ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 184523-Ad-Strip-SandCastles.indd 14/10/17 6:59 PM EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 TITLE OF EDITORIAL SECTION | PAGE ## TITLE FOR THE SPORT/ BUSINESS SKYBOX Immigration, permanent residence: Time bomb continues to tick Immigration, employment issues key for May 24 BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Three-and-a-half years and three lawsuits later, the Cayman Islands government has granted a total of two people permanent residence out of close to 1,000 applications filed under the current Immigration Law. The issue of when, how and to whom government should bequeath the right to stay permanently in the Cayman Islands has been dis- puted in one form or another since 2004 – when Cayman fundamen- tally changed its Immigration Law to create a “rollover policy” that forced foreign workers to leave after seven consecutive years living in the jurisdiction. Since then, workers who managed to stay here longer than eight years, via key employee status or other legal means, were allowed to apply for per- manent residence and have done so with varying levels of success until those grants abruptly stopped in January 2015. The most recent issue arose later in 2015, when Cayman Islands Chief Justice Anthony Smellie issued a ruling denouncing certain aspects of the system government was using to grant permanent residence as opaque and “prone to arbitrariness.” The government responded by commissioning a $312,000 consul- tant’s report from law firm Ritch & Conolly – known as the “Ritch Re- port” – which was not shown to the public, then eventually making rela- tively minor changes to the perma- nent residence “points system” used to judge applicants. Since those changes were made in early March, there had been no word on when any of the out- standing applications from be- tween 900 and 1,000 perma- nent residence-seekers would be processed. That changed only under the threat of legal action last week when financial services manager Mark Edmunds and accountant Derek Larner were granted perma- nent residence status, the first two people to receive it among those who applied after the law changed on Oct. 26, 2013, making awards of permanent residence much harder to obtain. According to local attorneys who represented the two men, the decision to grant them the right to remain in Cayman for the rest of their lives should assist the hundreds of other applicants in moving their requests along. “It is hoped that the processing of applications will now com- mence in earnest,” HSM Cham- bers partner Nicolas Joseph wrote to firm clients Friday. “We have written to the authorities for an in- dication of anticipated timing and they have responded by return that the department will commence processing of other applications very shortly.” Immigration Department officials have made similar state- ments in recent weeks, but have set no firm dates for processing of any of the outstanding applications. New PR grants It was under the pressure of a pending judicial review proceeding that Messrs. Edmunds’s and Larn- er’s permanent residence applica- tions were approved on May 11. That approval was apparently un- known to both men until after a court hearing the next day, when the two sought to have their court cases joined with claims made by a third man – accountant Bradley Carpenter – in a combined legal action. Mr. Carpenter had al- ready been granted permanent residence under a prior version of the Immigration Law, but was seeking damages regarding the government’s three-year delay in hearing his case. “We received formal confirma- tion of Thursday’s grants only after [Friday’s] hearing when we made telephone enquiries of the [immi- gration] secretariat,” according to HSM’s Mr. Joseph, who repre- sented all three men in the matter. The residence applications filed in December 2013 (for Larner) and June 2014 (for Edmunds) were both the subject of judicial reviews against what they alleged was an unfair, unreasonable and unlawful decision by the government to delay a decision on their residency status indefinitely. The two men, as well as Mr. Carpenter, who filed a judicial re- view application last year, could still pursue cases against the gov- ernment for damages relative to the delay. Their attorneys were un- certain on Friday as to which path they might take. Mr. Joseph said he believed the new grants would be a posi- tive development for the hundreds of other people awaiting word on their residency status in Cayman. Premier’s view The prospect of a number of per- manent residence applications sud- denly coming before immigration authorities and appointed board members is set against a quickly approaching question facing voters, namely: Who will be Cayman’s next government? Whichever political party, coali- tion or group of independents suc- ceeds at the polls on May 24, it is likely that significant changes will still be made to the system that gov- erns the grant of permanent resi- dence to non-Caymanians who have lived in Cayman for more than eight consecutive years. Premier Alden McLaughlin said as much during a candidates debate in Red Bay earlier this month. “We do have to make signifi- cant changes to the [permanent residence] points system and the way points are awarded and deter- mined,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “It is a critical issue. It is very important to Cayman long term. The work is al- ready under way by my administra- tion to resolve the issue.” Mr. McLaughlin said it was still his belief that the concept of the cur- rent system is correct. However, the implementation of that system has not gone according to plan, he said. “Some of the awards [of permanent residence], particularly as they re- lated to the training aspect and the employment aspect, the employment a particular person is engaged in … those points have been awarded on an arbitrary basis,” he said. Opposition Cayman Democratic Party candidate Denniston Tibbetts said the public should not take the Progressives government at its word on any immigration-related issues, including permanent res- idence grants. “If elected, the first thing I’m going to do is get that Ritch Report published,” Mr. Tibbetts said. The Ritch Report has guided the gov- ernment in the process of amending some of its rules for permanent residence applications, according PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » More than 900 applicants are waiting to hear if they will be granted permanent residence in the Cayman Islands. - PHOTO: CHRIS COURT2 LOCAL NEWS TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 THE LOST CITY OF Z (PG13) 2:40 I 5:50 I 9:00 SNATCHED (R) 12:10 I 2:35 I 4:55 I 7:30 I 10:00 THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS 3D (PG13) 12:20 2D I 3:20 2D I 6:25 I 9:50 2D VIP KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 3D (PG13) 1:00 2D VIP I 1:05 I 7:00 2D VIP I 8:30 2D GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 3D (PG13) 1:20 2D I 4:00 2D VIP I 4:15 I 5:00 2D 7:20 I 9:30 2D - TUESDAY - 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) NS, EE get new police officers BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Four new police officers have been stationed perma- nently in the districts of East End and North Side as of May 1, Police Commissioner Derek Byrne announced last week. Two officers are based out of the previously unoccupied East End substation and an- other two will be operating from the little-used North Side substation. Mr. Byrne said while those are only the officers who will be stationed per- manently in the districts, he assured East End residents at public meeting Thursday night that they would not be the only police officers ever seen in the outer districts. “They’re just based at those police stations,” the commissioner said, adding that other officers could be called in should the need arise, just as the police nor- mally would do. The commissioner said he would consider adding new officers if future staffing permitted, and that the RCIPS was planning to re- install detectives in Bodden Town Police Station to re- spond to incidents in the eastern districts. For now, Mr. Byrne said the personnel moves were being made with no new offi- cers joining the force. He said last week that there were 451 total employees in the police service, including 87 civilian staff. The 364 police officers are currently “all spread out” between street patrol and other specialist units in- cluding the marine unit, de- tectives divisions, traffic unit and financial crimes, among others, he said. “I don’t think that two [new officers] was going to meet what’s required in East End or North Side and that’s something we have to look at as we grow,” Mr. Byrne said, adding that he had not asked anyone in government for any additional funding for the police since taking up the commissioner’s post in November 2016. East End MLA Arden McLean, who attended Thursday night’s meeting at the East End United Church Hall, acknowledged that successive governments since 2009 had not properly funded the Cayman Islands police service. “I believe that all police officers in this country who are in uniform need to have one car,” Mr. McLean said. “If I give you the tools and you don’t do the job, then you’re fired. If I don’t give you the tools, then I can’t expect any- thing from you.” Mr. Byrne said he thought the idea of giving each uni- formed police officer a pa- trol car was not practical and indicated that he was still performing an over- arching review of the entire police service, which, at its end, could include a request for more police resources or reallocated funding to different areas. “But I have not gone to government or Cabinet at any stage yet looking for more resources, and nothing has been refused,” the commis- sioner said. “When that case comes, then we may have that conversation.” Community concerns Speaking at the commu- nity meeting Thursday night, Commissioner Byrne said the new North Side and East End officers would be supervised by a trusted, veteran East End police officer, Sgt. Davis Scott. Mr. McLean said he was happy to hear such pro- nouncements about police staffing, but noted it was not the first time additional po- licing had been promised to local residents and then not delivered. “We’ve heard what you’ve said here tonight, I would say 15-20 times,” Mr. McLean said Thursday. “It’s the same story over and over and the fault lies squarely on the shoul- ders of any Cabinet we have.” Arden McLean’s polit- ical opponent, John McLean Jr. said he would like to see Commissioner Byrne con- tinue his public meetings with the district at least “once a quarter” and urged local officers to get out and socialize with the community. “We’re a lovable district, we don’t try to harm no one up here,” John McLean said. “If they’re not social- izing they’re not going to get any information out of the community.” Residents praised offi- cers like Sgt. Scott and Con- stable Lazarus Moraes for their work in the commu- nity and asked that more of- ficers follow their example in the future. “Lawlessness has really crept into our society here,” Sgt. Scott said. “I’ve tried my best and I’ve had help from many good people out there. I’m looking forward to seeing more.” Dog set ablaze in alleged animal cruelty case SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com A disturbing incident of animal cruelty occurred in Old Man Bay over the weekend where a pregnant dog was allegedly intention- ally set ablaze by its owner. The incident was discovered Saturday morning when a neighbor to the alleged of- fender visited a local pet retail store in search of a medical remedy. The witness to the of- fense asked the clerk at the pet store, Carly Smith, for a spray to treat the burns, and Ms. Smith asked about the severity of the injuries. When she was told that the dog, a pit bull mix, was burnt at the stomach, Ms. Smith immedi- ately took action to find help. “She told me, ‘The boy next door burnt the dog with fire,’” said Ms. Smith. “I asked her if it was an accident and she replied, ‘No, the boy was laughing.’ With the wom- an’s permission, I immedi- ately contacted the Humane Society. I felt really strongly that it should be reported.” The Humane Society con- tacted the police, and the family of the alleged offender brought the dog to Island Veterinary Services where the animal was treated. The dog survived and is in stable con- dition at the vet’s office, and she was spayed at the time of her procedure due to issues with her pregnancy. A representative for Island Veterinary Services said the dog, now five years old, had been treated previously at the clinic. The last time, the dog was treated for a dislocated hind leg, and the injury was believed to have gone un- treated for two months. The animal was sent back home to its owners after treatment on that occasion. When contacted over the weekend, a representative for the Cayman Islands Humane Society declined comment be- cause the matter was being handled by the police. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service declined comment Monday and said an offi- cial response would come on Tuesday. The Compass was unable to confirm if an arrest had been made. Ms. Smith, who sounded the alarm, is anxiously awaiting news of the dog’s welfare. “I have some questions for the authorities: Will the boy be charged? Will the dog be returned to that family? Will there be consequences for his actions?” asked Ms. Smith. “I’m not an activist of any kind. I don’t volun- teer or work for any local charities, but I am a pet lover. You don’t have to be an animal lover of any kind to recognize that what he did was wrong and a crime was committed.” The 2013 revision of the Cayman Islands Animals Law appears to spell out the punishment for animal cru- elty. In Part IX – Protection of Animals and Wild Life – section 70.1 (A) states that “A person who beats, ill-treats, over-rides, over-drives, over- loads, tortures, infuriates or terrifies an animal or causes or procures, or being the owner, permits any animal to be so used … commits an offence or cruelty and is li- able on summary conviction to fine of four thousand dol- lars and to imprisonment for one year.” Selina Tibbetts, a local attorney who wrote a uni- versity dissertation paper on animal cruelty in the Cayman Islands, said that cases have gone serially un- derreported. Ms. Tibbetts said she could find just one prosecution on record during the course of her re- search, but she cautioned that was years ago. Ms. Tibbetts said that more recently, there was a spate of dog poisonings linked to the deadly weed-killer paraquat, but that she was unaware of whether any charges were brought in the matter. “We hear about the cases, but we never hear of any real results in terms of pros- ecution,” she said. “That’s not because the law doesn’t exist. They have the powers to investigate these matters as a criminal offense under the Animals Law. It’s just they’re (A) not being investigated properly, I would say, and (B) we have a social problem with people not wanting to provide evi- dence in these cases. “These kind of animal cru- elty cases are very serious, and they’re very indicative of something mentally being very wrong with the kind of person that commits these types of crimes. It’s scientifi- cally proven – and there’s no doubt about it – that these people are a danger to so- ciety. What starts with ani- mals often doesn’t end with animals. It results in crimes against children and against other people.” Ms. Tibbetts went on to say that structurally, the po- lice department and the De- partment of Agriculture need more resources to deal with issues of animal cruelty. And she said that it’s “unaccept- able” that the animal cruelty laws exist but are not being enforced with resulting ar- rests and prosecutions. Some cases are not able to be followed up due to lack of evidence, and others aren’t pursued due to wit- nesses not wanting to testify against their neighbors. Ms. Smith said she was willing to speak out because she did not want to allow the case to be another statistic of unre- ported animal cruelty. “I’m proud to call Cayman my home, and I respect that it’s not my country. I respect the people, their faith and their laws,” said Ms. Smith. “The biggest fear among lo- cals and ex-pats alike re- garding reporting animal cruelty is retaliation and the chance that their immigra- tion status will be revoked and permanent residency will not be extended. So the guilty continue to roam free. “My question for those afraid to speak out: If a country kicks you out for speaking up about a crime – about cruelty and torture to another living being – is that the country you really want to live in?” Police Commissioner Derek Byrne, left, speaks to East End residents as Inspector Rudolph Gordon and Sgt. Davis Scott look on. – PHOTO: BRENT FULLER3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 School exam results stagnant Four in ten students not reading at required level at end of primary school JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Exam performance in Cay- man’s schools has remained stagnant over the last three years, according to results in national education data re- ports published last month. The data reports, for 2014- 16, which include external exam results for students at the end of primary and end of secondary school, were re- leased following a Freedom of Information request from the Cayman Compass. The Department of Edu- cation Services has yet to re- spond officially to the open re- cords request, but published the reports on its website and released them to members of the Education Council. The data reports show that over the past three years exam performance has re- mained steady, with roughly half of the students going through the public school system graduating with “good passes” of grade C or higher in five subjects, including mathematics and English. The data reports also in- clude results of exams taken at the end of primary school, which show that in 2016, four out of ten students had not reached the expected reading level before moving on to high school at age 11. The reports also show girls outperforming boys at every age group in all subjects. Some of the “head- line information” for sec- ondary school exams had been released previously but the reports contain more detailed data. In the Cayman Islands school system, students take external exams at Year 6 when they leave primary school, and at Year 11 when they leave high school, with an op- portunity to retake some of those exams along with other qualifications at the Cayman Islands Further Education Center in Year 12, the final year of compulsory education. The end of secondary school exams are known as GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and are graded on a letter scale, with “A*,” the highest grade, down to “G” , or CXCs, after the Caribbean exam board, which are essentially the same exams but follow an equivalent numeric scale were “I” is an A. Both in the Cayman Is- lands and the U.K., where students also take GCSEs, schools are benchmarked on the basis of how many stu- dents achieve good passes of “C” or better (or equivalent) in at least five subjects, in- cluding the core subjects of math and English. A “C” grade is equivalent to a 2.0 Grade Point Average in the American system. Against that “five good pass” benchmark, Cayman’s schools have been steadily improving since 2011, when just one in four students left high school having met the standard. The 2016 report suggests results have plateaued after a period of improvement. For Year 12, which in- cludes results from math and English re-sits taken at the Cayman Islands Further Edu- cation Centre, the percentage of students achieving the benchmark was 47 percent in 2014, rising to 48 percent in 2015 and dipping back to 47 percent in 2016. For Year 11, the data re- ports indicate that 32 percent reached the standard in 2014, rising to 38 percent the fol- lowing year and dipping back to 36 percent in 2016. The results still lag some way behind those of British government funded schools. Statistics from the U.K. government, where stu- dents sit the exams at Year 11, show that 56.1 percent of students gained five good passes, including math and English, in 2016. Previously unreleased re- sults for the end of primary school external exams, also included in the data reports, show results have plateaued, or fallen in some subjects over the past three years. Students graduating pri- mary school sit exams which test their reading, writing, English and math skills against expected levels set through the Na- tional Curriculum. According to the data re- ports, 59 percent of students reached the expected level in English in 2016, down from 68 percent the previous year. Results were also down in reading and writing but up slightly in math. The 2016 results also compare unfavorably with the expected results for the students based on Cogni- tive Ability Tests (CAT), which evaluate their general intelli- gence and potential. The 2016 data report notes, “The general trend for the period under consider- ation is that our students are underachieving in Eng- lish and mathematics relative to their CAT estimates. The challenge therefore, is to en- sure that all students leaving primary education achieve expected standards in these core subjects.” Jon Clark, principal of John Gray High School, said 2016 had been a particularly difficult year across the Ca- ribbean in math, which had dragged the overall school marks down generally. He said believed “great inroads” were being made in that sub- ject, the fruits of which would be seen in future years. He added that the English results for John Gray stu- dents and across the system had been high for a number of years and further prog- ress would only come with more intensive work with students who arrive at high school with severe reading and learning disabilities. He said some of that work is going on in high schools and lower down the school. Mr. Clark also cautioned against comparing figures with the U.K. system where a much smaller percentage of students go to private school. He said it was not uncommon for John Gray to lose 10 of its top performing students at Year 9 to go, on scholarships, to Cayman’s private schools. “We would never stand in their way if they and their parents make that choice, but it is worth noting that those sort of things do impact na- tional results.” In a press release in re- sponse to questions about the data reports, the Min- istry of Education acknowl- edged a slight downturn in exam performance in 2016, but said this came against the backdrop of signifi- cant improvement. “Overall system perfor- mance continues to show a positive trend over time with notable increases in core sub- ject areas,” the ministry stated. The release highlights sci- ence and English as areas of significant improvement. Ministry officials say an analysis of exam data, in- cluding feedback from exam boards, helps inform its an- nual “plan of action” as well as school specific plans. Current areas of focus include early intervention to deal with gaps in stu- dent learning, according to the release. EDUCATION DATA REPORTS – AT A GLANCE Benchmark rate of five GCSE/CXC passes at level 2 (A*-C or I-III) YEAR 11 2014:32 percent 2015:38 percent 2016:36 percent Note: For U.K. state schools, which sit the same exams at year 11, the figure for 2016 was 56.1 percent YEAR 12 (after additional year at CIFEC) 2014:47 percent 2015:48 percent 2016:47 percent End of Primary School, Year 6, Key Stage 2 exams. (Benchmark of meeting the expected age level in the National Curriculum.) English 2014:63 percent 2015:68 percent 2016:59 percent Math 2014:48 percent 2015:43 percent 2016:52 percent Writing 2014:49 percent 2015:62 percent 2016:61 percent Reading 2014:77 percent 2015:72 percent 2016:59 percent Cayman earns approval on endangered species trade regulations Cayman Islands busi- nesses will be able to con- tinue international trade of commercially important yet protected species without threat of suspension after being deemed fully compliant with the Convention on In- ternational Trade in Endan- gered Species. The multilateral agree- ment, drafted in 1973, aims to ensure commerce does not threaten the survival of plant and animal species. The U.K.’s Department of Environment informed the Cayman Islands govern- ment on March 28 that the CITES Secretariat had found the country in full com- pliance with the conven- tion, eliminating the possi- bility of restrictions being placed on Cayman for CITES- listed species. The announcement comes after more than a de- cade of work by Cayman Is- lands lawmakers. CITES is enforced in Cayman through the 2004 Endangered Species Law, which took effect in 2015. Commerce and Envi- ronment Minister Wayne Panton said CITES compli- ance provides tremendous benefit to Cayman’s trade of products like black coral and queen conch. “This rating, for example, facilitates the importation of conch to continue without in- terruption, thereby allowing local restaurants to continue serving conch dishes year- round, without the need to over-fish our local supply. Similarly, jewelry makers will be able to continue cre- ating their artistic expres- sions with imported black coral,” Mr. Panton said in a press statement. CITES compliance will also ensure tourists can take their conch and black coral purchases home without problems.The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS President Donald Trump will face what may be his toughest meeting yet with a foreign leader this week when he welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Er- dogan to the White House. Erdogan is a blustery and autocratically minded man, rather like Trump, and he comes to Washington, D.C., with a list of demands that senior U.S. officials rightly re- gard as unacceptable. Trump would do best by saying so directly – while urging the Turkish ruler to consider a change of course. Syria will likely top the agenda. Though they are NATO allies, the United States and Turkey have come perilously close to a breach over how to fight the Islamic State. U.S. generals believe the only way to capture the jihadists’ capital, Raqqa, is by backing the Syrian Demo- cratic Forces, which are dom- inated by Syrian Kurds. But Erdogan considers the Kurds enemies because of their con- nection to Kurdish militants in Turkey and their aspiration to carve out a ministate along the Syrian-Turkish border. Last week Trump opted to accept the Pentagon’s plan to arm the Kurds. Er- dogan responded by saying he would seek to have the decision reversed “as soon as possible.” He proposes an alternative plan under which Raqqa would be cap- tured by a Turkish-backed force, including Syrian Is- lamist militias. The U.S. plan for Raqqa is far from perfect – it would probably have the end re- sult of returning the city to the control of the regime of Bashar al-Assad – but it is better than the Turkish alternative. It’s not clear that Erdogan’s force has the ca- pacity to recapture the city, and even if it succeeded, the result might be to empower groups linked to al Qaida. More broadly, Erdogan’s stra- tegic aims are misguided. Eventually he will have to accept the inevitability of Syrian Kurdish autonomy, if not a statelet. Erdogan’s other demands will likely include the extra- dition of Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based spiritual leader whom Ankara blames for a failed 2015 military coup. But Turkey has never offered per- suasive evidence that Gulen was involved in the coup, and extradition is likely to be blocked by U.S. courts. Rather than attempt to mollify the Turkish ruler on this matter, Trump should urge him to end the sweeping persecution of suspected Gulen followers and Kurdish political leaders that followed the coup. Tens of thousands have been purged from state jobs, and thousands imprisoned; Turkey now has more journalists in prison than any other nation. Trump’s approach until now has been to ignore or even endorse Erdogan’s au- tocratic abuses. He was quick to place a congratulatory call to the president last month after he narrowly won a flawed referendum on a huge expansion of his powers. The White House may be- lieve that Turkey is too stra- tegically important to risk alienating over domestic po- litical matters. The problem is that Er- dogan’s domestic and for- eign policies are linked. Once he prided himself on ob- serving democratic norms and sought membership in the European Union and rap- prochement with the same Kurds he now bombs and jails. His domestic turn to au- tocracy has been accompa- nied by a nationalist policy of strenuously opposing legiti- mate Kurdish aspirations and deepening ties with Vlad- imir Putin’s Russia. Trump should tell him that he is on the wrong track, both in Syria and at home. © 2017, The Washington Post The Cayman Compass, unlike many newspapers in the United States and elsewhere, does not endorse candidates, or slates of candidates, running for polit- ical office. Instead, we have adopted an “issue-oriented approach,” focusing on the major social and economic concerns the country and, by proxy, the candidates face. Beginning today and for the remainder of this week, we will devote the front page of the Compass to a single issue of paramount importance to the well- being of these islands. Each issue will be accompanied in this space with an editorial sharing our thoughts and opinions on the topic at hand. Today we will focus on immigration and permanent residence, to be followed by healthcare on Wednesday, education on Thursday, and the landfill and other envi- ronmental issues on Friday. ————— If biology is destiny for individuals, certainly immi- gration is destiny for countries and territories, and the Cayman Islands is not exempt. Immigration is the clumsy mechanism through which not only expatriates flow, but also political and economic policies. It is an issue that Cayman has been grappling with for decades – to the satisfaction of practically no one. It may be time to “reframe” the issue. The immediate crisis du jour, of course, relates to permanent residence (PR). The current Progres- sives government, under the leadership of Premier Alden McLaughlin, has put the country at great risk, since there are potentially hundreds of PR applicants (think of them as potential “plaintiffs”) whose applica- tions have been dormant for nearly four years as their careers and their lives have limped along in limbo. The premier and his fellow legislators have dilly-dal- lied, obfuscated, commissioned reports (and withheld them from public view), announced and ignored their own deadlines and otherwise acted in what appears to be purposeful inaction. It is unlikely that the courts will look favorably on this sorry, if not sordid, record. We won’t re-walk with you the painful path of immi- gration history in these islands, but milestones would certainly include the mass status grants of 2003, the divisive and disastrous rollover policy of 2004, the myriad of backlogged boards, and, of course, the tangle of imprecise and incomprehensible laws, rules and reg- ulations that only a lawyer could love – or understand. Despite the legal, reputational and economic con- sequences we are now facing, the real peril is far dif- ferent – and far greater: It is the artificial, politically encouraged, division of our people that is contrary to Cayman’s past and will be utterly destructive to its future. It is the widening chasm between two roughly equal-in-size populations: the “Caymanians” and the “expatriates.” The Cayma- nians hold the political advantage, the expatriates the economic edge. But here is the main point: Each is umbilically attached to the other. If one perishes, the other shares the same fate. Cayman is far too small to be divided into tiny electoral districts – or into two distinct and dispa- rate populations. One obvious example: The govern- ment-mandated segregation of our schools – expa- triates in superior private schools, Caymanians in inferior public schools – is a guarantee of separate and unequal futures. Successive governors could, or should, have inter- vened decades ago in immigration matters, especially since they involve human rights and international norms and conventions to which the United Kingdom is both an advocate and a signatory. But they have remained silent. Perhaps it is just as well. Mandates from afar may lead to acquiescence but rarely to acceptance. Grave- yards are filled with failed kings who thought otherwise. For Cayman, our chosen path must be unity, equality and harmony, not deliberate discord and division. Both Jesus and Lincoln recognized the same truth: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Going forward, in immigration matters and, indeed, all others, it must no longer be “us” and “them.” It must be “we.” Immigration: Time to ‘reframe’ the issue What Trump should say at his meeting with Erdogan Trump’s approach until now has been to ignore or even endorse Erdogan’s autocratic abuses. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS DAVID R. LEGGE AND VICKI L. LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID R. LEGGE EXECUTIVE EDITOR PATRICK BRENDEL A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will find their own way” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. – PHOTO: AP/ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO5 LOCAL NEWS BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Royal Cayman Is- lands Police Service con- firmed Friday that it had received a number of com- plaints of election-re- lated offenses, ranging from candidate sign de- facement or removal to “treating” at some recent political events. A police spokesperson said the service has re- ceived five formal com- plaints of sign deface- ment or removal which is it looking into. In ad- dition, a handful of what were described as “in- formal complaints” re- garding the practice of “treating” at campaign events were received and are being reviewed. Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell said “less than a half dozen” allega- tions were received by his office in the past week or so that involve allegations of extravagant dinners of turtle steak and lobster or other rewards being given to voters attending certain political meetings. Those issues were all passed along to the police, since the elections office has no mechanism to enforce against them. While the Elections Law forbids the prac- tice of “treating” at polit- ical events, the police have historically allowed basic food and drink at polit- ical events. Former Police Commissioner David Ba- ines once explained the dif- ference prior to the 2013 general election, noting “common sense” should rule the day. “If you attend a three- hour political meeting and there are soft drinks and there is light refresh- ment and sandwiches … that is made available to keep you interested, and it’s of a low value, that is not considered treating,” Mr. Baines said. “It’s a sub- jective value. ”In Hong Kong, a busi- nessman held a buffet in support of a political can- didate,” Mr. Baines said, giving another example. “He charged the people who attended $5 a head but they received an open bar and food in excess of $100. Now, was that corruptly of- fered in order to influence voting? Yes, it was.” Mr. Howell said proof can be difficult to obtain in such cases and noted Friday that telling the elec- tions office the day after an alleged “treating” of- fense has occurred is not helpful. He urged anyone who observed evidence of vote buying during the run up to the election to con- tact the RCIPS. CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 New name, new look. Silver Wheaton (Caymans) Ltd. is now Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd. Full house sees Archer, Bryan clash JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com For two candidates en- gaged in one of the most hotly contested battles of the 2017 election, Kenneth Bryan and Marco Archer seem to agree on a lot of a broad policy goals. Cruise berthing for George Town, check; private sector involvement and ending so- cial promotion in schools, check; more community po- licing, check. The main areas of con- tention when the candidates clashed in a Chamber of Commerce debate Thursday night came over issues of character and ability to get the job done. Mr. Bryan questioned Mr. Archer and the Progressives’ track record over the past four years, highlighting the airport as the only project of significance that the adminis- tration can take any credit for. Mr. Archer spoke of his achievements as finance min- ister and contrasted his com- petence and credibility with that of his opponent. After a bitterly fought campaign between Mr. Bryan and his former party, the Pro- gressives, a crowd of more than 100 spectators packed the Town Hall in George Town Thursday evening, ex- pecting fireworks in the head-to-head debate. Asked in a question from the audience about the im- portance of a candidate’s per- sonal and professional track record, Mr. Archer suggested voters should look at past be- havior as an indicator of fu- ture performance. “Professionally I have done well, politically I have done well, personally I have done well; in terms of char- acter I have done well. I am not blowing my own trumpet, I am just saying there is nothing that anyone can say about me,” Mr. Archer said. The question came against the backdrop of a campaign in which the Pro- gressives have targeted Mr. Bryan, highlighting his past run-ins with the law. Mr. Bryan was fired as Premier Alden McLaughlin’s per- sonal assistant after his ar- rest for obstructing police. The premier has insisted during campaigning that Mr. Bryan had been arrested for a similar offense in the past, though police said they have no record of a second arrest. Sensing a planted ques- tion, Mr. Bryan, who ran on the Progressives ticket last time, accused the party of hy- pocrisy and “sending a ter- rible message to our youth” in its treatment of him. “I think we are trying to get at a question about me and my past and, as I have said before, if I was good for George Town then, I am good for George Town now,” he said. “I think it is deceitful to try to use a candidate for political purposes and when they don’t need them any- more, now they are no good. It sends a sad, sad mes- sage to our youth. I’ve em- braced every difficulty I have faced in my life and used it as strength to continue and prove to other young men in this country that just because you make a mistake doesn’t mean your life is over.” Mr. Bryan also took issue with an apparent suggestion from the Progressives that he wants to be finance minister, suggesting that he did not seek the job. Mr. Archer responded, “I have made no such accu- sation, because I know he cannot do it.” Mr. Bryan, who high- lighted cost of living and em- ployment among his key is- sues, cited the prospect of mass status grants, because of delays in dealing with a backlog of permanent resi- dency applications and urged the release of the Ritch immi- gration report. “That report should be re- leased so we know what is in it,” he said. “We can’t af- ford another mass granting of status without the proper procedure being followed.” Mr. Archer said the gov- ernment had tweaked the im- migration regulations and the process would improve without the need for any au- tomatic status grants. He said, “I must cor- rect the assumption that the Ritch Report will result in mass status grants. That is reckless and meant to mis- lead. There is only one time in history where mass status grants have been issued and that was granted by the United Democratic Party, not the Progressives.” Mr. Bryan highlighted ed- ucation as “the number one priority” and said it was “shameful” that the education minister had highlighted lack of funds in the budget. “The first thing we should deal with in budget is education and every- thing else should come after- wards,” he said. He said he would end so- cial promotion, holding chil- dren back in primary school until they reached the re- quired numeracy and literacy levels to move up. He added that he wanted candidates of all parties to agree on a consistent policy and also indicated support for the possible privatization of school administration. “That should be examined because of the political foot- ball played with education year after year,” he said. Mr. Archer said education was second only to national security in budget allocation and suggested funding was not the key issue. “We have to question why it is that the govern- ment spends so much money on education and we do not get the same results as the private schools,” he said. “It cannot be the level of invest- ment; it must be manage- ment, parental involvement and understanding of the value of education.” He endorsed private sector involvement in school management as a pos- sible solution. A police spokesperson said the service has received five formal complaints of sign defacement or removal which is it looking into. Police examine election complaints Progressives candidate Marco Archer, left, and independent Kenneth Bryan face off at a Chamber of Commerce election debate in George Town Thursday evening. - PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKERDISTRICT DAYS 6 District Days George Town TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS 50 years ago: Lots of socializing during Commonwealth conference In the May 17, 1967 edition of the Cayma- nian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Com- pass, news from George Town included: “Socially Speaking: The first opportunity to bid our friends [attending the Commonwealth Parliamen- tary Association confer- ence] “Welcome” was at the buffet supper and dance at the Galleon Beach Hotel on Monday. After a sump- tuous meal a gay time was held by all, dancing to the rhythm of the Beach Boys from Cayman Brac. “On Tuesday evening His Honour the Adminis- trator and Mrs. Cumber were the congenial host and hostess to a large gathering at Government House. At this function not only conference delegates but all officers from HMS Zest were entertained. “Commodore J.M. Townley and Capt. G.W. Lowden welcomed invited guests onboard HMS Zest. Caymanians and visitors were happy to have this opportunity to accept the hospitality of the British Navy on Wednesday. “The venue for cock- tails on Thursday was the lovely Caribbean Club. On this occasion guests were cordially received by repre- sentatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Asso- ciation and Tourist Board. “At all these func- tions the opportunity af- forded to get to know others from the Caribbean better through jest and in- formal conversation was obviously much appre- ciated by all.” In the same issue, other George Town news included: “Mr. A. Val Anderson has been appointed Dis- trict Commissioner of the Cayman Islands Boy Scouts Association, suc- ceeding Mr. T.E. McField, who is now attending the University of the West In- dies in Jamaica. “At a meeting of the Ex- ecutive Committee of the local association led on Tuesday May 2, Mrs. Joyce Hylton accepted the post of Honorary Secretary, the other officers being Rev. John Gray, Chairman, and Mrs. Sybil McLaughlin, Honorary Treasurer. “A Rover Crew has been formed with ten foundation members. Mr. Arthur Ebanks was appointed Rover Leader with Mr. Antonio Hawkins as Assistant Rover Leader. “The Crew has planned to carry out the task of re- pairing the Scout Head- quarters that was broken into and badly damaged, and also to provide lead- ership for a scout troop in George Town. “There has been much activity during the past week consequent on the visit of Mr. Irvin Jones, Ex- ecutive Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of Jamaica, and on Thursday the 4th of May, there was an en- joyable campfire among Cubs, Scouts and friends on the beach of West Bay. Mr. Jones also carried out a programme of visits and basic training.” Rescue dogs return for second Rum Tails KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman’s rescue dogs strutted their talent Sat- urday afternoon, competing for treats and accolades at the second annual Rum Tails Dog Show. The One Dog at a Time fundraiser attracted some se- rious tail wagging to George Town’s Cayman Spirits Com- pany, where dogs tested their agility and skills for charity. One Dog at a Time director and dog foster mom Caro- line Johnston said proceeds raised through the show and the day’s distillery tours will help shelter dogs find perma- nent homes in Cayman, To- ronto or New York. “There are so many dogs down there that are abso- lutely fantastic. We’ve shown over the last four years that these dogs make perfect pets and there is no reason why they should be put down,” Ms. Johnston said. The show was established last year to honor Cathy Richardson, a long-standing Humane Society volunteer and dog show enthusiast who died from cancer. While rescue efforts have helped reduce Cayman’s shelter dog population, Ms. Johnston emphasized the continued need for foster families and responsible pet ownership. “We’re always looking for foster homes who can tem- porarily take care of one of our dogs for us. They can also donate goods that we sell at garage sales for money. They can also donate their time,” she said. One Dog at a Time has several other fundraisers coming up, including pet “pawtraits” at Montessori School of Cayman on May 21, and a May 28 fundraiser at Stingray Sandbar and Starfish Point. Must Love Dogs trainer Heidi Suarez said the charity events provide a chance not only to support homeless animals but also for rescue dogs to socialize. During the show, she assisted with dog washes and demonstrations. “We have different kinds of competition to make it fun. We have a costume competi- tion, an agility demo, a trick competition, the Cayman co- conut prize. It has every- thing. It’s a good family event,” she said. Humane So- ciety volunteers Nigel and Pat Cox brought their rescue dog, Amii, who claimed sev- eral prizes. They also accom- panied Autumn, who has lived in the Humane Society shelter for two years. Mr. Cox said Autumn was surrendered to the Humane Society with two other dogs, who were adopted. “She has languished, de- spite being healthy and good with other dogs,” he said. Autumn is available for adoption at the Humane So- ciety. She won Saturday’s “Cayman Coconut” prize. Hendrix and Mimi show off for the costume competition. - PHOTOS: KAYLA YOUNG Autumn gets a bath from Jason Mann. She is available for adoption at the Humane Society. Nigel and Pat Cox pose with Amii, who won the rescued dog category.7 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 West Bay Road was filled Saturday for the second consecutive weekend for a carnival festival. This time, CayMAS hit the road, with plenty of dancers, jumpers, bands and spectators winding their way from downtown George Town amid soaring temperatures to the public beach at Seven Mile Beach where the party continued into the night. CayMAS winds its way along West Bay Road. – PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY For some, it is a true masked parade. Carnival ladies stop for a quick photo along the route. You don’t need to be wearing a carnival costume to take part in the CayMAS parade. Everybody was dancing in the streets. A carnivalgoer flies the Guyanese flag as he takes part in the parade. A bystander holds up a sign calling for ‘One Batabano,’ referring to the carnival held the previous weekend. Feathers, beads and sequins are the order of the day. Mirror shades and water help keep the heat at bay.The 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 MAY 16, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Road User BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town Tel. 949-8699 12 Kirkconnell Street, Stake Bay, Cayman Brac Tel. 948-1760 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. : insurance, health, pensions, life Low deductibles from $200 means it costs less when you claim with BritCay. You have a 1 in 10 chance of a road vehicle accident. BritCay offers the lowest standard private car insurance deductible at $200 and the best value comprehensive cover with extra free benefits. Ask BritCay for a quote. Pay less for comprehensive insurance Save 10% if you have BritCay home insurance Low cost 100% NCD protection New car replacement (new cars only, 12 months max.) Fast-track repairs! Authorised Repairer programme *$250 BritCay gift certificate applies to new buildings insurance policies only. CALL 949-8699 or visit www.britcay.ky cgigrp $250* CERTIFICATE WITH BUILDINGS INSURANCE TUESDAY, MAY 16 SEAFARERS ASSOCIATION: Members are advised of a general meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Seafarers Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect. A bus is provided from West Bay Town Hall at 6 p.m. A bus route has been added in George Town, leaving the Public Library parking area at 7 p.m., stopping at the Cayman Compass building and the Airport Foster’s. The bus is marked Bobo $1 Public Transport and is blue. There is no charge. THURSDAY, MAY 18 ARDYTH SMITH IN BLACK AND WHITE: The National Museum on Harbour Drive launches the Ardyth Smith exhibition. The event is free and open to the public. Miss Ardyth was an animal rights activist, photographer, community leader, historian and advocate for people’s rights. CHILD MONTH: Snuggle and Read. Cayman Academy School. 6–8 p.m. For more information, call 949-0290. FRIDAY, MAY 19 VOTER ID CARDS: Today is the last day to collect the new voter registration cards. Cards may be collected from the Elections Office at the Smith Road Centre, 150 Smith Road, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. They replace all previously issued voter identification. To receive a card, voters must show a valid form of official identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or work ID. Contact 949- 8047, office@elections.ky or www.elections.ky. BRAC CHILD MONTH: Family Dinner, Aston Rutty Centre, 7-9 p.m. CHILDREN’S LOGO: Artists ages 4 to 18 are invited to enter the Department of Children and Family Services’ Logo Competition. Today is the deadline. Submissions should describe any of the following themes: building a protective environment for all children; preventing and responding to violence, mistreatment, neglect and abuse of children; promoting children’s rights. Entries must be at least 8 1/2 x 11 inches but no larger than 11 x 17 inches. Logos can be hand-drawn or photos and illustrations combined. Entries must be dropped off at the DCFS office, 7 Genesis Close, by 5 p.m. Contact dcfs@gov.ky or visit the DCFS Facebook page. SATURDAY, MAY 20 DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross mobile thrift shop will be in East End close to Pirates Cove Bar 6-10 a.m. Items available include ladies’ bags and accessories, clothing and shoes for adult and children, linens and more. DARKNESS TO LIGHT: A free Red Cross-training program for parents, teachers and others who work with or provide services to young people. From 9-11:30 a.m. Gain knowledge and skills to prevent child sexual abuse; recognize signs of abuse and learn how to react responsibly. Pre-registration is required. Contact vrm@redcross.org.ky. CHILD MONTH: Foster care recruitment drive, Grand Old House, 6-8 p.m. For more information, call 949-0290. TEEN MAZE: A Child Month activity at UCCI. Rewards and consequences of everyday choices. Not suitable for under-12s. 10 a.m. Contact Family Resource centre for registration form. Contact 949-0006 or frc@gov.ky. BRAC CHILD MONTH: Teen Disco, Youth Centre. 7-10:30 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 21 PET PAWTRAITS: Fundraiser for One Dog at a Time. 2-6 p.m. at Montessori, South Sound. Submit a photo of a pet and Three Girls and a Kiln will sketch the image onto canvas, ready to paint and take home. Tickets are $70 and include a buffet. Email info@odaat.ky or message on Facebook page Onedogatatime13 or website www.odaat.ky. THE BUSINESS OF ART: Presentations and workshops that explore how artists and creatives can build a business around their talent, from developing a presence in the art world to learning to sell work directly to the public or finding suitable representation. 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Regular attendance, $35. Practicing artist, $25. Students over 15 years, free. Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout. Booking is essential. Email events@nationalgallery.org. ky or call 945-8111. CIMA CHARITY 5K & 10K WALK/RUN: As part of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority’s 20th anniversary, the public is invited to the 5K & 10K Walk/Run, 6 a.m., starting at Elizabethan Square. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12. Proceeds benefit the literacy and numeracy programs of various government primary schools. To register, or for more information, visit www.cima.ky. FRIDAY, MAY 26 CHILD MONTH: IAM2K17 Youth Empowerment Conference, Marriott Resort, 9 a.m. For more information call 949-0290. SATURDAY, MAY 27 EVENING OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Cayman National Choir. 7-10 p.m. at the Arts and Recreation Centre. Musical performance includes Cayman National Orchestra with a special collaboration with Steve Higgins and friends. All are welcome. CHILD MONTH: Circle of Love Children’s breakfast at Marriott Resort. 8:30-11 a.m. For more information, call 949-0290. DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross mobile thrift shop will be in North Side, junction of Hutland and North Side Roads 6-10 a.m. Items available include ladies’ bags and accessories, clothing and shoes for adult and children, linens and more. SUNDAY, MAY 28 PUBLIC ASTRONOMY VIEWING: Pedro Castle, 7:30 p.m. weather permitting. Please park outside and walk in. Call Richard on 925-4917 for more details or to check cancellation if more than 50 percent cloud cover. CHILD MONTH: Family Fun Day at Agricultural Pavilion, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 949-0290. DOGS AHOY: Allura Boat Trip, 1-6 p.m. Fundraiser for One Dog at a Time. Tickets, $35. The Allura sails to Stingray City and Starfish Point, stopping at two different snorkeling sites. Food is provided. Email info@odaat.ky or message on Facebook page Onedogatatime13 or website www.odaat.ky. GENERAL INTEREST HIGH SCHOOL PTA: The John Gray High School PTA seeks sponsors, vendors and volunteers for its June 24 Summer Fair and Raffle. The PTA is raising funds to assist students traveling overseas to represent the school and country in track and field, swimming, fine arts, academics and more. The PTA invites applications from visual and performing artists, food vendors and volunteers. Email ptajghs@gmail.com for registration forms. If you have a product, you would like to sell to student body and public at the fair, sign up. Booths are $50 and $75. CONTRACTORS REGISTRATION: The deadline for general and civil contractors to register with the Builders Board has been extended by a month. The deadline is now May 31, 2017. Registration deadlines for the other categories of contractors remain the same: Residential and Building Contractors, June 30, 2017; Trade Contractors, Aug. 31, 2017. 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. Owned and operated by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Call 946-6575. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. POLITICAL MEETINGS AND FORUMS TUESDAY, MAY 16 NATIONAL DEBATE: Candidates from various districts at the Arts and Recreation Centre, Camana Bay. 7-9 p.m. ARDEN MCLEAN: East End. Pamela Dixon’s yard, Sea View Road. 8 p.m. EZZARD MILLER: North Side. Joyce Douglas’s yard. 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 JOHANY ‘JAY’ EBANKS: North Side. Rosita (Bina) Brown’s yard, Frank Sound. 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 18 NATIONAL DEBATE: Candidates from various districts at the Arts and Recreation Centre, Camana Bay. 7-9 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 23 JOHANY ‘JAY’ EBANKS: North Side. Motorcade. 7:30 p.m. EZZARD MILLER: North Side. Old Man Bay Playing Field. 8 p.m. ARDEN MCLEAN: East End. Pac a Sac Store. 8 p.m.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY MAY 16, 2017 Visiting Gynecologist will be available for consultation at Dr. Vivek's offi ce at Smith Road Plaza from 1-16 June, 2017 For appointments please call (345)945-6077 +1 (345) 323-7840 www.drbarryrichter.com Over 3,000 of the World’s Finest Fabrics. Precise measurements taken to assure perfect fit. Suits from US$745 and Shirts from US$75. Messenger delivery six weeks from the date of order. Over 18,000 satisfied customers worldwide. Appointments: 916-8005 before 15 May 928-7126/949-0088 between 15-17 May Mr. Vijay Wadhwani will be available 8am to 8pm daily. www.noblehouse.us - wadhwani@noblehouse.us *** FREE SHIRT with each suit! *** Mon 15 May - 8am-7pm Tues 16 May - 8am- 7pm Weds 17 May - 8am- 12pm Marriott Beach Resort Dr. Wayne R. Porter MD F.A.A.D. Dermatologist call : 946-9020 between 9am to 5pm Dees Plaza #282 on Crewe Road, GT He will be in office from May 17th, - May 23rd, 2017 John Gray school gymnasium completed within $8.8M budget Gymnasium handed over in time for school exams KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com The new John Gray High School gymnasium has been handed over to the school after a decade of construc- tion and in time for year 10 and 11 exams. The Ministry of Education confirmed the budget for the 22,000-square foot facility at $8.8 million, but has not yet revealed the final project cost. It estimated the end price tag for the multipurpose sports hall and hurricane shelter will come in at 1 to 3 percent below budget. The category 5 shelter can hold 1,149 people in the case of an emergency. Education Minister Tara Rivers praised the ministry for completing the project on schedule and within budget. “This gym will be a true asset to John Gray High School and to the Cayman Is- lands. I’m sure our students will use it with pride and that it will provide the necessary educational, sporting and hurricane shelter facilities that will last for generations to come,” Minister Rivers said in a press statement. Govern- ment initially refused to re- lease the gymnasium budget until after the facility’s com- pletion, citing concern that such transparency might in- crease final costs. Chief Officer for Educa- tion Christen Suckoo said the overall project costs in- cluded consultant fees, exam furniture, solar panels, LED lighting, a new parking lot and upgrades for the me- chanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Having access to the gym for exams alleviated class- room capacity issues, said school principal Jon Clark. The facility held 260 students for math testing this month. In the future, the hall will host school assemblies, graduation ceremonies and staff trainings. “We have always strug- gled to accommodate stu- dents for exams, often having to use many additional class- rooms; this has a knock-on effect to the learning of other year groups. The behavior of the stu- dents in their new surround- ings has been excellent and I hope this will also have helped their performance,” Mr. Clark said. Department of Sports di- rector Collin Anglin said the facility will provide a boost to interscholastic sports, as well as national sports programs like net- ball, basketball, badminton and volleyball. The building is scheduled to host a Na- tional Collegiate Athletic As- sociation basketball tourna- ment in November. The Ministry of Education estimated the end price tag for the multipurpose sports hall and hurricane shelter will come in at 1 to 3 percent below budget. Students take their math exams in the new John Gray High School gymnasium. - PHOTO: SCOTT SWING to the premier. Both Mr. McLaughlin and Cayman Islands Governor Helen Kilpatrick have sought to prevent the report from being disclosed to the public which funded its creation. “I see no reason why the present government and the governor has de- nied the public,” Mr. Tib- betts said. “The government paid all kinds of money for that report.” ‘Mismanagement’ The Progressives govern- ment took a proverbial beating in several candidate debates over how it was handling the permanent residence delays. Two Newlands indepen- dent political candidates criti- cized the Progressives recently, alleging mismanagement led to delays in the hearing of hundreds of permanent resi- dence applications, delays the candidates said were “playing with people’s lives.” Even Progressives Finan- cial Services Minister Wayne Panton acknowledged during the Chamber of Commerce candidates forum that the delay of between 900 and 1,000 residency applications filed since October 2013 was “not fair to stay as it is.” “There are lots of people whose lives, they feel, are in limbo, they feel they are un- able to move on,” Mr. Panton said. “It has really been too long in that situation.” Mr. Panton’s opponent, former Progressives back- bench MLA and now indepen- dent candidate Alva Suckoo put it bluntly: “It’s a classic case of mismanagement.” “The situation didn’t come up yesterday, the urgency [of it] was not addressed,” Mr. Suckoo said. “People’s lives were put on hold. People didn’t know what was going to happen. Now, we’re seeing the lawsuits piling up.” Independent Newlands candidate Raul Gonzalez Jr. said it was difficult for him to even comment on what gov- ernment should do to address the permanent residence de- lays because he had not seen the Ritch Report. “They didn’t act on [the report],” Mr. Gonzalez said. “It just goes to show, they spend money on these re- ports, as usual, and put them on the shelves to collect dust. It’s people’s lives they are playing with. “These are people who contribute to our society … they’re just in limbo, it’s unacceptable.” No more status Two of Cayman’s leading independent politicians, MLAs Arden McLean and Ezzard Miller, are on re- cord opposing any further grants of Caymanian status to long-term local residents who do not have direct family connections to the islands, but they have not necessarily opposed secu- rity of tenure for non-Cay- manian workers. Caymanian status is a local legal designation sim- ilar to citizenship, which conveys the right to vote and other basic rights to its holders. Any perma- nent resident who has been in Cayman for at least 15 years and who was obtained British Overseas Territories citizenship can apply for Caymanian status. North Side MLA Mr. Miller raised the issue in June 2016 in the context of the Ritch Report review. “We have the review of the PR provisions in the Im- migration Law to ensure non-Caymanians can now stay, get Caymanian status after PR and keep the jobs from qualified Caymanians,” Mr. Miller said. “Where is the promised immigra- tion reform that was prom- ised to us in October 2013 … which was supposed to tighten up on work permits and [make] other changes that needed to be made to benefit Caymanians? Let me repeat what Ezzard Miller’s position is on this: The only [way] you should be able to get Cayman status is by marriage or descent. I don’t think anybody should be able to come to my country as an economic migrant and get Caymanian status be- cause they’ve made plenty of money,” said Mr. Miller. East End MLA Mr. McLean said that a distinc- tion should be made in the Immigration Law between granting someone Cayma- nian status and awarding them “security of tenure.” Mr. McLean also noted his view at the time that only non-Caymanians who are married to Cayma- nians or who have family ties to the islands should be allowed to obtain Cay- manian status. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Immigration, permanent residence: Time bomb continues to tickNext >