ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 SPORTS | PAGE 17 CAYMAN WINS ALEX HORNER TROPHY High of 88 Low of 76 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 NO BUZZ FOR MOSQUITO MEETINGS Personal Insurance Pay less for more cover with BritCay! insurance, health, pensions, life Low deductibles and generous benefits are standard cover with BritCay. Ask for a quote and start paying less for more cover now! BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE CO. LTD. BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town, P.O. Box 74, KY1-1102 Tel. 949-8699 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International: insurance, health, pensions, life Call 949-8699 www.britcay.ky cgigrp Court case challenges property valuation BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A disputed stamp duty assessment on a land purchase in South Sound – amounting to a $100 difference in what was charged to the buyer – could have major ramifications for the Cayman Islands property market. According to Grand Court Judge Alastair Malcolm’s ruling, “The difference between the parties [involved in the property valuation] is only $100, but there is an issue of principle that may well affect other conveyances [of property].” Law firm Walkers, which analyzed the judgment a few days after it was released, noted that the decision raises a critical ques- tion of whether the “historical practice” in Cayman of charging stamp duty based on val- uations rather than on the agreed purchase price of land or a home is correct. “And if not [correct], the extent to which overpayments may be recoverable,” the firm’s analysis, penned by attorneys Stuart Rowe and Nick Dunne stated. The case involves the purchase of land by Peggy Basdeo, who qualified for a lower 2 per- cent stamp duty rate on a piece of property in South Sound since she was a first-time Cay- manian buyer, according to court documents. The agreed purchase price was $115,000, and the court records state that this price is what Ms. Basdeo thought stamp duty would be assessed against. However, Cayman’s Stamp Duty Law states that the amount charged for duty on a prop- erty purchase will either be based on the agreed purchase price or the official valua- tion, whichever is higher. The provision is in the law to ensure government receives what is believed to be a proper consideration for stamp duty if the property changes hands be- tween close friends or family. For instance, if a father sells a son a four-bedroom home for $1, KELSEY JUKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman’s Mosquito Re- search and Control Unit and U.K. biotech company Ox- itec tackled questions Tuesday night from West Bay resi- dents concerned about the planned release of millions of genetically modified mosqui- toes in their neighborhood. At the first public meeting about the mosquito release, held at Sir John A. Cumber Pri- mary School hall, residents questioned the scientists on the safety of the project and the ap- parent lack of public consulta- tion leading up to the release, which is to begin next month. The MRCU is planning a multi-phase rollout of Ox- itec’s mosquito control so- lution, which involves re- leasing what they described as “friendly” Aedes aegypti male mosquitoes to help fight the mosquito that trans- mits diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. The rollout will begin in West Bay. About 20 people attended the meeting. “I am very disappointed that we are coming to a meeting of a foregone conclusion, that the public was not consulted in any way, shape or form, or certainly $100 ruling may set stamp duty precedent Scientists move to quell GM mosquito concerns Governor takes part in airport emergency exercise Governor Helen Kilpatrick, among the volunteers who played the roles of ‘plane crash victims’ in an airport emergency exercise Wednesday, is taken on a stretcher by firemen to a simulated triage area. The ‘crash’ at the Cricket Field at the end of the runway was held as practice for first responders to prepare for emergency situations. For more, see page 2. - PHOTO: MATT LAMERS PREMIER: THREE-YEAR BUDGET SURPLUS IS $399 MILLION BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands public sector will end its current budget year with a $145 million operating surplus, Premier Alden McLaughlin told a pri- vate audience at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Tuesday night, noting that the total surplus over three years is $399 million. The premier said this is the third consecutive surplus his Progressives-led administration has managed during its three years in office. A budget operating surplus is achieved when revenues are higher than expenses for the year. Mr. McLaughlin made his remarks at a Pro- gressives party fundraiser, and the comments were distributed to the media on Wednesday. The figures revealed by Mr. McLaughlin for the budget year ending June 30 were projections. However, with only about a month to go before government closes the books, they represent a good picture of government’s financial position. Government revenues and expenses increased significantly from what was projected when the 2015/16 budget was released. Central government expenses increased from an anticipated $552.8 million to $563 million. However, revenues for cen- tral government also increased, from a projected $661 million to $696 million. The overall earnings of government statutory authorities and government-owned companies boosted the central government operating surplus of $133 million by a further $12 million, reaching $145 million for the year – assuming no major government expenses come up before June 30. “It is … worth noting that over our last three budgets, we have generated net surpluses totaling PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 »2 LOCAL NEWS THURSDAY MAY 26, 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. - THURSDAY - X-MEN: APOCALYPSE 3D (PG13) 12:40 I 2:00 2D I 3:50 I 5:40 2D 7:00 I 9:00 2D ANGRY BIRDS 3D (PG) 1:00 2D I 4:10 I 7:10 2D I 9:40 CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR 3D (PG13) 1:00 I 3:40 2D I 6:30 I 9:30 2D THE NICE GUYS (R) 1:15 I 6:50 THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG) 4:00 I 9:50 BARBERSHOP 3 THE NEXT CUT(PG13) 4:20 I 7:10 I 9:45 Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 640-FILM (640-3456) Area residents said the engine and two seemingly empty oil drums are still in the boat BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The wreck of a makeshift Cuban wa- tercraft that was beached in South Sound on May 6 remained there Wednesday, after officials had pledged to remove it. Department of Environment per- sonnel last week removed dozens of fuel containers from the wooden craft due to concerns that they could leak into the ocean waters and cause an environ- mental hazard. However, residents in the area noted the engine aboard the craft as well as two seemingly empty, cylindrical oil drums were still in the boat and might wash out to sea if the craft was left. Immigration Department offi- cials said they were told the wreck it- self would be removed by Tuesday, but that had not occurred by press time Wednesday. Immigration officials said earlier in the week that the government Public Works Department had been tasked with removing the Cuban vessels when they are abandoned on local shore. However, on Wednesday, Public Works Director Max Jones said he knew of no such tasking and noted the depart- ment was not involved in any way with the beached craft in South Sound. Immigration officials did not re- turn further requests for comment on Wednesday. Immigration Department officials said they were told the wreck itself would be removed by Tuesday, but that had not occurred by press time Wednesday. Cuban boat remains in South Sound A makeshift Cuban watercraft remained beached along the South Sound shoreline Wednesday. – PHOTO: BRENT FULLER MATT LAMERS mlamers@pinnaclemedialtd.com First responders got a re- fresher course in aviation di- saster management when the Cayman Islands Airports Au- thority simulated a plane crash on Wednesday afternoon. Sixty-five “passengers,” in- cluding Governor Helen Kil- patrick, helped set the scene at George Town’s Cricket Field. Makeup artist Jimmie DeLoach made the volunteers look the part, using fake broken bones and fake blood, as their “bodies” were strewn across the field. The drill also involved po- lice and fire department first re- sponders, Airports Authority of- ficials and the Red Cross. Ms. Kilpatrick said, “The more realistic it is, the more people come to appreciate how horrific a really serious incident can be. It’s important to actu- ally do the exercise because any amount of paper planning can never prepare people for what it’s really like on the day. And anything that first responders can do to prepare themselves has got to be a good thing.” Roads around the airport were closed for about an hour, causing serious traffic issues for lunch-hour commuters as firefighters practiced putting out real fires that were deliber- ately set. Andrew McLaughlin, chief safety officer at the Airports Authority, said they wanted to make the scene look and feel as real as possible for the responders. Responders, he said, “train their whole life to save lives, so the adrenaline will be flowing.” Mr. McLaughlin said the air- port runway was also closed for an hour because the simulation involved a crash within 1,000 meters of the airport, putting the disaster scenario within the jurisdiction of the fire depart- ment’s aviation division, leaving no “proper” fire coverage for the runway. Among the “injured” was Red Cross volunteer Adrienn Sergios and her daughters, Jessica, 6, and Christina, 4. “We are in an area that has hurricanes, so you always have to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies,” she said. “People sometimes forget what it’s like. It’s important that everyone knows what to do.” “It’s important to actually do the exercise because any amount of paper planning can never prepare people for what it’s really like on the day.” GOVERNOR HELEN KILPATRICK The drill involved police and fire department first responders, Cayman Islands Airports Authority officials and the Red Cross. - PHOTOS: MATT LAMERS Red Cross volunteer Adrienn Sergios and daughters, Jessica, 6, and Christina, 4, are helped by a firefighter. Responders get plane crash refresherThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 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. THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS “The self-limiting gene comprises tetO (tetracy- cline Operator) sites, which bind tTAV (tetracycline repressible Trans-Activating factor Variant) protein, a promoter and coding sequence for tTAV. Without the tetracycline antidote, tTAV protein is produced, which simultaneously binds to transcriptional machinery and tetO sites, thereby enhancing the expression of the self-limiting gene. This positive feedback system produces large amounts of tTAV, which binds to more and more transcriptional machinery, without the need to bind to the tetO, eventually making the transcrip- tional machinery unavailable for other essential gene expression. The inhibition of essential gene expression leads to cell death and the death of the insect before it reaches adulthood.” — “How the Self-Limiting Gene Works,” Oxitec Got that? Us neither. (Though we do like the part about “the death of the insect” …) If you managed to make it to the end of the para- graph above, which is a simplified (really!) explanation of how Oxitec’s mosquito-control technology works, then bravo. If you managed to understand it, double kudos. The reason we have included the text is to illustrate the absurdity of holding public “town hall” meetings on complicated technical topics, particularly scientific ones — and, as one participant pointed out — especially when the decision at hand is a fait accompli. The classic case of this was the public campaign held in advance of the passage of the Cayman Islands Constitution, which, as an indication of its complexity, is still being interpreted (and argued over) by attorneys before judges. Other recent examples include town hall meetings on “one man, one vote,” recycling and solid waste management, and the national minimum wage. A common hallmark of those assemblages, aside from general mystification, is meager turnout. A running joke in this country (and college campuses) is that nobody will show up for a voluntary meeting unless there’s food. In regard to Tuesday’s meeting on the already-scheduled release of geneti- cally modified mosquitoes, there was food … but still very few people were on hand to eat it. While some officials may say that the empty seats are evidence that “one-on-one” and “door-to-door” educational efforts are working, we will offer another, simpler explanation for the lack of attendance: A lack of interest. The unfortunate news for Cayman, the United States, and most places on Planet Earth, is that the overwhelming majority of people just don’t care that much about topics that, objectively, fall squarely in the “public interest.” That observation, because it is true, is an arrow to the heart of people who do care, and would like for others to care, too — such as politicians, bureaucrats, environmentalists, activists and, yes, journalists. We find that what helps capture people’s attention and attendance, even more so than free food or bev- erages, is a healthy dose of showmanship (the Donald Trump phenomenon). While people may like the idea of being informed — they love to be entertained. Although Oxitec’s genetic technology may work wonders on reducing Cayman’s Aedes aegypti population (a species we have dubbed our country’s “public enemy number one”), there isn’t much opportunity, that we can see, for a catchy song- and-dance routine. Hence the echoes in the auditorium. On a less cynical note, human beings’ inability to remain attentive to every detail of civilized society is exactly why we have a representative democracy, instead of a direct democracy. We’re busy people. When we go to the polls, we don’t just hand over the keys to power; we also pass the reins of responsibility. Some decisions, actually many decisions, are best left up to the judgment of experts and elected officials. Editor’s Note: It is, of course, imperative to keep tabs on the behavior of our lawmakers and public servants in order to keep them accountable. Take heart! You don’t have to attend every public meeting, watch the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly or pore over every government document. We at the Compass will do it for you, present the salient facts in our news pages, and share with you our views and opinions on this editorial page. No buzz for mosquito meetings The United Kingdom at the crossroads LONDON – Sixty-five years ago, what has become the European Union was an embryo conceived in fear. It has been stealthily ad- vanced from an economic to a political project, and it re- mains enveloped in a watery utopianism even as it be- comes more dystopian. The EU’s economic stagnation – in some of the 28 member nations, youth unemploy- ment approaches 50 percent – is exacerbated by its reg- ulatory itch and the self-in- flicted wound of the euro, a common currency for rad- ically dissimilar nations. The EU is floundering amid mass migration, the greatest threat to Europe’s domestic tranquility since 1945. The EU’s British enthu- siasts, who actually are no- tably unenthusiastic, hope fear will move voters to af- firm Britain’s membership in this increasingly ram- shackle and acrimonious as- sociation. A June 23 refer- endum will decide whether “Brexit” – Britain’s exit – oc- curs. Americans should pay close attention because this debate concerns matters germane to their present and future. The EU is the linear de- scendant of institution- building begun by people for whom European history seemed to be less Chartres and Shakespeare than the Somme and the Holocaust. After two world wars, or a 31-year war (1914-1945), European statesmen were terrified of Europeans. Under the leadership of two Frenchmen, Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet, they cre- ated, in 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community to put essential elements of industrial war under multi- national control. This begat, in 1957, the European Economic Com- munity, aka the Common Market. Money, said Em- erson, is the prose of life. The EU is the culmina- tion of a grand attempt to drain Europe of grandeur, to make it permanently peaceful by making it pro- saic – preoccupied and tran- quilized by commerce. Eu- ropean unity has always been a surreptitious polit- ical project couched in eco- nomic categories. Britain’s Remain side is timid and materialistic, saying little that is in- spiring about remaining but much that is supposedly scary about leaving. The Leave campaign is salted with the revolt-against- elites spirit now fermenting in nations on both sides of the Atlantic. The Remain camp relies heavily on dire predictions of economic wreckage that would follow Brexit – forecasts from the U.K. Treasury, the Inter- national Monetary Fund, the Organization for Eco- nomic Cooperation and Development, etc. Although none of these, in spring 2008, foresaw the crisis of autumn 2008, they now pre- dict, with remarkable pre- cision, economic damage to Britain’s economy, the world’s fifth largest, if it is detached from the stag- nation of the EU. For ex- ample, the U.K. Treasury projects that Brexit would cost Britain 6.2 percent of GDP by 2030. This confirms the axiom that economists prove their sense of humor by using decimal points. Passion is dispropor- tionately on the Leave side, which is why a low turnout will favor Brexit: Leavers are most likely to vote. Current polls show Remain slightly ahead, but Leave has a ma- jority among persons over age 43, who also are most likely to vote. The most conspicuous campaigner for Brexit is Boris Johnson, the two- term Conservative former mayor of London. He is an acquired taste, and some thoughtful people oppose Brexit because if it hap- pens, Prime Minister David Cameron, who leads the Re- main campaign, might be replaced by Johnson. Johnson is frequently compared to Donald Trump. Johnson, however, is edu- cated (Eton; an Oxford clas- sics degree), intelligent, eru- dite (see his book on Roman Europe), articulate and witty. (Johnson says the EU’s latest compromise with Britain is “the biggest stitch up since the Bayeux Tap- estry.” The British locution “stitch up” denotes some- thing prearranged clandes- tinely.) So, Johnson’s only real resemblance to Trump, other than an odd mop of blond hair, is a penchant for flamboyant pronounce- ments, as when he said that Barack Obama opposes Brexit because Obama’s Ke- nyan background somehow disposes him against Britain. Actually, Obama likes the European Union’s approximation of American progressives’ aspirations. These include unaccount- able administrators issuing diktats, and what one EU critic calls “trickle-down postmodernism” – the era- sure of national traditions and other impediments to “harmonizing” homogenized nations for the convenience of administrators. Obama said Britain would go to “the back of the queue” regarding a U.S. trade agreement. Surely, however, reaching an agree- ment with one nation is easier than with 28. Per- haps Obama has forgotten U.S. diplomat George Ken- nan’s axiom: The unlike- lihood of a negotiation reaching agreement grows by the square of the number of parties taking part. Brexit might spread a be- nign infection, prompting similar reassertions of na- tional sovereignty by other EU members. Hence June 23 is the most important Euro- pean vote since 1945. George Will’s email address is georgewill@washpost.com. © 2016, Washington Post Writers Group GEORGE F. WILL GEORGE 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” Britain’s Remain side is timid and materialistic, saying little that is inspiring about remaining but much that is supposedly scary about leaving.5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 Deal signed for airport upgrade JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands Air- ports Authority signed a con- tract Wednesday with building contractor McAlpine for a $42.5 million project which will almost triple the size of the airport’s terminal buildings. Phase one of the airport ex- pansion, a $5 million contract for the construction of a new baggage sorting area and lug- gage screening room, will be completed within the next two weeks, officials said. Phase two, the comple- tion of the airport upgrade, in- volving expansion of the ar- rival and departure areas, will begin immediately afterward and is scheduled to be com- pleted mid-2016. McAlpine beat Arch and Godfrey in a competitive bid process for the job after Decco, the Dart group’s construction arm, pulled out. Ian Pairaudeau, of McAl- pine, said the construc- tion project would create around 100 jobs, including sub-contracts. Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell said the deal was an important landmark on the long road to getting a much needed upgrade to the Owen Roberts International Airport. He said cramped and out- dated facilities were creating a poor experience for visitors. “This puts us in a posi- tion we needed to be in years ago …. In a tourism-driven economy, we have to have the best infrastructure and the best experience for our visi- tors,” he added. The airport was built to handle about 500,000 passen- gers annually but currently ac- commodates more than twice that many. The new facility will have a maximum annual pas- senger capacity of around 2.5 million, Mr. Kirkconnell said. He said the airport reno- vations were a signal to de- velopers that Cayman meant business. He said successive government had talked about expanding the airport for over a decade; now it was getting done. Tourism Councilor Joey Hew said overcrowding at the airport represented “one of the largest threats to our stay- over tourism.” He said government had taken steps to remedy the problems in the short term and was now ensuring the larger job got done. He said it would not be a “destination airport,” adding the aim was to get visitors through quickly and efficiently so they could enjoy their vacation. We do not want visitors sitting in the airport for hours. We want them on the beach.” Brenda Stabler, the project manager for the airport reno- vations, said she was confident the project could be delivered on time and on budget. She said the construction team would do everything possible to minimize disrup- tion to passengers during the two-and-a-half year con- struction process. Albert Anderson, CEO of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, center left, and Ian Pairaudeau, of McAlpine, center right, sign the airport terminal construction contract Wednesday. SHARKS TO BE CELEBRATED AT JUNE 4 FESTIVAL An event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the introduction of shark protec- tion laws in the Cayman Is- lands will be held next week. Marine Conservation In- ternational and the Depart- ment of Environment are hosting “SharKY Fest” on June 4, from noon to 5 p.m. at Divetech at Lighthouse Point in West Bay. Organizers say the aim is to “promote shark conser- vation and to raise aware- ness about the new law con- cerning shark protection in the Cayman Islands.” Since April 2015, the Na- tional Conservation Law has provided protection for sharks in Cayman waters. An exhibition by underwater photographer Ellen Cuylaerts will be on display, and guests will also get to hear about sus- tainable seafood by Sea Sense. The winners of the SharKY poster competition will be announced and prizes awarded. The short film “Best of Underwater Visual Survey” will be screened. The event is open to fam- ilies and children, and orga- nizers say fishermen are es- pecially welcome. Free finger food will be provided by Vivo. Throughout the day, short talks will be held on Cayman’s sharks, the new shark protection law, the benefits of sharks to Cayman and what it is like to dive with sharks. Entry is free.THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS 6 DISTRICT DAYS District Days Bodden Town Past meets present as family pays historic tribute at Pedro Descendants of the Eden family who built Pedro St. James visited the building this month to mount photographs of their grandfathers at the 18th century house. Stacy Eden-Hurlston and Carl Farrell were delighted to see the photos placed on the walls of the Great House almost 236 years after it was built. “It makes us very happy to have the photos mounted in the Great House, both for Stacy and Carl, and for our visitors too,” said Pedro St. James operations man- ager Deborah Bodden. “It adds a personal touch to the history of Pedro St. James, which is of great value to us. It brings over 200 years of history closer to the present day, in what we call ‘living history’ here at Pedro Castle.” Mr. Eden-Hurlston, who works as a tour guide at Pedro St. James, said, “It gives me great pleasure to see this picture mounted here finally, after all these years. It is the only photo that we have of my grandfather, and I’m happy to see it up in the house. This is where my grandfather stood on these steps with his sister Mary Jane Eden when she was struck by lightning in 1877. So it is a good place to have the photo.” His grandfather, William Eden III, was the great-grandson of William Eden, who built Pedro St. James in 1780. William Eden III was born in 1855 and died at age 70 in 1925. “I didn’t know my grandfather very well, but my mother always talked very fondly of him,” said Mr. Eden-Hurlston. Manoah Eden, who was the first cousin of William Eden III, “was born in this very house,” according to Mr. Farrell, his grandson. “I’m very happy and proud to have my grandfather’s photo placed in the house after all this time,” said Mr. Farrell. “I used to be a tour guide here at Pedro Castle. Hopefully, my photo will be placed here too one day.” Manoah Eden was the son of Samuel Eden, originally a Car- valho, who was adopted by Wil- liam Eden. “The story goes that ‘Old Wil- liam’ Eden adopted two young Portuguese boys – Samuel and Jo- seph Carvalho – from a slave ship that was passing Cayman,” said Mr. Farrell. “By the time the ship got to Pedro Castle, the slaves were all sold. So Old William decided to adopt the two young Portuguese boys – Samuel and Joseph – as sons for his wife, who had not yet bore any children at the time. “After she adopted the two boys, Old William and his wife had seven or eight children of their own.” Pedro St. James is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers educational tours for school groups and summer camps, as well as regular admission and guided tours. For more information, contact Debbie Bodden on 947-3329 or email info@pedrostjames.ky. 50 YEARS AGO: Crusade wraps up, mosquito film screens In the May 25, 1966 edi- tion of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Bodden Town correspondent Haig Bodden wrote: “The twenty night ‘Hour of Prophecy’ campaign came to an end on Sunday May 22. The final message ‘O! My Conscience!’ dealing with the unpardonable sin was a fitting conclu- sion to this series of meet- ings. It can be said without fear of successful contra- diction that new religious zeal has been put into the populace of Bodden Town. Never has this generation been so challenged and awakened … “People of other denom- inational faiths turned out on many occasions. Those who came to scoff, re- mained to pray, and it is hoped, went home to serve the Lord in a better way. “Bodden Town has al- ways been a deeply reli- gious community. Some- times it borders on the fantastic. As a result it is always difficult for a new church to make an inroad. For many years the Presby- terian Church was the lone custodian of the spiritual needs of the inhabitants. In recent years the Church of God (Holiness) and the Sev- enth-day Adventist Church have been established here. “Bodden Town, from Sa- vannah to Breakers, boasts seven churches, one for every eighty individuals. West Bay’s ratio is one to four hundred. Two religious services are held, on the average, every day of the year. If Bodden Town suf- fers from any spiritual defi- ciency, it is certainly not for the lack of regular doses. Any apostasy must stem from insincerity, hypoc- risy, or the abandonment of one’s interest. “Planned crusades, such as the one just completed will do much to bring the erring ones to the fold …. “Through the courtesy of the Communicable Disease Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, Caymanians have been viewing a picture about mosquito research and control. This picture was shown at the Ocean View Theatre on Tuesday night by the kind permission of Mrs. Cynthia Watler. “The mosquitoes must have been given a special invitation, and who also seemed to know that their days are numbered turned out in exceptionally large and hostile swarms, to the annoyance of the audience. It is regrettable that the au- dience, comprised mostly of children, was small. “As the control of mos- quitoes is a problem which will require the coopera- tion of every person on the island, it is necessary for the public to be introduced to the modern technology involved in the study of this ancient pest. At a time when so many criticisms are hurled at Government, it is commendable that the control of mosquitoes has been approached in a scien- tific manner …. “One can readily under- stand why it is necessary to make a start towards the eradication of this insect whose disease carrying ca- pabilities could easily wipe out the entire population, considering the inadequacy of our medical facilities to cope with the spread of communicable diseases.” Carl Farrell next to the photo of his grandfather, Manoah Eden.Stacy Eden-Hurlston with the photo of his grandfather, William Eden III.CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 7 DISTRICT DAYS District Days Bodden Town Artist lives dream left by grandmother JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Carrying on a craft passed on by her grandmother, Vir- ginia Christian displays at her craft stall a wide array of the colorful and fascinating items she has created. On her table there are handmade cotton aprons highlighting Cayman’s col- orful roosters, jewelry made from coconut and seashells, dolls dressed in fancy out- fits, bags, table mats, hats and much more to entice her customers. “From the time I was small, I loved to play with dollies and make different things when my grandmother would throw away her cloth clippings … I would use them to make my own designs … guess I inherited that from her, but not without the stern words to keep out of her way,” Mrs. Christian, 60, said, recalling precious memories. “She would tell me go, leave me, sit down, you cannot do this, but I lin- gered round to see what she was doing and it began from there,” she said. While she makes a small income from selling her craft items, Mrs. Christian said she did not realize she could make a living from what she really loved to do until she suffered an unexpected ca- reer change, two heart at- tacks and diabetes. As her health situation required her to take it easy, a work day became sitting quietly in front of the sewing ma- chine and working on mate- rials to make jewelry at her home on Mockingbird Road. “Working on my crafts is stress-free and calming,” she said. “The thing about crafting is, it is something you have to desire. You have to have it in your body … sometimes people do it just for a hobby, but when I do something, I have to put all the love into that piece. I even talk to my pieces when I am doing them.” Looking back on her life, it seems as if Mrs. Chris- tian was always pushed into developing the gift she had received early in her child- hood. Her grandmother was a multi-talented crafter, artist and seamstress and her childhood was sur- rounded with her colorful works of art. Mrs. Chris- tian’s art teacher saw her talents and drew her out- side one day to tell her to further her education in that field. Despite all of that, Mrs. Christian choose other ca- reer paths. After attending art school in Costa Rica, she went to Jamaica and began working in the Costa Rican Embassy in Kingston. It was there she met East End resident Warren Conolly. Mr. Conolly was looking for a helper and asked her if she would like to come to Cayman to work for him. After working for Mr. Conolly for two years, she made her way back to Costa Rica, only to return a short time later to marry Tony Christian. One day at the Bodden Town clinic she met a coun- selor from Caribbean Haven who told her she had good counseling skills from her interaction with his clients. Mrs. Christian took some courses and started working at Caribbean Haven, teaching mathematics and crafts to clients. After 11 years she was forced to re- tire because of ill health. It was while relaxing at home that her crafting ideas came back to her. “I could not sleep; at night my mind just kept running away with so many craft ideas I would get up and just do it,” she said. K-9 units show off skills at career fair Cayman K-9 officers showcased the skills of the Customs and Agriculture de- partments’ sniffer dogs to Prospect Primary School stu- dents during a career fair on May 20. Nugget, a black Labrador retriever, and Bolt, a Belgian Malinois, from the customs K-9 unit demonstrated how they detect contraband, in- cluding drugs and guns. Customs K-9 unit chief Malachi Powery and officers Anthony Echenique and Tate McFarlane put the canines to work on the school grounds by allowing them to sniff out drugs they had hidden. Bolt also displayed his ability, on cue, to chase and pin down suspected criminals until other of- ficers arrive. Meanwhile, inside the hall, the Agriculture Depart- ment’s K-9 officer Myah, a 6-year-old beagle, demon- strated her skill at picking up the scent of produce hidden inside suitcases and other luggage. Agriculture inspector and K-9 handler Sharon Davis, with the support of labora- tory assistant Noel Smith, ex- plained to the students and visiting Red Bay Primary students how Myah usually “checks” baggage at the air- port and alerts if raw pro- duce is entering the islands. Canines like Myah help pre- vent bugs and other un- wanted organisms from en- tering the islands. As a bonus, some of the youngsters were also able to pet the beagle. Virginia Christian at her stall at the National Museum’s Looky Ya event. - PHOTO: JEWEL LEVY Labrador retriever Nugget homes in and indicates where drugs are hidden to Customs K-9 handler Anthony Echenique. Agriculture Department K-9 handler Sharon Davis and Lab Assistant Noel Smith with produce-sniffing beagle, Myah, who alerts them by sitting still while eyeing the bag or putting a paw on it.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS government still wants to col- lect market value on the duty for that property transfer rather than on the $1. The property’s “market value” is defined in the law as the estimated amount for which the property should exchange during an “arms- length” real estate transaction [where the buyer and seller are not familiar with each other] and where both parties acted “without compulsion.” In Ms. Basdeo’s case, a valuation was completed, setting the land valuation at $120,000, or $5,000 higher than the agreed purchase price. At 2 percent stamp duty assessment for a first- time Caymanian buyer, that means she would have to pay $2,400 in stamp duty, rather than $2,300 on the agreed purchase price. “Any valuation being opinion-based, it is common for valuers to produce dif- ferent figures, however great their experience or exper- tise may be,” Justice Malcolm noted in his ruling. “The best evidence of the market value of a property is the actual price agreed ….” Justice Malcolm said there was no evidence in this case that the land purchase by Ms. Basdeo was any- thing other than an “arms- length” transaction after the property had been advertised on the Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association listing site. The Grand Court judge ruled government had charged Ms. Basdeo the in- correct rate for the property transfer, about 2.09 percent instead of the 2 percent it should have assessed. According to the Walkers’ analysis of the judgment, Justice Malcolm’s decision noted “broader issues” be- yond simply those involving duty charged to first-time Caymanian property buyers. “Whilst in this case the sum overpaid was small – a matter of $100 – the differ- ential may be more stark in the case of higher value prop- erty,” the legal analysis read. “[This could occur] in cir- cumstances where there is a wider gulf between purchase price and valuation, or indeed simply where the full rate as opposed to discounted rate of stamp duty applies.” The Cayman Islands gov- ernment charges a one-time 7.5 percent duty rate on all normal home purchases, no matter where they occur, except in cases such as Ms. Basdeo’s, where the buyer is a first-time Caymanian purchaser. There is no annual prop- erty tax assessed on home or property owners in the Cayman Islands. given any feedback about how we feel being inundated with … genetically modified mosquitoes,” Dwene Ebanks said at the meeting. He and others at the meeting asked Oxitec repre- sentatives why Cayman was chosen for such a project. Oxitec product develop- ment manager Derric Nimmo said the MRCU is “world-re- nowned” for assessing new technologies for mosquito control and that it is “very in- terested” in new methods be- cause the current technology for dealing with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes is not working. “This is a public health menace. It is also a real challenge for people to con- trol,” MRCU Director Bill Petrie said. Mr. Petrie explained that over the years the MRCU has looked at several methods to suppress the Aedes aegypti mosquito population, and he believes Oxitec’s solution will effectively suppress the spe- cies in Cayman. “The essence of this tech- nique is the use of effectively sterile male mosquitoes, which are released in the en- vironment [and] then mate with the wild female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are already out there. The progeny of those female mos- quitoes then do not complete development, they all die, so they do not reach maturity,” Mr. Petrie explained. “If you do this over time, we have shown that you can signifi- cantly reduce the population of Aedes aegypti in the wild.” Mr. Nimmo said that because Aedes aegypti mosquitoes live in and around homes and can breed in very small amounts of water, the species is very difficult to control by con- ventional means. The species has also become resistant to many types of insecticides. “This technology reaches where other tools cannot,” he said. Mr. Ebanks also expressed concerns about the tech- nology, and asked Mr. Nimmo whether residents should be concerned about ingesting the mosquitoes, and whether they would have to wear masks when walking outside. Mr. Nimmo said residents should not be concerned about the possibility of ac- cidentally ingesting a genet- ically modified mosquito, as it is no more harmful than accidentally ingesting a normal mosquito. Those at the meeting also expressed concerns about the possibility of female mosquitoes being acciden- tally released along with the male mosquitoes. “We do release a small per- centage of females … [among] one out of every 10,000 males is a female, so there is a chance that you could get bitten by one of these females,” Mr. Nimmo said. “There is no difference getting bitten by a GM female mosquito than the wild mosquito.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine came to the same conclusion in its preliminary “Finding of no Significant Impact” in March. “Based on the data and information presented, FDA concluded that the immuno- logical response in humans and animals to OX513A fe- male mosquito bites is not expected to be different from the immunological response to bites by wild type Ae. ae- gypti mosquitoes,” the agency said in the statement. The FDA report was in re- sponse to a proposed plan to release Oxitec Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for an investiga- tional trial in the Florida Keys. Similar releases by Ox- itec have been carried out in Panama, three locations in Brazil, and in Cayman’s East End in 2009. Mr. Nimmo noted that while the GM female mos- quito, like its wild counter- part, can carry diseases, “lab” females do not live as long as wild female mosquitoes. Beginning in June, the ge- netically modified mosqui- toes will be deployed initially to treat an area of about 300 acres, with 1,800 residents, in West Bay. Mosquitoes will be released three times a week, with between 100,000 to 200,000 mosquitoes per release. About 1,000 mosqui- toes will be released every 50 to 100 meters along a road. Mr. Nimmo said those numbers may “sound like a lot,” but after 30 seconds, those 1,000 mosquitoes quickly disappear from sight as they disperse to nearby yards and gardens. Several mosquito traps will also be set so that weekly monitoring of the rollout can be done. Mr. Nimmo added that the current mosquito control ef- forts by the MRCU will con- tinue as normal while the GM mosquito release project is under way. We regret to announce the passing of our beloved Maureen Andersen Berry. She was a shining star, world traveler, gracious mother, grandmother. She was a teacher and renowned artist who helped to document the culture and architecture of the Cayman Islands through her work; Mother to David, Juanita and Astrid, Grandmother to Steven, Michael and Vivian. She will be sadly missed by her many good friends and family. Her burial will take place at 3pm, Boatswain’s Bay Cemetery in West Bay, Saturday 28 May. All are welcome. R.I.P. Mom, Friend and Nana We thought of you with love today, But that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, And days before that too. We think of you in silence. We often speak your name. Now all we have is memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake. With which we’ll never part. God has in his keeping. We have you in our heart. From your broken hearted wife – Cherrie Walton Daughters- Tonya Walton – Liverpool and Dellakay Walton Son – Charles I Walton Jr. Grand Children & Great Grand Children. Happy 1st birthday in heaven Charles L. Walton May 26th 1944 – March 02, 2016 We thought of you with love today, But that is nothing new. From your broken hearted wife – Cherrie Walton Daughters- Tonya Walton – Liverpool and Dellakay Walton Grand Children & Great Grand Children. We have you in our heart. From your broken hearted wife – Cherrie Walton Daughters- Tonya Walton – Liverpool and Dellakay Walton Grand Children & Great Grand Children. The decision raised a critical question whether the “historical practice” in Cayman of charging stamp duty based on valuations … was correct. “It is … worth noting that over our last three budgets, we have generated net surpluses totaling $399 million dollars.” PREMIER ALDEN MCLAUGHLIN “This technology reaches where other tools cannot.” DERRIC NIMMO, product development manager, Oxitec $100 ruling may set stamp duty precedent Premier: Three-year budget surplus is $399 million Scientists move to quell GM mosquito concerns $399 million dollars,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “We did this despite giving up tens of millions annually in tax re- ductions and in correcting inequalities in civil servants’ salaries and more.” Mr. McLaughlin noted that the former United Dem- ocratic Party government managed a $41 million total surplus during its last three budget periods. Opposition Leader McK- eeva Bush has long said that Mr. McLaughlin is taking credit for the results of a raft of revenue measures his former UDP government in- stituted after the Progres- sives government of 2005- 2009 left office in dire straits. Mr. Bush has said the former People’s Progres- sive Movement racked up an $81 million operating deficit during its last year in office, 2008/09, which Mr. Bush’s administration spent years correcting. The opposition leader has also questioned why govern- ment is not using some of its surplus funds to assist needy Caymanians. “It’s always good that we have a surplus, but you can’t save up a surplus and leave your people without elec- tricity and without work,” Mr. Bush said last year. Mr. McLaughlin noted that the central government’s overall debt has been reduced to $503 million from $574 million when the Progres- sives took office in mid-2013. A fund has also been es- tablished to pay off the terri- tory’s future debts, of which about $260 million is due in 2019. The fund now has $17 million, the premier said. Oxitec’s Derric Nimmo addresses the public meeting in West Bay on Tuesday night. – PHOTO: KELSEY JUKAM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016 CAYMAN ACADEMY P.O. Box 515, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands Telephone – (345) 640 2630 Email:caymanacademyschool@gmail.com A SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST INSTITUTION Cayman Academy Invites Applications for CAPE Starting 2016/17 Academic Year Cayman Academy is launching CAPE (the Caribbean Advanced Pro ciency Examination) in the 2016/17 academic year. Students with CSEC or equivalent secondary education certi cation are invited to apply. CAPE is equivalent to the British Advanced Levels (A-Levels), both of which are intended for entrance to regional, Canadian, and British universities. Students entering American universities with CAPE quali cations may be eligible for credits and exemptions in selected subject areas. CAPE grants certi cates for individual subjects, a diploma (a cluster of six subjects) or an associate degree (seven or more subjects). Subjects may be studied concurrently or singly. Cayman Academy starts its CAPE programme this year with the business strand, in the following subjects: Accounts Economics Management of Business Caribbean Studies Communication Studies This year, students may select an additional subject from the following options: Pure Mathematics Environmental Science Information Technology Application forms are available from the Registrar, Cayman Academy, telephone: (6402630 or 9267190) email: caymanacademy@gmail.com Deadline for applications is August 12, 2017 THURSDAY, MAY 26 REGISTER TO QUIT SMOKING: The Public Health Department reminds smokers who wish to quit that there are still some spaces left for the smoking cessation classes the department is offering. Classes start on June 1 from 5:15-6:45 p.m., every Wednesday for seven weeks in the Public Health waiting room. Today is the deadline to register. For more information or to sign up, call the Public Health Department on 244-2889/244-2621, or email sarah.hetley@hsa.ky or nola.sanderson@hsa.ky. BRAC LABOUR AND PENSIONS: The Department of Labour and Pensions office at 256 Creek Road, Cayman Brac, will open today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tomorrow (Friday) from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to assist with inquiries and complaints about labor and pensions matters only. No appointments are necessary. The DLP will also hold a question-and-answer session at its office today from 6-8 p.m. for employers and employees. FRAUD RISK, PREVENTION: Free workshop on Identifying Occupational Fraud Risk and Fraud Prevention Controls, by Kevin Haywood Crouch of KRyS Global, 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. VISUAL ARTS SOCIETY AGM: The meeting is from 7-9 p.m. at the Watler House Studio, Pedro St. James. All are invited to learn about what the society has to offer, the exciting past events and what’s coming up. Meet the board of directors and other artists. Only paid-up members will be eligible to vote. Refreshments and light snacks will be served following the meeting. FRIDAY, MAY 27 BRAC MOVIE NIGHT: The Department of Children and Family Services invites families in Cayman Brac to a movie night. A part of the Child Month celebrations, Movie Night offers a way to share quality time by watching a family friendly movie. Aston Rutty Civic Centre, 7-9 p.m. Popcorn will be provided. For more information, contact 948-2331 or dcfs@gov.ky. DRESS DOWN DAY: The Department of Children and Family Services and Feed Our Future hosts the annual Child Month dress down day today, a fundraiser for the school lunch program. People are asked to dress in bright colors to support the day or buy a commemorative T-shirt for $15. To buy a Feed Our Future T-shirt, call 916-0923. For more information, contact DCFS on 949-0290 and dcfs@gov.ky. FISH FRY: All Stars Netball Club host a fish fry 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Frank Hall Homes parking lot, 67 Mary Street. $12 per ticket. $15 for roast fish. The money supports club development and leadership conference participation. MEALS ON WHEELS COIN DRIVE: Meals on Wheels volunteers will be stationed outside participating grocery and hardware stores today and tomorrow to collect any amount you care to give. All donations make a huge difference. It takes only $5 to provide a nutritious meal to a homebound senior. Meals on Wheels is also seeking volunteers. For more information, email beulahmcfield@gmail.com or call the office 949-3905. ‘RUNDOWN’: Final weekend for this annual comedy revue at the Harquail Theatre. Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and children under the age of 12. Tickets can be reserved by calling 949-5477 or purchased online at www.artscayman.org/rundown. Outlets include the CNCF Box Office, Foster’s Food Fair (Strand), Funky Tang’s and Health Care Pharmacy in Grand Harbour. SATURDAY, MAY 28 BUTTERFIELD 800M SEA SWIM: Starts at Governors Beach at 4 p.m. The course will be a loop format, running approximately 400m north, around two buoys and back to the finish line. Registration takes place on race day from 3-3:45 p.m. Race caps will be provided upon registration and swimmers are required to wear them to ensure safety during the race. Trophies will be awarded to winners in each category, plus T-shirts and refreshments for all participants. Cost for CIASA members is $10 for children and $15 for adults. Non- members: $15 for children and $20 for adults. DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross Mobile Thrift Shop will be in East End, close to Pirates Cove Bar, 6–10 a.m. FULL GOSPEL BUSINESSMEN: The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International holds its monthly breakfast 8 a.m., at The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. A tour of the current show will follow. CUPCAKE WARS: Young pastry chefs take part in the Child Month Cupcake Wars competition 10 a.m.– noon at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The public is welcome to watch the judging from noon-1 p.m. Space is limited in the judging room. HATHA YOGA: The ARC, Camana Bay, 11 a.m.- noon. Cost is $30, with all proceeds to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, Feed Our Future, and C.A.R.E – Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts. Sponsored by Camana Bay, Saucha Conscious Living, Bliss Living Cayman and Photoceramics Studio Systems. Ticket outlets are at Bliss Living Yoga Studio and Winners Circle. Also at Camana Bay in front of the Discovery Centre on Saturday, May 21, from 3-5 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at door – please purchase by May 26. YOUNG AT ARTS AUDITIONS: Aspiring actors, dancers and musicians ages 14-22 are invited to audition for Young At Arts Summer Theatre Arts Intensive, which is produced annually by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation. The YAA Intensive begins July 5 and ends with a weekend of shows Aug. 5-7. For more on the program or to book an audition, email cncf@artscayman.org or call 949-5477. Additional information can be found on www.artscayman.org/young- at-arts. SUNDAY, MAY 29 FAMILY FEST: Child Month event in Grand Cayman at the Stacy Watler Agriculture Pavilion in Lower Valley. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local games and the How Well Do You Know Your Child game. Food will be provided at no cost by the Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Teen Pregnancy Awareness Booth on display. This is a Child Month event hosted by the Department of Children and Family Services in conjunction with the Seventh-day Adventist Churches. For more information contact 949-0290 or dcfs@gov.ky. MONDAY, MAY 30 JURORS: Grand Court Jurors who are in the April 6 – July 5 session are advised that they should report for jury today at 9:45 a.m. The Jury Information line – 945-5072 – has the most up to date information. TUESDAY, MAY 31 SEAFARER/VETERAN DEADLINE: Today is the deadline for seafarers, veterans and their spouses to provide their current information to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for its health insurance database if they have not already done so. Individuals seeking assistance may contact the ministry at asenath.blake@gov.ky or 244-2224. Failure to respond by May 31 may result in the discontinuation of health insurance benefits. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 ASTRONOMICAL AGM: The Astronomical Society holds an important annual general meeting. Members are asked to be prompt for a 7:30 p.m. start. For agenda and/or directions, contact Chris Cooke. THURSDAY, JUNE 2 THE GOOD LIFE: Isy B. and Sand Angels invite all to a charity fashion show and shopping event at Sand Angels, 6 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include a glass of wine. Part proceeds to the NCVO Caring Cousins Lunch Support program. Attendees take $25 off any Isy B. dress at the event. Tickets available from Sand Angels, Camana Bay. SATURDAY, JUNE 4 LITTLE LEAGUE: The Little League annual fundraiser takes place at 6 p.m. $10,000 grand prize. $10 tickets available from players, parents, outside supermarkets, and at the Field of Dreams. Phone 916-5643 for further details. GLOW RUN 5K: Event organized by the National Trust. Starts 7 p.m. at the entrance of SafeHaven, with the halfway point turnaround in front of Holiday Inn, then back to the entrance of SafeHaven to the finish line. Registration fees for Trust members are $25; non-members $35; children ages 3 to 12, $20. Those who sign up for membership receive three additional glow items in their runner pack. Register at www.nationaltrust.org.ky. For details on corporate registrations, sponsorship opportunities and volunteer assistance email marketing@nationaltrust.org.ky or call 749-1121. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events.Next >