ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 High of 90 Low of 78 Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. ABCDE NATIONAL WEEKLY SPECIAL CONVENTION ISSUE THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2016 . IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WASHINGTON POST Special convention issue EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 GOVERNMENT’S CONTEMPT FOR PR APPLICATIONS Seven mile beach WaTeRFROnT WalKeRS ROaD TOWn cenTRe PlaZa BURRITO ™ BURRITO ™ Women at center of landmark immigration case granted PR BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Two women who applied for permanent residence nearly a decade ago were granted that status last week in a case in which Cay- man’s chief justice ruled a “miscarriage of jus- tice” had occurred. According to a letter received July 12 by attorneys at HSM Chambers, Michelle Hutchinson-Green and Alisha Racz were granted permanent residence, a legal status that allows a non-Caymanian to remain in the Cayman Islands for the rest of their life. Per- manent residence is the first step on the path toward obtaining British Overseas Territories citizenship and ultimately Caymanian status, the legal right to be a Caymanian. HSM attorneys who worked on the case told the Cayman Compass last week they were given permission by the women to dis- close details about the matter. Both women declined requests for interviews made through their attorneys. The women had challenged earlier denials of their permanent residence applications, first to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal and ultimately to the courts, ending in the land- mark August 2015 judgment by Chief Jus- tice Anthony Smellie. That ruling concluded that appeals tribunal decisions regarding Ms. Hutchinson-Green, a Jamaican, and Ms. Racz, a Canadian, that denied their appeals for PR were “substantially wrong.” The chief justice’s commentary on Ms. Hutchinson-Green’s permanent residence ap- plication also called into question some of the factors used to determine points awarded to- ward that application. Chief Justice Smellie’s ruling ordered that the case be sent back to the appeals tribunal for a rehearing. In early 2016, HSM attor- neys sought “further directions” from the chief SAUDI FAMILY FEUD PUTS CAYMAN’S COURTS IN INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Seven-month trial starts Monday JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com One of Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest busi- nessmen stands accused of a multibillion- dollar fraud as the largest trial in Cayman Is- lands history begins Monday. Over the next seven months, a team of up to 40 lawyers and liquidators will attempt to untangle a complex family feud to unravel the truth behind one of the largest corporate col- lapses of the global financial crisis. The trial revolves around the hotly con- tested claim by Saudi family conglomerate the Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi and Brothers com- pany that it was the victim of a spectacular $9.1 billion dollar fraud. It alleges that Maan Al Sanea, who married into the family and managed its financial ser- vices businesses, engaged in massive unau- thorized borrowing, siphoning off proceeds to his own companies, many of them registered in the Cayman Islands. In a statement of claim, filed with the Grand Court, lawyers acting for AHAB, allege that Al Sanea engaged in a series of corrupt transactions over two decades, which ulti- mately led to the collapse of the conglomerate as crisis-weary banks finally stopped lending in 2009. AHAB is seeking damages from Al Sanea and his companies, which it says were unjustly enriched as a result of his fraudulent schemes. Cayman bank named in lawsuit over Ponzi scheme BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com More than 300 people have sued a British Virgin Islands funds trader, its associated en- tities and the Cayman Islands- based dms Bank & Trust Ltd., seeking the location and re- payment of tens of millions of dollars they believed was going to be invested in foreign currency trades. A writ of summons filed July 11 with the Grand Court alleges the money was used instead to pay off previous in- vestors with BVI-based CWM Ltd. and its associated compa- nies, and to pay for company expenses and sponsorship agreements, or to “pay for the lifestyle” enjoyed by CWM’s chief executive, Anthony Constantinou, and others. A significant portion of the funds invested in the scheme, which is now under investi- gation by the City of London Police, were deposited into the accounts of dms Bank & Janilee Clifford ensured there was plenty of mango juice on hand to quench everyone’s thirst at Saturday’s ‘Looky Ya: Mango Season at the Museum’ event. Mango lovers gathered at the National Museum to sample and enjoy some of the many mango varieties found in the Cayman Islands. The mango festival, brainchild of the museum’s board chairman Alfonso Wright, featured almost every mango dish imaginable – from cakes and breads to juices and jams – as well as plenty of other local foods. There was also some musical accompaniment to the fruit festival with traditional music and songs provided by some of Cayman’s musicians. For more, see page 2. – Photo: Jewel Levy Museum celebrates mango season PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. y x *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - MONDAY - THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 3D (PG) 1:00 I 3:15 2D I 7:00 I 9:30 2D THE BFG (PG) 12:15 I 3:00 I 6:30 I 9:20 THE SHALLOWS (PG13) 1:30 I 3:50 I 6:55 I 10:00 GHOSTBUSTERS 3D (PG13) 12:30 I 3:30 2D I 6:45 I 9:45 2D THE LEGEND OF TARZAN 3D (PG13) 12:50 2D I 3:45 I 6:50 2D I 9:50 FINDING DORY (PG) 1:15 I 4:00 I 7:15 I 9:55 Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 640-FILM (640-3456) Political candidate beaten outside home BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A former Cayman Is- lands political candidate was attacked and beaten outside his Bodden Town home Thursday afternoon. Errington Albert Web- ster was assaulted at the residence in the Belford Es- tates subdivision and went to the nearby police sta- tion at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday to report the inci- dent. According to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Ser- vice, he then returned to the scene of the attack, where police convinced him to go to the hospital. “The man knew his as- sailant,” an RCIPS state- ment read, adding that offi- cers arrested a 32-year-old man, also from Bodden Town, in connection with the attack. The suspect was not identified. Mr. Webster was treated at hospital Thursday. By Friday, he had returned home. Attempts to contact Mr. Webster for comment on Friday and Saturday were unsuccessful. His wife, Millicent, indicated that the family “didn’t have any- thing to say.” Mr. Webster was touted as a potential candidate in the Bodden Town area during the upcoming gen- eral election. However, fol- lowing a meeting held late Friday, the Cayman Is- lands Democratic Party – of which Mr. Webster was a member – accepted his resignation. The CDP’s chairwoman Tessa Bodden said Sat- urday that Mr. Webster was “never” a candidate the party had slated for the upcoming election. She de- clined to discuss his rea- sons for resigning. Mr. Webster is the former communications officer, stress peer counselor and Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) communications in- structor for the Cayman Islands Fire Service. He worked for the fire service for more than 30 years. He ran unsuccessfully for office in Bodden Town district during 2013, gar- nering more than 500 votes. JURY NOTICE Grand Court jurors in the July 6 to Oct. 4 session are advised that the report date of Monday, July 18, has been changed. Jurors are now to report on Monday, July 25, at 9:45 a.m. Call the Jury Information line, 945-5072, for the most up-to-date information. INAUGURAL TRIATHLON RAISES $1,000 FOR CHARITY A triathlon around cen- tral George Town has raised just under $1,000 for the Hart for Hearts charity in Cayman. Flashy Nation Sports do- nated the money to help families with the costs as- sociated with pediatric con- genital heart defects. Eighty competitors, some in teams, participated in Flashy Nation Sports’ inaugural Paradise Triathlon around a central George Town loop on July 10. Kendall Ebanks, event organizer and founder of Flashy Nation Sports, said choosing Hart for Hearts as the beneficiary was an easy decision. “My family has a long list of heart problems that I’ve lost numerous family mem- bers to, my father included. If I can be of any assistance in helping other families that may have to go through sim- ilar problems, it makes me a happy man,” he said. These problems, he added, come with a big fi- nancial burden and he would like to help others with those costs by making a donation. “Everyone should have an opportunity, and that’s what I am trying to help Ben [Hart] with by donating,” he said. Ben Hart, the chari- ty’s founder, said when Mr. Ebanks approached him saying that the cause was close to his heart and he would like to assist, he was very appreciative. “I certainly didn’t know he was organizing an entire event. For Kendall to take his own time to set up a tri- athlon event on his own, and donate the proceeds to this new cause, was incredible. It humbled and enthused me.” For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ Hart-for-Hearts-1112546632096585. Kendall Ebanks, left, presents the check to Ben Hart, founder of the Hart for Hearts charity. Museum celebrates mango season JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Visitors to downtown George Town on Saturday had the opportunity to in- dulge in some mango mad- ness at “Looky Ya: Mango Season at the Museum.” Many varieties of local mangoes were on display, in- cluding Glen, Kurt, Nelson, Ja- karta, Julie, Number Eleven, Yami, Fairchild, Springfield and Nam Doc Mai. Mango season is eagerly anticipated every year in Cayman, and the idea of celebrating it in a mango festival came from mu- seum board Chairman Al- fonso Wright, according the museum’s director, Peggy Leshikar–Denton. The museum plans to make the festival an annual one, and part of its ongoing Looky Ya events. Many of the mangoes were provided by vendors from the farmers market, such as Hamlin Stephenson and Willie’s Farm, who raided their mango trees to make the day a success. “We have to listen to the mangoes because they are going to tell us when they are ready … This year, they were a bit late, which is why we had the event on Sat- urday, June 16,” Ms. Leshikar- Denton said. Traditionally, mangoes are picked straight from the tree, peeled and eaten. Green, “ton” (half-ripe) or ripe fruit are seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes vin- egar, and eaten out of a bag. At Saturday’s event, some vendors put their own twist on the fruit, enticing visi- tors with breads, jams, juices and cakes. For those unfamiliar with the wide variety of mangoes grown in Cayman, a huge poster was on display, and Willie’s Farm stall put the names on each type of mango on the skin of the fruit. Phillip Campbell from the Agriculture Department demonstrated how to pre- pare “bud root” and how to go about grafting it on the mango tree. Residents Andrew Wilson and Hayley Kooyman said they had a tough time de- ciding which mangoes to choose because all of the samples tasted good. “We just picked a few randomly, which is kind of hard because we are not from here and don’t really know the different types,” said Mr. Wilson. “I love it …. It makes you appreciate what is growing here as well,” said Ms. Kooyman, sampling another fruit, Cayman sweet red plum, for the first time. Among the vendors sup- porting the festival were Vir- ginia Christian showcasing her crafts, Rose May Ebanks with batches of fish and frit- ters cooked on the caboose outside the museum door, and Lu Lu’s Kitchen, serving Cayman stew beef, turtle crab and more. Cayman Folk singers and musicians Gary Scott, Dennom Bodden and Stephan Cotterell kept the crowd entertained with traditional music. At Willie’s Farm, customers had no trouble identifying mango varieties. - PHOTOS: JEWEL LEVY Andrew Wilson and Hayley Kooyman make their selection of mangoes from Willie’s Farm stall.The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 Cayman Government – No release without full consent! Oxitec and its partner, the Cayman Islands Government agency, MRCU, plan to release more than 22 million genetically-modified mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands, WITHOUT prior INFORMED CONSENT by residents. The GMO mosquitoes release is a risky experiment — we do not know how GMO mosquitoes will thrive in the wild and what the unintended global consequences could be. They could cause more problems than they solve. The MRCU should be using the least toxic alternatives that are available that don’t have unintended global consequences for our environment and health. Grand Cayman residents deserve prior INFORMED CONSENT and PUBLIC CONSULTATION. The consequences of Oxitec and MRCU’s partnership efforts could be grave. They do not appear to consider possible environmental and health consequences. Oxitec has released its genetically engineered mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands (in 2009 and 2010), Malaysia and Brazil, and there is still no data suggesting their release has been effective in reducing dengue or Zika rates. In fact, Oxitec’s own research suggests that significant GMO mosquito survival in the environment is very likely. This experimental release is being planned without clear benefits or consent and at the likely expense of the environment and people’s health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has NOT approved the GMO mosquito trial in Florida, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that it only supports limited field trials of the Oxitec GMO mosquitoes in a non-Cayman environment on the basis of strict, rigorous supervision. Oxitec’s trial in the Cayman Islands, in partnership with the MRCU, would make “strict supervision” unlikely. We need transparency, unbiased decisions based on independent sound science, and residents must be fully informed prior to any release. WHO also supports the evidence-based release of the Wolbachia-treated mosquito, which is one of the natural approaches to the issue, with the same supervision guidelines. Had the Cayman Islands Government involved the public on this matter through proper consultation, this option would have been explored and an informed decision made regarding the best option for the country. The environmental and health impacts have not been fully assessed. What would the impacts on the West Bay area of the island be? While it may be worthwhile to attempt to limit the spread of diseases, this experiment has too many unanswered questions. We don’t know if this approach is safe, sustainable or effective. Nevertheless, the Cayman Premier made this announcement on May 5, 2016: “The control programme will begin in West Bay before being expanded throughout the island, subject to the appropriate approvals and funding.” We request that the MRCU indefinitely delay the release of genetically engineered mosquitoes until: • INDEPENDENT STUDIES on the environmental and human health risks posed by GMO mosquitoes have been conducted and the results made public; • Public forums take place that provide balanced discussions on possible risks and benefits. The discussion processes should be genuine, not just platforms for Oxitec to promote its technology; • Mechanisms are developed to allow the community to provide consent or to cancel the proposed experimental release of genetically engineered mosquitoes; • Alternatives to releasing genetically engineered mosquitoes for mosquito or dengue and Zika control have been fully considered, including the possible availability of a dengue vaccine. Cayman residents are being exposed to the Oxitec/MRCU partnership-generated propaganda with incomplete “scientific” data, apparently driven by profit for Oxitec. The release of GMO mosquitoes is part of a risky experiment which has yet to be successful and could cause more harm than good. Residents must be fully informed prior to any release. URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED TODAY: Please inform your friends, family and neighbours and ensure your RIGHT TO BE INFORMED. In the interest of the country, residents must be fully informed with independent assessments prior to any release! For a national petition, sign here: http://bit.ly/NoGMOMosquitoes. Sponsored by Friends of the Earth, U.S. For more information: http://bit.ly/GMOMosquitoInfo Stop the Experimental GMO Mosquito Release in the Cayman IslandsThe 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. Former Governor Rus- sell was one of the best and most loved governors that the Cayman Islands have ever had. Together with Capt. Charles Kirkconnell, Jim Bodden and Haig Bodden, we had the privi- lege of serving with him in Exec- utive Council from 1976 to 1981 when he finished his second term as governor. These were critical years in Cayman’s early development of the offshore fi- nance industry and tourism. We then worked with him as the London Representa- tive for another eight years, two terms, as ministers in government until the year 2000. He was firm but fair with a good foresight for the future of these Islands. He had the un- derstanding of small islands’ governments from his experi- ence as financial secretary and chief secretary of the Solomon Islands and other posts. As a team, we jointly steered Cayman and the gov- ernment to a sound finan- cial position and developing a world-renowned banking, fi- nancial and tourism center. John’s first trip to New York was with Governor Rus- sell and Mrs. Russell. Governor Russell was very influential in promoting ag- riculture in Cayman and got Cayman into the U.K.’s Royal Show agricultural fair. He vis- ited the districts often and, in all the districts, including East End, promoted infrastructure such as roads, schools, civic centers, the airport building and extending the runway. Governor Russell led the team of George Smith and Truman when we appeared before the United Nations Spe- cial Committee on Decolonisa- tion (the Committee of 24) on Sept. 13, 1977. On pages 8 to 17 of the U.N. committee min- utes, we clearly stated that the Cayman Islands wished to re- main a colony of the United Kingdom and that “economic independence,” not political in- dependence (which has been a disaster in many Caribbean islands), is what Cayman is striving for. It was good to hear the premier make a sim- ilar statement recently. Cayman has lost a great governor who was loved by Caymanians and who was a true ambassador of these Is- lands. We shall miss him. John McLean Truman Bodden 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” MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS The immigration story that appears on the front page of today’s Cayman Compass is one of triumph and despair. The triumph is shared by Michelle Hutchinson- Green and Alisha Racz, who after a years-long struggle against “the system,” were finally granted permanent residence in their adopted home of the Cayman Islands. The despair is on the part of the ruling Progres- sives government, which has made it its mission to refuse granting PR to, well, anyone. Readers may recall that about a year ago, in August 2015, Chief Justice Anthony Smellie issued a ruling that slammed the government’s approach to immigration and described the denial of the two women’s PR appeals as amounting to a “miscarriage of justice.” (On this page we referred to Mr. Smellie’s ruling as a “judicial ‘slapdown’.”) After the chief justice’s ruling, a reasonable pre- sumption would be that Ms. Hutchinson-Green and Ms. Racz would swiftly become Cayman’s two newest permanent residents – an event that in itself would be newsworthy in light of the Progressives’ “none shall pass” mentality toward granting PR status under their new Immigration Law, which took effect in October 2013. Further, one might have thought the chief justice’s scathing opinion would goad (embarrass?) officials into pursuing remedies for the broader deficiencies he had identified in the law. It did nothing of the sort. Instead, officials indulged in even further delays, and Ms. Hutchinson-Green (who first applied for PR in November 2006) and Ms. Racz were forced to wait nearly a year longer to see their rights under the law being respected by the government. Concerning the two women specifically, Chief Justice Smellie sent a message to the Immigra- tion Appeals Tribunal that couldn’t have been louder or more clear: Rectify their earlier miscarriage of justice, immediately. Bewilderingly, Tribunal members didn’t follow the chief justice’s orders for 10 months and then, once they finally reconsidered the applications, took another month to issue their decisions. Following Chief Justice Smellie’s ruling, the gov- ernment hired local attorney David Ritch to review immigration policies and laws, with an emphasis on permanent residence. The review was completed and submitted to government months ago. In early June, Premier Alden McLaughlin acknowl- edged that he had the Ritch report in hand and promised to address it during that meeting of the Leg- islative Assembly. He didn’t. To date, Mr. Ritch’s report has not been made public. Why not? The report, which was supposed to be part of the solution to the issues highlighted by the chief justice, has instead been utilized by government as another means by which to delay or avoid addressing these immigration issues. We recognize contempt when we see it — if not for the authority of the courts (and this may qualify) — certainly in regard for one’s fellow human beings, as well as for the public interest. Ms. Hutchinson-Green and Ms. Racz managed to make it through government’s PR gauntlet, but hundreds more have been stuck in limbo for years, and remain so, while officials sit on their applications. Since the chief justice’s ruling, at least two PR applicants have filed legal actions against immigration boards alleging violations of their rights. One of those writs is extremely similar to the two cases addressed by the chief justice. The Progressives’ version of immigration equilib- rium is destined not to last. The question is, will it fall apart before, or after, the next election? Government’s contempt for PR applications LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ‘Cissy’ Delapenha is an icon Cissy Delapenha came to Cayman initially to impart her skill and knowledge of credit unions. She loved the place and brought wealth to start a business and leave us a legacy. She was a woman of substance, a phenomenal woman whose passion and skill for credit unions will forever remain indelible to civil servants and their fami- lies in the Cayman Islands. This act of great service created an economic miracle, allowing us to have more op- portunities as a cooperative, to save, to loan, and to in- vest with each other, giving greater monetary freedom. The result is that now more than 16,000 civil servants have greater equal economic opportunities. This one small devel- opment from over 40 years ago has to be noted and preserved, not just by civil servants and their families but by the country and with great depth. This selfless person shared an opportunity for us to have much economic independence. I was part of that phe- nomenon as my account was and still falls in the “1-70 plus” membership. This cre- ation of Cissy gave me many opportunities to receive tre- mendous economic and finan- cial benefits, allowing me to lift myself into a better finan- cial position and to give my- self greater opportunities to have progress and prosperity. As former and current civil servants, along with our fam- ilies, and to a large extension Cable & Wireless members – we must not forget, now and in the future, how this woman from our neighbor Jamaica shared her business and fi- nancial acumen. How she trained seven persons, as well as the now-deceased Veronica Dilbert, so that today we have a very successive financial co- operative credit union that we are proud to have. To me, Cissy was the epitome of selflessness. She gave of herself what she knew would have helped us become progressive and a greater financial appease- ment. This endeavor helped our economic miracle. Through this medium, I want to say to Cathy and Cissy (though she is only here in the spirit) that we thank her for her vision and love of this country for what she has contributed in making us be leaders to expand our re- sources and assets. To thank her for generating a top-notch restaurant business and spreading her wealth in the Cayman Islands. I particularly wish to give kudos to her for the part she played in developing women as leaders with her role as president and member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. Her actions have given many opportuni- ties for us to be more equal and have the strength, as Confucius said, “to hold up half of the sky.” Cissy, you may not have received a national honor, and perhaps your humility allowed you to be a gentle giant and steer us from the rear, but in my full Cayma- nian estimation, you fall way above and hopefully one day posthumously – who knows – ”somebody will call your name.” Thank you. You are a great one. You left an outstanding legacy. You helped to improve the human development in our society. Lucille Seymour Tribute to Governor Russell5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 Third imported Zika case in Cayman Islands confirmed KELSEY JUKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com A third case of imported Zika virus in the Cayman Is- lands has been confirmed by public health officials. The first two cases were confirmed earlier this month. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of locally transmitted Zika in Cayman. The patient in the newly confirmed case, a 30-year- old woman, traveled between June 11 and 19 to a country in the region where the Zika virus has been transmitted, according to Acting Medical Officer of Health Samuel Wil- liams-Rodriguez. Officials did not specify to which country the woman had traveled. The patient began experi- encing symptoms on June 24 and went to the hospital on June 26, when samples were collected and sent to the Ca- ribbean Public Health Agency. Health officials received confirmation from the Carib- bean Public Health Agency on Wednesday that the samples tested positive for Zika. The Mosquito Research and Control Unit was in- formed of the suspected case on June 26 and control mea- sures were taken, Dr. Wil- liams-Rodriguez said. He said four more cases are currently being tested for Zika, dengue and chikungunya. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of July 14, more than 50 countries have reported cases of Zika trans- mission. Zika is linked with microcephaly, a condition where the size of an infant’s head is smaller than normal because of slowed or incom- plete brain development. The symptoms of the Zika virus are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, and include fever, muscle and joint pain, conjunctivitis, headache, nausea and rash. Symptoms usually appear following an incubation pe- riod of three to 12 days after the bite of an infected mos- quito, and last between four and seven days. KELSEY JUKAM kjukam@pinnaclemedialtd.com Biotechnology company Oxitec, in collaboration with the Mosquito Research and Control Unit, is conducting an island-wide survey on the level of awareness about mosquito-borne diseases, in- cluding Zika, chikungunya and dengue. Oxitec officials said in a press statement that the survey is part of an ongoing community engagement pro- gram about their “Friendly Aedes aegypti project” – an operation that would release millions of genetically modi- fied Aedes aegypti mosqui- toes in an effort to curb the species responsible for the transmission of diseases. The planned release of the mosquitoes in West Bay, scheduled to begin July 14, was halted after a judge granted a stay on July 13. The stay issued by Justice Ingrid Mangatal is pending a judi- cial review hearing scheduled for Tuesday morning. The survey, which began July 10, is being conducted by staff trained to the stan- dards of the National Statis- tics Office and adheres to the statistics law, according to the press statement. On the “Caymums” Face- book group on Friday, com- menters who had been ap- proached by survey-takers expressed concerns about some of the questions they said they were asked. One West Bay resident, who did not wish to be named, said she found it “bi- zarre” that the survey-taker asked questions about her religion and the number and ages of females residing in the home. The survey-taker also asked what they knew about Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Oxitec project manager Renaud Lacroix said the questions asked are “stan- dard questions” such as those used by Economics and Sta- tistics Office enumerators. “It just helps to under- stand the social environment of the person,” Mr. Lacroix said. “It’s just really to know how to reach out to people.” He said the question about religion, for example, could help Oxitec under- stand if there are certain groups of people that have not had access to informa- tion about the GM mosqui- toes or diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. “It’s useful to know it be- cause we may be able to reach out to them in a dif- ferent way,” Mr. Lacroix said. “The results will allow Oxitec and MRCU to deter- mine whether more informa- tion and education activities are necessary in the com- munity about the ‘Friendly Aedes aegypti Project,’” the press statement said. Anyone with concerns about the survey should call the MRCU or Oxitec at 949-2557. HOUSE-TO-HOUSE SURVEY BEGINS ON MOSQUITO PLAN Giselle Johnson works in the laborary at the Mosquito Research and Control Unit where genetically modified mosquitoes are being hatched. The program is on hold pending a judicial review hearing. - PHOTO: MATT LAMERSDISTRICT DAYS 6 District Days George Town MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS Musical theater students hit the stage at Disney World A group of young per- formers from Cayman got a major thrill recently when they had the opportunity to appear on stage at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The 17 performers ages 10-16 from Musicians Ltd.’s performing arts program auditioned in December to take part in Disney Youth’s Disney Dancin’ performing arts workshop, which took place on June 24 and 25 in Orlando. Led by fromer Broadway professionals, on the first day the students immersed them- selves in learning new chore- ography at a dance studio at Disney’s Epcot theme park. After completing the work- shop, students got to ex- plore the park, sightseeing and going on the amusement rides. The group also visited the Magic Kingdom theme park later in the trip. On the second day, the group took to the Disney Springs Waterside amphithe- ater stage to perform songs and dances from a variety of musicals before an audience that included their families and friends who made the trip to support the Cayman group. “It is wonderful to see so many of our youth take ad- vantage of our program over- seas,” said Musicians Ltd. Principal Janine Stabler. “The workshop and per- formance achievements can actually be included as part of student resumes for univer- sity entrance, so I am thrilled that so many of our students have used these opportunities to their advantage. “These experiences have opened their eyes as to what is available abroad, and we hope to continue to inspire our students to follow their dreams.” Operating since 2001, Musicians Ltd. offers instrumental, drama and dance studio lessons, and has provided students with op- portunities abroad in the per- forming arts since 2012. The June trip to Florida was the company’s fifth trip overseas. 50 years ago: Party marks police chief handover In the July 20, 1966 edi- tion of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, George Town news included: “At a simple brief but im- pressive ceremony held in the office of the Acting Ad- ministrator of the Cayman Islands, our new chief of police was officially sworn in on Friday morning last. “With the Acting Admin- istrator, Capt. G.H.S. Ellis and Mr. EU McNamee as witnesses, Mr. R.S. Le Mesu- rier Besant with the holy bible in his right hand, took the oath before Judge Hors- fall …. “Mr. Besant then took the oath as a Justice of the Peace and was congratu- lated by all present and good wishes were expressed for a successful two-year term in office.” In the same issue, George Town correspondent Frances Bodden wrote: “Miss Joanna Clark, teacher at the George Town Primary School, left on the 16th for her summer va- cation. Miss Clark is from Westmoreland, Jamaica and has been here for some time. “On Thursday evening, a delightful time was spent at the Beach Club when a re- ception was given by His Honour, the Acting Admin- istrator and Mrs. Watler, being a welcome to the new Chief of Police Mr. Robert Besant and his family, and a farewell to Capt. G.H.S. Ellis who has served this govern- ment for the past two years. “The Administrator welcomed Mr. Besant and his family and thanked Capt. Ellis for his services here and bid him farewell. They both suitably replied. “A small souvenir was presented to Capt. Ellis by Mr. C.V. Thompson, from the Cayman Islands Civil Ser- vice Association, being a cigarette case and cigarette lighter with the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms. The function closed with the singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ “Capt. Ellis left for the United Kingdom via Ja- maica on the 16th.” CAYMAN ACADEMY GRADS JOIN A GROWING COHORT Cayman Academy recently celebrated its latest cohort of graduates at an elegant com- mencement ceremony. This year, 18 students grad- uated from Cayman Academy at the event on Saturday, June 25, at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The graduate cohort continues to grow, up from 11 last year. Class valedictorian was Matthew Harvey, who won numerous awards for academic and social achieve- ments. Salutatorian was Shakina Edwards. Ten of the 11 graduates were recognized as honor stu- dents, passing eight or more subjects in the CSEC exami- nations at grades 1 to 3. One student, Chamelle Williams, passed 11 subjects. The keynote speaker for the evening, UCCI President Roy Bodden, spoke about the importance of upholding and reinforcing moral virtue across all sectors of the so- ciety, especially in the family, which bears the primary responsibility. “If the family continues to decline, then the society will decline,” he said. Mr. Bodden exhorted the graduates to demonstrate moral virtue by being true to themselves, and to work to transmit these values to future generations so that they will be even better. Also speaking at the cer- emony, board Chair Shion O’Connor said that the school will be establishing a schol- arship office to facilitate access to all available scholar- ships on offer in Cayman and elsewhere. With a waiting list of 112, more than a third of its cur- rent enrollment of 328, the school will be building two new classrooms to accommo- date an additional class each for Grades 1 and 7. The school also plans to expand its of- ferings in the Caribbean Sec- ondary Education Certificate program, and launch the Ca- ribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination for post Grade 12 students. Mr. O’Connor also an- nounced the introduction of an Academic Quality Control Committee to monitor curric- ulum and instruction for the 2016/17 academic year. The graduates wowed the audience with their spirited and meaningful musical selection to end the commencement ceremony. The Musicians Ltd. teachers and students at Disney World’s Magic KingdomDistrict Days George Town DISTRICT DAYS 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 George Town farmers market keeps vendors busy six days a week JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The George Town farmers market has been open only seven months, but already it is making a mark in the com- munity for the fresh produce it offers. The market is on Huldah Avenue, beside the Cricket Grounds by the airport, on the site of a farmers market that was destroyed by Hurri- cane Ivan in 2004. “We know that some days are busier than others, but the market is doing good and holding its own,” said Hamlin Stephenson, one of the vendors spearheading the initiative. “We still have room for expansion and more vendors.” The market is open six days a week, with Fridays and Saturdays being the bus- iest days for farmers, Mr. Ste- phenson said. Sometimes as many as 32 vendors are on the premises, offering their produce, crafts, baked goods and more. “The fresh produce is reaped and sold often on the same day by farmers,” Mr. Stephenson noted. For people looking for a change from their morning coffee routine, vendors like Zippy Farms offer enticing alternatives, such as a pow- erful morning blend of oats, bananas, mangoes and ber- ries. At lunchtime, you can choose from many vegetable and fruit blends, such as avo- cado, papaya, carrot, callaloo and okra. At Zippy Farms’s bright-or- ange juice truck, parked at the side of the market, customers are served blended drinks made for those who are health conscious, or anyone who en- joys a refreshing beverage. “I love how the smoothie tastes, not really for its health benefits,” said Kenisha Ebanks, who was buying one for the first time. Right now there are lot of mangoes at the market, but it has not been a good year for avocados, according to Mr. Stephenson. He said they hope to have some come into the market within the next two weeks. Throughout the work week, he said, things slow down at this time of year, but he was expecting business to pick up for the weekend. “It’s slow time and chil- dren and teachers are all taking vacations, but ven- dors are still doing busi- ness,” he said. Tomatoes are a hot seller at this farmer’s stall. Kenisha Ebanks tries a smoothie from Zippy Farms’s juice truck for the first time.Customers browse vendors’ stalls looking for bargains. Lyn Levy works on a batch of Siggy bags.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS HomeOptions BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE CO. LTD. BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town, P.O. Box 74, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Tel. 949-8699 12 Kirkconnell Street, Stake Bay, P.O. Box 254, Cayman Brac KY2-2101 Tel. 948-1760 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International insurance, health, pensions, life In 1984, customers knew us as BritCay. In 2016, they and the next generation still do. insurance, health, pensions, life Home owners across two generations know BritCay as a company that offers security, stability and great customer service. When you asked us to stay by your side through Hurricane Ivan we did. $300 million claims and 12 years on, we are stronger and more capable. The company remains a partnership of local family shareholders and CGI and we’re proud to still be known as BritCay. CALL 949-8699 or visit www.britcay.ky Save $250*with new home insurance policies! Interest-free monthly payment option for home insurance Save 10% on car insurance with home insurance Lowest standard deductible for private car insurance - $200 cgigrp coverwithoutaddedcosts! CI$10 Million ASSET PROTECTION! at no extra cost with motor $250* CERTIFICATE WITH BUILDINGS INSURANCE *$250 BritCay gift certificate applies to new buildings insurance policies only justice, since they had not been informed that any ac- tion was taken since the chief justice’s decision nearly eight months prior. The appeals tribunal held a hearing on the matter in June, the attorneys said. Nei- ther the lawyers nor the ap- plicants attended. On July 12, the tribunal issued its decision granting both women permanent residence. Key decision Although the legal chal- lenge over the denial of the permanent residence ap- plications dealt with cases that were nearly a de- cade old – Ms. Hutchinson- Green’s application was filed in November 2006 – some of the issues identi- fied in Chief Justice Smellie’s ruling could affect the pro- cessing of permanent resi- dence applications under the current Immigration Law. For instance, in August 2015 Chief Justice Smellie concluded there were “imme- diate and obvious concerns” about the current two-tiered system for awarding perma- nent residence applicants a total of 15 points for their occupation and another 15 points if their job is consid- ered a “priority occupation” according to regulations at- tached to the Immigration Law. “It is difficult to imagine a policy that could be more opaque, uncertain and prone to arbitrariness than one by which points are to be allo- cated to occupations based upon merely subjective as- sessments of their impor- tance in the context of the local economy,” the chief jus- tice wrote in his 40-page judgment. The judgment also served to clarify a significant point of contention in immigration appeals cases during which the legislation is amended – often more than once – be- fore an applicant’s appeal is heard. Chief Justice Smellie essentially ruled that appli- cants cannot be disadvan- taged by the newly amended law if they applied under an earlier version of the Immi- gration Law – the law the person applied under should be the one used to determine his or her appeal. The chief justice’s deci- sion led government to delay processing current residency applications to allow for a consultant’s review. The re- view, completed earlier this year by law firm Ritch & Conolly, has been submitted to government. Premier Alden McLaughlin had pledged to give further details of the re- view findings during the last meeting of the Cayman Is- lands Legislative Assembly. The consultant’s report has not been released. Appeals cases Chief Justice Smell- ie’s ruling stated that both Ms. Hutchinson-Green and Ms. Racz had what amounted to arbitrary ap- peals rulings made against them by the Immigration Appeals Tribunal. In both cases, the wom- en’s permanent residence ap- plications were denied by the Caymanian Status and Per- manent Residency Board. Their cases were appealed to the tribunal, which – in both instances – increased the number of points awarded to the applicants in some categories. However, the ap- peals tribunal inexplicably reduced points awarded in other categories below what the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board initially decided. In Ms. Hutchinson- Green’s case, points were de- ducted from her occupation, even though her job had not changed; her skills, though she had engaged in addi- tional training during the period of her appeal; and her salary, even though her pay had increased during the period. In addition, some of the materials used by the Im- migration Appeals Tribunal to judge Ms. Hutchinson- Green’s application were not included in the law or regu- lations and appeared to be “policy documents” created by the board, Chief Justice Smellie wrote. These “policy documents” were never shown to the applicant at the time and she was never given a chance to respond to them, Ms. Hutchinson-Green’s at- torney said. In Ms. Racz’s case, points were reduced for her occupa- tion and salary in a manner which HSM attorneys said “created the appearance of bias” in the appeals tribunal’s deliberations. Also noted in the chief justice’s ruling was what he described as “unconscionably long delays” in hearing one of the cases. Ms. Hutchinson- Green’s PR application was submitted in November 2006 and wasn’t finally rejected by the appeals tribunal until Oc- tober 2013. During that pe- riod, the Immigration Law was amended more than 10 times, the judgment stated. Chief Justice Smellie ruled that in both cases the Immi- gration Appeals Tribunal “im- peded the course of justice” by using materials to judge the permanent residence ap- plications without allowing either applicant to speak to that material. The tribunal also failed to show the applicants, or the court, how it had used those materials in judging the ap- plications, so the court could not determine the legal “rea- sonableness” of the appointed body’s decision-making. Women at center of landmark immigration case granted PR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Caymanian police commanders will not take top cop job BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Both top commanders in the Royal Cayman Islands Po- lice Service said they did not apply for the permanent police commissioner’s post. Preliminary interviews for the new commissioner ended last week, according to repre- sentatives of the governor’s of- fice, and a short-list of poten- tial hires was confirmed. Follow-up interviews with the short-listed candidates were being arranged, the gov- ernor’s office indicated. Chief Superintendent Kurt Walton said he did not apply for the commissioner’s job since he was recently pro- moted to the deputy police commissioner’s post. He is expected to take up the dep- uty’s post near the end of September. Acting Commissioner Anthony Ennis confirmed Thursday that he had not ap- plied to be the next commis- sioner of police. Another former Caymanian police officer, Customs Col- lector Charles Clifford, ac- knowledged last month that he had been “encouraged” to apply for the top cop job, but he said he did not apply, as he had taken up the collector’s position only a year ago. Cayman was left without a permanent police com- missioner last month when former Commissioner David Baines departed a year before the end of his contract. Mr. Baines cited “a polit- ical plot” to oust him from the position, and Governor Helen Kilpatrick agreed that “defam- atory statements” and “a bar- rage of unfair criticism” in early 2016 made Mr. Baines’s position untenable. A motion of “no confi- dence” in the management of governance of the RCIPS was brought to the Legislative As- sembly after Mr. Baines’s an- nounced departure. The no- confidence motion failed when a majority did not support it. The motion had also sought the installment of a Cayma- nian police commissioner. Chief Superintendent Kurt WaltonActing Commissioner Anthony EnnisThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 NEED CASH? COME! CAYMAN PRECIOUS METALS Located at MONEYGRAM PLAZA at 196 Shedden Road 927-8565 - Mon. thru Fri. 9 to 6pm - Sat 10-4pm WE BUY AND PAWN WE HAVE ALL YOU NEED! for NOTICE OF SALE OF PRIVATE SECURITIES Notice is hereby given that the private company securities herein described will be offered for sale to the highest bidder at public sale to be conducted by Queensgate Bank and Trust Company Ltd. (“Queensgate”). Bids may be submitted during the period commencing at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the 13th day of July, 2016, and ending at 5 pm EST on the 27th day of July 2016, at the Queensgate offices, at Harbour Place, 103 S Church St, George Town KY1-1202, Cayman Islands by person, mail or email (asmith@queensgate.com.ky). The potential buyer must complete the transaction within five (5) days following the closing of the bid period. Securities sold will constitute the full ownership interest of Alien Holdings, Ltd., an Exempted Company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with Limited Liability with effect from the 2nd day of April 2014, filed as No. 00286669, with registered office at Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House, George Town KY1-1104, Cayman Islands. All persons interested are invited to attend said sale and bid for the securities intended to be sold. Additional information about the securities to be sold may be reviewed and inspected in advance at the Queensgate offices, subject to the inspecting party signing Seller’s non-disclosure agreement. Seller will make no representations or warranties regarding the securities sold, and it is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure compliance with any applicable securities laws. Any and all bids may be rejected or the securities withdrawn from sale by the Seller, or said sale may be postponed or continued until such time as the sale is confirmed by the Seller. The successful bidder shall pay for all recording fees, transfer fees and taxes connected with the transaction, if any. If you have further questions on the above, please contact Arin Smith, Legal Counsel, Queensgate Bank and Trust Company Ltd. (asmith@queensgate.com.ky; phone: 345-945-2187). ADVERTISEMENT The claims are contested by Al Sanea, as well as by the liqui- dators of the Cayman Islands- registered companies. A resolution of the pro- tracted case could help the Saudi-based family busi- ness finally reach an agree- ment with its creditor banks to facilitate substantial repay- ments to them. The case, presided over by Chief Justice Anthony Smellie, throws Cayman’s legal and fi- nancial services infrastruc- ture into the world spotlight, providing a significant test of the islands’ capabilities as an international dispute resolution center. The litigation team in- cludes four local firms – Har- neys, HSM Chambers, Mourant Ozannes and Walkers – which are instructing and assisting London counsel and three dif- ferent teams of liquidators, according to a press state- ment from the Cayman Islands Judicial Administration. Preparation for the case has involved discovery of some five million documents and new data management technology and upgrades to the courtroom at Kirk House, where the case will be heard. Jury facilities have been dis- mantled to accommodate case documents, video conferencing facilities have been improved and attorney “robing rooms” have been re-purposed to ac- commodate the large number of lawyers involved in the case. A stenographer will pro- vide live notes, streamed on computer monitors to each participant. Scope of the case The case involves allega- tions of fraud, forgery and con- spiracy and has required the law firms to retain a host of experts, including handwriting experts, forensic accountants and experts on Swiss, Bahrani, German and Saudi law. Borrowings from 118 banks worldwide and trans- actions involving financial in- stitutions in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, London, New York, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands are central to the case. Chief Justice Smellie said in a press release that the is- lands’ reputation as a financial center depends on its ability to resolve such complex cases in a timely and efficient manner. “In the face of the widely acknowledged need for up- graded court facilities towards which we have long been striving, we have worked as- siduously with the various in- terests to ensure that we do not compromise the smooth and efficient management of this case from the perspec- tive of resources and facili- ties,” he said. The chief justice added that the case is “exceptional” in its scope. But he noted that “large and complex cases” are an ev- eryday part of the business of courts in the Cayman Islands. Shelly White, partner with Walkers, which represents nine of the 16 firms listed in the suit, said the case would demonstrate the strength of the Cayman Islands legal infrastructure. “As a result of the careful investment in the legal infra- structure by the Cayman Is- lands’ government, and the focus of leading local law firms in attracting and cul- tivating high-caliber Cayma- nian and international attor- neys, these proceedings will confirm the islands’ status as a world-class jurisdiction in which to do business.” Brett Walter, gen- eral counsel with Mourant Ozannes, which is repre- senting AHAB, said, “AHAB is grateful to the Cayman Courts for accommodating the imminent and lengthy trial of these complex, high-value and important proceedings. “AHAB looks forward to the ultimate resolution of this dispute, by which it seeks to recover a signif- icant sum for the benefit of its creditors.” Trust Ltd., a Cayman Is- lands Class B [not locally op- erating] bank, the investors allege. Most of that money cannot be accounted for, the lawsuit claims. Five other international in- vestment banks had funds de- posited from the investment scheme, but they are not named as defendants in the lawsuit filed in the Cayman Islands Grand Court. “Of the circa £50 million re- ceived in the dms Bank & Trust accounts from investors, only about £1.2 million remains in the CWM BVI account and ap- proximately £100,000 in the Treasure Trove account [Trea- sure Trove was one of the com- panies Mr. Constantinou owned, court records state],” the writ alleges. Dms founder Don Sey- mour said Saturday that the claims against his company’s bank were all denied and would be “vigorously defended,” but he did not comment regarding the writ of summons. Although CWM and its as- sociated companies were not previously identified in court records, dms sued the former managing director of its bank, Jazeb Jones, in 2015 for entering into an “inappropriate” business relationship with two bank cli- ents and receiving “excessive gifts” in exchange. The CWM investors’ July 11 lawsuit surmises that Mr. Jones’s two clients were either BVI-based CWM and Mr. Con- stantinou, or CWM and Treasure Trove Ltd., a company Mr. Con- stantinou owned. The company, based in the Seychelles, has been dissolved. Dms Bank & Trust Ltd. held millions of dol- lars in funds for both entities, the lawsuit claims. It is alleged by the investors that Mr. Jones must have known about the “dishonest, fraudu- lent, illegal or commercially un- acceptable conduct” by CWM, and that he attempted to cover his activities by communicating privately with Mr. Constantinou and/or an associate of Mr. Con- stantinou’s, instead of using dms company communications. When bank directors discov- ered the client relationship with CMW, it was noted that “several red flags were raised” and that Mr. Jones was ordered by dms directors to drop the relation- ship with CWM. He did not do so, the writ states. The writ also alleges that dms Bank & Trust Ltd. should bear some legal responsibility for employee Mr. Jones’s conduct in orchestrating the scheme. “The other dms Bank & Trust directors acted negli- gently,” the writ states. “Having decided, rightly, that dms Bank & Trust should not en- gage in further business with CWM and having instructed the closing of the dms Bank & Trust accounts, they failed to ensure that the same were closed,” the lawsuit states. “Dms Bank & Trust is liable to pay damages to the plaintiffs.” The alleged Ponzi scheme According to the July 11 law- suit, CWM presented itself as a “substantial and reputable orga- nization,” employing a number of staff members who worked from the Heron Tower in the City of London. It had high-profile sponsor- ship agreements including deals with the 2015 London Boat Show, the Honda MotoGP racing team and the west London Chelsea Football Club, which touted CWM as its “online Forex trading partner.” CWM and a handful of re- lated companies signed agree- ments with investors that prom- ised annual returns of between 4 percent and 8 percent from foreign currency trading activi- ties, the lawsuit states. CMW pledged that invested funds would be segregated and held in trust to be used “only for the purpose of FX [foreign ex- change] trading on behalf of the [investor].” It was a sham, the investors allege in the lawsuit. “CWM did not, in fact, en- gage in any foreign currency trading on behalf of its clients,” the lawsuit states. “Although CWM appeared to have trading desks at its office in London which were shown to poten- tial investors to encourage them to invest, no trading took place and the trading screens ran only demonstration software.” The writ alleges that none of the CWM group companies deposited the investors’ funds into segregated accounts, but in- stead used them to pay for per- sonal or company expenses. Pre- vious investors were paid with current investors’ funds to keep up the appearance that the com- pany was earning money, the lawsuit alleges. Cayman bank named in lawsuit over Ponzi scheme CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Saudi family feud puts Cayman’s courts in international spotlight CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1Next >