SECTION | PAGE ## TITLE FOR THE SPORT/ BUSINESS SKYBOX High of 84 Low of 77 Seas: Rough with wave heights of 5 to 7 feet. A small craft warning is in effect. ABCDE NATIONAL WEEKLY Politics Bannon used flattery to get Trump’s ear 4 Technology Can virtual reality improve empathy? 16 5 Myths Democracy is really pretty complicated 23 Wild. First-time hunter T.M. Shine had a plan: Bring home the Thanksgiving meal. It did not go smoothly. PAGE 12 Nation Anti-vaxxers not welcome 8 THE WEEK OF SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2016 . IN COLLABORATIO N WITH THE WASHINGTON POST Wild EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 ONE PR APPLICANT SPEAKS OUT – WE SHOULD LISTEN ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 Seven mile beach WaTeRFROnT WalKeRS ROaD TOWn cenTRe PlaZa CLEANERS, SECURITY STAFF TO BE SCHOOL ROLE MODELS JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cleaners, bus wardens and security guards are joining a school-wide effort to improve student behavior at John Gray High School. The support staff will play a role in handing out “high-five” cards to students who do the right things as part of a broader effort to create a positive school climate. School leaders say the aim is to help stu- dents build good relationships with the sup- port staff and reinforce good behavior across all areas of the school. Pat Forbes, deputy head at the school, said teachers already hand out the reward cards to students who follow the school’s values – right time, right place, respect, responsibility and achievement. Now the support staff are able to do the same. “We don’t want them to only write up stu- dents when they misbehave, we want them to be able to reward them as well and build up those positive interactions.” The initiative is part of a wider effort to create a positive school environment. It is part of the Positive Behavior Inter- vention and Support system being rolled out across all Cayman Islands schools this year. Based on the work of U.S. academic George Sugai, the system focuses on positive rein- forcement, modeling good behavior and tar- geted interventions for students who consis- tently break the rules. Sean Cahill, policy adviser in the Min- istry of Education, said it was essentially a Thousands celebrate tree lighting JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Thousands turned out to observe the an- nual Tree Lighting ceremony at Camana Bay on Saturday. Now in its 10th year, the event has become a celebrated tradition in Grand Cayman. It was accompanied by carolling from Cayman International School, other local choirs and dance routines from Cayman Dance Company, which brought a festive at- mosphere to The Crescent. No Christmas tree lighting would be complete without a visit from Santa. To the delight of the huge crowd, the jolly old man in the red suit flicked the switch to bring the tree to life. The evening also featured a display of Christmas decorations along the Crescent, which remain for the holiday season. Hedge Funds Care gala helps at-risk children JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Hedge Funds Care Cayman, com- mitted to helping parents and treating child abuse and neglect, held its gala at the new Kimpton Seafire Resort on Saturday night. The theme for the 12th Annual Open Your Heart to the Children Benefit was “Sunset at the Seafire,” which called for women to dress in tropical-colored gowns and men to wear bright bow ties or black-tie attire. Since the local chapter of the international organization began in 2005, Hedge Funds Care Cayman has raised more than US$2.5 million to help prevent and address child abuse and neglect. The benefit raises as much as $250,000 an- nually, which is granted to local orga- nizations and government programs to fight child abuse. At the event, auctioneer Kim Remizowski encouraged bids for prizes including a 2017 Audi S8, donated by Arch Automotive. “We raised a lot of money and it was a very good night,” Mr. Remizowski said. Hundreds fill the newly opened Kimpton Seafire Resort Saturday for the Hedge Funds Care gala. - PHOTO: STEPHEN CLARKE PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 11 » Now in its 10th year, the annual Tree Lighting ceremony at Camana Bay draws thousands of people. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY2 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 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. FANTASTIC BEASTS (PG13) AND WHERE TO FIND THEM 3D 12:15 | 1:10 2D | 3:20 | 4:40 2D 6:30 | 8:00 2D | 9:40 ALMOST CHRISTMAS (PG13) 1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 9:50 ARRIVAL (PG13) 1:20 | 4:10 | 7:10 | 9:50 DOCTOR STRANGE 3D (PG13) 1:30 | 4:30 2D | 7:15 2D | 10:05 2D TROLLS (PG) 12:30 | 3:00 2D | 5:15 | 7:30 2D | 10:00 - MONDAY - Gobble! Gobble! Turkey! Turkey! Soon Come to HAPPY AMERICAN THANKSGIVING! Thursday, 24th November 2016 945-2290 Get your orders in early! Eat-in!Take-out! At West Shore Center, Seven Mile Beach Open Daily 10am-10pm 945-2290 Khan operated clinic after arrest BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands chi- ropractor who was sentenced last week for indecently as- saulting nine female patients over a three-year period was allowed to operate a sepa- rate healthcare practice in the months after he was arrested and criminal charges were filed against him. Jemal Abdullah Khan had his chiropractor’s license sus- pended by the government- appointed regulatory body that oversees chiropractors following his arrest in early June and charges being filed against him a few weeks later, according to the Chairman of the Council of Professions Allied with Medicine, Dr. Clement von Kirchenheim. However, Dr. von Kirchen- heim said Khan apparently opened up another health- care-related practice that does not currently fall under the council’s power to regulate. “[The new practice] is out of our purview because it’s not something that we’d li- cense,” Dr. von Kirchenheim said. “We do have some con- cerns about it.” A website for the new practice, named Energy Bal- ance – Natural Wellness Through Inner Power, was put up this summer and it is understood from court testi- mony that Khan continued to see patients in this practice, albeit with strict court rules governing patient waivers. The website described energy medicine as the practice of discovering imbalances in the body’s “energy field” that if corrected, can lead to restored health. Khan said his studies in eastern medicine had helped him discover the “Chakra cen- ters” and acupuncture points that were located on a patient’s back while he was practicing chiropractic techniques. “I found that my most ef- fective treatments were those treatments where I attuned myself to the patient and just let my hands glide down the patient’s back,” the En- ergy Balance site read. “Over time, I learned to feel the area of energy blockage and in- tuitively learned to release the blockage.” Khan said he could not bring himself to “make the break” from his chiropractic business, in which he had seen more than 10,000 patients over 20 years. “Then I experienced a dramatic life-changing event,” the statement attributed to Khan on the website read. “My initial response was shock and depression. Many friends counseled me to see this as a chance for a new beginning and opportunities. I realized this was my time to embrace energy medicine.” Dr. von Kirchenheim said the council members were aware of the energy medicine practice and were advised by attorneys not to revoke Khan’s chiropractor’s license until his court case had completed. Now that he has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to four years imprisonment, the council is expected vote at its Dec. 6 meeting to strike Khan from the practitioners reg- istry and formally revoke his license. “It’s precedent setting, in terms of a Cayman health- care practitioner being ac- cused of something like this,” Dr. von Kirchenheim said. Before his guilty plea in October, the Crown had set bail conditions on Khan that required him to obtain written consent from a female patient before treating her. The consent form asked the patients to confirm they were aware of Khan’s suspension from practicing chiropractic services and his charges be- fore the court. After the plea was accepted by the court, Khan was re- manded in custody by Grand Court Justice Charles Quin, so he was no longer practicing energy medicine at that stage. According to court records, the victims in all the charges were female patients at Khan’s chiropractic practice, with the indecent assaults oc- curring during a period be- tween 2013 and 2016. Khan also pleaded guilty to two charges of ‘insulting behavior’ which refers to taking photographs of pa- tients without their consent. Fire Service christens new rescue boat CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com When they broke a bottle of sparkling apple cider over the new Cayman Islands Fire Ser- vice boat, it had already been used in one rescue in the North Sound. The 32-foot rescue launch is equipped with six emergency life rafts and will be ready at a moment’s notice at the end of the runway in case a plane lands in the sea. But at the be- ginning of this month, while testing the boat in the North Sound, another boat flagged down the Fire Service officers and pointed them to a group of tourists stranded at the Stingray City sandbar in a disabled vessel. Premier Alden McLaughlin, speaking Tristaca Ebanks, Clara Smith and Christine Mitchell christen Rescue Launch 1 with sparkling apple cider, while the fire chief and premier stand at a safe distance. - PHOTOS: CHARLES DUNCAN “[The practice] is out of our purview because it’s not something that we’d license. DR. CLEMENT VON KIRCHENHEIM, chairman, Council of Professions Allied with Medicine at the launch Friday, com- mended the officers: “I under- stand that the fire service has also gotten a few things done with fire officers using the vessel to train in saving lives.” According to the Fire Ser- vice, officers got to the boat and were able to take the 10 tourists on board, some el- derly and seasick from the choppy waves, back to the George Town Yacht Club where they were met by an ambulance. The Fire Service, the pre- mier and staff from the Min- istry of Home Affairs, and members of the police ma- rine unit gathered at the Yacht Club Friday to christen Rescue Launch 1. Fire Chief David Hails said the custom-built launch, made by Connor Industries in Ontario, holds six large life rafts that can easily be de- ployed over the side of the boat in case of an emergency. He said with increasing traffic at Grand Cayman’s airport, the fire service had to make sure it could respond effectively in case an airplane has to land at sea. Mr. Hails said govern- ment was able to get the boat quickly, with about 100 days from procurement to having the boat arrive on island. “It was actually on time and quite a bit under budget,” he said. Vinton Chinsee, with the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the austerity measures of recent years had a signif- icant impact on the Fire Ser- vice, with “minimal invest- ment in the service” leading to losing staff and allowing equipment to age without replacements. The new rescue launch, he said, is part of government’s new push to invest in the Fire Service and make sure they have the staff and equip- ment they need. Mr. Hails said the new boat will benefit all three islands. The Fire Service’s Boston Whaler will be sent to replace the boat in the Brac, and that boat, in turn, will be sent to Little Cayman. A story titled “Cayman in talks with UK on borrowing rules” in last Thursday’s edi- tion, the Cayman Compass incorrectly reported Min- ister of Finance Marco Ar- cher’s position on the repay- ment of a US$312 bullet loan taken out by the Cayman Is- lands government. Mr. Ar- cher clarified that the debt repayment – due by No- vember 2019 – may still be made all at once, if the economy and govern- ment finances continue to improve significantly. The Cayman Compass strives for accuracy and is committed to correcting errors that appear in the newspaper. Those interested in contacting the paper for that purpose can send an email to editor@pinna- clemedialtd.com. CORRECTION With increasing traffic at Grand Cayman’s airport, the fire service had to make sure it could respond effectively in case an airplane has to land at sea.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 Students visit tech titan Google Twenty students from Cayman got an up-close look at the inner work- ings of technology titan Google’s head- quarters from Nov. 8-13. The trip was part of an International College of the Cayman Islands course focused on technology, business and society. “To be able to visit an organization that has such a huge influence on the world, and to be in the same place as such brilliant minds who design and make many of the online technologies that we use every day is a motivating and once in a lifetime experience,” said business student Ellen Ebanks. Students attended a seminar in San Francisco and visited the Googleplex, the company’s world headquarters in Mountain View. In addition to a tour of the Google Campus, Google’s General Man- ager of Global Business Operations Joe DeMike spoke with the students about Google mission to make the world’s information “universally acces- sible and useful.” “We heard not just how Google is using technology to innovate, but also the values of why it is important for people around the world to have ac- cess to technology. I can see now why Google has made the positive impact on the world that it has,” said tourism major Enyer Rivers. Mr. DeMike also focused on some of Google’s innovations in virtual reality, such as the Tilt Brush designed to let users paint in 3-D. Later, the ICCI students watched self-driving cars zip around the Google campus. The Google visit was arranged through an educational partnership be- tween The Internet Marketing Associa- tion and Cayman Enterprise City. CEC and IMA are the sponsors of the annual Impact conference in Cayman, which focuses on online marketing. Google has been a presenter at the conference. ICCI President David Marshall said the educational partnership is an essential part of producing grad- uates who are work ready and ex- posed to global trends and people. “We are deeply grateful to Google, CEC, and IMA for providing this signature learning experience for our students. Our hope is that now students will be encouraged to want to pursue Internet and marketing related careers to help grow tech businesses in Cayman.” In addition to the Google visit, stu- dents also interacted with other com- panies in the San Francisco Bay area to learn about Fintech and the poten- tial impacts on financial markets, in- cluding Cayman’s. EY’s top Fintech ex- pert briefed students on developments in the field. Students also visited Chain, a San Francisco technology company with ex- pertise in building blockchain networks. College receives British accreditation CHARLES DUNCAN cduncan@pinnaclemedialtd.com A British agency granted the International College of the Cayman Islands accred- itation last month, adding a second international seal of approval to an ex- isting accreditation from the United States. The Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities award recognizes ICCI for its standards in teaching, stu- dent welfare and manage- ment, among other factors. ICCI President David Mar- shall said the new accredita- tion can open up the college for international exchange programs and global part- nerships with other institu- tions. “It’s a really significant win for our students,” Mr. Marshall said. Mr. Marshall said he has heard from employers that they want students en- tering the workforce to have more experience and un- derstanding outside of the Cayman Islands. “Students need more exposure to how business works overseas,” he said, and this accreditation can help them get it. The school has inspec- tors from a separate U.S. ac- creditation agency visiting next week to examine ICCI’s business program. Mr. Marshall said the U.K. accreditation is different from the U.S. because the British agency looked more at student welfare, assuring they received value for the money they spent on tuition and the marketing materials and promises made to in- coming students matched the education and experience of attending ICCI. The agency commended ICCI for its academics and adjusting programs based on student feedback. “I am honored to be a part of ICCI at this wonderful time. As students, this al- lows us a bigger opportunity to get accepted into other schools abroad. I think it will help with jobs too because employers look for graduates from schools that are recog- nized globally,” said ICCI Stu- dent Council Representative Sharmori Richardson in a press release. Founded in 1970, ICCI re- ceived its first accreditation from a U.S. agency in 1979. ICCI recognized for academics ICCI students meet Joe DeMike, Google’s general manager of global business operations, at the technology company’s headquarters last week.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. MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS From way across the Ca- ribbean, an enthusiastic “big up” to developer Christian Sorensen and Cayman’s Na- tional Trust for putting in 20 devoted years to gener- ating the Crystal Caves at- traction in North Side now drawing acclaim as a new tourist attraction. From my familiarity with the region as a traveling musi- cian, where tourism is a vital cog, I can attest to the value of developments that preserve and enhance the unique land- scape of a country while si- multaneously creating a vivid attraction for visitors as well as residents. I am very aware of the very popular Harrison’s Cave in Barbados, developed by the same Sorensen family. Re- cently expanded, it is building on its established reputa- tion as probably the top land-based attraction in Bar- bados, and to see Cayman taking the same approach with Crystal Caves must be heartening for all the people who see the importance of measured development of their tourism product. For today’s environ- mentally conscious visi- tors, Crystal Caves certainly sounds like a more benefi- cial addition to Cayman’s tourism product than multi- story towers on Seven Mile Beach, and the movers of this project are to be commended for their dedication and per- sistence over time in adding even more pull to the North Side magnet using the area’s natural resources. Dave Martins Many of our readers are aware of the guidelines we have put in place regarding letters to the editor and content submitted for publication in the Cayman Compass newspaper and website. One of the most important is that writers attach their real names to their commentary. However, we retain the editorial discretion to depart from those general prescriptions when we feel it is jus- tified – an extremely rare occurrence. Today, however, as you can see on the right side of this page, we have decided to exercise that discretion. The letter, “Stuck in PR limbo,” is a significant and compelling first-person account of what it’s like to be on the Cayman Islands permanent residence waiting list, which has been getting longer since the Progres- sives government passed its new immigration law more than three years ago. Premier Alden McLaughlin recently has said the government may not even attempt to address this contentious issue until after the election in May next year. The signature on the letter is an obvious pseud- onym, “Concerned Mother,” but, for the record, we know the actual identity of the author. It is clear, and concerning, why someone in such a vulnerable position would not wish to use her real name. Simply put, she fears retribution from government authorities, who are dangling the lives of the writer, and her family, on a string. The letter should be required reading for Governor Helen Kilpatrick, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, elected Cayman lawmakers, immigration officials, members of the voting public and the population as a whole. The letter puts a personal face on the otherwise abstract legal issue in which Premier McLaughlin’s government has embroiled the Cayman Islands. One cannot read this letter and not understand that the more than 800 expatriates who have applied for PR (well over half of whom have been awaiting a decision for a year or longer) are real people with families and children. As the writer phrases it, “While my issues and worries may not be of any material concern to the political administration or Cayman constituents, it is because of their legislative commitment in October 2013 that my family is now in a position of grave uncertainty, with regards to our careers, our ability to earn a livelihood … and the education of our children.” Many of the people on the PR waiting list, such as the writer, have been in Cayman for more than 10 years, which is significant because the legal bench- mark from global authorities recognizes that after a decade, the right to security of tenure should be granted. Cayman is in grave jeopardy – legally, repu- tationally and financially – for ignoring these interna- tional norms. The writer understands that elected law- makers may not care about her plight because she cannot vote, and that many Caymanians may not care because to them she is just one in a crowd of nameless “foreigners.” However, the writer rightly points out, as we do, that the Progressives legislators themselves created this quagmire when they passed the immigration law, setting out specific requirements for people to obtain PR, inviting them to apply – and then refusing to follow the very law they wrote, approved and enacted. Despite this callousness, the writer insists upon what is an especially important point: She, and others, have worked hard, blended in, followed the rules, and now they want to stay – on the terms etched into law by Cayman’s government. One PR applicant speaks out – We should listen LETTER TO THE EDITOR Stuck in PR limbo I am one of the approxi- mately 900 whose lives are directly affected by the in- action of the current gov- ernment with regards to permanent residence. While my issues and worries may not be of any material concern to the po- litical administration or Cayman constituents, it is because of their legislative commitment in October 2013 that my family is now in a position of grave un- certainty with regards to our careers, our ability to earn a livelihood … and the education of our children. My eldest is four and should be starting school next year and as any parent knows, getting into school is not straightforward. Their name should be on a list years in advance of the start date, but when you do not know where you will be living or when you have to make that move, where do you put their names? Why not leave, you say? We are hanging on because we did not spend the last 10 years building a home, a family, friends and our ca- reers in this exquisite and unique island for nothing. We chose to come here, to work hard, to enjoy our family, to give back and to become part of this vibrant community. Yes, we are not born here, but this is our life for the last 10 years. We are part of this commu- nity, like it or not. I do not feel the need to separate myself from Caymanians, I have lived among you for 10 years and you are my friends and my colleagues. We went through the ar- duous and expensive pro- cess of applying for PR because per your legisla- tive decree it looked like we reconciled with your requirements, we ticked the boxes, or so we were led to believe. We have re- spectfully adhered to all of the immigration pro- cedures and rules over 10 years, and are happy to continue to do so, but you promised us if we met X, Y and Z we would be given permission to con- tinue working and contrib- uting and promoting this country. Yet you’ve reneged on your promise. It feels like a slap in the face! It’s like telling your child, who trusts you, “You be good and Santa will give you a just reward.” They display impec- cable behavior but Santa leaves them nothing … Sad, disap- pointing and disrespectful. Concerned Mother LETTER TO THE EDITOR Props for Crystal Caves attraction 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 find their own way” We are hanging on because we did not spend the last 10 years building a home, a family, friends and our careers in this exquisite and unique island for nothing. 5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 "Meet the Artists" from 5 - 7:30pm Refreshments, Holiday Decorations & Gifts Galore! Tel: 949 9133 • www.pureart.ky THE ORIGINAL Please Join Us Wednesday, 23rd November STORE WIDE SAVINGS FROM 9AM 10% OFF ALL DAY 30 YEARS Celebrating BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman Islands Governor Helen Kilpatrick has assented to changes to the Misuse of Drugs Law allowing for the importation of oil derived from the marijuana plant for medical purposes only. That means Cayman phar- macists and doctors can law- fully import and prescribe cannabinoid [cannabis] oil for patients, as long as they can find a source to import it from. The bill does not le- galize ganja usage for med- ical purposes. The Legislative Assembly unanimously approved the changes allowing the impor- tation Oct. 24. According to the final ver- sion of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Law, 2016: “The use of cannabis extracts and tinctures of cannabis for medical or therapeutic purposes, where prescribed by a medical doctor licensed in accordance with the Health Practice Law as part of a course of treatment for a person under that medical doctor’s care, is lawful.” The final version of the law leaves it up to Cabinet to make regulations as to how the importation, storage and dispensing of the substance will occur. Such oils are only allowed for distribution by a licensed pharmacist. Change to the regulations governing customs and phar- maceuticals were already made in preparation for the law’s passage, Premier Alden McLaughlin said. “There were and remain some reservations about the use of this oil and its pur- pose, because there are still questions about its efficacy,” Mr. McLaughlin said in Oc- tober during a Legislative As- sembly debate on the matter. “Nowhere in the world have they yet been able to determine definitively that it has the curative effects that many of its advocates believe. However, it is very useful in dealing with a range of symptoms that arise from se- rious illness.” The premier also noted there could be questions about from where can- nabis oil might be sourced, given that many of Cay- man’s Caribbean neigh- bors had not legalized the oil or the marijuana plant from which it is derived. “But we do not want people to continue to suffer,” he said. “We believe we must do what we can.” No one in the Cayman Islands currently manu- factures the oil, and im- porting the drug from the U.S. could prove difficult, if not impossible, due to fed- eral prohibitions on the in- ternational transport of such substances. Caymanian Dennie Warren Jr. first brought the issue to the Progressives-led government political caucus last year after finding out chemotherapy and radia- tion treatments for his wife, who has stage 4 lung cancer, would not be effective in treating the disease. Mr. Warren said, after passage of the bill in the assembly, that he was not certain where cannabis oil might legally be imported from. However, he said sev- eral countries, including Ja- maica and Canada, have given indications that they were considering legaliza- tion for medical purposes. “It’s better to have [the local] law in place, so we’re ready for it when it happens,” Mr. Warren said. Governor approves medical cannabis oil “But we do not want people to continue to suffer. We believe we must do what we can.” ALDEN MCLAUGHLIN, premier Charge against female companion withdrawn, dismissed CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Two people arrested in Windsor Park last Tuesday for possession of approxi- mately 100 pounds of ganja appeared in Summary Court on Friday morning. At 4 p.m., another defendant arrived, facing the same charge plus possession an unli- censed firearm. In the morning, Jason Or- lando Arek Hydes pleaded guilty to possession of the ganja with intent to supply. Crown counsel Scott Wainwright said the weight of the ganja found at Hydes’ residence was approximately 100 pounds, with a street value in excess of $100,000. After Hydes’ guilty plea, Mr. Wainwright withdrew the same charge that had been laid against a female who had been arrested with Hydes at the Windsor Park premises. Magis- trate Valdis Foldats dis- missed this charge and ex- tended her bail. Mr. Wainwright indicated that the Crown would look at another charge against her relating to a small quan- tity of ganja. The woman, 20, did not live at the house where the police recovered the ganja. The magistrate told her to return to court on Nov. 29 and not leave the juris- diction meanwhile. She is represented by attorney Prathna Bodden. Hydes, 30, was remanded in custody until the same date. He was represented by attorney Crister Brady. Late Friday, Rueben Hesmer Hydes was brought to court on charges of pos- session of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ganja with intent to supply, simple possession of ganja, and failing to provide a specimen for drug testing. Rueben, 33, is the brother of Jason and has the same address. Ms. Bodden told the court she had received no doc- uments for the case. She said she did not know if the firearm had been tested to see if it was real or an im- itation. She did not make any application for bail and this defendant was also remanded in custody until Nov. 29. A press release issued by police last Thursday stated that the police raid on Tuesday that led to the arrests had involved offi- cers from the Drugs Task Force, K-9 and uniform, as well as the Air Operations Unit. The fourth person ar- rested, a man aged 22, was bailed by police. The release reported that substances believed to be ganja and cocaine were found, along with a firearm and ammunition. There was no men- tion of cocaine or ammu- nition on Friday afternoon, and no such charges on Friday morning. Man pleads guilty to ganja with intentDISTRICT DAYS 6 District Days George Town Young Triple C students recently had the chance to experience voting – with a twist. The day after the U.S. election, on Nov. 9, the students in Chekiya Tatum’s Kindergarten class lined up to cast their vote for their favorite snack. According to a press release, Ms. Tatum took advantage of the elec- tion buzz to educate students about voting and organized a class election to choose a snack. Before the students cast votes for either crackers, cookies or fruit, they learned about the voting process and important factors to consider when making their choice. The children made voter registration cards which they presented upon hearing their name called to start the voting process, ticked their choice on the ballot in the voting booth, and dropped into the ballot box. When they returned to their seats, each student re- ceived an “I Voted” necklace that they could color and proudly wear. “I wanted the students to have a real life and hands-on learning expe- rience with this subject and was ex- cited to create the complete election experience for them in a fun way that they would understand and would have positive and teaching results,” said Ms. Tatum. “By doing this activity this gave way for students to be exposed to in- formed decisions and the importance of thinking about how our choices will affect us long term – whether voting for the next president or MLA or selecting a class snack.” MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS In the Nov. 23, 1966 edi- tion of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, news from George Town included: “A large number of well-wishers gathered out- side the new Thompson Building, opposite the Post Office in the centre of George Town, at 9:15 a.m. on Friday last for the opening of this fine structure … “The five Common- wealth Parliamentary As- sociation members from Britain who spent four days in the island last week were all extremely happy to have had the opportunity of seeing the island and meeting with its people. Mr. Silverman, who has been in the House of Commons for 31 years, said that this was his first trip of this nature and he was enjoying it so much he hoped he may be selected again. “This tour, which in- cluded 7 days in Jamaica before returning to the U.K. was not only a good- will visit, but more in the nature of an educational exercise, according to Mr. Charles Morris who was very enthusiastic about the sense of community which exists in the island. “The Grand Cayman Rotary Club gave a lun- cheon at the Beach Club on Sunday last in honour of the visit of Sr. En- rique Higuera, head of the Ibero Department of Ro- tary International, with headquarters at Evanston, Illinois. It was attended by 21 club members and four visiting Rotarians. “Welcomed by their hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Payne, and to the music of the Infernaires, a large gathering of guests enjoyed the official opening of the Caribbean Club on West Bay Road on the 15th. “Those invited were able to make a tour of in- spection of the main Club Building and were de- lighted with the furniture and furnishings. The dining room was gay with its com- fortable chairs upholstered in red leather, the recep- tion room in green and gold was much admired, and the attractively appointed bar, shaped like part of a ship, met with many com- pliments and expressions of approval.” In the same issue, George Town correspondent Frances Bodden wrote: “A warm welcome was extended to Rev. C.A. Thomas, General Secretary of the United Church of Ja- maica and Grand Cayman who paid a three-day visit to the island from the 17th to the 20th. While he was in the island he held var- ious meetings with the officers of the Church, the Cayman Council, ad- dressed the Woman’s Rally held at West Bay and the youth rally in George Town on the 19th. On Sunday he held ser- vices at Savannah, North Side and Bodden Town in the morning where he bap- tized the infant daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Lewin Williams. He returned to Jamaica on the 20th. “About six cubs were in- vested on the 14th on the grounds of the Secondary Modern School with Mrs. W.W. Hylton, Mrs. Theo- line Wellington, Miss Joan Clarke and Miss Francis L. Bodden. It is gratifying to note that the George Town Cub Pack continues func- tioning with their faithful officers and we wish for them ‘Good Cubbing.’” Before the students cast their votes for either crackers, cookies or fruit, they learned about the voting process and important factors to consider when making their choice. 50 YEARS AGO: Well-wishers gather for Thompson building opening The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is seeking submissions for its upcoming exhibition which will run from Jan. 19 through to April 13, 2017. According to a press re- lease, the exhibition will focus on Cayman’s past, present, and future mari- time identity, and the open call to artists invites work that explores topics ranging from the Islands’ maritime heritage, tourism, maritime- based import/export, Cay- man’s underwater environ- ment, through to the threat of global warming and its possible consequences for island nations. The deadline for sub- missions from artists who are either Cayman Islands residents or part of the Cayman Islands diaspora is Wednesday, Nov. 23, and successful submissions will be notified no later than Monday, Dec. 5. “The Gallery is inter- ested in new innovative ap- proaches to this theme and invites submissions from artists, filmmakers, writers, archivists, historians, con- servationists and other re- lated genres to consider this complex relationship from a historical, cultural, eco- nomic and ecological per- spectives, and through a variety of viewpoints from that of historic witness/ objective observer through to active interventionist,” states the release. Media from painting, photography, experimental and documentary film, sound works, collage, digital collage, sculpture, drawing, installation, ceramics, per- formance and prints will all be all be considered, as will site specific environ- mental projects. Submissions should be of photos of work – or work concept drawings/ photos – with an accompa- nying artist’s statement re- lating the work to the exhi- bition synopsis. A maximum of three works per artists will be considered. Submissions must be accompanied by a biog- raphy (200 words max- imum) and should include a link to the artist’s website if applicable. Submissions must be provided in electronic format only and directed to the attention of the curator at info@nationalgallery.org.ky. Call for art exhibit submissions Voting in spotlight at Triple C School Triple C School students in Chekiya Tatum’s kindergarten class hold up their ‘I Voted’ necklaces. The exhibition will focus on Cayman’s past, present, and future maritime identity.District Days George Town DISTRICT DAYS 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com George Town Heritage Day activities featured a lot more than pirates for visitors attending the Nov. 15 event at the Farmers Market Grounds. A rich display of Cayman pro- duce was on offer, as well as multicultural heritage and foods in a cool set- ting. A DJ was spinning music all day. Food stalls offered ev- erything from Cayma- nians’ favorite turtle stew dish to made-on-the- spot peppermint candies by Rose Myles. Supporting the event and dining out on some local stews were Premier Alden McLaughlin, along with Agriculture Minister Kurt Tibbetts. Cayman traditional sto- ryteller Vernetta Ryan made visitors welcome with her life-in-Cayman stories, and George Town Festival Queen Mellisa Rankine pa- raded the grounds in her official costume. The event also fea- tured displays of arti- facts and memorabilia and kids’ games.Janalee Clifford preforms a traditional dance. George Town Festival Queen Mellisa Rankine shows off her winning costume.Lighthouse student Lee Ebanks spins the wheel at the National Gallery stall. Tanya Whiteside and Jessica Ebanks promote the National Gallery’s ‘The Art of the Cayman Islands: A Journey through the National Gallery Collection.’Rose Myles’s peppermint candies get attention from visitors. Tassine Bodden and Diane Drayton enjoy George Town Heritage Day. GT Heritage Day attracts big crowds Food stalls offered everything from Caymanians’ favorite turtle stew dish, to made-on-the-spot peppermint candies by Rose Myles.8 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS Make a purchase of $100 or more using your Butterfield BlackTM or Platinum MasterCard for a chance to win a VIP experience for two at the 59th GRAMMY® Awards. 182702-Ad-Compass-JrPg-Grammy.indd 110/24/16 4:24 PM Man gets five years for resort burglary Treasure Island safe was stolen with over $100,000 in 2012 CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Brandon Reno Liberal, 29, was sentenced on Friday to five years imprisonment after he was found guilty of a bur- glary at the Treasure Island Resort in the early hours of Sunday, May 6, 2012. A safe, which had been bolted the floor of an office, was removed from the resort along with its contents – CI$75,104.24 and US$31,701.42. Liberal had pleaded not guilty and elected trial by judge alone and Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop found him guilty in Oc- tober. On Friday, she told Liberal that he would serve the five years after he com- pletes his current sentence of seven years. Sentencing had been de- layed so that a social inquiry report could be obtained and counsel could present submissions as to what sen- tence fit the offense. Crown counsel Darlene Oko said the starting point for burglary of a commer- cial premises was four years; the range of sentence was two to six years. With Liber- al’s previous convictions and other aggravating factors, Ms. Oko said six years would be appropriate and that term should be consecutive to the term Liberal is serving now. Defense attorney Crister Brady did not necessarily dis- agree, but he asked the judge to consider totality. He made this point because Liberal is currently serving seven years for the armed rob- bery of a courier outside the British-Caymanian Building on Eastern Avenue, which oc- curred on Oct. 4, 2012. Liber- al’s sentences after pleading guilty were seven years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and six years for the robbery, which involved three other men who also pleaded guilty. A sentence of six years added to the current sentence would mean Liberal was looking at 13 years, which was too long, Mr. Brady submitted. He suggested a shorter consecutive sentence or a longer sentence that would run concurrently. Justice McDonald-Bishop said her sentence would be meaningless if she ran it concurrently. She reviewed the aggra- vating features of the bur- glary and said she could find no mitigating features. This was not a burglary of an office in an empty building, she pointed out. There were tourists as well as long-term residents staying at the re- sort. This was not just a crime against a business; it was also a crime against the tourist in- dustry, the judge observed. Liberal had maintained his innocence, so there was no remorse, no return of the stolen monies, and no coop- eration with police. The burglary was pre- planned, well-orchestrated and executed, the judge said. She pointed to aspects of the offense as summarized by Ms. Oko: the planned ap- proach to the office, the by- passing of security mea- sures; the carrying of tools to undo the bolts; the use of a dolly to remove the safe from the premises. CCTV showed the arrival and departure of a par- ticular vehicle. The case for the pros- ecution, conducted by se- nior Crown counsel Tricia Hutchinson, included the fact that Liberal had access to that vehicle. The judge said she had accepted evidence that Liberal had admitted to a crony that he removed the safe with another person. A glove worn by the burglar was similar or identical to one found at Liberal’s premises. One CCTV camera showed a person maneuvering a dolly with the safe: analysis of that person’s height matched Lib- eral. There was also phone ev- idence to support the charge. Considering all the circum- stances of the offense and the offender, Justice McDonald- Bishop concluded that six years was the appropriate sen- tence. She explained that the term imposed had to be a de- terrent to Liberal and others of like mind who believe they can commit offenses and then ask that the offenses all be treated as one when they get to court. Having concluded that six years was the appropriate sentence, she then posed her final question – was it just and proportional? Noting that all three of- fenses were very serious, and viewing them globally, she weighed them and determined that 12 years was appropriate. She therefore reduced the six years for burglary and im- posed five years instead. Mr. Brady had also sub- mitted that the burglary sen- tence could be concurrent on the basis that the burglary had been committed “during a relatively short period of offending.” Ms. Oko had disagreed, saying the rob- bery had nothing to do with the burglary. This was not just a crime against a business; it was also a crime against the tourist industry, the judge observed. Free domestic violence intervention training workshop The Family Resource Centre is holding a three- day Domestic Violence Inter- vention Training Programme workshop Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Suitable for front-line pro- fessionals or those wanting to learn more about the dy- namics of abusive relations and how to help, the certifi- cate course will take place at George Town Library from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The workshop covers do- mestic violence from a broad spectrum and aims to help participants understand the manifestations of and re- sponses to such abuse, the Family Resource Centre said in a press release. It will also look at related laws. To add practical, real life expertise, the Centre says the course will involve presenta- tions from agencies including the Family Support Unit; the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre; the Department of Children and Family Services; and the Director of Public Prosecu- tions, which will highlight the work they do with victims and perpetrators. For further information call the Family Resource Centre at 949-0006 or email frc@gov.ky to register. The program is free.9 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 In Loving Remembrance of Caleb Vaughn Samuel Orrett Sunrise: 21 November 1960 - Sunset: 25 February 2016 “When I go, don’t cry… Please don’t cry… Rejoice!!! I’m good! I’m OK! I’m ready!” Those loving words you left with us are priceless! Our hearts are comforted and lled with The blessed assurance that you are safe in The Sweet Presence of God…forever!! With deep gratitude for so many cherished memories. We patiently wait for our Glorious reunion! Your Mother: Daphne Sisters: Nina, Sarah, Hettie Brother: Keith And every other member of your loving family. In Loving Remembrance ofIn Loving Remembrance ofIn Loving Remembrance ofIn Loving Remembrance of Caleb Vaughn Samuel OrrettCaleb Vaughn Samuel OrrettCaleb Vaughn Samuel Orrett Richard Ebanks For my Husband Today has been one year since you’ve left us Our heart still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know From your Wife and Children DoE reminds public not to poach The Department of Envi- ronment has asked the public to pay close attention to open and closed seasons for a va- riety of marine species in Cayman’s waters. The seasons have been put in place as a means of ensuring the long-term sus- tainability of Cayman’s ma- rine resources, reminds the DoE in a press release. Since August, Cayman Is- lands fisheries regulations stipulate that both take and possession are illegal outside the respective open seasons. This means both a person taking marine life illegally and a person receiving/purchasing it are committing an offense. “This is a loophole that our officers, and the public who support conservation, have struggled with for a while and we are happy it has been resolved,” said Chief Conservation Of- ficer Mark Orr. Catch limits re- main unchanged. The rules for Nassau grouper have undergone sig- nificant changes. Taking Nassau grouper anywhere in Cayman waters is now prohibited between Dec. 1 and April 30. “While we still have one of the largest Nassau grouper populations among the known spawning aggregations re- maining in the Caribbean, we have effectively lost over half of our traditional spawning aggregations in the Cayman Islands,” said Research Officer Bradley Johnson. “Fishing on a spawning aggregation is not and never has been sustainable for any level of take as shown by DoE’s re- search, as well as the decline of spawning aggregations across the region. “The current regulations are meant to ensure that we have Nassau grouper on our reefs into the future. This is the same strategy applied to other marine species like conch and lobster. During the open season [May 1 through Nov. 30] fishers may take no more than five Nassau grouper from Cayman wa- ters per boat per day,” he said in the release. A new app called “Cayman DoE” for iPhones and Android smartphones is being devel- oped to help the public stay informed. While still a beta version, some of the features include interactive maps al- lowing the public to know where they are located in re- lation to marine park zones; rules where they are located; and feedback to the DoE on anything they deem to be im- portant or of concern. Persons can download the app and are encouraged to report any technological glitches to the DoE so that they can be rectified. “We know that enforce- ment will always be an issue with any law and that our efforts will always be con- strained by the number of officers we are able to em- ploy,” DoE Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie said. “So we have to work smarter, both through the use of technology and by trying to ensure that our regulations are struc- tured to optimise conserva- tion objectives and enforce- ment capability.” Persons who see or sus- pect poaching can call 911. The DoE is distributing free Conservation Rules Bro- chures at a variety of loca- tions around all three is- lands and these brochures may also be downloaded from www.DoE.ky. Season dates and catch limits: Conchs ■■ Closed season: May 1 through Oct. 31 ■■ Open season catch limit: Five per person or 10 per boat per day, whichever is less. ■■ Only queen conch may be taken. ■■ In any one day, no person may take, purchase, receive, offer for sale, exchange or donation, or possess more than five conch from Cayman waters. Whelks ■■ Closed season: May 1 through Oct. 31. ■■ No one may take whelks in Cayman during these months. No one may purchase, receive or possess whelks taken in Cayman during these months. ■■ Open season catch limit: Two-and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half pounds of processed whelks per person per day. ■■ No one may purchase or receive more than two-and-a-half gallons in the shell or two- and-a-half pounds of processed whelks from Cayman in any one day. ■■ Chitons, periwinkles and bleeding teeth may not be taken at any time. Echinoderms ■■ Echinoderms (includes starfish, sea eggs/urchins, sea cucumbers and sand dollars) may not be taken from Cayman waters at any time. Turtles ■■ No one may disturb, molest or take turtles in Cayman waters or on Cayman’s beaches without a license. ■■ Possession of turtle eggs is prohibited. ■■ For licensed fishermen, closed season runs from April 1 through Nov. 30. Sharks and Rays ■■ May not be taken from Cayman waters at any time. ■■ No one may feed, attempt to feed or provide or use food to attract any shark in Cayman waters. Nassau grouper ■■ Closed season: Dec. 1 through April 30 ■■ Open season catch limit: Five per person or five per boat per day, whichever is less. ■■ Size limit: Only Nassau grouper between 16 inches and 24 inches (inclusive) may be taken from Cayman waters. ■■ No one may take, purchase, receive, permit or possess Nassau grouper from Cayman waters taken in contravention of the above rules. Other fish ■■ Protected fish: Jew fish (goliath grouper), tilefish (whities), filefish (pipers) and angelfish, including Grey, French and Queen angels (old monks), may not be taken from Cayman waters at any time. ■■ Size limit: Eight-inch minimum size on all other fish except goggle eyes, sprats (herrings, anchovies) and fries (including loggerhead and fine fry; silversides or anchovies), and lionfish. A haul of illegally caught conchs and lobsters seized by the Department of Environment. Christmas Toy Drive held for ninth-straight year The 25 Days of Christmas Toy Drive runs again this hol- iday season from Nov. 28 through Dec. 13, early enough for the donations to be distrib- uted in time for Christmas Day. The popular toy drive was started nine years ago by Vic- toria Bise, then age 13. A press release stated that her sister, Elisabeth, took over the initia- tive after Victoria left for college. “Every year, we receive amazing donations from indi- viduals and businesses who love to know this toy drive is run by children (well, teenagers now), as they feel the girls mo- tives are genuine and not dic- tated by anything else but to make children of the Cayman Islands happy during the Hol- idays …” said their mother, Ve- ronique, in a press release. “We want to teach our chil- dren real values, such as caring for others and [to] appreciate all the blessings they person- ally have, and their commit- ment to their little homegrown charity proves that they un- derstood this, and will become caring and thankful adults. “The toy drive requests a lot of hours of work, spent organizing, responding to emails, designing the flyer, public speaking and sorting through gifts, which all are skills the girls will need for their entire life,” she said. A page has been set up to accept cash donations for those unable to purchase and drop off gifts, and to make it easier for those off island to contribute. Cash donations are used to purchase items for teenagers, said the release, as well as to purchase items for the pediatric ward at George Town Hospital. With over 500 foster chil- dren in care in the Cayman Islands, the Toy Drive aims to have enough gifts so each child has something to unwrap. Toys and gifts for ba- bies through to teenagers are collected every year at the Cayman Islands Customs Agency (39 Ashgo St., off God- frey Nixon Way). “They have been our sponsor since we started this drive and faithfully, each year, collect and deliver the gifts to the Department of Children and Family Services. It liter- ally takes one of their large trucks to fit everything in,” said Elisabeth. Donations are also de- livered to the George Town Hospital Pediatric Ward. For more information, contact 926-5599 (Veronique, Mom) or 925-5707 (Darrell, Dad) or email elisabethtoydrive@hotmail.com. Facebook page is The 25 Days of Christmas Toy Drive.Next >