ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 Record arrivals for Cayman in 2018 Nearly 2.4 million visi- tors arrived in the Cayman Islands in 2018, the highest number recorded for a single year. The total arrivals for 2018 in both air and cruise visitation was 2,384,058, an 11.05 percent increase over the same period in 2017. Of those, 463,001 were stay- over visitors, an increase of 10.66 percent – an addi- tional 44,598 – over 2017; and 1,921,057 were cruise ship passengers, an increase of 11.1 percent. According to the Depart- ment of Tourism, 2018 was the first year that Cayman welcomed more than 450,000 stayover visitors in a year. In another first, more than 50,000 stayover visitors traveled to Cayman within a single month twice in 2018 – in March and December. The tourists are es- timated to have spent US$880.1 million in Cayman in 2018, an increase of 12.5 percent, or US$98.1 mil- lion, over 2017. Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Moses Governor’s four-year term confirmed Governor Martyn Roper, who arrived in the Cayman Islands in October in an in- terim capacity, will be re- maining in the territory for a full four-year term, the For- eign and Commonwealth Of- fice has confirmed. According to a press re- lease issued Thursday eve- ning, the FCO confirmed Governor Roper’s appoint- ment following a “recruit- ment competition.” Following the confirma- tion, Mr. Roper said in the release, “Lissie and I are thrilled that my position here has now been confirmed. Over the next four years I plan to continue my work strengthening ties between the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom and helping to ensure that the territory continues to flourish. “The UK/Cayman rela- tionship remains strong and close collaboration across a range of areas is showing real results. Local talent and knowledge combined with areas of UK expertise is a powerful combination.” Governor Roper described Vestrymen, justices of the peace recognized at Heroes Day KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com More than 100 individuals and organiza- tions who helped shape Cayman were recog- nized on a windy Monday morning Heroes Day ceremony. The people recognized included ves- trymen, justices of the peace, and the archi- tects of Cayman’s Coat of Arms. These of- ficials guided the territory through crucial periods of development, said Premier Alden McLaughlin. “It was the conferral of our coat of arms that began our incredible journey as three small islands in the Western Caribbean that emerged from relative obscurity on to the world stage,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “Up until 1958, life in the Cayman Islands was sum- marized by the legendary phrase, ‘the is- lands time forgot.’” Around this time, Cayman was a depen- dency of the then-British colony Jamaica, making the territory what the premier called “the lowest form of constitutional status known in the Westminster form of govern- ment: a dependency of a dependency.” Mr. McLaughlin recognized the late Commissioner Major Alan H. Donald as a key figure of making Cayman a distinct jurisdiction. In 1957, Mr. Donald put forward a mo- tion to legislators for Cayman to attain world recognition as a semi-autonomous territory of the United Kingdom. His pro- posal was approved by the resolution of the Legislative Assembly of Justices and Vestry in April of that year. Mr. McLaughlin also recognized Rev- erend Arthur W. Saunders and James “Jimmy” B. Ford for their assistance with the design of the coat of arms. More than 50 other vestrymen and jus- tices of the peace were recognized at the ceremony. Only two of them, Captain Owen Murphy Farrington and Charles Lindbergh Eden, are still alive. Mr. Farrington was the only honoree present, as Mr. Eden is hospitalized. “First of all, I want to ask you to re- member in your prayers my colleague Mr. Premier Alden McLaughlin speaks at the podium during Monday morning’s Heroes Day ceremony. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 »2 LOCAL®IONAL TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS • Matinees Daily (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $8.00, Mon-Fri Before 6pm • Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. - TUESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) THE MULE (R) 1:00 I 4:00 I 7:00 I 9:40 CARGO (R) 4:10 I 10:00 GLASS (PG13) 12:45 VIP I 3.15 I 9:45 AQUAMAN (PG13) 1:10 I 4:15 I 7:10 I 9:35 VIP DRAGON BALL SUPER: BROLY (PG) 12:45 I 3:45 VIP I 7:20 I 10:10 BUMBLEBEE (PG13) 2:00 I 4:40 I 7:35 I 10:15 THE UPSIDE (PG13) 1:15 I 7:05 CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA: PSYCHO (1960) (R) 7:00 VIP call : 946-9020 between 9 am to 5 pm Dr. Wayne R. Porter MD F.A.A.D. Dermatologist Dees Plaza #282 on Crewe Road, GT He will be in office from January 29th - February 4th, 2019 Second Cuban hunger striker sent to hospital KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com As a hunger strike at George Town’s Immigration Detention Centre completed its second week, a second asylum applicant was sent to the hospital. One detainee told the Compass that the woman, one of three hunger strikers requesting a fair asylum pro- cess, experienced cardiac complications Saturday that required medical attention. The Department of Immi- gration did not respond to a request for comment sent over the holiday weekend. The woman had previ- ously refused transport to the hospital, out of fear that the trip would be used as means to repatriate her to Cuba. A translation error ap- peared to confuse the situa- tion at the center, causing a wave of anxiety among mi- grants. Two Cubans, including the woman on hunger strike, said they were told their de- tention was a matter of “na- tional security.” Several inter- preted this to mean they could be visited by Cuba’s national police force, apparently called a similar name to the phrase used in the translation. Detainees and community volunteers continue to com- plain about the quality of in- terpretation and translation services at the center, pointing out that government often employs translators from the Bay Islands of Honduras, where the dialect is distinct, and many speak Spanish as a second language. Days before her hospi- talization, the woman said she had made daily requests to guards that a representa- tive from the Human Rights Commission visit the center and attend to migrant con- cerns. She became distressed that these requests were falling on deaf ears, as no one from the commission has visited the facility since the strike began. Commission chairman James Austin-Smith said in an email to the Compass on Thursday that he had not received such requests. Rather than verbally sub- mitting requests to guards, he said the migrants should have filled out the appro- priate paperwork. “The Commission is not aware of the identities of those on hunger strike cur- rently and has not received any communication from in- dividuals at the IDC [Immi- gration Detention Centre] in the last two weeks,” he said. “All those detained at the IDC are aware of how to con- tact the Commission – by completing a complaint form (copies of which are available in Spanish at the IDC). We have not received any com- plaints since we understand the hunger strike began, so the Commission is unaware of the details of the com- plaints in the current hunger strike save from what we read in the press. “If any individual at the IDC has made a complaint to the Commission they will [have] been provided with a response.” It is not clear if migrants previously understood the distinction between making an oral versus a written re- quest, but after Mr. Austin- Smith’s comments were re- layed to them, the group requested a form that they intended to submit Tuesday morning, after Monday’s He- roes Day holiday. Another man partici- pating in the strike was taken to the hospital last weekend, according to Cubans at the facility. The man said he was administered an analgesic for headache and saline solution for dehydration. The current hunger strike is the second at the facility in the past year. A group of nine migrants launched a hunger strike in July, culminating in their release to the com- munity under government supervision. While their release ap- peared to indicate a change to government’s policy of de- taining asylum applicants in a Prison Service facility, that is no longer the case. The cur- rent group of migrants has been held in detention since their arrival in Cayman Brac in September. Previously, migrants have been held in the facility, awaiting the processing of their asylum applications, for more than two years. DEATH TOLL RISES TO 115 IN MEXICO PIPELINE FIRE MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mex- ican officials say the death toll from a fire at an il- legally tapped pipeline more than a week ago has risen to 115. Health Secretary Jorge Alcocer said Monday that there are still 32 injured. On Jan. 18, residents of the town of Tlahuelilpan in the central state of Hidalgo gathered to collect gaso- line from a leaking tap in a farm field. A geyser of gas- oline rose high into the air and eventually ignited. The government of Pres- ident Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has made taking on the fuel thieves a top priority. The armed forces have been deployed to pro- tect pipelines of the state- controlled oil company Pemex. A total of 14,894 illegal taps were found throughout Mexico in 2018. Government to hire former convicts in pilot program The Portfolio of the Civil Service is launching a pro- gram to hire people who have been previously been con- victed in court. The Second Chances pilot program will begin this month with a class of five people, according to a gov- ernment press release. “As one of the largest em- ployers, the civil service is committed to playing its part alongside the private sector in offering Caymanians a second chance,” said Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, the head of the Civil Service, in the press release. “We hope this program will help those who have rehabilitated put their skills to good use and enable successful reintegra- tion into society.” The government says the initiative is meant to make a difference in two key areas: Achieving full employment and reducing crime and the fear of crime in Cayman. The National Work- force Development Agency is screening candidates who have registered to find new employment. According to the release, the ideal candidate will be someone who has demon- strated efforts toward their own rehabilitation by ac- tively engaging in programs and making productive use of their time while incarcerated. That candidate would also be a low risk of re-offending and would be able to pro- vide character references, and finally, they would have a skill set that aligns with the present employment needs of the civil service. “It is important to cut re- peat offending by encour- aging the rehabilitation of of- fenders and supporting them into employment on their re- lease from prison,” said Pre- mier Alden McLaughlin in the release. “Government wants to help eligible Cayma- nians who have served their time with a second chance to enter mainstream employ- ment and to make a positive contribution to the Cayman Islands community.” Mr. Manderson said that in an effort to maximize the po- tential for candidates to suc- ceed, the program will offer “meaningful, structured work, and an environment conducive to the candidates’ continued rehabilitation and reintegra- tion as positively contributing members of society.” “ It is important to cut repeat offending by encouraging the rehabilitation of offenders and supporting them into employment on their release from prison.” PREMIER ALDEN MCLAUGHLIN A group of Cuban migrants who arrived on island in September protest at the Immigration Detention Centre earlier this month. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLANS TO PRIVATIZE PUERTO RICO POWER AFTER MARIA HITS SNAG SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Plans to quickly privatize Puerto Rico’s hurricane- damaged electrical power system have hit a snag with the U.S. territory’s House and Senate at odds over a bill to allow sale of the transmission and dis- tribution system. Senators are balking at the bill because the House of Representatives amended the measure to cap the price of energy at 20 cents per kilowatt hour – a price that some say may be too low if generation costs rise. The governor announced plans to privatize the system more than a year ago, in part to attract invest- ment the debt-laden govern- ment itself cannot afford. Senators on Monday an- nounced their opposition to dozens of investors and en- ergy experts at a two-day conference on rebuilding the power grid more than a year after Hurricane Maria destroyed it. Forensics experts work at the site of an oil pipeline explosion in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo state, Mexico, Jan. 19. – PHOTO: AP3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 WWW.ARMOUREXPO.COM CALL 345 946 3673 INFO@ARMOUREXPO.COM ARMOUR EXPO 2019 3rd Annual FinTech, Cyber Awareness, and Risk Governance Conference EARLY BIRD SAVE THE DATE CALL FOR PAPERS/ SPEAKERS APRIL 1ST 3 October 2019 Hilton Hotel Nassau, Bahamas 4 October 2019 Marriott Hotel SMB, Grand Cayman Business Excellence Award SME 2018 Winner OR Police search in George Town fails to turn up missing man KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Eral Keith Whitely, 72, a George Town resident who has been reported as missing since Christmas, has still not been found by authorities. According to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Ser- vice, Mr. Whitely was last seen nearly three weeks ago in the vicinity of Sey- mour Road, also known as Dump Road. Mr. Whitely lived in the Swamp area of George Town, a neighborhood between Es- terley Tibbetts Highway and Eastern Avenue, with Godfrey Nixon Way directly to the south. He was last spotted there at a New Year’s party, and is believed to have been living rough there – possibly sleeping in cars – for the last several months since he left his shelter. On Friday, 10 officers combed through the brush and bushes just north of the neighborhood, with the po- lice helicopter flying over- head and a K-9 unit also on the prowl. Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown said this is the second phase of a co- ordinated search. Days be- fore Friday’s search, offi- cers swept the streets of the neighborhood. During that operation, Mr. Whitely’s mo- bile phone and some of his clothes were found in a car, which is why the RCIPS be- lieves he could be staying in cars there. “There’s every possi- bility that he’s still around, living rough,” Mr. Lansdown told reporters. The detective added that Mr. Whitely has not been re- ported missing before, and there is no indication that he has any serious mental or physical health prob- lems. However, the fact that he’s been missing for so long raises serious ques- tions about the current state of his health and safety, ac- cording to police. There is also no sugges- tion that the missing man is dangerous, so people who see him are encour- aged to approach him, said Mr. Lansdown. “We’ve talked to people who’ve seen him several weeks ago,” he said. “I need someone who’s seen him more recently than that.” The RCIPS launched Fri- day’s search from the All Nations United Pentecostal Church. As officers fanned out from that point, pastor Dolbert Clarke approached Mr. Lansdown and said he recognized Mr. Whitely. He took photos of the missing man from the RCIPS, prom- ising to circulate them to his congregation that weekend. However, as of Monday, there was still no word on Mr. Whitely’s whereabouts. Anyone with information about his whereabouts may contact the George Town Police Station at 949-4222. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777. Constable Margaret Baldino and police dog Baron search for missing man Eral Keith Whitely. - PHOTO: KEN SILVA Eral Keith Whitely, 72, was last seen about three weeks ago in the vicinity of Seymour Road (Dump Road) in George Town. Cayman sees record number of registered vessels in 2018 The Cayman Islands Reg- istry ended last year with 2,215 registered vessels, which included 1,897 plea- sure vessels and 318 com- mercial vessels. The registered tonnage grew by 8.5 percent to 5.6 million gross tonnes. Cayman continues to dominate the superyacht new-build market with a 17 percent increase in the new-build portfolio for 2018. Of the superyachts with a length of more than 98 feet that are currently under construction worldwide, about 45 percent are built under the supervision of the Cayman registry. “This demonstrates that Cayman is being recognized for its technical excellence, building a solid reputation as a leader in regulatory and ad- visory services,” the Registry said in a press release. The Register also saw an increase in the merchant fleet, which it credited to business development efforts in the European and Asian markets. The prospects for future business are positive, the Registry noted. “A good indi- cator of upcoming business is the recorded 84 vessel name reservations. It is common practice for owners to secure their vessel names of choice on a given register before they are fully registered,” the press statement said. The Cayman Islands plays an important role on the global maritime stage by providing quality vessel reg- istration, regulatory and ad- visory services, the Cayman Registry said, adding that Cayman has one of the most modern and comprehen- sive legal frameworks that exists in the world today for shipping and maritime administration. The Cayman ensign flies on the deck of a yacht. Cayman continues to dominate the superyacht new-build market with a 17 percent increase in the new-build portfolio for 2018. 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 find their own way” We don’t need match.com to confirm that Martyn Roper is the right governor at the right time for the Cayman Islands. And last week’s announcement made it official: Governor Martyn Roper and his wife Elisabeth will remain on our islands for a full four-year term. We are especially buoyed by this news. After what it describes as a competitive process, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office removed the quali- fying “interim” from Governor Roper’s title – offering welcome and calming continuity after last year’s tumul- tuous events surrounding the still-unexplained departure of Governor Anwar Choudhury. In a written statement, Mr. Roper thanked everyone for their patience and support to date, adding, “I am greatly looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead and to finally being able to unpack properly.” At a reception at Government House Thursday evening, Governor Roper shared the news personally with the assembled guests, all of whom broke out into sponta- neous applause. Despite the initial uncertainty, Mr. Roper certainly wasted no time in his first few months on island, meeting with leaders and residents, hosting events and keeping the public updated through frequent social media updates. The news of his permanent appointment came in the immediate aftermath of his return from New York City, where he joined Premier Alden McLaughlin, Financial Services Minister Tara Rivers, Attorney General Samuel Bulgin and Cayman Islands Monetary Authority Managing Director Cindy Scotland in a series of events with U.S. financial services associations. The long-term economic health and security of our islands must be the governor’s first priority moving forward – namely, in helping manage challenges to our financial services sector from well-known foes and even ostensible friends – as economic substance rules take effect and discussions continue over public registries of beneficial ownership. As he has no doubt already surmised, there are other matters also worthy of his attention. We are assured that such an accomplished man as our new governor is familiar with Stephen Covey’s views on time management, which distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Too often, our days are swept away in a tide of “urgent” matters that have little meaningful impact on the success of our larger goals. The conse- quence of concentrating on the cry of the immediate is that the drivers of strategic initiatives are postponed (and postponed, and postponed) for another day. One key to effective management is reversing that natural tendency, and ensuring the important issues are given their due. Unfortunately, government has traditionally been quick to act in response to momentary matters while fun- damental, structural problems lie undisturbed. Important but largely prolonged are Cayman’s troubling and persistent concerns around crime, policing, our hope- lessly gridlocked courts and crowded detention cells. Of primary importance is the security of our residents and visitors, and the preservation of a calm and orderly society. Also essential is the reduction and elimination of bureaucratic red tape, overreaching regulation, duplicative and often conflicting bureaucracy, and public programs and services that do not achieve clearly articulated goals. Governor Choudhury was correct in putting this array of issues, which diminish the quality of life in these little islands, in his crosshairs. Governor Roper, as head of the civil service, holds the keys to setting us free from government’s overreaching and overbearing interference in our daily personal and professional lives. Finally, we would implore the governor to use his influence to demand higher standards in government schools which, through years of sluggish reforms and reorganizations, continue to shortchange our future generations of leaders. Good news, good news: At last we have a ‘permanent’ governor TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Correcting the mistake of 1765 The current troubles in the U.K. can be traced back to a fateful decision of King George III and the British Parliament in 1765 with the imposition of the Stamp Act on the American colonies. The Stamp Act placed a di- rect tax on printed materials, including legal documents, magazines, playing cards, newspapers and many other types of paper. The tax caused wide- spread resentment among the American colonists since it was imposed without their consent – “no taxation without representation,” and the first joint protest among assemblies of the American colonies. It was repealed in 1766, not only because of the protests of the colonists, but also by the complaints of British merchants who were threatened by boycotts. The Stamp Act tax had the unintended consequence of spurring the idea of an American identity sepa- rate from that of mother Britain. Various griev- ances by the colonists grew until independence was de- clared in 1776. At the time, Britain had not yet fully developed into a parliamentary democ- racy. Only male property owners could vote – about 12 percent of the population, and the king still retained some power. Note: Over the last 900 years, the U.K. has evolved into having perhaps the oddest form of govern- ment in the world. It is a monarchy, where most every- thing is done in the name of the monarch who now has no power. Power resides in an elected Parliament; yet, the country refers to itself as a kingdom rather than a parliamentary democracy – which it is. It also has an un- written constitution to pro- tect basic civil liberties. It ought not to function at all, but it does because of the re- spect by most Englishmen for long-developed traditions and institutions necessary for civil society. The two greatest British political/economic thinkers of the 18th century, Edmund Burke (who had been born in Ireland) and Adam Smith (a Scotsman), were both op- posed to the British attempt to subdue the Americans through war. They argued it would be better to allow the colonies a much greater de- gree of self-rule, including the right to determine their own tax and spending poli- cies. Both Smith and Burke were ardent free traders and had the vision of largely po- litically independent but economically intertwined – through free trade and in- vestment – jurisdictions op- erating for the common good through the invisible hand. Unfortunately, the British establishment learned little from the American debacle or the foresight of Burke and Smith, as they built the British Empire. As with America, the failure to de- volve sufficient power and authority to the new colo- nies caused the same resent- ments that fueled the Amer- ican Revolution. By the time the British came to recog- nize the fatal flaw of the em- pire model and created the “British Commonwealth,” it was too late. The European Union (EU) began to take shape, and Britain was left alone with remnants of its empire and a largely impotent “com- monwealth” so it reluctantly signed on to the EU as a late- comer. It was not a match made in heaven and almost destined to fail. The way out is to create the British Commonwealth in the way that it should have been done in the first place (and recognizable by Burke and Smith), but this time under American leadership. It would be a growing group of politically independent de- mocracies with strong pro- tections for property rights, the rule of law, and civil lib- erties – and with free trade and free movement of capital among them. Pieces of this pie are al- ready in place as the United States has concluded par- tial free-trade agreements with about 20 countries, in- cluding Canada, Mexico, Chile, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Peru, Panama, etc. Recently, other coun- tries, like Switzerland, have also indicated that they would like a liberalized trade agreement with the United States. The United States should press ahead with these opportunities with the goal a building a global free-trade block. The United States bailed out the U.K. in World War I and again in World War II. The Trump administration should again extend a life- line to the British in the form of a wide-ranging free-trade agreement, which would give the U.K. wider access to the world’s largest market – which they will need as they lose some of the Euro- pean market. U.S. exports to the U.K. were $123.0 billion and im- ports were $108.9 billion in 2017, providing the United States with a small and un- important goods and services surplus of $14.2 billion. On average, tariff rates between the United States and the U.K. are in the 2 percent range, but with wide variation in product categories. The U.K. has a per capita income of about two-thirds of that in the United States. Free trade, by extending the size of the market and en- abling the potential of com- parative advantage, will give a boost to economic growth and opportunity both in the U.K. and United States. The EU is supposed to be a free- trade area, but many of the advantages of free trade have been dampened by excessive and destructive regulation, and subsidies – from which the Brits can now escape. The Stamp Act of 1765 was a great mistake. Joining the EU was another mistake. Joining the United States in a free-trade pact will be no mistake. Richard W. Rahn is chairman of the Institute for Global Economic Growth and Improbable Success Productions. © 2019. The Washington Times, LLC. The two greatest British political/ economic thinkers of the 18th century, Edmund Burke (who had been born in Ireland) and Adam Smith (a Scotsman), were both opposed to the British attempt to subdue the Americans through war. RICHARD W. RAHN5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 Woman who pled guilty testifies in immigration trial Re-sitting of English tests common, officer tells jury CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A woman who pleaded guilty last year to commit- ting fraud against the gov- ernment began giving evi- dence on Friday in the trial of five immigration officers and two civilians. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to con- spiring with each other and/ or others to commit fraud on the government by arranging for the payment of rewards to public officers as consid- eration for providing assis- tance to candidates to pass an English language test. Mariel Maleno Suriel ad- mitted being involved in four instances in which a Spanish-speaking woman passed the test, allegedly with the help of one of the civilian defendants. She ex- pressed her opinion that the women did not speak English – not enough to establish a conversation. Work permit appli- cants are required to pass a test that includes speaking, reading and writing English if they come from a country in which English is not the primary language. Ms. Suriel, who gave her evidence through an inter- preter, said she had come to Cayman in 2006. She said she met the civilian defen- dant through another person and asked him if he could help someone she knew with the test. Her evidence was that he said yes; he gave her his number and said whenever she was ready, she should send him a WhatsApp mes- sage or give him a call. He said each person had to pay US$800 or CI$600, but be- fore they arrived, she had to send him the full name of the person. He said he could help such people be- cause he had a contact in immigration. Ms. Suriel said she went to Dominican Republic and spoke to two women and asked them for photos. Then she came back and showed them to the owner of a bar. The owner said yes, the women were pretty and she would get them a work permit. The permit was approved and Ms. Su- riel said she then spoke to the civilian defendant who agreed to help. Ms. Suriel told the jury that the two women arrived in January 2016. The fol- lowing day they took the test. The civilian defendant arrived in a black Explorer. When the two women got into the vehicle, they had to give him the money. They left with him and came back about an hour later and both had passed the test, Ms. Suriel said. She also spoke about an- other woman she said she had asked the defendant for help with. When this woman came back from taking the test, she was crying. She asked the civilian defendant what had happened. He said the person who was sup- posed to give the test did not. It was a different person who gave her the test and she did not pass. He gave the woman back her money and she was supposed to leave the island. Ms. Suriel said she did not do anything further, but the civilian spoke to someone at immigration and the woman took the test again and passed it. She was still giving evi- dence when court adjourned on Friday. The jury has already heard from several senior im- migration officers. Officer Joey Scott said it was quite common for an ap- plicant to be given a chance to re-sit the test, but per- mission could be given only by someone of the rank of deputy chief officer or above. Officer Nicola Solomon said one of the five offi- cers on trial was not senior enough to administer the English language test. Of the four who were senior enough, one was not scheduled to work at the airport at the time of the alleged offenses but worked at Immigration Headquarters. Ms. Solomon explained how the test should be con- ducted. An information sheet about each test provided room for the names of the of- ficer who administered the test, the officer who witnessed the test and the officer who put the results in the com- puter system, but all three roles could be done by one person. She said they rarely had three officers involved in a test “because we just didn’t have the personnel.” Questioned by defense at- torneys, she agreed that it was not uncommon for sev- eral people to be tested in the same room. This was not ideal, but the officers had to make do with the facili- ties they had. The person in charge of the shift decided which officer was going to test the candidate. If she became aware of an officer charging money for something, she said she would have to report it. One of the accused officers had complained about the amount of work involved in re-testing and had made a suggestion about staggering the times applicants were told to come back; that sug- gestion was accepted, Ms. Solomon said. Senior officer Lindsay Brown said some times were busier than others. Offi- cers might be asked to stay and assist with tests or they might volunteer. They would receive overtime pay. She was asked to look at test papers for people she had tested and who had failed. She said that, where no answers were written down, she interpreted it was because the person could not read and therefore could not answer the questions. She said the officer giving the test could repeat a ques- tion. If a candidate needed one more mark to pass, the officer would probably ask a question that the person had not answered previously: “We were told we could use our judgment.” Ms. Brown said the testing environment was busy, not peaceful. Testing might take place at an offi- cer’s desk while other work was going on around it. There were times when it was noisy and she had heard that sometimes re-tests were allowed because of noise and laughter. For legal reasons, the Compass is not naming the defendants in this case. Five Immigration Department officers are among seven defendants in the case. - PHOTO: CHRIS COURT New DVES building nearing completion KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com When the Department of Vehicle and Equipment Ser- vices moved into its cur- rent facilities off of North Sound Road some 40 years ago, that department had about 340 government vehi- cles to service and maintain at the time. Today, the DVES serves as the main auto repair and fuel dispensing facility for more than 1,000 government vehi- cles, or up to 39 a day. That number does not include ve- hicles owned by statutory au- thorities and other public en- tities that are separate from central government. To handle that growth, up- grades were sorely needed to the DVES facilities, according to Infrastructure Minister Joey Hew. Those upgrades, estimated to cost $6.6 million in total, started nearly a year ago with the construction of new 8.732-square-foot ad- ministrative facility, and are on budget and on schedule to be completed by the end of April, said DVES Acting Di- rector Stephen Quinland. Mr. Quinland and other government officials took media members on a tour of the nearly completed facili- ties on Friday, showing con- crete rooms that will serve as the department’s new ad- ministrative offices. The con- struction of the structure is complete, and contrac- tors are now working on the building’s interior. “We are presently in the lunchroom,” said project manager Dennis Harris, showing a map of a floorplan that lays out the storeroom, purchasing office and other areas that allow the DVES to function. “The conditions in the old offices – there’s no other word than ‘deplorable’ to describe them,” remarked Mr. Hew, who was also on the tour. Mr. Quinland said one of the major benefits of the new building will be the consolidation of the depart- ment’s storeroom areas. This will allow the DVES to better handle its inven- tory, he said. Stage two of the upgrades will see overhauls to the ve- hicle repairing bays, parking lot and the government fuel facility. Project manager Dennis Harris said a timeline for that phase has not yet been set. The DVES serves as the main auto repair and fuel dispensing facility for more than 1,000 government vehicles, or up to 39 a day. Standing in what will be the lunchroom for the new DVES building, project manager Dennis Harris, center, shows designs for that room and the rest of the facilities. - PHOTO: KEN SILVAThe islands’ most-trusted news source 6 TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 CAYMAN COMPASS Eden, who’s in the hospital since Christmas,” Mr. Far- rington said, adding, “From when the justices of the peace and vestrymen agreed on what the coat of arms should look like until today, spans 60 years. That 60-year journey was not without challenges, but through the grace of God, we arrived to where we are today.” The late vestrymen and justices of peace who were honored are as follows. West Bay: Spurgeon An- drew Ebanks, Capt. James Cadian Ebanks, James Staf- ford Ebanks, John Garston Smith, Capt. Charles Ebanks Glidden, Capt. Thomas Wil- liam Farrington, Thomas Abram Ebanks, John Samuel Smith, Samuel Osbert Ebanks and Lee Alfonzo Ebanks. George Town: Edgar Ducan Merren, Ormond Lauder Panton, Hugh Mal- colm Coe, William Wallace Bodden, Allen Berkley Bush, Capt. Rayal Brazely Bodden Sr., Edmond Samuel Parsons, Ernest Ottey Panton, Thomas Frederick Hill, Major Jo- seph Rodriguez Walter, Des- mond Vere Watler, James Ashford Panton and Otto Gordon Hurlston. Savanah: Emis Mor- timer Forbes. Bodden Town: William Benjamin McCoy, George Hermadin Ricketts, Harold Stewart, Alfred Biddle Bodden, James Lobner Berry, Richard Phillip Bodden and Thomas Logan Bodden. East End: William Allen McLaughlin, Norman Ru- dolph McLaughlin, Lincoln Benjamin Bodden and Austin Burns Conolly. North Side: Kenneth Norman Chisholm, Olney Albury Ebanks and Ber- tram Ebanks. Prospect: Alfred Lawrence Thompson Sr. and James Carl Thompson. Sister Islands: Capt. Charles Gerald Kirkcon- nell, Capt. Keith Parker Tib- betts Sr., Capt. Robert Clifton Foster, Arnold Athelin Foster, Capt. Edwin Ellis Walton Jr., James Nathaniel Tibbetts, Aston Shedden Rutty, Waide Taylor Foster, John Cum- mings Lazzari, Capt. Regi- nald Bloomfield Kirkconnell, Lawford George Lawrence and Dennis Haley Foster. More than 60 organiza- tions that have served the community for more than 50 years were also be rec- ognized at the ceremony. These include Cayman Air- ways Ltd., the Cayman Is- lands Agricultural Society, the Hungry Horse Restau- rant and this newspaper, the Cayman Compass. Vestrymen, justices of the peace recognized at Heroes Day CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Minister of Commerce Joey Hew presents a certificate to Pinnacle Media owners David and Vicki Legge to recognize the contributions made by the Cayman Compass newspaper over the past five decades and more. Frank Flowers, left, accepts an award from Minister Joey Hew, on behalf of the Flowers Group. - PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY Minister of Culture Dwayne Seymour presents a certificate to Iva Good, left, and Olive Miller, recognizing the more than 50 years of work carried out by the Girls’ Brigade. Minister of Financial Services Tara Rivers presents Michael McWatt, managing director of Butterfield Bank, with a certificate recognizing the bank’s work in Cayman for the past 50 years and more. Maxine Bodden accepted the recognition award on behalf of Vampt Motors. Governor Martyn Roper inspects the guard of honor. Captain Owen Murphy Farrington, one of two surviving members of the 1956-1958 Legislative Assembly of Vestrymen and Justices of the Peace, second from right, on stage Monday morning with, from left, Leader of the Opposition Ezzard Miller, Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush, Finance Minister Roy McTaggart and Premier Alden McLaughlin. - PHOTO: GISThe islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 Kirkconnell said in a re- lease, “Through creative pro- motions, partnerships, and continued collaboration with our industry stake- holders, we have maintained the significant accomplish- ment of continuous record- breaking years.” He added that the govern- ment has committed to in- vestment in points of entry at the cruise port and airports. “These much-needed upgrades will benefit [our] tourism op- erators, businesses, visitors and residents. My focus is to ensure that all subjects in my ministry portfolio operate effi- ciently and effectively to sup- port the tourism sector. These results are an excellent in- dicator of the work accom- plished in 2018,” he said. The Department of Tourism noted that December was the best month on re- cord. It saw a 6.15 percent increase of stayover arrivals, with Cayman receiving more than 50,000, mainly from the North American markets. “As with the overall sta- tistical increase, the USA had the largest impact in December, having grown by over 2,600 additional visitors. This marks the 21st consecu- tive month of growth for this market, which included an increase in capacity by na- tional flag carrier Cayman Airways from JFK in De- cember 2018 compared to De- cember 2017. “Canada saw a 3.30 percent growth, making it the best De- cember in statistical history for Canadian stayover visita- tion. Adding to the success of December’s record-breaking numbers, Latin America also increased by 3.32 percent and is now the best month in ar- rivals history for that region,” the department noted. Rosa Harris, director of tourism, said in the statement that the Department of Tourism’s goal of diversifying source mar- kets, coupled with the on- going development of new routes to Cayman and inno- vative marketing plans, has “continued to drive the re- cord-breaking successes for the Cayman Islands and will continue in 2019.” She said the upcoming new Denver, Colorado route, which Cayman Airways will launch in March, will act as a gateway for the West Coast of the United States, bringing “many new visitors” in 2019. the decision by the Cayman Islands and the U.K. to jointly purchase and op- erate a new helicopter for search and rescue, disaster relief and law enforcement operations as an example of that collaboration. Mr. Roper noted that ties between Cayman and the U.K. were also evi- denced last week when the governor joined Pre- mier Alden McLaughlin and a delegation from the Cayman Islands in New York to support the local fi- nancial services industry. The FCO initially ap- pointed Mr. Roper on a temporary basis to replace Governor Anwar Choud- hury, who was called back to London in June as an investigation by the FCO into allegations made against him was carried out. Mr. Choudhury had been in the post less than three months. Until Mr. Roper ar- rived on island in October, the acting governor po- sition had been filled by Franz Manderson. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Governor Martryn Roper Governor’s four-year term confirmed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 More than 1.9 million tourists arrived in the Cayman Islands by cruise ship last year. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Record arrivals for Cayman in 2018 Jasmine celebrates Burns Night There were plenty of plaids, kilts and sporrans on display Friday for the annual Burns Night fundraiser for hospice organization Jasmine. Scottish men and women, fans of poet Robbie Burns, and supporters of Jasmine descended on Grand Old House for the event, which featured lots of Scottish dancing, traditional Scottish food, including, of course, haggis, and several toasts. Pope lowers expectations for next month’s sex abuse summit ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) – Pope Francis has sought to lower expectations from his big sex abuse prevention summit next month. Francis told reporters re- turning from Panama on Sunday that he wants the Feb. 21-24 meeting to essen- tially be a catechism class for bishops about sex abuse. He said he wanted to sensitize church leaders around the globe to the pain of victims, instruct them how to investi- gate cases and develop gen- eral protocols for the entire hierarchy to use. “Let me say that I’ve sensed somewhat inflated ex- pectations,” he said. “We have to deflate the expectations to these three points, because the problem of abuse will con- tinue. It’s a human problem.” Francis’ lowering of ex- pectations will likely not go over well in the United States, where rank-and-file Catholics are withholding donations and demanding account- ability from their bishops after the hierarchy’s repeated failures to protect children were exposed again last year. The crisis began in early 2018 when the Argentine pope strongly defended a Chilean bishop accused of cover-up. It intensified when a prominent U.S. ex-cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, was ac- cused of sexually abusing minors and adults, and then reached crisis point when a grand jury in Pennsylvania detailed allegations of 70 years of abuse and cover-up in six dioceses in the state. Francis himself was im- plicated in the McCarrick scandal when a former Vat- ican ambassador accused him of rehabilitating McCar- rick from sanctions despite knowing of his penchant to sleep with seminarians. Francis, who removed Mc- Carrick as a cardinal when the allegations of abusing a minor were lodged, is ex- pected to soon decide whether to defrock him. Francis in September summoned the presidents of bishops conferences for the summit after realizing that church leaders in some parts of the world still did not “get it.” In fact, more than 30 years after the scandal first erupted in Ireland and Australia and 20 years after it hit the U.S., bishops in many parts of Europe, Latin America, Af- rica and Asia either deny the problem exists in their re- gions or downplay it. Just last year, for example, Italian bishops began developing protocols for handling cases and accompanying victims. Expectations for the Feb- ruary summit grew in part because the head of the U.S. bishops’ conference, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, claimed that the Vatican had cited the need to wait for the meeting’s outcome before adopting U.S. protocols to address the scandal last year. In fact, the Vatican blocked the U.S. vote on the protocols because the U.S. conference had withheld the legally problematic pro- posals from Vatican review until the last minute. The U.S. bishops had wanted to create a reporting mechanism to hold them- selves accountable that would have involved a lay-led com- mission receiving accusations when bishops themselves were accused of misconduct. Pope Francis, flanked by Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti, answers reporters’ questions aboard his plane Sunday after taking off from Panama City. – PHOTO: AP8 LOCAL NEWS Check out these photos and others by visiting caymancompass.com/photogalleries or on facebook.com/caycompass (and don’t forget to tag yourself and your friends!) T he annual Hatitude brunch was a decidedly flighty affair, with attendees flocking to Sunday’s “Birds of a Feather” themed event at Grand Old House. There were feathers and birds aplenty and the judges had a diffi- cult task choosing the “Most Hatitude” men’s, women’s and children’s hats at the luncheon, which raises funds for the National Trust. TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 CAYMAN COMPASS Lisa Ebanks and Michelle Coles embraced the ‘Birds of a Feather’ theme. Audrey Keeble’s owl ensemble was voted the best children’s outfit. The finalists of the women’s ‘Most Hatitude’ competition line up. The ultimate winner was Kendra Gass, far left. Miss World Cayman Kelsie Woodman-Bodden, Lissie Roper and Governor Martyn Roper, National Trust Executive Director Nadia Hardie and Cynthia Hew. Many hats, like this one, featured birds. Kendra Gass was named the winner in the women’s category. National Trust Executive Director Nadia Hardie and Cynthia Hew Sean Martinez, winner of the men’s hat with the ‘Most Hatitude,’ celebrates his win. Some of the guests at Saturday’s Hatitude brunch show off their finery. - PHOTOS: MAGGIE JACKSONThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or nonprofit organizations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be faxed to 949-2662, brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Rd. or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY JANUARY 29, 2019 In Loving Memory of our beloved Mother Harriet Grace Nicholas Hayes ( Miss Grace) November 24th 1924 - January 29th 2018 Memories are a golden chain Death attempts to break But ..... All in vain. To have, to love And then to part is the Greatest sorrow of one's heart. The years may wipe out many things But some they wipe out never like memories of Those happy times when we were all together. Gone but not forgotten Lucille Mclean, Gladys Grey, Greta Nicholas, Harriet Vassell, Spencer Nicholas, Barbara Wilson, Juliette Nicholas, Thomas Nicholas, Adopted Children Elwood Carson Bodden, Orville Mascoe, Lorna Reid. Fifteen Grandchildren twenty-two great grandchildren TUESDAY, JAN. 29 WEST BAY TRAFFIC: CUC advises motorists using Watercourse Road in West Bay to exercise extreme caution today through Friday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as CUC’s crews will be planting new poles on Watercourse Road between the junction with Hell Road and the junction with Boatswain Bay Road. CUC will have vehicles and personnel in the area and will be required to temporarily block one lane on several sections of Watercourse Road. Electricity service will not be affected. SCHOOLS CLOSED: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman schools closed for professional development. SPEAK FRENCH: A social gathering for native French speakers and those who want to converse in French will be held at The Kitchen, next to Fidel Murphy’s in Queens Court on West Bay Road, tonight at 7:30 p.m. $35 includes buffet meal and a drink. For more information, email frenchtuitionky@yahoo.com. THURSDAY, JAN. 31 NORTH SIDE MEETING: MLA Ezzard Miller invites all residents to a public meeting to discuss topics of interest, including the roads in Cayman Kai. 8 p.m., Craddock Ebanks Civic Centre. THATCH PLAITING: Community thatch plaiting class, 7-9 p.m. at the Heritage House, Cayman Brac. Cost $5. SATURDAY, FEB. 2 RUM TAILS: The Fourth Annual Rum Tails event, in aid of charity group One Dog At A Time, takes place 1-4:30 p.m. at Cayman Spirits Company, 65 Bronze Road, North Sound Road. The show includes a dog agility demonstration by Heidi Suarez Rivera, then competitions including best toy pooch, best rescue, best trick, best costume, waggiest tail and more. Dogs can enter one or more categories for $5 per event. Certificates and prizes. Professional photographer and dog washing available. Food and drinks on sale. SUNDAY, FEB. 3 SPECIAL SERVICE: The Session of Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church will be promoting Elder Rupert Ebanks to Elder Emeritus at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 SMOKING CESSATION: The Public Health Department advises smokers who wish to quit that there are some spaces left in an upcoming smoking cessation class. The sessions will run every Wednesday from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., beginning today. Venue for classes is the new Public Health Administration office at the Smith Road Centre on the second floor. For more information or to sign up contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889 or 244-2621. Interested persons may also email sarah.hetley@hsa.ky or nola.sanderson@hsa.ky. FRIDAY, FEB. 8 GRANTS FOR THE ARTS: Today is the deadline to apply for grants to the arts, given by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation to individuals, groups and/ or organizations to help further development, assist in bringing a worthy project to fruition, or in some cases to support an ongoing project or program. The Grants for the Arts Guidelines and Application Form can be downloaded at www.artscayman.org or collected from the CNCF office. SUNDAY, FEB. 10 HEART WARRIORS ANGELS BEACH WALK: 7 a.m. Seven Mile Public Beach. $25 to participate. Proceeds go to Hart For Hearts and Cayman Heart Fund. This event is sponsored by Team Cristiano and Team Nolan, who are walking in honor of the late Cristiano McKenzie and Nolan Evans. GENERAL INTEREST PUBLIC INPUT: The public now has until Feb. 28 to share feedback about the National Planning Framework, which sets out long-term goals for land use and physical development as part of the Development Plan for Grand Cayman. More information at www.plancayman.ky. Printed copies of the document can be viewed at the PlanCayman Information Counter, located in the lobby of the Government Administration Building. LOCAL HARVEST MARKET: Local farmers sell their produce and farmed goods at Camana Bay on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Heliconia Court (located next to Scotiabank). SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Be a volunteer for athlete training at Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. for track, bocce and football, and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. for basketball. Swimming on Wednesdays at the Lions Pool 10-11 a.m. or on Saturdays at the Cayman International School pool, 9:30 a.m. Email soci@candw.ky or call 916-2600. COMMUNITY CHESS: Tuesdays 5-8 p.m., West Indies Wine Company. Join the Cayman Chess Club for a complimentary chess class and open challenges weekly. Anyone can learn to play and enjoy chess, even beginners. ART OPEN CANVAS: At KARoo Restaurant in Camana Bay, Wednesdays 7-11 p.m. Artists of all levels are welcome to come and enjoy painting and socializing with other artists. Includes use of easels, lights, space, beverage ticket. No fee. For more information, contact info@visualartcayman.com or jar.was@gmail.com. VISUAL ARTS SOCIETY: Adult Open Studio available to those who want to work independently in an inspiring atmosphere. Wednesdays for adults, 9 a.m. till noon. Thursdays Adults and Youth, 10 a.m. till noon. Watler House Art Studio, Pedro St. James. Fee is $5/$15 or Ceramics. $15 pp/$25 pp non-members. Includes use of studio, glazes and ceramic tools. Clay available $30 per bag/fee for kiln usage. To register, call 546-9422 or email info@visualartcayman.com. SEAFARERS HALL: The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform the community that the hall is now available for rent every day of the week, including Saturdays, as the church is no longer contracted with the association at 11 Victory Avenue, Prospect. THRIFT SHOP: One Dog at a Time’s New To U shop is now located at JJT Warehouses, Row 2, Unit 2 on Industrial Way. Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Variety of items available, including men’s, women’s, children’s and baby clothes, shoes, household, electrical items, CDs, DVDs, books, home furnishings, toys, games, furniture, baby cribs, car seats, dog beds and more. BETHESDA COUNSELLING CENTRE: Caters to all who seek help. Open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 68 Mary Street. Appointments available Saturdays and late evenings. Owned and operated by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Call 946-6575. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK LOFT: North Sound Road. Open Monday 12:30-4 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers needed for front desk a few hours per week. For more information, email humanesocietybookloft@ candw.ky or call 946-8053. Donations of books, games, CDs, stationery, DVDs, cards etc. in good condition needed. CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meets daily to help with drinking problems. Call 926-9044 or visit www.caymanaa.org. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Is available for substance abuse help. Call the info line at 929–NANA (6262). AL-ANON GROUP MEETING: Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups can help. Call 928-8843 or email caymanalanon@gmail.com for meeting times. OVERCOMERS OUTREACH: A Christ-centered 12-step recovery group addresses addictions and those affected by them. Meetings at Cayman Islands Baptist Church, Pedro Castle Road, Tuesdays, 7:15 p.m. For details, contact Vanessa Gilman at 946-2422, or visit www.overcomersoutreach.org. DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: This group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at ADACI’s office, 4th floor, Cardinall Plaza, 30 Cardinall Ave., George Town. Call 924-4170 or email info@adacayman.com. GRAND CAYMAN TOASTMASTERS: Club meets each Thursday 6-7:15 p.m. on 3rd Floor, George Town Public Library. Visitors and guests welcome. Contact George R. Ebanks at 322-9369 or Grand Cayman Toastmasters club on Facebook. Email info@ toastmastersclub2686.org. THE LIONS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets every first and third Thursday 7:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre. Email lionsclubgcm@hotmail.com. THE LIONS CLUB OF TROPICAL GARDENS: Meet every first and third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Elizabethan Square (corner unit). Members of the public are invited to attend. ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN SUNRISE: Service club meetings 7 a.m. every Wednesday at George Town Yacht Club, 612 North Sound Road. Visit www.rotarysunrise.ky or info@rotarysunrise.ky. KIWANIS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month, 12:30 p.m., at The Wharf Restaurant. Projects include promoting well- being of children in the community and schools. Email president@kiwanis.ky or view www.kiwanis.ky. OPTIMIST CLUB: Meets first and third Tuesdays at the Hibiscus Conference Room, Cayman Islands Hospital at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at www.optimistcayman.com. PARENT AND TODDLER PLAY GROUP: For children from 2 weeks to 4 years. Meets Mondays 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the South Sound Community Centre. Children must be accompanied by parent or helper. Toys, activities, light refreshments provided. $6 per session per family. Email sspg@foxwood.ky. HEARTS THROUGH HANDS: Meets Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to noon at The Family Life Centre, Room 10, Academy Way. Women make crafts for charity and missions. Call 946–3067 or 947–1863. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. The Fourth Annual Rum Tails event, in aid of charity group One Dog At A Time, takes place Saturday at Cayman Spirits Company, 65 Bronze Road, North Sound Road.Next >