ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – Tuesday OcTOber 6, 2015 sports | page 17 ‘nikki’s VOice’ Team in firsT race Practice run for duo aiming for marathon High of 89 Low of 79 Smooth to slight with wave heights less 2 feet. editorial | page 4 TO kill a mOckingbird green iguana 178210_PRINT-Compass-6colx1*5.pdPage 1 12/8/14 11:20:19 AM Gov’t seeks to force Bush out of PAc McTaggart resigns, Miller new chairman brenT fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com An effort to remove Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush from the Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee is under way. The revelation came as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, George Town MLA Roy McTaggart, resigned his post over the weekend, saying he believed he could no longer appropriately head the five-member legislative body that reviews reports from the auditor general’s office. North Side MLA Ezzard Miller, who led the committee during 2010-2012, was named the new chairman on Monday. The Progressives-led government an- nounced Monday that it would attempt to re- move Mr. Bush from his position via a vote of the Legislative Assembly later this month. Multiple attempts to reach Mr. Bush for comment Monday were not successful. “Mr. Bush was previously asked to resign from PAC in June 2014 in a formal letter from Mr. McTaggart as PAC chair because of sev- eral statements made regarding the integrity and professionalism of the auditor general and his office,” a statement from the govern- ment noted. “The concern was that this dem- onstrated the inability of Mr. Bush to consider the reports and oversight of the Office of the Auditor General with any sense of objectivity. Mr. Bush’s criticism of the Auditor General seAweed invAsion continues kelsey Jukam kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com The sargassum seaweed invasion of Seven Mile Beach is likely to be over by Wednesday when winds are pre- dicted to shift and blow the unsightly organic material away, according to the Department of Environment. But as large mats of sargassum sea- weed continued to wash ashore along Seven Mile Beach over the weekend, clean-up crews fought to keep up with the influx. A 12-man crew with the Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Unit of the Public Works Department spent several hours Friday morning removing seaweed from Public Beach by hand. The crew attempted to rake in some of the sea- weed in the water, to catch it before the tide brought it ashore later in the day. Unfortunately, the seaweed kept coming, and by mid-morning the crew’s clean beach was dotted with brown spots. “That’s Mother Nature,” crew super- visor Kent Rankin said. “You can’t con- trol that, but what we can do is clean it the best we can.” The crew was out again on Monday, cleaning by hand, and Mr. Rankin said the amount of seaweed was “terrible.” He said the crews will continue to clean the beach every morning by hand Gladys Howard remembered for her contribution and cheer charles duncan cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com Remembered as one of Little Cayman’s biggest cheerleaders, an environmentalist and friend, Gladys Howard passed away Saturday in Texas. She was 83. Ms. Howard is best known as the owner of Pirate’s Point Resort in Little Cayman, which she bought in 1986, and for her work to preserve the environ- ment on the Sister Island. She had battled cancer for the last four years and spent her last months with family at her home in Tyler, Texas. “She was a dynamic woman,” said longtime friend Betty Bua. “Everything was go-go-go; she put her mind to something and she did it.” Ms. Bua remembered Ms. Howard, a friend for more than two decades, as a trav- eler and hard worker. “For my report on farmed turtle deaths kept from public charles duncan cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com The infection that hit the turtle farm last year, killing 1,268 green sea turtles over four months, did not come to light for almost a year and a half. The information was fi- nally revealed in a Freedom of Information Law request and subsequent appeal for Cayman Turtle Farm board meeting minutes. The board presenta- tion on the infection was ini- tially redacted, but later handed over along with a host of other information after an appeal. The Cayman Compass re- quested the meeting minutes in November 2014 and received re- dacted minutes in late January and early February this year. The newspaper appealed the redactions to the Information Commissioner’s Office and re- ceived new versions with most of the redactions removed. Following the disclosure, Turtle Farm Managing Director Tim Adam said, “A lot of things were redacted that should have been released.” Cory Martinson, acting deputy director for the Information Commissioner’s Office, said, “We went through each redaction.” In the June 2014 meeting, when the discus- sion on the turtle deaths oc- curred, more than four-and-a- half pages out of seven were redacted in the first FOI version. After the appeal, most of the in- formation was not redacted. “A lot of information man- agers want to be cautious,” Mr. Martinson said. Some in- formation managers respon- sible for fielding FOI requests “don’t get a lot of requests,” Mr. Martinson said, and may not be familiar with the law or re- member all their training. He said he was not making excuses for information managers, but he does understand that they have to make these legal deci- sions with little outside advice or support. Sensitive commercial More than four-and-a-half pages out of seven were redacted in the first FOI version of the Turtle Farm board meeting minutes. On the left is a redacted page dealing with a discussion on the turtle deaths. On the right is the version of the same page released after the FOI appeal. Ms. Howard PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL Tuesday OcTOber 6, 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. *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - TUESDAY - $8.00 * UPCOMING RUGBY MATCHES AT THE CINEMA – TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY * VISIT WWW.BIGSCREEN.KY FOR MORE INFORMATION. 18 YEARS & OVER THE INTERN (PG13) 6:55 I 9:50 WAR ROOM (PG) 1:10 I 7:10 I 9:55 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 3D (PG) 1:00 I 3:45 I 7:00 EVEREST 3D (PG13) 3:35 I 6:45 2D I 9:50 THE MARTIAN 3D (PG13) 12:20 I 3:25 2D I 6:30 I 9:35 2D THE PERFECT GUY (PG13) 3:45 I 10:00 SICARIO (R) 4:15 I 9:50 MAZE RUNNER 2 (PG13) 12:50 I 7:05 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. *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY - $8.00 THE INTERN (PG13) 6:55 I 9:50 SUN: 4:00 I 6:55 I 9:50 WAR ROOM (PG) 1:10 I 7:10 I 9:55 SUN: 3:00 I 7:10 I 9:55 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 3D (PG) 1:00 I 7:00 I 10:00 2D SUN: 3:45 2D I 7:00 I 10:00 2D EVEREST 3D (PG13) 3:35 I 6:45 2D I 9:50 SUN: 3:35 I 6:45 2D I 9:50 THE MARTIAN 3D (PG13) 12:20 I 3:25 2D I 6:30 I 9:35 2D SUN: 3:25 2D I 6:30 I 9:35 2D THE PERFECT GUY (PG13) 3:45 I 10:00 SUN: 7:00 SICARIO (R) 4:15 MAZE RUNNER 2 (PG13) 12:50 I 7:05 SUN: 3:40 I 9:40 * UPCOMING RUGBY MATCHES AT THE CINEMA – SAT, SUN & THURS * VISIT WWW.BIGSCREEN.KY FOR MORE INFORMATION. 18 YEARS & OVER FRIDAY NEW ZEALAND V GEORGIA: 2:00 SATURDAY SOUTH AFRICA V SCOTLAND: 10:45 ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA: 2:00 SUNDAY IRELAND V ITALY: 10:45 RUGBY CINEMA AT THE RUGBY CINEMA AT THE CANADA V ROMANIA 10:45 Governor receives symbolic first poppy Jewel levy jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands Veterans Association presented Governor Helen Kilpatrick with a symbolic first poppy Monday for this year’s Poppy Appeal campaign. A display made by Mike and Dawn McTaggart was set up in the Government Administration Building with one of the 888,246 ceramic poppies that were on dis- play last year at the Tower of London – one poppy for each British or colonial military fatality during WWI, the re- lease stated. The ceramic poppy was donated by veterans associ- ation member, retired Royal Marine Paul Ebanks, and his wife, Mary, according to a government press release. Pinning the symbolic poppy on Ms. Kilpatrick were Cathy Frazier and Deborah Ebanks, whose fathers served in the military. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II. The poppy drive is organized annually by the veterans association to help raise funds for veterans and widows. The McTaggarts’ dis- play will be moved from the government building to the Marriott Grand Cayman Resort for the veterans as- sociation annual fundraising gala dinner on Oct. 17. The black-tie event is the biggest fundraiser for the as- sociation. It also is a tribute to everyone in the Cayman Islands who has worn a mili- tary uniform. Poppies will be available for purchase throughout Cayman until Remembrance Day, Nov. 9. To purchase tickets for the gala, call 926-5189. From left, front row, Shadden McLaughlin, Mike Marshall, Cathy Frazier, daughter of late veteran Dalkeith Bodden, Cayman Islands Veterans Association President Dale Banks, Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Ewart Ebanks and daughter Deborah, Rudy Kudritzki and Graham Walker, with, back row, from left, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, Paul Ebanks and Oxley Banks, at the Government Adminstration Building for the symbolic first poppy presentation on Monday. Cathy Frazier, left, and Deborah Ebanks pin Governor Helen Kilpatrick with the first poppy of the 2015 Poppy Appeal. – Photos: Jewel levy JuRy NoTICE Grand Court jurors who are in the July 1 to Oct. 6 ses- sion no longer need to attend, according to the Judiciary Administration. Call the Jury Information line at 945-5072 for the most up-to-date information. Accused leader of Guatemala corruption ring turns himself in GUATEMALA CITY (AP) – Juan Carlos Monzon Rojas, the alleged leader of a customs corruption scandal that has rocked the Guatemalan government, turned himself into author- ities, officials said Monday. The International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala confirmed that Monzon Rojas turned himself in on Sunday night. A Guatemala judge had set a hearing for Monzon Rojas early Monday. Monzon Rojas, the per- sonal secretary of former Vice President Roxana Baldetti, is accused by au- thorities of being the head of a corruption ring, known as “La Linea,” in which businesses allegedly paid kickbacks to government officials in exchange for lower import duties. It is believed that the scheme bilked the government of millions of dollars. The scandal so far has caused former President Otto Perez Molina and Baldetti to resign. Both are jailed and are facing charges for allegedly re- ceiving the illegal pay- ments. Prosecutors and the international commission have said Perez Molina and Baldetti were fully aware of the scheme and received half of the kickbacks paid. A judge has frozen their bank accounts. Some 40 people are being prosecuted in con- nection with the case, while more than 100 are under investigation. US states finalize settlement with BP over gulf oil spill (AP) – The Justice Department and five U.S. states have finalized a settle- ment worth more than $20 billion arising from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, federal officials announced Monday. The deal resolves all civil claims against BP and ends five years of legal fighting over the nearly 134 million- gallon spill. It requires the company to commit to a widespread cleanup project in the Gulf Coast area aimed at restoring wildlife, habitat, water quality and recreation. “BP is receiving the pun- ishment it deserves, while also providing critical com- pensation for the injuries that it caused to the envi- ronment and the economy of the Gulf region,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said at a Justice Department news conference. “The steep penalty should inspire BP and its peers to take every measure necessary to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again,” Lynch said. The settlement filed in federal court finalizes an agreement first announced in July. The next step is a 60- day public comment period. Among other require- ments, BP will be forced to pay $5.5 billion in Clean Water Act penalties and nearly $5 billion to five Gulf states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. It also requires the com- pany to pay $8.1 billion in natural resource damages, with funds going toward Gulf restoration projects such as support for coastal wetlands and fish and birds. The spill followed the April 2010 explosion on an offshore rig that killed 11 workers. BP earlier settled with people and businesses harmed by the spill, a deal that has so far resulted in $5.84 billion in payouts. Guyana suGar CorP. bankruPt GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) – Guyana’s state-owned sugar corporation faces an uncertain future after a re- port found that the South American country’s single largest employer is bank- rupt, officials said Monday. A government-ap- pointed inquiry commis- sion found that the com- pany is nearly half a billion dollars in debt and faces other challenges. Guyana is the largest sugar-producing country in the Caribbean Community trade bloc, but it has seen a steady drop in production. Monzon Rojas is accused of being the head of a corruption ring in which businesses allegedly paid kickbacks to government officials in exchange for lower import duties.3 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Tuesday OcTOber 6, 2015 TICKETS ON SALE NOW CI$250 per person CI$2,500 for corporate table Tickets available; Celebrations at Camana Bay reserve at info@ycla.ky YCLA is celebrating its th 15 anniversary COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US! YCLA 2015 Finalists: Rebekah Jefferson, Robbie Cribb, Taylor Burrowes-Nixon, Stephen Watler and Kellie McGee CarePay trial to start in mid-November Brent Fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Jury selection in the corrup- tion trial of Canover Watson, Cayman’s former Health Services Authority board chairman, is due to begin in mid-November, Crown prose- cutors confirmed Monday. Watson, 44, faces about a dozen charges in connec- tion with the awarding of two contracts to the Cayman Islands public hospital system in 2010 and 2011. His former personal assistant, Miriam Rodriguez, also faces a handful of charges in con- nection with the scheme. Jury selection for the de- fendants, who will be tried jointly, is due to begin the week of Nov. 16, with trial ev- idence slated to begin about a week later, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Patrick Moran said. Cayman Islands busi- nessman Jeffrey Webb, who is also charged in a portion of the case, is on bail from a U.S. court. He faces charges in a separate, unrelated crim- inal matter and will not ap- pear in Cayman for the start of Watson and Rodriguez’s trial. “Anyone else charged [in the CarePay investigation] won’t be tried on that date,” Mr. Moran said. The Crown expects the trial of Rodriguez and Watson to take several weeks and last at least until Christmas. ‘Conspiracy’ Webb and Watson were each charged in July with various offenses connected to the December 2010 award of the CarePay swipe-card con- tract by the Health Services Authority to Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS) Cayman Ltd. Additional al- legations are made in the charges regarding the 2011 award of a computerized pharmaceutical tracking system for the Health Services Authority, also to AIS Cayman Ltd. Watson served as chairman of the Health Services Authority board of directors at the time both contracts were awarded to the company, which Crown prosecutors allege he con- trolled. In all previous state- ments to the press, Watson has denied allegations of cor- rupt acts. The Cayman Islands charges allege that Webb and Watson jointly committed two counts of conspiracy to defraud under common law, one count of breach of trust by a public officer under the local Anti-Corruption Law and one count of conspiracy to convert criminal prop- erty under the penal code. Rodriguez was also charged in connection with the al- leged conspiracy to convert criminal property. One of the conspiracy to defraud charges alleges that during a period between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 21, 2013, Webb, Watson and “others” – who are unnamed in the charges – conspired to de- fraud certain entities that entered into contracts with or provided funding to AIS Cayman Ltd. The charges al- lege that it was dishonestly represented to the Ministry of Health and to the Health Services Authority that funding granted for the “na- tional rollout” of the CarePay system would be used for such purposes. The other conspiracy to defraud charge alleges that AIS Cayman Ltd. was set up “in a manner which dis- guised the involvement of Webb and Watson as con- trollers and beneficiaries of the company.” It alleges that “false documents” were pro- vided to Fidelity Bank in the Cayman Islands in order to obtain a bank account for AIS Cayman Ltd. The breach of trust alle- gation, filed under Section 13 of the Cayman Islands Anti- Corruption Law, alleges that Watson breached the “stan- dards of responsibility and conduct demanded” of him as chairman of the Health Services Authority board. The breach of trust charges al- lege that Webb and Watson were the controllers and ben- eficiaries of AIS Cayman Ltd., which received more than US$3 million from Health Services Authority con- tracts. These interests in AIS Cayman Ltd. were not dis- closed, the charges allege. The conspiracy to convert criminal property charges filed against Webb, Watson and Rodriguez under the penal code allege that those three “and others” – who were not identified – con- spired to convert crim- inal property, namely funds paid to AIS Cayman Ltd. by the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority and the Cayman Islands National Insurance Company. Additional charges Watson faces an addi- tional 10 charges that were filed in 2014 following his ar- rest. Those charges, brought under the Proceeds of Crime Law, include six for alleged money laundering, relating to US$169,000, covering the pe- riod from Dec. 30, 2010 to June 2012. He is also charged with failing to disclose a pecuniary interest, breach of trust, fraud on the government, and con- flict of interest. Rodriguez faces one fraud-related charge in the investigation under section 11 of the Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Law and two charges of money laundering. The money laundering al- legations relate to separate amounts, totaling US$30,000 and US$25,000, that Rodriguez is accused of han- dling on behalf of Watson, who was managing director at Admiral Administration. ImmIgratIon staff arrested for cocaIne possessIon Brent Fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Two civilian sup- port staff members of the Cayman Islands Immigration Department were arrested midday Saturday for alleged possession of cocaine, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service reported. According to police, an unmarked patrol car driving through the Patrick’s Island area in response to recent burglaries and reports of il- legal shore fishing there lo- cated the two men. Police said the patrol ve- hicle spotted the men “in a remote location in the bushes” near Reverie Road. An officer became suspicious after questioning the two men about their activities and searched them, finding what appeared to be cocaine. The men, ages 26 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine, posses- sion with intent to supply and possession of a drug utensil. They were released on police bail and had not been charged as of press time. Acting Chief Immigration Officer Bruce Smith said both men worked as filing clerks and were not responsible for making any administration decisions regarding work per- mits or other immigration-re- lated applications. Both were expected to be placed on paid leave pending the resolution of their cases. 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” To kill a mockingbird green iguana Human beings are notorious for — and notoriously bad at — manipulating Nature to suit their temporal whims. In other words, playing God. Hubris has brought down greater and wiser men than we ... Historically, we aren’t very good at protecting flora and fauna we might wish to see saved (unless, of course, they provide us with something nutritive or commercially valuable), and we are similarly bad at ridding our environment of select organisms that we consider to be pests. The reason for that may be because the most effective way we have of ending the existence of a species is by wiping out its habitat. See, for example, the blue iguana, which is now mostly confined to remote swaths of protected land on the eastern half of Grand Cayman. The weakness of this strategy manifests itself when the critter in question thrives in human-altered envi- ronments. See, for example, the green iguana, whose population teems among every tree-lined neighbor- hood on the island. The dilemma is this: How do we, on the one hand, protect species whose chances for survival dwindle according to the relative proximity of humans? (Ghost orchids, Cayman parrots, black coral …) And how do we, on the other hand, control the population of species who love to live among us? (Chickens, rodents, roaches, dogs, cats …) Under a separate, third heading, (perhaps labeled, “Supreme Indifference”), how do we respond when Nature flexes her power and dispatches flotillas of environmental invaders, such as all-devouring lionfish and all-smothering sargassum? If you’re hoping to find definitive answers in this editorial — our apologies, we don’t have them. Neither do you. And certainly, neither does government. In fact, the most instructive observation we may have to offer is that Nature is a complex system of causes and effects, of chain reactions and unforeseen consequences. Our opinion is that Nature, in terms of complexity, is a degree or 10 beyond the compre- hension of the best and brightest seers humanity has to offer. Oftentimes, we don’t even know enough to realize when we should “be careful” and when we should “be bold.” (For example, we can declare with some certainty that the construction of the cruise dock in George Town harbor is going to destroy any coral in the footprint of the project. However, neither we, nor anyone, can predict the outcome of the best-intended and most-expensive “mitigation” efforts, or what the secondary or tertiary impact of the loss of those sections of reef will be.) That being said, we do know enough — about the human condition — to spot a particularly troublesome idea when it is proposed. Last week, this newspaper reported that the National Conservation Council has approved a plan to deploy “sniffer dogs and marksmen” to hunt down and destroy invasive green iguanas on Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands. Canine units and gunmen, tromping through the urban underbrush, winging shots at small, shifty cam- ouflaged animals … What could possibly go wrong? Famous last words — but probably not for Cayman’s green iguanas. Tuesday OCTOber 6, 2015 • Cayman COmpass From CaymanCompass.Com “Missing links: New airport needs jetways,” Oct. 5 No question about it, the new airport must have jet- ways to funnel air passengers into and out of terminal ar- rival and departure lounges. Jetways – disregarding the awfully inflated cost – are the only comfort lacking in the new airport, and only with jetways in place will Cayman enter the 21st century of air travel for the – hopefully – millions of tourists and business- people and Caymanians on their way to or from other world destinations. The cruise pier plans should be held in abeyance till Grand Cayman’s airport renewal project is completed. nan socolow I have been there close to a dozen times over the years. I like getting off the plane, having the warm sun in my face, listening to the island music which seems to always be playing live, seeing my first glimpse of the island and enjoying my walk to the ter- minal. It gives me the “Island Feel” if you will! I wouldn’t like it being commercialized like other airports. Joe Hilgefort As a frequent visitor I look forward to the first steps off the plane into the warm tropical weather. I’m not in- terested in a jetway. Give me the first (and last) breath of Caymanian air and bright sunshine – that and the people of Grand Cayman are why we keep coming back. Bruce mcDonald I accept the occasional rain on my head getting on/ off the airplane. Take the $20.5 million and put it to- wards the elimination of the dump. David Conte We have been coming to your beautiful island twice a year every year since 2004. There is nothing like having the door to the plane open and to smell that island air. It’s part of the Caribbean experience. Please … no jet- ways. The cost is ridiculous and I know when the day comes that I can’t get down the stairs myself, all those lovely people who wait at the bottom will help me. Judy Kesanko We need to concentrate on improving the depar- ture area catering facilities, and the car park ticketing system, along with all the other enhanced passenger facilities that are planned. Roger Davies My opinion is that the air- port does not need the jet- ways. Why do we have to have our airport like other airports? We need to look at the cost factors and benefits; do we have more rain than sunshine? Who suffers from walking two minutes in the sunshine, only those that don’t want to be exposed to the sun and want the jetways for Cayman airport. Ron Clair Ebanks The harsh reality is that putting four jet bridges in a relatively small airport po- tentially creates a lot more problems than it might solve. For instance, what happens when more than four aircraft are on the apron at the same time or one of jet bridges breaks down? Whilst I will concede that Owen Roberts needs to make urgent improvements to the facilities available for less-mobile passengers, in- stalling jet bridges is a bit like cracking the proverbial walnut with a sledgehammer. David Williams You cannot expect to offer a 21st century up to date and technologically ad- vanced airport without the addition of jetways. Here is another example of an is- land mentality that has fought forward-thinking ideas and the Cayman of the future. Neglecting jetways is eliminating many tourists. Get smart. Lukishi Brown Europe’s robin Hood tax too risky BloomBerg View editorial Board It has been called a Robin Hood tax (a term fa- vored by acolytes of British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn) and a Tobin Tax, after the Yale economist James Tobin who popular- ized it. Whatever the name, a tax on financial transac- tions first proposed in 1936 by John Maynard Keynes may soon become a reality in 11 European countries. Its ostensible purposes are to raise revenue and re- duce risks from financial markets. Unfortunately, the evidence to suggest that it will achieve those goals is too, well, speculative. The proposal, which European finance ministers are likely to discuss infor- mally this week in Brussels, is not principally about raising revenue. Both sup- porters and detractors agree that no net revenue will be raised because the income will be more than offset by a decline in gross domestic product, which in turn will erode general tax revenue. Sweden’s attempt at a transaction tax in the 1980s, for example, raised little rev- enue and sent more than half of its stock trading to the U.K. The tax will also cost more to implement in smaller coun- tries than it will produce in revenue, prompting mind- bending discussions about how to compensate those countries that lose out. While the prospect of it being a money-loser is not a deal-breaker, the likelihood that its costs will be passed on to consumers should be. As the International Monetary Fund said in a 2010 report: “Distorting business decisions re- duces total output … A tax levied on transactions at one stage ‘cascades’ into prices at all further stages of production.” The idea that the tax would be stabilizing for mar- kets or help avert another fi- nancial crash sounds ap- pealing, but does not hold up. The tax would not have much effect on mortgage bonds or complex derivatives, which trade infrequently and which were largely responsible for exacerbating the credit crisis. Instead, it would mostly apply to currencies, equities, futures and options, which trade more actively. However, the bigger problem with the tax is its inability to distinguish be- tween what Tobin called “the stabilizing transactions of fundamentalists” and “the destabilizing transactions of speculators.” Even if it were able to do so, it remains true – as the IMF also points out – that some amount of speculation is necessary for a healthy market. And no one, least of all regulators, can say exactly what that amount is. If a financial transactions tax discourages trading and reduces liquidity, it may even make markets more volatile. The first job of regulators is to do no harm. This tax risks hurting both investors and the wider economy with no demonstrable benefit. © 2015, Bloomberg View This architect’s rendering shows an aerial view of the planned new airport building at owen roberts International airport.The islands’ most-trusted news source 5 HealthNEWS Cayman Compass • Tuesday OcTOber 6, 2015 FDA orders scope safety studies U.S. federal health authorities are ordering manufacturers of specialized medical scopes to study how the reusable devices are cleaned following a series of life-threatening bacterial outbreaks at hospitals. 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 New company helps patients get treatment at home KELSEY JUKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com A new company with a mission to make it easier for individuals with health is- sues to be cared for in the comfort of their own home has recently launched in the Cayman Islands. Caring Hands Cayman provides in-home nursing services, including wound care, medication manage- ment and blood work. According to Caring Hands Cayman Care Manager Jackie Hickey, home care can be a good alterna- tive for many individuals who would otherwise have to stay in the hospital for long periods of time. Caring Hands nurses can also design healthcare man- agement plans for individ- uals with chronic conditions, and check in with patients on a regular basis to ensure the plan is working and is being followed correctly. “There are organizations that provide carers, but a big focus of ours is having it be nurse-led and practice- driven, so all of our care is driven by a healthcare pro- fessional as a standard of practice,” said Ms. Hickey, who is a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in the field. “We really want to be able to build a program of ser- vice to align with the existing healthcare system and help make the healthcare system even bigger and better than what it is,” she added. Dr. Komal Lawrence at Helix Healthcare specializes in internal medicine and has already used the services of Caring Hands Cayman, which was launched in August. She said the company has helped to fill a gap in the healthcare system. “It’s definitely some- thing that was very badly needed on the island be- cause we don’t have orga- nized home healthcare, espe- cially in the private sector,” Dr. Lawrence said. “They’ve been a great help.” Dr. Lawrence said that one of her patients recently needed intravenous antibi- otics for three months. Since Caring Hands staff could ad- minister those antibiotics, the patient was able to be treated at home. “Without Caring Hands, she would have had to stay in the hospital,” Dr. Lawrence said. Dr. Lawrence said patients often require follow-ups, but that can sometimes be a challenge for elderly patients who find it difficult to leave their homes. Caring Hands nurses can draw blood in pa- tients’ homes, thus reducing the need for visits to a doc- tor’s office. For each patient, Ms. Hickey first conducts an ini- tial assessment at their home and puts the treat- ment plan into place. She then follows up with the in- dividual on a weekly basis. The agency, which provides short-term, long-term and live-in assistance, employs eight registered nurses and 12 caregivers. To complement the in- home nursing services, Caring Hands also provides other services designed to make it easier for individ- uals to maintain a high level of wellness. For elderly individuals, Caring Hands can provide helpers to manage errands and make appointments. The company can also provide home support as- sistance like housekeeping, laundry and meal prepara- tion, as well as baby-sitting and after-school tutoring ser- vices. Such services are de- signed to help not only pa- tients, but also those who are caregivers themselves. “[Having] a home care plan in place alleviates stress on the family and that’s re- ally important,” Ms. Hickey said. “When a loved one is sick, you want your family there, but you don’t want your family to have to care for you. You want your family to sit there and hold your hand and support you.” “[Having] a home care plan in place alleviates stress on the family and that’s really important.” Jackie Hickey, Caring Hands The facts about HPV-related head and neck cancers ChriStiNE GoUriN The incidence of throat cancer is increasing because of a rise in HPV-related tu- mors, accounting for 30 per- cent of all head and neck can- cers in the developed world. It might seem unlikely that head and neck can- cers can be caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), which is most commonly contracted through sexual contact. Most head and neck squamous cell cancers are related to tobacco use, and the incidence of this cancer overall is decreasing in devel- oped countries because of a decline in smoking. HPV generally infects humans through the skin or mucous membranes. Infections are common and usually do not result in clin- ical symptoms. Of the more than 100 HPV types, some are low risk, potentially causing warts or other be- nign growths. High-risk types can cause genital and oropharyngeal, or throat, cancer. The oropharynx is the area in the back of the throat that includes the tonsils and the base of the tongue, and it is the site of most HPV-related head and neck cancers. Who is at risk? Oral HPV infection is more common in men and smokers. Infection does not necessarily lead to cancer, and there is no way to know which individ- uals exposed to HPV will go on to have cancer. More than 90 percent of people with an HPV infection will clear the infection within two years. However, some who do not clear the virus will go on to develop HPV-related cancer years later. How is it diagnosed? Most patients with HPV- related throat cancer first be- come aware of an enlarged lymph node in the neck. Often, there are few other signs be- cause the primary tumor is usually small. Larger tumors can cause throat pain, diffi- culty swallowing, a change in voice, ear pain and weight loss. These symptoms war- rant an evaluation by a head and neck surgeon, who will perform a biopsy. How is it treated? The treatment of HPV- related throat cancer can in- clude surgery, radiation and sometimes chemotherapy. Radiation alone can treat the early stages of the disease. More advanced stages may require the addition of che- motherapy to increase the tu- mor’s sensitivity to radiation. Surgery was traditionally used to treat these tumors, but the older approaches have significant side effects related to changes in speech and swallowing. Newer and less inva- sive techniques using tran- soral robotic surgery allow patients to return home the next day without the risks of more invasive surgical approaches. This offers the possibility of lowering or avoiding radiation in select cases, or avoiding chemo- therapy altogether. What are the chances for survival? The good news is that sur- vival rates for patients with HPV-related throat cancer are promising, especially for non- smokers. Over 85 percent of patients without a smoking history can be cured. Patients should seek care from head and neck cancer specialists, who are more experienced and knowledgeable about treatment options. What can i do? It is common to feel anxiety about the associ- ation between HPV infec- tion, transmission and an increase in cancers. But it is important not to feel em- barrassed. While HPV in- fection is common, HPV- related oropharyngeal cancer is uncommon, and the chance of developing this kind of cancer remains low. Paying attention to signs and symptoms, stop- ping smoking, and ensuring that eligible family mem- bers are vaccinated are the best tips for early detection and prevention. Christine Gourin is associate professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery – at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. Nurse Jackie Hickey is the care manager for Caring Hands Cayman.6 HEALTH NEWS Tuesday OcTOber 6, 2015 • Cayman Compass The mysteries of rib dysfunction Dr. Jemal Khan There is no pain quite like rib pain. Acute rib pain can be incredibly sharp, often described as a “knife- like” stabbing pain some- where between or under the shoulder blades. The pain can be so severe that it is impossible to find a comfortable position; sitting, standing and lying down all seem to irritate it in some way. The pain can even make breathing difficult. For some people this in- jury never fully heals and it goes on to become a deep dull ache of chronic rib pain. For these people, the knife has been pulled out of their back to be replaced by an ele- phant standing on their chest or back. Rib biomechanics People are often surprised that a pain in their upper back or chest could be due to their ribs. There is a gen- eral conception that the ribs are only present in the lower torso. Actually the rib cage extends from above the collar bones down to the level of the belly button. There are 12 pairs of ribs that protect the lungs and heart. Another surprise for many people is that the ribs are constantly moving. Every breath, every twist, every bend, your ribs are flexing and moving. Unfortunately, this means that when a rib joint is sprained, every one of these movements causes pain. The rib cage really is a wonder. The ribs have the difficult job of being rigid enough to protect the vital organs but retain the flexi- bility to allow movement. The ribs also play a vital role in breathing movements and are the source of attach- ment for many muscles. In the upper and mid tho- racic spine, where most rib injuries occur, each has two joints with the spine, as well as a joint in front with the sternum. Between each rib is muscle that can also be af- fected with rib dysfunction, causing radiating pain to the side and chest. The majority of rib move- ment occurs at the joints between the ribs and the spine. It is at these little joints that injury can occur due to loss of normal move- ment or fixation in an ab- normal (sprained) position. Chiropractors term this type of injury “rib dysfunction.” Patterns of pain Not all of the rib pain is felt in the back. The al- tered position and move- ment of the rib also affects the front of the rib cage. Pain can be felt across the chest or localized to an area over the breastbone. The muscles between the ribs, the muscles on top of the ribs, and the cartilage be- tween the rib and breastbone can all become inflamed and irritated in this scenario. Pain can also be felt down either arm in a phenomenon known as “referred pain.” Perhaps the most frus- trating aspect of rib pain is how it just seems to appear seemingly without reason. A person can feel absolutely fine one morning, and wake the next morning hardly able to move due to this injury. Most people who sit for prolonged periods with poor posture have caused some irritation to the rib joints of the upper thoracic spine. Once these joints have suf- fered this minor trauma for a prolonged period, a seem- ingly minor extra aggrava- tion can cause severe acute pain. Something as minor as coughing, sneezing, turning the head quickly or even sleeping awkwardly can ini- tiate this injury. Rib dysfunction can gen- erate pain that is felt in a variety of places and in- tensities. Pain will often be felt underneath or between the shoulder blades, upper shoulder/neck, flank pain, chest, difficulty breathing, tingling/burning in the back and chest, shoulder move- ment issues, and a tingling/ ache into the arms. Other names It is possible that you have already been treated for rib dysfunction and not even known it. The pain syndromes associated with the ribs have many different medical names. Common diagnosis include pseudo angina, costo- chondritis, intercostal sprain and Tietze’s syndrome. Why me? There are certain fac- tors that can predispose someone for a rib injury. Often chronic rib pain will be seen in a person with a slouched posture and shoul- ders rolled forward. A scoliosis or minor spine curve can also put extra stress in the rib cage. People who sit for pro- longed periods often develop a hunching posture which stresses the upper thoracic spine and ribs. Repetitive lifting and twisting actions that fatigue the upper back will also set the stage for a rib injury. Shoulder issues Shoulder/arm movements are often thought of the arm swinging around the torso. However, the arm (humerus) attaches not to the torso but to the shoulder blade. The shoulder blade has an incredible amount of mo- bility to assist shoulder movements. Roughly 30 per- cent of shoulder mobility occurs due to the shoulder blades’ ability to glide over the rib cage, called scapulo- thoracic movement. Rib dysfunction can cause restricted scapular mobility with pain on shoulder move- ments. The loss of full sca- pulo-thoracic movement places more stress on the shoulder muscles and can ex- acerbate rotator cuff injuries. Chiropractic treatment and rib dysfunction Rib dysfunction can mimic some very serious medical conditions. Therefore, the chiropractic examination is first focused on ruling out medical issues. It is then followed by a de- tailed examination of the joints and muscles of the rib cage and spine. The chiropractor assesses the movement of the indi- vidual ribs, checking for any loss of normal joint align- ment and mobility. The aim of the treatment is to restore the normal joint movement patterns, free any tissue that is being com- pressed and reduce the muscle spasm. This is done using a variety of different “hands on” techniques, exercises and me- chanical therapies. Dr. Jemal Khan is a chiropractor based in the Cayman Islands. Acupuncturist joins Cayman Rehab Jo Bond, a licensed acu- puncturist from the United Kingdom, has joined the team at Cayman Rehab Services. She said her treat- ment philosophy is to treat the whole person, ad- dressing all aspects of her patients’ health. “By forming a team with [my] patients, they are able to bring balance to all areas of the patients’ well-being, trusting that the body can essentially heal itself when gently brought into balance,” she said. Ms. Bond graduated with a bachelor of science in acu- puncture. As well as deliv- ering a basis in anatomy and physiology, this four-year curriculum consisted of ex- tensive training in acupunc- ture, practical clinical expe- rience and adjunct therapies, which include Eastern nutri- tion, moxibustion, cupping and gua sha. She followed up her studies in China, taking part in a postgraduate in- ternship at the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, in the south- western province of Sichuan, which brought added clinical experience. Ms. Bond has also trained in reflexology under the guid- ance of a recognized Reiki master from China. Ms. Bond has many years’ practice in acupuncture, starting with her own prac- tice in Bristol, England. She then moved on to work internationally on cruise ships, and also in medical spas on land. Ms. Bond said she uses her skills in acupuncture to treat all types of pain conditions, arthritis, sci- atica, stress, anxiety and emotional issues. She also tackles condi- tions that affect sleep, skin, digestion and fertility. She joined Cayman Rehab Services, based in the Eucalyptus Building on Shedden Road, last month. Ms. Bond Rib pain can often be very severe. Time to Align dr. jemal khanThe islands’ most-trusted news source 7 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 OcTOber 6, 2015 THURSDAY, OCT. 8 SALSA FIESTA: George Town Yacht Club. 7 p.m. till late. Adults only. Evening starts with a lesson courtesy of KRI and a dance performance. Tickets are $25 per person and include a raffle ticket with dozens of prizes. Fundraiser for Business and Professional Women’s Club projects. Tickets available from Yacht Club or BPW members. For more information, contact info@BPWGCM.org. CHAMBER COURSE: “Giving Feedback Skills” by Xenia Goddard. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members, $250. Future members, $300. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. FRIDAY, OCT. 9 VOICES FOR HOSPICES: An “Evening on Broadway” with champagne gala opening. Prospect Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $75. Tomorrow, 6:45 p.m., tickets $50 or $25 for under-12s. Contact 945-7447 or chc@candw.ky for tickets. SATURDAY, OCT. 10 CUC 800M SWIM: The Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association hosts the 27th annual CUC 800-meter Sea Swim. Registration and markings take place at Governors Beach from 3-3:45 p.m. CIASA member cost is $10 for children, $15 for adults. Non-members, children $15, adults $20. The race starts at Governors Beach (not Public Beach). Online registration is available through caymanactive.com. PILATES FOR PINK: 9–11 a.m. at ARC, Camana Bay. Workout from 10 a.m. Registration $25, includes tank top and exercise band. All proceeds to Cayman Islands Cancer Society. 946-6006 or info@energycayman.com. MONDAY, OCT. 12 CHAMBER COURSE: Basic Grammar and Writing Skills Part 1. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members, $150. Future members, $225. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. LEADERSHIP CAYMAN: Orientation Session 1. 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Free. Applications for Leadership Cayman accepted until Oct. 30. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. TUESDAY, OCT. 13 BRAC SENIORS: An Island Tour takes place 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. GEO-TOURISM LECTURE: 6 p.m. St. Matthews University, Regatta Office Park, first floor lecture hall. Geologist Brian Jones from the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta will explain some of the geological features readily apparent on Grand Cayman. Views from old postcards will be used as a guide. To register, contact education@ nationaltrust.org.ky or 749- 1121. Organized by National Trust and Water Authority Cayman. CHAMBER COURSE: “Communicating Effectively” by Terry Carson. Today and tomorrow, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Members, $225. Future members, $300. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14 LEADERSHIP CAYMAN: Orientation Session 2. 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Free. Applications for Leadership Cayman accepted until Oct. 30. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. BOOKENDS CLUB: 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Books & Books. Club members meet to review their latest pick, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. All are invited to share insights and impressions in an open discussion. THURSDAY, OCT. 15 OLDER PERSONS MONTH: 5-8 p.m. Seniors will be special guests at the opening of a National Museum exhibition, “60+ and Shining.” SATURDAY, OCT. 17 CULL LIONFISH: Tournament today and tomorrow. The Cayman United Lionfish League (CULL) is calling all cullers. Help solve the lionfish invasion and win cash prizes for most lionfish, biggest lionfish, most overall weight and smallest lionfish. Great Lionfish Cook-off hosted by KARoo. Afterward, at 7 p.m., tournament winners will officially be announced. Registrations can be made on Thursday Oct. 15 at KARoo. For more details and pricing, contact Mark Orr at mark.orr@gov.ky. MONDAY, OCT. 19 SILENT WITNESS MARCH: BPW Club Grand Cayman hosts the 15th annual Silent Witness March 5:30 p.m. to remember and honor those who have suffered as a result of domestic violence and bullying. Start at the Government Administration Building; down Elgin Avenue toward town; proceed to Edward Street and finish at Celebration Park behind the courthouse. A short ceremony will follow. TUESDAY, OCT. 20 OLDER PERSONS MONTH: Eastern District Day takes place at the Bodden Town Civic Centre 5:30-8:30 p.m. BOOK SIGNING: Ellen 6 p.m. at Books & Books. Ellen Kanner will sign her book, “Feeding the Hungry Ghost.” This free event includes a presentation and group discussion. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21 FLOETRY: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Books & Books Join some of Cayman’s poets and performers who share their work during an open mic night of poetry and readings. Share your own work, gain creative inspiration or simply enjoy the show. Free and open to the public. THURSDAY, OCT. 22 POP CONCERT: Triple C School Music Department presents a POP Concert featuring Erica Assai and Yung Fusion. The public is invited. Triple C School Multi-Purpose Hall, 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Refreshments on sale. For more information contact the school office, 949-6022. BINGO & MINGLE: At Craft F&B. Tickets $15 each. Includes welcome drink and complimentary raffle ticket. Tickets available at Craft or through BPW members. Adults only. Bingo cards sold separately, $5 per card, 5-pack for $20, 15-pack $50. Prizes from Cayman’s best restaurants, hotels, and more. For more information email info@bpwgcm.org. SATURDAY, OCT. 24 NCVO RADIO/TELETHON: Fundraiser for National Council of Voluntary Organisations, 7 p.m. till midnight at Prospect Playhouse. Live entertainment. Come by or call in to make a donation. To donate prior to the event contact Janice Wilson at ncvo@ncvo.org.ky or 949-2124. BRAC FESTIVAL: Miss Cayman Brac Festival Queen, 7 p.m., Aston Rutty Civic Centre, Contact bracpiratesweek@gmail.com. SUNDAY, OCT. 25 OLDER PERSONS MONTH: On Little Cayman a church service and luncheon takes place at the Little Cayman Baptist Church at 11 a.m. TUESDAY, OCT. 27 BRAC SENIORS: An Island Tour takes place 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28 BRAC SENIORS: Celebrating Older Persons Month, a social for Brac seniors will be at the Aston Rutty Civic Center 10 a.m.-2 p.m. THURSDAY, OCT. 29 OLDER PERSONS MONTH: The Seniors Bash takes place at the Westin Casuarina Resort 6:30-10 p.m. FRIDAY, OCT. 30 OLDER PERSONS MONTH: Cayman National Cultural Foundation invites seniors to a special performance 8 p.m. at the Harquail Theatre. Limited spaces available. For more information, contact 949-0290. GENERAL INTEREST BUSINESS LICENSING: The Department of Commerce and Investment has extended its Business Licensing Counter hours in Grand Cayman from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, for people to submit trade and business, liquor, tobacco, and Special Economic Zone license applications. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Volunteers are needed. Tuesdays at the Truman Bodden Complex at 5:30 p.m. for Track/Field, Football and Bocce. No experience necessary, just a smile and patience. Wednesdays at Lions Pool 10:15–11 a.m. You do not have to swim, just be able to walk in water chest-deep. Thursdays at First Baptist Church for basketball, 5:30–7 p.m. Saturdays, volunteers needed for Adult Special Olympic swim conditioning at CIS pool 9:30–10:30 a.m. Deck support and in-water swimming assistance needed. For more information, contact Penny McDowall 516-2578 or pjmcdowall@gmail.com. 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. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK LOFT: North Sound Road. Open Monday 12:30-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-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. RED CROSS THRIFT SHOP: Open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Red Cross headquarters on Thomas Russell Way. Book bargain every Thursday and Friday, a bagful for $5. 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. 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. 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. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.compasscayman. com/caycompass/portal/ community-calendar.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Tuesday OcTOber 6, 2015 • Cayman Compass The Grand Cayman Beach Suites is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected and sudden passing of our colleague Steven O. Ebanks on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 in West Bay, Grand Cayman. Steven has worked for our company ever since it opened its doors in December 1986 and has reflected the perfect example of loyalty, honesty and reliability over the years. Steven was a known and familiar face amongst all employees and very popular with our guests. He always displayed a calm and pleasant attitude despite what ever deadlines we were facing in the workplace, Steven’s ‘in control’ demeanour was admired by many. A Candle Light Vigil will be held in Steven’s memory at the Grand Cayman Beach Suites Rooftop on October 7, 2015 at 5:30pm information is exempt from FOI, but the distinc- tion between what has to be disclosed under FOI and what does not can be a difficult decision, Mr. Martinson said. Mr. Adam said the FOI law “paints everyone with one brush, ministries and government companies.” As a government-owned company in the competi- tive tourist business, Mr. Adam said, he was con- cerned how the law might reveal commercially sensi- tive information. He said there were similar con- cerns for other govern- ment-owned companies, including CINICO and Cayman Airways. There are exemptions in the FOI law to protect commercially valuable in- formation, such as nego- tiations with suppliers. Exemptions in the law in- clude trade secrets and “any other information of a commercial value” that could be devalued if it were made public. Mr. Martinson said pro- tecting commercial infor- mation under the FOI law has to be weighed against public interest. Report on farmed turtle deaths kept from public Amid the seaweed, a weird and wonderful world James Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The invasion of sargassum may be putting off tourists, but it is also bringing some interesting new visitors to Cayman’s shores. Frogfish, pipefish, juve- nile turtles and ocean trig- gerfish are camouflaged in the tangled mats of thick brown seaweed. While hotels and tourism staff hustled to clear the beaches Thursday, inquisi- tive dive staff at the Lobster Pot in George Town cast a net amid the seaweed and found a thriving micro community of unusual critters. Among the weirdest and most wonderful is the tiny sargassum frogfish. The creatures, which live their entire lives in the sea- weed, have the capacity to change color and blend with the background. They jostle for shelter and nour- ishment with a variety of other inhabitants. Dawn Clerkson, man- ager of the Lobster Pot Dive Center, said they had found juvenile pipefish – similar to sea horses – and juve- nile ocean triggerfish in the seaweed pulled from the water in front of the shop. Juvenile turtles, as well as a variety of common reef fish, are also known to shelter in the sargassum. “Tourism-wise, it is not so great, but it is nice to see there is a flip side environ- mentally,” said Ms. Clerkson. The frogfish, rarely seen in Cayman’s waters and an item on many diver’s bucket list, was a particularly fasci- nating find. “It made our day,” she added. “Giles Charlton-Jones, one of the founders of the dive shop, has been diving here for 20 years and has never seen a frogfish.” The Cayman Islands Department of Environment says the recent seaweed in- fluxes are related to massive sargassum blooms occur- ring in parts of the Atlantic where nutrients are avail- able and temperatures are high. The sargassum consol- idates into large mats and is transported by ocean cur- rents toward and throughout the Caribbean “Sargassum is an impor- tant nursery habitat that pro- vides shelter and food for endangered species such as sea turtles and for commer- cially important species of fish,” a spokeswoman for the Department of Environment said in a press release. The department has published guidelines on the safe removal of sargassum from beaches. For more information, visit www.doe.ky. Two sargassum frogfish found amid seaweed outside the Lobster Pot. - PHOTO: DAWN CLERKSON and his office has continued and with the Committee set to consider the Auditor General’s Report on the Nation Building Fund, this concern has increased. “Regrettably, as Mr. Bush has refused to take up the invitation to resign, it is felt best to allow the Legislative Assembly to make the needed changes so as to en- able the committee to better meet its charge to examine the public accounts of the Cayman Islands.” In 2014, Mr. Bush said he believed he was a victim of “political trickery” in gov- ernment’s attempts to re- move him from the Public Accounts Committee. “The PAC should be chaired by the opposition or an independent member, not by a government member,” Mr. Bush said at the time. “Roy McTaggart and the PPM are in breach of this impor- tant democratic benchmark. For them to come now with their political shenanigans of saying I’m in conflict for openly criticizing the auditor for his unfairness is purely an action taken for political trickery and vindictiveness.” Chairman resigns Mr. McTaggart, an inde- pendent member who joined the Progressives-led govern- ment coalition following his election in May 2013, said he felt there would be a clear conflict of interest if he con- tinued to chair the group while it reviewed upcoming audits on the current admin- istration, echoing comments Mr. Bush made a year before. “We’ve had this discus- sion. The [Public Accounts Committee] should be chaired by a member of the opposition,” Mr. McTaggart said Monday, adding that, to this point, the committee has only reviewed reports from the former United Democratic Party govern- ment’s tenure. “I would feel uncomfortable chairing these meetings now because I’m a part of [the current] government’s work.” Mr. McTaggart’s resig- nation was tendered two days after the committee completed its review of the government schools con- struction audit, which was highly critical of the former UDP government’s ac- tions, particularly those by former Education Minister Rolston Anglin in relation to the project. Upcoming reports for the Public Accounts Committee’s review include the audit of government’s 2013/14 finan- cial accounts and some re- ports – including one of the management of government land resources – that involve some decisions made and projects undertaken by the Progressives-led government. Mr. McTaggart acknowl- edged that while he is an independent member of the legislature and has not joined the Progressives party, he has been attending gov- ernment caucus meetings and largely voting with the Progressives-led government since taking office. He said he would gladly continue to serve on the com- mittee if that was the will of the Legislative Assembly, which appoints the com- mittee. However, he cau- tioned that he did not want the group to become “too lop- sided” with either govern- ment or opposition members. Currently, the Public Accounts Committee con- sists of three government backbench members, George Town MLAs Joey Hew, Winston Connolly and Mr. McTaggart. Opposition mem- bers and West Bay MLAs McKeeva Bush and Capt. Eugene Ebanks fill out the remainder of the roster. If the current committee mem- bership stands, and the ef- fort to remove Mr. Bush is successful later this month, only one official opposi- tion party member – Capt. Ebanks – would remain in the committee. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Gov’t seeks to force Bush out of PAC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Turtles in a tank at West Bay’s Cayman Turtle Farm.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Cayman Compass • Tuesday OcTOber 6, 2015 In Loving Memory of My Mother Bertha Mae Ramoon Born 24/03/1956-Died 6/10/2013 Though it’s been years now since you were taken away, The memories are still strong and I wish you were here today. I can’t see or touch you, so I know you’re not here but I’ve still got the past and in my heart you’re still near. I used to wake up at night scream- ing aloud and calling your name, I must of needed someone because of all my hurt and fear If I could see you one last time, you know what I would do. Release all of my emotions, and say, “Mom, I love you!!” From you loving Daughter Nashila Moore Mom I miss you, and love you always. 60th birthday she said, ‘Betty, we’re going to Europe.’” And the pair traveled Europe to- gether for five weeks. “She loved to travel,” Ms. Bua said. Ms. Howard was in- ducted as an honoree into the International Scuba Hall of Fame the day before her passing, and earlier this year the National Trust renamed its Little Cayman building after the woman who worked with the Trust through her decades on the island. In 1986, when Ms. Howard bought Pirates Point Resort, it gave her a place to exercise two of her passions: cooking and diving, her family said. Gay Morse, who has worked for Ms. Howard since 1988, said there were 13 people on Little Cayman when Ms. Howard bought the resort. It was remote, the plane only came a couple of times a week, and the re- sort had to generate its own power and water. “Those first 10 years, just the persever- ance you had to have to live here,” Ms. Morse said. Ms. Howard was “bigger than life,” she said. Ms. Morse told a story about a dominoes game at Pirates Point when Ms. Howard put the resort down as a bet against a visiting Irishman, who bet his own pub. She won the game, Ms. Morse said, and some time later went to Ireland and claimed the pub as her own. The man brought out the pub’s outstanding bills and told Ms. Howard, “Here’s what you own,” Ms. Morse said. But Ms. Howard, in good spirits, told the man he could have his bar back. There are sev- eral versions of the Irish pub story going around, but she did in fact win it in a domi- noes game. As well as for its diving, Pirates Point became known for its cuisine. Ms. Howard had trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu and La Varenne, renowned Parisian cooking schools, and, the family notes, she cooked with many no- table chefs, including Julia Childs, Jacques Pépin and James Beard. In a written statement, her family said, “Travel was part of her quest for knowledge and took her to all seven con- tinents during her active life. Gladys’s love for plants and animals fuelled her passion for ecology, traveling with five Earth Watch study groups to China, Bonaire, Fiji and South America.” In a blog in 2010, when she was 78, Ms. Howard recounted a trip through Southeast Asia over several months, de- tailing mainly the food and the diving. “Today I did my 40th dive in Indonesia,” she wrote. “The last 19 have been here at Lembeh Straits.” She continued: “This was the second day in a row that we saw the [blue-ringed] oc- topus, which happens to be the most toxic creature in the entire world, if it stings you, you have eight seconds before you are dead!” Ms. Howard had a passion for her chosen home of Little Cayman. Her family writes, “Gladys was instrumental in building the National Trust House on Little Cayman … which contains 400 acres of land, housing the largest colony of Red Footed Boobies in the Western Hemisphere.” The National Trust over the summer rededicated the building on the site – it is now called the Gladys B. Howard Little Cayman District National Trust Visitors Centre. A plaque on the building credits Ms. Howard for her dedication to preserving Little Cayman’s en- vironment: “Convinced that Little Cayman’s unique eco- system should be preserved, Gladys Howard assumed a leadership role on numerous environmental and community initiatives that have contrib- uted enormously to making Little Cayman the special place that it remains.” In a 2012 profile, Ms. Howard recalled her first visits to Pirates Point: “The buildings were quite termite eaten,” she said. “The furniture was shot, windows were broken, the roof seeped rain, the kitchen was part of the front room and it had an apartment-size stove with a stick propping the door on the oven shut. The one Zodiac rubber dive boat had so many holes in it that the guide who took us out on our two dives stayed in the boat the en- tire time blowing up the raft so it wouldn’t sink.” The resort has come a long way, winning a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence this year and a listing as one of “the best of the best” by Fodor’s Travel. Ms. Howard takes the central place in Fodor’s re- view: “You’ll likely become fast friends with efferves- cent owner Gladys Howard, whose down-home welcome belies her upscale meals (ask to hear anecdotes of her studies with Julia Child, James Beard, and Jacques Pépin). She still watches the kitchen staff like a hawk while finding time to host weekly champagne parties on the veranda of her adja- cent home and play domi- noes after dinner. Somehow Gladys always wins, slam- ming tiles down with classic Caribbean vigor.” At one point, Ms. Morse said, she asked Ms. Howard what they should do when she died. She said, “Well, just throw a big parade.” Ms. Morse added, “She wanted to have fun in life and she did.” Her family writes: “Gladys’s life was best summed up in Erma Bombeck’s quote, ‘When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.’” Ms. Howard is survived by her daughter Susan Howard, granddaughter Antonia, brothers Edward Bravenec and Anton Bravenec and his wife Merlene, sister Nelda Roessler and her husband Buddy. A memorial service on Little Cayman will be held during the second week of December at the Little Cayman Baptist Church, with date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Little Cayman National Trust. as long as needed. A beach cleaning machine that the unit usually uses is out of service, as some parts re- quired to fix the machine have to be ordered from overseas, according to Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Acting General Manager Mark Bothwell. Mr. Bothwell said that once the seaweed is re- moved, it is used to fill holes in swampland and areas of Crown property. Some is also given to farmers who use it for fertilizer, and some goes to the landfill. Joseph Caputo, owner of a beach cleaning company called The Beach Cleaner, said he has been inun- dated with calls since the sargassum invasion began last week, as hotel and condominium managers were desperate to get their properties clean. “Tourists pay for sea, sand and sun,” Mr. Caputo said. “That’s what they come here for, they don’t come here to sit on a stinky beach.” The cleaning process Mr. Caputo employs involves a special machine that sifts sand out of the seaweed. It can take up to a whole day to clean the beach area of just one property. Mr. Caputo works with the Department of Environment to ensure that turtle nests are avoided during cleaning. He advises property owners to get rid of the material as quickly as possible, but also to watch the weather when plan- ning a beach cleanup. “If a big storm comes in, nobody’s going to be able to help until it’s over,” he said. The Department of Environment was advising some property owners Monday to hold off on removing the seaweed until it is taken away naturally when the wind shifts. “We have been working with property owners throughout the weekend and this morning, and now a lot of property owners are leaving it where it is and they’re raking paths to the water,” Wendy Williams, senior en- vironmental assessment officer, said. According to a bulletin re- leased by the Department of Environment last week, the ideal method for dealing with the seaweed is to leave it where it is, since removal can sometimes be detrimental to the environment and harmful to turtle nests. “The problem is when people remove the seaweed, they accidentally take sand with it,” said Ms. Williams. “So when you remove the seaweed, it has a destabilizing effect on the beach.” Removing the seaweed also removes the barrier that keeps rough waves from coming up to the shoreline and eroding it, Ms. Williams said. Property owners wishing to bring in heavy equipment to clean their beaches must first receive approval from the Department of Environment. “Tourist properties don’t want this on their beach, and I understand why,” Ms. Williams said. “We’re not stopping anybody, we’re just making sure that it doesn’t remove turtle nests.” Ms. Williams said if prop- erty owners wish to use exca- vators to clear the seaweed, it is best to let the seaweed dry first, so that when it is lifted up, the sand falls out. Seaweed will continue to wash ashore until the end of the day Tuesday, according to Ms. Williams, but there should be no more mats of sargassum washing onto Seven Mile Beach for now. Gladys Howard remembered for her contribution and cheer Gladys Howard and her daughter Susan in a photograph from the 1960s. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Seaweed invasion continues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Shooting defendant found not guilty Witnesses refuse to cooperate CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man charged in con- nection with a March 28 shooting in McField Square in George Town was released from custody Monday after witnesses would not coop- erate with the prosecution. Randy James Parchment, 34, was released after the Crown offered no evidence on charges related to the shooting, with Crown counsel Nicole Petit telling Justice Charles Quin that witnesses had not cooperated. Parchment was charged with possession of an un- licensed firearm and the unlawful and malicious wounding of a named fe- male. Appearing in Summary Court days later, he elected to be tried in Grand Court where he pleaded not guilty. He had been remanded in custody since. Ms. Petit said the case against Parchment had de- pended on the identification evidence of two witnesses, who had since refused to co- operate with the Crown. “So it leaves us in a po- sition … where to proceed would be to waste judicial time with a prosecution. These are circumstances en- tirely beyond out control,” she pointed out. “We have made repeated efforts to ob- tain their cooperation, but without success.” Justice Quin observed that the situation was frustrating. “It is frustrating,” Ms. Petit agreed. “The parties are all known to each other. And, as I said, these are cir- cumstances beyond our con- trol at this stage. So we offer no evidence.” The judge made a note of the Crown’s efforts to bring the witnesses to court to give evidence. “It ap- pears you’ve done as much as you possibly can. In light of the circumstances, the defendant is formally found not guilty.” Addressing the defen- dant directly, he said, “Mr. Parchment, the court finds you not guilty. The Crown is offering no evidence, so you’re free to go.” Defense attorney Nicholas Dixey said he had nothing to add. Press statements from police after the shooting in- cident said two masked men approached and fired shots into a crowd of people. Three women were wounded: one in the chest and abdomen; one in the arm; the third woman’s injury was not specified, but she was re- leased from hospital the same day. Three men were arrested. Parchment was brought to court and two others were released on police bail while investigations continued. The trial was to have started last Wednesday, with Parchment choosing to be tried by judge alone.Next >