ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 High of 86 Low of 73 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 CIS EXPANSION: AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE LOCAL | PAGE 8 PREMIER TO REPRESENT OVERSEAS TERRITORIES AT COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT Lifestyle Protection From happy beginnings to happy ever after. BritCay has been protecting home owners since 1984 with the best insurance cover at the best possible price. BRITISH CAYMANIAN INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, George Town, P.O. Box 74, KY1-1102 Tel. 949-8699 www.britcay.ky A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. : insurance, health, pensions, life cgigrp Call 949-8699 www.britcay.ky BVI still reeling from hurricane season Irma’s damage proving to be worse than Ivan’s KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Having moved to the Cayman Islands in May 2005, British Virgin Islands resident Joyce Ti- tley was able to experience first- hand the recovery efforts after Hurricane Ivan. Nearly 13 years after Ivan, the BVI is struggling to bounce back from its own devastating storm, Hurricane Irma. According to Ms. Titley and others, condi- tions in Cayman eight months post Ivan were much better than those currently in the BVI, as the latter British Overseas Ter- ritory approaches its own eight- month anniversary. With power and many other essential services having been restored, the basic living condi- tions in the BVI have improved markedly since last September – so much so that the BVI govern- ment required all the evacuees who had been staying in Cayman to return there by March 31. However, the territory con- tinues to grapple with a number of daunting issues, including housing shortages, a sluggish economy, and a local popula- tion divided over whether they should accept increased over- sight from the United Kingdom in exchange for financial aid. SOL RESPONDS TO CRITICAL REPORT JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Sol Petroleum says it will work with fuels regulators to maintain a safe environment at the Jackson Point terminal, following an in- vestigation report highlighting its culpability in a potentially catastrophic fire. A four-month investigation by OfReg blamed the fire at the fuel depot in July on welding work carried out by Sol’s contractor on a tank filled with more than 500,000 gal- lons of diesel. Hot works on an in-service tank are not ex- plicitly outlawed by Cayman’s Dangerous Sub- stances Law, but the report found that Sol and its contractor failed to follow proper safety protocols, failed to station a “fire watch” su- pervisor on the job at all times and ignored a safety alarm during the work. The report also indicated the state of the tank and the scope of the work meant that in this case, the tank should have been taken out of service and emptied before the welding was carried out. Sol did not directly address those specifics in a press statement Wednesday, making a general commitment to the safety of the com- munity, its employees and contractors. It said, “As we progress with our review of the incident report, we reassure the commu- nity that Sol is committed to working with OfReg to maintain an environment where safety is at the forefront of all our activities.” The statement highlights Sol’s previously exemplary safety record, pointing out that it had not experienced a lost-time injury to any employee in 58 years in Grand Cayman. “Sol reaffirms its pledge to ensure safe working practices and values are maintained Final count: 57 percent of residence applications approved BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com It has taken the Cayman Islands govern- ment just over nine months to plow through a backlog of 1,200 applications for perma- nent residence filed by non-Caymanians. The final tally of those applications shows 708 people were allowed to remain in Cayman for the rest of their lives. A fur- ther 528 were refused their initial requests for that status. A number of those applicants have since appealed the denials. Although immigration officials got through the residency backlog within a year, many of the applications being considered during the process had been delayed for two to three years when a decision was made to stop hearing the cases amid legal concerns about how government was scoring them. The delay began sometime in late 2014 or early 2015 and lasted until several ap- plicants started filing court challenges in early 2017. Two of the applicants who filed for judi- cial review over the delays, Mark Edmunds and Derek Larner, were awarded residency in May 2017. Following those awards, the Cay- manian Status and Permanent Residency Construction in the BVI continued through Easter weekend. - PHOTO: KEN SILVA PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » A welcome mat for wheelchair users Volunteers wheel 72-year-old stroke victim Bronson Ebanks into the sea at Seven Mile Beach Saturday at a trial installation of a ‘Mobi-Mat,’ which will make the beach more accessible for wheelchair users. The removable heavy-duty rubber and plastic mat is expected to become a permanent fixture at the beach from next month. For more on this story, see page 5. - PHOTO: DAVID GODDARD PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL THURSDAY APRIL 12, 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. - THURSDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) PHANTOM THREAD (R) 12:45 I 3:40 I 6:40 I 9:40 BLACK PANTHER (PG13) 12:55 I 3:55 I 6:50 I 9:50 PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING 3D (PG13) 1:00 I 4:10 2D VIP I 7:00 2D I 10:00 2D READY PLAYER ONE 3D (PG13) 1:00 2D VIP I 3:50 2D I 6:45 2D VIP 9:35 I 9:50 2D VIP PETER RABBIT (PG) 12:20 I 2:40 I 5:00 I 7:20 ACRIMONY (R) 1:40 I 4:25 I 7:10 I 9:55 Security council backs creation of Cayman coast guard service BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman’s National Se- curity Council agreed on a number of measures Tuesday to boost border protection and marine patrols. Council members for- mally supported a proposal by Premier Alden McLaughlin to create and recruit for a Cayman Islands coast guard, operated separately from any other law enforcement agency. The coast guard, as pro- posed, would be directed by a Caymanian officer at “chief superintendent level” who re- ports to the police commis- sioner. The council also agreed to provide a “ring-fenced” budget for the new agency, to ensure its funding is not raided for other police and law enforcement services. The council also agreed to create a task force between the Royal Cayman Islands Police and the Immigration Department, targeting il- legal immigration. A new Border Protection Service, including officers from HM Customs and the Immigration Department, will be chiefly tasked with external security, particularly around the importation of drugs and guns, the council ruled. The U.K. government has offered to train intelligence analysts for the service and fund a strategic assessment of border threats. Also attending the meeting were Colin Brown with the U.K. Border Force and U.K. Coastguard Com- mander Phil Bostock, both of whom have been sec- onded from Britain to assist Cayman with its border en- forcement initiatives. It was also noted that the RCIPS would begin a gun amnesty program this month to facilitate the re- trieval of firearms. Following the meeting, Premier McLaughlin said he was pleased that the council had agreed on several public safety priorities, including the introduction of commu- nity safety officers to assist with RCIPS neighborhood policing efforts. “I am extremely grateful [Governor Anwar Choudhury] has taken on board my con- cerns and suggestions about how the National Security Council can be used more ef- fectively to address the in- creasing concerns about crime … as swiftly as he has,” Mr. McLaughlin said. Governor Choudhury said council members adopted a “businesslike” approach during Tuesday’s meeting, putting politics aside. The security council has at least one new member, former MLA Gilbert McLean, who was selected by Oppo- sition Leader Ezzard Miller and approved as a member by the governor. Mr. McLean is one of two private citizen members of the council to be appointed. The second member, who will be ap- pointed by the premier, has yet to be named. Members of the National Security Council met Tuesday for the first time in six months. They are, clockwise from left, Opposition Leader Ezzard Miller, Gilbert McLean, Premier Alden McLaughlin, Minister Joey Hew, Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose, Ministry of Immigration Chief Officer Wesley Howell, Police Commissioner Derek Byrne, Head of the Governor’s Office Matthew Forbes, Governor Anwar Choudhury, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Attorney General Samuel Bulgin. Seated to the right of the table are Colin Brown of the U.K. Border Force and Phil Bostock of the U.K. Coastguard. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Bail refused in US extradition case alleging fraud Defendant offered to pay for private guard CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Bail was refused on Wednesday for a Cayman Is- lands permanent resident who is wanted in the U.S. on fraud-related charges. Iain Nigel MacKellar, 60, whose extradition hearing is scheduled for April 30, had applied for bail because of health issues. Defense at- torney James Austin-Smith and Director of Public Pros- ecutions Cheryll Richards ar- gued that matter last week and Magistrate Angelyn Her- nandez gave her reasons on Wednesday morning. The matter is expected to go for review in Grand Court on Thursday after- noon, April 12. In setting out her rea- sons, the magistrate first noted that Mr. MacKellar’s health issues were a per- sonal and private matter, and therefore not to be reported by the media. She agreed with Ms. Rich- ards that Northward Prison was able to meet Mr. MacK- ellar’s needs. She noted that the defen- dant had offered substan- tial cash bonds and was even willing to pay for private se- curity guards to ensure that he did not depart the island. Ms. Richards had objected that the defendant, who is a U.K. citizen, was a flight risk. He had wanted to return to his own residence, which was described as ocean- front and in an isolated area of North Side. The magistrate said it was clear that Mr. MacKellar had the means to purchase whatever was necessary to leave the island. Mr. MacKellar was named with three other people on an indictment issued in Texas that alleges fraud in- volving a veterinary product for fleas. One of the charges relates to “reboxed pet prod- ucts not manufactured and approved for sale in the United States.” The alleged offense ex- tended from 2008, Ms. Rich- ards advised at a court hearing in December, days after Mr. MacKellar’s ar- rest at his home. She also said that Mr. MacKellar had stated he would not voluntarily surrender to U.S. authorities. Chief Magistrate Nova Hall pointed out at the time that he had every right to fight the allegations and he was not obligated to assist the prosecution. Mr. MacKellar has had permanent residence in Cayman since 2007. Cruise ship smashes into dock in Honduras The cruise ship MSC Ar- monia drew more atten- tion than usual on Tuesday when it made a scheduled stop in Roatan, Honduras, in an unscheduled way. The 65,000-ton vessel missed its mark and demolished the pier where it was at- tempting to dock. Multiple news reports in- dicated the ship was coming into port too quickly. One video of the event shows what appears to be a res- taurant adjacent to the pier. A man can be heard yelling in Spanish for people to get out of the kitchen as the ship approaches. It subse- quently appeared to run aground as it came to a stop in some rocky shallows be- yond the dock. The Armonia is a regular visitor to the Cayman Islands and is next scheduled to ar- rive in George Town on April 19, according to the Port Au- thority of the Cayman Is- lands calendar online. The ship was last in Grand Cayman on April 5, when it brought more than 2,000 pas- sengers to island. The ship is based in Havana. Damage to the ship was said to be minor. It sailed from Roatan on Wednesday to complete the remainder of its cruise. The U.S.-based National Public Radio reported the ship’s owner, MSC Cruises, said the cause of the accident was “currently still being duly investigated.” The 902-foot ship has a capacity of 2,679 pas- sengers. No one on board was injured in the incident, reports said. The cruise ship MSC Armonia crushes a pier at Roatan, Honduras, Tuesday.The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 Join the Excitement! REGISTRATION: April 12th • George Town Yacht Club • 5pm - 7pm TOURNAMENT: April 14th & 15th • 7am - 4pm WEIGH STATION: Barcadere Marina • 4pm - 6pm PRIZE GIVING: April 16th • George Town Yacht Club • 6pm - 8pm 1ST PRIZE: $5000 CASH PLUS A TUDOR WATCH 2nd $2000 CASH 3rd $1000 CASH Learn more or download a registration form at kirkslam.ky The only all-dolphin fishing tournament in the Cayman Islands returns with fun for the whole family. KIRK SLAM TOURNAMENT DATES Join the Excitement! Join the Excitement! Join the REGISTRATION: April 12th • George Town Yacht Club • 5pm - 7pm TOURNAMENT: April 14th & 15th • 7am - 4pm WEIGH STATION: Barcadere Marina • 4pm - 6pm 1ST PRIZE: $5000 CASH PLUS A TUDOR WATCH 2nd $2000 CASH 3rd $1000 CASH The only all-dolphin fishing tournament in the Cayman Islands returns with fun for the whole family. KIRK SLAM TOURNAMENT DATES REGISTRA TION TONIGHT George Town Yatch Club 5pm - 7pmThe islands’ most-trusted news source 4 – EDITORIAL – Opinion&Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@pinnaclemedialtd.com, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS DAVID R. LEGGE AND VICKI L. LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID R. LEGGE EXECUTIVE EDITOR PATRICK BRENDEL A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will findtheirownway” The political aphorism, “show me your budget and I will show you what you value,” can be applied to any endeavor – public, private or personal. Seen through that lens, Cayman International School’s $45-million expansion project is a strong tes- tament to school leaders’ commitment to our children and our future. (For scale, consider that the compre- hensive airport upgrade currently under way carries an estimated $55 million price tag; the government has committed $8.8 million to the John Gray High School gym.) The CIS project, which has been submitted to planning authorities, will nearly double the size of the school’s current campus and increase its enrollment capacity from around 630 to 1,100 students. That is welcome news to families struggling to find a place for their children in Cayman’s competitive private school system, where wait-lists for open seats have been known to stretch for years. CIS is no exception (indeed, it is one of the most sought-after programs on island). School officials told the Compass there are currently waiting lists for every age group. The expansion should allow the school to accommodate more of them by offering at least one additional class for each group (the school enrolls children from age 2 to 18). Moreover, the new buildings will be deliberately designed and thoughtfully tailored to facilitate learning at every stage of development. Early childhood spaces will include specialized spaces, such as a perceptual motor room, library and teaching kitchen, offering a stimulating environment for nursery students through Pre-K 4. Outdoor spaces will include “learning gardens” and grounds conducive to the creative play that is so important for young learners. At the high school level, open work spaces, labo- ratories and physical education and arts facilities will foster collaboration and project-based learning, while allowing the school to diversify its curriculum. As Ian Downing, Dart’s chief financial officer and a director of the KBD Foundation, said in a statement about the expansion: “The new facilities will not only increase capacity but also the range of educational offerings available. International School[s] Services shares our vision to provide world-class education at Cayman International School for students across the Cayman Islands, today and for generations to come.” Another feat: The school anticipates completing construction of the Early Childhood campus by August 2019, with the high school building being completed the following year – a dizzying pace when compared with other projects of its scope (again, for compari- son’s sake, consider the now 14-year timeline for con- struction of John Gray). The planned expansion of CIS is only the most recent success story in the school’s 12-year history, and it is certainly not the last, thanks to the vibrant partnership between committed educators, global experts at the U.S.-based nonprofit educational organi- zation International Schools Services, and Dart Realty. And it provides a valuable case study in an educa- tion landscape that is often cluttered and confused by top-heavy administrative structures, cumbersome committees and blame-shifting for poor performance. With commitment, planning and profitable part- nerships, it is possible to create and maintain excel- lent schools in the Cayman Islands, and to do it quickly and profitably. Our students deserve nothing less. CIS expansion: An investment in our future THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Sparking a crisis to fix global trade President Donald Trump’s trade actions on aluminum and steel and his confron- tational stance with China on broader trade and in- vestment issues have al- lies alarmed about both a trade war and the future of the World Trade Organiza- tion. It is important to be clear that the rise of China made that institution far less relevant long before Trump came along. After World War II, the GATT (General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs), which be- came the WTO, was created to foster freer trade among Western market economies and to encourage developing economies to embrace free- market reforms. The membership grew to 164 nations and through eight rounds of multilateral negotiations – the last con- cluded in 1995 – tariffs were dramatically reduced and quotas on non-agricultural products virtually eliminated. Rules were expanded to include domestic policies like product standards, health regulations, government pro- curement, taxes and subsi- dies that may unfairly dis- criminate against imports or promote exports, and to in- tellectual property, licensing and other regulations af- fecting trade in services. Over time, the WTO member- ship encompassed increas- ingly diverse nations. For ex- ample, Saudi Arabia joined in 2005, is not a democracy and hardly has a market economy. It’s a monarchy and dependent on oil, its govern- ment seeks to rig petroleum markets through OPEC. Nondemocratic, non- market economies were ad- mitted on the premise that participation in the system would encourage reforms but as Saudi Arabia demon- strates – similar to Mexico in the 1980s – political and economic progress mostly happens when autocratic re- gimes are threatened by fi- nancial crisis. For the oil kingdom, it took the U.S. shale boom and prospects of oil permanently depressed at about $65 a barrel to inspire House of Saud to select a progressive crown prince. China joined the WTO in 2002 but has hardly liberal- ized. Beijing is perfecting Or- wellian mechanisms to mon- itor its citizens’ activities and squash political dissent. Pres- ident Xi Jinping is enhancing the role of state-owned en- terprises, extending state in- fluence over private firms and foreign subsidiaries, and compelling the latter to form joint ventures with Chinese firms and embrace Beijing’s propaganda strategies. China’s state capitalism clearly creates unfair advan- tages, imposes trade deficits and job losses on other na- tions, and has been the target of many unfair trade com- plaints in the WTO. But Bei- jing has invested in top flight U.S. lawyers – for example, Steptoe & Johnson. And the activities of its complex mix of state-owned and state-supported private enterprise have proven diffi- cult to discipline under WTO rules, which were written to constrain governments oper- ating in a market context. From 2011 to 2017, the United States was frustrated in many dispute settlement processes covering nearly 50 industries. In 2016, the ad- ministration aides cited a long list of complaints in an effort to block the reappoint- ment of a South Korean judge to the appellate body. Since then, Mr. Trump has been criticized – as he seems to be for every principled ac- tion – for continuing this policy by blocking the ap- pointment of other judges to compel reform. It may be time to rec- ognize that China is not a market economy – and is not likely to become one anytime soon. And it is not likely possible to rewrite the WTO rules just to suit its pe- culiar system. It may be time to nego- tiate a separate deal with China. Given how slow in- ternational negotiations go, it will likely be necessary for the United States to in- stigate a crisis in the system to compel action – something Trump seems to be particu- larly adroit at accomplishing. Instead of imposing tar- iffs on $50 billion to $150 bil- lion of imports from China to offset the losses from pi- racy of intellectual property, it would be better to impose broad measures aimed at re- balancing trade. For example, the United States could require licenses to import Chinese goods. Ex- porters could be issued re- salable import permits equal to the value of their sales in the Middle Kingdom. Those wishing to purchase items from China would then bid for these through an online marketplace, similar to eBay. Those would be purchased by those businesses and con- sumers placing the highest value of products from China. This regime could be phased in over several years and would challenge the Eu- ropeans, NAFTA allies and others to do the same. It would also create crises for policymakers in Beijing and the WTO but that is what it’s going to take to effectively re- order our relationship with China and reform the WTO. Peter Morici is an economist and business professor at the University of Maryland, and a national columnist. © 2018, The Washington Times, LLC. PETER MORICI A couple walks by an American flag signboard outside a supermarket selling imported groceries at the Qingdao bonded zone in east China’s Shandong province on April 5. China is vowing to ‘counterattack with great strength’ if President Donald Trump raises tariffs on an additional $100 billion in Chinese goods. - PHOTO: CHINATOPIX VIA AP5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 ... − , 12 , 6–8 , , ... − , 12 , 6–8 , , ... − , 12 , 6–8 , , THE JEEP COMPASS LAUNCH TODAY - THURSDAY, 12TH APRIL, 6-8PM A welcome mat for wheelchair users Mobi-Mat trial opens path toward accessible beaches JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com For Bronson Ebanks, going for a swim in the clear, calm waters off Seven Mile Beach has been virtually im- possible since he suffered a stroke in 2015. That changed Saturday when the 72-year-old be- came the first person to ben- efit from a new “Mobi-Mat” installed on public beach to allow elderly and dis- abled people easy access to the water. The mat – a remov- able heavy-duty rubber and plastic pathway – allows wheelchair users to roll over the sand and into the sea. It was installed for a trial last weekend and is expected to become a permanent fix- ture on the beach from next month. For the various govern- ment and community groups behind the project, it is a symbol that the Cayman Is- lands is rolling out the welcome mat to people with disabilities on the island’s beaches. “This is momentous for the Cayman Islands because it makes Seven Mile Beach the first public beach in the Caribbean to be wheel- chair accessible,” said Kim Voaden, director of the Sun- rise Adult Training Centre and a member of the Na- tional Council for Persons with Disabilities. “It has been a real treat to watch people use it.” The mat, largely funded by Rotary Central and a handful of private donors, is a joint initiative involving various groups and the Na- tional Council for Persons with Disabilities, which coor- dinated regulatory approvals with multiple government departments. Susie Bodden, president of Rotary Cen- tral, which has also funded a new beach wheelchair that can be used to help people get into the water, said she hoped it would be a signifi- cant first step toward making Cayman’s beaches accessible to all. “We hope that when people see it in action, they will come forward and help fund others around the is- land. It is not a huge cost and I think it is something the hotels could do as well,” she said. Ms. Bodden, who is also executive leader of the Spe- cial Needs Foundation, said she had made the issue a key campaign of her Rotary presidency. “We wanted to fund the first one, so people could see it in action and see the difference it can make in people’s lives.” She thinks having acces- sible beaches will also be an advantage for Cayman’s tourism industry. Morne Botes, an advocate of beach access and one of the founders of the Save the Cove campaign to prevent Smith Cove from being de- veloped in 2016, and his wife Shani are among a number of the private donors for the project. Mr. Botes said he was already rasing funds for a similar accessibility mat at Smith Cove. “Eventually we want to put it on every public beach on the island,” he added. The installation of the Mobi-Mat has involved a lengthy process, requiring sign-off from as many as five government departments. Saturday’s trial run in- volved entrants in the Guard- ians Alive event – a run and swim for elderly or disabled people and their caretakers. Several of the participants used the Mobi-Mat to ac- cess the water. New governor Anwar Choudhury and West Bay legislator Tara Rivers also showed up to watch. Adonza Harrison, who organizes the Guardians Alive event, said Saturday’s demonstration had shown the simple technology had the power to make a real difference in people’s lives. “To see seniors walking happily up and down the beach, taking joyful pics with younger persons and truly en- joying themselves was sur- real,” she said. “This was their joyous re- turn to enjoying the water and being able to move easily on the sand.” For Mr. Ebanks, who was able to go through a therapy session in the water, it has opened up new opportunities. His cousin Faylene Ebanks said his family struggled to get him in the ocean since his stroke. “This is won- derful,” she said. “The main problem has been getting across the beach. It is extremely difficult to get him in the water on a regular basis. This is going to be a tremendous benefit for a lot of people in Cayman.” Cathy Frazier, whose 35-year-old son Jule Frazier suffers from cerebral palsy, was also able to test out the mat on Saturday. She said going to the beach was a big part of her son’s life and the Mobi-Mat would make it a much smoother experience. “We live on an island and he loves the ocean like ev- eryone else. Going in the water is one of the best exer- cises for him. He just loves it. It is freedom.” Fundraiser and beach access advocate Morne Botes, left, poses with his wife Shani and Governor Anwar Choudhury on the new Mobi-Mat. Stroke victim Bronson Ebanks tests out a new beach wheelchair at Seven Mile Beach on Saturday. - PHOTOS: DAVID GODDARDThe islands’ most-trusted news source 6 THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Meanwhile, BVI residents are scrambling to prepare for the next June-November hur- ricane season, looming right around the corner. Around 8 a.m. on Easter Sunday, the sounds of ham- mers, saws and drills echoed through the hills in Josiah’s Bay, a small village on the eastern end of the BVI’s main island, Tortola. While much of the Carib- bean was resting or going to church on that holiday, people there were working furiously to rebuild their homes from the destruction wrought by Hurricane Irma some seven months ago. Construction activity has been nonstop in recent months, since the territo- ry’s residents finally started receiving insurance money on their damaged proper- ties. Brian Jermyn, the man- aging director of one of the jurisdiction’s largest in- surance companies, Carib- bean Insurers, said his firm has processed about 2,800 of the 4,000 claims it re- ceived after the storm. Most of the complex claims in- volving large businesses are still outstanding, meaning that the people who have been processed are the ordi- nary residents. The construction boom has been a blessing to those who lost their work in the tourism industry, which has yet to recover. People who once worked at a hotel or for a charter yacht company are now making a living re- pairing homes, and the local community college is holding free construction courses in an attempt to satisfy con- tractors’ increasing demand for laborers. But despite all the con- struction, some of the BVI’s more impoverished areas re- main in ruins. In Huntums Ghut, many buildings were totally de- stroyed, and those that were not still had tarps covering damaged roofs and plywood over areas where windows and doors had been torn off. On the second floor of one of the damaged build- ings, former Huntums Ghut resident Ravenal Santos sur- veyed the remains of what once had been his three-bed- room apartment. “When the roof came off and the ceiling came down, that’s when I realized I’m in danger,” said Mr. Santos, who had to wait out the first half of Irma in a refrigerator after his house collapsed in the midst of the storm. Nearby, two people were lowering an engine into a damaged car, but seemingly no other work was going on in the area. Mr. Santos said many of the buildings in the area were not insured. Conditions on the terri- tory’s smaller islands are even worse. According to Sea Cows Bay resident Ju- lian Willock, roughly half of the homes there are without roofs. Many people are living in tents, he said. Chris DeVito, a telecom- munications worker from the Alaska-based firm Bering Sea Eccotech, arrived in the BVI on Easter weekend to begin the long project of repairing the territory’s cable system. Before that, Mr. DeVito had been working in Puerto Rico, which had also been badly damaged last September by Hurricane Maria. Mr. DeVito said condi- tions in the BVI were even worse than those in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory that was facing an 11-year recession and a public debt crisis be- fore Maria hit. “I’ve been in Puerto Rico for a while, and I just didn’t see as much devastation [there] as I’ve seen here in Tortola. Puerto Rico was hit pretty hard, but they didn’t lose 100 percent of their utility poles. They still had power in some areas,” Mr. DeVito said. “Everything I see [in Tortola] is totally de- stroyed. There’s no way you can use anything for the cable system. “I’ve never been to a war zone, but this is about as close as I can imagine.” The United States Virgin Is- lands also appears to be faring better than its sister territory. While many of its hotels are still closed and streets that used to teem with tourists are now relatively empty, the USVI has at least cleaned most of its debris and wreckage. A taxi driver on St. Thomas said that the U.S. Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency has been instru- mental in getting the USVI back on its feet. The BVI is not getting that kind of help from the U.K., but has received an offer from the country for US$400 million (CI$328 million) in loan guarantees. However, those guaran- tees come with conditions. In exchange, the U.K. gov- ernment will establish an agency to monitor the BVI’s spending of that money, and will also conduct an audit of the territory’s public fi- nances – and require re- forms based on the results of that audit. The requirements sparked outcry from some residents, with one opposition legislator even likening the U.K. man- dates to “economic slavery.” A prominent billboard was in- stalled downtown, reading, “We Virgin Islanders do not support the U.K. framework for the BVI recovery plan.” “I agree with the recovery plan, but the conditions are too strict,” said Mr. Wil- lock, who is also a member of the opposition Virgin Is- lands Party. “Obviously that’s because of the lack of trust in this government, but the U.K. is talking about cutting the public sector. Now you’re talking about putting our people out of work – and set- ting up a separate agency [to manage the funds]. There’s a Financial Act that states the money is supposed to go into the consolidated fund. Now you’re talking about circum- venting the [Virgin Islands] Constitution.” Nevertheless, BVI Premier Orlando Smith maintained that the U.K. guarantees are vital to fund government’s US$722 million (CI$592 mil- lion) disaster recovery plan, because they will allow gov- ernment to save tens of mil- lions of dollars by borrowing at 1 percent interest rather than the higher rates that would be charged with non- guaranteed loans. “It is time for the raw sewerage to stop running in our streets and ghuts [gut- ters]. It is time for us to build a stronger and more resilient electricity grid. It is time for us to restore our criminal justice system, in- cluding rebuilding accom- modation for our judiciary,” Mr. Smith urged in a March speech in favor of taking the U.K. guarantees. “It is time for our prisoners housed in St. Lucia to be back at Balsam Ghut where they can be in touch with their families and friends. It is time to find shelter for those made homeless.” Along with rebuilding the territory’s physical in- frastructure, a large portion of the recovery plan – more than US$200 million – will be used to expand the BVI’s main airport. With no direct flights be- tween the BVI and the United States and many other Carib- bean jurisdictions – Cayman Premier Alden McLaughlin traveled on a Cayman Air- ways flight with supplies to Anguilla immediately after Irma, but said he could not travel to the BVI because its runway was too short for the jet to land on – government has long maintained that an expanded airport is nec- essary for its financial ser- vices and tourism industries to compete with others in the region. Government has painted the project as crucial to stimulate the recovery. Over the protests of the opposition and some in Mr. Smith’s own administration, government passed legisla- tion at the end of March to accept the U.K.’s loan guar- antees and accompanying requirements. After the ter- ritory’s governor assents to the legislation, the BVI’s re- covery efforts should receive a major boost. Still, “We have a long, long way to go,” Mr. Willock said. “We are open for business – schools are open, courts are open, ferries are running again – but we’re not back on our feet yet.” throughout our organiza- tion, and all Sol employees and contractors share in this commitment,” the statement added. OfReg’s investigation re- port also highlighted con- cerns that the July incident was not the first time Sol and its contractors had car- ried out welding work on an in-service tank in this way and recommended an over- haul of its procedures. In its statement, Sol said it would comply with OfReg’s recommendations. “We will work with the OfReg as we continually im- prove our standards and pro- tocols in accordance with industry best practice and OfReg’s recommendations,” it said. Duke Munroe, head of fuels at OfReg, said in a press release that it was ex- amining “appropriate mea- sures” to enforce on Sol fol- lowing the report. He said the investigation findings would also mean a review of prac- tices across the industry. “First and foremost, miti- gation measures to minimise or eliminate risks associated with events such as these are being comprehensively reas- sessed,” he said. Work is also under way to improve communications in emergency situations fol- lowing numerous complaints about the handling of an evacuation of homes and businesses within a one-mile radius around the fuel ter- minal during the fire. Mr. Munroe added, “It was apparent that a better system of issuing evacuation notices and identifying evacuation routes was needed, as well as more appropriate commu- nications to first responders. From our interagency coop- eration and communications with Hazard Management, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and the Fire Service following this incident, we are able to make solid recom- mendations to increase the level of public safety aware- ness during events like these in the Cayman Islands.” BVI still reeling from hurricane season CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 BVI resident Ravenal Santos surveys the wreckage of what was once his apartment. - PHOTOS: KEN SILVA Linesmen work on April 2 to reattach wires to telephone poles. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Sol responds to critical report Firefighters responded to the fire at at the Sol terminal on South Church Street in July. - PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKERThe islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE PACKAGE VALUED AT $1000 WHICH INCLUDES: • Two VIP tickets to Batabano events and screenings from April 16 • Two adult costumes from Tribal Carnival to wear in the 2018 parade • $300 shopping spree at Le Classique • Two Batabano swag bags with 35th anniversary items Carnival to wear in the 2018 paradeCarnival to wear in the 2018 parade • $300 shopping spree at Le Classique$300 shopping spree at Le Classique • Two Batabano swag bags with Two Batabano swag bags with 35th anniversary items35th anniversary items BATABANO 35TH ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY ENTER TO WIN REGISTER TO WIN AT caymancompass.com/contests DEADLINE TO ENTER: Sunday, April 15 DRAWING: Monday, April 16 Contest details online Board started hearing the backlogged applications in June, adding more immigra- tion staff and holding ad- ditional board meetings to handle the workload. Currently, there are only 80 residency appli- cations left to be consid- ered and most of those were not included in the original backlog. Of the 80 applications re- maining, 36 have been de- ferred to a later hearing and another 28 are awaiting ad- ditional information from the applicants. Fourteen applica- tions have been scheduled for a decision and just two have not been reviewed. However, it’s likely the government will continue to face legal issues in the coming years over the system it uses to allow non-Cayma- nians to remain here. More than 200 applicants for permanent residence who were denied that immigra- tion status since 2017 have filed challenges to those de- cisions, according to re- cords obtained by a Cayman Compass Freedom of Infor- mation request. Immigration specialist attorneys at the HSM Cham- bers law firm said last month that the next stage of the appeals process for permanent residency ap- plicants may take some time to resolve. “We expect this number [referring to the number of appeals cases] to con- tinue to grow, with 12 no- tices of appeal in relation to the denial of permanent residence filed in February alone,” HSM partner Nick Jo- seph told clients in a March email. “Plainly … another backlog is developing in rela- tion to appeals. “Many of the issues we, our clients and the [Immi- gration] Department are now confronting have been long anticipated. Political direc- tion and policy decisions may be required to overcome these delays.” In addition to the ap- peals cases immediately facing the Immigration Ap- peals Tribunal and poten- tially the courts, the Legis- lative Assembly may soon be dealing with the issue again in further amend- ments to the law. Premier Alden McLaughlin said last year that “signifi- cant changes” to the point systems used to award per- manent residence were still needed to address a “crit- ical issue” in Cayman’s fu- ture development. De- parting Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board Chairman Waide DaCosta said last year that he thought the residency system adopted in late 2013 made it easier for non-Cay- manians to remain here. The government did change one significant aspect of the residency grant system in March 2017, giving all ap- plicants a maximum number of points awarded (15) for the jobs they hold, regard- less of the job. Previously, the system as- signed specific points to cer- tain jobs based on their per- ceived importance to the Cayman Islands economy – a method Chief Justice An- thony Smellie called “prone to arbitrariness” in a judg- ment from 2015. Final count: 57 percent of residence applications approved The final tally of those applications shows 708 people were allowed to remain in Cayman for the rest of their lives. A further 528 were refused their initial requests for that status. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Canadian alleged serial killer facing 7th murder charge TORONTO (AP) – Alleged se- rial killer Bruce McArthur is now facing a seventh murder charge involving a missing man whose family initially thought he had abandoned his wife and two daughters. The prosecution said in the courthouse Wednesday that the 66-year-old land- scaper has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Abdulbasir Faizi. McArthur appeared by video during the session. Detective Sgt. Hank Ids- inga said a press confer- ence later that the remains of three men, Selim Esen, Dean Lisowick and Faizi, have now been identified. McArthur had already been charged with the murders of Esen and Lisowick. Police have been trying to identify the remains of at least seven men found at a property McArthur used as storage for his landscaping business and say he targeted men he met through dating apps that cater to gay men, meeting them at bars in the “Gay Village” area of Toronto, as well as male prostitutes. Investigators have iden- tified six sets of remains so far – 49-year-old Andrew Kinsman, 50-year-old So- roush Mahmudi, 40-year-old Skandaraj Navaratnam and now 44-year-old Esen, Faizi and Lisowick. Idsinga said they are looking into another 15 other cold cases dating back to the 1975 but have not found a connection. “We really don’t know how deep this is going to go,” Idsinga said. Idsinga said 75 proper- ties linked to the landscaper are under investigation. They plan to search them once the weather warms in early May. A relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to a lack of permission from the family to speak publicly, said she is relieved Faizi’s re- mains have been found. “For me at least there’s a sense of relief because he didn’t abandon anyone. He didn’t run away,” she said. An assistant machine op- erator at a printing company, Faizi went missing on Dec. 29, 2010. Trying to determine why, his Muslim family ac- cessed his computer and was shocked to discover he had been secretly going to bath- houses in the Gay Village and was on gay dating apps for older and large men. When they then went to police, officers suggested he had probably just left, the relative said. Faizi’s wife di- vorced him, thinking he abandoned her and their two young daughters. “She didn’t know. He wasn’t out. As far as she knows they were married and they were happy and he abandoned her and the daughters,” she said. But she said she always knew he did not run away. “It didn’t make sense. He didn’t take his passport and he didn’t take any money. It didn’t make sense that po- lice had this theory that he ran away,” she said. “I feel very guilty now be- cause I didn’t do enough.” Police set up a task force, Project Houston, in 2012 after Skandaraj Navaratnam, Majeed Kayhan and Faizi, an Afghan who immigrated to Canada from Iran, went missing. The three are South Asian or Middle Eastern and frequented gay bars in To- ronto’s Gay Village. McAr- thur was interviewed by po- lice during that project but it was closed in 2014. McArthur is now charged with their murders and the murders of four other men. Faizi’s car was found a short distance from the house McArthur used as storage. Police believe Faizi knew McArthur before his death. McArthur, who appeared wearing an orange jumpsuit, spoke in court only to say his name and acknowledge that he understood the charges against him. McArthur has not entered a plea. Edward Royle, a lawyer for McAr- thur, has previously declined to comment on the case and did not immediately respond to messages for comment on Wednesday. Police also released new photos of an unknown man they are trying to iden- tify. They initially released a photo of the dead man last month and are working on tips they have received from the public. Lisowick, a homeless prostitute who struggled with drugs, who was in his mid-40s, had not even been reported missing when police announced he was one of victims. Po- lice believe he was killed in April, 2016. Artist’s sketch shows Bruce McArthur, facing several murder charges, making an appearance via video in a Toronto courtroom, Wednesday. – PHOTO: AP8 LOCAL NEWS THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Premier to represent OTs at Commonwealth summit Premier Alden McLaughlin will represent the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. The summit will feature government officials from the world’s 53 Common- wealth jurisdictions. Topics of discussion at this year’s meeting will include Brexit, the global economic outlook, how technology is changing our world and the way we work, economic and climate volatility for island states, new models of healthcare, the maritime industry, the economic empowerment of women, investing in infra- structure, fintech and inno- vations in financial services, and how business can be made easier between Com- monwealth countries. “While there, I will also take the opportunity to meet with United Kingdom Gov- ernment officials to discuss issues and concerns that are common to the United Kingdom, the Overseas Ter- ritories and the Cayman Is- lands in particular,” said Mr. McLaughlin, who is president of the U.K. Overseas Territo- ries Association. The premier is sched- uled to leave for the meeting on Thursday, and will travel with his senior political ad- viser, Roy Tatum, and Cab- inet Secretary Samuel Rose. Eric Bush, the head of the Cayman Islands London Of- fice, will also attend the summit, which is scheduled to take place April 16-20. “Attending the Common- wealth Heads of Govern- ment events and attending the Commonwealth Busi- ness Forum are part of on- going relationship-building with the United Kingdom as it seeks to leave the Euro- pean Union,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “The Cayman Islands, as well as all of the U.K. Overseas Territories, see ourselves as a very impor- tant part of Global Britain, and I am honoured as the President of the Political Council of [the U.K. Over- seas Territories Association] to be invited to take part in these events.” The summit will feature government officials from the world’s 53 Commonwealth jurisdictions. CAYMAN AGENCY PRESENTS AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Protection Starts Here, Cayman’s grassroots multi- agency child abuse preven- tion team, recently became the first Caribbean group to host a workshop at the International Symposium on Child Abuse. The conference, pre- sented by the National Chil- dren’s Advocacy Center, was held in Huntsville, Alabama, in late March. The sympo- sium, which is now in its 34th year, provides expert training to professionals in the child maltreatment field. The Cayman group was one of 1,400 partici- pants from the U.S. and 10 other countries, and nearly 140 presenters deliv- ered more than 150 work- shops over four days. Pro- tection Starts Here spoke about the group’s mission on March 20 and how it can serve as a model for other communities. “Multi-agency work has essentially been understood in one of two ways,” said Carolina Ferreira, deputy director for the Cayman Is- lands Red Cross and Pro- tection Starts Here coordi- nator, in a press release. “On the one hand, you have the work that is being done directly with survi- vors and families, like the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub or the Child Advocacy Center models. On the other hand, you have those similar to National Safeguarding Boards, which are working on a national level to come up with strategy and policy. Protection Starts Here, how- ever, offers another model for multi-agency work that focuses on prevention and education at the grassroots/ community level.” Protection Starts Here is led by the Cayman Islands Red Cross and consists of representatives from the Health Services Authority, Employee Assistance Pro- gramme, Special Needs Foundation Cayman, Ben Hud’s Wisdom Campaign, the Ministry of Education and the Royal Cayman Is- lands Police Service. The group has been working together since 2012, and the work has been supported by Hedge Funds Care Cayman since 2013. Hedge Funds Care provided additional sup- port to send the group to this year’s symposium. Approximately 30 people attended the Protec- tion Starts Here workshop in Alabama, including Carol Hogue, programs quality assurance specialist for Darkness to Light. “It was amazing to see the work that is being done on the islands with such a strong collaboration be- tween [non-profit organi- zations] and law enforce- ment,” Ms. Hogue said. “Darkness to Light is proud to be a part of the process through their use of Stew- ards of Children to educate adults on how to prevent, recognize and react respon- sibly to child sexual abuse.” As well as presenting, members of the Protection Starts Here group attended more than 40 workshops where they furthered their own knowledge and skills. To learn more about child abuse prevention training and awareness sessions or to book a Darkness to Light course, email deputy@redcross.org.ky. Public safety radio equipment on the way The Cayman Islands is scheduled to take delivery this week of a new commu- nication system for future di- saster-related emergencies. The government signed an agreement with Motorola Solutions Systems on Dec. 14 last year, with the goal of providing Cayman with the most modern public safety radio system in the region. A local delegation of gov- ernment leaders recently tried out some of the new devices provided by Mo- torola Solutions. A team of engineers from Motorola recently vis- ited Cayman in preparation for the installation phase of the project. The engineers inspected all the existing and new radio sites for the system. Three new sites – in West Bay, Frank Sound and Cayman Brac West – were inspected for clear micro- wave paths, tower conditions, grounding, equipment loca- tion and backup power. Existing sites – at Gun Bay, Northward, Radio Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – were also inspected to make sure they were suit- able for the new technology. “The Department of Public Safety Communications was also inspected for networking and space availability for the new radio consoles, as well as 911 and radio log- ging equipment,” Acting Di- rector for Hazard Manage- ment Cayman Islands Lee Madison said. “A visit to the Government Administra- tion Building’s data center, Hazard Management Cayman Islands’ office and command center was also conducted to check resources for the new system’s core.” Director for the Depart- ment of Public Safety Com- munications Julian Lewis said, “The new communi- cations system will have several near-term opera- tional enhancements, which will immediately improve [the Department of Public Safety Communications’] ser- vice delivery.” He added that the system would also improve portable radio coverage inside build- ings, on roadways and in high-incident areas. “In addition, it will en- hance network capacity to support private group com- munications paths for dif- ferent public safety partners and functions, automate var- ious network functions to simplify dispatcher and field user operations, and sup- port enhanced features such as end-to-end encryption and GPS location services, all of which will result in safer communities,” he said. Three government officials – Mr. Madison, Mr. Lewis and Ministry of Home Affairs Deputy Chief Officer Kathryn Dinspel-Powell – traveled to the Motorola facility in Elgin, Illinois in the United States, to participate in the testing of the new system. “Government remains committed to delivering the highest standard of public safety to the people of the Cayman Islands, as evi- denced in our investment in this state-of-the-art tech- nology,” said Minister of Home Affairs Tara Rivers. “The system upgrade will integrate all public safety radio users on a common platform to enable greater interoperability and inter- agency collaboration. It will also maximize mobile radio coverage throughout the is- lands to provide a baseline means of communications for all first responders.” Final testing will be con- ducted on the new system in October. FUND STARTED TO SEND FILIPINO MAN’S BODY HOME Friends of a deceased Filipino man are raising funds to cover the costs of repatriating his remains to his home country. Marlon Formentos Ca- brera, 41, was found dead at a home on Newport Av- enue in George Town on April 7. Police said no foul play was suspected in Mr. Cabrera’s death. The Philippines na- tional was working as a bartender in Cayman and friends here have started a GoFundMe page, asking the public for assistance in raising $10,000 to cover re- patriation costs. “We wish to send him home to his kids and family in the Philippines so they could pay their final respect,” according to a Go- FundMe web page started for Mr. Cabrera this week, which has so far raised more than $2,000. “We all have to be strong and come together for Marlon.” Premier Alden McLaughlin The Cayman group was one of 1,400 participants from the United States and 10 other countries From left, Hazard Management Acting Director Lee Madison, Ministry of Home Affairs Deputy Chief Officer Kathryn Dinspel-Powell and Department of Public Safety Communications Director Julian Lewis at the Motorola facility in Illinois. Marlon Formentos CabreraThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2018 FRIDAY, APRIL 13 COMMUNITY AFFAIRS: The Ministry of Community Affairs and all its departments (Department of Children and Family Services and the Needs Assessment Unit) in Grand Cayman and on Cayman Brac will be closed all day to facilitate a staff meeting. The Ministry and its departments will reopen and resume normal hours on Monday. SATURDAY, APRIL 14 MEMORY CAFE: All persons with moderate stage dementia or any other form of forgetfulness along with their family members and care partners are invited to a Memory Cafe. There will be sing-alongs, storytelling, art, crafts and games. Lunch and snacks will also be provided. The Memory Cafe is free and will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Sound Community Center. Call 924-4170 to RSVP. ICCI 5K: Dr. J. Hugh Cummings Memorial 5K Walkathon to raise scholarship funds for International College of the Cayman Islands. 6:30 a.m. to noon at ICCI. Registration $25 for adults, $15 for children under 12. Register online at www.icci.edu.ky/ drjhcmwalk or on the day from 6 a.m. Call 947-1100 for more information. SUNDAY, APRIL 15 HEALTH FAIR: The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens is celebrating 25 years of giving back, by hosting a free community fair at the Lions Centre, 8:30 a.m. till 2 p.m. Screens for BMI, blood pressure, sight, diabetes and cholesterol, as well as massage, healthcare insurance advice, cancer education and mental health advice. Bouncy castle for the children and refreshments on sale. OLDER PERSONS HEALTH INSURANCE: Today is the deadline for people to share their opinions on how Cayman can better meet the unique healthcare needs of older individuals. Residents of all ages are invited to take part in a survey that will help health insurance officials evaluate the possible development of a Standard Health Insurance Contract for those aged 65 and older. Those interested may complete the survey at the Department of Health Regulatory Services website www.dhrs.gov.ky. Hard copies are available at the Government Administration Building and from all district health clinics. Contact melissa.maize@gov.ky. BRAC DG’S 5K CHALLENGE: Registration is open for the 2018 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge. The walk/run is being held on Cayman Brac on Sunday, April 15, Little Cayman on Sunday, April 22, and Grand Cayman Sunday, April 29. The event is raising money for five good causes. Funds raised in Cayman Brac will go toward the provision of meals at Kirkconnell Community Care Centre and, in Little Cayman, money will be used for a “grow box” at the island’s school. Register at www.caymanactive.com/dg5K. TUESDAY, APRIL 17 SEAFARERS: The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association advises all members of a general meeting 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 has been added in George Town, leaving the public library parking area at 7 p.m., stopping at Cayman Compass building and the Airport Fosters. The bus is blue and marked Bobo $1, but there is no charge. THURSDAY, APRIL 19 PUB QUIZ: Fidel Murphy’s. 7 p.m. To benefit the Humane Society. SATURDAY, APRIL 21 ROTARY SCIENCE FAIR: 10 a.m. until noon. The Arts & Recreation Centre. All are invited. EARTH DAY FAIR: Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Field, 4-9 p.m. Music, food stalls, exhibits, kids zone, artists corner, eco- friendly vendors. Admission free. Organized by West Bay Central Earth Day Committee. THURSDAY, APRIL 26 PUB QUIZ: The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association holds a Pub Quiz at 7 p.m. at Fidel Murphy’s. Get your colleagues, friends and family together and come out for a night of brain challenge. Entry fee is $10 per person and teams are made up of 6 persons. Call 924-4170 to reserve a table. Lots of prizes and surprises. SATURDAY, APRIL 28 LITTLE CAYMAN AGRICULTURE SHOW: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blossom Village Park. Contact Roger Scott, 948-1051, or Chevala Burke at chevala.burke@gov.ky. DEALS ON WHEELS: The Red Cross mobile Thrift Shop will be in East End, close to Pirates Cove Bar, 6-10 a.m. SUNDAY, APRIL 29 HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO: Free community event organized by the East End SDA Church. 2-5 p.m. Cooking lessons and tastings, massages, hydrotherapy and facials, blood pressure and sugar testing, Ask the Doctor booth. SDA Church, 2638 Sea View Road. All are invited. GENERAL INTEREST VEHICLE & LICENSING DEPT.: The Crewe Road office of the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing has resumed its normal hours of operations. The office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. No extended hours for license plate exchanges on Wednesdays. No Saturday openings. CADET CORPS: The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps is looking for new recruits, ages 11-16, to join the Band Detachment or the Marine Detachment and School Detachments at John Gray High School, Clifton Hunter High School, Layman E. Scott High School and Triple C School. Program includes drilling, field craft and adventure, navigation, first-aid, competition shooting, physical and leadership training, music and band, water-based activities. For more information, contact the Cadet Corps at 938-8821/22, 946-9810 or email cadetcorps@gov.ky. On Cayman Brac, call 948-8824 or 938-8824. Website is www.cicadetcorps.ky. EARLY CHILDHOOD FEES: The Ministry of Education provides financial assistance for Caymanian children between 3 and 4 years of age before Sept. 1, 2018, to assist with payment of fees at an early childhood center between September and June 30. Application forms can be downloaded from www.education.gov. ky or collected from the Government Administration Building, the Department of Education Services and all early childhood centres. Contact Renee Barnes at 244-5735, Turnette Stewart at 244-5724 or email ecap@gov.ky. 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. 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., George Town. All are invited to attend. Call 924-4170 or email info@adacyman.com. GRAND CAYMAN TOASTMASTERS: Club meets each Thursday 6-7:15 p.m. on 3rd Floor, George Town Public Library. Visitors and guests welcome. Local contact is George R. Ebanks, 322-9369 or Grand Cayman Toastmasters club on Facebook. Email info@ toastmastersclub2686.org. ROTARACT BLUE OF CAYMAN: Meets Wednesdays 6 p.m., at Royal Palms Beach Club, West Bay Road. Contact rotaractblue@gmail.com or www.rotaractblue.org. LEO CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month, 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre. For more information, contact Secretary Letisha Allen at 924-2819. THE LIONS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets every first and third Thursday 7:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre. For more information, email LionsClubGCM@hotmail.com. THE LIONS CLUB OF TROPICAL GARDENS: Meet every first and third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Elizabethan Square (corner unit). Members of the public are invited to attend. ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN SUNRISE: Service club meetings 7 a.m. every Wednesday at George Town Yacht Club, 612 North Sound Road. website at www.rotarysunrise.ky or contact info@rotarysunrise.ky. KIWANIS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month, 12:30 p.m., at Britannia Golf Course Restaurant. Projects include promoting well-being of children in the community and schools. Email president@kiwanis.ky or view www.kiwanis.ky. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. Members of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps take part in a beach cleanup in March. The Cadet Corps is looking for recruits, ages 11-16.Next >