ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 High of 86 Low of 74 Seas: Rough with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet. Small craft should exercise caution over open water. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 2018: THE YEAR IN CARTOONS LOCAL | PAGE 6 NEW YEAR’S MESSAGES FROM OFFICIALS SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY ORIGINAL CHICKEN FRIES NEW CHICKEN FRIES New Year’s Eve buses offer safe rides home The National Drug Council will run its annual Purple Ribbon Bus service on New Year’s Eve. The bus service will be back for its 18th year on Dec. 31 to provide safe transportation for revelers. There will be 10 buses operating on eight routes across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, running regular routes. Buses will run from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Grand Cayman and from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Cayman Brac. The free bus service was instituted in the hope of re- ducing the number of drunk driving accidents. Several spon- sors have signed on to make the Purple Ribbon Bus a reality, and Brenda Watson, the program manager of the National Drug Council, wants the endeavor to change society. “It is our hope to change the culture of our people to one where drinking and driving is no longer the norm,” said Ms. Watson, “But rather a culture where we plan ahead and desig- nate a driver, and on festive oc- casions such as New Year’s Eve that the public utilizes the free bus service.” Joan Dacre, director of the National Drug Council, ex- pressed gratitude for the con- tinued financial support of sponsors to make the bus ser- vice possible. “This year we were pleased to announce the launch of this program in Cayman Brac,” Ms. Dacre said. “Everyone looks forward to celebrating the holidays with family and friends but our cel- ebrations shouldn’t include drinking and driving. Remember that preventing drinking and driving is everyone’s business, and we all need to play our role. Be safe, don’t drink and drive.” Meanwhile, many bars and restaurants throughout the THOSE WHO LEFT US IN 2018 From treasure hunters and philan- thropists to guitar pickers and astrono- mers, the Cayman Islands lost a myriad of talents and trailblazers in 2018. The tourism industry saw the loss of Herbert Humphreys, long-time owner of the Holiday Inn, pioneer Der- rington “Bo” Miller and the islands’ first Director of Tourism, Eric Bergstrom. The music scene lost several of its most beloved performers as well, in- cluding two members of the Memory of Justice band, Charles Gregory and Jonathan Ebanks, as well as saxo- phonist Melvin Augustine. To read more about those who passed away in 2018, see page 10. HAILS: FIRE OFFICERS MISHANDLED AIRPORT LANDING Records were allegedly altered KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Government said on Friday that it will in- vestigate a November incident where Cayman Islands Fire Service officers allegedly fol- lowed improper protocol for the landing of a 767 jet at Owen Roberts International Airport, and where fire service records on the incident were later altered. According to a Dec. 19 memo from Chief Fire Officer David Hails, on Nov. 7 air traffic controllers requested that fire officers be pre- pared for a “Category 9” aircraft landing, meaning a jet between 61- and 76-meters long, requiring 12 fire personnel. At the time, fire officers were operating at a “Category 7” level, meaning they had eight per- sonnel prepared for an aircraft between 39- and 49-meters long. With the jet about 15 minutes from landing, Acting Station Officer Larue Nixon called several off-duty officers to assist, but they did not arrive in time for the landing, ac- cording to the memo, so four members of the senior management team stepped in to assist, including acting Deputy Chief Officer Brevon Elliot and Acting Senior Divisional Officer Gilbert Rankin. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 » Surf’s up at South Sound Surfers in the Cayman Islands enjoyed a rare streak of board-worthy waves during the final days of 2018. Crowds flocked to South Sound to catch swells surpassing six feet in height and packing enough power to deliver an adrenaline rush. Surf conditions suitable for mid-level to experienced riders were expected to continue over the next couple of days. – PHOTO: ALVARO SEREY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 »2 REGIONAL NEWS MONDAY DECEMBER 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. - MONDAY & TUESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) MARY POPPINS RETURNS (PG) 12:50 I 3:50 I 6:45 I 9:45 AQUAMAN (PG13) 12:45 VIP I 2:05 3D I 3:45 I 6:35 VIP 8:00 I 9:40 3D MORTAL ENGINES (PG13) 12:40 3D I 3:40 I 6:50 ELLIOT THE LITTLEST REINDEER (PG) 12:15 I 4:50 BUMBLEBEE (PG13) 1:00 I 3:55 VIP I 7:00 3D I 9:25 I 9:50 VIP SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (PG) 5:20 I 9:50 THE GRINCH (PG) 2:30 I 7:05 VENEZUELA UNITES AROUND GUYANA TERRITORIAL DISPUTE The socialist govern- ment of Venezuela and its political opponents at home who have been starkly divided over the past two decades on the best path forward for the country, have suddenly united around a common theme: the century-old dis- pute with Guyana. The neighboring coun- tries are clashing over off- shore oil development in the disputed area as Exx- onMobil Corp ramps up ac- tivity and after the Venezu- elan Navy interrupted the path of a vessel for seismic surveying on Dec. 22. While the U.S. and coun- tries of the Caribbean have sided with Guyana in the most recent inci- dent, the Venezuelan gov- ernment and the opposi- tion-led National Assembly, which was essentially de- creed useless by President Nicolas Maduro, are united in their message to defend national sovereignty and protect natural resources in the area. “ExxonMobil must know that hiring a seismic ex- ploration vessel to operate in waters subject to an in- ternational claim is a prov- ocation and a high-risk operation,” the National As- sembly’s Commission for the Defense of the Esse- quibo said in a statement sent to Bloomberg. Exxon said Dec. 26 that development work off the Guyanese coast will con- tinue after the incident halted efforts to map the sea floor. Guyana is one of Exxon’s biggest projects for the next decade and may produce 750,000 bar- rels of oil a day by 2025, about 20 percent of the oil giant’s current output. All its Guyanese discoveries so far have been made in the Stabroek block, a vast area covering 6.6 million acres, part of which is near Ven- ezuelan territory. Even pollster and po- litical analyst Luis Vicente Leon, of Caracas-based Datanalisis, weighed in on his social media account. “The action of the Navy defending national sover- eignty in Venezuelan wa- ters is correct. All Venezu- elans, without distinction of political position, must support it and send a clear message of unity in the de- fense of our territory,” Leon wrote on Twitter. Guyana awarded Exx- onMobil a contract in 2015 to develop reserves be- lieved to hold as much as 5 billion barrels of oil. Once significant output begins in Guyana it may rival Venezuela and Mexico as major Latin American oil producers. To be sure, Venezuela is in no condition to actually develop new offshore oil areas. Output at home has slid to about 1.2 million barrels a day from more than 3 million barrels just five years ago. © 2018, Bloomberg Peru demolishes tomb of dead Shining Path rebels LIMA, Peru (AP) – Peruvian authorities on Saturday de- molished a mausoleum holding eight Shining Path rebels killed during prison massacres more than three decades ago and relocated their remains to a cemetery in a northern part of Lima. More than 50 police offi- cers and dozens of workers from the cemetery in the Comas district of Peru’s cap- ital participated in the oper- ation, said prosecutor Javier Zapata. The remains of the Maoist rebels will be buried in separate niches. The rebels died in June 1986 riots in three prisons in Lima during which security forces killed 250 suspected Shining Path inmates. Pris- oners killed three soldiers and one police officer. In 2013, prosecutors ac- cused 35 members of Peru’s navy of homicide and car- rying out extrajudicial exe- cutions during the riots, and requested 25- to 28-year sen- tences. The case is still on- going. The inmates’ bodies were burned and buried clan- destinely after the massacres, but were resumed by a fo- rensic team starting in 2012. The remains of the eight rebels were the first to be re- turned to their families. The other remains have not yet been returned. The mausoleum was built in 2016 by relatives of the dead rebels and was designed to hold up to 51 niches. Conservative parties in Peru and members of the military objected to it as an apology for terrorism and called for it to be taken down. Authorities say its construc- tion was begun without the necessary permits. A handful of relatives of the dead rebels protested at the cemetery’s gates but only managed to enter after the mausoleum had been torn down. “I felt impotence, indig- nation and anger; the state doesn’t even let the dead rest in peace,” said Elviro Aponte, 80, father of one of the rebels. Experts says there are some 6,462 clandestine cem- eteries throughout Peru, a legacy of the Andean na- tion’s brutal internal con- flict. A truth commission found that between 1980 and 2000, fighting among rebel groups, the government and self-defense patrols left up to 70,000 dead. Colombia investigates possible plot to assassinate president BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – Co- lombian authorities are in- vestigating a possible plot involving Venezuelans to as- sassinate President Ivan Duque, a top official said Sat- urday night. Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes said Colombia’s in- telligence services had been hearing chatter about alleged plans to kill the conservative Duque. He said the arrest in recent days of three Venezu- elans in possession of assault weapons had heightened au- thorities’ concern. “With immense concern and the utmost condemna- tion, I want to inform the in- ternational community that, in effect, for the past several months intelligence inves- tigations have been taking place about possible at- tacks on the president’s life,” Holmes said in a video posted on Twitter that inter- rupted the normally end-of- year news lull in the South American nation. Blu Radio reported that the Venezuelans arrested in the northern Caribbean cities of Valledupar and Bar- ranquilla this month had in their possession an as- sault rifle with a telescopic scope as well as a 9-mm mini-Uzi, ammunition and stun grenade. Citing sources it did not identify, Blu said any alleged plot would have likely had the support of armed Colom- bian leftist rebels or drug- trafficking organizations and would have been timed to co- incide with the start of Ven- ezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s second term next month. Holmes’ 90-second video did not cite any evidence and carefully avoided saying whether authorities had ver- ified the existence of any conspiracy. There was no immediate reaction from Venezuela’s government. Holmes appealed to Co- lombians to share any infor- mation that they have that could affect the president’s safety. He also thanked the cooperation of unidentified foreign intelligence agencies for helping protect Duque. Duque, who took office in August, has been leading a diplomatic effort in Latin America to isolate Venezue- la’s socialist government as Maduro looks to cement his hold on power amid a dev- astating economic crisis that has seen millions of Vene- zuelans flee to escape wide- spread food shortages and hyperinflation. Colombia, the U.S. and several other foreign govern- ments say Maduro’s election victory in May amid an op- position boycott and allega- tions of vote-rigging was il- legitimate and are urging the embattled leader to call new elections in which all of his opponents, several of whom have been exiled or banned from holding office, be al- lowed to run. Peruvian authorities demolish a Shining Path mausoleum in a cemetery on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, Saturday. - PHOTO: AP Colombia’s President Ivan Duque - PHOTO: APThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 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” MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS 2018: The year in cartoons In the immortal words of legendary editorial car- toonist Herbert Lawrence Block, known more com- monly as Herblock, “The press must speak out and, if the occasion arises, raise bloody hell.” Thus, the Compass is pleased to publish the original work of two practitioners of this pointed and sometimes difficult craft – Caymanman (George Nowak) and Jake Fuller.5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 Capturing the year’s major issues ... in images6 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS New Year’s message from the Premier PREMIER ALDEN MCLAUGHLIN Fellow Caymanians and residents, Happy New Year! 2018 was a year to Cele- brate Cayman as we began a two-year journey to commem- orate the 60th anniversary of our Coat of Arms in 1958, and our first Constitution in 1959. In celebrating these two important events, we are also celebrating who we are as a people and the progress we have made in the 60 years since. This is an opportunity to remind ourselves of our his- tory and to involve our chil- dren so that they can be aware of the people, events, and times that set us on the path to be- coming the successful nation and people that we are today. We have indeed come a long way in 60 years. My aim, and the aim of my entire Gov- ernment, is to continue to build on the success of the past and to present the best possible future for all of you, and for future generations of Caymanians. This we are doing. Over the past five and a half years the good ship Cayman has been steadied and is on a good course. Gov- ernment finances are well managed, creating surpluses that have allowed us to repay debt, put aside money for rainy days, fund infrastructure projects, increase salaries for public servants, and increase assistance to those in need, as well as to retired civil ser- vants, seafarers and veterans. Over the past year we have redoubled our efforts to im- prove the education of our children, and have expanded support for policing, with a focus on community policing. The purchase of the new he- licopter will further enhance our law enforcement and border protection efforts, as well as our search and rescue capabilities. Education and community safety remain top priorities in 2019. We have also increased our protected lands assets over the past year and pro- vided funding for more public and open spaces. These efforts will continue this year, as will the work to reduce the num- bers of invasive green iguanas that are a major threat to our environment. In 2018 we saw another year of record tourism arrivals. Financial Services, despite continued external challenges, also performed well. The devel- opment sector is booming with many projects under way, in- cluding a number of new hotel projects that are needed for our growing tourism business. And we are also continuing to diversify our economy. We modernised our intel- lectual property and copy- right laws and encouraged the growth of technology business, including financial technology or Fintech business. These ef- forts are paying off with the Cayman Islands becoming a jurisdiction of choice for fin- tech and similar businesses with digital assets. The private sector, including locally owned businesses such as Cayman Enterprise City and Tech- Cayman, have embraced the opportunity and are attracting these businesses to our shores. Government continues to play a key role and in 2019 will set up a regulatory framework to assist the private sector in at- tracting and supporting busi- nesses with digital assets. With a growing economy, businesses of all sizes are ben- efiting; and because of this we have seen job growth and greatly reduced unemploy- ment. Indeed, last year saw the highest number of em- ployed Caymanians since 2007. Growth will continue this year and bring more opportunities for Caymanian businesses and the Caymanian people. We are moving forward with the development of Work- force Opportunities & Res- idency Cayman, or WORC for short. The objective of WORC is to oversee the labour market, including the work permit and residency regimes, and to ensure that all Cayma- nians have a fair opportunity for gainful employment in our growing economy. The creation of a Cayman Islands Coastguard Service is under way and we have ap- pointed a capable Cayma- nian leadership team. We are also well on the way to imple- menting our new Customs and Border Control Department to provide joined-up, modern and more effective border security for our Islands. We continue to build nec- essary infrastructure such as roads, improved schools, our major airport, and more with surplus funds and not by in- creased borrowing. And we are moving forward with plans for a modern waste to energy plant and an integrated waste management solution to solve the problem of our current overburdened landfills. We are also moving for- ward with the delivery of the cruise and enhanced cargo port facilities that these Is- lands need to help secure our economic future. At a time when significant economic threats are looming, we cannot and must not turn our backs on $245 million of net economic benefit, hun- dreds of construction jobs, and then decades of increasing em- ployment and business oppor- tunities for Caymanians that the cruise berths will bring. Neither can we turn our backs on the opportunity to moder- nise and enlarge our now out- dated cargo port. It is essential that we de- liver this critically important project and continue moving Cayman forward, preparing us for the future. There are other ways that we are preparing Cayman for the future. We recently had very posi- tive constitutional talks with the United Kingdom and I look forward to completing these early in the New Year to put our Islands in the best pos- sible position to govern our own affairs and continue to prosper as a modern, progres- sive and successful democracy. As we enter the New Year I believe that the work that gov- ernment and private sector have done, and the legisla- tion passed in December, will help us avoid blacklisting by the European Union. But the challenges to our financial ser- vices sector will not stop here, so we are prepared to con- tinue defending Cayman and our economic pillars wherever we need to. The U.K., too, is going through its own challenges with Brexit, and the outcome remains uncertain. In an ever- changing world it is therefore vital to seek out new oppor- tunities to benefit our Islands and protect our future. This is why we have increased the engagement done in the U.K. by our Government office in London over the past two years, as well as direct engage- ment in Brussels and London by me, my Ministers and other officials. And this is also why we are starting a new Ministry of In- ternational Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Af- fairs, and will open a Govern- ment Office in Hong Kong this year to better facilitate busi- ness from Asia. We will not sit back and hope that business will keep coming our way. We must increasingly fight for it in those markets that are im- portant to us, and to defend Cayman wherever we need to. We will also continue to work hard at home to en- sure that our people have the opportunities to live good, healthy, productive and happy lives and to be able to share in this miracle that is the Cayman Islands. I cannot leave you without reflecting that last year has been a year filled with chal- lenges as well as blessings - much of which I highlighted earlier. It was certainly a year that saw us bid adieu to two Governors and recently wel- come another. As the New Year begins I wish Governor Roper and his family well and look forward to working with him over the remainder of my term as Premier. As I said at the start, we have certainly come far over the past 60 years. From humble beginnings we have created a modern and diverse Cayman Islands that is the envy of the region. Our future is bright. Despite much change over the decades, our three Islands remain a wonderful place to live and work and to celebrate family and community. At our core, Caymanians are still a hardworking, welcoming, caring and loving people. I pray that we as a people never lose those traits. On behalf of my Govern- ment, and from my family to yours, I again wish each of you and your families God’s richest blessings and a very Happy, Healthy, Peaceful and Pros- perous New Year. New Year’s message from the Leader of the Opposition LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION EZZARD MILLER As we count down to the new year, we once again have an opportunity to re- flect on the past year and to recommit ourselves to good- will, harmony and personal and shared responsibilities for the year ahead. For us in the Opposi- tion, 2018 has been a year of enormous pride, as we sought to strengthen the democratic process in the Cayman Islands. We have especially striven to give voice to those who may for various reasons feel inhibited. We will continue to be your ambassadors in 2019. This is the role of the Op- position and my colleagues and I make no apology for it. Admittedly, sometimes the roadblocks are insurmount- able. Nevertheless, we will re- main faithful to our respon- sibility to raise concerns and speak for all the people. We continue to see the benefits of doing so. For example, in 2018 we championed the concern about the lack of a mandate for a cruise port, and pushed for a referendum. We are still awaiting the outcome, but the initiative did compel govern- ment to debate the issues for the first time – even if only to a limited degree. The Opposition also raised the issue of the failure of Government to implement and conform to its own good governance laws. Much of this is still outstanding, but we did succeed in prompting gov- ernment to appoint its nom- inees to the very critical Procurement Committee. That is a start. In the mean- time, we will maintain our vigilance in promoting good governance and preventing and exposing corruption. Also in the area of pro- moting good governance, we were especially pleased to be a part of the delegation that met with the U.K. Gov- ernment in early December to discuss changes to the Is- lands’ Constitution. The overall aim was the safeguarding of the internal governance of the Cayman Is- lands by and for the people of the Cayman Islands. Premier Alden McLaughlin Leader of the Opposition Ezzard Miller PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » New Year’s message from the Speaker of the House SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE MCKEEVA BUSH As we approach and count down to the New Year, we ought to take the oppor- tunity to reflect and prepare for what is ahead. Despite a few unfortunate stories which may have impacted our collective consciousness, there are still promising and countless experiences and developments from last year that remind us we are prosperous, fortunate and blessed across these Islands. We need to get involved and engaged and keep changing for the better in 2019 and to continue to en- courage one another in a positive way. There needs to be a sense of self-reliance and we need to cultivate self-respect. Unfortunately, there are instances and a no- ticeably increasing tendency for influential persons con- ducting themselves with ar- rogance rather than humility. I think that far too many of the people themselves are divided, more than ever it seems, and one challenge above all else that faces us right now is how to recap- ture a sense of unity and harness the forces that strengthen us, rather than those that divide us. Moreover, there is the issue of dysfunctional family units. This breakdown causes critical social deficit in our so- ciety and family structure. Re- gardless of our schools and churches which serve to rein- force basic values, it is within the family that these traits are formed and nurtured. It is in the family unit that behav- iour is inculcated and where values of love and tolerance and respect are instilled. Our fortunes for 2019 and beyond will undoubtedly de- pend to a great extent on our- selves – every single one of us – in how we conduct our- selves, how we behave to- wards one other, how we live as a community, how we avoid or resolve our disputes, and how we bring up our children and take care of the most vul- nerable in our society. For this, let’s adhere and comport with the useful saying: “Build better families, lead to better homes; Build better homes, lead to better communities; Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 »The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 january 26, 2019 · festival green · 5pm - 11:45pm TreAT yourself with VIP tickets! BUY TICKETS NOW at tasteofcayman.org or in-store at Bon Vivant, Funky Tangs and all Blackbeard’s and Big Daddy’s stores. MEDIA LTD. HURLE Y’S CAYMAN’S CULINARY MAGAZINE $150 VIP • Priority parking • Express entry • 25 food & drink tickets • Experience voucher • Welcome drink & canapes • Private DJ • Air-conditioned lounge8 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 • CAYMAN COMPASS Christmas tree recycling The Department of Envi- ronmental Health is urging Grand Cayman residents who purchased natural Christmas trees to participate in its an- nual Christmas tree recy- cling program. This program aims to re- duce the amount of waste entering the George Town landfill by recycling natural Christmas trees into mulch. The DEH asks residents to remove all wires and orna- ments from Christmas trees before placing theminto col- lection bins, which will be provided at the following lo- cations from Jan. 1-18: ■■ Ed Bush Stadium, West Bay ■■ George Town Cricket Field ■■ George Town landfill public drop-off area ■■ Spots Dock, Savannah ■■ The entrance of Frank Sound Road Christmas trees will then be removed and shredded. Free mulch will be made available to the public at the George Town Cricket Field on Saturday, Jan. 19 from ap- proximately 8 a.m. Mulch will be pro- vided on a first-come, first- served basis. Residents are invited to come out early and to bring their shovels and bags for the removal of the mulch. The DEH is also re- minding the public that PET/ HDPE bottles, tin/aluminum cans, paper/cardboard, as well as glass and ceramic items, can be deposited at any of its supermarket drop off sites as part of its on- going recycling program. For more information, contact DEH at 949-6696 or dehcustomerservice@gov.ky. To avoid trees being sent to the landfill, the Department of Environmental Health is offering its annual mulching program again. Free mulch will be made available to the public at the George Town Cricket Field on Saturday, Jan. 19. Blanket liquor extension for licensed premises The Liquor Licensing Board has approved a blanket extension for bars, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels for New Year’s Eve. Licensed premises will be permitted to remain open until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, but all alcohol sales must cease at 3:50 a.m., 10 minutes before closing time. Music and dancing will be al- lowed to carry on until 4 a.m. For more information, license holders and members of the public can contact the Department of Commerce and Investment on 945-0943 or email info@dci.gov.ky. AMERICAN VISITOR DIES IN KITESURFING ACCIDENT A visitor from the United States has died from inju- ries suffered during a kite- surfing accident that hap- pened on Thursday. According to police, a re- port was made around 1 p.m. on Thursday that a man that was kitesurfing and was swept away by the wind, which caused him to collide into a building. Emergency personnel took the man to the hospital for treatment, but he later suc- cumbed to his injuries, po- lice stated. The man is identified as 63-year-old Thomas Downer of the United States. The family of the deceased have been notified. WEST BAY WOMAN CHARGED WITH WOUNDING MAN A 57-year-old West Bay woman has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent fol- lowing an incident that took place on Thursday. Police and emergency ser- vices were dispatched to a residence on Meadow Avenue in West Bay around 2:15 a.m. on Thursday. According to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Ser- vice, it was reported that a woman attacked a man she knew with a machete, in- juring his hand and face. The woman, Brenda Esmond, then allegedly fled the scene. Emergency medical ser- vices took the man to the hospital, where he was treated for serious but non- life-threatening injuries, and was later released. Police said they conducted a search of the nearby area for the suspect. After several hours of searching, Ms. Es- mond was found and subse- quently arrested on suspicion wounding, and later taken into custody to remain there throughout the investigation. Ms. Esmond appeared in court on Friday, where she was given bail on the condi- tion that she does not contact the victim. She is scheduled to ap- pear in court on Jan. 10. It was reported that a woman attacked a man she knew with a machete, injuring his hand and face. 9 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY DECEMBER 31, 2018 Build better communities, lead to a better Society.” Let’s commend the vol- unteers in the various social clubs in the country for their good cause, who have helped, and continue to assist, with the development and building of the society. I anticipate and encourage all patriotic Cay- manians and residents alike to mount a partnership with churches, schools, civic bodies and community-based organi- zations. Let’s prepare ourselves for the changes that are inevi- table, as they will require hard decisions to be made. There are understandable cases which unfortunately re- quire Government involve- ment, but I reassure you that we have the character and courage to demonstrate self- reliance and self-sufficiency, despite our individual circum- stances. We all as individuals can show the conviction and purpose to achieve our full potential and goals in life, once we apply ourselves. There is a preponderance of evidence in the form of sta- tistics and otherwise which indicate that in spite of our challenges, we are on a pro- gressing and unified front in most instances. Our economic growth and low unemploy- ment rate have all combined to make the past year a good one for the Cayman Islands. No one can reasonably argue or deny that the feeling of op- timism and hope in our so- ciety is on the up and up. This is achieved through planning, hard work and perseverance. Let’s keep ourselves healthy with the appropriate lifestyle which includes, but not lim- ited to, exercise. Let’s embark on educational opportunities in order to upskill ourselves and make ourselves more market- able and productive. We should freely express our God-given talents and work together for the good of these Islands. We ought not to lose sight of the vision of cre- ating a society of opportunity where each and every one is a shareholder in our pros- perous Cayman Islands. Undoubtedly, we must press on with all the pro- cesses by which the economy can grow and our efforts must be genuine and for the concern of Caymanians and Residents alike. The idea of sharing is nothing new to Caymanians. When people in one yard are poor, they survive by sharing. This kindness is instinctive generosity towards another human being, and is one of the greatest and most enduring and integral features of the Cayman way of life. We must commit ourselves to continue caring for the poor, older persons, persons with disability, the children and all the disadvantaged. For too long, far too many have been con- tent to leave our Christian prin- ciples at the church door and have not extended those Chris- tian principles to our basic living standard and decisions that they take, when they have the means to help. In the advent of the New Year, I commend you to look at the past so that you may learn its lessons, but not to become overly preoccupied with it. Rather, I suggest that you con- sider the future and grasp the opportunities for great achieve- ment, because our future must be one of great hope - where ideals are achieved. It can be a future not only of material prosperity but above all, of spiritual fulfillment, a future in which we can all share. Many of you have asked me why I am not talking on some of the issues. As all of you know, I am the Speaker of the House and I don’t attend any party meetings or the Govern- ment Caucus and have chosen to stay away from the day-to- day Politics. I [will] have served over 36 years at the end of this term. And so when I decided to help form the Coalition Gov- ernment, it was a recognition that I know our vast amount of voters wanted a change from the usual political fighting. They wanted a change. I know the coalition is working for the benefit of our people – the day I feel oth- erwise, I will say so. How- ever, policies and things I have fought for over the years are being implemented. And “things already better.” This is so because government is working hard and because the coalition is working as a unit. Not having to fight amongst ourselves – as unity is strength. Education is being im- proved – civil servants are being cared for. Our airport is nearing completion, Tourism is booming – decisions [are] being made for the [Cruise Ship] Dock to proceed. The plans for waste management are moving in the right direction. Special “Work Programmes” to give people extra – or needed money have been put in place. Infrastruc- ture work is being done all the time. The economy is booming, so our people are benefitting. Yet there are challenges still. Our Financial Industry is being challenged – the Finance Min- ister and the Premier have their hands full – they are working hard to ensure our Islands will remain relevant to those who use our services. All this is done by the Coali- tion Government, not one side – it is the work of a government who understands what needs to be done. If this were not so, I would have told you. Yes, there are challenges now and challenges will con- tinue as we are a developing country. There are develop- ments I believe we should move to, to ensure that our children and grandchildren’s future is one where there will be a good livelihood for them. I want to see buildings’ heights move to 50 storeys – even if only for one building – for tourism, residential and commercial businesses to make a mark in the region, so that the wealthiest among the wealthy will work, shop and live there, to set us apart in the region: shopping for the wealthiest, homes and busi- nesses for the wealthiest who want something different. This can bring a new economy – so that the vagaries of the metro- politan and powerful countries do not threaten our existence and the future for our children can remain sustainable. There is the challenge that traffic, more so for the Eastern districts, is bringing. Government will have to put the East-West corridor on the front burner. Those are matters that I have hope will start to be ad- dressed in the New Year. As we advance and prog- ress, we need to be mindful of the necessity to embrace positive values and attitudes in the society. I encourage you to treat one other in a mu- tually respectful and gentle manner. Let us demonstrate this quality in how we speak to each other, even during dis- agreements, in how we drive on our roads and in the goods and services that we provide. A fresh new year is once again upon us. It’s the time to be thankful for the blessings of the past year and to take stock of all our achievements. Live a healthy lifestyle and engage or embark on educational opportunities in order to upskill yourself aca- demically, technically/vocation- ally or otherwise. Become more marketable and qualified. At the same time, I implore you all to act selfless[ly] and be keen and enthusiastic for what you can achieve this 2019. I am confident with God’s mercies, we will continue to progress as we enhance our quality of life in the Cayman Islands. And so I have hope – be- lieving in what God can do, what He has done for us. The New Year is just ahead, so, I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he re- plied, “Go out into the dark- ness, and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way.” Blessings to all of you for the year ahead! In Everlasting Memory of Our Very Dear Father Ornon Calvert Whittaker September 16, 1925 - January 1, 2007 The years continue to pass by but the values you set in us remain. You were a fountain of knowledge and a source of inspiration to us and everyone else who knew you. Everyday we uphold your memory and continue to live by your dreams and commit to ful lling those ideals . Remembering you today and always. From your loving wife Gwen and children Winsome, Clyde and Mackie In Everlasting Memory of In Everlasting Memory of Our Very Dear FatherOur Very Dear Father In Everlasting Memory of In Everlasting Memory of Our Very Dear FatherOur Very Dear Father In Loving Memory of a dear Husband On Your First Anniversary in Heaven Delano Roosevelt Bodden Sept 30, 1945 – Dec 31, 2017 Losing a husband as special as you, has le my heart aching, it’s broken in two but a part of me went with you, e day God called you home. No words can describe all the grief and the pain that your leaving has caused. I would give all I have to see you again, But all I have are special memories of you. If only I could have you back for just a little while, So we could sit and talk again just like we used to do. You always meant so much to me. e fact that your no longer here will always cause me pain. But your forever in my heart, Until we meet again. With Love from your loving wife. Loving you always Jannet Bodden and Children, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, Brothers, sisters, nieces, Nephews and friends. Rest in Peace, God bless you. We share in the Govern- ment’s pride in what we have carved out so far and look forward to ratification by the U.K. Government and to de- bate in our Legislature. We will continue to join with Government when we can, because collaboration, when appropriate, is the hall- mark of effective governance. Nevertheless, as we look ahead to 2019, the Opposi- tion assures you that we will remain fearlessly committed to easing burdens, ensuring good governance, and in- creasing opportunities. In that regard, I am pleased to announce the Opposition’s plans to launch early in 2019 the Cayman Islands People’s Alliance. The movement’s aim is to sustain and promote the traditions for the harmony on which the success and pros- perity of the Cayman Islands have been built, while seeking to address the needs of all sec- tors and increasing participa- tory democracy. In particular, we are com- mitted to facilitating oppor- tunities for those who are being increasingly left behind or neglected. To enable wider access to opportunities and to stem the increasing tide of eco- nomic disparity, we will con- tinue to call for greater focus on our families. We must in- vest boldly in our children’s future. Our youth must be equipped to embrace op- portunities and conquer the challenges ahead for them. This is what it takes to build a strong, harmonious, vibrant and productive people, anchored in a maturing sense of national identity. In this vein, as we celebrate in 2019 the 60th anniversary of the very first Constitution of the Cayman Islands, my hope is that all who call our beloved Cayman Islands home will join hands and hearts to make life better for all of us. This spirit of harmony and goodwill is possible. In- deed, we have discovered time and again that we have more in common than the often-highlighted differences. My wish, therefore, is that we become aware again of that which holds us to- gether at heart. As we strive to renew and rekindle this spirit of unity and harmony, let us also cel- ebrate diversity of talent, skills and abilities, across all sectors of society. And for all of us, with the new slate that 2019 presents, my wish is for greater engage- ment, greater involvement, and greater participation. For, indeed, if we are to move forward productively and meaningfully in 2019 – if we are to take all concerns and needs into consideration – we must lend all our voices to the debates and conversations. It is only through the ac- tive and constructive involve- ment of all residents that we can hope to achieve the best for all sectors of our popu- lation and the best for the Cayman Islands. As we do so, I call on all of us to listen – to sincerely listen – to each other, and to thoughtfully and with open minds consider points of view that may differ to our own. With these goals in mind, on behalf of my colleagues in the Opposition, I wish for you all a safe, happy, healthy, harmonious and pros- perous New Year. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 New Year’s message from the Speaker of the House New Year’s message from the Leader of the Opposition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6Next >