ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 High of 87 Low of 76 Rough with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet. Small craft should exercise caution over open water. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE LOCAL | PAGE 2 CAYMAN’S ‘MO’ BROS’ UNITE FOR A CAUSE DAY ONE OF CULL NETS NEARLY 14,000 IGUANAS JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cullers delivered 13,819 green iguanas to the George Town landfill Monday as the first day of an islandwide cull to help rid Grand Cayman of the invasive species got under way. The number is well above the daily target required to meet the goal of culling a mil- lion of the invasive lizards in the first year of the project. Officials cautioned that the figure may not represent a precise single day cull total because of the likelihood that some hunters began culling before Monday’s offi- cial start date. The positive opening to the cull was also marred by reports of headless iguanas discarded in canals at various locations around the island. Fred Burton, head of the Department of Environment’s terrestrial resources unit, said the number of iguanas culled was encour- aging. He said he was confident that the right resources were now in place to make serious inroads into the green iguana population. “I think with the price adjustment and the proper budgeting to go at this full scale, it looks as though we will get as many in two days as we did in the entirety of last year’s efforts.” He said he expected the numbers to come down in the next few days but to increase again in the coming months as cullers hone their methods and ramp up their opera- tions. At this stage of the cull, he said, the quota target that hunters had signed up to was 9,000 a day. He said the early signs were encouraging 10 YEARS FOR ‘SHOE TREE’ FIREARMS Gerald Jaleel Bush and Rico Roy Walton were both sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday after being found guilty on three charges of possession of unlicensed fire- arms in August. The men were charged after police found two guns and some ammunition under the “shoe tree” in South Sound on June 25, 2017. For more on this story, see page 3. From Kuwait to Cayman: Governor’s globetrotting career JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Early in his career, Martyn Roper was among a group of British diplomats expelled from Iran. Just a few years later, he was in Kuwait when Saddam Hussein’s army invaded. He saw the helicopter gunships bombing the Emir’s palace and spent three weeks “held hostage” at the advent of the first Gulf War, when he was among hundreds of foreigners unable to leave the country in the early days of the Iraqi occupation. Mr. Roper has since gone on to work for the British gov- ernment in countries all over the world, some friendly, some much less so. As he arrived in Grand Cayman to take up his post as the island’s 14th governor on Monday, he recounted some of those early adventures and re- flected on the comparatively warm reception he had received in the territory. Though the prospect of being “kidnapped” during the an- nual Pirates Week parade still awaits, he believes he can forge friendly and positive relation- ships in the islands that will prove mutually beneficial for Cayman and the U.K. Speaking to the Cayman Compass during a welcome re- ception held in his honor at Government House Monday, Mr. Roper said he hoped to be an ad- vocate for the territory. He said the role of governor was different to his previous posts because it involved a kind of dual loyalty, both to the U.K. and to the Cayman Islands. “Governors are in a unique position,” he said, “because it is really important that they re- flect the views and the positions Baywatch: Cayman cops - new patrols, new uniforms They may not have the glamor of the original ‘Baywatch,’ featuring David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, but Cayman’s officers make a striking impression on Seven Mile Beach. Swapping their traditional uniforms for Bermuda shorts, high visibility polo shirts, sun caps and shades, PCs Jonathan Kern, left, and Daniel Devine are warming up to their task of keeping order in Cayman’s busiest tourist spot. The two officers and others have been regularly patrolling the beach since August amid an increase in reports of crime against tourists. With high season fast approaching, the officers, newly kitted out in their beach uniforms, will provide a regular presence to clamp down on thefts and drug dealing, and to assist in case of emergencies in the water. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » Cayman Islands’ new governor Martyn Roper introduces himself to a crowd of dignitaries at a welcome reception Monday, as Premier Alden McLaughlin, left, and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson look on. - PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKER PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 »2 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 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. - WEDNESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) HALLOWEEN (2018) (R) 1:15 VIP I 4:35 I 7:00 VIP I 9:35 VIP I 10:05 HUNTER KILLER (R) 1:05 I 3:55 I 7:10 I 10:00 VENOM (PG13) 1:15 I 3:50 I 6:50 I 9:30 NIGHT SCHOOL (PG13) 4:05 I 6:40 JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (PG) 12:30 I 2:50 I 5:05 I 7:20 I 9:40 A STAR IS BORN (R) 1:35 I 3:55 VIP I 7:05 BLOCKBUSTER RE-RELEASE: AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (PG13) 12:50 I 9:15 Cayman’s ‘Mo’ Bros’ unite for a cause Movember promotes men’s cancer, mental health awareness KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com At age 23, Angel Hawkins is one of the youngest mem- bers of Cayman’s Mo’ Bro fraternity – an enthusiastic group of men – and women – who come together each November in the name of men’s health. The month-long event of Movember – a portmanteau of moustache and November – encourages men worldwide to grow their facial hair in a show of solidarity with male cancer survivors. Three months out from his last – and hopefully final – chemotherapy treat- ment, Mr. Hawkins now falls among their ranks. Born and raised in Cayman, the St. Ignatius graduate first suspected something was wrong with his body earlier this year while living in Colombia. Like many others residing in Providencia Island, Mr. Hawkins preferred riding a motorcycle as his main form of transportation. But the ride became uncomfortable. “I noticed it became more irritating and a nuisance to ride a motorcycle,” he said. Eventually, walking be- came awkward for him as well. That is when Mr. Hawkins began to inspect himself and found a hard lump by his groin. For a young man living far from home, the discovery was frightening. “All of my family was here in Cayman and I was in Co- lombia. So I did my best to remain calm, ask ques- tions,” he said. “Then I went to see the local doctor and he told me, ‘Yeah, this is something se- rious, you probably want to go find a center or return home for treatment.’” Faced with a diagnosis of testicular cancer, Mr. Hawkins flew back to Cayman, where he could rely on the support of family, friends and a fa- miliar medical system. While his treatment re- quired surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy, he considers himself lucky. He was able to receive most of his treatment on is- land, thanks in large part to the addition of a full-time on- cologist at Cayman Islands Hospital. And last month, he received the good news he had been waiting for: “I got the call clarifying that I am cancer free. So I am a survivor and I am here to help bring awareness to men’s health and to kids’ health, to try to be more aware of what’s going on with your body.” Bringing attention to sto- ries like that of Mr. Hawkins is a major goal of Movember. The idea is to get men talking about their bodies and to encourage their friends to do the same. Mr. Hawkins learned that rather than ig- noring aches and pains, men should pay attention to them. “With me being a rugby player, I tend to try to ignore pain. Any little nudge or if I feel like my joints are weak, I try to ignore it and just keep playing, because the game of rugby is a rough sport, so you’re going to get some knocks,” he said. “But my first suggestion is not to ignore those pains. If you feel like it’s something serious, see your doctor as soon as possible, because it could turn out to be some- thing a lot more serious and life threatening.” Mo’ Bros unite Movember veteran and committee member Dave O’Driscoll knows how dif- ficult it can be to get many men to open up about their bodies. As a self-described “man’s man,” Mr. O’Driscoll wants to make the topic of men’s health accessible and shame free. “It’s touchy subject – to use a pun for men,” Mr. O’Driscoll said with a laugh. While the conversation may revolve around a se- rious subject, Mr. O’Driscoll aims to keep it light-hearted – a characteristic highlighted by Movember’s raucous closing and opening parties. This year’s launch event will kick off Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. at The King’s Head in Camana Bay. There, participants can register and men can get a shave to start off their month with a clean slate. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 30, at The Lodge. With the Mo’ Bros dressed to impress – last year Mr. O’Driscoll ar- rived as Goldmember from Austin Powers – the final party is not one to be missed. But first comes the message. “Testicular cancer is all about examining yourself and then knowing when you feel something there that isn’t natural, that you go to your [doctor] and you tell them about it,” he said. “A lot of times men are too proud to tell anybody that anything is wrong with them or with their body. … Get yourself checked out. Don’t be stupid. If you can ask your friend a question or if you see your friend in trouble and see they need help, then that’s you breaking down barriers, that’s you being stronger than anybody else.” By the time men are in their late 30s, Mr. O’Driscoll recommends they begin thinking about prostate and testicular cancer screen- ings. By their late 40s and 50s, checkups with a doctor should become regular. This was a lesson that David Robinson, 68, learned the hard way. While he had been diligent about seeing his doctor to manage an en- larged prostate, he had ne- glected to get regular colo- noscopies. After crunching the numbers with his wife, he realized it had been seven years since his last one. “That alarmed me some. So I got an introduction to a gastroenterologist here and had the colonoscopy,” he said. The results came back pos- itive for cancer. “They determined the tumor was operable in the sig- moid colon with possible hot spots in the lymph nodes, so they recommended an opera- tion first and chemo and radi- ation afterwards,” he said. While his battle continues, Mr. Robinson has already learned a lot – starting with the importance of keeping copies of medical records and staying on top of regular exams. He encourages others to educate themselves and shop around for the best advice. “When you’re diagnosed, read the literature and try to understand the disease and the process, what questions to ask,” he said. “Be prepared to help manage the process yourself.” Tackling stigmas By reaching out to friends, men can help break down stigmas and get their bud- dies on a healthy track, Mr. O’Driscoll says. Shane Con- nolly, 54, is one of the friends that he has encouraged to open up and stay active with Movember activities. As a 27-year survivor of throat cancer, Mr. Connolly now finds it easy to dis- cuss and even joke about his experience. Pointing to the bare skin on his neck, he says with a laugh, “One of the benefits of having cancer and radio- therapy is I don’t have to ac- tually shave under [the chin].” When he was diagnosed as a young man, cancer felt like a death sentence. “Everyone knew someone who had it but it was like a curse. It was just like the plague; there was no coming back from it,” he said. “Then it definitely had a stigma. Now it’s more fund- raisers, people shaving their heads. Everyone is aware. Ev- eryone knows someone who’s had it or got it.” As treatments have im- proved and awareness has grown, cancer has be- come an easier topic to dis- cuss, he says. But Mr. Con- nolly sees that there is still work to be done when it comes to breaking down health stigmas. The next goal for the men of Movember will be opening the conversation about depression. “Movember is also [about] mental health issues. What I see now, from a privi- leged [perspective] is how cancer was then, this under- lying thing, mental [health] – male or female – has got that [stigma] now,” Mr. Connolly said. “I’ve had friends who have took that choice [suicide]. It’s not an easy one. But we need to bring that into the same light as we do [with cancer].” In the end, the hope is to get men aware and com- fortable about their bodies and their minds. “You get your mind straightened out, your body is going to follow a lot easier,” Mr. Connolly said. For those who are un- certain about where to start the conversation or where to seek help, the Movember committee offers a wealth of resources. Its beneficiary, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, offers free cancer screenings and resources throughout the year. Infor- mation nights will also be held throughout the month of November. More infor- mation can be found about those events online at www.movember.ky. One of the easiest ways to get started is to attend the opening night on Thursday at The King’s Head and get signed up, Mr. O’Driscoll said. “Then you start growing your moustache.” Dave O’Driscoll shows off his ‘stache ahead of Movember. He wants to get men talking with their friends about health and wellness. After a year battling cancer, Angel Hawkins is getting his strength back and hopes to get back to playing rugby soon. David Robinson shows his chemotherapy port. He was diagnosed in February with colon cancer. - PHOTOS: ALVARO SEREY Shane Connolly is a 27-year survivor of throat cancer. He would now like to tackle the stigma of depression and mental illness.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 Two jailed for 10 years in ‘shoe tree’ firearms case KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Gerald Jaleel Bush and Rico Roy Walton were both sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday after being found guilty on three charges of possession of un- licensed firearms in August. The men were convicted of trying to hide two fire- arms and some ammunition under the “shoe tree” in South Sound on June 25, 2017. The pair had been seen in a boat in the sound by officers aboard the police helicopter. The mandatory minimum sentence for possessing un- licensed firearms is 10 years, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Grand Court Justice Francis Belle gave a brief explanation over video link as to why he chose not to deviate from the man- datory minimum. The prosecution had ar- gued that an aggravating factor was that the guns – a 9 mm Trabzon and a loaded Colt .45 – could have been found by a child, which would have led to “tragic consequences.” But Justice Belle said the men were not trying to dis- pose of the firearms under the shoe tree, but were only trying to hide them there for a short period of time. The defense had also sought to make the age dif- ference between Mr. Bush, 21, and Mr. Walton, 29, a mitigating factor, according to Justice Belle. But, he said, they should be sen- tenced equally, in part be- cause they “acted as a team” in their crime. The judge commented that the 10-year sentence should be “long enough to have a serious impact on the defendants, but not so long to get them lost in the criminal system.” Both men had denied the charge, claiming that they had been returning to shore from a fishing trip. During the trial, the court heard from Police Constable Ronnie Pollard, tactical flight officer with the Air Opera- tions Unit, which runs the police helicopter. The jury was shown film footage taken from the helicopter on June 24, 2017, going into the early hours of June 25. Nar- rating what was being seen on screen, PC Pollard ex- plained that the camera on board operated by thermal imaging, which means that the camera can pick up things that emit heat, even if it is dark. Mr. Pollard said it showed a small vessel outside the reef, then coming through the South Sound channel at three minutes after mid- night. The vessel had two in- dividuals aboard. It headed toward Old Crewe Road, where one person disem- barked. The vessel then trav- eled near the shore. In the area of Cayman Crossing, around 12:38 a.m., a person is seen walking from one tree to another and then back, after which the boat leaves and comes to shore at the South Sound dock. Mr. Pollard said he trans- mitted these movements via radio to police units on the ground. Deputy Commissioner Kurt Walton, who was on the ground, said during the trial that he and a police constable were returning from the Drugs Task Force base via Shamrock Road and South Sound. As a result of what he was hearing over the police radio, they pulled over on South Sound Road near a casuarina tree commonly re- ferred to as the “shoe tree” or “flip-flop tree.” He said he observed a man in a small boat about 25 feet from shore. When he shone his vehicle head- lights on the boat, it turned and headed toward the South Sound dock. He then got out of his vehicle and walked on the beach to the tree. After searching around the roots of the tree with his flashlight, he saw a black sock and the butt of a gun in the sock. Looking more closely, he saw a second butt of a gun. A jury of five women and two men had returned unan- imous guilty verdicts on the two defendants on Aug. 14. Police discovered two guns under the shoe tree on South Sound Road in July last year. Two men have been jailed for 10 years in connection with the case. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY POLICE NAME MAN KILLED IN TIRE EXPLOSION Police on Tuesday re- leased the name of the man killed when a tire ex- ploded while being filled using an industrial com- pressor Sunday. He was Crisanto Dizon, 54, a Fili- pino national living in the Cayman Islands. Mr. Dizon was killed shortly before 4 p.m. at a work site off Lake View Drive in Bodden Town. Two other men were in- jured in the incident. They were taken to hospital and later released. The incident is being jointly investigated by police and health and safety offi- cers from the Department of Labour and Pensions. The judge commented that the 10-year sentence should be “long enough to have a serious impact on the defendants, but not so long to get them lost in the criminal system.”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. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@pinnaclemedialtd.com ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHERS DAVID R. LEGGE AND VICKI L. LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID R. LEGGE EXECUTIVE EDITOR PATRICK BRENDEL A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will findtheirownway” It’s no coincidence that so many literary giants found inspiration in the halls and on the grounds of England’s country manors, which in reality were the economic (and often official) hubs of rural life in times gone by. In English prose, the country house appears fre- quently, as settings and also as characters. More than a static backdrop, these stately homes and their bustling communities drove the plots and inspired the musings of authors as diverse as Sir Thomas More, Jane Austen, William Makepeace Thackeray, the Bronte sisters, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Kazuo Ishiguro and many others. Here in Grand Cayman, our “country’s house” – Government House – holds a similarly pivotal role, sig- nificant in terms of symbolism and function. In recent months, the home’s darkened windows and hollow hallways reflected the somber and uncertain mood of our territory, as Cayman has been swept up in intrigue and whispers surrounding the abrupt removal of former Governor Anwar Choudhury. It comes as no surprise, then, that the overall expectation leading up to the arrival of Governor Martyn Roper and wife Elisabeth was one of, if not joy, certainly relief. Government House may be “ever so humble” in comparison to, say, official residences such as the White House or 10 Downing Street, but in many ways it is the “hearth and heart” of Cayman Islands society. Most governors have honored that tradition by hosting events, dinners and functions, like Monday’s private welcome reception for the Ropers, attended by (according to our count) some 200 invited guests. At the conclusion of what must have been a long and wearying day of traveling and ceremonies, the governor and his wife greeted with grace and kindness the crowds of inquisitive strangers. Although they had only been in Cayman for a few hours, the Ropers already appeared at ease in their new home and in their new roles. Those of us who first arrived to this country as adults can well imagine the thoughts that raced through the governor’s mind when he caught his first glimpse of the Caribbean Sea from the back veranda of Government House. What better first impression could there be for our country than the unparalleled view of Seven Mile Beach on a gorgeous day of sunshine and soft breezes? Certainly, we would hope, Cayman appeared favor- ably compared to some of the governor’s previous (perhaps less picturesque and more challenging) postings, for example, the weeks where he was “held hostage” in Kuwait during the invasion and occupa- tion by Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces, or when he was among a group of British diplomats expelled from Iran. On the part of Cayman, the appointment and arrival of the governor signifies a return to normalcy after the tumultuous departure of the brief-tenured Governor Choudhury. During the months-long interregnum, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson stepped up (yet again) to act as Cayman’s governor, but by definition, no “acting” appointment can carry with it a sense of cer- tainty or permanence. Having a U.K.-appointed governor is a necessary component of Cayman’s status as a British Overseas Territory – a relationship that confers benefits upon both the colonizer and the colonized. One of the greatest advantages for Cayman, of course, is the political stability upon which is predi- cated our public safety, judicial system and financial services industry – and by extension, our social and economic well-being. The lights come back on at Government House WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Trump gets tough with immigrants on welfare Liberals have stonewalled President Donald Trump on immigration reform and en- couraged an illegal migrant invasion from the south. This leaves him little choice but to deny green cards or exten- sions of temporary visas to immigrants that access fed- eral entitlements programs. About 44 million immi- grants reside in the United States. About 65 percent of visas are granted based on family ties, 15 percent to those possessing skills in short supply and the re- mainder mostly through a lottery for under-represented countries and refugees. Thanks to the abuses of chain immigration – natural- ized citizens and green card holders sponsoring relatives who in turn pull in other rel- atives – the immigrant popu- lation tends to be consider- ably older, less educated and less employable than the na- tive born population. Liberals are fond to tell us that immigrants add to eco- nomic growth. They take ser- vice jobs that make the lives of better educated Americans more comfortable. Many work in STEM dis- ciplines and start new busi- nesses, but about half come with only basic skills, do not easily assimilate and drive down wages in semi-skilled occupations. Visit Dulles Air- port and observe how many airport and airline per- sonnel speak English with a foreign accent. Thanks to affirmative ac- tion their children jump to the head of the line when competing for government jobs and places at selective universities. Those are significant rea- sons why Donald Trump was elected. If liberals want to paint him as racist and ille- gitimate, then they tar many of their own countrymen bigots and traitors. To resist everything he proposes only serves to raise resentment and anti-immigrant fervor. It is difficult for well- educated Americans, espe- cially those who work and live harmoniously alongside highly trained immigrants, to appreciate how impor- tant the language spoken on Main Street and prevalence of local foods and traditions are to folks who do not have the same advantages. If blue- collar Americans cannot get a remedy by electing a pres- ident who promises a more reasonable, less threatening immigration policy, then de- mocracy has failed. America needs more skilled immigrants to grow rapidly and compete inter- nationally. Mr. Trump and members of both parties in Congress have proposed re- forms that would signifi- cantly curtail the lottery and limit family reunification visas to immediate relatives – spouses and minor children. Those would make U.S. rules similar to Canadian and Aus- tralian policy. These reforms would permit American employers to recruit more skilled immi- grants in areas where Amer- icans are not available. And would reduce pressures on communities where wages are pushed down and local cultures are threatened by globalization. Sadly, in the spirit of “Resist Trump” and crassly seeking Hispanic and Asian votes, Democrats are blocking reform legislation. Democrats in Congress incite anarchy by encour- aging states and cities to vi- olate the constitutional su- premacy of federal law and forbid local police from co- operating with federal im- migration authorities. Some flirt with shutting down Im- migration and Customs En- forcement altogether. In recent years, immi- gration from Mexico has subsided but endemic vi- olence in Central America and further south is pushing poorly educated migrants to head north. Mexico offers many asylum and, with Spanish the prevalent language, a more hospitable climate to work. However, migrants continue their journey to ac- cess generous U.S. social wel- fare benefits – as do many folks who obtain visas from Africa and Asia through chain immigration. About half of all immi- grants qualify for means- tested programs. Under Mr. Trump’s new proposed regu- lation, a green card or other changes in status – such as extending temporary visas – would be denied immi- grants that in the past, now or in the future are likely to access food stamps, fed- eral housing subsidies, Medicaid and similar pro- grams. Exceptions are pro- vided for legitimate refugees and children. A blunt tool, this policy would alter the composition of immigration in the direc- tion advocated by both Dem- ocratic and Republican re- formers in Congress but denied thanks to the obstruc- tionist Democrats disap- pointed that Hillary Clinton is not president. Liberals protest that legal immigrants would be reluc- tant to access benefits for el- derly dependents and their children. That is likely, how- ever, they might cast an eye on the recent circus they cre- ated around the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh and then look into the mirror. Want more of the same – nominate for president an- other distasteful candidate who calls hard-pressed blue- collar workers deplorable or an anarchist on the socialist left of the Democratic Party. Peter Morici is an economist and business professor at the University of Maryland, and a national columnist. © 2018, The Washington Times, LLC. PETER MORICI America needs more skilled immigrants to grow rapidly and compete internationally. 5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 SECURE YOUR PROPERTY WITH THE BEST DEALS IN SURVEILLANCE CAMERA SYSTEMS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ON ISLAND. The Security Centre has three exceptional CCTV deals that just can’t be matched. 3 The Gold Standard: a complete digital, four camera IP system – 4 meg precision viewing at just $1799 The Security Centre guarantees that we will beat any price on a comparable system. Call the Security Centre for your demo today at 949-0004 or visit us online at security.ky 2 The Eagle Eye Special: a high-definition system perfect for the home and small businesses - $1549 All systems offer mobile device access - so you can check on your property remotely. bring an existing security camera system into high-definition – using existing cabling - at just $999 1 The Phoenix HD Upgrade: ‘The Grinch’ premiere to support families Camana Bay is hosting a special showing of “The Grinch” to support local fami- lies in need over the holiday season as part of its annual Christmas Give. The commu- nity is invited to be first to see the new movie and par- ticipate in other activities while supporting the cause. Tickets to the special pre- miere are $15 per person and must be purchased in ad- vance at the Camana Bay Vis- itor Centre. The show time is Thursday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Camana Bay Cinema. All the funds raised will be donated to the Good Sa- maritan Food Bank, an or- ganization committed to ending hunger. To receive a voucher for a free small popcorn, mov- iegoers may bring non-per- ishable food items to do- nate when purchasing a ticket or on the night of the film and drop them at the Visitor Centre. Director of the Good Sa- maritan Food Bank, the Rev. Charles Boucher, of- ficially opened the doors of the Cayman Food Bank on Dec. 14, 2017. Located in an industrial warehouse on George Town’s Sleepy Hollow Drive, the food bank is an outgrowth of the food pantry that Mr. Boucher and his wife, Manon, started in 2008 at the First Assembly of God church. Since opening, the Food Bank has distributed over 13,000 pounds of food to more than 900 people, ac- cording to operations man- ager Phillip Hyre. The Ullman sisters with George Nowak, The Barefoot Man, at the Wyndham Resort this month. Quadruplets turn 60 in Cayman Islands Identical quadruplet sis- ters, Cathy, Martha, Marion and Helen Ullman, visited the Cayman Islands this month to celebrate their 60th birthdays. The quadruplets were born on Oct. 12, 1958 in Clawson, Michigan, and weighed 4 pounds each, ac- cording to local news re- ports at the time. Martha and Marion first visited Grand Cayman in 1979 when they stayed at the old Holiday Inn on Seven Mile Beach, where The Ritz-Carlton is cur- rently located. One of their fondest memories of that early trip is dancing under the stars to the music of the Barefoot Man, Henry Leslie, Harry Johnston and Mark McTaggart. Since then, Martha and Marion have made sev- eral more visits to Cayman. This year, they were joined by Helen and Cathy for the birthday celebrations. They tracked down Bare- foot Man, George Nowak, who now performs at the Wyndham Resort, where he’s been for the last 18 years. As well as celebrating their own landmark birth- days this year, the sisters had another reason to cel- ebrate. Their mother Julia turned 100 in July. AIRLINE EMPLOYEE CHARGED WITH POSSESSING GANJA SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com An American visitor was denied bail when he ap- peared in Summary Court Tuesday on a charge of pos- session of 5.8 ounces of ganja, which was seized at Owen Roberts Interna- tional Airport. Garfield Spence, a ramp agent with American Eagle, an affiliate airline of Amer- ican Airlines, was arrested at the airport Saturday. A Customs officer al- legedly found the ganja, which has a street value of $4,000, in his backpack, the court heard. Mr. Spence claimed to have a medical prescription for marijuana but was not able to provide documentary evidence of that. Police seized his phone, and Crown counsel Scott Wainwright said Tuesday that text messages on the phone suggest there is “more to this than meets the eye.” Mr. Spence has come to and left Cayman four or five times this year, the court heard. “We have concerns at this stage about bail,” said Mr. Wainwright, who ex- plained that the Crown con- sidered Mr. Spence to be a flight risk. Mr. Wainwright also stated that a further charge of conspiracy to import ganja may be forthcoming. Magistrate Adam Rob- erts denied bail and sched- uled another bail hearing for Wednesday, Oct. 31.The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS but he is very concerned about several incidents where the carcasses of iguanas had been illegally discarded. “If those people get caught, they will lose their registration. It is totally un- acceptable and it is not legal,” he pointed out. He said the cull man- agers were accepting heads at the landfill site in order to allow cullers to use iguanas for meat. But, he said, those bringing heads would now face an extra level of scrutiny. “If they are not using them for meat, then we will have to have the whole body before they get paid,” he added. Mr. Burton still hopes to encourage people to make use of the iguanas. “It is a waste to just put them in the landfill,” he said. “In some parts of the world, green iguanas are an important part of people’s diet and it would be great if people would warm up to the idea that it is actually quite tasty and can be prepared in an acceptable way. It would be nice to see it on restaurant menus in a significant way.” Tukka, in East End, is be- lieved to be the only island restaurant that currently serves iguana. of the territory back to London and be an advocate for those views and help encourage those views. “It is an interesting po- sition to be in. Everybody I have spoken to has given me advice on how to get that right. Diplomats have skills of influencing, nego- tiating and it doesn’t re- ally matter what the con- text is, you can shift to the context. I think those skills will be of value.” He said he had detailed briefings about the Cayman Islands and the Overseas Territories in general be- fore arriving on the is- land on Monday. “People are incredibly friendly, and my first impres- sions are hugely positive,” he said. “I heard a lot of posi- tive things about Cayman Islands before I came. You have a huge amount to be proud of. This is a territory that is self-governing to a very large extent and I think you can be proud of that.” On day one, he said he would be forming no “quick views” but his initial priori- ties will be firmly focused on security and safety. He said the U.K. was in negoti- ations to bring a second he- licopter to the islands that could be used by police, as well as for search and rescue and deployment in disaster- relief efforts at home and in other territories. He also hopes his experi- ence in promoting trade and investment – a key part of his previous role as deputy head of mission for the U.K. in Beijing – can be put to use. “I hope I can make a con- tribution on trade and in- vestment and the premier’s plans for a new ministry [of international trade and in- vestment],” he added. He said safeguarding the financial services in- dustry and tourism sector would also be areas where he could contribute. “Upholding the rights of everybody on the island will also be important, crisis management, disaster man- agement – those are areas where we have an important role to play in collaboration with the government.” He said developing re- lationships would be the key to success in the job. Though he is initially ap- pointed on an interim basis, he hopes to fill the role in the longer term. “I am looking on this as a permanent appoint- ment and I want to make the long-term relationships from day one that I will need to move forward.” From Kuwait to Cayman: Governor’s globetrotting career Day one of cull nets nearly 14,000 iguanas Raul and Sonia Reyes drop off 50 iguanas they culled at the George Town landfill on Tuesday. - PHOTO: ALVARO SEREY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 POLICE NAME MAN FOUND DEAD IN GT HOME Police on Tuesday named the man who was found dead Saturday at a residence in Randyke Gardens in George Town as 60-year-old Dilson Barbosa Silva. Mr. Silva was found dead around 9 a.m. after police responded to a re- port of a man possibly de- ceased or in need of assis- tance in his home. The matter is under po- lice investigation, but no foul play is suspected, the Royal Cayman Islands Po- lice Service said. Judge rules against Assange over embassy changes QUITO, Ecuador (AP) – A judge ruled against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Monday, rejecting his re- quest to loosen new require- ments that he says are meant to push him into leaving his asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Judge Karina Martinez decided stricter rules re- cently imposed by the South American nation’s embassy – such as requiring Assange to pay for his internet and clean up after his cat – do not violate his asylum rights because authorities have the right to decide what is and is not allowed inside the building. Ecuadorian officials praised the ruling in the latest row between the Aus- tralian hacker and the gov- ernment that has provided him refuge for six years. Re- lations between Assange and Ecuador have grown increas- ingly prickly as the years have dragged on with no so- lution in sight. Assange’s lawyer vowed to appeal the decision. “The Ecuadorian state has an in- ternational responsibility to protect Mr. Assange,” at- torney Carlos Poveda said. Assange argued that the new measures making it more difficult to re- ceive visitors and requiring him to pay for services like laundry and medical bills are meant to coerce him into ending his asylum. The rules also make clear that if Assange does not properly feed and take care of his cat, the animal could be sent to the pound. Ecuador’s government contended the requirements are aimed at peaceful co- habitation in tight quarters in the small embassy, where Assange takes up more than a third of the space. Offi- cials have complained that his soccer playing and skate- boarding have damaged the building. “It’s clear this protocol was issued with strict respect for international law,” Jose Valencia, Ecuador’s foreign minister, said after the ruling. Ecuador granted Assange asylum in the embassy in 2012 as he tried to avoid ex- tradition to Sweden. Swe- den’s top prosecutor later dropped a long-running in- quiry into a rape allegation against him, saying there was no way to detain or charge him because of his protected status in the embassy. Nonetheless, Assange re- mains wanted in Britain for jumping bail, and he also fears a possible U.S. extra- dition based on his leaking of classified State Depart- ment documents. Assange initially enjoyed a cozy relationship with then Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa but relations with his host nation have steadily de- teriorated. Current President Lenin Moreno has warned him not to meddle in matters that can jeopardize Ecuador’s foreign relations. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walks onto the balcony of the Ecuadorean Embassy in London. – PHOTO: AP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 COLOMBIA OPENS PROBE INTO U.S. COAL COMPANY Investigation expected to focus on paramilitary ties BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – The office of Colombia’s chief prosecutor says authori- ties are opening an inves- tigation into whether an Alabama-based coal com- pany financed a paramili- tary group during the South American nation’s bloody civil conflict. The investigation into Drummond Ltd. is expected to focus on irregular pay- ments allegedly made to a contractor already found guilty in the murders of two labor leaders. Accusations have long swirled that Drummond fi- nanced an umbrella para- military group but those claims have repeatedly been dismissed in U.S. courts. In a statement Tuesday, Drummond said it has never supported illegal armed groups. A rights lawyer called the investigation’s opening a “first step” toward justice for relatives of those killed by the right-wing militia during the conflict.7 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 Schoolgirls design Christmas cards for fundraiser MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com Santa Claus arrived a little early this year for Chloe Connolly, 9, and Bella Grieff, 15. On Tuesday, the two girls were announced as win- ners of a Christmas card de- sign contest, which is part of a fundraising drive for Hannah’s Heroes. This is the second year Wall Creations has used a card design produced by a child to raise funds for a local charity, but it is the first year that all Cayman schoolchildren were invited to participate. Students from 10 schools submitted artwork, ac- cording to Zoe Wall, the head of sales for Wall Creations, who oversaw the contest. Five judges whittled down final images from more than 1,000 entries that included designs incorporating such things as turtles, dolphins, snowmen, elves, decorated palm trees and religious figures. In addition to the two win- ners, James Kennedy, 8, of Cayman Prep was awarded an honorable mention. Ms. Wall, who was not a judge, said the idea for the contest got its start last year. Griffin McDonald, then 9, was so impressed by a presenta- tion on feeding those in need by Feed Our Future, that he designed a Christmas card to raise money for the charity. Wall Creations helped out by printing the card and placing it in Books & Books. Nearly 700 cards were sold and $3,000 was raised. The two cards this year are distinctly different from one another. Bella, a stu- dent at Cayman Prep, created a stylized line drawing of a Christmas tree with a parrot and a turtle. Chloe, who at- tends Cayman International School, designed a more car- toon-like painting with a turtle dressed as Santa Claus. Bella said she often spends her lunch hours painting in the school’s art room. “I love doing watercolor,” she said. “I usually do faces, but for this, I wanted to do something different.” The idea of using a parrot and turtle came to her quickly, she said. “[Organizers] said to do something about Cayman Christmas,” she said. “They were the first things to come to mind.” Having the proceeds from the sale of the cards go to Hannah’s Heroes is “a big added bonus,” Bella said. Her hair is just beginning to grow back from taking part in last month’s Big Shave event to benefit the charity. She teamed up with a friend, who also had her head shaved. Together, she said, they raised $1,500 for the charity that supports re- search on childhood cancers. Chloe said she felt com- pelled to help out as well. “I never thought art would be related to charity,” said the fifth grader. “I thought, ‘I have to do this.’” Chloe’s family moved to Cayman from Perth, Australia, recently. Until she came here, she said, she had not really done much artwork. “I like to paint the most,” she said. “I like to paint galaxies and watercolor and animals.” Her card design, titled “Turtle Claus,” depicts a green and yellow turtle in a red hat and suit sitting in a boat being pulled by a team of colorful fish. “I thought of the turtle from the Cayman Coat of Arms,” she said, “and [as] the national animal. It took me awhile to find what I could do with the reindeer. There’s lots of fish around the Cayman Islands.” So the connection seemed natural. She said the card competition is the first thing she’s ever won. “I was very, very, very ex- cited,” she said. “I never thought that would happen.” Ms. Wall emphasized that 100 percent of the proceeds from the cards will go to Han- nah’s Heroes. She said she has no projected goals for this year’s fundraiser. Plans call for an initial printing of 500 for each of the two cards. Once again, they will be avail- able at Books & Books. “If another retailer comes to me and says, ‘We’ll stock them,’ that would be great,” Ms. Wall said. “The more the merrier.” ‘Turtle Claus’ was designed by Chloe Connolly, 9, who won in the age 4-10 category. Bella Grieff won the competition for best card design in the age 11-16 category.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS FEMA asked for more housing for storm survivors Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on Monday sent a letter to FEMA’s director requesting recreational vehicles and mobile homes to the Florida Panhandle to help residents who lost their homes to Hurricane Michael. US sending 5,200 troops to border, double Syria deployment WASHINGTON (AP) – The Pen- tagon is deploying 5,200 troops to America’s south- west border in an extraor- dinary military operation a week before nationwide elections in which President Donald Trump wants voters to focus on a slow-moving “invasion” of Central Amer- ican migrants. The number of troops being sent is more than double the 2,000 who are in Syria fighting the Islamic State group. Two caravans of would- be migrants, mostly on foot and seeking asylum, are still hundreds of miles from the U.S. border with Mexico. And any migrants who complete the long trek to the border already face major hurdles – both physical and bureau- cratic – to being allowed to stay in the United States. Trump, eager to keep voters focused on illegal im- migration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his dire warnings about the cara- vans, tweeting, “This is an in- vasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!” And in an interview with “Axios on HBO,” Trump de- clared that he wanted to order an end to the consti- tutional right to citizenship for babies born in the United States to non-citizens. Asked about the legality of such an executive order, Trump said, “they’re saying I can do it just with an exec- utive order.” He added that “we’re the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States,” though a 2010 study showed that 30 countries offered birth- right citizenship. And in a late Monday in- terview, Trump said the U.S. would build tent cities for asylum seekers. “We’re going to put tents up all over the place,” told Fox News Channel’s Laura In- graham. “They’re going to be very nice, and they’re going to wait, and if they don’t get asylum they get out.” Under current protocol, migrants who clear an initial screening are often released until their cases are decided in immigration court, which can take several years. Trump denied his focus on the caravan is intended to help Republicans in next week’s midterms, saying, “This has nothing to do with elections.” The Pentagon’s Opera- tion Faithful Patriot was de- scribed by the commander of U.S. Northern Command as an effort to help Customs and Border Protection “harden the southern border” by stiff- ening defenses at and near legal entry points. Advanced helicopters will allow border protection agents to swoop down on migrants trying to cross illegally, said Air Force Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy. Troops planned to take heavy concertina wiring to unspool across open spaces between ports. “We will not allow a large group to enter the U.S. in an unlawful and unsafe manner,” said Kevin McA- leenan, commissioner of Cus- toms and Border Protection. Eight hundred troops already are on their way to southern Texas, O’Shaughnessy said, and their numbers will top 5,200 by week’s end. Some of the troops will be armed. Troops would focus first on Texas, followed by Arizona and then California. The troops will join the more than 2,000 National Guardsmen whom Trump has already deployed to the border. It remained unclear Monday why the adminis- tration was choosing to send active-duty troops given that they will be limited to per- forming the support functions the Guard already is doing. The number of people in the first migrant car- avan headed toward the U.S. has dwindled to about 4,000 from about 7,000 last week, though a second one was gaining steam and was marked by violence. About 600 migrants in the second group tried to cross a bridge from Guatemala to Mexico en masse Monday. The riverbank standoff with Mexico police followed a more violent con- frontation Sunday, when the migrants used sticks and rocks against officers. One migrant was killed Sunday night by a head wound, but what caused it was unclear. The first group passed through the spot via the river – wading or on rafts – and was advancing through southern Mexico. That group appeared to begin as a col- lection of about 160 who decided to band together in Honduras for protection against the gangs that prey on migrants traveling alone and snowballed as the group moved north. They are mostly from Honduras, where it started, as well as El Sal- vador and Guatemala. A smaller caravan earlier this year dwindled greatly as it passed through Mexico, with only about 200 making it to the California border. Migrants are entitled under both U.S. and inter- national law to apply for asylum. But there already is a bottleneck of would-be asylum seekers waiting at some U.S. border crossings to make their claims, some waiting as long as five weeks. McAleenan said the aim of the operation was to deter migrants from crossing ille- gally, but he conceded his of- ficers were overwhelmed by a surge of asylum seekers at border crossings. He also said Mexico was prepared to offer asylum to members of the caravan. The White House also is weighing additional border security measures, including blocking those traveling in the caravan from seeking legal asylum and preventing them from entering the U.S. The military operation drew quick criticism. “Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money but an unnec- essary course of action that will further terrorize and mil- itarize our border communi- ties,” said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union’s border rights center at El Paso, Texas. Military personnel are le- gally prohibited from en- gaging in immigration en- forcement. The troops will include military police, combat engineers and others helping on the border. The ramped-up rhetoric over the migrants and ex- pected deployments comes as the president has been trying to turn the caravans into a key election issue just days before elections that will de- termine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress. “This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? It’s going to be the election of common sense,” Trump said at a rally in Illinois on Saturday night. On Monday, he tweeted without providing evi- dence, “Many Gang Mem- bers and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border.” “Please go back,” he urged them, “you will not be ad- mitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an inva- sion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!” It’s possible there are criminals mixed in, but Trump has not substantiated his claim that members of the MS-13 gang, in particular, are among them. The troops are expected to perform a wide variety of functions such as trans- porting supplies for the Border Patrol but not engage directly with migrants seeking to cross the border, officials said. One U.S. official said the troops will be sent initially to staging bases in California, Texas and Arizona while the CBP works out precisely where it wants the troops po- sitioned. U.S. Transportation Command posted a video on its Facebook page of a C-17 transport plane that it said was delivering Army equip- ment to the Southwest border in support of the operation. The troops are expected to perform a wide variety of functions such as transporting supplies for the Border Patrol but not engage directly with migrants seeking to cross the border, officials said. Honduran migrant Anderson Guevara, 12, is embraced by his mother Erika Marcela Sanchez, 27, while waiting in line Monday to receive dinner at a makeshift shelter in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico. - PHOTO: AP9 WORLD&REGIONAL CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2018 Trump: End birthright citizenship for some US-born babies WASHINGTON (AP) – Presi- dent Donald Trump is making another hardline immigration play in the final days before midterm elections, declaring that he wants to order an end to the constitutional right to citizenship for babies born in the United States to non-citizens. With seven days to go be- fore high-stakes elections that he has sought to focus on fearmongering over im- migration, Trump made the comments to “Axios on HBO.” Trump, seeking to energize his supporters and help Republi- cans keep control of Congress, has stoked anxiety about a caravan of Central American migrants making its way to the U.S.-Mexico border. He is dispatching additional troops and saying he’ll set up tent cities for asylum seekers. The president has long called for an end to birth- right citizenship, as have many conservatives. An ex- ecutive order to revoke the right would spark a court fight over whether the pres- ident has the unilateral ability to change an amend- ment to the Constitution. The 14th Amendment guarantees that right for all children born in the U.S. Asked about the legality of such an executive order, Trump said, “they’re saying I can do it just with an exec- utive order.” He added that “we’re the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States,” though a 2010 study from the Center for Immigration Studies showed that 30 countries of- fered birthright citizenship. An excerpt of the inter- view was posted on Axios’ website on Tuesday. The president said White House lawyers are reviewing his proposal. It’s unclear how quickly he would act and the White House did not provide further details. A person familiar with the internal White House debate said the topic of birthright citizenship had come up in- side the West Wing at various times over at least the last year, but has some internal detractors. White House law- yers have debated the topic, and expect to work with the Justice Department’s Of- fice of Legal Counsel to de- velop a legal justification for the action. It is one of many immigration changes being discussed including asylum law changes, and barring the migrant caravan from en- tering the country. But administration offi- cials said there would likely be no decisions until after the midterms, due in part to the president’s trip to Pittsburgh. Legal experts questioned whether Trump has the au- thority to do this by ex- ecutive order. Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants’ Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union in New York, said Tuesday that the Consti- tution is very clear. “If you are born in the United States, you’re a citizen,” he said, adding that it was “outrageous that the president can think he can override con- stitutional guarantees by is- suing an executive order. Jadwat said the presi- dent has an obligation to up- hold the Constitution. Trump can try to get Congress to pass a constitutional amend- ment, “but I don’t think they are anywhere close to getting that.” “Obviously, even if he did, it would be subject to court challenge,” he added. Suzanna Sherry, a pro- fessor of law at Vanderbilt Law School specializing in constitutional questions, said those advising Trump that he can change the Constitu- tion via executive order are simply mistaken. “He can’t do it by himself and, in fact, he can’t do it even if Congress passed a statue.” “I think it would take a Constitutional amendment,” she said. “I don’t see it as having any plausible legal basis,” she said. But others suggest the president may have an opening. Jon Feere, a senior adviser at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is among those who has long argued that the president could limit the cit- izenship clause through ex- ecutive action. “A president could di- rect his agencies to fall in line with his interpretation of the Supreme Court’s rul- ings, which are arguably lim- ited to children of perma- nently domiciled immigrants (the court has never squarely ruled on children born to tourists or illegal aliens). He could direct his agencies to issue Social Security num- bers and passports only to newborns who have at least one parent who is a citizen or permanently domiciled immi- grant,” he wrote in 2015 in an op-ed in the Hill. In the final days before the Nov. 6 midterms, Trump has emphasized immigration, as he seeks to counter Dem- ocratic enthusiasm. Trump believes that his campaign pledges, including his much- vaunted and still-unfulfilled promise to quickly build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, are still rallying cries for his base and that this latest focus will further erode the enthusiasm gap. Trump voiced his theory that birthright citizenship could be stripped during his campaign, when he de- scribed it as a “magnet for illegal immigration.” During a 2015 campaign stop in Florida, he said: “The birth- right citizenship – the an- chor baby – birthright cit- izenship, it’s over, not going to happen.” The first line of the 14th Amendment states: “All per- sons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” The 14th Amendment was passed by Congress in 1866 during the period of Recon- struction after the Civil War. It was ratified in 1868 by three-fourths of the states. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Southern Illinois Airport Saturday in Murphysboro, Illinois. - PHOTO: APNext >