The cyclist who was killed in a hit- and-run incident early Monday has been named as Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Kir- zner, 21, from Argentina. He had been on his way to his job at the Kimpton Seafire resort when he was struck and killed on North Church Street. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident. For more on this story, see page 5. ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 High of 85 Low of 75 Slight with wave heights 2 to 4 feet. EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 LET THE CARIFTA GAMES BEGIN WORLD | PAGE 9 NATIONS EXPRESS SOLIDARITY WITH FRANCE AFTER NOTRE DAME FIRE Governor: ‘We are stronger together’ Roper calls for unity amid rising tensions JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com The governor has called for everyone to show tolerance and respect amid an increas- ingly fractious debate over same-sex marriage rights in the Cayman Islands. Governor Martyn Roper, speaking in a wide-ranging interview with the Cayman Compass, said there are strong feelings on both sides of the debate but urged those involved to treat each other with courtesy and respect. He refuted suggestions that the UK was trying to push same-sex marriage on the Cayman Islands and said the mother country was happy to let the court process run its course. “I don’t think that’s correct. Britain has stepped back on this issue,” he said. “The UK has been clear that this is a de- volved matter,” Roper said. “We want the local territories to handle it, but if there is discrimination, that needs to be addressed. That is something that I and previous gover- nors have said. “We are where we are because some in so- ciety feel their rights are not being protected in the same way as others.” Chief Justice Anthony Smellie ruled last month that the definition of marriage in Cay- man’s Marriage Law as between a man and a woman was discriminatory and breaches nu- merous freedoms guaranteed by Cayman’s Bill of Rights. He amended the Marriage Law to allow for same-sex marriage. VISTA DEL MAR WINS LAND DISPUTE KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Vista Del Mar Developments Ltd. has won its legal dispute against two people who pur- chased a plot of land there in 2009 but were forced to sell the land back after not starting construction in time. The dispute was over whether Vista Del Mar – a gated community off West Bay’s Yacht Drive comprised of oceanfront and canalfront lots – has the right to repurchase the plot of land from the two people for $462,460. Vista Del Mar won both the Grand Court case and the appeal, but the owners who pur- chased the property were granted leave in 2017 to have their case heard in the Privy Council. According to court documents, Vista Del Mar has contracts with its property purchasers stating that they must build residences on their lots within certain time frames. Otherwise, the residential de- velopment has the right to repurchase the land. HIT-AND-RUN CYCLIST NAMED Easter eggs signal start of turtle nesting season JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com You know it must be springtime in the Cayman Islands when the first turtle nests are recorded on the islands’ beaches. It will likely be another two months before the hatchlings break free from their shells and make their way to the sea, but nesting season is officially under way after the discovery of a nest on the south coast of Grand Cayman on Friday, April 12. Cayman’s nesting sea turtles have been brought back from the brink of extinction over the past two decades. But the population re- mains fragile, and environment officials and volunteers maintain a vigil throughout nesting season, which typically runs to November, to protect against poaching and other threats. DoE research officer Janice Blumenthal said 2019 will be the 21st year of the De- partment of Environment’s beach moni- toring program. There were 406 nests recorded across all three islands during the 2018 season, com- pared with just 15 when surveys began in the Sister Islands in 1998, and 23 when the project was extended to Grand Cayman in 1999. Blumenthal said, “It is very encouraging to see such an early nest this year and we hope that the trend of generally rising nest numbers can continue.” The department has established a ‘Turtle Hotline’ and urges anyone to call and report when they find turtle nests or tracks. “On the beach, nesting turtles, turtle nests, and baby turtles are extremely vulnerable. The Turtle Hotline makes it possible for members of the public to assist in sea turtle conser- vation effort by alerting DoE when they find turtle nests or see nesting turtles or baby tur- tles in danger,” she said. Last year, a call to the hotline alerted DoE volunteers to storm waves flooding nests on Seven Mile Beach, resulting in the rescue of 500 hatchlings. The Turtle Hotline can be reached on 938-NEST. Department of Environment research officer Paul Chin checks a turtle egg to determine its approximate hatch time at the first turtle nest found this season. - PHOTO: DOE PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 »2 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 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. - WEDNESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) LITTLE (PG13) 1:50 I 4:30 I 7:10 I 9:45 AFTERMATH (R) 1:20 I 7:15 I 9:40 PET SEMATARY (R) 4:20 I 9:50 CAPTAIN MARVEL (PG13) 1:35 I 3:20 I 10:00 HELLBOY (R) 1:00 VIP I 3:50 I 7:00 VIP I 10:00 SHAZAM! (PG13) 12:50 I 3:50 VIP I 7:00 I 9:50 VIP A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL (PG13) 7:25 DUMBO (PG) 12:30 I 4:35 I 6:50 3.2% -0.4% -7.2% -2.7% 1.2% 1.2% 1.3% 2.7% 2.8% 3.1% 3.0% 20072008200920102011201220132014201520162017 Cayman Islands: Growth in Real GDP 2007 - 2017 ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN BACKS JUNIOR BATABANO The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman is returning as a sponsor of Junior Ba- tabano Street Parade and Family Fun Day, scheduled for May 11. “It is an absolute pleasure for the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman to be supporting Junior Ba- tabano once again this year,” said Lawrence Ed- wards, president of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman. “People sometimes forget, but Rotary in Grand Cayman was there at the very inception of Junior Ba- tabano some 18 years ago. “Congratulations to eve- ryone involved in organising and growing this celebra- tion, especially the children involved – be proud and cel- ebrate your heritage …. Be creative with the dancing and arts and, above all, have a pile of fun.” Batabano chair Donna Myrie-Stephen, said, “On behalf of the Batabano or- ganising committee, we congratulate the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman for their forward thinking and vision as founders of Batabano some 36 years ago. We are honoured and proud of the Club’s con- tinued support of Junior Batabano as well, year after year since its inception 18 years ago, and we look for- ward to their ongoing sup- port of Cayman’s youth through this cultural ar- tistic avenue.” Junior Batabano events start with Pan and Pooches on Parade on Friday, May 10, at 5:30 p.m. The loca- tion is to be confirmed. On Saturday, May 11, the Family Fun Day activities begin at noon with interac- tive booths and food ven- dors on the grounds of the old Glass House in George Town, with the parade starting from the same lo- cation at 3 p.m. The parade wraps around George Town and returns to the Glass House where each Junior Mas Band will do dance perfor- mances as they cross the stage, vying for the cov- eted title of Junior Bata- bano Band of the Year. The event wraps up at 6 p.m., and is followed by the an- nual Teen Dance at Kings Sports Centre. For more information about Junior Batabano, visit www. caymancarnival.com or email batabanocaymancarnival@ gmail.com. West Bay man charged with aggravated burglary, wounding Victim sustained machete injuries at his home CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A residential burglary in West Bay last month re- sulted in three charges against Ryan Elijah Ebanks, who appeared in Summary Court on Monday morning. Ebanks, a resident of West Bay, was charged with aggravated bur- glary – entering a prem- ises as a trespasser with intent to commit an of- fence and having with him an offensive weapon at the time. The weapon alleged was a machete. In the incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. on March 9, the complainant/ victim was struck with a machete. He sustained lac- erations to the head and arm. The resultant charge was wounding/ unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent to do so. Ebanks, 40, is further charged with robbery of the same victim. Details are that he stole a Samsung smartphone and a Swiss watch valued at $200 while putting his victim in fear of being subjected to force. Magistrate Valdis Foldats told Ebanks that the charges were triable in Grand Court only and he was transmitting them to the higher court for men- tion on Friday, May 3. He also noted that Ebanks could apply for bail in the higher court. The defendant was rep- resented by attorney Ru- pert Wheeler. Cayman holds National Day of Prayer The recent Grand Court same-sex marriage ruling was a major topic during Cayman’s observance of a National Day of Prayer on Wednesday. About 100 people gathered under a tree outside of the Glass House to pray in groups and listen to local pastors. ‘Father, we think of the appeals process. Father, we pray in Jesus’s name that you would have that ungodly ruling revoked – that our marriage may stay intact,’ said Pastor Garrett Haylock. ‘We pray for those who would represent us in the appeals effort.’ The National Day of Prayer is an event organised each year by the Cayman Ministers Association. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY The Junior Batabano parade takes place on Saturday, May 11, this year. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAYThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 Apply online At www.seafireresortandspa.com/hotel-scholarship-program/ Deadline: May 5, 2019 Candidates are selected through an open application process, following these basic criteria: Be Caymanian, have the ability to prove Caymanian status and have proof of having resided in the Cayman Islands for at least 4 years prior to application Be between the ages of 16 to 20 years of age Possess excellent character, work ethic, and have a genuine interest in the hospitality industry Have been accepted as a full-time student into an accredited associate or technical program in a field related to the hospitality industry, for a maximum of 2 years Each year we at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa seek to recruit passionate Caymanians who are interested in pursuing a career in hospitality through our Seafire Scholarship. The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa scholarship program offers an award for full-time study at an accredited associate or technical program of up to US $25,000 per year. Left: Jayda Rae Smith, 2018 Seafire Scholarship recipient, with General Manager Steven Andre and Resort Manager Eduardo Del Risco. Are you the next SeAfire ScholAr?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” Grand Cayman will welcome hundreds of the Carib- bean’s finest athletes and their supporters this week for 48th annual CARIFTA Games. It is our islands’ third time hosting this impor- tant regional competition since Cayman’s athletes began participating four decades ago. From Saturday through Monday, supporters will pack the stands at the newly renovated Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Olympian Way. Some of those in attendance might remember when the complex first opened in April 1995, only a week before our islands’ first experience hosting CARIFTA. Back then, with a population half of what it is today, we were the smallest nation ever to do so. We hosted again in 2010, the first year the Games were televised. Nine years later, we are again excited to show the best of Caymankind. Over the passing years, both Cayman and the games have grown. Today, the CARIFTA Games are among the world’s youth track and field events, attracting many of the Caribbean’s strongest competitors. Quite a few outstanding Olympians have taken their first few steps on the path to distinction at CARIFTA. That is true for local heroes such as Cydonie Moth- ersill, Ronald Forbes and Kareem Streete-Thompson, and for other nations’ competitors, such as Saint Kitts and Nevis sprinter Kim Collins and Jamaica’s leg- endary Usain Bolt. For a fascinating history, including a recounting of Cayman’s medal winners over the years, see tomorrow’s Weekender. In fact, it’s not unlikely that this weekend’s spec- tators will catch a glimpse of some of tomorrow’s Olympic stars. This year, a record-breaking 52 young athletes make up our team. Watching them compete for gold on their own home turf – in front of thousands of fans – will be an exhilarating experience. Hosting CARIFTA is no small task for our little islands, but it is well worth the effort. It offers a chance to show our Caribbean neighbours what makes our islands special and helps establish ourselves as a sports tourism destination. As successful event follows successful event, this lucrative and exciting segment of our tourism industry will only continue to grow. But perhaps the most important benefit of hosting CARIFTA is the example it sets for our young people, offering a life-changing opportunity for our athletes to shine brightly throughout our region and to meet new friends. Without question, this weekend’s competition will be an experience they will long remember. For their peers and fans cheering them on from the side lines, CARIFTA offers motivation to strive for excellence and clear evidence of the value of a healthy lifestyle. Our athletes are living proof that by eating healthy, training regularly and pushing oneself to the limits of their endurance, our bodies are capable of amazing feats. Sports offer so many valuable lessons for our young people: teamwork, dedication, good sportsman- ship and giving your all. As many an athlete and coach has observed, these are essential skills for success not only on the field, but in school, work, relationships – indeed, throughout one’s life. So welcome to all our visitors, and thanks to the Cayman Islands Athletic Association, community partners, sponsors and volunteers who came together to make this weekend possible. Let the games begin! Let the CARIFTA Games begin WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS RENÉ BREUEL The world went to bed in mourning on April 15. Not since 9/11 had flames and smoke engulfed a beloved landmark the way they over- came Notre Dame in Paris that evening. “Notre Dame is our his- tory, our literature, part of our psyche, the place of all our great events, our epidemics, our wars, our liberations, the epicentre of our lives,” French President Emmanuel Ma- cron lamented in front of the burning cathedral. Other European voices added to the sense of col- lective loss. “Notre Dame belonged to the whole of mankind,” said European Commission President Jean- Claude Juncker. Newspapers such as El Pais in Spain be- moaned the damage done to “a symbol of European culture”. However sincere and moving these words may be, they betray also a greater tragedy: the loss of a common language of faith. The fact that Notre Dame was a church built primarily as a house of prayer seemed curi- ously in the background. Sure, the cathedral wit- nessed the coronation of Na- poleon and survived the French Revolution and two world wars. It is a symbol of Paris and a heritage of all humanity. But our collective mourning should not forget the fact that a church was on fire. More than a national icon or a touristic spot, cathedrals such as Notre Dame reveal their soul when they house singing and baptisms, confes- sion and pardon, preaching and prayer. Church buildings cer- tainly colour all kinds of memories. I, for one, asked my wife’s hand in marriage on a boat that cruised on the Seine. Her hand, now with an en- gagement ring, clutched mine as we admired Notre Dame. But if our shared vocabu- lary excludes words such as ‘God’ and ‘belief’, we will have lost the lexicon of our souls. How more robust will our rebuilding efforts be if they are inspired by some- thing like the words of the prophet Haggai, who en- couraged the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jeru- salem saying, “‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace.’” Similarly, our thankful- ness will be greater once re- building efforts are com- pleted if we share language such as that of Psalm 126: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’“ I live in Rome, a city that gathers more cathedrals than any other. I love to watch children play soccer in front of basilicas or couples lick gelati sitting on the steps that lead to a sanctuary. But part of me misses the fact that not many of them enter such churches except to take pictures. It is appropriate for poli- ticians to mourn a world-fa- mous icon. It is more appro- priate still for people of faith to pray that churches may again be regarded as living sanctuaries. René Breuel is the pastor of a church in Rome. © 2019, The Washington Post Writers Group Notre Dame is more than a cultural landmark If our shared vocabulary excludes words such as ‘God’ and ‘belief’, we will have lost more than a building. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Ban single-use plastic to protect marine life Dear Hon. Dwayne S. Sey- mour: I am writing to in- form you about the many concerned people with wor- ries about single-use plastic. I hope after you read this letter the government will ban single-use plastic. Firstly, single-use plastic is killing our magnificent ma- rine life at a disturbing pace. Recently, on March 16, a whale was found on a beach dead after consuming 40 kilo- grammes of plastic bags and it has not been the only time! Not just whales, our birds, as well. That is horrible, would you not agree? At the moment, we are producing way too much plastic: 20 million plastic bottles are made each day and 300 million end up in the ocean in a year. Is that not terrible? What is really an- noying is that 50% of that is single-use plastic and this is why we need to ban it, like Kenya has. I hope you will consider banning single-use plastic. Please think of all of those suffering creatures and do something! Caitlin Angela Doran Cayman Prep, Year 6 Concerned about water testing and reporting Congratulations to the Cayman Compass for its in- vestigative research con- cerning the high bacteria count found at a number of North and East End beaches. We have scheduled our fourth return trip to Grand Cayman next winter. I am alarmed at the lax testing and reporting of bacteria counts off Grand Cayman beaches. Sargassum can be a factor, but faulty septic tanks, etc., also are known contributors. Citizens and visitors de- serve to know their beaches are safe for recreation and be notified when they are not. James Billmyer, Iowa, US5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 Man killed in hit-and-run identified KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com The cyclist who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in the early hours of Monday has been identified as Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Kirzner, a 21-year- old Argentinian national who moved to Cayman ear- lier this year. According to Kirzner’s roommate Tristen Lamarsh, the Argentinian left home shortly after 4 a.m. to cycle to work at the Kimpton Seafire Resort on the morning that he was struck and killed. Kirzner turned 21 last week and had only been in Cayman for a little less than two months, Lamarsh said. “He just left home for the first time and was so excited to be in Cayman,” she said. “He was an amazing person.” A GoFundMe page has been started to benefit the family of Kirzner. The page was started by friends of Kir- zner, and proceeds will help the victim’s family bring his body home and have a me- morial service. The page had already sur- passed its $20,000 target, reaching $21,500 by Tuesday afternoon. The fundraising page can be found by searching ‘Nacho Kirzner’ on www.gofundme.com. Meanwhile, police arrested a 28-year-old man in relation to the incident. The man was arrested just after 5:45 a.m. on Monday – about 15 minutes after police were called to the scene on North Church Street near Coral Sands. He was arrested on sus- picion of causing death by dangerous driving, driving a vehicle while disqualified, driving a vehicle without in- surance, and leaving the scene of an accident. The man remained in custody as investiga- tions continued, police said on Tuesday. COURT ‘CAN’T WAIT FOREVER’ IN CHAMPION HOUSE PENSION CASE Final date set in 10-year old case CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A company facing pen- sion-related charges from more than a decade ago was given a final date for sentencing when a rep- resentative appeared in Summary Court this week. Magistrate Valdis Foldats set Champion House charges for sen- tence again on May 27. “This has to be final- ised,” he said. “We can’t wait forever.” The restaurant has been before the court since 2008 on charges re- lating to failure to pay employee pension contri- butions to a pension plan. The charges at one stage totalled $177,000 on be- half of 32 employees. On Monday, attorney Graham Hampson said a director of the com- pany had been in contact with officials about the Chamber of Commerce pension plan. He indicated there was some documenta- tion relating to payments amounting to $59,000, but the sums paid and owed had to be verified by the Department of Pensions and Labour. He advised that Crown counsel Greg Walcolm had said he would put max- imum pressure on the department. The magistrate urged the company representa- tive, who is not person- ally charged, to do what needed to be done. Otherwise, he said, the court will proceed on the amount the prosecution had quoted as being owed. The restaurant has been before the court since 2008 on charges relating to failure to pay employee pension contributions to a pension plan. Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Kirzner’s damaged bike lies on the side of the road on North Church Street Monday morning after the fatal hit-and-run incident. A GoFundMe page has been started to benefit the family of Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Kirzner, who was killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle Monday.6 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 CAYMAN COMPASS 949-5111 | sales@pinnaclemedialtd.com LONG WEEKEND Please by advised there will be NO NEWSPAPER on Good Friday, April 19 and Easter Monday, April 22 EDITION DEADLINE April 18 Monday April 15 April 19 HOLIDAY NO PUBLICATION April 22 HOLIDAY NO PUBLICATION April 23 Tuesday April 16 April 24 Wednesday April 17 April 25 Wednesday April 17 April 26 Tuesday April 23 ASTASTASTEREREREASTER EASTER EASTER RUNRUNRUNCCCBRUNCHBRUNCHBRUNCH all youall youall youll ll ll an eatan eatan eatcan eat can eat can eat at at at GUY GUY GUY UYUYUY ARARARVEVEVEY’Y’Y’HARVEY’SHARVEY’SHARVEY’S $45$45$45$$$444 www.guyharveys.ky for reservations either email: info@guyharveys.ky or phone: 946 9000 CUC holds energy-efficiency fair JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Caribbean Utilities Com- pany held its third annual Energy Efficiency Forum and Fair at Camana Bay’s Arts and Recreation Centre on Saturday. It was a chance for the community to learn how to save on energy, gain efficiency upgrades to their homes, and to lower their energy bills. CUC President and CEO Richard Hew said 2019 has been designated the “Year of the Customer”. He said Saturday’s forum served to educate customers on how to use electricity more efficiently, understand what appliances use lots of electricity, and how to con- serve energy. “If you are not aware of how to use it properly, you can waste it and you pay for that, and the world pays for it in terms of impact and global warming,” Hew said. “We want to be sure to help our customers use that electricity wisely so they can derive the same amount of value and quality of life out of fewer kilowatt-hours or less electricity … that’s what energy efficiency is all about.” He pointed out some simple ways of doing this, including monitoring air- conditioning usage, having proper insulation on the roof and walls, installing high- efficiency windows and not heating more water than is necessary. Flow, Affordable Solar, CIBC First Caribbean and Foam Pros were among the companies that participated in the fair. Volunteers who had taken part in the Chamber of Com- merce’s Earth Day Clean-Up also stopped by the fair, out- side which the post-Clean-Up breakfast was served. The event also featured retailers that specialise in air conditioning, home in- sulation, lighting, energy- efficient appliances, resi- dential-window tinting and electric vehicles. FLOW representatives give promotions to Sophia Barnes, left, and Suzan Mascarenhas. Young volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce Earth Day Clean-Up get excited about the CUC Cash Cube where they have a chance to win prizes. CUC customer representatives Ellstine Mitchell and Elizabeth Whittaker show off CUC payment locations. - PHOTOS: JEWEL LEVY7 LOCAL®IONAL CAYMAN COMPASS WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 Cayman Island Rum Cake SPECIAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION Available at TORTUGA ® Industrial Park and “Bake It & Take It” locations. Valid April 15–20. Jury hears woman’s interview about firearm Defendant is holder of concealed weapons permit in US CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Grand Court jurors heard and saw an interview on Tuesday given by a female cruise ship passenger who has pleaded not guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm in Cayman on Feb. 3. Carol Ann McNeill- Skorupan, 67, told officers after her arrest that she had joined the cruise with the encouragement of a best friend. She said her passport had expired, but she had in- quired and had been told that being on the cruise ship was “as if you’re still in Florida”. Asked if she had told cruise personnel about her firearm, she said she had a licence in her home state of Wisconsin and that she was told it was as if she were living in Florida, and so did not need a permit for her to have the gun in Florida. She believed she was not re- quired to declare a firearm because she was not travel- ling overseas. She meant to leave the gun with friends in Naples, Florida, the court heard. The piece of luggage with the gun, however, did not arrive with her other luggage on the flight from Wisconsin, she told police. If she had the gun in her cabin, it would have been in a safety deposit box and would not have left the ship, she said. McNeill-Skorupan said she had the gun because she was travelling before and after the cruise to places that were not safe. She denied having it be- cause the places the ship would visit might not be safe. They would be safe because they were super- vised by the cruise line, she argued. She said she did not know the airline was going to ship her missing lug- gage to Grand Cayman and she didn’t know it was il- legal. “Somebody” had made the decision to ship the bag here, but it wasn’t her. She thought it was probably the airline. She described the situ- ation as a “communication gap” between the airline and the cruise ship. The defendant was not present for the trial and she is being tried in ab- sentia. She was represented by attorney Keith Myers, in- structed by James Stenning. Crown counsel Greg Walcolm is conducting the prosecution’s case, as- sisted by Crown counsel Aal- iyah McCarthy. Justice Michael Wood told jurors on Tuesday he would give them directions on the meaning of ‘posses- sion’ when he summed up the case for them later. DEFENDANTS PLEAD GUILTY IN DOG-BURNING CASE SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com Andrei James Challenger and James Rolin Chal- lenger, who were charged with offences related to the wounding of a dog named Dora in May 2017, pleaded guilty to a pair of crimes on Tuesday. Andrei Challenger, James’s son, pleaded guilty to failing to exercise proper care and supervision of the dog. James Challenger pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering. The younger Challenger is still charged with cru- elty to animals and causing unnecessary suffering, and James Challenger is also charged with failing to ex- ercise proper care and su- pervision. The two men had been scheduled to stand trial Tuesday morning but changed their pleas before the proceedings began. Crown counsel Darlene Oko informed the court that Tuesday was the first oppor- tunity she had to sit down and talk about the case with defence attorneys Richard Barton and Dennis Brady. Barton represented the elder Challenger, while Brady is the attorney for Andrei Challenger. “It’s been time well spent,” said Oko to Magistrate Philippa McFarlane. “I think we’ve resolved the matter and it may not require a trial.” Dora, who belonged to the Challengers at the time, suf- fered extensive burns in May 2017 and underwent emer- gency surgery at Island Vet- erinary Services. Dora was pregnant at the time and lost her litter. She was sub- sequently adopted by a new family. Andre Challenger was ar- rested on suspicion of an- imal cruelty on May 22, 2017, and he and his father were charged with their re- spective crimes in October that year. The trial was orig- inally scheduled for last March but was administra- tively delayed on multiple occasions. Magistrate McFarlane thanked the two sides for coming to an agreement on Tuesday. “In the circumstances, I commend all of you,” the magistrate said. Both Oko and Barton in- dicated that further discus- sions are needed to iron out a basis for plea. Magistrate McFarlane ordered a social inquiry report to be con- ducted by probation officers. The Challengers will be due back in court for their next appearance on June 4. CONGRESSMAN PLANS TRIP TO HONDURAS ON MIGRATION CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (AP) – US Rep. Tom O’Halleran says he plans to travel to Honduras soon to learn why many resi- dents of the Central American country are migrating north. The Casa Grande Dispatch reported Monday that the Ar- izona Democrat plans to dis- cuss with Honduran officials what the US can do to help. O’Halleran says the US gov- ernment needs to consult with Mexico about finding solutions for slowing down the flow of migrants heading to the US. He says Congress has com- mitted to investing more in US Customs and Border Protec- tion, but it has been difficult for the agency to fill agent and officer vacancies. He says President Donald Trump’s suggestion of shut- ting down the US-Mexico border would harm commerce.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS The implementation of that decision has been de- layed pending an appeal by the Cayman Islands government. Government has ar- gued that the chief justice overstepped his powers by amending the legislation di- rectly and has insisted that the wording of the relevant section in the Constitution was intended to directly pre- vent same-sex marriage. It has not disputed the court’s finding that the absence of any framework for same- sex couples to legally reg- ister their relationships is discriminatory. Roper said the UK had made it clear, in previous statements from the For- eign and Commonwealth Of- fice, that it was not currently contemplating an order in council on the issue. He said the Cayman Is- lands Constitution provided the proper framework for questions of discrimination to be addressed. “The way the balance of responsibilities works is that if it is not addressed by the local parliament, then the court system addresses it,” he said. “That is where we are at the moment, but we now need to see where that gets to in terms of an appeal.” He said the Bill of Rights, included in the Cayman Is- lands Constitution of 2009, was a major step forward be- cause it provided protection of rights for individuals and minority groups. “As previous governors have said, it is about recog- nising that where there is discrimination, we have to do something about that and, whatever happens in the ap- peal, there is still an issue of discrimination which will need tackling.” ‘Stronger together’ Roper believes he has built a strong working re- lationship with the Cayman Islands government and hopes that can continue, de- spite tensions over issues like rights for same-sex cou- ples and public beneficial ownership registries. He said the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, had shown Cayman at its best and emphasised the strong bonds between the two countries. “Maybe there are some tensions in the relation- ship,” he said, “but it is visits like this that do underline why the bonds between the Cayman and the UK are ac- tually very strong.” He said he was de- lighted with how the whirl- wind royal tour had gone and said Cayman had pulled off an event schedule that would have challenged many larger countries. “We had 14 different events, we had three is- lands visited, and six air- craft movements – all in 28 hours,” he said. “We packed an awful lot in. It was a very well-designed programme to enable as many people as possible to meet them di- rectly and see if they could catch a glimpse of them. “They were impressed with the warmth and the affection and out- pouring of support every- where they went. “We were able to involve quite a lot of schoolchil- dren, which was fantastic because those are the sort of memories you cherish for a long time.” He said the royal couple had been guests at Govern- ment House for the night and, despite their intense schedule, had managed to get in the water off Gover- nors Beach for a swim. Roper said the visit, which culminated in a re- ception for 1,500 people at Pedro St. James on March 28, had been made possible by the joint efforts of his staff and the premier’s office among others. He said it was an occa- sion that brought the island together and one he hopes can be repeated. “I certainly think we must continue to build the links between the royal family and Cayman,” he said, “so I hope we can have future royal visits. “A lot of people have said it would be won- derful to have Prince Harry and William here, so let’s work towards that. Obvi- ously they are in great de- mand. Everyone across the world would like to have them visit.” Strategic Policy Statement Echoing Premier Alden McLaughlin’s sentiment that the Cayman Islands are “British and proud”, Roper said there was a palpable af- fection for the royal family across the territory. He added that, despite oc- casional differences of opinion, “there is far more that unites us than divides us”. Roper said the premier’s Strategic Policy Statement on Friday had emphasised the breadth and range of areas that government was working to improve the islands. “Yes, there are challenges,” he said. “Yes, there are difficul- ties, but when you step back a bit and consider just how much is going on here, the pic- ture is positive. The economic fundamentals are incredibly positive at the moment. “As governor, I am incred- ibly impressed by the finances of the Cayman Islands. “I think government de- serves a lot of credit for some significant achievements in re- cent years and, clearly, there is a lot more still planned. I want to be supportive and help this government deliver even more in the next two years.” The property owners, Janet Francis and Dwight Clarke, purchased their plot in May 2009 and were supposed to com- mence construction by No- vember 2010, an appeals court judgment on the matter states. The purchasers were granted an extension, but still had not commenced construction by October 2013. On that month, Vista Del Mar told them that it intended to repurchase the plot for its original pur- chase price, $462,460. More discussions en- sued, during which the property owners insisted that construction would start soon. But with still no building started by October 2014, Vista Del Mar issued its writ seeking to enforce the repurchase agreement. At the Grand Court hearing, the property owners argued that the re- purchase should not be en- forced for several reasons, including that the alleged option had lapsed and be- cause Vista Del Mar came to court with “unclean hands”, in that it had en- forced the covenants re- quiring construction of res- idences in an uneven and discriminatory manner. In a September 2016 judgment, Grand Court Justice Ingrid Man- gatal rejected all of Fran- cis’s and Clarke’s argu- ments. A June 2017 appeals court ruling also rejected their arguments. The result of last No- vember’s Privy Council hearing was no different. At the hearing, the ap- pellants suggested that fi- nancial gain was one of the primary motivations Vista Del Mar had to re- purchase the land. The land has increased in value by some 50% since the appel- lants purchased it in 2009, and so Vista Del Mar would have a windfall profit op- portunity if it is allowed to repurchase the property at its original price, the appel- lants argued. Nevertheless, the Privy Council sided with Vista Del Mar. “The appellants’ conten- tion that they are entitled to resist specific perfor- mance because [Vista Del Mar] exercised its rights against them in a discrimi- natory manner was rejected by both the judge and the Court of Appeal. The judge found that it was not made out on the facts. There is no basis on which the Board (the Privy Council) could come to a contrary con- clusion,” the Privy Council said of the appellants’ “un- clean hands” argument. “In those circumstances, the Board will humbly ad- vise Her Majesty that this appeal should be dismissed.” Governor Martyn Roper shows off the signed photograph of Prince Charles and Camilla that the couple left after their stay at Government House. – PHOTO: JAMES WHITTAKER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Governor: ‘We are stronger together’ Vista Del Mar wins land dispute CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Trump to allow suits over US properties seized in Cuba WASHINGTON (AP) — Step- ping up pressure on Cuba, the Trump administration will allow lawsuits against foreign companies doing business in properties seized from Americans after the is- land’s 1959 revolution, a senior administration official said Tuesday. The move marks a change in more than two decades of US policy on Cuba. President Donald Trump has been taking steps to isolate embattled Vene- zuela President Nicolas Ma- duro, who is holding power with help from other coun- tries, including Cuba, China and Russia. The new policy against Havana could deal a severe blow to Cuba’s ef- forts to draw foreign invest- ment, and spawn interna- tional trade disputes between the US and Europe. The administration offi- cial who provided details of the shift spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the of- ficial announcement by the State Department. After that announce- ment, national security ad- viser John Bolton is expected to discuss the new policy during a speech Wednesday in Miami, which is home to thousands of exiles and im- migrants from Cuba, Vene- zuela and Nicaragua. The speech at the Bay of Pigs Veterans Association is to be delivered on the 58th anni- versary of the United States’ failed 1961 invasion of the is- land, an attempt to overthrow the Cuban government. Johana Tablada, Cuba’s deputy director of US af- fairs, said on Twitter: “Before they try to euphorically ride a wave of wickedness and lies, they should take a dose of re- ality. The world has told John Bolton and the US govern- ment to eliminate the crim- inal blockade against Cuba and the Helms-Burton Act.” The 1996 act gave Amer- icans the right to sue the mostly European compa- nies that operate out of ho- tels, tobacco factories, dis- tilleries and other properties that Cuba nationalised after Fidel Castro took power. The act even allows lawsuits by Cubans who became US citi- zens years after their proper- ties were taken. Canada, France, Spain, Great Britain and other coun- tries with large investments in Cuba have ferociously pro- tested the law and threat- ened to sue in the World Trade Organization if Wash- ington tries to interfere with the business ties between Cuba and another sovereign nation. US airlines and cruise lines that bring hundreds of thousands of travellers to Cuba each year appear to be exempted. Every US president since Bill Clinton has suspended the key clause to avoid those trade clashes and a potential mass of lawsuits that would prevent any future settlement with Cuba over nationalised properties. Cuba has said it is willing to reimburse the owners of confiscated prop- erties, but only if the commu- nist government is also reim- bursed for billions of dollars in damages generated by the six-decade US trade embargo. The announcement comes at a moment of severe eco- nomic weakness for Cuba, which is struggling to find enough cash to import basic food and other supplies fol- lowing a drop in aid from Venezuela, and a string of bad years in other key eco- nomic sectors. Foreign investment in Cuba increased slightly in re- cent years, but it remains far below the levels needed to recapitalise the island’s di- lapidated, often collapsing infrastructure. The Trump ad- ministration’s decision is not expected to drive out major foreign players like Pernod- Ricard of France, which makes Havana Club rum, or Spanish hotel chains Melia or Iberostar, but it could prove a major obstacle to new invest- ment from foreign companies. President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn as he arrives at the White House in Washington, Monday. - PHOTO: APThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 Putin-Kim summit details unclear Confirming reports that preparations are under way for a rare meeting between the leaders of Russia and North Korea, a Kremlin spokesman said it is not clear yet where and when Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un will meet. Professional Certificate in Human Resource Practice (CHRP) commencing 28 May 2019 on-island The University of Portsmouth is once again bringing this highly successful HR programme of workshops to the Cayman Islands The Professional Certificate in HR Practice will develop your HR knowledge and skills if: • You are working in HR or personnel administration, or • You want to work in HR, or • You are an administrator, a team leader, a supervisor or a manager looking to develop your HR management skills HR classes are delivered on-island in 6 daytime workshops – 20 days of teaching: 1. 28-31 May: The role of HR and the strategic business context: 4 days Tuesday-Friday 2. 25-28 June: Managing performance and rewarding employees: 4 days Tuesday-Friday 3. 23 & 24 July: Managing HR information: 2 days Tuesday & Wednesday 4. 3 & 4 September: Professional Development in HR skills: 2 days Tuesday & Wednesday 5. 8-11 October: Labour law, discipline, dismissal, gender equality: 4 days Tuesday-Friday 6. 12-15 November: Talent planning, recruitment, selection interviewing: 4 days Tuesday-Friday What our students say: “Enrolling on this CHRP programme was the one of the best decisions I have made in my career and I am now in an HR Manager’s position.” “Thank you so much Miss Marjorie and Mr Stephen for investing your time and knowledge, your style of teaching makes learning unforgettable.” “This HR course has been a totally engaging experience and it has exposed me to real HR experiences – the classroom experience was phenomenal!” Develop HR skills, become CIPD qualified and boost your career - too good an opportunity to miss! Contact Miss Marjorie, University of Portsmouth, to reserve your place: marjorie.corbridge@port.ac.uk Check out the website: www.port.ac.uk/caymanchrp University Faculty with extensive international HR experienceinclude: Marjorie Corbridge, Gary Rees and Stephen Pilbeam Nations express solidarity with France after Notre Dame fire PARIS (AP) — Nations ex- pressed solidarity with France after the fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral and offered their support for the recovery. Monday’s fire collapsed the spire and burned through the roof of the 12th-century building, sparking an out- pouring of grief and remi- niscing of visits to the Pa- risian landmark. President Donald Trump called the ca- thedral “one of the great treasures of the world”. Pope Francis, Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Austrian President Alex- ander Van der Bellen all ex- pressed their sadness. Lebanon’s Prime Min- ister Saad Hariri expressed sadness over the fire he de- scribed as a “heritage and hu- manitarian disaster”, Hariri added in a tweet late Monday that Lebanon expresses strong solidarity with the “friendly French people”. The Obamas were among people sharing memories of past visits to the cathedral. Former President Barack Obama posted an old photo of himself, his wife Michelle and their two daughters lighting candles there and expressed his grief. Michelle Obama was in Paris on Monday on a book tour. “The majesty of Notre Dame – the history, artistry, and spir- ituality – took our breath away, lifting us to a higher understanding of who we are and who we can be,” she tweeted. The French president has said he would seek help from the “greatest talents” in the world to rebuild Notre Dame, and many governments said they were considering con- tributions to what would be a significant architectural undertaking. Austrian President Van der Bellen raised the French flag over his office in Vienna in a sign of solidarity with France. Van der Bellen wrote on Twitter that Notre Dame is “an important symbol of our common European culture” and posted a picture of the French flag and the European Union flag flying in Vienna. Japan’s government said it would consider sending support. “Its damage is a loss to the world and our hearts ache,” said Yoshihide Suga, the chief cabinet secretary. South Korean President Moon Jae-in called for the world to come together to rebuild the Paris landmark. “Our love for humanity will be illustrated in a more ma- ture way in the process of re- construction,” he said. Russian President Putin said in a message published on the Kremlin’s website that the tragedy “struck a chord in the hearts of Rus- sians”. He called Notre Dame a “priceless treasure of Chris- tian and world culture” and said Russia is ready to send the “best specialists” to help rebuild it. Czech President Milos Zeman also offered the ex- pertise of his nation’s resto- ration specialists, including teams that work at the Prague Castle, the historic seat of Czech presidency, which includes St. Vitus Ca- thedral, a Gothic architec- tural masterpiece. The Polish prime min- ister recalled how his na- tion’s capital, Warsaw, was rebuilt after being destroyed by the Germans in World War II. Mateusz Morawiecki said on Twitter that “Po- land knows what it means to have a cultural heritage lost in fire. We rebuilt Warsaw from the ruins ourselves. We will rebuild the Cathedral of Notre-Dame together as Europeans.” Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the New York archbishop, said New Yorkers were united in sorrow with Pa- risians, who can “count on our love, prayers, support and solidarity. This Holy Week teaches us that, like Jesus, death brings life. To- day’s dying, we trust, will bring rising”, Dolan said out- side St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Fire damage to Notre Dame cathedral can be seen Tuesday, the day after a devastating fire destroyed the iconic building’s roof and spire. - PHOTO: AP UK police arrest more than 120 in climate change protests LONDON (AP) — Police say they have arrested more than 120 people after cli- mate change protesters blocked major bridges and intersections in central London, bringing traffic to a standstill. The group Extinction Re- bellion is organising several weeks of civil disobedience against what it says is the failure to tackle the causes of climate change. Chief Supt. Colin Wingrove said police were dealing with a number of demonstrations in central London which had had a significant impact on public transit. He said 55 bus routes had to be shut down and roughly 500,000 people had been affected. “At this time, ongoing demonstrations are causing serious disruptions to public transport, local businesses and Londoners who wish to go about their daily busi- ness,” he said, adding that police expect the protests to last several weeks. On Monday, demonstra- tors blocked sites including Waterloo Bridge over the River Thames, the busy Ox- ford Circus intersection and Parliament Square, and van- dalised the headquarters of oil company Shell. After hours of disruption, police ordered the group to confine protests to Marble Arch, beside Hyde Park. Scores of demonstrators who refused to move were ar- rested – 122 by early Tuesday afternoon – and traffic move- ment was slowed in several parts of central London. Extinction Rebellion said “over 100 brave rebels” had been arrested. It said pro- tests would continue. The road is blocked by demonstrators during a climate protest at Marble Arch in London, Tuesday. The group Extinction Rebellion is calling for a week of civil disobedience against what it says is the failure to tackle the causes of climate change. - PHOTO: APNext >