ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 High of 89 Low of 77 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 ‘FOOTS’ ACQUITTAL: PUTTING CAYMAN JUSTICE ON TRIAL LOCAL | PAGE 3 GOVERNMENT ‘NEVER STOPPED’ PICKING UP DERELICT VEHICLES, MINISTER SAYS 189510_PRINT-Butterfield-Ad-StriPage 1 6/28/18 2:36:40 PM Cayman police honored for service at home and abroad SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com The men and women of the Royal Cayman Islands Po- lice Service took center stage Thursday night at the Gover- nor’s House, when Commis- sioner Derek Byrne presided over the annual Outstanding Service Awards. Sixty-two members of the service were commended for their work overseas during the last hurricane season, and eight awards were bestowed to deserving recipients. The awards ceremony took place on a sweltering summer night, and it started with a video documenting the work the RCIPS did last fall in storm-ravaged Turks and Ca- icos and the British Virgin Islands. Acting Governor The show goes on for CayFilm MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com Friday night’s thunder, light- ning and pouring rain were enough to drive a wedding in- doors at The Ritz-Carlton and dampen some of the guests ar- riving for the mini-CayFilm fes- tival that featured seven island- made short films. Tony Mark laughed about the weather with one of the fes- tival attendees. “That’s my special effects team,” Mr. Mark said. Had that been the case, it would have been one of two Hollywood-type magic tricks he pulled off for the evening, the second being the festival itself. It was not supposed to happen. Mr. Mark has headed up the annual CayFilm festival since its inception in 2015. But 2018 threw up some hurdles he did not think he could handle. “We had some scheduling EX-EMPLOYER OWES $96,000, OFFERS $250 A MONTH The director of a defunct busi- ness was ordered on Thursday to pay former employees almost $96,000 that had been deducted from their salaries as contributions to a pen- sion plan, but which was never placed in any plan. Thirteen employees were affected and two of them were owed over $24,000 each, based on deductions that started in February 2009. For more, please see page 8. PREMIER: PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS NEED TO INCREASE BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Monetary contributions to private sector pension funds need to be increased for both Cayman Islands employers and employees, Premier Alden McLaughlin said last week. In addition to higher payments into that system, the private pension funds need to be allowed to have “greater latitude” in what types of investments may be pursued, the premier said during a Legislative As- sembly debate. “There are many people who have now retired who will only have seen very little benefit of [the private sector] scheme,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “The number of Cayma- nians on financial assistance continues to grow every year. “When I look at what the Cayman Islands is going to have to pay just to keep the wolf from the door over the next 10 to 15 years, I am scared.” Mr. McLaughlin’s comments came during a debate on a private members’ motion filed by George Town Central MLA Kenneth Bryan which sought to increase the amount Cay- manians can “borrow” from private sector pension funds to pay off a home loan from $35,000 to $100,000. The premier said government could not ac- cept the motion at the $100,000 amount be- cause it would serve to imperil existing pen- sion accounts for people who will need that money when they retire. Instead, the government agreed to reduce the maximum amount of withdrawal from the PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » Acting Governor Franz Manderson, left, and Police Commissioner Derek Byrne welcome the public to the Outstanding Service Awards at Government House Thursday. - PHOTOS: MAGGIE JACKSON Police Constable Christopher Donaldson accepts the Officer of the Year Award from Acting Governor Franz Manderson. Festival Director Tony Mark addresses the public Friday at a scaled-back version of CayFilm. - PHOTO: MAGGIE JACKSON2 LOCAL&REGIONAL TUESDAY JULY 3, 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) UNCLE DREW (PG13) 2:00 I 4:50 I 7:15 I 10:15 JURASSIC WORLD: THE FALLEN KINGDOM (PG13) 1:00 VIP I 1:20 3D I 4:00 VIP I 4:20 7:20 I 9:50 VIP I 10:00 3D OCEANS 8 (PG13) 1:15 I 7:05 I 9:40 SICARIO 2: DAY OF THE SOLDADO (R) 1:45 I 4:10 I 9:20 UPGRADE (R) 4:40 I 7:30 I 10:10 INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) 12:45 3D I 3:30 I 6:30 3D CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA: BLAZING SADDLES (R) 7:00 VIP Puerto Rico governor rejects budget SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – A disagreement over which budget Puerto Rico will use this fiscal year has deep- ened as the governor of the U.S. territory on Monday signed the version ap- proved by legislators in- stead of the one imple- mented by a federal control board over the weekend. Gov. Ricardo Rossello said the board’s budget is not in Puerto Rico’s best interest and that he is pre- pared to defend his decision, leading many to believe the issue might end up in court. “I’m going to use all the tools I have in my arsenal to be able to defend the people of Puerto Rico,” he told reporters. However, Rossello ac- knowledged that Puerto Ri- cans struggling after Hur- ricane Maria could still be hit by new austerity mea- sures sought by the board amid an 11-year recession. “I fear this is a symbolic gesture,” he said, referring to the signing of the legis- lators’ version. He added that a judge could rule in favor of the board. Rossello said he would provide more details during a televised address scheduled for late Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, board spokesman Jose Luis Cedeno said there would be no immediate comment on the governor’s actions. Rossello’s announce- ment comes a day after the board that oversees the is- land’s finances approved an $8.76 billion budget that cuts government spending by $345 million, including a $24 million cut for the leg- islature, which would op- erate with $111 million for fiscal year 2019. The budget complies with a fiscal plan that calls for aus- terity measures, including a sharp increase in tuition at Puerto Rico’s largest public university and deep cuts to employees’ vacation and sick days. The governor said he hopes the island’s Senate and the board can still reach an agreement that benefits the 3.3 million people of Puerto Rico, many of whom fear they will face even greater eco- nomic hardship in the fu- ture. More than 2,000 cus- tomers still remain without power more than nine months after the Category 4 storm hit, causing what is estimated to be more than $100 billion in damage. “We will not rest until all of Puerto Rico is illu- minated,” Walter Higgins, CEO of Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, said in a statement Monday. Minister: $100K overtime paid for trash collection BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com The Cayman Islands De- partment of Environmental Health was paying staff $100,000 per month in over- time for garbage collection as of late 2017, Health Min- ister Dwayne Seymour re- vealed Friday in the Legisla- tive Assembly. Since the start of this year, those costs have been cut to about $25,000 per month, Mr. Seymour said, after 10 tem- porary staff members were brought in to assist with “mission critical” areas of the department. Minister Seymour, re- sponding to concerns from other assembly members about delays in trash re- trieval, said problems during June were related to a backlog created during the previous weeks. “All trucks are currently operational and routes are fully staffed,” Mr. Seymour said, adding that there were some lower than usual levels of employee attendance due to “employee illness and va- cation” at the Department of Environmental Health. Mr. Seymour also ac- knowledged ongoing gar- bage collection difficulties in Cayman Brac, where he said collections in West End would resume Friday. “I cannot promise that these challenges will end im- minently. We are doing every- thing in our power to provide reliable, consistent service,” Mr. Seymour said. “No one is more anxious than myself to see this situation improve and normalize.” A staff dispute that oc- curred in fall 2017 con- cerning overtime pay and difficulties with operating some of the government’s garbage trucks led to persis- tent delays in trash collec- tion and recommendations for an internal audit at Cay- man’s Department of Envi- ronmental Health. On Nov. 24, 2017, the de- partment issued a press re- lease apologizing to residents for delays in garbage collec- tion. However, delays per- sisted beyond that date and the government noted they had been caused “by unavail- ability of some of the gar- bage collection trucks.” Ministry of Health Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn con- firmed in December that there had been “an escalation” of overtime at the Department of Environmental Health within the past 18 months. “The ministry has asked for [the] Internal Audit [Ser- vice] to look at the situation,” Ms. Ahearn said. “There are no funds unaccounted for at Department of Environ- mental Health.” According to Deputy Gov- ernor Franz Manderson, the first part of that audit has been completed but a sec- ondary review was still under way. Mr. Manderson said re- cently that neither review had been released publicly. In May, Mr. Manderson apologized on behalf of the civil service for the situation, and promised that it would be solved soon. He blamed a combina- tion of equipment problems, staff shortages, staff ab- senteeism and issues with the management of over- time at the Department of Environmental Health for persistent problems with roadside collections. The deputy governor said at the time that a number of employees at the Department of Environmental Health had been disciplined, adding that these workers were letting themselves, their colleagues and the community down through non-attendance and poor performance. Still uncertain is the fate of Environmental Health Di- rector Roydell Carter, who has been on unspecified leave from the department since late last year. Mr. Seymour said Friday that a study of trash pickup routes was being undertaken now to improve efficiency and reduce time required to be spent in each area. He said that review would take about three months. In the meantime, he said some private sector waste services were being used to help “catch up” on trash collection. Cayman Airways introduces new baggage fee policy Cayman Airways plans to implement fees for checked bags for the first time, while also lowering fees on ex- cess, overweight and over- sized baggage. The changes, scheduled to be implemented Aug. 1, will introduce a fee of US$20 per bag on checked bags for normal economy class on all international flights. For New York and Chicago flights, the fees will be US$25 for the first bag and US$35 for the second checked bag each way. Baggage allowances and fees for domestic flights between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will remain un- changed. However, interna- tional connections will be subject to the applicable in- ternational baggage fees. Business Class passen- gers will continue to receive three free checked bags on all routes. Sir Turtle Rewards Platinum Level Members will also continue to receive two free checked bags, while Sir Turtle Rewards Gold Level Members will receive the first checked bag free. The standard weight allowance remains at 55 lbs per bag. Fees for excess baggage have also been lowered. For third, fourth and fifth checked bags, the fee will now be US$50 per bag, which was previously US$125. For sixth, seventh and eighth checked bags, the fee for each will now be US$75, which was pre- viously US$200. The reduced fees for over- weight bags are: 56-70 lbs, US$50 per bag, which was previously US$75; 71-99lbs, US$75 per bag, which was previously US$175 each. The reduced fees for oversized bags will now be US$75 per bag between 62-80 linear inches, which was previ- ously US$150 each. “For many years, Cayman Airways has held strain, while almost all airlines have introduced checked baggage fees,” said Fabian Whorms, president and CEO for Cayman Airways. Mr. Whorms said that with substantial increases over the years in its oper- ating and station handling costs, the airline now finds it necessary to introduce a new fee structure, which will allow the airline to better cover its costs. “Additionally, while we compete aggressively on air- fares with other airlines on certain routes, it is usually not readily evident to pas- sengers when comparing total pricing, that competing airlines use checked bag fees to compensate for lower fares, resulting in a higher total price.” He said the new changes to its baggage policy are an attempt to level the playing field in this regard, so Cayman Airways can com- pete better on airfare prices. Philip Rankin, the air- line’s board chairman, said: “While the airline would have preferred to main- tain its long-standing policy of two free checked bags in economy, the introduc- tion of checked bag fees was inevitable.” For more information on changes to the baggage fee policy, visit www.caymanairways.com/baggagepolicy or call Cayman Airways reservations on 949-2311. CORRECTION A story in the June 27 edition of the Cayman Com- pass mistakenly credited ownership of the Hamlin Stephenson Market. Hamlin Stephenson is on the board of directors for the market but is not the owner. Inconsistent trash collection has been a frustration for many Cayman residents in recent months.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 Government ‘never stopped’ picking up derelict vehicles, minister says Council aims to protect wild places JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The National Conserva- tion Council is seeking pro- posals from the public for land to conserve for environ- mental purposes. Part of the council’s remit, since the passage of the Na- tional Conservation Law, is to create the islands’ first pro- tected areas – environmen- tally or ecologically important land that is shielded from de- velopment and other impacts. The council has already announced plans to protect several areas, including parts of Barkers and the Central Mangrove Wetlands in Grand Cayman and Booby Pond in Little Cayman. Protected areas can only be created on Crown-owned land – land that is willingly sold to government as part of the process or through an agreed management plan with the landowner. Every year the council ac- cepts suggestions from the public for land to protect. Fred Burton, who runs the Department of Environ- ment’s terrestrial resources department, said it was im- portant that residents of the Cayman Islands were in- volved in the process. “This is not just about protecting wildlife, it is also about protecting these areas for people. “We are very interested in the idea that these will be places people can visit.” The nomination period opened on June 15 and closes on Sept. 15. Mr. Burton said the council was keen, as Cayman grows, to help pre- serve the natural environment. “The island is developing extremely rapidly and the population is growing apace. “If we don’t do anything about it, we will be looking at a situation where a large part of the island is just sub- divisions, roads and all those human-use areas, and we won’t have anywhere wild to go,” Mr. Burton said. “If we want to hang on to our natural heritage and have places where you can go and see Cayman parrots, for ex- ample, we need these type of areas. Think about the impor- tance of Central Park to the people of New York City. What if nobody had thought ahead to time to set that aside as a natural area?” To make a nomination to the council, email conservationcouncil@gov.ky. BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com Contrary to statements made by government em- ployees last fall, Health Minister Dwayne Seymour said Friday that the George Town landfill never actually stopped receiving derelict vehicles at any time during the past year. “There has been no stop- page in [sending] derelict ve- hicles into the George Town landfill … particularly where the vehicles pose a traffic or public health concern,” Mr. Seymour said. Collection of vehicles and other scrap metal was “cur- tailed,” according to a gov- ernment press release is- sued in November. “We have not completely stopped the collection of scrap metals and derelict vehicles but have reduced the quantities going to the landfill until we can safely stack the metals and pre- pare another area for the safe storage of the derelict vehi- cles,” said Department of En- vironmental Health Director Roydell Carter in the release. Minister Seymour’s Friday statement was met with some incredulity by op- position lawmakers, who said they were aware of sit- uations where residents from their districts had at- tempted to drop off junked cars at the landfill and had been turned away. “I’m not 100-percent con- vinced that all is well,” said Newlands MLA Alva Suckoo. East End MLA Arden McLean said that while local police have done their job in reporting derelict vehi- cles along the roadsides and in neighborhoods, the De- partment of Environmental Health is not following up and removing vehicles that have been “tagged.” “I’ll take you to East End right now and show you,” Mr. McLean said. “Nobody moves [the derelict vehicle], nobody supervises it and no- body removes it.” Mr. Seymour said he was aware that the vehicle “tagging” system was not working as intended and that these vehicles were not being removed in a timely manner. “I’ve gotten a lot of calls about vehicles that have been removed over the past few months where vehicles have been removed where people were storing stuff in them,” Mr. Seymour said. “They’ve been tagged and [the owner] allowed it to stay there … and they don’t do anything about it. They don’t do what they need to do to rescue the car.” Since October, Min- ister Seymour said the land- fill had received 199 dere- lict cars from around Grand Cayman. He said the ulti- mate plan with those vehi- cles was to bale them into scrap and send them over- seas for recycling. The landfill is experi- encing challenges with “metal overstock” and at present it simply doesn’t have enough space to keep all the dere- lict cars on the property, Mr. Seymour said. However, Mr. Seymour said the tire shredding project under way at the landfill would be completed within the next month and he said the Department of Envi- ronmental Health would be able to use that processing area to store derelict vehicles. Landfill upgrade The scrap metal baling program is part of the re- designed landfill now being negotiated between the Cayman Islands government at the Decco Consortium, Mr. Seymour said. That negotiation, which includes a waste-to-energy option and recycling centers, is still under discussion and no contract for the project has been approved. Mr. Seymour said the contract talks were expected to take until the end of this year. “I understand the frus- tration that some members of the public have expressed concerning the pace of these negotiations,” Mr. Seymour said during a statement to the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. “Yet I must point out that we are obligated to ensure that the government and people of the Cayman Islands receive the best pos- sible value for money, and will take every step neces- sary to do this.” The approval of a new waste management facility is contingent upon the comple- tion of an environmental im- pact assessment, which will be subject to public review. The times and dates for those public meetings would be released as soon as they are confirmed, the minister said. Derelict vehicles began to pile up across Grand Cayman at the beginning of the year, as residents were told space was not available for such cars at the landfill. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY 2 years later, disclosure rules still not in place BRENT FULLER bfuller@pinnaclemedialtd.com An attempt to require public disclosures by elected politicians, senior govern- ment workers and govern- ment-appointed board mem- bers made in 2014 – then delayed and reintroduced with amendments in 2016 – has now laid dormant for more than two years. The Standards in Public Life (Amendment} Bill, 2016 was approved by Cayman Islands lawmakers in May 2016 but has still not been put into legal ef- fect more than two years after its passage. According to a report made public last week, the Commission for Standards in Public Life met with Pre- mier Alden McLaughlin in January “to express the commission’s eagerness in securing a commence- ment date for the law,” and to move forward with the drafting of legal regulations that will govern the opera- tion of that legislation. At the time of the com- mission’s report, a Cabinet paper seeking approval for the drafting of regulations had not been issued. The original Standards in Public Life Law was passed in early 2014, but the legislation was never put into effect, largely because of complaints from ap- pointed members of boards and commissions serving at the request of politicians. The disclosures mandated by the initial law, board members argued, were far too broad – extending in some cases to distant rela- tions and employees of the board members. Under the amended leg- islation, board members will not have to declare memberships in any pro- fessional group, charity or special interest organiza- tion. Interest disclosure re- quirements for appointed board members extend only to their immediate family – spouses and dependents – and are to be declared only when the board member holds property or manages anything on behalf of that person or if that person manages something for the board member. For politicians and se- nior civil servants, the re- quired disclosures are more stringent, but more or less unchanged from the initial legislation that was passed in early 2014. The original Standards in Public Life Law requires “a person in public life,” within 90 days of assuming office, to make a declara- tion to the Commission for Standards in Public Life of income, assets and liabil- ities acquired during the previous year. For a Legislative As- sembly candidate seeking election, that declara- tion should be made be- fore the person files nomi- nation papers. Thereafter, the declaration must be up- dated no later than June 30 of each year. Those required to reg- ister include all Legisla- tive Assembly members (including the deputy gov- ernor and attorney gen- eral), the Speaker of the House, civil service chief of- ficers and deputy chief offi- cers, chief financial officers and their deputies, heads of departments, section or unit chiefs and their depu- ties, as well as top officials within statutory authorities or government-owned com- panies and appointed board members who oversee those authorities. Booby Pond in Little Cayman is one of the areas protected under the National Conservation Law. – PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKERThe 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. ‘Foots’ acquittal: Putting Cayman justice on trial It was a case that never should have gone to trial. Once it had, the only palatable outcome was the succinct declaration uttered by Magistrate Kirsty-Ann Gunn, addressing Cayman Brac artist Ronald “Foots” Kynes last week: “You are acquitted of the charge before the court.” That charge, of course, was “obscene publica- tion” – a definition stretched to the breaking point by police and prosecutors eager to punish Mr. Kynes for erecting several nude statues on his property, much to the chagrin of some of his fellow Brackers. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Patrick Moran alleged that Mr. Kynes had deliberately placed the controversial statues in a publicly viewable area – beside South Side Road – to “create a scene.” But a far more shameful scene played out during the two-day trial that led to Mr. Kynes’s acquittal. In fact, the Crown’s case against him was so weak that “Foots” himself (hardly an Atticus Finch) was able to parry the testimony of eight witnesses, and other evidence presented by prosecutors, to lead the court to the proper conclusion. He had only to point to government-sanctioned events such as Batabano and Braccannal to answer the allegation that his nude female statues offended the public morality. To the repeated question of whether an observer might find the statues overtly sexual, he only needed to reply: “It all depends on the individual.… I can’t control their thoughts.” Why prosecutors chose to expend limited time and resources on this case is beyond our under- standing. Even more concerning is the fact that offi- cials appeared to laser in on complaints that the statues were “offensive” (a matter of interpretation) while neglecting the clear and unambiguous crime that actually occurred when one or more individuals vandalized the statues shortly after the complaints were made. It is inconceivable to us that police on a tiny island such as the Brac are unable or unwilling to inves- tigate and make arrests of those who maliciously damaged Mr. Kynes’s property. We fully understand that some people on the Brac just don’t like Foots. That is fine. There is no law that dictates a person must be liked. Likability is not a legal standard. Imagine if Mr. Kynes had been found guilty – spurring a constitutional challenge. Even if the court ultimately ruled in favor of protecting the artists’ free expression (which it would have), the fact that the case was heard at all, in and of itself, would bring condemnation and charges of parochialism to our shores from all corners of the globe. The bottom line is that section 157 of the Penal Code is a bad and antiquated law – so vague and poorly written as to provide cover for those who would attempt to silence an artist whose work they find distasteful. (Or, readers will remember, to offer justification for customs agents to seize a shipment of back massagers on the grounds that they may be purchased for more personal, “off label” use.) The section of law belies Cayman’s cosmopolitan and sophisticated reputation. It should be corrected – and by that we mean stricken from the books in its entirety. TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Congrats, Trump voters: You’ve been vindicated WASHINGTON – For those conservatives who voted for Donald Trump because of the Supreme Court, congratula- tions: You’ve been vindicated. Had Hillary Clinton won the 2016 election, she would have replaced the late conser- vative Justice Antonin Scalia with a liberal jurist – giving the Supreme Court a left- wing activist majority for a generation. Because Trump won, Neil M. Gorsuch was confirmed to replace Scalia, securing the court’s 5-to-4 conservative majority. This week, the dividends of that appointment for con- servatives were apparent in two landmark conservative rulings. In National Institute of Family Life Advocates v. Becerra, the high court ruled that the state of California cannot force crisis preg- nancy centers to advertise access to abortion to their clients, in violation of the owners’ conscience. And in Janus v. AFSCME, the court ruled that public workers cannot be forced pay union dues to support public pol- icies with which they fun- damentally disagree. These were critical 5-to-4 rulings that buttressed the First Amendment freedoms of all Americans. Trump was able to pre- serve the status quo after Scalia’s passing. But now, with the news that Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is re- tiring, Trump has a chance to do something much bigger: He can not only preserve but also expand the court’s con- servative majority. If he re- places Kennedy – a swing vote who often joined the court’s liberal bloc on impor- tant matters – with a reliable conservative in the mold of Scalia and Gorsuch, the pres- ident may have transformed the court for a generation. To do this, Trump will have to break the mold of his Republican predeces- sors. Over the past three de- cades, presidents from his party have picked seven justices, and several have turned out to be disappoint- ments to conservatives. Pres- ident Ronald Reagan picked three justices (Sandra Day O’Connor, Scalia and Ken- nedy), but only one, Scalia, was a consistent conserva- tive. President George H.W. Bush picked one solid con- servative (Clarence Thomas) and one (David Souter) who was not. George W. Bush did better, appointing two con- servatives, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and John G. Roberts Jr. But even Roberts disappointed conservatives when he cast the deciding vote to uphold the Affordable Care Act in a stroke of judicial activism. If Trump picks not one, but two reliable conservative justices, he will secure the best record of Supreme Court appoint- ments by any modern Repub- lican president. Liberals understand ex- actly what is at stake. That means whomever Trump picks will face a barrage of attacks unprecedented even by the standards of past con- firmation brawls. But thanks to the Democrats’ imprudent decisions to break precedent and change Senate rules to confirm lifetime appoint- ments to the federal circuit court under President Barack Obama, and then to filibuster Gorsuch, Senate Republicans need only a simple majority to confirm Trump’s choice. So long as Republican senators stick together, Trump’s nom- inee will be confirmed. Already some Democrats are protesting that the Senate should not confirm a Su- preme Court justice during a midterm election year. Sorry, the Senate confirmed Obama appointee Elena Kagan in August 2010, just before the midterm elections – and did so with a bipartisan 63-to-37 vote. Democrats are grasping at straws because the timing could not be worse for them as they seek to gain control of the Senate in November. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has an- nounced that the confirma- tion vote will take place in the fall, which would put Kennedy’s replacement on the bench when the court’s new term begins on the first Monday in October. Pity the Democratic senators such as Joe Manchin III, W.Va., Heidi Heitkamp, N.D., Jon Tester, Mont., Claire McCaskill, Mo., and Joe Donnelly, Ind., who are running for reelection in states Trump won by double digits. Their political survival depends on being perceived as centrists, and they will now have to spend months campaigning while caught in the crossfire of a liberal- conservative battle royal over a Trump-nominated Su- preme Court justice. Vote yes, and their liberal base will be apoplectic; vote no, and their pro-Trump constituents could revolt. For all these reasons, Trump’s appointee is likely to be confirmed. If that hap- pens, Trump will have led one of the most consequential conservative presidencies in modern American history. Not only is Trump expanding the conservative Supreme Court majority, he is also moving at record pace to fill the federal appeals courts with young conservative judges who will preside for decades. Imagine if it were Clinton making all these appointments. The consequences for human life, religious liberty, the Second Amendment and lim- ited government would have been disastrous. Instead, the choice of the next Supreme Court justice is in President Trump’s hands. So, to all the conservatives who cast their ballots in 2016 for just this moment – you did the right thing. Follow Marc A. Thiessen on Twitter, @marcthiessen. © 2018, The Washington Post Writers Group MARC A. THIESSEN Democrats are grasping at straws because the timing could not be worse for them as they seek to gain control of the Senate in November. 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”The islands’ most-trusted news source 5 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 • TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 FRIDAY, JULY 6 ART EXHIBITION: Today is the last day to view an exhibition of works by students who took part in the Walkers’ Art Clubs after school throughout the year. Approximately 100 students took part, from preschoolers to teens studying for their final exams. The exhibition at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands consists of over 300 pieces and includes a cross section of mediums and styles. Admission is free. TUESDAY, JULY 10 MLA PUBLIC MEETING: Barbara Conolly, MLA for George Town South, invites all to attend a community meeting on the redevelopment of Smith Barcadere (Smith Cove). 6:30-9 p.m. South Sound Community Centre. For more details contact 745-0487. SATURDAY, JULY 14 MANGO SEASON AT MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Museum on the waterfront. Admission free. Local food and mango products on sale. Mango peeling competition. Catboat rides, kids activities. Rescheduled from July 7. TUESDAY, JULY 31 CONTRACTORS REGISTRATION: The Builders Board has extended until today the deadline for all local contractors to register with the board. For fees and registration forms that are available online, contractors should visit www.planning.ky/ boards-all/builders-board. SUMMER CAMPS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The First Assembly of God hosts their annual Vacation Bible School July 16–20, for ages 4-12 years. Cost is $50 per child. Call 945-2182 for further details. NATIONAL MUSEUM: For students ages 9 to 12. July 16-20, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The theme is Cayman Nature – Safeguarding Biodiversity. Students will learn about different habitats, flora and fauna, visiting Cayman Crystal Caves, Mastic Trail and Botanic Park. Cost of camp includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, admission to parks, a cap and T-shirt. To register, complete form at National Museum Gift Shop during regular hours or email shenicemcfield@museum.ky Cost is $100 per child. A $50 deposit should be made upon confirmation. Balance due one week before the first day of camp. NATIONAL TRUST: For kids ages 6–12. July 23-27, July 30 – Aug. 3. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dart Family Park. Includes field trips. Email education@nationaltrust. org.ky to register. $275 for members, $300 for non-members. KIDSABILITY: A variety of programs for various ages, with activities from school readiness to bike riding. Contact www.kidsability.ky. ACTING CAMPS: Cayman Drama Society offers an acting camp for ages 8-11 the week of July 9–13 for $300. Camp for ages 12-16, July 30 to Aug. 3, $325. Both weeks run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prospect Playhouse. Register at www.cds.ky. GENERAL INTEREST SCHOLARSHIP OFFERED: The US-based Collaborate to Educate Our Sons has announced its 2018 essay/poetry contest for scholarships for the 2018/19 academic year. At least four scholarships will be awarded. They are for tuition support to assist young men to achieve their goal of graduation from college/seminary. Essays should be submitted by email by 11:59 p.m. on July 31. Applicants can visit www.collaboratetoeducate.org for details. OLIVE MILLER EXHIBITION: At the Old George Town Library. Ms. Olive Miller is one of three Cayman residents who were recognized in the U.K. New Year’s Honors List. Betty Baraud and the late Dr. Bill Hrudey received MBEs, and are also featured in this exhibition, which is open until July 31. NEW LICENSE PLATES: The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing has uploaded its list of new electronic license plates that are ready for collection. An additional 1,200 plates are now ready to be picked up from the DVDL office on Crewe Road. Vehicles owners are reminded that they must bring in the temporary/old plates, the windshield tag, as well as their logbook. The list can be viewed on the department’s website at www.dvdl.gov.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 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 centers. 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. FARMERS ARTISAN MARKET: Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Visual Arts Society artists sell arts, crafts, paintings, prints, hand-crafted jewelry, ceramics and more at the VAS tents by KARoo Restaurant. For more information or to inquire about table space, email info@visualartcayman.com. ART OPEN CANVAS: At KARoo Restaurant in Camana Bay, Wednesdays 7-11 p.m. Artists of all levels are welcome to come and enjoy painting and socializing with other artists. Includes use of easels, lights, space, beverage ticket. No fee. For more information, contact info@visualartcayman.com or jar.was@gmail.com. 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, Tuesdays, 7:15 p.m. For details, contact Vanessa Gilman 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. The 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. Visit 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 The Wharf 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. 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. CAYMAN BRIDGE CLUB: Meets Tuesdays 7 p.m. at Comfort Suites, West Bay Road; Fridays, 9 a.m. at the Rugby Club. For further information, contact Helen Haines at 947-3217 or Alex Wood at 947-3693. BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB: Meets third Wednesday of every month, Governors Square Boardroom at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/ BPWGrandCayman. BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP: MothertoMother meetings first Tuesday of every month, 3-4 p.m. outside Women’s Health Centre at the Cayman Islands Hospital. Children welcome. Contact Women’s Health Centre at 244-2649. LIFE UNDERWRITERS ASSOCIATION: Meeting luncheons held on last Thursday of each month. YBPW: Meets every third Monday of each month at the Woman’s Resource Centre. RELIGIOUS SERVICES EL MINISTERIO HISPANO: de la Iglesia Bautista Cayman Islands te hace una cordial invitación a nuestro culto en español cada Domingo, 6:30 p.m., Pedro Castle Road, Savannah. Para transporte, llamar al teléfono no. 946-2422, email: cibaptist@candw.ky. SPANISH WORSHIP SERVICE: First Baptist Church, Crewe Road, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Third Sunday of each month. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. The Cayman Chess Club hosts classes and open challenges Tuesdays at the West Indies Wine Company.The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Franz Manderson praised the police for their dedication and hard work, and he said that the RCIPS has enhanced Cayman’s reputation both at home and around the world. “It’s a pleasure for me to be here with so many of Cay- man’s finest,” Mr. Manderson said. “Our vision in the civil service is to be a world-class civil service. What you have seen here this evening is that the RCIPS has led the way in making us world class.” Police Constable Christo- pher Donaldson of the Com- munity Policing Department, who works as a beat officer in Prospect, was named as the Police Officer of the Year, and he spoke about what the award means to him shortly after receiving the accolade. “I’m a dedicated police of- ficer who wants to serve and do the best I can to make this place a better place,” said Of- ficer Donaldson. “The reason why I joined the RCIPS is I saw where I can make a pos- itive impact in my commu- nity, to be a role model for young people. ‘I don’t trust the police’ is a regular state- ment used by the public. As a police officer, I want to make a change. “I want to deliver profes- sional service to the general public, the type of service I would want from a po- lice officer.” Anthony Ellis, deputy commissioner of police, an- nounced the winners of the Diversity Award and the Wel- fare Award, which were dis- tributed respectively to Aux- iliary Constable Fabian O’Connor of the Community Policing Department and Tiffany Rankine from the crime scene unit. Officer O’Connor earned notoriety earlier this year as “the dancing policeman,” an appellation he earned for the colorful way in which he di- rects pedestrian traffic on the waterfront crosswalks. Kurt Walton, deputy com- missioner of police, an- nounced the recipients of the Community Spirit and Unit Citation Awards. Alfredo Powery of West Bay earned the spirit award for assisting the Community Policing De- partment in clean-up proj- ects on numerous occasions, and the Criminal Investiga- tion Unit won the Unit Ci- tation Award for adapt- ability and determination throughout the year. Auxiliary Constable Shawn Bazil of the Custody Unit was named Auxiliary Constable of the Year. “It’s an awesome feeling to be recognized tonight,” AC Bazil said. “What’s more better for me is the reward, not the award. The reward of going to work on a daily basis and having to deal with the prisoners there in my de- partment. If they’re OK, I’m OK. We have a lot of persons that have come into my de- partment that are innocent. Some are guilty, and my duty is to take care of them until they attend court.” Willian Petit was named Special Constable of the Year, and the Support Staff of the Year was shared be- tween Wayne Bobb-Semple of the IT Department and Monique Burton of the Pro- cess Department. “It’s amazing and very much so surprising,” said Mr. Bobb-Semple, network ad- ministrator for the RCIPS. “The fact that somebody ac- tually took the time out to recognize me when you know you do so much work, that’s even much more amazing.” Police media officer Jodi- Ann Powery spoke briefly to the press after the Out- standing Service Awards had been distributed, and verbal- ized why it is important for the RCIPS to recognize the best the service has to offer. “It’s simple, really. It’s morale,” she said. “As human beings, we like to be recog- nized for the good job that we do. In order to boost mo- rale and to show the offi- cers their work is not being [done] in vain, this is the reason why. A lot of the time, members of the public would love to thank our of- ficers, but based on the type of job we do, we cannot ac- cept gifts or favors from the public. And so, we as an or- ganization have made the decision to recognize those officers who the members of the public love so much.” Cayman Police honored for service at home and abroad CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Auxiliary Constable Fabian O’Connor, left, known for his enthusiasm working the George Town waterfront, wins the Diversity Award. Tiffany Rankine holds her award for Welfare Officer of the Year. Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ennis addresses the police force. - PHOTOS: MAGGIE JACKSON Public servants, police officers and the public look on at the 2018 Outstanding Service Awards. Conchita and Valentine Reid enjoy an evening at Government House in honor of the police force. Police Sergeant Cornelius Pompey poses for a photo with Donna Bush. Part of the regional hurricane response team poses, during an evening of accolades for its recovery work across the Caribbean.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 conflicts,” Mr. Mark said. “We had a lot of things hit at once. We said, ‘We’re not going to be able to put on the show we normally do this year.’ It was one of the hardest deci- sions I’ve had to make.” Then an old friend stepped up. Paul Taliaferro, CEO of Psi-Key Entertainment Cor- poration, has known Mr. Mark since high school. He threw the festival a lifeline - at least for this year. “Psi-Key Entertainment came to us and said they wanted to work with us,” Mr. Mark said. “They were able to put this on for us.” Addressing the audience Friday night, Mr. Taliaferro said he felt it was critical the keep the festival going. “We said, ‘We have to make this happen this year,’” he said. Local filmmakers were relieved. “It was hugely disap- pointing,” said Malcolm Ellis, who produced two of the films screened Friday night. “Suddenly there was no CayFlim.” Filmmakers, he said, felt like the wind had been taken out of their sails. When the announcement came that the festival was back on, al- beit on a smaller scale, panic set in, he said. “It was like, ‘Wow, we’ve got to get this done,’” he said. “We were working up until this last weekend.” Filmmaker Pascal Pernix said he was happy to be able to screen two of his films at the festival and pleased that it was sustained in some fashion. “I’m very excited,” he said, adding that that feeling was shared among his col- leagues. “I know they are de- lighted. Usually, when a fes- tival is closed for one year, it doesn’t come back.” He said he was “very im- pressed” that Mr. Mark and his team were able to pull off the event in a short time frame. Mr. Mark said he had mixed emotions about put- ting on the smaller festival. “It’s very bittersweet,” he said. “I’m so happy because I don’t want to lose momentum. The local filmmakers are get- ting better every year.” Many of those attending the festival said they were impressed by the quality of the films. The comedy “After Work,” by Mr. Ellis and writer/director Susan Howe, as well as Mr. Pernix’s caper film “Canvas,” gener- ated some buzz among the crowd afterward. But the film that seemed to draw the most comments was a documentary, “Re- berth,” directed and produced and directed by Peter Cha- malian, about plans to build a new cruise ship dock in George Town harbor. “I thought the quality was as good as any documen- tary you’ve seen on televi- sion,” said David O’Driscoll, who was standing with Bec Swanson. Ms. Swanson said she too was impressed by the documentary, as well as the other films. “To have something of this quality for the size of the population is quite remark- able,” she said. Maintaining the festival is important for the Cayman arts scene, she added. “Without the creative outlet, you’d end up with a brain drain,” she said. “People will go somewhere else and you’re going to lose it.” Tina Leswal was one of several who thought the fes- tival was an important way to reflect the nature of Cayman. “It showcases the culture and talent [here],” Ms. Leswal said. “I think that it’s key to the community.” Mr. Mark said he plans to bring the festival to Cayman again next year, once more as a multi-day event. Cayman Police honored for service at home and abroad The show goes on for CayFilm CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Erica Ebanks, Sheree Ebanks and Wanda Thompson enjoy a night of local film. - PHOTOS: MAGGIE JACKSON Randy Chollette and Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette take in a night of cinema. Suzy Soto, Hayley Kievman, and Bob and June Williams socialize at The Ritz-Carlton. Yvonne Sturm, Tony Mark, Calia Brencsons-Van Dyk and Kirsty O’Sullivan enjoy the salvaged version of CayFilm. Gabriel Gutierrez and Anna Wade mingle during mini-CayFilm. Asa, Sarah, Gavin and Finley McDougall share an evening at CayFilm. Jackie Soriano and Alan Brady attend Cayman’s annual film festival. Uli and Valerie Hoppe await an evening of film.8 LOCAL&REGIONAL TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Ex-employer owes $96,000 for pensions Magistrate calls for more sentencing options in pension cases CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The director of a defunct business was ordered on Thursday to pay former em- ployees almost $96,000 that had been deducted from their salaries as contributions to a pension plan, but which was never placed in any plan. Defense attorney Keva Reid told Magistrate Angelyn Hernandez that the director, Theresa Chin, had other debts to deal with and could pay $250 per month. The magistrate did not ac- cept that offer. She pointed out that the outstanding pen- sion contributions totaled $95,927.65. Thirteen em- ployees were affected and two of them were owed over $24,000 each, based on de- ductions that started in February 2009. In addition to the order to pay the pension contribu- tions, the magistrate imposed fines adding up to $13,100. At the rate of $250 per month, it would take over 36 years to pay the total of $109,027.65. In passing sentence, the magistrate said that the de- fendant’s company, TC Fahr- enheit trading as 123 Travel, had deducted pension con- tributions from the travel agency employees’ pay. The understanding was that these funds were being con- tributed to a pension plan as required by law. Instead, the money was used to enrich the company, the magistrate said. After a complaint was lodged, Ms. Chin met with officers of the Labour and Pensions Department and in September 2016 she agreed to pay the arrears. She did make two payments of $500 each and then stopped. Charges of failing to con- tribute to a pension plan were brought against her in September 2017. She entered guilty pleas in early 2018. Ms. Reid asked the court to make it clear that Ms. Chin entered the pleas as director of a limited company, not in a personal capacity. In mitigation, she pointed out that the money was used to keep the company going, not for Ms. Chin’s own benefit. The magistrate said some- thing should have been done sooner, or else the deci- sion should have been taken to stop operating the busi- ness and stop taking money from employees. Told of the offer to pay $250 per month, the mag- istrate replied, “No, we are going to have to do better than that.” She pointed out that this was a criminal offense and the behavior, over a six-year period, was both dishonest and distasteful. The magistrate said it was her opinion that a financial penalty was wholly insuf- ficient. In many cases, she pointed out, it was the de- fendant’s inability to pay the pension contributions that brought them to court in the first place. She called for a review of the penalty sec- tion of the Pensions Law and provision of additional sen- tencing options. In Ms. Chin’s case, the magistrate asked for a time line and a proposed pay- ment plan. Crown counsel Greg Walcolm, who had pros- ecuted the matter, agreed to have it adjourned until Wednesday, July 11. The magistrate said pay- ments should be made to the Pensions Office and the money should be dis- bursed to the former em- ployees, with those affected the earliest and most signif- icantly receiving relief first. The fines were to be paid after the victims are paid, she indicated. The magistrate said something should have been done sooner, or else the decision should have been taken to stop operating the business and stop taking money from employees. Bail application deferred CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Judith Francia Douglas, 52, appeared in Sum- mary Court on Friday charged with two counts of obtaining property by deception. One charge alleges that she obtained $2,300 from a man between Jan. 2 and Feb. 15 this year with the in- tention of permanently de- priving him of that amount. A police press release is- sued earlier that day indi- cated that the defendant, a George Town resident, report- edly accepted payments for items which she then refused to turn over. The second charge al- leges that she obtained $1,500 from a woman on or before Nov. 16, 2017, under similar circumstances. Defense attorney Lee Hal- liday-Davis did not apply for bail. She said she first needed to see the papers in the case. Crown counsel Scott Wainwright indi- cated the papers would be forthcoming in time for the next mention. Magistrate Grace Don- alds set the matter for Thursday, July 6, and re- manded the defendant in custody until then. Woman charged with obtaining by deception Repeat offender gets some credit for guilty plea CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Thad Kaemeron Bodden, slated for trial on Thursday for theft, shortened proceed- ings by asking to have the charge put to him again. He then pleaded guilty and re- ceived a sentence of six months imprisonment. Mr. Bodden admitted to stealing a pair of designer sunglasses and a small gold pendant on the night of March 8-9, 2018. The items were in a vehicle parked at a condominium complex in George Town. Crown counsel Greg Wal- colm explained that the complainant parked her car at her residence on the Thursday night. Later she thought she might have left it open, so she checked at 5:45 a.m. on Friday. Some items from the glove compartment were on the front seat. Sunglasses, valued at US$350, were missing from the center con- sole and a pendant, valued at US$300, was missing from a coin tray. She observed a fingerprint on the window of the driver’s side door and called police. She had washed the car the previous evening. Mr. Walcolm said the woman was not seeking compensation because she did not think the defendant would be able to pay. Defense attorney John Furniss said Mr. Bodden, 41, first came to court for this matter on May 9. It was the result of finger- print matching that led po- lice to speak to him about the incident, which he ini- tially denied. Mr. Furniss acknowl- edged that the defendant had numerous previous con- victions for what he called “petty” and “nuisance” of- fenses that included theft from cars or trespassing onto people’s property to interfere with motor vehi- cles. Items stolen from ve- hicles previously were typ- ically cigarettes or small amounts of cash. The attorney noted that Mr. Bodden had been in court on March 19, when he was sentenced to two months imprisonment for criminal trespass – a case in which he fell asleep on someone’s porch. He had served that sentence and was out of prison for only about a week when police arrested him for this inci- dent. It was a shock when he was arrested so soon after his release, he said. “It a pity this was not known at the time he was sentenced on March 19,” Mr. Furniss suggested. During his latest remand, Mr. Bodden had time to think, the attorney said. “He knows if he comes back for criminal tres- pass or theft, the court will be very unimpressed with his behavior.” The defendant had been in the Drug Rehabilitation Court for a time and had done well, “but then there were prob- lems,” Mr. Furniss added. Magistrate Philippa Mc- Farlane said she would give credit for the guilty plea even though it had come on the day of the trial. (The complainant and the investigating officer had been in attendance since 10 a.m. and the case could not be reached until after the lunch adjournment.) The magistrate said this offense appeared to be part of a spree and Mr. Bodden had a very poor record. She pointed out that there were support systems avail- able, even though he was not in the drug court any longer. “You need to get your act together,” she advised. Sentence after trial would have been eight or nine months, she indicated, but six months was appropriate in light of the guilty plea. He is to receive credit for time in custody on this offense. Magistrate Philippa McFarlane pointed out that there were support systems available even though he was not in the drug court any longer. Six months for theft from car A police press release issued earlier that day indicated that the defendant, a George Town resident, reportedly accepted payments for items which she then refused to turn over. CRUISE SHIP WORKER RESCUED 22 HOURS AFTER GOING OVERBOARD MIAMI (AP) – A cruise ship worker who went overboard and appar- ently treaded water for some 22 hours was in stable condition Monday, a day after being rescued by a crew from another passing cruise ship. “It was nothing short of miraculous,” Christine Duffy, president of Car- nival Cruise Line, said in a statement. According to the U.S. Coast Guard the 33-year- old crewmember went overboard around 3:20 p.m. Saturday from the Nor- wegian Getaway, some 28 miles northwest of Pinar del Rio, Cuba. The agency sus- pended the search Sat- urday evening after hours of searching. But a cabin steward from the Carnival Glory spotted the crewmember in the water around 1:20 p.m. Sunday. Carnival spokeswoman AnnMarie Matthews told The Associated Press the man did not have any safety device on when he was picked up by the Car- nival Glory and they “can only surmise that he was likely treading water the entire time.” “Kudos to the Car- nival Glory team for this amazing effort to rescue a fellow seafarer,” Duffy said. Norwegian said in a statement that the Miami- based cruise line is “ex- tremely thankful” to Car- nival Cruise Line, also based in Miami. “We are so happy to know that the individual is safe and will soon be reunited with friends and family,” the Norwegian statement said. The Getaway returned to Miami from an eight- day cruise on Sunday. The Glory continued on to Co- zumel in the midst of a seven-day cruise. HURRICANE FABIO GROWS OFF MEXICAN PACIFIC MEXICO CITY (AP) – A new hurricane developed off Mexico’s Pacific Coast on Monday and forecasters said it is likely to grow into a major storm, although it is not expected to pose any threat to land. The U.S. National Hurri- cane Center said Hurricane Fabio had sustained winds of 75 mph Monday. It was centered about 700 miles south of the southern tip of the Baja Cal- ifornia Peninsula and was moving west at 9 mph. Forecasters said Fabio would likely grow into a major hurricane with winds of about 120 mph Tuesday. But the center said the storm would then begin to weaken as it moves farther out into the Pacific.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JULY 3, 2018 retirement fund proposed in the motion from $100,000 to $50,000. Mr. Bryan agreed to the compromise. If and when govern- ment does act on the mo- tion, it would not affect gov- ernment pensions managed by the Public Service Pen- sions Board, which is gov- erned under a different law. Only Caymanians with pri- vate sector pension funds could affect the additional withdrawal and only in cases where they used the money to pay off an ex- isting mortgage. Right now, most private sector employees must pay five percent of their monthly salary into a retirement sav- ings account managed by one of six private sector fund administrators. Employers must match those contributions dollar-for-dollar. “Even with the pension scheme that is currently in place they won’t, most of them, have anywhere near enough money to pay the daily, weekly … costs of living,” the premier said. “Who is going to look after these people, our people, if they don’t have pensions?” The motion’s sponsor, Mr. Bryan, said his intent in filing the motion was to look after Caymanians who are currently losing their homes in bank foreclosures by al- lowing them to take addi- tional money from their re- tirement accounts to pay off the mortgage. Bodden Town West MLA Chris Saunders put it this way: “To the person in danger of losing their house today, the last thing they’re thinking about is their retire- ment tomorrow.” Mr. Bryan said his mo- tion did not intend to en- danger people’s retirement funds and that some provi- sion would have to be made to allow those individuals participating in the with- drawal scheme to “put back” the money they have taken out over time. “It’s not any magic bullet in respect to [home] foreclo- sures, because that’s a very multifaceted problem,” Mr. Bryan said. “But for some people dealing with fore- closures, this can be an out clause for them. “There might be minor ripples in the pension pool, but the ripple or the wave that would help Caymanians would be more helpful to our country as a whole.” In amendments to the Cayman Islands National Pensions Law approved in 2016, lawmakers did not ad- dress the mandatory pen- sion contributions to private sector plans. These were left at the cur- rent levels of five percent of salary for employees and a matching five percent of salary for the employers. The bill did increase the maximum amount of salary used to calculate monthly contributions from $60,000 per year to $87,000 per year. In other words, if a person makes over $60,000, a greater portion of their salary must be paid toward their retirement. The 2016 amendment law also did not change invest- ment rules for private sector plans, the administrators of which have long complained that government had created a more favorable playing field for its own pension plan than for the private sector funds. There are very few re- strictions placed on the in- vestment of funds for Public Service Pensions and in re- cent years, the public sector fund’s investment returns have been much higher. Premier: Pension contributions need to increase “When I look at what the Cayman Islands is going to have to pay just to keep the wolf from the door over the next 10 to 15 years, I am scared.” PREMIER ALDEN MCLAUGHLIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Lee Selisky named as Scuba Diving Hall of Fame 2019 inductee The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame board of directors has announced Lee Selisky, founder and CEO of Sea Pearls, as the first member of its 2019 in- duction class. Mr. Selisky is a former board member and president of the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association and an active voice in the scuba industry. He is also past chairman of the Historical Diving Society, USA. He also served on the Board of Gov- ernors of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in the Cayman Islands. “Lee has embodied his motto of leading by example with everything in his life work, career and truly ex- emplifies the passion of ‘giving back.’ I [can] think of no greater honor than to en- shrine Lee into one of the in- stitutions he helped to create – the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame,” said Moses Kirkconnell, Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism. The other inductees will be announced at the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, later this year. The 2018 induction cere- mony will take place Sept. 14 in Grand Cayman for Stephen Frink, Dick Rutkowski, Dr. H.S. Batuna, Wulf H. Koehler, and Boris Porotov, along with Early Pioneer Award honoree, Captain Philippe Tailliez. St. Ignatius graduates receive awards St. Ignatius Catholic School Year 11 and 13 stu- dents celebrated their grad- uation in a packed Loyola Hall on Thursday, June 21. The 69 graduates received certificates reflecting their completion of the Interna- tional General Certificate of Secondary Education or A Level programs. The certificates were pre- sented by Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Fisher from the Archdiocese of Detroit. The Year 11 Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year Award was presented to Samruddhi Tagalpallewar and Erika Sobers, both honors graduates who won multiple subject prizes, and were involved in a number of extra activities. Samruddhi, who graduated with distinc- tion, was also awarded the EY Achievement Award for Academic Excellence. Blaise Ting of EY Cayman Ltd. pre- sented her with a framed certificate and a scholarship check for $1,000. EY Cayman Ltd. also sponsored this year’s graduation program. The Year 11 Principal’s Award for the student who best fosters Christian ethos went to Josiah Ursua. Jus- tine Rhule was awarded the Home School Associa- tion Community and School Service Award. She also re- ceived the Kiwanis Key Club Award for Outstanding Com- munity Service. Other award winners in- cluded: Dante Baptiste, The Paul Howard Memo- rial Award for Excellence in Sport; Daniella Gourzong, the Carole Cameron Award for Greatest Progress; Sarah Harrison, the National Gal- lery Award for High School Visual Arts Achievement; and Kelsi Persad, who was one of only two students in Cayman to receive the Lloyd Barker 2018 Pursuit of Ex- cellence Award. Sixth Form awards went to Bianca Meghoo and Brandon Saunders for Con- tribution to the Life of the School for outstanding lead- ership and service; Rajiv Jag- gernath, who received the Chamber of Commerce Award for highest academic attain- ment; Daniel Jackson earned the Principal’s Award for who best fosters Christian ethos. Angelica Dodds re- ceived the Year 13 National Gallery Award for visual arts achievement. Dara Keogh, right, presents the Year 11 Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year Award to Samruddhi Tagalpallewar and Erika Sobers at St. Ignatius’ recent graduation ceremony. “Lee has embodied his motto of leading by example with everything in his life work, career and truly exemplifies the passion of ‘giving back.’” MOSES KIRKCONNELL, Minister of Tourism Lee SeliskyNext >