ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 75 CENTS – FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY SERVER OUTAGE AFFECTS CAL FLIGHTS A trio of Cayman Air- ways flights operating be- tween Grand Cayman, Kingston, Jamaica and New York City were delayed on Thursday due to a third- party flight planning soft- ware server outage. The server outage oc- curred early in the morning, resulting in delays for some flights, according to the airline. Two Kingston flights and one to New York were delayed. The Cayman Airways flight operations team at the airline’s Grand Cayman headquarters was forced to manually develop flight plans in order to minimize delays, a spokesperson for the company said. The servers were down between approximately 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Cayman Airways reported that all other Thursday flights were expected to op- erate on schedule. DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCE TO RISE TO $500 MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com Returning from a trip abroad and clearing cus- toms has not only become quicker after the scrapping of customs forms for pas- sengers who have nothing to declare; it will also be- come cheaper following an increase of the personal duty allowance from $350 to $500 per person. Cayman Islands Pre- mier Alden McLaughlin an- nounced Wednesday that the increased value of goods that returning residents and visitors can bring into the jurisdiction without having to pay customs duty will take effect on Nov. 1. He said the change is being made to encourage truthful duty declarations, speed up the arrival process at the airport, and enable customs officers to focus on Government revising labor bill JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Government will seek to revisit the con- troversial Labour Relations Bill within the next year, Premier Alden McLaughlin con- firmed Wednesday. The premier indicated the bill, circulated in 2015, was in the process of being revised and would come back before the Legisla- tive Assembly in 2019. He said government had taken into account the responses to its earlier review of labor legislation and was working on a new draft. “In light of the feedback received,” he told legislators, “the Labour Relations Bill will be revised in advance of further public consul- tation which will be followed by final revi- sions, and the plan involves tabling of this new bill early next year.” The earlier version of the bill included stricter penalties for employers and higher financial awards in unfair dismissal cases. It attracted opposition from the business community, including the Chamber of Com- merce, which called for closer consultation on future drafts. Mr. McLaughlin was speaking during question time in the Legislative Assembly on Cayman Brac. Gender identity in anti-bullying law Government ministers and officials were peppered with questions from opposition members throughout the morning. Asked for an update on research on anti- bullying legislation, Attorney General Sam Bulgin found himself fielding a series of follow-up questions from independent mem- bers Anthony Eden and Arden McLean on Premier Alden McLaughlin speaks at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Cayman’s coat of arms at the District Administration Building on Cayman Brac Thursday. For more, see page 9. - PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKER PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 »2 LOCAL&REGIONAL FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS PASTA, PIZZA & SEAFOOD 3 Course Dinner CI$18 4pm - 10pm DINE IN ONLY Cimboco - A Caribbean Cafe 94-PASTA (947-2782) Located in the Marquee Plaza caymanfirst.com YOUR HEALTH MATTERS. GET HEALTHY WITH US. Call 345-949-7028 | Email askus@caymanfirst.com | Visit caymanfirst.com CORRECTION An article published in the Sept. 5 edition of the Compass, titled “OfReg appoints acting dual CEOs,” incorrectly identified Alee Fa’amoe’s position with the Utility Regulation and Compe- tition Office (OfReg). Mr. Fa’amoe is OfReg’s deputy CEO. New government board to monitor prisons The Cayman Islands is establishing a new moni- toring system for its prisons that will include citizens making site visits to local jails and detention centers. A board of community volunteers will visit the in- stitutions, which include the prisons, police holding cells and the Immigration De- tention Centre. That system, put into place with consultation from the United Kingdom’s Independent Monitoring Board, will take on the re- sponsibility of making sure Cayman’s prisoners are treated equitably. “We have identified the need to revisit and update both the Terms of Refer- ence of the existing Prisons Inspection Board and the framework and standards for its work,” said Acting Governor Franz Man- derson in an official state- ment. “The goal is to pro- vide regular, independent, preventive monitoring in order to ensure that human rights are upheld and that meaningful accountability is maintained.” A two-person team rep- resenting the U.K.’s Inde- pendent Monitoring Board visited Cayman from Aug. 28 to 31. Their job was to provide advice to govern- ment and training to board members, which is expected to take place at some point later this year. The Bill of Rights in the Cayman Islands Constitu- tion Order requires that the government complies with national and interna- tional standards. That means that the gov- ernment is required to en- sure that proper standards of care and decency are maintained for places desig- nated for incarceration. “The inmates at Fair- banks, Northward and the various detention centers are members of our society,” said Tara Rivers, the min- ister of home affairs. “We need to make sure that we are providing for them in a way that is humane, meets international obligations, and provides them with op- portunities to meaningfully and successfully reintegrate into society once they leave the prison system.” The two-person team from the U.K. included Dame Anne Owers, the current na- tional chair of Indepen- dent Monitoring Boards and former chief inspector of prisons, and Sue Bird, an ex- perienced Independent Mon- itoring Board member with 10 years of experience as a prison monitor. The goal, said Dame Owers, is to make sure the Cayman Islands has a system built to last. “We aren’t coming to say the way we do it in the U.K. is the way you should do it on Cayman,” she said in the statement. “The reason we are here is to find out about the particular circum- stances here, the particular challenges and the opportu- nities so that you can create something here which is special for you and which works for your society, your prisoners, and those who work within your prisons.” In 2015, a report on Cay- man’s prisons was highly critical of conditions, though noted that there had been improvements since a previous inspection in 2012. The 2015 report, con- ducted by HM Chief In- spector of Prisons, noted that prisoners were held in “squalid” conditions and that they were subjected to “unregulated and arbi- trary” punishment. The new regulatory framework hopes to improve upon the pre-existing condi- tions. Ms. Bird said that the role of a prison monitor is to “ensure fairness and de- cency for those in custody.” “It’s important that we’re there and it’s important that we are people from ev- eryday society,” she said, “so that people can respond to us and we can report to the people that need to know and, in turn, create safer prisons and a better so- ciety for all.” During their visit, Dame Owers and Ms. Bird met with project team mem- bers from the Office of the Deputy Governor and from the Governor’s Office. The new monitoring board will come under the Office of the Deputy Governor. The U.K. visitors also consulted with Mr. Manderson and Ms. Rivers in addition to the police commissioner and Prison Service staff. The team visited HM Northward Prison, Fair- banks Prison, the Police De- tention Centre in George Town and the Immigration Detention Centre. All of that information will be used, said Dame Owers, to enable a better path to developing the monitoring framework of the prisons. “It’s for the benefit of all society that our prisons are places where people learn to live better lives rather than just going on to do what they did before,” she said. “That’s why it’s impor- tant to invest in prisons and that’s why it’s important that civil society is present in prisons to reflect back to the rest of society what’s actually going on and what can be helpful.” Cayman’s Director of Prisons Steve Barrett said in the statement that he was “delighted” that the Cayman Islands Government has taken steps to establish an Independent Monitoring Board for the Prison Service. “Such a board, when fully functioning, will help to ensure that prisoners’ rights are upheld,” he said, “and that their treatment and management is fair, and that prison regimes are shaped to support their re- habilitation and their ul- timate release back to our communities.” Sue Bird, second from left, and Dame Anne Owers, third from left, are members of the Independent Monitoring Board that met with Cayman government officials on a new framework for monitoring detention centers. TWO CUSTOMS WAREHOUSE WORKERS ARRESTED Two male Customs ware- house employees were ar- rested Wednesday on sus- picion of theft from the warehouse and related of- fenses, Collector of Customs Charles Clifford stated. One of the arrested men is 48 years of age and from West Bay; the other is 31 and from George Town. According to a press release issued by Customs, the arrests were the result of a joint Cus- toms and Police operation. Mr. Clifford confirmed that the two employees have been placed on required leave. He also confirmed that the two civilian employees re- mained in custody Thursday. Mr. Clifford stated in the release that as the investiga- tion was an active matter, he would be making no further comment at this time. “The goal is to provide regular, independent, preventive monitoring in order to ensure that human rights are upheld and that meaningful accountability is maintained.” ACTING GOVERNOR FRANZ MANDERSON BRAZIL PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE STABBED RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Jair Bolsonaro, a leading presi- dential candidate in Brazil, was stabbed during a cam- paign event on Thursday, though officials and his son said the injury was not life-threatening. Numerous videos on so- cial media showed Bolso- naro, whose far-right plat- form includes cracking down on crime in Latin America’s largest nation, being stabbed with a knife to the lower part of his stomach. At the moment of the attack, Bolsonaro was on the shoulders of a sup- porter, looking out at the crowd and giving a thumbs up with his left hand. After the attack, he is seen flinching and then goes out of view. Other videos show supporters carrying him to a car. Police spokesman Flavio Santiago confirmed to The Associated Press that Bol- sonaro had been stabbed and that his attacker was arrested. Santiago said Bolso- naro was taken to a hos- pital in Juiz de Fora, a city about 125 miles north of Rio de Janeiro, and was in good condition. Santiago said the at- tacker was identified as Adelio Bispo de Oliveira, and that he was beaten up badly by Bolsonaro supporters.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 New public beach access signs erected The first 40 newly de- signed public beach ac- cess signs have been erected across Grand Cayman on sites where access is open and clear, according to the Public Lands Commission. The signs went up on Aug. 24 to ensure that the public can easily identify beach access locations in Grand Cayman and the Sister Is- lands, a government press release stated. A 2017 Beach Access Report by the Lands and Survey Department that was released earlier this year highlighted that the vast ma- jority of registered public beach access paths were blocked, neglected, over- grown with vegetation, or lacked proper signage. The report found that of the 108 registered public rights of way in Grand Cayman, only 17 were listed as clear with signs. The other 91 were fully or partially blocked or missing signs. Following the release of the report, the Public Lands Commission, which has been tasked with regulating the use of public land in the public interest, deemed it “a high priority to install brand-new signage to ensure every access point is easily located,” according to the press release. In addition to the 108 reg- istered public rights of way to the sea in Grand Cayman, there are three in Cayman Brac and 10 in Little Cayman. “Generally speaking, proper signage that is highly visible immediately brings to the public’s eyes the phys- ical location of any public beach access,” said Ru- pert Vasquez, chairman of the Public Lands Commis- sion. “As such, it encour- ages maximum usage and the full benefits of these ac- cesses dedicated for the gen- eral public’s enjoyment. It also sends a clear message to all that the public has full rights and can use these public beach accesses with absolute confidence and without fear.” The National Roads Au- thority ordered and installed the signs, and worked with the Lands and Survey De- partment to mark the first 40 access points. “This first set was selected because they were already free and clear of any obstruc- tions,” the release stated. Additional signage will be installed in Cayman Brac in the coming weeks. According to the Public Lands Commission, it is working toward ensuring that access to other paths to the sea across the Cayman Islands will be addressed. “As a country, we must work cooperatively with local residents and devel- opers to ensure that the pub- lic’s right to beach access is upheld and all have ac- cess to one of our country’s greatest resources,” Minister of Lands Juliana O’Connor- Connolly is quoted as saying in the release. “The Cayman Islands Gov- ernment is committed to safeguarding public access to the beach for locals, resi- dents, and visitors,” she said. The Public Lands Com- mission’s mandate includes regulating and protecting the use, enjoyment and the right of access of public lands; re- sponding to complaints re- garding the use or misuse of public land; and advising the ministry on general pol- icies in respect to enforce- ment and exercise of other functions delegated to it by the minister. The 1,174-page Beach Access Report, which includes details of every access path on all three islands, can be viewed at www.education.gov.ky and www.caymanlandinfo.ky. Queries and complaints regarding the Public Lands Law may be sent to the Public Lands Commission at plc@gov.ky. A new public beach access sign installed by the Public Lands Commission points the way to the beach. THEOLOGICAL TRAINING CLASSES BEGIN Cayman’s theological ed- ucation program, run by the Centre for Theological Lead- ership Training, will begin its second cohort of classes on Saturday, Sept. 8. Stu- dents who enroll in the fall semester will be able to pursue a certificate or di- ploma in theology. Since launching last year, the center’s class offerings continue to expand, with the aim of providing non- denominational leadership training in Christian ministry work. Students who com- pleted level one coursework will be able to attend level two classes and earn a di- ploma in theology. The first group of level one students graduated on June 24, with a class of 63 students walking the stage at the Church of God of Prophecy on Eastern Avenue. CTLT director, the Rev. Dr. P.J. Lawrence, said a crowd of 500 attended the ceremony. “They can move on to the diploma level which we are offering the semester begin- ning in September. This is the second level we are of- fering,” he said. “Notwithstanding, all subjects are introductory, and one can take any of them because there is no prerequisite.” Level one classes will be held at The Church of God of Prophecy on weekends, starting Sept. 8. Level two classes will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church in George Town on evenings, starting Sept. 11. For more information, visit www.ctlt.ky or contact the Rev. Lawrence at 922-3902.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. In recent weeks, days and even hours, we can’t help but observe what appears to be a significant expan- sion and growth of government that includes new infrastructure (building projects and building acquisi- tions), new agencies, and now even a new ministry. We are concerned because it has been the long- standing position of this newspaper that the smallest government – with the highest degree of efficiency – is the best government. Cayman’s government, civil service, authorities and businesses, we believe, are far too large, too cumbersome, too complex and, certainly, too expensive for a tiny island with such a small population. In his address at the opening of the Legisla- tive Assembly on the Brac this week, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced the creation of a new ministry which will be charged with representing Cayman’s interests overseas. He declared that the Ministry of International Trade and Investment was made neces- sary by the United Kingdom’s failure to defend our islands’ economic interests. For context, Mr. McLaughlin made his remarks without reference to the current array of financial and economic ministries, offices and departments we already have in place. Namely: • The Ministry of Finance and Economic Develop- ment (the Hon. Roy McTaggart presiding), • The Office of the Financial Secretary (Mr. Ken Jef- ferson, who also serves as Chief Officer), • The Ministry of Financial Services and Home Affairs (The Hon. Tara Bush at the helm), • The Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastruc- ture (The Hon. Joey Hew in charge), and • The Department of Commerce and Investment (Mr. Dax Basdeo in the leading role). Let’s step back. Cayman currently has so many ministries, departments, authorities, commissions, committees, subcommittees and who knows what else that it is impossible to keep track of all of them and, as importantly, to know who is responsible for what. For those who have given up counting (or caring), the public payroll now includes well over 6,000 employees – and all of their paychecks are coming out of your paychecks (meaning from the people of Cayman). But we’re not done. Premier McLaughlin, while on the Brac, also announced, or made reference to, the following: • A 5 percent pay raise for civil servants, • A new Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman agency, and • A new multistory courts building, in addition to the recent purchase of the Scotiabank building for court expansion. Government is also promising a new port, a “new” airport, a new Coast Guard (with a new heli- copter), a new $9 million iguana eradication program, a multimillion dollar renovation/expansion of John Gray High School, across-the-board pay raises for teachers, dramatic increases in existing social services payments, and a new “ex-gratia” payment for retired civil servants. The following merits more than a mere footnote, but as we are approaching the end of this editorial, we only have space for an obligatory mention of the govern- ment’s unfunded pension and healthcare liabilities, as well as the country’s long-term debt. The total? Sit down, and fasten your fiscal seat belt: More than $2 billion. Amidst all this talk of government growth, we have yet to hear out of the Brac any announcements of cuts, savings or new efficiencies to counterbalance, offset or, at minimum, mitigate the additional spending. As the Legislative Assembly returns from the Brac having added many millions of dollars to the public sector’s bottom line, we’ll offer up to public officials some strongly suggested beach “re-reading”: the Miller-Shaw and EY reports – on how to reduce the size, scope and cost of Cayman’s government. Government’s spending, spending, spending plan FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS LETTER TO THE EDITOR International Literacy Day a cause to celebrate As a community, we see the impact of illiteracy every day affecting children in our school system, or with adults seeking employment. Illit- eracy is a hidden shame that many children and adults carry privately, unable to de- velop the skills to properly de- code the world around them. The theme for International Literacy Day 2018 this Sat- urday is “Literacy and skills development.” Being literate allows children and adults to develop the skills needed to become successful and con- tributing members of society. The first step, as with ev- erything else in a person’s development, begins in the home. There is a common myth that every child in the Cayman Islands has access to books in their home. De- spite our economic status as a country, this is simply not true. Many families live on the fringes of our economy and are part of a rapidly de- veloping new social norm of need. Some families are able to buy used books at one of the many wonderful thrift shops on island but many more rely on the school system to provide books for their children. Our government schools share the responsibility for literacy and skills develop- ment with parents every day from September to June. In the past two years, LIFE has donated over 15,000 books to our public schools with the aim of ensuring that every child has access to leveled, high-interest books when they come to school. We work in close partnership with the Ministry of Educa- tion, the Department of Edu- cation Services, the schools, and the teachers to support and supplement their lit- eracy instruction. We also work with par- ents through parent partner- ship programs such as “Part- ners in Print” where parents are taught the skills needed to help their children learn to read. Importantly, each child is given a free book to take home so that parents and children can practice the skills learned at these series of workshops. Some parents do not know how to read, or have low literacy skills them- selves so their involvement in their child’s education is even more important. In our work with parents, we regularly see committed men and women who want to help their chil- dren succeed and we en- courage parents to continue to work with schools. “Literacy for skills devel- opment” can include words and books that connect stu- dents to what is being studied in science, mathematics, and history, or other tools such as computers to develop skills that are needed in virtually every job in modern society. Along with a focus on literacy for technology skills, let us also remember the founda- tional levels of literacy. Literacy begins with teaching children to develop an awareness of sounds and print but it also includes skills that adults can improve such as reading comprehen- sion (can you re-tell the story/ article in your own words?), a strong vocabulary (what is another word for “good”?) and the ability to spell (without spell-check). LIFE encour- ages the Cayman community to focus on the foundations of literacy for skills develop- ment today so that all our citizens can share in a suc- cessful tomorrow. Marilyn Conolly Executive Director, LIFE (Literacy Is For Everyone) 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” Focusing on foundations of literacy prepares children for lifetime success. - PHOTO: BUSINESS WIREThe islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS We lead. We Blaze Trails. We Innovate. UCCI: Making Significant Strides Into the 21st Century The year 2009 marked an era of renaissance for the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). The campus was still showing scars from Hurricane Ivan, but with the advent of new leadership came possibilities that inspired excitement and renewed commitment from its faculty and staff. President J.A. Roy Bodden had a vision, one in which the University College became a well-rounded institution, representing more disciplines that broadened students’ academic, personal and professional horizons. New degree programmes were introduced; among them were the Associate of Science in Engineering Technology and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. The first Nursing cohort graduated in 2017 and achieved a 100% pass rate at the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR). Existing programmes such as Hospitality Studies and Teacher Education were redesigned in collaboration with industry partners to ensure that graduates were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills their respective professions demanded. Classroom learning was enhanced with overseas immersion programmes, semesters abroad, and with faculty and student exchanges. Students were exposed to extra-curricular activities such as the Performing Arts Programme, International Conferences, Distinguished Lectures, TEDxUCCI, and the STEM Carib Conference. Quality assurance measures were put in place with UCCI achieving institutional accreditation from UK-based ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities) and programme accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the Nursing Council of Jamaica (NCJ), City and Guilds and the Joint Board of Teacher Education, among others. Faculty members continued to advance their educational and professional qualifications. More and more students began considering UCCI as their institution of choice, whether to complete their tertiary education or as a springboard for further studies abroad. Fast forward to almost a decade later and UCCI is showing no signs of slowing down. Guided by a new Strategic Plan, the institution is seeking to implement programmes that empower the people of Cayman to thrive in an ever-changing world. “Right now UCCI is on the cusp of a learning explosion,” said President Bodden. “Our affiliations with foreign higher education institutions offer our students opportunities and experiences overseas without having to leave the Cayman Islands. We keep adding to the repertoire of programmes to benefit our students and help them obtain a better quality of life through gainful employment and entrepreneurship.” During the Academic Year 2018-2019, the University College will be launching new initiatives such as the Prior Learning Assessment programme that will provide persons in the workforce with opportunities for vertical and lateral mobility in their careers. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes will open doors for individuals who are looking for alternatives to traditional academic paths. Young people will continue to be exposed to the latest trends in STEM such as eSports, startup ecosystems, tech design, app development and advanced manufacturing. “Here at UCCI we are dedicated to the idea that learning is a public good... and we have put this principle into practice in our programmes. We are preparing our graduates to take their places in a rapidly evolving technological age. UCCI will continue to grow and transform itself as the premier tertiary level institution serving the community, including a great expansion of the Cayman Brac Campus and its offerings,” concluded President Bodden. J.A. Roy Bodden, JP UCCI President ADVERTORIALThe islands’ most-trusted news source 6 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Ms. Annette Murphy Assistant Professor (Business Studies) Ms. Murphy joined the Faculty of Business Studies in 2007. Her goal is to be an educator who will not only unlock the great Caribbean potential but transcend territorial boundaries in being a prolific contributor to academic knowledge and development. She holds a B.Ed. in Business Studies with concentrations in Accounting and Economics, from the University of Technology and a M.Sc. in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. She is in the final phases in the completion of a DBA degree. Dr. Belinda Blessitt-Vincent Assistant Professor (Business Studies) Chair of Business Studies Having worked in both public and private sector organisations in several countries, Dr. Belinda Blessitt- Vincent has a broad spectrum of expertise in the areas of Organisational Leadership, Education, Travel and Tourism, Customer Service Management, Human Resource Management and Marketing and Sales. She obtained an Ed.D. in Organisational Leadership with a minor in Human Resources Development and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Her contribution to tourism in Cayman was recognised by the industry when she received the prestigious Cayman Islands Stingray Award – “Allied Employee of the Year” in 2008. Dr. Stephanie Fullerton-Cooper Associate Professor (Language and Literature) Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Stephanie Fullerton-Cooper is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, with Honours, and Master and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Literatures in English. She also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at UCCI. Prior to academia, Dr. Fullerton-Cooper worked in journalism and public relations. Her research is geared towards establishing Cayman Literature as deserving of a place within Caribbean and African Diaspora Literature. Mr. Emerald Mohammed Assistant Professor (Mathematics) A devoted and experienced educator, Trinidadian born Mr. Emerald Mohammed has been teaching for 43 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics/ Mathematics from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Business Administration in Education from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Ms. Erica Gordon Assistant Professor (English and Spanish) Chair of Arts & Humanities A graduate of the Mico Teacher Training College and the University of the West Indies, Mona, Ms. Erica Gordon has been an educator for over twenty years. She delivers courses that help students develop skills that are essential to function effectively in the Caymanian society and in the global village. Ms. Gordon serves on multiple UCCI committees and has taught CXC English on a voluntary basis for many years in the CXC Education Volunteer Programme. She is currently completing a PhD in Education at the University of London. Mr. Selgin Amador Assistant Professor (Computer Science) Mr. Selgin Amador has been with UCCI since 2007. In his capacity as faculty, he works in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Technology and a Masters of Management (Information Technology) from Charles Sturt University. In addition to his achievements he is recognised as a Microsoft Certified Professional since 2003, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Server Network Infrastructure Configuration, Applications Infrastructure Configuration, Enterprise Administrator and CompTIA Certified Professional. Ms. Tanique Dunbar Senior Lecturer (Hospitality) Ms. Tanique Dunbar is a graduate of The University of the West Indies Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management where she pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism Management. She further went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the same university. She taught various Hospitality and Tourism courses at the Associate and Bachelor’s level at the University College of the Caribbean but joined the UCCI team as a member of the faculty of the School of Hospitality Studies. Mrs. Tracey Hargrave Associate Professor (Mathematics) Chair of Math & Sciences Mrs. Tracey Hargrave joined UCCI as a Mathematics Lecturer in 1997. Her background in teaching Maths and Statistics at a college level aid in her delivery of UCCI’s courses, and her experience in curriculum development enables her to successfully coordinate the introduction and revamping of programmes in her department. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from University College, University of London, a Master’s in Applied Statistics and Operational Research from Birkbeck College, University of London and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Mathematics from the Institute of Education, University of London. UCCI is a growing intellectual community... The University College of the Cayman Islands is a growing intellectual community of leaders, scholars and trailblazers including 1,200 students and 70 full-time faculty and staff members representing 30 nationalities and a kaleidoscope of expertise and experience. UCCI congratulates the following faculty members, who have been promoted after demonstrating achievements in formal qualifications; teaching and learning and/or curriculum development; professional development; service and/or scholarly activity; and satisfactory performance in their relevant areas. Dr. Livingston Smith Vice President and Provost UCCI’s first Vice President and Provost, has been with UCCI for 18 years as a professor of Political Science, History, Sociology, Ethics and Research Methodology. In this new role, Dr. Smith is responsible for all academic departments, ensuring that curricula and instructional pedagogy reflect the mission of the institution. An honours graduate of Church Teacher’s College, Jamaica, he also has a BSc in Social Sciences and a Master of Philosophy in Government between the University of the West Indies and the Florida International University. Focus on Faculty ADVERTORIALThe islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 Dr. Sandra Lee Samuels Assistant Professor (Psychology) Dr. Sandra Samuels completed her doctoral studies with Walden University in General Psychology, specialising in Educational Psychology. She has an MA in Pastoral Psychology and Counselling from Saint Stephens College in Canada and a postgraduate diploma in Education from UCCI.She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the California Coast University. She brings many years of professional experience of training adult learners in in-service oriented industries and pastoral counselling. Her research interests include: maintaining long distance relationships, resilience, immigrants, adult learners, and post-secondary participation. Dr. Christopher Williams Assistant Professor (History, English and Philosophy) Chair of Social Sciences Dr. Chris Williams graduated from the University of the West Indies in 2004 with a first-class honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History; he was also the recipient of UWI’s Cherise Iptiste prize for the best student of African history in 2004. He completed an intensive Master of Arts degree in Colonial and Postcolonial Theory and Philosophy in just under a year at the University of Manchester. In 2006 he received a Cayman Islands government scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Warwick, UK. Mrs. Kadeshah Swearing Assistant Professor (Business Studies) A firm believer of Edutainment (education through entertainment), Mrs. Kadeshah Swearing joined UCCI as a Senior Lecturer in August 2013. She graduated with distinction, and top of her class, from the University of the West Indies (UWI) with a Masters degree in Economics concentrating in Finance and Game Theory. She holds a first degree in Mathematics with honours, also from UWI. In addition, she earned a Diploma in Education which allows her to teach Mathematics, Computer Studies and Complimentary Literature. Mrs. Swearing is currently pursuing her PhD in Economics. Mrs. Revathy Ravichandran Senior Lecturer (Computer Science) Mrs. Ravichandran lectures in the Computer Science and Engineering Department. She completed her Master in Computer Science and Master of Philosophy in Computer Science from Bharathidasan University, India. Collaborative learning is her teaching philosophy to promote the reflective thinking and improve the student’s communicative skills. She is a professional and friendly person with her students; assisting them to extend the knowledge beyond their boundaries. Her research interests include Computer Programming and Relational Database. Mrs. Susanne Palmer Assistant Professor (Business Studies) Mrs. Susanne Palmer joined UCCI in 2013 as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Business Studies. She has been an educator at the tertiary level for the past 22 years. Mrs. Palmer holds a B.Ed. in Business Studies from the University of Technology and a MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She has also been certified as a Business Professional and Master Executive through the International Business Training Association based in Florida and is currently pursuing a PhD Degree with the University of the West Indies. Focus on Faculty Alumni at UCCI “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” - C.S. Lewis Shavon Bodden Assistant Registrar In 2008, Shavon was hired as Information Officer at the then newly opened satellite campus in Cayman Brac. She was promoted to Assistant Registrar in 2011. Currently, Shavon is responsible for admissions, registration and payments, connecting students to their advisors, liaising for textbook purchases, initiating transmissions of video link equipment for all broadcast classes, and scheduling meetings, forums, and appointments. Shavon is the “Jack-of-all-trades” and the go-to person for the Brac Campus. In 2017, Shavon completed her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration with Honours. Kimone Chambers Deputy Registrar The first alumna of the BSc in Social Sciences programme in 2011, Kimone assumed the role of Deputy Registrar in 2017. She brought to this post a wealth of experience from having worked for the Ministry of Education and the Department of Education Services. Kimone obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Social Studies Education at New York University in 2013 while teaching US and World History and Social Studies in two New York schools. She also teaches as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Social Sciences Department. Ashley Smith-Phipps Admissions Officer Ashley started out as an intern for the Office of the Registrar in 2014 whilst enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting. She then took on an internship at the UCCI Bookstore, managing inventory and sales before applying for the Admissions Officer role in 2016. Ashley is often commended for her personalised brand of customer service. She is currently pursuing a BSc in Business Administration Marlon Bryan IT Supervisor Marlon started out as a Web Facilitator in 2012 and was promoted to Helpdesk Supervisor in 2013. In his capacity, Marlon plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of UCCI’s IT infrastructure, serving both employee and student clientele. He sits on the Academic and Administrative Committee as one of the appointees of the Board of Governors and also mentors students engaged in the Computer Science internship programme. Marlon holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Science and has completed his studies for the BSc in Computer Science. Allison Anglin Registrar Allison’s growth with UCCI is worth noting. She began as an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Science student in 2007 before joining the Office of the Registrar full-time as an Information Officer in 2009. She holds a BSc in Business Administration, graduating summa cum laude in 2012. In 2010, she was promoted to Assistant Accountant before becoming UCCI’s first Admissions Coordinator in 2013. Allison was promoted to Registrar in 2017 and completed her Master of Education in Higher Education at the Pennsylvania State University in 2018. Dream, Soar, Achieve. UCCI’s alumni obtain successful careers across various industries and specialisations. However, the institution takes great pride in employing its graduates who become an integral part of UCCI’s talent pool. They make invaluable contributions to the growth of their alma mater especially as it relates to enhancing the overall student experience at UCCI, offering crucial insights that inform the decision-making process. ADVERTORIALThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS STEM Carib 2018 Conference Octiober 9 - 12, 2018 Fall 2018 Calendar Add/Drop Period Begins August 27, 2018 Second 7-week Continuing Education courses begin October 23, 2018 Withdrawal Period Begins September 4, 2018 Add/Drop Period Ends September 3, 2018 Midterm Break October 18 - 22, 2018 Academic Advisement begins for Spring 2019 October 24, 2018 Registration begins for Spring 2019 October 29, 2018 Remembrance Day November 12, 2018 WP/WF Grades start October 31, 2018 Last Day to Withdraw November 13, 2018 Last Day of Classes November 30, 2018 Faculty Evaluation November 19 - 23, 2018 2019 Graduation Applications Open November 30, 2018 Fall 2018 Final Examinations December 5 - 12, 2018 PO Box 702 Cayman Islands KY1-1107 168 Olympic Way George Town Grand Cayman E T W info@ucci.edu.ky +345 623 8224 www.ucci.edu.ky Nursing Capping Ceremony October 4, 2018 Nursing Pinning Ceremony October 25, 2018 Prior Learning Assessment Launch November 29, 2018 Commencement Ceremony 2018 November 1, 2018 Classes Begin August 27, 2018 Midterm Exams Octbober 8 - 17, 2018 First 7-week and 14-week Continuing Education courses begin September 3, 2018 Fall 2018 Honours Convocation October 27, 2018 Ms. Monica Singh-Miller Information Offi cer Ms. Monica’s sunny disposition has been gracing the Admin Offi ce since 2007, starting out as a receptionist. In 2010, she was promoted to Information Offi cer and has since become one of UCCI’s go-to persons for students, parents and lecturers. Ms. Monica completed the Teacher’s Aide Certifi cate in 2010 and went on to do the CILEX Level 2 Certifi cate in Legal Studies in 2016. Ms. Sofi a Tobutt Assistant Registrar Ms. Sofi e, as she is known to all, started working at UCCI in 2005 as an Information Offi cer, helping many students with their registration and admissions needs. In 2009, she was promoted to Assistant Registrar, largely responsible for some of the programmes run by the then Executive Training Centre (now Professional Development Centre). She obtained her Executive Certifi cate in Management and Professional Master’s in Business Administration from the UCCI Department of Graduate Studies. Title Alumni at UCCI ADVERTORIALThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 In Loving Memory Of A Precious Son, Brother & Uncle Dr. Astley Rudyard McLaughlin Oct 20, 1954-Sept 9, 2015 Junie this is the Third year since you left us, life has never been the same I hide my tears when we call your name or see your picture on the wall. The pain we felt at losing you, will never go away. Knowing that you are in our hearts, keeps us through each day. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain For what it meant to lose you no one will ever know. Sadly missed by Mother, Brothers, Nephews and Nieces The Family of the Late Margaret Morris regrets to announce her passing on Wednesday, 29th August, 2018. A candle light service will be held at Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre (Cayman) 28 McField Lane, George Town, Grand Cayman on Friday, 14th September, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre 104 Waltham Park Road, Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday, 6th October, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Interment follows at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens. why “gender identity and gender expression” issues were being considered for inclusion in the bill. Mr. Bulgin said Cay- man’s Constitution pre- vented discrimination against people who identi- fied as transgender, for ex- ample. He said case prec- edent from the European Court of Human Rights compelled Cayman to con- sider these issues. Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Con- nolly joined some of the opposition members in requesting that prog- ress on the legislation be delayed until after Brexit, amid a belief among some of the leg- islators that the U.K.’s exit from the Euro- pean Union may also in- clude a withdrawal from the European Court of Human Rights. Mr. Bulgin said the legislation was in the re- search stage and the work of the Law Reform Com- mission would simply amount to a recommenda- tion to government, which they were free to use as they wished. Amid further ques- tioning from legislators, he clarified that the proposed bill would be designed purely to protect people from bullying. He said, “We are talking about bullying. We are talking about instances, for example, where a child, at school, who for what- ever reason, is a homo- sexual, is being taunted to death because of that …. “We are simply saying you won’t be able to be bullied because you’re black, white, homo- sexual, short, tall, Cath- olic. That’s it.” Bodden Town hurricane shelter In another question, In- frastructure Minister Joey Hew was asked by New- lands MLA Alva Suckoo for a progress report on work to create a new hurricane shelter at the Church of God in Bodden Town. Mr. Hew said prepara- tory work was under way to enable the project to go out to tender shortly. “We are striving to have matters in progress by the end of this year, early next year,” he said. “With a bit of luck and help from God, we could have it dried in for the next hurricane season.” Mr. Hew was also asked by George Town Central MLA Kenneth Bryan if the “certificates” handed out to workers in government’s NiCE community cleanup program be enforceable by the labor board. Mr. Hew said the docu- ments were not intended as official qualifications but as letters of reference that would confirm their partic- ipation in the program and how they had performed during the week’s work. He said it was intended to as- sist people who had been long unemployed in pro- viding evidence of their work ethic to a poten- tial employer. security threats. The Customs Department at Owen Roberts Interna- tional Airport introduced red and green customs channels at the end of 2016 to expedite the duty declaration system. The “red-green” system was intended to improve the flow of passengers without re- ducing the effectiveness of customs checks. Passengers entering the green channel are deemed to have made a declaration that they have nothing to declare but may still be vetted by cus- toms officials. Since June 30 this year, customs has also waived the need for inbound travelers to fill in a goods dec- laration form, provided that those travelers do not exceed the duty allowance. Passengers with goods to declare enter a separate red channel and can pre-pay cus- toms duties with a cashier be- fore collecting their luggage and entering the line. “The introduction of the ‘Customs Green Channel’ at airport arrival is allowing those returning home, who do not have purchases above the dutiable limit, to clear customs much quicker,” Mr. McLaughlin said in the Leg- islative Assembly on Cayman Brac on Wednesday. On regular weekdays, about 700 passengers arrive at Owen Roberts. About 10 percent of travelers may have goods to declare. The number of arrivals more than doubles on weekends and during hol- idays, according to Customs. While Customs reserve the right to stop and search anyone suspected of evading duty, the premier said, border security depends increas- ingly on the ability to act on specific intelligence rather than suspicion. “This is why we recently passed legislation to allow the Cayman Islands to participate in the Advanced Passenger Information Program – re- ceiving early warning of indi- viduals of concern that are on their way to our airports and seaports,” the premier said. “This is the direction that we are working towards: intelli- gence-based vetting that has the best chance of stopping those bringing in contraband or trying to circumvent the Customs Law.” In June, Customs Collector Charles Clifford said the changes to the customs clear- ance process allowed customs officers to focus on security threats at the border. At the same time, the new approach relies even more on residents making truthful declarations about goods that exceed the allowed duty-free limit. Rather than increase the fines for duty viola- tions, government has chosen to increase per- sonal duty-free limits to en- courage compliance, Premier McLaughlin said. “Our preference is to offer a ‘carrot’ rather than to rely on ‘the stick’ approach,” he said. The duty allowance con- tinues to apply only to pur- chases imported for personal use and not for commer- cial purposes. “I believe the vast majority of Caymanians and residents will welcome this increase in the duty allowance and will abide by the rules requiring them to declare any goods imported over that limit,” Mr. McLaughlin said. How- ever, if there was abuse of the system, higher fines could still be considered. The increase in duty allowance will naturally reduce government’s revenue from duty collection. Based on past duty declarations, the Ministry of Finance estimates lost revenue of about $1 mil- lion per year as a result. The premier called that sum an “affordable amount,” in light of the health of gov- ernment finances. “In addition to encour- aging proper declarations at the airport, this increase will also provide our people with some useful monetary relief when returning home from their annual vacation and shopping trips,” he said. Brac celebrates 60th anniversary of coat of arms JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Around 200 people, in- cluding schoolchildren, turned out in Cayman Brac Thursday for a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Cay- man’s coat of arms. During the ceremony, at the District Administration Office on the Brac, the Royal Warrant that brought the distinctive national crest into being was officially unveiled. Premier Alden McLaughlin, who told the story of the coat of arms to the gathering, said it was a symbol of Cayman’s na- tional identity. He said its creation in 1958 came at a time when the islands were on the lowest rung of the co- lonial system as a depen- dency of another depen- dency – Jamaica. With Jamaica charting a course toward indepen- dence, he said, the devel- opment of the coat of arms was one of the first steps to- ward Cayman’s leadership pursuing a different path, alongside the U.K. He said the designers had insisted on three key ele- ments – something that refer- enced the British connection, the link to the sea, and three stars to represent the three Cayman Islands. The crest was the first recognition and symbol of Cayman and its people as distinct and separate from Jamaica, he said. Mr. McLaughlin described the issuance of the Cayman Islands coat of arms as a seminal moment in Cay- man’s history and one that set the islands on the path to modernity. He said, “Up until 1958 Caymanians eked out a hard scrabble exis- tence based on subsistence farming, fishing, turtling and seamanship. They faced hard- ship the likes of which future generations will hopefully never experience.” Education Minister and Cayman Brac legislator Ju- liana O’Connor-Connolly also paid tribute to generations of Caymanian leaders who had charted a course from those hard days to the economic prosperity enjoyed by the islands today. There was music from students at the Layman E. Scott High School and Ms. O’Connor-Connolly even led a rendition of “Happy Birthday, Mr. Premier” for Mr. McLaughlin, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday. Captain Owen Farrington, one of the original vestrymen (elected representatives) at the time of the issuance of the Cayman coat of arms, center, unveils the Royal Warrant on Thursday in Cayman Brac. - PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Duty-free allowance to rise to $500 Government revising labor bill The premier indicated the bill, circulated in 2015, was in the process of being revised and would come back before the Legislative Assembly in 2019. 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