ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – Monday January 11, 2016 High of 84 Low of 74 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. ABCDE NATIONAL WEEKLY Worst Week Ted Cruz 3 Politics Obama’s N. Korea problem 4 Cuisine America’s best food cities 16 5 Myths About habits 23 one year, two races Inside the Republicans’ bizarre, tumultuous 2015 — Before Trump and After Trump PAGE 10 THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016. IN COLLABORATIO N WITH THE WASHINGTON POST One year, two races Editorial | pagE 4 Liquor board: Shaken, Stirred, freShened up SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA Bush raises questions over vehicle licensing center brent fuLLer bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush expressed concern re- garding a new vehicle licensing facility set to open soon in Breakers via a letter sent to Governor Helen Kilpatrick last week. The letter, sent on Jan. 7, noted: “I am concerned about the process, or lack thereof, in regards to the new vehicle fa- cility in Breakers.” It is planned that the government Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing will offer the same services at the new Breakers building as at its other two loca- tions – vehicle inspection, registration and licensing – when it opens later this month. The licensing facility is expected to cater particularly to heavy equipment operators. The $1.4 million facility was built by Tony Powell, who owns the South Coast Bar and Grill restaurant across the street from the licensing building. Mr. Powell said he is renting the inspection and licensing facility to the government. In an interview with the Cayman Compass in December, Mr. Powell said he was approached by an official from CarePay Trial HSA StAfferS delivered cHeckS for $1.5M to WAtSon’S ASSiStAnt ‘Cash for Canover’ withdrawal reviewed brent fuLLer bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Three checks totaling more than CI$1.5 million were delivered to the offices of former local financial services company Admiral Administration by Health Services Authority staff members between August 2011 and May 2012, jurors in the criminal trial of busi- nessman Canover Watson heard Friday. The checks, made out to a local company, AIS (Advanced Integrated Systems) Cayman Ltd. were related to various payments made for the implementation of the public hospital’s CarePay patient swipe-card contract. Watson, who was chairman of the HSA board of direc- tors at the time, was also the global managing director of Admiral Administration at the time the checks were delivered there by HSA staff. According to court testimony, the three checks were signed for by Watson’s former per- sonal assistant at Admiral, Miriam Rodriguez, who is also charged and on trial in connection with the case. Both Watson and Rodriguez have pleaded not guilty to corruption-related charges against them that allege Watson di- rected the award of the AIS-CarePay contract from his position as HSA board chairman so that he and business associate Jeffrey Webb could ultimately skim profits from the deal. Webb, who is also charged in the case, is not facing trial in Cayman at this time. A statement Rodriguez made to police in 2014 indicated that she was instructed by Webb, not Watson, to sign for the checks and pass them on, either to Webb himself or to a woman who Rodriguez said she assumed worked at AIS Cayman. Rodriguez’s statement – which was read at trial along with the tran- script of her police interview – indicated she did this as a favor to Webb, whom she had known for years, and that Watson had gener- ally instructed her to assist Webb with busi- ness matters that arose from time to time. Written answers to police questions pro- vided by Watson, which were also read at trial Friday, gave a similar account. Prosecutors have alleged that Webb and Watson controlled AIS Cayman Ltd. – which received around US$3 million from the CarePay swipe-card contract – through the use of what the Crown called “sham” company directors. Food and wine take center stage in Cayman beginning this week aLan Markoff amarkoff@pinnaclemedia.ltd. Hit the pause button on those New Year’s resolution diets because Grand Cayman is about to become a 10-day culi- nary heaven starting Thursday night with the opening of the Cayman Cookout, followed the next weekend by Taste of Cayman on Saturday, Jan. 23. The Cayman Cookout, now in its 8th year, attracts some of the biggest names in the culinary world, including annual guests chefs Eric Ripert, Anthony Bourdain and Jose Andres, as well as a slate of visiting chefs from across the globe. In addition, winemakers from such producers as Krug Champagne in France, Silverado Vineyards in Napa Valley and several others will lead a se- ries of educational tastings. The Cookout gets started with the Wine Fair and Auction event on Thursday night that raises money for both The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Culinary Arts Scholarship fund and, this year, the Cayman Heart Fund. Friday and Saturday offer a full slate of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and talks, including the Barefoot BBQ at Royal Palms Beach on Friday night. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » The new government registration and inspection office in Breakers is expected to be located in this building, shown here duing construction in late October, which will also be the home to a privately owned auto repair and parts business.2 REGIONAL NEWS Monday January 11, 2016 • Cayman Compass SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. © y x *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - MONDAY - THE HATEFUL EIGHT (R) 1:00 I 4:30 I 8:00 POINT BREAK 3D (PG13) 1:20 2D I 4:30 I 7:20 2D I 10:05 DADDY’S HOME (PG13) 12:30 I 3:00 I 6:30 I 9:40 JOY (PG13) 1:10 I 4:00 I 7:00 I 9:55 STAR WARS VII 3D (PG13) 12:40 2D I 3:40 I 6:45 2D I 9:50 ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS ROAD CHIP (PG) 1:15 I 3:40 I 7:10 I 9:30 Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 640-FILM (640-3456) Jamaica homicides jump 20 percent to highest level in five years KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) – Violent rivalries among Jamaica’s lottery scam rings have helped drive the Caribbean island’s homicide rate to the highest level in five years, according to police. The Jamaica Constabulary Force said the country had at least 1,192 slayings in 2015, a roughly 20 percent increase from the previous year. There were 1,005 killings in 2014, the lowest annual total since 2003 in this country that has long struggled with violent crime. Jamaica had about 45 slayings per 100,000 people in 2015, keeping it ranked among the most violent countries in the world. In recent years, the U.N. listed the island as having the world’s sixth worst homi- cide rate. The World Bank ranked Jamaica in the top five in 2013. By comparison, Chicago, which has roughly the same population as Jamaica at 2.7 million, had 468 kill- ings in 2015. Last year’s total is a long way from National Security Minister Peter Bunting’s goal of reducing the annual homi- cide numbers to 320 killings by 2017. He first stated this goal shortly after starting as national security minister in early 2012. Bunting, who had called the reduction in 2014 a break- through in the fight against crime, said officials “will not be deterred or daunted by this setback.” Authorities attribute the rise in killings to clashes among lottery scam rings fighting over money and “lead lists” containing iden- tity information about tar- gets living abroad, mostly in the United States. Fighting between gangs has long been blamed for the majority of Jamaica’s homicides. Herbert Gayle, an anthro- pologist of social violence at Jamaica’s University of the West Indies, said Wednesday that authorities have not ad- dressed the root cause of vi- olence in Jamaica so it was only a matter of time before killings ticked upward. While killings increased last year, other crimes such as rape, aggravated as- sault, robberies and lar- cenies decreased. In Haiti, only 1 presidential candidate campaigning PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – Campaigning for Haiti’s presidential runoff election kicked off Friday, though it appears there is only one candidate who will actively participate. Government-backed con- tender Jovenel Moise, a little- known agricultural entrepre- neur who led a crowded field of 54 candidates with nearly 33 percent of the vote in the Oct. 25 first round, attracted roughly 1,500 people to his first rally Friday evening. Big speakers pumped out bass-heavy songs featuring his campaign moniker, “Neg Bannann” – Banana Man in Haitian Creole – and a group of women wore yellow ba- nana costumes. But the campaign team of the second-place fin- isher, Jude Celestin, was quiet a day after saying he would take part in the Jan. 24 runoff only if sweeping changes recently recom- mended by a special commis- sion were adopted first to im- prove Haiti’s much-criticized electoral machinery. Celestin, a former state construction chief, told The Miami Herald on Thursday that outgoing President Michel Martelly “will have to do an election with just one candidate.” His phone consis- tently goes unanswered and his campaign leaders did not respond to calls Friday. While the Provisional Electoral Council has pledged to improve transparency for the final round, special com- mission spokesman Rosny Desroches has said he has seen very little progress to improve the process and ease tensions since the panel’s recommendations were re- leased last weekend. Unless Celestin officially withdraws from the race his name will appear on the runoff ballot whether he chooses to campaign or not, Provisional Electoral Council spokesman Roudy Stanley Penn said Friday. “Until he sends us a letter saying he is withdrawing he will be on the ballots for the final round and people can choose to vote for him,” Penn said. The U.N., the U.S. govern- ment and other foreign gov- ernments that monitor Haiti strongly support holding the final round of elections this month so a transfer of power to a new president can take place by a Feb. 7 constitutional deadline. The Organization of American States said Thursday that the scheduling of the runoff for Jan. 24 was a “step in the right direction.” A mood of confusion was palpable in the capital of Port-au-Prince as cam- paigning opened for the once- postponed presidential and legislative runoffs. That only one presiden- tial candidate was cam- paigning left many per- plexed and some expressed doubt the elections could reasonably take place under such circumstances. “I’ve never heard about this happening in any normal country: Only one candidate in a presidential election. How can that be possible?” asked food vendor Karine Fenelon, who said she was so turned off by Haiti’s version of democracy that she’s ab- stained from voting for years. Unemployed accountant Pierre Richard Juste said he believed the opposition was playing “political games” to better their chances of gaining power. He believes authorities will ensure the runoff takes place even if some quarters of society re- fuse to accept the results. “We’ve come this far with these elections. There should now be a conclusion,” said Juste, who has been raising four children with part- time work since he lost a tax office job in 2005. He intends to vote. Elections are never easy in Haiti, which only had its first genuinely free vote in 1990. What’s happening now has echoes of previous elec- toral turmoil. In 2010, there were op- position-stoked allegations that outgoing President Rene Preval rigged the vote to elect his preferred successor, Celestin. That perception fu- eled violent clashes between Martelly’s supporters and U.N. peacekeepers. Celestin was eventu- ally eliminated from the two-candidate runoff under pressure from the U.S., the Organization of American States and opposition pro- tests. Martelly won and took office in May 2011. In the 2000 electoral cycle, most voting stations were staffed exclusively by partisans loyal to former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Boycotting oppo- sition politicians accused Preval and Aristide of im- plementing a plan to impose a dictatorship. This time around, Celestin rejected the first-round results as a “ridiculous farce” and his Group of Eight opposition al- liance is calling for a transi- tional government to orga- nize a “fair” election. Martelly claims the opposition has spread unsubstantiated accu- sations about “massive fraud” to improve their position. Dominican economy establishes itself as region’s strongest SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – The economy of the Dominican Republic grew 7 percent last year and established itself as the most robust in the Latin American and Caribbean region, offi- cials said Wednesday. Central Bank Governor Hector Valdez credited in part the drop in inter- national oil prices and the strengthening of the U.S. economy for the eco- nomic growth, which he said helped generate more tourism and remittances for the Dominican Republic. The GDP grew 7 per- cent for the second consec- utive year, according to cen- tral bank figures, with help from strong performances in construction, tourism and banking, he said. “The results have been extremely satisfying. I would say better than expected,” Valdez said, adding that the growth comes as other countries in the region struggle with sluggish economies. The Dominican Republic’s foreign exchange earnings from tourism, re- mittances, foreign invest- ment and exports of goods and services exceeded $23 billion, or 35 percent of the total GDP, Valdez said. Inflation remained at 2.3 percent, below the 4 per- cent target set by the govern- ment. However, Valdez noted that despite the positive eco- nomic performance, a large part of the population still does not earn enough to buy basic food staples. Presidential candidate Jovenel Moise, center, from the PHTK party, greets supporters while campaigning in Petion-Ville, Haiti, Friday. Campaigning for Haiti’s presidential runoff has kicked off, but it appears there’s only one candidate actively participating. - Photo: aP3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JANUARY 11, 2016 180603-Ad-Butterfield-Visa-Gold-1 111/17/15 6:21:34 PM Suspicious fires gut apartment, SUV BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Late-night Saturday fires that gutted a George Town apartment and damaged an SUV parked just outside the building appeared sus- picious, but police and fire crews could not immedi- ately confirm the causes of either blaze. The Royal Cayman Islands Police said a fire at 53 Seymour Road was re- ported after 9 p.m. Saturday. “We’ve certainly got both of these fires under inves- tigation,” said RCIPS Chief Inspector Brad Ebanks. Both a Chevrolet SUV and a downstairs apartment at the two-story complex were heavily damaged by the fires. Cayman Islands Fire Service crews were inspecting two upstairs units where the outside of the structure ap- peared to have been scorched by flames to see if any damage had occurred there. Police reports indicated that the vehicle fire was re- ported initially and re- sponders subsequently dis- covered that the downstairs apartment was on fire. Both fires were extinguished with no injuries reported. Complex owner Eduardo Bodden said the man who lives in the downstairs apart- ment is the Honduran care- taker of the apartments, but said he had not heard from the man in “a few weeks.” Mr. Bodden said he believed the SUV outside the home also belonged to the absent caretaker. A total of three people lived upstairs in two sepa- rate units, Mr. Bodden said. He was unsure as of press time Sunday as to whether it would be safe for them to re- main at this stage. Mr. Bodden said he was not sure of how either fire started. The fires that burned out the SUV and the apartment behind it appeared to have been started separately, police said Sunday. – PHOTO: BRENT FULLER The Ministry of Education and the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands have both announced there are ter- tiary scholarships available. A public meeting for those who wish to learn more about the scholarships an- nounced by the ministry’s Scholarship Secretariat will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the town hall in George Town from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Representatives from Flagler College, located in St. Augustine, Florida, will also be on hand to answer ques- tions about tertiary studies at its coeducational, residen- tial institution. Interested students can also register to meet pri- vately with the Flagler College representatives be- tween 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13. To register please email Judi Marino at jmarino@flagler. edu as space is limited. The deadline for these scholarship applications is Jan. 31. Applications can be submitted online to www.ed- ucation.gov.ky/scholarships. Maritime scholarship opportunity The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands is also offering one scholarship for a student interested in a career that could involve various disciplines, including naval architecture, marine engi- neering, marine survey, mari- time administration and nau- tical studies. The scholarship is open to someone, ideally 18 years of age and older, who has been resident of the Cayman Islands for at least five years and who already has been accepted at “a competitively ranked institution.” Deadline for the submis- sion of applications is Jan. 31. Additional information on the scholarship can be downloaded at www.cishipping.com. Scholarships available PANAMA, HAITI COMPLETE COPA AMERICA FIELD Panama and Haiti have earned the final two spots in the Copa America Centenario field. Panama beat Cuba 4-0, and Haiti topped Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 on Friday night in Panama City to qualify for the June 3-26 tournament in the United States. Panama and Haiti will represent the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football along with the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. The event also includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela from the South American Football Confederation.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. Monday January 11, 2016 • Cayman COmpass Liquor board: Shaken, stirred, freshened up It’s the end of an era at Grand Cayman’s Liquor Licensing Board. We’ll raise a proverbial glass to the tenure of Mitchell Welds – who served on the board for more than 30 years, including more than a dozen as chairman – and take a sip to the future of the industry under a new regime. At the Compass, we are far more concerned with public policy than we are with particular personalities. However, let us take a moment to discuss the record accumulated by the board under Mr. Welds’s aegis, and then we’ll talk about expectations for the newly recon- stituted regulatory body. There are few equivalent examples in the Cayman Islands where someone managed to stamp their indi- vidual imprimatur on an entity anywhere in the public sector – whether it be the Legislative Assembly, a ministry, department, authority or other board – as Mr. Welds did on the liquor board. The former chairman, in a word, “was” liquor licensing in Grand Cayman. The results were mixed. On the plus side, Mr. Welds – who had a long career with Her Majesty’s Customs – conducted the regular meetings of the liquor board in perhaps the most open and transparent manner of any group in government. The board convened in public, as required by law, and members of the media were welcome to attend. Further, Mr. Welds himself has consistently been willing to field reporters’ inquiries, answer questions on the record and provide explanations as to the activities of the board and interpretations of the law. We hope that the new liquor board, now led by Campbell Law, will perpetuate Mr. Welds’s legacy of maintaining open lines of communication with the press, and by extension the public. (Toward that end, we were not encouraged by Mr. Law’s initial interaction with the Compass, when he referred our reporter’s request for comment about his appointment to the Ministry of Commerce.) On the other hand, serious questions have been raised about conflicts of interest existing on the liquor board – particularly among Mr. Welds, his niece Tammy Welds and restaurateur Neil Bryington, who held liquor licenses themselves or else were related to people who did. There have also been concerns about Mr. Welds’s use of his discretionary powers as chairman, and more generally about the decisions of the board as a whole. This newspaper has well-documented those issues, the natures of which are not confined to this board specifically, but which are actual or potential concerns for most, if not all, of Cayman’s appointed boards. The problems with the regulation of the alcoholic beverage industry in Cayman (mainly bars, restaurants and retail stores) are far more attributable to the regu- latory structure than to any particular members of the regulatory body. For example, we remain unconvinced that an appointed citizen board is ideal, or even neces- sary, for the approval or denial of applications to sell a specific class of products. Nevertheless, the Progressives government’s solution to liquor licensing problems was, in part, to double the size of the liquor board from five to 10 members – seven from the general public, and three from the civil service. Already, critical observations are being made about the revised makeup of the liquor board, and how many of the new members have overt connections to the Progressives party. (For example, the board’s new deputy chairman Woody DaCosta was a Progressives candidate for the district of West Bay in 2009 and 2013.) Here’s our take: The entertainment industry is too vital a part of Cayman’s economy to become a playing field for political football. From CaymanCompaSS.Com “Longtime liquor licensing chairman replaced in board shake-up,” Jan. 8 This was long overdue. There is no reason why someone should serve on a public board for that long. It was never intended to be a “for life” position and such lengthy tenures can only serve to give the impression of corruption. Robert smith Mr. Panton would not comment, but I think that this issue is very political. Look at all of the new ap- pointees; are they all poten- tial 2017 election candidates? The term limits of four years for Liquor Licensing Board appointees I disagree with, but I could agree with term limits for politicians. Conflict of interest should also be applied to politi- cians also. Ron Clair Ebanks “Penalty flag: Putting a price on patriotism,” Jan. 7 So what about business outside this country that fly the flag; is the govern- ment actively stopping them? American Airlines, Carnival Cruise Lines and others use the flag. This is lunacy! A country is not a company. Unless the country files for copyright pro- tection in every jurisdiction in the world, it has given up its rights for compensation. If our MLAs don’t un- derstand the basics, then what are they going to do when something compli- cated comes along … Oh yeah, nothing! J Bodden “Solution coming to airport parking headaches,” Jan. 7 There is a much simpler solution to all this – do away with machines completely then put in kiosks at the entry/exit barriers and use the car parking attendants to issue the tickets and collect the money. These people are already employed by the airport so why not use them? Right now all you have is human assets backing up faulty equipment and I don’t see that changing in a hurry – I give the new kit a couple of months before it starts causing trouble. David Williams Why has it taken so long to bring in new equipment? I used the short-term car- park yesterday which still has only one ticket ma- chine at entry (the other has been inoperative for five years at least). The one ma- chine that’s supposed to be working did not dispense a ticket, possibly because no- body replaced the ticket supply, so I could not enter! Moreover I noticed that the staff carpark next door does have brand new equip- ment at the entrance to pro- cess entry. Why are staff given priority when they get free parking? Roger Davies “Petition asks Turtle Farm to stop breeding turtles for meat,” Jan. 7 I’m a Caymanian and I can honestly say I wouldn’t touch that meat if you paid me. The suffering those poor animals have to endure cannot be justified (both for our consumption and for entertainment). Also, the Turtle Farm is overcrowded and unsani- tary. How someone could eat meat from an animal that is forced to live in and ingest its own excrement, I will never know. Disgusting. I will definitely sign this petition. s.L. arch Nowadays even for- eigners living here are en- joying the taste of the turtle meat. And on any weekend, make sure you are at your favorite restaurant between 11 o’clock to 12, because by 1 o’clock you are out of luck. Caymanians do not mind having to pay $10 for a small and $12 or $14 for a large plate of turtle meat. We enjoy this beyond mea- sure, with some good corn bread, a little white rice, a slice of breadfruit, piece a cassava, and a few slices of fried plantain. That is our National Dish. In the beginning, at the dis- covery of these Cayman Islands, it was turtle that was found, and I am sure eaten, by Christopher Columbus and his crew. It is our tradition, and a part of our heritage. What is the reason for people who are not even Caymanians trying to take away our National Dish? Even if you do not eat it remember those who on weekends can’t wait to enjoy it. Twyla Vargas I guess if there was a pe- tition demanding that sale of beef and chickens should be banned, there would be plenty of people who would sign it. And for better reason, if one knows anything about the appalling condition of factory farms. Think the turtle farm is crowded? Try factory farmed chickens. Each chicken being given the space equivalent of a letter sized piece of paper. Personally I have only oc- casionally eaten turtle meat as I find it a little chewy. But is the Turtle Farm cru- eler than other farms? No. norman Linton “The People Time Forgot: Slocum always offered helping hand,” Jan. 7 Slocum is still missed by longtime visitors. They are still asking about him. He would sit at the bar, have Miss Nell’s conch chowder and he loved his coffee. He was a feature at the restau- rant and people loved to talk to him. He knew a good thing when he saw one. One time he paid a com- pliment to a lady and he said, “You pretty lady,” with a big smile on his face. The lady was very appreciative of the compliment. We sure miss his presence at the res- taurant. RIP, Slocum. The Lighthouse Club. Giuseppe Gatta “Caymanian hired to manage operations at Cayman’s YMCA,” Jan. 8 Wonderful … Wishing her all the best in her career and life aspirations. I am sure she will positively influence plenty of young minds. michael Davis 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 find their own way”5 LOCAL NEWS Cayman Compass • Monday January 11, 2016 A little help for 2016 The Pines Retirement Home. John Cameron, General Manager, British Caymanian Insurance, recently presented a seasonal contribution to The Pines Retirement Home. Mrs. Lynda Mitchell, Manager of The Pines, received a donation of $2000 with best wishes from the management and staff at BritCay. The Pines is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the well being of some of our more vulnerable elderly citizens. A seasonal thought for their well being and comfort for the new year is a timely reminder for all of us that a little help can go a long way. Happy New Year! Photo. John Cameron, General Manager, British Caymanian Insurance, and Mrs. Lynda C. Mitchell BSc, MBA Manager of The Pines Retirement Home. BritCay BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE CO. LTD. BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town, KY1-1102 Tel. 949-8699 12 Kirkconnell Street, Stake Bay, Cayman Brac KY2-2101 Tel. 948-1760 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International: insurance, health, pensions, life Miss Universe Pageant a chance to learn for Tonie Chisholm Jewel levy jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The reigning Miss Cayman may not have brought back a crown from the Miss Universe Pageant, but she did bring back a lifetime of mem- ories and experiences she will forever cherish. Tonie Chisholm said that she also learned a lot about herself while participating in the pageant. “I’ve gotten to know my- self so much better,” Ms. Chisholm said. “I understand my strengths, my weaknesses and who I really am and what I really want out of life. It’s given me a chance to grow be- yond my preconceived emo- tional and physical limita- tions and accept myself.” The 26-year-old North Side beauty was crowned Miss Cayman at the Lions Centre on Jan. 3, 2015. She departed Grand Cayman on Friday, Nov. 27 to compete in the Miss Universe competi- tion which took place on Dec. 20 at the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino. Ms. Chisholm said the ex- perience was very unique. “You are basically in a bubble for three weeks, with 80 other women whose main priority is to be noticed,” Ms. Chisholm said. “Some of these women have rock star status in their country with the world on their shoul- ders; others are there for just the experience.” Ms. Chisholm said that she was told “horror stories” about what to expect from the other contestants, but her experience interacting with her fellow pageant competi- tors was “very pleasant.” “I found it easy to make friends,” she said. She also enjoyed having the opportunity to meet the talented entertainers that performed during the show. “I was pleased I got the opportunity to meet all the talent from the night of the show,” Ms. Chisholm said. “Steve Harvey was at a few rehearsals with us, and he was a good laugh.” Although she did not bring home a crown, Ms. Chisholm is happy with her overall performance at the pageant. “I used my training and I was able to apply it effec- tively and, at the end of the day, be myself,” she said. Ms. Chisholm’s National Costume – dubbed “Fire Coral Queen of the Caribbean” – was designed by international designer Rocky Gathercole. It was not selected by the judges as one of the top ten cos- tumes in the pageant, but Ms. Chisholm was pleased that the costume was featured as a “fan favorite” on the Miss Universe website. Along with the rest of the world, Ms. Chisholm was shocked when show host Steve Harvey acciden- tally announced that Miss Colombia had won, when ac- tually, the winner was Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Philippines. Ms. Chisholm said the crowning mix-up was “an awkward experience.” “You are on stage, there is a massive audience in front you, you’re on live television and you haven’t been prepared for the possibility of this kind of mistake because everything is supposed to run like clock- work,” Ms. Chisholm said. “I was not watching the monitor, but I was cheering like crazy for Colombia and some of the girls were asking, ‘Did you see that?’ And I could only think, ‘What are you talking about? You’re being really rude. Be quiet.’ Then Steve came out and said what he said.” Ms. Chisholm said she felt sympathy for both of the con- testants. “But at the end of the day it was a mistake and it had to be corrected. [Miss] Colombia was very gracious at the time and Pia didn’t re- ally know what to do.” Ms. Chisholm said she was saddened by the bullying and threats that were made toward some of the women because of their reaction on stage during the crowning. “What people rarely re- alize is that we become each other’s support through the whole process and at any time you put 81 people in a high stress situation, someone is not going to get along,” Ms. Chisholm said. “But we were all respectful, and, at the end of the day, supportive of each other.” With the competition now behind her, Ms. Chisholm said she’s looking forward to taking advantage of opportu- nities in the months ahead to return to her roots and work in the film industry, both lo- cally and internationally. “It’s an exciting and ter- rifying idea that my life and agenda are back in my hands entirely,” Ms. Chisholm said. “I can’t wait to make the most of what being Miss Cayman Islands over the past year has offered me.” Miss Cayman Tonie Chisholm, shown here when winning that crown, recently participated in the Miss Universe Pageant. – Photo: taneos RamsayMonday January 11, 2016 • Cayman Compass 6 DISTRICT DAYS District Days George Town Small bird sanctuary has a big impact Tucked away off Shamrock Road just east of George Town, a small bird sanctuary provides a toehold of serenity for local and visiting birds. The Governor Michael Gore Bird Sanctuary, known locally as Governor’s Pond, at just 2.25 acres is not large in size, but does have a sig- nificant impact in its role as nesting grounds and home to a variety of bird species in- cluding moorhens, herons and egrets, grebes, ducks, rails, plovers, sandpipers, terns, pi- geons and doves, kingfishers, woodpeckers, kingbirds and flycatchers, vireos, warblers and grassquits. The reserve, a National Trust property, is named in honor of Cayman’s governor from 1992 to 1995, who had a demonstrated commitment to conservation. In an information sheet on the site, the Trust notes Governor Gore, who was an enthusiastic and expert wild- life photographer, was the Trust’s first patron, and estab- lished the Governor’s Fund for Nature, which had by the end of his tenure raised more than US$250,000, complementing the Trust’s own Land Reserve Fund dedicated to preserving the unique habitats of local plants and animals. Members of the Cayman Islands Bird Club initially brought to light the astonishing variety of bird life that visited the small pond, with over 60 species – representing a quarter of all the bird species native to the Cayman Islands – observed there at one time or another. “The Pond’s popularity with the birds is seasonal, with greatest activity during the dry season when this may be the only substan- tial body of fresh water for some distance,” the infor- mation sheet notes, high- lighting the impact of sur- rounding land development on Cayman’s birds. “The area around the Sanctuary was a seasonally flooded grassland maintained for grazing, with fresh water ponds scattered throughout. Residential development led to the filling of many of the wet and flooded areas, causing the waterbird population of a previously wide range to gather at the Governor’s Pond.” Home to many birds, the site also attracts but- terflies, hickatees, which are Cayman’s native freshwater turtle, and is populated with freshwater fish. Hurricane Ivan totally de- stroyed the site, but its far- reaching fame may have helped in it being success- fully revived thanks to funds from the Cayman Islands government, overseas grants and the private sector and in- dividual donors. “The Department of Tourism, BNP-Paribas Private Bank, a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Mrs. Patricia Bradley and the family of the late Mr. Arthur Biggs all con- tributed to the project,” the Trust notes. Currently the site features a small boardwalk, viewing area, and an interpretive sign. It has become a popular stopover for bird enthusiasts, school groups, curious locals and visitors alike. For more information on this and other National Trust properties please visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky 50 years ago: gatherings for youth and seniors bring good cheer In the Jan. 5, 1966 edi- tion of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, reports from George Town included Rotary News and some up- dates from South Sound: “On Tues. Dec. 28 the Rotary Club entertained about 100 elderly folk at the Cayman Prep. School. All districts were represented except North Side, and tasty refreshments were served. “Proceedings opened with the singing of carols led by Mr. E.O. Panton, Rotary President, after which His Honor, who was accompanied by Mrs. Cumber, brought greet- ings to all present and con- gratulated Rotary on what he hoped would be an annual event. “In addition to music on the record player, Police Constable Radley Gourzong, and his friends entertained on the violin and drums. They played old-time tunes and many of the old people danced figures of the Quadrille. “Each guest was given a gift and Rotary members arranged all the transport by bus or private car. “The choice of a party to bring cheer and joy to those in the eventide of life in our island was commendable as the first special piece of community services to be undertaken by the Cayman Rotary Club. “There was another gay teenage gathering on Friday Dec. 31, 1965 from 6:30 until 11:30 p.m. when the girls and boys gathered at the Community Hall for a farewell party to Vivian and Gordon McLaughlin (sons of Mr. and Mrs. D.V. McLaughlin), returning to Cornwall College, Montego Bay and Alfred T. Thompson (son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Thompson) for his first term at Jamaica College. “The young folks en- joyed the dancing to re- cords until 11:30 when they all attended the watch night service held in the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman in the district, sponsored by the Christian Endeavor Society. “The meeting was led by Mr. McNee McLaughlin, vice Pres. of the Society and a short service of consecra- tion was held after the New Year was ushered in. “Our hearty congratu- lations to our friend nurse Annie Bush, of Government Hospital, who was honored by the Administrator, on behalf of her Majesty the Queen, in the New Year’s honors by the award of the Certificate of the Badge of Honor. “Tannie,” as she is af- fectionately known by many has given nearly twenty years of devoted service in the present hospital. She began her service in the old hospital, which has now been renovated and is at present occupied by the of- ficer in charge of the United States weather bureau. “She has served under the following government medical officers: Dr. W.A. Horter (deceased), Dr. A.A. Peat, Dr. V.O. Finlayson (de- ceased), Dr. P.G. Dawson, Dr. Paul Magnus, Dr. Henry U. Shaw, Dr. B. St. J. Hylton, Dr. John McNeil-Smith, Dr. B.A. Shoucair, Dr. Mavis Holness (now Gilmour), Dr. Frank Boland, Dr. John Williams, Dr. Roy Saunders, Dr. Bruce Ellington, Dr. Sam Williams, and is now working under Dr. A. Husband. “Nurse Annie is the Aunt of Mrs. Sybil McLaughlin, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. Tannie has al- ways loved nursing the sick and has all the qualities of a Florence Nightingale. We hope she may be spared many years to minister to those who may need her help.” governor’s Pond is a small oasis of tranquility just east of george Town. a snowy egret shows off its breeding plumage. The viewing blind is a tranquil spot.Cayman Compass • Monday January 11, 2016 7 DISTRICT DAYS District Days George Town Participants were out bright and early at the Humane Society’s Walk and Wag 5k. – Photos: Nigel Cox Humane Society friends get moving for a good cause BaSia McGuire bmcguire@pinnaclemedialtd.com Lots of tails were wag- ging in excitement as the Cayman Islands Humane Society held its annual Walk and Wag 5K walk/run at Camana Bay on Sunday, Jan. 10. With a strong turnout, this year’s event was deemed a success by Society board member Lesley Walker. “It went really well, we had about 200 participants,” she said. “We had almost every dog from the shelter out, which is great. In addition we had many other dogs out, many of them adopted from the shelter in the past.” She noted that thanks to event volunteers and spon- sors – Camana Bay, Island Vet, Cayman National and Must Love Dogs – the walk went very smoothly. The majority of the funds raised from events such as these go toward maintaining the shelter’s daily opera- tions, along with the extra costs associated with ani- mals coming in with med- ical problems that need im- mediate attention. Ms. Walker said the shelter is full to bursting at the moment. “There has never been a better time to adopt an an- imal,” she said. “The shelter is almost at capacity. We have so many fantastic dogs here that are in excellent health and ready for a loving permanent home.” Specialist volunteers at the shelter will match poten- tial owners with dogs that are compatible with their lifestyle, fitness level, and family environment. “Once we know what you are looking for we will intro- duce you to dogs that suit you best,” she said. “If you want a dog that’s happiest lying in the bed with you, or one that you’d like to go jogging with, or one that is great with kids, or even all of the above, we can always find the right dog for you.” With regard to the Humane Society’s long-term needs, Ms. Walker noted the group is always looking for sponsors interested in helping to build a new shelter in a better location. “One of the problems with our current location is that it floods, and with the changing weather patterns it’s likely only going to get worse,” she said. The building was also not designed to be a shelter, which brings issues as well. “We really need to build a purpose-built shelter on a higher location, and we are always seeking spon- sors. We’d love to hear from anyone interested in con- tributing their specialist skills to help with that long-term goal.” For more information visit www. caymanislandshumanesociety.comVolunteer Lindsey Gordon with the charming Hayley, who is very keen to be adopted. This fine pooch really got into the spirit.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Monday January 11, 2016 • Cayman Compass the licensing department in 2014 who suggested he build the vehicle and regis- tration complex at the site. In his letter, Mr. Bush asked the governor to ad- vise “what is/was the terms and feasibility of building the new facility?” Specifically, the op- position leader raised four questions regarding the project: ■■ Who owns the land? ■■ Who did the construction? ■■ Does government own the facility? ■■ What tendering pro- cess was used by gov- ernment in agreeing to a licensing facility on the property? “I write to you with these questions as you are responsible for the over- sight of good governance in this jurisdiction,” Mr. Bush stated. Mr. Bush said that if he had not received a response from the governor’s office by the time the Legislative Assembly next meets, he would file formal parlia- mentary questions about the project. Premier Alden McLaughlin was contacted for comment about Mr. Bush’s letter to the governor, but said he would not “dig- nify it with a response.” The project falls under the government Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure. Officials there said in December that they had envisaged the fa- cility to be centrally lo- cated in the Bodden Town area and that it would cater to heavy equipment operators, dump trucks, 18-wheelers and the like. The ministry also noted its view that the facility would present “minimal cost to the government.” In December, Mr. Powell said he believed the new licensing facility repre- sented a great public-pri- vate sector partnership, which helps government and allows him to build a complimentary commer- cial vehicle repair opera- tion on site. Sunday Jan. 17 brings the Bon Vivant Champagne Brunch & Cook-off, during which the finalists of December’s preliminary rounds – residents Travis Ritch and Josh Wludyka – face each other to determine the top amateur chef of the Cayman Islands. The culinary talent coming to Cayman is not confined to The Ritz-Carlton’s Cayman Cookout events; on Saturday, Jan. 16, the Brasserie Restaurant will host renowned Israeli Chef Michael Solomonov, a James Beard Award winner, for a four-course dinner menu that features some of the hottest trends in global cuisine. That same evening, Camana Bay’s Ortanique Restaurant and chefs Cindy Hutson and Clay Conley will present ‘Ginger in Paradise,’ a five- course, wine-paired, Caribbean- Asian inspired menu. After the Cookout ends Sunday night, foodies will then have a short week to rest up and prepare for the annual Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival on Saturday Jan. 23. More than 30 of Cayman’s bars, restaurants and wine/spirits/beer pur- veyors will be on hand to give tastes of their products in the framework of a spir- ited competition to determine who makes the best food, the best heavy cake and the best cocktails on Grand Cayman. The event, which takes place at Camana Bay’s Festival Green, also includes a variety of musical entertainment and cooking demonstrations. Prosecutors also read in testimony Friday from state- ments Rodriguez made to police that indicated Watson’s signa- ture was stamped on the cover letter of the company registra- tion form filed for AIS Cayman on Oct. 6, 2010. Rodriguez said this was a “mistake” and that the register had been corrected to put another signature, that of Caymanian auto parts store bookkeeper Joscelyn Morgan in its place. Watson was not listed as a director of AIS Cayman Ltd. on the original registration doc- uments, prosecutors confirmed. The CI$100 check paid to the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies for that amendment to the initial register was also signed by Watson. However, Rodriguez told police she also may have erred in that case, simply using a signature stamp for Watson that she kept in her desk at Admiral Administration. Watson’s police statement also indicated Rodriguez appeared to have used a standard “tem- plate” when she filed for the AIS company registration and inad- vertently left his signature on the documents. Rodriguez told police that Webb asked her to assist with registering AIS Cayman Ltd. in October 2010, about two months before the government awarded a five-year, US$13 million contract to the com- pany and its Jamaican part- ners for the implementation of the CarePay system. AIS Cayman Ltd. filed for registra- tion the same day as a request for proposals went out for bids on the hospital contract, prosecutors said. At the time Rodriguez was interviewed, in September 2014, she was considered a “signifi- cant witness” in the case against Watson and Webb. She ended up being arrested in November 2014 and was charged in the case early in 2015. She now faces one count in the indictment filed by prose- cutors alleging she transferred criminal property, namely the proceeds of the AIS Cayman Ltd. earnings. Three checks The first check delivered to Admiral, for US$1.2 mil- lion, was issued on Aug. 30, 2011 and taken to the com- pany’s offices by HSA staffer Angelee Beersingh. Prosecutors said the check was given to Rodriguez, who signed for it, and passed it on to a woman named Karen Barnett who Rodriguez believed to be an em- ployee of AIS Cayman. Rodriguez was asked during her police interview whether “this was just a favor you were doing for Mr. Webb?” “Yes,” she replied. “It had nothing to do with Admiral.” It was later revealed during the police interview with Watson that Karen Barnett, in addition to working at AIS Cayman, worked for Watson at another of his companies, CRW Trade Services, which Watson part-owned through a holding company called CRW holdings. Ms. Barnett also was identi- fied as an employee of Fast Signs, another company Watson part-owned. The US$1.2 million was identified by prosecutors ear- lier in the case as being the first payment for the proposed ex- pansion of the CarePay swipe- card system to private sector insurers and healthcare ser- vice providers. That expansion never happened. The Crown al- leged some money from this payment went to pay off part of a home loan for Webb’s per- sonal property in Loganville, Georgia and to pay for Watson’s US$80,000 home entertainment system at his own suburban Atlanta home located next door to Webb’s. The second AIS check, for US$147,500, was issued on Nov. 3, 2011, brought to Admiral the next day and collected by Rodriguez, who signed for it. Rodriguez told police she could not remember precisely, but that she either gave that check to Webb or Ms. Barnett. The third check, for CI$502,000 (approx. US$600,000), was issued on May 25, 2012 and taken to Admiral on May 28, 2012 where it was again signed for and passed either to Webb or Ms. Barnett, according to trial testimony. This check is be- lieved to have been paid, again, for the non-existent expansion of the CarePay card system to Cayman’s private sector healthcare industry. Regarding this payment, prosecutors produced an email sent from Watson in which he asked Angelee Beersingh to pick up the check from the ap- propriate government office. Watson instructed her that, if the check had been made out to the Health Services Authority, she should take it to Heather Boothe, the HSA’s chief finan- cial officer who could make out a separate check to AIS Cayman Ltd. If it was already made out to AIS, she was in- structed to take it to Rodriguez at Admiral’s offices in down- town George Town. During his interview with police, Watson was asked what business he had in asking Ms. Beersingh, an HSA employee, to deliver checks to his personal assistant at Admiral. Mr. Watson replied that he was aware Rodriguez would see both Ms. Beersingh and Ms. Barnett that day (Nov. 4, 2011) and that he wanted to “smooth along the process” with the im- plementation of the CarePay swipe-card system. “I was simply trying to be helpful,” Mr. Watson is quoted as saying at the police interview. Police alleged that Watson was simply not telling the truth and that he personally bene- fitted from the AIS Cayman Ltd. contract to the tune of nearly US$350,000. Watson denied those allegations throughout the interview. ‘Cash for Canover Police investigators and Crown prosecutors also looked at certain cash withdrawals made from the AIS Cayman Ltd. bank account at Fidelity Bank since it was opened on Dec. 23, 2010. They focused on a total of US$69,000 withdrawn from the account during the pe- riod it operated. Some US$15,000 of that was taken out with Watson’s sig- nature on the withdrawal slip. Watson said Webb asked him to make that withdrawal for him so that Webb could make payroll expenses in a construc- tion company he owned. Another US$4,000 – in 40 $100 bills – was withdrawn for what prosecutors said was the listed reason of “cash for Canover.” Watson said this money was withdrawn by Webb to pay him back for some money Watson had given Webb during a trip the two were on while representing FIFA, world foot- ball’s governing body. Several additional sums were withdrawn from the ac- count, according to police, to pay a company called CRW Trade Services – a company Watson had a part ownership interest in through another firm, CRW Holdings. Watson told police AIS Cayman hired CRW Trade Services to clear various goods from Cayman customs as needed. Watson said he was not aware CRW had been hired by AIS to perform this service. “That’s your company,” po- lice investigator Anthony Hill stated, referring to CRW. “I did not benefit from this contract,” Watson said later in the interview. “I categorically deny AIS is my business.” Trial delays A three-day delay in Watson and Rodriguez’s criminal trial last week was resolved on Friday, with an ill juror having recovered and an issue that arose over potential new evi- dence in the case having been dealt with. Grand Court Justice Michael Mettyear indicated that jurors would be getting ad- ditional information that had been taken from two of the seven USB memory sticks, often called “jump drives,” that were reviewed at Watson’s Admiral Administration office following his arrest in August 2014. Defense attorneys feared those drives had been lost, but the in- formation on them was recov- ered last week. It was understood that Watson and his local attorney Ben Tonner, who were not at trial Friday, spent the day re- viewing further information from the jump drives, to see if it might have any impact on the case. Lead counsel for the de- fense, Trevor Burke, QC, did at- tend Friday’s proceedings. Judge Mettyear said Crown prosecutors would be referring to some of the new informa- tion obtained from the drives but that prosecutors “would not be allowed to reopen the case” based on this evidence. He also cautioned that there was “nothing sinister” about Watson’s absence from the trial proceedings on Friday. It was thought Friday that Watson’s defense might begin its opening trial statements by Tuesday afternoon. Bush raises questions over vehicle licensing center CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Food and wine take center stage in Cayman beginning this week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Anthony Bourdain, left, and Jose Andres are two of the regular judges of the amateur chef competition at the Bon Vivant Champagne Brunch Cook-off. - Photo: StePhen Clarke CArepAy TriAl HSA staffers delivered checks for $1.5M to Watson’s assistant CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Cayman Compass • Monday January 11, 2016 Hawaiian shirts to be allowed on House floor? A Hawaii Congressman wants Aloha wear to be allowed on the House floor on Fridays. “Embracing the Aloha shirt will allow members to embrace the Aloha Spirit – something that Washington could use a little more of.” With Loving Memory of our beloved Astee Astor Alvintine Range Today is 6 years since you left us on that cold January morning We miss you very much. But we pray you are at rest in our Master loving care, sleep on Astee Till one day we will all be together again. From: your loving Mother & Father your Son, Daughter, Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncle,Cousins, Friends and the rest of your family. With Loving Memory of our beloved November 9, 1973 - January 10, 2010 Trump escalates attacks on Cruz’s eligibility to be president WAVERLY, Iowa (AP) – Donald Trump taunted fellow Republican presidential can- didate Ted Cruz over his eli- gibility to be president on Saturday, offering the fol- lowing response to Cruz’s instance that he’s a natural born citizen: “You’re not.” “You can’t have a person running for office, even though Ted is very glib and he goes out and he says, ‘Oh, well, I’m a natural born cit- izen.’ The point is, you’re not,” Trump said during a rally in Clear Lake, Iowa. “I mean, you’ve got to get a declaratory judgement, you have to have the courts come up with a ruling or you have a candidate who just cannot run because the other side will immediately bring suit and you’ve got that cloud on your head.” Cruz, who has long main- tained there is no issue with his Canadian birth since his mother was a U.S. cit- izen, repeated Saturday that “the laws and facts are quite straightforward.” The Constitution says only a “natural born citizen” may be president. Legal scholars generally agree the descrip- tion covers foreign-born chil- dren of U.S. parents. “I understand that a lot of candidates in the field are dismayed. They’re dismayed because they’re seeing con- servatives uniting behind our campaign,” Cruz told re- porters Saturday night be- fore the 28th and final cam- paign stop of a six-day swing through Iowa. “As that hap- pens you’re seeing candidates trying to throw whatever rocks they can. That’s fine, that’s their prerogative. I like Donald Trump, I respect Donald Trump, he’s welcome to toss whatever attacks he wants.” The comments were the latest sign that the delicate detente between the Texas senator and the billion- aire businessman on display last year has been shattered as Cruz has jumped ahead of Trump in polls in Iowa, which holds its leadoff cau- cuses Feb. 1. Trump late last year began efforts to under- mine Cruz, questioning the senator’s religion and ac- cusing him at recent events of stealing his idea to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The intensity esca- lated this past week when Trump questioned whether the Canadian-born Cruz was eligible to be president. On Saturday, Trump lashed out at Cruz on multiple fronts at a rally in Ottumwa, ex- pressing bafflement that he’s not beating Cruz in Iowa polls to a packed, 665-person ca- pacity auditorium, with many more voters crowded into an overflow room. “The polls are essentially tied. I don’t get it,” Trump said in the first of several ref- erences to Cruz. The billionaire also at- tacked Cruz’s apparent shift on ethanol subsidies, the in- fluence of wealthy campaign donors and renewed ques- tions about the Texas sena- tor’s Canadian birth. “He’s got to straighten out his problem,” Trump said just two minutes into his address. “You can’t have that problem and go and be the nominee.” The rhetoric intensi- fied later in the day, when a Trump delivered a second, saltier speech at a rally in Clear Lake. “You cannot put someone there, folks, that’s going to go in and he’s going to be immediately sued by the Democrats because they’re saying he was born in Canada, he’s not allowed to run for president,” Trump said of Cruz, who renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2014. Trump again called on Cruz to get a court judgment about his ballot status – ad- vice Cruz has rejected – before suggesting the issue would cost Cruz the nomination. “I don’t want to win this way,” he said. “I want to win fair and square.” Up until now, Cruz has been careful not to take on Trump directly. But he ap- peared to offer a counter- punch on Friday, when he suggested that Trump was not devoting the time and en- ergy to wooing Iowa voters that history shows is needed to win. “There is an Iowa way of campaigning and deciding caucuses,” Cruz told sup- porters packed into a base- ment of a pizza restaurant in Decorah. “I believe the only way to compete and win in the state of Iowa is to come and spend the time asking the voters for their support. Looking them in the eye.” “You come here, you have the humility to stand before the men and women of this state and answer your ques- tions,” he said in a Charles City coffee shop Friday when the question came up again. With Trump in Iowa for the first time in the new year, Iowans were also seeing a sharp contrast between the grinding Iowa campaign of Cruz and the splashy mega- rallies that have become as much Trump’s brand as his gilded hotels. Both have at- tracted overflow crowds: Trump at large halls and stadiums; Cruz in countless coffee shops, convenience stores, churches and diners. While Trump’s style marks a break from tradi- tion, his campaign says he’s able to reach far more poten- tial voters than candidates at smaller events can do. Campaign manager Corey Lewandowski said earlier in the week that Trump has a series of stops planned for the next three weeks leading to the caucuses, including multiple overnight stays. “Next couple of weeks, I’m going to be seeing you so much that you’re going to be so sick of me,” Trump said in Clear Lake. “You can’t have a person running for office, even though Ted is very glib and he goes out and he says, ‘Oh, well, I’m a natural born citizen.’ The point is, you’re not.” DonalD Trump, Republican presidential candididate Clinton portrays Sanders as at odds with Obama on guns WASHINGTON (AP) – Hillary Clinton jumped at a chance Friday to portray rival Sen. Bernie Sanders as being at odds with President Barack Obama on gun control after the president denounced legislation protecting gun- makers from lawsuits. Clinton’s campaign chairman, former Obama ad- viser John Podesta, called on Sanders to join Obama and Clinton by taking on the issue of liability for gun manufacturers whose fire- arms are used in a crime. And Clinton herself called in to a cable news show to challenge Sanders to change his tune. “Maybe it’s time for Sen. Sanders to stand up and say, ‘I got this one wrong,’” Clinton told MSNBC’s “Hardball” on Friday. “When it really mattered, Sen. Sanders voted with the gun lobby, and I voted against the gun lobby.” In turn, the Sanders cam- paign cited a 2008 mail ad in which the Clinton cam- paign that year said Obama had once favored a ban on handguns but later said he supported the Second Amendment, then spoke of “bitter” people who “cling to their guns.” “Maybe Secretary Clinton should apologize for at- tacking the president in 2008 because he was too strong on gun control,” Sanders cam- paign manager Jeff Weaver said in a statement. The Sanders campaign said there was “zero daylight” between Obama and the senator and has argued that Sanders was re-evaluating his position on the gun manufacturer liability law he voted for in 2005. Clinton has spent months going after Sanders’ re- cord on gun control. A fresh opening came with the op-ed penned by Obama in Friday’s New York Times in which he referred to the “vir- tual immunity from law- suits” that he said gun manu- facturers enjoy. “I will not campaign for, vote for or support any can- didate, even in my own party, who does not support common-sense gun reform,” Obama wrote. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama had intentionally raised the issue of liability for gun manufac- turers, adding that if Sanders became the Democratic nom- inee, the White House would have to examine his record to determine whether Obama can support him. Earnest said Obama had not intended to send any “se- cret or subtle signal” about his preferred candidate in the Democratic primary. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump flashes thumbs up after an address to a group of supporters at a campaign stop at the Flynn Center of the Performing Arts in Burlington, Vt. – Photo: APNext >