ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – MONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA Cayman seeks opportunity in Brexit aftermath JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman Islands leaders are seeking silver linings amid global political and economic turmoil in the wake of Brit- ain’s decision to leave the European Union. The Brexit referendum result Friday immediately led to the resignation of British Prime Minister David Cam- eron and saw financial markets tumble, while the British pound plunged to a 30-year low against the U.S. dollar. The result has already led to calls for a second Scottish LA APPROVES $862.4 MILLION BUDGET CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com Members of the Legislative As- sembly Friday approved an $862.4 mil- lion budget for government over the next 18 months. The new budget, which begins July 1, does not have any new taxes or fees. It does include new bonus pay for the civil service, more money for the Cayman Islands Monetary Au- thority, and an extra $4.2 million for public education. “The bill was passed without any amendments,” Finance Minister Marco Archer told the Legislative Assembly Friday, tabling the new budget for the next 18 months. The budget next goes to the governor for approval and has to be gazetted by the end of the month. “The budget process takes ap- proximately 5-6 months and the Fi- nance Ministry staff pretty much work around the clock the week before the budget is delivered to LA,” Mr. Archer said over the weekend. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, from the Philippines, visited Cayman over the weekend to host a Pinoy Pride Indepen- dence Month celebration, marking Filipino Independence Day. More than 1,500 people gathered at the Lions Community Centre Friday night to welcome Miss Universe to the islands. Miss Universe also attended a meet and greet with Miss Cayman Islands Monyque Brooks and contestants for next year’s Miss Cayman competition at the Lobster Pot Saturday night. An excited crowd gathered at both evening events. The smaller Saturday night gathering gave the Miss Cayman Islands com- mittee, contestants and others the chance to meet Ms. Wurtzbach, take photographs and enjoy an evening overlooking the George Town waterfront. Ms. Wurtzbach also toured Grand Cayman, visiting George Town, Camana Bay and the Eastern Districts, and planned to visit Stingray City Sunday. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, center, poses with Miss Cayman Islands Monyque Brooks, right, and Miss Cayman Islands Runner-up Erin Hislop. – PHOTO: CHARLES DUNCAN Miss Universe visits Cayman Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach drew more than 1,500 people to the Lions Centre Friday night to celebrate Filipino Independence Day. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Premier Alden McLaughlin2 LOCAL&REGIONAL MONDAY JUNE 27, 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 - INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE 3D (PG13) 1:20 I 4:15 2D I 7:00 I 9:50 2D ME BEFORE YOU (PG13) 1:10 I 4:10 I 7:10 I 9:55 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (PG13) 1:30 I 4:30 I 7:20 I 10:00 FINDING DORY 3D (PG) 12:30 I 1:00 2D I 3:00 I 6:45 I 7:15 2D I 9:15 I 9:40 2D NOW YOU SEE ME 2 (PG13) 12:40 I 3:50 I 6:45 I 9:40 Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 640-FILM (640-3456) CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION In the story “Burglar caught red-handed by Skype” on the front page of the Cayman Compass of Friday, June 24, the sen- tences imposed on defen- dant Neville Marston should have included two months for failing to surrender to custody in addition to 30 months for burglary, making a total of 32 months. The Cayman Compass strives for accuracy and is committed to correcting errors that appear in the newspaper. Those interested in contacting the paper for that purpose can email the editor at newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com. Esterley Tibbetts Highway extension progressing Curbing and initial paving work has begun on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway expansion project south of the Lawrence Boulevard roundabout. Although the current work involves only the property owned by Dart Realty to a point where the Airport Connector Road roundabout will be located, work on the southern portion of the expansion project will begin immediately after the process to gazette the additional width of that part of the highway is completed, a Dart representative said. The northerly portion of the road expansion project is expected to be finished by early 2017. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com A new solid waste man- agement plan has been final- ized that calls for more re- cycling, composting and an incinerator to turn waste into electricity for the national power grid. Consultants with Amec Foster Wheeler and KPMG estimate the George Town landfill will reach capacity by summer 2021. The consul- tants released a draft report for public consultation in October, and the new report echoes recommendations to reduce solid waste sent to the landfill and incinerate most of the waste that is sent to the dump. Government’s new budget, approved Friday, includes $6.5 million to buy land for the new waste management project, though it does not say where. An outline business case for the new solid waste management plan is expected to be released in August. The proposed plan calls for significantly increasing recycling of household goods and bulk waste, potentially including curbside pickup for recyclables and yard waste. It also includes composting facilities for yard waste on Grand Cayman and the Brac, along with the waste-to-en- ergy plant on Grand Cayman that would incinerate trash to produce electricity. Cayman sent about 65,000 tons of waste to the dump last year, more than one ton for every resident. The con- sultants say government should be particularly con- cerned with what to do with its waste as the population in Cayman continues to grow. The consultants write, growth in the amount of trash going to the dump “if left unchecked would result in a consider- able increase in the tonnage of solid waste requiring man- agement each year. This would have significant financial and environmental impacts.” By 2050, the consul- tants estimate, the people of the Cayman Islands would create between 100,000 and 200,000 tons of waste a year, depending on how much can be diverted for recycling and export. The report calls for the landfills on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac to be closed and for trash and re- cyclables to be shipped to Grand Cayman. The consultants say gov- ernment could have all the new waste management pro- cesses and equipment up and running by 2020. With new composting, recycling and “waste-to-energy” facilities, the consultants estimate that waste going to the landfill could drop from about 60,000 tons each year to little more than 10,000 tons. The waste-to-energy plant could generate up to 540 kilo- watt hours of energy per ton. For comparison, the average household in the United States uses about 900 kilo- watt hours per month in electricity, according to U.S. regulators. The Caribbean Utilities Company generated almost 625 million kilowatt hours in 2015, according to the company’s annual report. The consultants also note that the George Town landfill could potentially be mined “to extract recyclables, re- cover energy from the waste and to extend the life of George Town landfill.” The proposed plan calls for significantly increasing recycling of household goods and bulk waste, potentially including curbside pickup for recyclables and yard waste. Landfill report suggests turning trash into energy Consultants say the George Town landfill will be full by 2021. - PHOTO: CHRIS COURT SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Puerto Rico Gov. Ale- jandro Garcia Padilla has expanded an emer- gency debt moratorium that he said would pro- tect the government’s ability to provide essen- tial services amid a wors- ening economic outlook. The governor late Friday signed an execu- tive order that halts notes payments by the Puerto Rico Infrastructure Fi- nancing Authority. He said the move was necessary to “ensure the public health, safety, education and well- being” of island residents. The governor enacted a moratorium on other fi- nancing authority debt in April and has declared fiscal emergencies at the Government Development Bank and Puerto Rico Highway and Transporta- tion Authority. Puerto Rico creditors are challenging through three separate lawsuits a law that grants the gov- ernor the power to de- clare debt payment mora- toriums. The most recent challenge was filed by a group of general obliga- tion bondholders in New York federal court on Tuesday after the territory announced the collapse of debt talks with a group of senior creditors. During a forum in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, the governor reiterated that Puerto Rico lacked the money to cover nearly $2 billion in bond payments that come due July 1 and would have to default. Garcia on Friday urged the U.S. Senate to approve a pending bill that he says would create a legal mech- anism for Puerto Rico to restructure the territory’s nearly $70 billion debt. PUERTO RICO EXPANDS DEBT PAYMENT MORATORIUM Creditors are challenging through three lawsuits a law that grants the governor the power to declare debt payment moratoriums.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 PremierHealth BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD. BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town.Tel. 949-8699 12 Kirkconnell Street, Stake Bay, Cayman BracTel. 948-1760 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International: insurance, health, pensions, life British Caymanian Insurance Agencies Ltd. acts solely as an agent on behalf of various insurers; it does not act as an insurance broker on behalf of its customers. More claims get an automatic green light with BritCay. 57% of your claims were auto-adjudicated first* with BritCay. *2014 You said you need instant answers with health plan data - you get them first with BritCay. Local providers have free access to our health plan portal. 1 in 3 online visits are by providers, helping 51% of claims to be submitted electronically. 96% of claims are settled in 5 days. BritCay budgets for high volumes of claims. We pay more claims, more accurately and quicker than any other local health insurance provider. CALL 949-8699 or visit www.britcay.ky cgigrp In 1984, BritCay joined Colonial Group International (CGI). In 1990, BritCay was the first company to offer Cayman residents an overseas network option with world class centres of excellence. It was the first of many changes to come.notable firsts! Sexual assault alleged at migrant center CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Human Rights Com- mission alleges that Cuban migrants have been subject to exploitation and sexual assault while awaiting re- patriation in Cayman detention centers. Hundreds of Cuban mi- grants have landed in the Cayman Islands this year on their way to Central America, overwhelming the main im- migration detention center to the point where the Im- migration Department had to house migrants in the civic centers in Bodden Town and East End. Cubans who land in Cayman are housed by the Immigration Department until they can be sent back to their home country. The Commission released a letter last week, addressed to the chief officer for the Home Affairs Ministry and dated June 8, detailing con- cerns with conditions for Cuban migrants who landed in Cayman. Responding over the weekend to the release of the letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs criticized the commis- sion for making its criticisms public and said no migrants had made complaints about criminal activity to police. Wesley Howell, with the ministry, said upgrades to the main immigration deten- tion center in George Town should be complete this week, increasing capacity at the facility to 100. The added capacity, the ministry said, “will reduce reliance on sec- ondary accommodations such as the Bodden Town Civic Centre and the East End Civic Centre.” Commissioners wrote that detainees told them “that sexual activity (some of which may constitute sexual assault) has been occurring amongst detainees.” The letter says that de- tainees alleged that there was also a “sexual relation- ship between a private secu- rity guard at the East End Civic Centre [previously being used to house migrants] and a detainee.” Additionally, commis- sioners note “an allegation that a private security guard at the East End Civic Centre regularly smoked ganja with detainees and that those de- tainees were given special privileges (i.e. additional phone use); and allegations that private security guards have allowed detainees to be picked up from the East End Civic Centre and taken off the property during the night.” Private security guards have been responsible for the immigration detention camps set up at the civic centers in Bodden Town and East End. Commissioners called on government to have po- lice investigate the criminal allegations and to create new policies and proce- dures to address how de- tainees are housed while awaiting repatriation. Commissioners, writing to the Ministry of Home Af- fairs, called on government to have the detention cen- ters inspected by the Fire Service and the Department of Environmental Health to make sure the centers are safe and clean. The ministry on Sunday said fire and environmental health officials will inspect detention centers for safety and cleanliness. The written statement also said the Prison Service issued a public tender recently to hire a sole provider for security services. The statement notes, “The procurement of a single secu- rity services firm was a stra- tegic decision in the public interest as it was based on an evaluation of operational considerations including risks, logistics, and consis- tency in retaining quality se- curity services.” Responding to the alle- gations of criminal activity, the Ministry of Home Affairs writes, “In relation to infor- mation recently collected by the HRC through interviews with detained migrants, the Ministry notes that some of the allegations were indeed of a serious nature. Notably, however, [neither] the Depart- ment of Immigration nor the Prison Service have received a formal complaint from any detained migrant regarding the use of drugs, consensual sexual activity, or sexual as- sault at either the IDC or any of the Civic Centres.” The ministry statement continues, “It is disappointing that the HRC has chosen to publish communications that carry an accusatory under- tone of inaction on the part of the Ministry and other supporting departments.” In an earlier letter to the head of the Immigration De- partment, also made public Friday, Commission members wrote, “The guidelines should cover the entire process, from the first encounter with en- forcement agencies to the final outcome, whether that is the grant of asylum or re- patriation. At the very least, policies should include pro- visions for advising migrants of their rights, facilitating ac- cess to pro bono legal advice upon request and provide timetables for the asylum application procedure, ap- pealing asylum decisions, seeking judicial review of Tribunal decisions and repa- triation procedures.” Late last month a distur- bance among detainees at the Bodden Town Civic Centre re- sulted in police using pepper spray to bring the situation under control. The report notes several other concerns over migrants’ detention and treatment. Commissioners wrote that migrants have not been prop- erly assessed on arrival; dif- fering rules for detainees de- pending on what site they are housed at; and inconsisten- cies in treating migrants with special medical needs such as pregnancy or HIV/AIDS. The Commissioners said that the detention centers were overcrowded and fire exits were blocked. They also wrote that men and women were housed together and had to use the same showers and bathrooms. Commissioners write that detainees told them ‘that sexual activity (some of which may constitute sexual assault) has been occurring amongst detainees.’ Police say a boat left Cayman Wednesday, June 22, with four men on board and has not returned. A press release from po- lice say the missing boaters were not reported until Saturday. The men, police say, are “possibly missing at sea and may have en- countered difficulties.” The group includes Carl Demmie Ebanks, 59, from West Bay, Michael Aedrian Palmer, 40, a Jamaican na- tional, and two other men police believe to be from Jamaica. The police statement says the men left Cayman on an 18-foot blue and white vessel for an unknown destination. Police ask anyone with information to contact the West Bay police station at 949-3999. Police report possible missing boaters Michael Aedrian Palmer, left, and Carl Demmie Ebanks are ‘possibly missing at sea,’ say police.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. Last week, we devoted two separate front pages of the newspaper to two key questions: 1) How does the Cayman Islands government spend its money? 2) How does the gov- ernment get its money? Those inquiries are deceptively simple. With nearly $1.2 billion in total public spending slated for the upcoming 18-month budget cycle, distributed throughout well over 100 ministries, portfolios, departments, units, statu- tory authorities and government-owned companies – the answers to those questions can be quite complex, or even vary according to the perspective you adopt. For example, in an early (unpublished) version of a graphic our newsroom put together on central government’s $862 million in projected expenses, we categorized spending according to “personnel costs” (47 percent), “supplies and consumables” (16 percent), “outputs from public authorities” (18 percent), etc. But where, then, is the $50 million or more in spending on social services? What about education? Healthcare? To their credit, Finance Minister Marco Archer and his staff were helpful and responsive. They provided us with their own chart – one that’s not in the official budget – breaking out expenditures by subject area: national security (22 percent), education (17 percent), health (15 percent), social security and welfare (9 percent), etc. That’s the graphic we published on the front page last Tuesday. But it doesn’t tell the whole story on government spending. One key theme that should be highlighted is how “inflexible” the Cayman government’s budget actually is – despite core government expecting $908 million in revenue in the next 18 months. Nearly half of core government’s budget is tied up in personnel costs, a line item our political officials continue to regard as sacrosanct. Factor in other “locked-in” expenses such as debt financing and depreciation, and the government doesn’t have much money “left over” to invest in things such as infrastructure or ambitious new programs. Consider the gov- ernment’s non-robust spending on capital projects of $48 million for the next 18 months, amounting to 6 percent of core government spending. That includes $8 million for the new John Gray High School (a project that, according to March 2012 estimates, will take $43 million to finish), $7 million for land for a new solid waste facility (which in total will cost tens or hundreds of millions of dollars), $3 million for roads (compared to the roughly $9 million cost of completing the government’s half of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway expansion) and $500,000 for cruise berthing (a mere sliver of the $150 million to $200 million the dock will actually cost). Because the government has very little money to spare, officials must turn to “public-private partnerships” if they hope to get major projects completed – i.e., highways, cruise piers, etc. Since cutting existing expenses does not appear to be an option for our government, the alternative is to increase revenue. The most obvious way to increase revenue is to increase taxes. While that’s almost always a bad option, in Cayman’s case it isn’t much of an option at all. Our analysis in Friday’s Compass of the “revenue side” of the budget suggests the government seems to have just as little flexibility in raising new funds and fees as it does on the expenditure side. It is already taxing “almost everything.” Over the next 18 months, the government expects to bring in more than $152 million from import duties, nearly $100 million from work permits and $55 million from stamp duty on land transfers. That’s just the top of the list. Other, less grandiose but just as confiscatory, revenue categories include $1.3 million for police clearances, $300,000 in drivers’ examination fees, $30,000 for sale of laws (we assume photocopies of laws), $3,000 in refund pro- cessing fees, and, to cite one of our favorites, $1,000 in tem- porary work permit application fees for an entertainer (we wonder who that is). In brief, although our country thankfully has no income tax, everything else that can be taxed is already subject to tax – and plenty of it. Under the status quo, officials have little freedom (or fortitude) to alter seriously either expendi- tures or tax rates. As we’ve written before, in order to address Cayman’s looming liabilities and long-term infrastructure needs, it appears we have only one way left to go: that is, up – meaning growth, in terms of population, development and the tax base. The budget: Plenty of funds, little flexibility I am responding to the letter Mary Thompson wrote in your newspaper on June 21. I must say first of all I was both shocked and very disap- pointed after reading it. I have known Mary most of my life and of course her late husband Norberg. I also know one of her sons, Kel. The family is very close to my surviving sister. I will start off in the same vein that Mary wrote (not that it had anything to do with the dispute regarding the water- front property). My father was the late Major Joseph Rodriguez (Roddy) Watler, Chief Inspector of Police and Captain of the Home Guard (amongst other positions he held). My mother was Blanche Bodden. I am re- lated to the very first Cayma- nians. I am, therefore, 100 per- cent true born Caymanian with no “paper” to my title. I will not bother to write all my father’s achievements as it would take too long except to say he is the Cayman Islands’ most decorated Caymanian. Mary states Norberg was one of the founders of West- StarTV “which brought tele- vision to Cayman”. It was CITN – Cayman International Television (Caribbean) Net- work that brought television to the Cayman Islands. CITN was in competition with Des- mond Seales’s CITV long be- fore CITN engaged WestStar to manage the business for them. And a year after Norberg being a shareholder in WestStar, he departed. It was my hus- band, Colin, and myself that were the pioneers of television along with Desmond [Seales]. And it was my money that started CITN. It was Colin that founded WestStar after we had both sat down with Norberg and Kel to see if they were in- terested, but they were em- phatic with us they were not. I duly recognize Norberg’s achievements and you have a right, Mary, to be proud of him. However, none of this has anything to do with the eye- sore that your son, Kel, has erected on the waterfront. It is an abomination and I have told Kel so to his face. The Central Planning Au- thority (“comprised of Cayma- nians”) for reasons I can only conjecture, defied the strong objections to your son’s de- velopment from the Depart- ment of Environment on sound grounds and comprised of Caymanians. It is disturbing to me that expats/“paper Caymanians” (your words) should want to beautify the waterfront whilst your Caymanian son wants to put a blot on the landscape! Your disgraceful rhetoric at Chris Johnson, who has been here just as long as your son has, and the slur you have placed regarding his status and suggesting Caymanians can do whatever they like be- cause we are Caymanians is totally out of order. If it wasn’t for the expats and paper Cay- manians your family would not be the successful and rich one it is. They are the ones who provided you with most of your wealth by using your businesses. As a child I spent many, many, hours swimming in the area your son is now dese- crating. The building is now obstructing the beautiful view the tourists have had over the years and us Caymanians have enjoyed for centuries! “Please bear in mind that we Caymanians are the reason why you are here among us enjoying our lifestyle and the friendliness of our people and we would kindly ask that you respect us, too.” – Mary that goes both ways – not one. And, again, what has that got to do with your son’s building that does not as you say “will be another benefit to tourism”. It is the opposite and the only reason I can see why your son wants it there is to make money for himself and his family. Chris Johnson and his son are trying to beautify the waterfront and not to make money from it. Your son is doing the opposite and I will not be silent on this. I am very, very disap- pointed in your letter as it gives us Caymanians a bad name. I can assure everyone out there the majority of Cay- manians do not share Mary’s views that we can do any- thing we like because we are Caymanians! Joan Wilson MONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS DAVID R. LEGGE AND VICKI L. LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID R. LEGGE EXECUTIVE EDITOR PATRICK BRENDEL A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will findtheirownway” LETTER TO THE EDITOR ‘Disappointed’ by waterfront letter The project on North Church Street has sparked intense conversation among local residents. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY5 LOCAL&REGIONAL CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 1053 Crewe Rd, Unit C9, Grand Harbour • Phone: 749.0900 • Fax: 749.0901 LEASING AND SALES 2013 Wheego Life 2011 Think City 2012 Nissan Leaf 2015 Chevy Spark 2014 Vauxhall Ampera 2011 Honda CRZ 2008 BMW Glass House decision set for early July TAD STONER tstoner@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cabinet is likely to decide the future of the Glass House early next month, choosing among several options that involve either demolishing the structure or redeveloping it with a private company. According to Tristan Hydes, deputy chief officer in the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, the op- tions comprise three choices under the broad rubric of de- molition, and another two if planners elect to renovate the property. While renovation is un- likely because of the cost of fixing multiple violations of building codes and lurking structural damage, “a more detailed response” is due in early July “once Cabinet has considered” competing sug- gestions, Mr. Hydes said. In early June, the deputy chief officer said “a time- line, based on that all goes well and there are no post- ponements, is two weeks to get back [and] evaluate ten- derers’ responses, and in- clude [them] in a paper to Cabinet, one week for [a Pro- gressive Party] caucus, and one week to cabinet.” The tender to replace the building follows the Aug. 28, 2015, ministry request for bids for “demolition and disposal” of the four-story, 35,000-square-foot building of reinforced concrete and steel. Built in 1974, the struc- ture housed government de- partments and ministries. However, the building suf- fered irreparable damage in 2004’s Hurricane Ivan, which itself sparked multiple changes in local building codes, rendering the Glass House below standard. The process of vacating the structure ended in 2011 as the last occupants moved to the newly built Government Administration Building. The 2015 tender called for demolition to begin in Oc- tober last year, finishing in January 2016, but competing proposals for replacing it delayed action. Because the identity of the bidders and details of their proposals remain under wraps, Mr. Hydes declined to discuss costs of each op- tion, although Public Works Department Senior Project Manager Peter Widmer ear- lier said the price of demo- lition was likely to run into “the hundreds of thousands” of dollars. Mr. Hydes would say only that the option for a park “was deemed compet- itive” and was “at the dis- cretion of the anonymous donor,” who will pay to create the park. The price of a new structure, he said, would be “based on type [and] usage of the building.” Two choices under “ren- ovation” were to use it as a government facility, al- though Mr. Hydes did not elaborate, saying only that cost “estimates [were] given, but considered very prelimi- nary as type/usage will need to be decided.” The last choice was to turn the building over to a “private entity,” which would “lease [it] to a third party to recoup costs, although de- tails were still being weighed by government and “costs seem suspect at present.” Clarifying some of the proposals, architect Owen Merodon, who helped develop the options for the Public Works Depart- ment, said many profes- sionals would like to see the building remain. “When we put the building out to tender last year, it be- came apparent that it is a highly political site – apart from its history. “I believe many architects would like to see it remain. In fact, I believe there are a few in government who want it to stay as well. The ten- ders were interesting and the whole process brought out a lot of sentiment.” Mr. Hydes added, “I be- lieve a design competition among Cayman’s finest [de- signers] could provide some interesting ideas. The bottom line [is that] the building would need to be gutted and assessed structurally. The ground floor, in one con- cept, would be open-sided with washrooms; the second and third floors would be a creche and art gallery, and the top floor could be opened up to the sky with a rooftop restaurant and viewing platform.” The option would require leasing the site to a third party who would fund it, Mr. Merodon said. Mr. Hydes said only that the ministry and Public Works Department had put together reports, costs, etc., “to better assist” the ten- derers, which are still being evaluated, and additional in- formation sought. “Once we receive feedback from them, the ministry will provide this information to government for a decision,” he said. The government, he added, wants “to be sure it [is] making a sound and jus- tifiable position.” On Tuesday, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure Kurt Tibbetts told Finance Committee that government is paying for electricity at the Glass House. The building is on the same distribution and metering system as the adja- cent Radio Cayman building and the George Town police station, while some govern- ment records remain housed at the site. “You can’t turn the power off,” Mr. Tibbetts told the committee. “The condition of that building, as it is, it is un- safe and to completely refur- bish it is impractical.” People have “all kinds of ideas” about uses for the building, Mr. Tibbetts said, but “nothing … tells me that it is not better to knock [it] down.” He rejected proposals to refurbish the interior and lease it back to government, saying years-old studies made the suggestion imprac- tical, and that building code violations disqualified it as an alternate for the George Town Police Station. A decade ago, one quan- tity surveyor pegged at $10 million the cost to renovate the building, while a sub- sequent study added an- other $3 million to $6 million to that. Late last year, Mr. Tibbetts said, “It is not considered practical or value for money to renovate the Glass House for any other use. “Even with major reno- vation, it would not be able to match the energy ef- ficiency and seismic and hurricane resistance of … the new [government] ad- ministration building.” KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) – Au- thorities in Jamaica say one man has been charged and another is being sought for questioning in the killing in April of two U.S. missionaries who had worked for years in the Caribbean island. The Jamaica Constab- ulary Force said Thursday that 25-year-old Andre Thomas has been charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He lives in the district where the two Americans were killed April 30. A court date had not yet been set. The police announced they were seeking a man identified as 25-year-old Dwight Henry for questioning. Officials have not dis- closed a motive in the killing of the missionaries. Randy Hentzel of Donnellson, Iowa and Harold Nichols of Randolph, New York were working for a Pennsyl- vania-based organization in northern Jamaican when they were killed. Charges filed in slaying of US missionaries in Jamaica Cabinet will choose among several options next month to decide the future of the Glass House. – PHOTO: CHRIS COURTMONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS 6 LOCAL NEWS District Days George Town 50 years ago: Burglaries thwarted thanks to a tip In the June 29, 1966 edition of the Cayma- nian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, George Town news in- cluded some break-ins: “On the night of the 21st-22nd there were three break-ins in the centre of town. “Home Supplies had six lights on but a window was broken and a quantity of house- hold equipment and fur- nishings valued at 93 pounds 19 shillings were removed. “Next door Adam Men’s Shop suffered the same fate and 25% of their stock was stolen, valued at 111 pounds 12 shillings. “Across the road Cayman Electrical Supply Co. was entered with a key which must previously have been stolen, as when the rob- bery was discovered both front and back doors were unlocked. Goods, property of Edward C. Bodden were valued at nine pounds, 17 shillings. “As far as it is known all items have been re- covered. Adam’s goods were all in a box on the sidewalk outside the store, presumably awaiting transport. The auto parts were also found in a box together with the keys. “Having received cer- tain information, Dudley McLaughlin informed the police, who found [re- dacted] leaning on the cistern at the rear of the Post Office with some of the goods from Home Supplies. Other items were stacked up 10 feet away. “Such incidents re- curring point to the obvious necessity of business concerns intro- ducing burglar bars on their premises.” In other news: “At the request of the Cayman Islands govern- ment, Miss Helen Brown, senior radiographer at the University Hospital in Jamaica, is here for one month to advise and assist our X-ray depart- ment. She arrived on the 12th.” Students check out high-tech navigation Students recently discov- ered a novel way to navigate George Town harbor. Sailing through the harbor aboard a make-be- lieve vessel using a high- tech simulator, students from John Gray High School, Cayman Prep and Triple C had the chance to virtually dock a ship, with one eye on the marine en- vironment and another on ship traffic. The simulator, made by Transas, a manufac- turer of simulators used to train professional seafarers worldwide, was on display at the Cayman Maritime Week event at the Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort from May 2 to 4. The three- day conference hosted mari- time industry leaders, ship owners and operators, yacht managers, brokers and pro- fessionals from all sectors of the maritime industry. The students met with the Transas team, used the simulator and took part in an enthusiastic question and answer session. “I remember specifically, when the weather condi- tions on the screen were being changed and ‘Captain George’ from Transas told us about one of his experi- ences in weather as stormy and windy and rainy as the one being displayed on the screen,” said Khadejah Watt, the first student from John Gray High School to try the simulator. “We talked about the radar of the machine, and the function of the radar was to identify and warn the captain of any possible obstacles that may be in the range of the boat,” she added. Khadejah and her class- mates also learned how radar is used at sea. “If a captain is feeling a little tired and wants to take a rest, he/she could set the radar to let’s say two miles,” she recalled. “This is a big enough dis- tance so that when the cap- tain is resting and hears the warning of obstacles ap- proaching, there is enough time to steer the boat in an- other direction.” Students asked about the most dangerous encoun- ters that could happen at sea, and they learned that major hazards are collisions and fires. The students learned that seafarers train on the Transas simulators to reach various levels of expertise, from familiarization, stan- dard operation and watch keeping, to advanced op- eration, troubleshooting and ship resource manage- ment. With its high-tech simulator, Transas also showed how easily pollu- tion can spread from one country to another and what can be done to pre- vent it. The company has installed more than 5,500 simulator systems in 1,500 training centres. The sys- tems are used for training by commercial fleets, na- vies and coast guards in 106 countries. “It was a great experi- ence for students to view what technology exists to facilitate training in the virtual world as well as a great opportunity to gain exposure to another career that studying science pro- vides for the future,” said Godfrey Williams, the teacher who led up the John Gray field trip. Frank J. Coles, chief ex- ecutive officer of Transas, said, “It gave us great plea- sure to show off our sim- ulation technology to the local schoolchildren during Cayman Maritime Week.” “The children enjoyed seeing the full capability of the simulators to show all sorts of training capa- bilities of the technology. We explained that mari- time technology provides great career paths and the Cayman Maritime Park will provide new opportunities for them.” Cayman Maritime Ser- vice Park, which is part of the Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) Special Economic Zone, was one of the major partners of Cayman Mar- itime Week and arranged the field trip for the John Gray students. CEC officials stated that this was the kind of exposure they like to provide to students, to give them insight into mari- time technology and careers that are starting to become available within Cayman Maritime Services Park. Sherice Arman, presi- dent of the Cayman Islands chapter of the Women’s In- ternational Shipping and Trading Association, invited various schools to bring groups of students. Chil- dren from Cayman Prep and Triple C were among those to attend throughout the week. “WISTA is committed to partnering with various or- ganizations to create op- portunities for youth in the Cayman Islands within the maritime industry,” said Ms. Arman. For more information contact info@ caymanmaritimeweek.com or visit www.CaymanMaritimeWeek.com. “It was a great experience for students to view what technology exists to facilitate training in the virtual world.” JOHN GRAY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER GODFREY WILLIAMS Students from Triple C School observe the simulator.Khadejah Watt from John Gray High School tests the Transas high-tech simulator.CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 7 DISTRICT DAYS District Days George Town Young Patrons night wraps up Native Sons exhibit The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands celebrated the closing of the exhibition “Na- tive Sons – Twenty Years On” with a special event. Organized by committee members from the Butterfield Young Patrons’ Circle, the cel- ebration held on June 17 wel- comed over 70 guests. Participants took a guided tour led by assistant curator Kerri-Anne Chisholm, and had the opportunity to meet with Native Sons artists Wray Banker, Al Ebanks and Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette. “A little wine, networking and art is proving to be a pop- ular way for people to kick off their Friday night,” laughed BYPC committee member Rich Dyer. “It is a fun and unique event for Cayman and we’re lucky to be able to host the final event for each exhibition, and for next time, remember that you do not need to be a member of the BYPC to attend.” Fellow committee member Monique Bush said the group was thrilled with the attendees’ interest in membership in the gallery. “Becoming a member of the National Gallery is a great way to support the arts in our com- munity, and with attendance at the gallery’s exhibition opening nights among the many mem- bership benefits, members also have the opportunity to net- work with like-minded art en- thusiasts,” she said. “If you were a member pre- viously, renewal is easy and can be done online or over the phone with a gallery representative. “If you’d like to become a member, visit the gallery’s web- site www.nationalgallery.org.ky and find the membership that is right for you,” she added. Yoga fundraiser has community at heart A birthday celebration with others in mind has succeeded in helping out three local charities. Stephanie Espeut chose to mark her 30th birthday with a yoga fundraiser ben- efitting the National Trust for The Cayman Islands, CARE – Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts and Feed Our Future. The “$30 for 30” event, a 60-minute Hatha yoga class led by Ms. Espeut at the ARC at Camana Bay on May 28 resulted in the partici- pants and other supporters of the effort raising $1,095. Each organization re- ceived $365. Ms. Espeut, mother of Alianna McClure, 6, said she chose the charities for their child-focused activities, and thought it would be apt to apply her growing passion for yoga toward a cause that would benefit Cayman’s youngest residents. Currently working as a receptionist and studying for her Bachelor’s degree, Ms. Espeut is an avid vol- unteer and is committed to doing her part for the community. “I have been practicing yoga for approximately two- and-a-half years, and I am currently training with Bliss Living Yoga at the Marquee Plaza on West Bay Road,” said Ms. Espeut. “They have provided me with a life- changing experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life, and now it is my turn to return the bless- ings to my community.” All three charities praised Ms. Espeut’s efforts. “We greatly appreciate the confidence you have shown in our work, and our role in the community, and for the generosity extended in donating funds towards our school meal programs,” said Feed Our Future’s Stacey VanDevelde. “It is because of donors like you that we are able to continue the work of teaching Cayman’s youth about the importance of protecting one’s his- tory and heritage, and re- mind them of the beauty of being rooted in Cayman,” added the National Trust’s Danielle Watler. “Huge thanks to Steph- anie for thinking of CARE and we wish her every suc- cess for the year ahead,” said CARE’s Lesley Agostinelli. Ms. Espeut planned on teaching at Cayman Ca- bana on the George Town waterfront on Sunday, June 26 in recognition of World Yoga Day, which occurred on June 21, in partnership with Unify, the global yoga activism organization. “I connected with Unify, and they have so gra- ciously placed Cayman on their peace map as one of their collective yoga events, which are all trying to unify the global community through peace and compas- sion,” explained Ms. Espeut, who noted there have been at least 715 events held worldwide to mark the ini- tiative in 2016. Ms. Espeut says she hopes to teach yoga at Cayman Cabana every Sunday thereafter. “I hope to further deepen my connection with my community by way of yoga more in the future,” she said. “Yoga has taught me the importance of being true to who you are individually, and in turn the community in which I reside. This is my home and I would like to be a part of the global shift in leaving this world a more peaceful, kind, mindful, compassionate and envi- ronmentally focused and happy place for our chil- dren. Thank you Cayman for helping me make ‘$30 for 30’ a success. I will never forget this birthday.” Lesley Agostinelli of CARE and Stacey VanDevelde of Feed Our Future with Stephanie Espeut and her daugher Alianna McClure. Stephanie Espeut led a 60-minute Hatha yoga class at the ARC. The ‘$30 for 30’ event resulted in the participants and other supporters of the effort raising $1,095 for three charities. Assistant curator Kerri-Ann Chisholm led the tour at the Young Patrons event.8 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS Check out these photos and others by visiting caymancompass.com/photogalleries or on facebook.com/caycompass (and don’t forget to tag yourself and your friends!) Hundreds consumers and vendors came out to Cayman 27’s annual Island Living trade show on Friday and Saturday. Showcasing everything island life has to offer, vendors included everyone from our own Pin- nacle Media, to Precision Solar, Wellness Without Limits, CayFilm and even entrepreneurs selling handicrafts. Ronnie Hughes demonstrated Krav Maga. Christina Pantelidis and Searlina Bodden at the Pinnacle Media boothDale Nickason of Precision Solar Isabel Scott of Wellness Without Limits demonstrates a product for Leonila McKay. Laila Cunningham, 9, Calissa Ylagan, 9, and Lana Cunningham, 9 enjoyed freebies. Mavis Grant with Nichelle Scott of Caribbean Utilities Company Miriam Villalobos can usually be found in the Farmers’ Market on Fridays. CayFilm crew member Nigel Tenneson with Tony Mark, festival director - PHOTOS: MATT LAMERS Patrick Kreitlow of Cayman 27 Paul Tauchar of Enviro Linen, Dinesh Maharaj of Fluff ‘N’ Fold Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services, and Jasmine Minott Samruddhi Tagalpallewar sells her mother’s products.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JUNE 27, 2016 MASSIVE GAMES SALE! XBOX 360: $15 or 2 for $25 • PS3: $15 or 2 for $25 XBOX ONE: $30 • PS4: $30 ALL STERLING 25% OFF! 4 DAYS ONLY! Monday June 27th thru Thursday June 30th NEED MONEY? WE BUY ALMOST EVERYTHING! ELECTRONICS, JEWELRY, COMPUTERS, TVs, POWER TOOLS, WATCHES and MUCH MORE! 144 N. CHURCH ST. GEORGE TOWN 943-7296 independence referendum, while leaders across Europe are bracing for a period of pro- longed political uncertainty. In the Cayman Islands the decision could impact the ability of citizens to live, study, work and travel freely within the European Union. There is also expected to be some impact on the finan- cial services industry, though business leaders said it was too early to tell whether the changing landscape was a threat or an opportunity for the territory. Cayman Islands Pre- mier Alden McLaughlin, in a speech to the Legislative As- sembly Friday afternoon, said the decision had repercus- sions far beyond the shores of the United Kingdom. He said the Cayman Is- lands had benefited from Britain’s relationship with the EU, including though freedom of movement for Overseas Territories’ citizens. He predicted the prospect of new governments in the U.K. and the U.S. would mean a period of “great uncertainty” for world politics, including for Cayman. But he said the is- land could prosper amid the turmoil. “In this sea of uncertainty, Cayman is an increasingly at- tractive place to live, work, invest and do business. “The sound financial po- sition of the Cayman Islands Government and the growing strength of our economy make us an excellent option for businesses and investors looking for a safe haven amid the current political and eco- nomic turmoil.” Jude Scott, the chief ex- ecutive officer of Cayman Fi- nance, said in a statement Friday that the industry would do its part to ensure the success and stability of the global financial economy in a period of uncertainty. He said, “Short term we will see some volatility in the financial markets, however we will continue to monitor the political and economic situation and plan for the long term to ensure we are well prepared for any impli- cations this decision has over the next few years.” Independent legislator Winston Connolly said the full impact of Britain’s exit from Europe remained to be seen. But he suggested there was opportunity for Cayman in the fallout to attract high-net worth individuals to the island. “A number of people will be uncertain and looking for certainty and Cayman should seize this as an opportunity to offer them that. It’s an in- credible opportunity to grow our economy,” he said. The timing of Britain’s withdrawal from the Euro- pean Union and the shape of any future relationship be- tween the country and its continental neighbors re- mains to be established. Some forecasts suggest it could take more than two years for a new formula to be put in place, sparking fears of prolonged uncertainty in financial markets. Mr. Cameron will offi- cially relinquish the leader- ship in October with former London mayor and leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson the early favorite to replace him. Mr. McLaughlin said he would be meeting with other overseas territories leaders and speaking to Overseas Ter- ritories Minister James Dud- dridge in the coming months to get a clearer picture on the likely impact of the decision. “It is too early to make predictions or to be able to say what the full impact of the leave decision will be. But certainly it will be pro- found. It will impact not just the U.K. and its citizens resident there, but the over- seas territories, crown de- pendencies and indeed the wider world.” Tim Ridley, former chairman of the Cayman Is- lands Monetary Authority, said the decision of the U.K. to leave the EU was “per- plexing and foolish.” He added, “The ‘Dad’s Army’ brigade, who still dream of days of the Em- pire, and the generally disaf- fected have very possibly and irresponsibly thrown Brit- ain’s youth and future over a cliff. They may come to rue their votes in the next few years. Likewise, the EU may come to regret the loss of the huge stability and influ- ence the U.K. brought to the table. The only thing certain right now is uncertainty.” He said the two key issues in any future negotiations be- tween the U.K. and Europe were trade and financial ser- vices and freedom of move- ment, both potentially im- pacting Cayman. “Any limitation on British passport holders’ ability to study and work and travel freely in the EU will similarly impact Caymanians who hold full British passports. This could be a significant down- side. It certainly concerns me very much. “Cayman has already met with difficulties in of- fering its financial prod- ucts and services in the EU, e.g. passporting of Cayman funds. Those difficulties will be much greater with the U.K. out of the EU. On the other hand, both the U.K. and Cayman will have greater freedom to maintain and develop their tax and regulatory regimes without the heavy hand of Brussels bearing down on them. The U.K. will have far greater flexibility in its dealings with Cayman and particu- larly with respect to finan- cial services and our regu- latory regime. This could be a very significant advantage, but very much depends on the U.K. approach.” Nicholas Dixey, a British lawyer with Nelson and Com- pany in Grand Cayman, said the reality of Britain’s exit would take a while to sink in. “Nobody really believed this was going to happen. Many Brits who voted “re- main” are presently feeling sad, anxious and bewildered about the result. While many who voted “leave” are de- lighted, many are also appre- hensive about the future. “As the dust settles, Britain now has a real oppor- tunity to reach out to Euro- pean partners and make the case for a new, leaner, more flexible Europe of vibrant sovereign nations working to- gether in friendly solidarity. “We do not need an over- bearing unelected Euro- pean Commission to impose laws and regulations for mutual success, nor do we need to sing ‘Ode to Joy’ to- gether. Only by empowering citizens and rebuilding and strengthening the relation- ship between the voters and their representatives can the darker rising forces of fas- cism be defeated.” “I am pleased that I can get back to dealing with other constituency matters now that the budget is passed. It is really difficult to deal ef- ficiently with other matters while chairing Finance Com- mittee,” he added. Over the next year and a half, core government expects to bring in more than $908 million and have a $46 mil- lion surplus. The Legislative Assembly this year decided to change its fiscal year to match the calendar year, and the new budget will reset the schedule and carry government through the end of 2017. The budget continues five economic stimulus programs, which include retaining re- duced import duties for re- tailers, the construction sector and on diesel fuel for the Caribbean Utilities Company power plant. The budget also continues dis- counts on trade and business license fees and incentives for construction and stamp duties on Cayman Brac. Statutory authorities and government companies are budgeted to get more than $150 million over the next 18 months. The Health Ser- vices Authority has almost $45 million in the budget, primarily for indigent care and for people without suitable insurance. Government also set aside almost $43 million for health insurance for civil service re- tirees, seamen and veterans. Cayman Airways will receive more than $24 million in sub- sidies for the next year and a half, covering the national airline’s budget shortfall. Government also plans to spend almost $16 mil- lion on local and overseas scholarships, $11.7 million on welfare payments and vouchers, $9 million in di- rect payments to seamen, and another $2.3 million for em- ployment initiatives. The budget includes more than $103 million in in- vestments in capital proj- ects without new borrowing. The projects include almost $8 million for the develop- ment of the new John Gray High School, almost $7 mil- lion for George Town revital- ization and $6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund to buy land for envi- ronmental conservation. Government also plans to spend more than $2.5 mil- lion on a new long-term resi- dential mental health facility, $6.5 million for a new solid waste facility, $1.5 million for a household recycling center, and more than $3 million on road upgrades. Cayman seeks opportunity in Brexit aftermath CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 LA approves $862.4 million budget CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 A man uses a multi-currency ATM in downtown Madrid, Spain. The Brexit vote is leaving British expatriates filled with fear about their future. Those who have built lives abroad worry what the vote may mean for their property, their pensions and their medical benefits. - PHOTO: APNext >