THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Events Events ‘Shazam’ is welcome superhero star T he guy in the suit proves to be a winner at the box office B2 ■ON STAGE Let’s go fly a kite! Kite fest returns to Kaibo on Ea ster Monday B3 CAYMAN WEEKENDER Violin Queen Mapy EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY, LIFE AND HOPE High of 86 Low of 75 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 75 CENTS – THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 Regulated in the Cayman Islands as a licensed insurer by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Generali Worldwide is a trading name of Utmost Worldwide Limited. Registered Head Office address: Utmost Worldwide Limited, Utmost House, Hirzel Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 4PA. Regulated in Guernsey as a licensed insurer by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Insurance Business (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2002 (as amended). Incorporated in Guernsey under Company Registration No. 27151. Camp safely and have a Happy Easter! www.generali-healthcare.com Campers head to beach for Easter Police, weather service share advice for holiday weekend ALVARO SEREY, KAYLA YOUNG aserey@pinnaclemedialtd.com, kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com Hundreds of holiday campers will flock to Cayman’s beaches this weekend, carrying on a be- loved Easter tradition for the is- lands’ residents. While many campers staked out their spots well ahead of the long weekend, April 19-22, even greater numbers were ex- pected to pitch their tents in coming days. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service estimates between 500 and 1,000 campers will hit the beaches around the island. With cloudy skies and scat- tered showers on the forecast, campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions throughout the weekend, and moderate, choppy waves of 2 to 4 feet on Friday. The Easter holiday also brings a reminder to be consci- entious of sharing community resources and the roadways, RCIPS officers said. Sgt. John Andrews of the Joint Marine Unit said being a Camping started early this week on Governors Beach, with beachgoers staking out ideal, shady spots for their tents. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 10 » Ready to take on the world CARIFTA Cayman at the starting line JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com In the quiet of a half-empty Truman Bodden Sports Complex Tuesday after- noon, 13-year-old Stephen Watson went through a handful of practice high jumps, effortlessly flopping over the bar in a light training session. On the track, athletes practised their starts and went through stretching drills, putting the finishing touches on months- long training programmes, tapering towards what for many will be the biggest track meet of their lives. Elsewhere, dance troupes rehearsed their routines in front of an empty grandstand, while administrators huddled in back of- fices in the bowels of the stadium, inking in the last details of the schedule. By Saturday, it will be a very different scene. The stands will reverberate with the sound of screaming parents and the booming bass drum of the Bahamian Junkanoo band when CARIFTA 2019 gets under way. The spotlight will be on Cayman’s young athletes for three days as the annual track and field meet that brings together the best competitors in the region comes to the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. “It is going to be fun,” said Watson, who is among the youngest of Cayman’s 52-strong team and will compete against much older athletes in the U-17 category. “I think maybe when I am 15 or 16, I will have a better chance to win; it is a good experi- ence for me so when I get older, I know how to handle it.” The tournament may offer a chance to see some of the Olympic stars of the fu- ture. Usain Bolt made his blistering debut at CARIFTA in Trinidad in 2003 before going on to become the best sprinter in history. This year, another Jamaican sprint phe- nomenon, Briana Williams, is expected to light up the track en route to a likely Olympic debut in Seoul next year. Among the Cayman competitors, there are high hopes for Rasheem Brown in the 110m hurdles and for Louis Gordon in the high jump, among others. For all of the Caymanian contingent, it is Some of Cayman’s track and field athletes strike a pose on the track as they prepare for CARIFTA this weekend. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 »2 LOCAL NEWS THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS C a yman’s Most A ffordable Brunch & Breakfast till 3pm, Holid a y F r id a y, Saturd a y, Sund a y & Holid a y Mond a y! Cimboco - A Caribbean Café 94-PASTA (947-2782) Located in the Marquee Plaza Cayman Orthopaedic Group Dr. Krishan Rajaratnam, M.D., F.R.C.S.C. Upper Extremity, Trauma and Joint Arthoplasty will be at #1 Smith Road Plaza Tuesday, 23rd April, 2019 to Friday, 26th April, 2019 Please call 945-8380 for appointments Driver charged with cyclist’s death Defendant remanded in custody until May 3 CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnclemedialtd.com A George Town man ap- peared in Summary Court on Wednesday charged with causing death by dan- gerous driving. Wilfred Ellington Myles Jr., 28, was charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously on North Church Street on Monday, April 15, and, by doing so, causing the death of Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Kirzner. The case was transmitted to the Grand Court for men- tion again on Friday, May 3. Police were notified of the fatal incident around 5:30 a.m. Monday and Myles was arrested 15 minutes later. Kirzner, 21, was riding a bicycle at the time he was struck. A citizen of Argentina, he had been in Cayman less than two months. Myles was also charged with driving while disquali- fied, taking and driving the ve- hicle away without the own- er’s consent, driving a vehicle for which the license had ex- pired in November 2017, and which had no certificate of roadworthiness. Myles was further charged with driving without insurance. The Crown indicated that more charges might be brought. Defence attorney Jon- athon Hughes applied for bail, which was opposed by Crown counsel Scott Wainwright. Magistrate Grace Donalds refused bail, remanded the defendant in custody and set the matter for mention in the higher court. LITTLE CAYMAN DRUGS ARREST A 48-year-old man was arrested in Little Cayman on Saturday on suspi- cion of possession of co- caine and ganja. According to a po- lice press release, he was spotted acting suspiciously near a liquor-licensed establishment. He was seen throwing something away as police approached. Officers re- trieved a plastic wrapper containing a powdery substance believed to be cocaine. The man was searched and a second plastic wrapper containing ganja was discovered, ac- cording to police. The man was bailed as investigations continue. Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Kirzner was killed when his bike was struck by a vehicle on North Church Street on Monday morning. SPACEX’S RECOVERED CORE BOOSTER DAMAGED IN ROUGH SEAS TRUMP CRACKS DOWN ON CUBA, NICARAGUA AND VENEZUELA CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) – A SpaceX rocket booster that landed on an ocean platform after last week’s launch has been damaged in rough seas. For the first time, all three first-stage boosters landed upright following Thursday’s launch of the company’s Falcon Heavy, the most powerful rocket in use. Both side boosters returned to Cape Canav- eral, Florida, while the core booster landed on a platform hundreds of miles offshore. The company confirmed Tuesday that the unse- cured core booster toppled onto the platform over the weekend, as waves reached 8 to 10 feet. SpaceX chief Elon Musk says the engines seem OK. There’s no immediate word on how many of the booster pieces remain on board. Musk says custom de- vices to secure the booster were not ready in time for this second flight of the Falcon Heavy. CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — The Trump administration on Wednesday intensified its crackdown on Cuba, Nica- ragua and Venezuela, rolling back Obama administration policy and announcing new restrictions and sanctions against the three countries whose leaders national se- curity adviser John Bolton dubbed the “three stooges of socialism”. “The troika of tyranny — Cuba, Venezuela and Nic- aragua — is beginning to crumble,” Bolton said in a hard-hitting speech near Miami on the 58th anniver- sary of the United States’ failed Bay of Pigs invasion of the island, an attempt to over- throw the Cuban government. Bolton announced a new cap on the amount of money families in the United States can send their relatives in Cuba. The Obama adminis- tration had lifted limits on re- mittances, but the new limit will be $1,000 per person per quarter, Bolton said. Re- mittances to Cuba from the United States amounted to $3 billion in 2016, according to the State Department. Bolton also announced that the US was sanctioning the Central Bank of Vene- zuela, which the Trump ad- ministration says has been instrumental in propping up the embattled government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He also announced sanctions against financial services provider Bancorp, which he claimed is a “slush fund” for Nicaragua’s Presi- dent Daniel Ortega. “The United States looks forward to watching each corner of this sordid triangle of terror fall: in Havana, in Caracas, and in Managua,” Bolton said in South Florida, which is home to thou- sands of exiles and immi- grants from Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. He said Obama admin- istration policies gave the Cuban government “polit- ical cover to expand its ma- lign influence” across the re- gion, including in Venezuela. Cuba has trained Venezuelan security forces to repress ci- vilians and support Maduro, Bolton said. “Havana continues to prop up Maduro and help him sustain the brutal suf- fering of the Venezuelan people,” Bolton said. “As President Trump has said, Maduro is quite simply a ‘Cuban puppet’.” A Falcon rocket booster lands on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean off Florida. On Tuesday, the company confirmed that the unsecured core booster toppled onto the platform over the weekend. - PHOTO: SPACEX VIA AP Jury discharged in woman’s firearm trial CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclmedialtd.com The Grand Court jury hearing firearm charges against a cruise ship pas- senger was discharged on Wednesday afternoon after advising Justice Michael Wood that they were not able to reach a verdict. The four women and three men heard evidence in the case of Carol Ann Mc- Neill-Skorupan, who had pleaded not guilty to pos- session of a .25 pistol and six rounds of ammunition on Feb. 3 this year. The defendant, who had come to Cayman aboard a cruise ship, was the holder of a firearm licence in Wis- consin, US, but did not have a licence in Cayman. A piece of her luggage with the firearm and am- munition in it did not ar- rive with her other lug- gage when she arrived in Florida to board her ship. The luggage was forwarded to Cayman, the first port on the ship’s itinerary. The question for jurors was whether they were sure she had the items in her possession – that she was knowingly in con- trol of them. Closing speeches in the trial were made on Wednesday morning and the judge summed up the case. Jurors began their delibera- tions before noon. After the lunch adjourn- ment, jurors were asked if they had reached a verdict on which they all agreed. The foreman said no, so Justice Wood explained that he could accept a majority verdict – one on which at least five of them agreed. The jury retired again. After a total of three hours and 46 minutes, the foreman was asked if they had reached a verdict. He said no. The judge then asked if there was a realistic pros- pect of them reaching a ma- jority verdict if given more time without pressure. The foreman said no again. That being the case, the judge discharged them. He said the matter would be listed again on Thursday, April 18, or next week to de- termine if a new trial will be ordered. The defendant, 67, had been permitted to leave the jurisdiction before her trial. She was not present for it. Her bail condition had in- cluded payment of a surety in the sum of $25,000 and Justice Wood forfeited that amount. After a total of three hours and 46 minutes, the foreman was asked if they had reached a verdict. He said no.The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS THURSDAY APRIL 18, 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” As we prepare for the holiday weekend, allow us to take a moment to wish all our Christian readers a blessed Easter. We also wish our Jewish readers a joyous Passover, which begins at sundown on Friday, celebrating the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt. And to all our readers, of every faith and heritage, we wish harmonious days filled with peaceful relaxa- tion and good company. Spring is a season of renewal, rebirth and rejuvena- tion – no matter where we come from or what our reli- gious beliefs. It is a time to reconnect with family and friends, whether that happens sharing food over a fire at a beachside campsite or raising a glass of bubbly at an elaborate Easter brunch. This weekend is a time to celebrate our connection to the sea, the natural world and our Creator. A time to celebrate the glorious cacophony of an island com- munity that is home to residents from nearly half the globe. It is a time to remember that for all the chal- lenges and little frictions caused by our extraordinary diversity, therein also lies our greatest asset. That, although we may often see things differently, we can disagree respectfully and work for greater harmony. As Governor Martyn Roper told the Compass this week, we are – indeed – stronger together. As he said, “Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are difficulties, but when you step back a bit and consider just how much is going on here, the picture is positive.” In fact, we would go so far as to argue that the picture is so positive in large part because it is so complex. Consider the mangrove forests or our coral reefs – home to a panoply of life forms, all uniquely contrib- uting to the home they share. Take one element away and the entire ecosystem suffers. So it is in human societies, made up of people with various ambitions, aptitudes and world views. No community, any more than any habitat, can truly thrive without rich variation. It provides a vibrant energy. Consider the bounty of activities from which to choose this weekend – representing traditions native to Cayman and ‘imported’ from elsewhere. Some will stay on dry land, attending or hosting barbecues and dinners, while others will brave the open seas and man the decks for the Cayman Islands Sailing Club’s Easter Regatta. In some homes, the Easter Bunny will bring goodies and hide colourful eggs for children to discover. Other families will rise early to congregate in churches to celebrate God’s promise and Jesus’ resurrection. Some will launch multicoloured kites to sail the breeze at Kaibo; others will sunbathe and snooze or swim. Though these activities may be vastly different in their particulars, through each runs a common thread: A celebration of life on our beautiful islands and our community. For all our species’ beautiful variations, at our core we really are not so different. The key is in developing mutual respect and appreciation (aka: disagreeing without being disagreeable) as we work towards a common future. Whatever you do, and however you celebrate, everyone here at the Compass wishes you a joyous Easter and a happy spring. A celebration of community, life and hope THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Practise what we preach I am a 13-year-old Cay- manian boy, a committed practising Catholic, and I have a grave message to deliver. I am disgusted at how homosexuals are being treated at the moment in Cayman. Growing up here was a blessing. I saw this loving community shape the is- land into what it is today. However, this news has upset me and started to make me question those around me. People are using our re- ligion as an excuse to pre- vent same-sex marriage. However, this contradicts God’s message. God created all people and loves us all, as we are supposed to love people around us. As quoted at the last supper, Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13: 34-35) This is one of many quotes from Jesus illus- trating this point. Even at the tragic moment of his death on the cross, Jesus asks God for mercy for his persecutors and ex- presses his love for all, even the evil. I truly believe the only way for our loving commu- nity to progress is to accept and to unite our people, and embrace our differences, big or small. It is time to practise what we preach. And to Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush, I think I speak on behalf of many of us young Cayman- ians. You have my blessing. Keep on fighting. Roger Cockhill On gay marriage and other issues I am again asking the Minister for the Ministry of Education to look into the footwear at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School. The footwear presently worn by most children at this school is totally unacceptable. Every day their shoe- laces are coming loose which looks sloppy and is unsafe. I strongly suggest that the girls and boys wear dress shoes and sneakers with Velcro for PE or just sneakers with Velcro. Perhaps an officer from the ministry could take a visit to the school. Litter is also a very important issue at the school. The principal, teachers, parents and guardians need to talk to the chil- dren about the importance of keeping the school clean and beautiful. They could even offer rewards as in- centives. Vandalism also needs to be looked into at the school. I look forward to the Ministry of Education making the change in foot- wear in the near future. DOCK PROJECT – We do not need a new dock and all the things and people that accompany it. We need to keep Cayman as it is and stop with the develop- ment process. We know visitors would love to be greeted by native Caymanians, starting from the airport and the docks, but even that is no more. We are supposed to be responsible for the wel- fare of our people but that does not seem to be impor- tant any more. All you hear about is more money and development. The Cayman Islands are unique and we do not want them to become like metro- politan cities. Remember the words of the person who said what the effect of putting a new dock in George Town would have on our beautiful Seven Mile Beach. Upgrade the fa- cilities at Spotts Dock. GAY MARRIAGE – This must never be allowed to happen in the Cayman Is- lands! Caymanians do not wish for any changes in our traditions in relation to this matter. We have rights as islands and we have the right to say no. This type of behaviour must never be encouraged or supported! THE ROAD FROM REV. BLACKMAN TO STADIUM DRIVE – I have asked government to repair this road on sev- eral occasions. Not long after, the National Roads Authority came and filled the potholes. I prayed that this was not all that they were going to do. I thank them for what they did so far. NRA still has alot of work to do to make our streets safe and we hope these things will be done soon. DOGS ATTACKING PEDES- TRIANS AND CYCLISTS – I read that government has fi- nally started to do some- thing about this serious issue. Something must done about this immediately so the dogs do not cause in- jury or death. Dog owners also play a big part in this matter. I pray that these dogs will be controlled in the very near future. I would also like to com- mend our government for putting a track on the West Bay Primary School field; this will help with the obe- sity problem here, I hope. Dora A. E. Ebanks Caymanians do not wish for any changes in our traditions in relation to this matter. We have rights as islands and we have the right to say no. Growing up here was a blessing. I saw this loving community shape the island into what it is today. However, this news has upset me and started to make me question those around me.The islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS CARIFTA 2019 Athletes, officials flock to Cayman JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com More than 500 athletes and a further 100 officials will descend on Cayman from all corners of the Carib- bean as the island gets ready to host CARIFTA 2019. Charter flights have been organised from Jamaica, Trinidad, the Bahamas, Bar- bados and Antigua to bring a heavy contingent of ath- letes and their families to the games. Finding hotel rooms to ac- commodate them all has been a challenge, acknowledged Joel Francis, co-chair of the Local Organising Committee. He said much of the spon- sorship money for the event was being ploughed back into Cayman businesses. “We have got to accom- modate the teams, feed them, transport them and secure them over a five-night period and the vast majority of that money is spent right here. It is a huge economic injection into the islands,” he said. For Francis and his team, it has been a months-long logistics effort to get to the start line. There have been hitches along the way, but he believes it is all coming to- gether in time for the start- er’s gun on Saturday. He said it would be an “awesome” sight to see the national stadium filled to the rafters. CARIFTA is more than just a track and field event, he says, and the spec- tacle provided by the Ja- maican and Bahamian sup- porters and their bands add another element to the festivities. The main grandstand is already nearly sold out and the Mackie Seymour stand is also expected to be filled to capacity over the three days. Francis said the event was a chance for Cayman crowds not only to see the best of the island’s talent on dis- play, but to see some future world stars. “The Caribbean has been producing world champions, especially in the sprints, for a long time,” he said. “Any- thing from 100m to 800m, if you win at CARIFTA, you are likely to be among the best in the world.” For 19-year-old Rhiana Williams, the thought of com- peting in the 4x100m relay against some of those world stars is daunting. “This is the biggest com- petition I have competed in. It is very nerve-racking,” said the UCCI student. “My par- ents will be there and the rest of my family, as well. I think that will help me out a bit and take away some of the nerves.” Jaheim Morgan, a discus thrower who goes to school in Jamaica but competes for Cayman, is also hopeful the home crowd can provide the inspiration he needs to excel. “It is supposed to be good fun,” he said. “It is exciting. I am not that nervous be- cause it is a home crowd so you know most of the people already.” Ashantae Graham, a 16-year-old John Gray High School student, who will compete in the sprints and the long jump, agrees: “I feel good because it is on my home ground. It gives you that extra push you need to go faster – competing against the best.” Though the Caribbean is most noted for its success in the sprints, assistant coach Derek Larner sees great po- tential in his small team of middle-distance runners. Larner, a road runner and former military phys- ical training instructor, got involved with the national programme after competing in Cayman’s national track championships himself. Ap- proaching 50, he found his only rival in the long distance events was a 10-year-old. “I knew from road run- ning that there were tal- ented young athletes that could compete over those distances so I asked how I could get involved and I have been coaching ever since,” he said. Among a talented group of runners, he has high hopes for Victor Magalhaes in the 1,500m and the 3,000m and Levi Superville in the 1,500m and 5,000m. “With the right race and the right conditions,” he said. “any one of them could kick on to the next level.” Among the scores of events over the long weekend, there will be some key moments to watch out for in both track and field. Here’s a quick guide to the events not to be missed: Saturday 2:55 p.m. Opening Ceremony – Look out for a colourful display of Caribbean culture at the official opening of the event. Saturday from 5 p.m. U20 High Jump Fi- nals – Louis Gordon is tipped as one of Cay- man’s best medal hopes. If all goes to plan, he will be in the high jump finals on Sat- urday evening. Saturday from 8:10 p.m. 100m Finals – So often the showpiece of any athletics meet, the sprint finals take place, starting with the girls U17 final at 8.10 p.m. and culminating with the boys U20 final at 8.32 p.m. Look out for future Olympic stars in the event where Usain Bolt first made his name on the same stage in 2003. Sunday from 8:10 p.m. 200m Finals – Some of the Caribbean’s best sprinters will light up the track for the 200m on Saturday night. Cayman’s best will hope to be in the final alongside them. Monday from 4:20 p.m 4x100m Relays Fi- nals – The relays always make an exciting spec- tacle and there are high hopes for the Cayman teams in the 4x100. Monday 6:40 p.m. 110m Hurdles Fi- nals – Rasheem Brown, who also features for Cayman in the sprints, is considered another big medal hope in the 110m hurdles. If he makes it through the heats, Monday evening’s final will be his time to shine. Monday from 7:35 p.m. 4x400m Finals – The curtain closes on the event with the spectacle of the 4x400m relays. Monday from 8:30 p.m Closing Ceremony – After three days of leaving it all on the track and on the field, the event will officially finish with the closing ceremony festivities. * Times are subject to change Dirt road to CARIFTA opens Drivers looking to attend the CARIFTA Games this weekend will have another option for getting to the event after the National Roads Au- thority temporarily opened a quarter-mile-long dirt road for motorists to use. The road is part of on- going works to create a con- nector road from the vicinity of Burger King on Walkers Road to the northern end of Olympic Way, near the en- trance to the University Col- lege of the Cayman Islands and the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, where the games will be held over the Easter weekend, April 20-22. The National Roads Au- thority completed the first stage of the works to co- incide with the CARIFTA Games. “This has involved successfully clearing and lev- elling the existing ground, to allow the route to be used by CARIFTA organisers as an additional access way for persons attending the Games this weekend. Further works will continue after the Games,” the NRA noted in a press release. “It will only be a dirt road for this weekend and, while that may be a novel expe- rience for some drivers, it was important we made the route accessible to CARIFTA organisers, particularly to help with traffic relief during the peak periods,” Edward Howard, acting managing di- rector of the NRA, said. After the CARIFTA Games are finished, the road will be closed off and full con- struction works will begin, starting with utility providers who will install underground services, Howard added. The NRA also plans a further phase to connect Olympic Way to Academy Way, by providing a link road through what was originally the carpark area of the old George Hicks High School, in a bid to combat congestion during peak hours. Chairman of the NRA Board, Donovan Ebanks, said proposals to create this link road had been around for 30 years. “It was a rec- ommendation of the Master Ground Transportation Plan in 1988,” he said. The first phase of the works will create bicycle lanes in each direction and a continuous pavement along one side, from Walkers Road to UCCI. Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 2019 at a cost of ap- proximately $1.5 million, in- cluding land compensation costs, according to the NRA. This dirt road between Walkers Road and Olympic Way will be open during the CARIFTA Games. - PHOTO: NORMA CONNOLLY CARIFTA HIGHLIGHTS At 13, Stephen Watson will be one of the youngest athletes in the games. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Speed sisters: Nahomy Bonilla, Tia Bernard, Monique Gordon and Katrina Richards practise their sprint start.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 Join the Excitement! APRIL 27 TH + 28 TH 2019 Excitement! + Excitem APRIL 27 TH 28 2019 REGISTRATION: April 25th George Town Yacht Club 5pm - 7pm TOURNAMENT: April 27th & 28th 7am - 4pm WEIGH STATION: Barcadere Marina 4pm - 6pm PRIZE GIVING: April 28th George Town Yacht Club 6pm - 8pm 1ST PRIZE: $5000 CASH PLUS A TUDOR WATCH 2nd $2000 CASH 3rd $1000 CASH Learn more or download a registration form at kirkslam.ky KIRK SLAM TOURNAMENT DATES tournament in the Cayman Islands returns with fun for the whole family. The only all-dolphin fishingThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS a chance to test themselves against some of the best in the world. Head coach Kenrick Wil- liams has one ambition for his athletes. “The best-case scenario is that they leave their hearts, their blood, sweat and tears out on the track or on the field,” he said. “The medal is a bonus but I want to know at the end of the day every ath- lete did their best.” He said there were several athletes with medal hopes and he has high expectations for the relay teams. Coach Williams believes home- field advantage may also spur Cayman on to beat its haul of five medals from last year’s event. “I think they will rise to that occasion,” he said. “That’s why we have such a large contingent. Most of the kids really put their heart and soul to com- pete in front of their country right here.” Day passes priced between $10 and $25 are available at www.caymancarifta2019.ky/tickets. Ready to take on the world CARIFTA SCHEDULE OPENING CEREMONIES 2:55 p.m., Saturday, April 20 DAY 1 – SATURDAY, APRIL 20, SESSION 1 NO.TIMEEVENTGENDERCATEGORYROUND 429 a.m.High JumpFemaleUnder 17Final 439 a.m.High JumpFemaleUnder 20Final 559:05 a.m.Shot PutFemaleUnder 17Final 589:10 a.m.DiscusMaleUnder 20Final 67-19:15 a.m.100 metres hurdlesFemaleOpenHeptathalon (1) 69-19:20 a.m.100 MetresMaleOpenOctathalon (1) 39:30 a.m.100 MetresFemaleUnder 17Semi-Finals 110 a.m.100 MetresMaleUnder 17Semi-Finals 410:30 a.m.100 MetresFemaleUnder 20Semi-Finals 211 a.m.100 MetresMaleUnder 20Semi-Finals 67-211:05 a.m.High JumpFemaleOpenHeptathalon (2) 69-211:10 a.m.Long JumpMaleOpenOctathalon (2) 5311:15 a.m.Shot PutMaleUnder 17Final 6011:20 a.m.DiscusFemaleUnder 20Final 1111:30 a.m.400 MetresFemaleUnder 17Semi-Finals 911:50 a.m.400 MetresMaleUnder 17Semi-Finals 1212:10 a.m.400 MetresFemaleUnder 20Semi-Finals 1012:30 a.m.400 MetresMaleUnder 20Semi-Finals DAY 1 – SATURDAY, APRIL 20, SESSION 2 NO.TIMEEVENTGENDERCATEGORYROUND OC12:55 p.m.Opening Ceremony MP14:30 p.m.Medal Presentations 415 p.m.High JumpMaleUnder 20Final 455:05 p.m.Long JumpMaleUnder 17Final 67-35:10 p.m.Shot PutFemaleOpenHeptathalon (3) 196:05 p.m.1500 MetresFemaleUnder 17Final 176:15 p.m.1500 MetresMaleUnder 17Final 69-36:20 p.m.Shot putMaleOpenOctathalon (3) 206:25 p.m.1500 MetresFemaleUnder 20Final 186:35 p.m.1500 MetresMaleUnder 20Final Mp26:45 p.m.Medal Presentations 487 p.m.Long JumpFemaleUnder 20Final 647:05 p.m.JavelinFemaleUnder 20Final 67-47:10 p.m.200 MetresFemaleOpenHeptathalon (4) 117:25 p.m.400 MetresFemaleUnder 17Final 97:32 p.m.400 MetresMaleUnder 17Final 127:40 p.m.400 MetresFemaleUnder 20Final 107:47 p.m.400 MetresMaleUnder 20Final 69-47:55 p.m.400 MetresMaleOpenOctathalon (4) Mp37:58 p.m.Medal Presentations 38:10 p.m.100 MetresFemaleUnder 17Final 18:17 p.m.100 MetresMaleUnder 17Final 48:25 p.m.100 MetresFemaleUnder 20Final 28:32 p.m.100 MetresMaleUnder 20Final DAY 2 – SUNDAY, APRIL 21, SESSION 3 NO.TIMEEVENTGENDERCATEGORYROUND 639 a.m.JavelinFemaleUnder 17Final 67-59:05 a.m.Long JumpFemaleOpenHeptathalon (5) 69-59:10 a.m.110 Metres HurdlesMaleOpenOctathalon (5) 79:30 a.m.200 MetresFemaleUnder 17Semi-Finals 59:45 a.m.200 MetresMaleUnder 17Semi-Finals 810 a.m.200 MetresFemaleUnder 20Semi-Finals 610:15 a.m.200 MetresMaleUnder 20Semi-Finals 67-611 a.m.JavelinFemaleOpenHeptathalon (6) 69-611:05 a.m.High JumpMaleOpenOctathalon (6) 4711:10 a.m.Long JumpFemaleUnder 17Final 1411:15 a.m.800 MetresMaleUnder 20Semi-Finals CARIFTA SCHEDULE DAY 2 – SUNDAY, APRIL 21, SESSION 4 NO.TIMEEVENTGENDERCATEGORYROUND MP44:45 p.m.Medal Presentations 525:05 p.m.Triple jumpFemaleUnder 20Final 69-75:10 p.m.JavelinMaleOpenOctathalon (7) 305:45 p.m.400 Metres HurdlesFemaleUnder 17Final 315:55 p.m.400 Metres HurdlesFemaleUnder 20Final 286:05 p.m.400 Metres HurdlesMaleUnder 17Final 296:15 p.m.400 Metres HurdlesMaleUnder 20Final Mp56:17 p.m.Medal Presentations 156:30 p.m.800 MetresFemaleUnder 17Final 136:40 p.m.800 MetresMaleUnder 17Final 166:50 p.m.800 MetresFemaleUnder 20Final 147 p.m. 800 MetresMaleUnder 20Final 407:05 p.m.High JumpMaleUnder 17Final 67-77:07 p.m.800 MetresFemaleOpenHeptathlon (7) 467:10 p.m.Long JumpMaleUnder 20Final 617:15 p.m.JavelinMaleUnder 17Final Mp67:16 p.m.Medal Presentations 69-87:50 p.m.1500 MetresMaleOpenOctathalon (8) 78:10 p.m.200 MetresFemaleUnder 17Final 58:20 p.m.200 MetresMaleUnder 17Final 88:30 p.m.200 MetresFemaleUnder 20Final 68:40 p.m.200 MetresMaleUnder 20Final DAY 3 – MONDAY, APRIL 22, SESSION 5 NO.TIMEEVENTGENDERCATEGORYROUND 4410 a.m.Pole VaultMaleOpenFinal 5010:05 a.m.Triple JumpMaleUnder 20Final 6210:10 a.m.JavelinMaleUnder 20Final 2710:15 a.m.110 Metres HurdlesMaleUnder 20Semi-Finals DAY 3 – MONDAY, APRIL 22, SESSION 6 NO.TIMEEVENTGENDERCATEGORYROUND MP73:45 p.m.Medal Presentations 494 p.m.Triple JumpMaleUnder 17Final 544:10 p.m.Shot PutMaleUnder 20Final 594:15 p.m.DiscusFemaleUnder 17Final 344:20 p.m.4 X 100 MetresFemaleUnder 17Final 324:30 p.m.4 X 100 MetresMaleUnder 17Final 354:40 p.m.4 X 100 MetresFemaleUnder 20Final 334:50 p.m.4 X 100 MetresMaleUnder 20Final Mp84:55 p.m.Medal Presentations 225:15 p.m.3000 MetresFemaleOpenFinal 215:35 p.m.3000 MetresMaleUnder 17Final Mp95:50 p.m.Medal Presentations 516:05 p.m.Triple JumpFemaleUnder 17Final 566:08 p.m.Shot PutFemaleUnder 20Final 576:11 p.m.DiscusMaleUnder 17Final 246:15 p.m.100 Metres HurdlesFemaleUnder 17Final 256:25 p.m.100 Metres HurdlesFemaleUnder 20Final 266:40 p.m.110 Metres HurdlesMaleUnder 17Final 276:55 p.m.110 Metres HurdlesMaleUnder 20Final 237:05 p.m.5000 MetresMaleUnder 20Final Mp107:25 p.m.Medal Presentations 387:35 p.m.4 X 400 MetresFemaleUnder 17Final 367:50 p.m.4 X 400 MetresMaleUnder 17Final 398 p.m. 4 X 400 MetresFemaleUnder 20Final 378:15 p.m. 4 X 400 MetresMaleUnder 20Final Mp118:30 p.m. Medal Presentations Cc1 Closing Ceremony * Times are subject to change CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Neil Brown-McLennon gets ready to compete in the 200m this weekend. Nahomy Bonilla and Tia Bernard have high hopes in the hurdles. - PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY9 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 FREE PARK & RIDE Saturday, Sunday & Monday (April 20th – 22nd) Shuttles will only run between: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM PARK & RIDE LOCATIONS: • Eden Centre (Across from Rubis) • CIFEC • John Gray High School • Family Life Centre • Credit Union • Immigration Parking Lot • Agape Church *Emergency departures/pick-up between 5pm - 8pm is available by calling 926-1418 Coral damage charges not proceeded with Crown cites efforts to ensure recovery CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Charges relating to coral damage at Eden Rock are not being proceeded with, court records show. A cargo ship’s owner and management company were charged along with the ship captain in connection with an incident in the harbour area on November 25, 2016. Specifically, they were charged that they “directly or indirectly cut, carved, in- jured, displaced or broke un- derwater coral, plant growth or formation.” A news report at the time identified the cargo vessel as the 328-foot Saga, owned by Risley Ltd., managed by Novus Shipping OU and cap- tained at the time by Olek- sandr Marchenko. The allegation was that the ship damaged a coral reef in the harbour when it was leaving the dock after depos- iting its goods. The charges were laid on May 2, 2017, and the matter first came to Summary Court in October 2017. Several men- tions and legal arguments followed. In March 2018, Magistrate Grace Donalds ruled that the captain and the management company had not been properly served. The Crown indicated that a case would be proceeded with against the ship’s owner, Risley, which is registered in Seychelles. Attorney James Austin-Smith represented the defendants. Mentions and updates continued until March 13, 2019. On that date, Assistant Director of Public Prosecu- tions Candia James-Malcolm asked that charges against all defendants be left on file. This procedure means that the charges are not being pursued at this time and the defendants may apply for them to be dismissed after a passage of time. James-Malcolm told Mag- istrate Donalds of the “very impressive” efforts made by the defendants to ensure coral recovery. The magistrate agreed and made the order to leave the charges on file. The Cayman Compass carried a story in December 2016, that quoted an of- ficer from the Department of Environment as saying that the ship’s owners had hired Polaris Applied Sci- ence to survey the damage. That report indicated that the ship’s owners and operators had been “very cooperative” with the department: “They have been instructed to give us every consideration, and they have.” The Saga ship flattened the top of this coral area off Eden Rock when it struck the reef in 2017.Next >