ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 180913_PRINT-Ad-Strip-BOTY-6colxPage 1 11/30/15 12:30:30 PM JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Thousands of people packed the Lions Centre Sunday night for what was billed as the Cayman Islands’ first “family values” conference. The rally, organized by the Cayman Min- isters’ Association, Seventh-day Adventist Church and other churches, featured speakers from Jamaica and the United States, as well as local pastors and politicians. Some 3,000 were in attendance, according to organizers. The speakers addressed an array of chal- lenges facing families today, providing Bible- based solutions. Among the topics discussed were raising children, maintaining a suc- cessful marriage, divorce, pre-marital sex, abortions and sexually transmitted diseases. All of the speakers addressed same-sex unions to varying degrees, starting with Pre- mier Alden McLaughlin. “We’re all bound by the rule of law, and that is the Marriage Law [which] defines mar- riage as a union between one man and one woman,” Premier Alden McLaughlin said. “Not one man and another man, nor one woman and another woman. That’s the law of the Cayman Islands and let no one persuade you it’s otherwise.” During the premier’s speech, the Lions Centre erupted with applause and shouts from the crowd. “Marriage is the institution ordained by God and is reserved only for persons of the opposite sex,” the premier continued. “What- ever relationships exist between persons of the same-sex, are not, and cannot, be considered as marriages under the laws of the Cayman Islands.” Outside the Lions Centre, a small counter- rally was taking place in support of LGBT rights. Listening from across the road, Al- anna Warwick, an LGBT rights supporter, said her group was not trying to hinder any- one’s religious freedom. Rather, Ms. Warwick said, she was concerned about infringements on human rights. “When you are teaching future generations that [a] certain class of people are better than each other, that’s wrong. We are all equal, we are all human, and we should all be treated the same way,” she said. Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush took the stage after Mr. McLaughlin. He said there are a number of matters he thinks the Ministers’ Association can ad- dress in the islands, but this particular issue is “very challenging” in several ways. Mr. Bush said, during his government’s Thousands rally for ‘family values’ Some 3,000 people attend a conference on ‘Bible-based family values’ Sunday at the Lions Centre. - PHOTO: MATT LAMERS Attorney David Gibbs, president of the National Center for Life and Liberty in the U.S., gives a keynote address. PUBLIC HOSPITAL GETS APPROVAL TO WRITE OFF MILLIONS IN DEBT BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands Health Services Au- thority has been trying to claim unpaid health- care bills that are “uncollectable,” including from some former patients who have died, the authority’s board chairman confirmed during a government committee hearing last week. HSA Chairman Jonathan Tibbetts told the Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Com- mittee that a significant portion of the author- ity’s provision for more than $90 million in “doubtful debts” (those that have been due for Governor rates policies, premier in FCO memos BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Recent internal communications between the Cayman Islands governor and the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office were made public last week, involving Governor Helen Kilpatrick’s summations of current government policies. The records release includes evaluations of Premier Alden McLaughlin’s yearly “state of the nation” addresses at the Cayman Eco- nomic Outlook forum, as well as a summary of the governor’s Throne Speech and the pre- mier’s budget and policy address for the year. The memos – most signed “Kilpatrick” – are not long and are mostly random collec- tions of the governor’s thoughts on the pro- ceedings and what was discussed in the speeches. They were unclassified by the for- eign office following an open records request by former Cayman Governor Alan J. Scott. One thing the memos reveal is that the governor’s annual Throne Speech given at the state opening of the Legislative Assembly is “drafted by the Cayman Islands Government” and for delivery by the governor. In 2014, for example, Ms. Kilpatrick re- ferred to the speech as “concise, but not lacking in content.” The 2013 Throne Speech was “prepared by CIG and hastily cleared through Cabinet.” The governor also informs the U.K., in a gen- eral way, regarding the state of play in Cayman PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 13 » Governor Helen Kilpatrick2 LOCAL&REGIONAL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 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. Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. - TUESDAY - KUBO AND THE TWO (PG) STRINGS 3D 1:00 | 3:30 2D | 7:00 | 9:30 2D HANDS OF STONE (R) 1:20 | 4:00 | 7:10 | 9:50 PETE’S DRAGON 3D (PG) 12:30 | 3:15 2D | 6:45 | 9:35 2D MECHANIC RESURRECTION (R) 1:10 | 3:40 | 7:20 | 10:10 MORGAN (R) 12:40 | 3:10 | 5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 DONT BREATHE (R) 12:50 | 3:00 | 5:10 | 7:30 | 9:45 640-FILM (640-3456) Sponsored by: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th 8PM Thieves are targeting fast boats capable of reaching neighboring countries, the Joint Ma- rine Unit of the RCIPS said in a press release, advising boat owners to take extra precautions to secure their property. A number of marine-re- lated thefts have been re- ported over the past sev- eral weeks, the marine unit said. While the RCIPS is in- vestigating these inci- dents, some recoveries have been made. “We see a trend of fast boats capable of reaching neighboring countries being targeted, and boats with small en- gines which are relatively easy to remove,” said In- spector Leo Anglin, Joint Marine commander. The advisory suggests boat owners permanently mark or engrave their boat, trailer, equipment, electronics and personal items; make a complete in- ventory of their boat and gear; consider an alarm system or tracking device; cover and secure it as com- pletely as possible; and buy insurance. Anyone who is a victim of marine theft is advised to report the loss to police, their insurance company and to neighbors. In wake of boat thefts, police advise vigilance ALMA CHOLLETTE achollette@pinnaclemedialtd.com The 2016 edition of “Drive Safely in Cayman” by Graham Walker was recently updated and published for drivers seeking guidance on navigating the roads in Cayman. Last updated in 2014, the driving handbook features the latest changes in the Cayman Islands Traffic Law and notable driving habits. The latest issue also highlights areas where drivers should take extra caution and advice on what not to do when behind the wheel. With more than 135 nationalities on the islands, among the population of more than 50,000, “It is therefore criti- cally important that new drivers have a mindset that they personally will be a good driver and determine to drive safely,” said Mr. Walker. The latest edition of the 108-page book outlines everything from using multi-lane roundabouts and road junc- tions to parking and reversing. All of the information was assembled by the author. Mr. Walker said the handbook covers both the theory and practical aspects of driving. “Road Code,” the other driving guide found on island, is no longer being printed but is available online. Unlike “Road Code,” “Drive Safely” in- forms its readers on what they should not do, said Mr. Walker. Tailgating and reversing onto a main road are just two of the examples noted. Mr. Walker, who is also a driving in- structor, advises new drivers in Cayman to drive calmly and remain observant of other traffic at all times. His advice to experienced drivers is, “Make sure you use your indicators at all times, do not tailgate nor take stupid chances overtaking.” In 1992, Mr. Walker, who formerly worked in the electronics defense in- dustry, first published “Good Driving is No Accident,” which was then renamed “Drive Safely.” ‘Drive Safely in Cayman’ is available at Books & Books, Book Nook, Hobbies and Books and Maedac. ‘Drive Safely’ book updated ORANJESTAD, Aruba (AP) – Lawmakers in Aruba have voted to grant LGBT cou- ples the right to register their unions and receive benefits granted to mar- ried people on the Dutch Caribbean island. Parliament voted 11-5 with four abstentions to amend civil code regula- tions related to marriage to cover same-sex unions. Those articles include such things as the right to a spouse’s pension in case of death or to make emer- gency medical decisions. Supporters say the new law falls short of their goal of legal same-sex marriage but is still a victory. Aruba is one of the constituent countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Same- sex couples previously could marry in the Neth- erlands and return to have their marriage certificate recognized on the island of Aruba. His advice to experienced drivers is, “Make sure you use your indicators at all times, do not tailgate nor take stupid chances overtaking.” ARUBA TO ALLOW COUPLES TO REGISTER LGBT UNIONS The 2016 edition of ‘Drive Safely in Cayman’ by Graham Walker is now available. - PHOTO: MATT LAMERS Concurrent sentences for overstaying, working without permit CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A woman involved in a traffic ac- cident “dug herself a deeper hole” by changing a date in her passport, at- torney Dennis Brady said in Summary Court last week. He was speaking on behalf of Dawn Ann-Marie Adams, who pleaded guilty to altering a temporary work permit stamp, working without a permit and over- staying. Her total sentence was 30 days. Senior Crown counsel Tricia Hutchinson said Adams, 41, was ar- rested on a traffic-related matter on Feb. 29. In March, a request was made by police to the Immigration Depart- ment to check her status on the island. It turned out she had been given until the end of April 2015 on a permit. However, her passport had been altered to show April 30, 2017. Adams admitted altering the date as a result of being taken into custody on the traffic matter. Mr. Brady described the situation as one of those classic cases of esca- lating problems getting out of control. He said Adams was a person of good character who had worked here for six years without incident. She had made efforts to do the right thing, submit- ting her papers to her last employer and being assured that they were being processed. The alteration of the passport was an effort to appear legitimate, Mr. Brady said. In her interview, Adams had ad- mitted, “I did it when the police stopped me the other day. I don’t know why. I just panic[ked].” He asked for the mercy of the court. He explained that Adams had come to Cayman to try to assist three teenaged children and give them a better life than she had. Since this incident, she has been living off the benevolence of people at her church because she had no earnings, Mr. Brady said. A sentence of custody would be a further burden on the state, he pointed out, although he agreed that the state does spend money in an effort to deter wrongdoing. Adams has suffered the shame of sullying her previous good char- acter, the attorney summarized: “She tried to extricate herself, but dug her- self a deeper hole.” Magistrate Valdis Foldats said gen- eral deterrence was certainly a factor. Adams did not need individual deter- rence because the whole situation had brought home to her the seriousness of what she had done. But he had to send a message to others who might be tempted to try al- tering their passport. Such actions have to be punished with jail because they af- fect the entire system of border control. They also affect employment oppor- tunities for Caymanians, he pointed out. The magistrate imposed a sentence of 30 days for altering the passport stamp. Similar sentences for working without a permit and overstaying were made to run concurrently. Mr. Brady described the situation as one of those classic cases of escalating problems getting out of control. Woman jailed for changing date on work permit stamp3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 Come And Meet Representatives From The Best Of British Schools 17-18 SEPTEMBER 2016 2.00 - 6.00 p .m. THE RITZ-CARLTON GRAND CAYMAN FOLLOW @BRITISHSCHOOLSFAIRCAYMAN FREE T0 ATTEND There are also free information sessions throughout the event. SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2.00 p.m. Why go to school in the UK? Adam Williams (Headmaster, Lord Wandsworth College) 3.00 p.m. The Admissions Journey: the timings and procedures for getting into a British boarding school Giles Vosper-Brown (Registrar, Malvern College) 4.00 p.m. Why choose a single-sex education? Tessa Howard-Vyse (Director of External Relations, Mayfield School) SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2.00 p.m. Big or small: what’s the right age for my child to go to boarding school? Stephen Ilett (Headmaster, Port Regis School) 3.00 p.m. Extraordinary Extra-Curricular: Sport, Music, Drama and everything outside the classroom at UK independent schools Martin Speight (Director of Cricket, Sedbergh School) 4.00 p.m. Internationalism in Independent Schools Claire MacGillivray (Director, Gordonstoun International Summer School) Organised by bvs-education.co.uk BRITISH SCHOOLS FAIR CAYMAN ISLANDS BSFC_advertBW_halfpage.indd 108/09/2016 22:30 Cayman Airways climbing out of $50M debt BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Once saddled with burgeoning “historical debts” of around $50 million, it appears Cayman’s na- tional airline may finally be climbing out of a debt spiral that had threatened its operations in 2009/10. Cayman Airways board Chairman Philip Rankin said last week that the historical debt – which was $48.4 million when he joined the board in 2009 – has been reduced to around $19 million. CAL Chief Executive Officer Fa- bian Whorms confirmed that it will take the airline until the end of this decade to pay off the remainder, if it stays on course. “CAL is currently on track to be debt-free in four years,” Mr. Whorms said, adding that the airline has not initiated any new borrowing under the present administration. The dire debt situation was pub- licly reported in mid-2010 during a meeting of the Legislative Assem- bly’s Finance Committee. Then-CAL Chairman Jude Scott explained at the time that the na- tional airline had amassed be- tween $50 million and $51 mil- lion in “under-funded losses” over a number of years. Mr. Scott said “chronic under-funding” by govern- ment had left the airline to make up the difference in sometimes creative ways. “In some cases [the airline used] formal borrowings, and in some cases they used informal borrow- ings,” he said, not explaining what was meant by the latter. At that time, the board decided to begin paying down the airline’s debt at a rate of $5.1 million per year. Keeping that payment schedule would allow the airline to erase its historical debt by mid-2020, if no other borrowing was undertaken. The money is paid as part of the government’s subsidy to the air- line, which now surpasses $20 million per year. Once the debt is paid off, it is likely that Cayman Airways will still require government assistance to continue operations. Mr. Whorms explained last week that Cayman Airways will receive about $2.6 million in the next year to subsidize flights between Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands, routes on which the airline has al- ways lost money. Another $13.8 mil- lion has been budgeted to support flights to “strategic U.S. and regional gateways” that the board mem- bers and government view as key tourism markets. The total amount government pays to support domestic and stra- tegic international flights has been reduced by about $1.4 million since the 2014/15 budget year, Mr. Whorms said. “CAL is currently on track to be debt-free in four years.” FABIAN WHORMS, CEO, Cayman Airways A Cayman Airways flight lands at Owen Roberts International Airport. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Man shot in George Town; second shooting in month BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is searching for the shooter involved in an at- tack outside a George Town bar Sunday night. The shooting is the second in the district since early August, ac- cording to police reports. RCIPS armed officers re- sponded to the parking lot of the DLK Bar on Seymour Drive just after 8 p.m. Sunday, following re- ports that a man had been shot. The victim, 32, sustained in- juries that police described as non-life threatening. He was treated at the Cayman Islands Hospital overnight. The last reported shooting in the district was on Sunday, Aug. 7, also outside a local bar/ restaurant in George Town’s Rock Hole neighborhood. According to police, the victim in that incident was shot in the arm following a dispute at the business. He has since been flown off is- land for treatment. Police arrested Kevin Curtis Bowen in connection with the Aug. 7 incident. Bowen is charged with attempted murder and unlicensed firearms possession. The allegation in that shooting is that Bowen shot the victim at close range with a shotgun.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. 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” Cayman’s ailing health authority Government math can be tricky. But here’s a reliable conversion rate: One round of legislative testimony from Health Services Authority officials approximates to one week of troubling news headlines. Their recent appearance before the Public Accounts Committee, for example, yielded the following stories in the Compass: “HSA will sue to recover debts,” “HSA promises ‘clean accounts’ by 2018,” and, the coup de grace, “Govern- ment $1.2 billion healthcare liability figure may be low.” We don’t have to delve far back in the Compass archives to discover a host of stories on those issues and other nar- ratives of systemic dysfunction in HSA. For starters: • “Section 12” immunity – A clause in the HSA Law indemnified public hospital staff from punitive legal action in cases where patients were harmed or even killed. After the judiciary and the Compass highlighted the existence of the immunity clause, officials denied that the language was inserted into the law on purpose – despite the fact that HSA had deliberately invoked the clause on a number of occasions to stymie legal pro- ceedings. • CarePay – Last week’s lifetime FIFA ban of former Cayman football chieftain Jeffrey Webb (who has pled guilty to a litany of offenses in U.S. federal court in the context of the global FIFA corruption scandal) should remind Cayman residents that the local CarePay scandal still smolders. Here, Webb faces allegations that he conspired with former HSA Board Chairman Canover Watson to defraud the public healthcare system of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Only Watson has been brought to trial, where he was found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison. (He has appealed.) Judging from the evidence that arose in court during the trial, criminal investigations and law enforcement revelations should be far from finished. • Ambulance – Ostensibly, it was good news when the Cayman Heart Fund and other good Samaritans announced they had raised enough funds to purchase a much-needed, life-saving ambulance for the HSA. The bad news is that it should have been our government – not the community – who paid for the vehicle. • Bad debts – The HSA’s lack of funds for ambulances is directly related to the authority’s continuing inability to collect some $90 million in outstanding medical debts. This may not be entirely, or even mainly, the fault of health officials; their collection efforts have been hamstrung by orders from elected lawmakers. Offi- cials recently indicated a change in tactics in order to make people “pay up.” We’ll believe it when we see it … in court. • Inadequate accounting – HSA hasn’t managed to provide accurate accounting for its expenses and revenues since 2004. The authority promises it will produce “clean” financial statements to auditors by the year 2018. Why not much sooner? • Escalating liabilities – Even the “squeakiest” of HSA reports would only be an accurate portrait of an ugly financial situation. Recently, under questioning by law- makers, Financial Secretary Ken Jefferson was com- pelled to revise the government’s estimated $1.2 billion in public healthcare liabilities to an even-more- astounding “at least $1.2 billion.” Inexplicably, it seems officials didn’t factor into its previous calculation all public servants (i.e. the thousands in statutory authori- ties and government-owned companies), not just core government employees. • Overseas spending – To obtain a more complete picture of healthcare in Cayman, one must also consider health- care delivered to residents of Cayman, outside of Cayman. Our best estimate is that each year, some $150 million to $200 million is siphoned off from the local economy in the form of overseas medical expenses. The above is a preponderance of evidence against the long-term performance of public health officials and the system they have created and perpetuated. Almost without exception, the troubles with HSA are indictments of offi- cials … not physicians or staff. Like far too many government endeavors in Cayman, it is the system that is in desperate need of reconstruc- tive surgery. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS I am writing as a follow up to my “Letter to the Editor” of Sept. 9, 2016 along with the editorial in yesterday’s news- paper. I believe this follow up is critical because something great happened as a result of this letter being published. Our interview process con- tinued and extended past the deadline, due to the fact that we received emails from young Caymanians saying they had read the letter and were inspired to apply. Their resumes were attached to well-worded emails or cover letters. We had people drop by the store and let us know they agreed with our com- ments and asked if they could submit their resume. Prior to the letter being published, we had exactly 26.7 percent of people who set up interviews not show up. Since the letter was pub- lished, only one person has failed to show. A very special mention must be made of the young man who showed up for an “entry level” job inter- view. This young Caymanian was on time, introduced him- self and immediately stated that he had read the letter, and standing there in his three-piece suit, told us he wanted us to know that not all Caymanians were as we had experienced with some. Yes, he was overdressed, but he did so to stand out, and that he did. Needless to say, the interview went well and this well spoken and well pre- pared young man will have a job with Buy $mart. As I said in my original letter and will repeat, it is not my intent, nor do I believe we should ever “paint everyone with the same brush,” and the interviewees since Friday have proved this as well as some before. To those com- ments on a Facebook post I read suggesting this is a ploy to get work permits approved, nothing could be further from the truth. For the record, of the 100-plus interviews we have set up and 80-plus com- pleted, about 10 percent were with individuals holding Right to Work and the balance were Caymanians and I DO NOT plan on changing our company goal. We have received a high number of resumes from indi- viduals on permit or requiring one and those applicants have not received an interview. This is not to say that at store level we will never have individuals on a permit, but I do firmly be- lieve that we can find Cayma- nians that have experience or can be trained and will bring a positive and professional at- titude to our new business. As a business, we will not lower our expectations and we will provide the coaching required to our new team members in order to provide the best customer experience with the best local employees. When our customers come into Buy $mart we hope they will see a difference and the staff and I will be proud in knowing that the reason and only reason we are all there is because we earned the right to be there. If our experiences are representative of the av- erage employer I cannot say. Have I violated an unwritten but well-understood rule about doing business in the Cayman Islands, and should I fear retribution? I do hope not because as employers, we all have an obligation to speak up and “be involved” in changing the situation for the better. This can’t happen without talking about the problem. Let’s move together to prepare our available and future workforce because it is clear that addressing the con- cerns makes a difference. In particular, let’s ensure young Caymanians are prepared for an international job market, because that is exactly what we now have in Cayman. Michael Allen Buy $mart Galleria Plaza LETTER TO THE EDITOR Something great happened I write in response to the article, “Officials: Holding failing students back is in- effective,” that appeared in the Aug. 30 issue of the Cayman Compass. When will educational ex- perts begin to realize and un- derstand that their suicidal decisions actually impact real people, with real lives and real futures? Relying on unquoted and unspecified research to support their ex- pert opinion simply isn’t good enough. Children are and should be too impor- tant for such trite responses to matters of such great im- portance, not to mention the response models’ poor stan- dards and low expectations. If a student were to respond in an exam paper “research suggests” without speci- fying the source, the result is a lesser grade. Failure is the result of weak foundations – in this instance, the con- cept and practice of “social promotion.” It is fundamen- tally flawed, as it neither re- flects nor mirrors the market- place for which the education system is preparing young people. As long as those in authority continue to pro- mote the ideology that pro- motion is based neither on merit nor achievement they will continue to fail the most vulnerable of young people in the Cayman Islands. Senior policy adviser Mr. Clive Baker was quoted as saying, “we base all our work on international research.” The Clifton Hunter school fiasco, with its open plan classrooms, should remind the people of the Cayman Is- lands that experts are not al- ways as wise as they pretend to be. Holding a child back, as long as it is intentionally purposeful, will in the long run always better serve the child. And that’s the point, the long run. Any social em- barrassment is temporary – a temporary setback to ensure a proper foundation. Doing otherwise is suicidal, in other words the continuance of de- cisions which have a perma- nent and detrimental impact. “There are a lot of things in education that from a common sense point of view seem to make sense,” Chief Officer in the Ministry of Ed- ucation Christen Suckoo is quoted as saying. Parents, carers and young people of the Cayman Islands, it’s time to apply our common sense and be brave. Some of the most vulnerable people of the Cayman Islands are counting on you. Abraham Joseph LETTER TO THE EDITOR Time to apply common sense to education policy5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 Lawsuit alleges inhumane detention BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com What is believed to be the first lawsuit alleging inhumane prisoner conditions in a local police station was filed earlier this month, six months after the facility was shut down by the government. The writ of summons filed Sept. 1 by Alanzo Spence against the Cayman Islands government (via its legal representative, the attorney general), claims that Mr. Spence was wrongfully arrested three years ago at his home by police officers investigating an attempted murder. Following the arrest, the writ al- leges that Mr. Spence was detained for four days without charge on suspicion of attempted murder and unlicensed firearms possession. A section of the lawsuit seeks exemplary damages for the detain- ment: “The police station in which [Mr. Spence] was detained was in- humane and unfit for purpose. His detention therein cause[d] further humiliation, distress and suffering.” The balance of the writ deals with Mr. Spence’s arrest on Sept. 16, 2013, when he was held at gun- point, placed in handcuffs and taken into the street “in the presence of family and neighbors.” He was then informed that he had been arrested for attempted murder and illegal firearms possession and was taken to the George Town Police Station, court records state. The writ alleges the arrest was unlawful because Mr. Spence had not committed any offense and that police officers “did not actually suspect that [Mr. Spence] had com- mitted any offense.” After four days of detention, Mr. Spence was released on police bail, put under curfew with an electronic monitor “ankle tag” and his pass- port was taken. About three months later, on Dec. 15, 2013, Mr. Spence was in- formed by police that no further ac- tion would be taken against him in relation to the investigation. “The nature of the allegation was extremely serious,” the writ states. “[Mr. Spence’s] reputation has been tarnished and he fears it may never be restored.” In addition to damages for the detainment, the lawsuit seeks ag- gravated damages and payment of legal fees associated with the arrest. The jails at the George Town station were described in a United Kingdom inspector’s report from 2013 as “barely fit for human hab- itation,” but they were still being used as of early March 2016 to hold people who were arrested, prior to their release or detention in Northward prison. Since then, modular facilities in the Fairbanks area of George Town have been used to house all prisoners. The new modular cells, which cost government US$2.1 mil- lion and can house up to 24 in- mates, were shipped to Cayman and moved into place near Fairbanks Prison in mid-April 2014. Officials with the government Ministry of Home Affairs said at the time that they expected the units to be opened within six weeks – the beginning of June 2014 – but that did not happen. The delay was largely due to stalled planning in- spections and outfitting of the facil- ities, ministry officials said. Human rights concerns re- garding the detention of prisoners at Northward Prison were also raised in the courts in late July, but a Grand Court judge dismissed those, stating that the matter should be dealt with through a ju- dicial review process. “The police station in which [Mr. Spence] was detained was inhumane and unfit for purpose.” SEPT 1. LAWSUIT Cellphone can affect breathalyzer, expert says Trial adjourned for Crown witness to reply CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A trial for driving under the influence of alcohol has been adjourned following ev- idence on Friday about fac- tors, including a cellphone, that can affect the readings of a machine that measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath. That evidence was given by James Zager, who was ac- cepted as an expert quali- fied to give evidence on DUI testing and machines con- nected with such tests. He gave his evidence from Florida via video link. Mr. Zager was called on behalf of defendant Simon Courtney, who has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol on Sept. 10, 2011. The matter first came to court in 2012 and there have been nu- merous adjournments since. Meanwhile, Courtney was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to an elderly tourist couple when his car went onto the side- walk along West Bay Road in January 2015. He is serving a three-year sentence. Mr. Zager gave his opinion on the Intoxilyzer 5000 EN, the breath-anal- ysis machine used to test Courtney in 2011. The defendant had shown a reading of 0.195; the legal limit is 0.100. After explaining how this reading could have been af- fected, Mr. Zager concluded that Courtney’s true reading could have been 0.092, which would be below the legal limit. One factor could have been Courtney’s cellphone, which he said he carried in his breast pocket at the time of testing. It could have been the source of Radio Frequency Interference, Mr. Zager testified. Circuitry in the Intoxilyzer is designed to deal with this potential problem, but his experience had shown that results were unreliable if the circuitry was malfunctioning. He agreed with defense attorney John Furniss that the simple test of put- ting a police radio near the breathalyzer would show that the machine was working correctly. Another factor he de- scribed was the individual’s breath temperature, which can be affected by fever or environmental conditions. Also to be considered was whether the Intoxilyzer had been properly purged before the test was administered. Mr. Zager agreed that he and Mr. Furniss had gone to the West Bay Police Station to try to see the actual ma- chine used to test the defen- dant, but had been unable to. The witness was cross- examined by Crown counsel Alliyah McCarthy. He said the closer the cellphone got to the Intoxilyzer, the higher its effect would be. With the phone in Courtney’s breast pocket, it could have been a matter of inches. Magistrate Valdis Fol- dats adjourned the trial until Sept. 27. On that date, Ms. McCarthy expects to call as witness a police inspector who was in charge of traffic management in 2011 and kept logs on the Intoxilyzers and their use for testing. A crew prepares to erect a new mast on Cayman’s famous Jolly Roger. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY The Jolly Roger, famous for its role in Pirates Week and sunset cruises around Cayman, is get- ting a new mast. Jolly Roger Manager Richard Kauffmann said the ship, a rep- lica two-thirds the size of Chris- topher Columbus’s 15th century galleon Nina, recently suffered some damage in a rough storm at sea. The Jolly Roger was commis- sioned and built in 1986 in St. Pe- tersburg, Florida, and originally christened the Lady Barbara. Jolly Roger gets new mastDISTRICT DAYS 6 District Days West Bay In the Sept. 14, 1966 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Plans are being made for an amusing and inter- esting evening at the United Church at 7:30 o’clock on the 16th. A concert will be held sponsored by the Woman’s Guild in aid of the Church. Special feature will be a mock wedding. Friends and well-wishers are asked to attend and help a good cause. Admis- sion 3 shillings, children 1 shilling 6 pence. “Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jackson became the happy parents of a son, Chris- topher Thomas, on the 6th, weighing 8 and a half pounds. “On Aug. 22, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Banks of Miami became the happy parents of their second daughter, Sandra Laverne. “Their second son and third child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Ebanks Jr. on the 8th, weighing 7 pounds. “On the 8th Miss Jane Ebanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Riley Ebanks, became the bride of Mr. Harlee Reynolds, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolphus Reynolds, at a quiet cer- emony performed by the Rev. John Croft at his res- idence. The bride’s only at- tendant was Miss Osley Powell. Mr. Leslie Tibbetts was groomsman. “On Sept. 2, Margaret Dilbert of West Bay was married to Robert Allie of George Town, who has spent a great many years in Texas, by the Rev. J. Lord at the Presbyterian Manse, George Town. The bridesmaid was Miss Margaret Ebanks, and he best man Rolston Rivers, both of West Bay. “Mrs. Carlson Jackson and family left on the 8th for Miami. She has taken her eldest son, Allen, for med- ical aid. Leaving the same day for New York, where she resides, were Mrs. Boyd Hydes and her little son. “Mr. Bergman Ebanks has gone to Jamaica to join the S.S. J. Louis after spending 2 weeks with his family. “Mr. Spurgeon Ebanks has gone to Canada to at- tend the Conference of the Commonwealth Par- liamentary Association. His daughter Margreta ar- rived the same day from the U.S. where she visited with relatives. “Tommie and Robert Ebanks, children of Mrs. Robert Ebanks of West Bay, celebrated their birthdays on Sept. 1. “Miss Vera Ebanks ar- rived on the 8th after spending over one year in the U.S. with relatives. She reports an enjoyable stay. “Mr. Benson O. Ebanks arrived from Jamaica on the 10th. He accompa- nied his sister Ethel for medical attention. “Mrs. Olice Yates and daughter Robin left on the 11th to visit Olice’s mother, who lives in New York. Leaving on the same place was Mr. Stafford Banks on a business trip to Miami. “Capt. Percival Ebanks, who has been ailing for quite a while left on the 11th to seek medical aid. “After spending an enjoy- able visit here, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hydes left on the 8th. Thomas has taken his sister Ironie to Miami for medical attention. “Mr. Keith Edwards ar- rived from Jamaica on Thursday and left on Sunday for his home in New York, where he has lived with his family for several years. “Miss Jemima Hydes and little son Noel left on the 11th for a short visit to Miami. “Mr. Wordsworth Powery returned on the 11th from Jamaica, where he ob- tained medical aid and is much improved.” TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS Prayer service kicks off school year With a new principal and lots of exciting plans in the works, West Bay’s Sir John A. Cumber Primary School kicked off a new school year with a visit from Edu- cation Minister Tara Rivers and a special prayer service. On Aug. 29, the first day of school, Ms. Rivers dropped in to see how the new Principal Paul Samuel was adjusting, and to wel- come him to the school and the dis- trict. She also took the opportunity to visit some classes and welcome the children back to school. Each school year also begins with a special dedicatory worship assembly. This year’s session on Sept. 2 was coordinated by Deputy Principal Lorna Lumsden and teach- er’s assistant Esther Rivers. Repre- senting churches in the West Bay community were Pastor Maurice Chambers of the Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church and Ryan Powell, youth leader and after-school coor- dinator with John Gray Memorial Church. Mr. Powell is also a teacher. Pastor Ron Smith of Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church was unable to attend. In a passionate prayer for the school’s parents, guardians, care- givers and students, Mr. Powell said they should trust in God with all their heart without leaning on their own understanding, according to a press release. He also asked God to, “bless them with extra spe- cial intellect and understanding and to offer continual protection of guardian angels to shield them from all ill.” In addition, he pleaded that they would each live up to their responsibility and that they be positive role models and exam- ples in society. Pastor Chambers also prayed for the minister of education and her team, the new principal and his team, and all the other staff of the school. He petitioned for guidance, wisdom, vision, knowledge and un- derstanding in making decisions and in interacting with others. He also prayed for “good health, protec- tion and sound minds to effectively fulfill the task to which they are called. His ultimate prayer was that all would receive the final reward of ‘well done’ from Jesus’s lips when he comes at last.” The assembly was also ad- dressed by Mr. Samuel, who re- minded the student body of the need this year to be responsible, respectful and safe. He told them the story of the rainbow and how in a fable, each color wanted to be the only promi- nent one, but God showed that each color is equally important, “and that just as all the colors come together to make a rainbow, we must put aside our differences and work to- gether for a common cause.” The assembly was attended by several parents, including 2015- 2016 PTA President Vanda Powery. The singing was led by staff mem- bers Corry Chambers, Reneice Mowatt-McDonald, Courtney Perrin and Elysia Murray, who were ac- companied by Rebekah Jefferson on the piano. A worship assembly helped kick off the school year at Sir John A. Cumber.Head of Juniors, Courtney Perrin and Year 1 teacher Reneice Mowatt-McDonald were among the performers. 50 YEARS AGO: Woman’s Guild fundraiser fun includes mock wedding Principal Paul Samuel reminded the student body of the need this year to be responsible, respectful and safe. DISTRICT DAYS 7 District Days West Bay CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 West Bay seniors get lowdown on Zika JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com With the arrival of Zika in Cayman now confirmed, much talk on the matter has been about pregnant women whose unborn chil- dren face dangers if ex- posed to the virus. But re- cently some seniors in West Bay had the chance to get information that addressed their particular concerns. At a special event orga- nized for the John Gray Me- morial Church Seniors’ Fel- lowship at the church in West Bay on Sept. 8, Mos- quito Research and Control Unit Director Bill Petrie and Renaud Lacroix of Oxitec discussed mosquitoes, the diseases they can spread, potential prevention, and the genetically modified mosquito project which is attempting to control the spread of the Zika virus. The seniors learned that mosquitoes kill more people every year around the world than war, AIDS or most dis- eases. They also learned there are no specific treat- ments for Zika – just Pan- adol, bed rest and cream if the symptoms include a rash, and that a fraction of show any symptoms. Some seniors raised their concerns about how to tell the difference be- tween the genetically mod- ified mosquitoes and Zika carriers, while others were anxious about the spread of the Zika virus through human contact, and some wanted to know how to protect themselves. Eula Glidden was con- cerned about Zika trans- mission. She learned that out of all the mosquitoes in Cayman, only the Aedes aegypti, referred to by some as the Zika mosquito, can transmit the virus. The Aedes aegypti has also been referred to his- torically as the yellow fever mosquito, and it also carries dengue and chi- kungunya. The audience heard that West Bay is the hot spot on the island for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Mr. Petrie said the mosquito that carries Zika usually only breeds around people, houses and other premises. It does not breed in the swamps, bushes or pasture lands. He advised the audience to clean up yards, get rid of rubbish and gar- bage, and remove standing water from containers. He said the eradication project being carried out in conjunction with Oxitec is releasing hundreds of thousands of male mosqui- toes that have been genet- ically altered. The males, which do not bite, are in- tended to mate with the fe- male Aedes aegypti mos- quitoes that can spread Zika. The females that mate with the male GM mosquitoes lay eggs that hatch, but the larvae do not survive to adulthood. The audience also heard that the GM mosquitoes only mate with Aedes ae- gypti females, assuring them that the mosqui- toes could not establish themselves in the envi- ronment since they would die out once they stopped being released. “If we do the GM re- lease, over time the pop- ulation of Aedes aegypti will come down,” Mr. Petrie said. West Bay resident Shar- lene Rogers said she no- ticed some mosquitoes were leaving a very nasty sting, with some worse than others. “It’s what [the mosquito] injects into you as it is biting,” said Mr. Petrie. “But how will we know the difference between the GM and the Zika carriers and not kill them just the same?” Ms. Rogers asked. “We are not asking you not to kill the GM mosqui- toes. Kill them if you see them,” said Mr. Petrie. “We don’t want people to stop killing mosquitoes when Zika virus is out,” he added. He said the genetically modified mosquitoes were being released three times a week, at locations some 200 feet apart. He said the released mosquitoes fly only 300 feet in any direc- tion on average, and some might not survive long. “It will take a while to get the Zika popula- tion down, but it’s a good protection in the long run from people getting Zika or dengue,” he said. One woman asked if there was not concern that a whole new type of mos- quito might be created from the genetically mod- ified mosquitoes mating with the existing Aedes ae- gypti mosquitoes. Mr. Petrie said the pro- cess is being regulated, and that it is safe for people and the environment. He explained that sim- ilar eradication efforts have been successful in other countries, and that the ge- netically modified mosqui- toes are a dead end in evo- lution since the mosquitoes cannot reproduce. “What if one finds a way to live despite all of that? What then?” the woman asked. “Everyone that looked at the GM mosquitoes never found that issue,” said Mr. Petrie. Leonard Ebanks won- dered if the current mos- quito spraying would kill off the genetically modified mosquitoes. Mr. Petrie said the GM mosquitoes only live a couple of days, and the MRCU is alternating spraying days with the release days. Mr. Ebanks also asked about derelict vehicles that could cause an envi- ronmental health problem. Mr. Petrie said the MRCU is working with Environ- mental Health to clean up places that need it. In response to a query about the possibility of the Zika virus becoming en- demic in the Cayman Is- lands and what measures could be taken, Mr. Petrie said all the methods the MRCU has at its disposal are being used to get rid of the mosquitoes. None is 100 percent effective, he noted, and releasing the GM mosquitoes is a long- term strategy. He said the MRCU is working around the clock to contain the Zika virus. MRCU Director Bill Petrie explains that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can breed in something as small as a cup. Seniors enjoy lunch after a presentation on the Zika virus. - PHOTOS: JEWEL LEVY People Time Forgot: Capt. Marvin Ebanks GEORGE NOWAK Shown here on his boat is the late Capt. Marvin Ebanks. He was without question one of the all-time most popular boat captains operating ex- cursions in the North Sound. People from around the globe made visits to Cayman just to experience snorkeling, fishing and a beach cookout with Captain Marvin and his crew on trips, which used to last all day. Legend had it he had made his North Sound jaunts so often that he could navigate the area blindfolded. Captain Marvin’s Stingray City tours remain a thriving business today. The captain passed away in 2014 at the age of 98. Capt. Marvin Ebanks “If we do the GM release, over time the population of Aedes aegypti will come down.” BILL PETRIE, Mosquito Research and Control Unit directorThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY, SEPT. 13 BRAC TRUST: The Cayman Brac Committee for the National Trust meets 7:30 p.m., in the District Administration Conference Room. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14 REVIVAL SERVICES: The Wesleyan Holiness Church at West Bay will be conducting revival services September 14-18, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; then Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. With Rev. Paul Stetler preaching each night. The Covenant Quartet from Hobe Sound Bible College will join Rev. Stetler. All are welcome for these services. No Saturday evening service. CERAMIC OPEN STUDIO: Visual Arts Society offers Ceramic Open Studio to adults who want to work independently in an inspiring atmosphere: 9 a.m.-noon: Watler House Studio, Pedro St. James. Today, Sept. 21 and 28. $15 pp/$25 pp non-members. Clay, materials, glazes and firing facilities are available. More information at info@ visualartcayman.com. THE BOOKENDS CLUB: Meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Books & Books. All are invited to join members as they review their latest pick, “Up the Spiral Staircase” by Karen Armstrong. Share insights and impressions in an open discussion. The Bookends Club gathers on the second Wednesday of every month and new members are always welcome. FRIDAY, SEPT. 16 HAPPY HOUR ART: The National Gallery hosts a closing celebration of the watercolor exhibition “A Legacy of Light,” 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Organized by the Butterfield Young Patrons Circle, this event features live painting, nibbles and cocktails. Admission is free and curator-led tours will run every 30 minutes. To learn more about BYPC, email info@nationalgallery. org.ky or call 945-8111. SATURDAY, SEPT. 17 COASTAL CLEANUP: Dolphin Discovery & Dolphin Cove Grand Cayman host the fourth annual Coastal Beach Cleanup in coordination with Ocean Conservancy. All volunteers are welcome to help at Barkers Beach in West Bay and Bodden Town Beach from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. BRAC 5K: The Cayman Brac Lions Club Brenda Tibbetts- Lund 5K Memorial Run/ Walk takes place at 6 a.m. Cayman Brac Beach Resort. Contact 925-7341 or 929- 7884 for more information. TUESDAY, SEPT. 20 CHAMBER COURSE: Moving into Management; Today and tomorrow, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce office, Governors Square; $225 for members, $300 for future members. Sign up online at www. caymanchamber.ky. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21 FLOETRY: Meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Books & Books. All are invited to join poets and performers as they share their work during an open mic night of poetry and readings. Feel free to share your own work or come along and listen to others. THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 LICENSING DEPT. CLOSED: The Department of Vehicle & Drivers Licensing will be closed today. Normal hours of operation will resume at both locations on Friday, Sept. 23: Crewe Road office (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and West Bay Office (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The closure is to facilitate staff training. CHAMBER COURSE: Pensions Master class; 9-11 a.m. Chamber of Commerce office, Governors Square; $175 for members, $225 for future members; sign up online at www. caymanchamber.ky. CHAMBER COURSE: Basic Grammar & Writing Skills Part 1; 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce office, Governors Square; $150 for members, $225 for future members; sign up online at www. caymanchamber.ky. SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross mobile shop will be in East End, near Pirates Cove Bar, from 6 a.m. till 10 a.m. Items available include ladies accessories, clothing, shoes, bags, linens, toys and more. NEW EXHIBITION: The new exhibit at the National Gallery, titled “Speak to Me – Understanding the Language of Art,” is featured Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Free admission. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28 SKY OF HOPE: Synchronized lantern release on Seven Mile Public beach, 6-9 p.m. Presented by Cayman HospiceCare. Individual or family pass is $100, includes two eco-friendly lanterns and one bottle of bubbles/ soft drink. Corporate pass is $1,000, includes up to 20 eco-friendly lanterns and 10 bottles of bubbles/soft drinks. Contact chc@candw. ky or 945-7447. THURSDAY, SEPT. 29 PALLIATIVE CARE: Free conference for medical professionals and all interested parties. St. Matthew’s University, Leeward 3 SafeHaven, West Bay Road. 3-9 p.m. Pre-registration preferred. 945-7447. www. caymanhospicecare.ky. GENERAL INTEREST AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM: The Light of the World Church after-school program has resumed. Children ages 6 to 12 are supervised by qualified, experienced teachers from 3:30 p.m. The focus is on homework, with special emphasis on literacy and numeracy. The fee is $25 per week and includes a snack. For more information, call 926-1541. VISUAL ARTS SOCIETY: Classes offered Mondays in mixed mediums. Tuesdays, from Sept. 13, figure drawing with live model. Thursdays, from Sept. 15, color theory. For more information, email workshops@ visualartcayman.com. VOTERS REGISTER UPDATE: Election Office officials will visit all residents through September to get an accurate electoral list for the May 2017 elections because the electoral boundaries have changed. Election officials will register new voters and update the details on the existing voters’ list. They will carry IDs and items provided by the Elections Office to establish their bonafides. ROALD DAHL STORY TIMES & MOVIES: Through Oct. 1. Story times are Tuesdays, 11 a.m., Regal Cinemas for ages infant-4; Thursdays 3 p.m., Books & Books for ages infant-3; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Books & Books, ages 2-7. Movies are Saturdays 10 a.m., Regal Cinemas. Story times are free. Movies are offered at $5 per ticket. VOLUNTEERS FOR PIRATES WEEK: The Pirates Week Office is seeking volunteers to assist in planning its upcoming events. For more information or to receive a volunteer application from, contact the Pirates Week Office via email at info@ piratesweekfestival.com or 949-5859. VISUAL ARTS: Learn more about Literacy Month in September, and two Roald Dahl-art-inspired competitions. For more information, contact info@ visualartcayman.com 546- 9422 or jar.was@gmail.com. NCVO PRESCHOOL: Miss Nadine’s, the NCVO preschool, and Jack & Jill Nursery now have spaces for children 3 months to 5 years. They are on a first- come, first-served basis, so parents are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Contact Miss Nadine’s Preschool at 945-1078 or email ncvopreschool@ncvo. org.ky. COMMUNITY CHESS: Tuesdays 5-8 p.m., West Indies Wine Company. Join the Cayman Chess Club for a complimentary chess class and open challenges weekly. Anyone can learn to play and enjoy chess, even beginners. BETHESDA COUNSELLING CENTRE: Caters to all who seek help. Open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 68 Mary St. Appointments available Saturdays and late evenings. Center is owned and operated by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Call 946- 6575. PINK LADIES: Coffee Shop at Cayman Islands Hospital is open Monday- Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks. Call 244-2661. Money is donated back to the community. Contact pinkladiescayman@gmail. com. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK LOFT: North Sound Road. Open Monday 12:30-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers needed for front desk a few hours per week. Contact humanesocietybookloft@ candw.ky or 946-8053. Donations of books, games, CDs, stationery, DVDs, cards, etc., in good condition always needed. ARTISANS MARKET: Camana Bay Artisans Market every Wednesday. Visual Arts Society artists display arts, crafts, paintings, prints, hand-crafted jewelry and ceramics for sale between noon and 8 p.m. near KARoo restaurant. For more information on displaying work, visit vascayman@ gmail.com. OPEN CANVAS: Wednesdays in August. Visual Arts Society supports this event at KARoo Restaurant, located in Camana Bay. 7 p.m. to close. No fee, easels are provided. Participating artists receive two complimentary tickets for house wine or beer. vascayman@gmail.com. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Volunteers are needed. Tuesdays at the Truman Bodden Complex at 5:30 p.m. for track/field, football and bocce. No experience necessary, just a smile and patience. Wednesdays at Lions Pool 10:15–11 a.m. You do not have to swim, just be able to walk in water chest-deep. Thursdays at First Baptist Church for basketball, 5:30–7 p.m. Saturdays, volunteers needed for Adult Special Olympic swim conditioning at CIS pool 9:30–10:30 a.m. Deck support and in-water swimming assistance needed. For more information, contact Penny McDowall at 516-2578 or pjmcdowall@gmail.com. LOST DOGS: The Department of Agriculture and veterinary students of St. Matthew’s University provide an online list of dogs housed at the Department of Agriculture Animal Rescue Shelter in Lower Valley. Anyone missing a dog can check www.smustudents.webs.com. RED CROSS THRIFT SHOP: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Red Cross headquarters. Book bargain every Thursday and Friday, a bagful for $5. MUSEUM TOURS: The National Museum provides guided tours for students and school groups free of cost. Students will gain an understanding of Cayman’s geological formation, flora and fauna, seafaring and rope-making heritage, political history and more. Contact the museum to book a tour in advance at 949-8368 or email info@ museum.ky. CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meets daily to help with drinking problems. For more information, call 926-9044 or visit www.caymanaa.org. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Is available for substance abuse help. Call the info line at 929–NANA (6262). For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. Free story times featuring books by Roald Dahl continue all month: Tuesdays, 11 a.m., Regal Cinemas for ages infant-4; Thursdays 3 p.m., Books & Books for ages infant-3; and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., Books & Books, ages 2-7.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 LONDON (AP) – Former Prime Minister David Cameron is standing down from his posi- tion in Parliament because he does not want to be a distrac- tion to the new government headed by Theresa May. Cameron’s unexpected an- nouncement Monday will trigger a by-election for his seat in Oxfordshire. Cameron had earlier resigned as prime minister after failing to con- vince British voters in June to remain in the European Union in a referendum. He said at the time he planned to remain in Parlia- ment although he would no longer have a leadership role in the Conservative Party. He has been replaced as prime minister by May, who is over- seeing the process to remove Britain from the 28-nation EU. Cameron said he no longer thinks it is possible for a former prime minister to serve as a “backbencher” without distracting atten- tion from the government. It wasn’t immediately clear when the by-election for his seat would take place. He said that May is off to “a great start” and is well po- sitioned to lead Britain. Cam- eron promised to support the Conservative Party candidate chosen to replace him in the by-election that will be held in order to fill the vacancy. Cameron had won re-elec- tion in 2015, but his position became untenable after losing the EU vote on June 23. He had campaigned in favor of remaining in the EU bloc. He did not announce his future plans. Security stepped up for EU meeting Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, is getting ready for massive security measures ahead of this week’s summit of leaders from European Union member states. Ahead of truce, Assad vows to retake Syria from ‘terrorists’ BEIRUT (AP) – Syrian President Bashar Assad vowed on Monday that his government would take back land from “terrorists” and re- build the country, in remarks made just hours before the start of a cease-fire brokered by the United States and Russia. Assad spoke during a rare public appearance that included attending prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in the Da- mascus suburb of Daraya, which had surrendered last month and reverted to government control after a four-year siege. But in the buildup to the start of the truce at sunset, government forces and their allies bombed op- position areas in the country’s north, while al-Qaida-linked mili- tants pushed on with an offensive in southern Syria. In Geneva, the U.N. envoy for Syria said his office would monitor the start of the cease-fire “carefully, be- fore making any hurried comments.” Staffan de Mistura said in a text message to The Associated Press on Monday that no statement from his office about the truce was expected before the following afternoon. The cease-fire deal, hammered out between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva on Saturday, was backed by Assad’s government. But it has received mixed messages of commitment from various rebel factions. It allows the Syrian government to continue to strike at the Islamic State group and al-Qaida-linked mili- tants with the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham group, earlier known as the Nusra Front, until the U.S. and Russia take over the task in one week’s time. Under the terms of the agree- ment, the rebels and the Syrian gov- ernment are expected to stop at- tacking one another. Assad’s key allies – Russia, Iran and the Leb- anese militant group Hezbollah – have also endorsed the deal. But that scenario is compli- cated by the fact that Jabhat Fatah al-Sham remains intertwined with several other groups fighting on the ground. One of the more immediate goals of the Kerry-Lavrov agree- ment is to allow the U.N. to es- tablish aid corridors into Aleppo, the contested northern Syrian city. Over 2,000 people have been killed in fighting over the past 40 days in the city, including 700 civilians and 160 children, according to a Syrian human rights group. On Saturday, presumed Russian or government airstrikes on rebel- held Idlib and Aleppo provinces killed over 90 civilians, including 13 children in an attack on a mar- ketplace in Idlib, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. In the aftermath, rebels and op- position activists were asking on Sunday whether the government side could be trusted. Several previous negotiated cease-fires have all eventually col- lapsed. A partial “cessation of hos- tilities” that brought sorely needed relief to civilians in March unrav- eled as the government continued to strike targets in opposition areas, including near a hospital and school near Damascus and a marketplace in Idlib province, killing dozens of civilians. Previous cease-fires were also preceded by soaring violence as par- ties on all sides sought to improve their positions in the build-up to the start of the truce. Over a quarter- million people have been killed and around half the population of 11 million has been displaced in Syria civil war, now in its sixth year. In Turkey, meanwhile, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his earlier calls for establishing a no-fly zone in northern Syria, saying it is essential to boosting security in the area. Erdogan said he told the leaders of Germany, France, Russia and the U.S. that training and equip- ping troops on the ground to battle back Islamic State group forces is “not enough” and that a no-fly zone should be the next step. Speaking after holiday prayers on Monday, Erdogan said Turkey re- mains resolute in eliminating the threat posed by the Islamic State group at its borders and has made that clear to world leaders. Gulf states hit back at Sept. 11 Saudi lawsuit legislation DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – A group of six Gulf Arab countries expressed “deep concern” Monday over a bill passed by the U.S. Con- gress that would allow fam- ilies of Sept. 11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia over the attacks. The head of the Saudi- dominated Gulf Coopera- tion Council, Abdullatif al- Zayani, said in a statement that the legislation runs against the principles of in- ternational law and sets a dangerous precedent for for- eign relations. The U.S. House of Rep- resentatives approved the legislation last Friday, fol- lowing earlier passage by the Senate. The White House has signaled President Barack Obama would veto the proposed law over con- cerns that it could open the U.S. up to similar lawsuits from other countries. The legislation could also further strain relations be- tween Washington and oil- rich Saudi Arabia, which is wary of the Obama admin- istration’s outreach to its re- gional rival, Iran. Fifteen of the 19 hi- jackers on the planes that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, the Washington, D.C. area and Pennsyl- vania were Saudi nationals. Sunday marked the 15th an- niversary of the attack. Congress in July released 28 declassified pages from a congressional report into 9/11 that rekindled specu- lation that some of the hi- jackers had ties to Saudi government officials. Later U.S. investigations into the attacks were unable to sub- stantiate the allegations. Saudi Arabia welcomed the release of the declassi- fied files, saying they con- tained no surprises and should end speculation of of- ficial Saudi involvement. But the kingdom has strongly ob- jected to the proposed legis- lation allowing 9/11 lawsuits, which would give victims’ families the right to sue Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts over any role that the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks. The United Arab Emirates issued its own statement echoing the Gulf bloc’s con- cerns Monday. “This law is not equal with the foundations and principles of relations among states, and repre- sents a clear violation given its negative repercussions and dangerous precedents,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the federa- tion’s foreign minister. The seven-state Emirates federation is one of Wash- ington’s closest Arab allies. Two of the 9/11 hijackers were Emirati. Besides Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the GCC in- cludes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. In its own statement, Qatar said the 9/11 legisla- tion “violates international law, particularly the prin- ciple of sovereign equality between states.” The head of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, added his criticism too, saying the law would con- tradict “established norms of the international law.” In its own statement, Qatar said the 9/11 legislation “violates international law, particularly the principle of sovereign equality between states.” FORMER PRIME MINISTER CAMERON TO LEAVE PARLIAMENT Syrian President Bashar Assad, fourth from right, participates in the dawn Eid al-Adha prayers on Monday at the Saad ibn Muaaz Mosque in Daraya, a blockaded Damascus suburb. - PHOTO: SYRIAN PRESIDENCY VIA FACEBOOK/AP Former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 Next >