ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 High of 84 Low of 74 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 BEACH VENDORS’ VICTORY: GOVERNMENT CAVES ON UNLICENSED OPERATORS ENTERTAINMENT | PAGE 15 UK FILM AWARDS SHOW LOVE FOR ‘I, DANIEL BLAKE’ AND ‘LION’ 183410_PRINT-Butterfield-6colx1*Page 1 1/13/17 1:10:47 PM New board to license beach vendors Public land use regulation proposed BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A bill seeking to regulate the use of Crown land in the Cayman Islands, including whether and how the land can be used for private profit, is due to come before law- makers next week. The Public Lands Bill, 2017, would create a five-member Public Lands Commission with the power to license and ticket vendors in public areas. The commission would also be allowed to apply to Grand Court to settle dis- putes over public land access, including right- of-way access. Both the beach vendor issue and the public right-of-way disputes have been controversial over the past year, with the focus mainly on, but not limited to, heavily traveled areas along the Seven Mile Beach corridor. According to a summary of the bill: “[It] gives the commission wide regulatory powers governing the use of, and activities on, public land.” Public vending If the bill is approved, no one will be al- lowed to do business on public land, often re- ferred to in Cayman as Crown land, unless they have been issued a valid “vendor’s li- cense” under the terms of the legislation. Currently, local law states that no one can do business on public land without the express permission of Cabinet. The vendors operating on Seven Mile Public Beach have been involved in an ongoing squabble with the government over their unli- censed business ventures for the past several years. A fine issued to one of the vendors was tossed out of court last year, leading to a delay in enforcement against other vendors. Residents of beach condos near Public Beach have complained for years about the renting of beach chairs, umbrellas, Jet Skis, DEA AGENTS WHO HUNTED ESCOBAR TO ADDRESS INVESTMENT FORUM Two former DEA agents who inspired the popular Netflix show “Narcos” are among the keynote speakers at this week’s Cayman Al- ternative Investment Summit. Javier Peña and Stephen Murphy will take the stage on Friday to speak about their assignment with an elite group in charge of hunting down Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Event organizers said, “The pair rose through the ranks of the DEA following Es- cobar’s death, thanks to their incredible work ethic, conviction, integrity and character, working tirelessly all over the world in a large number of successful investigations in the war on drugs and narco-terrorism.” Stephen Murphy began as a police officer in a small West Virginia town to become the Deputy Assistant Administrator of the DEA. He retired from the DEA in July 2013 but con- tinues to serve in law enforcement roles, and lectures around the country on drug trafficking trends, security-related challenges and what it was like to pursue a criminal of the magni- tude of Escobar. Javier Peña retired in 2014 as the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Houston Field Di- vision after 30 years of service with DEA. In 1988, he volunteered for an assignment at the DEA office in Bogota, Colombia, where he was joined by partner Steve Murphy in the six-year investigation of Escobar. Both agents were present during the chase and shooting that re- sulted in the death of Escobar in 1993. Mr. Peña is a subject matter expert on the Medellin Cartel and has delivered more than 100 presentations on the subject and re- lated areas. Recently, both men served as se- nior consultants to the Netflix series that por- trayed their experience. Visitor arrested for 5-year-old traffic offenses CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man who arrived in Grand Cayman Friday on a flight from Jamaica was arrested at the air- port on a 2013 warrant for traffic offenses committed in 2012. Glenvon Alexander Cole, 49, appeared before Magistrate Valdis Foldats on Friday afternoon after several hours in custody. He agreed that he had missed court on March 7, 2013, after being told to return that date on charges of driving without in- surance, using a vehicle with an expired license and having no certificate of roadworthiness. The offenses occurred on Aug. 8, 2012 along South Sound Road. Cole first appeared in Summary Court on Oct. 23, 2012. On that occasion, he pleaded “guilty with explanation” because the truck he was driving belonged to his employer. He admitted knowing the coupon was expired, but said he did not know about the other matters. Court records show he re- turned to court in November and December. The owner of the truck was apparently charged, and on Feb. 5, 2013, Cole and the co-ac- cused were linked to return on March 7, 2013. Meanwhile, as Cole told Sharing the love on Valentine’s Day Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Rosa and Jon DaCosta take a selfie with the Share the Love heart on The Paseo in Camana Bay. The DaCostas’ love story is one of several shared on Camana Bay’s blog as part of the Valentine’s Day Share the Love contest. 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Public transport in the capital, Vi- toria, was operating nearly a full schedule, and health centers also reopened. Relatives and friends of military police protested outside barracks for 10 days, preventing officers from leaving. That security vacuum led to a crime wave and forced the state to call in federal troops. Peru’s president asks Trump to deport fugitive ex-leader LIMA, Peru (AP) – The leader of Peru asked U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday to deport a former Peru- vian president sought in the South American nation on suspicion of taking bribes as part of a regional cor- ruption scandal. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski’s office said the request was made to Trump during a phone conversa- tion between the two men. The White House confirmed the talk, but did not men- tion Peru’s deportation re- quest. It said they discussed the need for strong economic group as well as the deteri- orating humanitarian situa- tion in Venezuela. Last week, a Peruvian court ordered the arrest and detention of ex-President Ale- jandro Toledo as prosecutors investigate whether he took $20 million in payments from the giant Brazilian construc- tion company Odebrecht. Peruvian officials have said they believe Toledo is in San Francisco, where he has been researching a book as a visiting scholar at nearby Stanford Univer- sity. Local media reported he had intended to fly over the weekend to Israel, where his wife has citizenship, until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s gov- ernment said he would be denied entry. The Israeli For- eign Ministry said Toledo was not on a flight from San Francisco that landed Sunday night. In a posting on his Twitter account late Sunday, Toledo denied that he is a fugitive, saying that “I have never run away.” But he did not say where he was and did not say if he would return to Peru. Authorities across Latin America have been moving fast to charge officials ac- cused of taking some $800 million in bribes from Ode- brecht. The company ac- knowledged the bribes when it signed a plea agreement in December with the U.S. Jus- tice Department. Used to win business in 12 countries, the bribes in- clude some $29 million paid in Peru for projects built during the administrations of Toledo (2001-2006) and two of his successors. So far, three officials have been arrested. Toledo, a former pro-de- mocracy activist who led street protests that brought down former strongman Al- berto Fujimori in 2000, is ac- cused of receiving some $20 million in bribes from Ode- brecht in exchange for fa- voring the company in a contract to build a major highway from Brazil to Peru’s Pacific coast. In a nationally televised address Sunday night, Kuc- zysnki called on Toledo to return immediately to Peru to clarify his legal situ- ation. Earlier, Kuczynski thanked Israel’s government for its support in a letter to Netanyahu. The White House said Trump expressed concerns about developments in Ven- ezuela. Kuczysnki, a 78-year- old former Wall Street banker, has spearheaded calls among Latin American leaders to punish Venezuela’s socialist government for allegedly breaking with the nation’s democratic order. Kuczynski, a 78-year-old former Wall Street banker has seen his approval ratings fall as a result of a number of ethical slips by mem- bers of his Cabinet, though none of those cases are tied to Odebrecht. In his address, he an- nounced executive measures meant to strengthen Peru’s fight against corruption. They include a bigger budget for prosecutors as well as re- wards and protections for whistleblowers and a ban for life on contracting with the state for companies that en- gage in graft. “We have to act relent- lessly and immediately to stop the rot of corruption in Peru,” the president said. Kuczynski’s calls for zero tolerance for corruption comes as prosecutors in the Odebrecht case want to speak with the president himself. As Toledo’s prime minister in 2006, Kuczynski signed a law passed by congress al- lowing Odebrecht to partici- pate in an auction to build two highways despite a ban on it bidding for govern- ment contracts at the time because it was facing legal action for irregularities in another project. Odebrecht eventually was awarded the roads contract. Kuczynski has denied any wrongdoing. EX-SANDINISTA SAYS NICARAGUA’S RULING PARTY PERSECUTING HIM MEXICO CITY (AP) – A Roman Catholic priest and noted poet who once served in Nicaragua’s Sandinista government is claiming that the party is perse- cuting him, after he was hit with an $800,000 judgment in a lawsuit. Ernesto Cardenal split with President Daniel Ortega’s Sandinista party in the 1990s, after ac- cusing Ortega of mo- nopolizing power. Be- fore that, Cardenal had served as a guiding light for the leftist Sandinista movement and was min- ister of culture. The judgment against the 92-year-old Cardenal came in a lawsuit by a manager of a nonprofit group run by Cardenal until 1999. The manager claimed damages and pay, saying her employment contract was violated. The lawyer who filed the suit represented Ortega when his step-daughter accused him of sexual abuse in 1998. In a post on his Face- book page, Cardenal said: “The political persecution is unceasing on the part of a judicial apparatus that is at the orders of the cur- rent government’s polit- ical interests.” “If I had remained si- lent in the face of political attacks like this, who will be next? Until the point in which you won’t be able to find a voice opposed to the current political dy- nasty,” he added. Ortega helped lead the Sandinistas’ 1970s uprising against dictator Anastasio Somoza and served as pres- ident until losing an elec- tion in 1990. Peru’s fugitive former president Alejandro Toledo Thousands march in Mexico to demand respect, reject Trump MEXICO CITY (AP) – About 20,000 people staged a march through Mexico’s capital Sunday demanding respect for their country and its mi- grants in the face of per- ceived hostility from the ad- ministration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Many marchers carried Mexican flags and dressed in white as a sign of unity and to signal the non-po- litical nature of the march. One of the banners read: “Gracias, Trump, for uni- fying Mexico!” The marchers protested Trump’s plans for a border wall and increased deporta- tions of migrants. Trump has also pressured U.S. corpora- tions to provide jobs in the United States, not Mexico. Paulina Ortega car- ried a placard in Eng- lish proclaiming: “We love Americans, we hate racism.” “This is a march for dig- nity,” she said. Irene Aguilar, a univer- sity professor, said the main message of the marchers was to show the unity of Mexi- cans in the face of adversity. The march also featured many signs supporting Mex- ican migrants living in the United States. “We want demonstrate to all of those who suffer dis- crimination in the United States that we are with them,” said Ana Fernanda Islas, a university student. Mexicans have called for unity in facing the challenge posed by Trump’s policies, but the march featured al- most as many banners crit- icizing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto as the new U.S. leader. Smaller marches were held in other Mexican cities Sunday. Thousands gather in Mexico City on Sunday for a march demanding respect for Mexico and its migrants in the face of perceived hostility from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. - PHOTO: AP/CHRISTIAN PALMA3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 FOUNDATION FOUNDATION The The SEVENTH ANNUAL BREAST CANCER BEACH WALKBREAST CANCER BEACH WALK SATURDAY MARCH 11 starting at Royal Palms on Seven Mile Beach at 7.00 pm breast cancer FACTS register Now at breastcancerfoundation.ky, or on the night at 6:00pm at Royal Palms CI$25 donation includes one raffl e entry fabulous raffl e prizes Royal Palms offer $6 cocktail special (with $1 of it donated to the BCF) and 10% off food items Walk along the beach to The Ritz-Carlton and back, by the light of an (almost) full moon Over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the USA today. Early detection is the key. For further information please contact The Breast Cancer Foundation on 923 1135 RISTORANTE Elevator Syed trial focuses on Civil Service College JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A government accountant testified in Grand Court on Monday that he processed numerous payments to the University College of the Cayman Islands in connec- tion with the project to set up a civil service college. Matthew Tibbetts, who was chief financial officer in the Portfolio of the Civil Service, said invoices had been sent to the portfolio by Hassan Syed, then president of UCCI, for work in con- nection with the project, be- tween 2006 and 2008. Giving evidence in Syed’s trial, Mr. Tibbetts recalled refunding $127,000 to UCCI in connection with a human resources “product” Mr. Syed had purchased from a company called Lominger as part of the project. He said Syed had sub- mitted an invoice indicating that he had personally paid for the product on his Amer- ican Express card. Despite this, he said the money was paid back to the college because the contract was between the institutions rather than with Syed personally. He said, “We were making the payment through UCCI and they would reimburse him.” As chief financial of- ficer, Mr. Tibbetts said, his job was simply to process the payments. He said the chief officer designate in the department, Mary Rodrigues, would have been responsible for confirming that the services were provided and for au- thorizing the payments. Ms. Rodrigues, who gave evidence in the case on Friday, said she had no involvement in the finan- cial aspects of the arrange- ment between UCCI and the department. She said those were handled by Mr. Tibbetts, who reported di- rectly to the chief officer, who at the time was Peter Gough. Mr. Gough has not been called to give evidence. “I would not have been involved, seen, approved or reviewed any of these docu- ments,” Ms. Rodrigues said in relation to invoices in connection with the pay- ment to Lominger. Syed is accused of dis- honestly obtaining money transfers worth more than $70,000 from UCCI by falsely representing that he had made payments to Lominger Ltd. in connection with the Civil Service College. He faces a total of 12 charges in relation to theft or misuse of college funds for personal gain. The Grand Court trial continues Tuesday. Most voters fix address problems BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A list of 194 Cayman Is- lands voters with incor- rect addresses on their reg- istration has been whittled down to around 50, Elec- tions Supervisor Wesley Howell said Friday. The list represents the in- dividuals the Elections Of- fice was unable to con- tact by telephone, email or in door-to-door visits during its months-long voter registration exercise. Mr. Howell said an up- dated list of individuals who still have incorrect address information will be posted on the Elections Office website. He urged all voters whose address is not listed at their primary residence to rec- tify the issue before Feb. 20. Anyone with an incorrect ad- dress listed will not be able to vote on May 24. The period for objections to the revised voter list con- tinues until Feb. 20. Once the objections period ends, a formal review process led by the chief magistrate will decide on the validity of any objections received. Any changes from that ex- ercise will be noted on the final voter list, to be pub- lished on April 1. Mr. Howell said 21,465 people have registered to vote in the 2017 election, an all-time high for the Cayman Islands. NRA PUTS UP SIGNS, DIRECTIONAL ARROWS AT BUTTERFIELD ROUNDABOUT New road signs and di- rectional arrows are greeting drivers and bicyclists on one of Cayman’s busiest intersections. The improvements were installed recently at the Butterfield roundabout and could be added at other intersections around Grand Cayman, based on feedback to the National Roads Authority, a press release states. The authority also re- cently removed about a dozen derelict vehicles from the side of the round- about where they had been left “for sale.” There are NRA signs about 300 yards, and again at 200 yards approaching the roundabout, directing drivers to get into the cor- rect lanes. At 100 yards, the signs remind drivers to re- main in their current lanes and use their vehicle’s in- dicator to show their direc- tion of travel. “Our NRA staff worked evenings and weekends on this project in order to min- imize traffic disruptions,” said Delroy Myles, with the authority’s signs and lines department. Anyone with feedback or suggestions on the project is asked to contact the NRA at 946-7780, email nra@nra.ky or visit the authority’s website at www.caymanroads.com. Hassan Syed The period for objections to the revised voters list continues until Feb. 20. Anyone with an incorrect address listed will not be able to vote on May 24. Delroy Myles of the NRA’s Signs and Lines Department, at the Butterfield roundabout.The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS DAVID R. LEGGE AND VICKI L. LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID R. LEGGE EXECUTIVE EDITOR PATRICK BRENDEL A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will findtheirownway” TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS The Cayman Islands government has tried just about everything to address the problem of unli- censed vendors operating on Seven Mile Beach — reams of paperwork, customer service training, sternly worded warnings, promises of kiosks, plans for uniforms, etc. — everything, that is, except for this: enforcing existing laws. Now, lawmakers are proposing legislation to create an appointed five-member commission to regulate the vendors (and other businesses wishing to operate on Crown land). We can safely say that after a years-long battle between the government and a handful of beach vendors, we can finally declare a winner: the beach vendors. With so much at stake — the reputation of Grand Cayman’s finest beach, the quality of Cayman’s tourism product, the safety of visitors and residents — our elected Progressives leadership has demonstrated an astounding incapacity to deal in a forthright and forceful way with a situation whose solution is obvious, easy and simple. The vendors’ continuing ability to operate without trade and business licenses (which government hasn’t been granting when they apply) and without lawful permission to be on Crown land, and presum- ably without abiding by legal requirements to provide health insurance, contribute to pensions and maintain liability insurance, is a highly visible repudiation of laws regulating private businesses in Cayman — and by extension all laws on the books in this country. If the beach vendors can conduct business without paying costs for permits, planning permission, health- care, pensions or insurance, why should any of their legally operating competitors, who are also trying to sell goods and provide services to tourists, follow the expensive and often-onerous rules? If the beach vendors are being given a blanket exemption from reg- ulations, why should any business in Cayman attempt to abide by the letter of the law? Why should any indi- vidual in their daily life? When complaints about the unlicensed beach vendors first reached the ears of elected members, they had a simple, binary choice, each of which carried potential political ramifications among voters (who might be beach vendors, their friends or relatives, or the residents who are protesting): • Option 1 — Enforce the law, move the vendors off public land and put them out of business. • Option 2 — Change the law to “legalize” beach vending, once and for all. The newly proposed legislation does neither. Nor, by itself, will the five-person commission. (How does granting a “vendor’s license” address the lack of health insurance and liability insurance, for example?) What the establishment of the five-person com- mission will do is to spare elected government offi- cials from making a definitive decision on the beach vendors, to dilute accountability for what happens on Seven Mile Beach and to create yet another opportu- nity for the arising of conflicts of interest and impro- priety within Cayman’s regulatory apparatus. Throughout the beach vendor saga, the gov- ernment’s directives have been all over the place depending on the ministry or minister who is speaking at the moment, ranging from tough talk, to laissez- faire to la-di-da. The vendors, meanwhile, have had a remarkably consistent message: “See you on the beach tomorrow.” Beach vendors’ victory: Government caves on unlicensed operators LETTER TO THE EDITOR In the slow lane at Owen Roberts What happened with the promised “green lane” for customs at Owen Roberts International Airport, which was supposed to operate like Miami and Heathrow, where passengers with nothing to declare can just walk through? I arrived on American Air- lines at 8:20 p.m. Thursday night (Feb. 9) and there was a delayed flight arrived just ahead of us. Immigration was severely undermanned; some 400 to 500 passengers were lined up stretching back to the tarmac outside. Although I was first off the plane, it took me almost an hour to clear immigration (I’m a resident). On reaching the customs hall, there were some 200 passengers lined up in front of only two cus- toms inspectors, and incred- ibly one of them was opening the bags of almost every pas- senger and the other was almost as slow. These in- dividuals were seemingly completely oblivious not only of the long lines but also of the fact that these same pas- sengers had already been in line for an hour or longer at immigration. It took me a further 50 minutes to clear customs, and, as mentioned, I was first off my flight. Almost all the passengers on American Airlines were tourists, so what sort of im- pression are we creating for these poor people on arrival? Why search so many of them; they are aware of the cus- toms system in Miami and the enhanced immigration procedures there. I had orig- inated in London, transiting in Miami, and from leaving the plane at the gate in Miami, taking the sky train to immigration, clearing im- migration and customs and also security to the departure area, took me 25 minutes. This simply is not good enough and is not the way to encourage more tourists to visit these islands. I tried calling Customs in an effort to advise senior management of this debacle, but the oper- ator extension was answered by voicemail, requesting me to leave my name and number. This I did on Thursday but as of today my call has not been returned. Roger Davies BLOOMBERG VIEW EDITORIAL BOARD Not so long ago, Mon- golia was the world’s fastest-growing economy. Now, by nearly every metric, it’s in a dire fix. Its debt has surged, its currency has plummeted, and its budget deficit has widened alarm- ingly. Foreign investment has dried up and economic growth all but ceased. Even the poor antelope are beset by plague. Making matters worse, some staggering bills are coming due. The govern- ment, along with a state- backed development bank, is on the hook for more than $1 billion in maturing bonds over the next year, starting with a $580 mil- lion payment due in March. By one account, locals are so anxious they’re do- nating their horses to help avoid default. Thankfully, better op- tions are available. This week, the government is ne- gotiating with the Interna- tional Monetary Fund for a bailout, its sixth in less than three decades. China also may be willing to lend a hand, at a price. Yet even if it avoids default, Mon- golia should stand as a cau- tionary tale for the ages. Sitting on expansive mineral reserves, and sharing a long border with the world’s second-biggest economy, Mongolia long looked like an appealing place to invest. Its economy grew by 17 percent in 2011, as its mines churned out huge amounts of coal and copper to meet Chinese demand. Ominously, though, gov- ernment spending rose by 56 percent the same year. With interest rates abnor- mally low, Mongolia was one of many not-so-cred- itworthy countries able to borrow on attractive terms as investors pursued higher yields. In 2012, it issued $1.5 billion in “Chinggis Bonds” to splurge on public works. It boosted pay for civil ser- vants and subsidized mort- gages. Politicians doled out cash. A flowering of luxury boutiques, fancy hotels and immodestly large statues dotted the steppe. Then the good times ended, as they always must. China’s economy slowed, commodity prices plunged, and Mongolia found itself in a bind. Growth halted and debt mounted. With foreign-exchange reserves dwindling, a balance-of- payments crisis was staved off only with help from the People’s Bank of China. A new IMF lifeline would avert an imminent default, but Mongolia needs more than that. Most of all, it must diversify an economy that depends on mining for nearly a quarter of its output and 90 percent of its exports. This in turn re- quires better schools and a new approach to for- eign investors, whom the government has antago- nized extravagantly in re- cent years. Reining in cor- ruption would help. Budgets will have to be tightened so that revenue can be used to build up a sovereign wealth fund, which could even- tually be used to smooth out the commodity boom- and-bust cycle. Attend to all this, and Mongolia’s future still looks bright. It has a young pop- ulation, a mostly stable de- mocracy, and even an em- bryonic startup scene. The IMF reckons its mineral deposits may yield $3 tril- lion over time. An expan- sion of the immense Oyu Tolgoi mine, now under way, should soon pay hefty dividends. Accepting some pain today will help ensure those riches are well used. It might also bring Mon- golia’s wild economic gyra- tions to an end. © 2017, Bloomberg View TOLEDO BLADE EDITORIAL BOARD Democrats are picking the wrong guy – the wrong target – if they choose to go all out in opposition to Judge Neil Gorsuch – the President’s pick for an opening on the U.S. Supreme Court. The Dems would be both smart and classy if they backed Mr. Gorsuch instead. First, there is the politics of the matter: Judge Gorsuch is a serious person, not an ideologue or a hack. Then there is substance. The Democrats should lose this fight. Judge Gorsuch is qualified, indeed, according to many who have studied his work closely, highly qual- ified. They say he is brilliant; a giant of legal reasoning. Of course, Democrats feel they have a right to block President Trump’s nom- inee for the Supreme Court. Senate Republicans declared they would not consider any person President Barack Obama nominated to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, after his untimely death a year ago. That was an abuse of power, and Democrats are itching for retribution. But retribution gets us no- where. We can’t have govern- ment by payback – one party abusing nominees and the system and then the other. © 2017, Associated Press Sitting on expansive mineral reserves, and sharing a long border with the world’s second-biggest economy, Mongolia long looked like an appealing place to invest. Lessons from Mongolia Although I was first off the plane, it took me almost an hour to clear immigration (I’m a resident). Support Gorsuch5 LOCAL&REGIONAL CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 Course 1 Avocado and Local Heirloom Salad or Brandy Truffl e Lobster Bisque Course 2 Local Chili and Champagne Shrimp and Lobster Course 3 A choice of 1 of the following: Grilled C.A.B. Tenderloin of Beef or Seared Fresh Local Tuna, or Roasted Prime Rib of Beef (All of our beautiful entrees are served with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Truffl e Mushroom Cake) Course 4 Love Tray Desserts (Oreo Crusted Chocolate Brownie, Bailey’s Crème Brulee, and White Chocolate Strawberries) CI$55.00 per person (Complimentary Glass of Champagne, House Wine,Caybrew, or Soft Drink) @ MORRITT’S Tuesday, Feb 14th 6PM - 10PM 4 COURSE MEAL FOR RESERVATIONS EMAIL cbodden@morritts.com or call 925-2617 Four remanded in custody in relation to shooting Two men and two women refused bail CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Investigations into a shooting on West Bay Road earlier this month led to two people being brought to Summary Court on Sat- urday, Feb. 11, and two more on Monday, Feb. 13. On Saturday, Malik Wilford Mothen, 35, and Tashika Mothen, 29, appeared before Magistrate Kirsty-Ann Gunn. They are charged jointly with possession of an unlicensed firearm in the vicinity of Fete nightclub, West Bay Road, on Feb. 4. No description of the gun was set out in the details of the charge. They are further charged that to- gether with others, they unlaw- fully and maliciously wounded or caused grievous bodily harm to a named person with intent to cause grievous harm. Malik Mothen is also charged with discharging a firearm within 40 yards of a public road. This of- fense is alleged to have occurred in the vicinity of Fete nightclub on Feb. 4. The assault charge, on the same date and at the same location, relates to a complainant separate from the wounding charge. Malik was represented by at- torney Prathna Bodden. Tashika Mothen was represented by attorney Amelia Fosuhene. The magistrate refused bail and transmitted the firearm and wounding charges to Grand Court for a mention on Feb. 24. She noted that Tashika Mothen was pregnant and needed to be medically assessed on arrival at the Fairbanks women’s facility. Daniella Tibbetts, 24, and Kash- wayne Hewitt, 20, appeared be- fore Magistrate Valdis Foldats on Monday. They were jointly charged with possession of an unlicensed .45 Colt semiautomatic pistol at a West Bay address on Feb. 10. Crown counsel Eleanor Fargin told the court that the pistol was suspected of having been used in the Feb. 4 incident, and tests were under way to compare it with a bullet that had been recovered. Attorney John Furniss ap- plied for bail on behalf of Tibbetts, but the magistrate refused it, ad- vising her of her right to apply to the Grand Court. Attorney Crister Brady did not apply for bail on behalf of Hewitt, and it was noted that no docu- ments in the case were avail- able at the time. Both of these defendants were remanded in custody to return to Summary Court on Feb. 20. Indecent assault suspect invades woman’s bedroom BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A West Bay woman awoke early Monday to find an unknown man in her bedroom “engaging in inde- cent behavior,” according to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. The incident was re- ported just before 3:30 a.m. along West Bay Road. Ac- cording to RCIPS officers, the woman awoke to find the man in her bedroom with a T-shirt over his head. He left a short while later and the woman was not harmed. Police are investigating the incident as an in- decent assault. A number of indecent as- saults on women have been reported since late last year in West Bay district. The Cayman Compass has reported at least five since Oct. 1. However, a group of women who par- ticipated in self-defense training over the weekend at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School said that at least three more incidents in No- vember and December were not reported to police. Those incidents gener- ally involved groping or grabbing women out on the street in the early hours of the morning, often as the women are jogging or run- ning. One of the victims was attacked at knife point. However, police said Monday’s incident at the victim’s home exhibited a different and far more dis- turbing behavior. A police spokesperson said officers had not “ex- cluded the possibility” that it could be the same person involved in several dif- ferent incidents. A police spokesperson said officers had not “excluded the possibility” that it could be the same person involved in several different incidents. MEXICO RAISES KEY RATE FOR FOURTH TIME AS INFLATION SURGES Mexico’s central bank raised borrowing costs for a fourth straight meeting as President Donald Trump’s election undermined the peso and fuel prices soared, sending inflation spiraling above target. Banco de Mexico, led by Governor Agustin Carstens, increased the key rate by 50 basis points to 6.25 percent, more than twice the level of December 2015. Nineteen of 26 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast the half-point increase, six ex- pected a quarter-point hike and one projected no change. Mexico’s economy is facing the prospect of low growth and high inflation thanks in part to Trump’s threats to renegotiate free trade in North America and slap a tax on companies that send jobs south of the border. The peso’s 11 percent decline since the Nov. 8 elec- tion through yesterday and the end of government fuel subsi- dies combined to send the in- flation rate up by the most in 21 years in January. Banxico now faces the challenge of reining in consumer prices just as some economists are warning the country may slip into recession. Banxico’s statement was “consistent with more hikes in the following months, es- pecially as inflation keeps in- creasing in the first half of 2017, but at a slower pace than the hikes so far,” said Carlos Capistran, the chief Mexico economist at Bank of America Corp. Underscoring policy- makers’ dilemma, consumer prices in January rose 4.72 percent from the year earlier, up from 3.36 percent the pre- vious month, the statistics in- stitute said today. That was the biggest increase in the in- flation rate for 21 years. Fore- casts for annual inflation this year have also soared, reaching 5.32 percent, according to a Citibanamex survey of econo- mists released Tuesday. Banxico sees inflation above the target range of 2-4 percent in much of 2017 before converging toward the goal of 3 percent “in the final months of the year,” ac- cording to a statement ac- companying today’s decision. Economists also see eco- nomic growth slowing to 1.5 percent this year, the least since 2013. But some take an even dimmer view. PNC Fi- nancial Services Group Inc. forecasts that the economy will fall into recession and post growth of just 0.25 per- cent over the whole year, while BNP Paribas SA sees no growth at all. “Banxico is trying to limit inflation expectations, which have been rising,” Benito Berber, a senior economist for Latin America at Nomura Holdings Inc. in New York, said before the decision. “Al- though there are risks to growth, the risk that expec- tations get out of control is more pressing.” Since taking office, Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, repeatedly vowed to renego- tiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he has called the worst trade deal ever, and is mulling imposing a border tax on imports. Ford Motor Co. decided to scrap a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico after Trump threatened to tax the company on Twitter. Any threat of trade disruption hits home for Mexico, which sends close to 80 percent of its ex- ports to the U.S. © 2017, Bloomberg Mexico’s economy is facing the prospect of low growth and high inflation. [Two] are charged jointly with possession of an unlicensed firearm in the vicinity of Fete nightclub, West Bay Road, on Feb. 4.DISTRICT DAYS 6 District Days West Bay TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS 50 YEARS AGO Soulsville draws a crowd to Club Inferno In the Feb. 15, 1967 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a pre- cursor of the Cayman Compass, news from West Bay included: “Soulsville ‘67 opened with a huge crowd at Club Inferno on Monday. The audience thor- oughly enjoyed the antics of the artists from Jamaica and Dr. Ku- mina Sr., Irene, and Little Spect the midget delighted everyone with their dances. Highlight of the show was the Ska, performed by Gungah the Ghost on two pieces of bamboo in mid-air. “Music was provided by Ken Davis and the Kiemanaires and the show, which was repeated at the Coral Caymanian Hotel last night, will be presented at Club Inferno again tonight and to- morrow night.” In the same issue, West Bay correspondent Leila Yates wrote: “Mrs. Robert Ebanks and Mrs. Maria Jackson left on the 10th for New York where they will meet their husbands. “Messrs. Kingsley Smith and Crawford Owens left on the 12th for the U.S.A. Crawford will re-ship with the National Maritime Union. “Mr. and Mrs. William Ebanks from Baltimore are here for a visit. This is Mrs. Ebanks’ first visit. “‘World Day of Prayer’ was ob- served in various churches, with pastors from the churches joining in fellowship dedicated to the work of the Kingdom of God. “Mr. and Mrs. Charles Both- well and their 4-year-old daughter Nana have returned from Jamaica. Nana has had a tonsillectomy at the University Hospital and is doing well. “Mr. and Mrs. Livingston Powery became the happy parents of their second daughter on the 9th, weighing 8 pounds. “Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Ebanks became the happy parents of a son on the 11th, weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces. “Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Jackson celebrated their 32nd wedding an- niversary on the 5th. He left for Tampa on the 6th after spending seven months at home. Mr. Davis Borden left on the same day to work for Standard Oil Co. after four weeks vacation at home. “Mr. Oswald Ebanks returned on the 5th from National Bulk Carriers on the Uni-Leader. “Capt. and Mrs. Henry S. Par- sons arrived on the 12th from Port Arthur for a short visit with relatives.” “Mrs. Una McCarthy returned on the 5th from Miami after two weeks’ vacation with her husband of S.S. Miami.” Grassroots clinic brings out community The second West Bay Grassroots animal welfare clinic at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School over the weekend was a big draw for the community. The event was organized by Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts, known as CARE, which educates about re- sponsible pet ownership, an- imal welfare and animal be- havior as a way to prevent ill treatment, cruelty and suf- fering to domestic animals. The clinic at the weekend followed a similar one held in the district last month. The new Grassroots pro- gram, made possible through money raised last year by the charity 100 Women Who Care, builds on CARE’s existing free community spay and neuter initiative and aims to assist under-served communities to improve the lives of pets by offering preventive veterinary care and sterilization. “We now have a whop- ping 60 dogs signed up from the district – all shapes and sizes, colors and ages, all res- idents of the district, and it was wonderful to see such a positive response from the public who really do care and want what is best for their pets,” CARE Director Lesley Agostinelli said on the orga- nization’s Facebook page. The animals received their first vaccine, deworming, other necessary treatments, a microchip and had a full health check under the su- pervision of Dr. Brenda Bush of Island Veterinary Services. Several animals were signed up for spay and neuter. Speaking with the Cayman Compass later, she said that at the clinic it was clear those who brought their animals in were very proud of their pets. She said the organization was grateful it could assist owners from under-served communities who, though they love their pets, might not have the means to take them to the vet for treatment, or to provide them with preventative treat- ment for common, and pre- ventable, problems like heart- worm, fleas and ticks. She said she hopes that the organization will be able to continue to receive sponsorship for the preventa- tive treatments CARE is able to offer at its clinics, like the vaccines and monthly heart- worm, flea and tick medi- cine that so many in the community may find out of reach financially. “People have responded so well to these clinics, and also through them getting access to information that is not out there, which they are able to share with their neighbors, for instance that heartworm is a preventable but deadly problem that is spread by mosquitoes. The knock-on impact is really great. The same goes for the microchip- ping, where we are again having people able to reg- ister their pets.” Ms. Agostinelli thanked Dr. Bush and Joanna Laws of Island Veterinary Services, along with the 11 volunteers who helped with processing and interacted with the large number of animals and their owners at the event. Ms. Agostinelli told them, “We know and we can’t thank you enough for all of your help, calmness and hard work, which certainly paid off for all those wonderful dogs.” Ms. Agostinelli’s message to pet owners still thinking about whether to bring in their pets to the next clinic is to just do it. “Don’t be afraid to bring in your pet and to seek help,” she said. “You aren’t being judged. As an owner, you are the voice for your pet, and we are here to help and to educate.” The next West Bay clinic will be held on March 11. Two clinic participants make friends while waiting their turn. This little pup is off to a good start thanks to the Grassroots program.DISTRICT DAYS 7 District Days West Bay CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 Fun at the forefront for new school behavioral program Good behavior program launches Students and staff at West Bay’s Sir John A. Cumber Pri- mary School last week had a kickoff party to mark the launch of a program aimed at reinforcing good behavior. The new government- backed Positive Behavior In- terventions and Supports Framework event was at- tended by Education Minister Tara Rivers and other min- istry representatives. According to Jayne Ed- wards of the Department of Education Services’ Behavior Support Service, who, along with an assistant, works with children who have been iden- tified as having significant behavioral needs, the event was a huge success and con- veyed the message of “Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe.” She said those at the event, nicknamed “Westbee-ers,” en- joyed free, donated patties. “The bee motto and mascot, which will be a prominent visual reminder throughout the school over the coming months, was highlighted in the sea of yellow and black outfits that welcomed the minister, and through the various skits, jingles and posters the pu- pils at SJAC demonstrated during the event,” said Ms. Edwards, the new program’s district coach who will im- plement the framework at the school. “It was lovely to see the whole school community, in- cluding pupils, staff, parents and officers from the DES and Ministry joining us for the launch of a strategy that will make a significant differ- ence to the culture, behavior and learning that takes place within our school.” Ms. Edwards said re- search has proved that a pos- itive school climate is signif- icantly linked to improved behavior and academic achievement in schools. “In implementing the PBIS framework, we can promote a specific range of strate- gies that encourage success not only behaviorally, but so- cially, emotionally and aca- demically,” said Ms. Edwards. “The School Climate and Achievement Team here at SJAC aims to maxi- mize success through active supervision, positive com- munication and recognition of good behavior,” said Prin- cipal Paul Samuel. “We believe that explic- itly teaching, and reteaching important social skills and modeling and rewarding good behavior is the best way to encourage and promote achievement in all areas.” Ms. Edwards noted that while all government schools will be using the new be- havior framework, it has been fully embraced by the whole school community at Sir John A. Cumber and all of the 28 classes have started doing their part. “It is important that we remember to Be Re- spectful, Be Responsible and to Be Safe,” said Year 6 stu- dent Jevoughn Anderson. “It stops us from getting hurt, and you need to learn good manners for when you are a grown-up.” Year 6 students Daniella Wallis and Marisha Myles said: “Sometimes you can hurt people’s feelings by not thinking and saying mean things. We need to Be Re- spectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe so that we can stop bullying, and stop this from happening.” Ms. Edwards said the School Climate and Achieve- ment Team are encouraging parents to get involved in recognizing their children’s achievements through posi- tive praise, positive language and continued positive rela- tionships, as they are vital el- ements when teaching chil- dren essential social skills. She said hot chocolate Fri- days, class treats and peer nominations are some of the positive rewards school staff are introducing to the “Westbee-ers Hive” over the next few weeks. “It is hoped that pupils will continue to respond well to the new system, en- gaging in working towards and reaching their targets, then enjoying their rewards,” said Ms. Edwards. The new behavioral program’s mascot Some of the young competition winners with senior school improvement officer Gloria Bell, Education Minister Tara Rivers, and island-wide program leaders Sean Cahill and Wayne Roberts. Sir John A. Cumber students had lots of fun creating bee costumes.Excited students at the launch event “We believe that explicitly teaching, and reteaching important social skills and modeling and rewarding good behavior is the best way to encourage and promote achievement in all areas.” PAUL SAMUEL, principalThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS 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 BRAC SPORTS DAYS: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Primary Schools hold sporting events from 4 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Cayman Brac Sports Complex. DCI CLOSES EARLY: The Department of Commerce and Investment in Grand Cayman, including its Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close at 3 p.m. for staff training. DCI’s main office will reopen tomorrow, Friday, at 8:30 a.m. and the counter will reopen at 9 a.m. QUIZ NIGHT: Pub Quiz Night at Fidel Murphy’s benefits the Humane Society. To reserve a table call 949-5189 or email sarah.dyer.81@gmail.com. $10 per person, with a maximum of six people per team. All proceeds go toward transferring dogs to their new homes in the U.S. 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. SATURDAY, FEB. 18 COCO FEST: A celebration of coconuts, with coconut- inspired food and drinks, locally made coconut products, games and crafts, live music.Noon to 4 p.m. at Pedro Castle. Adults, $5; kids (under 12) free. Artisan Market with Visual Arts Society. PARK WALL PAINTING: The Committee to Elect North Side Candidate Ed Chisholm is inviting everyone in the community to join them at 8 a.m. to repaint the wall at the Jerald Smith Park on Hutland Road. Paint, supplies and refreshments provided. For more information, call 939-9813 or 938-1161. MONDAY, FEB. 20 ART FOR SENIORS: The National Gallery opens at 1 p.m., talks start at 3 p.m. Art Talks, open to the public, facilitate thought- provoking discussions and time for seniors to socialize. Free coffee, tea and snacks are provided for seniors (over 65 years). This program is free and group bookings can be made by emailing education@ nationalgallery.org.ky or by calling 945-8111. THURSDAY, FEB. 23 BABY SHOW: Today is the deadline to register children for the Baby Show at the 50th Annual Agricultural Show on Ash Wednesday, March 1. Boys and girls ages birth to 48 months. For information, call 929-9932. FRIDAY, FEB. 24 HOSPICE FLAG DAY: Cayman HospiceCare holds its annual Flag Days today and tomorrow, when volunteers in green T-shirts will collect donations around Grand Cayman. The charity provides free specialized care to anyone in Cayman with an end-stage illness. People willing to volunteer should email chc@candw.ky. DRESS FOR CULTURE: Dress for Culture Day is a celebration of Cayman’s diverse community, comprised of more than 135 nationalities. This annual fundraiser invites individuals, students and corporate entities to take part by wearing traditional cultural wear, sportswear, country colors or anything that represents their culture. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Proceeds support Cayman Islands Folk Singers and summer arts camp. Contact Cayman National Cultural Foundation, 949-5477 or www.artscayman.org. EDUCATORS’ HAPPY HOUR: National Gallery, 5-8 p.m. Teachers and educators are invited to an evening of exhibition tours, socializing and wine. For those interested in bringing students to the gallery, the event will demonstrate all the gallery has to offer. Enjoy beverages and nibbles and learn about Caymanian art. For more information and to RSVP, email Jessica Ebanks at intern@nationalgallery.org.ky or call 945-8111. SATURDAY, FEB. 25 DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross mobile shop will be in East End from 6-10 a.m. near the Pirates Cove Bar. Items available include women’s accessories and bags; clothing and shoes for men, women and children; linens, household items and more. RED SKY AT NIGHT: Multi- discipline, multi-cultural arts fair featuring dance, music, drama, a display of visual arts and crafts, and films. Enjoy culinary delights from vendors and a “come- together” at the Harquail Cultural Centre grounds 4 p.m.-midnight. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children. SUNDAY, FEB. 26 OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: The 50K Off the Beaten Track ultramarathon and relay takes place. Registration is open at www.offthebeatentrack. ky/registration; fees are US$300 for a relay team, or US$100 for individuals. GENERAL INTEREST 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. PRESCHOOL FUNDING: Government funding to assist with preschool attendance is available for eligible Caymanian children who will be between 3 and 4 years old before Sept. 1. Email ecap@gov.ky or call 244-5724 for more information or to request an application form. Collect forms from Government Administration Building, Department of Education, early childhood centers, District Health Centres or the Public Health Department at the Cayman Islands Hospital. Deadline to apply is April 28. VOTER ID CARDS: Elections officials will start issuing voter ID cards from April 1. 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. GALLERY TEMPORARY ROAD: The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands has a temporary access road while work is being done to improve site access. The access road is off Lawrence Boulevard and passes through the grounds of the Harquail Theatre. For more information on roadwork related to NGCI, email info@nationalgallery.org.ky or call 945-8111. MARITIME CULTURE: The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands offers a new exhibit that celebrates Cayman’s maritime heritage and identity. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Admission is free. Families can download a free copy of the “Upon the Seas” exhibition guide at www.nationalgallery. org.ky. Guides include information about the artists, exhibition themes, discussion points and art activities. Guides available on arrival. 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. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. Coco Fest will feature coconut-inspired food and drinks, locally made coconut products, games, crafts and live music on Saturday, Feb. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at Pedro Castle.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 We are so grateful to have had a wonderful and loving mother like you. You gave us the con dence that we needed to become the persons we are today. You were the BEST and we will always cherish your love and fond memories. Lots of Love Margaret, Kevan, Mervyn and our families. February 14, 1919 – November 7, 2000 To Our Special Mother Myrle Adina Conolly Happy 98th Birthday and Valentine’s Day Mamaand Valentine’s Day Mamaand Valentine’s Day Mama banana boat rides and other items, as well as the sale of food and drink on the beach, which residents said is “de- stroying” the serenity of the area with a “carnival- type” atmosphere. Strict rules The proposed legisla- tion sets out strict rules for dealing with unlicensed vendors. If vendors do not receive a license from the Public Lands Commission, they will be ticketed. They can either pay the ticket, enter a not guilty plea to the public officer is- suing the citation or attend Summary Court. Any ticket for noncom- pliance would have to be paid with 28 days to avoid criminal proceedings, the bill states. In the case of either a not guilty plea or attendance at Summary Court, a trial date for the matter would be fixed. Failure to appear in court will result in a war- rant for the vendor’s arrest, according to the bill. New commission The five-member commis- sion that would be created under the proposal would consist of three civil service appointees and two mem- bers of the public appointed by Cabinet. One of those in- dividuals “shall have a back- ground and knowledge of the islands’ heritage and cul- ture,” the bill states. The commission’s duty is to regulate the use of public land “in the public interest.” It is given a number of broad powers in order to do so, including: ■■ To protect the right of ac- cess to and use of public land by members of the public, including en- forcement of rights of way over private land ■■ To respond to com- plaints about misuse of public land ■■ To issue permits and li- censes for the use of, and activities on, public land ■■ To advise the ministry responsible for Crown lands on the enforce- ment of the legislation. The bill states that at least one chief inspector will be hired to undertake en- forcement efforts and that additional inspectors may be hired as the need arises. A secretarial position will be created to support the work of the commission, the bill states. Public-private land If Cabinet approves, the commission mem- bers can agree to addi- tional regulations under the bill concerning the use of public land. According to the legisla- tion, those regulations can include “protecting public rights of way over pri- vate land” and specifying the “days and hours during which public land is open for public use.” Section 14 of the bill en- shrines the use of public land: “Public areas or public land are open for use by all members of the public without discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, as- sociation with a national minority, sexual orientation or physical or mental im- pairment, property, birth or other status.” Certain public land al- ready governed by public authorities can be ex- empted from the regula- tions by the commission, ac- cording to the bill. New board to license beach vendors Magistrate Foldats on Friday, his work permit as a landscaper had come to an end and a renewal was refused. “Immigra- tion wouldn’t give me more time,” he said, and he de- parted on Feb. 8, 2013. Cole said he called his probation officer from Ja- maica. “I told her what happened and she said she would tell the court,” he said. He had a pro- bation officer because a pre-sentence report had been requested. Magistrate Foldats pointed out that Cole could have come to court to deal with the matter before he left the island. The defen- dant did not disagree. The magistrate also pointed out that Cole’s ar- rest showed the effective- ness of the system. The court had ordered the war- rant; the warrant was sent to police; police had noti- fied immigration officials; and the warrant was still active. Cole was asked if he was surprised by his ar- rest. He indicated he was not totally surprised. He knew the case was not finished but he wanted to come back and see his son. He said he had been granted a visitor’s permit until March 12. The magistrate noted the “unusual circumstances of being held in custody” and said he would not im- pose the fines normally as- sessed for the offenses. In- stead of $400 for driving without insurance, he fined Cole $200 and disquali- fied him from driving for one year. For no certificate of roadworthiness, the fine was $50, and for using a vehicle with an expired license, $100. He gave the defen- dant until 3 p.m. on March 10 to pay the fines, but said he would need a surety meanwhile. The scene on Seven Mile Public Beach hasn’t changed much in recent years, despite government efforts to clear out unlicensed vendors. – PHOTO: BRENT FULLER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Visitor arrested for 5-year-old traffic offenses JUDGE TO HEAR ARGUMENTS ON DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE WORK WASHINGTON (AP) – Two American Indian tribes have asked a federal judge to stop construction of the last stretch of the four- state Dakota Access pipe- line, adding a religious freedom component to their argument that it would en- danger their cultural sites and water supply. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg in Wash- ington, D.C., was sched- uled to hear arguments Monday afternoon. The Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux have asked for a temporary re- straining order that would halt work on the disputed section of pipeline until their lawsuit seeking to stop it is resolved. Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners received final approval from the Army last week to lay pipe under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota and complete the 1,200- mile pipeline, which would move North Dakota oil to a shipping point in Illinois. Drilling work began imme- diately under Lake Oahe, which is the water source for both tribes. The tribes in a lawsuit filed last summer argue the pipeline threatens their drinking water and cultural sites. They now also argue that it would threaten their right to practice the Sioux reli- gion, which they say re- quires clean water. New storm wallops Northeast US PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – Plow trucks and shovelers in the Northeast attacked the re- gion’s newest winter storm Monday as fresh powder covered ever-growing snow piles and whiteout conditions made roads unsafe, immobi- lizing millions of residents. Winter storm warnings were in effect from upstate New York to Maine, where blizzard conditions took hold and more than 2 feet of snow fell in some areas. At least one death has been called weather-related. In Mechanicsburg, Pennsyl- vania, a coroner said high winds took down a tree branch that crashed through a driver’s windshield and led to the man’s death. Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall said 22-year-old Shannon Lee Martin died early Monday after going into cardiac ar- rest at a hospital outside Harrisburg. Authorities also were investigating whether injuries in Maine, Massachu- setts and Rhode Island could be attributed to the weather. State officials in New Hampshire and Maine urged people to stay off the roads to avoid whiteout conditions; a number of crashes were re- ported from Sunday through Monday afternoon. “We just want to remind people to be smart and be safe,” New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said, warning residents to watch for chil- dren playing in snowbanks because plow truck drivers might not see them. Schools around the region delayed or canceled classes, including in Boston and some areas across New York state. By early afternoon Monday, snow totals in Maine included 25 inches in Starks, 20 inches in Harpswell and 15 inches in Kennebunk. In New Hampshire, 14 inches had fallen in Ossipee and a foot covered Berlin. Scattered power outages were reported overnight, and the forecast of strong winds and coastal flooding remained a concern. There were reports that thunder and lightning accom- panied snow in Nobleboro, Maine. The Mountain Wash- ington Avalanche Center is- sued an extreme avalanche danger warning on two trails. Snow still was falling in much of Maine by afternoon. Nearly all flights in and out of the airport in Man- chester, New Hampshire, were canceled. The air- port in Portland, Maine, also was closed. A spokeswoman for Cen- tral Maine Power said about 800 power outages were re- ported by mid-day. Most are around Waldo County, which was predicted to have the biggest snowfall and the fastest wind speeds. The new snow comes on the heels of a series of other storms, including one last week that dumped 19 inches on parts of Maine. One of the big questions for residents: Where is all the snow going to go? Raychell Libby, from Port- land, walked through a path that had been cut through the snow, piled hip-high. “I really love the paths that are made afterward,” she said as she chugged along and walked Logan, her 7-year- old Catahoula mix. “It’s kind of like a winter wonderland.” Boston was largely spared large accumulations. Still, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker urged residents to avoid driving and to use public transportation. In northern New Eng- land, the storm was welcome news at ski areas, which last year faced some of the lowest snowfall totals in years. The ski area was forecast to get up to 26 inches of snow by the end of the day.Next >