ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 Court will not accept ‘vigilante behavior’ BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com An East End man charged in connection with the recent van- dalism of a police officer’s per- sonal vehicle has received bail over the objections of a Cayman Islands Summary Court magistrate. “I’m surprised he was given bail,” Magistrate Valdis Fol- dats said. “Had it been me, quite frankly, I’d say he wouldn’t have re- ceived bail. This court would not countenance some sort of vigi- lante behavior.” Elvert McFarlane, 30, appeared in court Tuesday, charged with damage to property and “causing harassment, alarm and distress.” The allegations relate to what po- lice said was “criminal damage” of a police constable’s personal car. The constable was the initial re- sponder to a quadruple-fatal two- car accident on May 2, and police believe he was retaliated against by a family member of one of the crash victims who blamed the of- ficer for “chasing” a Honda Accord involved in the wreck. Many times in the past week po- lice commanders have denied there was any pursuit, but family mem- bers of an 11-year-old boy who was Six new recruits join police service BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Six new recruits who com- pleted a 17-week cadet training course for the Royal Cayman Is- lands Police Service and two other officers who were employed as auxiliary constables with the RCIPS became police constables at a ceremony in George Town on Tuesday afternoon. The two auxiliary constables who were promoted to full con- stable also participated in some of the same training as their new re- cruit colleagues. Acting Governor Franz Man- derson lauded the efforts of the new constables during the grad- uation ceremony – the first this year – particularly in the context of the current political and social environment in the islands. “It is so easy for people to call up the talk shows and write on the blogs about all the things that are wrong with the Cayman Islands,” Mr. Manderson told the recruits at the Harquail Theatre. “It’s more difficult to be a part of the solu- tion. Today you all have responded to the call … and decided to be part of the solution.” The eight new police consta- bles are: Ricardo Brown, Anthony Bush, Kimberley Rivers, Andrew Hemmings, Levan Lewis, Nich- olas Manning, Richardo Beale and Daniel McIlhagga. Police Commis- sioner Derek Byrne, attending his first cadet graduation ceremony as commissioner, said he hopes to have another cadet class graduate later this year.Constables parade outside the Harquail Theatre just before the official ceremony on Tuesday. Police Commissioner Derek Byrne congratulates the new recruits. The new recruits are inspected by Acting Governor Franz Manderson outside the Harquail Theatre. – PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » TRUMP FIRES FBI DIRECTOR WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. Presi- dent Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday, saying it was neces- sary to restore “public trust and confidence” in the nation’s top law enforcement agency.2 LOCAL&REGIONAL WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER (PG13) 1:00 I 3:55 I 7:00 I 9:40 THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS 3D (PG13) 1:30 2D I 3:25 VIP I 8:00 2D I 9:00 SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE (PG) 12:35 I 2:50 I 5:05 I 7:20 I 9:35 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 3D (PG13) 12:25 VIP I 2:00 I 4:35 2D I 5:40 6:30 VIP I 9:30 VIP BOSS BABY 3D (PG) 12:45 2D I 3:50 I 6:50 2D I 9:15 - WEDNESDAY - 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. *Additional charges will apply per 3D ticket requested. 640-FILM (640-3456) Ganja convictions could hurt work permit Man gets convictions after breaching probation CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A work permit holder may have problems in the future because two convic- tions were recorded against him on Monday. Appearing in Summary Court, Andrew Mark Miller, 34, admitted he had consumed ganja, thereby breaching his probation order. Defense attorney Nich- olas Dixey said his client might have to pay a very heavy penalty because he had been here 13 years. When Miller’s permit comes up for renewal, he could have difficulties if he has criminal convictions, Mr. Dixey indicated. But in addition to breaching other conditions of his probation, Miller would be positive if he were tested that day because he had con- sumed ganja while he was out of the jurisdiction, the at- torney advised. Magistrate Valdis Foldats said that action showed a cynical approach to what the court had been trying to do. “He is letting him- self down,” the magistrate commented. “His whole life could change as a re- sult of this.” He reminded Miller of the opportunity he had been given. The defendant had come to court in Feb- ruary 2015 for possession and consumption of ganja. “We give everyone a chance if he doesn’t have previous convictions,” the magis- trate pointed out. He was referring to an in- formal process sometimes used with first offenders who admit ganja offenses. If they are considered to not need the intensive assis- tance of the Drug Rehabili- tation Court, the magistrate may give them the option of coming to court for a min- imum of three months and providing clean urine tests. Miller provided positive and negative tests, but by September 2015 the magis- trate was able to congrat- ulate him for the requisite clean tests. He was placed on probation, ordered to pay $200 in costs, directed to per- form 20 hours of commu- nity service, attend counsel- ling and submit to random drug testing. “I put you on probation for 12 months so that you would stay clean,” the magis- trate pointed out. In addition to other breaches, Miller had left the jurisdiction without pro- viding an itinerary to his pro- bation officer. With the breaches ad- mitted, the magistrate pro- ceeded to sentence for the original charges – posses- sion and consumption of ganja – and imposed a fine of $200 for each. “The biggest penalty for you will be that the convic- tions are recorded,” he told the defendant. “His whole life could change as a result of this.” MAGISTRATE VALDIS FOLDATS Chaos at Florida airport after Spirit cancels 9 flights FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – Irate passengers swarmed ticket counters and some started a near-riot at Fort Lauderdale’s airport after Spirit Airlines canceled nine flights, blaming the decision on pilots’ failure to show up. Hundreds were left stranded at the airlines’ Florida terminal late Monday. The chaos was the latest in- stance of airlines crews being accused of behaving badly. Problems began last month with cellphone video cap- turing a passenger being dragged off a United Airlines flight. Other horror stories from customers surfaced later involving flights on Delta and American airlines. Police arrested three people from New York in the Fort Lauderdale airport, charging them with inciting a riot, disorderly conduct, re- sisting arrest and trespassing. The Broward Sheriff’s Office said about 500 people were crowded into Spirit’s ter- minal at Fort Lauderdale-Hol- lywood International Airport late Monday night after the airline canceled the flights be- cause there were no pilots. The discount airline says pilots are refusing to pick up open flying assignments, which Spirit claims is an il- legal and concerted plot by the Air Line Pilots Association to apply pressure during con- tract negotiations. It has filed a lawsuit, saying it has had to cancel about 300 flights na- tionally and internationally over the last week because of the union’s actions. Federal District Judge Wil- liam P. Dimitrouleas issued a temporary restraining order against the union Tuesday, or- dering its member pilots to not engage in any boycotts or slowdown saying that would violate federal law. The union has denied the accusation, saying the cancel- lations are the airline’s fault. Sheriff’s reports released Tuesday say 22-year-old Des- mond Waul of Selden and 24-year-old Janice Waul and 22 year-old Davante Gar- rett, both of Brentwood, were seen by deputies threatening the airline’s front counter employees. Deputies said their actions caused the crowd to become increasingly aggres- sive to the point of near-vi- olence and that they would not leave when ordered. When deputies tried to arrest them, they said the three threatened them and resisted efforts to handcuff them. They were being held Tuesday at the Broward jail in lieu of $10,000 bond each. It’s unclear whether they have lawyers. Jennifer Glann said at the airport Tuesday that she was in the crowd Monday night, trying to get home to New Haven, Connecticut. She said conditions were “awful” and “horrible.” “There was nowhere to stand, nowhere to sit,” she said. Employees were forcing people to go outside, she said. Soon, scuffles started. “People were getting arrested left and right.” Paul Yankowitz of Newark, New Jersey, said he tried to remain calm as the crowd became enraged. He did not think the cancellations were worth getting angry about. “It sucks but like any- thing else in this life, life is short and you can’t get stressed,” he said. Fort Lauderdale air- port was the scene of a mass shooting in January that killed five people and wounded six. It happened in another terminal on the oppo- site side of the airport. Airport spokesman Greg Meyer said Tuesday that the airport staff has added se- curity agents and other staff at the terminal to help Spirit. He said passengers are often anxious before flying, so any serious disruption can ag- gravate matters. Three more flights were canceled Tuesday. “For many people, airline travel is very challenging. A lot of people don’t do it fre- quently, so they are nervous anyway. When your flight is canceled and you need to be somewhere at a certain time it is an imposition and we understand that. The airport tries to work with our airline partner to work with our pas- sengers.” Meyer said. A woman rests as her friend checks flight information Tuesday at Fort Lauderdale International Airport. - PHOTO: AP3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 Pred Island Jewellers Camana Bay What is the most important thing your Mom taught you growing up? To never be ashamed to be yourself. The only time you should be ashamed is if you are stealing, lying or hurting others. . What do you think was the biggest sacrifice that your Mom made for you and your brothers? She always put us as a priority. I’m trying to teach her how to prioritize herself now that we are all grown up. When do you miss your Mom the most? Well, I miss her every day, but I talk to her every day. She knows everything that goes on in my life and I know everything in hers. Do you think your Mom knows how much you love and appreciate her? Actually a couple of months ago my Mom called me after watching this movie Il Mio Amico Migliore (My Best Friend in Itialian) and she told me, “Do you know what I realized? You are my best friend.” I laughed and said “Mom please, you didn’t know that already?” We laughed about it, but honestly it was an honor to hear. READ MORE OF THESE STORIES ON FACEBOOK.COM/ISLANDJEWELLERS AND VISIT OUR STORES FOR GREAT MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS IDEAS. Visitor fined for medical marijuana Defendant says he knew ganja was illegal in Cayman CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A visitor to Cayman was stopped from going home on Sat- urday after airport security offi- cers found ganja in his luggage and turned him over to customs offi- cers, who bailed him to appear in Summary Court on Monday. Matthew Leventhal, 52, told Magistrate Valdis Foldats he had a medical marijuana identification card issued to him in New York, where he has residence. He pleaded guilty to possession of three grams of ganja on May 6, plus consump- tion of ganja in Cayman on or be- fore that date. Crown counsel Greg Walcolm told the court that while Leventhal was departing through the cus- toms area, a physical search of his luggage was requested. A plastic tube resembling a prescription bottle was found with vegetable matter inside. It was tested and shown to be ganja. In response to the magistrate’s questions, he said the bottle did not have a prescription label on it and the ganja was loose – not in pill form. Mr. Walcolm confirmed that medical marijuana is legal in New York. He also advised the court that Leventhal had told officers his had been prescribed for chronic pain. According to one source checked, chronic pain does qualify for med- ical use of ganja, he noted. Leventhal admitted to offi- cers and again in court that he knew ganja was illegal in Cayman. He said he had brought it into the jurisdiction and smoked it while he was here. When he said he was currently living in Pennsylvania, the magis- trate asked what would happen if he were caught in that state. “I’d be prosecuted,” the defendant replied. “What would happen?” the mag- istrate asked. “I imagine a fine,” he answered. The magistrate noted that there was talk in many countries about legalizing the use of ganja, but Leventhal had come to Cayman knowing it was illegal here. He said the guilty pleas were strong mit- igation and he took into account the extra expense of losing the Sat- urday flight and staying over. The fines were therefore re- duced to $300 on each offense, for a total of $600. The magistrate said he was recording convictions, which might affect permission to return to Cayman. He asked Levental how he had been treated by the officers throughout the incident. “I can’t say one bad thing,” the defendant replied. By this time it was after 4 p.m. and the court cashier’s office was closed. Officers present indicated they would assist Leventhal in get- ting his fine paid by taking it out of his bail bond. Mr. Walcolm said later that the defendant had arrived on is- land April 29. In response to the magistrate’s questions, he said the bottle did not have a prescription label on it and the ganja was loose, not in pill form. Three students from George Town Primary School got a real life lesson in phi- lanthropy last week. The students helped Meals on Wheels Cayman Islands deliver food to the elderly in Windsor Park. Willie Brown, 11, said he was happy to contribute to the community, and he would like to see more people getting involved. “When you get older, it gets harder to leave the house to run er- rands,” he said. Julius Parsons, 10, and Jaylon Dixon, 8, also helped. It was the first time they were involved with the pro- gram, they said. Director Beulah McField said the initiative helped connect the younger gen- eration with the older gen- eration. “If the young chil- dren can do it, then adults can join the core of volun- teers and deliver meals to seniors,” she said. Meals on Wheels delivers food Monday to Friday. For more information, see www. mealsonwheels.ky. George Town Primary students deliver hot meals, kindness George Town Primary students Julius Parsons, Willie Brown and Jaylon Dixon helped deliver hot meals to elderly residents of Windsor Park Friday. - PHOTO: MATT LAMERSThe 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” WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS The following is a serious situation that raises fun- damental questions about the free market, regulations and the natural environment, but it’s still difficult to describe without a sprinkling of irony. Here goes: In recent years, environmentalists have worked with restaurants to take invasive lionfish out of Cayman Islands waters and put them on local menus. With customers’ appetites whetted – both for the fish and for the feeling of conservation satisfaction – demand for lionfish has apparently exceeded local cullers’ ability to supply. Accordingly, although lionfish continue to wreak havoc on Cayman’s underwater eco- system, restaurants are now importing lionfish (and, by the way, at half the cost of the local catch). Some members of the local culling community are, understandably, perplexed. Importing lionfish to Cayman? What’s next? Green iguanas? Mosquitoes? Used car tires? If there’s one “resource” that Cayman should already have more than enough of, it’s lionfish, right? And yet, this is precisely where we find ourselves. On the one hand, some lionfish cullers are asking the National Conservation Council to consider banning lionfish imports, hoping that would lead to a rise in prices and provide further incentive for local people to get into the business of culling lionfish. On the other hand, local chefs say the local cullers simply haven’t been able to provide a sufficient amount of lionfish for their restaurants. The chefs say they’ve never refused to buy local lionfish, at $4 to $6 per pound, even as they’ve been importing lionfish at a 50 percent discount. Put another way, chefs (with the backing of some local cullers) say the issue isn’t a matter of cost, but of supply. In terms of economics, our default position is to “let the market decide,” with the understanding that tinkering with regulations, embargoes and bans can and does lead to unintended consequences, the effects of which often overwhelm the initial purpose of the tinkering. Speaking hypothetically, there is the possibility that banning lionfish imports will, as some local cullers desire, lead to an increase in both the price and supply of local lionfish. However, there is an equal if not greater possibility that banning lionfish imports will not boost local supply, and will instead compel local restaurants to take lionfish off the menu entirely, destroying the local market for consumption of the environmental pest. In the absence of a ban on lionfish imports, con- sumers should realize that the lionfish on their plate may be a “ringer,” and a restaurant’s “feel-good” mes- saging (“Save Cayman’s reefs. Eat a lionfish.”) may be little more than a thin marketing ploy. Our hunch is that for the average consumer, the value of buying a lionfish dinner, even at a premium, isn’t intrinsic to the fish itself, but to the concomitant feeling that their dining option is making a difference. All of the above being said, what is missing from the discussion of what’s happening in Cayman’s res- taurants is what’s happening in Cayman’s reefs. If cullers are going to argue that a lionfish import ban is necessary for the success of their efforts, they must first put forth evidence of success, or, at minimum, submit how they objectively measure progress toward that “success.” Here are two figures to consider: • The Cayman United Lionfish League claims the group has culled thousands of lionfish in recent years. • A single female lionfish can spawn more than 2 million eggs each year. As a large lionfish might say when encountering a small reef-dwelling creature … “Gulp!” Lionfish imports: Who’s eating whose lunch? South Korea’s economic miracle Seoul, South Korea – South Korea has just elected a new president, Moon Jae-in. There will be a peaceful transfer of power, coming after the previous president was im- peached for corruption, but all done in proper democratic way. Few would have bet after the end of the Korean War, more than 60 years ago, that South Korea would now be a rich, developed, demo- cratic country. This city of 10 million has the fourth-highest gross do- mestic product (GDP) of any city in the world, being out- done only by Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles. It is both a very old city with a history going back more than 2,000 years, and a very new city. During the Korean War (1950- 53) the city changed hands several times and was largely destroyed, What one sees today is almost an all new city, filled with international- style, modern glass-wall sky- scrapers with at least one well over 100 stories. Despite almost weekly unpredictable noises from the ruler of North Korea, a country whose border is only 30 miles to the north of the city of Seoul – about the dis- tance from the White House to Washington Dulles Inter- national Airport – life and construction goes on in a normal way. Those who are putting up all of the money to continue building the su- perstructures that give Seoul its ever-changing sky- line have an obvious (or ir- rational) confidence that all of this magnificence is not going to be nuked or shelled by the North. In 1960, South Korea and North Korea were similar in their poverty. Now, 50-plus years later, South Korea has a per-capita income more than 20 times that of North Korea, at approximately $38,000 per year, which is higher than that of Spain or Italy. South Koreans have gone from a per-capita income in 1970 that was about 10 percent of the average American to al- most 70 percent today. From many vantages in this city, one can look out a window or stand on a high hill and look down on one people under two systems. Koreans in both the North and South come from the same genetic stock, speak the same language, and occupy adjoining pieces of land with much of the same topography and limited natural resources. North Korea is the ultimate consequence of socialism, which always contains the seeds of its own destruction. Socialism goes against human nature, requiring its govern- ment to become increasingly authoritarian – North Korea being Exhibit A. Or socialism collapses with or without vi- olence, from the inherent rot caused by a nonfunctioning price system – the Soviet Union being Exhibit B. Or so- cialism is voted out of power (where it has not yet destroyed all of democracy), and the price system and private own- ership are restored, the United Kingdom under Margaret Thatcher being Exhibit C. By the 1960s, South Korea’s leadership and people con- cluded that survival depended on economic growth and an increasingly democratic po- litical system. They under- stood, being land-poor with a large population, that rapid growth required exporting large amounts of goods and services. Exports went from near zero to more than 50 per- cent of GDP today, with China replacing the United States as Korea’s biggest market. Imports also grew nearly as rapidly. The tax and regula- tory system greatly favored companies that exported and developed heavy industries, such as shipbuilding and au- tomobile manufacturing. Many of these earlier subsi- dies and tax and regulatory incentives have now been re- duced, giving the country a more balanced and interna- tionally compliant system. A strong emphasis was placed on education, particu- larly science, technology, en- gineering and mathematics subjects. Korea now has one of the best-educated popula- tions and skilled work forces in the world. It has also in- creasingly improved the rule of law, and strength- ened and stabilized the cur- rency, leading to low infla- tion. Levels of taxation and government spending are slightly lower than in the United States and most other developed nations, but still above the optimum level. Ko- reans have exhibited more budget discipline than the Europeans, the Japanese and the Americans, (a low bar), giving them a very manage- able level of public debt. While economic growth per year averaged more than 9 percent from 1963 to 1990, it has now slowed down and last year was only 2.8 per- cent (still above the United States and most other de- veloped countries), but nev- ertheless a sharp drop from earlier decades. There is too much unneeded and coun- terproductive regulation, in- cluding the lack of ease of creating new businesses, bar- riers to imports and inward foreign investment. By any measure, South Korea has been a great suc- cess, but probably not as much as it could have been or can be if it followed more of a classic free trade and more limited-government model as practiced by Hong Kong and others. The country is increasingly exhibiting the disease of most other rich, developed democracies by al- lowing itself to be slowly se- duced into the promise of more government services and attendant regulation, rather than the tougher and more competitive policies that created the wealth. Will South Korea avoid the stag- nation of Japan and much of Europe? The jury is still out. Richard W. Rahn, chairman of Improbable Success Productions and a board member of the American Council for Capital Formation, is on the Editorial Board of Cayman Financial Review. © 2017, The Washington Times, LLC RICHARD W. RAHN RICHARD W. RAHNThe islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 George Town South: Different Issues, But Common To All (Part 2 of 2) In the first part of this series, I highlighted the flooding and traffic problems experienced by residents of George Town South. In this final part of the series, I will discuss crime and housing. Crime It now commonplace in Cayman to be a witness to a crime or to become acquainted with someone who has been in close quarters with a crime. Unlike other things in Cayman, we cannot afford to continue to sit in “observation mode” and slowly become desensitised to crime (I have seen this happen in other countries where there is a high frequency of crime and people begin to “accept” that crime exists but do not address it because they believe that crime is not a problem for their gated community – their cameras and security guards offer sufficient protection). It is time for us fight crime. In fighting crime, we need to make a plan. We must decide whether the goal is to keep communities safe and/or to change the circumstances and mindset which may lead to crime. For example, if you believe that the objective is only to keep us safe from criminals, then you might say that we need more police patrols and harsh fixed term sentences for every crime. Alternatively (or in addition to the foregoing), we could tackle the root causes of crime (there are social, economic and other triggers) in order to prevent the criminal mind from developing in the first place. In case of a young person spending jail time, this has a significant impact on the rest of society. Single parent families will struggle financially and emotionally, children will have less role models and may develop learning and other disorders. The challenge is daunting. This is especially the case where a parent works two jobs and does not have sufficient time to give the right support and guidance that a child requires. This scenario leaves some kids unattended in the homes and open to other influences which may lead to crime. It is a complex combination of events. One way to reduce exposure of our kids to crime is by involving them in character and skill building programmes. These include youth functions organised by churches, sports teams, dance, music, film and art, just to name a few. In my case, playing squash as a child helped me a great deal as I was able to understand the value of hard work, training, dedication and winning as a team. Squash can also widen a child’s network. He or she will interact with kids of different cultures and economic classes. This enhances the child’s growing concept of “life education” and ultimately prepares the child to enter the working environment in Cayman, which consists of people of various backgrounds. Without parents’ involvement in the lives of children and, in the absence of at-risk youth programmes, complicated by social, mental and economic issues, the legacy that we will leave for our youth will be one of chaos. Some may begin to commit crimes at a young age, become career criminals and negatively change the fabric of the community forever. The impact will be felt in terms of safety, imbalance in family structures and other areas. Trying to curtail crime at a late stage will not work. And long, fixed term sentences will not necessarily be the solution, especially if there are no effective training, rehabilitation and education programmes to help young persons re-enter Cayman society after spending time in prison. We need contributing members of society, not re-offenders. Housing Speaking of contributing members of society, there are some hardworking parents in George Town South who cannot qualify for home ownership. It is a hurtful issue and relates mostly to lower income people who take good care of their finances and are good payers, but high home prices leave properties beyond their reach. This is what happened to my friend. He and his wife have two kids. His simple dream: to own a house and provide a place for his family to live, even if it is a “budget” home built for lower income families. Unfortunately, the price of “lower income” homes is now in the region of $240,000, which makes the home purchase almost an impossibility. It is not feasible because a bank is likely to apply its loan formula to the situation and conclude that the family cannot qualify for a mortgage due to the low salary. For George Town South residents in similar circumstances, a few options should be considered: • Government can discuss the issue with banks and negotiate a way for some lower income families to have an opportunity to own a home, albeit with smaller mortgage payments and, perhaps, obtain a waiver of a portion of the mortgage application fees and decreasing the requirements for initial down payments • Alternatively, the credit union or a group of private individuals or businesses could contribute capital to a fund to facilitate financing for homes for lower income people • Lastly, the government could remove import duties and taxes on some or all building materials for Caymanian contractors, resulting in lower home construction costs and hopefully, home prices. If homes cost less to build, then more lower income people may be able to qualify for home mortgages. Caymanians should also be allowed to build their own homes from scratch if they are known to be skilled to do so, constructing their homes to a high standard (with minimal interference from authorities) While the risk of loan default may seem higher with the above proposals, this cannot be the only factor to be considered in order to abandon the idea of helping Caymanians to fulfil their dream of home ownership. Thinking this way (in the absence of mechanisms which allow Caymanians access to better paying jobs and promotion) will kill the dreams of hard working Caymanians and their families. Instead, we must think outside the box and possibly allow smaller mortgage payments over longer periods in some circumstances. Just because a person has a lower income doesn’t mean that he or she is irresponsible, lazy, lacks financial planning skills or will not honour his or her obligations. We have to give Caymanians a chance. An opportunity to succeed.DISTRICT DAYS 6 District Days Sister Islands WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Local residents promote literacy on Brac Some well-known residents vis- ited classrooms on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman this month to promote literacy. Marking Child Month and Reading Day on May 1, the Depart- ment of Children and Family Ser- vices’ dispatched residents to read to children. The readers included FLOW retail manager Gayle Esson, Pastor David Woods, planning officer Andrea Stevens, Lorlaine Samuels and Mexi-Ann Grant. They visited West End Primary, the Creek and Spot Bay Infant and Junior Schools, the Cayman Brac Day Care Centre and the Little Cayman Learning Centre. The event was the first of sev- eral initiatives scheduled throughout May under this year’s theme “Our Children, Today and Tomorrow!” “The day was a big hit with the students, judging from how at- tentive they were and the com- ments afterwards,” said Brac Community Development Officer Annie Rose Scott. According to Department of Children and Family Services di- rector Felicia Robinson, Child Month is a chance for the Depart- ment to highlight issues affecting children and to encourage families, parents, teachers and others that are in caregiving roles to focus on these needs and ensure that they are being prioritized. “We strongly encourage orga- nizations, schools, churches and groups of individuals to host family and child-centred activities and hope that during this month businesses will also consider of- fering discounts for children,” said Ms. Robinson. For a schedule of Child Month activities, contact 949-0290/948-2231, or visit the Department of Children and Family Services Facebook page. “The day was a big hit with the students, judging from how attentive they were and the comments afterwards.” ANNIE ROSE SCOTT, Brac Community Development Officer Mexi-Ann Grant reads to students at the West End Primary School. NEW TRENCHER STARTS WORK ON BRAC A new trencher is now in operation on the Water Authority – Cayman’s pipe- line extension project in Cayman Brac. The new trencher, a Ver- meer T755 Commander III, was officially commissioned on April 11 and is an up- dated version of the Vermeer T755 Commander II trencher that had been in operation there since 2013. The Authority also has a Vermeer RTX 750 rubber- tired rockwheel trencher on the Brac. The acquisition brings the Authority’s tren- cher fleet to a total of five. “The existing trencher used by the pipelaying crew in Cayman Brac is now more than 10 years old and it is showing signs of its age,” said Water Authority deputy director Tom van Zanten, noting it is hoped the pur- chase will limit downtime due to mechanical issues. The new trencher is ex- pected to remain on the Brac for the remainder of the de- cade-long project. The old trencher will be moved back to Grand Cayman. 50 YEARS AGO New babies and Scott-Bodden wedding In the May 3, 1967 edi- tion of the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, Cayman Brac correspon- dent Lilian Ritch wrote: On Tuesday night, the 25th, Mrs. Otencha, wife of Mr. Ballanger Christian of Spot Bay passed away at her home. Born in East End, Grand Cayman nee Rankine on Oct. 4, 1894, she came to the Brac in 1914 as a young woman and the following year on Nov. 1 settled in marriage. There were 7 children of the union. Leslie, the first, died in infancy. Mrs. Otencha is survived by her husband and children Trixie, Mrs. Peniel Scott, Fay, Mrs. Isaac Tatum, Cridwick in Jamaica, Lon- sdale, Vivia, Mrs. Linton Brown, and Ianthy; 21 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.” In the May 10 edition, Ms. Ritch wrote: “Stork’s diary: March 3 Clifton Amado was born to Mr. and Mrs. Goodman Powery (nee Maisie Scott) of Freeport, Grand Bahama. “March 12 – Mr. and Mrs. Derwyn Scott nee Hy- acinth Rivers of Kenner, Louisiana, USA received the gift of a daughter. “April 25 – Mr. and Mrs. Garston Grant received the gift of a daughter at 6:30 p.m. at Dr. Collins’ home (9 pounds). “April 27 – Rev. and Mrs. Lee King of West End received the gift of a son (7 pounds, 4 ounces) in the Andalusia hos- pital, Alabama, USA. Both are doing well. “On Wednesday 3rd, in the presence of a large gathering Wm. Robert Scott and Ms. Iva Joscelyn Bodden were joined in marriage at the Cotton Tree Bay Church of God, Rev. Lee King officiating. Mr. Eston Scott gave the bride away. Attending the couple were Mr. Murrell Bodden, Best Man with his wife Shirley May as Matron of Honour, Steve Bodden, groomsman and Jessica, the bridesmaid. Wedding music was given by Mrs. Audrey Ryan at the piano with Mesdames Maevylin Bodden and Eldene Scott singing the hymns. “Welcome home to our seamen from National Bulk Carriers, Leathan Martin of Watering Place and Hulroy Walton of Spot Bay. And good sailing to Braby Tibbetts of Wa- tering Place, gone to join the Ore Conway. “We were glad to see re- cently home Mrs. Thomas Hester of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who spent a fortnight with her mother and brother, Mrs. Girldeen and Garland Jackson of the Watering Place. Sybil, who is better known to her friends as ‘Zenie’ en- joyed most the homestyle food. She is pleased to see all the new develop- ments and is hoping even- tually to settle down back here. It is six years since her last visit. “Welcome home! Capt. Kenneth and Mrs. Guyda Ritch of Stake Bay re- turned on the 30th after a most enjoyable vacation in the States with family, Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Rutty, daughter, of Port Arthur, Texas and granddaughter Hyo, the Dervyn Scotts of Kenner, Louisiana, next to thrill of the birth of their great-granddaughter. Capt. Kenneth enjoyed the scenery of pastures, cattle and towns in the long cross-country drives.” Water Authority – Cayman staff pose in front of a new trencher on Cayman Brac. Retirees and special guests on the Brac marked the Public Service Pensions Board’s 25th anniversary. The event at the Aston Rutty Centre was hosted by the Public Service Pensions Board in partnership with District Administration on April 24. Seniors from the Sister Islands were joined by Acting Governor Franz Manderson; Acting Deputy Governor Gloria McField- Nixon; the speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly; Deputy Premier and Minister for Dis- trict Administration, Tourism and Transport Moses Kirk- connell; Board Managing Di- rector Jewel Evans Lindsey; Board Chairman Ken- neth Jefferson; and board members Kirkland Nixon and James Watler. Deputy District Commis- sioner Mark Tibbetts Jr. was master of ceremonies, and Mr. Watler offered a prayer and the blessing of food. Attendees enjoyed a buffet meal, prizes and a chance to take advantage of advisory and health screening booths. PSPB FETES BRAC SENIORS Various government and PSPB officials joined seniors at the event.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 Faulty gun found outside prison, court hears CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man accused of having a firearm outside North- ward Prison on Saturday ap- peared in Summary Court on Tuesday afternoon, when he was denied bail. Matthew Anthony Whit- taker, 26, was charged with possession of an imitation .22 revolver with intent to re- sist arrest, and three rounds of ammunition, on Saturday, May 6, following an incident outside Her Majesty’s Prison at Northward. Crown counsel Neil Kumar explained why the gun was described as an imitation firearm. He said the revolver was checked and shown to have a faulty hammer; when test fired, it failed to discharge. Mr. Kumar told Magistrate Valdis Foldats that the incident began on Saturday afternoon, when Whittaker accompanied a female to the prison where he remained outside while she was visiting an inmate. Whit- taker was approached by a prison guard whom he knew and they talked. Whittaker subsequently had a confrontation with an un- known male and pulled a knife from his pocket. He then pro- duced a silver object which the prison officer said was a gun. Police were called and when a marked police unit ar- rived, Whittaker attempted to drive away. His vehicle was blocked and he fled on foot, running along a fence line. He was chased and arrested. Mr. Kumar said the area was searched and nothing found. A more intrusive search was carried out the next day and a .22 revolver was found partially buried in a flower pot at an officer’s bungalow. The revolver contained three rounds of ammunition. On Monday, Whittaker was interviewed and made no com- ment, but provided a statement. He denied knowledge of the gun or ammunition. He said he ran from police because he was behind the wheel of the vehicle while drunk and he did not have a driver’s license. In- quiries were being made about CCTV from the prison system, Mr. Kumar concluded. Attorney James Stenning applied for bail, pointing out that Whittaker had ac- cepted responsibility for sev- eral offenses that Saturday afternoon, “but absolutely denies the firearm.” Mr. Stenning said Whit- taker, of a Bodden Town ad- dress, would be in danger of losing his job if he did not get bail. His mother was in court ready to stand as surety and the court could impose a curfew, the attorney suggested. The magistrate said he was withholding bail, but Whittaker could apply to the Grand Court. He set the matter for mention again on Tuesday, May 30. Mr. Byrne promised the new class they would have one of the most difficult, but also one of the most rewarding ca- reers they could embark upon. “You will change the RCIPS,” Mr. Byrne said. “As local officers, you will bring local knowledge and under- standing and improve our service to the people of the Cayman Islands. You experi- ence things you will not see in any other job.” The six new recruits are local officers, police said. They range in age from 19 to 36 and are from various professional backgrounds, in- cluding business, IT, tourism and security. Most are “se- rious players” of football or basketball. One is an interna- tionally competitive boxer. riding in the Honda have dis- puted the police statements. McFarlane is the child’s uncle. In Summary Court, Mag- istrate Foldats said he did not understand why po- lice had granted bail for the suspect, but that the bench had no legal power to re- voke police bail. Mr. Foldats said his comments were not meant to indicate the defen- dant was guilty of anything, only that the matter before the court was much more se- rious than the typical prop- erty damage incident. Crown Counsel Neil Kumar asked for “certain conditions” to be placed on McFarlane’s release, including that he would have to report to the Bodden Town Police Station three times a week and that he would be prohibited from coming within 100 yards of the officer’s residence. “There is concern about the risk of further contact with the [officer] in this case,” Mr. Kumar said. “The allega- tion of itself is very serious.” Although McFarlane did not have an attorney present during the Tuesday court ap- pearance, veteran defense at- torney John Furniss stepped in to assist the court and speak on McFarlane’s behalf. Mr. Furniss said restric- tions against the defendant contacting the police officer or coming within his home property could not be dis- puted. However, he sought to deny the Crown’s request that a curfew be imposed on Mc- Farlaneat night, saying pros- ecutors had no additional evidence to show that was warranted. Magistrate Foldats agreed with Mr. Furniss and denied the curfew request. The court set the matter for another hearing on May 16 and advised McFarlane to apply for legal aid in order to hire an attorney. The May 2 crash on Austin Conolly Drive killed three U.K. tourists and a 22-year-old Ja- maican man. It also injured the 11-year-old boy, who was released from hospital last week, and a 26-year-old man who is still hospitalized. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service said the officer’s pri- vate vehicle was vandalized outside his home on the night of May 3, about 24 hours after the crash. Court will not accept ‘vigilante behavior’ “Had it been me, quite frankly, I’d say he wouldn’t have received bail.” MAGISTRATE VALDIS FOLDATS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Six new recruits join police service CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Today you all have responded to the call … and decided to be part of the solution.” DEPUTY GOVERNOR FRANZ MANDERSON8 LOCAL&REGIONAL WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Five people died in ’85 Spotts wreck BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The May 2 crash in East End that killed three U.K. tourists and a Jamaican man was not the deadliest traffic wreck in Cayman Is- lands history. Five people were killed in an Oct. 26, 1985 two-ve- hicle collision in Spotts, ac- cording to reports in the Caymanian Compass news- paper at the time. The wreck, which oc- curred around 4 p.m. on a Saturday, killed West Bay resident Sophia Parsons and her infant daughter, as well as Colbert Parsons and his wife, Margaret, who all rode in a Toyota Cressida station wagon. The fifth victim, Rene Myles of George Town, was a passenger in a Plymouth Fury, the other vehicle in- volved in the crash. Five other people – one from the Toyota and four from the Plymouth – were hospitalized after the wreck, according to the reports. The Oct. 28, 1985 article, which has no byline and does not credit photographs of the incident, details how firemen and medics “worked heroically at the scene” to save the injured. “This was the worst ac- cident ever to occur on Cay- man’s roads in terms of fatal- ities,” the article noted. The report also gives de- tails of two other crashes in which four people died: one in October 1982 on North Church Street, George Town, and one in March 1974 near Breakers. A sepa- rate crash in Cayman Brac in May 1977 killed four young people after a truck they were riding in col- lided with a tree. East End crash not Cayman’s deadliest The 1985 Spotts crash was reported as the deadliest road crash in the Cayman Islands. Crime a focus of George Town East debate KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com Increasing concern about serious crime and illegal fire- arms marked the opening discussion at a debate among George Town East candidates on Monday night. “I think it is absolutely imperative that the relation- ship between the police and the community has to be re- stored. It has broken down over the years and there is a level of distrust,” said Pro- gressives party candidate Roy McTaggart. “In order for the police to effectively do their work, there must be that respect, participation and engage- ment with private citizens in this country.” Theresa Bodden of the Cayman Democratic Party and independent Kenrick Webster echoed the need to build community trust in law enforcement. All four constituency can- didates, including independent Sharon Roulstone attended the Chamber of Commerce forum at the First Baptist Church. They also talked about the prison population and educa- tion, among other issues. Ms. Bodden noted that “Community policing is also very important. If people in the community get to know their police officers, it is easier for them to give information and for police to monitor.” Ms. Roulstone called for the National Security Council to step up activity to ad- dress law enforcement needs and communicate plans with the public. All four candidates agreed that recidivism rates are a problem and that greater measures must be taken to rehabilitate Cayman’s prison population. “Where we are truly failing them is we do not pre- pare them for re-entry to so- ciety, and society itself is not ready to receive them,” Mr. McTaggart said. Minimum wage Regarding the current minimum wage of $6 an hour, Mr. Webster was the only can- didate to support an increase. “The minimum wage currently where it is, it’s not affordable for our society to maintain their families on $6 an hour,” he said. Ms. Roulstone said, “I don’t subscribe to having a min- imum wage because it only serves to drive up the costs. The only people who benefit are the ones who send their money home every week.” Ms. Bodden questioned whether the current minimum provides a livable wage but opposed changing the rate without further research. Mr. McTaggart said an in- crease would be “one of the biggest brakes on the economy that you could ever impose.” He added that he origi- nally opposed the $6 min- imum for fear that it would lead businesses to close. He said he has been happy to see that this did not occur. Healthcare On healthcare for elderly and vulnerable populations, Mr. McTaggart said current government assistance op- tions are adequate to ad- dress their needs, but greater public education is needed to promote available resources. Ms. Roulstone suggested implementing a previously drafted national health plan. Education All candidates voiced support of public-private partnerships to improve ed- ucation, but had different ideas about what a such a partnership should look like. Ms. Bodden proposed giving more authority to schools and administrators. “For a school to really be successful, you need a part- nership between the board, teachers, parents and the kids,” she said. “We need to get back to communities. In education, the school needs to be a com- munity. It needs to take re- sponsibility for itself.” Ms. Roulstone encouraged taking control of education out of government hands as a means to reduce costs. She said the cost to educate stu- dents in public schools ex- ceeds the cost per capita in private schools, indicating that government has not properly managed costs. Mr. Webster praised the government-funded Passport- 2Success job training program as an example of a successful private-public initiative. To build on Cayman’s main economic pillars – financial services and tourism – Ms. Roulstone and Ms. Bodden supported expanding medical and sports tourism services. Mr. Webster suggested building a world-class con- ference center to attract more businesses and trade shows to Grand Cayman. SALE OF TRUMP PROPERTY REVIVES ETHICS CONCERNS WASHINGTON (AP) – A luxury Caribbean prop- erty Donald Trump purchased four years ago is for sale, raising the possibility that a buyer could see it as a way to get on the pres- ident’s radar. The complex, known as Le Chateau des Palmiers, is at the edge of the turquoise wa- ters of Plum Bay on the western tip of French St. Martin. It features a five-bedroom ocean villa and four-bedroom garden villa, according to the listing on Sotheby’s International Realty. There’s also a heated pool and a tennis court. The agent did not immediately return phone calls about the listing. Trump reported last May that it was worth between $25 mil- lion and $50 million. It is now held by a trust Trump set up to distance himself from his businesses before taking office.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Fireworks cache kills 11 kids in Mexico An errant firecracker landed on a cache of fireworks and touched off a powerful explosion at a home in central Mexico, killing at least 14 people and injuring 22 more. Eleven children were among the fatal victims of the blast in San Isidro. CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017 IN THE GRAND COURT OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION CAUSE NO: FSD 21 OF 2017 (NSJ) IN THE MATTER OF the Companies Law AND IN THE MATTER OF Bangkok Land (Cayman Islands) Limited (the “Company”) DISMISSAL OF WINDING UP PETITION TAKE NOTICE that a petition (Petition) to wind up Bangkok Land (Cayman Islands) Limited (Company) whose registered office is situated at c/o – Sterling Trust (Cayman) Limited, P.O. Box 1043, Whitehall House, 238 North Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1- 1102 was presented on 6 February 2017 by LONSIN Global Credit Fund, c/o – Intertrust Corporate Services (Cayman) Limited, 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-9005, LONSIN Capital Limited, 21 Bedford Square, WC1B 3HH London, United Kingdom, Elser & Company Limited, c/o- LJ Skye, Rue Du Seyon 2, Nevchatel 2001, Switzerland, Carlisle Investments Inc., Trident Trust Company (B.V.I.) Limited, Trident Chambers, P.O. Box 146, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Mr Mario Campello, Via Sistina 121, 00187, Rome, Italy, Watersfield Limited, Burns House, 19 Town Range, Gibraltar and Advicorp Plc, 21 Bedford Square, WC18 3HH London, United Kingdom. The Petition was heard on the 3rd May 2017 and was dismissed by the Court. The hearing of the Petition was advertised in the Cayman Compass on Tuesday, 18 April 2017. The Petitioners’ attorneys are Mourant Ozannes, 94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay, PO Box 1348, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 (ref: 8025955). MOTHER’S DAY MENU APPETIZERS (choice of) Watermelon, Local Greens and Cheese Salad Seafood Chowder Poached Lobster Cocktail ENTREES (choice of) SLOW ROASTED PRIME RIB (Herb and Pepper Crusted Certi ed Black Angus prime rib with red skin mash and au jus) PAN SEARED RED SNAPPER AND SHRIMP (Local Red Snapper pan seared and served with cherry tomato, caper white wine sauce, grilled shrimp and creamed local callalo) CARIBBEAN CURRY LOBSTER (Caribbean lobster with onions and sweet peppers simmered in a coconut curry sauce) PARADISE CHICKEN (Free range organic chicken supreme, roasted potatoes, sundried tomatoes and wild mushroom cream) DESSERETS (choice of) Chocolate Pecan Cake Warm Apple Pie Carrot Cake (All desserts served with vanilla ice cream) CI$37.95 PER PERSON 15% GRATUITIES WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BILL15% GRATUITIES WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BILL15% GRATUITIES WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BILL FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: (345) 916-3331/945-1444 OR EMAIL US AT SIR@CANDW.KY REGULAR MENU ALSO AVAILABLE Liberal claims victory in S. Korea election SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Moon Jae-in declared vic- tory in South Korea’s presi- dential election Tuesday after his two main rivals conceded, capping one of the most tur- bulent political stretches in the nation’s recent history and setting up its first liberal rule in a decade. Moon, a liberal former human rights lawyer who was jailed as a student by a previous dictatorship, favors closer ties with North Korea, saying hard-line conservative governments did nothing to prevent the North’s develop- ment of nuclear-armed mis- siles and only reduced South Korea’s voice in international efforts to counter North Korea. This softer approach might put him at odds with South Korea’s biggest ally, the United States. The Trump ad- ministration has swung be- tween threats and praise for North Korea’s leader. Moon, the child of refugees who fled North Korea during the Korean War, will lead a na- tion shaken by a scandal that felled his conservative prede- cessor, Park Geun-hye, who sits in a jail cell awaiting a cor- ruption trial later this month. Moon smiled and waved his hands above his head as supporters chanted his name at Gwanghwamun square in central Seoul, where millions of Koreans had gathered for months starting late last year in peaceful protests that eventually toppled Park. “It’s a great victory by a great people,” Moon told the crowd. “I’ll gather all of my energy to build a new nation.” Tuesday’s election saw strong turnout – about 77 per- cent of 42.5 million eligible voters. Moon had a relatively low share of the total vote – 41.4 percent according to an exit poll – but there were many more major candidates than in 2012, when Park won 51.5 percent, beating Moon by about a million votes. Over the last six months, millions gathered in pro- test after corruption allega- tions surfaced against Park, who was then impeached by parliament, formally re- moved from office by a court and arrested and indicted by prosecutors. Moon’s two biggest ri- vals, conservative Hong Joon- pyo and centrist Ahn Cheol- soo, were expected to garner 23.3 percent and 21.8 per- cent, respectively, according to the exit poll, which had a margin of error of 0.8 per- centage points. Moon will be officially sworn in as South Korea’s new president after the elec- tion commission finishes the vote count and declares the winner Wednesday morning. This forgoes the usual two-month transition be- cause Tuesday’s vote was a by-election to choose a suc- cessor to Park, whose term was to end in February 2018. Moon will still serve out the typical single five-year term. Moon was chief of staff for the last liberal presi- dent, the late Roh Moo-hyun, who sought closer ties with North Korea by setting up large-scale aid shipments to the North and by working on now-stalled joint eco- nomic projects. Hong, the conservative, is an outspoken former provin- cial governor who pitched himself as a “strongman,” de- scribed the election as a war between ideologies and ques- tioned Moon’s patriotism. Park’s trial later this month on bribery, extortion and other corruption charges could send her to jail for life if she is convicted. Dozens of high-profile figures, including Park’s longtime confidante, Choi Soon-sil, and Sam- sung’s de facto leader, Lee Jae-yong, have been indicted along with Park. Moon frequently appeared at anti-Park rallies and the corruption scandal boosted his push to re-establish lib- eral rule. He called for reforms to reduce social inequalities, excessive presidential power and corrupt ties between pol- iticians and business leaders. Many of those legacies dated to the dictatorship of Park’s father, Park Chung-hee, whose 18-year rule was marked by both rapid economic rise and severe civil rights abuse. As a former pro-democ- racy student activist, Moon was jailed for months in the 1970s while protesting against the senior Park. Many analysts say Moon likely will not pursue drastic rapprochement policies be- cause North Korea’s nuclear program has progressed sig- nificantly since he was in the Roh government a decade ago. A big challenge will be U.S. President Donald Trump, who has proven himself un- conventional in his approach to North Korea, swinging be- tween intense pressure and threats and offers to talk. “South Koreans are more concerned that Trump, rather than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, will make a rash military move, because of his outrageous tweets, threats of force and unpre- dictability,” Duyeon Kim, a visiting fellow at the Korean Peninsula Future Forum in Seoul, wrote recently in For- eign Affairs magazine. “It is crucial that Trump and the next South Korean president strike up instant, positive chemistry in their first meeting to help work through any bilateral dif- ferences and together deal with the North Korean chal- lenge,” she said. South Korea President-elect Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party celebrates in Seoul on Tuesday. - PHOTO: APNext >