ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 High of 78 Low of 70 Seas: Rough with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet. Small craft should exercise caution over open water. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 A ‘CRITICAL REPORT’ ON GOVERNMENT AND HEALTHCARE WORLD | PAGE 8 UK SAYS TRUMP VISIT STILL ON AMID OUTCRY OVER TRAVEL BAN 183410_PRINT-Butterfield-6colx1*Page 1 1/13/17 1:10:47 PM AG review slams public sector finances with ‘adverse’ opinion BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com For the second consecutive year, the Cayman Islands government’s attempt to com- plete an audit of public sector finances has re- ceived a failing grade from the auditor gen- eral’s office. According to a quarterly report released Monday, government’s entire public sector fi- nances for the 2014/15 budget year have been reviewed and given an “adverse” opinion. That means the figures presented, while able to be audited, had significant errors or gaps in information. The review of the entire public sector fi- nances for the civil service, as well as the 26 public authorities managed by govern- ment, was completed on Dec. 7, 2016 and has not been made available in the Legisla- tive Assembly. The public sector also received an ad- verse opinion for its 2013/14 budget year audit as well. According to Auditor General Sue Win- spear’s quarterly report, an agreement has been made on releasing the 2014/15 entire public sector audit in conjunction with a progress report on the public sector’s 2015/16 financial reporting. “It will touch on the 2014/15 year end po- sition, but focus on the current 2015/16 po- sition,” Ms. Winspear said. “It will bring out the key themes and actions that would im- prove further financial management and fi- nancial reporting in the Cayman Islands public sector.” All previous attempts to audit the fi- nances of Cayman’s entire public sector were disclaimed, meaning auditors could not make sense of the information provided. The auditor general’s office has said in re- cent months that most individual government agencies are submitting far better quality fi- nancial statements than they ever have under the accrual accounting system Cayman has used since 2004. Most entities are ei- ther receiving “clean” audit opinions or au- dits with just a few missing pieces of neces- sary information. “[There is a] general trend of continued JURY SELECTED IN SYED TRIAL JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A seven-person jury was selected Monday for the trial of Hassan Syed, the former presi- dent of the University College of the Cayman Islands, who is accused of stealing from his former employer. Syed is accused of stealing or fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 from his former employer during his time at the helm of the college between 2006 and 2008. He was arrested in Switzerland in November 2013 in connection with the alleged offenses and has been on bail awaiting trial since then. Syed denies the offenses. He formally en- tered not guilty pleas in February 2015 to 13 charges, including allegations of theft, ob- taining a pecuniary advantage by deception and obtaining money order by deception. Those charges included allegations that he falsely claimed to have a doctorate to get the position as president of UCCI. It is also alleged that he used his UCCI credit card for a series of fraudulent expenses, and that he bought a US$20,000 Mitsubishi from Tony’s Toys using a UCCI check, ac- cording to the indictment read out at the Feb- ruary 2015 hearing. Other charges include fraudulently ob- taining a $70,000 salary advance from the col- lege, falsely claiming official travel expenses for family members, and buying bathroom cabinets on his UCCI credit card. 2017 election could eclipse candidate record BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Although the total number of candidates who will contest the May 24 vote probably will not be known until nomination day, March 29, it is easily possible that a new record number of po- litical hopefuls could be set. As of Friday, the total number of either declared or poten- tial candidates tallied by the Cayman Compass for the gen- eral election was 61. The largest number of candidates ever to stand for election in the Cayman Islands is 57, according to elections office records. That number has been achieved in two contests: in November 2000 and in May 2013, the last general election on the islands. With 19 single-member con- stituent districts open to candi- dates for the first time, multiple candidacies have already been declared in some of the districts. For instance, in George Town Hats ‘Gone Wild’ The National Trust’s Hatitude gala, with the theme ‘Gone Wild,’ featured many exotic creations, including those worn by, from left, Tanya Foster, Stephanie Wight, Lisa Robertson and Tracy Swartz, at Grand Old House on Sunday. Proceeds from the Trust’s largest fundraiser of the year help provide presentations, field trips and a range of other tours, workshops and activities for residents and visitors. – PHOTO: MAGGIE JACKSON PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 • 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. - TUESDAY - RESIDENT EVIL 3D (R) 12:30 | 3:50 2D | 7:00 | 9:55 2D A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG) 12:40 | 4:00 | 6:55 | 9:50 MONSTER TRUCKS 3D (PG) 12:45 | 4:15 2D | 6:50 | 9:45 2D LIVE BY NIGHT (R) 12:50 | 3:40 | 6:40 | 9:40 UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS (R) 3:55 | 10:00 LA LA LAND (PG13) 12:35 | 7:05 Life Extension Gym and Sauna 949-3753 “The right environment for you ” Miss Cayman Islands Monyque Brooks wears a dress designed by Sherri Hill and footwear by Chinese Laundry, left, and competes in her evening gown at the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines. Iris Mittenaere of France was crowned Miss Universe on Sunday; Miss Haiti was first runner-up, and Miss Colombia was second runner-up. For the full story, see page 15. Miss Cayman Islands at Miss Universe No bail application made, matter sent to Grand Court CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Terrence Tex Bryan, 30, ap- peared in Summary Court on Monday, charged with rob- bery in connection with an incident that occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday. Details of the charge are that Bryan and another person unknown, in the vi- cinity of Elmslie Memorial Church on Harbour Drive, stole a 14-karat gold chain and a “Rasta” chain from a named female, and at the time of doing so and in order to do so, used force on her. Bryan, of a Bodden Town address, is further charged with handling stolen goods – that on Jan. 28 he handled a Yamaha motorbike, knowing or believing it was stolen. He was also charged with possession of an unspecified amount of ganja, plus con- sumption of ganja. Defense attorney Lee Hal- liday-Davis told Magistrate Valdis Foldats that no papers in the case had been served, and she was not making any bail application at this time. Senior Crown counsel Candia James agreed that rob- bery is a charge that can be dealt with only in the Grand Court. Both the robbery and handling charges were trans- mitted to the higher court, where they will be mentioned on Feb. 24. The drug charges will be mentioned in Sum- mary Court on the same date. The magistrate told Bryan he could apply for bail in the Grand Court. A press release issued by police early Monday stated that two women were in the church parking lot near their car when two men ap- proached them and de- manded their valuables. The women struggled with the men, and one woman was al- legedly punched. Man charged in weekend robbery Ex-MLA Solomon to launch campaign BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Former United Demo- cratic Party backbencher Ellio Solomon will an- nounce his candidacy for the May 24 general election Tuesday night. Mr. Solomon is not ex- pected to contest the up- coming election as a member of his former party, now known as the Cayman Democratic Party. “I will not be running with either of the two major parties,” he said. “I will be running [with] and supporting other can- didates who have this country and its people’s best interests at heart.” It is believed Mr. Sol- omon will receive sup- port from Dr. Steve Tom- linson, who is backing a number of other candi- dates around the country, including announced can- didates and others who are expected to announce in the coming weeks. Mr. Solomon released a video to supporters Monday, stating he would be a candidate for George Town West – one of seven single-member constituen- cies set up in George Town district under Cayman’s new voting maps for 2017. Mr. Solomon urged all voters to attend as many public meetings as pos- sible in the run-up to the campaign so they could make a fully informed deci- sion on May 24. “One of the most funda- mental decisions you can make in your life is actually choosing who you’re going to vote for in a general elec- tion,” Mr. Solomon said in the video release. Mr. Solomon is one of several former UDP/ CDP government mem- bers who are not seeking re-election with the party this time around. Former UDP Minister Mark Scotland has said he will be sitting out the 2017 election altogether. Mean- while, former Bodden Town UDP members Chris Saun- ders and Dwayne Seymour are expected to run in the May election as indepen- dent candidates. Ellio Solomon “One of the most fundamental decisions you can make in your life is actually choosing who you’re going to vote for in a general election.” ELLIO SOLOMON Formerly Brazil’s richest man RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Police arrested a businessman who was once Brazil’s richest man on corruption charges on Monday, as a string of newly approved plea bar- gains threatened to draw more top politicians and executives into a mas- sive graft probe. Federal police said Eike Batista was taken into cus- tody when he landed in Rio de Janeiro on a flight from New York, four days after authorities found him missing from his home here. The prosecutor’s office said in a statement that American police had been monitoring Batista over the weekend, right up until the moment the door to his flight closed and they confirmed he was on board. Batista, who is famous for having amassed and then lost a multibillion-dollar for- tune, is accused of paying bribes to former Rio de Ja- neiro state Gov. Sergio Ca- bral, apparently to gain advantage in landing govern- ment contracts. Images on television Monday showed the former tycoon, with his head shaved and clutching a pillow, leaving the jail he was taken to after his arrest. The of- fice of Fernando Martins, his lawyer, confirmed that Ba- tista was being transferred to another jail to await trial. His arrest is part of an investigation into the laun- dering and hiding of about $100 million in foreign bank accounts. Prosecutors al- lege that nearly $80 mil- lion of that belonged to Ca- bral, who is facing several corruption charges and was jailed last year. Batista told Brazilian TV he was returning “to help clean things up.” He declined to comment on the charges. Meanwhile, plea bargains in separate cases threaten to implicate other key business and political leaders in the biggest corruption probe in Brazil’s history, an investiga- tion that has already shaken the nation’s power structure. Supreme Court pres- ident Carmen Lucia on Monday validated 77 plea bargains with officials from the Odebrecht construc- tion company, which was one of the main players in a kickback scheme cen- tered on the state’s Petro- bras oil company. The public prosecutor’s of- fice will now review the deals and decide which allegations to investigate. The details are supposed to remain secret for the time being. Prosecutors say that in- flated contracts at Petrobras and other state companies yielded more than $2 billion in bribes over a decade. That investigation has spawned dozens of others, like the one in Rio that implicated Ba- tista, and revealed a level of corruption in Brazil that has shocked even the most cyn- ical. It has ensnared dozens of politicians and executives, many of them implicated by information learned in plea bargains. One of the most antici- pated deals accuses Presi- dent Michel Temer of seeking and accepting illegal cam- paign financing, according to testimony obtained by The Associated Press. Temer de- nies wrongdoing. If the allegations are con- firmed by Brazil’ top electoral court, the president would be removed and Congress would pick a successor. BRAZILIAN TYCOON RETURNS HOME TO ARREST ON GRAFT CHARGES3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on March 28, 2017 at 2nd Floor, The Harbour Centre, 42 North Church Street, George Town, P.O. Box 454, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands, at 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing the following resolutions: ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS 1. THAT the members of the Board of Directors be elected as Directors of the Company. 2. THAT the Company’s audited financial statements dated as at December 31, 2016 be approved. 3. THAT the Offer in connection with the purchase by the Company of its shares, in the manner set out in the Circular dated 31 May 2012, be ratified. A shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his/her place. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company. A form of proxy is attached. To be valid, any proxy must be duly completed, signed and lodged, together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is signed (if any) or a notarially certified copy thereof, with the Company at its registered office at PO Box 454GT, 2nd Floor, The Harbour Centre, 42 North Church Street, George Town, P.O. Box 454, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands or sent by telefax to +1 (345) 949 8017 no later than 48 hours before the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy is to be used. By Order of the Board 18 January 2017 Generali-Worldwide.com Caymanservice@generali-health.com Tel: +1 (345) 747 2000 Importers work to bring legal cannabis extracts to Cayman KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com The first attempts to im- port cannabis extracts to the Cayman Islands are under way, following approval of the products for medical pur- poses in November. While many questions on the import process remain to be answered, local busi- nessman Prentice Panton said he is working with de- velopers in Jamaica to pro- cess and test extracts for eventual use in Cayman. Under November’s amend- ment to the Misuse of Drugs Law, medical doctors may now prescribe cannabis ex- tracts or tinctures for ther- apeutic purposes. The law does not allow for pro- duction of the products in Cayman, pushing advocates like Mr. Panton to seek sup- plies from abroad. “If we were allowed to grow here, there are a number of other opportuni- ties for employment and po- tential for export ourselves, because there are countries that can legally import,” Mr. Panton said. Jamaica moved to decrim- inalize cannabis in 2015 and has set up a tiered licensing system that allows for cul- tivation, processing, trans- port, retail, and research and development. The legality of Jamaican production remains uncer- tain, however. Jamaica’s Can- nabis Licensing Authority has yet to issue approval to any growing operations and has not established terms for export. The authority said li- censing and export regula- tions are in development, but there is no time line for those steps. The University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, has begun testing operations. Mr. Panton said he is working with researchers there to test products and prepare them for branding. Cayman’s law has not set a tetrahydrocannabinol con- tent limit for such products. THC is the psychoactive component found in can- nabis. Researchers will also be looking at canna- bidiol or CBD, a non-psy- choactive component often emphasized in medicinal applications. Mr. Panton said he is also looking at Canada as a sourcing option, but has not begun working to im- port from there. Dennie Warren, who cam- paigned for the approval of medical cannabis in Cayman, said foreign sourcing could create issues in product transparency and safety. He advocated for legal, or- ganic growing in Cayman. “I think that we should have allowed it to be grown here, because that would solve the problem of sourcing it. The problem is that when you are dependent on other countries for a source, you’re limited by whatever it is their legislation says,” Mr. Warren said. Under November’s amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Law, medical doctors may now prescribe cannabis extracts or tinctures for therapeutic purposes. Prentice Panton is trying to import medicinal cannabis extracts to the Cayman Islands from Jamaica. - PHOTO: ALVARO SEREY CayCann cannabis conference On March 14 and 15, Mr. Panton will host the CayCann cannabis con- ference at the Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman. The program will bring in doctors and cannabis developers from the United States, with a focus on palli- ative and therapeutic care options. Scheduled speakers include doctors Dustin Sulak, David Bearman, Cristina Sanchez, Chris Fichtner, Deborah Malka, Ethan Russo and Dennis Hill, and cannabis devel- opers Mara Gordon and Justin Kander.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. TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Auditor General Sue Winspear, who succeeded former Auditor General Alastair Swarbrick in July 2016, has picked up right where her predecessor left off — providing evidence that the Cayman Islands govern- ment is simply incapable of running large enterprises. One of the largest of those governmental responsi- bilities is oversight of the country’s healthcare system. In 2015, total health-related expenditures in Cayman amounted to around $269 million, with the costs split about equally between the public and private sectors. (We’re talking real money here, folks, with private sector spending increasing by 37 percent since the government’s 2010/11 fiscal year. And don’t forget that the ultimate source of all “public spending” is, of course, private pocketbooks.) Despite the rising flood of expenses, the govern- ment’s management of Cayman’s healthcare system is, in a word, in “shambles.” To use Ms. Winspear’s words, “The government does not have the resources or the information required to manage the health system effectively, and neither the Legislative Assembly nor the public can be confident that high quality healthcare is being deliv- ered, or value for money being achieved.” The report delves into gaping abysses in gov- ernment’s collection of information on healthcare outcomes, despite (or perhaps because of) the exis- tence of some 30 laws regulating public and private healthcare services. One reason given for this is the complex nature of Cayman’s “hybrid” healthcare system, with public and private entities often intertwining in the delivery of and remuneration for services. Another difficulty is the fact that, demographically, Cayman is bifurcated between a relatively healthier (and far more transient) expatriate population, and a relatively less healthy Caymanian or “local” popu- lation. “[Current] health statistics … risk distorting the apparent performance of the health system,” according to the report. In terms of regulation, standards for health practi- tioners can vary according to individual circumstances, “required” inspections of facilities are not always carried out, actual compliance with existing laws is unknown, and sometimes the laws themselves have been deemed to be inadequate. For example, the law governing Cayman’s pharmacies is nearly 40 years old. Though it won’t make anyone healthier, it may make our readers feel better to know that our behemoth neighbor to the north, the United States, has its own tremendous share of healthcare problems. New President Donald Trump and the majority Repub- lican Congress have made “repealing and replacing” the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obam- acare,” a top priority. (The catch is that, while the “repeal” part of their plan is fairly clear, what precisely they propose to “replace” Obamacare with remains, ahem, unclear.) The above, combined with the continual stream of news headlines depicting the difficulties, dysfunctions and outright failures surrounding so many areas of activity by Cayman’s government, including education, pensions, cruise berthing, turtle farming, the dump … even parking at the airport, points to a simple observa- tion that underpinned the erstwhile “EY Report”: Our government should be involved in doing far less, at far less cost to taxpayers, and with far less opportunity for mistakes, misappropriation and malfeasance. Not only is Cayman’s government unable to execute projects and programs of significant size and scope, it can’t even abide by basic and fundamental accounting principles — such as producing accurate and verifiable financial statements. As we report on page 1 of today’s Compass, the auditor general’s office has given an “adverse” opinion on government’s entire public sector finances for 2014/15 (meaning government flunked the accounting test, once again). With more than 6,300 public servants in Cayman (more than 15 percent of the total labor force) and a public sector budget approaching $900 million per year, our country’s governmental services should be impec- cable. But far too often, we find that taxpayers are paying far too much, and receiving far too little in return – that is, when we even know what we’re getting. A ‘critical report’ on government and healthcare The curtain falls on the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ THE DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE (MASS.) EDITORIAL BOARD A cultural icon will suc- cumb in May when the Ring- ling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus ends its 146- year tradition of animal acts, clowns, trapeze artists and all the other trappings of the one-time “Greatest Show on Earth” that rolled across the country, thrilling generations of Americans. Kenneth Feld, chairman and CEO of Feld Entertain- ment, which produces the Ringling circus, announced Jan. 14 that its last shows will be held in May. “Ringling Bros. ticket sales have been declining, but following the transition of the elephants off the road, we saw an even more dramatic drop. This, coupled with high operating costs, made the circus an un- sustainable business for the company,” Feld said. “It’s been through world wars, and it’s been through every kind of economic cycle and it’s been through a lot of change. In the past decade there’s been more change in the world than in the 50 to 75 years prior to that. And I think it isn’t relevant to people in the same way,” Feld said, adding that “we are ex- tremely grateful to the mil- lions of families who have made Ringling Bros. part of their lives for generations.” Starting in the 1800s and through the early part of the 20th century, circuses headed by the Ringling brothers, P.T. Barnum and Clyde Be- atty were among the most popular brands of entertain- ment in the country, trav- eling by rail, bringing exotic wild animals to small towns across America where three- ring spectacles were set up beneath the big top. “In the 1880s, especially, here you had this huge co- lossal canvas city that tracked across the country. It brought the wonders of the world to your door. You didn’t have to go to Africa or Asia to see the animals,” Deb- orah Walk, the assistant di- rector of legacy and circus at John Ringling’s mansion and circus collection in Sara- sota, Florida, told the As- sociated Press. Until recent years, the circus remained a spectacle that dazzled wide-eyed chil- dren. The largest of its ani- mals – the elephants – were a magnet for crowds. But the elephants also drew the attention of animal rights activists who targeted circuses with claims that they mistreated them and other animals by forcing them to perform in their shows. Despite winning a US$25.2 million settlement in 2014 from animal rights groups, ending a 14-year legal fight, Feld Entertainment removed elephants from its circus shows last year. Ticket sales fell as a result, the final blow to a circus which already could not keep up with the shifting culture which saw young people captivated by video games and the internet. Ringling is the latest circus to shut down in the 21st century. The Cole Bros. Circus – which in its heyday was Ringling’s chief rival – stopped touring last year. And the Big Apple Circus, which was established in 1977 and became a nonprofit, filed for bankruptcy last year. Its assets, including two big-top tents, will be sold at an auction in New York City on Feb. 7. The show will go on, though, with the spotlight now shining squarely on cir- cuses whose human per- formers are the sole en- tertainers. Among the best known of those is Cirque du Soleil, based in Montreal. And there is Circus Smirkus, which was founded in 1987 in a 150-year-old farmhouse in Greensboro, Vermont. It trains young people in the skills and cul- ture of the traveling circus, and its troupe tours New England for two months each summer with its 750-seat, European-style, one-ring big top. It performed five shows last July at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton. Changing cultural norms helped reshape the face of traveling circuses. But that shouldn’t take away the thrill of stepping under the big top. © 2017, Associated Press 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” In May 2016, an Asian elephant performs for the final time in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Providence, R.I. - PHOTO: AP5 LOCAL NEWS 5 1 2 3 4 6 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 Barkers Three nominations for protection of lands in the Barkers Peninsula were considered by the National Conservation Council. Lower Valley forest The forest is notable for Fig trees, which have, and still may support, a population of the white-shouldered bat, according to the nomination. Salt Creek mangroves A summary of this nomination says the West Bay Peninsula “is becoming an extremely developed area, and if the Salt Creek mangroves are pro- tected, they will end up as a small natural oasis within a largely urban landscape.” Western Crown mangrove cays The cays provide a precious fish nursery habitat in the red mangrove root system and export nutrients into North Sound, according to the nomination. Vidal Cay Also known as Barkers Cay, Vidal Cay is a small emergent rock islet in North Sound, offshore from the Barkers peninsula. It is owned by the Crown. Protected Area nominations (Grand Cayman) The initial list of nominated properties, already owned by the Crown, was distributed for public consultation Friday and includes six from Little Cayman and six from Grand Cayman. The selected parcels were whittled down from a list of 50 nominated areas from landowners, real estate agents, individuals, the National Trust and the DoE. 1 2 3 4 5 Central Mangrove Wetlands Part of the Crown’s land holdings in the Central Mangrove Wetlands are already protected by virtue of lying within the Marine Parks Environmental Zone. This nomination is an extension. 6 Barkers National Park plan revived Protected areas proposed for consultation JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Plans to turn part of the Barkers peninsula into a national park are included in an initial list of pro- posals for the Cayman Islands’ first protected areas. Part of the central mangrove wetlands and an old-growth forest in Grand Cayman and part of Booby Pond in Little Cayman are on a shortlist of a dozen Crown-owned properties earmarked for protected status under the new National Con- servation Law. The selected parcels were whit- tled down from a list of 50 nominated areas from landowners, real estate agents, individuals, the National Trust and the Department of Environment. A separate list of potential pro- tected areas, currently under private ownership, has also been drawn up but not yet published. The Depart- ment of Environment has begun ne- gotiations with landowners on behalf of the National Conservation Council with a view to purchasing those ad- ditional properties. Government allocated $6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund at the last budget for such land purchases. The National Conservation Law empowers the council to protect ecologically important land from development and other threats through management plans, after a public consultation protest. The initial list of nominated prop- erties, already owned by the Crown, was distributed for public consulta- tion Friday and includes six on Little Cayman and six on Grand Cayman. Barkers The properties include part of the area already designated as a na- tional park on the Barkers peninsula in West Bay. The idea of a national park, featuring maintained trails and supporting low-impact nature tourism, has been discussed for de- cades but never legally enacted. The issue is complicated by the fact that government owns only part of the land. One of the proposed protected areas on the shortlist is the chunk of land on the southern tip of Barkers Peninsula, which government owns. The bulk of the designated area comprises mangrove wetlands, and the nomination notes that protecting that area will safeguard key habitat for a variety of species, including resident and migratory water birds. However, any plans for a wider national park along the lines of what was originally envisaged will depend on agreements that can be struck with the Dart group, which owns the bulk of the remaining land in the area. The nomination highlights a vision for a park that incorpo- rates nature tourism, including camping, fishing, kitesurfing, snor- keling and running. However it cautions, “The extent to which the Department of Envi- ronment’s original vision for the es- tablishment and management of the Barkers National Park can be real- ized depends primarily on any co- operative agreements that may be possible with the private company which owns almost all the area of the proposed park which is not Crown. “A management plan for the whole Barkers area will be the ideal, but if this proves unachievable, a less comprehensive management plan for the protected Crown Land will re- quire DoE to develop a new but re- duced concept for the National Park.” The other areas proposed to be protected under the National Con- servation Law are: Vidal Cay A small Crown-owned rock islet just off Barkers Peninsula, Vidal Cay is proposed for protection because it is the site of the Cayman Islands’ only breeding colony of bridled tern. “Its conservation value lies in the Tern colony it supports, and in its cultural value as a landmark in North Sound,” according to the nomination. Western Crown mangrove cays Five mangrove cays, hugging the eastern coastline of the West Bay peninsula, are proposed for pro- tection as “remnant fragments” of coastal mangroves that still survive in an area where large expanses of mangrove wetlands have been con- verted for human uses. “They provide precious fish nursery habitat in the red mangrove root system, and export nutrients into North Sound. Some cays have historically served as communal roosting sites for egrets and frigate birds, and may do so again,” the nomination notes. Salt Creek mangroves This is a Crown-owned parcel of mangrove wetlands in West Bay. The nomination notes that Mosquito Re- search and Control Unit roads within the parcel provide an infrastructure that could be adapted to transform the land into an “important natural recreational area, with opportunities for walking, running, shallow water snorkeling and kayaking.” It states, “The West Bay Penin- sula is becoming an extremely de- veloped area, and if the Salt Creek mangroves are protected they will end up as a small natural oasis within a largely urban landscape. It will become increasingly valued by local communities as a place to re- connect with and enjoy the island’s natural environment.” Central Mangrove Wetland A large area of Crown-owned mangrove wetlands is earmarked for protection. “The Central Mangrove Wetland has long been recognized as a vital environmental asset for the Cayman Islands, providing natural services of substantial social and economic value. These include providing nutrient flows into the North Sound ecosystem which supports productivity of fish stocks,” the nomination indicates. Lower Valley forest A small portion of old-growth forest in Lower Valley, encom- passing Crown and privately owned parcels, is proposed for protection. “Protection of the entire forest will be advisable in time, but the current nomination only proposes immediate protection of a small area which is under threat,” the nomination states. “The forest is notable for a high density of wild fig trees, which have and still may support a small popu- lation of the white-shouldered bat.” Little Cayman Preston Bay shrublands and ponds The shrubland on the western side of Little Cayman is “heavily uti- lized” by Sister Islands rock iguanas and would sync with iguana hab- itat already protected by the National Trust. The proposed protected area also includes ponds adjacent to the coast road that offer views of water birds such as stilts, whistling duck, egrets and teal. Booby Pond Nature Reserve The proposal, which includes plans to purchase a privately owned piece of property, would broaden the parameters of land already protected by the National Trust, supporting a colony of red-footed boobies. “Subject to successful negotia- tion with the landowner and con- sent of the Cabinet, protection of these lands would close a signifi- cant gap in the protection of the nesting colony of red-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds, which are such an iconic feature of Little Cayman,” the nomination states. Tarpon Lake One of Little Cayman’s largest inland natural areas, Tarpon Lake, is proposed for protection. “Tarpon can often be seen cruising in the shallow water and a wide range of resident and migra- tory water birds frequent the man- groves. Fiddler crabs abound on exposed mud flats, and white land crabs burrow near the interface be- tween mangroves and adjacent dry land,” the nomination indicates. North Coast wetlands The nomination comprises the Crown owned ponds and mangrove wetlands from Jackson’s Pond east to the eastern cross-island road. “These wetlands support huge numbers of migrating waterfowl each year, providing quite a spec- tacle for birdwatchers who can view the bigger ponds from viewing plat- forms. The wetlands are also visu- ally appealing, and are a key element of Little Cayman’s nature island ex- perience,” the nomination states. Crown wetland The nominated land lies in the interior of Little Cayman, east of Ol- ivine Kirk Drive and north of South Hole Sound and the Island’s only quarry, the nomination states. “The majority of the parcel is wetland, with a core of buttonwood wetland and surrounding areas of low-lying rocky shrubland with sea- sonally flooded sinkholes with ferns. The area is being proposed for pro- tection because it is critical to sup- porting the largest known popu- lation of the unique Little Cayman land snail, Cerion nanus, which oc- curs in the humid area immediately downwind of the wetland.” East interior This nomination includes a large Crown-owned parcel including wet- land areas and shrubland. “The interior of Little Cayman’s east end includes open wetlands im- portant to whistling duck and other water birds, a mosaic of dry shru- bland, large inland ponds, and but- tonwood wetlands. Most of the area is practically inaccessible, and there may well be more rare and endan- gered species there than we know about,” the nomination states. 3The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY, JAN. 31 COCO FEST DEADLINE: The Tourism Attractions Board seeks vendors to apply for space at Coco Fest on Saturday, Feb. 18. The event will be at Pedro Castle. Coco Fest celebrates the Cayman Coconut, a traditional staple in the Caymanian diet. Spaces are available to local cooks, artists, school groups and cottage industry businesses to showcase their coconut-based dishes, products or craft items. Registration fees start at $25. The deadline to apply is today. Anyone interested in taking part should email Shayma on marketing@tab. ky or 949-6999; or Mona on coco@pedrostjames.ky or 949-5078 ext 2. CULTURE POLICY DEADLINE: The Ministry of Culture has extended until today the public consultation phase for the Draft National Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan for the Cayman Islands 2017- 2026. Get a copy of the draft policy, frequently asked questions form and a feedback form at the front desk of the Government Administration Building, online and at all district libraries. The feedback form can also be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ culturepolicy. FLOWER ARRANGING: Those interested in the art of floral arrangements should register in advance for a three-session course that starts tonight. The floral supervisor at The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman will lead a course at UCCI. Classes are 6-8 p.m. tonight, Feb. 7 and Feb. 21. Participants may show their skills in a competition at the Agriculture Show on March 1. Class size is limited to 16. For more details and to register, contact Gina Bodden or Marjane Ebanks- Fellows at the Department of Agriculture, 947-3090 or 916-1314. CHAMBER COURSE: Time Management & Productivity. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $150 for members, $225 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. THURSDAY, FEB. 2 NORTH SIDE MEETING: The North Side District Council invited residents to a public meeting, 8 p.m. in the Craddock Ebanks Civic Centre. MLA Ezzard Miller will provide an update on matters relevant to the district and on the various legislative initiatives before the government. CHAMBER COURSE: Goal Setting. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $225 for members, $300 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. SATURDAY, FEB. 4 MOVIE NIGHT: The Girls’ Brigade is showing the Disney movie “Zootopia” at John Gray Memorial Church Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show time 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, which includes popcorn. Bring your blankets. Refreshments will be on sale. Tickets are available now from any Brigade officers. TUESDAY, FEB. 7 UNITED WORLD COLLEGES: UWC Cayman Islands, the local committee of the global educational movement, is seeking applicants for its 2017 selection process, which begins with a written application due Feb. 7. Students interested in receiving a scholarship can contact the committee at uwccaymanislands@gmail. com to request a copy of the application form or ask any questions about UWC and the selection process. THURSDAY, FEB. 9 CHAMBER COURSE: Immigration, Work Permits (BVPs, TWPs and RERCs). 9-11 a.m. Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $175 for members, $225 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. FRIDAY, FEB. 10 LIONS CONCERT: Carlene Davis, reggae and gospel artist, headlines a concert organized by the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens. The program features numerous local performers. Proceeds from “A Show from the Heart” at the Lions Centre will fund the club’s community projects. Gates open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 pre-sold, $30 at the gate, $75 VIP. Available at Funky Tang’s George Town, Western Union at Foster’s Food Fair Airport Road, Reflections outlets and any member of the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens. ART SHOW: Gardenia Court, Camana Bay, 5-9 p.m. Free admission. Cayman- based artists will display original art works, including paintings, jewelry, screen prints, souvenirs. SATURDAY, FEB. 11 KIDS GAELIC FOOTBALL: The Cayman Islands Kids Gaelic Football Club hosts a “Start of Season Blitz,” 9:30- 11:30 a.m. at the Camana Bay CIS football pitch. All children between the ages of 5 and 18 are welcome. This event is free of charge. Pre- registration is necessary – go to www.caymangaa.com/ kidsgaelicclub and register on the online link. Fill out the registration form in full before 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. No registrations accepted on the day. Children should come with trainers or football boots (no flip- flops), water, hat, sunscreen, and must be accompanied by an adult. TUESDAY, FEB. 14 CHAMBER COURSE: Employment, Pensions. 9-11 a.m. Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $175 for members, $225 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. THURSDAY, FEB. 16 CHAMBER COURSE: Exceeding Customer Expectations. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $150 for members, $225 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. GENERAL INTEREST VOTER ID CARDS: Elections officials will start issuing Voter ID cards from April 1, 2017. The revised voters’ list is scheduled to be out on March 31 with all the verified changes and new registrations. This will be formalized in the final list of voters on April 1. LITTLE LEAGUE: Last call for registration. Child must have turned five on or before April 30, 2017. www.CaymanLittleLeague.com or email info@littleleague.ky MARITIME CULTURE: The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands offers a new exhibit that celebrates Cayman’s maritime identity – past, present and future. It seeks to engage visitors with the story of maritime heritage and national identity. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Admission is free. SINGLE-MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES: The Elections Office invites voters, potential candidates and their agents to learn more about recent changes to the Elections Law that have created 19 single- member electoral districts. Email office@elections.ky to ask questions or request short presentations for groups or organizations. Local media will carry information on upcoming meetings, which will aim to address questions. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK LOFT: North Sound Road. Open Monday 12:30-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers needed for front desk a few hours per week. Email humanesocietybookloft@ candw.ky or call 946-8053. Donations of books, games, CDs, stationery, DVDs, cards etc., in good condition always needed. RED CROSS THRIFT SHOP: The Thrift Shop opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Friday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed evenings. Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Volunteers are needed. Tuesdays at the Truman Bodden Complex at 5:30 p.m. for track/field, football and bocce. No experience necessary, just a smile and patience. Wednesdays at Lions Pool 10:15–11 a.m. You do not have to swim, just be able to walk in water chest-deep. Thursdays at First Baptist Church for basketball, 5:30–7 p.m. Saturdays, volunteers needed for Adult Special Olympic swim conditioning at CIS pool 9:30–10:30 a.m. Deck support and in-water swimming assistance needed. For more information, contact Penny McDowall at 516-2578 or pjmcdowall@gmail.com. OPEN STUDIO: Every Thursday 10 a.m. till noon and every Monday 1 – 4 p.m. at Watler House Studio on grounds of Pedro Castle. Offered by Visual Arts Society to adults/ youth who want to work independently in an inspiring atmosphere. Contact info@visualartcayman.com COMMUNITY CHESS: Tuesdays 5-8 p.m., West Indies Wine Company. Join the Cayman Chess Club for a complimentary chess class and open challenges weekly. Anyone can learn to play and enjoy chess, even beginners. LOST DOGS: The Department of Agriculture and veterinary students of St. Matthew’s University provide an online list of dogs housed at the Department of Agriculture Animal Rescue Shelter in Lower Valley. Anyone missing a dog can check www.smustudents.webs.com. BETHESDA COUNSELLING CENTRE: Caters to all who seek help. Open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 68 Mary St. Appointments available Saturdays and late evenings. Center is owned and operated by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Call 946-6575. ARTISANS MARKET: Camana Bay every Wednesday, noon till 8 p.m. Visual Arts Society artists display arts, crafts, paintings, prints, hand-crafted jewelry and ceramics for sale. Email info@visualartcayman.com. OPEN CANVAS: Wednesdays. Visual Arts Society supports this event at KARoo Restaurant in Camana Bay. 7-11 p.m. No fee, easels provided. Contact info@ongart.com or jar.was@gmail.com. MUSEUM TOURS: The National Museum provides guided tours for students and school groups free of cost. Students will gain an understanding of Cayman’s geological formation, flora and fauna, seafaring and rope-making heritage, political history and more. Contact the museum to book a tour in advance at 949-8368 or email info@museum.ky. CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meets daily to help with drinking problems. For more information, call 926-9044 or visit www.caymanaa.org. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Is available for substance abuse help. Call the info line at 929–NANA (6262). AL-ANON GROUP MEETING: Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups can help. Call 928-8843 or email caymanalanon@gmail.com for meeting times. OVERCOMERS OUTREACH: A Christ-centered 12-Step Recovery Group addresses addictions and those affected by them. Meetings at Cayman Islands Baptist Church, Pedro Castle Road, Mondays, 7 p.m. For details, contact Virginia Castillo at 946-2422, or visit www.overcomersoutreach.org. DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: This group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Catboat Club clubhouse, North Church Street. All are invited to attend. For more information, call 924-4170 or email info@adacayman.com. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. The Cayman Islands Kids Gaelic Football Club invites new members. Come out to the ‘Start of Season Blitz’ from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at the Camana Bay CIS football pitch.DISTRICT DAYS 7 District Days West Bay 50 years ago: Taxicab group’s dance CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 In the Feb. 1, 1967 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, news from West Bay included: “A jolly evening was spent at Club Inferno by the 350 people who at- tended the dance arranged by the Taxicab Association last Saturday. Music was provided by the Mashyi- annes and the transport ar- rangements were much ap- preciated. Gross proceeds were 92 pounds. “The funds raised on this occasion are to be put aside with a view to starting a small bus service in the near future. “The Association ex- presses thanks to all those who patronized them on this occasion.” In the same issue, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Ebanks were made very happy on Jan. 24 by the ar- rival of their only child, Bailey, from New York. He left here in 1945 and has never returned. He is a widower and lived in New York but has decided to make Cayman his home again. Mr. Garland Scott ar- rived the same day from S.S. Ore Mercury. “Mr. Vibert Hydes ar- rived on Jan. 22 from New York. His little niece, Rose Marie, came with him. She lives with her father in New York and is doing well in school there. “Dr. Dolman Parsons cel- ebrated his 82nd birthday on Dec. 21, and still keeps going as usual, taking care of his own cultivations. “A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Andal Ebanks on the 23rd weighing 6 1/2 pounds. “Mrs. Melba Groves re- turned home on the 24th from Miami. She vis- ited Nassau with her son Joe, who works on the S.S. Miami, and reports an enjoyable trip. “Miss Wilbur Lee Range celebrated her 11th birthday with a party in New York on Jan. 24. “Master Richard Welds, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Welds, had an emergency appendectomy on the 23rd. He is convalescing at home and doing well. “Miss Charity Powery, daughter of Ursela Powery, celebrated her 11th birthday on Jan. 12. “The Women’s Guild held a cottage meeting on Jan. 24 at Batabano for Miss Lettice Jackson, who has been a polio victim from childhood and un- able to attend Church Ser- vices. Rev. Coke gave an in- spiring talk which, with everything done in songs etc., was highly appreciated by Miss Jackson. “Departures for the weekend for the U.S. were: Mrs. McCanley Ebanks, who was here on a visit; Mrs. Urselena Barrell, who lives in St. Petersburg, Florida; Miss Joy Ebanks, to visit her sister Jane in New York; Mr. Connie Ebanks for Puerto Rico, to join S.S. Coreo of National Bulk Carriers. “On Jan. 28, Miss Carolyn Ann Bodden, daughter of Mrs. Enid Bodden, became Mrs. John A. Jackson in a quiet ceremony performed by Rev. R. Coke at his home. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Jackson. “The bride was given in marriage by Mr. Dudley Parsons. Her sister, Marilyn, was her only attendant, and Mr. Fred Jackson, brother of the groom, was best man. The immediate families were the only witnesses. A reception was held at the home of Mr. Ernest Jackson for the bridal party. “A shower was held on the 29th and she was the re- cipient of many lovely gifts. “A quiet wedding was solemnized at the home of Rev. Fred Jacobs in Jamaica, with him officiating on Jan. 22, when Mr. Eugene Ebanks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Ebanks, took as his bride Miss Bertha Ebanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stowell Ebanks. They returned on the 27th. A shower was held the same evening at her sister’s home, at which she received many useful gifts. “Mr. Cedric Bodden ar- rived from Venezuela on the 28th from S.S. Corco.” Primary school selects new student leaders With the start of a new school term this month, election fever was at a high at Sir John A. Cumber Pri- mary School as the student body elected their executive representatives. The student candidates at the West Bay school cam- paigned for several posi- tions including president, vice presidents, secretary and public relation offi- cers, a press release states, preparing and displaying their campaign banners in the weeks leading up to the elections. On Jan. 13, at an assembly for students, staff and parents, the candidates pre- sented passionate speeches filled with promises which, due to their ambitious goals, they noted would require administration’s collabora- tion and consent. The student body then turned out to vote by se- cret ballot to elect their new representatives. “The process went quickly and smoothly thanks to the assistance of some members of the PTA execu- tive who were also present for the event,” said teacher Annette Vaughan. Once the results were tal- lied, Javon Henry emerged as the president with an overwhelming margin and in this capacity he has re- sponsibility for repre- senting the students on var- ious forums and committees at the school. Other elected executive members are Mariah Myles as first vice president, Mi- kaelie Foster as second vice president, Ciara Davey as secretary and Illiana Romero as public relations officer. Ms. Vaughan noted the committee’s role is trained and guided each year by a team of staff members headed by Elysia Murray, the school’s guidance counsellor. From left, Illiana Romero, Ciara Davey, Janelle McDonald and other candidates wait to field questions during the election assembly. Candidates from left, Ciara Davey, Janelle McDonald, Mikaelie Foster, Nakayla Clarke, Javon Henry and Duane Needham field questions from fellow students at the assembly. Students wait in line for their turn to vote.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Putin-Trump meeting in the works The spokesman for Vladimir Putin says a meeting between the Russian president and U.S. President Donald Trump is in the works. Trump and Putin had a much-anticipated hour-long discussion on Saturday, the first since Trump assumed office. Chocolates Flowers Jewelry Spa Certi cate Dining Out Movie Theater Clothes Gift Cards Showcase Your Business & Maximize the Third Biggest Holiday for Spending For advertising call 949-5111 or email sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com AD SPACE DEADLINE: Thursday, February 2 UK says Trump visit still on amid outcry over travel ban LONDON (AP) – A state visit to Britain by President Donald Trump later this year will go ahead, the prime min- ister’s office said Monday, de- spite increasing calls for it to be canceled over his tem- porary ban on residents of seven majority-Muslim coun- tries entering the U.S. Furor over the travel ban has tarnished what British officials had considered a highly successful trip to Washington by Prime Min- ister Theresa May. She met Trump at the White House on Friday and announced that he had been invited to come to Britain later this year as the guest of Queen Elizabeth II. May’s Downing St. of- fice said Monday that “an in- vitation has been extended and accepted,” and the visit is still on. No date has been an- nounced for the state visit, which involves lavish pomp and ceremony, generally with a stay at Buckingham Palace. The visit was hailed by government officials as a sign of the close trans-Atlantic re- lationship, which was also reflected in May’s invitation to meet Trump just a week after his inauguration. But criticism of May’s wooing of Trump erupted when – only hours after the prime minister had left the White House – the presi- dent signed an executive order suspending all travel to the U.S. of citizens of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Libya for 90 days. The seven countries were initially identified as “countries of concern” under the Obama administration. The order also bars all refugees entering the country for 120 days. News reports on Monday indicated that around 100 migrants were being detained. Britain’s three biggest opposition parties have all called for Trump’s state visit to be canceled and an on- line petition opposing the trip has more than 1 million signatures. Protests against the travel ban are planned Monday in London and other British cities. Any petition with more than 100,000 signatures must be considered for a debate in Parliament, though not a binding vote. Last year, Parliament de- bated whether to ban Trump, then a presidential candi- date, from visiting Britain after a similar online peti- tion was filed. Trump’s travel ban sparked protests at airports across the U.S., along with expressions of condem- nation and concern from around the world. There was widespread confusion about whether the ban applied to dual na- tionals. Somali-born British Olympic champion runner Mo Farah said he feared it would prevent him returning to the U.S., where he lives. Late Sunday, Britain’s For- eign Office said U.S. authori- ties had clarified that the ban did not apply to British citi- zens who are also nationals of one of the seven coun- tries. Canada’s foreign min- ister said he had been told the same about Canadian dual nationals. However, the website of the U.S. Embassy in London advised nationals of the seven countries – “including dual nationals” – not to book visa appointments, saying their applications would not be processed. The U.S. Embassy did not immediately respond to a re- quest for comment. The British exemption did not end the storm of opposi- tion, with prominent mem- bers of May’s Conserva- tive Party joining in calls for Trump’s visit to be scrapped. Sayeeda Warsi, a former government minister and Conservative member of the House of Lords, said it was “sending out a wrong signal” to invite Trump, a leaders whose values “are not the same as British values.” Conservative lawmaker Sarah Wollaston said Trump should not be invited to ad- dress both houses of Parlia- ment, an honor given to many visiting foreign leaders. In 2011 the U.S. imposed stringent checks on Iraqi ref- ugees after two Iraqis were charged with terrorism of- fenses in Kentucky. It did not ban all travelers from Iraq, however. British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House on Friday. - PHOTO: AP9 WORLD&REGIONAL CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JANUARY 31, 2017 QT FUND LTD a Cayman Islands exempted company to be licensed as a retail mutual fund with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority Class A Shares US$100 per Share Registered Office Maples Corporate Services Limited PO Box 309, Ugland House Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Cayman Islands www.credit-suisse.com/ky/en/asset-management/qtfund.html QT Fund Ltd (Fund) is a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated on September 14, 2016 to operate as an open-ended mutual fund with no fixed duration. Subject to the restrictions below, offerings of Class A Shares in the Fund may only be made by a definitive prospectus, which is available upon request from the investment manager at smg.funds@credit-suisse.com. Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC of 1 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10010, United States of America, a Delaware, United States, limited liability company, serves as the investment manager of the Fund and is registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment adviser under the US Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Additional information about Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Registration with the SEC or with any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The offer to the public in the Cayman Islands of Class A Shares is subject to the approval from the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange for the Class A Shares to be admitted to the official list being granted, which is expected to occur on or around 1 February 2017. Suspects named after 6 killed in Canada mosque shooting QUEBEC CITY (AP) – A shooting at a Quebec City mosque during evening prayers left six people dead in an attack that Canada’s prime minister called an act of terrorism. Police arrested two suspects, including one who called 911 to say he was armed but ready to give himself up. More than 50 people were at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre when the shooting erupted Sunday night. In ad- dition to the six who died, five were in critical condition and 12 others suffered minor in- juries, University of Quebec Hospital Centre spokes- woman Genevieve Dupuis said Monday. The dead ranged in age from 35 to 65. Quebec City court clerk Isabelle Ferland identi- fied Alexandre Bissonnette and Mohamed el Khadir as the suspects. One was arrested at the scene and another nearby, in his car on a bridge near d’Orleans where he called 911 to say he wanted to coop- erate with police. Police said they did not believe there were other suspects but were investigating. Police did not give a pos- sible motive for the suspects, who they said were in their late 20s or early 30s and had no prior police records. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Pre- mier Philippe Couillard both characterized the attack as a terrorist act, which came amid heightened tensions worldwide over President Donald Trump’s travel ban on several Muslim coun- tries. Neither leader specified who carried out the attack or what the motive might be. “We condemn this ter- rorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge,” Trudeau said in a statement. “It is heart- wrenching to see such sense- less violence. Diversity is our strength, and religious tol- erance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear. “Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country,” he said. Trudeau will make a statement in Parliament be- fore traveling to Quebec City, his office said. Canada is generally very welcoming toward immi- grants and all religions, but the French-speaking province of Quebec has had a long- simmering debate about race and religious accommoda- tion. The previous separatist government of the prov- ince called for a ban on os- tentatious religious symbols such as the hijab in public institutions. In the summer of 2016 a pig’s head was left on the doorstep of the Quebec Is- lamic Cultural Centre in the middle of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Practicing Muslims do not eat pork. “The Muslim community was the target of this mur- derous attack,” Couillard said at an early morning news conference. He said solidarity rallies would be held across Quebec on Monday. Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume, appearing shaken, said, “No person should have to pay with their life, for their race, their color, their sexual orientation or their religious beliefs,” Labeaume said. Cultural Centre President Mohamed Yangui said the shooting in occurred in the men’s section of the mosque. He said he was not at the center when the attack oc- curred, but he got some de- tails from people on the scene. Ali Hamadi said he left the mosque a few minutes before the shooting and said a friend, Abdelkrim Hassen was killed. He said Hassen, who worked in information technology for the government, had three daughters and a wife, whom he had to notify of the death. Quebec City police spokesman Constable Pierre Poirier said the mosque had been evacuated and the situ- ation was under control. Trudeau had earlier re- acted to Trump’s visa ban for people from some Muslim- majority countries by tweeting Saturday: “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada.” Trudeau also posted a picture of himself greeting a Syrian child at Toronto’s air- port in late 2015. Trudeau oversaw the arrival of more than 39,000 Syrian refugees soon after he was elected. The mayor of Gatineau, Quebec, near Canada’s cap- ital of Ottawa, said there would be an increased police presence at mosques around his city following the attack. The New York Po- lice Department also said it was stepping up pa- trols at mosques and other houses of worship. “NYPD is providing addi- tional protection for mosques in the city. All New Yorkers should be vigilant. If you see something, say something,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter. “Our prayers tonight are with the people of Quebec City as they deal with a ter- rible attack on a mosque. We must stand together,” de Blasio said in another tweet. Francois Deschamps, an organizer of a refugee-support group in Quebec City, said the motive for Sunday’s attack was unknown, but right-wing groups are very organized in Quebec City, distributing fliers at the university and plas- tering stickers around town. Deschamps said he has received death threats after starting a refugee sup- port group on Facebook and people have posted his address online. The Canadian Council of Imams said in a statement that “Islamophobia has killed innocent Canadians.” “We ask all decent people to stand against hatred of Islam and Muslims in any forum,” the statement read. “Our message to anyone in the Canadian Muslim com- munity who may experi- ence Islamophobia is not to suffer in silence.” “We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge. It is heart-wrenching to see such senseless violence. Diversity is our strength, and religious tolerance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear.” CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU A police officer and police dog look for evidence near a home in the area of a Quebec City mosque on Monday. A shooting at a Quebec City mosque Sunday night left multiple dead and injured. – PHOTO: PAUL CHIASSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP THOUSANDS PROTEST PLANNED PRISONER PARDONS IN ROMANIA BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – Tens of thousands of people marched through Roma- nia’s capital and other cities on Sunday to protest a gov- ernment proposal to pardon thousands of prisoners, a move critics said would set back anti-corruption efforts. Protesters massed in Bu- charest’s University Square called the ruling Social Dem- ocratic Party “the red plague.” They later marched to Victory Square, where the govern- ment has its main offices. Premier Sorin Grindeanu has requested an emergency ordinance allowing the gov- ernment to pardon prisoners to ease prison overcrowding. On Sunday, he said the pro- tests had been “politicized” and criticized President Klaus Iohannis, who took part in a similar protest a week ago. Critics say the proposal would benefit party al- lies convicted of corruption. Romania’s top prosecutor has criticized the plan. It would primarily affect people serving sentences of less than five years, except those convicted of sexual or violent crimes. Prisoners over age 60, pregnant women and inmates with young children would see their sentences halved regardless of the charges on which they were convicted. According to a draft of the proposal, the government also intends to decriminalize official misconduct that in- volves financial damage valued at less than 200,000 lei (US$47,800.) The government says its proposal would lead to the release of 2,500 prisoners. Prison authorities estimate 3,700 would be freed. Along with Bucharest, protests were held in the Cluj, Timisoara and more than a dozen cities around Romania.Next >