ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 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 RCIPS launches community policing plan BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Twenty-six Royal Cayman Islands Po- lice officers have now been assigned to full- time neighborhood policing duties around Grand Cayman, as the department at- tempts to expand its visible presence within the community. Four officers and one supervising po- lice sergeant have been placed in North Side and East End, 10 officers and a sergeant are in George Town, three officers and a sergeant will staff areas of Bodden Town and four of- ficers plus a sergeant will staff West Bay neighborhoods. RCIPS Inspector Courtney Myles will oversee the entire unit. For now, no specific community “beat” officers are assigned to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, as all officers stationed in the Sister Islands are considered to be community officers. Mr. Myles said there are 12 specific areas, known as neighborhood “beats” or “sectors,” within the districts around Grand Cayman. A specific number of officers are assigned in each area. For instance, two officers apiece have been assigned in sector No. 1 (East End) and sector No. 2 (North Side). Three separate “beats” within Bodden Town (Spotts-Newlands, Lower Valley and Bodden Town, sectors 5, 4 and 3, respec- tively) will receive one community officer each. George Town will receive three “beat” offi- cers in the district’s central area, with two as- signed to South Sound and one in Prospect. Meanwhile, four community beat officers will be assigned to the George Town harbor-front area. Each of West Bay’s four “beats” will re- ceive one officer each. RCIPS Superintendent Robbie Graham said there will obviously be many other po- lice officers on duty to respond to emergency SUBTLE LEGAL CHANGE PUSHES FOR PENSION, HEALTHCARE COMPLIANCE BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands government is seeking changes that would require local companies to have all outstanding pension, healthcare and other labor-related issues resolved before renewing their trade and business licenses. The requirement for up-to-date pension and healthcare payments for employees ex- ists within the current licensing law but con- tains the caveat that a company is not com- pliant only if it is “not taking the necessary actions to resolve such non-compliance.” In other words, actions to resolve non-payment of pensions or healthcare premiums can be in progress rather than already done. An amended Trade and Business Licensing Bill made public this week will attempt to change the current legal language to state “the [license] applicant has not taken the necessary steps to resolve the non-compliance.” The requirement will not be in place for new businesses that are applying for their first trade and business license and are there- fore not carrying on business at the time their application is submitted. The Legislative Assembly is due to meet in mid-March to resolve the legislation. Business non-payment of pensions, in par- ticular, but also of healthcare premiums has plagued the Cayman Islands almost since leg- islation requiring those benefits for private sector employees were put into place. The former Complaints Commissioner’s Of- fice reported in 2014 that more than 1,000 local companies were at some stage of delinquency in paying their workers’ pensions. Cayman Is- lands law requires private sector workers to pay 5 percent of their annual salaries – up to a maximum salary of $87,000 per year – toward their retirement funds. Employers must also contribute a matching 5 percent. By all accounts, the process for enforcing non-payment of pensions is slow and largely seeks to gain compliance from the employer, rather than punishing them for delinquencies. Corruption cops notified of HSA overtime probe BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands Anti- Corruption Commission has been notified of an ongoing in- ternal audit at the Health Ser- vices Authority regarding “ir- regularities” in overtime payments to security officers. According to Health Services Authority board chairman Jon- athan Tibbetts, the commission was told of the audit as part of normal protocol. The commission, via its spokesperson Deborah Bodden, did not state whether its offi- cers were investigating the over- time payments. “The Anti-Corruption Com- mission neither confirms nor denies investigatory matters,” Ms. Bodden said. The Anti-Corruption Unit of the appointed Anti-Corrup- tion Commission is a sepa- rate investigative body from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. The police confirmed Friday that RCIPS officers were not looking into the security guard payments. The Cayman Compass re- ported last week that the Flag Day volunteers out in force Darren Trickett juggles while collecting money for Cayman HospiceCare with his wife Danielle Coleman and daughter Alianne Trickett on Saturday. They joined hundreds of Flag Day volunteers over the two-day fundraising effort at supermarkets, street corners, banks and hardware stores. Now in its 18th year, the Flag Day event is one of the biggest fundraising and awareness campaigns for the hospice which offers end-of-life palliative care, free of charge, to residents of the Cayman Islands. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 »2 LOCAL NEWS TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 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) GAME NIGHT (R) 12:35 I 4:05 I 7:00 I 9:55 ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ (PG13) 12:50 I 4:00 I 10:00 THE 15:17 TO PARIS (PG13) 4:50 I 10:05 FIFTY SHADES FREED (R) 1:10 I 6:45 WINCHESTER (PG13) 1:40 I 3:45 I 7:30 I 9:30 BLACK PANTHER (PG13) 12:45 VIP I 3:00 I 3:50 VIP I 7:00 9:15 I 10:00 VIP JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (PG13) 2:00 I 7:10 CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA: DIE HARD (R) 7:00 VIP Two Cayman delegates join Commonwealth Youth Parliament YMCA after-school program contract renewed MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT, WRONGFUL CONFINEMENT The Ministry of Educa- tion has renewed the Young Men’s Christian Associa- tion contract to manage and operate its Extended After- School Program. The after-school pro- gram is currently offered at nine primary and high school sites, servicing 15 gov- ernment schools in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, and provides after-school activities for as many as 1,600 students. The YMCA began oper- ating the program in Sep- tember 2015. Since then, it has provided an after-school environment for children. Minister of Education, Ju- liana O’Connor-Connolly said the YMCA is a great example of the community coming to- gether to support, shape and guide young people, by pro- viding them with the tools necessary to reach their best selves. “We are looking forward to working closely with the Y over the next two years to continue to enhance our after- school structure,” she said. YMCA Operations Di- rector Gillian Roffey said the after-school program was highlighted as a key need when the YMCA came to the Cayman Islands five years ago. “The primary purpose of the YMCA is Youth De- velopment and through the EASP, we aim to maxi- mise the potential of every child,” she said in a press release. “We are so pleased to have been given the op- portunity to continue to im- pact Cayman’s youth through this programme, teaching them life skills and contrib- uting towards the develop- ment of influential leaders for our future.” She explained that there have been several areas of focus of the program that have contributed to its prog- ress over the past two years. These include an enhanced program curriculum, greater parental involvement, im- proved relationships with school leaders and expanded community partnerships and initiatives. There has also been a persistent focus for staff and volunteers on quality assurance and safety. “The YMCA is committed to working diligently and making the necessary ad- justments to build on the strengths of the EASP and ensure alignment with the Cayman Islands Strategic Plan for Education – pro- ducing greater, measurable results,” Ms. Roffey said. “We are grateful to the Min- istry of Education and for all of the corporate and private support that makes this pro- gramme possible, investing in our most critical asset – our youth.” Defense attorney post pones bail application CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Dennis Rafael Martinez- Ebanks, 25, appeared in Summary Court on Monday facing charges of wrongful confinement and assault causing actual bodily harm of a woman. Defense attorney John Furniss said the defendant had an interview with police Monday afternoon, so there was no point in making a bail application before that interview took place. Magistrate Valdis Foldats adjourned the matter until the next day, Feb. 27. Mr. Martinez-Ebanks is charged with unlawfully as- saulting the complainant on Feb. 10 at a George Town lo- cation. He is further charged with wrongfully confining her between Feb. 10 and Feb. 14. No details were aired in court, but Mr. Furniss did advise that he had instructions in the matter. He and the magistrate also discussed whether wrongful confinement was a charge that could be heard only in Grand Court. That discussion was expected to continue the following day. Until then, Mr. Mar- tinez-Ebanks was re- manded in custody. Two youth parliamentar- ians, Chauntae Martinez and Adrian Stewart, are repre- senting the Cayman Islands at the ninth Commonwealth Youth Parliament, which is currently taking place in Jersey, United Kingdom. Ms. Martinez, 19, and Mr. Stewart, 21, left for Jersey on board Cayman Airways on Saturday. The youth par- liament is taking place until Thursday, March 1. Ms. Martinez has partici- pated in the Cayman Islands Youth Parliament for three years and was the Speaker at last year’s event. She is now an associate degree student at the University College of the Cayman Islands. A medical student at St. Matthew’s University, Mr. Stewart headed the govern- ment bench as premier in the Cayman Youth Parlia- ment in 2014 and was part of the Cayman delegation at the 10th Regional Youth Parlia- mentary Debate in Barbados. They are joining more than 50 Commonwealth youth delegates, aged 18 to 29, at the youth parliament, which is hosted by the Com- monwealth Parliamentary Association and the States Assembly in Saint Helier. The week-long Common- wealth Youth Parliament pro- vides a key development op- portunity for young people from the Commonwealth with ambitions of public office and is designed to demonstrate to potential future young parlia- mentarians the fundamentals behind the processes of par- liament, according to a CPA press release. Throughout the week, cur- rent members of parliament from different jurisdictions act as mentors for the young parliamentarians. In a notable departure from previous years, this youth parliament, in rec- ognition of the non-party system in the States As- sembly in Jersey, will see youth participants acting as the government, opposition and independents sitting to- gether, allowing for the wider sharing of opinions and en- gagement in debates. Participants will experi- ence parliamentary life in a real-life situation in the leg- islative chamber and the pro- gram will include taking part in parliamentary procedures, debating legislation and mo- tions, and facing the press in a mock media conference, the release adds. Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamen- tary Association, Akbar Khan, who attended the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament, said, “With 60 per- cent of the Commonwealth’s population aged under 30, the Commonwealth Youth Parlia- ment is one of the key pro- grams organized by the CPA and responds to the needs of its young constituents. “The CPA recognizes that young people have a proven capability to lead change, and are a vital and valu- able investment for now and the future.” Mark Egan, greffier [as- sembly clerk] of the States Assembly, said he was de- lighted to welcome so many young people from across the Commonwealth to Jersey for this “exciting and unique” opportunity. “The Commonwealth Youth Parliament will allow young people to develop their leadership skills and experi- ence our historic parliament, as well as empower them to make a positive difference in shaping the future of their own communities,” he said. “With 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s population aged under 30, the Commonwealth Youth Parliament is one of the key programs organized by the CPA and responds to the needs of its young constituents.” AKBAR KHAN, secretary-general, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Students at Clifton Hunter High School learn photography. Students learn netball at YMCA Extended After-School Program. Adrian StewartChauntae Martinez3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 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. GEORGE TOWN Wednesday, 28 February Mary Miller Hall 6 p.m. EAST END Thursday, 1 March East End Civic Centre on John McLean Drive 6 p.m. GRAND CAYMAN Cayman working with UK on developing hazmat response KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Hazard Management Cayman Islands is devel- oping a plan for dealing with hazardous materials in the territory, the government an- nounced on Friday. The plan is being devel- oped with the help of the U.K. Foreign Commonwealth Of- fice, which paid for its disaster manager and four hazmat plan writers from the U.S. to come to Cayman for several days to consult with local of- ficials, said Hazard Manage- ment Awareness and Educa- tion Officer Simon Boxall. The consultants met with officials from the Department of Environmental Health, the Health Services Authority, the Customs Department and other government agen- cies. Mr. Boxall said an out- line draft was developed, and that the full hazmat response plan should be completed within “a few months.” Among other aspects of hazardous material manage- ment, the plan will address what resources and capa- bilities are in Cayman to re- spond to a hazmat incident. “With this knowledge, we can then identify where the resource gaps are,” ac- cording to a government an- nouncement. “We also need to clarify the roles and respon- sibilities; for example, where does the Department of En- vironmental Health, or the Fire Department or the Police Service or Hazard Manage- ment fit in to hazardous ma- terial preparedness and re- sponse activities?” Government stated that another issue that needs ad- dressing is that once haz- ardous materials are cleared through Cayman ports, there is limited ability to track such items. “This has the potential to pose a significant threat to the public and in particular to first responders if there is a spillage, fire, or other incident,” according to the statement. Danielle Coleman, Hazard Management’s deputy di- rector of preparedness and planning, said that devel- oping a plan to deal with hazmat issues is crucial for the safety of the territory. “In almost every home in the Cayman Islands, there are hazardous materials. Some are toxic, some are explosive, some flammable. Hazardous materials have become part of our everyday lives,” Ms. Coleman said. “When pro- duced, stored, transported and used properly, haz- ardous materials make our lives easier. When mishan- dled or when accidents occur, such materials can present a deadly threat to public health and safety. “To contain the conse- quences of a hazmat incident, Cayman must have plans and standard operating proce- dures in place that are main- tained and practiced regu- larly by all first responders who have [a] role to play in the response to an inci- dent. The detrimental conse- quences of not planning for these events are very high and could include fatalities, property damage and envi- ronmental contamination.” Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, right, and other government officials discuss issues surrounding the management of hazardous materials in the Cayman Islands. - PHOTO: KEN SILVA Gender equality speaker returns to Cayman Gender equality advo- cate Jackson Katz will re- turn to Grand Cayman in early March to continue talks on gender violence prevention, as part of Hon- ouring Women Month. Mr. Katz will hold a series of workshops on how profes- sionals in leadership roles can become influencers in im- proving gender equality and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and elsewhere. The Boston-area-based campaigner is co-facilitating four Gender Violence Preven- tion Leadership sessions with La Shonda Coleman, asso- ciate dean of student affairs at Pepperdine University. The interactive, three- hour workshops will in- clude breakout sessions, role play and other exercises. The workshops will be held at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort on Thursday, March 1, and Friday, March 2. The free sessions, in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, are for civil servant leaders, human re- sources professionals, social welfare workers and sports coaches, among others, who are interested in becoming proactive rather than being passive bystanders when gender violence and harass- ment is raised, according to a press release. In stating that most cases of gender violence are com- mitted by men, Mr. Katz ad- vises that gender inequality can no longer be brushed off as a “women’s issue.” “Men also need to step up, as influencers, when it comes to addressing sexual harass- ment,” he said in the press re- lease. “No one is suggesting that you physically take on an abuser. But it’s no longer enough to say I’m a good person, this has nothing to do with me. Men and women have to meet such behaviors head on and stop enabling by their silence.” He said the training gives men and women the latest tools to comfortably but un- compromisingly counter sexism among friends, team- mates, colleagues and co- workers, as well as to help them develop tools to provide stronger leadership on these critical issues. Mr. Katz is currently working on an Oscar awards campaign, called #AskHer- More, with the San Francisco- based Representation Project. March’s Honouring Women Month coincides with a greater awareness of gender harassment issues globally. The debate, fueled by celebrity pronouncements, is gaining momentum with calls for substantive action through the #MeToo, #Ask- MoreofHim and #AskHer- More campaigns. #AskMoreofHim is calling on television journalists and interviewers covering the Os- cars on March 4 to ask men in Hollywood what they plan to do to support women in the #MeToo movement, while urging them to use their plat- form to address men about the need for them to speak out about sexist abuse. To register for the 9 a.m. to noon, or the 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. sessions, call the Family Resource Centre at 949-0006. SIDEWALK CRASH VICTIM STILL CRITICAL, POLICE SAY The man struck by an out-of-control vehicle while walking along a George Town sidewalk Friday morning remained in crit- ical condition Monday after- noon, Royal Cayman Islands Police officers said. The victim was trans- ferred to Health City Cayman Islands over the weekend for further treatment. The crash happened along Smith Road, between Bobby Thompson Way and Anthony Drive, around 8:30 a.m. Friday. Police said a purple Honda Accord lost control, veered off the road and hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk. The Honda then hit a nearby home before coming to a stop. The driver was not hurt, but was taken to hospital for examination, police said.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. The Consumer Protection Bill, still in draft form, has already failed its first test – “truth in labeling.” One of the most-used tactics in the parliamentary playbook is to sugarcoat a poisonous piece of legis- lation by bestowing upon it a benign title. Who could possibly oppose a “Consumer Protection Bill?” An “Affordable Care Act?” Or a “Patriot Act?” Although this bill has been languishing for a decade without much advancement, it made its real “Broadway debut” this past Thursday at a meeting hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and attended by some of the most stellar and respected leaders in the business community. The reviews are now in. The bill bombed. Big time. And it deserved to … Thanks to the U.K., Cayman no longer has the death penalty, but that does not mean we cannot impose capital punishment on proposed legislation that would impose such harm and cost to our community. For starters, does anyone believe that this proposed law, conceived and promoted by the Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission, was the work product of a legal fraternity that suddenly developed such a big heart for the “little man” – the consumer – at which even the cardiac surgeons at Health City Cayman Islands would marvel? Gene Thompson, who developed Health City with Dr. Devi Shetty, is not “marveling.” Here’s what he said at the Chamber’s public meeting: “It’s clear to me that whoever drafted this has never run a business. It’s very anti-Caymanian and very anti-business. There’s the underlying assump- tion in this bill that every one of us is dishonest. We’re trying to fix a problem that does not exist.” Tim Adam, who runs the Turtle Centre and formerly ran Cable & Wireless, said this: “This is defi- nitely adding costs … and it’s definitely adding huge risks. It’s going to mean either unavailability of goods and services … or the suppliers are going to say that they are going to have to build into their pricing the protections that they need.” Woody Foster, managing director of Foster’s Food Fair IGA, while open to the concept of consumer pro- tection, said, “The consumer has to have something to go back to, but I don’t think it’s this bill.” For nearly a decade, the Law Reform Commis- sion, with ancillary support from some law firms, has been trying to get this turkey to fly. It will not, and it cannot, largely because it is weighted down with so much Byzantine legalese, imprecise language (“rea- sonable notice,” “good grounds,” “valid reason”) and frankly, dangerous dogma, most notably the creation of a new politically appointed five-member Consumer Affairs Commission that has the power to act as a court: It can levy fines of thousands of dollars on sup- pliers and citizens. Disobeying the commission can lead, with a court conviction, to penalties including more fines or even incarceration in Northward Prison for up to one year. Equally bad, if this draft bill becomes law, it will represent yet one more expansion of Cayman’s already bloated, budget-busting, and intrusive government regime. Government has already become too large to succeed. The Compass overflows daily with news stories and commentary of consumers decrying operational dys- function – no, not from the private sector but from the governmental sector: Inadequate education, corruption in the delivery of healthcare services, solid waste (mis) management, license tag pileups, immigration queues and snafus … need we go on? Can you imagine if this so-called Consumer Protec- tion Bill applied to all government agencies and depart- ments with a powerful commission created to fine or imprison government officials for failure to provide the services for which they are paid to perform? Informally yet effectively, Cayman’s free market is governed by a pair of counterbalancing provisos: “Caveat emptor” (Let the buyer beware) and “Caveat venditor” (Let the seller beware). If lawmakers even consider taking up this bill for consideration – even with the intent of amending it – we suggest voters keep in mind a third maxim: “Caveat legislator.” Consumer Protection: A turkey of a bill that will not fly TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS GOP tax reform was very unpopular. Not anymore. MARC A. THIESSEN WASHINGTON – When the Re- publican-controlled Congress first approved its tax bill in December, most Democrats believed it would be a polit- ical loser for the GOP. Indeed, a New York Times poll found that just 37 percent of Amer- icans approved of the plan. “To pass a bill of tax cuts and have it be so unpopular with the American people is an amazing achievement for the Republicans – it’s never been done before,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., crowed. He’s not crowing any more. In January support had risen to 46 percent, and tlast week it reached a 51 per- cent majority. Meanwhile, dis- approval has dropped from 57 percent in December to 45 percent today. Why the change? Because taxes are personal. The tax bill is com- plicated, and when it was passed, many Americans were confused about how it would affect them. A De- cember poll found only 17 per- cent believed they would pay less in taxes, while 32 percent thought they would pay more. In fact, about 80 percent of taxpayers will receive a tax cut this year averaging about $2,100, according to the non- partisan Tax Policy Center. More than 90 percent of tax- payers in the middle income quintile will receive a tax cut. It is taking time for voters to figure this out. In 2001, when President George W. Bush passed his across-the- board tax cuts, his message was simple: Every American who pays taxes will get a tax cut. But in 2017, Republicans overhauled more of the entire tax code. They cut tax rates and doubled the standard de- duction but also eliminated many traditional deductions for those who itemize. As a result, a lot of taxpayers did not know whether they would end up winners or losers. Now, more Americans are starting to discover that they are winners. Millions are starting to receive their Trump tax cuts as employers lower their tax withholdings, leaving more money in their paychecks. And the bill will become more popular as more people learn the good news. Even now, only one-third of Americans think they will see an income tax cut. Many voters are going to be pleas- antly surprised when they discover their taxes are being reduced thanks to President Trump and Republican law- makers. And that does not take into account the bonuses and raises many are receiving from their employers because of the corporate tax cuts – or the wage increases they will get from the economic growth that tax reform unleashes in the months and years ahead. When House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., dismissed these tax saving as “crumbs,” she came off as an elitist. A couple of thou- sand dollars a year may be crumbs to a San Francisco multimillionaire, but to most hard-working Americans that is real money. Indeed, Pelosi is getting slammed by her fellow Democrats for her out- of-touch response. The growing public sup- port for tax reform is espe- cially a problem for the five vulnerable Senate Demo- crats running for reelection in states Trump won by double digits. All will have a hard time explaining why they op- posed giving their constitu- ents a tax cut. The success is already bol- stering GOP candidates. In North Dakota, a state Trump won by 36 points, the suc- cess of the tax bill has drawn Democratic Sen. Heidi Heit- kamp a strong challenger in Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer. Just last month, Cramer had announced that he was not going to run. Why did he change his mind? The Post reports that one reason was Cramer’s belief that Heit- kamp’s vote against the tax bill was “fatal” for her. Expect to see a lot of other GOP challengers – and purple-state voters – come to the same conclusion. Follow Marc A. Thiessen on Twitter, @marcthiessen. © 2018, The Washington Post Writers Group LETTER TO THE EDITOR A marvelous start to a happy day One of our greatest joys in Grand Cayman was to meet Fabian O’Connor at the wharfside. Jim and I were looking puzzled when Fa- bian greeted us and directed us to nearby Café del Sol to enjoy coffee and the use of the free internet to contact friends who were at their home awaiting our arrival. I was able to get their phone number and Fabian made the call for us. He did this all with his characteristic joy and happiness. Fabian’s “Cayman Smile” and friendliness was a mar- vellous start to a very happy day as our friends toured us around your beautiful island. The weather, the beaches, the history, the food and mostly the friendliness we experi- enced there will be one of our happiest cruise memories. Incidentally, we later met Satan at Hell. Imagine meeting St. Fabian and the devil in one very full, un- forgettable day! Margaret and Jim Steel Calgary, Alberta 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”5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2018 The Project A PROGRAMME TO ACHIEVE YOUR BEST BODY CONTACT: naz@caymansports.net 329 0610 TRAIN WITH AN EXPERT LEARN MY WAYS AND GET RESULTS BURN THE BELLY FAT SCULPT AN IMPRESSIVE PHYSIQUE 6 WEEK WEIGHT LOSS PLANS AND MORE Chamber brings back Golden Apple Awards MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce is reinstituting a pro- gram to recognize the best teachers in both public and private schools. The Golden Apple Awards, which were given out starting in 2007, went dormant after 2013. This year, as part of the cham- ber’s three-year advocacy program, the awards will again be given out in May. “I’m not sure why it was dropped,” said Chamber president Paul Byles. “We want to make sure these people in education are ad- equately recognized.” The awards will be given out to the top pri- mary and high school teachers in both the pri- vate and public schools. A single award will be given to the best principal, either public or private. Mr. Byles said the awards are part of a multi- pronged push by the Chamber to “bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.” The Chamber, he said, has always involved itself in promoting education, but “for the next three years, I guess you could say we’re ramping it up.” Over that period, he said, the Chamber will be working to make students more aware of the vocational and technical trade opportu- nities available in Cayman. It will also be trying to open more avenues for students to pursue such careers. “We’ve started doing some videos of those ca- reers,” Mr. Byles said. “We’re trying to encourage students to look at other careers, not just banking. They can be- come young entrepreneurs.” Chamber members, he said, plan to visit schools and speak to students about the variety of careers open to them. In addition, it plans to broaden its summer pro- grams, offering jobs in var- ious work sectors. “The Chamber has such a diverse set of opportuni- ties for the summer,” Mr. Byles said. “We have ev- erything from carpentry to an attorney.” He said the Chamber un- derstands the need for stu- dents to have a good educa- tional foundation. “We are also focusing on numeracy and literacy in our schools,” he said. “We’re currently just doing our re- search on that to find out what we can do in that area.” Bringing back the Golden Apple Awards, he said, seemed like a natural component of the three- year effort. “We think it’s timely now,” he said. The deadline for nomi- nations is March 23. Nom- inees must be full-time educators or principals cur- rently working in a public or private school. Forms are available at all schools and at the Chamber’s offices in Governors Square from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. They are also online at www.caymanchamber.ky. Businesses or organizations interested in helping to support can call 743-9129 or email membership@ caymanchamber.ky for information. The awards will be given out to the top primary and high school teachers in both the private and public schools. A single award will be given to the best principal, either public or private. Paul Byles, president, Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Meals on Wheels gets boost from Taste of Cayman The sale of raffle tickets at the annual Taste of Cayman festival earlier this month raised nearly $10,500 for Meals on Wheels and the Cayman Is- lands Tourism Association. Some 2,000 raffle tickets were sold, according to organizers. “We’re pleased the Taste of Cayman raffle was such a success this year,” said Tif- fany Dixon-Ebanks, execu- tive director of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, which hosts the food festival. “Thanks to our chosen charity Meals on Wheels and their amazing volunteers for not only helping promote this year’s raffle and selling tickets, but for the tireless work they do each and every day, pro- viding free, hot and nutritious meals to those in need all over Cayman,” she added. Ash McKnight, event committee and CITA board member, said in a press re- lease, “As we celebrated Taste of Cayman’s 30th year, we felt it fitting to partner with a charity which is food focused, and Meals on Wheels also does an incredible job of re- ducing loneliness and bringing the community together.” Erin Bodden, Meals on Wheels general manager, noted that with the funds raised from the Taste of Cayman raffle, the charity will be able to provide more than 1,000 meals to those in need. Gail Bell won the raf- fle’s grand prize of a trip to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami, in- cluding round trip flights on Cayman Airways and hotel accommodation. “There were so many won- derful items up for grabs in this year’s raffle, from stay- cations and spa vouchers to gift certificates for some of Cayman’s best restaurants,” Ms. Dixon-Ebanks said. “We are very grateful to our CITA members who donated these amazing prizes and trust all winners will be excited with their gifts.” SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD MEET SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK The 2018 Inter-Sec- ondary Track and Field Meet will be held at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Thursday and Friday this week. The annual event features participants from nearly every secondary school in the Cayman Islands, ac- cording to organizers. For the first time, non- competing students will also be in attendance and get an opportunity to cheer on their school’s athletes. The event will feature track and field events, as well as a cheer- leading competition. “It brings me joy to have secondary students across our Islands engaged in healthy and friendly com- petition,” said sports min- ister Juliana O’Connor-Con- nolly in a press release. “It will be great for the ath- letes to also have the sup- port of their peers as they represent their respective schools. Sports are a great unifier and I am certain it will be an opportunity to showcase the talent of Cayman’s youth.” The Ministry of Educa- tion, the Department of Ed- ucation Services and the Department of Sports are hosting the event. The athletes will be di- vided into five age groups – 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under, 18 and under, and 18+. Events will include: 100- 3,000 meter races, hurdles, relays, shot, discus, javelin, high jump and long jump. Every event will have a male and female winner. The government and pri- vate schools participating will be Cayman Islands Further Education Centre, Clifton Hunter, John Gray, Layman E. Scott, UCCI Dual-Enrollment, Cayman International School, Cayman Academy, Cayman Prep and High School, Grace Christian Academy, St. Ignatius, Triple C and Wesleyan Academy. Organizers advise that since it is a secondary school event and a reg- ular school day for pri- mary schools, no primary school children will be al- lowed to attend the event. Parents and guardians are welcome and highly encour- aged to attend the meet, which will run from 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. on Friday. In order to ob- tain entry into the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, adults must obtain a pass from their students’ school. Gail Bell, who won the grand prize in the Taste of Cayman raffle, center, receives her prize from Ash McKnight, CITA board member, and Erin Bodden, general manager of Meals on Wheels.The 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 27, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY, FEB. 27 POLICE MEETING: The RCIPS will hold a community meeting in Bodden Town 6-8 p.m. at the Bodden Town Civic Centre, next to the Bodden Town Police Station. The meeting is intended for all three Eastern Districts, and residents of East End and North Side are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28 GEORGE TOWN MEETING: The Ministry and Department 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 TRACK AND FIELD: Twelve high schools will be competing in the Inter- Secondary Track & Field Meet at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex today and tomorrow. All are invited. HONORING WOMEN MONTH: Today and tomorrow. Four separate, free, three-hour- long Gender Violence Prevention leadership training sessions by leading gender rights advocate Dr. Jackson Katz, Ph.D. at the Marriott Hotel, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Daily registration is required before event. Call the Family Resource Centre on 949-0006 or email frc@gov.ky. 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 IMMIGRATION HOURS: Today the Department of Immigration’s public counters, Visa Office, Enforcement Section, as well as the Passport and Corporate Services front offices will open for service to the public at 10 a.m. in order to facilitate a staff meeting. All other sections will operate as normal. CIIPA AGM: The Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants will be holding its annual general meeting at the Galleon Ballroom, Westin, Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach at 4:30 p.m. to be followed immediately by a members event. All members are encouraged to attend. 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 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Enjoy Canvas and Mocktails at Art Nest, 7:30-9 p.m., $38 incl. refreshments. 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, 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 of 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 CDS AGM: The Cayman Drama Society will be holding its annual general meeting at the Prospect Playhouse at 7 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend. 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 Department 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. SUNDAY, MAR. 25 HONOURING WOMEN MONTH: Church service, John Gray Memorial Church, West Bay, 10 a.m. All are invited. FRIDAY, MAR. 30 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. GENERAL INTEREST SOLAR IMAGING: An exhibition of digital solar imaging in Cayman by the late Dr. Bill Hrudey. National Gallery, Esterley Tibbetts Highway. 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. 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. 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. 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. OPEN CANVAS: Every Wednesday. Visual Arts Society supports this event at KARoo Restaurant located in Camana Bay. 7-11 p.m. No fee. Easels provided for artist of all levels to come out and enjoy painting and socializing with other artists. Email info@visualartcayman.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. 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 ADACI’s office, 4th floor Cardinall Plaza, 30 Cardinall Ave., GT. All are invited to attend. Call 924-4170 or email info@adacyman.com. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. Lobster season ends on Wednesday, Feb. 28.7 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2018 Cayman Drama Society PROSPECT PLAYHOUSE, RED BAY “Barefoot in the Park” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. PURCHASE TICKETS: Visit www.cds.ky Call Box Office 938-1998 www.cds.ky www.facebook.com/caydrama Dates March 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 Happy Hour 6:30 pm Showtime 7:30 pm Tickets Adults $25 Students $15 186614_HR-Ad-Compass-2colx12-BW.Page 1 2/15/18 2:26:04 PM Upgrades slated for government facility The Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services is getting an upgrade. Joey Hew, Cayman’s min- ister of commerce, led a min- istry staff delegation to the North Sound Road facility on Friday, Feb. 16, for a ground- breaking on several up- coming renovations. The DVES, which serves as the main auto repair and fuel dispensing facility for more than 1,000 government vehi- cles, will upgrade its admin- istration building in phase one, and phase two will see overhauls to the vehicle re- pairing bays, parking lot and the government fuel facility. The facility, which is 40 years old, will have an ap- proved total budget of $6.6 million. Minister Hew said that the upgrades have been “a long time coming.” “If we are to be consid- ered a first-class financial center, a first-class tourism destination, a first-class civil service, then we must provide our people with the tools and the facilities to be just that – first class,” he said as part of an official press release. “I am therefore very pleased that this groundbreaking signals the start of posi- tive change that will provide a modern, comfortable and safer working environment that will allow the DVES staff to service their clients more efficiently and effectively.” The facility upgrades will alleviate the current conges- tion of the parking lot, and the stores unit will get a modern- ization that will take it away from its present cramped and hazardous state. The govern- ment fuel facility will receive new equipment consisting of new tanks and pumps. Richard Simms, director of the DVES, said that phase one of the redevelopment will in- clude a two-story administra- tion building that will take up 8,732 square feet. The building is expected to cost $2,924,566. Work began on it on Jan. 15 and is expected to be com- pleted by April of next year. The construction con- tractors are the local Edgewater Group. Niasha Brady, senior project manager from the Public Works department, stated the building will be rated category 4 for hurri- canes and will consist of of- fice spaces, a conference room, reception and storage areas. Commerce Minister Joey Hew, sixth from left, breaks ground on the new upgrades alongside government officials and representatives from the local contractor Edgewater Group, Public Works Department and the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services. Charities urged to register by July deadline The government is urging non-profit organizations to file their registration applica- tions by June 15 in an effort to minimize issues caused by missing the deadline. Applicants must file by July 31, and officials say that applying by June 15 will allow applicants to be processed in time. A $300 registration fee will be waived for organiza- tions that apply by June 15. Applications can be com- pleted and filed via the Cayman Business Portal, which is a system set up by the General Registry to allow online registry for local busi- nesses. The development of the portal allows entities to conduct business with the registry from any loca- tion at any time. The registration of non- profits is required following the passage of the Non-Profit Organisations Law in 2016. There is an existing reg- istry of non-profit organi- zations, which is publicly available for people to iden- tify registered charitable en- deavors. The legal requirement for registration of non-profit organizations aligns Cayman with global regulatory stan- dards that recognize that charities can be used for fi- nancial crimes, the govern- ment press release states. For companies that are currently registered under section 80 of The Compa- nies Law and meet the defi- nition of non-profit organiza- tion, they must re-register by July 31. If they don’t, they will be stricken from the Compa- nies Register and their assets would be vested in the Crown, as per The Companies Law. Charities that do not reg- ister and continue to operate as a non-profit organization after the July 31 deadline will face stiff financial penal- ties. There will be a $500 pen- alty for non-compliance, plus $10 for every day beyond Aug. 1 that they fail to apply for registration, with a max- imum fee capped at $2,500. Additional criminal sanc- tions may apply to enti- ties continuing to operate past the deadline without registering. Organizations are deemed to be non-profit “if they are a company or body of people, whether incorporated or un- incorporated, or a trust, that is established, or which iden- tifies itself, as established pri- marily for the promotion of charitable, philanthropic, re- ligious, cultural, educational, social or fraternal objectives, or other activities or pro- grams for the public benefit or a section of the public within the Islands or elsewhere; and which solicits contributions from the public or a section of the public within the Islands or elsewhere.” Paul Inniss, head of com- pliance at the General Reg- istry, can be contacted for more information on non- profit organizations. Man fined $5,000 for ganja possession CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man who admitted pos- session of 9.2 pounds of ganja was fined $5,000 last week and given a suspended sen- tence supervision order so he can get counseling for his drug use. Gregory Bent, 34, admitted ownership of 8.1 pounds of ganja at his home in Savannah on May 22, 2017. He also ad- mitted possession of 1.1 pounds found in his car at his workplace that same day. Mr. Bent’s wife and sister had also been charged with the ganja found at the home, where they all resided. Defense attorney Jonathon Hughes said Mr. Bent agreed that storing ganja at the premises was an error in judgment. After police found quantities of the drug in the house and yard, the two women were arrested and kept in custody overnight. They were brought back to court on numerous occasions. “He put them through a lot and they haven’t recovered since,” Mr. Hughes told Magis- trate Valdis Foldats. In passing sentence, the magistrate said he considered Mr. Bent’s early acceptance of responsibility. By doing so, he had spared his wife and sister from having to go through the trial process. He entered his plea on Sept. 20, at which time the Crown did not proceed against the women. Before then, they had been required to have a surety and report regularly to a police station. The magistrate noted that Mr. Bent’s wife had stood by him, even though it had not been easy for her to be “dragged through the system.” He also accepted other points Mr. Hughes made in mitigation. The defendant did not see himself as a drug dealer, but he accepted he supplied to friends. “It wasn’t selling to strangers or on the street,” he said. Mr. Hughes advised that his client had residency with the right to work, having lived in Cayman for 12 years. He had had a difficult childhood and ganja was a coping mech- anism for him. When he was 9, he witnessed his older brother being killed. Further, Mr. Bent’s parents did not register his birth with authorities, so later on he lost opportunities for further education. Nevertheless, he built up his life and became proficient in a technical field. His em- ployer described Mr. Bent as one of his most experienced workers. He was trusted, hard- working and had a positive at- titude, the man said. One of the people who wrote a character reference for him said Mr. Bent had been “torn apart” when his family members were arrested. The magistrate said Cayman has a problem with ganja. “The casualness with which it is looked upon is frightening. Ganja is hurting people, tearing apart families and yet is regarded as a reg- ular smoke,” he commented. He said the court had a duty to send a very strong message that drugs are not tolerated. Any intent to supply, even if it is not on a large com- mercial basis, is still supply, he pointed out. The magistrate acknowl- edged that he had struggled over sentencing Mr. Bent be- cause the normal penalty would be imprisonment. He determined that a suspended sentence supervision order could provide Mr. Bent with the intervention he needed, while a fine of $5,000 would make up for not going to jail. He imposed a sentence of 12 months, suspended for two years. He allowed time to pay the $5,000 fine, plus another $500 for consuming ganja, which Mr. Bent also pleaded to.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Hand, foot and mouth disease continuing to spread locally The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority is increasing its efforts to con- trol an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease that has surfaced in recent weeks. Tim McLaughlin-Munroe, an epidemiologist with the Public Health Department, said there have been 60 re- ported cases of the disease this year, the highest number in 10 years. Figures for the last three years ranged from four to 25 cases in the same time period. Mr. McLaughlin-Munroe said the current rise in cases does not seem to have peaked yet. “The numbers seem to be going up,” he said. The highly contagious viral disease is most common in children under 10, although older children and adults can get the disease. Typical symp- toms are a fever and a rash or sores in the mouth and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. A number of preschools on the island have reported cases of the disease in the past few weeks. On Friday, Feb. 23, the Health Services Authority’s pediatric unit, along with the Public Health Department and laboratory workers held an informational session at the Cayman Islands Hospital. They discussed a coordinated approach for containing the current outbreak. The timing of the outbreak is abnormal, Dr. Earl Rob- inson, head of pediatrics for the Health Services Authority, said in a news release. “The infection most often occurs in the summer and fall months, so it is a bit un- usual that we are seeing this outbreak in the winter time,” Mr. Robinson said. “The virus is very contagious, which is why it is very important that people take the necessary precautions and consistently use hygienic measures to re- duce the risk of contracting and transmitting diseases.” There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease, and no spe- cific treatment for the ill- ness. Treatment is mainly supportive. Outbreaks of the disease may occur particu- larly in child care settings and preschools. Parents whose children are infected are asked to keep them at home to reduce fur- ther spread of the virus. Chil- dren may return to school after blisters have dried up and there are no new blisters, and if there has been no fever for at least 24 hours. Health Services Au- thority officials said they are working closely with schools to help contain the spread of the virus. For further information, contact the Public Health De- partment on 244-2621. The disease Hand, foot and mouth dis- ease is a viral infection that causes a blister-like rash in- volving the hands, feet and mouth. The infection occurs most commonly in children under 10 years of age and most often in the summer and fall months in temperate countries, and the rainy season in tropical countries. Outbreaks may occur in child care settings and preschools. Symptoms The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease in- clude a low-grade fever that may last one to two days, runny nose and/or sore throat. A blister-like rash occurs in the mouth, on the sides of the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the palate and on the gums. These sores may last seven to 10 days. A blister-like rash may also occur on the palms and fingers of the hands and on the soles of the feet. Spread The virus is shed in the stool of an infected person and is also present in drop- lets that are expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person during sneezing, drooling and coughing. A person be- comes infected through di- rect contact with the skin lesions or stool, or touching contaminated objects such as toys. It usually takes three to seven days after exposure for symptoms to begin. The virus may be shed for several weeks in stool. In- fected individuals who may not seem sick are able to spread the virus. Prevention Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm run- ning water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, after handling anything soiled with stool, and after contact with se- cretions from the nose or mouth. Thorough hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of in- fectious diseases. Parents/ guardians and child care staff should closely monitor hand washing of all chil- dren after children have used the bathroom or have been diapered. Clean and disinfect diaper areas and potty chairs after each use, and bathroom toi- lets, sinks, and toys at least daily and when soiled. Cover nose and mouth with tissue when coughing and sneezing, or cough/ sneeze into sleeve. Dispose of used tissues. calls, and that is not the pri- mary responsibility of the com- munity or neighborhood po- licemen. Rather, the specially assigned officers will work to develop good “inside knowl- edge” of what’s happening in a particular area; street-by-street, during the two years they are to be stationed there. “They are embedded within that community,” Supt. Graham said. “There’s a real commitment … to make sure those officers are maintained within those beats, and they’re not abstracted to other work.” Community officers will work different shifts, one from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and an- other from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The shifts will vary depending on what the demands are for each area on a given day, Mr. Graham said. A number of problems that will arise involve “neighbor- hood nuisances,” such as der- elict cars or properties, traffic issues or loitering around li- quor licensed establishments. Mr. Graham said these will require a collaborative effort between not just RCIPS and local residents, but other gov- ernment agencies as well. “We’re looking to problem- solve,” he said. “It may not happen overnight, but we’re looking to have a good under- standing of what the prob- lems are in the communities.” Inspector Myles said the community policing effort has already had an impact in some areas, such as in George Town’s “Swamp” neighbor- hood, where the police officers recently did a walk-through one evening. “The public was behind us there 110 percent,” Mr. Myles said. “We want them to be able to trust us. I can say right now, that trust is going up on a daily basis.” Commissioner’s orders RCIPS Commissioner Derek Byrne announced shortly after taking up the post in late 2016 that it is typical in po- lice forces to dedicate about 10 percent of available officers to community policing initiatives. With 26 officers assigned to it now, the RCIPS is not yes close to that 10 per- cent figure, but it is a signifi- cant investment in neighbor- hood policing. “We know the concept of [community policing],” Mr. Byrne said in November 2016. “We need to build capacity around that. We need to be embedded in communities … seeing neighborhood officers, speaking to schoolchildren, talking to people.” In past years, the RCIPS neighborhood policing unit was slowly dismantled as daily calls for police service took priority. Yet, Mr. Byrne said, the kind of relationship building the police need when serious crimes occur, is fos- tered mainly through commu- nity police activities. “We have to get to a stage where people can speak to us in a confidential way, and that’s something I’ll be working on,” the com- missioner said. Cayman Islands government’s Internal Audit Service was looking into “irregularities” in overtime payments made to security officers working at the Health Services Authority. The audit review has come amid the suspension of a number of the HSA’s security officers. A statement released by the public hospital’s board of managers read: “In dis- cussion with the board and in accordance with the orga- nization’s fraud and corrup- tion prevention policy, [senior staff] requested an audit of the security department from the HSA’s Internal Auditor who is currently on second- ment to the government In- ternal Audit unit. “This review is currently under way and we await a formal report.” Security staff members, numbering about a dozen, were informed via letters last week of the internal audit re- view. According to the notice that was sent to those security officers: “In order to facilitate an investigation into irregular- ities in the security section, it has been decided that it would be in the best interest of the Health Services Authority to place you on required leave ef- fective immediately. You will remain in that status for 30 days or until the investigation is completed.” “Required leave” is sus- pension with pay. The hospital security of- ficers have been replaced for the time being with em- ployees from a private se- curity company. In one delinquency case that came before the court last week, Summary Court Magistrate Angelyn Her- nandez said the reality was that people had been waiting 10 years for their money. The matter referenced was repeatedly adjourned and, she said, it continued as a situation in which, “Maybe they [the employers/defen- dants] will pay and maybe they won’t pay, it’s making a mockery of the system.” Non-payment of health- care premiums is less wide- spread. Health Insurance Commissioner Mervyn Conolly said in 2016 that more than 90 percent of the islands’ residents had healthcare coverage in some form. However, there are some residents who do not have coverage, which pushes them back onto the public sector “safety net” if they have no other options. The situation has not im- proved Cayman’s overall out- look for healthcare liability. The government estimates, as of 2017, there is a 20-year present value liability of $1.7 billion for healthcare pre- miums just for retired civil servants, their dependents and uninsured individuals. Other changes The government seeks to make additional changes to the Trade and Busi- ness Licensing Law that would exempt Caymanians from some of its current requirements. For instance, a current copy of a utility bill would no longer be required of a Caymanian applicant for licensing, if the amend- ment bill passes. Also, po- lice clearance certificates for Caymanian applicants would only be required in the licensing applica- tion process for a “license in a sector for which the board determines that a police clearance certificate is required.” Those business sec- tors that might require a police clearance are not stated in the amendment bill. To make things easier, business license appli- cants can permit the Trade and Licensing Board to re- ceive information directly from the agency on be- half of the applicant. So if someone needs to apply for a police clearance, they can allow the board to receive that information directly from the police. Subtle legal change pushes for pension, healthcare compliance CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Corruption cops notified of HSA overtime probe The Legislative Assembly is due to meet in mid- March to resolve the legislation. RCIPS launches community policing plan RCIPS COMMUNITY POLICING SUPERVISORS Inspector Courtney Myles; Courtney.Myles@rcips.ky cell: 916-3545. Sgt. Davis Scott – East End/North Side; Davis.Scott@rcips.ky. Sgt. Cornelius Pompey – Bodden Town; Cornelius.Pompey@rcips.ky. Sgt. Kevin Bogle – George Town; Kevin.Bogle@rcips.ky. Sgt. Leslie Laing-Hall – West Bay; Leslie.Laing-Hall@rcips.ky. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The police confirmed Friday that RCIPS officers were not looking into the security guard payments. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2018 Another company cuts ties with NRA Hearing aid maker Starkey Hearing Technologies is joining other companies to cut ties with the National Rifle Association after the latest school massacre. Nearly 20 companies, including Metlife, Hertz, Best Western, United Airlines and Delta have ended NRA partnerships since the shooting. To our precious Angel Shenni Vanessa Pamela Dacosta February 27, 1978 -November 19, 2014 Today is full of memories of happiness and tears, Of birthday celebrations we have shared throughout the years. You are always in our hearts no matter where we go, Always in our hearts because we love you so. However long our lives last whatever land we view, Whatever joy or griefs is ours we will remember you. To some you are forgotten to others part of the past, But to us who dearly loved you the memories will always last. We feel you are with us in everything we do; So we will celebrate your birthday But we will spend it missing you. Dearest Shen, today would have been your 40th Birthday here on earth, but its your 4th birthday in Heaven. We love you and miss you so very much. Your broken-hearted parents Marlene and Ashton Bodden and all your family. Trump: Turn the nation’s grief into action on gun violence WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump told the na- tion’s governors on Monday that the country will “turn our grief into action” following the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school, confer- ring with state leaders ahead of a push in Congress to re- spond to the latest carnage. “We have to have action,” Trump declared. Addressing the governors in the State Dining Room, Trump again found fault with the officers who did not stop the Florida gunman who carried out the massacre, saying they “weren’t exactly Medal of Honor winners.” The president suggested that if he or the governors had been in that position, they would have acted. “I really believe I’d run in there even if I didn’t have a weapon and I think most of the people in this room would have done that too,” Trump said. Under pressure to act to stem gun violence on school grounds, Trump solicited input from the state chief execu- tives during meetings Monday at the White House. The gov- ernors are in Washington for their annual winter meeting. “Our nation is heart- broken. We continue to mourn the loss of so many precious and innocent young lives,” Trump said during a meeting with 39 governors. “But we’ll turn our grief into action. We have to have action.” Seventeen students and teachers were killed in a Val- entine’s Day shooting at Mar- jory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, sparking a public outcry for new gun-control measures as well as action to improve school safety. The president pointed to a number of ideas that he has floated since the shooting, including improving back- ground checks for gun pur- chases, arming educators and re-opening mental institu- tions. He has also suggested raising the minimum age for the purchase of assault-style weapons along with paying teachers bonuses for car- rying concealed weapons as a way of warding off poten- tial shooters. Trump said he had lunch during the weekend with key leaders of the National Rifle Association, including Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox, and said the NRA officials “want to do something” to ad- dress the issue. Trump said there is “no bigger fan of the Second Amendment than me,” but there’s a need to boost back- ground checks and ensure that a “sicko” is unable to get a gun. “Don’t worry about the NRA,” Trump said. “They’re on our side.” Trump’s session with the governors was the latest in which he solicits ideas for stopping gun violence at schools as the White House works to finalize a legislative proposal. Trump spent sev- eral days last week hearing emotional pleas from parents and students, including some who survived the Parkland shooting, and others who suf- fered through school shoot- ings in Connecticut and Col- orado. He also solicited input from state and local officials. Trump’s daughter and se- nior adviser, Ivanka Trump, expressed uncertainty when asked whether arming teachers would make children safer. “To be honest, I don’t know,” the mother of three said in an interview with NBC News from South Korea, where she attended the closing ceremo- nies of the Winter Olympics. “Obviously, there would have to be an incredibly high stan- dard for who would be able to bear arms in our school. But I think there is no one solution for creating safety.” The NRA, which backed Trump for president, op- poses increasing the min- imum age for assault-style weapons purchases but fa- vors arming teachers. “I think we’re going to have a great bill put forward very soon having to do with background checks, having to do with getting rid of cer- tain things and keeping other things, and perhaps we’ll do something on age, because it doesn’t seem to make sense that you have to wait until you are 21 years old to get a pistol, but to get a gun like this maniac used in the school, you get that at 18,” Trump said during a late Saturday telephone inter- view with Fox News Channel. “That doesn’t make sense.” 5 DEAD AFTER EXPLOSION IN ENGLAND LONDON (AP) — Five people have died of injuries from an explosion that caused the col- lapse of a building in the cen- tral England city of Leicester, police said Monday. A search and rescue op- eration continued for other victims of the Sunday night explosion that injured five more people, officials said. Leicestershire Police Su- perintendent Shane O’Neill said the building where the explosion happened con- sisted of a shop and a two- story apartment above it. The building collapsed after the explosion and was engulfed in flames. Po- lice declared a major inci- dent and evacuated neigh- bors. The cause has not yet been established. Police said they did not think terrorism was involved. Matt Cane from Leices- tershire Fire and Rescue Service said there were still “pockets of fire” in the base- ment of the building Monday. “We have a significant number of specialist search and rescue teams who are supported by two search dogs,” Cane said. Rome blanketed by snow as Arctic storm sets records ROME (AP) – The Arctic storm dubbed the “Beast from the East” set record temperatures across much of Europe on Monday and brought a rare snowstorm to Rome, paralyzing the city and giving its residents an unusual chance to ski, sled and build snowmen in its fa- mous parks and piazzas. Rome’s train, plane and bus services were crippled and Italy’s civil protection agency even mobilized the army to help clear slush-cov- ered streets as a city used to mild winters was covered by a thick blanket of snow. “Beautiful, beautiful!” marveled Roman resident Ginevra Sciurpa, who donned a fur hat and thick scarf to brave the unusual cold. “Even though I’m not a child any- more, the enthusiasm for the snow is still the same. It is al- ways beautiful, and above all I didn’t have to go to work.” Elsewhere, the storm set dangerously low tempera- tures: Meteorologists in Ger- many reported a record low for this winter of -16.6 F on the Zugspitze mountain in the Alps. Moscow, as well, re- corded its coldest night this winter, with the mercury dipping to nearly -4 F on Sunday night. Doctors in Britain warned that the already-stretched National Health Service may have trouble coping with extra patients affected by what meteorologists are fore- casting will be days of cold and high winds. The intense winter weather has been dubbed “The Beast from the East” by British tabloids, citing Si- beria as the source of the frigid temperatures. In Croatia, about 1,000 soldiers joined in the clearing operations in the worst-af- fected areas, where over some 5 feet were reported. Rome saw just a few inches but it was enough to close schools. Parks that usually stay green through winter were blanketed with snow, giving eager Romans a rare opportunity to go sled- ding, snow-shoeing or skiing. Even the Circo Massimo be- came a hot spot for snowball fights, while Piazza Navona, with its famed Bernini foun- tains, turned into a snow- dusted winter wonderland. Rome’s Mediterranean cli- mate and proximity to the sea usually result in mild win- ters, such that restaurants often keep outdoor seating open, albeit with space heaters, even through the coldest months of the year. A man stands in front of the ancient Colosseum, blanketed by snow in Rome, Monday. - PHOTO: APNext >