LOCAL | PAGE 9 PLAN AIMS TO ENSURE SURVIVAL OF SEA TURTLES High of 89 Low of 79 Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 75 CENTS – FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 SPORT | PAGE 27 CAYMAN FIGHTERS TO FACE OFF AGAINST TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY Leaders unite against ‘modern colonialism’ JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Britain’s Overseas Territories say they will “stand together” to defend their right to self-government amid increasing concerns over “constitutional overreach” from the UK. Any attempts to enforce legislation from Westminster on issues ranging from same- sex marriage to ‘belongership’ and financial services regulation will be strongly resisted, according to leaders of several territories, following talks in Grand Cayman this week. Despite the disparate concerns of the various territories, leaders from the Falk- lands to Bermuda were united in their oppo- sition to the UK dictating policy from thou- sands of miles away. A UK law seeking to impose public reg- isters of beneficial ownership on Britain’s territories – seen as a threat to the financial services industry – is a key concern for sev- eral islands. “Modern-day colonialism is what is being attempted by those persons is Westminster, and I am certain that all Overseas Territo- ries will resist it vociferously,” Bermuda Pre- mier David Burt said at a press conference following the summit at the Kimpton Seafire Hotel on Wednesday. Several other leaders expressed similar concerns, and insisted the pressure from the UK on various issues is helping them to forge closer bonds as they seek to resist what they see as constitutional overreach HUMANE SOCIETY TO GET NEW HOME The flood-prone and often overcrowded Cayman Islands Humane Society will be moving to a new purpose-built shelter in Camana Bay. Dart is giving the animal charity the fa- cility on a 99-year peppercorn lease, according to a press release. The new shelter is expected to be operational by 2022. The Humane Society has been in its ex- isting building on North Sound Road for 22 years. The site was again inundated with rainwater earlier this week, when the charity called on members of the public to foster its animals as the floodwaters rose. UK and overseas territories trade summit kicks off MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com The first International Trade Summit was launched at the Kimpton Seafire on Thursday, with the aim of building stronger trade ties between the UK and its overseas territories. In his welcome address, Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin said the event, or- ganised between the UK and the Overseas Territories, marked a significant milestone in the continued development of the relationship. Leading a Cayman Islands delegation to the GREAT Fes- tival of Innovation in Hong Kong last year, at the invitation of the UK government, had been a “real eye-opener”, the premier said. “I saw firsthand the potential for a dynamic and creative part- nership between the UK and our- selves in the territories,” he said. The UK had shown its will- ingness to open doors and to offer support and expertise, but it was down to the overseas ter- ritories to exploit the opportuni- ties that membership of the UK Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin, fifth from left, with elected leaders and representatives of British Overseas Territories who travelled to the Cayman Islands to attend Wednesday’s Pre-Joint Ministerial Council meeting and Thursday’s International Trade Summit. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » Lord Tariq Ahmad, the UK minister of state responsible for the overseas territories, speaks at the trade summit at the Kimpton Seafire Resort on Thursday, as Eric Bush and Premier Alden McLaughlin look on. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 13 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 13 »2 LOCAL®IONAL FRIDAY, 28 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. - FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY & MONDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) ESCAPE PLAN: (R) THE EXTRACTORS 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:40 | 10:10 TOY STORY 4 (G) 11:45 VIP (SAT ONLY) | 12:45 FRI/MON | 2:00 | 2:15 VIP (SAT ONLY) | 3:15 | 4:00 | 4:45 VIP (SAT ONLY) | 6:30 | 9:00 SUN: 2:20 VIP | 3:30 | 4:50 VIP | 6:30 | 7:20 VIP | 9:00 MEN IN BLACK (PG13) INTERNATIONAL 1:35 I 4:20 | 7:05 | 9:50 SUN: 4:00 | 6:45 | 9:50 VIP X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (PG13) SUN: 3:55 | 9:40 SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (PG) 11:20 3D (SAT ONLY) | 12:30 | 4:30 | 6:45 | 9:00 SUN: 2:45 | 5:05 | 7:20 | 9:35 ANNABELLE COMES HOME (R) 1:20 | 4:20 | 7:15 VIP | 9:55 VIP ALADDIN (PG) 11:00 (SAT ONLY) SUN: 3:45 | 6:40 | 9:30 YESTERDAY (PG13) 1:00 | 7:00 | 9:45 SUN: 7:00 | 9:45 KIDS CLUB: (G) THE LAND BEFORE TIME 10:00 (SAT ONLY) MONTH OF JUNE ONLY Cimboco - A Caribbean Café 94-PASTA (947-2782) Located in the Marquee Plaza Constitution Day Long Weekend! Brunch & Breakfast til 3pm Saturday, Sunday & Holiday Monday TOP DOLLAR PAID FOR CAYMANITE MINI-SCULPTURES/ PAPERWEIGHTS Contact: gabriel@marianbuilt.com 01-206-459-8419 Send picture and price Road closures this weekend A number of events will be held this weekend in re‑ lation to visiting dignitaries for the International Trade Summit and Celebrate Cay‑ man’s Constitution anniver‑ sary celebrations, leading police to advise about pos‑ sible road closures and po‑ tential delays. On Friday, delays can be expected in the vicinity of Pedro St. James from 5‑11pm as a Cayman Cul‑ tural Celebration is held at the site to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first written Constitution of the Cayman Islands. On Saturday, from 3‑10pm, drivers are warned to expect delays in the gen‑ eral vicinity of Truman Bodden Sports Complex, and along Olympic Way, As‑ piration Drive and Fair‑ banks Road, as an all‑star football match that is part of the Celebrate Cayman events is held. On Sunday, a church ser‑ vice will be held at Elmslie Memorial to “offer attendees a time to reflect on and give thanks for the journey the Cayman Islands has made over the past 60 years”, ac‑ cording to organisers. Police are warning motor‑ ists to expect delays or diver‑ sions on Harbour Drive be‑ tween 10am and 12:30pm. Harbour Drive between Fort Street and Cardinall Av‑ enue may be closed, de‑ pending on the number at‑ tending the event. The festivities move to the George Town Town Hall on Monday, 1 July, Constitution Day, at 9‑11am, when a spe‑ cial event on the public hol‑ iday morning will be held to celebrate the significance of this historic building. A tra‑ ditional Caymanian break‑ fast will follow. Police advise that Fort Street between Al‑ bert Panton Street and Mary Street, and Edward Street from Fort Street to Dr. Roy’s Drive, will be closed. Also on Monday, to fa‑ cilitate a ‘Family Empower‑ ment Rally’ Fort Street will be closed between Harbour Drive and Edward Street, from 6am until about 9pm. ROAD CLOSURE FOR CONCERT A section of Cardinall Avenue in George Town will be closed on Saturday and in the early hours of Sunday morning to facili‑ tate a concert. The road will be closed from Albert Panton Street and Harbour Drive from noon on Saturday until 3am Sunday to enable the Juicy Silent Concert to go ahead. The concert begins at 8pm and ends at midnight. Motorists are advised of potential delays in the area. TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) – A shark attack has killed a Southern California woman vacationing in the Bahamas. Royal Bahamas Po‑ lice Force Deputy Com‑ missioner Paul Rolle says 21‑year‑old Jordan Lindsay of Torrance was attacked by three sharks on Wednesday near Rose Island while snorkelling with her family. KABC‑TV says Lindsay’s parents and other family members saw the sharks and yelled a warning but she did not hear them in time. Officials say her arms, legs and buttocks were bitten and her right arm was severed. She was pro‑ nounced dead at a hospital. The Bahamas Min‑ istry of Tourism and Avia‑ tion issued a statement ex‑ pressing its condolences and “deepest sympathies” to the family. U.S. VISITOR KILLED IN SHARK ATTACK IN BAHAMAS Court unveils portrait of Justice Quin Court officials and staffers joined family members of the late Justice Charles Quin on Wednesday to honour the Grand Court judge who passed away earlier this month. A framed photographic portrait of the Justice Quin was unveiled and hung in the courthouse in his memory. Following the unveiling, the judge’s favourite hymn was sung and then a ceremony was held inside a courtroom where tributes were read aloud. Pictured with the portrait are his wife Diana Quin, with sons, from left, Tom Quin, William Quin and Nick Quin. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAYThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 THE PROPRIETORS OF STRATA PLAN NO. 564 SUI FAN CHOFABIO SORDINELLI GEORGE DAVIDSON MOST, LIMITED RYAN SMITH NIKHIL ANANT JHA ANNETTE JIMGUIRINO MANCINI CHRISTOPHER J. BOWRING FIONA K. BOWRING THE THAI CO. LTD. YOHANN GERARD RAYMOND REGNARD JMD LTD.CHEE JEN CHENG FARRON C. BENNETT RICHARD J. BENNETT DEBORAH MORRISON ROBERT BOYD MORRISON BOBAN KOSTICHTHIAN-HOK LIEM EDITH K. JETTE ELLERTON M. JETTE GIL LTD. THE PROPRIETORS OF STRATA PLAN NO. 666 CARLTON SAVANNAH REIT (ST LUCIA) LIMITED CABLE & WIRELESS (CAYMAN ISLANDS) LTD. L.B. INVESTMENTS LTD. DRUMBLADE LTD. BBP LTD. THE PROPRIETORS, STRATA PLAN NO. 78 CADS HOLDINGS LTD. MINI WAREHOUSE TWO LIMITED MARIA B. KORMOS CORT GEORGE KORMOS DIANNE PATRICE PARSONS MINI WAREHOUSE TWO LTD. SILVERHILL LIMITED LARRY BECKER LORNY BECKER THE PROPRIETORS OF STRATA PLAN NO. 569 IPH LIMITED ERIC M. CRONIER HELEN J. CRONIER JAMES BRUCE HANDFORD HELEN CRONIER ERIC CRONIER ABRAHAM MATTHEW CECILY ABRAHAM RUBIS CAYMAN ISLANDS LIMITED FRANCOIS GOELO YARL TOWERS LTD. KRISTEN BERGSTROM DEBORAH BERGSTROM CYNTHIA MORTIMER THOMAS GRECO MICHAEL WALLACE MACBAIN RCDHVII LTDRICHARD LAING SUSAN ANNE OLDE RITA CUMMINGS MERLO FAMILY HOLDINGS PEPETUAL BREEZES LTD. RC CAYMAN (2017) LTD. BLISSFUL THINKING LTD. HEATHER LINDSAY HARDY CHAU VIAN LEEUW REDSTONE HOLDINGS LTD. THE PROPRIETORS OF STRATA PLAN NO. 438 SKYCO LTD. HH LIMITED4 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Students’ choir day concert hits high note JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Members of the Cayman Youth Choir hosted a ‘choir day’ concert at John Gray High School after learning six songs in one day. The informal gathering was to show people what they could accomplish when they put their minds to it. Cayman Youth Choir di- rector Naomi Allnutt said she was excited the mini concert had turned out so well, as it was the first time the stu- dents had done this. She said the choir cur- rently has around 50 mem- bers, with students from 10 government and private pri- mary and secondary schools. “The choir is a true rep- resentation of Cayman that I am very proud of,” Allnutt said. The concert featured stu- dents singing ‘One Hundred Years’, ‘A Take On Me’, ‘Ad- iemus,’ ‘Old Town Road’ and the ‘Lion Sleeps Tonight’. She said the students did a wonderful job and par- ents and invited guests were impressed with their performance. Deja Brownrigg said she liked being in the choir be- cause it enhances how she sings and because she wants to grow up to be a fa- mous singer. Adrianna Miller said she joined the group because she always sings in the house, but had never performed be- fore an audience. Isabel Ordonez said it was really a great experience for her and singing made her feel happy. Clifton Hunter student Victoria Scott said she just loves to sing, while Sean Moran from St. Ignatius said he joined because he likes music and he figured it would help him to improve his music reading skills. “The aim of the Choir Day was to have fun, make friendships through music and celebrate how far we’ve grown in 2019,” said Allnutt. The youth choir is sup- ported by Cayman Arts Fes- tival and is free to join. Cayman seamen celebrate Day of the Seafarer JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Some of Cayman’s well- travelled seafarers gathered this week to share tales of their lives on the high seas, to mark the International Day of the Seafarer. The Tuesday night event, called ‘Seafarers Matter’, was organised by the Na- tional Trust and the Seafarers Association. Captain Paul Hurlston, Captain Kem Jackson and seamen Denniston Tibbetts, Steve McField and Darvin Ebanks told some of their on-shore and on-sea stories at the Seafarers Hall during the evening. A small group of people were there to hear their re- markable stories, and for some of those gathered there, it was a cherished occasion. As the daughter of a seafarer, Rhonda Corn- wall, historic programmes manager for the National Trust, said she knew all too well the impact her fa- ther and his fellow seamen had made, both within their own families and for the Cayman Islands in general. She said the National Trust thought it was impor- tant to record the stories of Cayman’s elderly former seamen so future generations would know of their signifi- cance to Cayman’s economy and nation-building. For many years, Cayman’s major export was its mari- ners, and as late as the 1950s, the government’s annual re- port stated that the seamen’s remittances were the main- stay of the economy. Most of Cayman’s sailors worked for National Bulk Carriers, often flying to dif- ferent ports to join the ships. When Tibbetts left Ja- maica to catch his first ship, it was to follow in the foot- steps of his father, who was a sea captain. Life on the ship was hard, Tibbetts said, and many times he wanted to go home, but he stuck it out. Coming back home or leaving were big occasions, former seaman Steve Mc- Field said, with lots of crying, kissing and hugging at the airport as the whole town gathered to bid farewell or welcome them home. “Not many of the young people know today that we were apprentice seamen be- fore we went to sea, but it was some of the best days of my life,” McField said. According to McField, most of the young boys joined sea scout camps in Cayman to become familiar with life at sea. They were trained as though they were on board a ship. They talked about aft, starboard, forward, port and stern, and acted as navigational watchman, McField said. “Can you imagine leaving Cayman at age 17 and never been in a place like America … I was overcome with pride when I got my ‘call’, McField said. Darvin Ebanks said he never gets tired of sea- men’s tales. His first job, at the age of 17, was crew mess man. He worked seven days a week, from early morning to late night. Eventually, he took the position as galley man. The good part was getting to eat what he wanted and staying warm while his colleagues were on deck, freezing. “It was tough, we got lonely for home, the men at night would get together to gamble cards, tell jokes, eat, drink and hang out,” Ebanks said. He also recalls the good camaraderie between the crew of Caymanians. Paul Hurlston said one of his ships was a banana boat sailing out of Guatemala. He was just 16 years of age at the time. One night, two months after being on the ship, while on a midnight to 4am watch, he was able to save a chief engineer who fell overboard. With the help of other crew members, they managed to get him out of the water and back on board. In later years, Hurlston said he was thanked by the chief engineer for saving his life. “Lots of things happened on the ship, good, bad and too many to mention,” he said. Shamara Lewis and Ciara Chong share a beat.Students rehearse outside during Choir Day. - PHOTOS: JEWEL LEVY From left, Arianna Miller, Katie Kane and Erin Bush study the song sheets. From left, Captain Paul Hurlston, Captain Kem Jackson, and seamen Steve McField, Denniston Tibbetts and Darvin Ebanks shared tales of life at sea at the Seafarers Hall on Tuesday night. - PHOTO: ALVARO SEREY PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Caymanian Compass Limited (a subsidiary of Pinnacle Media Ltd) 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” “ The choir is a true representation of Cayman that I am very proud of.” NAOMI ALLNUTT, Cayman Youth Choir directorThe islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 “She may be only 1 out of 953,064 technically* but in our eyes Tamia’s ONE in a MILLION!” Glen Merren, GM of O ce Supply, bows to Tamia McLean to present Congratulations Basket lled with art supplies. * Out of 953,064 young artists from 86 countries entering the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, Tamia McLean’s artwork was chosen to compete in the nal world competition in Japan this summer! Tamia McLean not only did it – she did it with ying colours in this year’s Toyota Dream Car Art contest sponsored by Vampt Motors, along with local Art Awards co-sponsor O ce Supply. We salute Tamia for her advancement to join and compete against 8 other world nalists in her age category. Congratulations, Tamia, and “Domo Arigatou!” (Thank you very much!) for showing the world Cayman’s got talent! Vampt Motors and O ce Supply believe strongly in supporting our youth and nurturing their talent to help them succeed. In Tamia’s case, she has now won an all-expenses paid trip to the competition being held in Japan this summer, as well as $300 of art supplies from O ce Supply, and more! To see the winning artwork on display from all of the young artists that won in our locally sponsored contest, please stop by Vampt Motors, the only authorized Toyota dealer in Cayman. For art supplies, check out O ce Supply’s extensive variety of creative materials including canvases, paints, brushes, pencils, stencils, calligraphy sets, mosaic tiles, clay kits, and more. Tel: 946-1200 and O ceSupply.ky Left to Right: Candice McLean, Vampt Motors Director Pansy Anderson, Triple C School Principal Mabel Richardson, Vice-Principal Robert Lankford, Vampt Motors Director Maxine Bodden, Tamia McLean, Triple C School Art Teacher John Broad, and Tamia’s brother Thomas. Tamia’s description of her artwork read “My Toyota Dream Car can take you anywhere in the universe… planets, dimensions -- you name it! Also my car can take you to dreamland where you see the ones you love, pink skies, and ying whales. The adventure is endless!” Tamia McLean, centered front row, celebrated with her Triple C School classmates.6 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Get the gift that keeps on streaming. Get free Boost WiFi to optimize your home network when you sign up for any Logic Bundle. Your life connected | 745.5555 FIBRE INTERNET | TV | PHONE | LOGIC.KY GET FREE A $10/MONTH VALUE LOGIC BUNDLE PACKAGE SIGN UP FOR ANY STARTING AT $99/MONTH Police appoint new traffic unit chief The Royal Cayman Is- lands Police Service has ap- pointed Inspector Dwayne Jones as its new head of the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit, replacing Inspector Ian Yearwood. The RCIPS stated that In- spector Yearwood had rotated out to other uniform manage- ment duties in the service, after three years managing traffic enforcement. “Last year’s traffic en- forcement numbers skyrock- eted under Insp. Yearwood’s leadership, thanks to in- creased operational planning and resources,” said Insp. Jones, “and I am glad to say that the RCIPS will be in- creasing these resources even more going forward.” He added, “It is clear from the numbers of accidents and DUIs continuing to occur across the islands that more enforcement is still needed. I am excited to lead the TRPU as it continues to grow and takes on bigger goals and challenges.” Insp. Jones, who assumed his new role last week, joined the RCIPS in 2003, and has worked in both uniform and detective roles, including as a shift inspector in George Town, an area commander in Bodden Town, a sergeant in the Criminal Investiga- tions Department investi- gating serious crimes, and as a sergeant in the Professional Standards Unit investigating potential breaches of conduct by fellow officers. During this time he also earned a law degree from Cayman Islands Law School, and is in the process of obtaining his Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Psychology with the University of Essex, a press release from the RCIPS stated. Insp. Jones said his pri- ority as head of the traffic unit was to ensure that in- creased enforcement is de- livered “inside of a wider multi-agency approach that includes education and road engineering objectives, while giving due attention to the outer districts and the Sister Islands as well as George Town”. He said doing all of this in collaboration with other departments and commu- nity groups is also “extremely important”. Three masked men break into East End home Three masked intruders, one armed with a gun, broke into a home on the Queens Highway in East End in the early hours of Thursday morning. Police said they received a report of a burglary-in-pro- gress around 5am. People inside the home had awoken to intruders in the house, going through belongings. “Up to three men, masked and dressed all in black, were seen inside the residence with one of them carrying what may have been a handgun. The intruders then departed with no one harmed,” police said in a statement. Police searched the area but no one was found. The thieves made off with a camera and a quan- tity of cash. Inspector Dwayne Jones is the new head of the RCIPS Traffic and Roads Policing Unit. POLICE INVESTIGATE FIRE, TWO CARS DAMAGED Police and the fire ser- vices have launched a joint investigation after two cars were found on fire in South Sound Road on Thursday morning. Just after 5am, the 911 centre was alerted about two vehicles on fire in a parking lot, and that the fire appeared to be spreading to other areas of the property. Fire officers quickly ex- tinguished the flames and a fire investigator exam- ined the scene. No one was injured during the incident. Both cars were damaged and a tree was burned. ROADWORKS SCHEDULED FOR CNB ROUNDABOUT The National Roads Au- thority is advising motorists to drive with caution and re- duce speed in the vicinity of Cayman National Bank roundabout this weekend, 29-30 June. Road striping will be in carried out to install pedes- trian crossings on Huldah Avenue, Elgin Avenue and Thomas Russell Way sections of the roundabout. Works are expected to be conducted be- tween the hours of 9am and 5pm daily. The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 Age: 25 District: George Town Favourite Quote: “Aim to be a better me than I was yesterday.” Mahalia has a focus on the reduction of environmental waste, which has become a global concern due to the lack of recycling systems and education on this issue. She has initiated several beach clean-ups and is an advocate for reducing the use of plastic and promoting its proper disposal in the Cayman Islands. Besides the environment, Mahalia believes that mental health issues are evidently a growing concern here in the Cayman Islands and education is the most effective way to recognize the different types of mental issues and manage the problem. She also believes that an effective ambassador is someone who is humble, a clear communicator and a strong negotiator, and should promote things that positively impact the country. Mahalia models in her spare time and provides complimentary training in her community. She continues to strive for excellence and welcomes new challenges. Age: 24 District: Bodden Town Favourite Quote: “I want to leave my footprints on the sands of time.” Photography, art and youth development are just a few of Aleka’s interests, mainly focused on making a difference in our community. For her, being Caymanian is a privilege and opportunity to share Caymankind with the rest of the world, and become a role model for the next generation. Aleka has an interest in youth parliament and is currently studying online at the University of the West Indies pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Management Studies. For her, displaying a confident, outgoing and warm Caymankind welcome to all is important to showcase our culture and open the minds of many individuals. She hopes to become an ambassador of our islands through this journey. Age: 27 District: East End Favorite Quote: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Samantha enjoys recreational activities such as traveling, reading, swimming and making a difference in our community. She is focused in her career and has accomplished a certification in Risk Management and receiving promotions with the company she has been with for the last 9 years. She possesses a combination of skills and experience that would enable her to be a great ambassador for Cayman. A Miss Cayman Islands, in her opinion, should be adventurous, approachable, determined, charismatic and focused. Samantha believes that she retains the qualities that any young person can look up too and looks forward to being a beneficial asset to the Islands. PS words I live by “If it doesn’t scare you, it doesn’t challenge you.” Age: 23 District: George Town Favourite Quote: “Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” Francine’s strong sense of national pride will take her to the next level, complemented by her willingness and confidence to become a role model to people of all backgrounds and ages. She was previously a member of the Cultural and Entertainment Affairs Committee and the GAH Mentorship Programme at the University of the West Indies, where she is studying towards a BSc. in Social Sciences - Marketing. She sees herself as an encouraging, friendly and outgoing young person who has a love for interacting with the public, as well as a passion for building and growing relationships. Francine was elected Black and Ethnic Minorities Officer during her stint at Brunel University in London and is interested in travelling and community service. Age: 25 District: Bodden Town Favourite Quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Mariah has an interest in all fitness activities, including resistance training, cycling, yoga, dancing and running. In addition to maintaining a robust health and fitness regime, she is also a proud member of 100 Women in Finance, NextGen Cayman and became a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) in 2018. Her accolades include being named a ‘Proud of Them’ Honouree in 2014; being Miss Teen Cayman Islands 1st runner up in 2011 and a Deloitte scholarship recipient in 2010. According to Mariah, a Miss Cayman Islands should be kind, confident, intelligent, respectful and uphold her integrity and humility while representing her country to the best of her ability. She believes that she is a great role model to young Caymanians and her character embodies the beauty of our islands. Age: 23 District: Bodden Town Favourite Quote: “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” Biochemistry and regenerative medicine are among Kadejah’s top interests, followed bringing awareness to environmental issues and climate change. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Regenerative Medicine from Queen Mary University in London. Kadejah also enjoys keeping up to date with current affairs, yoga, reading and paddle boarding, and hopes to become more active in the development and progression of our beloved islands. For her, becoming Miss Cayman Islands would provide a solid platform on which she can elicit change and learn more about the issues facing Cayman to find better solutions. SPECIAL THANKS TO: • Miracle Salon • Janelle Aleah Smith • Nekeisha Henry • La Femme • Trifecta Films CONTESTANT #1 CONTESTANT #4 CONTESTANT #5 CONTESTANT #6 CONTESTANT #2 CONTESTANT #3 Miss Cayman Islands Universe INTRODUCING YOUR 2019-20 CONTESTANTS M ISS CA Y M A N I S L A N D S UNIVE RS E DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, TOURISM & TRANSPORTATIONThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mrs.DelidaSeymour, who passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Craddock Ebanks Civic Center, North Side, Grand Cayman on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Viewing: 2:00 –3:00 p.m. Interment at: North Side Cemetery Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mr. Bernie Eugene Manderson, who passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Church of God Chapel, Bodden Town on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing: Closed Casket Interment at: Prospect Cemetery Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mr. William Ainsley McLaughlin, better known as “Ingey”, who passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at William Allen McLaughlin Civic Center, East End, Grand Cayman on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Viewing: 1:30 –2:45 p.m. Interment at: East End Cemetery Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com IN LOVING MEMORY OF MICHAEL Albert Rollin Gourzong ‘Mikey G’ Feb.20, 1992- June 30, 2016 It’s 3 years now and to some it might seem like a long time, But for us it’s EVERY day! We entered uncharted waters the day you left us,for which We did not have a road map. Days have passed into years But we will always remember you with silent tears. So we hold on to the Love and not the loss. Forever in our hearts. Your parents, sister, niece and nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers and sports family. n The Family of the Late Esmond Brown regret to announce his passing on Tuesday, 18 June 2019. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, 30 June 2019 at the Aston Ru�y Centre, Cayman Brac. Viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Watering Place Cemetery. Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page We regret to announce the passing of Gladys Ziegelheafer Who departed this life on Monday, 24 June 2019. Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page. Mrs. Ziegelheafer was repatriated to the United States of America. Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mrs. VetaWendlinWebster, who passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Details of a Thanksgiving Service will be announced at a later date. Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com from the mother country. “I see a beacon of hope with our team here, because we all realise that divided we fall, united we stand,” said Andrew Fahie, premier of the British Virgin Islands. A recent report from a Foreign Affairs Select Com- mittee, which included a number of suggestions in- cluding recommendations that the UK government force its territories to adopt same- sex marriage legislation and open discussions on allowing resident UK citizens to vote and stand for election, is also stoking controversy. Though the current British government says it has no plans to follow through on the report’s rec- ommendations, the uncer- tainty and instability in UK politics amid a Conservative party leadership battle, divi- sion over Brexit and the pos- sibility of a general election, is fuelling concern. Burt said it was pos- sible that the report’s recom- mendations could gain trac- tion in a new government, and highlighted the possi- bility that some of its au- thors could be part of a fu- ture government. “It is sad to see persons who don’t have a famili- arity [with the various is- lands] reverting to a position we thought was long gone, where Westminster feels able to dictate to the Overseas Territories,” he added. Albert Isola, Gibraltar’s minister for commerce, said the specifics of the issues at stake were largely irrelevant. He said it was “anti-demo- cratic” of the UK to attempt to make laws for its territo- ries on issues that were the responsibility of the elected governments. “There is no way today we can accept modern coloni- alism through the back door by allowing these things to happen. On that, as has been demonstrated today, we are all 100 percent on the same page,” he said. The report caused ripples as far away as the Falklands. Teslyn Barkman, a legislator from the islands, off the coast of Argentina, said it was omitted entirely from the re- port, but could be faced with the impact of its findings. She said the recommenda- tion that UK citizens be given the right to vote and run for office in the territories was the most controversial. “You are talking about giving UK citizens the right to vote in a population of 3,000. You could very quickly have a population of UK citi- zens who don’t know the ter- ritory’s needs or priorities, or care about the long-term vi- ability of the economy.” Sharlene Cartwright- Robinson, of the Turks and Caicos, said she expected pressure from the UK, par- ticularly over voting rights and same-sex marriage, would continue. “It is a matter of consti- tutional overreach, and re- specting territories rights to choose how they want to govern, how they want to grow their countries, who they want to run in their elections and certainly their culture and religious be- liefs,” she said. Montserrat Premier Don- aldson Romeo said the UK clearly understood the dem- ocratic values at stake, be- cause they were fighting for autonomy from the European Union on the basis of the same principles. “We have just the same right as they have and we need to insist on our right to self determination, and our people need to support us in this regard.” He urged the leaders around the table to remain united on issues, even when they only affected a handful of islands, and vowed to offer Montserrat’s support to others on issues, like finan- cial services, which do not di- rectly effect the island. “We have a saying in Montserrat, ‘today for you, tomorrow for me’. I am counting on us to stand to- gether,” he said. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Leaders unite against ‘modern colonialism’ Mexico struggles to solve seaweed invasion MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mexico has spent $17 million to re- move over a half-million tons of sargassum seaweed from its Caribbean beaches, and the problem does not seem likely to end any time soon, experts told an international conference Thursday. The floating mats of algae seldom reached the famed beaches around Cancun until 2011, but they are now severely affecting tourism, with visitors often facing stinking mounds of rotting seaweed at the waterline. Initial reports suggested the seaweed came from an area of the Atlantic off the northern coast of Brazil, near the mouth of the Am- azon River. Increased nu- trient flows from deforesta- tion or fertiliser runoff could be feeding the algae bloom. But experts like oceanog- rapher Donald R. Johnson said, “Do not blame the Bra- zilians.” Johnson said it ap- pears that other causes con- tribute, like nutrient flows from the Congo River. Increased upwelling of nutrient-laden deeper ocean water in the tropical Atlantic and dust blowing in from Af- rica may also be playing a role, according to Johnson, a senior researcher at the Uni- versity of Southern Missis- sippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. While it sometimes ap- pears sargassum mats float west into the Caribbean, ex- perts say the seaweed actu- ally appears to be sloshing back and forth between the Caribbean and Africa. It all has the local popu- lation – which depends of tourism – fed up. “Fighting sargassum is a chore every day,” said Cancun Mayor Mara Lezama. “You clean the beaches in the morning, and sometimes you clean them again in the af- ternoon or at night, and then you have to go back and clean it again.” Ricardo del Valle, a busi- ness owner in the seaside resort of Playa del Carmen, said, “We offer sun and sand, nothing else. That is what we’re selling. And right now we’re fooling our tourists.” Their anger increased this week when President An- dres Manuel Lopez Obrador visited the coast and down- played the seriousness of the problem. He recently said he would not contract out the work of cleaning up sar- gassum – or gathering it be- fore it reaches shore – but will put the Mexican Navy in charge of building collector boats and cleaning the sea. Sargassum seaweed fills the shore where fishermen push their boat to sea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. – PHOTO: AP9 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY, 28 JUNE 2019 From your loving parents, John and Olive Bodden, your brother Michael, your aunts, uncles, cousins and host of friends Our darling DESI, we weren’t prepared for you to go so soon The shock of your sudden death still haunts us We want to wake up and believe it was a horrid nightmare These have been the worst years of our lives You were taken from us so suddenly Your room still remains the way you decorated it as if waiting for your return It’s so difficult to let you go our beloved Though death has left us no other choice For reasons only our Heavenly Father knows He needed you more We still mourn the loss of never seeing you again Of never hearing your precious voice Or seeing your beautiful smile The hole you left in our hearts are filled with our tears And we desperately search for answers but cannot find them But regardless of the reason why you had to depart We still miss you every single day of our lives For you were the very pride of our hearts They say time is a healer, in time the pain becomes easier to bear But the pain we still feel, will always be there Goodbye for now our precious Until we meet in Heaven, wait for us To our Precious Angel who left us Six sad years ago on 30 th June, 2013 It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our beloved Claus Drebenstedt He left for heaven from Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, June 22nd. He and his lovely wife Tania, created a beautiful life on the islands for more than 40 years in both South Sound and the lower bluff in Cayman Brac. A mass will be dedicated to Claus on Sunday, June 30th, 11 am, at the Stella Maris Catholic Church. A celebration of life will be held at Crossroads Baptist Church on Sunday, July 14th in the late afternoon (time TBA). Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page Plan aims to ensure survival of sea turtles JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com A conservation plan aimed at preventing sea turtles from going extinct in Cayman’s waters will go out for public consultation next month. Though populations of nesting green and loggerhead turtles have rebounded in the Cayman Islands over the past two decades, numbers are still critically low. There are currently be- lieved to be around 150 nesting sea turtles in the is- lands’ waters. Leatherback nesting is believed to be functionally extinct and there are no more than a handful of nesting hawksbill turtles. Janice Blumenthal, DoE research officer, said pro- tecting sea turtles had to be a sustained long-term effort. In a presentation on the conservation plan this week, she and Wendy Williams, head of the DoE’s Environ- mental Management Unit, highlighted some of the main aims of the species plan. The plan will go out to consultation next month through to the beginning of September, and will then be revised and submitted to Cab- inet, which has final responsi- bility for bringing it into law. The six main aims of the plan are: 1. Identify and protect critical habitat The plan identifies beaches across all three is- lands that are deemed ‘crit- ical habitat’. These are the beaches with the greatest nesting activity, based on data from the last 20 years, that will require greater monitoring and protection. A large part of Seven Mile Beach and Spotts Beach in Grand Cayman, the public beach in Cayman Brac, and Jackson’s Bay and Point of Sand on Little Cayman are included on a map of crit- ical habitats. For loggerheads, the den- sity required to qualify as critical habitat is 100 nests per square kilometre, for green turtles it is 200 nests per square kilometre. The maps can be updated every five years based on changing data. 2. Prevent turtle deaths from beach lighting Lighting from beach- side development is con- sidered one of the biggest threats to sea turtles. When they emerge from the nest, turtle hatchlings find the ocean by crawling towards the brightest light. Typically, that has been the moon and stars reflecting on the ocean’s surface, but beachfront devel- opment has changed that and thousands of baby turtles are killed unnecessarily because they become disoriented and move towards land. Though the Department of Environment has been promoting ‘turtle-friendly lighting’ for several years, there are still no develop- ments in Cayman that have safe and satisfactory lighting arrangements. The species plan makes it mandatory for new and ex- isting developments on crit- ical nesting beaches to in- stall turtle friendly lighting. Williams said the DoE would be reaching out to all prop- erty owners and was willing to help devise turtle friendly lighting plans, which include using long wavelength amber lights that are shielded and oriented away from the beach. Grant funding may also be available to help older developments retrofit their lighting. She believes making such lighting mandatory will encourage contractors and architects to bring in the equipment and develop the expertise to make it easier for developers to cooperate. After a three-year grace period, developments could be prosecuted if their lighting leads to the death of turtle hatchlings. The hope is that thou- sands of hatchlings will be saved and could return to Cayman’s beaches as nesting turtles in 20 years time. 3. Stamp out poaching Given the critically low numbers of Cayman’s nesting sea turtles, any illegal take can impact the survival of the species. The plan proposes maintaining fishing restric- tions on all sea turtle species. Though some permits re- main in place for ‘traditional’ fishing of sea turtles, DoE di- rector Gina Ebanks-Petrie said no sea turtles had been legally caught in the islands’ waters since 2008, and only three people currently have valid licenses. Of greater concern is the illegal catch. New measures to clamp down on poachers include making it mandatory for the Cayman Turtle Centre to sell its farmed turtle meat in sealed, marked packaging. Blumenthal said this would help conservation of- ficers investigating poaching incidents to determine if meat had been sourced legit- imately. Ebanks-Petrie said the plan made it a legal re- quirement for consumers to use the packaging. 4. Regulate the Turtle Centre’s releases The Cayman Turtle Cen- tre’s release programme, which has involved the re- lease of farm-bred hatch- lings and yearlings into the wild, has been credited with helping revive the species in the Cayman Islands. More than 90% of turtles tested in a recent study had DNA links to the Turtle Centre stock. But the ongoing release pro- gramme is a cause for con- cern for the DoE. If the conservation plan is approved, the Cayman Turtle Centre will be required to ob- tain ‘release permits’. Ebanks-Petrie said there was likely no issue with the releases, but it was neces- sary to independently verify the Turtle Centre’s protocols to ensure only healthy turtles were released. She said this would ensure no pathogens were released that could impact wild popu- lations across the region. She said the DoE was in a “stale- mate” with the Turtle Centre on the issue at the moment, and could not support its ongoing release programme without it being signed off by independent experts. The species conservation plan aims to compel them to cooperate. 5. Ban heavy equipment on nesting beaches Operating motor vehi- cles or heavy equipment in sea turtle nesting habitats between May to November will be banned, with excep- tions carved out for emer- gency vehicles and permitted beach cleaning. The conservation plan warns equipment can cause compaction of sand, which can crush turtle nests or cause accidental excavation of turtle nests. Therefore, to prevent inadvertent take of the protected species, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle in these areas. 6. Regulate turtle interactions The plan also seeks to in- troduce guidelines for inter- actions with sea turtles, in- cluding a requirement to maintain a 30-foot distance from any nesting turtle on a beach. A distance of 50 feet is required for nesting turtles at sea, and it will be illegal to chase, touch, catch, feed or ‘ride’ turtles at sea. The Department of Environment is inviting the public to give feedback on a new sea turtle conservation plan.Next >