ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018 High of 88 Low of 76 Smooth to slight with wave heights less than 2 feet. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 CLEANING UP OUR ACT – ON ROADWAYS, BEACHES AND LOTS LOCAL | PAGE 5 MEALS ON WHEELS STAGES ANNUAL ORANGE YOU GLAD GALA 187818_PRINT-Ad-Strip-Compass-FiPage 1 4/20/18 11:54:13 AM Sunday liquor licenses approved Decision ends year-long debate JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A dozen liquor stores and gas stations have been granted licenses to sell alcohol on Sundays under a new licensing regime. Several business owners were called to a special meeting of the Liquor Licensing Board of Grand Cayman on Friday where the rules were outlined and licenses were handed out. The decision brings to an end a year-long debate over the legality of Sunday opening. Liquor Licensing Board Chairman Noel Williams told the Cayman Compass the board had sought extensive legal advice in an effort to come to the right decision. He said there was no legal reason to deny businesses, which have package licenses for Monday to Saturday opening, the right to also seek a retail license to open on Sundays. But, he said, the board could place condi- tions on those licenses, including restricting opening hours and banning consumption of alcohol on the premises. He said all businesses which had pending applications before the board had been granted Sunday retail licenses, similar to that previously given to the Peanuts store at Red Bay gas station. “We had to make it a level playing field for all,” he said. Any other similar business can now apply for the same type of license to op- erate on Sundays. Robert Hamaty, owner of the Tortuga Rum Company, opened two of his outlets, on Seven Mile Beach and at Industrial Park, Sunday. He said the board had reached a good compromise by allowing Sunday sales but re- stricting hours from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mr. Williams said the board had gone JAMAICA’S FIRST BLIND SENATOR VISITS CAYMAN KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Jamaica’s first blind senator is visiting Cayman from Friday to Tuesday to speak about religious liberty and the need for the Caribbean to accommodate people with disabilities. While the two topics may seem unre- lated, they are inextricably linked, according to Floyd Morris, who spoke Saturday at Kings Adventist Church. “A lot of the buildings in the Caribbean are inaccessible for disabled persons. We don’t have sign language in our churches to make sure deaf persons can understand the ser- mons,” said Mr. Morris. “We need those mech- anisms because heaven isn’t solely for the able-bodied.” The Jamaican opposition senator explained that people with disabilities have been in- volved with the fight to preserve and obtain the freedom of worship since Biblical times. “One of the persons in the Bible who was instrumental in freedom of religion and lib- erty was Moses, because Moses had a speech disability,” he said. In addition to speaking at Kings Adventist Church, Mr. Morris was scheduled to hold a book signing of his autobiography, “By Faith, Not Sight,” at Books & Books in Camana Bay Monday night. He told the Compass that he is working with the University of the West Indies to create a regional disabilities index to rank the Caribbean’s English-speaking jurisdictions based on how well they have implemented the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Low-cost home security a winner at science fair 125 students compete for top prizes BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman students took a decidedly prac- tical approach to their experiments Sat- urday at Rotary Central’s 12th annual science fair. Here’s a sampling of the first-place win- ners: “How to get water from soil to assist the future of the natural world” by First Baptist Christian School’s Finlay Dacker; “The effects of dog therapy on anxious ex- ecutives lower heart rates and stress levels” by Anna Taylor-Payne; “Soaps and hand san- itizers – Do they work?” by Cayman Prep’s Audrey Keeble; and “Homemade secu- rity alarm system” by Clifton Hunter High School’s Fabian O’Connor. This is science you can use. Fabian, 16, who won first place in the Physics, Chemistry and Computer Sci- ence category during Saturday’s compe- tition, said he had a very personal reason for inventing an affordable home pro- tection system. “When I was younger, my house was broken into and it really affected me as a young child,” he said. “My parents couldn’t afford commercial security systems so I came up with my own idea.” The Clifton Hunter head boy showed onlookers how his system works by using a detached PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » Fabian O’Connor, 16, demonstrates how his low-cost security alarm system works. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL TUESDAY APRIL 24, 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) GRINGO (R) 1:35 I 6:35 TRAFFIK (R) 4:15 I 9:15 TRUTH OR DARE (PG13) 1:45 I 7:20 BLOCKERS (R) 4:30 I 10:00 A QUIET PLACE (PG13) 1:25 I 5:00 I 7:15 I 9:40 VIP WRINKLE IN TIME 3D (PG) 1:10 I 3:55 2D I 6:35 2D I 9:10 RAMPAGE 3D (PG13) 1:15 2D VIP I 2:30 2D I 9:30 READY PLAYER ONE 3D (PG13) 3:40 I 3:55 2D VIP I 6:45 2D I 9:50 2D CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (G) 7:00 VIP Paraguay ruling party candidate wins presidency ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) – The son of a former dictator’s top aide won the presiden- tial election in Paraguay on Sunday, helped by a booming economy under his party. Mario Abdo Benitez of the governing Colorado Party had 46.5 percent of the votes, with 96 percent of 21,000 polling stations reporting, electoral officials said. Efrain Alegre of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party finished second with 42.7 percent of the ballots. Eight other candidates fin- ished far out of the running. Both candidates are con- servatives and the election was closer than the 20-point edge that opinion polls had given Abdo going into the election. Alegre, a 55-year- old lawyer who also finished second in the last presiden- tial election, declined to con- cede, saying he would wait for the final count, though electoral officials said there were not enough bal- lots left to be counted to change the result. The new president begins a five-year term Aug. 15. Abdo, a 46-year-old mar- keting expert, campaigned on a promise to continue the business-friendly policies of outgoing President Horacio Cartes and he played down any fears of a return to the heavy-handed past of dic- tator Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled from 1954 to 1989. Ab- do’s father was Stroessner’s private secretary. After the results were an- nounced, Abdo promised an “unwavering commitment” to being a good manager of the government. “We built an elec- toral project with a dia- logue of reconciliation and pardon among all Para- guayans,” he said. The top two candidates had similar platforms, prom- ising to attract foreign in- vestment to create jobs in an economy that has been one of the fastest-growing in the region but that still suf- fers from high poverty levels, extreme inequality and en- demic corruption. Both also are social conservatives who criti- cized sex education and abortion rights. The Colorado Party has led Paraguay with only a few interruptions since the mid- 20th century. The landlocked nation of about 7 million people borders Argentina, Bo- livia and Brazil. Nicaragua’s president cancels social security overhaul MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) – Nicaragua’s president on Sunday withdrew changes to the social security system that had triggered deadly protests and looting. President Daniel Ortega said in a message to the na- tion that the social security board of directors had can- celed the changes imple- mented on April 16. The overhaul was in- tended to shore up Nicara- gua’s troubled social security system by both reducing ben- efits and increasing taxes. The changes touched off protests across the Central American nation that esca- lated into clashes with police as well as looting. The dem- onstrations appeared to ex- pand to include broader anti- government grievances. Human rights groups said at least 26 people were killed in several days of clashes. Dozens of shops in the Nica- raguan capital of Managua were looted during unrest that extended into Sunday. Unlike his appearance on Saturday with the police chief, Ortega announced the cancellation of the overhaul accompanied by business executives who account for about 130,000 jobs and mil- lions of dollars in exports. Earlier in the day, Pope Francis said at the Vatican that he was “very worried” about the situation in Nica- ragua and echoed the call of local bishops for an end to all violence. Images broadcast by local news media showed looted shops in the capi- tal’s sprawling Oriental Market district and at least one Walmart. Police apparently did not intervene Sunday, in contrast to what had been a strong re- sponse to earlier demonstra- tions in which dozens were injured or arrested. “We are seeing social chaos in Nicaragua pro- voked by the absence of gov- ernment leadership, and the crisis has been combined with poverty, and that in any society is a time bomb,” sociologist and analyst Cirilo Otero said. Ortega had said Saturday that he was willing to ne- gotiate on the social secu- rity overhaul, but said the talks would be only with business leaders. He seemed to try to justify the tough response against protesters by the government and allied groups, accusing demonstrators, most of them university students, of being manipulated by unspecified “minority” political inter- ests and of being infiltrated by gangsters. “The kids do not even know the party that is ma- nipulating them …. Gang members are being brought into the kids’ protests and are criminalizing the pro- tests. That is why they are put at risk,” Ortega said. Those remarks appeared to fan the flames, as soon af- terward thousands of people spilled back into the streets in seven cities. MAN ARRESTED IN BT BEACH CRACKDOWN A man was arrested on suspicion of gambling and money laundering during a police operation at Bodden Town’s Coe Wood Beach Saturday night. Royal Cayman Islands Police said the 47-year- old Bodden Town resi- dent was seen with a lot- tery ticket book when officers approached him. He was arrested and po- lice said cash and addi- tional ticket books were found in his car. The man was arrested on suspicion of drug pos- session, as well as in con- nection with the gambling- related offenses. Police conducted the raid in conjunction with customs and immigration enforcement officers. “The presence of illegal gambling and antisocial behavior also impacts the quality of life of members of the community,” said RCIPS Inspector Winsome Prendergast. “The RCIPS, with the help of our partner agencies, will continue to proactively target and pros- ecute any offenders.” Paraguay’s President-elect Mario Abdo Benitez, left, of the Colorado Party, and his wife Silvana Lopez Moreira wave at supporters during celebrations at the party headquarters in Asuncion, Paraguay, Sunday. – PHOTO: AP An anti-government protester holds up a sign in Spanish, reading: ‘Nicaragua free’ in Managua, Nicaragua, Saturday. – PHOTO: AP JOHN GRAY HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS OPEN HOUSE John Gray High School is holding its first open school day on April 24. Family and friends of students are being in- vited to sit in on classes, see displays of robotics and artwork, and watch sports competitions as they enjoy lunch. In an email, Principal Jon Clark said the event is “a new initiative driven by our prefect body and head boy and girl. They re- ally wanted to show what JGHS is really like and to try and change the per- ception of many people in the community.” The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call: 949-9444. Police arrested a man Saturday in connection with illegal gambling at Coe Wood Beach.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018 NOTICE TO THE MEMBERS OF CAYMAN NATIONAL PENSION FUND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Members of the Cayman National Pension Fund Ltd. to be held Wednesday 9th May, 2018, in the Cayman National Building, 4th Floor Board Room, Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman at 4pm. The Agenda is set out below: - AGENDA 1. Review the Minutes of the last Members Meeting held on the 4th May, 2017 and any matters arising. 2. Receive Audited Financial Statements for the period ended 30th September 2017. 3. Report from Investment Committee. 4. Trustee Elections: David Perry retires by rotation and is eligible for re-election. 5. Any other competent business. WB man who ran from police enters mixed pleas Cocaine admitted, but not for ‘general supply’ CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A man who escaped po- lice custody and then turned himself in was remanded in custody after entering several guilty pleas on Monday. Dorlin Allen Ebanks, also known as Allen Barnett, was accused of escaping police custody on Tuesday, April 17. Police sent out a no- tice the next day, seeking the public’s assistance in lo- cating him. They alleged that the encounter had involved Mr. Ebanks brandishing a knife and threatening the po- lice officers, who had recov- ered a package of cocaine from his person. Mr. Ebanks, 64, turned himself in at the West Bay Police Station on Thursday night, April 19. He was brought before Magistrate Valdis Foldats and indicated through at- torney John Furniss that he wanted to enter certain pleas after electing Sum- mary Court trial. All of the charges relate to incidents in West Bay on or before April 17. He pleaded guilty to con- suming cocaine, escaping lawful custody, damaging a pair of handcuffs, and car- rying a prohibited weapon, a flick knife. Charged with threatening to kill one officer and using threatening behavior toward a second officer, Mr. Ebanks pleaded not guilty. Details alleged were that he had rushed toward one of the officers with a raised knife, saying “I’ll stab you up.” The defendant disagreed. He said the knife was in his waist and “jooked” him, so he pulled it out and it flicked open. Mr. Ebanks was also charged with posses- sion of cocaine with in- tent to supply, based on the package officers found on him. Crown counsel Scott Wainwright said no spe- cific weight was yet avail- able, but there was a pho- tograph available indicating the illegal drug to be “a small amount.” Mr. Ebanks told police he would have shared the cocaine with a lady friend and he indicated how much money he had spent to get the drug. He pleaded guilty to pos- session of a small amount of cocaine. An adjournment was sug- gested so that an opinion could be obtained as whether the police thought the pos- session was for sharing with the girlfriend or for general supply. The defendant had pre- vious previous convic- tions, Mr. Furniss agreed, but nothing in the past two years. He agreed to an- other mention on Monday, April 30, and Mr. Ebanks was remanded in custody until that date. Cayman’s National Gallery among top 5 in Caribbean The travel and lifestyle newswire News Americas Now has listed the Cayman Islands National Gallery as one of the Caribbean’s top five museums to visit. In a news release, gal- lery director Natalie Urqu- hart said being on the list shows the gallery is ele- vating its profile. “We are delighted to re- ceive this positive regional recognition,” Ms. Urquhart said. “Hopefully, this news will now will drive more and more visitors to the Cayman Islands and to the gallery to experience our unique cultural environ- ment and story.” The National Museum of Fine Arts in Cuba ranked number one in the list, fol- lowed by the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Ponce in Puerto Rico, the Terramar Museum in Bonaire, and the Master- works Museum of Bermuda Art in Bermuda. The Cayman Islands Na- tional Gallery, which was es- tablished in 1997, moved into its current multipurpose fa- cility on Esterley Tibbetts Highway in 2012. It promotes local and international visual arts and curates up to six ex- hibitions each year. Widower sues man who killed wife in drunk driving accident KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com The widower of Marcia Donaldson is suing George Town resident Donovan Kel- lyman, who caused Ms. Don- aldson’s death when he struck her with his vehicle while driving drunk in 2015. Paul Anthony Donaldson is seeking from Mr. Kellyman about $13,000 in funeral-re- lated expenses plus dam- ages, according to his writ. The lawsuit was filed for the benefit of Mr. Donaldson, his two children and one grand- daughter, states the writ, which is posted on the web- site OffshoreAlert.com. The lawsuit states that at the time of her death, Ms. Donaldson, 46, was an em- ployee of Maples and had plans to open a nursery. “She provided monthly fi- nancial support to her grand- daughter Jayda, who she raised in her home from the time Jayda was 3 months old until she was 9 years old,” the lawsuit states. “De- spite the fact that Jayda returned to live with her mother, Kristelle, at 9 years old, the deceased continued to provide for her education- ally and other financial sup- port in general.” In June 2016, Mr. Kellyman pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and to driving while intoxicated and causing death in relation to the incident. According to statements made in court, Mr. Kel- lyman struck Ms. Donaldson around 4:15 a.m. on April 25, 2015 while she was jog- ging on South Sound Road close to the junction with Old Crewe Road. Prosecutors alleged Mr. Kellyman had driven “without due care and attention,” thereby causing Ms. Donald- son’s death. The Crown also alleged that Mr. Kellyman’s blood-alcohol level was mea- sured at 0.120, above the legal limit of 0.100. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in October 2016. He was 26 years old at the time of his sentencing. Donovan Kellyman was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in October 2016. News Americas Now has named the Cayman Islands National Gallery as one of the Caribbean’s Top 5 museums.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. JASON REZAIAN The Castro era in Cuba is over. Current president Raúl Castro – younger brother of Fidel – is about to step down. President Donald Trump should seize the opportunity to build on one of his prede- cessor’s success stories. Presi- dent Barack Obama launched a diplomatic opening to Cuba that promises great rewards for the United States. That policy has since faltered. Trump should give it new life. The changes in Cuba may be cosmetic. The Castro family will probably continue to play a big role behind the scenes. But the packaging matters, because it pro- vides the cover for Trump to change course. A session of Cuba’s Na- tional Assembly began Wednesday, with a succes- sion vote leading the meet- ing’s agenda. Current Vice President Miguel Díaz-Canel, a Castro protege born after Cuba’s 1959 revolution, was named as the sole candidate for president, and the results of the assembly vote will be announced Thursday. After nearly 60 years, spanning 12 different U.S. presidencies, the Castros will begin to fade into history. When the Obama admin- istration and the Castro gov- ernment brokered a new dip- lomatic relationship in 2015, the American side was oper- ating under the assumption that the blockade of Cuba no longer served any real pur- pose and hindered growing demand for private sector trade. Obama’s overture suc- ceeded because everyone un- derstood that it had been de- cades since Cuba posed an actual risk to Americans or American interests. Some in the Cuban-Amer- ican community and in Con- gress felt renewing ties meant placating a dictator. They said it was a sign of weakness. Normalizing relations while Fidel Castro was still alive, in fact, had the opposite effect. To Cubans, Obama’s historic visit in March 2016 projected strength and confidence. Some of that progress has been rolled back since Trump entered office and made travel to and investment in Cuba more difficult. Still, it would be difficult to com- pletely undo the detente now. “Our embassy is oper- ating with only a fraction of its normal personnel during this historic political tran- sition,” says Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the top Demo- crat on the Senate Appropri- ations Committee and long- time proponent of improving ties with Cuba. Cuba’s biggest liability is the one-dimensional nature of its political order. The current transition will underscore this. Trump should respond to this new beginning with an offer of increased trade. Ideologues such as the ones who have been running Cuba for years have trouble reacting to new opportunities. The island is in deep debt, and its economy continues to sputter. Meanwhile, ordinary Cubans – who are mostly free to leave the island, work for private companies, buy and sell land, and have increased contact with their relatives in Florida – aspire to higher standards of living. If any U.S. president should understand the le- verage that such a situation presents, it should be this one. The United States could use this as an opportunity to make it clear to the incoming Cuban leadership – and the people of Cuba – that we are ready to help them to achieve a better future by increasing trade and investing in the country’s growing but tiny private sector economy. We are already headed in that direction. While there are still very few U.S. multi- nationals operating in Cuba, private sector business op- portunities on the island have mushroomed since 2016. We should be supporting this. We should do this not to support Cuban leaders who are in an economic jam, but because it will hasten the collapse of revolutionary ideology. It will also be good for Amer- ican business. Most of the old obstacles hindering relations have been cleared away, but the nascent relationship between Wash- ington and Havana hit a snag last year over a bizarre med- ical mystery that afflicted two dozen Americans af- filiated with the U.S. Em- bassy in Cuba. In a sign of their eager- ness for better relations, au- thorities there have done ev- erything they can to assist U.S. investigations into the unexplained illnesses, even allowing the FBI to send teams of agents to the island to search, without obstruc- tion, for answers. After the issue became public, the United States withdrew more than half of its diplomats from the is- land and expelled 15 Cuban diplomats who were based at its embassy in Wash- ington. That effectively cut off consular services, espe- cially for Cubans wanting to visit the United States and for U.S. businesses with inter- ests in Cuba. That remains the case now. “Fortunately, there’s a level of trust that has been built up over the past several years between the governments of both countries, which I be- lieve will sustain the rela- tionship through this diffi- cult period,” says Leahy. “The people of both countries want closer relations. There is no stopping it.” Let’s hope he’s right. Jason Rezaian is a writer for Global Opinions. He served as The Washington Post’s correspondent in Tehran from 2012 to 2016. He spent 544 days unjustly imprisoned by Iranian authorities until his release in January 2016. © 2018, The Washington Post Cleaning up our act – on roadways, beaches and lots Throngs of volunteers combed beaches, roadsides, vacant lots and waterways last weekend, removing tons of trash. The combined efforts of various Earth Day cleanup activities leave our islands markedly more beautiful than they had previously been. Gone are the plastic straws and cigarette butts that had been strewn like confetti throughout downtown George Town; the plastic containers and other “junk” ensnared in mangrove branches and aerial roots; the floating islands of trash that collect in waterways and along roadsides; the “do-it-yourself” landfills created by thoughtless neighbors and passersby in our wooded and vacant lots. All gone. And good riddance (to bad rubbish, as they say) – for now. Well-deserved thanks are extended to the indi- viduals who contributed to the cleanup efforts, not to mention the groups – including the Chamber of Commerce, environmental and diving associations, neighborhood groups and Earth Day committees – which coordinated those efforts, and the private busi- nesses which donated equipment and supplies. Unfortunately, as we have learned through experi- ence, the improvements will almost certainly be tem- porary. Too soon, the blight of unsightly and unhygienic litter will again accumulate on our beaches, neighbor- hoods, commercial areas and open spaces. In addition to the annual Earth Day events, several groups organize regular coordinated cleanups throughout the year. Even more people make it a habit to pick up trash as they encounter it. Even so, some- thing more must be done to ensure our islands remain pristine all the year round. (As Mary Poppins might say, “Tip top, spit spot!”) Of course, the real problem in Cayman is not the litter itself, but Cayman’s litterbugs. Ideally, we would be able to invoke a sense of personal responsibility among our people so they would never even consider irresponsibly discarding their trash. Shouldn’t we all take pride in our beautiful islands? (Texas, famously, got tougher with its “Don’t Mess With Texas” campaign.) Behavior such as flinging food wrappers out of car windows or lobbing bags of trash into neighboring properties should be considered socially unacceptable. As we mentioned in a recent editorial, we keep hearing about the estimated 1,500 Caymanians who cannot find work. Well, perhaps we could offer some of them some work, by expanding to all four seasons the annual “Christmas cleanup” program that pays a decent wage – $10 an hour. Another suggestion might be to enlist people who have been sentenced to perform community service as atonement for minor criminal violations. Helping to keep our public spaces clean certainly sounds to us as worthwhile community service. Since our legislators have already carved up our country into 19 separate “mini-districts,” perhaps district councils, elected representatives and residents themselves can come up with workable solutions for their own neighborhoods. One suggestion might be to organize a good-natured competition of sorts to rec- ognize – perhaps with a trophy displayed in a public place – the most spotless mini-district on the island. The Compass certainly would participate to the extent we are able (news coverage, free ads?) to promote the cleanup efforts and acknowledge the good work being done. The Cayman Islands are already known as one of the most beautiful, most stable and safest destinations in the Caribbean. Wouldn’t it be equally desirable to be thought of as one of the cleanest as well? TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS 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” End of Cuba’s Castro era is an opportunity for Trump The Castro family will probably continue to play a big role behind the scenes. But the packaging matters, because it provides the cover for Trump to change course.5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018 CCRIF SPC now invites eligible firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing External Auditor services to CCRIF SPC. The consulting services include the performance of an annual audit of CCRIF SPC’s financial statements (for the Core and all Segregated Portfolios) including the forming and expressing of audit opinion in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISA), as promulgated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). Interested Consultants should provide information (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, general qualifications and number of key staff etc.) demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Interested Consultants are required to declare conflicts of interest. Interested firms may obtain the full request for expressions of interest at: http://www.ccrif.org/content/request-expressions-interest-external- auditor-april-2018 For further information on CCRIF SPC, please visit the CCRIF web site at www.ccrif.org. Expressions of interest must be submitted via email to: procurement@ccrif.org by 3 May 2018. Email receipts will be issued for all submissions meeting the deadline. All firms expressing interest will receive a response from CCRIF, via email, during the week ending 11 May 2018. Shortlisted firms will receive a request for proposals (RFP) at that time. Firms will be shortlisted based on the required qualifications and relevant experience. Request for Expressions of Interest – April 18 External Auditor Meals on Wheels stages Orange You Glad gala SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman chapter of Meals on Wheels staged its annual Orange You Glad gala on Saturday, and it ex- perienced an uptick in sup- port from previous years. Erin Bodden, general man- ager of Meals on Wheels, said the gala sold 300 seats and that organizers are still tabu- lating the returns. Last year, Meals on Wheels raised about $40,000 through the Orange You Glad gala, and Ms. Bodden said it was likely that this year’s fundraiser did even better. “It looks like we have raised a significantly higher amount of money than in years past, but we haven’t fin- ished tallying, so I can’t give an official number,” she said. “We know the live and silent auctions were very successful …. We just don’t know exactly what that translates to.” The fifth annual Orange You Glad gala was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman this year, and Ms. Bodden said that Gov- ernor Anwar Choudhury made some moving remarks about the charity. “He spoke so passionately about Meals on Wheels and how much it meant to him,” she said. “He said his own father had just passed away last month, and in his end of life, [the governor] had come to realize the dignity you need as an elderly person. “He said that what Meals on Wheels does is one of the most noble causes he can think of. For him to have said that was really touching for all of us involved.” Meals on Wheels chairman Rob Imparato, right, puts his orange suit jacket on his father Joe Imparato, who bought the distinctive suit for $1,750 at the Orange You Glad gala auction. Nathan Dyck, left, and Rob Imparato vie for the title of most understated suit. Michael Binckes and Kim Lund get ready for the auction. Kelley Verwey, Bernadine Murrain, Lisa Broadbridge, Donna Sullivan and Janice Gillies Noel and Carlene Webb get into the orange theme of the gala.Alexa Binckes, David Ritch and Ashleigh Lund Have fun... volunteer! • walk dogs • play with puppies • educate • thrift shop • book store • dog show • cat care • fund raise 949-1461 info@caymanhumanesociety.com caymanislandshumanesociety.com From left, former Meals on Wheels Executive Director Beulah McField, Governor Anwar Choudhury, Gloria McField-Nixon and Michael Nixon. - PHOTOS: MAGGIE JACKSONThe 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 APRIL 24, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY, APRIL 24 ELECTIONS OFFICE: The Elections Office will be closed in the morning to facilitate staff training. It will be open from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday hours are as usual. JGHS OPEN DAY: John Gray High School invites parents and guardians to an Open Day for the school 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is an initiative by the prefect body. Parents and guardians of the school are urged to come in during the course of the day to see classes in operation, plus displays and performances. Most performances will occur between noon and 1 p.m. with classes and displays accessible until 4 p.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 NORTH SIDE OLDER PERSONS: The Older Persons’ Council is seeking input from older persons and their families through a series of meetings in each of the Cayman Islands’ six districts. The meeting for North Side is today, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre. Light refreshments will be available. 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 BUSINESSMEN’S BREAKFAST: The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International holds its monthly breakfast at 7:30 a.m., at Lola’s restaurant in Camana Bay. The speaker will be Mr. Roy Bodden, formerly of Radio Cayman. WEST BAY OLDER PERSONS: The Older Persons’ Council is seeking input from older persons and their families through a series of meetings in each of the Cayman Islands’ six districts. The meeting for West Bay is today, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Hall. Light refreshments will be available. 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. TUESDAY, MAY 1 HURRICANE SHELTER VOLUNTEERS: The Department of Children and Family Services wants people to sign up as hurricane shelter volunteers for the 2018 hurricane season. Today is the deadline to register for training to offer support and immediate on-scene assistance. Training sessions are Tuesday and Wednesday, May 8 and 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. For further information and to register, please call the Department on 949-0290 or email dcfs.smt@gov.ky. FRIDAY, MAY 4 HOSPICECARE BIG BASH: Fundraiser at Ristorante Pappagallo from 7 p.m. Open bar. Music by Bonafide and DJ Jacko. Dress code: cocktail chic. Tickets $250. Contact 945- 7447 or fundraising@ caymanhospicecare.ky. SATURDAY, MAY 5 BODDEN TOWN OLDER PERSONS: The Older Persons’ Council is seeking input from older persons and their families through a series of meetings in each of the Cayman Islands’ six districts. The meeting for Bodden Town is today, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Civic Centre. Light refreshments will be available. SATURDAY, MAY 12 BREAKFAST FOR DINNER: Kiwanis Breakfast for Dinner, from 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott. The evening begins with a Champagne reception followed by a three course breakfast, a fashion show and music. Dress code is smart casual but pajamas are encouraged. Benefits the Buy a Kid Breakfast program. Tickets are $100. Contact 916-8664 or president@kiwanis.ky. EAST END OLDER PERSONS: The Older Persons’ Council is seeking input from older persons and their families through a series of meetings in each of the Cayman Islands’ six districts. The meeting for East End is today, 5:30-7 p.m. at the East End United Church Hall, Gun Bay. Light refreshments will be available. 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. OPTIMIST CLUB: Meets first and third Thursdays at the Hibiscus Conference Room, Cayman Islands Hospital at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at www.optimistcayman.com. THE MODEL AIRPLANE FLYING CLUB: Meets Sundays 2 p.m. at the J. Bodden Marlpit/Old Raceway. Call 916–2327. PARENT AND TODDLER PLAY GROUP: For children from 2 weeks to 4 years. Meets Mondays 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the South Sound Community Centre. Children must be accompanied by parent or helper. Toys, activities, light refreshments provided. $6 per session per family. Email sspg@foxwood.ky. HEARTS THROUGH HANDS: Meets Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to noon at The Family Life Centre, Room 10, Academy Way. Women make crafts for charity and missions. Call 946–3067 or 947–1863. THE WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE: Breast-feeding Clinics every Thursday 10 a.m. to noon in the Women’s Health Centre. No appointments, no fees. Phone 244–2649. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. John Gray High School is inviting parents and guardians to an open day at the school on Tuesday, April 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018 Persons with Disabilities. Data collection for the study will begin this summer, and the index should be published by September 2019, said Mr. Morris. The Cayman Is- lands will be a part of the survey, he said. Mr. Morris said this was his first visit to Cayman, and that the ter- ritory left him with a good first impression. “I am impressed thus far,” he said. “Most of the buildings I have en- tered have ramps to create easy access for wheelchair users, which gives me a positive impression.” Mr. Morris developed glaucoma when he was 14 years old in 1983, and be- came blind in 1989. Though he did not excel in high school, Mr. Morris said, he later learned to read and write braille, which helped equip him with the tools to restart his education. He eventually earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies in 1996, and later earned a master’s de- gree in government studies in 2001. He earned his Ph.D. in the same subject from there last year, becoming the third blind person to earn a doctorate at UWI. He was elected to the Senate of Jamaica in 1998, and is currently an oppo- sition member. “My accomplishment is undeniable proof that no matter who you are or where you are from you can achieve anything that you set your mind to, even if at the begin- ning your road may seem as dark and as perilous as the one I was born to travel,” he said. “above and beyond,” in- cluding consulting the at- torney general, to ensure it came to the right decision. He added, “There was no legal reason not to grant the retail licenses for specified operating hours on Sunday. There is nothing in the law that prevents the issuance of this license to any licensee with a package license. “The main reason for the grant was to accommodate the tourists arriving on the island on Sundays and to prevent illegal sales.” He said there were still is- sues with the law that are ex- pected to be addressed by gov- ernment in the coming year. The issue of Sunday trading for liquor stores has been rumbling since March of last year when the board granted, then retracted, a retail license that allowed the Peanuts store at Red Bay gas station to sell beer, wine and spirits to cus- tomers seven days a week. The controversy over the decision led to the former chairman of the Liquor Licensing Board, Woody DaCosta, being re- moved from the post. After a series of stories in the Compass and an internal audit investigation, the board was compelled to uphold its original decision and grant the license to Peanuts. But further applications were held in abeyance as the new board sought legal advice to clarify its powers under the Liquor Licensing Law. That process concluded Friday with the granting of 12 licenses to businesses, including Brown’s Esso, H & B gas stations and the Tortuga Rum Company. Cline Glidden, an attorney who brought the initial ap- plication on behalf of Pea- nuts and who also represented Brown’s Esso, said he was happy with the outcome. “The board did what we have always contested they are allowed to do under the law,” he said. Mr. Hamaty said he had not wanted to open his stores on Sundays, but felt compelled to do so to stay up with the competition. “We are going to try it with two stores and see how it goes,” he said. “I think it is a good com- promise but I believe the anomalies in the law still need to be looked at.” Joey Hew, the minister for commerce, has in- dicated government plans to bring amendments to the Li- quor Licensing Law this year. Mr. Glidden said he did not expect those changes to impact the now established rights of businesses to open Sundays. He said the aim of any fu- ture changes should be to allow liquor stores to extend their regular package licenses for Sunday opening. Currently, liquor stores have to seek an extra retail li- cense, which restricts sales to a minimum of a case of beer or a bottle of wine. Jamaica’s first blind senator visits Cayman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Floyd Morris at Kings Adventist Church on Friday. - PHOTO: KEN SILVA Sunday liquor licenses approved CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The Peanuts convenience store at Red Bay Rubis gas station was granted a license last year to sell alcohol on Sundays. Other businesses have now been granted the same license. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Several business owners were called to a special meeting of the Liquor Licensing Board of Grand Cayman on Friday where the rules were outlined and licenses were handed out.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS window he brought along. When a participant raised the window up to a certain height, a wire attached set off a buzzer to alert those inside that the window had been opened. “There’s no wire on the outside, everything is inside,” Mr. O’Connor said. “[The bur- glary suspect] wouldn’t be able to find the switch.” The entire system can be purchased for between $7 to $12 and just needs a few buzzers, two AA bat- teries and a clothes pin, which acts as an insulator for the switch that acti- vates the buzzer. Fabian, the son of Cay- man’s “dancing policeman” Constable Fabian O’Connor, said he’s not ready to put the homemade alarm on the market just yet, he’s still working with it. How- ever, the project did get kudos from Education Min- ister Juliana O’Connor-Con- nolly Saturday. “It would be affordable, accessible and it would be a Cayman product,” Ms. O’Connor-Connolly said. “All the things that make a minister happy.” Ms. O’Connor-Connolly – who was not a judge in the competition – said she was impressed by a number of projects at the science fair Saturday, singling out a few, including one on water ab- sorption in plants done by 8-year-old Harshita Yedla of Cayman Prep. “I was a little bit cu- rious about how plants got water from the ground,” Harshita said, when asked about her project. The experiment used food coloring on celery stalks to show how plants absorbed water when they were left overnight in jars. “You can see that your leaves turn blue or red … when you crack it open you can see tiny tube-like struc- tures which are the xylem vessels,” she said. When this reporter ad- mitted he was not familiar with the term “xylem ves- sels,” Harshita explained, “They’re dead cells which help in transporting water to the tips of the stalk.” Cayman’s water A significant number of projects presented at the fair focused on Cayman’s ocean waters, including one ex- periment that attempted to support the sometimes-pos- ited theory that liquid ni- trogen could be used to weaken hurricanes. Another project re- searched the turbidity (clarity) and acidity of sea- water at various locations, looking at Seven Mile Beach, Spotts Beach and Frank Sound. The project team also looked at how much micro- scopic life was in the water at those locations. “It’s just proving that hu- mans are affecting the ocean and if we don’t do anything about it, the ocean might soon become too acidic for any sort of marine life to live in it,” said Liam Walton, who worked on the project with science partner Rene Ortega, both students from St. Igna- tius Catholic School. A total of 16 projects took home first, second or third place prizes in five separate categories from Rotary fol- lowing the daytime presen- tation at Camana Bay’s Arts and Recreation Centre. There was one second-place tie in the Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science category. Strong turnout Rotary Central’s Leyla Jackson said this was the second-busiest science fair the group has hosted since it began 12 years ago. Only the 2015 science fair had more entries. This year’s fair was named in honor of the late Dr. Bill Hrudey, former ob- servatory director at the University College of the Cayman Islands. The fair had a total of 84 projects from 12 schools and a number of home- schools, involving 125 stu- dents (many worked together in teams on their projects). There was no differentia- tion between public and pri- vate schools, and many of the projects were already se- lected to participate in the islandwide fair from within their own schools. A panel of 19 judges began touring the various projects – which filled the entire floor of the ARC – at about 8 a.m. Saturday, scoring each ac- cording to pre-established criteria. The winners were announced in a ceremony Saturday evening. WINNERS OF THE 2018 ROTARY SCIENCE FAIR Earth science: Environment, weather astronomy and ecology 1stFinlay DackerAge 8First Baptist Archimedes Screw: How to get water from soil 2ndPhillip Whan TongAge 13 Cayman International School How fertilizer affects algae growth in oceans 3rd Cassian Marshall, Charlie Charlton-Jones Ages 10Cayman Prep Exploring how tsunamis are created and which barriers offer the best protection Food and health 1stAnna Taylor-PayneAge 13Homeschool How dog therapy for anxious executives lowers heart rates and stress levels 2nd Samruddhi Tagalpallewar Age 15St. Ignatius Testing hypoglycemic properties of natural produce to help lower blood sugar for diabetic patients 3rd Leanna Allen, Courdene Thomas Age 12 Clifton Hunter High School Investigation on contamination of food dropped for different periods of time Life science, including microbiology, botany or zoology 1stMegha CherayathAge 11St. Ignatius How does a chick breathe inside its shell? 2nd Myah Major, Hayley Cloete Age 8Cayman Prep Effects of saltwater on growth of sunflower plant 3rdLucas TatumAge 17Homeschool Examining the role endemic snakes carry out in the ecosystem Physics, chemistry and computer science 1stFabian O’ConnorAge 16Clifton Hunter Homemade security alarm system 2ndMichael MarzoucaAge 12St. Ignatius Computer-generated terrain testing noise vs. energy used by a creature 2ndAiden WatlerAge 15Cayman Prep Investigating how airfoil design affects flight stability 3rdJeton BennettAge 9 George Town Primary Ultimate bottle toss Special prizes 8 and UnderAudrey KeebleAge 8Cayman Prep Soaps and hand sanitizers – do they work? Age 9Ciara MurphyAge 9Cayman Prep How salty does the sea have to be for an egg to float Rotary Central’s Most Innovative James Banks, Bhavya Modi, David Lewis, Joanna Robinson Age 11First Baptist How effective is seaweed as a fertilizer once it has been harvested Low-cost home security a winner at science fair CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Finance Minister Roy McTaggart takes a look at the work of Lucas Tatum who studied the snakes of Grand Cayman. Sahil Jyoti explored the fundamental frequencies of metallic wires exposed to varying amounts of tension. Sean Leon, Caleb Suckoo and Ethan Anderson with their flytrap project. - PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY Finlay Dacker, 8, winner of the Earth Science category, talks to the judges about his Archimedes Screw project. Samruddhi Tagalpallewar tested the hypoglycemic properties of natural produce in a bid to help reduce blood sugar levels for diabetics.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 24, 2018 World’s oldest person dies at age of 117 The world’s oldest person, a 117-year-old Japanese woman, died Saturday. Nabi Tajima, born on Aug. 4, 1900, was the last known person born in the 19th century. She became the world’s oldest person after the death in September of Violet Brown of Jamaica, also at the age of 117. Royal baby: It’s a boy for Kate on England’s national day LONDON (AP) – For Kate, the wait is over. The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth Monday to a healthy baby boy – a third child for Kate and Prince William and fifth in line to the British throne. The couple’s Kensington Palace office announced news of the birth about five hours after the 36-year-old duchess and her husband traveled by car from their Kensington Palace home to the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in central London. The palace said the baby prince was born at 11:01 a.m. and weighed in at eight pounds, seven ounces. Prince William was in attendance, and the palace said mother and child were both doing well. “The queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Corn- wall, Prince Harry and mem- bers of both families have been informed and are de- lighted with the news,” the palace said in a statement. In a mix of tradition and modernity, the news was an- nounced by the palace on Twitter – and will also be posted on an easel in the fore- court of Buckingham Palace. The baby is a younger brother to 4-year-old Prince George and Princess Char- lotte, who turns 3 next week. Both were born at the same hospital, as were William and his younger brother Prince Harry. The baby’s name, which has been subject to a flurry of bets, has not been announced. Arthur and James are among bookmakers’ favorites for the new prince, whose full title will be His Royal Highness, Prince (Name) of Cambridge. Monday is St. George’s Day, England’s national day, but the baby is unlikely to be given the name since his older brother already has it. The new arrival is Queen Elizabeth II’s sixth great- grandchild and bumps Prince Harry to sixth place in the line of succession. He’s fifth in line, after grandfa- ther Prince Charles, father Prince William and the two older siblings. The 36-year-old duchess, formerly Kate Middleton, car- ried out her last official en- gagement on March 22 before going on maternity leave. As in her previous preg- nancies, Kate suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sick- ness. Officials announced both her previous pregnan- cies before the traditional 12-week mark because she was too unwell to attend public engagements. The birth was overseen by a team of doctors including consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston and consul- tant gynecologist Alan Far- thing – who were also called in for the births of George and Charlotte – as well as the hospital’s midwives. Television crews, journal- ists and royal fans had set up camp outside the hospital for the “royal baby watch” since early April in anticipation of the arrival. Town Crier Tony Appleton announces that the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby boy, outside the Lindo wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, Monday. – PHOTO: AP BEIJING (AP) – A traffic accident in North Korea has killed 32 Chinese tourists and four North Koreans, Chinese offi- cials said Monday. Two other Chinese tour- ists were badly injured and were in “acutely se- rious condition,” the For- eign Ministry said in a statement. It said China had dispatched a med- ical team accompanied by diplomats to assist the North Korean side. The accident occurred Sunday night in North Hwanghae province, south of Pyongyang, North Ko- rea’s capital, ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regularly scheduled news conference. Footage on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed the mangled wreckage of a bus in the dark with rain falling. Rescue vehicles were on the scene, and the injured were shown being treated in a hospital. China and North Korea share a lengthy border and a traditional friendship dating back to China’s mil- itary intervention on the side of the North in the 1950-53 Korean War. China remains Pyongyang’s largest trading partner, although commerce has dropped off by about 90 percent under United Na- tions sanctions. The ministry de- scribed the four North Ko- reans killed as “workers.” North Korea requires that all visitors be accompa- nied by minders. Other details on the backgrounds of those killed and injured and the circumstances of the ac- cident were not immedi- ately disclosed. Chinese tourists make up the vast majority of vis- itors to North Korea, where they often pay homage at sites related to China’s participation in the war. Only about 5,000 West- erners visit the isolated, hard-line communist state each year. Americans have been banned from trav- eling to North Korea without special permis- sion from the U.S. State De- partment since September amid concerns about the fate of those detained there in the past. North Korean roads are often bumpy and poorly maintained. There is usu- ally no lighting other than headlights at night, even on major roads outside of the cities. Drivers tend to travel at whatever speed they feel is safe, making the roads even more dan- gerous, particularly when the weather is bad. 36 DEAD, MOSTLY CHINESE, IN NORTH KOREA TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BRUSSELS (AP) – The EU’s trade chief said Monday that the bloc’s two most powerful leaders will tell U.S. President Donald Trump to back off on plans to impose steel and aluminum tariffs when they visit Washington this week. French President Em- manuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet separately with Trump and are bent on safe- guarding trans-Atlantic unity to face common chal- lenges, from Iran to North Korea and beyond. Both will insist that unity would be threatened if Trump starts imposing punitive tar- iffs on key EU industries. Last month, Trump im- posed tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 per- cent on imported aluminum, but granted the EU a tempo- rary exemption until May 1. The U.S. also temporarily ex- empted big steel producers Canada and Mexico – pro- vided they agree to renego- tiate a North American trade deal to his satisfaction. The United States and the EU are holding high-level talks to address the issue but EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom insisted Washington should not count on any concessions or hag- gling from the EU. “We expect an uncondi- tional and permanent ex- ception,” said Malmstrom, adding she was convinced Merkel and Macron would fully back that view. The EU has drawn up a list of countermeasures, worth some 2.8 billion euros (US$3.4 billion), to slap on U.S. products if the bloc is not permanently excluded. The measures would hit tra- ditional U.S. products like bourbon, jeans and motorcy- cles in an effort to hurt in- dustries that are important to the Trump electorate. “The list is agreed by member states and we will have it ready,” said Malmstrom. Macron arrives in Wash- ington on Monday while Merkel travels on Thursday. EU trade chief says Merkel, Macron will push Trump on steel European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, Monday. – PHOTO: AP JOHNSON: G-7 OFFICIALS FOCUS ON RUSSIA’S ‘MALIGN’ BEHAVIOR TORONTO (AP) – Cabinet min- isters from the G-7 countries have committed to taking Russia to task for what Brit- ain’s foreign secretary de- scribed Monday as a broad range of “malign” behavior Boris Johnson said the G-7 ministers agreed during their Sunday discussion on the need to address the dis- ruptive influence of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The G7s foreign and in- terior ministries are holding talks in Toronto, where Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, has pushed Russia to the top of a packed agenda that includes North Korea, Iran and the on- going Syrian crisis. The talks are part of a series of ministerial-level gatherings in the run-up to the G-7 leaders’ summit which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will host in June in Charlevoix, Quebec. “What we decided … was that we were going to set up a G-7 group that would look at Russian malign behavior in all its manifestations, whether it’s cyberwar, whether it’s dis- information, assassination at- tempts, whatever it happens to be, and collectively try and call it out,” Johnson said. “Russia is so unbeliev- ably clever at kind of sowing doubt and confusion and spreading all this fake news and trying to muddy the wa- ters. We think there’s a role for the G-7 in just trying to provide some clarity.” The ministers will also be tackling the issue of how best to deal with foreign fighters who are returning from Middle East battlefields. Other security issues in- clude the nuclear standoff with North Korea, the crisis in Venezuela, possible war crimes committed against Rohingya Muslims and on- going civil unrest in Syria and the Middle East.Next >