High of 90 Low of 79 Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. SPORT | PAGE 10 FOOTBALL STARS ROLL BACK THE YEARS AT EXHIBITION MATCH WORLD | PAGE 8 PROTESTERS STORM HONG KONG LEGISLATURE BUILDING ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 Royal Fleet makes annual beach landing THREE ARRESTED IN RECORD SEIZURE OF ECSTASY Holness celebrates Cayman/Jamaica bonds, wary of future MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com Governor Martyn Roper only had to step outside his door Friday morning to see his beach being invaded. A large landing craft slid onto the sand just north of the governor’s mansion, loaded with troops in camouflage and equipment from Britain’s Royal Fleet Aux- iliary. Not long after, trucks, personnel car- riers and a large tractor with a skip loader rolled across the sand, leaving monster treadmarks on a surface usually marked only by bare footprints. The annual visit from the RFA is part of its training operations in preparation for hurricane season and any other nat- ural disaster where a Caribbean island might need outside assistance. The force can provide humanitarian relief, medical services and heavy equipment. On hand for the event was Britain’s Minister of State for the Commonwealth and United Nations Lord Tariq Ahmad, who stood on the beach with Roper, watching the action unfold. Ahmad, whose responsibilities include the British Overseas Territories, said the drill was “an example of how in the in- stance of any emergency, we can respond quickly. We stand ready to assist”. Roper said he was impressed by the operation. “That was the first time I’ve seen a Three people have been arrested in what Cus- toms and Border Control officials described as the largest seizure of the drug ecstasy ever made in the Cayman Islands. According to the officials, Customs and Border Control officers at the Airport Post Office found the drugs on 10 May, hidden in a package of doc- uments that had been mailed to the Cayman Is- lands. The CBC did not disclose the amount of drugs seized. CBC Deputy Director Jeff Jackson said of- ficers were suspicious of the shipment so decided to X-ray the package. “The X-ray machine gave us the picture that this was different from other boxes inspected,” he said in a statement. A forensic check determined that the white powdery substance in the package was MDMA/ec- stasy and ketamine. The Customs and Border Control Narcotics Enforcement Team tracked the delivery and recip- ient of the drugs, and on 28 May conducted an op- eration where they arrested a 28-year-old man, the recipient of the package. The man’s residence was searched by the CBC Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service’s Drugs and Se- rious Crime Task Force and a number of items were recovered. Jackson said CBC officers subsequently ar- rested a 33-year-old Caymanian woman, on 29 May, and a 20-year-old Jamaican national, on 11 June, for the offence of being concerned in the importation of a controlled drug. Jackson said investigations are ongoing and he has not ruled out further arrests in relation to the seizure of the drugs. A Customs and Border Control spokesperson said all three suspects are currently on bail and none had been charged as of press time. MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@pinnaclemedialtd.com Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Hol- ness tempered his celebratory remarks about Cayman’s 60th anniversary of its constitution on Saturday by discussing some of the challenges faced by his country and of other Caribbean nations. Holness spoke at a breakfast attended by top Cayman officials, as well as British Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmad, at the Kimpton SeaFire resort. The event was part of a weekend celebration that included an exhibition football match later in the day and a Sunday church ser- vice followed by a commemoration of the signing of the Constitution at the George Town Town Hall. The town hall was re- named Constitution Hall at that ceremony (See page 7). Before his Saturday morning address, Premier Alden McLaughlin provided a recap of the history that led to Cay- man’s Constitution. Lord Ahmad also ad- dressed the crowd, emphasising the rela- tionship the UK has with Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. “What matters most?,” Lord Ahmad asked the crowded ballroom of guests. “I’ll tell you what matters most: People. People are who we serve. What is a con- stitution all about? It’s about how we pro- tect our people, how we serve our people.” In his remarks, Holness touched on the Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin presents Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness with a model of a traditional catboat made from Caymanite at Saturday morning’s cultural breakfast at the Kimpton Seafire resort. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 » The Royal Fleet Auxiliary offload heavy machinery transported from the RFA Mounts Bay, in background, at Governors Beach on Friday morning. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY2 REGIONAL NEWS kids diagnosed with cancer died,” she said. “Because of research today, about 90% of kids with the most common types of cancer will live, but for many other types, pro- gress has been limited and for some there is still little hope for a cure. “Currently, all childhood cancers combined receive only 4% of US federal funding for cancer research, so without vital research funded by organizations like St. Bal- drick’s, Hannah and children like her simply will not sur- vive. All children deserve to grow up and realise their full potential and it’s some- thing that most families take for granted.” Organisers said that when the crowd gathers in Cricket Square on 20 Sept., they will celebrate and honour Cayman’s child- hood cancer heroes, Mat- thew Chong Ping, 15; Tayden Grant, 12; Hannah Meeson, 11; Charli Foster, 11; Allie Ca- passo, 11; Beau Shields, 9; Ava Paige Rico, 9; Annabelle Reading, 8; Saylor Sperandeo, 8; and Mimi Ebanks, 6; and will remember the children who lost their battle with the disease – Dimitrie Connor, 15; Caitlin Beverley, 8; and Albert Ebanks, 16. Amongst those already signed for the shave is five- time shavee Eugene Nolan of Savage Consulting, who has raised more than $40,000 for Hannah’s Heroes. “It’s an amazing and hum- bling event and such an im- portant cause,” he said. “As a parent, I thank God for my healthy daughter and the bright future she has ahead of her. I feel incredibly lucky we can make a difference to kids fighting cancer by doing something so simple. This event inspires everyone and demonstrates how a small community can pull together to make a huge difference and create a future where kids don’t die from cancer and can just be kids.” Several teams have al- ready committed their sup- port ahead of this year’s event, including teams from Maples, Dart, PwC, KPMG, the Cayman Islands Fire Service. Students at Clifton Hunter High School, Cayman Prep and High School and John Gray High School will be hosting satellite shave events for students and staff to raise funds throughout September. The organisers said they recognise that shaving is not for everyone, but are encour- aging the entire community to get involved throughout Childhood Cancer Aware- ness Month by hosting bake sales, dress-down days at work or school, sponsoring a colleague or friend shaving at The Big Shave and by at- tending the event on 20 Sept. For more information, visit www. stbaldricks.org/events/hannahsheroes or email team@hannahsheroes.ky. TUESDAY, 2 JULY 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 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. - TUESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) ANNABELLE COMES HOME (R) 1:20 | 4:20 | 7:05 | 9:55 VIP MEN IN BLACK (PG13) INTERNATIONAL 1:35 | 4:20 I 9:50 TOY STORY 4 (G) 12:45 VIP | 2:00| 3:15 VIP | 4:00 | 6:30 | 9:00 THE BIG LEBOWSKI (R) 7:00 VIP ESCAPE PLAN: (R) THE EXTRACTORS 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:40 | 10:10 SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (PG) 12:30 | 4:30 | 6:45 | 9:00 YESTERDAY (PG13) 1:00 | 7:00 | 9:45 Hannah’s Heroes Big Shave scheduled for September DART HANDS OVER LAND TO NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT For the seventh consecu- tive year, hundreds of sup- porters will gather at Cricket Square in September to cheers on individuals who will have their heads shaved to help raise funds for child cancer research. Hannah’s Heroes Big Shave started in 2013 as a small group of parents of children with cancer who had a mission to raise awareness and funds for research. Since then, fundraising in Cayman has generated US$2.2 mil- lion for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest non- government funder of child- hood cancer research in the United States. So far, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has funded nine research grants, all named in honour of cancer survivor Hannah Meeson, at prestig- ious institutes across the US, including Johns Hopkins, Dana Farber and Duke Uni- versity, where researchers are working on life-changing treatments and cures. The Big Shave has made it into the foundation’s top 10 fundraisers every year since 2014 amidst hundreds of events around the world, and is St. Baldrick’s most suc- cessful overseas fundraiser. With just 12 weeks until the seventh Big Shave, or- ganisers are encouraging supporters to forego their summer haircuts and sign up to shave their heads and help fund further research grants for all types of childhood cancer research. This year’s Big Shave will take place on Friday, 20 Sept., at The Wicket in Cricket Square. “The efforts of the Cayman community have been en- tirely life-changing for chil- dren and families facing a cancer diagnosis every- where,” said Gaylene Meeson, founder of Hannah’s Heroes and mother of 11-year-old Hannah, who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer, in 2012. “Just 50 years ago, all Since 2013, fundraising in Cayman has generated US$2.2 million for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest non-government funder of childhood cancer research in the United States. Pinnacle sponsors table tennis players JURY NOTICE Pinnacle Media Ltd. representative Kate Allenger presents Robert Sairsingh of the Cayman Islands Table Tennis Association with a sponsorship cheque for $1,424 to help with flight costs for participants in the upcoming Islands Games. All Grand Court jurors who are in the 3 July to 1 Oct. session are advised that the report date of Tuesday, 2 July, has been changed. They are now required to report for jury duty on Monday, 8 July, at 9:45am Call the Jury Information line at 244-3899 for the most up-to-date information or email jury@judicial.ky. Gaylene Meeson laughs as her head is shaved at last year’s Hannah’s Heroes Big Shave, with Hannah sitting on her lap. This year’s annual shave fundraiser will be held on 20 September. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY The Kenneth Dart Foundation has donated more than 2,000 acres of the Wairoa Gorge in the Nelson-Tasman region of New Zealand to the New Zealand government to be used as a recreational reserve. More than 2,000 acres of forest land owned by Kenneth Dart was handed over to the New Zealand government on Friday. The land has been desig- nated as recreation reserve, which includes a moun- tain bike park. The Wairoa Gorge land, which comprises 2,127 acres of native forest in the Tasman, Nelson re- gion of the South Island, will be held in perpetuity by the Department of Con- servation, partnering with the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, to provide public ac- cess to the property’s net- work of trails. The donation came from the Kenneth B. Dart Foun- dation, which was estab- lished in 2015 by Dart to provide economic support to community initiatives and projects. Department of Conserva- tion Northern South Island Operations Director Roy Grose said in a press release, “The mountain bike park, hand-built to international standards, is highly valued by New Zealanders and over- seas visitors, many of whom come to New Zealand specif- ically to ride its tracks. It is a valuable natural and recre- ational asset for the Nelson- Tasman region. The arrange- ments for management of the land mean people can continue to enjoy its excel- lent mountain biking ameni- ties and its beautiful natural environment.” Dart, who is a mountain biking enthusiast, purchased the Wairoa Gorge land in 2010 through his company RHL, which worked with more than 60 local trail- builders to create a downhill mountain bike park. Representing Dart at the formal handover on Friday in New Zealand, RHL ex- ecutive Ray Griffin said, “Ken’s appreciation for Wairoa’s natural beauty brought him here initially, but it was the work ethic, skill and passion of New Zealand’s craftsmen that really made an impression. “With the Nelson Moun- tain Bike Club continuing to manage the bike park, Ken hopes others will have the chance to ride the spec- tacular trails and enjoy the camaraderie of the local mountain bike community as he has.” Recreation reserves in New Zealand provide public access to coastlines, forests and rivers across the country.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 PORT REFERENDUM PETITION Door-to-door verifications begin The Elections Office on Friday began door-to-door verification of signatures on the cruise port referendum petition, in the districts of North Side and East End. In May, members of Cruise Port Referendum Cayman, which organised the petition, announced that the number of signa- tories on the petition had reached the 25% threshold of the electorate – more than 5,289 signatures – needed to prompt a people-initiated referendum. The petition was handed over last month to the Elec- tions Office, and Supervisor of Elections Wesley Howell stated that the office’s staff would begin the process of verifying every signature. Elections Office staff will visit petition signatories at the addresses listed in the electoral register and will ask them sign a form that confirms they have signed the Cruise Port Referendum Cayman petition. Premier Alden McLaughlin has said that government will proceed with its plans for a new cruise and cargo port in George Town har- bour, stating that govern- ment’s legal advice was that it “should not and need not” have any regard to the peti- tion until it has been verified by the Elections Office and reaches Cabinet. The government has re- ceived the final bids for the project and a preferred bidder is expected to be se- lected in the coming months, the premier told legislators early last month. Petition organisers and members of the Opposition earlier criticised the Elec- tions Office’s verification process, which they feel is effectively replicating the efforts of collecting peti- tion signatures. They have also expressed concerns that people who have signed the petition may feel in- timidated when faced with Elections Office staff on their doorstep. Howell has said that once the signatures are verified, the petition will be passed to Cabinet. According to a press re- lease from the Elections Of- fice on Friday, people will be able to identify its staff by their shirts and ID cards. Also, while verifying signa- tures, staff will also have change of detail forms for registered voters who have changed names or addresses but have yet to notify the Elections Office. The Elections Office is also inviting members of the public to come to its office at the Smith Road Centre to verify their signatures if they have signed the petition. Verifiers are expected to begin going door-to- door in Bodden Town from Friday, 5 July. The Elections Office stated that it will keep the public in- formed as the process moves to other districts. Officials are also re- minding the public that the deadline to register for the next publication of the Of- ficial Register of Electors is 8pm on Tuesday, 2 July. For more information, contact the Elections Office at 949‑8047. The petition was handed over last month to the Elections Office, and Supervisor of Elections Wesley Howell stated that the office’s staff would begin the process of verifying every signature. Supervisor of Elections Wesley Howell receives a bundle of petition documents from Michelle Lockwood of the Cruise Port Referendum Cayman group on 12 June. - PHOTO: FILE, TANEOS RAMSAY Airport officials deny overheating in terminal Owen Roberts Interna- tional Airport officials denied Monday that the air condi- tioning at the airport failed on Saturday, a claim that ap- peared in a Facebook posting that complained of excessive heat and crowding in the de- parture area. Cayman Islands Airports Authority spokeswoman Rhonda Verhoeven said the air conditioning, which was set to 70-72 degrees, was working but acknowl- edged that the larger than usual number of passengers in the terminal may have pushed the ambient tempera- ture higher. She said no travel- lers had complained to air- port officials. Traffic was higher than normal in the terminal, with a peak of 2,644 passengers. Three American Airlines flights were delayed at their points of origin, Verhoeven said, which created a backup in Cayman. Six departing flights were de- layed on Saturday.TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 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” Boris Johnson a product of Britain’s unseriousness ANNE APPLEBAUM “The Tories, in their terror, have elevated a ca- vorting charlatan to the steps of Downing Street.” Those are the words of Sir Max Hastings, writing in the Guardian on June 24. Hast- ings is the former editor of the Daily Telegraph, the con- servative British newspaper that has loyally backed the Tory party for generations. Like many other Tories (and ex-Tories), Hastings is grap- pling with the fact that former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, now one of two remaining candidates, is very likely to be Britain’s prime minister when the 160,000 party members vote on July 22 for a new leader. “His elevation,” writes Hast- ings, “will signal Britain’s abandonment of any claim to be a serious country.” The list of other old friends and colleagues willing to denounce Johnson – or else just to laugh at him – is not short. A journalist who worked with him: “The Johnsonian creed [is] that it is, in his own words, accept- able, sometimes desirable to lie.” A colleague from the for- eign office: “The more he re- peats what everyone can see is not credible, the more his own credibility disappears.” Another: “The worst foreign secretary we’ve ever had.” I have worked for Hast- ings and have known Johnson for almost 30 years. And I am quoting other people who have known Johnson for a long time for a reason. Because the fact is that all of them – all of us – knew that he exagger- ated stories or else just in- vented them. Hastings employed Johnson as the Telegraph’s Brussels correspondent, tol- erating him for years as he portrayed the European Union as a font of regu- latory madness, writing amusing articles with titles such as “Threat to British pink sausages” or repeating (false) rumours that British bureaucrats were going to ban double-decker buses. Al- though scoffed at by those in the know, these tall tales helped to build the distrust for the European Union that eventually led to Brexit. Johnson was aware of the impact, and relished it. “I was sort of chucking these rocks over the garden wall and I listened to this amazing crash from the greenhouse next door over in England,” he told the BBC years later, “as every- thing I wrote from Brussels was having this amazing, explosive effect on the Tory party – and it really gave me this, I suppose, rather weird sense of power.” The “amazing crash” in London also sold newspa- pers, which is part of why Johnson was tolerated for so long. But there was a deeper reason, too: The not-entirely- accurate stories appealed to nostalgic conservatives who resented the idea that Britain, no longer an empire, had to exert influence in the world by exerting influence in Brussels. Johnson had identified a powerful, dis- gruntled audience, and he fed their discontent. Later, as mayor of London, he reinvented him- self as a champion of a cos- mopolitan city, integrated with Europe in the world. About a year before the Eu- ropean referendum cam- paign, he told me that Brexit was a bad idea, that London was against it and that it wouldn’t happen. Fa- mously, in 2016, he changed his mind. He knew that the anti-European movement he’d done so much to create had captured the Conserv- ative Party. He must have seen that to become the Tory leader – and, thus, prime minister – he would have to appeal again to that deep nostalgia. And so he did. Johnson is not the cause of British unseri- ousness. He is, rather, the product of institutions that stopped behaving seriously a long time ago. Anne Applebaum is a Washington Post columnist, covering national politics and foreign policy, with a special focus on Europe and Russia. © 2019, The Washington Post Conservative party leadership contender Boris Johnson speaking during a Tory leadership hustings at Carlisle Racecourse on 29 June. - PHOTO: PA WIRE LETTER TO THE EDITOR Appreciating our heritage Your editorial ‘Bringing our history to life’ (Cayman Compass, 4 June) strikes an important note in today’s world where there is the need to recognise and appre- ciate our heritage, and sensi- tise citizens to important is- sues that have shaped our behaviour and thinking, and provides an anchor that ena- bles reflection, which fosters a sense of consciousness of who we are, providing a GPS for where we need to go. You are correct in de- scribing history as the story of how we came to be here in this place and moment. This knowledge provides struc- ture and meaning to our lives, as well as a sense of identity and purpose. I particularly like your views on the oral history pro- ject. Here, younger citizens can acquire real knowledge from real people, with real experi- ences. This enriches their ideas about the challenges people faced, how they approached them, and what solutions were advanced to solve these issues. It also helps the young to relate past experiences to the present era, which provides soil for correcting ills and moving forward in more crea- tive ways. Oral history further shows how the past, present and future are intertwined, and are not separate and distinct. Oliver Mills LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dealing with the traffic gridlock Following up on the sev- eral suggestions for solving our traffic gridlock condition, I would like, first of all, to en- dorse the government’s deci- sion to finally extend the East End bypass road. Hopefully it will get going sooner rather than getting delayed by the usual government gridlock. Even when this road gets started, I estimate it will take at least a year for completion. In the meantime, all our com- muters from the eastern dis- tricts who are the citizens most affected, will continue to endure the problem, if other long-term solutions are not immediately addressed. My suggestions are the following: First, I proposed that the government implement a com- prehensive school bus system, incorporating all schools, gov- ernment and private schools. This would relieve the mothers who do the school run every morning. One only had to ob- serve that when the schools are on holiday, the traffic is much less of a problem. I also propose that there should be a campaign to en- courage more households to use motorbikes as a second vehicle instead of two cars. The bike would not neces- sarily be more than a good model scooter, at least a 125cc in order to be able to ride within the speed limit, and not be a hindrance to regular traffic. This, by the way, is done in Bermuda – their chief justice uses a mo- torbike to get to work. One real and immediate advantage of a bike is the considerable saving in fuel consumption and mainte- nance, in contrast to your gas guzzling vehicle. To promote the motorbike idea, government should give a duty concession and also help in launching a safe riding cam- paign, coupled with a cam- paign to educate the public in safe driving and respect to riders of various vehicles. My other suggestion is that the government estab- lish proper designated bus stops immediately and make it an offence for the ad hoc minibus drivers to stop wher- ever they see a potential pas- senger, sometimes in an area where it virtually blocks the lane dangerously. That min- ibus matter is a subject for further discussion. Patrick C. Broderick, Sr.5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 EXPERT CANCER CAREFOR CAYMAN ISLANDS PATIENTS © 2019 IPB CAYMAN ISLANDS PATIENTS Pamela R. Breast Cancer Patient At Cancer Treatment Centers of America © (CTCA), we guide you and your family every step of the way, starting with a 3-5 day initial evaluation to develop your personalized cancer treatment plan. A team of clinicians will work together to provide treatments combined with supportive care therapies designed to help manage side effects, boost your energy and keep you strong during treatment. UK MINISTER: Relationship with territories has ups and downs Premier: Criticisms of overreach directed at Parliament, not UK government MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com When he became minister of state at the Foreign Office, Lord Tariq Ahmad expected the Carib- bean and the British Overseas Terri- tories to be the “nice and quiet” part of his portfolio. “It has definitely been nice. I would not say it was quiet over the last two years,” he said of his term to date, which had presented “a challenge”. First, the House of Commons passed into law a section of the UK Sanctions and Anti-Money Laun- dering Bill against the will of the government. The passage of the act instructs the UK government to issue an Order in Council di- rectly installing a public register of the beneficial owners of companies in the overseas territories, if they have not implemented them by the end of 2020. The extreme measure prompted much criticism in the territories, which referred to it as a fall back “into colonial times”. Then a cross-party parliamen- tary group of the Foreign Affairs committee of the House of Com- mons issued a report calling for “a reset” of the relationship between the UK and its territories. The report recommended the UK government set a deadline by when the overseas territories must have legalised same-sex marriages and legislate for the territories, once again through an Order in Council, if the deadline is not met. The com- mittee also suggested that belonger- ship and equivalent concepts such as Cayman status should be phased out to enable British citizens in the territories to vote or hold elected office. The committee report reiter- ated its call for the establishment of public beneficial ownership reg- isters in all territories, saying it was “a matter of national security” for the UK. The UK government rejected the demands to impose LGBT rights and changes to the political repre- sentation of residents in the territo- ries. In addition, it negotiated a de- layed timetable that would give the territories until 2023 to establish public ownership registries, but the pressure from UK lawmakers put the Foreign and Commonwealth Of- fice in an awkward position. Lord Ahmad acknowledged the last two years had been “rocky” at times at a press conference in con- nection with the pre-Joint Min- isterial Council Meeting and the first UK/Overseas Territories Inter- national Trade Conference at the Kimpton Seafire on June 27. The demands by UK lawmakers went against government policy, the minister responsible for the over- seas territories said, adding he had personally defended in the House of Lords the right of the territories to deal with the matter as they saw fit. However, the House of Commons had voted differently and govern- ment was now obligated through parliament to issue an order in council. “In essence, what we are looking at is building on the positive re- lationship that we have with the Overseas Territories,” he said. This could be done in a constructive way, working through technical groups to meet the 2023 date. Lord Ahmad, who is also the UK minister responsible for human rights, said those rights should be universal. “It is encompassed in the whole essence of charter of human rights,” he said. “I equally accept that there are issues of sensitivity within the area of LGBT rights, but I look at our own journey in the UK.” He noted that a hundred years ago women did not have the right to vote and now the UK has had two female prime ministers. “We ourselves on the issue of LGBT rights move forward con- structively. And there will be people that have different opinions. And I think it is important that we recog- nise people have different perspec- tives,” the minister said. “Some have very strong views which emanate out of faith, but the dialogue on this and the discussion on this must be marked by respect.” He said the UK has made clear where it stands on this issue and noted that in many territories cer- tain aspects of LGBT rights are cur- rently decided by the court system. “Every family has its ups and downs, the important thing is how to come through it,” Ahmad said. “How we come through it is through respecting different perspectives, respecting the different speeds at which different territories are moving on key issues.” At the same time, the UK govern- ment was making sure that the in- ternational obligations any territory has are met. Despite the difficult times, he said the relationship between the UK and its territories was “on a strong foundation” and “in a very good place”. KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin sought to clear the air Friday fol- lowing comments by fellow British Overseas Territo- ries leaders regarding “con- stitutional overreach” by the United Kingdom. During his remarks at the closing of three days of meetings between Overseas Territories’ representatives, McLaughlin said any criti- cism of heavy-handedness by the United Kingdom re- ferred specifically to Parlia- ment and not the UK gov- ernment. In particular, he referred to “the continued efforts of Dame Margaret Hodge and company”. Hodge, of the Labour Party, and Tory MP An- drew Mitchell have been key players in pushing legisla- tion to mandate public ben- eficial ownership registers in the territories and Crown de- pendencies – an effort that has been extensively criti- cised in Cayman and other affected jurisdictions. “I want to say that some very difficult and controver- sial areas were explored in our discussions, one of them featured prominently on the pages of today’s Cayma- nian Compass and in other newscasts. That is this very, to use a Cayman expres- sion, a very ‘touchous’ issue of constitutional overreach by the UK Parliament,” said McLaughlin, speaking at the Kimpton Seafire Resort. “I wish to say, so that all understand, the concerns that the territories’ leaders have in its present tense, not past, relate not to the way we are treated by the United Kingdom government.” The premier praised the work of Lord Ahmad of Wim- bledon, the minister of state for the Commonwealth and United Nations, in defending the interests of the territo- ries. Lord Ahmad was also at the closing event on Friday, having attended a number of meetings in Cayman. “Lord Ahmad himself has gone out on more than a limb to battle for the Overseas Territories in Parliament, and all of us are extremely grateful for his efforts,” McLaughlin said. “Indeed, we all have said a collective prayer that he con- tinues as our minister, not- withstanding what happens on 23 July, so none of that it is intended as any criticism.” UK Prime Minister The- resa May’s successor is ex- pected to be announced on that date, creating further uncertainty over the future of Brexit and what that could mean for the territories. “All of us are painfully conscious about how dif- ficult and stressful things must be in London if you’re in government at this time, so this was no small sacri- fice, no small effort on the part of the United Kingdom government to make this [pre-Joint Ministerial Council meeting] happen and we are … very, very grateful for it,” McLaughlin said. Lord Ahmad said the ex- tensive words of praise he had received during his visit were typically those reserved for the dead. “I am very much here. I am alive and kicking. As to what awaits post 23 July, I would not be one to specu- late. All I will say is that we will continue in a forward, progressive-looking manner when it comes to our rela- tionship with the overseas territories,” Lord Ahmad said. He described the morn- ing’s headlines regarding “modern-day colonialism” as something akin to a bad dream. “As someone who is of In- dian heritage himself, I felt that the days of the Raj [the British empire in India] had returned, seeing headlines of colonialism on my arrival [from] the UK,” he said. “Then I turned a few pages over breakfast and it said, ‘Trade event kicks off’. Now, ‘kicks off’ has two meanings. So if you read the first headline, followed by the second, I re- ally thought that was not the impression I wanted to give on my visit to Cayman.” During day one of the summit, several leaders criti- cised attempts by the UK Par- liament to legislate on issues such as same-sex marriage, ‘belongership’ and financial services in the territories. Bermuda Premier David Burt said during a press con- ference Wednesday, “Modern- day colonialism is what is being attempted by those persons in Westminster, and I am certain that all Over- seas Territories will resist it vociferously.” Several other representa- tives from the territories ex- pressed similar concerns. Albert Isola, Gibraltar’s minister for commerce, called attempts by Parliament to legislate for the territories “anti-democratic”. “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,” Isola said. On Friday, Lord Ahmad hoped to shift the focus from such remarks to the “deepening partnership” be- tween the territories and the United Kingdom. “Perceptions can only be changed by reality and the reality is that our relation- ship with our British Over- seas Territories is based on a proud history, a proud tra- dition. But going forward for the here and now and for our tomorrows is based on a very powerful partnership,” Lord Ahmad said. “Your presence here today is something not only that we respect from a United Kingdom perspective, but we respect it because it is part of a powerful partner- ship, because it is unique like no other.” The minister added that the work of the territorial leaders was not yet done. “We have the small matter of a JMC [Joint Ministe- rial Council] with the added word: Brexit. Now, it’s an in- teresting element.” Following the closing re- marks, the overseas territo- ries’ leaders met for a closed- door session regarding Brexit plans. The meeting ended in a declaration, recognising com- mitment to ongoing dialogue on matters of trade and eco- nomic diversification. Lord Tariq Ahmad, left, and Governor Martyn Roper speak to the media at a briefing on Thursday, 27 June. - PHOTO: ALVARO SEREYTUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 Community CALENDAR ■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR is published TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS. It is available to charitable or non-profit organisations. Items should be submitted at least three working days before publication. Information must include name of sender, signature and contact number. ■ Items may be brought to the Cayman Compass office on Shedden Road or emailed to cwinker@pinnaclemedialtd.com at least three days in advance of publication. TUESDAY, 2 JULY NICE WORK PROGRAMME: Registration and orientation for the Summer National Community Enhancement (NiCE) will be held this morning at the Lions Centre from 9am to noon. The initiative will provide up to two weeks of environmental beautification work across Grand Cayman for unemployed Caymanians and spouses of Caymanians, aged 18 years and older. ELECTION REGISTRATION DEADLINE: The deadline to register for the next publication of the Official Register of Electors is 8pm today. Also, the Elections Office at the Smith Road Centre is extending its office hours to allow individuals to come in to verify their signatures on the Cruise Port Referendum petition. Office hours will run from 8:30am to 6:30pm on Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm on Fridays. NPO GOVERNANCE TRAINING: The Registrar for non-profit organisations hold a training session on corporate governance for charitable organisations from 5:30-7:30pm in room 1038 of the Government Administration Building. The session will cover best practices for charities; and money laundering and terrorist financing risks. Individuals who serve as leaders and controllers within NPOs are encouraged to attend. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE CLOSURE: The Family Resource Centre will be closed this week, from Tuesday to Friday, 2-5 July, to facilitate its annual SNAP camp. Contact the Counselling Centre at 949-8789 if you need assistance during the week. The FRC’s Legal Befrienders service will recommence on Tuesday, 9 July, at 5pm. SATURDAY, 6 JULY MANGO SEASON AT MUSEUM: The 4th annual Lookya Mango Season at the Museum will be held today, from 10am to 2pm at the National Museum in downtown George Town. BEACH CLEAN-UP: Plastic Free Cayman holds its monthly community clean-up at Sand Hole Beach, Sand Hole Road in West Bay, at 8am. All welcome. Bring a reusable water bottle, hat and gloves if you have them. Chance to win a trip for two with Red Sail Sports. SUNDAY, 7 JULY CONSTITUTION CELEBRATION: The Church of God Chapel West Bay invites everyone to join its annual celebration in honour of the Constitution this morning at 10:30am. The Colour Party will be provided by the Scouts and the guest speaker is Roy Bodden. FRIDAY, 12 JULY NAU CLOSURE: The Needs Assessment Unit’s Grand Cayman Office will be closed today for a staff function. SATURDAY, 20 JULY WOMEN’S DIVE DAY: Divetech will attempt to break its own record of the largest number of women taking part in a single dive today as it celebrates Women’s Dive Day 2019. The event will take place at Divetech’s shore diving site, LightHouse Point and is a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Society. The aim is to have 100 women take part, to break last year’s record of 86. Spaces are first-come, first-served basis. $25 to secure a place. Call 946-5658, 7.30am to 5pm, or visit the dive shop. GENERAL INTEREST YMCA SUMMER CAMPS: Camps will take place from 2 July to 23 Aug. across three locations – Field of Dreams, Camana Bay Sports Complex and the Youth Centre at the Cayman Islands Baptist Church in Savannah. For more information, visit www.ymcacayman.ky. On-site registration is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm at the Field of Dreams. The Day Camp team can also be reached at ysummercamp@ ymcacayman.ky. To find out about financial assistance, which is available for families in need, email info@ymcacayman.ky. ‘I CAN QUIT’ SMOKING CESSATION CLASSES: The Public Health Department reminds smokers who wish to quit the habit that there are still some spaces left for upcoming smoking cessation classes. Classes start on 5 June, from 5:15- 6:45pm every Wednesday for seven weeks in the Public Health Department, Smith Road Centre, second floor. For more information or to sign up, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889/244-2621, or email sarah.hetley@hsa.ky or nola.sanderson@hsa.ky. COUNSELLING SERVICES: The Family Resource Centre and the Counselling Centre have moved. They are now with the Department of Counselling Services at their new home on Mary Street, at 87 West Apollo House. Hours are Mondays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am to 7pm, and Wednesdays 9am to 4pm. SQUASH CLUB: The Cayman Islands Squash Club hosts a social evening for women on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm, and holds squash beginner lessons for adults every Monday at 7pm. For more information, email info@squash.ky. PIRATES WEEK VENDORS: Food and craft vendors interested in participating in the upcoming Pirates Week Festival can reserve stalls starting Monday, 3 June. Food Festival dates are 8, 9 and 11 Nov. A valid DEH Food Handling Certificate must accompany completed application forms. All food vendors must use biodegradable containers and utensils (available from Pirates Week Festival office – limited supply). Space is limited, please register early. Download the application form at www.piratesweekfestival.com/ participate. To learn more call 949-5078 or info@piratesweekfestival.com. LOCAL HARVEST MARKET: Local farmers sell their produce and farmed goods at Camana Bay on Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm in Heliconia Court (located next to Scotiabank). COMMUNITY CHESS: Tuesdays 5-8pm, West Indies Wine Company. Join the Cayman Chess Club for a complimentary chess class and open challenges weekly. Anyone can learn to play and enjoy chess, even beginners. ART OPEN CANVAS: At KARoo Restaurant in Camana Bay, Wednesdays 7-11pm. Artists of all levels are welcome to come and enjoy painting and socialising with other artists. Includes use of easels, lights, space and a beverage ticket. No fee. For more information, contact info@visualartcayman.com or jar.was@gmail.com. VISUAL ARTS SOCIETY: Adult Open Studio available to those who want to work independently in an inspiring atmosphere. Wednesdays for adults, 9am till noon. Thursdays Adults and Youth, 10am till noon. Watler House Art Studio, Pedro St. James. Fee is $5/$15 pp for ceramics. $15/$25 pp non-members. Includes use of studio, glazes and ceramic tools. Clay available $30 per bag/fee for kiln usage. To register, call 546-9422 or email info@visualartcayman.com. SEAFARERS HALL: The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform the community that the hall is now available for rent every day of the week, including Saturdays. THRIFT SHOP: Cayman Islands Humane Society Thrift Shop. Located in Venetia Plaza, next to China Village. The Thrift shop is open Tuesday – Saturday 9am to 2pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday. The phone number is 945-5596 THRIFT SHOP: One Dog at a Time’s New To U shop is now located at JJT Warehouses, Row 2, Unit 2 on Industrial Way. Open Saturdays 8am to 5pm and Wednesdays 10am to 2pm. Variety of items available, including men’s, women’s, children’s and baby clothes, shoes, household, electrical items, CDs, DVDs, books, home furnishings, toys, baby cribs, car seats, dog beds and more. BETHESDA COUNSELLING CENTRE: Caters to all who seek help. Open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm at 68 Mary Street. Appointments available Saturdays and late evenings. Owned and operated by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Call 946-6575. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK LOFT: North Sound Road. Open Monday 12:30- 4pm; Tues-Fri 9:30am to 4pm; Sat 9:30am to 4:30pm. Volunteers are needed for front desk a few hours per week. For more information, email humanesocietybookloft@ candw.ky or call 946-8053. Donations of books, games, CDs, stationery, cards, etc., in good condition needed. CLUBS, ORGANISATIONS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meets daily to help with drinking problems. Call 926-9044 or visit www.caymanaa.org. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Is available for substance abuse help. Call the info line at 929–NANA (6262). AL-ANON GROUP MEETING: Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups can help. Call 928-8843 or email caymanalanon@gmail.com for meeting times. OVERCOMERS OUTREACH: A Christ-centred 12-step recovery group addresses addictions and those affected by them. Meetings at Cayman Islands Baptist Church, Pedro Castle Road, Tuesdays, 7:15pm. For details, contact Vanessa Gilman at 946-2422, or visit www.overcomersoutreach.org. DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP: This group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at ADACI’s office, 4th floor, Cardinall Plaza, 30 Cardinall Ave., George Town. Call 924-4170 or email info@adacayman.com. GRAND CAYMAN TOASTMASTERS: Club meets each Thursday 6-7:15pm on 3rd Floor, George Town Public Library. Visitors and guests welcome. Contact George R. Ebanks at 322-9369 or Grand Cayman Toastmasters club on Facebook. Email info@ toastmastersclub2686.org. EMINENT ORATORS TOASTMASTERS: Want to be a better speaker or leader? Join a Toastmasters Club. The Eminent Orators Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Monday at Cayman Academy Canteen, Walkers Road, 6-7:30pm. Contact Sashoy Duncan at 939-8847 or email eminentoratorstoastmasters @gmail.com. Visitors and guests welcome. THE LIONS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets every first and third Thursday 7:30pm at the Lions Community Centre. Email lionsclubgcm@hotmail.com. THE LIONS CLUB OF TROPICAL GARDENS: Meet every first and third Tuesday at 6:30pm at Elizabethan Square (corner unit). Members of the public are invited to attend. ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN SUNRISE: Service club meetings 7am every Wednesday at George Town Yacht Club, 612 North Sound Road. Visit www. rotarysunrise.ky or info@ rotarysunrise.ky. KIWANIS CLUB OF GRAND CAYMAN: Meets first and third Wednesdays of the month, 12:30pm, at The Wharf Restaurant. Projects include promoting well- being of children in the community and schools. Email president@kiwanis.ky or view www.kiwanis.ky. RELIGIOUS SERVICES EL MINISTERIO HISPANO: de la Iglesia Bautista Cayman Islands te hace una cordial invitación a nuestro culto en español cada Domingo, 6:30pm, Pedro Castle Road, Savannah. Para transporte, llamar al teléfono no. 946-2422, email: cibaptist@candw.ky. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. It’s time to celebrate all things mango at the annual Lookya Mango Season at the Museum on Saturday, 6 July.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 beach landing,” Roper said. “It underlines what an in- credible asset RFA is for the region.” The landing craft and equipment were deployed from the RFA Mounts Bay, which sat several hundred yards offshore. Stationed in the Caribbean, the ship has a contingency of 180 personnel on board and in an antici- pated hit from a hurricane more crew members, such as medical personnel, can be added. The ship is equipped to handle up to 450 crew members and, in an evacu- ation situation, it can carry 3,500 people for a few hours. Along with the heavy equipment it carries, the ship has a helicopter, which later ferried Governor Roper and Lord Ahmad from the Ritz- Carlton hotel landing pad to Owen Roberts International Airport where they were to pick up a flight to Cayman Brac, returning later in the day by police helicopter. This is the second of three planned rollout exer- cises for the Mounts Bay. The first was in St. Vincent, where the troops did not go ashore. Another beach landing is planned in Anguilla, said the ship’s captain Jed Ma- cAnley. He said such exer- cises are critical. “Every year there’s a new mix of people and we need to train and practice and look for the deficiencies so you can counter them,” MacAnley said. That is particularly true, he said, because the crew never knows for sure what it will be facing. “The nature of what we’re doing here is unpredictable,” he said. “You never know what it’s going to be. You might plan for six or seven scenarios, but you might get an eighth.” Captain Tom Booth over- sees the engineering group that trains specifically for the landings and relief work. He said his team likes hit- ting the beach. “We have to keep our- selves occupied on the ship,” Booth said, adding that the troops train daily for their role. “But there is a bit of downtime. We actually look forward to coming ashore and doing our job.” Unlike last year, when the RFA members spent part of their shore time clearing brush around Her Majesty’s Prison, this year they planned only to drive their vehicles to the north end of Batabano Road and then to a site where they went through the mo- tions of setting up a water and supply distribution station. “The main thing is to prove the capability to eve- ryone and that everyone’s on the same level,” Booth said. Roper said the ship and the support from the UK are an important supplement to Cayman’s own resources. Coordinating ahead of time with Cayman’s premier and Hazard Management Cayman Islands is critical, he said. “It’s a really important signal of what the UK can bring,” Roper said of Friday’s drill and the presence of the Mounts Bay in the Carib- bean. “It’s a fantastic asset, an asset we could deploy immediately.” ongoing relationship between Cayman and Jamaica and the parallels between the two nations. Jamaica produced its own constitution three years after Cayman. “You have a right to be proud and celebrate your achievement, and Jamaica celebrates with you,” he said. Holness, who became Ja- maica’s youngest prime min- ister in 2016 at 39, said his country has had a long road coming back from the 2008 global financial crisis. “For two years now, we’ve been rated as the best per- forming stock market in the world. Great things are hap- pening in our economy, but I’m not here saying we are out of crisis,” he said. Crime and global climate change are the island’s main challenges, Holness said. Jamaica has long had one of the highest per capita murder rates in the Caribbean. “Much of crime in Ja- maica is generated by pov- erty,” he said. The numbers of mur- ders in the country are de- clining, the prime minister said, noting that the next crime report the country pro- duces will reflect this. He at- tributed part of the decrease to a crackdown on crime and a declaration of a state of public emergency, but said officials have tempered their response. “There cannot be a trade- off of human rights in the fight against crime,” Holness said. “We have used force without violence. There have been no reports of violations of human rights.” However, the most recent report by Amnesty Interna- tional cites a problem with extrajudicial killings by po- lice forces, noting that in 2017 police killings were up 51% over the previous year. An April 2018 report by the US State Department noted that “the government took some steps to investi- gate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights abuses, al- though a general sense of im- punity remained with respect to alleged unlawful killings by agents of state”. Holness said Caribbean is- lands need to set mechanisms in place to better deal with more powerful and more fre- quent hurricanes that have been predicted as ocean tem- peratures warm. Noting that emergency responders were overwhelmed by hurricanes Maria and Irma, he suggested investing in catastrophe bonds and in equipment for dealing with disaster recovery. “We have to start in- vesting in our own assets to be able to respond,” he said. “In celebrating our con- stitutions,” he added, “we should also be contem- plating, ‘How do we protect this for the next 60 years?’” CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 Royal Fleet makes annual beach landing Holness celebrates Cayman/Jamaica bonds, wary of future Governor Martyn Roper and Lord Tariq Ahmad meet members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary on the beach in front of the governor’s home on Friday. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cayman Airways goes cashless in US Cayman Airways will not accept any cash trans- actions at any of its cargo and airport locations in the United State from 15 July. According to an an- nouncement last week, the airline’s US sites will only accept payment by debit or credit cards. This will apply to all payments normally processed at ticket coun- ters and cargo facilities, in- cluding baggage fees, Busi- ness Class upgrades, and other purchases, the air- line stated. An airline spokesperson said passengers with up- coming travel to the USA who anticipate not being able to pay by debit or credit card, can visit a Cayman Airways ticket of- fice in the Cayman Islands and pre-pay for the nec- essary charges by cash. This must be done be- fore departure. “Additionally, most air- port locations also have third party cash-to-card vending machines avail- able should these be re- quired by passengers,” the airline stated. TOWN HALL RENAMED ‘CONSTITUTION HALL’ George Town’s historic town hall has a new name. Premier Alden McLaughlin and Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush unveil the new name of the George Town Town Hall – Consti- tution Hall – on Monday morning as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of Cayman’s Constitution. The building, which is still in use today, was the venue where the Cayman Islands’ first constitution was signed. Members of the public joined elected leaders, senior officials and inter- national guests at an event on the Constitution Day public holiday to celebrate the significance of the his- toric building. Among the guests were Arley James ‘AJ’ Miller, the last living vestryman who was serving in 1959, the year Cayman adopted its first Constitution. Monday’s morning’s cel- ebrations included a tradi- tional Caymanian breakfast. The building, which is still in use today, was the venue where the Cayman Islands’ first constitution was signed. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Arley James ‘AJ’ Miller, the last living vestryman who was serving in 1959, the year Cayman adopted its first Constitution, attends Monday morning’s ceremony at the newly named Constitution Hall. Premier Alden McLaughlin, left, and Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush, unveil a plaque at a ceremony at which the George Town Town Hall was renamed. Crew members from the RFA Mounts Bay approach Governors Beach with an array of heavy equipment during an exercise drill on Friday. - PHOTOS: TANEOS RAMSAY8 WORLD®IONAL TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 CAYMAN COMPASS HONG KONG UNREST Protesters storm legislature building HONG KONG (AP) – Hundreds of protesters in Hong Kong swarmed into the legisla- ture’s main building Monday night, tearing down portraits of legislative leaders and spray-painting pro-democ- racy slogans on the walls of the main chamber as frus- tration over a lack of re- sponse from the administra- tion to opposition demands boiled over. Police carrying riot shields and firing tear gas moved in shortly after midnight to clear surrounding streets and then moved into the already vacated legislative cham- bers. A spokesman had ear- lier broadcast a warning that “appropriate force” would be used in the clearance opera- tion, but there was no im- mediate word on any arrests or injuries. The flashing blue and red lights of dozens of po- lice vans and buses lit up the abandoned streets leading to the legislature. The sharp escalation in tactics came on the anniver- sary of the former British colony’s return to China, a city holiday, and reflected mounting frustration with Hong Kong’s leader for not responding to protesters’ de- mands after several weeks of demonstrations. The protesters whacked away at thick glass windows until they shattered them and then pried open steel security gates which they propped open to gain entrance to the building. Police in riot gear retreated as the protesters entered about 9pm, avoiding a confrontation and giving them the run of the building. They stood on lawmakers’ desks in the main legislative chamber, painted over the territory’s emblem high up on a wooden wall and wrote slogans calling for a demo- cratic election of the city’s leader and denouncing now- suspended extradition legis- lation that sparked the pro- tests. Many wore yellow and white helmets, face masks and the black T-shirts that have become their uniform. Police announced about 10:30pm that they would clear the area, asking pro- testers to leave. The actions prompted organisers of a separate peaceful march against the extradition bill to change the endpoint of their protest from the legislature to a nearby park, after police asked them to either call it off or change the route. Police wanted the march to end earlier in the Wan Chai district, but organ- izers said that would leave out many people who planned to join the march along the way. Police estimated 190,000 people joined the peaceful march, the third major one in as many weeks. Organ- isers estimated the number at 550,000. Hong Kong has been wracked by weeks of protests over a government attempt to change extradition laws to allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial. The pro- posed legislation, on which debate has been suspended indefinitely, increased fears of eroding freedoms in the terri- tory, which Britain returned to China on 1 July 1997. Protesters want the bills formally withdrawn and Hong Kong’s embattled leader, Carrie Lam, to resign. Lam, who has come under withering criticism for trying to push the leg- islation through, pledged to be more responsive to public sentiment but has not re- sponded directly to pro- testers’ demands. In an address after a flag- raising ceremony marking the anniversary of the hand- over, Lam said the protests and two earlier marches that attracted hundreds of thou- sands of participants have taught her that she needs to listen better to youth and people in general. “This has made me fully realise that I, as a politi- cian, have to remind myself all the time of the need to grasp public sentiments ac- curately,” she told the gath- ering in the city’s cavernous convention centre. She insisted her govern- ment has good intentions, but said, “I will learn the lesson and ensure that the government’s future work will be closer and more re- sponsive to the aspirations, sentiments and opinions of the community.” Security guards pushed pro-democracy lawmaker He- lena Wong out of the room as she shouted at Lam to re- sign and withdraw the “evil” legislation. She later told re- porters she was voicing the grievances and opinions of the protesters, who could not get into the event. Mainland China’s entirely state-controlled media made no mention of Monday’s pro- tests. The main evening news broadcast carried video of the flag-raising ceremony, along with parts of Lam’s address and shots of Hong Kong res- idents praising displays put on by the People’s Liberation Army garrison in the territory. Chinese media outlets have barely reported on the protests since they began last month, other than to blame foreign forces for stirring up unrest. The extradition bill con- troversy has given fresh mo- mentum to Hong Kong’s pro-democracy opposi- tion movement, awakening broader concerns that China is chipping away at the rights guaranteed to Hong Kong for 50 years under a “one country, two systems” frame- work. The two marches in June drew more than a mil- lion people, according to or- ganiser estimates. Jimmy Sham, a leader of the pro-democracy group that organised Monday’s march, told the crowd that Lam had not responded to their demands because she is not democratically elected. The leader of Hong Kong is chosen by a committee domi- nated by pro-China elites. “We know that Carrie Lam can be so arrogant,” Sham said, rallying the crowd under a blazing sun before the start of the march at Vic- toria Park. “She is protected by our flawed system.” The protesters are also demanding an independent inquiry into police actions during a 12 June protest, when officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a demonstration that blocked the legislature on the day that debate on the bill had been scheduled to resume. The police say the use of force was justified, but since then have largely adopted softer tactics, even as pro- testers besieged police head- quarters in recent days, pelting it with eggs and spray-painting slogans on its outer walls. The area around Golden Bauhinia Square, where the flag-raising ceremony took place, was blocked off from Saturday to prevent pro- testers from gathering to dis- rupt it. Before the morning ceremony, protesters trying to force their way to the square were driven back by officers with plastic shields and ba- tons, the retreating protesters pointing open umbrellas to ward off pepper spray. “We are horrified, this is our obligation to do this, we are protecting our home,” said Jack, a 26-year-old of- fice worker who would only give his first name. “I don’t know why the government is harming us. It’s harming the rule of law, the rule of law is the last firewall between us and the Chinese Commu- nist Party.” The extradition legislation has drawn opposition from the legal profession, commer- cial groups and foreign na- tions, reflecting Hong Kong’s status as an international business centre with a strong independent judiciary and high degree of transparency. During a brief visit to Mongolia on Monday, US Na- tional Security Adviser John Bolton said Washington ex- pects “China like every other country to adhere to its in- ternational obligations” re- garding Hong Kong. China rejects all such statements as foreign inter- ference. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a daily briefing that “Hong Kong affairs are purely Chi- na’s internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to intervene.” The sharp escalation in tactics came on the anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China. Protesters gather outside Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. Protesters place a Hong Kong colonial flag over a podium and deface the Hong Kong logo Monday at the Legislative Chamber after breaking in to protest against the extradition bill. Police officers use pepper spray as protesters use a cart to ram into the glass wall of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Monday. – PHOTOS: APThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 Sports NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 2 JULY 2019 Jamaica beats Panama to make CONCACAF semis Darren Mattocks scored on a penalty kick in the 75th minute and Jamaica beat Panama 1-0 on Sunday to advance to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals. The Reggae Boyz have made it to the semi-final round in three straight Gold Cups. Island Games champions looking for gold again Cayman’s Pan-American Games line-up announced SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@pinnaclemedialtd.com They have tasted the ul- timate success and they are hungry for more. Cayman won the gold medal in men’s basketball for the first time at the last edi- tion of the Island Games with relentless defence and an ap- petite for points in transition. Now, two years later, they are ready for more and a team with a target on its back. Cayman has been training four nights a week for the last few months, and coach Edwin Pellot-Rosa said they have sharpened their skills and competitive de- sire the old-fashioned way: With hard work. “I’m at peace now, be- cause I understand the work they’ve put in for 10 months,” he said. “I finally came to peace within the last week or so. We’ve been coming into the gym with the neces- sary focus and attention to detail that they’ll need to be gold medallists. I understand that you’re not really a true gold medallist until you can go and defend it. We’re trying to be certified gold med- allists now.” Most of Cayman’s players have played at the college level, and Pellot-Rosa said two of its youngsters are currently drawing attention from scouts at the NCAA’s Di- vision I level. Cayman’s lone professional, Jorge Ebanks, is not available for this edi- tion of the Island Games, but there’s a surplus of skill and energy. The team started ramping up for the Island Games last October, and then training got tougher in January. Pellot-Rosa said the training went to an even higher level in May in preparation for the tournament, and now his players – even the young ones – are sharpened and ready for the challenge. “I’m pretty hard on our new young point guards. They think I’m too hard,” he said. “Hey, they’ve got to get ready at a rapid rate now. We’re trying to get those guys on one of the teams that plays in the Cayman Islands Classic. Hopefully we can get them here playing in front of their home crowd.” Cayman won the silver medal at the Island Games in 1999, 2001 and 2003, and that gave birth to a new generation that honed their skills at a high level in the United States. The current team’s captain, Samuel O’Garro, played at Eckerd College in Florida and later played professionally for two years in Germany. “I think we’re ready,” he said of the Cayman team. “We have a young, talented squad coming up. There’s a lot of young guys with some experi- ence there. I think that mesh is going to be really good.” Cayman ran through its paces Thursday night at John Gray High School, competing against the Under-19 team in offensive and defensive drills and working on their fitness. The team has what looks to be an easy group at the Is- land Games, facing the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man and Aland in pool play. Pellot-Rosa’s team uses defence as it’s calling card, employing a full-court press and trying to get out and score on the fast break. That energetic style can be ex- hausting, but Cayman knows it’s important to make sacri- fices and play every defensive possession as if it’s the one that will decide the game. “We’re a small team, but we’ve got good legs,” said Kwei General. “We’re really fast. We’re energetic. We’re going to use that to our ad- vantage and try to run the big guys out of the gym.” General, Cayman’s co-cap- tain, played at Vermont Tech- nical College in the United States, and he said Thursday night that his teammates know how important it is to lock down on defence. “Defence is everything,” he said. “That’s what won us the first one. We got a buzzer-beater block in the very first game and then we had a buzzer-beater block to win the championship. Pa- tience, confidence and will. If we make sure we give it everything we’ve got, eve- rything will come out good on our end.” Voot O’Garro, the tech- nical director of Cayman bas- ketball, has his fingerprints all over the team. He’s not just a former coach; he brought in Pellot- Rosa to coach the team, and Cayman’s current roster in- cludes two of his sons and one of his grandsons. Cayman is hoping to star again on the Island Games stage, and if it does, Pellot-Rosa is totally prepared to share the credit with his predecessor. “It’s no longer hoped that we win. It’s expected that we retain the gold medal,” he said. “Coach Voot blessed me with the opportunity to coach this team. When he goes out, I’ll make sure he’s remembered forever, that his name is a legend. I just want to repay him with hard work and gold medals.” Six athletes will repre- sent the Cayman Islands at the upcoming Pan-American Games in Peru. The Cayman Is- lands Olympic Com- mittee on Friday an- nounced the line-up for the 26 July-11 Aug. Games. Three athletes from Cayman will take part in swimming events, including Brett Fraser in the 50-metre freestyle, 100-metre free- style and 100-metre but- terfly; Lauren Hew in the 50-metre freestyle, 100-metre freestyle and 200-metre free- style; and John Bodden in the 200-metre butterfly, 400- metre freestyle and 1,500- metre freestyle. In athletics, Kemar Hyman will compete for Cayman in the 100m sprint; Jesse Jackson will represent Cayman in sailing, in the Laser Standard event; and gymnast Raegan Rutty will take part in the floor, vault, uneven bars and individual all-around events. The Cayman Islands’ first Pan American Games were in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1979, and the islands have competed in all 10 Games since then. Over the last eight years, Cayman has won six medals at the Games – one gold, four silver and one bronze. This is the first time the Games will be held in Peru. Some 6,700 athletes are expected to take part in 39 sports and 61 disci- plines over 17 days. Twenty- two of the disciplines will be qualifiers for the Toyko Olympic Games. The competitions and ceremonies will be held in 14 districts of Lima and Callao. Over the last eight years, Cayman has won six medals at the Games – one gold, four silver and one bronze. Cayman’s national team is gearing up to defend its title at the Island Games. – PHOTO: ALVARO SEREY Sprinter Kemar HymanSwimmer Lauren Hew Swimmer Brett FraserSwimmer John BoddenSailor Jesse Jackson Gymnast Raegan RuttyNext >