine cancer risk fac- tors, visit their gynecologist frequently. Dr. Moises Lichtinger specializes in gynecology, gynecology oncology, obstetrics and gynecology and robotic surgery at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is one of the speakers at this week’s Conquering Cancer event. Managing gastrointestinal malignancies Dr. ADriAn LegAspi Malignancies of the gastro- intestinal tract can occur in all organs that are involved in the ingestion and digestion of nu- trients. Cancers can also af- fect the organs responsible for the elimination of all residue not used for human nutrition and metabolism. These organs include the mouth, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and small and large intestine, each of which is susceptible to develop benign or malignant neoplasms. However, the factors which determine when and what types of neoplasms will de- velop are unclear. Solid scien- tific evidence suggests multiple factors influence the develop- ment of cancer of the gastroin- testinal tract. These factors cause cel- lular disruption at the mo- lecular level producing muta- tions in the genes that regulate cell growth and proliferation. Hereditary factors play a role in a small percentage of cases, however, environmental, di- etetic and behavioral com- ponents play significantly larger roles. There is a strong associ- ation between tobacco use, smoked or chewed, and cancers of the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach and other organs that do not form part of the gastro- intestinal tract. A particularly risky combination for the de- velopment of gastrointestinal malignancy is the use of to- bacco and consumption of al- coholic beverages. Other agents associated with cancer development in- clude bacterial and viral infec- tions. There is a strong associa- tion between gastric cancer and H. Pylori colonization of the gastric mucosa. Chronic viral Hepatitis B or C are common infections of the liver that lead to the development of cirrhosis and an increased risk to de- velop primary liver carcinoma. Chronic alcohol abuse and obesity can also lead to the de- velopment of cirrhosis and in- creased risk of developing he- patocellular carcinoma. Altered anatomy and physiology are strongly associated with the development of malignan- cies. Hiatal hernia and chronic gastroesophageal reflux are commonly present as a caus- ative factor of cancer of the lower esophagus. Obesity is responsible for a fatty liver that leads to a chronic, non-alcoholic seato- hepatitis. This chronic inflam- mation of the liver cells in- filtrated by fat will produce cirrhosis, which increases the risk of cancer development. Prevention and early detec- tion are the best opportunity for intervention. Strong preven- tive measures include absolute abstinence from tobacco prod- ucts, moderate alcohol con- sumption, weight control, and good nutrition. The most effective and commonly used tool for early detection and diagnosis is endoscopy. Esophagogastro- duodenoscopy and colonoscopy are widely available and safely performed. Other methods in- clude imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic res- onance imaging. The management of gastro- intestinal malignancies varies based on the site of origin, stage of the disease and spe- cific cell type. Early cancer can be effectively managed by sur- gical removal. For advanced cancer, multimodality treat- ments offer the best proba- bility for cure or remission. The use of newer forms of molecular targeted therapy, in combination with surgery and radiation therapy, has im- proved rates of tumor control and survival. Traditional cyto- toxic chemotherapy remains vital in cancer treatment. Surgery remains the most frequently used and most ef- fective modality of treatment. The techniques for tumor re- section vary widely and in- clude endoscopic resection or destruction by energy ab- lation. Other methods in- clude minimally invasive ap- proaches for radical resections of intra-abdominal tumor using laparoscopy or robotic- assisted surgery. The use of robotic-assisted intra-abdominal surgery is an emerging technology that of- fers distinct advantages over traditional open abdomen sur- gery. The robotic-assisted sur- gical management of intra-ab- dominal tumors has expanded the capability to perform com- plex procedures. It has also decreased the rate of compli- cations and is associated with enhanced recovery. Currently, a great majority of gastrointestinal intra-ab- dominal malignancies can be successfully treated with min- imally invasive robotic tech- niques. Existing techniques to remove esophageal, gastric, he- patic, pancreatic and intestinal tumors are safe. Additionally, these procedures can be as radical as needed for complete eradication of cancers. Dr. Adrian Legaspi is medical director of the Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology at Palmetto General Hospital, Hialeah, Florida. He is one of the speakers at this week’s Conquering Cancer event. Getting to know your genes Dr. VineethA Binoy Cancer is a genetic dis- ease in the sense that all cancers arise as a result of some changes in the genetic makeup of a cell in the body. Usually, it takes multiple mutations over a lifetime to cause cancer and this is why cancer occurs more often in older people. Not all cancers are in- herited; only approximately 5-10 percent of cancers are attributable to a hereditary risk, even though cancer can sometimes appear to “run in the family” if the mem- bers share the same envi- ronmental risk factor, for ex- ample, tobacco usage. Identifying those pa- tients with cancer who have a truly inherited genetic risk has significant benefits both to the patient and to his relatives. With the cur- rent level of understanding of molecular targets in on- cology, patients’ short- and long-term treatment can be personalized based on their genetic status. Knowing an individual’s risk for a he- reditary cancer also helps in adopting specific screening and preventive measures in- cluding surgeries that can significantly reduce the risk of development of cancer and improve survival. The most well-known among all hereditary can- cers is the BRCA cancer- gene-associated breast- ovarian cancer syndrome. Some well-known personal- ities have undergone bilat- eral mastectomies and oo- phorectomies after being diagnosed as a carrier of the gene. These risk reduc- tion interventions have been proven to reduce the risk of cancer in a carrier of this gene from as high as 85 per- cent to nearly 0 percent as a result of these interventions. Family history is key to the identification of those in- dividuals who have an inher- ited predisposition to cancer. The chances of hereditary cancer risk increase with the number of cancer cases among your first and second degree relatives, especially if there is a clustering of the same type of cancer. It also increases if the cancer has been diag- nosed at a younger age and if multiple cancers have been diagnosed in the same individual. In addition, there are cer- tain cancers for which ge- netic counselling and testing should be considered, even in absence of family his- tory. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has long confirmed that the recogni- tion and management of in- dividuals with an inherited risk to cancer are core ele- ments of oncology care and periodically releases policy updates on genetic and ge- nomic testing for cancer risk. More than 2,000 genetic tests analyzing genes, pro- teins and chromosomes are presently available for many different diseases, including breast, ovarian, colon, thy- roid, and other cancers. It is essential that individuals undergo pre- and post–test counselling in order to help them understand the risks, benefits and limitations per- taining to these tests in their particular situation. The current key issues with genetic risk assessment pertain to access to cancer genetic services, quality as- surance in genetic testing, interpretation of the results of comprehensive panel testing and education of on- cology professionals leading to appropriate and timely referral for testing. Dr. Vineetha Binoy, resident oncologist, heads the new Department of Medical Oncology at Health City Cayman Islands. She is one of the speakers at this week’s Conquering Cancer event. Dr. Legaspi Dr. Binoy Dr. Lichtinger8 HEALTH NEWS Tuesday sepTember 15, 2015 • Cayman Compass Men urged not to avoid seeing their doctor Dr. ChaD ritCh My grandfather was born in Cayman Brac and grew up in Jamaica. As a young boy, I learned from watching him that Caribbean men are tough. We depend on no one and can always do it our- selves; and at the slightest sign of illness we are quick to say “chu, is nutten.” The last thing granddad thought he needed was a doctor. Though he lived a relatively long and healthy life, he died fairly suddenly and without a known cause. I cannot help but wonder whether a regular visit to the doctor may have added a few years to his life and also given me and my son some medical family history to guide our own future health- care screenings. Though grandad’s story dates back to over 20 years ago, his kind of attitude re- mains a reality in countries such as Cayman and Jamaica. Many men do not like to see their doctor, period. As a urologic oncologist, I specialize in the treatment of cancer in the urinary system, the best-known of which is prostate cancer. It is recommended that men around 50 years old get a blood test, called PSA (prostate specific antigen) to screen for prostate cancer. The main risk factors are: African ancestry, old age and family history. It is not a perfect test and cannot tell whether you have prostate cancer, but it is a starting point that can help a doctor decide if you need further testing. In addition, a doctor should perform a dig- ital rectal exam, wherein a finger is placed in the rectum to feel the surface of the prostate for any hard nodules or lumps. Don’t panic, this takes less than 30 seconds and, though mildly “invasive,” is virtually painless. Studies have shown that for men, particularly those from groups where pros- tate cancer is prevalent, this screening may help pre- vent death from the dis- ease, and/or slow down the spread throughout the body. Fortunately, with treatment, prostate cancer is curable. The most common treat- ments are surgery to remove the prostate or radiation therapy. Both offer similar cure rates, but it is important to discuss with your urolo- gist which approach they think is best for you. Fortunately, with modern technology such as robotic surgery and image guided, intensity modulated radia- tion therapy, certain side ef- fects are reduced compared to the older modalities. Another important sign to look out for is blood in the urine. This applies to both men and women. While pros- tate cancer can cause blood in the urine, bladder cancer is the more common cancer that pres- ents with this sign. In addition, kidney cancer can occasionally cause blood in the urine. These are all treat- able when detected at early stages and the key message is to report this finding to your doctor immediately. If you have visible blood in the urine, it is recommended to get a cystoscopy (camera exam of the bladder and ure- thra) and abdominopelvic imaging such as a comput- erized tomography (CT) scan or, at the least, an ultra- sound. The cystoscopy can show polyps in the bladder that may be cancerous that are otherwise hard to detect and the CT scan or ultra- sound can show a tumor in the kidneys or ureters (tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder). Another less common cancer to be aware of, par- ticularly for younger men, is testicular cancer. There are no blood tests that can de- tect this, and it is advised that young men in their teens examine their testicles regu- larly. This is a simple exam wherein the testicle is rolled between the thumb and fore- finger to feel for any lumps. A lump should prompt a visit to the doctor for more testing, specifically an ultrasound of the scrotum and testis. Surgery can treat testicular cancer and it is highly cur- able, however chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be necessary as well. Finally, reminiscing back to my grandfather, a “hard- ened” sailor and carpenter, smoking was a way of life for him from the age of 13 until the day he died. Medical studies have proven, time and time again, that tobacco smoke is strongly associated with certain cancers, and in the urinary system it is the number one associated risk factor for bladder cancer, as well as strongly linked to kidney cancer. So, for those who smoke, it is highly encouraged that you quit, or get help from your doctor to stop smoking. It may add a few years to your life, and at the very least save you a few extra dollars in rough economic times. Dr. Chad R. Ritch is assistant professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is one of the speakers at this week’s Conquering Cancer event. Dr. Ritch The imporTance of lung cancer screening Dr. Luis E. raEz Patients undergo screening to detect a disease when there are no symptoms or history of that disease. Doctors recom- mend a screening test to find a disease early, when treatment can be most effective. Each year in the U.S., 225,000 new lung cancer cases are diagnosed and more than 165,000 patients, including 80,000 women, die. Lung cancer kills more people than breast or prostate cancers. About 70 percent of pa- tients who are diagnosed each year already are in advanced stages and treatment is there- fore palliative (to extend life only as there is no cure). The United States Preventive Services Taskforce recommends screening of lung cancer annually in people with a history of excessive smoking (30 years smoking one pack per day), who smoke now or have abandoned the habit in the last 15 years, and who are between 55 and 80 years of age. CT screening reduces 20 percent of deaths of smokers and quitters compared with screening by chest X-ray, ac- cording to a U.S. study pub- lished in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2011. This clinical trial, launched in 2002 at the national level, ex- amined 53,454 men and women aged between 55 and 74 years, who consumed at least 30 packs of cigarettes a year. The objective of the study was to compare the difference in the mortality rate among those undergoing a tomog- raphy several times a year and those subjected to a conven- tional chest X-ray. The results confirm that screening scans can decrease the number of deaths caused by lung cancer. Screening is not for every- body because it exposes the person to unnecessary radia- tion therapy if the person is not in the “high risk group.” As this information is rela- tively recent, many people do not know about lung cancer screening and many insur- ance companies still do not cover it. In South Florida, there are several institu- tions, including the Memorial Cancer Institute, that offer lung cancer screening for the reduced price of $99 to help the community. The best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to avoid smoking or secondhand smoke. CT screening tests should not be used as a sub- stitute for smoking cessation. Also, the World Health Organization has warned con- sumers about so-called “elec- tronic cigarettes,” stating that these do not constitute an ef- fective therapy of replacement. Electronic cigarettes look similar to conventional ciga- rettes, with or without nico- tine, with aromas such as va- nilla, mint and tobacco. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration analyzed sev- eral brands of these electronic cigarettes and warned of the presence of carcinogenic and toxic substances. Dr. Luis E. Raez is director of the Memorial Cancer Institute at the Memorial Health Care System and clinical associate professor of medicine at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University. He is one of the speakers at this week’s Conquering Cancer event. Lung cancer questions answered Dr. rabih bEChara anD Dr. MarK LunD Are there common signs and symptoms of lung cancer? Lung cancer is a silent killer. Many patients do not know they have lung cancer until it is picked up in a chest X-ray or they have a sign of metastasis that causes the physician to do further testing. Those signs include spitting up blood, pain while taking deep breaths and shortness of breath. A cold that does not re- solve or pneumonia, espe- cially among smokers, may also be signs of lung cancer, and anyone experiencing those symptoms should re- ceive a chest X-ray. What are the various types of lung cancer? There are many types of lung cancer, but for clinical purposes they are placed into two broad cate- gories: small cell and non– small cell. Small cell lung cancers usually must be treated with chemotherapy or radiation, whereas non– small cell lung cancers can often be treated with surgery and other combi- nations of treatment. Of course, all treatment plans must be individualized for the specific person and the specific cancer type. What is interventional pulmonology? Interventional pulmon- ology is a relatively new field that has evolved over the past 25 to 30 years. It uses minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to help diagnose, stage and treat cancers affecting the lung, chest and air- ways. Interventional pul- monologists are trained in internal medicine before going through a three-to- four-year pulmonary and critical care fellowship. What role does interventional pulmonology play in lung cancer? It plays multiple roles in the diagnosis and the management of lung cancer. First, interven- tional pulmonologists help identify the specific tissue type and stage of the tumor by using advanced, minimally invasive diag- nostic approaches. We also help maxi- mize the breathing and pulmonary functions of lung cancer patients, es- pecially those with a smoking history, giving them the best chance to tolerate the treatments they need to control the disease. About 30 per- cent of all lung cancer pa- tients develop obstruc- tions in their airways. By opening patients’ airways and minimizing shortness of breath, we can improve their performance status and their ability to go on with further therapies. Multiple side effects can also occur in the lungs, so we can help di- agnose and manage those complications as well. How can interventional pulmonology benefit other cancer patients? Interventional pulmon- ology can benefit patients facing many different types of cancer. Breast, colon, kidney and mela- noma cancers frequently spread to the lungs and the airways. As a result, the affected patients have a relatively high likelihood of experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath due to airway obstruction or fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. Interventional pulmon- ologists can treat lung me- tastases using cold and/ heat ablation such as la- sers, an argon plasma co- agulator, cryoablation, and are skilled to maintain pa- tency with special stents if needed. Pleural effusions (fluid buildup between the lung and the chest wall), can also be managed by various procedures that include talc pleurodesis or tunneled pleural catheters. Further, an interven- tional pulmonologist plays an important role in the multi-disciplinary ap- proach in the management of patients with malignant or benign lung diseases. Dr. Rabih Bechara is chief of interventional pulmonology, pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Georgia. Dr. Mark Lund is director of interventional pulmonology, bronchoscopy, and the intensive care unit at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Pennsylvania. Dr. Bechara will be speaking at this week’s Conquering Cancer event. Each year in the United States, 225,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed and more than 165,000 patients including 80,000 women die. Many patients don’t know they have lung cancer until they have a chest X-ray that picks it up or they have some sign of metastasis that causes the physician to do further testing.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 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. Cayman Compass • Tuesday sepTember 15, 2015 Feb 23, 1948 - Sept 14, 2014 Sadly missed by Shirleen Daddy Happy 1st Birthday in Heaven Rupert Samuel Spence Affectionately known as “Jackson” TUESDAY, SEPT. 15 MARINE PARKS: Public consultation meeting on the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System takes place in West Bay at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Hall, 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.doe.ky/marine/ marine-parks-review. To submit an opinion, email conservationcouncil@gov.ky. General queries can be directed to doe@gov.ky. CHAMBER WORKSHOP: Self-motivation, presented by Joy Baldridge. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members, $250. Future members, $300. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16 TRADE AND BUSINESS: A public meeting on the new Trade and Business Licensing Law takes place 6 p.m. in the first floor conference room of the Government Administration Building. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.dci.gov.ky or email info@dci.gov.ky. MARINE PARKS: Public consultation meeting on the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System takes place in George Town at the Town Hall, 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.doe.ky/marine/ marine-parks-review. To submit an opinion, email conservationcouncil@gov.ky. General queries can be directed to doe@gov.ky. ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Pedro Castle. All are welcome. Non-members are asked to park outside and walk through. No parking is allowed on the grass. 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 at 7:15 p.m. SPECIAL NEEDS FOUNDATION: Community meeting 6-7 p.m. at Hope Academy in Grand Harbour. There will be a presentation on the new Special Educational Needs/ Disabilities Strategy Policy. Foundation members and those wishing to join are welcome to attend this free event. For further information, contact Susie Bodden at susie@ specialneedsfoundation. ky or check www. specialneedsfoundation.ky. THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Be Informed series. The topic of government procurement will be covered by the strategic adviser to the deputy governor, Peter Gough, and the newly appointed director, Central Procurement Office, Craig Milley. 3–5 p.m. at Governors Square. Free admission. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. PUB QUIZ: Humane Society pub quiz at Fidel Murphy’s, 7 p.m. $10 per person, maximum of six people per team. All proceeds toward transferring dogs to new homes in U.S. Call 949-5189 to reserve a table or contact sarah.dyer.81@gmail.com. CANCER SOCIETY: Continuing Medical Education for all allied medical professionals. Marriott Beach Resort 5–9 p.m. Three credit hours will be awarded. Contact victoria@cics.ky. FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 MENTORING PROGRAM: Volunteer adult mentors are sought for the John Gray High School “Aim Higher” initiative for Year 11 students who have agreed that they want to participate in the program at the school to help them realize their potential. Stage 1 training is this evening, 5:50-8:30 p.m. Stage 2 training is Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Laura Hatfield on 328-0300. SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross Mobile Thrift Shop will be in West Bay, at The Lord’s Church compound, junction of the West Bay Town Hall, 6-10 a.m. Items available include clothing and shoes for children and adults, household items, linens, ladies’ accessories and more. CONQUERING CANCER HEALTH FAIR: Marriott Beach Resort, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission. Doctors and medical experts will be on hand to discuss cancer prevention. Free health screenings. Participants are encouraged to fast for 10 hours before screenings. Organized by the Cayman Islands Cancer Society. SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 AWAKENING: Dennis Wilson Ministries. First Assembly of God, 195 Old Crewe Road. Today 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 7:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 21 MARINE PARKS: Public consultation meeting on the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System takes place in East End at the Civic Centre, 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.doe.ky/marine/ marine-parks-review. To submit an opinion, email conservationcouncil@gov.ky. General queries can be directed to doe@gov.ky. CHAMBER COURSE: Confidence Building workshop. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Governors Square for our workshop on Confidence Building. Presenter is Catherine Tyson. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. Chamber members, $150. Future members, $225. TUESDAY, SEPT. 22 PAINTING, DRAWING CLASSES: At Watler House Studio on the grounds of Pedro Castle every Tuesday, Sept. 22 to Nov. 24. Location painting and drawing, 9–11 a.m.; life drawing, 7-9 p.m. This is an opportunity for artists of all levels to have instruction and guidance from a qualified art instructor. $25 per session/$35 non- members, or 10 sessions $200 or $280 non-members. Contact visualartcayman@ yahoo.com or 546-9422. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23 MARINE PARKS: Public consultation meeting on the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System takes place at Bodden Town Primary School Hall, 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.doe.ky/marine/ marine-parks-review. To submit an opinion, email conservationcouncil@gov.ky. General queries can be directed to doe@gov.ky. PRAYER & PRAYZ: A Prayer and Worship Conference with guests including Minister Jermaine D. Gordon, evangelist Kimola Brown- Lowe and Pastor Cassius Feare; tonight through Sept. 25, 7 p.m. This will end with a worship feast on Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Light of the World Christian Fellowship. 65 Smith Road. THURSDAY, SEPT. 24 MARINE PARKS: Public consultation meeting on the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System takes place in North Side at the Civic Centre, 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.doe.ky/marine/ marine-parks-review. To submit an opinion, email conservationcouncil@gov.ky. General queries can be directed to doe@gov.ky. BRAC COURT: Summary Court held in the Aston Rutty Civic Centre, from 10 a.m. today and tomorrow. NATIONAL TRUST AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the members of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, 6 p.m. upstairs at the George Town Yacht Club, the Barcadere Marina at 606 North Sound Road. SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 WRITE IT NOW: Writers symposium presented by Avodah Productions, 10 a.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. Presenters are Michel Powery, Catherine Tyson, Jermaine Gordon and Karen Chin. kyliteraryaward@ candw.ky SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 5K WALK/RUN: Starts 6 a.m. from Seven Mile Beach Public Beach. The Hope Foundation organizes this event to raise funds for and awareness about its halfway house for recovering addicts. To register, call Brent Hydes at 928-9099 or Christopher Burke at 326-6783. Entry is free; trophies for top finishers in different categories. Raffle tickets available for $25. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30 LABOUR AND PENSIONS BILLS: Today is the final date to comment on the Labour Relations Bill and the National Pensions (Amendment) Bill. They can both be accessed at www.education.gov.ky/ labourpensions. Feedback can be provided by emailing lpl@gov.ky. GENERAL INTEREST DRAMA SOCIETY: Cayman Drama Society presents the musical “Rent,” opening tonight with special happy hour from 6:30 p.m. Show runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. Due to adult content, strictly PG 13 with parental supervision. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for students. CAYMAN NATIONAL CHOIR: The choir is looking for new members. All are welcome to come and sing with the country’s national choir. No audition required. Every Monday from 7:30-9 p.m. at Cayman Prep Primary School Hall on Smith Road. For more information, contact 923-6915 or info@caymanchoir.com. READING TREE: The book swap is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until the end of September in Cassia Court at Camana Bay. Everyone is invited to come by, take their pick and replace it with one of their books. With a back-to- school theme, books include children’s storybooks, fiction, and motivational and career-focused books for older students. NCVO SCHOOL YEAR: Miss Nadine’s Preschool and Jack and Jill Nursery are open for the new school year. 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. 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. NCVO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Volunteers are needed for various activities within the National Council of Voluntary Organizations Children Services programs. Contact Alta Solomon at 949-2124 or ncvocoordinator@ ncvo.org.ky. BETHESDA COUNSELLING CENTRE: Caters to all who seek help. Open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m.-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. PERIPHERAL SPACES: Open Tuesday to Saturday. Noon to 8 p.m. (closed by 3 p.m. on Saturdays). Market Street across from Bay Market. Pop up working studio/art gallery with local artist works displayed for sale. Art classes Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 p.m., plus other special events. For more information, email marymccallum@candw.ky. 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. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.compasscayman. com/caycompass/portal/ community-calendar.Next >