High of 85 Low of 72 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 2 feet. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 A MUCH-DESERVED HONOUR FOR OUR DEPUTY GOVERNOR EXPERIENCE CAYMAN WHAT’S HOT CAYMANKIND AND NATURAL WONDERS AN ISLAND GUIDE CAYMAN’S LOCAL GUIDE APRIL 2019 ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 Governor endorses ‘equal rights’ for all Mixed reaction to court ruling on same-sex marriage JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Governor Martyn Roper has expressed support for a historic court ruling legalising same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands, saying it provides “equal rights for everyone”. The governor released a brief statement Monday in the wake of Chief Justice Anthony Smellie’s decision to amend the Marriage Law to allow same-sex couples equal access to marriage. Roper said in the statement, “I recognise there are strongly held and differing views across the islands on the legal ruling on same- sex marriage. “Yet it is important that all our citizens can play an equal and active part in society free from discrimination as set out in our constitution. “This judgment provides equal rights for everyone, a point which I and former Gover- nors have previously emphasised.” Roper also expressed support for the is- lands’ legal system and urged Cayman Islands residents to keep the debate amicable. “At this time I believe it is important that all of us continue to show tolerance and re- spect to others, particularly when we hold dif- ferent views. I also believe that our highly re- spected, and independent, judicial system in the Cayman Islands continues to underpin our success. It protects our prosperity, constitu- tion, good governance and our security.” Premier Alden McLaughlin has not com- mented on the decision. Attorney General Sam Bulgin, speaking outside of court on Friday, described it as “interesting” and said his team would take time to read and digest it before deciding on next steps. The ruling, which directly changed the Marriage Law to make same-sex marriage legal, is effective immediately. While opposition politicians were reluctant CABINET GREENLIGHTS EXPANSION OF NO-FISHING AREAS KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman’s no-fishing zones will be signifi- cantly expanded once Cabinet approves new regulations for the territory’s marine parks. The Department of Environment held a press conference Monday to provide more details about Environment Minister Dwayne Seymour’s recent announcement that Cay- man’s marine parks will be expanded. According to the Department of Environ- ment, the no-fishing areas will be expanded from 15 percent to 44 percent of the coastal waters near Grand Cayman, from 14 percent to 43 percent of the Brac’s coastal waters, and from 10 percent to 57 percent of the coastal waters off Little Cayman. In total, the national average will be increased from 14 percent to 48 percent of all the territorial coastal waters. Currently, Grand Cayman’s no-fishing zones are primarily located off of Seven Mile Beach, as well as near Rum Point. No-dive zones will also be significantly ex- panded – and implemented for the first time on the Sister Islands – but the Department of Environment did not release exact figures be- fore this article’s press deadline. Department of Environment marine re- search officer Croy McCoy said the expansion of marine parks is necessary in part because of the population more than doubling from 25,000 since 1986, when marine parks were first introduced. A mobile app has been cre- ated to help boaters see where they are in the territorial waters, and what regulations and rules may apply to them in those areas, McCoy added. That app can be found at www.doe.ky. SCULPTURE FLOATS OVERHEAD AT HOSPICE CENTRE MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com A spiral of small, suspended flying fish be- gins just overhead and swirls to the top of the atrium in the newly opened Jasmine hospice facility on West Bay Road. The opalescent cluster of fins and wings, titled ‘The Glide’, is almost dreamlike in the way in which it pulls the viewer’s gaze into the light from the windows 30 feet overhead. The effect is only fitting. Local artist Tansy Maki said the image of the installation piece came to her in a dream a decade ago. Since then, it, along with a lot of other ideas, had been circling inside her mind, waiting for the right moment. “I never knew when I’d get to create this, but I always knew I would,” Maki said, standing in the lighted space beneath the completed hanging sculpture. “When I met with the architect and saw the space and knew it was a hospice, I knew it was meant to be here.” She said she hopes the piece will bring a quieting influence to the entrance of the facility. “I wanted to create a piece that was up- lifting and calming that instilled those feel- ings in the viewer,” Maki said. “I’m hoping it will have a soothing effect.” Jasmine’s director of operations and nursing, Felicia McLean, said she thinks Maki has hit the mark. “It makes people pause and reflect,” McLean said. “It adds warmth and comfort Tansy Maki stands beneath her sculpture, ‘The Glide’, in the foyer of Jasmine. - PHOTO: BRIAN PHELPS PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 »2 LOCAL®IONAL TUESDAY APRIL 2, 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) DUMBO (PG) 12:30 I 3:10 3D I 4:15 VIP I 6:30 HOTEL MUMBAI (R) 1:10 I 4:20 I 6:55 I 9:10 CAPTAIN MARVEL (PG13) 1:00 VIP I 4:05 I 9:50 VIP I 10:00 CAPTIVE STATE (PG13) 2:00 I 4:40 I 7:20 I 10:00 US (R) 12:40 I 4:00 I 7:00 I 9:50 A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL (PG13) 1:30 I 7:30 I 10:10 CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA: STRANGE BREW (PG) 7:00 VIP DoE seeks more iguana cullers More than half a million green iguanas killed SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com As the number of green iguanas culled passes the half million mark, the De- partment of Environment is looking for more cullers to join the hunt. The DoE and private sector partner Cornwall Consulting Ltd. are seeking new applicants to train and join the intensive ef- fort to eradicate the inva- sive green iguana species from Cayman. In its first 22 weeks, the organised effort, which began on Oct. 29 last year, has netted 502,427 iguanas. The latest weekly total, 13,525, represents the lowest weekly total recorded during the cull. “We’ve bagged about 500,000 of these invasive critters since late October, but there are probably close to one million more out there on Grand Cayman,” said Fred Burton, DoE Terrestrial Resources Unit manager, as part of an official statement on Friday. “If we don’t keep pressing ahead with the cull effort during the upcoming breeding season, the Green Iguana population will bounce right back.” The DoE said Monday that there are 471 registered cullers.The DoE made a sim- ilar call for more cullers a few months ago and re- ported that 115 new reg- istrants were added to the rolls in early February. Cornwall Consulting and the DoE have sought assis- tance from Workforce Op- portunities & Residency Cayman to contact unem- ployed or underemployed Caymanians via phone and/ or email. The hope, in this case, is to find more people who might want to par- ticipate in the final eight months of the cull. The DoE had hoped to take around 1.3 mil- lion iguanas out of the ecosystem, and Cayman hunters registered more than 100,000 kills in both November (154,929) and De- cember (110,741). Now, as the iguanas become more scarce, there’s a push to find even more hunters. “We believe more people want to get involved, but they don’t feel confident in their own culling abilities,” said Karl Noble, manager of Cornwall Consulting. “We can help with that.” Cornwall Consulting will host training programmes for prospective cullers at the George Town landfill over the coming weeks and months. Any current cullers who wish to have a ‘refresher’ course may also participate. The DoE will also be distributing informational flyers on how to get in- volved or receive training for the cull at WORC, the Needs Assessment Unit and various other social ser- vice agencies. “We will need all hands on deck to ensure the con- tinued success of the Green Iguana Cull Project,” said Minister of the Environ- ment Dwayne Seymour in a statement. “Caymanians who want to earn some extra money and help their com- munity deal with this inva- sive pest will have every op- portunity to get involved.” Interested Caymanians who are at least 18 years old can contact Cornwall via phone at 949-1544 or 769-8888, or via email at info@cornwall.ky. Senate barrels towards showdown vote on disaster relief WASHINGTON (AP) – A fight between President Donald Trump and Democrats over hurricane relief for Puerto Rico is imperilling a widely backed disaster aid bill that is a top priority for some of the president’s Southern Re- publican allies. The amount of money in dispute is relatively small, but Trump feels antipathy to- wards Puerto Rico’s govern- ment and Senate Republicans are taking a hard line – for now – in denying Democratic demands for more aid for the U.S. territory, which was dev- astated by back-to-back hur- ricanes in 2017. Democrats are poised to block the Republican bill in a showdown Senate vote on Monday afternoon. It’s a risky move, but top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York appears confident that a successful filibuster will not kill the bill outright, but drive Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McCo- nnell towards compromise. McConnell said the Senate measure is the fastest way to get aid to the hurricane- slammed South and the badly flooded Midwest, along with nutrition aid to Puerto Rico, where food stamp ben- efits have been cut. “It’s our only sure path to making a law with any- where near the urgency these Americans deserve. It is the only bill on the table with any provision for the Mid- west flooding,” McConnell said. “And it’s the only bill on the table that could earn a presidential signature in time to deliver urgent relief on the nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico.” Democrats say Trump has been slow to release already- appropriated funding for Puerto Rico and has exhib- ited little urgency in helping the island. “Just as we leave no sol- dier behind on the battlefield we help our fellow Ameri- cans when there’s a disaster, wherever the disaster strikes. We do not abandon them. Pe- riod,” Schumer said. Trump weighed in on Twitter Monday to preemp- tively attack Democrats for blocking the measure. “Democrats should stop fighting Sen. David Per- due’s disaster relief bill. They are blocking funding and relief for our great farmers and rural America!” Trump tweeted. The $13.5 billion Senate measure mostly mirrors a $14.2 billion measure passed by the House in January, combining aid to Southern farmers, California com- munities devastated by last summer’s wildfire, and re- building help for hurricane- hit states such as Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. Hurricane-damaged military bases in Florida and North Carolina would receive re- building funds. Democrats want to add almost $700 million more to unlock further disaster aid for Puerto Rico and several states, including help to re- build badly damaged water systems. Democrats are also seeking to force the ad- ministration to release bil- lions of dollars in rebuilding funds that have already been approved. McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, however, has ma- noeuvred to shut off any op- portunity for Democrats to amend the bill. “I think that’s a mis- take. I think we have a good package that the House would accept. If we could bring it onto the floor and have a vote on it I think it would pass,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the Demo- crats’ point man on the legis- lation. “These are Americans who are suffering. I think we ought to be able to come to- gether on it. So I think it’s un- fortunate to have just a take- it-or-leave-it bill.” The political momentum for the measure – strongly backed by Trump’s allies in Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina, among other states – has only been heightened by massive flooding in Mid- western states such as Ne- braska and Iowa, whose nominating caucuses are the first test for Democrats hoping to challenge Trump next year. The GOP measure would make Midwestern states eligible for more aid, and by blocking the bill, Democratic presidential con- tenders in the Senate are likely to face criticism. Trump has yet to veto a spending bill despite some tough talk and he has signed off on $600 million to ease food stamp cuts in Puerto Rico. But he poor-mouthed the island’s government at a meeting with Senate Republi- cans last week and suggested Puerto Rico has gotten too much disaster help compared with states such as Texas. “I have taken better care of Puerto Rico than any man ever. We have $91 bil- lion going to Puerto Rico. We have $29 billion to Texas and $12 billion to Florida for the hurricane,” Trump said last week. “They have to spend the money wisely. They don’t know how to spend the money and they’re not spending it wisely.” Trump’s $91 billion es- timate, said a White House spokesman, includes about $50 billion in expected fu- ture disaster disbursements, along with $41 billion that is already been approved. Caught in the middle are pragmatic Republicans such as Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama, who is looking for a deal. Democrats controlling the House have made it clear that the measure will not clear Congress for Trump’s signature without addi- tional money for Puerto Rico and badly needed Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands. “Let’s hope that between now and next week we can keep talking and reach some- thing,” Shelby told reporters. “This is a three-legged stool. The House, the Senate and the president are in- volved in this.”3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 5% low mortgage rate* Get pre-qualified on the spot. Valid photo ID † All you need is a ® I put Scotiabank to work and got † Conditions Apply. Acceptable forms of ID include driver’s permit, national ID or passport. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license. OR up to US$5,000 Money Back What does this mean for you? Mortgage Amount ($) KY$300,000 Money Back (%) 3% Money Back ($) KY$$9,000 JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Opposition leader Ezzard Miller is facing calls for him to step down from his role amid division among the po- litical group. Newlands MLA Alva Suckoo resigned as Mill- er’s deputy last month. He revealed the reasons for that decision this week, saying he and other mem- bers of the group had asked Miller to step down and he had refused. “I joined in a decision to ask him to step down as Op- position leader,” Suckoo con- firmed Monday. He said this was sup- ported by the majority on the Opposition benches. Opposition MLAs Chris Saunders and Arden McLean appeared alongside Suckoo in a radio interview Friday. Nei- ther of the two men spoke di- rectly on the issue but Suckoo outlined on air his reasons for resigning. Speaking to the Compass Monday, he said there was no clear constitutional process to remove the leader of the Op- position, even if he loses the support of the other members. “He refused to accept the decision …. It is a constitu- tional crisis,” he said. Suckoo said he and others had the option of writing to the governor to express their lack of confidence in Miller but was not taking that ac- tion just yet. “I am hoping this will all sink in over the next few days and he will make a decision on his position,” he said. Miller declined to com- ment Monday. He has called a press conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday to discuss the forth- coming legislative session and said he would entertain ques- tions on the issue at that time. Suckoo declined to go into detail about the reasons for dissatisfaction with Miller as leader of the Opposition. Some of the conflict seems to stem from Miller’s an- nouncement that he plans to form a new party, the Cayman People’s Alliance, to run can- didates in all 19 constituen- cies at the next election. Suckoo said there had been preliminary discussions over a partnership involving the current Opposition mem- bers but he had not com- mitted to joining Miller in any political party. He said Miller’s announce- ment had forced his hand, ef- fectively requiring him to ei- ther join the new party or step down as deputy leader of the Opposition. He said he was elected as an independent and would not change that affiliation without the blessing of his constituents. Miller faces calls to step down Ezzard MillerAlva Suckoo Plastic-ban announcement was an April Fools’ Day ruse KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Hundreds of Cayman res- idents woke up to big news Monday morning, with the announcement on Plastic Free Cayman’s Facebook page that government banned single-use plastic items for import and resale. “Items include polysty- rene (styrofoam) take away containers, clear PPE clam- shell take away containers, all types of plastic cutlery, plastic straws and plastic bags,” Plastic Free Cayman posted around 6 a.m. “Not included in the bill at this time are plastic beverage bottles but considerations are being made about fu- ture amendments. An ex- haustive list of items and the timeline for phasing out are forthcoming.” However, that an- nouncement was an April Fools’ Day hoax. Some people were duped by the ruse. As of 2 p.m. on Monday, the post had 544 likes, 73 comments, and 193 shares. The fake news was also being discussed on at least one radio show and other social media platforms. “This is a great decision!” commented Renita Ebanks. “[It] has to start somewhere.” Others were offended at the attempt of humour. “Whoever told you this was a good idea has done you a disservice,” Adam Cummins wrote to Plastic Free Cayman. “This is no laughing matter and to use your voice in this way hurts your authority and credibility.” Around noon, Plastic Free Cayman posted another an- nouncement, clarifying that its earlier post was indeed an April Fools’ Day joke. “Seriously though, this is no laughing matter,” the later post stated. “Despite Cay- man’s reputation of afflu- ence and sophistication, we lag behind no less than 15 neighbouring nations in leg- islation banning the scourge of single-use plastics.” Department of Environ- ment officials were asked about the fake news at a press conference Monday, and declined to comment on the post itself. “I think that’s for them to comment on,” said de- partment education officer Brent Fuller. Department of Envi- ronment Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie did, however, say that government is re- viewing the issue. “I think government is trying to take the plastic issue on board,” she said. “I don’t know where specifi- cally the discussions are or how quickly we can see a re- action from government, but the ministry definitely has this matter under review right now.” Some people were duped by the ruse. As of 2 p.m. on Monday, the post had 544 likes, 73 comments, and 193 shares.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 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 PUBLISHER KATHLEEN CAPETTA EXECUTIVE EDITOR PATRICK BRENDEL A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will find their own way” Heartfelt congratulations to Deputy Governor Franz Manderson on receiving his MBE last Thursday. It is an honour that he truly deserves. For decades, Manderson has been an exemplary civil servant; his career trajectory a gleaming example of the value and rewards of hard work. Manderson was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire on the Queen’s Birthday last year but received his medal from Prince Charles at last week’s investiture ceremony, surrounded by family, co- workers and friends. It is fitting that he received the honour at the historic grounds of Pedro St. James, escorted by his mother, Jenny, who is herself an MBE. Since joining the civil service as an immigration officer at the tender age of 16, Manderson has dili- gently applied himself to the people’s work. Thanks to his aptitude and diligence, he rose through the ranks to lead the department as chief immigration officer in 2004. Since his 2012 appointment as deputy governor and head of the Civil Service, he has capably led a series of performance and budget management initia- tives, raised standards for the civil service and spear- headed other reforms. Manderson has capably led Cayman as acting governor during times of transition – so capably, in fact that some petitioners asked the U.K. Minister of State for the Commonwealth, Lord Ahmad, to offer him the post. A shameful crime against the public At the opposite end of the human spectrum we find this week the morally depraved and unprinci- pled stranger who robbed the Al La Kebab food truck in Red Bay last Friday. That reprobate who, in broad daylight on Selkirk Drive, brandished a machete and demanded the workers give him money in gross trans- gression of law, order and simple human decency. It was at least the third time in less than a year that business has been victimised by miscreants who, apparently, would rather threaten and ter- rorise innocent people than earn an honest living. The suspect in this latest incident is described as bring about 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with dark skin and a slim build, and to have been wearing dark clothing at the time of the attack. Surely someone knows who this man is. Anyone with information about the robbery – or any crime – must immediately convey it to police so that they can make a swift arrest and bring the offender to justice. There can be no tolerance for violent crime in our small, safe community. Our businesses, residents and visitors must be free to operate and move about our islands free from fear. A much-deserved honour for our deputy governor BLOOMBERG EDITORIAL BOARD Last month’s liberation of the final piece of territory that once made up the Is- lamic State is worthy of cel- ebration. It took the better part of four years, required the determination of many nations, and demanded huge sacrifices from pro-democ- racy forces on the ground. But President Donald Trump risks making the same mistake as his prede- cessors, who were too quick to declare the end of Amer- ican combat missions in Iraq. Instead of celebrating pre- maturely, the U.S. must start transitioning from combat to threat management – a subtler task that will re- quire patience, focus, and the continued cooperation of coa- lition forces. Having lost its geograph- ical foothold, the Islamic State is in some ways more dangerous than before: Free from governing responsi- bility, it can focus on more traditional insurgency and terrorism. The group has both the means and the man- power for these tasks; it has already stepped up suicide attacks in Iraq. The U.S. and its allies have considerable experience in fighting the global forces of jihad. And much progress has been made in disrupting ter- rorist recruitment and prop- aganda. But two significant challenges remain. One is to keep up the military pressure on the Islamic State’s remaining fighters. Trump’s tweets aside, the U.S. needs to avoid an overly hasty with- drawal of its troops. To the contrary, the Pentagon should commit to keeping a sizable special-forces com- plement in the region and free it from rules of en- gagement barring offensive operations. Second, threat manage- ment will require some deft diplomacy. Washington and Europe must keep Turkey and the Kurds – who did the heavy lifting against Is- lamic State – from each oth- er’s throats. In Iraq, the U.S. must pressure the Shiite- dominated government to give the Sunni minority a fair share of political power and economic opportunity to dis- courage support for Islamist radicalism. And in Afghanistan, nego- tiations for the withdrawal of U.S. troops must be pred- icated on assurances that the Taliban will continue to stamp out the local Islamic State affiliate and guarantee that al-Qaida will not again find a safe haven. © 2019, The Washington Post Writers Group. TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS LETTER TO THE EDITOR Reaching our own success My name is Rashida Pryce and I am an 18-year- old Caymanian. I was diagnosed with Au- tism Spectrum Disorder in May of 2017 at the age of 16. That revelation should have lifted a weight off my shoul- ders but in truth it placed a weight on my shoulders, an added heaviness to my al- ready overloaded reality. It fractured and realigned the future I thought would be mine, replacing it with a blank canvas that at the time was terrifying and seemed empty. Now I am pleased to tell you I am grateful for the diagnosis and to be filling that blank canvas with ex- citing new experiences. Hearing the word ‘Au- tism’ came very late for me but, looking back now, I be- lieve it came at exactly the right time for change and a renewed outlook. I graduated from high school with excellent grades. I was a ‘quiet’ student who never spoke. Trapped in si- lence with so much to say. I transitioned to A-levels but my new school did not un- derstand me and I did not understand me. Together we could not help one another. I took me one year to get to know myself, my diag- nosis and my path forward. Now I am beginning to pick up the pieces to build a new picture for the life I am to live, a life more dazzling than I could have ever im- agined before. My reality is now thriving, my future looks bright and the blank canvas that appeared with my diag- nosis is now full of colourful possibility. I am pursuing a Bach- elor of Science in Biology at the University of Colorado. I am a freshman in my first semester. I am also partici- pating in a residential pro- gramme that provides inde- pendent support for college students with a range of difficulties. It’s called Col- lege Living Experience (CLE) and here I am learning in- dependent living skills, re- ceiving guidance through academia and learning to become my own advocate. I am finding my voice, and en- joying the snow! Getting to this point has not been easy and moving forward will bear its own weight. I believe in the importance of proper education, advocacy and guidance for those on the autism spectrum. It is of ut- most importance that eve- ryone has access to the op- portunity to take their place in our community and reach for their own success. Regardless of how we all define success, we all deserve the right to dream for and reach for the life we deserve. No matter how grand or mi- nuscule our goals are … in our eyes they are worth it. We are worth it. Everyone deserves to see their own boundless future and to get the chance to do the work of building and learning what makes their life bloom. There are so many people in Cayman making big strides to support our visions of greatness and inclusion and I’m eternally grateful for those who have stood by me through the ups and down. I am so thankful to those who have kept me grounded and growing. Finding your path is al- ways somewhat of a tumul- tuous journey of will and love, but when you get to the result of each chapter filled with hope and jubilation it is always worth it. No matter what was needed to get there. We are worth it, indi- vidually and as a collec- tive community. Happy World Autism Day! Rashida Pryce Rashida Pryce No, Islamic State is not defeated5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 Cayman Prep receives good rating from inspectors MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com Note: A previous ver- sion of this story appeared in Friday’s Compass. The school in the inspection re- port was misidentified. A newly published report says Cayman Prep and High School “performs well in all major aspects of its work”. The Office of Education Standards rated the private school, which serves stu- dents from kindergarten to Year 13, as ‘good’ overall on a scale that ranges from weak to excellent. The school was assessed as being either good or excellent in nearly every category inspectors looked at, with only two cat- egories receiving a rating of satisfactory. “There were no weak areas of performance iden- tified in the school,” the re- port’s summary said. “Stu- dents’ progress in key subjects, leadership, self- evaluation and improvement planning were evaluated as good rather than excellent because certain aspects re- quire further development.” Some of the areas high- lighted as excellent included: ■■ Performance in English in years 7-13 and in sci- ence in years 10-11; ■■ Personal and so- cial development at all class levels; ■■ Teaching and learning in years 7-13; ■■ Curriculum quality in years 12-13; and ■■ Support and guid- ance in years 7-13. Inspectors also saw areas that needed improvement. Officials, the report said, “should review assessment systems across the school to help monitor students’ pro- gress more effectively, par- ticularly in the primary and early secondary stages”. As- sessment for students in years 4-11 was found to be only satisfactory. The school’s early years curric- ulum needs further devel- opment so that teaching is more effective. It called on the director and board of governors to continue ef- forts to gain international accreditation “to support the school’s ongoing drive towards excellence”. The school’s director, Debra McLaughlin, said she and her staff were happy with the findings. “We were very pleased our students, as they always do, displayed their excellent behaviour and their desire to learn,” McLaughlin said. She said the school cre- ates its own self-improve- ment plan every two years. “They didn’t give us an- ything we weren’t already aware of,” she said. “Which means our own self-evalua- tion is strong.” The report said, “Most students performed above national and international standards in external exam- inations” in English. Maths performance was simi- larly good at all levels. Per- formance in science was strongest in secondary, years 7-11, but still good in other years. A survey of 415 parents found that 93 percent were satisfied with the quality of education their children were receiving. Six percent were not satisfied and 1 per- cent was unsure. The ques- tion receiving the most neg- ative responses was one dealing with the quantity and amount of homework, which 17 percent of parents said was inappropriate. There was no dissension among the 106 staff mem- bers that participated in the survey. All said the school provides a good education. In a survey of 466 stu- dents, 32 percent said they did not feel the school lis- tened to their concerns. A significant number, 28 per- cent, disagreed that they were given the right amount of homework. But 88 percent said they felt they were get- ting a good education. McLaughlin is a member of the Education Council. She said she had argued that schools performing at a level higher than satisfactory should be able to go longer than the prescribed two years between inspections. Going through the process, she said, is stressful. “There’s a strong feeling of pressure,” she said. “I saw that with staff.” She said the school hopes to do even better on the next inspection. “We want to see more ‘excellents’ in the different columns,” she said. A copy of the full report can be found at www.oes.gov.ky. 50 YEARS AGO World mourns death of Eisenhower In the April 3, 1969 edition of the Cayma- nian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, the front page carried a report on the local and worldwide response to death of former U.S. Pres- ident Dwight D. Eisen- hower. It read: “Caymanians join with the rest of the free world in mourning the loss of fa- mous wartime hero, Gen- eral Dwight David Eisen- hower, who died at the age of 78 years, at Walter Reed Army Hospital last Friday, March 28. “Flags throughout the island can be seen flying at half-mast in a final tribute. His Honour the Administrator sent condo- lences to the Eisenhower family. The cable read as follows: ‘The Government and people of the Cayman Islands send their sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Eisenhower family and to the United States Government at the passing of a great world figure to whom so much was owed. These islands join the world in mourning him.’ “Among the main digni- taries and Heads of States in Washington to pay their last respects was Lord Mountbatten who repre- sented the Queen. “President Richard Nixon, personal friend of the late, former president, declared a national day of mourning last Monday and all international flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days throughout the United States. “Messages of sympathy flooded into the United States from all over the world. Press, radio and tel- evision featured extracts of his life from childhood through his military ca- reer and from the proud pages of American history – his efforts in gaining victory in Europe in 1945. “‘Ike’ as he was known to his comrades, col- leagues in battle, and friends, fondly remember him not only as a leader in a time of crisis, but as a man with a love for his fellow man, who was never too preoccupied to see the humane side of things – a good man, some say – al- ways with a friendly smile even to cheer his com- rades in battle at the mo- ments of despair, while yet remaining powerful and determined in victory. “Volumes can be written of this statesman and indeed many have al- ready been. But one thing is certain, those of us for- tunate enough to have lived in part of the era of his life, can surely agree, the world has lost a great statesman.” Cayman Prep and High School on Walkers Road, George Town. GOVERNMENT SCHOOL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Government school registra- tion for the 2019-2020 school year is under way and will be open until June 28. To be eligible for reception classes, students need to be age 4 by Aug. 31. Children who are 5 by the same date can register for Year 1. Registration for older students who are transfer- ring, re-entering or new to the system also needs to be com- pleted before June 28. Reception classes are avail- able at Sir John A. Cumber, George Town, Prospect, Sa- vannah, Bodden Town, North Side and East End primary schools on Grand Cayman, and West End and Creek primary schools on Cayman Brac. Registration forms are avail- able at government schools, the Department of Education Services at 130 Thomas Rus- sell Way, George Town, the Cayman Brac Teacher’s Centre on Cayman Brac or at www. des.edu.ky. Completed forms must be returned to the De- partment of Education Services or the Cayman Brac Teachers Centre. All first-time registering students need copies of the fol- lowing documents: ■■ The child’s birth certificate; ■■ The child’s immunisation card (In the case of non- compliance due to health or religious reasons, the parent must complete a DES im- munisation exempt form); ■■ Documentation of the child’s immigration resi- dency category (non-Cay- manian students; i.e., birth certificate, passport, status letter/certificate, RS 101 form, copy of parents’ government contract); ■■ Proof of address in the form of a utility bill, no- tarised lease or notarised ‘Parent Affidavit Form’ ac- companied by a utility bill, drivers licence or voter ID in the parents’ name or, if renting, the landlord’s, own- er’s or leaseholder’s names; ■■ If the child is being ad- mitted from another school, either local and overseas, a report from the most re- cent school year should be provided. Students with special needs require- ments should have a re- cord of their most recent psychological evaluation. ■■ Medical examinations with the public health nurse. Par- ents can also arrange for an examination from a private doctor. The medical exami- nation must be completed before a child is enrolled. An approved list of Health Ser- vices Authority private doc- tors is available on the Edu- cation Ministry’s website. Parents will receive notifi- cation from the school of their child’s placement for September. Children registered after June 28 cannot be guaranteed space at their nearest school. Priority for admission to government schools is assigned as follows: Reception classes: Cayma- nians, with proof established by birth certificate, passport or status certificate; non-Cayman- ians with proof established by birth or marriage to a Cayma- nian parent residing on island. Primary and Secondary: Caymanians; dependents of Caymanians; dependents of contracted government em- ployees; dependents of perma- nent residents. Class sizes are capped for reception and Year 1 at 24 stu- dents and 28 for all other year groups. Fees for non-Cayma- nian students are: Year 1-6, $250 per term/$750 per year; Year 7-9, $300 per term/$900 per year; Year 10-12: $400 per term/$1,200 per year. Payments can be made at the Treasury counter of the Government Ad- ministration Building in George Town or at the Cayman Brac Teachers Centre.The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS The issue explained: A closer look at the same-sex marriage ruling JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Since Chief Justice An- thony Smellie’s ruling on same-sex marriage was re- leased Friday, there has been debate across the islands about the issue and what happens next. Here we break down what the judgment says and what it means for Cayman, and try to answer some of the key questions that emerged in its aftermath. What did the judgment say? Chief Justice Smellie ruled on March 29 that it is unlawful and discrimi- natory for the Cayman Is- lands government to prevent same-sex couples from get- ting married. He ruled that the Mar- riage Law, which explicitly defines marriage as between a man and a woman, should be amended to reflect that couples of the same sex are also allowed to marry. He said the Bill of Rights entitled everyone in the Cayman Islands to the right to a private and family life and the right to freedom from discrimination. What prompted the ruling? Caymanian Chantelle Day and her partner Vickie Bodden Bush filed a joint ju- dicial review and constitu- tional challenge after they were refused a marriage li- cence in April last year. The couple, who have been to- gether for seven years and have an adopted daughter, want to get married and raise their family in Cayman. Lawyers acting for the couple successfully argued during a three-day hearing held in February that pre- venting them from doing so breached their rights under the Cayman Islands Con- stitution, in particular sec- tions 9, 10 and 16 of the Bill of Rights. So can same-sex couples get married now? Yes. The chief justice used his powers under the Constitution to edit the Marriage Law. Section 2 of the law, which stated, “Marriage means the union between a man and a woman as husband and wife” has been changed by his order to “‘Marriage’ means the union between two people as one another’s spouses.” The law is now changed and the registrar must give it immediate effect. No rat- ification is required by the Legislative Assembly or by the governor. Wait, the courts can just change the law like that? When a law, passed be- fore the commencement of the Constitution, does not comply with the Constitution, then yes, the courts can change it directly. Section 5 of the Con- stitution Order states that ex- isting laws, which predate the introduction of the Constitu- tion, must be read and con- strued with such modifications as are necessary to bring them into conformity with the Con- stitution and the Bill of Rights. In his judgment, the chief justice said the legislature could have ensured compat- ibility between the Marriage Law and the Bill of Rights by amending the law itself or, at a minimum, by introducing a law for same-sex civil unions but failed to do so. He said this clause of the Constitution was a “check and balance” that allowed the courts to address past ac- tions or current inactions of the local legislature, when they resulted in breaches of rights guaranteed by the Constitution. But doesn’t the Constitution define marriage as between a man and a woman? This is what government tried to argue at trial, but the court ruled that it does not. Section 14 (1) of the Con- stitution states, “Govern- ment shall respect the right of every unmarried man and woman of marriage- able age (as determined by law) freely to marry a person of the opposite sex and found a family.” Sir Jeffrey Jowell, QC, who was a consultant during the constitutional talks and pre- sented government’s case at the hearing in February, said this clause was “the rock” of government’s case and amounted to an exclusion of same-sex marriage. Edward Fitzgerald, QC, representing Day and Bodden Bush at trial, said the clause simply protected the rights of opposite-sex couples and had no impact on the issue of same-sex marriage. “It says you can’t take away the right of people of the opposite sex to marry. It doesn’t say you can’t add the right of other people to enjoy those rights,” he said. Chief Justice Smellie ac- cepted that argument in the ruling, stating that the clause was not exclusionary. But people thought they had voted on this when they passed the Constitution, right? Jowell attempted to make this argument in court, too. He said the issue had been “hotly debated” up and down the land in the run-up to the referendum on the adoption of the 2009 Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the words “opposite sex” had been in- serted in the marriage clause with the express intention of denying same-sex couples the right to marry. Fitzgerald re- butted this, saying the words of the Constitution, rather than supposition about what people thought at the time, were what the court had to rely on. “It is no good saying they thought they were in- troducing an exclusionary clause, if they didn’t intro- duce an exclusionary clause,” he said. The chief justice ac- cepted this argument, stating, “It cannot suffice for a bla- tantly discriminatory con- struction to be advanced simply on the basis that that is the clear intention of those who took part in the consti- tutional negotiations.” Where in the Constitution does it say people of the same-sex can get married? The key sections of the Constitution cited in the judgment were Section 9, which guarantees the right to a private and family life and Section 16, which guarantees freedom from discrimination. Citing numerous judge- ments from across the de- veloped world, including a ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, which is relevant to Cayman because of its constitutional relation- ship with the U.K., the chief justice said it had been es- tablished that the “right to a private and family life” in- cluded the right of couples of the opposite sex to reg- ister their relationships and have their rights protected by the state. Section 16, which deals with freedom from discrim- ination, provides that it is unlawful for the state to treat people differently be- cause of their status, in this case sexual orientation, ac- cording to the Chief Justice’s ruling. In other words, it pro- vides that they have the same rights to marriage as hetero- sexual couples. Section 10, which deals with freedom of conscience – in this case, the right to be- lieve in and partake in mar- riage regardless of sexual orientation or religious be- lief – was also cited in the judgement. What rights are same-sex couples denied by not being able to get married? Marriage brings with it a legal recognition of a re- lationship and of a family. A number of rights derive from it in relation to immigration status, property, inheritance, the right to discuss med- ical care in the case of an ill- ness and so on. Crucially in this case, it also impacts the rights of the couple in relation to their adopted child. Chief Justice Smellie said the couple and their daughter were each en- titled to be recognised as being legally connected to the other two. Without an op- tion to marry, same-sex cou- ples are effectively treated as ‘legal strangers’. Why did the court opt for full marriage rather than civil partnerships? In theory, the Cayman Is- lands could have allowed same-sex couples to register their relationships and ac- cess the legal rights associ- ated with marriage by intro- ducing civil unions but they did not do so. Though the chief justice is entitled under the Con- stitution to amend existing law (passed before the in- troduction of the Consti- tution), that power does not extend to writing new legislation. Therefore, there was no option for him to introduce civil unions directly. He de- cided that the only option to ensure that same-sex cou- ples’ right to a family life was protected was to change the Marriage Law. His ruling also indicated that the Con- stitution outlaws discrimina- tion on the grounds of sexual orientation, so it is not clear that introducing civil un- ions, similar but not equal to marriage, would have been enough to clear this hurdle. What about Cayman’s Christian heritage and traditions? Isn’t that enshrined in the Constitution? While the Constitution is prefaced with a reference to the islands’ Christian her- itage, and religious freedom and tradition are protected by the Bill of Rights, the court ruled that it is not lawful for the Christian ma- jority to impose its interpre- tation of that religion’s views on the rest of the population through law. The chief justice cited a judgment on the same issue from the Constitutional Court of South Africa, which pointed out that religion had been used as justification for slavery, bans on inter-racial marriage and colonialism among other laws and insti- tutions now regarded with shame and disdain. He said tradition, too, could not justify a ban on same-sex marriage. “The possible desires of the heterosexual majority to maintain a perceived tradi- tion of marriage of its liking, or to impose dominant reli- gious beliefs on the homo- sexual minority, cannot, as the extensive survey of the case law has shown, consti- tute valid justification. “All sorts of iniquities have existed in the name of tradition. Tradition alone cannot form a rational basis for a law, nor for the promo- tion and maintenance of a discriminatory legal system of rights.” Can the people or the government change this decision, either through a referendum or through new legislation? This is not spelled out in the judgment but the Cayman Compass under- stands that the only av- enue for politicians or pro- testers who want to reverse this decision is for govern- ment to appeal, first to the Court of Appeal, then to the Privy Council in London. The likelihood of success here is considered marginal based on the extensive case law in the U.K. and Europe that was cited in the chief jus- tice’s judgment. What about a people- initiated referendum? An online petition is cir- culating calling for a people- initiated referendum but this approach appears to be a non- starter. In the first place, for a petition for a referendum to be valid, it must be a written pe- tition with verified signatures from more than 25 percent of the electorate. However, even if protesters were able to raise such a petition, the Constitu- tion does not permit referenda on issues where human rights could be impacted. Section 70, which deals with this issue, states that government can be compelled to hold a referendum only on “matters of national im- portance that do not contra- vene any part of the Bill of Rights or any other part of this constitution”. Can legislators change the Constitution to explicitly prohibit same-sex marriage? They could try, but as the Constitution was passed by Order in Council from the U.K., it would require the ap- proval of the U.K. Parliament to alter it. Will churches or marriage celebrants be forced to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies? In terms of religious min- isters, it appears not. While the chief justice amended the Marriage Law in respect of who can and cannot get married, he did not amend Section 8 of the Marriage Law which states, “No minister of religion who is a Marriage Officer shall be required to act as a Mar- riage Officer with respect to any marriage which is con- trary to the rules of the reli- gious denomination to which he belongs.” The picture is less clear for civil registrars. Legal sources told the Compass they be- lieved such officials may well be compelled to sanction such ceremonies because they are officiating civil rather than re- ligious ceremonies. If a civil registrar were unwilling to officiate a civil ceremony be- cause of their religious beliefs, they may be able to appoint a deputy to do it for them. This issue is not ad- dressed in the judgment and there is no clear consensus on how it will unfold. The legal duty falls on the offi- cial Registrar of the Cayman Islands Government general registry to allow for same- sex marriage and it is likely that this will at least involve a responsibility to ensure there are licensed officials who will perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush with their legal team after appearing in court last month. Chief Justice Anthony Smellie ruled on Friday that the couple can be legally married in the Cayman Islands. - PHOTO: ALVARO SEREYThe islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 and a kind of like serenity. It just fits perfectly for us.” The new facility, which has four rooms for hospice patients, a large common area, administrative offices and outside garden space, was dedicated by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, during a visit by her and Prince Charles last week. Those who entered the building during the cere- mony were almost immedi- ately confronted by Maki’s overhead piece. The 130 in- dividual flying fishes were each sculpted by hand out of a polymer material. “Not one of these is ex- actly the same,” she said. It took 50 hours to hang the sculpture, which winds around a hanging light fix- ture with glass globes. The lights are meant to look like bubbles, Maki said. “The flying fish is such a beautiful, ethereal crea- ture,” she said. “Every time I go deep-sea fishing, I’ve al- ways admired their beauty.” Maki, who is well known for her murals around the island, said she would like to do more three-dimen- sional pieces like the Jas- mine installation. “I’ve been creating a lot more sculptural works over the last several years,” she said. “I really want to focus on installation and more textile-oriented works.” But the goal re- mains the same. “If you can instil a feeling or an emotion with one of your pieces,” she said, “that’s the purpose of what I do.” to discuss their feelings on the issue of same-sex mar- riage itself, several raised concerns about the concept of the chief justice changing legislation. Chris Saunders, MLA for Bodden Town West, released a statement questioning the court’s decision, saying that the Constitution, approved by referendum in 2009, defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. He said it was for the public or the legislature to change that, not the courts. Chief Justice Smellie’s de- cision was that the Constitu- tion does not actually define marriage as between a man and a woman. It simply con- tains a clause protecting the rights of men and women to marry. He ruled that this did not exclude same-sex mar- riage and, in fact, government was in breach of different rights in the Constitution, in- cluding the right to a family life and the right to freedom from discrimination, by not allowing same-sex marriage. The chief justice changed the Marriage Law, not the Constitution, to allow for same-sex marriage. Nonetheless, Saunders said he was concerned about the judiciary changing the law of the land. “What we cannot have or allow in a democracy is legislation from the bench,” he said. Newlands MLA Alva Suckoo made similar re- marks, telling the Compass he was concerned about the chief justice changing the law. He added that he did not personally support a change to the definition of mar- riage as between one man and one woman. An online petition calling for the definition of marriage in the Cayman Islands to re- main as between one man and one woman had gathered 3,690 signatures at press time Monday. Asked for comment on the ruling, Bishop Nicholas Sykes, of St. Alban’s Church and a member of the execu- tive committee of the Cayman Islands Ministers’ Associa- tion, endorsed an analysis being circulated by lawyer and former government drafter Bilika Simamba. In his analysis, Simamba suggests that the chief jus- tice was wrong to interpret the Constitution in the way that he did. He claims that Section 14 of the Marriage Law does specifically define marriage as between a man and a woman and, because it deals with marriage, should usurp other elements of the Con- stitution that are more gen- eral, such as the right to a family life. This was the argument government brought at trial, arguing that this section was a specialist provision and amounted to a ban on same- sex marriage. The chief justice disagreed with this interpretation, agreeing with the couple’s lawyers’ claim that the law simply protected marriage for heterosexual couples and did not exclude other groups from being allowed access to marriage. He said if the U.K. gov- ernment had intended for this to be the case when it passed an Order in Council bringing Cayman’s Constitu- tion into being, it could have included specific wording to that effect. Bishop Sykes said the de- cision was “fatally flawed” on a number of counts and endorsed Simamba’s con- tention that the government should appeal. Simamba wrote in his analysis, “I think that the LA should debate the matter in emergency session, now that it is no longer sub judice, and pass a resolution asserting its power to amend laws and declare that the Chief Justice has overstepped his bounds. In addition, they must appeal the decision.” Leonardo Raznovich, a former law professor at the Truman Bodden Law School and part of the couple’s legal team, applauded the decision in a statement Friday and urged people to accept the court’s judgment. He wrote, “To those that oppose this decision as a matter of principle rather than with hate, I say this: denying two people the ability to love one another, to commit to each other and to support each other throughout life, in good and in bad times, to have that love respected and protected by the country in which you were born and raised, is the cruellest of all evils. “Look into your hearts and search your soul. Is this something that you wish to continue to endorse? Find the wisdom and courage to accept change, because today you have lost nothing, this decision will not force you to marry someone of the same-sex nor will force any church to celebrate a same-sex marriage. How- ever, the Cayman Islands have instead become one of the most advanced nations in the Caribbean, some- thing of which you should all be proud.” Governor endorses ‘equal rights’ for all CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 It could be a while be- fore the new rules take effect. The Department of Environ- ment clarified that Minister Seymour’s announcement last week followed the Cabinet’s ap- proval for the marine-park reg- ulations to be amended. The new regulations still have to be drafted and approved by Cab- inet, and a timeline for that has not been provided. Getting to this point has been a roughly eight-year pro- cess, which started in 2011 when the Department of Envi- ronment started planning and consulting with the public on expanding the marine parks. In 2015, the department brought its plan to West Bay, where they received a less- than-enthusiastic response from fishermen. “Yes, we have to protect what we have, but we also have to remember that the popula- tion still has to live,” Capt. Eu- gene Ebanks, MLA from West Bay, said at the time. “I’m very much in favour of conservation, but I certainly don’t think that you can possibly penalise the guys that fish to live and live to fish in that kind of way. Where else are they going to go and catch sprat?” In February 2016, the De- partment of Environment pre- sented a revised plan that shifted some of the no-fishing zones, particularly along the West Bay coastline, in an ef- fort to compromise with an- glers. West Bay fishermen were reportedly happier with the re- vised plan, which was the one presented to Cabinet. “As the most avid fisherman on the council and the repre- sentative for West Bay, I can say that every single concern that was raised at the meetings has been addressed in an amicable fashion,” National Conservation Council member Davey Ebanks said in 2016. “Congratulations on a great job.” Department of Environment Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie said on Monday that she does not know why it took more than three years for Cabinet to approve the marine parks plan, but “we’re just very happy that it’s happened”. The plan also has the stamp of approval from Prince Charles, who said last week during his visit here that it was heartening to hear Minister Seymour an- nounce the expansion of marine parks in Cayman. Ebanks-Petrie said it was nice for her department to re- ceive royal backing. “It’s always a very good day when there are people other than the DoE speaking about the need to protect the environ- ment,” she said. Sculpture floats overhead at hospice centre CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cabinet greenlights expansion of no-fishing areas CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Gina Ebanks-Petrie and Tim Austin of the Department of Environment discuss the planned expansion of Cayman’s marine parks. - PHOTO: KEN SILVA Mozambique races to contain cholera BEIRA, Mozambique (AP) – Mo- zambican and international health workers raced on Monday to contain the out- break of cholera in the cy- clone-hit city of Beira, where the cases of the disease has jumped to 517 and the first death has been recorded. “There are seven emer- gency cholera treatment cen- tres operational in Beira and two more being set up. Two additional centres are being set up in Nhamatanda,” said David Wightwick, the World Health Organization’s team leader in Beira. Mozambican workers have restored clean tap water to parts of Beira, a city of 500,000, although large areas of the city still do not have access to sanitary water, he told The Associated Press while visiting a water treat- ment centre. “A vaccination campaign against cholera, with 900,000 doses of the vaccine, will start Wednesday,” said Wight- wick. “That should blunt the edge of this outbreak.” More than two weeks after Cyclone Idai hit Beira and swept across central Mozambique, about 98,000 people are in camps for dis- placed and “living under canvas”, he said. “Cholera is our most im- mediate challenge,” said Wightwick, who added that getting adequate nutrition to the population and battling other diseases like malaria are also priorities. In addition to Mozam- bican medics, health workers from Portugal, Denmark, Italy and China are helping re- spond to the crisis. Cases of cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease, have risen dramatically since the first five cases were con- firmed last week. Cholera is spread by contaminated water and food. It can kill within hours but is relatively easy to treat. The overall cyclone death toll in Mozambique has risen to 518. With 259 deaths in Zimbabwe and 56 in Malawi, the three-nation death toll is now more than 815. Author- ities warn the tolls are pre- liminary as receding floodwa- ters expose more bodies. The U.S. military joined the international humani- tarian aid efforts to Mo- zambique by airlifting food and relief supplies from South Africa. Round-the-clock flights are delivering supplies from the U.N. World Food Pro- gram from King Shaka In- ternational Airport in Durban, South Africa, said Robert Mearkle, U.S. em- bassy spokesman. He said the commodi- ties airlifted from Durban were from the World Food Program’s internal stock in- cluding rice, dried peas and vegetable oil. “This lifesaving emergency food assistance will support approximately 160,000 people for one month,” said Mearkle. Chinese doctors spray chemicals to prevent the spread of cholera at a camp for displaced survivors of Cyclone Idai in Beira, Mozambique, Sunday. - PHOTO: APThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or non-profit organisations. 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 Road or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY, APRIL 2 WATER SERVICE: Water Authority-Cayman advises of a temporary service interruption in the Tropical Gardens area – Sorrel Drive, Hibiscus Lane, Poinsettia Lane and Carnation Lane – between 10 a.m. and noon. In addition, there will be a partial road closure on Carnation Lane for infrastructure upgrade. Motorists are asked to drive with caution. MUSEUM SPEAKER SERIES: Hear about ‘Pioneers of Our National Airline’. 6 p.m. at National Museum, Harbour Drive. $10 general admission, $6 members. Complimentary refreshments and admission to all exhibits. FRIDAY, APRIL 5 SPRING FLING: St. Ignatius School Fair, 3-6:30 p.m. on the school grounds. Food, fun, games, entertainment and prizes for all ages. Prize draw tickets, $5. All are invited. Proceeds support Multi-Purpose Hall fund. SATURDAY, APRIL 6 BOOK SALE: The Red Cross Thrift Shop holds a book sale at Foster’s at the Strand, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hardback books are $2, paperbacks, $1. Children’s books, 50 cents. ORCHID SHOW: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Educational talks, food, music. Admission, $5. Children under 12 are free. TUESDAY, APRIL 9 BULLYING: The Ministry of Community Affairs and the Alex Panton Foundation host a presentation on bullying at John Gray Memorial Church in West Bay. 6:30-8 p.m. All are invited. GENERAL INTEREST BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION: Fundraisers this week include a casual lunch April 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kohler Residence. April 2, Cocktails and Nibbles, 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kohler Residence. April 3, Casual Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Cocktails and Nibbles, 5-7:30 p.m., both events at Residences at Seafire. April 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., head and neck massages at Fitness Connection. Register at info@ breastcancerfoundation.ky. WOMEN’S ANNUAL RETREAT: The Women’s Ministry of Church of God Chapel in George Town invites all women to the annual retreat Friday, April 26, 7-9 p.m., and Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Family Life Centre. Guest speaker is Militza Matute. Cost is $25 and includes light breakfast and lunch. Register at 949-9393 or cogcgt@candw.ky or flcoff@ candw.ky. FRIDAY FISH FRY: Fridays during Lent until April 12. St. Ignatius School Canteen. Dine in or carry out, 5-8 p.m. Fried or baked fish and trimmings, $7 to $12. Proceeds in aid of parish religious education and youth ministry. LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Applications are being accepted for the Ministry of Education’s local scholarships. Eligible Caymanian students and adults are invited to apply until April 30. Funding is available for Year 12 students to pursue studies in A-level and BTEC Level 3 Extended for two years, and Year 13 students to pursue studies in Advanced Placement, CAPE and International Baccalaureate courses. Government will also award scholarships for certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s and law degree programmes at ICCI, UCCI, UWI Open Campus, St. Matthew’s University and the Cayman Islands Law School. The online application for local scholarships may be accessed at www.education. gov.ky/scholarships. For more information, contact the Scholarship Secretariat at 244-2482 or email scholarships@gov.ky. 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 socialising 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 pp for ceramics. $15/$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. 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 Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays 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, 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-centred 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. EMINENT ORATORS TOASTMASTERS: Want to be a better speaker or leader? Join a Toastmasters Club. The Eminent Orators Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Monday at Cayman Academy Canteen, Walkers Road, 6-7:30 p.m. Contact Sashoy Duncan at 939-8847 or email eminentorator stoastmasters@gmail.com. Visitors and guests welcome. 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. RELIGIOUS SERVICES EL MINISTERIO HISPANO: de la Iglesia Bautista Cayman Islands te hace una cordial invitación a nuestro culto en español cada Domingo, 6:30 p.m., Pedro Castle Road, Savannah. Para transporte, llamar al teléfono no. 946-2422, email: cibaptist@candw.ky. SPANISH WORSHIP SERVICE: First Baptist Church, Crewe Road, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Third Sunday of each month. HARBOUR LUTHERAN CHURCH: Meets for Divine Worship and Fellowship at South Sound Community Centre, South Sound, Sundays at 10 a.m. www. safeharbourlc.com. MUSLIM PRAYER: Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands advises 5 times salaat/prayer at the Masjid. Fajr at 6 a.m. Dhuhr at 1:15 p.m. Asr at 5:15 p.m. Maghrib at 7 minutes after sunset. Isha at 8 p.m. website isci.org.ky. CATHOLIC CHURCH: St. Ignatius, Walkers Road, Mass 6 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Sundays. Christ the Redeemer, West Bay, Mass 9:45 a.m. Sunday. JOHN GRAY MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH: Sunday worship for the family and Children’s Church, 10 a.m. BOATSWAIN BAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Sundays. 10 a.m. Christian Education for all ages; 11 a.m., Morning Worship with nursery for youngsters; 7 p.m. Evening Worship. Visit www.bbpca.org. SUNRISE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Harquail Theatre, 10 a.m., contemporary worship. Nursery ministry, children’s church and the Explorers are for ages infant to 11. Community groups meet during the week for fellowship and growth. www. sunrise.ky. FRANK SOUND CHURCH OF GOD: Meets on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Children church 10:30 a.m. Bible Studies Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Youth Group, Friday at 7:30 p.m. THE CHURCH OF GOD CHAPEL: On Academy Way and Walkers Road holds Sunday morning services at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more Community Calendar events, visit www. caymancompass.com/events. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park will host its annual Orchid Show on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2019 US to close holding area at El Paso bridge U.S. officials say they will close a holding area under a bridge connecting El Paso, Texas, with Juarez, Mexico. Customs and Border Protection says migrants held under the Paso Del Norte International Bridge will be relocated to a place with more space and shelter. The family of the late Donna Welcome regret to announce her passing on Wednesday, 20 March, 2019. Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page Funeral services will be announced at a later date. Murder charge dropped for suspect in Kim Jong Nam killing SHAH ALAM, Malaysia (AP) – Two years after North Ko- rean leader Kim Jong Un’s half brother was killed, a Malaysian court on Monday dropped the murder charge against the only suspect still in custody, and she pleaded guilty to a lesser offence and is expected to be re- leased soon. The move to reduce the charge against the Viet- namese woman, Doan Thi Huong, came three weeks after an even more stun- ning development in the case, when prosecutors unexpect- edly dropped the murder charge against Huong’s Indo- nesian co-defendant and im- mediately freed her. The two women had been the only suspects in custody after four North Korean sus- pects fled Malaysia following the killing of Kim Jong Nam in a Kuala Lumpur airport terminal on the morning of Feb. 13, 2017. Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow with the Singapore Insti- tute of International Af- fairs, said the decision not to charge the two women with murder likely marked the end of the case. “This is pretty much the end as the real culprits are apparently hiding behind the veil of diplomatic immunity and state-sponsored sanc- tuary,” Oh said. Huong and the Indonesian woman, Siti Aisyah, have said they thought they were par- ticipating in a prank for a TV show and did not know they actually were taking part in a high-profile murder. The two were arrested and accused of smearing VX nerve agent on Kim’s face. Kim was the eldest son in the current generation of North Korea’s ruling family. He had been living abroad for years but could have been seen as a threat to Kim Jong Un’s rule. Lawyers for the women have previously said they were pawns in a political as- sassination with clear links to the North Korean Em- bassy in Kuala Lumpur, and that the prosecution failed to show the women had any in- tention to kill. Intent to kill is crucial to a murder charge under Malaysian law. Malaysian officials have never officially accused North Korea and have made it clear they do not want the trial politicised. The murder charge the women had faced carried the death penalty if they were convicted. Huong nodded Monday as a translator read the new charge to her: vol- untarily causing injury with a dangerous weapon, VX nerve agent. Oh said he believed it was a “friendly gesture to Vietnam while paying due respect to the judicial process”. While Huong may not have had any premeditated intent to kill Kim, she did apply the VX on his face and has to account for it, he said. High Court Judge Azmi Ariffin sentenced Huong to three years and four months in prison from the day she was arrested on Feb. 15, 2017. Huong’s lawyer Hisyam The Poh Teik said his client is expected to be freed by the first week of May, after a one- third reduction in her sen- tence for good behaviour. “I am happy,” Huong, 30, told reporters as she left the courtroom, adding that she thought it was a fair outcome. While handing out a jail term short of the maximum 10 years the new charge car- ried, the judge told Huong she was “very, very lucky” and wished her “all the best”. Vietnamese officials in the courtroom cheered when the decision was announced. The move follows the Ma- laysian attorney general’s de- cision to drop the murder case against Aisyah on March 11 following high-level lob- bying from Indonesia’s gov- ernment. Huong sought to be acquitted after Aisyah was freed, but prosecutors re- jected her request. Prosecutor Iskandar Ahmad told the court that the attorney general offered the reduced charge to Huong following pleas from the Vi- etnamese government and her lawyers. The original charge had alleged that the two women colluded with four North Ko- reans to murder Kim with VX nerve agent as he passed through the airport. A High Court judge last August found there was enough evidence to infer that Aisyah, Huong and the four North Koreans engaged in a “well-planned conspiracy” to kill Kim and called on the two women to present their defence. Huong’s lawyer told the court Monday that her guilty plea to the lesser charge showed she “has taken re- sponsibility” for her actions. In asking for a lenient sen- tence, he also told the court that her move saved ju- dicial time. Hisyam had urged the judge to take into account Huong’s honesty, her accept- ance of responsibility and the acquittal of her co-defendant. “She is neither a criminal nor has the propensity to commit a crime,” the lawyer said. Huong, the youngest of five children, has a prom- ising future with a degree in accounting, but she is also “naive and gullible”, he said. Hisyam said the four North Korean suspects still at large were the “real assassins”. UK Parliament begins voting on alternatives to May’s Brexit deal LONDON (AP) – Britain’s Par- liament sought a way out of the country’s Brexit morass on Monday, voting on a se- ries of measures that could soften or reverse the U.K.’s departure from the European Union – if a majority of law- makers can agree. The votes were ongoing at press time Monday. With just 12 days until the U.K. must come up with a new plan or crash out of the bloc in chaos, the House of Commons was considering four alternatives to Prime Minister Theresa May’s un- popular Brexit deal. After May’s plan suffered three defeats in Parliament, and with Britain due to leave the EU on April 12, lawmakers seized temporary control of the parliamentary agenda to try to find a way forward. Conservative lawmaker Ken Clarke, one of those be- hind Monday’s votes, said the Brexit process “has been a shambles”. “Today we have got to start to bring that to an end,” he said. Two of the four options – chosen by House of Com- mons Speaker John Bercow from eight submissions – aim to keep Britain in a close eco- nomic relationship with the bloc after Brexit. One seeks continued membership in the EU’s customs union, guar- anteeing smooth and tariff- free trade in goods. The second goes further, calling for Britain to stay in the EU’s borderless single market for both goods and services. Both ideas have strong support among opposition lawmakers and some pro-EU members of the governing Conservatives, who think they would ease the eco- nomic shock of Brexit. But many pro-Brexit politicians see them as halfway meas- ures that fall short of true de- parture from the bloc. A third proposal called for any Brexit deal Britain strikes with the EU to be put to a public referendum. The fourth would let Britain cancel Brexit if it came within two days of crashing out of the bloc without a deal. Monday’s votes in Par- liament followed an earlier round last week in which none of the eight options on offer secured a majority. The customs union and second referendum proposals gained the most support. May has ruled out all the ideas under consideration. But the divorce deal she ne- gotiated with the EU has been rejected by Parliament three times, leaving Britain facing a no-deal Brexit that could cause turmoil for people and businesses on both sides of the Channel. Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood urged fellow Con- servative lawmakers to com- promise to ensure an or- derly Brexit. “When you put your deal through three times and col- leagues and others have not supported it, but you still want to honour the referendum re- sult itself, you still want to get out of Europe, then something small has to give,” he said. The April 12 deadline, im- posed by the EU, gives May less than two weeks to bridge the hostile divide that sep- arates those in her govern- ment who want to sever links with the EU and those who want to keep the ties that have bound Britain to the bloc for almost 50 years. May, who is renowned for her dogged determination, could try to bring her Brexit agreement back for a fourth time later this week. Protesters stage an anti-Brexit rally on the Old Dublin Road, Carrickcarnon, Ireland, Saturday. - PHOTO: AP Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, right, is escorted by police as she leaves Shah Alam High Court in Shah Alam, Malaysia, Monday. - PHOTO: APNext >