ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 Premier Health More claims get an automatic green light with BritCay! 57% of claims settled automatically first with BritCay. 95% claims settled in 5 days. British Caymanian Insurance Agencies Limited acts solely as an agent on behalf of Colonial Medical Insurance Company Limited and it does not act as an insurance broker on behalf of its customers. BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE AGENCIES LIMITED BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town, P.O. Box 74, KY1-1102 Tel. 949-8699 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. : insurance, health, pensions, life Call 949-8699 www.britcay.ky cgigrp Premier McLaughlin to lead 13-member coalition government Independents get two minister positions, Bush is House Speaker BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com A coalition of 13 elected members of the Cayman Islands Legislative As- sembly was sworn in Wednesday in downtown George Town, bringing an end to the political scramble that followed the territory’s May 24 general election. Leading the coalition, for the second term, is Red Bay MLA Alden McLaughlin, who will be premier for the “government of national unity” that features seven Progressives party members, including Mr. McLaughlin, three Cayman Demo- cratic Party members and three inde- pendent politicians. CDP Party Leader McKeeva Bush was sworn in as Speaker of the House. The ministers in the coalition gov- ernment were expected to be Mr. McLaughlin, Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell, Cayman Brac East MLA Ju- liana O’Connor-Connolly, Bodden Town East MLA Dwayne Seymour, George Town East MLA Roy McTaggart, George Town North MLA Joey Hew and West Bay South MLA Tara Rivers. By press time Wednesday, the min- isterial assignments had not all been decided. Mr. McLaughlin acknowledged it Speaker McKeeva Bush presides over the Legislative Assembly Wednesday after the swearing-in ceremony for members of the government, seated on the left, and members of the opposition, on the right. - PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY Alden McLaughlin takes his oath of office as premier of the Cayman Islands before Governor Helen Kilpatrick. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » would not all be “smooth sailing” in the next four years, as there are gen- uine government policy differences be- tween members of the Progressives and CDP coalition as to how to grow the economy and provide opportunities for Caymanians. “The [debate] process, I believe, will lead to better policy positions,” Mr. McLaughlin said, noting that his Pro- gressives party ended up a mere 50 votes away from winning full control of the government. That was the total number of votes that former Progressives Min- isters Marco Archer and Wayne Panton lost their re-election bids by on May 24. “The outcome of the elections was very nearly different … by such slim margins are things decided in a de- mocracy,” the premier said. “But I will embrace the opportunity the voters have given us for a different approach to governance.” Mr. McLaughlin said he had been contacted by newly named Opposition Leader Ezzard Miller, who told the pre- mier that “the battle was the battle,” but now the two groups need to move for- ward for the betterment of the country. Opposition MLA Kenneth Bryan and the premier – bitter political op- ponents during the campaign – agreed to bury the previous enmity between them Wednesday morning in a pri- vate meeting, Mr. Bryan said. The new member for George Town Central said 2 LOCAL&REGIONAL THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Daily Matinees Every Day $8.00 Seniors, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 BAYWATCH (R) 12:55 I 3:40 I 7:20 I 10:00 EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING (PG13) 12:30 I 2:50 I 5:10 I 7:40 I 10:15 ALIEN: COVENANT (R) 12:55 I 4:00 VIP I 6:45 I 9:50 VIP GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 3D (PG13) 12:30 2D I 3:30 I 6:30 2D I 9:45 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES 3D (PG13) 1:00 2D VIP I 3:40 I 7:00 2D VIP 9:35 2D DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL (PG) 12:35 I 2:50 I 5:05 I 6:25 I 8:40 - THURSDAY - 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) CIUDAD JUAREZ MUSEUM SEEKS TO TELL STORY OF MEXICAN REVOLUTION CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) – Towns along the U.S.- Mexico border often are stereotyped as enclaves for bar-hoppers, smoky factories, cheap souve- nirs and long entry lines for cargo and trucks. They also are known for in- expensive tacos and a plethora of adult enter- tainment options. Cultural sites, in partic- ular on the Mexican side, rarely get much attention. But within a 20-minute walk from the Stanton Street Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas, visitors to Ci- udad Juarez can enjoy a different experience and get a better understanding of a moment in history that fundamentally changed Mexico and the United States. (This route also avoids the city’s dangerous neighborhoods regularly mentioned in accounts of cartel violence.) El Museo de la Revolu- cion en La Frontera, or the Museum of the Revolution in the Border, tells the story of the Mexican Revolution and its aftermath still felt today. The armed struggle, which lasted from 1910 to 1920, transformed Mexican society and sparked a mas- sive migration of Mexicans to the United States that remade the demographics of cities in the Amer- ican Southwest. Yes, the conflict gave rise to Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata as revolu- tionary heroes of the poor. The war also spurred new movements in art, litera- ture, journalism, photog- raphy and radical notions of land reform that spread across Latin America. For those with only a basic knowledge of the Mexican Revolution, the museum guides visitors through the pre-revolu- tionary Mexico of dictator Porfirio Diaz and the in- tellectual movements op- posing his rule. Exhibits touch upon El Plan of San Luis de Potosi – a call to remove Diaz and the re- establishment of democ- racy – and writers speaking out against what they de- scribed as colonial rule at the expense of the poor. Lions family wins region, district awards JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Lions family of the Cayman Islands picked up a number of annual region and district awards in Ja- maica last Sunday. The awards were given during a social meeting at a Lions residence in the Parish of St. Thomas. Deborah “Debbie” Ebanks of the Lions Club of the Cayman Islands accepted the awards on behalf of the Cayman Lions family, which consists of the Lions Clubs of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Tropical Gardens and four Leo clubs, one on Cayman Brac and three on Grand Cayman. Last year heralded a historic moment for the Cayman Lions Family in its 45 years of existence when the Lions and Leos Clubs of the Cayman Islands became a zone of their own – Zone 4C of District 60B, Multiple District 60. Ms. Ebanks was appointed as zone chairman to lead the zone in its inaugural year. During the 2016-2017 year, Zone 4C chartered a new Leos Club, which saw 36 young people become mem- bers of the youth service or- ganization; the emergence of a restoration committee to assist the indigent and special needs citizens; the launch of the Miss Kippy Me- morial Scholarship Fund; and an appreciation day for those in authority and other var- ious initiatives. During the awards cer- emony at the weekend, the most outstanding zone in the Lions’ region 4 was awarded to the Cayman Lions family. The most Outstanding Club in the 4C district was awarded to the Lions Club of Grand Cayman. Ms. Ebanks was named Chairman of the Year for the region; Cayman Brac Club’s Yvette Gayle received Leo Adviser of the Year; and the Brac club got the award for the Peace Poster competition. The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens received the Lions Banner Project Award for its breast cancer awareness project. The Clifton Hunter High School Alpha Club re- ceived the Leos Banner Project Award for its Professional Day Recognition project. Norma McField, Lions public relations chairwoman, was awarded the District Chairman Excellence Award; Best Project Award went to the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens for its breast cancer awareness campaign; Leo Club of the Year went to UCCI Omega Leo Club and the best Leo Newsletter Award went to Clifton Hunter High School Alpha Leo Club. Lion Deborah Ebanks was presented with the Zone Chairman plaque. The District Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Lions Gina Barnes, John Ebanks and Kevin Roberts. “I am confident that the Cayman Islands will con- tinue to reap the benefit from these men, women and youth involved in Lionism,” said Deborah Ebanks. Lions and Leos provide services under their signa- ture projects such as cancer awareness, breast, colon, prostate and testicular can- cers; sight screening; di- abetes awareness; public speaking; and spelling bees for the youth. As of April 2017, Zone 4C provided the Cayman Is- lands with 212 projects using 7,857.5 Lions Hours serving 17,596 people with a value of US$2,085,060.83. Cayman youth hear message of empowerment More than 80 teenagers from Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac met at the Family Life Centre last Friday for the first Youth Empower- ment Conference #IAM2K17. The six-hour program hosted by the Department of Children and Family Services aimed to get youth thinking about cultural heritage and personal identity. U.S.-based motivational speaker Javier Sanchez used comedy and rap to relate his personal story of over- coming gang life and drug dealing. Mr. Sanchez previ- ously worked as a youth de- velopment worker in Grand Cayman. As the current CEO of R.E.A.C.H. Communications Inc., he promotes youth em- powerment and self-determi- nation. He told the teenagers their potential is limitless and encouraged them to think about the people they want to be now and in the future. Local rapper Justin Johnson also performed original music. Department Director Fe- licia Robinson said the ac- tivity was part of efforts to increase youth participation during Child Month. “This is because we rec- ognize participation as a critical pillar in developing our children today, for lead- ership tomorrow,” she said in a press statement. “The underlying purpose of this conference is consis- tent with our deliberate out- reach, [and our] preventive and education strategy of empowering our children and youth and helping them dis- cover their voice.” Other contributors to the event were Youth Ser- vices Unit, the National Drug Council, Lions Club of Grand Cayman, Foster’s Food Fair, Tips n Toes, Cayman National Bank and University College of the Cayman Islands. The program … aimed to get youth thinking about cultural heritage and personal identity. Region chairperson Lion Cynthia Peart, left, presents Lion Deborah Ebanks, Zone 4C chairperson, with the Banner Patch award. District Governor Lion Errol Lee presents Lion Deborah Ebanks with Zone Chairman plaque. Visitors browse the displays at the Museum of the Revolution in the Border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. - PHOTO: AP PHISHING SCAM PLAYS OFF OF ELECTION RUMORS An election-related phishing attack began cir- culating in the Cayman Is- lands this week, prompting government to issue a public warning. The email message orig- inated from a fraudulent account posing as Elec- tions Supervisor Wesley Howell. The scam sought to play off an unfounded elec- tion-day rumor with an at- tention-grabbing subject line, “CAYMAN LEAKED ELECTION FRAUD.” Users are advised not to forward the message or click on its links. The email contains a fake video link with the message, “Candidate was caught in ac- tion rigging the election and bribing an electoral officer in video.” Following the link puts users at risk of mal- ware infection. Government reported that efforts are under way by a cybersecurity team to shut down the email server be- hind the attack.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 Former fire officer sentenced to five-and-a-half years Imitation firearm as frightening as the real thing, judge says CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Fabian Oliver Thompson was sentenced on Tuesday to five years and six months’ imprisonment for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to resist arrest. Thompson, 34, had been on required leave from the Cayman Islands Fire Ser- vice since January 2016, when the incident occurred that led to the charge. He elected trial by judge alone and Justice Malcolm Swift found him guilty on May 7. The judge invited sub- missions on sentencing from Crown prosecutor Nicole Petit and defense attorney Prathna Bodden, then invited further discussion on Tuesday before passing sentence. He said he could find no mitigating features, despite Ms. Bodden’s “valiant efforts.” The only good thing he could say is that by not testifying, Thompson did not give false evidence under oath. The incident leading to the charge occurred on Jan. 20, 2016, when uniformed po- lice officers went to a Bodden Town residence to conduct a search under the Misuse of Drugs Law following the ar- rest of Thompson’s brother. Thompson himself was not the subject of the search. Thompson was in the house when officers arrived, but he walked out. When an officer instructed him to stop, Thompson went over a fence. One of the officers said he saw Thompson remove an object from his pants pocket and the officer thought it was a 9 mm pistol. It was at this point that police used a Taser on Thompson and Justice Swift viewed the film from the de- vice several times. He said he was satisfied that Thompson did take something from his pocket to prevent the of- ficers from following him. The defendant put the of- ficers in fear of being shot, the judge said. Thompson made his es- cape, but turned himself in days later. However, he did not turn in the object, so the judge was denied knowing what the object was. Officers searched the area but did not find anything, so Thompson could not be charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, only an imitation. Justice Swift repeated the comments of other judges in previous cases: “Gun crimes have become the scourge of the Caribbean.” He pointed out that imitation guns have the same capacity to frighten and intimidate as the real thing. Gun crime must be stamped out, the judge con- tinued. Anyone carrying a firearm or imitation firearm must expect to go to prison for a long time, he declared. Ms. James had expressed concern that the item carried by Thompson had appeared to be very real and it re- mained in the public domain. She advised that Thompson had been placed on probation for one year from Jan. 22, 2015, for pos- session and consumption of ganja. The imitation firearm offense occurred two days before that probation period would have expired. Justice Swift said he would not impose a sepa- rate sentence for the breach of probation. OfReg issues notice to Wifi providers SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com At least nine companies are illegally charging people for access to the internet via Wifi hot spots, according to the Utility Regulation and Competition Office. The regulatory body, known as OfReg, issued a no- tice last week informing local companies of the existing law in an effort to bring vi- olators into compliance without prosecution. The notice was a reitera- tion of long-standing Infor- mation and Communications Technology law that states that companies are not al- lowed to solicit fees for Wifi hot spot access without being licensed by the government. Sonji Myles, deputy di- rector of ICT at OfReg, said there are no companies cur- rently licensed as public Wifi hot spot providers, and there are as many as nine companies acting in violation of the law. Mr. Myles said OfReg is not looking to prosecute vi- olators and may ultimately seek amendments to the law. But for now, the aim of the notice is to make sure that business owners are aware of the specific regulations re- garding internet access and to bring everybody into com- pliance with the law. “Actors are requested to cease activity immedi- ately and seek licensing from the Office,” Mr. Myles said Monday night in an email re- sponse to a request for com- ment. “I should also note that as one of our major concerns, we have been able to confirm that at least one of the actors solicits credit card payment via a portal which is pro- cessed in a country suspected/ alleged to have a propensity in the cybersecurity world for identity theft and other fraud as well as being a base for cy- bersecurity threat origin.”The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS DAVID R. LEGGE AND VICKI L. LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID R. LEGGE EXECUTIVE EDITOR PATRICK BRENDEL A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will findtheirownway” THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS During an appropriate display of pomp and cir- cumstance on Wednesday, Cayman Islands Governor Helen Kilpatrick presided over the official swearing-in of a 13-member coalition government, led by Premier Alden McLaughlin. Putting a stamp of certainty on a week of surprises and political intrigue, the ceremony confirmed the appointments of the Hon. McKeeva Bush as Speaker of the House and the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell as deputy premier, as well as the other ministerial positions. The events at the Legislative Assembly were duti- fully covered by the country’s media outlets, including the Compass, giving people “front-row seats” to Wednes- day’s events. Preparations to provide coverage should have been a straightforward affair: We all know where the Legisla- tive Assembly is, and we all knew when the swearing-in ceremony would take place. The Compass would dispatch a suitably-sized team of reporters and photographers to take pictures and notes on this controlled, scripted and predictable event. Pretty simple, right? Enter the government’s communications apparatus. Over the past week, the Compass’s inboxes have been inundated with messages, notifications, requests and demands – who will attend, what will they be doing, do they have the proper media credentials, etc. One email chain stretched out for about a dozen messages, merely to settle upon which Compass staffers would be admitted into the Legislative Assembly (a public building that is known as “the people’s House”). For reasons far beyond reason (at least to us), civil servants were also highly concerned that all journal- ists obtain a special “press pass” to enter the Legisla- tive Assembly, only they couldn’t obtain them unless they first filled out a “registration of interests form” (a stipula- tion that, in the words of Premier McLaughlin, is “curious” because many senior civil servants and appointed board members do not have to disclose their interests in order to serve in government). For the record, nobody knows GIS better than we do. We deal with them and government’s sprawling commu- nications apparatus on a daily basis. The government’s “media empire” now includes radio and television outlets, public relations personnel, information officers for various departments, a separate press secretary for the premier, not to mention a newly created post to oversee “internal communications.” Not surprisingly, much of GIS’s time and energy is spent on creating “content” for their own media channels (one hand feeding the other). These are businesses that the government has no business being in since they compete directly with the private sector. (Government has an added advantage because it can, and does, offer prospective employees benefit packages that the private sector cannot match – free healthcare, no pension contributions, no work permit requirements, and no rollover threat after nine years of employment.) That aside, our greater concern is that government “information bureaucrats” are increasingly acting as if they were “information constables” or “media regulators.” They are neither. All the regulation a free press requires is contained in the inalienable right of free speech for a free people. The people of these islands not only recognize and embrace that right but have enshrined it in the country’s Constitu- tion (as has nearly every free society). What we are saying is that the Compass will not par- ticipate in, or condone through our participation, any exercise that curtails or prevents our pursuit of discov- ering and publishing news that is in the public interest. Any attempt by government bureaucrats to regulate, influence or in any way interfere with our lawful news-gathering mission will be met with polite, but firm, rejection. Press freedom: Taking a stand, not a ‘pass’ CDP statement on new government The Cayman Demo- cratic Party has joined with the Progressives and a se- lected number of indepen- dents to form a government of national unity. The negotiation to ar- rive at this position was very difficult, took several diver- sions, but in the end, we be- lieve there is a government which will serve the inter- ests of the people of the Cayman Islands. We, therefore, call upon all our members, supporters, friends and well-wishers to support this new government of national unity in the in- terest of all Caymanians and the Cayman Islands. I entered this agreement on behalf of the party fully mindful of the messages re- ceived during our campaign to establish an administra- tion that is inclusive and re- sponsive to the interests of our people at every level of the government. In this re- gard, we will be vigilant in ensuring that the decision- making processes of the state, with particular em- phasis on those areas di- rectly affecting the people’s social and economic well- being are protected. During the negotiations, however, there were a lot of deviations and concerns about the formation of a gov- ernment and the role of each individual in its composition. It is no secret, approaches were made by all sides and discussions ensued. Although a lot of information surfaced in the public square, these discussions were high-level and sensitive and could not be shared openly with the party, and society. It was al- ways the intention to share with you the conclusion of these discussions as soon as they could be made public. In fact, I believe that some of the arrangements have been lost because of prema- ture public disclosure; hence the cautious approach in the last few days towards the final agreement. Angered by the approach, some of you have expressed privately and publicly that you have lost faith in me and in the party, and may have said things which are now regretted. I would like to as- sure you that it was never my intention to disrespect you or the party, and that I en- tered the negotiations fully aware of my obligations to safeguard the interests of our party, and the role that each of you can play in a govern- ment of national unity. Be assured that my objec- tive in the negotiations with the various parties was at all times to achieve a result that was in the best inter- ests of all Caymanians and the Cayman Islands. Those interests have taken prece- dence over my own personal ambitions and I believe that in all the circumstances, the agreement for a government of national unity as now for- mulated is the best option to achieve my objective. When the results of the elections are analyzed, it is widely accepted that the re- sults indicate that the people of the Cayman Islands want major changes in the conduct and practice of politics and governance in the Cayman Is- lands, which is particularly highlighted in the fact that no party or grouping received a majority mandate. This has highlighted the need for greater political co- operation in order to meet the expectations and aspi- rations of the people of the Cayman Islands. Accord- ingly, as part of our agree- ment, the participants in the government of national unity have committed to imme- diately work together to re- solve a number of matters of concern to the people of the Cayman Islands. These include a number of mat- ters raised by the CDP in its manifesto and during the election campaign: ■■ Support and assis- tance for seamen and senior citizens ■■ Strengthening the district council administration ■■ Empowering youth by providing opportunities for training and entrepre- neurship as well as for participation in the for- mulation and implemen- tation of public policy ■■ Removing the red tape which is affecting Cay- manian businesses and the ability of young Cay- manians to start and continue their busi- nesses in a reason- able time frame ■■ Simplifying the Trade and Business License application process ■■ Reviewing and simpli- fying the Builders Law to ensure that small Cay- manian businesses are not adversely affected ■■ Addressing concerns on the Pension Law ■■ Protecting the finan- cial services industry ■■ Finding solutions for financially impaired property owners ■■ Working with the Chamber of Commerce and the business com- munity to create a system which trains and promotes Cayma- nians in a fair and rea- sonable manner ■■ Reviewing the Conser- vation Law and identi- fying and implementing necessary changes which will preserve our envi- ronment while at the same time preserving the value of property owners and allow a bal- ance between conserva- tion and development ■■ Protecting the so- ciety, particularly women and children, against crime and vio- lence, by implementing better and more effec- tive laws and systems ■■ Implementing measures which will encourage economic growth. We have also agreed on mechanisms to review and ensure that these matters are addressed in a timely manner. It is my hope that this statement will provide a clear understanding of my objectives and the process involved in the negotiations and that any remaining mis- understandings are now ad- equately addressed. It is now time for us as Caymanians to work to- gether in the interest of our beloved country to en- sure that we can all enjoy a stable, safe, prosperous and inclusive society. W. McKeeva Bush, party leader – Cayman Democratic Party The participants in the government of national unity have committed to immediately work together to resolve a number of matters of concern to the people of the Cayman Islands.5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Making a difference Thank you, Aon for helping us build a stronger community! The YMCA of the Cayman Islands Corporate Founders campaign is raising funds to firmly root the Y locally and establish a solid foundation for lasting impact. We are dedicated to building strong communities by focusing on character development and the core values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and faith. To learn more, contact Vanessa Hansen at vhansen@ymcacayman.ky ymcacayman.ky (345) 926.9622 IT’S MY Y’ FOR GIVING BACK! EMERALD LEVEL FOUNDER “As a company, Aon strives to be at one with communities to build strong societies. We focus on people within our organization and our communities. We are pleased to support the YMCA of the Cayman Islands in delivering various programmes including the Y Day Camps which instill the foundational leadership qualities of our youth in the Cayman community and create parameters within which young leaders can demonstrate their leadership qualities.” TWO MORE ARRESTS FROM CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION Two more people were arrested this week in con- nection with a corrup- tion investigation at the Cayman Islands Immigra- tion Department, bringing the total number of deten- tions in the case to nine. The latest arrests were of a 42-year-old woman from the Spotts-New- lands area and a 42-year- old man from the Bodden Town area. They are being held for questioning at the Fairbanks Prisoner Deten- tion Centre on suspicion of bribery of public officials, fraud on the government and breach of trust. The detentions are part of continuing work by the Anti-Corruption Commis- sion that resulted in a se- ries of arrests in January. All seven people previ- ously arrested are cur- rently on bail. Wanted: Volunteers to find turtle tracks JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Department of En- vironment is seeking volun- teers in Bodden Town, Rum Point, North Side and East End to search the beaches for turtle tracks and nests. The project aims to find and preserve the nests of en- dangered sea turtles after the animals come ashore over- night and deposit eggs. Marine conservation vol- unteers will be assigned to walk a section of beach once or twice per week, in their own time, and report their findings to the Department of Environment. When turtle tracks are sighted and reported, De- partment of Environment staff will check to deter- mine whether the turtle has laid eggs. If it has, the DOE will triangulate the position of the nest and log the GPS coordinates and then work with property owners and residents in the area to pro- tect the incubating eggs and baby hatchlings. “The greatest threats to sea turtle nesting popula- tions in the Cayman Islands are illegal take of nesting turtles and misorientation of hatchlings by artificial lights that shine onto nesting beaches,” said Janice Blu- menthal, turtle program co- ordinator at the Department of Environment. Turtle nesting typically takes place annually from May to October, though nests have been found as early as April 1 and as late as January. Last year was a record nesting season in Grand Cayman with 305 nests found on the local beaches. On Little Cayman, 89 nests were found, and 36 were found in Cayman Brac. Ms. Blumenthal said when turtles emerge from their nests, hatchlings look for the brightest light they can see. If this is not the moon and stars reflecting off the ocean’s surface, they go the wrong way, toward the light, and often die from de- hydration, from being run over by vehicles, or attacked by predators. She said the DOE con- tinues to promote turtle- friendly lighting. This in- volves modifying lights so they meet the needs of beach- front property owners but do not cause hatchling turtles to be misoriented. The DOE has operated its nesting beach moni- toring program since 1998, and according to Ms. Blu- menthal, the program is suc- cessful because of the many dedicated volunteers. Last year, more than 70 volun- teers across the three islands joined the program. Anyone who wants to volunteer or who finds a turtle nest should call the DoE’s sea turtle hotline at 938-NEST or email doe@gov.ky. The Department of Environment is looking for volunteers to help record turtle tracks, also known as ‘batabano,’ on Cayman’s beaches. PLAINCLOTHES POLICE OPERATION LEADS TO DRUG ARREST A plainclothes po- lice operation resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old man on suspicion of drug possession with the in- tent to supply. The man was inter- cepted by police on May 28 when a plainclothes of- ficer stopped the man and searched him. Officers found a number of wraps containing a substance suspected to be cocaine. They confiscated the wraps, $300 in cash and a small amount of ganja. The man was taken into custody and a search war- rant was carried out on his home. The man was interviewed and is now out on bail. Superintendent Robert Graham said police plan to continue using plainclothes operations to combat illicit drug use across the islands.The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Government members and senior civil servants attend Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony at the Legislative Assembly. - PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY McKeeva Bush, wearing the Speaker’s wig and gown, takes up his new role. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Rebuffed by Progressives, Bryan vows to hold government accountable Plans to turn Globe Bar into community center JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Kenneth Bryan has vowed to be a vocal member of the opposition after his offer to be part of the government was rebuffed by the Pro- gressives leadership. Mr. Bryan met with his George Town Cen- tral constituents at the Town Hall Tuesday night, hoping to be able to give them a choice of where he should sit in the Legislative Assembly. After negotiations to form an independents- led coalition broke down and it became clear Monday that the Progressives would form the government with the aid of the Cayman Demo- cratic Party and some independents, he said he had reached out to the Progressives leadership through Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell. “Unfortunately, folks, they said they don’t want me to be a part of their administration and I am not surprised by that” he told constituents Tuesday. “It is a reality that may have come as a result of the campaign, the past history and lack of maturity in respect of that administration.” Mr. Bryan, a former member of the Pro- gressives, defeated former Finance Minister Marco Archer for the George Town Central seat after a campaign that included frequent wars of words between the candidate and his former colleagues. Speaking to around 150 people at Tuesday’s meeting, Mr. Bryan said the plan was for him to serve on the opposition benches. He said Ez- zard Miller would initially be leader of the op- position with Al Suckoo as his deputy and Mr. Suckoo stepping into the opposition leader’s role after 18 months. He told constituents, “I am going to fight for you, advocate on your behalf and I will effect change in George Town Central regardless of where I sit in the Legislative Assembly.” He said an opposition role, holding the gov- ernment to account, may be more important than “sitting on the backbenches, not being listened to.” He acknowledged he was concerned that his conflict with the government leadership could have negative consequences for George Town Central, but he said he would do everything he could to advocate for the people and remind the government of their social obligations. He said he would support government when they proposed policy or legislation that was good for the country but would expose them and “shame them if necessary” when they failed to meet their promises. Premier McLaughlin to lead 13-member coalition government CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Kenneth Bryan, independent MLA for George Town Central and opposition member, is sworn in. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com During a 10-minute acceptance speech following his nomination, the new Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush re- counted that he had first moved the mo- tion in the House – during the 1980s – to withdraw the governor from the Speak- er’s chair and replace him with a Speaker chosen from among parliament mem- bers. Now Mr. Bush finds himself serving in the same position he and his then-col- leagues created 30 years ago. “Our islands are at a crossroads,” Mr. Bush said. “We have had our elections, the issues we face are great. Democracy has now worked for our people. “This government, which I have chosen to help form … recognizes the same old, same old will not suffice in this 21st cen- tury. I believe our premier wants to move forward and he wants to get the job done. We all want that.” Mr. Bush said he would assist in that effort by refusing to tolerate “waste of time” stalling efforts by the opposition, but he acknowledged that the opposition would also be given its democratic right to have its say. “Without all of us working together … we cannot make it,” he said. “We need all of you, your gifts, your energy and your ideals. We are here to serve our people, not to make mountains out of molehills and destroy opportunities.” BUSH MAKES FIRST SPEECH AS NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE he had asked to join the Progressives co- alition on Tuesday, but government de- clined the offer. Nonetheless, Mr. Bryan said he would not “oppose for opposition’s sake” during the next Legislative Assembly term. Speaking to a crowd of supporters out- side the Legislative Assembly Wednesday af- ternoon, Mr. McLaughlin said, after meeting with Mr. Miller, he thought things could not get any better. “Then someone showed me the editorial in [Wednesday’s] Cayman Compass: ‘Mr. Pre- mier: “We’re all in your corner.”’ Thank you, Jesus!” the premier said, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Mr. McLaughlin said during his address outside the assembly building that he in- tended to have a governance plan in place, possibly as early as July, so that govern- ment could crystallize its priorities before the next budget cycle begins toward the end of this year. Mr. Miller said Wednesday in an im- promptu press conference outside the as- sembly chamber that he was honored to be opposition leader and that he hoped “we can change the whole style of government” Cayman currently maintains. “I’ve always pledged my support to any government that’s doing something good,” Mr. Miller said. “I don’t simply criticize, I try to constructively criticize.” Mr. Miller also confirmed that Newlands MLA Alva Suckoo would be his deputy leader. The remaining opposition members would be Mr. Bryan, Bodden Town West MLA Chris Saunders, Savannah MLA Anthony Eden and East End MLA Arden McLean.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 Dr. Steve Tomlinson, center, who funded and supported several independent candidates in the election, watches the swearing-in ceremony from the public balcony in the Legislative Assembly. Premier Alden McLaughlin and MLAs Austin Harris and Alva Suckoo await their turn to be sworn in. Alva Suckoo is sworn in as MLA for Newlands.North Side independent member Ezzard Miller is sworn in as leader of the opposition. Moses Kirkconnell takes his oath of office before Governor Helen Kilpatrick. The opposition members are, front row, from left, Opposition Leader Ezzard Miller, Alva Suckoo and Kenneth Bryan, and back row, from left, Anthony Eden, Chris Saunders and Arden McLean. Premier McLaughlin to lead 13-member coalition government8 LOCAL NEWS THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 • CAYMAN COMPASS Chess Club gets help from a Grandmaster SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com The next generation of Cayman chess players got a boost from a master of the game this week. Nigel Short, a Grandmaster who has been ranked as high as No. 3 in the world, came to George Town and participated in a pair of fundraisers for the Cayman Chess Club’s Chess in Schools program. Mr. Short, a three-time winner of the British Chess Championship, demonstrated his skill against 27 adults in Monday’s Grandmaster Corporate Challenge at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and then played against children in Tuesday’s Grandmaster Ju- nior Challenge at the George Town Public Library. The aim was to enhance the love of chess and to help fund a chess teaching pro- gram at all of Grand Cay- man’s government schools. In his opening remarks Monday night, Mr. Short said that he was thrilled to be a part of the growth of the local game. “I think this is a very ex- citing initiative. I’ve been around the world, I’ve trav- eled to quite a lot of places, 111 countries, and I’ve played chess in most of them. It’s great to be here at almost the birth of chess activity in the Cayman Islands.” Mr. Short engaged his challengers in a simultaneous exhibition, moving around the inside of a square of ta- bles and making one move on each board in succession. He beat 25 people and took two draws at the Kimpton Seafire. Dart’s Lyubomir Dimi- trov was one of the players to manage a tie. Mr. Dimitrov said he played the French De- fense and that Mr. Short of- fered a draw after taking a poi- soned pawn. Mr. Dimitrov had come into the evening hoping to last 40 moves against the Grandmaster, and he was pleasantly surprised when the offer for a draw came after only 14 or 15 moves. “It’s incredible playing one of the strongest players in the world,” he said. … I would’ve given myself a 99 percent chance to lose. You have to make the right moves from that point until the end of the game, which is just too difficult. I’m not a profes- sional player.” Paul Robinson of the Public Library Service was not so fortunate. Mr. Robin- son’s king was checkmated in just 14 moves. He said it was nerve-wracking to sit across from Mr. Short. “He knew how to trap me very quickly,” he said. “No matter what you study, he knows a whole different way of beating you. He has so much knowledge. He sees everything and you have no chance. It was an honor- able loss. But the important part is the kids. They come every Saturday, due to Shaun Tracey and Carlo Lee [of the Cayman Chess Club], and it’s great to have a Grandmaster coming to play them.” Ian Wilkinson, president of the Jamaica Chess Feder- ation, was one of Mr. Short’s most distinguished chal- lengers on Monday night. He said he had high hopes for the future of the game in Cayman. Mr. Wilkinson, the author of “Excitement Galore: Chess in All its Glory,” said he has wit- nessed a profound transfor- mation in the last decade as 40,000 new players rushed to learn chess in Jamaica. “Chess is fantastic as a transformational tool,” he said. “I have seen where chil- dren who were supposedly troubled become much better students. They become more respectful for their teachers and their peers. Their self-es- teem develops. Their literacy and their numeracy improves. In Jamaica, for example, we have created a chess industry out of teaching chess.” The Cayman Chess Club has set $50,000 as a target for its program, which will provide equipment, practice and competitions, as well as a dedicated chess teacher who will instruct students at nine public primary schools and two public high schools. The program is already more than halfway to its funding goal, thanks to help from Mr. Short, and students got a chance to match wits with the Grandmaster Tuesday. For Mr. Short, it was a harkening back to his own youth. He had a draw against Lajos Portisch and a win against Viktor Korchnoi in si- multaneous exhibitions be- fore his 12th birthday, and he eased around the square playing children of varying ability at the George Town Public Library. Some, it seemed, did not fully grasp the rules of the game as they faced off with the Grandmaster. But some delighted in saying “check” to Mr. Short before ultimately succumbing to his skill. There’s still a long way to go for chess in the Cayman Is- lands, and Mr. Wilkinson said he hopes to be back many times and wants to be a part of forming a local chess feder- ation. “I came here specifically not necessarily to play him, but to be a part of the Cayman experience,” Mr. Wilkinson said. “This is truly a historic day for Cayman. It’s going to be evident in the future that what is happening here today is absolutely marvelous for the country. This is the start of a blossoming chess culture.” Grandmaster Nigel Short on his game Nigel Short attained the rank of Grandmaster at 19 and has won numerous tour- naments and competed in the World Chess Champion- ships, and now at age 52, he is the oldest of the world’s top 100 players. Mr. Short visited the Cayman Islands as part of a goodwill mission to boost the Chess in Schools program, and he sat down for a ques- tion-and-answer session with the Cayman Compass on Tuesday. Some answers have been edited for brevity. Q: Is it fair to say chess is a young man’s game? Why does chess lend itself to so many prodigies? A: It’s actually true of fields like mathematics too that people peak in their 20s. There is a physical decline that is part of it. It’s one thing to calculate for, let’s say, three hours. You generally find that older players, after a certain amount of time, their atten- tion starts to wane. It’s dif- ferent from when you are 20 years old. It’s also motivation to keep working on chess. Actually, I think this is very important: Chess is a very de- manding interest and it re- quires a lot of study to im- prove and maintain your level. If you do not give that then de- cline inevitably sets in. I think sometimes after a certain number of years – and it hap- pens in many different sports – people kind of get tired of doing the same training. When you see people in tennis, you see them in the competitions. What you don’t see is all the things around that. Hours and hours and hours of work. Q: Was it harder for you to attain the level of Grandmaster or to remain a world-class player for decades? A: I was in the top 10 players for about a decade. I’m on a different level now. How- ever, I am the oldest player in the top 100. I am quite proud of that. In January, I defeated the [world’s] No. 2 player, Fa- biano Caruana. That’s actually a little bit why I was mildly pissed off with your [preview] article, be- cause your very first sentence – I have a list of achievements a mile long – and you say, “Nigel Short, the guy who lost to Garry Kasparov.” It was three years of qualifying to get there. It was not as if I said, ‘Hey Garry, do you fancy a game?’ and he kicked my ass. It was a three-year qualifica- tion period and I beat people like Anatoly Karpov, one of the greatest players in history, in order to get there. I was only the second non-Soviet player, after Bobby Fisher, since the Second World War to reach the final of the World Cham- pionship, and it appears, first line: Nigel Short, the guy who lost to Kasparov. I just tell you that. But I forgive you. Q: How would it have affected your game to have grown up in the era of chess computers? A: When I go to a tourna- ment, I just take my laptop with me with my analysis en- gines. My database. Because that is the main work tool. I might also take a book or two, but in the old days, I’d be lug- ging books around with me. I’m not sure what I have on my database, but I probably have 6.3 million historical games that have been played. You cannot carry that around in a suitcase on paper. In former times, you had a tyranny of distance. If you were here in the Cayman Is- lands with 60,000 people, you would say it’s not big enough a pool of players. You would be compelled to travel. The nice thing is you can play chess online. You do not even have to go out of your house and in seconds you can find yourself playing somebody in Australia, India or France. I think that is a tremendous blessing. It’s not, ‘Oh well, there are only a few people at the club and I’ve played them all before.’ You play someone else with a different style and different strength and that’s part of learning.” Q: Is it easier to become a Grandmaster now since the advent of technology? A: The number of players with the Grandmaster title is now actually quite high. But that is not because stan- dards have risen. It’s because they have lowered the qualifi- cations for the Grandmaster title. I will not bore you with the reasons why they’ve done that. It has to do with the microfinancing of the World Chess Federation. If you get your diploma, you pay a few hundred euros for this thing. There are over 1,500 Grand- masters in the world. I just say, ‘I’m not one of the riff- raff. You may have the same title, but I do not consider myself on the same level.’ You could easily be ranked No. 2,000 in the world and still be a Grandmaster. In tennis, if you were ranked 2,000th in the world, nobody would give you the time of day.” Q: Do you think man or machine will ever perfect chess? Is it possible to be unbeatable, or will technology ultimately reach a point of diminishing returns before that ever happens? A: I do not think chess will ever be solved as a game, like checkers, for example, has been. And that is because the complexity of chess is that much greater. There have been numerous studies to show that the number of possibili- ties for a game of chess greatly exceeds the number of atoms in the universe. For all intents and purposes, this is an infi- nite game. Computers are get- ting stronger all the time, so the knowledge that we have on the game is increasing. But it’s too rich. It’s really amazing when you consider that it’s only 64 squares and 32 pieces. But it’s a world of its own. Q: What drives you to keep playing after however many hours you’ve played in your life? A: I enjoy it. I enjoy win- ning tournaments. Even this year, I’ve won a couple [of] tournaments. I won a small tournament in Ireland. I won the Thailand Open for the third time this year. I like the fact that I can still bite some very strong players. Beating Fabiano Caruana, the world No. 2, in January, someone who is half my age. It shows that I can still maintain a de- cent level, and on my day, I’m still a dangerous player. Q: Do you have a proudest moment in the game? A: If you ask me emo- tionally, what is my greatest achievement, it is undoubt- edly beating Anatoly Karpov, former world champion, 6-4 in a match in Spain. That was my greatest moment. But I’ve won a huge number of tour- naments in different places. I believe I’m the only player to have won tournaments on six continents. I’ve cer- tainly claimed that and no- body has disputed it or made a counter-claim. From left, Shaun Tracey of the Cayman Chess Club, Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Grandmaster Nigel Short and Carlo Lee of the Cayman Chess Club meet before Monday night’s Grandmaster Corporate Challenge. Nigel Short, right, played at Monday night’s Grandmaster Corporate Challenge. - PHOTOS: ALVARO SEREYThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 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. CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2017 SATURDAY, JUNE 3 KITTEN ROADSHOW: View kittens available for adoption from the Cayman Islands Humane Society, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camana Bay Visitor Centre. TUESDAY, JUNE 6 CHAMBER COURSE: Management Communications. 12:30–4:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $150 for members, $225 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. LANDLORD & TENANT RELATIONSHIP: From 9–11 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $175 for members, $225 for future members, Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 JUST DANCE: Watch dancers from Centre Pointe Dance Studio perform a range of styles from contemporary, tap and ballet to Afrobeat, hip hop and musical theater in a waterfront setting at The Crescent, Camana Bay, from 7-8 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 8 CHAMBER COURSE: Employment – Termination of Employment, Notice, Unfair Dismissal, Redundancy & Retirement. 9–11 a.m., Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square; $175 for members, $225 for future members; register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. FRIDAY, JUNE 9 OLYMPIC LUNCHEON: Join Olympians from the Canadian and American swim teams in a set lunch to raise money for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society as part of the annual Flowers Sea Swim. Noon to 2 p.m. at KARoo restaurant in Camana Bay. For tickets, visit www.flowersseaswim.com. SATURDAY, JUNE 10 CONCERT: Musicians and singers from around the island will perform at Mary Miller Hall from 7 p.m. to raise money for North Side Wesleyan Holiness Church’s building fund. The Seaside Sisters & Friends include Elroy Stewartson, Karen Edie Turner, Rico Rolando, Nina Orrett, Jonelle and Justine Ebanks, Nicole Barnett, Darwin Ebanks, Ed Gibson, Jayden Hanna, Jonathan Ebanks and Roger Wilson. Tickets available from any of the Seaside Sisters, Christian Enlightenment Centre, Funky Tang’s, Edie’s Decor or any of the Wesleyan Holiness Churches. $10 prepaid or $15 at the gate. Refreshments will be on sale. TUESDAY, JUNE 13 CHAMBER COURSE: Basic Accounting Made Easier. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $150 for members, $225 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 THE BOOKENDS CLUB: Meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Books & Books. Join members who meet to review their latest pick, “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov. Share insights and impressions in open discussion. The Bookends Club gathers on the second Wednesday of every month and new members are always welcome. THURSDAY, JUNE 15 CHAMBER COURSE: Intellectual Property Basics: Copyright, Trademarks & Patents. 9–11 a.m., Chamber of Commerce, Governors Square. $175 for members, $225 for future members. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky. SATURDAY, JUNE 17 DADURDAY: Celebrate Father’s Day with Dadurday from 1-6 p.m. at The Crescent at Camana Bay. Games (including beanbag toss, ladder ball, foosball, jumbo Jenga and more) with prizes, crafts including kite-making. MONDAY, JUNE 19 BRAC CELEBRATION: The Brac District of the National Trust invites everyone to the 5th annual Queen’s Birthday Celebration 4-6:30 p.m. at the Heritage House, Northeast Bay, Cayman Brac. Afternoon tea, raffles, plant sale, art show, and split the pot. Tickets are $7 at the door. All funds benefit the National Trust Cayman Brac Land Fund. GENERAL INTEREST HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT SHOP: has moved to Venetia Plaza, next to China Village. The thrift shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday. Phone number is 945-5596. HIGH SCHOOL PTA: The John Gray High School PTA seeks sponsors, vendors and volunteers for its June 24 summer fair and raffle. Money raised will assist students going overseas to represent the school and country in track/ 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 form. If you have a product you would like to sell at the fair, sign up. Booths are $50 and $75. CONTRACTORS REGISTRATION: The deadline for residential and building contractors is June 30; trade contractors’ deadline is Aug. 31. 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. LOST DOGS: The Department of Agriculture and veterinary students of St. Matthew’s University provide an online list of dogs housed at the Department of Agriculture Animal Rescue Shelter in Lower Valley. Anyone missing a dog can check www.smustudents.webs.com. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK LOFT: North Sound Road. Open Monday 12:30-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers needed for front desk a few hours per week. Email humanesocietybookloft@ candw.ky or call 946-8053. Donations of books, games, CDs, stationery, DVDs, cards etc., in good condition always needed. RED CROSS THRIFT SHOP: The Thrift Shop opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Friday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed evenings. Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Volunteers are needed. Tuesdays at the Truman Bodden Complex at 5:30 p.m. for track/field, football and bocce. No experience necessary, just a smile and patience. Wednesdays at Lions Pool 10:15–11 a.m. You do not have to swim, just be able to walk in water chest- deep. Thursdays at First Baptist Church for basketball, 5:30–7 p.m. Saturdays, volunteers needed for Adult Special Olympic swim conditioning at CIS pool 9:30–10:30 a.m. Deck support and in-water swimming assistance needed. For more information, contact Penny McDowall at 516-2578 or pjmcdowall@gmail.com. OPEN STUDIO: Every Thursday 10 a.m. till noon and every Monday 1-4 p.m. at Watler House Studio on grounds of Pedro Castle. Offered by Visual Arts Society to adults/youth who want to work independently in an inspiring atmosphere. Contact info@visualartcayman.com. COMMUNITY CHESS: Tuesdays 5-8 p.m., West Indies Wine Company. Join the Cayman Chess Club for a complimentary chess class and open challenges weekly. Anyone can learn to play and enjoy chess, even beginners. ARTISANS MARKET: Camana Bay every Wednesday, noon till 8 p.m. Visual Arts Society artists display arts, crafts, paintings, prints, hand-crafted jewelry and ceramics for sale. Email info@visualartcayman.com. OPEN CANVAS: Wednesdays. Visual Arts Society supports this event at KARoo Restaurant in Camana Bay. 7-11 p.m. No fee, easels provided. Contact info@ongart.com or jar.was@gmail.com. MUSEUM TOURS: The National Museum provides guided tours for students and school groups free of cost. Students will gain an understanding of Cayman’s geological formation, flora and fauna, seafaring and rope-making heritage, political history and more. Contact the museum to book a tour in advance at 949-8368 or email info@museum.ky. CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meets daily to help with drinking problems. For more information, call 926-9044 or visit www.caymanaa.org. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Is available for substance abuse help. Call the info line at 929–NANA (6262). AL-ANON GROUP MEETING: Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups can help. Call 928-8843 or email caymanalanon@gmail.com for meeting times. OVERCOMERS OUTREACH: A Christ-centered 12-step recovery group addresses addictions and those affected by them. Meetings at Cayman Islands Baptist Church, Pedro Castle Road, Mondays, 7 p.m. For details, contact Virginia Castillo at 946-2422, or visit www.overcomersoutreach.org. DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: This group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Catboat Club clubhouse, North Church Street. All are invited to attend. For more information, call 924-4170 or email info@adacayman.com. TOASTMASTERS CLUB: Cayman has three chapters of Toastmasters International, geared toward development of public speaking and leadership skills. Grand Cayman club meets at George Town Public Library, 3rd floor, 6-7:15 p.m. every Thursday. Eloquent Speaker club meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday 6:30–7:45 p.m. at Savannah United Church Hall. Eminent Orators club meets 2nd and 4th Monday 6–7:30 p.m. at Cayman Academy Canteen. Contact George R. Ebanks at 916-0687/322-9369 or georger.ebanks@gmail.com. ROTARACT BLUE OF CAYMAN: Meets Wednesdays 6 p.m., at Royal Palms Beach Club, West Bay Road. Contact rotaractblue@gmail.com or check www.rotaractblue.org. LEO CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month, 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre. For more information, contact Secretary Letisha Allen 924-2819. THE LIONS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets every first and third Thursday 7:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre. For more information, email LionsClubGCM@hotmail.com. THE LIONS CLUB OF TROPICAL GARDENS: Meet every first and third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Elizabethan Square (corner unit next to the MLA’s office). Members of the public are invited to attend. ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN SUNRISE: Service club meetings 7 a.m. every Wednesday at George Town Yacht Club, 612 North Sound Road. website at www. rotarysunrise.ky or contact info@rotarysunrise.ky. KIWANIS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month, 12:30 p.m., at Britannia Golf Course Restaurant. Projects include promoting well- being of children in the community and schools. For more information, email president@kiwanis.ky or view www.kiwanis.ky. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. The Bookends Club will review ‘Lolita’ by Vladimir Nabokov at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Books & Books. New members are welcome.Next >