ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 75 CENTS – FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 Come meet Peanuts. We are open! Going fresh, local, delicious, quick, convenient, crisp, hot, cool, tangy, healthy, juicy, crunchy, spiced, sweet, salty, wholesome, appetising, delectable, flavourful, fruity, heavenly, mouthwatering, scrumptious, savoury, fizzy, organic, full-bodied, gourmet, hearty, satisfying, homemade, indulgent, lean, lip-smacking and yummy grab and go things. Iguana population doubles in a year JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The scale of Cayman’s green iguana problem is now so large it will require a sig- nificant investment of time and money just to maintain the population at current levels, en- vironment officials have warned. The latest population survey shows that the number of iguanas has almost doubled in the past year. The estimated population size is now 404,000 adult green iguanas. When hatchlings are included in the count, the number increases to more than 800,000, according to results from the latest island- wide survey, carried out in August. The Department of Environment now warns the problem is too big for it to manage. After test culls earlier this year, the department is working on a long-term strategy to curtail the exponentially growing population. But it warns that the funding allocated is nowhere near enough to deal with the issue, and its next step must be to convince gov- ernment to fund a multiyear population control program. “The scale of the problem is now so large that it will require a considerable investment of time, resources, equipment and money, and the Department of Environment is not cur- rently resourced to undertake this role,” said Jane Haakonsson of the department’s terres- trial resources unit. The latest population surveys show not only an increase in numbers, but also a rise in the rate of population growth. Between 2014 and 2015, the iguana popu- lation grew by 60 percent. Between 2015 and WHERE TO SEE NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS VICKI WHEATON vwheaton@pinnaclemedialtd.com New Year’s Eve without fireworks is like Christmas Day without turkey. Colorful pyro- technics lighting up the night sky is an inte- gral part of the celebrations, with numerous venues around Cayman planning spec- tacular shows. Seven Mile Whether people are attending one of the many parties scheduled at the islands’ top resorts or heading to Camana Bay for its an- nual free-for-all event, they simply have to turn their heads skyward at midnight, or ear- lier, to take in multiple firework displays. Camana Bay, in its traditional fashion, will have two fireworks shows: one at 7 p.m. for the families with young children and one at midnight for the late-night party crowd. Starting at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach and heading north, there will be fireworks off the coast of The Wharf, the Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and the Kimpton resort. This means that even those who decide not to partake in a specific property’s event can take a seat on the beach and watch it all without spending a cent. George Town Although the capital is fairly quiet on New Year’s Eve, some of the bars on the water- front arrange their own sets of fireworks. Then there is Grand Old House, which has its usual party booked, including dinner, party favors and a professional firework display when the clock strikes midnight. Three defections leave bare bones ruling government BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Although the story began to unfold in late 2015, it was not until early 2016 that the full ex- tent of political defections from the ruling Progressives party were realized. As 2015 drew to a close, two Bodden Town MLAs, An- thony Eden and Alva Suckoo, an- nounced they were leaving the government coalition. Then in January 2016, an an- nouncement from George Town MLA Winston Connolly indicated that the independent legislative member would also be leaving the Progressives-led government caucus and joining the opposi- tion side of the House. Later in the year, Education Minister and independent West Bay MLA Tara Rivers staunched the bleeding as she announced she would remain on the gov- ernment benches. Early election speculation With just nine members on the ruling government bench, the Progressives-led coalition was left to consider whether it would seek to remain in power with the slimmest of majorities or call for elections ahead of the usual May 2017 date. Premier Alden McLaughlin, the Progressives party leader, said he would not speculate about what decisions the govern- ment might make. He indicated Christmas Day dip for baby turtles Turtle hatchlings found in a nest on Seven Mile Beach made their first swim on Christmas Day when Department of Environment staff and volunteers released them into the ocean. The department’s Lucy Collyer, pictured, was among those who excavated the nest and helped send the baby green sea turtles on their way. The nest was found by one of the volunteer patrol groups that monitor Cayman’s beaches during the annual nesting and hatching season. For more on this story, see page 2. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » TOP STORIES 2 0 1 6 PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » Happy New Year2 LOCAL&REGIONAL FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS Relax under the stars with a feast for 4 from Chicken! Chicken! or a Artisan Pizza from Cimboco. Relax under the stars From All of Our Sta New Years Eve Come And See The Fire Works BAREFOOT MAN & Sea N’ B Playing With Band No Cover Charge New Years Eve BAREFOOT MANBAREFOOT MANBAREFOOT MAN TOMORROW Saturday, December 31st with DJ Flex Free lessons with Kirk starting 9.30pm Every Tuesday FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR 50% Off Tapas and Selected Wines Harpist Extraordinaire Eugenio Leon Serenades Tableside TONIGHT Friday December 30th Serenades Tableside Starting live at 9:00pm Call 949-2231 or email: info@wharf.ky Baby turtles released on Christmas Day Record number of nests recorded this year Baby turtles that hatched over the Christmas holidays were released into the ocean on Christmas Day. The hatching near The Palms condo complex in West Bay is a late one, said Lucy Collyer of the Department of Environment. “It came as a surprise because we thought the nesting season had fin- ished,” she said. The turtle nesting season typically runs from May to November. The eggs found in West Bay were laid on Oct. 30. It usually takes 45 to 50 days for the eggs to hatch, Ms. Collyer said. In this in- stance, because the weather is cooler at this time of year, the incubation period was 26 days, she said. She and a group of friends and longtime vol- unteer Lorri Lamb released the baby turtles into the sea on the evening of Dec. 25. The eggs had started to hatch two days earlier. “We let them have two days to come out naturally on their own,” Ms. Collyer said. Then they excavated the nest to check whether any of the baby turtles remained inside. Baby turtles that make their way from a nest into the sea in daylight often fall prey to birds and fish be- cause the hatchlings are so visible against the white sandy bottom of the near shore. To give them a better chance of survival in their first foray in to the sea, vol- unteers usually collect the baby turtles once they emerge from the nest and keep them safe until releasing them into the ocean at night. “We release them from the same site [as the nest],” Ms. Collyer said. “We make sure that they get to walk down the beach and across the sand. “The whole process of coming up through the nest chamber and across the sand and down to the beach is how they orientate them- selves back to the beach [to lay their own eggs] in 20 to 25 years’ time.” Record nesting year So far this year, the De- partment of Environment noted a record 306 nests across Grand Cayman. Of those, 168 were nests of green sea turtles and 138 were of loggerhead turtles. The de- partment began keeping track of turtle nests in 1998. In Little Cayman, 90 nests were recorded – 34 green turtles, 54 loggerheads and two hawksbills. In Cayman Brac, 33 loggerhead nests and three green sea turtle nests were found. Interns and volunteers who patrol the beaches throughout the nest season logged 3,124 hours this year in Grand Cayman alone, ac- cording to Ms. Collyer. COLOMBIAN REBELS FEAR FOR SAFETY AFTER REJOINING SOCIETY MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP) – When Wilson Lopez lived in the jungle, he thought ci- vilian life in the city meant meeting people, walking the streets, having a job. But the former Colombian guerrilla was not able to do any of these things. Lopez went from a Rev- olutionary Armed Forces of Colombia jungle camp to prison and then to the streets of Medellin after receiving a pardon in Jan- uary. Since then, he has not been able to find a steady job or home, and could not go for stroll with his family in Medellin after he re- ceived death threats from a criminal group that said it did not want rebels in its territory. “I am in the mouth of the tiger,” said Lopez, who agreed to speak with The Associated Press inside a warehouse in the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province. He wore a cap pulled low over his face and was accompa- nied by a friend. Lopez was one of 30 rebel prisoners par- doned by the government of President Juan Manuel Santos as a confidence- building gesture to ad- vance peace talks with the FARC, as Latin America’s last major leftist guerrilla army is known. Lopez’s troubles integrating into ci- vilian life highlight the dif- ficulties that some 8,000 FARC guerrillas and 4,000 prisoners will face in re- joining society as part of the historic peace pact rat- ified by the country’s con- gress on Nov. 30. Experts say reinte- grating rebels may face an especially hostile wel- come in areas with high levels of crime and drug trafficking, and in areas that were previously under FARC control. Trust is difficult to build following a 52-year conflict characterized by brutality. Fighting be- tween guerrillas, right- wing paramilitaries and the armed forces has, ac- cording to government figures, left a toll of more than 220,000 dead, some 40,000 disappeared and over 5 million driven from their homes. SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED A 23-year-old George Town man was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of at- tempted murder in connection with a shooting outside Fete Night Club on Boxing Day. The suspect remained in police custody as of press time Thursday. Shortly before 4 a.m. on Dec. 26, police responded to a report of shots being fired outside Fete Night Club on West Bay Road. An 18-year-old man had received injuries from what appeared to be a number of gunshots. The suspects were said to have left the scene on a mo- torcycle, police stated in a press release. Around 10:45 p.m. the same night, a 31-year-old man standing outside Super C res- taurant in West Bay was also shot. Police reported that both men were in stable condition as of Wednesday morning. Police suspect the two shootings are related to gang activity. Anyone with information on the shootings is asked to contact the George Town CID at 949-4222. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the Miami-based call centre of Crime Stoppers at 800-8477(TIPS). Lucy Collyer, left, and Lorri Lamb excavate a turtle nest on Christmas Day. - PHOTO: JO EBERT HAKONSSONThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 Wishing all of our valued customers a FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ATFFRROMOMOMOM THE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTHE MANAGEMENTT AND STTTAFAFAFAFTAFTFFF AAAATTTTATAATA Wishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing alWishing allll of ou ou ou ouf oufrrrr vvalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued cusalued custttomeomeomeomeomeomerrrs a s a s a s a Wishing all of our valued customers a FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ATThe 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” FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS As 2016 comes to a close, let us pause on the threshold of the New Year and share our vision of what to expect from the Cayman Compass Editorial Board in 2017. Just like news articles, the topics of our opinion pieces are somewhat at the mercy of current events. Unlike news articles, however, our edito- rials do proceed according to certain predetermined themes – for example, the need for responsive and efficient government. Obviously, the predominant item on our agenda, at least for the first half of 2017, is the run-up to Election Day, May 27. Once our country’s population emerges from our winter holiday slumber next week, the “real” political campaign season will begin. We think it is worth stipulating that, while the election itself will comprise a series of contests among candidates vying to represent distinct districts, the focus of our editorials will be on issues, not individ- uals, and policies, not politics. While the new system of “one man, one vote” may tempt candidates to tailor their messages to their “mini-districts” of merely 1,000 voters apiece, the Compass will give priority to the interests of the Cayman Islands as a whole, rather than any particular island, district or neighborhood. In regard to party affiliation, the Compass has no affiliation. We will not favor, discriminate against or slant our coverage of any candidate according to their party, or lack thereof, whether they are aligned with the Progressives, Cayman Democratic Party, a new third party or are independent. In other words, we’re not interested in what color shirt a candidate wears, or who they share the stage with at a political rally; rather, once they step up to the microphone, what they say about issues of substance. First on our list is education. Successive govern- ments have allowed a generation of students to pass through Cayman’s public schools without holding them – or education officials – accountable for their perfor- mance. Amid an environment of effective segregation, where expatriates cannot attend government schools, Cayman’s education system has over time evolved into a two-tiered system, where the children of expatri- ates and wealthier Caymanians attend superior private schools, and Caymanians without the means attend inadequate government schools. Candidates who are committed to enacting whole- sale reform to education in Cayman — with the goal of ensuring every child (regardless of immigration status) in our country has access to world-class schools and teachers — will have our support on this issue. Other subjects are also important, for example the security of persons and property, individual freedoms, economic development, rational immigration policies, and the size and cost of the public sector. Each of those is an integral component of improving and sus- taining the quality of life in Cayman. And so, our hope going into the New Year, and for the years to come, is that Cayman will continue to be a place of prosperity and peace, and that our public and private sectors will work together to create ever- increasing opportunities for everyone. New Year’s list: Our editorial agenda for 2017 FROM THE WEB “‘Care boxes’ handed out in West Bay,” Dec. 28 I must congratulate Brent Hydes for all of the hard work and his achievements in helping people better their lives. Keep up the good work, Brent. The Lord will be great to you. Happy and healthy pros- perous New Year. Ron Clair Ebanks “Editorial cartoons: A ‘big draw’ for the Compass,” Dec. 28 I want to say a big THANK YOU for these very clever and well-drawn cartoons. Norman Linton “A decade of good deeds,” Dec. 23 Someone had said, “You begin saving the world by saving one person.” Find a minute to visit the Acts of Random Kindness Facebook page to express ap- preciation for all the work that they do. L. Bell “Dreaming of a bright Christmas,” Dec. 23 This is absolutely awe- some. I’ve never seen any- thing so beautiful in Cayman. Thanks to the Bodden sis- ters for sharing this spec- tacular viewing. Twyla Vargas “The unequal distribution of Cayman’s tourists,” Dec. 14 This is a great article. As a yearly tourist for the past 20 years, the things you express as desirable are exactly why we come back, and don’t go to other Caribbean Islands. Carl Mutschler LETTER TO THE EDITOR Mountains and marathons Having now run over the 2,000-mile mark for the year, I thought it appro- priate to give you a final up- date on this year’s challenge on behalf of the “Have a Heart” charity. As of now, 148 children have received life-saving/ changing surgery at Health City Cayman Islands. An- other three have been as- sessed but, fortunately, did not require such ur- gent treatment. Four of the children are from Cayman and the rest from the Ca- ribbean, Central and South America and other parts of the world. The tasks set this year have certainly been chal- lenging and I am grateful to the other athletes who took part, namely Rotarian Chris Bailey (Ironman, USA), Shane Delaney (Ironman, Barce- lona), and Vico Testori and Barry Yetton (with me on the Bolivian three peaks). These tasks were in addition to the two marathons and 50K “Off the Beaten Track” races that I completed. Other strong support came from past Rotary Pres- idents Chris Johnson (Trea- surer) and Brian Hurley together with Rotarians Lis- sette Anez (MM4HH web- site), Tim Bradley and Marcos Montana (liaison and support group). When one considers that it takes on average over $10,000 per child, the re- sponse from Cayman has been tremendous and from our Rotary club membership outstanding with donations of over $160,000, directly or indirectly, to the funds. I am also grateful to Her Excellency and Honorary Ro- tarian Governor Helen Kil- patrick for her continued pa- tronage and thanks again to all of you for the huge sup- port and encouragement. At this time of year there can be no greater present than helping to give the gift of life, and you have certainly been instrumental in pro- viding that to these children in desperate need. Thank you all, and I wish you a wonderful Christmas and the very best for 2017. Derek HainesThe islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 WWW.THEPROGRESSIVES.KY HAPPY NEW YEAR A bright new year is upon us. May 2017 bring each of you happiness, health and prosperity. THE PROGRESSIVES - Alden, Moses, Kurt, Marco, Wayne, Osbourne, Joey, Roy & Julianna6 OBITUARIES FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS In memoriam: Obituaries of 2016 Jamal Young Jamal Young, 45, passed away in Rochester, New York, on Jan. 19. An attorney in Cayman, he practiced internationally. He was completing studies for his master’s degree at Col- gate Rochester Crozer Di- vinity School. He was remembered fondly by members of the Cayman’s Flag Football Asso- ciation who saluted his par- ticipation as a player and as a coach, working espe- cially with the young people. He served multiple years on the association’s committee and also served for a time as president. Mr. Young’s family in- cludes a daughter in Grand Cayman. Vinola Ebanks Thatch artisan Ethel Vinola Ebanks will be re- membered for her spirit of dancing and the preser- vation of Caymanian cul- tural heritage. Miss Vinola, 86, died on Jan. 27. She learned thatch work growing up in West Bay. On Heritage Days in Cayman Brac, she could be seen plaiting, thatching and dis- playing her works. She moved to the Brac in 1946 and worked at the Buc- caneer Inn and the Brac Reef Hotel, and she worked in Little Cayman in the 1960s. She was recognized as an Ambassador of Tourism in 1994 and received the Cayman National Cultural Foundation Certificate of Creativity in 2013. Miss Vinola married Brac resident Charles Alson Ebanks in 1947. He passed away in October 2008. The couple had nine children. Kent Rankin Kent Rankin passed away on March 28 at his home in Bodden Town after battling cancer for two years. He was 71. Known to many as “Biggie,” he was a self-made businessman and a farmer. He launched his first com- pany in 1967, selling carpet and vinyl at Paramount Car- pets. Over the years the com- pany diversified to include Paramount Media and its two radio stations (Vibe 98.9 and Spin 94.9 FM), Mon- ster Media, Rankin’s Farm, Rankin’s Jerk Centre, Tech Marine Cayman, Supermix Concrete, The Achievement Centre, Phoenix Health Ser- vices, MoneyGram, and more. In 2012, Mr. Rankin was awarded the Order of the Cayman Islands at the grade of Commander and was named Farmer of the Year several times. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, eight children and their families. Claudia Ryan Claudia Louise Ryan passed away on April 4 at age 99, surrounded by family at Faith Hospital. She is remem- bered for her dedication and generosity to the church. Mrs. Ryan bought land several years ago for the new sanctuary at the Stake Bay church and donated the prop- erty to the church. “She was afraid she wouldn’t get to see the new church finished,” her son James said. But she did live to see the new sanc- tuary completed and had the opportunity to worship there. She also donated land for a parsonage to the Little Cayman Baptist Church. Mrs. Ryan, nee Bodden, was born on Little Cayman on July 29, 1917. In 1938, she married James A. Ryan of Cayman Brac and moved to the larger island. Her husband died in 2007. Mrs. Ryan is survived by two sons and a daughter. Faith Bush-Ebanks Cayman Islands Op- position Leader McKeeva Bush’s mother, Faith Mu- riel Bush-Ebanks, died on April 10 following a long ill- ness. She was 92. Mr. Bush, who became Cayman’s first premier under the 2009 Constitution Order, said his mother and stepfa- ther raised him in the late 1950s to early 1960s when times were much leaner and the British territory struggled with a population of fewer than 10,000. To make ends meet and help feed her family, Mrs. Bush-Ebanks worked as a housekeeper for the Far- rington family and its pa- triarch, William “Willie” Far- rington. In the mid-1960s as the tourism industry began to develop, she took various jobs at Cayman hotels, often working two shifts a day. “She was very indepen- dent, a very hardworking woman,” Mr. Bush said. “She would get up at 4 a.m., do her housework, then go to work and work two jobs.” She worked in the hotel industry until the early 1990s when a heart ailment and back surgery forced her to re- tire. Mr. Bush said she was wheelchair-bound since the mid-1990s because of health difficulties. Mrs. Bush-Ebanks is survived by two sons and four daughters. John Shaw High school student and Cadet Corps member John Shaw passed away April 16 from an asthma at- tack on Seven Mile Public Beach. He was 16. He was known to his family, teachers and at the Cadet Corps as shy, friendly, funny and dependable. He wanted to be a pilot and had a bright future ahead of him, family members said. He had hoped to go to Cayman Airways for work ex- perience once he finished at John Gray High School. He had been with the Cadet Corps the morning be- fore his death, volunteering with the cleanup project for Earth Day. His commander said John mentored younger cadets and was always willing to help out. Eve Flowers Eve Flowers, commu- nity volunteer and organizer of the popular Flowers Sea Swim, passed away on April 20 after a year-long battle with leukemia. She was 62. A community mom for many kids after school, she became a lead facilitator of the Youth 2 Youth pro- gram, an initiative aimed at keeping students from using drugs. She continued to vol- unteer even after her chil- dren graduated. She was also a board member of Cayman Against Substance Abuse. As a board member at the Li- brary Redevelopment Com- mittee in George Town, she raised money to help build a new library. While her children were still in grade school, Mrs. Flowers continued to sup- port the family business by organizing the Flowers Sea Swim, the annual open- water charity swim. She was also an avid property devel- oper and landlord for several apartment buildings. Mrs. Flowers was an ac- tive member of the Church of God (Universal), hosting events and visiting mem- bers during conventions. She is survived by her husband, Frank, two children and three grandchildren. Maureen Andersen Berry Artist and teacher Mau- reen Andersen was born in Derby, England. She began her formal art training at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and received her art teacher’s diploma from the Art Institute of Education, also in London. She made her way to Cayman to be a school teacher in 1976. “I had been to Cayman and the Sister Islands be- fore that and found they were all lovely in a different way,” she said in an interview ear- lier this year. She taught at John Gray High School and was head of the art department at the middle school. She also taught at Cayman Brac High School before retiring in 1991 at age 60. Since that time she painted and drew the land- scapes of faraway places, but her main love was for the Brac. She opened a gal- lery there before moving back to Grand Cayman, where she opened a little studio in West Bay called Galleria Marianne for her oil and watercolor paintings. Her paintings can also be found in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. Mrs. Berry died on May 13 at age 87. She is survived by a son in Grand Cayman and a daughter in England. Cline Glidden Sr. Cline Glidden Sr., a mer- chant marine for more than 40 years, and who served as Serjeant at Arms of the Legislative Assembly for 15 years, passed away on June 27 at his home in West Bay. He was 91. He was the longest serving Serjeant at Arms for the Legislative Assembly, su- pervising security, order and ceremony in the House from 1987 to 2002. Notable events during that time were the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1994, and the swearing-in of his son, Cline Jr., as an MLA. Before his service in the House, he spent 42 years as a merchant marine, attaining a master mariner certificate that licensed him to captain ships of any tonnage. In addition to his son and family, Mr. Glidden is sur- vived by his wife Eula. Joris Poldervaart Joris Poldervaart was born on Sept. 24, 1929, in Vlaardingen, Holland. After World War II, he went to sea, eventually working on ships in the company of Bergman Dilbert, a Caymanian, when both sailed on the Bay Line ships out of Miami. On a trip to Kingston, Jamaica, he was introduced to Pauline Ritch through Mr. Dilbert. Joris and Pauline married and then lived in Nassau, Bahamas, until they moved to Cayman in 1969. He pio- neered retail sporting goods in the Cayman Islands and established the store known as Sportsland in Grand Cayman in 1971. He introduced martial arts to the Cayman Islands, starting a karate school and bringing in the art of tae kwon do. He served the com- munity as a volunteer with the Cayman Islands Red Cross and as a special con- stable. After he and his wife moved to Cayman Brac, he was an active member of the Veterans and Seamen’s Society there. Mr. Poldevaart died June 28 at the age of 86. He is sur- vived by his wife, a daughter and his extended family. Yves-Jacques Rey-Millet Photographer Yves- Jacques Rey-Millet passed away on June 30 at the age of 70. Born of French parents, he was schooled in Switzerland and adopted Swiss nation- ality. Yves-Jacques and his first wife, Ann-Marie, came to Cayman in the mid-1970s and built a house at Bat’s Cave in Cayman Brac. In 1982, Governor Peter Lloyd introduced him to Pa- tricia Bradley and suggested their collaboration on a Cayman bird book. It led to the first photographic field guide for birds. Illustrated with photographs rather than drawings and paint- ings, the book set a precedent and is now part of an inter- national series published by Bloomsbury. At the time of his death, he and Mrs. Bradley were working on a book of Cuban birds with Arturo Kirkconnell. His col- laborators have promised to finish it in his memory. Mr. Rey-Millet is sur- vived by his wife Alex- andra and a son. Thomas Russell Thomas Russell, who served as Cayman’s third governor, between 1974 and PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » Jamal YoungVinola EbanksKent RankinClaudia Ryan Thomas Ewart Ebanks John Shaw Eve FlowersCline GliddenJoris PoldervaartYves-Jacques Rey-Millet7 OBITUARIES CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 1981, died on July 4 in Scot- land. He was 96. Mr. Russell, widely ac- knowledged as one of Cay- man’s most respected gover- nors, also served as Cayman’s territorial representative in the U.K. after his term in the governor’s office ended. He served as Cayman’s repre- sentative in London between 1982 and 2000, helping es- tablish what is today the Cayman Islands London Office. He also founded the Cayman Islands Vet- erans Association. He was awarded the Order of the British Em- pire (1963), Commander of the British Empire (1970) and the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (1980). In 2012, Prince Philip appointed Mr. Russell as “vice president for life” of the Royal Commonwealth Ex- Services League. Mr. Russell’s term as gov- ernor was extended three times, and eventually led to his serving seven years in of- fice. He was Cayman’s lon- gest-serving governor. Mary McCoy Mary Delrose McCoy, nee Scott, was born on Aug. 18, 1936. She attended school in Spot Bay, Cayman Brac, and helped her mother care for her younger siblings. She was an active member of the church where her fa- ther was pastor. Mary married Samson Sylvester McCoy of Cayman Brac in 1956. After the fourth of their six children was born, Mr. McCoy decided to settle from his life as a seaman. He was offered a job in Little Cayman and Miss Mary, as she was known, remained in Cayman Brac while the chil- dren attended school. The McCoy family was active in the establish- ment of Pirate’s Point Re- sort after Sam had a stint at the Southern Cross Club, and in 1983 they established Sam McCoy’s Fishing & Diving Lodge, now known as McCoy’s Lodge. Mary and Sam worked side by side, and McCoy’s Lodge became known for its delivery of Caymanian ser- vice to locals, fishermen and divers from all around the world, and a place where you could buy propane, gas- oline and diesel. Mary was the primary chef, as well as accommodations operator, bookkeeper, concierge and is- land tour guide. Mary loved music and played several instruments, including guitar, accor- dion, piano, organ and horn. She was known for always being perfectly groomed and dressed for any occa- sion, with matching jewelry, styled black hair and fash- ionable makeup. A widow for six years, Miss Mary died on Sept. 13. She is survived by her chil- dren and their families. Thomas Ewart Ebanks Thomas Ewart Ebanks was born in West Bay on Aug. 28, 1920. He attended the all- age school in Boatswains Bay until he was 13. On comple- tion of his schooling, he went to the Mosquito Cays to catch turtles and for shark fishing for the shark-skin trade with the United States. In between those trips, he was farming. When World War II began, he signed up as a member of the Cayman contingent and joined the Trinidad Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was a member of a regi- ment repairing ships and was then assigned to a pa- trol vessel looking for enemy submarines. He also served on a minesweeper and on a rescue tug. After the war he returned home and started to do con- struction work, but then trav- eled to the United States and was hired by the Suwannee Shipping Co., working on their ships until November 1948. He later worked for two other shipping companies. On Dec. 27, 1949, he married Edith Orrett; they had four daughters and three sons, one of whom predeceased him. In 1958, he ended his sea- man’s career and went into construction. From his skilled carpentry, he enjoyed making replica schooners. He was also a barber with a dedi- cated clientele and continued to cut hair until he was 95. Mr. Ewart was an active member of the Cayman Is- lands Veterans Associa- tion. On Heroes Day, Jan. 24, 2011, he and other surviving veterans of World War II were given the most presti- gious “Commander, Medal of Honour” Award. He died on Sept. 14 at age 96. He is survived by his wife, children and their families. Martin Winston Bodden Sr. Martin Winston Bodden Sr. was born on Sept. 23, 1930. He went to sea with National Bulk Carriers at an early age. After ending his seafar- er’s life, he joined the Fire Services Department in 1960 and served in Cayman Brac as Senior Fire Officer from 1974 to 1976. He retired after 26 years and was hired at the Civil Aviation Department as airport maintenance of- ficer with responsibility for all the airport grounds and buildings. He was a Special Constable with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Ser- vice for more than 20 years. Following his retire- ment, he worked at the Tower Building as a security of- ficer and later continued at the Glass House; his second retirement was in 1995. In 2002 he was hired for cus- tomer service support at A. L. Thompson’s on North Sound Way and later at the Country- side branch in Savannah. His final retirement was in 2008 when he was 78. Mr. Bodden passed away on Oct. 17 at 86 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie Mae, six sons, three daughters and their families. Vernon L. Jackson Vernon L. Jackson, mar- riage officer, educator and longtime civil servant, passed away on Oct. 23. He was 87. Born on Dec. 18, 1928, he embraced education as he grew up, going to college at a time when most boys left school at 14. In 1945, he went to the Mico Training College in Jamaica to study to be- come a teacher. He returned in 1948 and was posted to the West Bay Primary School as assistant head teacher under Beulah Smith. In 1951, while teaching in West Bay, he met and mar- ried another Bodden Towner, Francine. In 1953, the couple moved their family back to Bodden Town, where Mr. Jackson served as headmaster until 1964, when he succeeded Clifton Hunter as director of education. Mr. Jackson held several positions in the civil service and also served as ad- ministrative secretary for Ed- ucation and Social Services. He oversaw the transition of secondary education from the Presbyterian Church to gov- ernment and the introduc- tion of comprehensive edu- cation. At one stage he was supervisor of elections. When the family moved back to West Bay in 1968, he became involved in commu- nity and church activities and served as a lay preacher. He received a Lifetime Achieve- ment Award from the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Mr. Jackson was a charter member and past president of the original Rotary Club; one of the founding mem- bers and president of the Gun Club; and served on the Parole Board for 17 years. He was awarded the OBE for services to his community in 1984. After retiring from the civil service, he became a mar- riage officer and co-founded Cayman Weddings, per- forming more than 4,500 wed- ding ceremonies over 30 years. Mr. Jackson is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and their families. Michael A. “Mike” Brown Businessman Mike Brown passed away on Dec. 17 at age 68. Mr. Brown had been ill for some time, but the night before he died he spent happily at a family gath- ering, relatives reported. Mr. Brown came to Cayman from Jamaica in 1972 and started Mike’s Ice, the island’s first ice plant, that same year. He built the Mirco Center on North Sound Road in 2001, moving Mike’s Ice and Re- frigeration there and renting out other units. He was also proprietor of two gas sta- tions and co-founder of Is- land Waste Carriers. He is survived by his wife, Joanne, a son, two daughters and their families. In memoriam: Obituaries of 2016 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Vernon JacksonMike Brown Notable obituaries worldwide, 2016 David Bowie David Bowie, 69, died on Jan. 10. The other-worldly musician who broke pop and rock boundaries with his creative musician- ship, striking visuals and a genre-spanning persona he christened Ziggy Stardust. Boutros Boutros-Ghali Boutros Boutros-Ghali, 93, died on Feb. 16. An Egyp- tian diplomat who served as United Nations secretary- general in the early 1990s, faced genocides in Rwanda and Bosnia, and was denied a second term due to friction with President Bill Clinton’s administration. Harper Lee American author Harper Lee, 89, died on Feb. 19. Her book “To Kill a Mockingbird” was voted the best novel of the 20th century. Nancy Reagan Nancy Reagan, 94, died on March 4. The former actress and first lady who nurtured the political career of hus- band Ronald Reagan. Prince Prince, 57, died on April 12. One of the most in- fluential musicians of modern times with hits in- cluding “Little Red Cor- vette,” “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry.” Roger Enrico Roger Enrico, 71. As Pep- siCo CEO, he used a spon- sorship deal with Michael Jackson to almost pull even in the marketplace with Coca-Cola. Died on June 1 while snorkeling in the Cayman Islands, where he had a home. Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali, 74, died on June 3. The brash, fleet- footed heavyweight boxing champion whose charisma transcended sports and made him a global symbol of social change. Arnold Palmer Arnold Palmer, 87, died on Sept. 25. Golfing great who brought a country-club sport to the masses with a hard- charging style, charisma and a commoner’s touch. A Palmer-branded Ironwood golf course is being planned for Grand Cayman. Shimon Peres Shimon Peres, 93, died on Sept. 28. Architect of Is- rael’s defense establishment; tireless advocate for Middle East peacemaking. Bhumibol Adulyadej Bhumibol Aduly- adej, 88, died on Oct. 13. American-born King of Thai- land whose reign lasted seven decades and capti- vated a nation. Leonard Cohen Leonard Cohen, 82, died on Nov. 7. Baritone-voiced Canadian singer-songwriter who blended spirituality and sexuality in songs like “Hallelujah,” “Suzanne” and “Bird on a Wire.” Fidel Castro Fidel Castro, 90, died on Nov. 25. Led rebel forces to wrest control of Cuba from Fulgencio Batista in 1959, then established a commu- nist regime that survived the collapse of the Soviet Union. John Glenn John Glenn, 95, died on Dec. 8. Celebrated as a national hero after be- coming the first U.S. astro- naut to orbit Earth; repre- sented Ohio in the Senate for 24 years. George Michael George Michael, 53, died on Dec. 25. Musician who shot to stardom at an early age in the teen duo WHAM! and moved smoothly into a solo career. © 2016, The Washington Post and Associated Press David Bowie in 1990Prince in 2007Muhammad Ali in 1974Arnold Palmer in 2007Fidel Castro in 1974George Michael in 20078 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 • CAYMAN COMPASS 183102-Ad-Sponsors-JrPg.indd 112/28/16 12:14 PM Businessman fined for stealing dive gear CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com An American busi- nessman whose family has been coming to Cayman for 30 years was convicted and fined in Summary Court Wednesday, when he pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from a George Town dive shop. Andrew Stone, 48, ad- mitted stealing a diving reg- ulator and BCD (buoyancy compensator device) jacket with a combined value of CI$2,000, plus another reg- ulator valued at US$800, from Don Foster’s Dive Shop on South Church Street on Thursday, Dec. 22. Defense attorney John Meghoo asked that a convic- tion not be recorded against Stone, saying his client was a businessman who traveled to various countries, so a con- viction could lead to travel consequences. Magistrate Kirsty-Ann Gunn said that for a first of- fense of this type, the sen- tence would normally be a financial penalty. Mr. Meghoo asked for costs to be im- posed rather than a fine so that Stone could keep his good name. “Think of it this way,” the magistrate said. “If a Cay- manian went to the U.S. and committed this of- fense, would you expect him to be charged, convicted and sentenced?” “There are no good rea- sons not to record a convic- tion,” she concluded. The CI$1,734 fine she im- posed was based on the replacement value of the stolen items, which were re- covered and returned to their owners. The fine included a one-third deduction for the guilty pleas. Stone was re- quired to pay by 2:30 p.m. so that he could leave on a flight later the same day. Crown counsel Dar- lene Oko explained that Stone went to the dive shop with two other people on Thursday, Dec. 22. The fol- lowing day, an employee and another man discovered that items were missing from a room where equipment is kept on a drying rack. The men complained to the man- ager and CCTV from the pre- vious day was reviewed. The defendant was seen going into the room and then leaving with the dive equip- ment before rejoining the group as they were making their dive preparations. Police were called and given the name and address provided by the man seen on camera. When officers lo- cated Stone, he took them to his car to show him his dive equipment. The officers saw other equipment and asked about it. Stone said that was the first time he was seeing it and he did not know how it got into his vehicle. Arrested and interviewed, he denied stealing anything. Shown the CCTV, he said, “No comment.” Mr. Meghoo told the court that Stone started diving in Cayman when he was 18. His parents own a condo here and family members met in Cayman for the holiday. Stone was to have left on Christmas Day. Stone admitted taking the items was a silly piece of misjudgment and that he took them without thought of the consequences. The attorney said Stone apologized to the court, to the owners of the equipment and to Don Foster’s Dive Shop. He was very embar- rassed, but hoped to return to Cayman to dive. Ms. Oko pointed out that the defendant was a busi- nessman. She questioned how he could not accept the im- pact of his thefts on a small business in the Cayman Is- lands, given the $3,000 value of the items he would have got away with. The magistrate began her sentencing remarks by agreeing that the stolen goods were not of low value. The defendant asked to speak and pointed out that the items were used and he be- lieved the reported value was grossly inflated and the ac- tual value was negligible. The magistrate indicated she was referring to the re- placement cost, which was not a trifling amount. Drones, fireworks could pose threat to planes That new drone Santa de- livered for Christmas and the traditional lanterns and fire- works could pose problems for planes at Owen Roberts International Airport. The Civil Aviation Au- thority issued a warning that the holiday festivities could land someone in trouble with the law for flying a drone or shooting off fireworks too close to the airport. Fireworks are not al- lowed within three nautical miles of the airport or under the approach and departure flight paths without coordi- nating with the CAA. For drones, the basic rule is, no flying within three nautical miles of the air- port on all three islands. There is also a no-fly zone within one nautical mile of Northward prison. A statement from the CAA notes that drone op- erators need to be careful of other air traffic, such as the Mosquito Research and Control Unit spray plane and helicopters operated by the police and Cayman Is- lands Helicopters. Airport rules also ban flying kites more than 100 feet off the ground within three nautical miles of the airport. Outside of that area, kites are allowed to be flown up to 200 feet. “Not only is there a risk that the body of the kite could damage the aircraft or be ingested by a jet engine with possibly catastrophic results, but the control lines, sometimes made of high ten- sile steel wire on perfor- mance aerobatic models, can pose a significant hazard to propeller driven aircraft,” the CAA said in its statement. The CAA also warns about sky lanterns. “Unlike other forms of recreational and celebratory activities … which can be controlled from the ground, sky lanterns cannot be con- trolled once released, and the larger lanterns, some of which exceed 4 feet in height and diameter, are able to climb in the pre- vailing wind to a height of several thousands of feet,” the CAA said. There is no legislation that governs the use of lan- terns, but the regulator asks people to be careful when re- leasing lanterns and to be mindful of air traffic around the airports. Fireworks are not allowed within three nautical miles of the airport or under the approach and departure flight paths without coordinating with the CAA.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2016 In Memoriam: Ornon C. Whittaker "He had a nature you could not help loving And a heart that was purer than gold And to those who knew him and loved him His memory will never grow cold." Sadly Missed for 10 years, since Jan. 1, 2007- Gwenivere Winsome, Clyde, Mackie, Kathryn, Fay Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren; Brothers, Sisters and an Extended Family of Nieces, Nephews, Employees, Friends, Associates, Old Fishermen and Schoolchildren. "One Day At A Time" In Memoriam: Ornon C. Whittaker In Memoriam: Ornon C. Whittaker Winsome, Clyde, Mackie, Kathryn, Fay Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren; Brothers, Sisters and an Extended Family of Nieces, Nephews, Employees, Friends, Associates, Old Fishermen and Schoolchildren. "One Day At A Time" Sarah Lucille Ebanks December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006 Happy 10th Birthday in Heaven You were such an important person in our lives-one of the few people who cared so much and expected so little in return. We could always count on you as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. You went out of your way to make our lives happier and the little things you did meant so much to us. You had such a big heart, fi lled with kindness and love. We were so lucky and blessed to have had you in our lives. We will forever be grateful to GOD for you. Sadly missed, lovingly remembered. Your husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Karen, Crafton and Sarrina. Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, son-in-law Ken and special family friend Denise. December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006 our husband James, children - Lester, Jil, our husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, our husband James, children - Lester, Jil, our husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, our husband James, children - Lester, Jil, our husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your husband James, children - Lester, Jil, YYour husband James, children - Lester, Jil, YYour husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Y Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, YYYour husband James, children - Lester, Jil, our husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your husband James, children - Lester, Jil, YYour husband James, children - Lester, Jil, YYour husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Your husband James, children - Lester, Jil, Y Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, Your grandchildren, great grandchildren, December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006December 30, 1934 – December 18, 2006 North Side and East End Kaibo in North Side, like Camana Bay, has two fire- works shows scheduled. The first is at 8:30 p.m. and the second is at midnight. Off the coast of East End, revelers will be treated to a night sky full of light and color, courtesy of Tukka Res- taurant, Morritt’s Resort and the Wyndham Reef Resort. Straight to the source When it comes to pro- fessional fireworks displays, Graham Rankine, owner of Cayman Firepower Dis- play, is the man of the hour; or rather, the minutes. He is running five shows on New Year’s Eve, which, thanks to modern technology, can be initiated remotely from land. However, this also adds an element of chance. When asked if he is ever nervous about a big night like New Year’s Eve, he re- plied, “I’m always a little nervous, even if it’s a small show, because the whole op- eration is wireless. “If I light a firework with a torch, I know it will light! [laughs] But this is com- puters, you know? “I have a very so- phisticated system and, touch wood, it hasn’t let me down yet.” to the Cayman Compass that dissolving parliament and calling for early gen- eral elections was an option that might have been taken if the current government lost one more member. It never did. Predictions of a difficult road ahead for the government were made by Opposition party leader McKeeva Bush in late January. “It will be hell for [Pre- mier McLaughlin] in the next year with barely no backbench,” Mr. Bush said. “We will be a formidable group for him to face. The official opposition, the in- dependents and [MLAs] Ezzard [Miller] and Arden [McLean] are not weaklings, even when we must con- sider the country first.” Independents meet with governor Opposition indepen- dent members of the Leg- islative Assembly, including Mr. McLean, Mr. Miller, Mr. Suckoo and Mr. Eden, met with Governor Helen Kil- patrick, who would have been required to approve the call for early elections if one had been made and no party was able to gain a majority of assembly seats. The independents were adamantly opposed to the prospect of elections before May 2017 and in- tended to tell Ms. Kilpatrick about their views. “We think it’s ridicu- lous and none of us sup- port it,” said Bodden Town MLA Alva Suckoo of the prospect of a 2016 vote, which would likely have to have been held under the former multimember dis- trict voting system, not the single-member dis- tricts lawmakers agreed to last year. In the end, speculation about an early general elec- tion fizzled and the date of May 24, 2017 seemed likely to hold as the year drew to a close. Productive meetings The government also managed to host two of its most productive Legislative Assembly meetings ever in the latter half of 2016, passing some 40 separate pieces of legislation. Mr. McLaughlin’s Pro- gressives-led coalition still maintains a slim majority, with 10 out of 18 elected Legislative Assembly mem- bers. That majority in- cludes Speaker of the House Juliana O’Connor- Connolly who does not get a vote except in the case of a tie-breaker. 2016, it grew by 98 percent. Ms. Haakonsson said keeping the population at current levels would be a challenge. “This will require an in- tense and very large effort. We know what was involved to remove 19,000 iguanas, and we need to aim to re- move 350,000 or more each year just to keep the popula- tion stable,” she said. She said it is unlikely that all iguanas will be erad- icated, which means that culling would need to con- tinue over several years. No specific program has been proposed at this stage, but the Department of En- vironment expects to make recommendations in the new year through the National Conservation Council. “It is clear this will likely require a dedicated team of trained individuals working to [a] multiyear plan,” said Ms. Haakonsson. “At the moment, we would aim to simply ‘maintain’ the green iguana population at its current level and only take out annual growth. Even this will be a difficult task and extremely costly and will require a much higher level of funding than previ- ously requested.” Until then, the depart- ment will focus its re- sources on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, where the green iguana invasion is in its infancy. “We are likely to concen- trate on biosecurity on the Sister Islands to prevent the green iguanas from getting to the scale of problem they are here,” she said. “It is not too late for the Sister Islands, but it is critical to act now.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Where to see New Year’s Eve fireworks IGUANA POPULATION SURVEY ■■ 2014 ..................127,660 ■■ 2015 ..................203,980 ■■ 2016 ..................404,248 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Iguana population doubles in a year Three defections leave bare bones ruling government CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The estimated population of adult green iguanas in Grand Cayman is 404,000. - PHOTO: MATT LAMERS Mr. McLaughlin’s Progressives-led coalition still maintains a slim majority, with 10 out of 18 elected Legislative Assembly members. US poised to respond to Russia’s election hacking WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. of- ficials are expected to an- nounce an imminent re- sponse, including sanctions, for Russia’s interference in the U.S. presidential election by hacking American political sites and email accounts – an effort that ensures action be- fore President-elect Donald Trump takes office. In a late-breaking devel- opment Thursday, the Associ- ated Press reported that the U.S. planned to kick out 35 Russian intelligence opera- tives, and shutter two Rus- sian compounds in response to the hacking. Sanctions against Russia or its government officials would tighten the economic screws on an already heavily sanctioned country and could also further aggravate tensions between Moscow and Washington. The move also would put Trump in the position of having to decide whether to roll back the measures once in office and could potentially cause diffi- culties for his nominees during their confirmation hearings in the Senate, where support for sanctioning Russia is strong. “We have to sanction Russia for these cyberattacks (and) send a clear message to the incoming administration that there is a lot of bipartisan sup- port in Congress for going after this,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D- Minnesota, told The Associated Press by phone from Latvia while on a trip to discuss se- curity issues, including cyber- security, with eastern European allies. She said lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were in favor of quick action. Klobuchar joined Sens. John McCain, R-Arizona, and Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, in their visits to the Baltic states, Ukraine and Georgia – all Russian neigh- bors – as well as Montenegro. Russia responded angrily in anticipation of the an- nouncement and suggested it might retaliate against Amer- ican diplomats. Russian For- eign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called it a last blow by President Barack Obama to U.S.-Russia relations and added, “We are tired of lies about Russian hackers that continue to be spread in the United States from the very top.”Next >