SECTION | PAGE ## TITLE FOR THE SPORT/ BUSINESS SKYBOX ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 High of 87 Low of 78 Moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet. ABCDE NATIONAL WEEKLY Politics Obama’s campaign of hope has changed 4 World No home left for Mosul’s Christians 11 Laws Snap decision while voting may be illegal 23 ‘What is America?’ Distrust. Racial injustice. Economic insecurity. Americans confront where our country is headed. PAGE 12 Nation Forget dog’s bite, beware its buzz 9 THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 . IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WASHINGTON POST ‘What is America’ EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 MINISTER BODDEN: FOCUSING ATTENTION ON OUR ELDERLY Seven mile beach WaTeRFROnT WalKeRS ROaD TOWn cenTRe PlaZa Gov’t collects $9.5M per year in PR fees BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands Immigration Depart- ment collected an estimated $67.2 million in permanent residency fees between mid-2009 and last month, with fee collections averaging about $9.5 million per year from those who le- gally maintained that immigration status. According to figures released by the department Friday, the current amount of un- paid residency fees – about $2.7 million – rep- resents less than five percent of the fees paid to government over the past seven years. “These outstanding fees largely represent individuals that are no longer living in the country or who have had their permanent res- idency revoked or rescinded,” an Immigration Department statement released Friday said. Acting Chief Immigration Officer Bruce Smith noted that the department was “ramping up efforts to pursue all outstanding debts” and said immigration officials consid- ered the amounts “significant.” Yet those un- paid fees are a fraction of what the depart- ment collects on an annual basis. The Ministry of Home Affairs annual re- port for 2015 revealed that the immigration department took in $89.5 million in revenues between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. The $89.5 million represented between 13 percent and 14 percent of total central govern- ment earnings for the year. Work permit fees collected by the govern- ment during the year – approximately $60.4 million – made up the lion’s share of the Im- migration Department’s earnings. Permanent residence with the right to work fees, by com- parison, made up a far smaller chunk of the COURT MOVES TO HOTEL, CITING LACK OF SPACE Seven courtrooms plus town hall are not enough CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A conference room at the Marriott Resort will serve as a courtroom for six days, starting Monday, Nov. 7. Justice Nicholas Segal is presiding. The trial, scheduled for six days, is in the Fi- nancial Services Division of the Cayman Is- lands Grand Court. Yasmin Ebanks, listing officer of the Grand Court, confirmed that lack of space in the usual court facilities necessitated the use the conference room in the Seven Mile Beach hotel as a “special designated court.” The two-storey Law Courts Building in downtown George Town has three courtrooms. The four-storey Kirk House across the street has four courtrooms. They are referred to by numbers one through seven. Ms. Ebanks explained that the Court of Ap- peal is currently in session and using Court 1. The ongoing jury trial of Paul Ebanks for ob- taining property by deception is in Court 2. This week’s Grand Court cause list shows that Court 3 is being used on Nov. 7 as a family court and on the morning of Nov. 8 for a civil matter. That afternoon Justice Charles Quin will use the room for two criminal sen- tencings and then start a judge-alone trial on Wednesday. Court 5 is where Chief Justice Anthony Smellie is hearing the AHAB v. SAAD matter that began in July and was anticipated to last seven months. Court 6 is where Justice Andrew Jones Brianna Wilkerson wins YCLA 2016 CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com The 2016 Young Cayma- nian Leadership Award went to George Town-native Bri- anna Wilkerson in recognition of her dedication to InterVar- sity Christian Fellowship and for mentoring college students. Ms. Wilkerson works as a senior associate at PwC. She also has her own health coaching practice and health blog. Receiving the award on stage Saturday night, she said, “To be chosen as the recip- ient is an honor and an op- portunity that I will not take for granted.” She said she got to know the other finalists over the past months and looks up to them. As leaders, she said, “I would want to follow them.” Amid the pomp and pag- eantry of the annual Young Caymanian Leadership Awards gala Saturday night, the five fi- nalists were kept in suspense PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » Brianna Wilkerson wins the 2016 Young Caymanian Leadership Award. - PHOTOS: MAGGIE JACKSON Robert O’Neill, a member of the U.S. special forces team responsible for killing Osama bin Laden, gives the keynote address on leadership. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 11 »2 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 640-FILM (640-3456) *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. 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. DOCTOR STRANGE 3D (PG13) 1:00 | 1:30 2D | 3:40 | 4:30 2D 6:50 | 7:25 2D | 9:40 | 10:05 2D TYLER PERRY’S BOO! (PG13) A MADEA HALLOWEEN 1:15 | 3:45 | 7:10 | 9:40 JACK REACHER: (PG13) NEVER GO BACK 1:30 | 4:30 | 7:20 | 10:00 INFERNO (PG13) 12:45 | 3:30 | 6:45 | 9:30 TROLLS 3D (PG) 12:30 | 3:00 2D | 5:15 | 7:30 2D | 10:00 - MONDAY - $15k reward after third horse assaulted Third horse assaulted at George Town Equestrian Center CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Equestrian Center is offering a $15,000 re- ward to help catch who- ever is responsible after a third horse was sexually as- saulted last week. Equestrian Center owner Mary Alberga said she is “at a loss over how to protect all these animals.” Overnight Thursday someone assaulted a small pony in one of the back fields. The attack was sim- ilar to an August incident in which someone assaulted two ponies, one of which had to be put down because of internal injuries. The Equestrian Center’s veterinarians say they expect the horse in the latest attack to make a full recovery. “I can’t help but feel we are being targeted be- cause there are ponies teth- ered on the roads near us in the bush,” Ms. Alberga said, adding, that “there are other horses at stables and properties all over the island and they have re- ported no problem.” Jessica McTaggart Giuzio, who works with the Eques- trian Center and is Ms. Al- berga’s daughter, said the vet gave Pebbles antibiotics and pain killers. By mid-morning Friday, Pebbles, a small pony used with children at the weekly pony park, was back on her feet and eating. Ms. McTaggart Giuzio said staff found Pebbles laying in the grass Friday morning and showing signs of injury. She said a veter- inarian from the Agricul- ture Department examined Pebbles and found evidence of the assault. “She’s clearly been abused,” Ms. McTag- gart Giuzio said, standing in the field with Pebbles Friday morning. She said the miniature pony, which stands about three-and-a- half feet tall, had been in the field in the back of the prop- erty for the night. On Sunday the Equestrian Center said Pebbles is still in pain and fighting an infec- tion from internal injuries. In a press release Friday evening, police said they are investigating the new assault and inquiries continue into the August attacks. The Equestrian Center Sunday announced a $15,000 reward for infor- mation leading to the ar- rest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the attacks. Police Superintendent Robert Graham said, “We un- derstand the resonance these disturbing attacks have within the community. This kind of abuse of an animal is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.” “Officers are actively in- vestigating these reports and any information mem- bers of the public may have, no matter how small, would be welcome,” Mr. Graham added. Ms. Alberga explained they continue to boost secu- rity at the center at the corner of Linford Pierson Highway and Bobby Thompson Way, but with such a large prop- erty it has been difficult to secure all the fields. The overnight assault is similar to the Aug. 10 inci- dent at the same property when someone assaulted two other ponies with a foreign object in one of the stables. Those two ponies, like Peb- bles, were known to be gentle and calm around people. One of the ponies in the August assault, Charm, de- veloped a severe infection from internal injuries sus- tained during the assault and had to be put down. The other horse recovered. Police have not made any arrests in the August case. JURY NOTICE The Grand Court jury re- port date has been changed. Jurors who are in the Oct. 5 to Dec. 30 session are ad- vised that their report date of Monday, Nov. 7, has been changed. They are now to report for jury duty on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 9:45 a.m. The Jury Information line should be called at 244-3899 for the most up to date information. Jessica McTaggart Giuzio comforts Pebbles Friday afternoon. The pony was found laying in the grass Friday morning, showing signs of injury. – PHOTO: MATT LAMERS “We understand the resonance these disturbing attacks have within the community. This kind of abuse of an animal is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.” - ROBERT GRAHAM, police superintendentThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. 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” The Cayman Com- pass published a discus- sion between Premier Alden McLaughlin and George Town MLA Winston Connolly on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. Within this article the two esteemed gentlemen debated subjects such as the Cayman Islands Prison System, the Work Placement Scheme, the reoffending rate and the Prison Service Vocational Training Program. I feel my observations and experience on these topics may shed a unique light on the subjects, as I have been incarcerated at HMP Northward for the last 16 months. My first comment is in re- gards to the issue of voca- tional training for inmates. It is my opinion that the gov- ernment needs to put more emphasis on inmates devel- oping trade skills. The gov- ernment needs to ensure that every inmate without a mar- ketable skill or trade serving a sentence at Her Majesty’s Prisons is bound to enroll and complete a certification of the Multi-Skills Trade Course be- fore they can be eligible for release under the Conditional Release law (which recently came into effect). The reality is that the Cayman Islands has a need for more practical trades- people. The percentage of Caymanians employed in the trades has historically been low, with expatriate work permit holders filling these positions. The Cayman Is- lands Government could produce certified skilled tradesmen through the Multi- Skills Trade Course with the help of the National Work- force Development Agency (NWDA). The NWDA has his- torically worked closely with inmates to help them to find jobs after release from prison. Recidivism (re-offending) is a disease of society. It can deteriorate your life and rob you of your future, family, lib- erty and accomplishments. It is the government’s ob- ligation to find a cure for this disease. My experiences have led me to believe that the cure is for the govern- ment to focus directly on re- liable prison facilities so that inmates can become more skillful and mentally reha- bilitated. The benefit for our developing country would be the rate of crime and recidi- vism would greatly decrease. Mr. McLaughlin said that over the last three years the prison recorded 16 percent of released offenders re- turning. I personally believe the root cause is prisoners released with a lack of mar- ketable skills. The majority of the time in Cayman, there is a huge amount of residen- tial, commercial and indus- trial development occurring, with various different avail- able fields of employment for the skilled worker. A Cayma- nian convict with the quali- fying skills should be able to fill these positions but for the stigma of being a convicted criminal. The newly proposed suggestion by government to wipe clean ex-convicts’ police clearance certificates would be a wise move. It would en- sure the hiring of those Cay- manians who have worked so hard to better themselves and rejoin society as pro- ductive members. I strongly believe in the non-discrimination section (16) of the Cayman Islands Constitution order 2009: “No one should be treated in any discriminated manner.” I also strongly believe in equal rights and justice. Society tends to always discrimi- nate against anyone with the label of “ex-convict.” Wiping clear ex-convicts’ police re- cords would go a long way toward reducing discrimina- tion and reducing recidivism in our country. Mr. McLaughlin said that the reason the Prison Voca- tional Training Program was operating “sporadically” over the last few years was lack of staff and a focus that has to be “safety and security.” I would say to Mr. McLaughlin that the government has an obligation to the people of Cayman to make sure the Prison Rules (1999) revision is operating effectively and in a consistent manner. In par- ticular I would draw his at- tention to the Prison Rules regarding education: ■■ (Section 1) Every Prisoner shall be encouraged to participate in the educational facilities provided ■■ (Section 2) Special attention shall be paid to the needs of the illiterate prisoner ■■ (Section 3) Reasonable facilities shall be provided for those prisoners who wish to improve their education by correspondence course or private study, or to practice handicraft in their leisure time. It is my belief that re- leased prisoners reoffend because they are unskilled and therefore unemployable. Such a person is unable to re- join society as a productive member and will quickly re- turn to their life of crime (16 percent in three years). Gov- ernment has the obligation and mandate to correct this ill of society. This can be ac- complished by: 1. Government providing sufficient educational fa- cilities to the prisons 2. Government requiring unskilled inmates to com- plete a tradesman course before early release 3. Removing past con- victions from ex-con- victs’ police records 4. Government assistance with job placement after prisoner release. If all or some of these matters can be addressed and put into place, the Cayman Islands would enjoy reduced rates of crime and recidivism. Andrez Anderson MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS “It’s the thought that counts.” That’s the sort of thing Grandma says – and as usual, she’s right. According to Grandma’s metric, the new Cayman Islands Older Persons Policy, recently released by Minister Osbourne Bodden, sends an important message to Cayman’s vulnerable elderly population: You have not been forgotten. Right now, perhaps the most significant aspect of the 20-year policy is it represents an official acknowl- edgment of a grave societal illness that has been fes- tering “out of sight” for decades, that is, the neglect of our country’s senior citizens. This past spring, we at the Compass highlighted the plight of the elderly in the context of budgetary con- straints being experienced by Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels, a charity that prepares and delivers hot, nutritious and free lunches to seniors across Grand Cayman. During that time, we sadly found ourselves describing some of the most dreadful living circum- stances imaginable on this island, with some seniors relying on their Meals on Wheels volunteer as their sole source of regular human contact, while others, who are even less fortunate and have no access to Meals on Wheels, are forced to exist on a subsistence diet of crackers or even worse. We were pleased to report that, following the spot- light put on the issue, our lawmakers, notably including Minister Bodden and Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush, stepped up to the plate (so to speak) and approved a significant funding increase for Meals on Wheels services. But a single charitable organization can only help to alleviate a narrow set of symptoms of what is a broad underlying condition. Far, far too many of Cayman’s elderly are alone, hungry and vulnerable to abuse. Is this the best, as a society, that we can do for the generation that created and nurtured the modern Cayman through perspiration, tenacity and ingenuity? Of course not. Accordingly, Minister Bodden and the architects of the Older Persons Policy have our praise and our support. We agree with Minister Bodden when he asserts that an unfortunate cultural shift seems to have taken place in Cayman, resulting in less emphasis on respect and care for our seniors. As Minister Bodden says, population growth probably has a lot to do with it – more specifically, the explosion in size and activity that has metamorphized Cayman into a radically dif- ferent place than it once was. However, when Minister Bodden refers to “foreign influences,” we would temper and perhaps modify that comment. The “foreign influences” responsible for the growing neglect of Cayman’s elderly aren’t “for- eigners” – i.e. the British, Americans, Jamaicans, Fili- pinos, Cubans or Hondurans; but “phenomena” – such as freedom of movement, materialism, instant global communication, substance abuse and, most conse- quentially, the breakdown of the nuclear family. Normally, we would be critical of the time span of any government plan stretched out over a period of 20 years or more. But in regard to ensuring the digni- fied treatment of our elderly population, the problem is so entrenched that such a sustained effort is abso- lutely necessary. Minister Bodden has done well to pick up the mantle on behalf of Cayman’s seniors. Whoever becomes his successors in future governments, it behooves them to carry on this noble cause. What is at stake is nothing less than Cayman’s dignity – and its legacy. Minister Bodden: Focusing attention on our elderly LETTER TO THE EDITOR Cure for criminal recidivism Northward PrisonThe islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 BEST HAPPY HOUR Abacus Agua Anchor & Den Blue Cilantro George Town Yacht Club Grand Old House Guy Harvey's Restaurant & Bar Rackam's Waterfront Bar & Grill The Tasting Room & Wine Cellar The Wharf BEST WINE EXPERIENCE Blue by Eric Ripert Blue Cilantro The Brasserie Calypso Grill Copper Falls Steakhouse Falls Grand Old House Luca Ristorante Pappagallo Ragazzi Seven The Tasting Room & Wine Cellar West Indies Wine Company 3. BEST BRUNCH Anchor & Den Blue Cilantro Luca Seven BEST LOCAL CUISINE The Brasserie Chin's Jerk Cimboco Da Fish Shack Di Kit-Chin Kirk Market MacDonalds Smokies Smokin Bros BEST SIGNATURE DISH Agave Grill Agua The Brasserie Bread & Chocolate Calypso Grill Casa 43 Catch Restaurant & Lounge Full of Beans George Town Yatch Club Icoa Lobster Pot Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant Ristorante Pappagallo Southern Spice Sunshine Grill Tukka BEST DESSERT The Brasserie Brooklyn Pasta & Pizza Calypso Grill Catch Copper Falls Steakhouse Falls Le Bistro Ristorante Pappagallo Ragazzi Treats BEST AMBIANCE Agua Anchor & Den Blue Cilantro The Brasserie Calypso Grill Casa 43 Catch Restaurant & Lounge Copper Falls Steakhouse Falls Grand Old House Lobster Pot Luca Macabuca Bar & Grill Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant Ristorante Pappagallo Seven Taikun The Tasting Room & Wine Cellar The Wharf BEST CHEAP EATS Casa 43 Chicken Chicken Di Kit-Chin Fidel Murphy's Full of Beans Island Naturals Cafe Kirk Market Paperman’s Coffeehouse’s PD's Pub Red Bay Jerk Smokies Smoking Bros Southern Spice BEST HIDDEN GEM Casa 43 Icoa Island Naturals Macabuca Smokies Sunshine Suites The Tasting Room & Wine Cellar BEST FARM TO TABLE The Brasserie Abacus OUTSTANDING SERVICE Agua Blue by Eric Ripert Blue Cilantro The Brasserie Bread & Chocolate Casa 43 Catch Copper Falls Steakhouse Falls Edoardo's Grand Old House Le Bistro Luca Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant Ristorante Pappagallo Ragazzi Seven The Tasting Room & Wine Cellar CHEF OF THE YEAR Agua Blue by Eric Ripert Blue Cilantro The Brasserie Calypso Grill Catch Copper Falls Steakhouse Falls Icoa Macabuca Ristorante Pappagallo Tukka RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Agua Blue by Eric Ripert Blue Cilantro The Brasserie Calypso Grill Catch Copper Falls Steakhouse Falls Luca Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant Ristorante Pappagallo SISTER ISLAND RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Le Soleil d'Or Table Talk Food Awards THE CAYMAN ISLANDS EDITION Thursday, November 10, 2016, 7:00 PM Tickets available at Cayman Compass. 2016 Nominees Taste it. Eat it. Drink it. Applaud it.DISTRICT DAYS 6 District Days George Town MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS Seniors feted at Adventist banquet Seniors were recently treated to a night of good food, musical entertainment and inspiration thanks to Cayman’s Seventh-day Adventist Church community. Adventist churches across the Cayman Islands organized a number of events honoring se- niors throughout October, des- ignated Older Persons’ Month, and the celebrations culmi- nated in a party at the George Town Church Hall. “From newly minted seniors to 96-year-old Veneta Jackson, guests enjoyed an evening of spe- cial treats, songs, and motiva- tional talks, in the festive ambi- ence of the gaily decorated church hall,” a press release states. According to the release, some 150 church and community se- niors were feted at an “Agape Feast” held on Saturday, Oct. 29 organized by the Cayman Islands Conference’s community services department, under the direction of Pastor Caple Thompson and as- sistant director Angela Hall. About 40 community services officers helped out at the Sat- urday evening event, where they welcomed, escorted, and served the senior members of the church and community. Ms. Hall said that her department had gone all out to make the final event as spe- cial as possible, because recog- nizing and honoring the contribu- tions of seniors was essential to the long-term flourishing of any society, she said. One of the hosts for the event, community services leader for the George Town Church Elsie Myles, said that the seniors who attended expressed gratitude that such efforts were made on their behalf. President of the Confer- ence Pastor Shian O’Connor paid tribute to the collective wisdom of seniors and highlighted the im- portance of the resource repre- sented by senior citizens. A motivational talk by guest presenter Pearline Donalds drew on the sunflower as an ex- ample of how everyone should live their lives. The oldest senior citizen attending the event, 96-year-old Veneta Jackson, is served by Community Services Officer Corrine Dilbert. Mrs. Mary Lee Rowlandson is seated to their left.Community Service Officer Velma Weir serves Evelyn McFarlane, left, and Velma Bodden. New Alpha Leo club inducted A new club at John Gray High School is poised to offer young people a new path to building character and giving back to their communities. In the presence of fellow stu- dents, teachers and Lions, the 32 students in the new Alpha Leo Club at John Gray were inducted on Friday, Oct. 14 by the visiting district governor Errol Lee, who initiated the seven club officers Raphael McKenzie (president); Hannah Robinson (first vice pres- ident); Toni-Ann Daley (secretary); Virginia Williams (treasurer); and Adrian Powery; Selena Robinson and Vai’ Ann Hamilton (directors); and installed 25 club members, a press release states. The new mem- bers were vested and pinned, and the new club’s president Raphael McKenzie was presented with the gong and gavel to be used when presiding over meetings. “The Lions Club of Grand Cayman is proud to see the ini- tiatives undertaken by past presi- dent Rayle Roberts and the dedica- tion of supporting Lions who have made the formation of this club a reality,” said Lions Club president Tannya Mortimer. “The Club would also like to thank the dedicated teachers at John Gray who sup- ported this initiative, and [we] would like to encourage interested students to contact their Leo Club representatives or Patricia Forbes to find out more on how to be- come a member.” Alpha Leo Clubs are designed for youth between 12 and 18 years old, focusing on the individual and social development of teens and preteens, giving young people the opportunity to serve their commu- nities and make a positive impact. “They offer a great way to have fun, make new friends and develop valuable leadership skills.” Members being congratulated by Lion district governor Errol Lee and past council chair John Ebanks, while third VP Cordella Chollette looks on. 50 years ago: Families welcome relatives for winter visits In the Nov. 9, 1966 edi- tion of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, George Town correspondent Frances Bodden wrote: “We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Watler of Miami who have come to spend the winter in the family home at Breezy Castle (Sound Land). We trust that Mr. Watler’s health will improve while out here. They arrived on the 3rd. “We also welcome Miss Ruth McTaggart of Mobile who has come to spend a few weeks with her uncle Dr. R. E. McTaggart and Aunt Amy. Dr. Roy’s other nieces of Mobile are ex- pected in December. “Master Alfred Thompson spent the weekend with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Thompson of South Sound. “Mr. Peter Milburn re- turned on the 6th to Ja- maica for medical treat- ment. It is hoped it is not too serious and we wish him a speedy recovery. “The late October rains are now falling into early November and we have had our first North Wester, which really could have been termed a N.W. Gale, so no doubt we can look forward to many North Westers this season. “Mr. Tim Thompson re- turned after a brief visit to Miami. He will continue building operations on his house at Half Way Pond. “Father Jurewich spent the weekend in Cayman. Dr. Giglioli has returned after his business trip. Mrs. Par- rish spent the weekend in Jamaica on business. “We are happy to have Col. and Mrs. Tenney on their usual visit to the island. “Mr. F. O. Panton, I.S.O., M.B.E., J.P. left on the 6th for San Juan, Puerto Rico via Jamaica in connection with a Rotary meeting. From Kingston he will be accom- panied by his old friend and schoolmate Mr. Paul Geddes. “Mr. R. Crawford, cabinet maker, left on a business trip to Jamaica on the 6th. “Mr. and Mrs. Rayal Bodden returned after a wonderful trip.” District Days George Town DISTRICT DAYS 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The University College of the Cayman Islands cel- ebrated the achievements of more than 200 graduates at a commencement ceremony Thursday evening at the Sir Vassel Johnson Hall. Twenty-five students were awarded Bachelor’s de- grees, two received postgrad- uate degrees, 118 received associate degrees, nine de- grees were awarded for pro- fessional programs and 55 certificates were given out during the ceremony that highlighted the theme “Looking Beyond the Horizon to the New Dawn.” The college authori- ties also handed out mul- tiple awards to students who contributed to the develop- ment of Cayman’s society at the ceremony. Honorary doctorates this year went to National Hero Sybil McLaughlin, lawyer Steve McField, Joy Merren for contributions to the fields of science and nursing, and Mary Lawrence, former Speaker of the Legisla- tive Assembly. According to the college, recipients of honorary doc- torates must have made an indisputably positive, signal and lasting contribution to the improvement of Cayma- nian society. Areas of rec- ognition for such contribu- tions include scholarship, culture, public service, hu- manitarianism, science, art, or any other areas the Uni- versity College authorities deem appropriate. Sasha Rankin, who re- ceived a Bachelor of Science degree in social sciences, delivered the valedicto- rian’s address. In the special awards category, graduate Shannon Williams was presented with the UCCI Board of Gover- nors Award in recognition of contributions to campus life during studentship. Raymond Jones, chairman of technical, vocational and continuing education at UCCI, gave out the award. Mr. Jones also presented graduate Shardon Nelson with the Mary Anne Cannon Award in recognition of acts demonstrating a sense of duty and service to others. The commencement speaker was Dr. Neely Panton, clinical professor and head of the University of British Columbia Division of General Surgery, VA and UBC Hospitals, and the son of Cayman National Hero Or- mond Panton and his wife Naomi Panton. Dr. Panton encouraged students to do their best in whatever field they choose. In his remarks, college president Roy Bodden high- lighted the many programs available at UCCI and the connections the school has with other learning institu- tions worldwide. He said students were showing major interest in science and technology, which is the way of the world today. He said students were learning to fly drones, pro- gram robots, and they also wanted to get into artificial intelligence at the college, because soon even Cayman will be affected by tech- nology such as driverless cars and robots in the home. “UCCI must keep up,” he said. Mr. Bodden said he was proud of his students, and at the college he was “two Ps,” president and policeman. “I make it my business because I myself am the product of a small college … my president knew every one of his students. We have 1,200 students at the Col- lege,” added Mr. Bodden, noting that he was not too familiar with his nocturnal students, but knew most of his day students. Education Minister Tara Rivers congratulated the stu- dents on their achievements and encouraged them to press on in an ever changing world as they were not just competing in Cayman but with the whole world. Reverend Rohan For- rester of the Webster Me- morial United Church de- livered the invocation and Raianna Evans sang the Na- tional Anthem. Standing are graduates who received degrees in the associate program. Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell makes a presentation of a Professional certificate to a graduate.Kathleen Westin receives her degree from Deputy Governor Franz Manderson. Honorary doctorates went to lawyer Steve McField, Joy Merren, National Hero Sybil McLaughlin and Mary Lawrence, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. UCCI grads celebrate academic success Commencement Thursday evening at the University College of the Cayman Islands’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall for more than 200 graduates. - PHOTOS: JEWEL LEVEYThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS My holiday happiness is: our new living room †Conditions apply. Subject to credit approval. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. Go to ky.scotiabank.com/myholiday for contest details. Hurry! Contest ends January 15, 2017. Apply today at your nearest branch and enjoy: Flexible terms • Affordable payments • Any purpose US$150 1 of 4 Consolation Prizes US$2,000 Grand Prize OR Get a Scotia Plan Loan for the holidays and you could win!† #MyHoliday Cayman_SPL Holiday Campaign 2016_Compass_10.333x15.8975.indd 126/10/2016 23:45The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2016 is hearing another Fi- nancial Services Division matter, this one scheduled to last six weeks. That leaves only Court 4 and Court 7 for three mag- istrates to deal with Sum- mary Court criminal mat- ters. Traffic Court is usually held in the George Town Town Hall when the need arises. The notice board in the Law Courts lobby will advise the public where to go. Grand Court judges not assigned a court room will be working in their cham- bers. On Thursday, Nov. 10, however, Justice Robin Mc- Millan will be in Court 4 for a winding-up petition. When he needed that room last Thursday for Grand Court, a Summary Court trial had to be moved. Magistrate Angelyn Hernandez was in Court 2 that day and said she was pre- pared to hear the matter after her own list, but the Drug Re- habilitation Court needed the room in the afternoon. “We are limited in court room space,” she told the defendant and witnesses who had attended. “I sin- cerely apologize, but we just cannot get to the matter today.” The trial was ad- journed to another date. In 1999, the first year Chief Justice Smellie presided at the ceremonial opening of Grand Court, he referred to “the crunch on space” and the need to expand court facili- ties. The topic has been raised every year since.A conference room at the Marriott Resort will serve as a courtroom starting Monday. - PHOTO: MATT LAMERS Another arrest in gang-related beating Police say they arrested a 39-year-old West Bay man in connection with an inci- dent when a man was beaten up by several people Tuesday night. The assault, police say, is connected to a growing gang feud in West Bay. The attack happened Nov. 1 just before 8 p.m. at 38 Birch Tree Hill Road, near the EBO Laundromat. Police said this is the second arrest in the at- tack. Another West Bay man, 24, was arrested on suspicion of assault causing aggravated bodily harm Wednesday. Police say the man was at- tacked by six men and sus- tained serious injuries. Violence has increased markedly in West Bay since the Oct. 1 shooting death of Justin Manderson. Mr. Manderson, killed outside Nectar nightclub, had been charged with the 2015 murder of Victor Oliver Yates, but the Crown dropped the charges after witnesses changed their minds and would not testify. West Bay saw a string of violent incidents last week, including two beatings and one shooting. About an 1.5 hours after the beating on Birch Tree Hill Road, two men fired indiscrim- inately into a crowd of people at Super C, a nearby restau- rant. One man was shot in the lower body and a bullet grazed a woman, police said. Officers said a third man was injured by a bullet, but he did not go to the hospital or talk to police. Last week, then-Acting Po- lice Commissioner Anthony Ennis said, “We have seen more than enough sense- less killings and ruined lives. The truth is that if you are in- volved in gang activities you will most likely end up in the same places as those who have followed this path – ei- ther spending a long time in prison or a final resting place of no return.” Court moves to hotel, citing lack of space CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1Next >