ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 $ 3 99 M EAL D EALS MONDAY - SATURDAY 9pcs MIXED , 2 Sides & 5 BISCUITS NEW FAMILY SUNDAY Hundreds turn out for Flowers swim Six turtles released into wild SOUTHWEST LAUNCHES NEW BALTIMORE ROUTE JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Around 900 swimmers of all shapes, sizes and ambitions, took to the waters off Seven Mile Beach Saturday for the latest instalment of one of Cayman’s favourite sporting events. Some came looking for victory, others to beat personal targets or just to swim a mile for the first time and support a good cause. The proceeds from the event, anticipated to be around $70,000, go to Special Olympics Cayman Islands. There were calm waters and fine weather for this year’s race from The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman resort to the Royal Palms Beach club. And there was a strong showing from Cayman Islands athletes with a former champion and a rising star taking spots on the podium. Shaune Fraser, 31, was second, with teen- agers Alex Dakers and Jake Bailey taking third and fourth, respectively. It was US swimmers that took the glory, however, with Alex Meyer, a former world champion over 25km, and Lexie Kelly, taking line honours in the men’s and women’s divisions. Turn to page 15 for more coverage. The Cayman Islands Turtle Centre re- leased six two-year-old ‘head-started’ tur- tles into the sea at Governors Beach on Sat- urday, watched by hundreds of residents and tourists. Tim Adam, CEO of the Cayman Turtle Centre, said the release, and the wide in- terest in it, enabled the public to learn more about sea turtles and the threats they face. Members of the public had been invited to enter a competition “to have the privilege of being the ones to tell the turtles farewell and walk down the beach with them, to give them a little pat, and give them encourage- ment to get into the sea”, Adam said. “There were hundreds of people here,” he said, “and our objective is during these re- leases we give a talk that explains what the different threats are that turtles face in the wild, for example, the plastics in the ocean, and encouraging people, once they fall love with turtles, which we hope they have done by being here today, to protect them.” He said the newly released turtles will have a better chance of survival, against predators and other threats, than hatch- lings. “They are much larger than hatch- lings and much more able to survive in the wild,” he said. Adams said that even though these six turtles were bred in captivity in the Cayman Turtle Centre, their instincts would direct them on how to navigate and find food once Low-cost carrier continues Cayman expansion JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Seizing on growing demand for Cayman Is- lands vacations, low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines launched its third route into the is- lands Saturday. The Dallas-headquartered airline will fly direct from Baltimore/Washington airport once a week throughout the summer. Senior director Steven Swan, who was in Grand Cayman to launch the new route Sat- urday, said the success of its flights from Fort Lauderdale and Houston had prompted fur- ther expansion. He said the Cayman Islands were an in- creasingly popular destination for US-based travellers, and the airline is constantly looking at possible new routes. Swimmers power through the water in front of the Ritz-Carlton hotel on Seven Mile Beach Saturday during the annual one-mile Flowers Sea Swim. - PHOTO: AIRVU Children pat a two-year-old turtle as it makes its way into the ocean during a turtle release at Governors Beach on Saturday. - PHOTO: ALVARO SEREY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 »2 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 17 JUNE 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 (PG) 10:30 (SAT ONLY) I 4:35 I 7:15 (NO SAT) SUN: 4:35 I 7:15 CAPTAIN MARVEL(PG13) 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: 3:40 VIP I 4:40 I 6:40 VIP 8:00 I 9:40 VIP KIDS CLUB: OVER THE HEDGE (PG) 10:00 (SAT ONLY) CULTURE AT THE CINEMA: THE TRAGEDY OF KIND RICHARD THE SECOND(R18) 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. - MONDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) GODZILLA: KING OF MONSTERS (PG13) 1:15 I 9:55 ALADDIN (PG) 12:55 I 3:55 | 7:10 3D I 10:05 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM (R) 4:25 | 10:15 SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (PG) 12:30 | 2:50 3D | 5:10 | 7:30 3D MEN IN BLACK (PG-13) INTERNATIONAL 1:00 VIP I 1:20 | 4:15 I 6:55 VIP | 7:15 | 10:00 ROCKETMAN (R) 7:25 X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (PG-13) 1:15 | 3:45 VIP | 4:20 | 7:00 | 9:45 | 9:50 Adventist Church celebrates 125th anniversary in Cayman The local Adventist Church is celebrating its 125th anniversary in the Cayman Islands this year. A weekend-long celebra- tion began on 31 May with an evening service, followed by a church service the fol- lowing morning, and con- cluding with a social event at Bodden Town’s Heritage park on 1 June. The church traces its be- ginning in Cayman to 1894 and to the islands’ first Ad- ventist convert, East End native Gilbert Magdaly McLaughlin, the great grand- father of Premier Alden McLaughlin, a press release from the church noted. Among the civic leaders who joined the church to mark the anniversary were Premier McLaughlin; Health Minister and Bodden Town MLA Dwayne Seymour; Leader of the Opposition and East End MLA Arden McLean; and North Side MLA Ezzard Miller. Pastor Michael Smith represented the Bahamas headquarters of Cayman’s churches. Other participants included Linford Pierson, former Speaker of the Legis- lative Assembly and Cabinet minister, and now an elder of the George Town Adventist Church. Pierson, whose late parents Varion and Cicely Pierson were among the pil- lars of the district’s church, presented a historic ac- count of the founding of the Adventist Church in the Cayman Islands. At the 1 June morning service, Premier McLaughlin reflected on his great grand- father’s role in establishing the church that has grown from the biblical “mustard seed”, he said, to today’s more than 6,000 members. The release noted, “A young sea captain, pioneer McLaughlin had been con- verted to Adventism in Bo- nacca, Honduras, during a visit in 1894. “Returning to Cayman later that year, he soon built a small tabernacle that later gave way to a larger though still rustic building on land that he purchased. The cur- rent church, recently refur- bished with the help of the community and members, today stands on the same plot of land.” The premier said that de- spite being the only baptised Adventist on island for 11 years, his great grandfather remained faithful. It was not until 1905 when Pastor Frank Hall arrived from Jamaica that the first group of Ad- ventists, 20 strong, including pioneer McLaughlin’s wife Rachel and their five chil- dren, were baptised. Premier McLaughlin said that he had not known his great grandfather, who had died 13 years before he was born to Gilbert’s eldest grandson son Alden McNee McLaughlin. The premier said his great grandfather, known in the district as Magdaly, per- severed despite great oppo- sition at the time because “he believed he had been specially appointed” to es- tablish the church in the Cayman Islands. Speaking of the growth of the church over the past 125 years, the premier said, “You have every reason to be proud; you have every reason to thank God; you have every reason to celebrate.” The Adventist chain was broken in his family when the premier’s grandfather, Allen McLaughlin, for whom the East End Civic Centre is named, returned from teacher training in Jamaica. An Adventist at the time, he converted to the Presbyterian faith as the price for securing his bride’s hand in marriage. The premier said, how- ever, that shortly before his grandfather’s death, he re- turned to his early teachings and called for an Adventist minister, and only “then was he totally at peace”, adding: “Do not give up on me; I, too, will find my way back.” In his concluding remarks at the Saturday morning ser- vice, Pastor Smith brought con- gratulations from the church’s headquarters, saying that he and his colleagues were “over- joyed to see how the church has grown” in the Cayman Is- lands, and that among the 32,000 members across the territories administered by the church in this area of the Car- ibbean region, Cayman consti- tuted “a valuable part”. The church traces its beginning in Cayman to 1894 and to the islands’ first Adventist convert, East End native Gilbert Magdaly McLaughlin, the great grandfather of Premier Alden McLaughlin. Pastor Reinaldo Dracket, president of the Cayman Islands Adventist Conference, displays a framed photograph of Gilbert Magdaly McLaughlin, the first Adventist convert in the Cayman Islands. The photograph now hangs in the lobby of the church in East End, the birthplace of Adventism in the Cayman Islands. At right is Nelda Rose Dracket. Premier Alden McLaughlin, centre, the great grandson of Gilbert Magdaly McLaughlin, founder of the Adventist Church in the Cayman Islands, flanked by family members on his left and church officials on his right. - PHOTOS: SUBMITTED EU removes Dominica from tax blacklist Technical guidance for funds released in May MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com The European Union has removed the Caribbean is- land of Dominica from its list of uncooperative juris- dictions in tax matters. Dominica changed its tax rules to comply with EU requirements meant to reduce the risks of tax evasion, the EU said in a statement. The Code of Conduct Group, which assessed the compliance of coun- tries with EU tax cri- teria, had already de-listed Aruba, Barbados and Ber- muda on 17 May. Dominica implemented its commitments and ad- dressed EU concerns re- garding the automatic exchange of financial in- formation after it ratified the OECD Multilateral Con- vention on Mutual Admin- istrative Assistance. As a result, Dominica will ex- change tax information under the common re- porting standard with all EU member states from December 2019. The EU says its list is contributing to on-going efforts to prevent tax avoidance and promote good governance princi- ples such as tax transpar- ency, fair taxation or inter- national standards against tax base erosion and profit shifting. Only 11 jurisdictions remain on the tax black- list. They are American Samoa, Belize, Fiji, Guam, Marshall Islands, Oman, Samoa, Trinidad and To- bago, the United Arab Emirates, the US Virgin Is- lands and Vanuatu. Technical guidance for funds The Cayman Islands has addressed EU concerns by introducing new legisla- tion requiring certain com- panies to demonstrate that they have sufficient eco- nomic activity on island in terms of management, staff and expenditure to justify the amount of profits they make in Cayman. However, Cayman com- mitted to comply with fur- ther economic substance requirements for collective investment vehicles that the EU might require be- fore the end of this year. In March, the EU Council said further work will be needed to define acceptable economic sub- stance requirements for collective investment ve- hicles asking the Code of Conduct Group to provide technical guidance. According to this tech- nical guidance, released in May, the Code of Con- duct Group will scrutinise the legislation for funds in the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and Cayman against four pillars. They include the authorisation and regis- tration of funds; supervi- sion and enforcement; val- uation, accounting and auditing of funds; and de- positary rules. “In line with the princi- ples of the EU listing pro- cess, the requirements in relation to funds legisla- tion for third country juris- dictions do not go beyond the standards applicable in member states,” the tech- nical guidance said. The assessment of the legislative framework would have to take into ac- count specific factual and legal circumstances in each jurisdiction, the Code of Conduct Group said.The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 where life blossoms CAYMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Class of “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ass of e futuTheuuebeongso e whohosw uty ofbeautyoftherdreams” re belongs to believe in the their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt Congratulations CAMANABAY.COMThe 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” MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Restoring the central role of Caribbean agriculture DAVID JESSOP When in the early 1990s it became apparent that Eu- rope’s preferential regimes for Caribbean bananas and sugar were coming to an end, an impassioned debate began about a transition to other forms of economic activity. For the most part, the focus was on alternative crops, import substitu- tion, manufacturing, and financial services. Little was said at the time about tourism because its sustain- ability was widely regarded as uncertain. Since then the world has moved on. Tourism has come to dominate most Caribbean economies. Unconstrained by the region’s smallness, the internet has enabled new offshore services to develop and prosper, and financial services, after being encour- aged, have come under threat from the same nations that promoted their development. In contrast, agricul- ture has been slow to reor- ient itself. While some entrepreneurs in the sector moved on and identified niche domestic or export markets or saw op- portunity in large new acre- ages on virgin land on the mainland of South and Cen- tral America, most Carib- bean farmers have remained caught in the past. Moreover, agriculture’s low returns and economic and climatic uncer- tainties have made the sector unattractive to most young people, resulting in there being little new thinking about how as an industry, agriculture should adapt to a much-changed Caribbean. For this reason, a just published Caribbean Devel- opment Bank (CDB) and UN. Food and Agriculture Or- ganisation (FAO) ‘Study on the State of Agriculture in the Caribbean’ is a breath of fresh air as it outlines how, with a significantly changed approach, the sector could again become of much greater economic and so- cial relevance. What it does is provide a long overdue comprehen- sive analysis – incredibly the first since 1981 – of agricul- ture in all CARICOM states including Haiti, plus the UK’s five Overseas Territo- ries, which together comprise the Bank’s 19 borrowing member countries. It notes that while Domi- nica, Guyana, Haiti and Suri- name remain heavily de- pendent on agriculture, in 10 other borrowing nations, ag- riculture now accounts for less than 4% of GDP. The study confirms that since 2000, the food im- port bill of CDB’s borrowing members has more than dou- bled from US$2.1 billion to US$4.8 billion with imported food now accounting for 60% of the food consumed in CARICOM and the UK Over- seas Territories. It also says that in its borrowing coun- tries food exports of tradi- tional crops fell from 60% of agricultural production in 1990 to less than 20% in 2018. As well as focussing on how the economies of the re- gion have changed and how Caribbean agriculture might adapt, the study identifies the steps required to resus- citate the industry and re- duce the region’s huge food import bill. CDB make clear that the principal challenge now facing agriculture in the re- gion is improving competi- tiveness and productivity. CDB also say that because the sector has only a lim- ited ability to comply with modern food safety and quality standards and for the most part lacks irriga- tion, it has been unable to adequately respond to the region’s rapidly growing de- mand for high-standard, agri-food products for the tourism, food processing and retail sectors, either within or beyond the region. Despite this, the report, which also addresses fish- eries and aquaculture, says the sector as a whole has great potential for the crea- tion of stronger market link- ages with sectors such as tourism if support is pro- vided to farmers, fisherfolk and agri-food businesses to adopt current interna- tional best practice and technologies. What makes this report particularly important is that it is forward looking, outlines solutions and op- portunities and gives hope to all who belive in the centrality of agriculture to Caribbean life and who want to restore respect for agriculture’s role. Well delivered change could again make agricul- ture, albeit in a very dif- ferent form, an important source of regional economic growth and see the sector become a key contributor to poverty. As CDB suggests, a re- suscitated and integrated in- dustry could also help ad- dress food and nutrition insecurity, obesity, youth unemployment, and gender inequality. By illustrating quite how much there is to be done, the reports begs the questions of who is going to act and how quickly. Transforming Caribbean agriculture in a manner that ensures it has a sustain- able long-term future may be complex but pales in com- parison to the social and economic and cost of inac- tion. The CDB report indi- cates this clearly and that if adapted, agriculture has an important role in the region’s future development. David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council and can be contacted at david.jessop@Caribbean- council.org. © 2019, David Jessop. If the Caribbean’s agri-food system is to become more competitive, inclusive and sustainable, it has long been self-evident that agriculture requires a new approach, new policies and investment. Anyone who doubts the power of an individual to transform our community for the better should study the work of Michael Myles. Cayman’s unflagging youth advocate is no hand- wringer. He identifies a need, comes up with a plan to address it, and gets it done. When Myles saw a need for vocational training on island, he set about getting it filled. Thanks to his dogged efforts, and the business community’s willing- ness to step up and help, Inspire Cayman Training is poised to launch as early as July. As the Compass reported last week, the school expects to initially offer construction and divemaster training but will expand curriculum according to interest and need. It is an elegant solution to a well-known problem: Too few Caymanian job-seekers have the technical cer- tifications and skills to pursue lucrative and satisfying careers in the trades. By committing his own resources, leveraging rela- tionships and enlisting the help of partners with ‘skin in the game,’ Myles has devised a nimble, effective programme that will finally address this pressing work- force issue while opening up new on-island opportuni- ties for Caymanians. It is a win-win-win: Making sure our residents have access to trade and vocational training strengthens our society by rewarding individual initiative, offering clear paths for the pursuit of excellence and the dignity of work. The way Inspire Cayman Training has come into being is, itself, a story of self-reliance, initiative and inspiration. Myles dug into his own pockets to help fund the facility on Eastern Avenue. The Caribbean Utilities Company has signed on as a training sponsor. Local businesses have donated tools or committed to providing on-the-job experience for the centre’s students. Myles told the Compass that 10 contractors have agreed already to partner with Inspire Cayman Training, providing apprenticeships, mentorship and employment – a seamless classroom-to-work pipeline. Myles, a certified master trainer through US-based National Center for Construction Educa- tion and Research, and three other instructors will handle the classroom component, which will qualify graduates for basic work on construction sites or advanced coursework in various trades. Working with Eco Divers Cayman, the school will offer certification courses for students to become divemasters, opening up even more employment opportunities for local job- seekers. Myles is registering with WORC and hopes to connect students with scholarships to defray the cost of training. Government, particularly WORC and the ministries of tourism and education, should do everything in its power to support the training centre. We need more skilled tradespeople to build our houses, roads, schools and churches, and to keep machinery and systems in good repair. Every person deserves a chance to contribute meaningfully to our society and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Myles and his partners are building more than a training centre, they are offering a passport to well-paying, satisfying employment and a rich, ful- filling life. Inspire Cayman shows power of working together5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 East End’s Sunrise Cottage seniors home shuts its doors JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Elderly residents of East End’s Sunrise Centre have been moved to a residential home in West Bay after the facility closed down. The six residents were relocated to the Golden Age Home in West Bay on Wednesday, 29 May. East End MLA Arden McLean said he had been told that the building, which is not hurricane-proof, was deemed not fit for purpose after the Fire Services carried out an inspec- tion of the site. Teresa Echenique, chief of- ficer in the Ministry of Commu- nity Affairs, said in a govern- ment press release, “The benefit of [the West Bay] location is that it is hurricane certified, which means [the residents] don’t have to be moved to a shelter if a storm is approaching.” Both the East End and West Bay homes are oper- ated by the Department of Children and Family Services. Echenique said the decision to close the East End seniors building was made in the best interests of the residents and staff and will allow for fu- ture options to be considered, adding that the seniors were comfortably settled at their new location. “They also have access to a large and airy day care room with the opportunity to interact and take part in group activi- ties daily. The move included staff they are very familiar with, which has greatly helped the transition,” she added. According to the press re- lease, factoring in the age, size and overall structural restraints of Sunrise Cottage, the govern- ment is exploring creating a purpose-built facility for the el- derly population of the eastern districts. “As a result, options are being explored to accommodate a future home that will not only provide residential services for older persons but will offer a day programme and respite care when necessary,” the re- lease stated. McLean told the Compass last week that he was notified about the closure of Sunrise Cottage by a relative of one of the residents. He said he wrote to the premier on 26 May and spoke to Echenique, and their response to him was the place was not fit for purpose and that firemen had carried out an inspection and deemed the building unsafe. McLean said he had been asking government to build a new facility for the elderly in his district and in neighbouring districts for a decade, stating that the building was not fit for public use. “It was a house, a teach- er’s cottage; it wasn’t built for taking care of old people, and I proposed constructing [a new] one inland years ago,” McLean said. He said the residents had to be moved out of there whenever there was a hurricane threat. “Whatever we do, we will have to make sure it accommo- dates all three districts, Bodden Town, North Side and East End,” McLean said. He said it was not fea- sible to build am elderly care home in each district because the running costs would be astronomical. East End people, he said, had been making representa- tions to him about the care home and he is hopeful the government will do some- thing about it. The Sunrise Centre, which is the Children and Family Services oldest residential fa- cility, is more than 60 years old. East End resident Dora Lee McLaughlin said it was first oc- cupied by Caymanian teacher and school administrator Islay Conolly, who moved out when she married politician Warren Conolly. It remained shuttered for many years until govern- ment repaired and turned it into the seniors home. McLaughlin, 67, said it will be hard for her to get to see her 100-year-old stepmother Ina Connor, now that she has been moved to the West Bay home. “I was told by Family and Children Services that the building was not safe for them anymore and they would move out by the end of May,” she said. She said she has visited her stepmother since she moved to West Bay and she seems very happy. She said she was also glad to know that nurses who looked after her step- mother in East End also had moved to the West Bay home. “That is one thing I am happy about,” she said. She added, “I know they had to move them out every time a hurricane was coming and take them to the civic centre. The last time they took them there, they said they had too much prob- lems shifting them around from the water coming in. I was told they would not be repairing the building,” she said. Long-time East End resi- dent Alan Ebanks said the el- derly home will be missed. He said the seniors home had ser- viced the eastern districts, par- ticular East End, for the past several decades and had pro- vided quality care and was a facility where their senior cit- izens can live out their final years in the community. “It is obvious that this fa- cility is needed. East End has an aged and aging popula- tion. It’s not only needed be- cause of the care provided, but also the convenience to the families in the district. For the loved ones, it pro- vides a level of comfort; they can live in the district of their birth as opposed to another district,” he said. East End’s Sunrise Cottage, which housed six elderly residents, closed at the end of May. “ It was a house, a teachers college, it wasn’t built for taking care of old people and I proposed constructing one inland years ago.” ARDEN MCLEAN MLA, East End6 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Forum to debate tourism, labour and population issues The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has announced its line-up of speakers and panellists for the 2019 Chamber of Com - merce Economic Forum at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa on Wednesday, 19 June. The forum, hosted in part- nership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Devel- opment, will feature presen- tations by industry leaders and government officials on key economic factors for Cay- man’s business owners. Each presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, where the audience will be given the opportunity to ask the panel- lists questions. Finance Minister Roy McTaggart will open the af- ternoon with an overview of the ‘state of the economy’ be- fore Rosa Harris, director of the Department of Tourism, will give an update on Cay- man’s tourism industry. The new Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman strategy will be ex- plained by WORC Director Sharon Roulstone, who will then, together with Dan Scott, chairman of the Education Council, and Stacy McAfee, president of UCCI, explore the implications of this strategy for Cayman’s current and future workforce. “With this speaker line- up, we really hope to be able to discuss key issues and help our members plot out a sustainable course for their business’ future,” Chamber of Commerce President Chris Kirkconnell said. To spark a frank conver- sation about the future popu- lation growth of Cayman, JC Calhoun of Coldwell Banker will paint a picture of what the economy and workforce will look like with Cayman at a population of 100,000, fol- lowed by a panel featuring Justin Howe, executive vice president of Real Estate De- velopment and Operations for Decco, Dart Development; Paul Byles, economist and managing director of FTS; and Richard Hew, president and CEO of Caribbean Utili- ties Company. “We are extremely pleased with the calibre of speakers and panellists that have come on board for this year’s forum,” Kirkconnell said. “They are sure to provide de- tail insights on Cayman’s fu- ture for our attendees.” The Economic Forum is sponsored by DART, Cayman First, the Depart- ment of Tourism, Coldwell Banker and CUC. The forum will run from 12:30pm to 6:30pm, on Wednesday, 19 June. Tickets are $50, including lunch and cocktail reception and available at www.caymanchamber.ky. Finance Minister Roy McTaggartWORC Director Sharon Roulstone Conference to address blockchain and digital economy Local and international experts will discuss develop- ments in the digital economy and their implications for the finance, technology and legal industries, as well as the public sector, at the Cayman Islands Digital Economy Conference on Thursday, 20 June, at the Kimpton Sea- fire Resort. “With the success of the first event last year, we are thrilled to be able to bring this event back to the local business community,” Paul Byles, director of consulting firm FTS, said. “It is important for Cayman, as a global financial centre, to remain abreast of the latest trends within the digital economy, not only so that we may serve our clients better but also so we can en- sure our regulations stay up- to-date,” he added. This year’s line-up of speakers will showcase global trends, ground- breaking ideas and techno- logical advancements. Following welcome re- marks from Premier Alden McLaughlin, the minister of Financial Services and Home Affairs Tara Rivers will be giving an opening address. “Fintech is an ever- growing sector within Cay- man’s largest industry,” Minister Rivers said. “As a jurisdiction, we are actively working on ways to create the appropriate regulatory envi- ronment to ensure that this new technology is properly assessed and implemented in a manner consistent with our reputation as a global leader in financial services.” Co-founder and CEO of VeriBlock, Justin Fisher, will discuss some of the world’s most fascinating innova- tions involving blockchain technology during the first presentation of the morning. Nolan Bauerle, writer and re- searcher at CoinDesk, will ex- plore the successes and fail- ures of cryptocurrencies and Ravi Bahadursingh, barrister at Chancery Lane Chambers, will look at the implications of digital advances for initial coin offerings. “As the digital economy is anything but one dimen- sion, it is important that we explore the multiple sec- tors that make up the dig- ital economy so that our at- tendees can receive a more rounded view of the cur- rent state and future devel- opments,” Byles said in a press release. The conference will also include what organisers called “a fireside chat” on how local regulators are ap- proaching the risks associ- ated with fintech and a panel titled ‘Technology and us’ as well as a display of local, young talent in Cayman’s ro- botics arena. The Cayman Islands Dig- ital Economy Conference, known as CyDEC, is organised by FTS and sponsored by the Ministry of Financial Services, the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, Tower Marketing, Cayman Tech City, Veriblock, the Min- istry of District Administra- tion, Tourism and Transport, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce and Pinnacle Media, among others. Tickets are $350 and include entry to the full-day conference, breakfast, lunch and a cocktail reception. Visit www.cydec.ky for more details. $38,000 donation buys hospital respiratory machine The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority has purchased a new res- piratory machine to im- prove the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breathing and chronic lung problems following a do- nation of $38,000 from the Cayman Islands Cystic Fi- brosis Trust. According to a press re- lease from the HSA, the new technology is an all-in-one respiratory function test solution that guarantees highly accurate results and provides a more comfort- able experience for patients. “Respiratory function tests are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. They measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow and gas exchange,” said HSA registered respira- tory therapist and certified pulmonary function technol- ogist Melanie McLeod. “This information can help healthcare providers diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders. Identifying the severity of a breathing im- pairment earlier and more accurately will lead to more efficient and effective treat- ment and higher quality outcomes for our patients.” The machine, called a COSMED Q-box, includes a large cabin, known as a body-box, in which the pa- tient sits. The machine can help determine the severity and type of breathing im- pairment a patient is expe- riencing and help to confirm if medical treatment being administered is effective, the HSA said. The machine previously used by the Cayman Islands Hospital has been shipped to Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, where it will be used to perform respiratory func- tion tests there, so patients on the Brac will not have to travel to Grand Cayman for the service. The funds donated by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust were also used to purchase a chest airway clearance vest, which helps to loosen and thin retained secretions that could lead to increased rates of respiratory infec- tion, breathing difficulties and reduced lung function. The donation is the final one the Cystic Fibrosis Trust will be making, as the Trust is winding up. “It is wonderful to bring the Trust to a close with the purchase of two fan- tastic pieces of equipment for the people of Cayman,” said Pamela Fowler, volun- teer fundraising manager of the Trust since its incep- tion in 2005. “The Trust de- cided to split the remaining funds between the HSA and research projects for a cure for cystic fibrosis overseas. “This is really a gift from all the volunteers and do- nors who helped and sup- ported the Trust over many years, for which we are so thankful. Special thanks are also due to our three trus- tees, Christina Kirkaldy, Tif- fany Polloni and Jon Fowler who directed the Trust from the beginning.” Started by Pamela and Jon Fowler, the Cystic Fi- brosis Trust’s aim was to raise money for research and a cure for cystic fi- brosis, a progressive, ge- netic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. HSA registered respiratory therapist Melaine McLeod operates the COSMED Q-box. “ It is important for Cayman, as a global financial centre, to remain abreast of the latest trends within the digital economy, not only so that we may serve our clients better but also so we can ensure our regulations stay up-to-date.” PAUL BYLES, director, FTS Justin Fisher of VeriblockPaul Byles of FTSRavi A. Bahadursingh7 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 Let’s talk growth Our experienced Business Banking team is here to discuss your best options for financial management and growth. When it comes to business growth, we’re your trusted financial partner. No matter what stage you’re at, we can help you with sound financial management. ✔ Commercial Mortgage ✔ Business Loans *CIBC FirstCaribbean terms and conditions apply. All financing is subject to normal lending criteria. The CIBC logo is a trademark of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, used by FirstCaribbean International Bank under license. ✔ Business Overdraft ✔ Bizline Visa Business Card Contact any member of the Business Banking Team at our Main Street branch: Business Banking Manager: Tel +1 (345) 815-2334 Cel +1 (345) 916-9012 jessica.maxwell@cibcfcib.com Business Banking Officer: Tel +1 (345) 815-2111 nicola.howelle@cibcfcib.com 88 nominees vie for Stingray Tourism Awards The 2019 Cayman Is- lands Tourism Association received 88 nominations for the annual Stingray Tourism Awards, the highest number ever submitted. In a statement, the tourism association said it believes the record-breaking number of nominations is “indicative of the industry’s growth and success”. The awards recognise in- dividuals who have contrib- uted significantly in their roles, as well as the Cayman Islands tourism industry in general. CITA Executive Director Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks said in a statement, “The Steering Committee for this year’s Stingray Awards are truly excited about the up- coming event and look for- ward to celebrating the magic of tourism with so many talented individuals who exhibit Caymankind daily. ... Whomever wins, I believe each nominee should feel very proud that their colleagues put them forward for this prestigious recognition.” She said all members of the community are in- vited to attend the awards gala on Tuesday, 23 July, at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The theme of this year’s awards night is ‘Celebrating the Magic of Tourism’. A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be pre- sented on the night. The nominees are: ACCOMMODATIONS Manager ■■ Angela Rivers, Wyndham Reef Resort ■■ Cashema Rankine, Beach Suites ■■ Charles Njuguna, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman ■■ Julie Rudeen, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Kylie Rae Fitzgibbons, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Magali Fabre, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Megan Chandler, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Melina Marcellini, Marriott ■■ Natasha Pereira, The Westin ■■ Paola Juarez-Robinson, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Rita Agustin, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Shamus Smith, Kimpton Seafire Employee ■■ Bianca Tica, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Boyd Rosales, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Calvin Taylor, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Cinthia Rochez, Marriott ■■ Doris Dixon, Wyndham Reef Resort ■■ Ingrid Daye, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Karla Galan, Beach Suites ■■ Logan Graydon, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Ludivene Finelli, Sunshine Suites Resort ■■ Madalyn Tavares, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Mykal Green, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Paul Robinson, The Westin ■■ Reysiel Tumali, The Westin ■■ Shandie Tatum, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Volney Reece, Beach Suites ALLIED AND TRANSPORTATION Manager ■■ Donovan Taylor, Blackbeard’s ■■ Eric Schwandt, West Indies Wine Company ■■ Kathryn Willman, Pink Duck Publishing ■■ Rachel Belton, Marriott ■■ Shalico Christian, Wineschool3 ■■ Starling Kelly, North Sound Golf Club ■■ Tim Adam, Cayman Turtle Centre Employee ■■ Jany Calderon, Marriott ■■ Megha Mehta, Netclues ■■ Mesha Goes, Budget and Apex Rent A Car ■■ Rahul Baxani, Rocky’s Diamond Gallery ■■ Rebecca Bush, Cayman Turtle Centre RESTAURANT Manager ■■ Baridhara Thiruna- vukkarasu, The Westin ■■ Daniel Herrmann, Marriott ■■ Fernando Villaizan, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Juan Lesmes, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Stanlia Camp- bell, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Wesley Hepburn, Ritz-Carlton Employee ■■ Adrian Thomas, Beach Suites ■■ Arian Mezquia, Sunshine Suites Resort ■■ Arpad Stankovics, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Cheryl Ann Bramwell, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Fiorella Urbina, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Guadalupe Range, Beach Suites ■■ Julio Manzano, Sun- shine Suites ■■ Laurel Scarlett-France, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Laurent Bodden, The Wharf ■■ Mirna Scott, Marriott ■■ Percival Carlos, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Ricardo Hamilton, Beach Suites ■■ Roy Ebanks, Ritz-Carlton ■■ Sher Singh, Bacaro ■■ Tania Bisset Robert, Sunshine Suites WATERSPORTS Manager ■■ Istvan Ebanks, Red Sails Sports ■■ Michael Pinnington, Sunset House/Divers ■■ Tony Land, DiveTech ■■ Employee ■■ Barbara MacDowell, Reef Divers – Cayman Brac ■■ Carl-Lyle Young, Red Sail Sports ■■ Charlotte (Charlie) Reaney, Red Sails Sports ■■ Courtney Magnuson, Red Sails Sports ■■ Nicol (Nicci) Paul, Red Sail Sports ■■ Paul Thompson, Red Sail Sports ■■ Ragime Powery, DiveTech ■■ Robert Hopwood, Sunset House LONG SERVICE ■■ Daisy Ann Bush, The Westin ■■ Florence Carridice, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Gay Morse, Pirates Point Resort ■■ Stephen Surrey, Kimpton Seafire ■■ James (Hal) Miller, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park ■■ Jorge (JP) Perez, Red Sail Sports ■■ Stacy Hurlston, Pedro St. James Castle ■■ Zulema Brown, Beach Suites RISING STAR ■■ Alecia Davis, Luxury Cayman Villas ■■ Jake Brodsky, Tillies at The Beach Suites ■■ Jatoya Ebanks, Marriott ■■ Jess Smith, DiveTech ■■ Kelly Phillips, The Ritz-Carlton ■■ Liam Davies, Kimpton Seafire ■■ Sabrina Douglas, Red Sail Sports ■■ Shona McGill, Cayman Turtle Centre ■■ Victoria Bise, Ritz-Carlton For more information, visit www.cita.ky/stingrayawards or get tickets at EventPro.8 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Jimmy Houston gets hooked on Cayman RUBiS announces grant winners Kai Roberts of West End Primary School was named the winner of the 2019 RUBiS Top Student award last week at the George Town Yacht Club. The $5,000 grant Kai re- ceived is intended to help him further develop his mu- sical skills, which he identi- fied as his passion. He will also receive $1,000 to do- nate to the school or club of his choice. “Kai demonstrated not only a talent for guitar but also a desire to use his musical skills to bring joy to those around him and make a positive impact on the community,” Nicolas de Breyne, managing director of RUBiS Cayman said in a statement. Minister of Educa- tion Juliana O’Connor-Con- nolly recognised Kai as a fellow Bracker. “I am thrilled to see our winner, Kai Roberts, is from West End Primary School in the Brac,” she said. “This shows that, even if you’re from a small school, as long as you’ve got pas- sion, faith, and are willing to work hard, you can be successful at whatever you put your mind to.” Kai’s Grade 5 teacher, Diana Kennedy, said he is a model student. “Kai is not only dedi- cated to his schoolwork but also participates in ex- tracurricular activities such as learning the guitar, singing, football and public speaking,” she said. Kai was among the 10 fi- nalists chosen from 70 en- tries. The other nine final- ists were Alzavia Goulbourne and Damoya Fearon, both of Red Bay Primary School; Ho- sannia O’Connor, East End Primary School; Jeleah Maize and Naima Myles, both from George Town Primary School; Kaz Conolly Basdeo, Mon- tessori By The Sea; Kezzia King, Triple C School; Oral Michelin, The Lighthouse School; and Tianna Ebanks from Prospect Primary School. They will receive $1,000 each towards pur- suing their passions. “All the students really demonstrated their determi- nation, dedication, drive and enthusiasm for their pas- sion,” de Breyne said. “Even at such a young age, these students are already devel- oping skills like teamwork, goal setting and leadership, which will no doubt assist them in building bright and successful futures.” Since its launch in 2015, the RUBiS programme has donated more than $56,000 in financial grants to more than 40 students in the Cayman Islands. The programme is open to students from 7-12 years of age. Students interested in applying are asked to ex- hibit excellence, passion and enthusiasm in any par- ticular area of interest such as fine arts, performing arts, sports, STEM activities or academics. KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com The man dubbed ‘Amer- ica’s favourite fisherman’ is bringing Cayman’s waters back to the airwaves this week. The second episode of ‘Jimmy Houston Outdoors’ shot in Grand Cayman will air throughout the week, starting Monday, 17 June, on Discovery Network, CBS Sports, World Fishing Net- work and Pursuit Channel, among other stations. Co-host Misty Wells said the half-hour episode fea- tures a highly successful day reef fishing with Cayman Off- shore Adventures and Cap- tain Jacob McTaggart. “We had a fantastic day with Jacob fishing, and [we] caught so many fish, that translated into one episode with just him,” Wells said. “On our trip that’s coming out Monday, we decided to go reef fishing and that’s an- other beautiful thing about being in the Cayman Islands. If it’s a little rough offshore, there is still some really good inshore fishing.” Wells said they caught spe- cies ranging from mutton snapper and jack fish to grouper and barracuda. All spe- cies were caught and released, she said, except for some mutton snapper that they fil- leted and prepared for dinner. “Anytime the rod’s bending, it’s fun,” she said. A previous episode of ‘Jimmy Houston Outdoors’ that aired in April was also shot in Cayman. On that ep- isode, the crew went reef fishing, bone-fishing along the shore and searched for tarpon in the canals. Filming for that episode in January 2018 was Wells’s first time to Cayman. At that time, Houston had not trav- elled to the island in decades. As a resident of Tampa, Florida, Wells said the prox- imity and beauty of Cayman appealed to her. “One thing I loved is that you can be here very quickly and it’s very easy,” she said. “You can be in 12,000 feet of water and still see the beach. That’s very un- common. Where I live, to even be in 100 feet of water, I’ve got to be 70 miles offshore.” The accessibility of good fishing spots in Cayman means more time fishing and less time driving, she said. Wells added that the kind- ness of the people in Cayman exceeded her expectations. “Everybody’s so nice. Eve- rybody really wants you here. The locals are fantastic. Eve- rybody is so welcoming. You honestly feel appreci- ated coming as a tourist and someone who either wants to fish or dive or experience the island. Everybody is really glad you’re here,” she said. She recalled one mo- ment when Captain McTag- gart went above and beyond during their fishing trip. “There is one really cool part where there’s a fish on [the line] and the fish swims around a rock. We didn’t want to break the line, so Jacob, he’s so awe- some, kicked off his shoes, takes his shirt off, dives in the water, grabs the fish, gets it out from the rock and we finish reeling it up,” she said. “That’s pretty cool. That’s a real captain right there. He’s going to help you land that fish no matter what.” Wells has been so im- pressed by Cayman that she is back on island this week scouting locations for another television pro- gramme, of which she will be the main host. She plans to film two epi- sodes of ‘Let’s Take it Outside’ in Cayman. This show will go beyond fishing and include other outdoors activities, like snorkelling and visiting caves. That show is sched- uled to air on Fox Sports in the first part of 2020. For Wells, fishing and the outdoors are escapes that she wants to share with others. “The No. 1 thing I love about fishing is that really almost anyone can do it and you never know what’s going to happen. You never know what you’re going to reel up or what the experience is going to be like,” she said. “I love whether you’re a beginner and you’ve never fished before or you’re an experienced angler, I know you’re going to have a good time and you’re going to catch fish.” “ You can be in 12,000 feet of water and still see the beach. That’s very uncommon. Where I live, to even be in 100 feet of water, I’ve got to be 70 miles offshore.” MISTY WELLS, co-host of ‘Jimmy Houston Outdoors’ ROTARY SUNRISE DONATES 500 BOOKS TO WEST BAY SCHOOL The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise has donated 500 books to Sir John A. Cumber Primary School via the organisation’s ‘Buy A Kid A Book’ project. Every February, Sunrise rotarians solicit donations to purchase books for public school classrooms. “This is a wonderful pro- ject for Rotary Sunrise,” pres- ident Matthew Seales said. “Literacy is near and dear to both our club and LIFE (Lit- eracy Is For Everyone) who have remained our partner from their inception. As a ser- vice club, we ask the public for support, and it is most gratifying to see how gen- erous the public have been to this cause.” This past year Rotary Sun- rise collected $2,377 from the public, then added another $5,000 from club coffers, all of which went to LIFE who sourced and purchased the books for the students. Recently, rotarians met with John A. Cumber li- brarian Shanda Hunter and volunteers from LIFE to have a ‘sticker party’ where books to be placed in the school’s classroom libraries were sorted and branded. Deputy Principal Ryan Dale said, “On behalf of our school community and es- pecially the students and teachers, I thank LIFE and Rotary Sunrise for donating these books. We worked to- gether closely to select the right books and I can as- sure you that they will be put to good use.” The Rotary Club of Cayman Sunrise meets Wednesday mornings at 7am at the George Town Yacht Club. Members of the public are welcome to attend. This past year Rotary Sunrise collected $2,377 from the public, then added another $5,000 from club coffers, all of which went to LIFE who sourced and purchased the books for the students. Jimmy Houston and Misty Wells film their second fishing episode in Grand Cayman. - PHOTO: SUBMITTED Misty Wells is so captivated by Cayman that she is scouting locations to film another outdoors show. Jimmy Houston takes television viewers back to Cayman this week on his long-standing fishing programme. - PHOTOS: SUBMITTED This year’s RUBiS grant winners are, front row, from left, Alzavia Goulbourne, Naima Myles, Kai Roberts, Jeleah Maize and Tianna Ebanks; back row, Hosannia O’Connor, Kezzia King, Damoya Fearon, Oral Michelin and Kaz Conolly Basdeo.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman’s leading youth mental health advocacy group is gaining momentum with the addition of two new programmes tailored to the needs of young adults, teens and children. The Alex Panton Foundation re- cently launched a peer-led support group for young adults ages 18 to 25. The free weekly sessions at the George Town Town Hall offers youth a confidential outlet to cope with anxiety and depression, while building life skills. Trained facilitator Shane Pur- cell coordinates the group. Purcell worked previously in the mental health sector with Aware and St. James Hospital in Ireland. He wants young people who at- tend his sessions to feel a sense of empowerment and to build resiliency. The concept behind peer-led sup- port groups is to allow participants to share their experiences and to receive advice from individuals in similar situations. “A lot of people find it hard to open up to friends or family, so [the group is] basically another avenue for them to express their feelings but also to learn coping mechanisms,” Purcell said. “When you’re in there, you feel like you’re not alone and you also listen to other people about sug- gestions and ideas.” The group meets Saturdays from 3-4:30pm at the George Town Town Hall across from the library. All participants sign a confidentiality agreement to en- sure the privacy of others. Children’s programme The foundation will also be launching another initiative, aimed at children ages 5-9, on Monday night, 17 June. The ‘Zippy’s Friends’ and ‘Apple’s Friends’ programmes, developed by the UK’s Partnership for Children, aims to develop social and emo- tional well-being in young people by teaching them communication and coping skills. Students learn about feelings, friendship and conflict, among other topics, through stories, discussion, games and role playing. “With this programme, we’re trying to target 400 students a year and the whole idea of it is that we go into schools and train up the teachers to be able to incorporate this programme into their school schedule,” Purcell said. He sees the programme helping children develop social skills, emo- tional intelligence and resiliency that will empower them later in life. The Alex Panton Foundation will hold a launch event for the pro- gramme Monday at 4-5:30pm at Cayman Islands Hospital’s Hibiscus Conference Room. The programme itself is expected to begin in schools this September. Other upcoming events by the foundation include the InStyle Cayman fashion show and fund- raiser at The Ritz-Carlton on 28 June and the Sweet Dreams Pijama-Cock- tail Party at Bacaro on 22 June. The ‘Young Men at Risk’ work- shops are held regularly at locations islandwide. For more information about the school programmes, email zippy@ alexpantonfoundation.ky. To view a full listing of events, visit https:// alexpantonfoundation.ky/events. “It’s the people, the expe- rience, the hotels, the natural beauty of the islands – it is in high demand,” he said. Southwest has been flying into the territory for a little over two years and has transported more than 60,000 passengers to and from the islands. “We launched from Fort Lauderdale and we were doing so well there,” said Swan. “We saw people were connecting from the rest of our network into Fort Lauderdale so it just made sense to offer non- stop service from some of those markets.” He said the airline would continue to look for op- portunities to bring more flights into Cayman and add new routes. The first flight from Bal- timore arrived Saturday around 11am to a water- cannon salute from the waiting fire trucks. The flight was near capacity on both legs, according to Swan, who is responsible for stra- tegic planning and airline partnerships at Southwest. As well as bringing new tourists to the island from a major hub, he said, the new route provided Cayman Is- lands residents with an opportunity to visit the US capital. CAYMAN COMPASS • MONDAY, 17 JUNE 2019 The first flight from Baltimore arrived Saturday around 11am to a water-cannon salute from the waiting fire trucks. The inaugural flight from Baltimore arrives to a water-cannon salute on Saturday morning. - PHOTOS: JAMES WHITTAKER Southwest director Steven Swan believes Grand Cayman is an increasingly popular destination for US tourists. Southwest launches new Baltimore route Six turtles released into wild they were released into the ocean for the first time. Earlier this year, a report following a six-year study showed that 90% of the wild green turtles in local waters had a direct DNA family link to farmed turtles, meaning that many of the turtles released in their infancy by the Cayman Turtle Centre, formerly known as the Cayman Turtle Farm, re- turned home to nest once they grew to adulthood. “The turtles we released will be back in 20-plus years from today,” Adam said, “because they have set their ‘GPS’ to come back to Cayman to mate and for the females to come back to Cayman and lay their eggs.” Members of the public watch as one of the six turtles takes its first steps into the ocean at Seven Mile Beach. - PHOTO: ALVARO SEREY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Mental health foundation begins programmes for teens and children The Alex Panton Foundation will hold a launch event for the [Zippy’s Friends] programme Monday, 17 June from 4:00-5:30pm at Cayman Islands Hospital’s Hibiscus Conference Room. Shane Purcell, Alex Panton Foundation New restaurants, retail outlets planned for Grand Harbour Central Planning Authority to consider application JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Plans for a new $30 mil- lion development in Grand Harbour, including homes, shops, restaurants, a café and a bakery have been submitted to the Central Planning Authority. The development, named Harbour Walk, also features a pool deck and rooftop jogging track. A total of 26 retail and restaurant spaces are slated for the bottom floor, with 62 one- and two-bed apart- ments on the upper floors. The development also fea- tures space for eight offices and a second-floor bar. Harbour Walk is one of multiple new developments planned or already under construction in the growing Grand Harbour area. Despite more general traffic concerns in the area, the National Roads Authority, in its submis- sions to the Central Plan- ning Authority, advised that the impact of this new development was likely “negligible”. There were no public objections to the proposal, which will be reviewed by the CPA on Wednesday. Harbour Walk’s website lists businessman Trevor Watkins, realtor Jeremy Hurst and property in- vestor Eyal Patel as part- ners in the development. Plans on the site show a three-storey building surrounding a land- scaped courtyard. In its pitch to prospec- tive business and residen- tial tenants, the company indicates, “Harbour Walk’s unique location and range of shops and amenities will ensure it becomes a desti- nation location. “The developer’s aim is to attract high quality tenants and customers from early morning to late at night.” Harbour Walk is one of multiple new developments planned or already under construction in the growing Grand Harbour area. 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