ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – Wednesday december 23, 2015 Business | Page 17 neW trade and business licensing laW comes into effect High of 86 Low of 76 Seas: Rough with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet. Small craft should exercise caution over open water. editorial | Page 4 morning cruise: easing cayman’s road congestion Chief immigration offiCer’s fate unresolved brent fuller bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman’s chief immigration officer will be spending her second holiday season on paid suspension, with an administrative matter pending against her remaining unresolved. Linda Evans was put on required leave as of Dec. 1, 2014 in connection with an investi- gation being conducted internally by the gov- ernment’s Ministry of Home Affairs. The ministry has previously stated that the probe relates to a “number of allegations of misconduct by the chief immigration officer, which require a full investigation.” Acting Chief Immigration Officer Bruce Smith has taken the helm at the Immigration Department since Ms. Evans’s suspension. “I can only confirm that Ms. Evans remains on required leave and the administrative pro- cess is progressing,” said ministry acting chief officer Wesley Howell Monday when asked about the matter. Mr. Smith has repeatedly refused to com- ment on the issue, as has Ms. Evans. The gov- ernment’s internal review determined by last ironwood Commits to hiring loCals James Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The developers behind the planned Ironwood golf resort have committed to a target of hiring a workforce of mostly Caymanian employees as part of a duty con- cessions agreement with government. The developer, which is still in the planning stages of the resort, has agreed to hire at least 60 percent Caymanians both during construc- tion and operation of the $365 million facility, according to Planning Minister Kurt Tibbetts. The commitment also extends to labor on the 10-mile extension of the East-West Arterial Highway, if government and the devel- oper can agree on a partnership deal over the road construction. Ironwood announced last week that it was forging ahead with plans for the resort, which they say will include a town center, beach club and Arnold Palmer designed golf course. The A decade after Ivan, property deal finalized Storm damaged site finally sold James Whittaker jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The site of the Mariner’s Cove condominium complex, demol- ished during Hurricane Ivan, has finally been sold, more than 11 years after the storm. The wooden buildings were swept away by the 50-foot waves that pounded Grand Cayman’s southern shores on Sept. 11 and 12, 2004. Residents, evacuated as the hurricane approached, returned the following day to apocalyptic scenes of cars and fridges lying in the road, piled amid the debris of their homes. Standing in what used to be the living room of his rental property last week, Jim Keim re- flected that it had been a long road for the 36 owners to regain what they lost in the storm. Insurance paid out the cost of the buildings, but it was not until the US$1.55 million sale of the property was finalized on Friday that they were guaran- teed a final payout on the land. The property has been pur- chased by Revive Cayman Ltd, a company involving realtor Kim Lund and his wife Ashleigh. Mr. Lund said there were no immediate plans for develop- ment, though they have a long- term vision of turning it into a wellness retreat. In the decade since the storm, the property has been partially reclaimed by nature. The once manicured lawns are thick with fast-growing Casuarina trees. The pools are filled with rain water and de- bris and heavy bushes are slowly gaining territory from the weather-beaten tiled floors of the long-gone condos. Mr. Keim, who owned two properties at the site, was away on business in Asia when the storm hit. It was six weeks be- fore he could return to Cayman. By that time he had learned that the entire complex had been destroyed. “I had two long-term renters in the units and I was most concerned about them. World Cup star Carli lloyd visits football camp Dozens of aspiring young footballers had an opportunity to quiz World Cup MVP Carli Lloyd at the Arie Smith Football Camp on Monday evening. The young players learned about the 2015 world champion footballer’s rise to stardom – so far peaking with a record-breaking hat trick in last summer’s World Cup final – and the challenges she has faced along the way. The American star also signed autographs and kicked the ball around with the young footballers. See page 25 for more. - Photo: matt lamers PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL PANAMA CITY (AP) – Panama’s former President Ricardo Martinelli insisted on Tuesday that he’s being targeted politically and will stay outside the country while fighting charges that he ille- gally spied on opponents. The Supreme Court on Monday ordered his detention for allegedly intercepting the communications of at least 150 people during his 2009 to 2014 administration. The case is one of a half-dozen inves- tigations against the 63-year- old supermarket magnate for alleged corruption. Martinelli left Panama aboard his private jet in January after the election of archrival Juan Carlos Varela and a day after the Supreme Court took steps to lift his im- munity as a current member of the Central American Parliament. He is believed to be living in Florida, and Panama must now request his extradition for the trial against him to proceed. “I will prove my innocence here because there is no jus- tice over there,” Martinelli said in a statement. “I’ll go if a politically appropriate mo- ment presents itself, or after that tyrant leaves in 2019.” Martinelli has accused Varela, who once was his vice president, of concocting a case against him in re- venge for being fired from his second post as foreign min- ister two years into the pres- idency. Varela has rejected that accusation. Prosecutors have accused Martinelli of illegally inter- cepting emails and phone calls of opponents, journal- ists and civil society activists, among others. Two former heads of the National Security Council have been arrested in the case. If found guilty, the former president could face up to 21 years in jail. Martinelli also has been stripped of his immunity from prosecution in another case in which aides are ac- cused of inflating contracts worth $45 million to buy de- hydrated food for the govern- ment’s social program. Wednesday december 23, 2015 • Cayman Compass We Buy Gold!We Buy Gold! Cash For Gold Silver, Coins and Broken Jewelry Cash Paid on the Spot! Call 927-8565 Cash For Gold • Shedden Road 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. © y x *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - WEDNESDAY - $8.00 ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS ROAD CHIP (PG) 1:15 I 3:40 I 7:10 I 9:30 STAR WARS VII 3D (PG13) 1:00 I 2:00 2D I 4:00 2D I 5:00 7:00 I 8:00 2D I 9:20 I 10:00 2D SISTERS (R) 1:30 I 4:15 I 7:15 I 9:55 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3D (PG) 12:30 | 4:00 2D I 6:30 I 9:40 2D IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 3D (PG13) 12:45 2D I 3:00 I 6:45 2D The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Tourism Attraction Board donated plants this season to help with landscaping around the North Side Civic Centre and the Disa Brown Health Clinic. Park gardener Moses Haughton, North Side MLA Ezzard Miller and park manager John Lawrus show off some of the plants, including Christmas palm and croton. Mr. Miller accepted the donation, stating, ‘On behalf of the people of North Side, we would like to thank the botanic park and the [Tourism Attraction Board] for their generous donation.’ Botanic park donates Christmas plants to north side Staff of the Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth and Sports paid Christmas visits to residents of the Family Resource Centre, Pines Retirement, Golden Age and Bonaventure Boys Home. During these visits, min- istry staff delivered gifts and sang carols as a part of the “Give Back to the Community” initiative on Dec. 18. The program – which started in 2014 – initially focused on eastern district facilities like Caribbean Haven, East End Sunrise Cottage and the Frances Bodden Girls Home. This year, according to a press release, the ministry has widened its focus into other districts, including George Town and West Bay. The ministry’s social committee sets aside funds for the purchase of items around the holidays. Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker said, “Given that we are the Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth and Sports, it is only fitting that, in addition to pro- viding support and guid- ance to assist our most vul- nerable citizens, we should be seen to give back and serve the community; espe- cially during the Christmas season when we all focus on hope, love and faith.” “I am so pleased that my ministry is able to reach out to the commu- nity in this fashion. As Mother Teresa once said ‘It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving,’” said Minister Osbourne Bodden. Ministry gives back Officers from the Cayman Islands Fire Service turned out in force at the tarmac at Owen Roberts International Airport on Monday to welcome home Station Officer Percival Whorms. Mr. Whorms had been in Miami over the past six months receiving treatment for a medical condition and undergoing sur- gery, according to a press release issued by the fire service. His colleagues also gave him an official escort to his home. Acting Deputy Chief Fire of- ficer Tina Choy said, “We want to extend a warm welcome to our brother Percival ‘Tommy’ Whorms, who is returning from a long road of illness and re- covery. We want him and his family to know that we are here for them.” Fire officers welcome home ill colleague Percival ‘Tommy’ Whorms arrives back in Cayman Monday, escorted by Fire Service colleagues. Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker and Minister Osbourne Bodden, with Pines resident Mona Banks and Pines manager Lynda Mitchell. Panama’s ex-President fights sPying chargesThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 Cayman Compass • Wednesday december 23, 2015 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. Washington Post Editorial Board When President Obama began the opening to Cuba a year ago, one of the arguments the White House advanced was that a full-fledged em- bassy in Havana would give U.S. diplomats more freedom to roam the island than was the case with the constricted “interests section” that existed earlier. The administration emphasized that expanded “people-to-people” contacts, including with Cuban dissi- dents and human rights ac- tivists, would be an important outcome of the thaw. Antonio G. Rodiles, one of many Cubans who have suf- fered harassment, arrest and beatings for speaking out, heard those promises, but, in an interview at The Post this week, he expressed deep dis- appointment that it has not happened. Rather than more contact, he said, he has seen U.S. diplomats less than be- fore and suggested the reason: The United States has made Raúl Castro and the Cuban regime its chief interlocutor. Concern about human rights, long a mainstay of U.S. policy toward Cuba, has been “side- lined,” he lamented. Cuba’s fractious opposition feels left out in the cold. In the same week that Rodiles described this situa- tion, Obama suggested in an interview with Yahoo News that he would go to Cuba be- fore he leaves office only if he could “talk to everybody.” He added, “I’ve made very clear in my conversations directly with President Castro that we would continue to reach out to those who want to broaden the scope for, you know, free expression inside of Cuba.” That’s a nice gesture, but it does not change the reality for most Cubans who live under Castro’s dictatorship. Obama has counseled that change in Cuba will take time, and “normaliza- tion will be a long journey.” Certainly, both Raúl and Fidel Castro, who have ruled the island for a half-cen- tury, are in their twilight years. But Rodiles made the sobering argument that the Castro brothers are girding themselves against embarking upon Obama’s journey. They are preparing to perpetuate the regime by passing the baton of power to Raúl Castro’s son and son-in-law; they show no sign that their henchmen will stop using violence and coercion to repress free speech; and they keep a tight grip on the economy and so- ciety as a whole. As it has before, Rodiles pointed out, the regime is also trying to play games with emigration, allowing a surge in order to put pres- sure on the United States. Rodiles said that the White House fails to understand the complexity of a power struc- ture determined to exploit the gains from Obama’s opening for its own survival rather than acquiesce to changes that would loosen its grip. Barriers are falling – the latest being a bilateral agree- ment announced Thursday for scheduled air service be- tween the United States and Cuba – but these incremental steps should not be mistaken for the arrival of freedom in Cuba. The Castros will not give an inch if they can avoid it. The real challenge for Obama is to cause change, and not just enrich and em- power those who would stymie it. © 2015, Washington Post To our readers who may have found their commutes, er, somewhat extended this morning: Have patience, Christmas will soon come. In case you had to navigate through traffic conges- tion, or otherwise encountered unwonted crowds, the root cause is probably, as you may suspect, the remark- able number of cruise ship passengers disembarking into downtown George Town — an expected 13,161 from four vessels, to be precise. The bad news is that is a lot of people, taking over our streets and causing us “locals” to feel inconvenienced. The good news is that is a lot of people, swarming into our shops, purchasing our services and supporting our local economy. Most of us are already quite well aware of this, but during these already-stressful last moments of prepa- ration before the biggest holiday of the year, now may be a timely reminder to treat our guests with unwav- ering politeness, and, indeed, genuine joy that they have chosen to spend part of their winter vacation (and, hope- fully, a healthy portion of their Christmas money) in our fair Cayman Islands. Tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, Grand Cayman will play host to even more cruise passengers — 14,310 from five ships. Next week, the number of cruise visitors will surpass the 10,000 mark on three separate days, including Wednesday, Dec. 30, when five cruise ships are expected to arrive, carrying 16,642 passengers. That will rank among the busiest days for cruise tourism in Cayman in 2015, providing a fitting ending to a year that has been dominated by burgeoning discussions about finally building a cruise berthing facility in George Town harbor. Critics of the government’s policy of pursuing the project may take the occasion afforded by this spike in cruise activity to protest against the proposed dock, saying, for instance, “If you think traffic is bad now, just you wait until the dock is built!” Certainly, they couldn’t hope for an atmosphere more conducive to their argu- ments, than the aggravated minds of motor vehicle oper- ators stuck in a traffic jam. And there is some truth to what they say. Generally speaking, gridlock is a symptom of inadequate infrastruc- ture. Simply put, Cayman’s road system, as configured, can’t accommodate that many cruise tourists and that many vehicles, at the same time, without the occurrence of delays. If the cruise dock does succeed in attracting more cruise visitors, then traffic problems will surely worsen — that is, in the absence of improvements to our transportation infrastructure. That’s what makes it so important for our leaders to steer through, not just the cruise dock itself, but the parallel project to enhance the road network in and around downtown George Town — which began with the much-needed widenings of Godfrey Nixon Way and Smith Road, is continuing with the Dart Group’s expansion of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and will eventually include adding capacity to the Linford Pierson Highway. In brief, the road improvements are vital to the success of the cruise dock. For the time being, though, and for the next couple of weeks, we would do well — when confronted with crowds — to remember our manners, our sense of Caymanian hospitality, and the benefits to our country represented by each cruise passenger we encounter. Morning cruise: Easing Cayman’s road congestion Wednesday deCember 23, 2015 • Cayman COmpass 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” ChristMas MEssagE froM thE LEadEr of thE oPPosition Dear friends – yet again, and once more we can cel- ebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We grew up in a Cayman that worshipped the birth with reverence. Many of our people en- joyed it in the ways that were satisfying to them – even though they had very little. In today’s Christmas season, we remember the birth of Jesus – so that we may share in the songs the angels sang. So that we may share in the gladness of the shepherds – and so that we might share in the wisdom of the Wise Men. While we can celebrate his birth, we can do so joy- fully – as it cost us nothing to worship him! Let us, in that spirit, be unified as a community re- solved to do right. Let us re- solve to be a friend – each to the other. Let us recognize that we are all different, yet a child of God. That I am not per- fect, that you are not per- fect. But that our islands can be the best in this evil world, for us, and our fam- ilies to live and move and have our being. No doubt, there are hardships that we endure – there are far too many in need. There is too much hurt. But, is there a place I’d rather be? No, my friend, Beloved Isle Cayman, is still a blessed country. So in this Christmas season and spirit – with all the beauty it brings of dressed trees and won- derful colored arrangements of lights and lovely orna- ments – let us close the door of bitterness, envy and jeal- ousy. Let us be a real friend, to give without any agenda but because we really care for others. Let us open the door of love and patience, and giving and caring. God sent his son because he loves us – none more than the other – nonetheless, and all of us together, no matter who we are, or our social standing here, no matter where we come from. I wish for you and your family a Happy Christmas – realizing that we could be much worse off. Praying as we celebrate, that better will come in the year ahead. Personally, I ask God to help me to prosper my steps, so that I can give more to those who draw nigh to me. Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year. God Bless. Opposition Leader mcKeeva Bush Misjudging havana I wish for you and your family a Happy Christmas – realizing that we could be much worse off.5 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Wednesday december 23, 2015 Think:Inequality Addressing the Global Imbalance Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Tuesday 19 Jan 2016 Save the Date A world class speaker line up. Global vision with local impact. Thought provoking review. What are the top trends facing the world in 2016? What does this mean for Cayman? Join some of the world's most thought provoking experts to explore the threats and opportunities and how they impact our local progress. CEO 2016 brings you some of tf tf he most exciting speakers on the international conferenonferenonfce circuit: Dr. Dambisa Moyo; Global economist and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Dr. Vikram Mansharamani; Global equity investor and Lecturer at Yale University. Rasmus Ankersen; best selling author, speaker on performance development Craig Wright; Chief Economist with Royal Bank of Canada and trusted advisor to businesses and athletes. fidelityceo.com Visit our website Gambling, Liquor Law changes come into effect in new year Brent FuLLer bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cruise ship passen- gers still will not be able to gamble within Cayman Islands territorial waters next year, but gambling will be allowed on ships flying the Cayman Islands flag for the first time. Changes to the Gambling Law, assented to earlier this year and to come into ef- fect on Jan. 1, will permit gambling on ships reg- istered by the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as long as they are on an international voyage. Commerce Minister Wayne Panton explained ear- lier this year that the ship- ping registry was missing out on revenue due to rules that prevented gambling on cruise ships registered in the Cayman Islands. Vessels registered in Cayman must ad- here to local laws, even in inter national waters. “The law allows gambling if they are 12 miles out to sea and on an international voyage,” Mr. Panton said. “They have to be going to an overseas port. That would ex- clude that type of scenario. The aim is solely to facili- tate the shipping registry in marketing its services to cruise lines.” He added that Cayman’s legislation will continue to ban gambling within the Cayman Islands, including on local commercial and recre- ational vessels. The legislation will offi- cially not ban gambling in the form of fundraising raf- fles held by churches or com- munity groups. Raffles formally legalized In practice, these types of raffles have never been enforced under the provi- sions of the local Gambling Law, but they will now be given the official “green light” to operate under the amended legislation. Last-minute amend- ments to the Cayman Islands Gambling Law in October in- clude the legalization of raf- fles – defined as the sale of numbered tickets, one or more of which is drawn as the means of awarding a prize. Illegal forms of lottery games, including “numbers” games, are still against the law in Cayman. The Cayman Islands Cabinet is authorized by the legislation to license raf- fles, including the manner in which the fundraisers must account for proceeds and any license fees. The legislation puts to rest issues raised in a 2010 consultant’s report com- missioned by the Cayman Islands government that re- vealed a number of different kinds of gambling – both the socially acceptable kind and otherwise – taking place in the islands. Liquor licensing changes Sweeping changes pro- posed for Cayman’s Liquor Licensing Law seeking to end what government and business leaders have often described as the “black market” for liquor li- censes will also take effect on Jan. 1. Among the major changes in the Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Law, 2015, are requirements that every business owner who ap- plies for a liquor license must first be the holder of a Trade and Business License. Grandfathered li- cense holders are given up to a five-year grace period before they are required to comply with the legislation. If someone sells liquor without having a valid trade and business license, they can be fined up to $10,000 upon conviction. Trade officers with the Department of Commerce and Investment will be given the same powers as a police constable in investi- gating such instances. The new requirement aims to stop the practice of individuals holding on to li- quor licenses they are not using and then selling them at unregulated prices to the highest bidder. In part, government’s continuing ban on the is- suance of new liquor li- censes, which has typically been lifted only for brief pe- riods by Cabinet, has made the existing liquor licenses more valuable. Rather than continuing a moratorium that is lifted at various times, the new law removes the requirement to lift the moratorium in order to grant new licenses. Foreign investment in Financial assets total $119B The total investments of non-residents in local finan- cial assets was estimated at $119.3 billion by the end of 2014, according to a new re- port from the Economic and Statistics Office. The first-ever International Investment Position Report for the Cayman Islands, re- leased last week, also shows the stock of financial assets held by residents abroad. By the end of 2014, investments in financial assets abroad of residents, primarily financial corporations, totaled approxi- mately $124 billion. The total investments of residents abroad consisted of direct investments totaling $21 billion; portfolio invest- ments of $19.8 billion, finan- cial derivatives at $2 billion; currencies, loans, deposits and other investments at $81 billion; and reserve assets at $99 million. The total investments of non-residents in local finan- cial assets, which are the for- eign liabilities of residents, were in the form of direct investment at $26.7 billion, portfolio investment at $27.4 billion, and currencies, loans, deposits and other invest- ment at $65.2 billion. The Cayman Islands’ net international investment po- sition, which is the differ- ence between what Cayman owns abroad and what Cayman owes to non-resi- dents, stood at $4.7 billion at the end of 2014. The net international in- vestment position was an im- provement on the 2013 posi- tion, by $1.6 billion.DISTRICT DAYS 6 Wednesday december 23, 2015 • Cayman Compass District Days Sister Islands In the Dec. 22, 1965 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Cayman Brac correspondent Lilian Ritch wrote: “Mr. And Mrs. Eric Crutchley were hosts at Barclays Bank’s Christmas Cocktail Party in the lounge and patio of the Buccaneer’s Inn on Thursday, Dec. 16. This was an occasion of mixed feelings, being on the eve of change of staff. Eric and Cindy, as they are affectionately known, are being trans- ferred on Dec. 30 to Tortola in the Virgin Islands; Lyall Fields, who returned on Friday to Barbados, his home, made many friends in the two months that he was here. We are glad to have Tony with us again, and welcomed another visit from area man- ager Mr. Bernard Rothwell. “Guests at the Buccaneer’s Inn this week included Mr. Fred Leavold, Clerk of Works in charge of con- struction of Cable & Wireless (W.I.) Ltd., on his 3rd visit here in connection with the installation of their services; Mr. B.O. Julier, Manager and Engineer of Cayman Islands Government Electricity Undertaking in Grand Cayman, who came on a courtesy visit at the invitation of the District Commissioner to see the Cayman Brac Power & Light Co. Ltd.” 50 years ago: Winds of Change at Buccaneer’s Inn Cayman Brac bids farewell to Captain Arlin Tatum KAThleen Bodden-hArris The Veterans and Seamen’s Centre was filled with mourners on Sunday, Dec. 20, who had come to pay final respects to Captain Arlin Royston Tatum, who died on Dec. 3, 2015. Reverend Audley Scott offici- ated the service and family mem- bers, friends and the Honor Guard offered testimonies. Born on July 23, 1936, Captain Tatum was renowned for his skilled seamanship as a seafarer and commander of crews. Those who knew him observed that, through his benevolent and intel- lectual personality, he commanded, yet never demanded the respect of all who had the privilege to know him and call him a friend. The Veterans and Seaman’s Hall serves as a perpetual memorial to Capt. Tatum’s name, as his drive and force were the foundation of the building. He fully decorated its walls with pictures and memora- bilia of past and present mariners from the Brac, giving the nautical history of Cayman Brac seafarers a forever home thanks to his energy and perseverance. Capt. Tatum was known as a devoted husband to Magdelene Scott-Tatum, whom he affec- tionately called Maggie, and fa- ther to Arlin Royston (Roy), Allen Russell, and Arlette Rachel Fatta. During their 38 years of marriage before Maggie’s death, Arlin took his family to sea with him when- ever possible. His journeys car- ried him around the Caribbean Sea. Otherwise, the family called the Brac home. Sadly Maggie and son Russell both preceded Capt. Tatum in death. Capt. Tatum was also a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, and his CDs were distributed widely throughout the islands. His fame as a musician reached inter- national shores as both locals and visitors enjoyed his strong clear voice and vibrant country songs. Musicians from all the islands, as well as his son Roy, participated in the service playing and singing tunes dedicated to his memory. A keen supporter of youth de- velopment, Capt. Tatum also do- nated his talents to the local Junior Achievement program and the Business and Professional Women’s Association. At the service, Capt. Tatum’s children, his numerous siblings and friends, many from the mu- sical side of his life, as well as government officials, stood up to pay him honor. Premier Alden McLaughlin and Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell were among those recognizing his contribu- tions to the betterment of the Cayman Islands, joined by other officials from government and seafaring associations. Members of the Veterans and Seamen’s Society gave their final salute and tolling of the bell in Capt. Tatum’s honor, and accom- panied him to his final resting in Cayman Brac’s West End Cemetery for the grave-side service. Pall bearers included Roy Tatum, Dave Tatum, Francis Fatta, Steve Bodden, Lloyd Bodden, Renwick Conolly, Kyle Tatum, and Ricky Lee Tatum. Caroling brings Little Cayman together Keeping up a long-standing tradition on Little Cayman, every Christmas Eve locals and visitors gather at dusk at the Little Cayman Baptist Church to sing Christmas carols. “It is an example of small island living at its best,” noted Little Cayman resident Brenda Miller. “Everything from ‘Silent Night’ to ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ is on the agenda and the church is always filled to capacity with joyful and talented voices,” she said, adding that young, old, tourists, locals, professionals and amateurs all join in the singing and foot-tapping fun. “Usually, there is a solo or two, and some- times even an adorable presentation by chil- dren, but always it is a time of good fellow- ship that reminds everyone of their blessings.” Ms. Miller said attending is a holiday tradition not to be missed, with just a touch of the kind of quirkiness that makes small communities like Little Cayman so special. She added, “It’s an opportunity to join in the community spirit and take home one of the quaintly printed programs as a souvenir.” Captain arlin Tatum had a colorful and extensive history at sea. The Little Cayman Baptist Church will be the scene of festive caroling on Christmas eve.7 DISTRICT DAYS Cayman Compass • Wednesday december 23, 2015 District Days Sister Islands Abby Walton and Catrice Connor sing ‘I Wonder as I Wander’ at the Primary juniors concert. – Photos: Ed BEaty The Primary Juniors, led by Marley Esson and Charlotte Tibbets at far left, had lots of fun singing ‘Feliz Navidad.’ The infants’ colourful costumes wowed the audience. The infants get into the spirit of the season. Layman E. Scott High School students bring a festive mood. The high schoolers perform a skit. Brac Christmas cleanup Brac schools celebrate Christmas with music GeorGe Nowak A project to clean up the Brac has been in full swing in re- cent weeks. Here, workers are shown busy in the Creek area of the island. The Brac Christmas cleanup project covers repairs, maintenance and gardening, along with beaches and road- side cleanups. The Sister Islands project is under the supervi- sion of District Administration, helping local unemployed people earn some cash ahead of the Christmas holidays. The spirit of Christmas was in def- initely in abundance on Thursday, Dec. 17, with Cayman Brac’s high school and primary schools’ Christmas con- certs delivering a joyful bounty of holiday cheer. The day kicked off with a Christmas service at Layman E. Scott High School at 1 p.m. Along with singalongs of fa- vorites like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” the program included skits, scrip- ture readings and steel pan performers. That evening, it was standing room only with a packed house at the Aston Rutty Centre for the primary schools’ Christmas concert, produced by Cheryl Kain. The infants took the stage first, performing “Living Ornaments.” The youngsters delighted the crowd with their elaborate and colorful costumes, and enthusiastic renditions of favor- ites like “Deck the Halls” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” The primary juniors were next, performing “The Joy of Christmas” cantata. The choirs and soloists, in- cluding Denoy Loten, Lissandro Martin and Josani Burke, impressed with their singing skills. The audi- ence participated in singalongs of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and other tunes, including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Wednesday december 23, 2015 • Cayman Compass 180828-Ad-HolidayHrs-GCM-QP-ColoPage 1 12/16/15 5:17:05 PM Thankfully, everyone was evacu- ated and no one was hurt.” In the years since the storm, the executive committee has continued to meet. Unlike some complexes, the owners were able to get an initial insurance payout for the buildings. But it was not until the strata laws requiring 100 per- cent agreement of owners were relaxed that a land sale could be seriously contemplated. “It is almost impossible to get 100 percent agreement for anything,” said Mr. Keim. “Some people wanted to redevelop, some owners were non-responsive.” Even getting agreement from 75 percent of the owners was not an easy task. It took two years, from the change in the law in 2012, to locate all the owners and get approval to move forward. The property was listed for sale in early 2015 and a deal, which guarantees the owners $35,000 each, was finalized Friday. “It has been a long, long pro- cess and we are relieved that it has been resolved,” said Mr. Keim, who managed the sale on behalf of the strata’s ex- ecutive committee. announcement comes de- spite the inability of gov- ernment and the developer to come to an agreement over the road at this stage. The agreement signed Thursday involves a package of tax concessions worth around $22 million. If Ironwood and govern- ment can agree on terms for a funding model for the road and get approval from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office within the next 12 months, those concessions will go into a ring-fenced fund to help pay for the highway extension. If not, they come back to Ironwood in the form of a tax rebate. Mr. Tibbetts said Ironwood had committed to a goal of hiring at least 60 percent locals as part of the agreement. “I don’t think for a mo- ment that we will have any difficulty because, in all of our discussions, we have continually gotten the commitment of utilizing Caymanian labor wherever possible. But you formalize it to make sure that they don’t wake up one morning and forget,” he said. Premier Alden McLaughlin said the Ironwood project and the Beach Bay hotel in Bodden Town would create new job opportunities. “In keeping with this government’s firm com- mitment to the creation of employment opportunities for Caymanians, the agree- ment requires Ironwood, its contractors and sub-con- tractors to work with the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre and the National Workforce Development Agency, and to endeavor to meet certain substantial hiring targets of Caymanians that we set in Cabinet,” he added. “Ironwood will also be required to provide regular reports on its recruitment of Caymanians during the course of the development. In short, this government sees this deal as a win- win for the country and the people of these islands.” Ironwood commits to hiring locals A decade after Ivan, property deal finalized CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 An artist’s rendering of the planned Ironwood town centerThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Cayman Compass • Wednesday december 23, 2015 In loving memory of Ena Essie Cholette (nee Ebanks) Sunrise Dec-23,1934 Sunset Sept-11-2015 Happy 1st Birthday with Jesus We still hear you voice and see your face The best mom in the human race You loved us through all the highs and lows How much we miss you no-one but you and we know. Our mom, such a special lady now resting in a place so shady Today we remember some special times REMEMBERING the birthday of a lady who was so fine All our love: Merrell, Bridgette, Rickie, Maribeth, Lisa, Floyd, Sherry and Randy. All your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. February that the miscon- duct allegations against Ms. Evans were administrative in nature, meaning no criminal wrongdoing had been alleged against her. Since then, no progress in the administrative investiga- tion has been revealed. According to government personnel regulations, Ms. Evans’s case and any poten- tial punitive measures will be decided by civil service man- agers. Those rules state the suspended chief immigration officer must be given the op- portunity to formally respond to the allegations against her. The Cayman Compass has confirmed from multiple gov- ernment sources that the sus- pension is in connection with an investigation into an award of Caymanian status and other administrative matters. Ms. Evans has been sus- pended under provisions of the government’s Personnel Regulations, which state: “The appointing officer (with the approval of the Head of the Civil Service if the pe- riod of leave is to be more than 30 days) may require an employee to go on re- quired leave where the ap- pointing officer deems it to be in the public interest for the employee to do so, and that leave shall be leave on full pay for such period as the appointing officer deems necessary.” According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the required leave provision was invoked “to allow the allegations to be investigated quickly and thoroughly.” Deputy Governor Franz Manderson has agreed to ex- tend Ms. Evans’s leave pe- riod until the internal probe is completed. Chief immigration officer’s fate unresolved Men plead guilty after weight of ganja reduced 813 pounds of ganja reweighed at 695.11 pounds when dried Carol Winker cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Three men accused of importing ganja pleaded guilty on Monday after their charge was amended with a lesser weight. Jade Fitzgerald Brown, Peter Yone Perrin and Garth Anthony Stewart first appeared in Summary Court on Nov. 2, charged with impor- tation of approximately 813 pounds of the il- legal vegetable matter within Cayman waters on Sunday, Oct. 25. A press release is- sued after the incident said that officers had found about 35 packets of ganja in the water after the suspects tossed them overboard during police pursuit. On Nov. 24, Brown pleaded guilty to 200 pounds. Perrin and Stewart pleaded not guilty. On Dec. 15, the Crown advised the court that the ganja had been weighed again. The dry weight was 695.11 pounds. On Dec. 21, Magistrate Valdis Foldats put the charge to the men again and this time all three pleaded “guilty with explanation.” It was expected that the explanation would be de- tailed in mitigation by de- fense attorney John Furniss and in social inquiry re- ports the magistrate or- dered. Sentencing was set for Monday, Feb. 29. Brown, 43, Perrin, 32, and Stewart, 42, are all from White House in Westmoreland, Jamaica. They are further charged with landing without permission of an immigration officer at the Rum Point dock on Sunday, Oct. 25. Woman found guilty in immigration scam Carol Winker cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Marcia Angella Hamilton, 46, was found guilty on Tuesday of six counts of ob- taining property by decep- tion. The property was cash. The deception was a false representation to the payer that permanent residence would be granted. Hamilton had pleaded not guilty to eight counts and she elected trial by judge alone. Justice Charles Quin heard evidence over 13 days in October and November. In presenting his judg- ment on Tuesday, he re- ferred to two other women and said he found that the three had acted together in a joint enterprise. When the matter first came to court in 2012, Hamilton stood in the dock with Judith Francia Douglas. A third woman, Kathleen Rosetta Davis, was listed as a defen- dant but she did not attend. When the case moved to Grand Court, the Crown counsel advised that Davis, 70, “chose to no longer re- main in the Cayman Islands.” Douglas pleaded guilty to nine charges earlier this year. She had been on bail pending the outcome of Hamilton’s trial. After Justice Quin’s deci- sion, both women were al- lowed to have their bail con- tinued until Feb. 25. The adjournment is to give time for the preparation of social inquiry reports before sen- tences are passed. In the trial, various wit- nesses were called by Crown counsel Toyin Salako, who conducted the case for the prosecution. They said they had been told that permanent residence was being made available to longtime resi- dents, but there was a fee of $2,500 “because the Cayman Islands government had a big deficit and needed to collect funds.” The offenses occurred be- tween September 2009 and April 2010. Hamilton gave evidence, saying that when she col- lected money or delivered receipts she was just doing favors. She said she was deceived and innocently dragged into the scam – that if she had known, she would never have applied herself for permanent residence for a close relative. However, Justice Quin pointed out that Hamilton had asked for her money back in September/October 2009, yet she continued to take money from other people into April 2010. He analyzed each charge and explained the evi- dence that convinced him of Hamilton’s guilt. In one in- stance, for example, she was the only person the victim dealt with. Exhibits in the case in- cluded lists found in Hamilton’s possession. They included names of people and numbers. Some of the names had Douglas’s name after them and some had Hamilton’s name after them. One list of 29 names rep- resented approximately $70,000, the judge noted. He also pointed out that, in a joint enterprise, each person may play a dif- ferent part, but if they are acting in agreement they are each guilty. For two charges, involving payment of $2,500 and $7,650 [this amount for three “ap- plications”], Justice Quin found insufficient evidence and handed down verdicts of not guilty. Justice Quin pointed out that Hamilton had asked for her money back in September/ October 2009, yet she continued to take money from other people into April 2010. “I can only confirm that Ms. Evans remains on required leave and the administrative process is progressing.” Wesley HoWell, acting chief officer, Ministry of Home Affairs Ms. Evans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Bill and Hillary Clinton to become grandparents, again WASHINGTON (AP) – There may be one more Clinton on the campaign trail next fall. Chelsea Clinton, the only child of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, an- nounced Monday that she is expecting her second child next summer. “Charlotte is going to be a big sister! Feeling very blessed & grateful this hol- iday season,” Chelsea Clinton wrote on Twitter. Chelsea Clinton, 35, and her father have largely stayed off the campaign trail since Hillary Clinton launched her Democratic bid for the presi- dency in April. Both have said they plan to intensify their public po- litical roles after the New Year’s in an effort to boost Clinton’s campaign just six weeks before the first round of primary voting. The soon-to-be second- time grandparents tweeted out their congratu- lations Monday. “Your dad and I could not be happier for you, Marc, and Charlotte. We’re so excited to meet our second grandchild!” wrote Hillary Clinton. Bill Clinton added: “Christmas comes early! @HillaryClinton and I are thrilled for Chelsea, Marc and Charlotte’s growing family in 2016!” In a September interview on NBC’s “Today,” Chelsea Clinton said her mom was al- ways game for singing “The Wheels on the Bus” to grand- daughter Charlotte and was helping her learn to walk. The younger Clinton is author of the book “It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!” – an illustrated guide for young people looking to be- come involved in political and social causes. Chelsea Clinton is married to hedge fund manager Marc Mezvinsky, the son of former U.S. congressman Edward Mezvinsky and former U.S. congresswoman Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky. Chelsea Clinton announced Monday she is expecting a second child in the summer of 2016. - PHOTO: APNext >