ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Your “I want my own piece of paradise” loan WE’RE HERE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. From now through 31 March 2018 take advantage of our fixed rate offer.* www.butterfieldgroup.com *Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited is licensed to conduct banking and investment business by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Address: 12 Albert Panton Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited is licensed to conduct banking and Fixed rate offer! 187806_HR-Ad-Strip-Compass-FixedPage 1 2/9/18 9:50:45 AM Cayman artists to take center stage at Harquail SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman’s arts community is taking the time to recognize some of its most talented artists. The Cayman National Cul- tural Foundation announced its annual list of recipients Monday for the National Arts and Cul- ture Awards, which will be dis- tributed Thursday night at the Harquail Theatre. Four people – Morgan DaCosta, Jessica Eden, Steve Mc- Field and Jean-Eric Smith, also known as Notch – were awarded Cayman’s Gold Heritage Cross. Seven Cayman artists – Mau- reen Andersen, Susan Howe, Peter Kosa, Charles Long, Marcia Muttoo, Miguel Powery and Gordon Solomon – were awarded the Gold Star for Creativity. Aston Ebanks received a Silver Star for Creativity. Kerri- Anne Chisholm earned a cer- tificate for her work, and ac- tress Mary Anne Kosa was given WINTER OLYMPICS COVERAGE SPARKS BROADCAST ROW Logic served with ‘cease and desist order’ JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cable provider Logic is being forced to black out U.S. and Canadian channels pro- viding coverage of the Winter Olympics after being served with a “cease and desist order” by Cayman Islands rights holder Hurley’s Media. Hurley’s is broadcasting the event on Cayman 27 as part of an exclusive agree- ment with Jamaica-based International Media Content Ltd, which bought the regional rights for the event and the summer 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As part of the deal, cable providers across the region are required to black out any other channels showing coverage. Randy Merren, general manager of Hur- ley’s Media Ltd, confirmed that the company had given Logic until 10 a.m. on Feb. 19 to comply with the order.. He told the Cayman Compass Monday that he believed the company had now met that demand. In an earlier statement, Mr. Merren said, “It has come to our attention that Logic have been broadcasting the Winter Olympics illegally, after being advised that any channel carrying the Winter Olympics must be ‘blacked out’ to align with the details of the exclusivity con- tract awarded to Hurley’s TV” He said an advisory of these exclusive broadcast rights was first issued by IMC to all media companies in the Caribbean back in November 2017. It was clearly stated that “the only authorized broadcast channel in the Cayman Islands is Cayman 27.” No one from Logic responded to inquiries from the Compass on Monday. Ransford Ricketts, of Jamaica-based IMC, said it had bought the broadcast rights for the entire region and entered into various agree- ments with cable companies and broadcasters Despite hurricanes, Caribbean economies grew in 2017 Caribbean Development Bank predicts more growth for this year KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Gross domestic product in the Caribbean grew by 0.6 percent last year despite being impacted by some of the strongest hurri- canes in the region’s history, and is projected to grow by 2 percent this year, according to recently released statistics from the Carib- bean Development Bank. The Caribbean Development Bank esti- mated that Grenada, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Antigua and Barbuda had the highest growth rates, at 4.5 percent, 3.4 per- cent, and 3 percent, respectively. Cayman was estimated to have grown by 2.7 percent, and is projected to grow by 3.2 percent in 2018. Jamaica also had its best economic per- formance since 2006, growing an at esti- mated rate of 1.7 percent. “There were strong performances in tourism, construction, and manufacturing,” the development bank stated, projecting that Jamaica will set a new high with a 2.3 per- cent growth rate this year “as agriculture re- covers and mining picks up following the opening of a new operation.” Most of the Caribbean GDPs grew, but Kittiwake image wins international recognition ‘OCD diver tries to right shipwreck,’ a photograph of a diver at the Kittiwake wreck off Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman taken by Susannah H. Snowden-Smith, was ‘highly commended’ by judges in this year’s Underwater Photographer of the Year awards. More than 5,000 entries from around the world were submitted for consideration and the winners were announced last week. For more on this story, see page 7. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » From left, prior recipient Anita Ebanks, Miguel Powery, Peter Kosa, Jessica Eden, Aston Ebanks, CNCF artistic director Henry Muttoo, Susan Howe, Minister of Culture Dwayne Seymour, Jean-Eric Smith, Mary Anne Kosa, Marcia Muttoo and Jennifer Ahearn, chief officer of the Ministry of Culture, at Monday’s press conference naming the 2018 Arts and Culture Award recipients. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 »2 LOCAL NEWS TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS • Matinees Daily (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $8.00, Mon-Fri Before 6pm • Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. - TUESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) THE 15:17 TO PARIS (PG13) 1:25 VIP I 4:30 I 10:10 VIP MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE (PG13) 12:25 I 3:30 I 6:35 I 9:40 FIFTY SHADES FREED (R) 1:10 I 3:45 I 7:15 I 10:05 BLACK PANTHER (PG13) 1:25 I 3:50 VIP I 7:00 I 9:45 I 10:00 EARLY MAN (PG) 12:45 I 3:00 I 5:15 I 7:30 JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (PG13) 1:00 I 4:00 I 7:10 I 9:55 CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA: 1941 (PG) 7:00 VIP Cayman filmmakers to shoot in Cuba Cayman Islands film- maker Badir Awe is traveling to Cuba to work on his latest project, a $70,000 short movie named “Luna’s Ring.” Mr. Awe said this week that his company, Awesome Productions, had received permission to shoot in Cuba between March 7 and 14. He said his company had been working on the project for two years; clearing story rights, auditioning ac- tors, obtaining permits and locking down filming loca- tions in Cuba. “This is an unprecedented production,” he said. “We’ve united Cubans, Americans and Caymanians to work on this film together. We’re proud to have received the trust of the Cuban film officials to film ‘Lu- na’s Ring’ and we commend their commitment to the arts.” Mr. Awe said the produc- tion would be an enormous operation, involving the orga- nizing and coordinating of al- most 100 people across nine days of prep and shooting. Though it is based in Ha- vana, he said filming will take place outside the city limits in the towns of El Gabriel and Madruga, at the Manuel Fajardo and Boris Luis sugar plantations. The production is budgeted to cost $70,000. He said the movie is about an American writer, Jesse, who discovers that his lover, Luna, has deceived him and stolen his pre- cious ring. Overcome with anger, he reports her crime to the Cuban authorities, and Luna is swiftly incarcerated and forced to labor in the sugar cane fields. Soon after, stricken with remorse, Jesse returns to Cuba seeking an- swers and reconciliation. The film is written by Mi- chael Powell, produced by Tim Bragaw and directed by Badir Awe. Mr. Awe describes it as “honest, vulnerable, histor- ical and cultural.” He added, “It’s just a well balanced and beautiful story.” It will premier in the Cayman Islands in Sep- tember at the Poinciana Arts Festival 2018. The producers are also seeking sponsors to assist with production costs. For more information, visit www.lunasring.com. The film crew conducts auditions in Havana. Stabbing case goes to Grand Court CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Amil Regina Cotes-Inci- nosa appeared in Summary Court on Monday charged with three offenses after a reported stabbing in West Bay in the early hours of Friday, Feb. 16. The first charge against her, wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent to cause such harm, can be dealt with only in the Grand Court, defense at- torney John Furniss noted. There was a second sim- ilar charge, he said, and that also would have to go to the higher court. He indicated that the charges reflected two separate encounters be- tween the defendant and the female victim. A police press release in- dicated that the defendant, 39, and the complainant were known to each other. The in- jured woman was trans- ported to hospital where she received multiple stitches be- fore being released. The first incident between them occurred in the area of Birch Tree Hill Road. It was not clear where the second incident oc- curred; no summary of facts was presented. Crown counsel Darlene Oko indicated she would have concerns about bail if an application were going to be made that day. Mr. Furniss said he would wait until he received pa- pers in the case, as his client had said she was acting in self-defense. Magistrate Adam Rob- erts transmitted the charges to Grand Court, where Ms. Cotes-Incinosa was scheduled to appear on Friday, Feb. 23. A third charge of carrying an offensive weapon, a knife, was sent up to the higher court along with the other charges. By itself, a charge of carrying an offensive weapon would be dealt with in Summary Court. The defendant was re- manded in custody until Friday or sooner if a bail hearing could be arranged. Director Badir Awe on a scouting mission at a sugar cane field in Cuba. Grand Cayman schools hit by disease outbreak MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com An outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease that sur- faced a few weeks ago is still affecting some schools on Grand Cayman. The disease is not un- common on the island and typically affects children under 10 and especially those aged 5 and younger. Children with the virus typically have a fever, sore throat, a red rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, mouth sores and loss of appetite. There is no specific treat- ment other than to let the ill- ness run its course. The best prevention is practicing good sanitation and hygiene. Tim McLaughlin, an epi- demiologist with the Public Health department, said the 14 cases reported from Feb. 4-10 were the most he has seen in a single week. Figures for last week are not yet available, but Mr. McLaughlin said it looked as though the spread of the dis- ease had slowed down. Most children were out of school last week and that may be a factor, he said “Fourteen in a week is a lot,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “It also tells me there are more cases out there.” As a consequence, he said, he is more closely monitoring the spread of the disease, which is not uncommon this time of year. If need be, he said, “We’ll sound the alarm.” At the Department of Education Services, di- rector Lyneth Monteith said she was unaware of any public schools currently being affected by the dis- ease. But preschools are seeing the problem. Bri Bergstrom, the owner of the Montessori School of Cayman, said three of her students came down with the illness 3½ weeks ago. It was the first such outbreak at the school, she said, adding that no other students have since been affected. “It seems to be going around,” Ms. Bergstrom said. “It’s almost impossible to avoid sometimes, things coming into the school.” She and others operating schools and preschools said that they have increased their efforts to keep class- rooms and play areas san- itary by cleaning more often and doing thorough deep cleaning. “Even when the flu is going around, we always amp up the sanitation,” Ms. Bergstrom said. At the Treasure Garden, a preschool with 35 students, teacher Tonie-Ann Broom- field said six pupils have contracted the disease over the past two-to-three weeks. Some of the students, she said, showed no outward symptoms, such as a fever, before breaking out in a rash. She said the staff is being more vigilant. “As soon as we check their temperature and it’s above 100, we call the parents and ask them to take them to the doctor,” Ms. Broomfield said, adding that the child is kept isolated from other children until they are picked up. She said her own daughter, who attends Tiffa- ny’s Pre-School, got sick with hand, foot and mouth. Tiffany’s principal Sonia Grant did not want to say how many children at her facility have been af- fected, although she did say three or four were af- fected in the initial out- break. The current number of cases, she said, is not out of line with past outbreaks. “We’re not alarmed,” Ms. Grant said. “It’s not any more cases than [I’ve seen] before.” She said it is impor- tant that the schools help in keeping parents informed. Some parents she knows, who have children at a dif- ferent school, became angry when they found out that some students at that school had become ill and they were not informed. “Parents get alarmed when they are not told,” Ms. Grant said. “We have a pam- phlet we got from Public Health, so [parents] know ex- actly what has been done and what they need to know.” For more information about hand, foot and mouth, call your local health center: George Town, 244-2648; West Bay, 949-3439; Eastern Districts, 947-2299; and Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, 948-2242.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 SAVE THE DATE The Ministry and Department of Tourism Invites You To Talk Tourism at Community Meetings in Your District Join us to help celebrate the record breaking success in Tourism for 2017 and hear more on what’s to come. Complimentary refreshments and door prizes at each meeting. GRAND CAYMAN BODDEN TOWN Wednesday, 21 February Bodden Town Civic Centre 6 p.m. NORTH SIDE Monday, 12 March Clifton Hunter High School Auditorium 6 p.m. EAST END Thursday, 1 March East End Civic Centre on John McLean Drive 6 p.m. GEORGE TOWN Wednesday, 28 February Mary Miller Hall 6 p.m. WEST BAY Tuesday, 13 March Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Hall 6 p.m. Ex-realtor pleads guilty to theft Antonio Paolini not yet sentenced for earlier conviction CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A Grand Court trial ended unexpectedly on Friday when defendant Antonio Paolini entered a guilty plea to a theft charge. Mr. Paolini, a former real estate broker, ad- mitted to stealing $43,000 from a named person some time between Aug. 19 and Nov. 20, 2014. The jury had heard ev- idence over three days last week. Crown counsel Toyin Salako and de- fense attorney Alex Davies were scheduled to make their closing speeches on Friday morning. Instead, Mr. Davies asked that his client be pleaded again. That is when Mr. Paolini, now 77, entered his new plea. Justice Philip St. John- Stevens commented that jurors might be wondering why the defendant had pleaded guilty at this stage – why not weeks ago, or at the beginning of the trial? He said Mr. Paolini had had time to reflect overnight and decided to change his plea. By so doing, he had not put jurors through the anguish of deciding a ver- dict and the court would give him credit for that, the judge explained. Such a turn of events did happen, although he had seen it only “very rarely” in his 30 years in criminal courts, he added. The next step was to set a date for sentencing. Mr. Paolini was found guilty by another jury last summer of stealing $51,600 from another client on or about Feb. 25, 2013. In that case, he had pleaded not guilty but admitted using the client’s money without her permission to pay rent and other expenses for his business, Cayman Real Estate Company. The client never got her money back and she never ac- quired the land she had wanted to purchase. After that jury’s ver- dict, sentencing was post- poned because a social in- quiry report was requested, with Mr. Paolini bailed for another date. Meanwhile, this second theft charge had to be dealt with. Justice St. John-Stevens did not preside at the first trial, but it was expected that he will be passing sen- tence for both thefts. He set April 5 for the matter to return to court, and extended Mr. Paolini’s bail until then. Mr. Paolini was found guilty by another jury last summer of stealing $51,600 from another client on or about Feb. 25, 2013. Grand Cayman grouper population lags behind Scientists track Nassau grouper at spawning sites JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com After the winter full moon, at three sites around the Cayman Islands, scien- tists gather to study and doc- ument one of the wonders of the underwater world. Hundreds, in some cases thousands, of Nassau grouper, typically soli- tary and territorial animals, gather together to spawn. The phenomenon typically occurs in January or Feb- ruary and is essential to the survival of the species. That is why a similar ag- gregation of scientists, pol- icymakers and volunteers tracks the herd, bringing new methods and tech- nology each year to monitor the health of the Caribbean’s most iconic fish. This year, the research team began using “facial recognition” technology to identify individual Nassau grouper by their facial mark- ings, which are as distinct as a human fingerprint. The overall diagnosis at the end of the 2018 effort is mixed, according to Croy McCoy, of the Cayman Islands Department of Environment. The department has been keeping tabs on spawning sites as part of the Grouper Moon project around the three Cayman Islands along with the Reef Environmental Edu- cation Foundation since 2002. “Little Cayman is the real success story and that is due to the efforts of local fish- ermen who gave up a deep- rooted tradition of fishing the aggregation to comply with the rules and regula- tions set out for that area,” Mr. McCoy said. “It is now the largest ag- gregation of Nassau grouper that we know of in the Ca- ribbean basin, which is something every Caymanian should be proud of.” At one stage, early in the 17-year research project, there were as few as 1,500 grouper at the site, off the west end of the island. But a ban on fishing during spawning season has helped revive the population to the point where there are now between 6,000 and 7,000. The picture on Cayman Brac is also positive, though there are far fewer grouper – between 800 and 1,000 – seen at the site. “It is good in the sense that it is not declining,” Mr. McCoy said. Grand Cayman is a different story. Bradley Johnson, a De- partment of Environment re- search officer, said grouper populations had diminished around the main island. “We are still trying to as- sess how many fish we have here,” he said. “The popula- tion is so low that we are not sure it is functioning as a spawning site any longer.” The aggregations are believed to involve every Nassau grouper in the re- productive population, so the low numbers at the Grand Cayman site, off East End, are particularly concerning. “We believe that the loca- tion is correct but because the population is so small, it makes it difficult to assess,” Mr. Johnson added. He said the methods and data from Little Cayman showed that good manage- ment plans were effective but took time to work. Mr. McCoy believes the current policy of protecting the sites from fishing during spawning season is enough to protect the species – pro- vided the ban is adhered to. “These are the mater- nity wards of the ocean,” he explained. “If you kill the mothers headed to the maternity ward, it is not rocket science that you will not have an in- creasing population, but a declining one.” The Department of En- vironment also encourages restaurants to do their part by taking Nassau grouper off the menu at certain times of year. “If you start to see a lot of grouper on the menu around spawning season, it is probably because someone has been illegally fishing an aggregation site,” Mr. Johnson said. The methods used to count the grouper at aggre- gation sites have become ever more sophisticated. This year, scientists used a mix of “floy tagging” – counting the prevalence of previously tagged fish within a group to extrapolate a pop- ulation estimate – and stereo- video – using two cameras in consort to take a “3-D video” that can be used to estimate length and abundance of fish and a video pan of the whole aggregation site. They have also begun using facial recogni- tion technology. Mr. McCoy said each fish has a distinct facial pat- tern. One regular visitor to the Little Cayman site was christened “The Phantom” be- cause he was black on one side of his face, and white on the other. The technology aims to take that type of visual rec- ognition to the next level, po- tentially allowing researchers to identify which individual fish are at the aggregation site each year. “We take photos of fish faces side on and map the face using reference points that recognize the coloration pattern and store the data. When we retake photos, the software searches in our da- tabase of photos to match the facial image. “The good thing about this is the fact we can use images we have taken over the past 17 years. This allows us to recognize each fish indi- vidually due to its unique fa- cial pattern.” Nassau grouper spawning has proved successful in Little Cayman this year.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 FEBRUARY 20, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS In spring 2016, amid the maelstrom of fears over the Zika virus, the Cayman Islands government announced with considerable public fanfare that officials were part- nering with a British firm to introduce a novel mosquito control method to the territory. The strategy involves releasing genetically modified male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to mate with wild females, producing offspring that do not survive into maturity. It was hoped the new project, a collaboration between the Mosquito Research and Control Unit and Oxitec, would build upon promising results from a limited field test conducted in East End back in 2010. “I am very proud to say that the Cayman Islands is the only other country in the world where this program will be taking place outside of Brazil, and we are once again leading the way in the advancement of mosquito control measures,” Premier Alden McLaughlin said in 2016. Two years later, following legal challenges, protests, international publicity (positive and negative), and finally the release of millions of GM mosquitoes in West Bay … it seems the “buzz” surrounding Cayman’s Oxitec partner- ship has subsided to a low background hum. Hmmm … As we reported last week, the government has scaled back significantly immediate ambitions for the GM mosquito program. Last fall, the government and Oxitec were close to a two-year, US$8 million commitment to expand the program across Grand Cayman. Since then, however, the government retreated, budgeting only CI$940,000 for the year, enough to (essentially) repeat the pilot deploy- ment in West Bay that occurred from 2016 to 2017. From the outside looking in, it’s difficult to conclude why the government has put the Oxitec program on cruise control. For the purposes of conjecture, here are some observations that may be germane: • The cost of the expanded GM mosquito rollout of US$8 million constituted a considerable portion of spending on mosquito control. The total MRCU budget for the next two years is about CI$15 million; • Emails obtained by the Compass seem to indicate differences in opinion among MRCU scientists over whether Oxitec’s method, while promising, achieves sufficient value for money; • Outside groups, such as U.S. nonprofit Genewatch, continue to exert pressure and express skepticism against the deployment of GM mosquitoes; • Over the past two years, the global paranoia about a Zika pandemic has waned, as nightmare sce- narios of widespread microcephaly have largely failed to materialize; • In July, MRCU director Bill Petrie – the primary gov- ernment champion for the Oxitec collaboration – departed Cayman to take up a similar position in Miami-Dade County. (There, authorities have just announced the launch of a mosquito suppression strategy – not with GM organisms – by releasing mos- quitoes that have been purposefully infected with Wolbachia bacteria. Again, the hopes are the lab-bred mosquitoes will mate with wild females and produce offspring that will not survive to adulthood.) It is worth noting that the Compass, and the general public, find ourselves in the position of hypothesizing as to our government’s motivations because of the lack of information proactively emanating from officials. Indeed, even Oxitec, government’s partner for nearly a decade now, seems to have been caught off-guard by the decision not to expand the GM mosquito program. In August, Oxitec’s regional manager Richard Adey wrote to government, “[W]e are delighted to be intensi- fying our work with the MRCU.” In September, Mr. Adey told Cayman officials he was “surprised” that the decision to “expand our technique throughout Grand Cayman appears to have been revised.” Whatever is going on (or not) between the govern- ment and Oxitec, what has not changed is that Cayman’s local population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are still lurking around homes and gardens, potentially carrying a host of dangerous diseases – including Zika, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, etc. As we’ve written before, neither Zika nor any indi- vidual pathogen is the pre-eminent threat to public health in Cayman. “Public Enemy Number One” remains the Aedes aegypti mosquito itself. Officials should be prepared and enabled to expend all resources necessary to eradicate this nemesis from our midst – involving a sustained war on all fronts, including aerial and ground-based spraying, public education and, sure, novel techniques – including, but not limited to – Oxitec’s GM mosquitoes and/or the Wolbachia approach. GM mosquitoes: What happened to the ‘Swat Team’? 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” Germany’s youth movement LEONID BERSHIDSKY After reaching a hard- fought coalition agreement, both of Germany’s major po- litical parties are at a nadir: They have never been so unpopular, and would not manage to scrape together a majority if a new election were held today. Germany, though, is one among many democracies where the polit- ical system is feeling old and tired: Throughout the West, a generational change appears to be overdue. The German political system, set up after World War II with the active partic- ipation of the war’s Western winners, is one of the most modern and rationally de- signed ones in the world. Though the absence of term limits for elected officials may look somewhat undem- ocratic to people used to such restrictions, such as U.S. citizens, it’s standard European practice and it’s geared toward sustaining peace – an important goal given Germany’s history. At least one piece of recent re- search shows that coun- tries with term limits are more conflict-prone: Lame duck leaders tend to feel less accountable. This design advantage, however, does have a flip side: The strong incumbency advantage gets in the way of renewal in parties that get access to governing. The party membership grows older along with the leaders who stick around. In 2006, some 47 percent of the mem- bers of recently elected Chan- cellor Angela Merkel’s conser- vative Christian Democratic Union party and 45 percent of the members of its coali- tion partner, the Social Demo- cratic Party (SPD), were 60 or older. In 2016, with the same parties forming the govern- ment, 51.5 percent of CDU members and 54.3 percent of SPD ones were older than 61. That swift aging of the loyal base worries the par- ties’ younger supporters: It’s no accident that Kevin Kue- hnert, the 28-year-old leader of the SPD’s youth wing, has waged a relentless cam- paign within the party ranks against a new CDU-SPD “grand coalition.” He’s wor- ried he and others like him have no future in what is increasingly a party of old people. Will it even be rele- vant by the next election? Today, top SPD figures wanted to hand over the par- ty’s leadership from 62-year- old Martin Schulz, unpop- ular with the membership since leading the SPD to its worst ever election result last September and condemned for using the coalition talks to wangle the coveted post of foreign minister. Andrea Nahles, the 47-year-old head of the SPD parliamentary fac- tion, a passionate speaker popular with the party’s left, was the designated suc- cessor; but 41-year-old Flens- burg Mayor Simone Lange inserted herself into the pro- cess, saying SPD members were entitled to a vote rather than a backroom deal. This is another symptom of the younger Social Democrats’ unease and thirst for some kind of renewal – if not quite for a suicidal rejection of the coalition agreement. Although there is no Kue- hnert equivalent in the CDU, its youth wing leader, Paul Zi- emiak, 32, has recently been shedding his reputation for niceness and allying him- self with 37-year-old Jens Spahn, in whom much of the party base vests great hope. Spahn is tougher than Merkel on immigration but also openly gay and attrac- tive to more liberal voters. Influential voices within the CDU are calling for a leader- ship change before the next election, which would elevate Spahn and 44-year-old Daniel Guenther, now first min- ister of the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. Merkel, 63, who has re- peatedly stated her intention to serve the full four-year term as chancellor, prom- ised at the weekend to foster a process of generational change in the party, offering “chances to people whose political future lies before them or who are in mid-ca- reer.” That means there may be some younger faces than expected in the next cabinet and in top party positions. The question is whether younger politicians will be able to shift the mam- moth parties toward a more modern agenda, including better handling of digitaliza- tion, an education reform to bring Germany up to speed with current trends, more environmental awareness. So far, more marginal par- ties – the liberal Free Dem- ocrats (FDP) and the Greens, with an average age of mem- bers closer to 50 than to 60 and leaders who are younger than that – have a better grasp of these issues. FDP leader Christian Lindner, 39, has named the CDU’s in- ability to modernize as one of the reasons earlier co- alition talks between him, Merkel and the Greens had fallen through. If Merkel fails to enable a generational shift as prom- ised, the smaller parties may have their chance in the 2021 election; even now, there’s not much distance between them and the SPD in the polls. It should be noted that far-right AfD is also younger than the established parties, although there are no official age data for it yet. Throughout the Western world, establishment parties’ leaders are often too old and too set in the ways of tradi- tional politics. That is one of the reasons young disrup- tors such as Emmanuel Ma- cron in France and Albert Rivera, the 38-year leader of the upstart Ciudadanos party in Spain – according to some polls, the country’s leading party today – are successful in breaking cen- trist molds. It’s also why 31-year-old Austrian Chan- cellor Sebastian Kurz found it so easy to take over an es- tablished center-right party and win an election with it last year. Canada’s Justin Trudeau and New Zealand’s Jacinda Andern are part of the same trend. It’s not happening in many other countries yet (Britain’s Tories are still hopelessly gray) but now that even the German ice- berg is beginning to melt, generational change will start rolling across Eu- rope. Eventually, it may even reach the U.S. Bershidsky is a Bloomberg View columnist. He was the founding editor of the Russian business daily Vedomosti and founded the opinion website Slon.ru. © 2018, Bloomberg View Throughout the Western world, establishment parties’ leaders are often too old and too set in the ways of traditional politics.5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 FOUNDATION FOUNDATION The The EIGHTH ANNUAL BREAST CANCER BEACH WALKBREAST CANCER BEACH WALK SATURDAY MARCH 3 starting at Royal Palms on Seven Mile Beach at 7.00 pm breast cancer FACTS register Now at breastcancerfoundation.ky, or on the night at 6:00pm at Royal Palms CI$25 donation includes one raffl e entry fabulous raffl e prizes Royal Palms offer $6 cocktail special (with $1 of it donated to the BCF) and 10% off food items On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Walk along the beach from Royal Palms to The Ritz-Carlton and back, bring the whole family, dogs included! For further information please contact The Breast Cancer Foundation on 923 1135 RISTORANTE Seven government agen- cies and independent orga- nizations from the Cayman Islands that work to help combat child abuse will be represented at an interna- tional forum in the United States next month. For the first time, the multi-agency group from Cayman, called Protection Starts Here, has been invited to present at the 34th Inter- national Symposium on Child Abuse, hosted by the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Alabama on March 19-22. “The working group is the driving force behind the child abuse prevention project which was launched in 2012 with the aim of bringing willing government, NGO and private sector organizations to the table to collectively address the issue of child sexual abuse specifically and child abuse in general here in Cayman,” a press release from the group stated. Spearheaded by the Cayman Islands Red Cross, the working group includes representatives from the Employee Assistance Pro- gramme, the Health Services Authority, the Ministry of Ed- ucation, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Sands Creative Film Studio, and the Special Needs Foundation. The project was launched with a series of public service announcements, and since then has expanded to include the production of a local doc- umentary on child sexual abuse in Cayman, the cre- ation of educational tools for lay people and professionals, the establishment of a twice- monthly Darkness to Light training schedule free of cost to the public, the development of a two-day policy develop- ment workshop on child safe- guarding, and most recently the piloting of a free sup- port group for teen survivors of abuse, among others. The work has been funded and supported by Hedge Funds Care Cayman since 2013. The National Children’s Advocacy Center, which was established in 1985, serves as a model for more than 1,000 children’s advocacy centers in the U.S. and in more than 27 countries. The symposium in Hunts- ville, Alabama, will include more than 160 workshops for medical, mental health/treat- ment, sexual exploitation, prevention, advocacy and youth serving organizations, among many others. “Of the approximately 140 presenters, less than 10 per- cent are from outside the continental United States,” said Amy Boyd, conference manager for the National Children’s Advocacy Center. “The PSH working group is the first from the Caribbean region to have been selected to present in the history of the conference.” She added that the Cayman group is “already imple- menting things, [its work] is not theoretical. This will serve as a great model for other or- ganizations looking to put something similar together.” Shari Smith, senior policy adviser and manager for in- clusion at the Ministry of Education, said in the press release, “The Ministry of Ed- ucation recognizes that child protection is not the respon- sibility of a single agency, but involves a concerted ef- fort from numerous stake- holders working together to- wards the same goal. The Protection Starts Here group draws together professionals from numerous agencies in an effort to raise awareness about child abuse and join efforts to enhance preven- tion strategies.” The RCIPS has identified the Protection Starts Here group as a leading proponent in the prevention of child abuse in the Cayman Islands, Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown said, adding, “This grassroots initiative has the collective drive and the individual commitment required to engage with all agency partners in the com- munity effort to address the issue of child abuse.” Jondo Obi, director of the Cayman Islands Red Cross, said that over the past five years, the group “has been coming together to join not only forces but also knowl- edge, skills, expertise and ex- perience to bring tangible, dynamic, multi-faceted so- lutions to one of our most persistent problems. They have created another form of multi-agency partner- ship which will hopefully in- spire and empower others to do the same.” For more information on the Protection Starts Here project or how to get involved in child abuse prevention in Cayman, contact deputy@redcross.org.ky or 916-1742. Cayman agencies to attend US child abuse forum Bodden Town car fire adds to growing list A vehicle was found on fire in Bodden Town around 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, marking the seventh such in- cident in less than a month. Officers arrived on scene on Nashe Street shortly before 2 a.m., the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service said. The Fire Service was able to extinguish the fire and no injuries were reported. The case is being inves- tigated as arson and police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. The incident adds to a growing list of vehicle fires in Grand Cayman in recent weeks. Three vehicles were re- ported on fire on Valentine’s Day, including one in Bodden Town, one in George Town and one in West Bay. Police at the time did not believe the three cases were connected. The George Town fire was de- termined to be the result of an electrical issue, while the other two cases were under investigation. Three cars were also re- ported on fire on Feb. 4 at Ry- an’s Retreat in George Town. Two of the cars belonged to a senior police officer. The case was being investi- gated as arson. A car fire on North Church Street in August was deter- mined to be the result of an electrical issue. Tips on these cases can be submitted to the Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777. The Protection Starts Here working group members: From left, Brandy Darby, Sophia Chandler-Alleyne, Nancy Davey, Suzanne Seagraves, Carolina Ferreira, Cindy Blekaitis, Kevin Ashworth, Laura Elniski and Mari Abe. Not pictured is Camila Ferreira. “This grassroots initiative has the collective drive and the individual commitment required to engage with all agency partners in the community effort to address the issue of child abuse.” DETECTIVE SUPERINTENDENT PETER LANSDOWNThe islands’ most-trusted news source 6 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY, FEB. 20 SEAFARERS: The Seafarers Association advises members that there will be a General Meeting, for yearly election of new officers, at 7:30 p.m. in the Seafarers Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect. Buses will be provided from West Bay Town Hall at 6 p.m. A bus route in George Town leaves the public library parking area at 7 p.m., stopping at the Cayman Compass building and the Airport Foster’s. The blue bus is marked “Bobo $1 Public Transport,” but there is no charge. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21 EAST END MEETING: The Ministry of Health invites residents to a public meeting regarding the proposed long-term residential mental health facility, which is to be located in East End. 7-9 p.m. at the East End Civic Centre. BODDEN TOWN MEETING: The Ministry and Dept. of Tourism hold a public meeting to discuss tourism. 6 p.m. at BT Civic Centre. Refreshments and gate prizes. QUIT SMOKING: Smoking Cessation Classes, “I Can Quit.” The Public Health Department reminds smokers who wish to quit the habit that there are still some spaces left for smoking cessation classes that start today. 5:15-6:45 p.m. every Wednesday for seven weeks in the Public Health waiting room. For more information or to sign up, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889/244-2621, or email sarah.hetley@hsa.ky or nola.sanderson@hsa.ky. FRIDAY, FEB. 23 DCI CLOSED: The Department of Commerce and Investment in Grand Cayman, including its Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, is closed today to facilitate staff training. The main office will reopen on Monday 8:30 a.m. and the counter will reopen at 9 a.m. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Cayman HospiceCare’s annual two-day Flag Day event. Volunteers are needed for shifts today and tomorrow, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Contact fundraising@ caymanhospicecare.ky for information about volunteering or call 945-7447. SATURDAY, FEB. 24 ORCHID SHOW AND SALE: Today and tomorrow at The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, organized by the Park and Cayman Islands Orchid Society, 9 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. both days. Over a thousand orchids on sale plus a beautiful display of privately owned orchids. Orchid care educational talks and demonstrations. Food and drink available for purchase. Regular admission rates of $10 apply, and residents get in for only $5 with identification. DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross Thrift Shop mobile shop will be in West Bay at the junction of the West Bay Town Hall. 6-10 a.m. Items available include clothing and shoes, books, ladies’ accessories, linens, household items. FAMILY FUN WALK/RUN: The 3rd annual Guiding The Way 5K/10K Family Fun Walk/Run takes place from SafeHaven in the back by Holiday Inn. 6:30 a.m. for walkers and 6:45 a.m. for runners. Registration is $10 adults, children under 10, $5. All participants will be entered in a drawing for prizes. Register on the day at 6 a.m. or pre- register at Cayman Active, www.caymanactive.com/ guiding. No dogs please. All proceeds benefit Girlguiding Cayman Islands. BRAC SPRING FLING: The Brac District of the National Trust’s annual fundraiser Spring Fling will be held today at 6-10 p.m. at Brac Trust House, White Bay Road. Good food, good music, and a live auction. Tickets are $20 each, Split the Pot tickets are $5 or 3 for $10. Everyone welcome. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28 GEORGE TOWN MEETING: The Ministry and Dept. of Tourism hold a public meeting to discuss tourism. 6 p.m. at Mary Miller Hall. Refreshments and gate prizes. CDS AGM: The Cayman Drama Society holds its annual general meeting soon. Today is the deadline to nominate officers and committee members for 2018. Email nominations to secretary@cds.ky. Nominees must be members in good standing. LOBSTER SEASON: Today is the last day of open season for lobster. Bag limit is three per person per day or six per boat per day, whichever is less. Minimum size is a 6-inch tail length. No taking lobsters from Marine Protected Areas. Only spiny lobster may be taken. No wearing gloves while snorkeling. No taking of lobster (or any marine life other than lionfish) while scuba diving. SCHOLARSHIPS: The Ministry of Education has extended the deadline for Overseas Scholarship applications to Feb. 28. The extension is offered in order to ensure that every interested student has the opportunity to apply for funding. To obtain the link for online applications, visit www.education.gov.ky. Call 244-2482 or email scholarships@gov.ky. THURSDAY, MAR. 1 EAST END MEETING: The Ministry and Department of Tourism hold a public meeting to discuss tourism. 6 p.m. at East End Civic Centre on John McLean Drive. Refreshments and gate prizes. FRIDAY, MAR. 2 SKATE PARK FUNDRAISER: Hope Academy and Black Pearl Skate Park are raising funds for a new school playground, scholarship fund and other school improvements. First Friday of each month. $15 for park entrance, a helmet and choice of skateboard or scooter. $7 for those with own equipment. SUNDAY, MAR. 4 COCONUT CUP: Paddleboard event from 8:30 a.m. at Public Beach, Seven Mile Beach. Kids Paddle, entry $10. Life vests, parental supervision required. Register 8:30 a.m., race 9 a.m. Corporate cup, relay teams of four, 10 a.m. entry, $200 per team. Advance registration required at coconutcup@ gmail.com. Individual skim paddle, 11 a.m. $25 entry. Fundraiser for Cayman Heart Fund. THURSDAY, MAR. 8 CAYMAN DRAMA SOCIETY: Opening night for Barefoot in the Park. Happy hour, 6:30 p.m. Showtime, 7:30 p.m. Tickets adults $25, students, $15. Performances continue tomorrow and Saturday, then March 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Purchase tickets at www.cds.ky or call 938-1998. FRIDAY, MAR. 9 BRAC SPRING WEEKEND: The Youth Services Unit hosts the Brac Spring Weekend 2018 today and tomorrow. The events for teenagers and young adults are free and open to all. Friday, Brac Youth Forum (Layman E. Scott High School, last two periods of school). 3/3 Basketball Tournament – a junior and senior division (Layman E. Scott High School Courts, 7-10 p.m.) For further information, flyers or registration forms for events, other than the beach bonfire, email the Youth Services Unit at camille.angel@gov.ky. SATURDAY, MAR. 10 BRAC SPRING WEEKEND: Activities continue. The events for teenagers and young adults are free and open to all. Today, Car Scavenger Hunt (Aston Rutty Civic Centre 1-2 p.m.). Domino Tournament/ Car and Bike Show with Sound-Off (Aston Rutty Civic Centre 4-6 p.m.) Brac Beach Bonfire (Southside Public Beach 7-9 p.m.) For further information, flyers or registration forms for events, other than the beach bonfire, email the Youth Services Unit at camille.angel@gov.ky. PAWS IN THE SAND: Fundraiser for PAWS (Protection, Animal, Welfare, Society) at Grand Old House. 6:30 p.m. cocktail party and 7 p.m. dinner. Tickets are $135. Silent and live auction, complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival, complimentary 1 bottle of wine per couple during dinner. Off Broadway Show. Tickets available at PAWS Thrift Shop in Bodden Town next to Cox Lumber 916-1731 or 916-3957, or The Lighthouse Restaurant in Breakers, 947-2047. MONDAY, MAR. 12 NORTH SIDE MEETING: The Ministry and Dept. of Tourism hold a public meeting to discuss tourism. 6 p.m. at Clifton Hunter High School Auditorium. Refreshments and gate prizes. TUESDAY, MAR. 13 WEST BAY MEETING: The Ministry and Dept. of Tourism hold a public meeting to discuss tourism. 6 p.m. at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Hall. Refreshments and gate prizes. CDS AUDITIONS: Auditions for The Diary Of Anne Frank take place 6-9 p.m. (with recalls Sat March 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). The show will be performing Sept. 5-9 and 13-16 with rehearsals from June 26 (Tue/Thu 7-9 p.m. plus Sunday rehearsals in August/Sept). Email kirstyannosullivan@gmail.com to register interest. We seek actors age 14+. FRIDAY, MARCH 16 IRISH JOG: From Britannia at 5:30 p.m. Registration details can be found on www.ky.butterfieldgroup. com Cayman’s ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) benefits. GENERAL INTEREST FISH FRY: Friday evenings in Lent at St. Ignatius School Canteen. Serving from 5-8 p.m. Dine in or carry out. Menu includes fried or baked cod or snapper with all the trimmings. Proceeds benefit Youth Ministry. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Persons receiving permanent financial assistance benefit must be re-assessed if they have not been assessed since July 1, 2015. Get a form from the Needs Assessment Unit via email nauinfo@gov.ky, on the www.nau.gov.ky website or from the district Community Development Officer. The completed form/ supporting documentation must be returned to the NAU by Friday, March 30. Failure to comply will result in payments being placed on hold. For more information, contact the NAU immediately on 946-0024 or 948-8748. EAST END ROADWORK: National Roads Authority advises that road upgrade works are being carried out along Seaview Road in East End, from near the west end of Lovers Wall to near the Blow Holes. NRA crews and Island Paving crews will work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, contact the NRA at 623-7780. SOLAR IMAGING: An exhibition of digital solar imaging in Cayman by Dr. Bill Hrudey. National Gallery, Esterley Tibbetts Highway. CONCH AND WHELK SEASON: The open season for conch and whelk runs until April 30. The legal limit for conch is five per person per day or 10 per boat, whichever is less. The limit for whelk catches is two-and-a-half gallons in the shell, or two-and- a-half pounds of processed whelks, per person, per day. 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. 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. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. A general meeting for the yearly election of new officers of the Seafarers Association will be held at the Seafarers Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Kittiwake image wins international recognition JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com An image of a diver in Cayman struggling against the laws of physics has at- tracted international recog- nition. The playful image by Susannah H. Snowden-Smith depicts a diver fruitlessly at- tempting to force the wreck of the USS Kittiwake into an upright position. Named, “OCD diver tries to right shipwreck,” the photo was “highly commended” in the U.K.-based Under- water Photographer of the Year competition. Ms. Snowden-Smith, who lives in Grand Cayman, said she dove the site im- mediately after the famous wreck was toppled on to its side by storm swell from Hurricane Nate last year. “I got some nice pictures of the wreck but I wanted to do something more unique. I thought it would be hu- morous if someone with ob- sessive-compulsive disorder was so bothered by the ship- wreck being down that they tried to fix it.” She persuaded her friend Simon Claeys to model for the picture and sent it off, along with a handful of others, to the competition. She said she was de- lighted to be recognized in a competitive field of more than 5,000 entries from 68 countries. “It is awesome,” she said. “The day the results were announced, I sat by the com- puter the whole day hoping for an email.” Judge Martin Edge said the OCD theme had “worked a treat.” He added, “I should also mention that apart from the irony, it is a very well exe- cuted and clean wreck shot. Very well done and an ex- ample to others that judges can enjoy a laugh.” in different countries, in- cluding Hurley’s Media in the Cayman Islands. He said the broadcast rights of U.S. and Cana- dian channels screening the coverage, including CBC and NBC, do not apply outside of the North American region. Any broadcaster screening Winter Olympics coverage on any platform in the region, needs an agreement with IMC. “We have to protect our rights and our invest- ment,” he said. “Our international part- ners expect that those rights that are sold to us are not breached and are fully protective.” the Chairman’s Award in recognition of her ser- vice to the CNCF. Dwayne Seymour, Cay- man’s minister of culture, presided over a press con- ference honoring the art- ists Monday and said he was proud to be a part of celebrating their re- spective crafts. “The level of talent that exists in our community never ceases to amaze me, and that is certainly true of this year’s awardees,” he said. “Their passion for their craft – be it the per- forming or visual arts – is evident in the numerous accolades and honors they have received. Their suc- cesses are also a great in- fluence on the wider com- munity and inspire young and old to explore their own artistic expressions.” Ms. Andersen was awarded her Gold Star posthumously, but the other artists will have a chance to be lauded in public at the Harquail Theatre on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. Henry Muttoo, the ar- tistic director for CNCF, proudly acknowledged that his wife Marcia is among the award recipients, but he said the awardees have all been chosen by their fellow artists. “When you receive an award from the Cultural Foundation, you know there’s no favor,” he said. “You are peer reviewed. Your work is judged with the highest standards we can judge it with.” The Arts and Culture Awards have been distrib- uted for 24 years, and they have gradually become an opening act for Cayfest, Cayman’s national festival for the arts. The sixth an- nual Dress for Culture Day will be held on Feb. 23, and Red Sky at Night will close out Cayfest on March 3. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the rich and vi- brant culture of diversity that exists in the Cayman Islands,” Mr. Seymour said. “It’s also a time to honor and celebrate those that have contributed their time and talent and creative ex- pression to building our dynamic and thriving ar- tistic community.” Mr. Muttoo, who has been part of the Carib- bean arts community for four decades, said it’s im- portant both to recognize the local artists and also to include them among their regional peers. “If you look at the whole Caribbean, it’s a people that have had to stitch to- gether from disparate el- ements where they had nothing when they came here but fragments of memory,” he said. “We’ve created one of the most dy- namic cultures anywhere in the world. Our music and our art influences huge countries that are a million times bigger than us. If you look at Jamaica right next to us, there’s nobody, politi- cian or anybody in Jamaica whose name would be rec- ognizable if you put it next to Bob Marley.” Dominica, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname con- tracted by 6.9 percent, 3.5 per- cent, 2.7 percent, 1.2 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. “Both hurricanes caused considerable damage to eco- nomic and social infrastruc- ture, and loss of life,” stated the Caribbean Development Bank, referring to Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. “Authorities estimate the cost of damage and losses at about 225 percent of GDP in Dominica and more than 300 percent in the BVI.” The Caribbean Develop- ment Bank added that the social impacts of the storms are yet to be assessed, but the consequences of displace- ment and unemployment are “potentially severe for future growth prospects.” In the Turks and Caicos, most of the hurricanes’ im- pact was felt in the cruise in- dustry, but overnight tourism was “less affected,” according to the development bank. Looking forward to 2018 GDP estimates, the Caribbean Development Bank projected that all of the region’s econ- omies will grow. Belize and Trinidad will return to posi- tive growth due to recovery in the energy and commod- ities sectors, the bank pre- dicted. The region’s 2-percent growth projection will largely be driven by Jamaica, which accounts for about a fifth of the Caribbean’s GDP, ac- cording to the Caribbean De- velopment Bank. However, regional econo- mies need to implement “re- silience-building measures,” such as stricter building codes and the development of indemnity insurance mar- kets, the institution noted. To that end, the Caribbean Development Bank approved some US$104 million in reha- bilitation and reconstruction loans for Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, and the BVI. “Such cataclysmic events are the new normal for our region. This is why our in- terventions in economic and social infrastructure are rooted in climate resilience,” stated Caribbean Develop- ment Bank Director of Proj- ects Daniel Best. THE CARIBBEAN’S ECONOMIC GROWTH: ESTIMATES AND PROJECTIONS According to the Caribbean Development Bank, the region ex- perienced slight economic growth in 2017, and will continue to grow at an increased rate this year. The following are the bank’s growth estimates and projections: Jurisdiction20172018 Barbados1%0.7% Trinidad and Tobago-1%1% Suriname-1.2%1.2% Belize0.5%1.8% St. Vincent0%2% The Bahamas1%2% Montserrat1.6%2% Jamaica1.7%2.3% Haiti1.2%2.4% British Virgin Islands-2.7%3% St. Lucia2.9%3.1% St. Kitts and Nevus2.8%3.2% Cayman Islands2.7%3.2% Guyana2.9%3.3% Grenada4.5%3.5% Turks and Caicos Islands3.4%4.4% Antigua and Barbuda3%5.3% Dominica-6.9%6.4% Anguilla-3.5%7% “Both hurricanes caused considerable damage to economic and social infrastructure, and loss of life. Authorities estimate the cost of damage and losses at about 225 percent of GDP in Dominica and more than 300 percent in the BVI.” CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Photographer Susannah H. Snowden-Smith emerges from a dive with her camera. Her photo ‘OCD diver tries to right shipwreck’ was highly commended in this year’s Underwater Photographer of the Year awards. Despite hurricanes, Caribbean economies grew in 2017 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cayman artists to take center stage at Harquail Winter Olympics coverage sparks broadcast row The British Virgin Islands, pictured above, and other Caribbean jurisdictions suffered billions of dollars of damage from last September’s hurricanes, but overall the region’s economies grew slightly, according to the Caribbean Development Bank. - PHOTO: EUSTACE FREEMAN Italy’s Nadia Fanchini competes in women’s downhill training at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Jeongseon, South Korea, Monday. - PHOTO: AP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS 2 Americans arrested in Serbia over drone Two U.S. and two Ukrainian citizens have been arrested in Serbia for trying to photograph the military security headquarters in downtown Belgrade with a drone. The arrest took place amid a mounting anti- Western media campaign in Serbia and increasing Russian influence. Shooting survivors on potential collision course with Trump PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) – Stu- dent survivors of the deadly Florida school shooting who hope to become the face of a revived gun control move- ment are on a potential col- lision course with President Donald Trump. Several of the students have criticized the presi- dent, whose election was strongly supported by the National Rifle Association and who ran on a platform opposing gun control. Trump spent the weekend at his es- tate in South Florida, only an hour’s drive from Mar- jory Stoneman Douglas High School where 17 people were fatally shot last week. His only mentions of the massacre came in tweets Sat- urday contending that the FBI was too focused on the Russia investigation to re- spond to warnings about the alleged shooter and mocking Democrats for failing to pass gun control. “You’re the president. You’re supposed to bring this nation together, not di- vide us,” said David Hogg, a 17-year-old student at Mar- jory Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “How dare you,” he added. After more than a day of criticism from the students, the White House said the president would hold a “lis- tening session” with unspeci- fied students Wednesday and meet Thursday with state and local security officials. Florida politicians, mean- while, scrambled to produce legislation in response to the Feb. 14 attack that killed 17 people. Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old who had been expelled from the school, is being held without bail in the Broward County Jail, ac- cused of 17 counts of first- degree murder. In a TV interview, Repub- lican Sen. Marco Rubio em- braced a Democratic bill in the Florida legislature to allow courts to tempo- rarily prevent people from having guns if they are deter- mined to be a threat to them- selves or others. Gov. Rick Scott, also a Re- publican, attended a prayer vigil at the First Church Coral Springs, blocks from the shooting site. He is ex- pected to announce a legisla- tive package with GOP law- makers this week. Emma Gonzalez, an- other student survivor, gave an impassioned speech at a weekend rally with a stinging citation of the NRA’s $30 million in expen- ditures on Trump’s behalf in the presidential election. On Sunday she cited Trump, Rubio and Scott by name in a warning to politicians backed by the NRA. “Now is the time to get on the right side of this, because this is not something that we are going to let sweep under the carpet,” she said on “Meet the Press.” Seeking to increase pres- sure for gun control, the stu- dents plan to visit the state capitol in Tallahassee this week to demand immediate action. They are also calling for anti-gun violence demon- strations in Washington and other cities March 24. Organizers behind the Women’s March, an anti- Trump and female empow- erment protest, called for a 17-minute, nationwide walkout by teachers and stu- dents on March 14. Chris Grady, a 19-year-old senior at the Florida school, was one of several students at Sunday’s rally near the campus. “The kids in New- town were too young to un- derstand what happened and were too young to have their own voice,” Grady said, refer- ring to the 20 first-graders killed in the 2012 Connecticut school shooting. “We want to be the voice for those kids and thousands of others.” Not every student at the Florida school was calling for more gun control. James Ciaramello, a freshman in the school’s JROTC program, was heartbroken by the massacre but skeptical firearms regula- tions could have prevented it. “He’s just messed up,” Ciaramello said of Cruz, an- other JROTC member. “I mean, tighter gun control, it’s not gonna help. There’s al- ways a way around it.” School and government records obtained Sunday show Cruz was diagnosed as developmentally delayed at age 3 and had disciplinary is- sues dating to middle school. In February 2014, while in 8th grade, Cruz was trans- ferred to a special school for children with emotional and behavioral issues. He stayed there until 10th grade, when he was transferred to Stoneman Douglas. Last year, Cruz was expelled. On Sept. 28, 2016, an in- vestigator from the Florida Department of Children and Families visited Cruz and his mother, Lynda Cruz, after he posted video on Snapchat showing him cut- ting himself. The report showed that Cruz had written a racial ep- ithet against African-Amer- icans and a Nazi symbol on his book bag, which his mother had forced him to erase. The investigator said Cruz was suffering from de- pression and on medication and had told Lynda Cruz he planned to buy a gun, but she could not determine why. A school counselor told the investigator that Lynda Cruz had always tried to help her son and followed through on his therapy and medication, but the counselor was concerned about the youth’s desire to buy a gun. A crisis counselor told the DCF investigator he had visited the school and that he did not believe Cruz was a danger to himself or others. The case was closed, with the investigator con- cluding that Cruz was re- ceiving help from his mother and counselors, and “no other referrals or services were needed.” After Lynda Cruz died in November, Cruz moved into the home of a teenage friend. The friend’s parents told the Sun-Sentinel newspaper they had no idea the extent of Cruz’s issues. “We had this monster living under our roof and we didn’t know,” Kimberly Snead told the newspaper in an interview published Sunday. “We didn’t see this side of him.” James Snead added: “Ev- erything everybody seems to know, we didn’t know. It’s as simple as that.” The teen kept the AR-15 he allegedly used in the mas- sacre locked in a gun safe with a few other firearms. James Snead thought he had the only key to the cabinet but says Cruz must have had another key. The family kept their own rifles, bought after a burglary a few years ago, in a separate locked cabinet. They told Cruz he needed to ask permission to take out the guns. He had asked only twice since November. They said “yes” once and “no” once. Speaking Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” the Sneads said they have only seen Cruz once since the shooting when they briefly saw him at the police station. Kim- berly Snead says she yelled at him and “really wanted to strangle him more than any- thing.” The couple says Cruz told them he was sorry. A Broward County Sheriff’s Office deputy removes police tape from a makeshift memorial in front of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Sunday. - PHOTO: AP ISIS ambushes Iraqi Shiite-led force, killing 27 fighters BAGHDAD (AP) – Islamic State militants ambushed a group of Iraq’s Shiite-led paramili- tary fighters, killing at least 27 more than two months after Baghdad declared vic- tory over the extremist group, officials said Monday The Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group of mostly Shiite militias, said in a statement that the attack took place southwest of the northern city of Kirkuk, where the paramilitaries were con- ducting overnight raids. The attackers were dis- guised in army uniforms and manning a fake checkpoint, the statement said, adding that ensuing clashes lasted for at least two hours and that some of the militants were killed while others fled the area. Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, an Iraqi military spokesman, blamed ISIS “sleeper cells” and said Iraqi forces were searching the area to find the perpetrators. ISIS claimed responsi- bility for the attack in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency. Karim al-Nouri, a PMF spokesman, described the at- tack as a “heinous crime” and called for greater scrutiny of Iraqis returning to areas lib- erated from ISIS. He said the attackers had taken advan- tage of heavy rains overnight. Hadi al-Amiri, the leader of the Badr Brigade, one of the most prominent Shiite militias, vowed “revenge.” Speaking at a military air- field in Baghdad where the bodies were being flown in, he called on security forces to be vigilant, saying “the war against terrorism is not over yet.” At least 11 of the slain troops were from the southern city of Basra, where a three-day mourning period was declared. Iraq declared victory over ISIS in December, after more than three years of heavy fighting. The group has been driven from all the territory it seized in the summer of 2014, but U.S. and Iraqi officials have said it is likely to continue launching insurgent-style attacks. Last month, ISIS launched back-to-back suicide bombings in central Baghdad, killing at least 38 people. Seeking to increase pressure for gun control, the students plan to visit the state capitol in Tallahassee this week to demand immediate action. They are also calling for anti-gun violence demonstrations in Washington and other cities March 24. Mourners pray over the flag-draped coffin of Ismail Mahmoud, 24, a fighter of the Popular Mobilization Forces, who was killed in the northern city of Kirkuk, during his funeral position in Najaf, 100 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday. - PHOTO: AP9 WORLD&REGIONAL CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2018 PROFESSIONAL HR CLASSES Professional Certificate in Human Resource Practice (CHRP) On-island classes commencing on Tuesday 27 February 2018 Marjorie Corbridge is on-island from Friday 23 February and available for meetings or telephone calls that day, over the weekend and on Monday – contact marjorie. corbridge@port.ac.uk The Professional Certificate in HR Practice is right for you if: 1. You are working in HR/personnel administration or 2. You want to work in HR or 3. You are an administrator, a team leader, a supervisor or a manager looking to develop your HR skills It is also an entry route to a Master’s Degree in HRM (anticipated starting date, late 2018) 20 days of HR classes in 6 daytime workshops from February to September: • The role of HR and the business context: 4 days • Talent planning, recruitment and selection interviewing: 4 days • Managing performance, appraisal interviewing and rewarding employees: 4 days • Managing HR information and Continuous Professional Development (CPD): 4 days (2 x 2 days) • Labour law and PSML – employment relations, discipline, dismissal, discrimination: 4 days From a CHRP Graduate: “Participating in the Certificate in HR Practice has been one of the best decisions I have made in my career. Thank you so much for investing your time and knowledge, the style of teaching makes learning unforgettable”. Check out our website: www.port.ac.uk/caymanchrp Develop HR knowledge and skills and boost your career - too good an opportunity to miss! Don’t delay contact Marjorie today! Iranian rescuers find wreckage from Mount Dena plane crash TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iranian search and rescue teams on Monday reached the site of a plane crash that authorities say killed all 65 people on board, Iran’s Press TV reported. The Aseman Airlines ATR-72, a twin-engine turboprop used for short-distance regional flying, went down on Sunday in foggy weather, crashing into Mount Dena in a re- mote area of southern Iran. The airliner said all on board Flight EP3704 were killed, including six crew members. The crash of the aircraft, brought back into service only months ago after being grounded for seven years, was yet another fatal aviation disaster for Iran, which for years was barred from buying neces- sary airplane parts due to Western sanctions over its contested nu- clear program. Press TV said search teams reached the crash site before dawn on Monday. The station said the weather had improved, though it was still windy. The TV broadcast footage of a helicopter joining the search and showed ambulances and rescue ve- hicles preparing to reach the site on Mount Dena, which is about 14,400 feet tall. The site is reportedly at a height of 11,500 feet. Other Iranian news outlets and officials did not confirm that the crash site had been reached. State radio said five helicopters and five drones are active in the search operation. Iran’s semi-of- ficial ISNA news agency said that more than 150 climbers have joined the operation. Transport Minister Abbas Ak- houndi left Tehran on Monday to visit the site of the crash, state TV reported. Footage posted on inde- pendent news websites showed him in the cockpit of a plane taking part in the search. State TV quoted him as saying the cause of the crash was still “not clear.” High winds have made it diffi- cult to fly helicopters and drones, hampering search efforts. The 2015 nuclear accord with world powers lifted international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear enrich- ment program, allowing Iran to pur- chase airplanes and airplane parts. The country has since signed deals to purchase tens of billions of dol- lars’ worth of new aircraft. However, President Donald Trump’s refusal to recertify the deal has injected un- certainty into those sales. The ATR-72 went down near its destination, the southern city of Yasuj, some 485 miles south of the capital, where it took off. It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, although weather was severe. Dense fog, high winds and heavy snow in the Zagros Mountains made it impossible for rescue crews in helicopters to reach the site in the immediate aftermath, state TV reported. Aseman Airlines spokesman Mo- hammad Taghi Tabatabai told state TV that all on board Flight EP3704 were killed. The plane had 59 pas- sengers and six crew members, the state-run IRNA news agency re- ported late Sunday, lowering the ini- tially reported death toll of 66. The United States expressed con- dolences over the crash in a Farsi- language statement posted on social media Sunday. In this photo provided by Tasnim News Agency, rescue and search team members search Monday for wreckage of a plane that crashed on Sunday on Mount Dena in southern Iran. - PHOTO: AP Dense fog, high winds and heavy snow in the Zagros Mountains made it impossible for rescue crews in helicopters to reach the site in the immediate aftermath, state TV reported. West Africa’s extremism spreading as thousands flee homes OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) – West Africa’s extremist threat has moved into a new part of the vast Sahel region, with a previously calm area of Burkina Faso facing the kinds of assaults that have forced thousands elsewhere to flee over the past year. Last week a police station was attacked by about 10 people in the eastern town of Natiaboani, killing one officer and wounding at least two others, according to governor Ousmane Traore. Some 470 ammunition cartridges were found at the scene, he said. None of the several ex- tremist groups roaming the region has claimed respon- sibility for the attack about 174 miles from the capital, Ouagadougou, which in re- cent years has been alerted to the jihadist threat by deadly attacks on high-profile ho- tels and cafes. Burkina Faso now finds it- self joining the front line of a growing regional war on extremism waged by a va- riety of actors, from France’s largest overseas military op- eration to a new five-country West African force backed by millions of dollars from the United States, wealthy Gulf nations and others. But the landlocked, im- poverished country has few resources for its own defense. In a telling incident in the past week, some 20 po- licemen abandoned their sta- tion at Deou in Burkina Fa- so’s north to protest a lack of equipment, such as helmets and bulletproof jackets, to fight extremists. The deputy mayor, Moussa Sawadogo, said police also lacked gas to patrol the area in vehi- cles. The problem is shared by other security agents who say they do not feel prepared to take on jihadists. “The terrorism and crim- inal economy threatening the region vastly over- whelm the capacity of any individual country or re- gion to adequately re- spond,” African Union Com- mission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat told the Munich Security conference on Sat- urday, saying the challenge needs a global solution. Burkina Faso’s northern Soum province is home to radicalized preacher Ibrahim Malam Dicko, who has vowed to close all govern- ment administration there. His armed supporters have forced schools to close in sev- eral rural areas. But Dicko is not the only threat. Northern areas near the border with Mali have been a regular target of attacks by various ex- tremist groups, some of them vowing to step up deadly as- saults in response to the re- cent deployment of the re- gional G5 Sahel force. The 5,000-strong force combines troops from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Mau- ritania, with France leading the efforts to bring in inter- national funding. The countries’ troops join forces where and when they can. In response to the new violence in Burkina Faso’s east, troops from Burkina Faso and nearby Mali and Niger have increased patrols. Extremists are thought to be hiding in forested areas in the border region. High-profile attacks con- tinue, however. In January, 26 civilians from Burkina Faso including women and children were killed while heading to a weekly market when their truck struck ex- plosives just over the border in Mali. Days later, gunmen killed two policemen as they patrolled a market in the northern district of Baraboule. The deadly uncertainty has led thousands to flee. Teachers who have been threatened over perceived non-Islamic teachings have closed their classrooms and left. As of mid-February, some 98 schools have been closed in Burkina Faso’s Sahel re- gion due to insecurity, ac- cording to the United Nations children’s agency. In one of the country’s largest displacements, some 15,000 people in Soum prov- ince have fled their homes in the past year, said the In- ternational Committee for the Red Cross. “The terrorism and criminal economy threatening the region vastly overwhelm the capacity of any individual country or region to adequately respond.” MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, chair, African Union Commission Next >