Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. WORLD | PAGE 14 ROYAL BABY ARCHIE MAKES FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE High of 87 Low of 75 EDITORIAL | PAGE 4 NO HARM IN AN INDEPENDENT OPPOSITION ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – THURSDAY MAY 9, 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. Call us to learn how we can support your business today at 747-2000. Local Touch, Global Reach. www.generali-healthcare.com Nature’s dangerous decline JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A new United Nations report high- lighting the devastating impact of humans on the natural world should serve as an urgent ‘wake-up call’ to policymakers in the Cayman Islands and across the globe, according to a host of environmental offi- cials, researchers and non-profits. The UN report warned that up to 1 mil- lion species are on the brink of extinction as a direct result of human impacts. It highlighted the loss of natural habitats to development, as well as over-exploitation of wildlife from an ever-growing global population as among the key culprits. The report called for “transforma- tive change” in the way people interact with nature, and recommended govern- ments look beyond economic growth as a measure of national progress. Officials and activists in Cayman warn the report has particular significance for these islands. A number of iconic species found in the Cayman Islands, including hawks- bill turtles, Nassau grouper and blue iguanas, are among the most threatened animals on the planet. But officials say there are hundreds of lesser known spe- cies that are also on the brink of extinction. Al- most half of Cayman’s 415 endemic plant species are critically endangered, according to the Department of Environment. Gina Ebanks-Petrie, director of the DoE, said development represented the biggest threat to Cayman’s natural flora and fauna. “We can’t fixate on what the most threatened species are because the fact of the matter is that at the rate we are con- verting natural ecosystems [into urban en- vironments], all our endemic species are at risk,” she added. She said it was vital that Cayman’s Na- tional Conservation Law, currently under review by government, was not diluted. Fred Burton, head of the DoE’s terres- trial resources unit, said Cayman’s nat- ural world is literally “disappearing be- fore our eyes”. He said it was essential to act now or risk losing the variety of plants, animals and ecosystems that make Cayman unique. “If we don’t preserve these areas, they are not going to be there in a heart- beat,” he said. Guy Harvey, the artist and fisherman whose ocean foundation works worldwide to research and protect sharks and other endangered species, called for urgent ac- tion. He said the Cayman Islands needed to slow down its development to preserve its natural beauty. “The urgency with which we need to act is becoming more and more ap- parent,” he said. The UN report, a comprehensive global assessment of the natural world, draws on 15,000 reference sources and was com- piled by the Intergovernmental Science- Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Eco- system Services. Its release this week comes as the Cayman Islands government begins a re- view of the National Conservation Law. Premier Alden McLaughlin has previously highlighted concerns over the law’s potential to delay or derail na- tional infrastruc- ture projects. Ebanks-Petrie said the environ- mental impact as- sessment element of the law – which currently allows the National Con- servation Council to compel devel- opers, including government, to fully assess the potential MILLER NO LONGER LEADER OF THE PAC KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com About a week after resigning from his role as the official Opposition leader, MLA Ezzard Miller has also resigned from the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee. Miller’s resignation happened during a closed- door sitting of the PAC on Tuesday. His resigna- tion will be effective the next sitting of the Legis- lative Assembly, which is scheduled to take place in early June. Then, legislators will presumably hold a ballot to appoint a new PAC leader. Miller said he was stepping down as PAC chair because Cayman follows the tradition of having the Opposition leader also head up the PAC. “I am grateful to the members of the PAC and the staff of the Legislative Assembly for their sup- port and assistance during my chairmanship,” Mr. Miller said in a statement, adding: “It has been an honour to serve the people of the Cayman Islands in this capacity and in that of the leader of the Opposition for the past two years.” Miller said that his number one goal as leader of the Opposition and chairman of the Public Ac- counts Committee was to strengthen the respect, effectiveness and efficiency of both democratic institutions. “I am confident that I have moved both insti- tutions substantially towards this goal,” he said. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » CAYMAN ISLANDS CLASSIC RETURNING SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com The field has been set for the third edition of the Cayman Islands Classic, and it includes eight geographically diverse teams that have been to the biggest stages in college basketball. Loyola-Chicago, which advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA postseason tournament in 2018, will headline the field along with Nebraska, coached by former NBA player Fred Hoiberg. Two teams in the field – Old Dominion and New Mexico State – played in the NCAA tourna- ment last season, and another, South Florida, won the postseason College Basketball Invitational tournament. Washington State, Colorado State and George Mason will also be part of the Cayman tournament. “The good thing about it is we’re still in the beginning stages,” said Joe Wright, the chief ex- ecutive officer of tournament organiser Caymax PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 5 » 1 million species facing extinction Hawksbill Turtle - PHOTO: ELLEN CUYLAERTS2 LOCAL®IONAL THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS BREAKTHROUGH (PG) 1:25 I 4:10 I 7:15 I 10:00 SUN: 4:10 I 7:15 I 10:00 KALANK (PG) 3:10 I 9:00 (SAT ONLY) I 9:30 (NO SAT) SUN: 3:10 I 9:20 LITTLE (PG13) 12:30 I 3:25 (SAT ONLY) I 3:50 (NO SAT) 6:50 I 9:45 SUN: 3:50 I 6:50 I 9:35 DUMBO 10:30 (SAT ONLY) I 4:35 I 7:15 (NO SAT) SUN: 4:35 I 7:15 CAPTAIN MARVEL 1:40 I 10:00 (NO SAT) SUN: 6:30 I 10:00 THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (R) 1:10 VIP I 4:35 I 7:00 VIP I 10:15 HELLBOY (R) 12:35 (SAT ONLY) I 1:00 I 6:10 (SAT ONLY) I 6:45 SHAZAM! (PG13) 1:30 I 3:40 VIP I 7:15 I 9:30 VIP SUN: 8:00 I KIDS CLUB: OVER THE HEDGE 10:00 (SAT ONLY) CULTURE AT THE CINEMA: THE TRAGEDY OF KIND RICHARD THE SECOND SAT ONLY: 8:00 • 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. - THURSDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) THE INTRUDER (PG13) 1:00 I 3:30 I 7:00 I 9:35 BREAKTHROUGH (PG) 12:40 I 3:45 I 6:50 I 9:45 LONG SHOT (R) 1:35 I 4:20 I 7:05 I 9:50 AVENGERS: END GAME (PG13) 12:30 VIP I 1:10 I 4:20 VIP I 5:05 3D 8:10 VIP I 9:00 LITTLE (PG13) 1:35 I 4:20 I 7:15 I 10:00 Four injured in six-vehicle collision Four people sustained minor injuries from a six- vehicle collision on North Sound Road in front of the Alissta Towers complex on Tuesday around 5:50pm. According to police, the collision occurred when one of the vehicles, a Nissan Skyline, exited a plaza and entered the middle turning lane to transition into the southbound lane. That ve- hicle was struck by the driver of a Mercedes-Benz SUV travelling down the middle lane, in an attempt to enter the same plaza that the Nissan exited. After colliding with the Nissan, the driver of the Mercedes is believed to have lost control of the ve- hicle and proceeded to col- lide with four other ve- hicles that were in the northbound lane waiting in traffic, police stated. A video of the scene was widely shared on social media. The Royal Cayman Is- lands Police Service stated that two people were taken from the scene by emer- gency medical services and another two sought medical care on their own. All parties were treated and released, and are all are believed to have sus- tained non-life-threat- ening injuries, according to the RCIPS. The matter is currently under investigation by the RCIPS Traffic and Roads Policing Unit. Puerto Rico saw 44% drop in students since 2006 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Public and private school enrolment in Puerto Rico has dropped 44% since 2006, researchers announced Tuesday, leading to the clo- sure of 265 schools and raising concerns that chil- dren will start to drop out. Investigators with the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at New York’s Hunter College said that a dispro- portionate number of school closures – 65% – have come in rural areas on the eco- nomically struggling US ter- ritory, compared with 35% in urban areas. The centre’s di- rector, Edwin Meléndez said the changes have led to cuts in school bus service and reduced access to primary school education. “They have to travel longer distances. Many live with grandparents or single mothers where transporta- tion isn’t available,” he said. “They’re going to have high desertion rates.” The enrolment drop is mostly a result of a 12-year recession that has sparked an exodus of Puerto Ricans to the US mainland in search of jobs and a more afford- able cost of living. The ex- odus accelerated after Hur- ricane Maria, a Category 4 storm that hit in September 2017 and is blamed for an estimated 4% loss of the US territory’s population. Meléndez said schools often serve as an anchor for families, with education being a top factor in the de- bate of whether to leave the island of 3.1 million people. “That’s one of the rea- sons families who have emi- grated are not coming back,” he said of the closures. “The exodus and population loss has not ended.” Meléndez said most of the closures involve primary and middle schools, noting that the number of chil- dren younger than 5 has de- creased 42% since 2006. But he said he worries about young children who remain in Puerto Rico and the in- creased difficulties they face in finding a school near their home. A separate study by the US non-profit Lumina Foun- dation found that Puerto Rico college enrolment de- creased by 7% over the past three years, but that degree completion is higher on the island than in the US main- land. It is the first time the study includes statistics on Puerto Rico. Courtney Brown, Lumina’s vice president of strategic impact, said Puerto Rico’s government also should start thinking about its adult pop- ulation and how it can con- tribute to the economy. “They have talent, too,” she said. “Puerto Rico has a number of challenges … [The] human capital issue is just as urgent.” The reports were released a month after Puerto Rico education secretary Julia Keleher resigned amid criti- cism of school closures and other concerns. A new in- terim secretary has promised to create charter schools and vouchers as ordered by the governor as part of a plan to overhaul the island’s public education system. In May 2017, Ana Sanchez and her 8-year-old daughter Naiyari lock the gates of her school, the Dr. Isaac Gonzalez Martinez school, one of 179 that closed that month amid an economic crisis in San Juan, Puerto Rico. - PHOTO: AP CUBA CANCELS CONGA AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA PARADE HAVANA (AP) – The Cuban government announced Tuesday that it has cancelled this year’s edition of a pa- rade widely seen as a sign of progress on gay rights on the island. The state-run Center for Sex Education run by Ma- riela Castro, the daughter of Communist Party First Sec- retary Raul Castro, said in a Facebook post that the Conga Against Homophobia sched- uled for an unspecified date this month had been can- celled on orders of the Min- istry of Health. The statement attributed the cancellation to “new ten- sions in the international and regional context that di- rectly and indirectly affect our country and have tan- gible and intangible impacts in the normal development of our daily life and the imple- mentation of the policies of the Cuban state”. The statement did not ex- plain what that meant. Offi- cials with the sexual education centre, known by its Spanish acronym CENESEX, did not respond to requests for com- ment or said they did not know why the march was cancelled. Tensions with the United States are high over the situ- ation in Venezuela, where the Trump administration wants to oust the Cuban-backed ad- ministration of President Nicolás Maduro. And Cuba’s economy is stricken by short- ages in basic goods attributed in large part to a decline in subsidised oil from Venezuela. It was unclear how either of those factors required the cancellation of a gay pride march, although Cuban offi- cials tend to impose more con- trols of all types in moments when the country is perceived to be under threat. The issue of gay rights has become un- usually controversial in Cuba in recent months due to re- sistance from the country’s growing ranks of evangelical Christians. The Cuban government persecuted gays in the 1960s and 1970s but has since out- lawed discrimination and come to be seen as relatively progressive on the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people. The gov- ernment funds gender reas- signment surgeries, discrimi- nation on the basis of sexual orientation is outlawed, and police receive training de- signed to avoid disrespectful treatment of homosexuals and transgender people. The conga, a parade of hun- dreds of LGBT people waving rainbow flags and dancing down one of Havana’s main thoroughfares, became an in- ternationally lauded symbol of Cuba’s acceptance of gay and transgender rights. A second parade was planned this year for the eastern city of Cama- guey, as part of the 12th cele- bration of an event known as the Days Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The festival started Monday, lasts until 18 May and features workshops, seminars, film screenings and a cultural gala. CENESEX said the cancel- lation of the march was only for this year, and could be re- visited in 2020. “It’s a government deci- sion,” said group coordinator Malú Cano. “It’s nothing against us. Otherwise they would have suspended all of our activities.” The government had pro- posed legalising gay mar- riage in a constitutional re- form that was approved in a February referendum but the item was removed after widespread resistance from a wide range of Cubans in- cluding evangelicals. Alida Leon, president of Cuba’s Evangelical League, said her church and others in years past had requested permits to hold marches in favour of traditional gender roles at the same time as the gay rights march. She said the requests were rejected. The issue of gay rights has become unusually controversial in Cuba in recent months due to resistance from the country’s growing ranks of evangelical Christians. BRAZIL SEEKS BANK EXECS IN LAUNDERING PROBE RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Bra- zilian authorities issued ar- rest warrants Wednesday for three executives of the Banco Paulista as part of a sweeping investigation into money laundering linked to the construction conglom- erate Odebrecht. Federal prosecutors said the three are suspected of involvement in the laun- dering of more than about $12.2 million between 2009 and 2015. The bank is ac- cused of having hired front companies that issued fic- titious contracts to justify non-existent services. Banco Paulista said it was cooper- ating with authorities. Authorities also issued 41 search and seizure war- rants in Sao Paul, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, targeting companies they say received more than $71 million from the bank. Prosecutor Julio Noronha said the operation was the beginning of a process to “hold accountable agents in the financial and banking sectors who have allowed millions … to be laundered and paid as bribes”.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 NOTICE TO THE MEMBERS OF CAYMAN NATIONAL PENSION FUND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Members of the Cayman National Pension Fund Ltd. to be held Thursday, 9th May, 2019, in the Cayman National Building, 4th Floor Board Room, Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman at 4pm. The Agenda is set out below: - AGENDA 1. Review the Minutes of the last Members Meeting held on the 9th May, 2018 and any matters arising. 2. Receive Audited Financial Statements for the period ended 30th September 2018. 3. Report from Investment Committee. 4. Trustee Elections: Chris Gunby retires by rotation and is eligible for re-election. 5. Any other competent business. Turtle Cove condo developer ordered to pay contractor $105K KEN SILVA ksilva@pinnaclemedialtd.com Local contractor Cayman Structural Group has been awarded more than $105,000 after successfully suing de- veloper David Moffitt for failing to pay for work on the Turtle Cove condo units. Cayman Structural Group claimed the developer breached the terms of a con- tract for construction work on a second-floor slab at the development. The company alleged that Moffitt broke off the contract without telling them and got another firm to finish the job. “The Plaintiff also claims that at the end of the con- tract, his equipment (or mate- rial rented by him) remained on the site and could not be returned to him, as Mr. Mof- fitt used the equipment in order to carry out his own construction work,” the judg- ment states. Moffitt, for his part, origi- nally claimed that his agree- ment with Cayman Struc- tural Group was cancelled as a result of a split in the legal ownership of the company. He then contracted with the Caymanian shareholder of the company to complete the work, and that the issue was one of internal management of Cayman Structural Group. However, Moffitt later changed his case to plead that he entered the contract with Cayman Structural Group as a result of a mis- take and that he believed the scope of work agreed by the contract was for three floors of the building and not for the second floor alone, ac- cording to the judgment. After that, Moffitt lost his attorneys in November 2017, and he represented himself when the case was scheduled for trial on 25 April 2018. On that date, he told the court that he had another new de- fence: that the proper de- fendant to the action is a company called Turtle Cove Limited and not Moffitt personally. Moffitt, who represented himself, changed his case again at the trial, claiming that he paid the Caymanian partner of Cayman Structural Group more than $200,000, according to the judgment. However, Moffitt did not offer any credible evidence that he actually paid the $200,000, the judgment states. Justice Ingrid Mangatal slapped down all of Moffitt’s defences and counterclaims, making scathing remarks about Moffitt’s credibility. “I found [Cayman Struc- tural Group project man- ager Robert Sofield] to be a very straightforward and convincing witness,” Justice Mangatal wrote. “Mr. Moffitt, on the other hand, did not enhance his credibility at all, what with all the shifts in his case, from saying the contract was for three floors and that the Plaintiff had abandoned the work, to disavowing that position, then claiming he had paid Mr. Forbes, without a shred of evidence in sup- port of that stance. “All of this Mr. Moffitt claims, while admitting he was at a later point seeking a loan from the Plaintiff to complete other aspects of the Project. That would be a strange thing to do if one had contracted with a party that had failed to do the work which it had been agreed be performed.” The justice also found that Moffitt trespassed on Cayman Structural Group’s property by using the com- pany’s equipment to finish the project. “It is plain that as the hirer of the scaffolding, the Plaintiff had the right to con- trol and possession of this equipment,” Justice Mangatal stated. “I accept that Mr. Mof- fitt deliberately used the scaffolding for his own pur- poses and deprived the Plain- tiff of its right to it, thereby causing it loss and damage.” Justice Mangatal awarded Cayman Structural Group $87,404 for breach of con- tract, and $17,628 for tres- passing, interest on dam- ages, and costs. When reached for com- ment, Moffitt stated the fol- lowing: “It is unfortunate that a dispute between sub- contractor CSG and its past Caymanian partner has led to paying twice for uncom- pleted work.” Moffitt added that the Turtle Cove condos have been a successful, $20 mil- lion development in the local economy, with this judgment being the only dispute with any of his subcontractors. At the time the lawsuit was filed in 2015, Moffitt was attempting to put to- gether a $360 million golf resort project, known as Ironwood, involving a public- private partnership with gov- ernment to build a road in Grand Cayman. He said the lawsuit was unconnected to the resort plan and would have no im- pact on the project. Moffitt told the Cayman Compass he will provide an update on that project in June. Justice Mangatal awarded Cayman Structural Group $87,404 for breach of contract, and $17,628 for trespassing, interest on damages, and costs. Man turns himself in after attempted rape A 38-year-old George Town man was arrested by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service on Monday fol- lowing a reported incident of attempted rape. Police responded to a call shortly after 6am on Monday on Grackle Road where a woman said a man known to her had broken into her home and made ag- gressive sexual advances towards her. The woman tried to flee but was detained by the man, who had attempted to as- sault her, police said. The man later fled the scene be- fore police arrived. Police took the woman to hospital to be treated for minor injuries. She was later discharged. The man turned himself in to police later in the day on Monday and was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, criminal trespass, bur- glary and threats to kill. CYCLIST INJURED IN HIT AND RUN Police are seeking the driver of a vehicle that struck a cyclist on Tuesday night and left the scene of the accident. The incident occurred shortly before 10:15pm. Po- lice and other emergency ser- vices were called to a loca- tion on Shedden Road, where it was reported that the cy- clist had been hit by a white Honda two-door car. The cyclist was travelling on Shedden Road near Mary Street in the west bound lane, when he was struck by the vehicle behind him. Police said the Honda, possibly a Prelude model, left the scene and continued west. The cyclist had visible in- juries to his arms and legs. He attended the hospital on his own and was later dis- charged with what is be- lieved to be non-life-threat- ening injuries, police said. Police are asking for the assistance of the public in lo- cating the vehicle and driver. Anyone with information can call the George Town Police Station at 949-4222 or the RCIPS confidential tip line at 949-7777. The Turtle Cove condo development in Snug Harbour.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” THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS “Effectively performing this role demands dedica- tion on the part of a committed team. It has become increasingly clear that the level of cohesion, industry and commitment necessary for any opposition to serve in the best interest of all the people of these Islands is not possible given the current slate of independent members who made up the group.” - Outgoing Opposition Leader Ezzard Miller “In effect the country is witnessing firsthand why it is not practical for a group of Independent candidates to get elected and then seek to come together in the coun- try’s interest. They are too busy pursuing their own indi- vidual agendas to even try to develop a shared view.” - Premier Alden McLaughlin We have not always agreed with North Side MLA Ezzard Miller’s opinions and priorities as Leader of the Opposition. But he clearly has had our islands’ best interests at heart. As Opposition Leader, he was a frequent com- municator with the press, and thereby the public. As chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, a position he will also relinquish, he asked pointed questions in the pursuit of “robust, constructive opposition as integral to the democratic functioning of government”, as he characterised it in his resignation on 2 May. From all outward appearances, Miller did his best to lead an opposition group comprised of independent- minded Legislative Assembly members (himself, included) – a task that was doubtless made more dif- ficult by the fact that his group was not bound by or beholden to any particular party platform. But we disagree with Premier Alden McLaughlin that the opposition’s current leadership shake-up demonstrates that lawmakers can “come together in the country’s interest” only under the umbrella of an established political party. If anyone, the premier, himself the leader of a coalition government that includes United Democratic Party, People’s Progressive Movement and independent members, should know that does not have to be the case. In recent elections, voters have increasingly been opting for independent candidates. Why that is, or whether it will hold true in future elections, we do not pretend to know. But we do know that all MLAs, once elected, are duty-bound to serve the people of the Cayman Islands – not a particular party – to the best of their abilities. Whether they do so by aligning themselves with the premier or with the Opposition, there is no reason inde- pendent candidates cannot work together to do the job. That is what we would expect of Miller after he offi- cially steps down at the end of the month, continuing as MLA for North Side, and of the rest of the Opposition. In choosing their new leader, Opposition members would do well to remember not only their responsi- bilities to their constituents, but also their obligations under the Constitution, and their vital, irreplaceable role as a team. No harm in an independent opposition Why is peace failing in the Philippines? LESLEY ANN DANIELS With the defeat of the Is- lamic State in Syria, ISIS fighters are exporting their combat to other parts of the world. One of the places they are eyeing with interest is the Mindanao region in the southern part of the Philippines. This area is fertile soil for radicalisation. Different clans and extremist mili- tants struggle for control of the shadow economy of drugs, extortion, kidnap- ping and other sources of il- licit income. In 2017, extremist groups linked to Islamic State and previously al-Qaida fought a six-month battle with the Philippines govern- ment over Marawi, a city of 200,000 people, leaving it in ruins and killing more than 1,000 people. In my research, I study countries that have emerged from civil conflicts where the inspiration to fight came from a sense of grievance and discrimination arising from identity. I examine how identity matters in the transition to the post-con- flict period. The majority of modern peace agreements fail within five years. What is causing these negotiated peace settle- ments to collapse? Two nations in one country There are approximately 5 million Muslims in the Philippines, now concen- trated into a corner of the Mindanao island, plus an archipelago of smaller is- lands, measuring only 13,000 square kilometres. They call themselves the Moro people and believe themselves to be a nation that is separate from the rest of the Philippines. Since the 1970s, armed groups in the Bangsamoro area of Mindanao island have been fighting for in- dependence, with an esti- mated 120,000 deaths from the conflict. Despite peace agreements with succes- sive groups, parts of the area are still lawless and racked with violence. Identity claims over unsatisfied grievances Dealing with identity claims is important. On the one hand, granting rights and autonomy to minority groups makes peace stronger be- cause it reduces their griev- ances. On the other, granting autonomy helps to unite the minority group and reinforce its identity. My research has shown that in the Philippines the grievances have not been satisfied through the peace agreements. In 1996, the gov- ernment first signed a peace agreement with the Mind- anao rebels. However, the ex- pected autonomy did not take place, in part because Mus- lims felt that they had been subsumed into the Philip- pine culture. For example, the former rebel leader ran for elec- tion but as a member of the party of the Philippine pres- ident. The region did not get the control it hoped for over its budgets, but rather was dependent on unpredictable handouts from the central government. Nor were the Moros given political repre- sentation in the central gov- ernment, where political ap- pointments were optional. Furthermore, the former re- bels have been accused of using their political position only for widespread personal enrichment, while the situa- tion of the Mindanao people was not significantly affected by the changes. A rich breeding ground for ISIS This peace agreement failed because it did not re- duce the grievances of the Moros, but neither did it serve to unite them and bring real political representation. Other Islamic groups have continued fighting. A peace agreement was made with one of the groups in 2014, though it was only ratified in the Philippine Congress in 2018. It remains to be seen whether the concessions in the peace agreement can create a sense of Moro unity, can reduce their sense of grievances and can improve their governance. In the meantime, hard- line Islamist groups and rival clans fester, a rich breeding ground for ISIS fighters looking for recruits. A better outcome in Indonesia The westernmost tip of Indonesia is Aceh. The region is the most Islamic area of Indonesia and was the site of a long-running low-level fight for independence, which claimed up to 15,000 lives. As in Mindanao, this is largely an identity conflict for an area that has a proud and independent history but that had become one of the poorest and most exploited areas of Indonesia. This sense of re- sentment was a powerful mo- bilising force for both fighters but also for supporters of the armed movement within the civilian population. When peace was agreed between the government of Indonesia and the armed fighters (GAM) in 2005, the agreement granted significant autonomy to Aceh including control over revenue, local po- litical representation, and rec- ognition of the distinctive re- ligious, language and cultural environment. Aceh was given powers that no other area in Indonesia has and controls it- self as a self-governing and distinct entity. These rights, powers and institutions work together to create a sense of unity within Aceh. Unifying groups of different people The peace agreement in Aceh worked because, on the one hand, it reduced the sense of grievance, reduced economic resentments and granted political power. On the other, it created a sepa- rate and unified Aceh iden- tity. By giving wide-ranging recognition to Aceh, the gov- ernment of Indonesia de- fused the resentment against the central government. Governments are often scared to recognise minority groups, believing that giving them rights will create a de- sire for more autonomy. However, recognition can also unify groups, creating coherent nation that can de- mand better internal govern- ance, better political repre- sentation, and ultimately, a more durable peace. Lesley Ann Daniels is a post-doctoral research fellow at AXA Research Fund, Institut Barcelona Estudis Internacionals. This article originally published on www.theconversation.com. Since the 1970s, armed groups in the Bangsamoro area of Mindanao island have been fighting for independence, with an estimated 120,000 deaths from the conflict. 5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 You’re in control with Scotiabank Alerts Register for ScotiaOnLine or download the Scotiabank Mobile App today. Learn more on ky.scotiabank.com It’s free to set up and use Get notified immediately Receive personalized notifications about activities and account(s) via push notifications or email. Security Alerts Credit Card Controls Transaction Alerts ® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. Sports, at a press confer- ence on Tuesday. “We’re on the uprise and we’re moving fast, and not to get ahead of ourselves, but even the following year we already have amazing teams that have already signed with us for 2020. We’re excited for the future.” The tournament will be held on 25-27 Nov. at the John Gray Gymnasium. New Mexico State is the two-time defending cham- pions of the Western Ath- letic Conference, and Old Do- minion became Conference USA champions last year for the first time since 2011. Loyola-Chicago has been the regular-season champion in the Missouri Valley Confer- ence in each of the last two seasons, and played in the postseason National Invita- tion Tournament last year. South Florida set a school re- cord with 24 wins last year after winning just 10 games the previous season. Victor O’Garro, the presi- dent of Caymax Sports, said that one high-profile team, Wisconsin, committed to the tournament before ultimately deciding that it would not fit into its schedule this year. “They decided to pass this year and they’re asking us please to include them in the future,” O’Garro said. “It’s about an economic deci- sion they made. If they come to this tournament, they can only play one [preseason] home game, whereas at pre- sent they’re slated to play two home games.” More than one million viewers tuned in to Facebook Live to watch the tournament last year, and tournament or- ganisers have estimated that the tournament had an eco- nomic impact of US$2 mil- lion. Minister of Tourism Moses Kirkconnell said Tuesday that the tournament is a boon for Cayman coffers. “This year, in our budget, there is $75,000 from my ministry to support this,” Kirkconnell said. “If we have 2,000 people that come and each one of them spends $2,000, we believe this is a tremendous success. If we do our numbers and spend $75,000 and we have $1,000,000 of incremental spend that we weren’t going to get before, I ask you the question: ‘Is that good value for money?’” O’Garro said that youth participation has increased as a result of hosting the tournament, and he ex- pressed the hope that one day one of the participating teams will have a Caymanian player on its roster. Wright, for his part, said that he hopes to have the sport’s ultimate powers par- ticipate down the line. “We want the North Car- olinas. We want the Dukes. We want the Kentuckys,” Wright said. “We want all those guys to definitely come to our tournament one day. But they have to see how the tournament develops. We have great feedback from everybody from the NCAA side of this.” Illegal landers sentenced, boat forfeited CAROL WINKER cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Three men who ad- mitted landing in Cayman illegally were sentenced on Wednesday to serve 76 days’ imprisonment. They had been in custody 79 days since their arrest in Breakers on 18 Feb. The defendants were Celso Mejia Mejia, 36; Lazaro Angel Sharp, 28; and David Anthony Gordon Ellis, 32. All three are Nicara- guan nationals, defence attorney Lee Halliday- Davis told Magistrate Kirsty-Ann Gunn. They had been living in Costa Rica, where two of the men have family, she said. They accepted that any deportation from Cayman would have to be to Nicaragua. She asked for a sen- tence that would allow them to return home as soon as possible. The men told Cayman authorities that they had rented a boat in Costa Rica to go fishing and both engines had failed. When they came to court on Tuesday, another Crown counsel had sug- gested that other charges might be pending against the men, specifically re- lating to a bulletproof vest and rounds of am- munition. The magistrate agreed to a one-day ad- journment and indicated she was not minded to put the matter off again. On Wednesday, Crown counsel Kerri-Ann Gillies confirmed there were no new charges, only that of illegal landing to which the men had already pleaded guilty. The magistrate said that, based on the circum- stances of this case, the time the men had already spent in custody was ad- equate punishment for the offence. Gillies drew the court’s attention to a section of the law that provides for a vessel used in the com- mission of an offence to be forfeited. The magis- trate agreed and noted there are procedures for the lawful owner of the vessel to apply to the courts to get it back. The boat was pre- viously described as a “panga type” with a 200-horsepower engine and a 10-hp engine. Cayman Islands Classic returning CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 From left, Victor O’Garro, Moses Kirkconnell and Joe Wright unveil the field for the third Cayman Islands Classic basketball tourney on Tuesday. - PHOTO: SPENCER FORDIN “ We’re on the uprise and we’re moving fast, and not to get ahead of ourselves, but even the following year we already have amazing teams that have already signed with us for 2020. We’re excited for the future.” JOE WRIGHT, Caymax Sports CEO TEEN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF BURGLARY Police arrested a 16-year- old suspect from West Bay Wednesday on sus- picion of aggravated bur- glary following a break-in at a home by two armed males in March. Officers from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Ser- vice discovered a quantity of suspected cocaine in his pos- session, and he was also ar- rested on suspicion of pos- session and consumption of cocaine. The break-in occurred on 6 March in the Birch Tree Hill area of West Bay. Two burglars, one armed with an object that appeared to be a handgun and the other holding a long metal ob- ject, entered a residence and demanded money from the occupant. After a brief struggle be- tween the victim and one of the perpetrators, the two sus- pects fled the location. The police reported at the time that the victim did not sustain any se- rious injuries. CIMPA establishes marketing scholarship The Cayman Islands Mar- keting Professionals Associa- tion has launched an annual $5,000 scholarship for local students interested in mar- keting or another related field. The scholarship applica- tion period closes 30 June. The application is open to Cayman Islands students, ages 16-25, currently en- rolled in a local educational institution with good aca- demic standing. CIMPA is also looking for scholarship sponsors at various levels. Major spon- sors will be able to nomi- nate representatives to the CIMPA Scholarship Evalua- tion Committee. In a news release, CIMPA Chair Catherine Healy said the merit-based scholar- ship is part of the non- profit organisation’s efforts to shape the future of the marketing profession in the Cayman Islands. “Supporting the ambition of young people wanting to become marketing and crea- tive professionals is essen- tial to building the next gen- eration of industry leaders,” Healy said. For more information, visit www.cimpa.ky/jobs.The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS “ It is not only the number of species threatened that is very troubling it is the rate of disappearance. In geological time this is happening in the blink of an eye. All the alarm bells are going off, even here in Cayman. People are stuck on their iPhones and don’t look beyond the screen to see what is around them and appreciate nature and what it means for our col- lective survival. This is a country where development is such a crit- ical part of the economy but it has been taken to ex- cess now and we are going to pay for it later. Unfortunately, pol- iticians work on elec- tion cycles so who is really thinking about con- cerns 10 years down the road, let alone 100 years down the road?” Guy Harvey The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation “ The report is probably one of the most powerful statements we have made about the deleterious impact of humanity on life on Earth, since Ra- chel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ which started the major environmental movement in the early 1960s. It is clear from what we see on our coral reefs that we must reverse the losses to nature. Reefs are only one ecosystem, but they tell an amazing story about hu- manity. The call is not about saving fish and corals, plants and sa- fari animals, but about saving hu- manity, about food and water secu- rity, about health and protecting our quality of life.” Carrie Manfrino Director, Central Caribbean Marine Institute “ At this point, all actions that we take globally will be damage con- trol. We’re living in a world of conveni- ence, consumerism and greed, and the report is an eyeopener to the general public that making changes now is self preservation. Seven billion people depend on na- ture for economy, food, and oxygen. We have reached a tipping point where spe- cies are going extinct at a rate never seen in history. But this report is not about those species. It is about the impor- tance of biodiversity and preservation to maintain the ecosystems we depend on. Even in the Cayman Islands, we witness diminished wildlife and ma- rine life. We can see the coral bleaching and the results of bad land manage- ment. But let us not focus on the past, but protect what we have because we depend on it. Faced with all this bad news, it’s important people, governments and companies make ethical choices. We can make easy decisions immediately like a total ban on single use plastics, a ban on styrofoam and please don’t give in to the cruise industry (and build a pier) when the island is already at over capacity and cruise ships are the biggest polluters.” Linda Clark Sustainable Cayman “ It’s possible for Cayman to become a world leader in transformative change, by supporting the Blue Economy, embed- ding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Conven- tion on Biological Diver- sity into Plan Cayman and embracing natural capital accounting across govern- ment entities and sup- porting private businesses. Cayman’s youth and youth globally recognise the devastating impacts caused from loss of nat- ural resources, particularly in Cayman due to coastal and terrestrial develop- ment, creating a strong ap- petite for natural resource restoration, eco-tourism, conservation and science- based careers. Older Caymanians who created Cayman’s success in turn lament at what is left for the future genera- tions and their quality of life. We have yet to see the current government ad- ministration prioritise en- vironment economy over the traditional growth economy as the revision of the National Conservation Council is imminent.” Ellen Cuylaerts Underwater photographer and activist Nature’s dangerous decline Reef shark – PHOTO: ELLEN CUYLAERTS impact of any major project on the environment – was essential. She said environmental impact assessments, a controversial ele- ment of the law since it was passed in 2013, were used sparingly – in less than 1% of cases reviewed by the council. “The National Conservation Law is the only mechanism we have in this country that allows environmental considerations to be integrated into decision- making,” she said. “It is critical that we don’t lose that.” Government has not com- mented in detail on its plans for the law. The review committee set up to examine potential changes to the document met for the first time Tuesday. Despite the bleak global fore- casts in the report and local con- cerns over the conservation law, there is room for optimism. Projects to revive blue iguanas, sea turtles and Nassau grouper in Cayman have received international recognition. Cayman Islands Environment Minister Dwayne Seymour said in a statement to the Cayman Compass that government has al- ready acted to increase the size of the islands’ marine parks. He said further policies on plas- tics and sargassum were being considered. DoE officials say the marine parks expansion, once imple- mented, will increase no-fishing zones around the islands to 44% – in line with the targets outlined in the UN report. This blanket protection of large swathes of ocean is consid- ered crucial to protecting a va- riety of species. On land, the picture is less rosy. Around 11% of the Cayman Islands – a combination of land designated for protection by the council and lands held by the Na- tional Trust – is currently pro- tected from development. Burton said the hope was to increase the size and diver- sity of those protected areas in the coming years. He said pro- tecting a range of environments and ecosystems was the best way to protect the widest number of species. Burton said the enthusiasm and activism of young people in Cayman and worldwide gave him hope that the changes required to avert the mass extinctions fore- cast in the report are possible. He said Cayman was a good place to start. “We have a relatively small population, a relatively educated population, no wars or serious poverty issues,” he said. “We have got everything going for us to make it happen.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 10 of Cayman’s at-risk species Here is a snapshot of some of the creatures and plants that are either threatened or are protected under Cayman’s laws. BY THE NUMBERS 1 MILLION THE NUMBER OF SPECIES OF ANIMALS OR PLANTS IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION, MANY WITHIN DECADES 8 MILLION THE TOTAL ESTIMATED NUMBER OF SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS ON EARTH (INCLUDING 5.5 MILLION INSECT SPECIES) Key statistics and facts from the United Nations’ report 60 BILLION THE NUMBER OF TONS OF RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTRACTED GLOBALLY EACH YEAR, UP NEARLY 100% SINCE 1980 40% AMPHIBIAN SPECIES THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION 33% REEF-FORMING CORALS, SHARKS AND SHARK RELATIVES, AND MARINE MAMMALS THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION 70% INCREASE SINCE 1970 IN NUMBERS OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ACROSS 21 COUNTRIES 5.6 GIGATONS ANNUAL CO2 EMISSIONS SEQUESTERED IN MARINE AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS – EQUIVALENT TO 60% OF GLOBAL FOSSIL FUEL EMISSION 33% MARINE FISH STOCKS IN 2015 BEING HARVESTED AT UNSUSTAINABLE LEVELS; 60% ARE MAXIMALLY SUSTAINABLY FISHED; 7% ARE UNDERFISHED AT LEAST 680 VERTEBRATE SPECIES DRIVEN TO EXTINCTION BY HUMAN ACTIONS SINCE THE 16TH CENTURY 100-300 MILLION PEOPLE IN COASTAL AREAS AT INCREASED RISK DUE TO LOSS OF COASTAL HABITAT PROTECTION 107 HIGHLY THREATENED BIRDS, MAMMALS AND REPTILES ESTIMATED TO HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THE ERADICATION OF INVASIVE MAMMALS ON ISLANDS 10% DECREASE PER DECADE IN THE EXTENT OF SEAGRASS MEADOWS FROM 1970-2000 50% LIVE CORAL COVER OF REEFS LOST SINCE 1870S No animal is more closely associated with the Cayman Islands, than sea tur- tles. Worldwide, six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as ‘threat- ened’ or ‘endangered’. Green sea tur- tles, the most common in Cayman’s waters, are listed as endangered. Hawksbill turtles, also seen around the island, face the biggest risk. There are only 8,000 nesting hawksbills left in the world, according to the Interna- tional Union for the Conservation of Na- ture, which lists the species as ‘critically endangered’. At least a handful of those 8,000 nest on Cayman’s beaches. Sea turtles Butterflies Four endemic sub-species of butter- flies are protected in Cayman under the National Conservation Law. These include the Cayman pygmy blue (pic- tured above), the Cayman chestnut leaf butterfly, Lucas’ blue butterfly, and the Cayman swallowtail. Eagle rays While stingrays – probably the most photographed wild animals in the Cayman Islands – are doing just fine, some of their cousins are not faring so well. The beautifully patterned spotted eagle ray is listed as ‘near threatened’ while manta rays, giant oceanic rays with wingspans of up to 30 feet that occasionnally cruise through Cayman’s waters, are listed as ‘vulnerable’. Coral reefs According to the UN report, up to a third of critical reef building corals are threatened with extinction. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution and overfishing are among the threats facing reefs around the world. Ac- cording to CCMI, eight species of coral in the Caribbean are threatened. Of those, elkhorn and staghorn coral are classed as critically endangered. Ghost Orchid One of four orchid species listed for protection under Cayman’s National Conservation Law, the cream-col- oured ghost orchid is perhaps the most iconic. Listed as ‘critically en- dangered,’ the ghost orchild’s natural habitat in Grand Cayman has been im- pacted by development, according to the National Conservation Council. A 2008 report from the IUCN listed the ghost orchid among the 100 most threatened species in the world. SharksBlue iguanas Nassau grouper Parrotfish Bats All species of bats in the Cayman Is- lands are protected under the National Conservation Law. According to the National Trust, there are nine species of bats in the Cayman Islands. Three Cayman Islands bats are endemic to the Caribbean and are considered to be exceptionally rare. The National Trust’s Bat Conservation Project has been active since 1994. Vibrantly colored and thick lipped with the beak-like overbite of a parrot, par- rotfish are a relatively common sight in local waters. There are 95 different types of parrotfish, of which several are found in Cayman. Of those, the bump- head parrotfish and the rainbow parrot- fish face the greatest threats. Parrotfish are considered critical to the survival of coral reefs. They graze on the algae that, left unchecked, can blanket reefs and choke off corals’ supply of oxygen and light. With their vibrant stripes and curious nature, they are a favourite of scuba di- vers and snorkellers in Cayman’s wa- ters. They are also extremely vulnerable to fishing pressure. They spawn in large aggregations during breeding season. Cayman’s ‘Grouper Moon’ project to monitor and research activity at these spawning sites has helped lead to pro- tection from fishing that is credited with reviving the species, particularly around Little Cayman. The best known endangered species in the Cayman Islands also represents the territory’s greatest success story. Blue iguanas are exclusively found in the eastern districts of Grand Cayman. The National Trust’s captive breeding pro- gram program launched in 1990 with just 30 blue iguanas, and has gone on to rehabilitate the species and release more than 1,000 of them into the wild. The Sister Islands Rock Iguana, found only on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are also considered endangered species. According to the UN report, nearly a third of sharks and fish are threatened with extinction. Caribbean reef sharks, the most populous in Cayman’s wa- ters, are classed as ‘near threatened’. Other visitors to local waters, including Oceanic White Tip sharks and ham- merheads, face more imminent threats. Sharks are apex predators at the top of the food chain, so their endangered status is a result of human impacts. Shark fishing is banned in Cayman as a result of the National Conservation Law.The 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 brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Road or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS THURSDAY, 9 MAY PARK RE-NAMING: South Sound Community Beach will be re-named to honour environmental activist Consuelo Ebanks. Located next to the South Sound Community Centre. 4:30-7pm. All are invited. CAYMAN DRAMA SOCIETY: Stage production of ‘Proof’ by playwright David Auburn, at Prospect Playhouse on Shamrock Road. Doors open 6:30pm, show starts 7:30pm. Adults $25, students, $15. Order tickets at www.cds.ky. ROUNDABOUT FUNDRAISER: The Island Heritage Insurance CharityDrive continues. The company will donate $1 each time a motorist drives through the Island Heritage roundabout on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, and will also donate $1 for participants’ social media support. For more details, visit www.charitydrive.ky. FRIDAY, 10 MAY GOLF TOURNAMENT: Triple C School hosts the 7th annual Captain Theo Bodden Memorial Golf Tournament today at the North Sound Golf Club. The tournament is one of the school’s largest fundraisers. Golfers will be in the running for a slew of prizes, including a chance to win a Toyota Rush. Players can also buy a ticket that gives them the chance to win additional prizes, including a three-day, two- night vacation getaway. Entry is $200 per player, or $750 for a team of four. Noon registration for a 12:30pm start. For more info, email rhowell@triplecschool. org or call 949-6022. BUILDING SAFETY MONTH: Public training session on how to use the Online Planning System. Government Administration Building, 10am to 2pm. Reserve space by emailing info@planning.gov.ky. CHILD MONTH: Trivia Game Night, East End/North Side, 6-9:30pm. SATURDAY, 11 MAY JUNIOR BATABANO: Old Glass House Lawn. Family Fun Day and Parade. 1-6pm. BRAC FUN DAY: Child Month activity. Government Public Pool, from 10am to 2pm. BUILDING SAFETY MONTH: Public Information Session on electrical requirements for dwelling units, Family Life Centre on Walkers Road, George Town, 1pm. SEA SWIM: The 32nd annual FLOW 800m Sea Swim takes place today at 4pm from Governors Beach. Registration begins at 2:30pm. RAISE THE ROOF TEA PARTY: The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre and Mothers Union host a tea party at 3-6pm at the Westin resort on Seven Mile Beach. Includes high tea, fashion show, music and auctions. $50 per person, $500 per table of 10. Purchase tickets at www.cicc.ky/events. CHILD MONTH: Circle of Love Breakfast, Mary Miller Hall on Shamrock Road, 8:30-11am. SUNDAY, 12 MAY CHILD MONTH: Church Service and Fun Day, Little Cayman Baptist Church on Little Cayman, from 11am until 3pm. MONDAY, 13 MAY CAYMAN CUP TENNIS: The Cayman Islands Tennis Club will host the Cayman Cup from today until 18 May. There will be a Junior U-18 ITF Tournament and a COTECC U-14 Tournament, as well as an Adult Championship. For more details on the event, visit www.caymancup.ca. TUESDAY, 14 MAY CHILD MONTH: Foster Care Information Session, George Town Town Hall, 5:30-7pm. THURSDAY, 16 MAY CHILD MONTH: A Teen Panel will be held at the George Town Town Hall, 4-6pm. BRACCANAL: Cayman Brac Carnival. Through 20 May. Contact cybbraccanalcommittee@ gmail.com or visit www.braccanal.com for more information. FRIDAY, 17 MAY BUILDING SAFETY MONTH: Information Booth, Foster’s Strand, 11am to 2pm. SATURDAY, 18 MAY CHILD MONTH: Family Fun Day, Turtle Centre, North West Point Road, West Bay, 11am to 3pm. CHILD MONTH: Talent Expo, Harquail Theatre, 6:30-8:30pm. SUNDAY, 19 MAY CHILD MONTH: Intergenerational Cook-Off, Cayman Academy, 2-5pm. TUESDAY, 21 MAY BULLYING: Presentation by the Alex Panton Foundation. 6:30-8pm, South Sound Community Centre. GENERAL INTEREST LOCAL HARVEST MARKET: Local farmers sell their produce and farmed goods at Camana Bay on Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm in Heliconia Court (located next to Scotiabank). COMMUNITY CHESS: Tuesdays 5-8pm, 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 7-11pm. Artists of all levels are welcome to come and enjoy painting and socialising with other artists. Includes use of easels, lights, space and a 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, 9am till noon. Thursdays Adults and Youth, 10am 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 8am to 5pm and Wednesdays 10am to 2pm. 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, 9:30am to 5:30pm 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 12:30-4pm; Tuesday-Friday, 9:30am to 4pm; Saturday 9:30am to 4:30pm. 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, ORGANISATIONS 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, 7:15pm. 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 6-7:15pm 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, 6-7:30pm. 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 7:30pm at the Lions Community Centre. Email lionsclubgcm@hotmail.com. THE LIONS CLUB OF TROPICAL GARDENS: Meet every first and third Tuesday at 6:30pm at Elizabethan Square (corner unit). Members of the public are invited to attend. ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN SUNRISE: Service club meetings 7am 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, 12:30pm, 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, 6:30pm, Pedro Castle Road, Savannah. Para transporte, llamar al teléfono no. 946-2422, email: cibaptist@candw.ky. SPANISH WORSHIP SERVICE: First Baptist Church, Crewe Road, 6:30-8:30pm. Third Sunday of each month. HARBOUR LUTHERAN CHURCH: Meets for Divine Worship and Fellowship at South Sound Community Centre, South Sound, Sundays at 10am www.safeharbourlc.com. MUSLIM PRAYER: Islamic Society of the Cayman Islands advises 5 times salaat/prayer at the Masjid. Fajr at 6am. Dhuhr at 1:15pm. Asr at 5:15pm. Maghrib at 7 minutes after sunset. Isha at 8pm website www.isci.org.ky. CATHOLIC CHURCH: St. Ignatius, Walkers Road, Mass 6pm Saturday; 8am, 11:30am, 6pm, Sundays. Christ the Redeemer, West Bay, Mass 9:45am, Sunday. JOHN GRAY MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH: Sunday worship for the family and Children’s Church, 10am. BOATSWAIN BAY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Sundays. 10am. Christian Education for all ages; 11am, Morning Worship with nursery for youngsters; 7pm, Evening Worship. Visit www.bbpca.org. SUNRISE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Harquail Theatre, 10am, 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. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. South Sound Community Beach, by the South Sound Community Centre, will be named after the late Consuelo Ebanks in a ceremony on Thursday, 9 May. - PHOTO: KATIE O’NEILLThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 Spain arrests 5 over Guatemala corruption Spanish anti-corruption prosecutors have arrested five people who are suspected of being involved in payoffs by a Barcelona company to the former president and vice president of Guatemala. The case concerns alleged payment between 2012 and 2015 of $30 million in bribes. 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 Nadler: ‘Constitutional crisis’ over Mueller report dispute WASHINGTON (AP) – The House Judiciary chairman said Wednesday the Trump administration’s refusal to provide special counsel Robert Mueller’s full Russia report to Congress presents a “constitutional crisis”, leaving the panel no choice but to move forward with a con- tempt vote against Attorney General William Barr. Talks with the Justice De- partment broke down late Tuesday over the committee’s subpoena for an unredacted version of Mueller’s report. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, New York Democrat, said the dis- pute poses “a constitution crisis” because President Donald Trump “is disobeying the law, is refusing all infor- mation to Congress”. “We have no choice,” Na- dler told CNN, but to move forward on the contempt vote. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi backed the chairman’s decision. She suggested Dem- ocrats were surprised by the Justice Department’s deci- sion to threaten executive privilege to block the release as last-minute talks failed late Tuesday. “We thought they’d just come back with a counter- offer,” she said Wednesday during a Washington Post interview. Pelosi said if the com- mittee approves contempt resolution, as is expected, the “next step” would be even- tual consideration by the full House. Barr released a redacted version of Mueller’s report to the public last month, but Democrats said they want to see the full document, along with underlying evidence, and subpoenaed the full report. The department has rejected that demand, while allowing a handful of lawmakers to view a version of Mueller’s report with fewer redactions. Demo- crats have said they will not view that version until they get broader access. The House Judiciary Com- mittee and Justice Depart- ment negotiated into the evening Tuesday, trading of- fers on how many lawmakers would be able to view the re- port, how many staff mem- bers and whether the depart- ment would work with the committee to gain access to secret grand jury material. But those talks ultimately stalled. In a letter sent late Tuesday, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd told Nadler that in the face of the committee’s contempt vote, Barr would be “compelled to request that the president in- voke executive privilege with respect to the materials sub- ject to the subpoena”. It was not immediately clear how such a claim of privilege would work with respect to Mueller’s report, which has already been re- leased to the public in re- dacted form. Executive privi- lege is the president’s power to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confi- dentiality of the Oval Office decision-making process. Nadler said in response to Boyd’s letter to the com- mittee that “this is, of course, not how executive privi- lege works”. “The Department seemed open to sharing these ma- terials with us earlier today. The Department’s legal ar- guments are without cred- ibility, merit, or legal or fac- tual basis,” Nadler said. The top Republican on the panel, Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, sharply criticised the Democrats’ plan to go ahead with the vote. “I can’t imagine a more illogical hill for a legislator to die on,” Collins said in a statement. If the committee holds Barr in contempt, it would be the first step in what could be a protracted, multi- pronged court battle between Congress and the Trump administration. Trump has defied requests from House Democrats since the release of Mueller’s report last month, and Democrats are fighting the White House on several fronts as they at- tempt to learn more about the report, call witnesses and obtain Trump’s personal and financial documents. In a related move, Nadler also threatened to hold former White House counsel Don Mc- Gahn in contempt of Congress if he does not testify before the Judiciary committee later this month. Nadler rejected a White House claim that doc- uments McGahn refused to provide despite a subpoena are controlled by the White House and thus McGahn has no legal right to them. The Justice Department did not respond to a re- quest for comment on Tues- day’s negotiations with Na- dler’s committee. On Monday, when the Ju- diciary panel scheduled the vote, Justice spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said the depart- ment has “taken extraordi- nary steps to accommodate the House Judiciary Commit- tee’s requests for information” regarding Mueller’s report, but that Nadler had not recipro- cated. She noted that Demo- crats have refused to read the version of Mueller’s report with fewer redactions that has been provided to Congress. A contempt vote against Barr would head to the full House for a vote. If the House were to pass the resolution, it would send a criminal re- ferral to the US attorney for the District of Columbia, a Justice Department official who is likely to defend the at- torney general. Democratic House leaders could also file a lawsuit against the Justice Depart- ment to obtain the Mueller report, though the case could take months or even years to resolve. Some committee members have suggested they also could fine Barr as he withholds the information. Republicans have largely united behind the president, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday declaring “case closed” on Mu- eller’s Russia probe and po- tential obstruction by Trump. McConnell said Democrats are “grieving” the result. Mueller said he could not establish a criminal con- spiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia, but he did not reach a conclu- sion on whether Trump ob- structed justice. Mueller did not charge Trump but wrote that he could not exonerate him, either. Pelosi and Senate Demo- cratic leader Chuck Schumer issued a joint statement calling it “a stunning act of political cynicism and a brazen violation of the oath we all take”. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler gavels in a hearing on the Mueller report without witness Attorney General William Barr who refused to appear, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 2. - PHOTO: AP WASHINGTON (AP) – Pres- ident Donald Trump on Wednesday acknowledged taking massive tax write offs for real estate losses top- ping $1 billion from the mid- 1980s to mid-1990s, calling it “sport” among developers like himself during that period. Trump was reacting to a New York Times report Tuesday that his businesses lost more than $1 billion from 1985 to 1994. The newspaper said its reporting was based on printouts it acquired of Trump’s official IRS tax tran- scripts, including figures from his federal tax form. Trump reported busi- ness losses of $46.1 mil- lion in 1985, and a total of $1.17 billion in losses for the 10-year period. The president appeared to defend his actions in a pair of tweets early Wednesday. “Real estate developers in the 1980s & 1990s, more than 30 years ago, were enti- tled to massive write offs and depreciation which would, if one was actively building, show losses and tax losses in almost all cases,” Trump tweeted. He contended the reported losses were “non monetary”. “Sometimes considered ‘tax shelter,’ you would get it by building, or even buying. You always wanted to show losses for tax purposes …. almost all real estate de- velopers did – and often re-negotiate with banks, it was sport,” Trump said. He claimed the Times report was a “highly inaccurate Fake News hit job!” based on old information. After comparing Trump’s information with that of other “high-income earners”, the Times concluded that Trump “appears to have lost more money than nearly any other individual American taxpayer”. Because of his business losses, the news- paper reported, Trump did not pay income taxes for eight of the 10 years. The House Ways and Means Committee has asked the IRS to provide Trump’s personal and business re- turns for 2013 through 2018. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday refused to do so, saying the panel’s request “lacks a legitimate legislative purpose”. Mnuchin oversees the IRS. Mnuchin’s move, which had been expected, is likely to set a legal battle into mo- tion. The chief options avail- able to House Democrats are to subpoena the IRS for the returns or to file a lawsuit. Trump is the first president since Watergate to decline to make his tax returns public. Trump acknowledges massive tax write offs, calls it ‘sport’Next >