SPORT | PAGE 22 CAYMAN SWIMMERS TO COMPETE IN FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WORLD | PAGE 14 LAWMAKERS IMPEDE NEXT UK LEADER’S PATH TO A NO-DEAL BREXIT High of 90 Low of 79 Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 75 CENTS – FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY SANDWICHES N E W Cayman remembers the Moon landing Most followed the action on shortwave radio JEWEL LEVY Jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com Fifty years ago, the residents of the Cayman Islands, like people all over the world, watched and listened with wonder as man landed on the Moon for the first time. On 20 July 1969, Caymanians waited with bated breath beside shortwave radios or before grainy television screens as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took their first steps on the Moon. And like most newspa‑ pers, the Caymanian Weekly, a precursor to the Cayman Compass, ran a front page story on the historic event. (See page 8.) The Caymanian Weekly story men‑ tioned two of the people on Grand Cayman who were able to witness the momen‑ tous occasion via television, at a time when few people possessed TVs. Winston and Dora Watler, now deceased, lived in a wooden house off Crewe Road. They had their television switched on all day that Sunday hoping to get a glimpse of the Apollo 11 mission. Just as the camera caught the action on the Moon, the couple were able to see a hazy picture of astronaut Neil Armstrong come down the steps of the lunar module and put his left foot on the Moon’s surface. “Uncle Winston had one hell of a galva‑ nised pipe high in the air acting as an an‑ tenna and all kind of wires hooked up to it, and he was constantly jingling, shifting and working it around to see if he could catch a picture,” recalled 80‑year‑old Brainard Watler. “When they found something on the tel‑ evision, whether they wanted to watch it or not, they had to because it was all that was showing at the time,” Watler said, adding that the couple’s black and white television had been sent to Dora by her relatives in the United States. Many in Cayman followed the action by radio at the Beach Club Hotel. Watler said the Beach Club was the popular place to be in those days in Cayman, so it was no sur‑ prise that is where people gathered to listen to broadcasters describe the landing. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » TRAFFIC, BUILDING HEIGHTS DOMINATE PUBLIC CONCERNS Development plan aims to tackle key planning issues JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Traffic congestion and high‑density tourism development were among the key concerns highlighted during the consultation period for Cayman’s new development plan. The planning department received 356 sep‑ arate submissions incorporating more than 2,000 comments on its Plan Cayman docu‑ ment – which sets out a vision for the future development of Cayman. Building heights, space for recreation fa‑ cilities and concern for the environment were prominent among the public comments, ac‑ cording to Richard Mileham of the planning department’s policy and development unit. “In general, people agreed with the ap‑ proach we are taking,” Mileham told members of the Central Planning Authority at Wednes‑ day’s meeting, Summarising some of the findings of the three‑month consultation exercise, Mileham said 72% of those that had responded to the document agreed with the overall vision. He said there had been broad support (83%) for small scale tourism development in certain districts, but less enthusiasm (53%) for high‑ density tourism outside the Seven Mile Beach corridor. Nearly everyone surveyed (92%) be‑ lieved protection of natural resources should be a priority, while more than half supported cycle lanes on all roads. Mileham said the document, which sets out broad goals for the Development Plan, would now be finalised, taking into account feedback from the public and various government de‑ partments, non‑profits and business groups. Specific policies will be drawn up in sep‑ arate ‘area plans’, starting with Seven Mile Beach later this year. Mileham said islandwide consultation would take place, and a plan, including a zoning map, would be drawn up for that area. Once that is complete, the department will move on to the next area, producing an island‑ wide plan piece by piece. He acknowledged that concerns had arisen during the process about Dart’s plan for an ‘iconic’ multi‑storey tower. He said he expects there to be a more gen‑ eral discussion about building heights for both Seven Mile Beach and George Town once the department begins its area‑specific plans. PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 »2 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 19 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 (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 - 640-FILM (640-3456) CRAWL (R) 4:40 (SAT ONLY) | 7:20 | 10:00 SPIDER-MAN FAR (PG13) FROM HOME 12:45 3D | 3:45 | 6:50 3D | 9:50 VIP | 9:50 SUN: 3:45 | 6:50 3D | 9:50 VIP | 9:50 TOY STORY 4 (G) 10:40 (SAT ONLY) | 1:30 | 4:00 | 6:30 | 9:00 SUN: 3:00 | 6:30 | 9:00 SUPER 30 (PG) 12:35 (SAT ONLY) SUN: 3:35 SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (PG) SUN: 5:20 | 7:35 MEN IN BLACK (PG13) INTERNATIONAL 1:35 | 4:20 | 7:05 | 9:50 SUN: 7:05 | 9:50 THE LION KING (2019) (PG) 10:10 VIP (SAT ONLY) | 11:00 (SAT ONLY) | 12:30 3D| 12:40 3D (SAT ONLY) | 1:00 VIP I 1:10 | 1:50 | 3:30 3D | 4:10 VIP | 6:45 | 7:00 VIP | 9:30 3D SUN: 2:35 | 3:15 3D | 4:10 VIP | 6:45 | 7:00 VIP | 9:30 3D | 9:50 KIDS CLUB: (G) GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (2017) 10:00 (SAT ONLY) SMALL ISLAND (R) 8:00 (SAT ONLY) 94-PASTA [ 947.2782 ] • Marquee Plaza • Everything is made from scratch. • The freshest & nest ingredients. • No deep-frying or microwaving. • Pizza crusts baked in a traditional wood burning oven. Gluten-free crust available. • All sauces are homemade. Another port project, another protest Bahamas debate mirrors Cayman concerns JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@pinnaclemedialtd.com Citing environmental con- cerns, questionable economic benefits and a lack of trans- parency over the project, campaign groups are col- lecting petition signatures to stop a major cruise develop- ment in the Caribbean. This time the campaign is not focussed on Grand Cayman, but on the Bahamas. Campaigners have taken a leaf out of the Cayman Is- lands’ playbook as they try to stop Disney’s planned port development at scenic Light- house Point on Eleuthera. Many of the concerns highlighted in the Bahamas echo concerns raised by groups here. The Last Chance for Lighthouse Point Campaign has brought together mul- tiple regional and interna- tional groups to fight the development. A new campaign website, StopDisney.com, highlights the fact that Lighthouse Point is in an area previously ear- marked as a potential marine protected area, and urges the Bahamian government and its partner Disney to recon- sider the project. “There are plenty of places in the Bahamas where Disney can dock its cruise ships. There is only one Lighthouse Point,” the website declares. The campaigners have also questioned the esti- mated $250 million expend- iture on the proposed dock, highlighting that the Ba- hamas receives just 10% of its tourism income from cruise passengers. According to the Nassau Guardian, the Bahamas gov- ernment signed an agree- ment with Disney Cruise Lines for the proposed dock in March. Disney has al- ready started pre-qualifying contractors for the project in South Eleuthera, the news- paper reports. In a press release this week, international non- profit Waterkeeper Alliance announced it was joining the fight to “save Lighthouse Point” and has launched an online petition to protest the development. Marc Yaggi, executive di- rector of Waterkeeper Alli- ance, said, “We are pleased to join with our Bahamian part- ners to launch this campaign against Disney’s current plans for Lighthouse Point that would degrade a treas- ured natural site and pro- posed marine protected area. Disney needs to do more than just rush through a minimal government process in the Bahamas – it needs to seri- ously consider the environ- mental, economic, and so- cial costs of this proposed cruise port. “We’re calling on Disney to commit to preserving Light- house Point for current and future generations by finding a more suitable alternative site for its cruise ships.” Joe Darville, executive di- rector of Bahamian environ- mental group Save the Bays, added, “It is alarming to hear that Disney is moving for- ward with qualifying con- tractors for construction work at Lighthouse Point be- fore the [environmental im- pact assessment] is even completed. A comprehensive review of the environmental and economic effects of this massive port project must be done before any final deci- sion is made on the future of one of the most majestically beautiful spots left on Earth.” ReEarth, another Ba- hamian non-profit, is also quoted in the press release, questioning the impact of the cruise industry on the Ba- hamas economy. “Bahamians are increas- ingly questioning the ben- efits of the cruise ship in- dustry to the country after so many failed promises of jobs and economic oppor- tunities,” according to Sam Duncombe, executive di- rector of the organisation. “Cruise ship passengers comprise 75% of the tour- ists visiting the Bahamas, yet they only contribute 10% of the annual tourism GDP. There are better, more sus- tainable development options for South Eleuthera than Dis- ney’s proposed cruise ship port at Lighthouse Point.” Disney Cruise Lines is- sued its own press release indicating the project was contingent on a comprehen- sive environmental impact assessment. “From the beginning, we have said we will only move forward with our project at Lighthouse Point if we can do so in an environmentally re- sponsible manner,” the state- ment indicated. CORRECTION A 17 July story, ‘Men’s basketball team returns victorious’, incorrectly stated the men’s team would compete in the Pan American Games in Lima. The team did not qualify for the Pan American Games. A cruise ship docks at Nassau, Bahamas. Proposals are under way to create a new cruise ship dock at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, Bahamas. A new campaign website, StopDisney.com, highlights the fact that Lighthouse Point is in an area previously earmarked as a potential marine protected area, and urges the Bahamian government and its partner Disney to reconsider the project. TASTE OF CAYMAN 2020 DATE ANNOUNCED Organisers of Taste of Cayman announced Friday that the annual food and drink festival will be held on Sat- urday, 4 April, next year, at the Festival Green, Camana Bay. The festival is CITA’s largest fundraiser and typi- cally attracts thousands of participants who come for the wide array of food and beverages from local ven- dors, and the accompanying music show. “In 2020, the festival will celebrate its 32nd year shining a light on Cayman traditions and rich culinary heritage,” said Julie Allan, chair of the Taste of Cayman Committee and member of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association’s Executive Committee. To learn how to get involved in Taste of Cayman 2020, contact Brydie Phillips on 623‑6700 or email brydie@tower.com.ky.The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 The choice is yours. Live beachfront year round, spend your holidays here or even choose to put your residence in a short-term rental programme managed by AAA Five Diamond award-winning Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. One- to five-bedroom residences starting from US$1.4 million. Contact the Seafire Sales Specialists for more information about owning at Seafire and the benefits of the rental programme. +1.345.640.7000 | seafireresidencescayman.com Wake up to a great investment. TURNKEY FURNITURE PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW Your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate and/or securities to residents of any jurisdiction unless exemptions from registration are available in the applicable jurisdiction. RESTORATION HARDWAREThe 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. FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS 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” Remembering pioneer John Bell’s contribution to Caribbean tourism Last month, the Carib- bean Hotel and Tourism As- sociation hosted a major regional event in Miami, Florida at the Hyatt Re- gency Miami. The event was called Caribbean Hospitality In- dustry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), and the opening of- fering was very exciting as it involved numerous Carib- bean island attendees who had come to support each other in awards well earned, compete in a culinary com- petition and share industry trends and ideas. I attended accidentally, being invited to accompany my mother who was invited to witness a very special award to John Bell, the Car- ibbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s first executive director, who served the or- ganisation for 29 years. The CHTA’s website states: “John Bell’s lasting legacy and in- delible footprint on Carib- bean tourism was founda- tional to the region’s rise to the world’s tourism stage and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s guiding hand in making that possible.” Trindiad-based Bell’s achievements were recog- nised and applauded as CHTA bestowed him with the association’s Icon of Hospitality Award during the opening of the forum on 21 June. The Icon of Hospitality Award is CHTA’s highest honour, created to celebrate the careers and lives of leaders whose work in Carib- bean hospitality. As some people in Cayman may recall, my mother, Suzy Soto, was an in- strumental part of early Car- ibbean tourism. She noted that she was a part of a panel that hired Bell, so they did know each other for a long time. Bell was accompanied by many family members and his wife Biddy, obviously very proud of his award. Suzy shared that the Caribbean Hotel Associa- tion was formed in 1967 to help market and promote small, indigenous proper- ties in the Caribbean. They were each small, but to- gether they could pool their resources to market for the region. The truth was some owners knew nothing about how to run a hotel and hence Jack Gold (Jamaica) began the Small Hotels Advisory Council (SHAC) that would travel to each island and do ‘property assessments’ to help the owners improve the quality of their product. Suzy was a part of this team and she recalls, “We would begin at the roadside – how did the property look? COLOURS CAYMAN RESPONDS TO CONSERVATIVE VIEWS ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY “If you don’t like it, leave.” What a hurtful senti- ment. Particularly when it’s directed towards those who only want to feel safe and se- cure wherever they live. Yet it’s the kind of rhet- oric that our LGBT commu- nity is all too familiar with. The moment we speak up in hopes of being heard, re- spected or at least tolerated, we are often reduced to some kind of pariah, no longer seen as fit to live among others in our own country. We are told to simply pack up and leave, as if we’ve no attachment whatsoever to anything nor anyone here. Never mind the job we may have secured or our friends and family or the countless memories made – we are ex- pected to sacrifice it all for want of a more accepting, more progressive society. But nevertheless it’s this toxic rhetoric that continues to spread throughout our cul- ture, spreading even so far as to infect our own churches and government. How does anyone expect to assuage the very real fears we have by telling us to go elsewhere, implying that we are not wel- come in our own home? Fortunately, things are changing. And much of that change is owing to our Con- stitution, our Bill of Rights and one Caymanian woman who recently stood up for her constitutional right to enjoy her private and family life without discrimina- tion, which ultimately led to the most senior judge of the country recognising her struggle and the importance of marriage equality. Yes, many objected to the ruling that was reached. But those who speak of the Con- stitution of the Cayman Is- lands or international law on a public platform – and those who assist them in doing so – particularly those who oc- cupy public office, have a duty to ensure that any legal statements and analyses are accurate. And as such, they should be held account- able for the consequences of making false or inaccu- rate statements upon which others rely. In the end, the will of the majority is not protected by the Constitution, but rather it is regulated in certain specific matters contained in the Bill of Rights in order to protect every person, ir- respective of their gender or sexual orientation. Its purpose is to minimise in- justices and secure funda- mental rights and freedoms for all to enjoy. Now, at least one injus- tice – marriage inequality – is likely to be rectified. And while many may, for what- ever reason, disagree with the outcome, I would like to think that we all want to feel as though we belong here. Because that is true equality. Billie Bryan, founder and president, Colours Cayman Their vegetation, their signage, cleanliness and so forth.” They would then enter through the front door and into the main lobby and parse through the entire property. Their feedback for improvement was then provided to the gov- ernment and owners. Only once they had to rec- ommend shutting down a ho- tel’s kitchen to the local govern- ment, but no action was taken. Unfortunately, one week later, 21 visiting travel agents got food poisoning. From then on, gov- ernments would hire SHAC to do these assessments and provide reports back to be shared with the owners for improvement. This group produced an educational/instructional manual for small hotels in the Caribbean that served many properties over the years. The other long serving in- dustry members who were in attendance were Alec Sangui- netti and Heinz Simonitsch (the first ‘Icon’ award recip- ient). There was a small dinner afterward where President Pa- tricia Affonso-Doss brought tears to my eyes when she re- counted how Bell had inspired and mentored her in her work in tourism. This was genuine heartfelt praise. Patricia then left the micro- phone available to anyone who wanted to ‘roast’ Bell. Most of these were also heartfelt thoughts of praise and thank- fulness that John Bell had positively influenced them in a hospitality career. I was left with a strong im- pression of the strength of the Caribbean people and how much can be achieved when working together. Barrie Quappe John Bell, third from left, and Suzy Soto, fourth from left, in a group photograph that was part of a presentation on Bell’s work at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s conference in Miami last month.The islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 e Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is delighted to announce the nominees for the 2019 Stingray Tourism Awards e Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman proudly announces the nominations of thirtheen of its Ladies and Gentlemen for the 16th annual Stingray Tourism Awards hosted by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA). e prestigious awards received a record-breaking 85 nominations this year, to recognize individuals in the tourism industry in the following areas: Allied and Transportation, Accommodations, Restaurant and Watersports. e awards recognize excellence in the hospitality industry through professionals who have made wonderful contributions in their roles. e Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is proud to share the nominees for this year’s awards: Logan Graydon Accommodations Division Employee Ingrid Wilson Davies Accommodations Division Employee Charles Njuguna Accommodations Division Manager Julie Rudeen Accommodations Division Manager Fiorella Urbina Restaurant Division Employee Laurel France Restaurant Division Employee Cheryl Ann Bramwell Restaurant Division Employee Roy Ebanks Restaurant Division Employee Stanlia Campbell Restaurant Division Manager Wesley Hepburn Restaurant Division Manager In addition to the categories mentioned above for the di erent sectors, CITA also recognizes professionals with a longstanding career in the hospitality industry through the Long Service award as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award. e event theme for 2019 is “Celebrating the Magic of Tourism” and it will take place at e Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on Tuesday, July 23 rd . Amber Lamb Restaurant Division Manager Kelly Phillips Rising Star Victoria Bise Rising Star ADVERTORIAL6 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS a better place We are about people Good people People who care about people People who want the best for their clients People motivated by challenge We are about people Cayman Technology Centre personnel2000.com 945-8367 Cayman artist embraces her creative expression on Brac JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com There’s something undeni- ably charming about places and things that remind us of simpler times. Cayman Brac is doing that, and more, for some Grand Cayman resi- dents looking to relive that time of their lives. Located 97 miles from Grand Cayman, the laid-back and tranquil little island has a population of about 2,000. Artist, sculptor and tiler Betty Christian moved to Cayman Brac after carrying out tiling work there fol- lowing 2008’s devastating Hurricane Paloma. “I fell in love with Cayman all over again,” said Chris- tian, 54, adding that the Brac reminds her of how Grand Cayman was 40 years ago. “It’s quiet, so relaxing … this is the place to be when you want to be inspired. It’s beautiful and tranquil and peaceful. It’s the place to do a lot of brainstorming and get some great ideas,” said Christian. As a multimedia artist, Christian’s creativity includes working in acrylics and wa- tercolours, ceramic, stone, cement, driftwood and any other useful material that washes up on the beaches of Cayman Brac. Since 15 July, 40 pieces of Christian’s work have been featured at Walton’s Mango Manor in Stake Bay, through the new Artist in Residency Programme of the Brac Her- itage Autumn Festival. Seahorses and whimsical fish made from painted drift- wood hang alongside col- lages assembled from leaves, seashells and dried flowers sourced from beachcombing. There are acrylics on canvas, watercolours and ‘fluid art’ on display, as Christian’s art- works take audiences on a trip back to their childhood days. With her ‘Sea@Shore’ se- ries, Christian’s display is inspired by the Carib- bean Sea, and the land and shores of the island’s diverse landscapes. Cayman-born Christian developed her artistic tal- ents at East End Primary School under the teach- ings of Molly Farrell. After leaving school, Christian decided to put her crea- tive talents on hold to start a family, but when her chil- dren grew up and left the nest, she rekindled her re- lationship with her first love – art. “I enjoy being lost in my art world and knowing that the super end results of my creations are so adored and treasured by others,” Christian said. Simone Scott, the pro- gramme manager for the Artist in Residency Pro- gramme, said since starting the exhibitions in Wal- ton’s Mango Manor, there has been excellent feedback from the public The resident artist changes every two to three months, which, Scott said, allows a variety of different artists to get exposure. “As far as this exhibition, although it the slow period, we are hoping the tourists that are on island will come out to see the exhibition which features some of Cayman Brac’s beau- tiful sea scenes,” she said. “ I enjoy being lost in my art world and knowing that the super end results of my creations are so adored and treasured by others.” BETTY CHRISTIAN, artist Artist Betty Christian showcases her latest painting featuring Cayman traditions, titled ‘Conch Season’. NCU alumni chapter announces scholarship awards The Cayman Chapter of the Northern Caribbean Uni- versity Alumni Association has announced the availa- bility of its second four-year scholarship to attend the Ja- maica-based university. The first four-year schol- arship was awarded to Sonia Asharie Bailey at the 30 June Lions Centre concert by US motivational speaker and three-time Grammy-nomi- nated singer Jekalyn Carr. The scholarship, fully funded by a local donor, covers tuition, books and boarding. Commenting on the sup- port shown by the commu- nity for the youth outreach initiative that culminated in the concert, Patricia Ebanks, president of the Cayman Chapter of the NCU Alumni Association, said, “We were moved by the enormous dem- onstration of goodwill by the community.” The concert and a youth convocation sponsored by the Judicial Administration were the high points of the chap- ter’s five-day youth outreach effort, Ebanks added. All public and private sec- ondary schools and more than 50 youth organisations were invited to nominate rep- resentatives to attend the youth convocation held at the Grand Court on 28 June. In addition to the youth convocation and the con- cert, the singer’s Cayman tour, with the theme ‘Unleash your Potential: Hold Fast to your Values’, included visits to Northward and Fairbanks prisons, Cayman Academy and several churches. Scholarship awardee Bailey will commence her studies at NCU in Sep- tember, when she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in edu- cation to prepare her for a teaching career. On hand at the concert to welcome Bailey to NCU was the university’s presi- dent, Lincoln Edwards, who congratulated her on her achievement. Presenting the award, Ebanks commented on Bai- ley’s tenacity in qualifying to attend NCU via night classes at the Adventist Church’s CXC programme while holding down a full-time job. The chapter’s second four-year scholarship will be tenable at NCU in September 2020. Candidates can elect to pursue any of the university’s bachelor’s degree programmes. For further information, email ncu.kyalumni@gmail.com. NCU president Lincoln Edwards congratulates Sonia Bailey, the recipient of the NCU Alumni Association Cayman Chapter’s first four-year scholarship to attend NCU. Bailey will commence studies in September 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. At left is Chapter president Patricia Ebanks. - PHOTO: ROHAN RILEY Singer Jekalyn Carr performs at the Lions Centre on 30 June.7 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 Special economic zone raises annual economic impact estimate to US$55M MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@pinnaclemedialtd.com Cayman Enterprise City, Cayman’s special economic zone, said it increased its contribution to the local economy by 33% last year. The special economic zone, which includes Cayman Tech City, Cayman Commodi- ties and Derivatives City, and Cayman Maritime and Avia- tion City, generated an esti- mated US$55.3 million for the economy in 2018 compared with $41.56 million in 2017. Cayman Enterprise City has released an economic im- pact report for each of the past eight years since the zone’s inception in 2011. To date, the development project has contributed an estimated US$210.46 mil- lion to Cayman’s economy, consisting of $154.06 mil- lion in direct spending and $56.40 million spent indi- rectly, according to CEC’s own calculations. In September 2018, CEC welcomed its 250th company to set up a physical presence in Cayman and become part of a growing community of knowledge-based companies, active predominantly in the FinTech, commodities, mari- time, aviation, digital mar- keting, media and health sci- ence industries. The direct spend of zone companies in 2018 amounted to US$41.04 million in terms of incorporation, registra- tion and setting-up costs. This figure includes attorney fees, expenditures on of- fice operations and real es- tate purchases. Cayman Enterprise City estimates that the indirect economic impact, in terms of money spent by special economic zone employees reached US$14.25 million in 2018. This calculation is based on the assumption that the average zone employee makes a salary of US$90,320, half of which is spent within the local economy on ex- penses such as groceries, schools or entertainment. In November 2018, Cayman Enterprise City began construction on the first phase of its 53-acre campus, which will ultimately house all zone companies. In January, work began on the first $38.4 million phase of a 25-year, $500 mil- lion master plan that will feature office buildings, res- idential areas, restaurants and amenities. Cayman Enterprise City CEO Charlie Kirkconnell esti- mates that the zone will grow to more than 500 companies in the next five years, with about half of the companies expected to be technology-re- lated businesses. Charlie Kirkconnell, CEO, Cayman Enterprise City NATIONAL GALLERY OPENS SEARCH FOR INTERN The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands has an- nounced its search for a year- long paid intern. The position starts 1 Sept., and the application deadline is 15 Aug. Open to Caymanian grad- uates, the internship is de- signed for those interested in a career in museum work and gallery management. Now in its 16th year, the entry-level position introduces the intern to all aspects of the museum profession, from assisting with education programmes and school tours about Cay- man’s unique culture and her- itage, to learning about the management and business aspects of museums. They will also support the curato- rial team with exhibition de- velopment, events and festival development, and collections care and administration. “This unique internship offers a local graduate, with a passion for arts and her- itage, the chance to gain an insight into the operations of a major cultural institu- tion,” gallery director Na- talie Urquhart said in a news release. “With the cultural sector steadily growing in the Cayman Islands there are in- creasing career opportuni- ties in this field, and this is a wonderful way of gaining specialised experience. “Those who have previ- ously undertaken the intern- ship have gone on to work in many related areas including museums and heritage sites, commercial art galleries, as well as the arts and design industries, both in and be- yond Cayman,” she added. For more information about the programme and how to apply call 945‑8111 or email education@nationalgallery.org.ky. Former NGCI Intern Kerri Anne Chisholm leads a school tour of the ‘Native Sons’ exhibition.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mr. Royce Dilbert, who passed away on Friday, July 12, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Aston Rutty Civic Center, Cayman Bracon Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Viewing: 2:00 –3:00 p.m. Interment at: Creek Cemetery In lieu of flowers donations can be made to th Veteran & Seaman’s Society, Cayman Brac Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com f n th Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mrs. Beverley Marion Cato nee Russell, who passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Church of God Chapel, 22 Academy Way, Walkers Road, George Town on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Viewing: 2:00 -3:00 p.m. Interment at: Prospect Cemetery Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com f Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mrs. Ruby Maud Hines-Miller, who passed away on Tuesday, July 09, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Churchill’s Funeral Home, 328 Eastern Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. Viewing: 10:30 –11:30 a.m. Interment at: Prospect Cemetery Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com f Churchill’s Funeral Home We have been asked to announce the passing of Mr. Alford William Bush, who passed away on Tuesday, July 09, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Filadelfia Seventh Day Adventist Church, 42 Rosemary Street, Prospect, Grand Cayman on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing: 1:00 –2:00 p.m. 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. Dimitri Moore, who passed away on Sunday, July 07, 2019. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at Savannah Seventh Day Adventist Church, Shamrock Rd, Grand Cayman on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Interment at: Bodden Town Cemetery Condolences can be registered at churchillsfuneralhome.com The Family of the Late Samuel Bodden regret to announce his passing on Wednesday, 10 July 2019. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, 27 July 2019 at the East End Civic Centre. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at the East End Cemetery. Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page Historian and au- thor Roy Bodden recalls there being lots of excite- ment among the people of Bodden Town and other parts of the island as they awaited the Moon landing. Those who were for- tunate enough to have a shortwave radio were glued to the Voice of America radio station where the news was being broad- cast, he said. As a young boy, he re- calls some of the older people saying at the time that the astronauts “had no business going up there” and to expect trouble be- cause they were going to places where they shouldn’t be. But, he said, he knew he was excited about it. Back in those days, most people listened to the news by radio, and those who did not have radios heard it by word-of-mouth from other residents, Bodden said. Billy Adam was 22 at the time of the Moon landing. He said it was an “intriguing” experience lis- tening to the events un- folding on Voice of America. “I was listening to the communications in the various stages and when they reached and circled the moon and when they landed, it was very inter- esting to a lot of people following the journey that day,” Adam said. One of the astronauts who walked on the Moon that day, Buzz Aldrin, is a regular visitor to the Cayman Islands, where he comes to scuba dive. In an interview with the Cayman Compass in 2013, Aldrin, who has been a diver since the 1950s, described the sensation of diving as the closest thing to moon- walking that he has experi- enced on Earth. For more coverage, see page 19. 50 YEARS AGO A look back at moon landing In 1969, the Cayma- nian Weekly, a precursor of the Cayman Compass, was among the many newspa- pers across the world that published stories on man’s first landing on the moon on 20 July. Here we repro- duce the story that ran on the paper’s front page that week, headlined ‘Caymanians share in world’s admiration’. “‘We’ve got a lift-off’ – ‘The Eagle has landed’ – ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant step for mankind’ – ‘They’re rising’ – ‘They’ve docked’ – these words that marked the tense and vital stages of the journey of Apollo 11 on and off the moon, will remain forever in the memory of those who fol- lowed on radio and television the most momentous journey of our time. “In the Cayman Islands, as elsewhere throughout the world, people listened with concentration, tense with anxiety, silent with awe, yet alert, not wishing to miss a word, and full of wonder, that men were really walking on the moon. Words are inade- quate to express the feeling of excitement and of admi- ration for the three US astro- nauts and the thousands of others who were all part of this breathtaking epic of con- temporary history. “Believe it or not, two people in Grand Cayman ac- tually saw the moon walk by Armstrong and Aldrin on their TV sets. Dora and Winston Watler had their set switched on all the afternoon and evening on Sunday. Nothing had come through but as the camera on the moon came into action so a hazy pic- ture appeared on their screen. Thus they had the tremen- dous thrill of seeing astronaut Neil Armstrong come down the steps of the lunar module and put his left foot on the lunar surface. “Sandys and Glennis Sher- wood too watched on TV but they took a weekend trip to Miami in order to do so. “The crowded dining room at the Beach Club was si- lent as the voices over the radio recorded the lunar landing on Sunday afternoon. In homes and hotels, many were up most of Sunday night with their ears ‘glued’ to the radio, anxious not to miss one phase of this in- triguing drama. “Oh, the wonder of it all! Man is no longer earth- bound. The representatives of all mankind have walked on a celestial body in the heavens. Who knows where this giant step will lead? We only know a new dimen- sion has been added to our horizons. Beyond the moon are planets and spheres about which the children of today will probably know as much as we know of the Cayman Islands. “And now the spacecraft Apollo 11, with all three as- tronauts and the precious samples from the lunar sur- face on board, is out of moon orbit and on its way back to Earth. These men will have fulfilled their task and on the moon forever will remain the American flag, the scien- tific instruments which they have set up and, on the steps from which they took that ‘giant leap’, a plaque which says ‘We came in peace for all mankind.’” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cayman remembers the Moon landing AMERICAN WARSHIP DESTROYS IRANIAN DRONE IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ WASHINGTON (AP) – A US war- ship on Thursday destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after it threatened the ship, President Donald Trump said. The incident marked a new escalation of tensions be- tween the countries less than one month after Iran downed an American drone in the same waterway and Trump came close to retaliating with a military strike. In remarks at the White House, Trump blamed Iran for a “provocative and hos- tile” action and said the US re- sponded in self-defence. Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, told reporters as he arrived for a meeting at the United Nations that “we have no information about losing a drone today”. Trump said the Navy’s USS Boxer, an amphibious as- sault ship, took defensive ac- tion after the Iranian aircraft closed to within 1,000 yards of the ship and ignored mul- tiple calls to stand down. “The United States re- serves the right to defend our personnel, facilities and in- terests and calls upon all na- tions to condemn Iran’s at- tempts to disrupt freedom of navigation and global com- merce,” Trump said. The Pentagon said the in- cident happened at 10am local time Thursday in in- ternational waters while the Boxer was transiting the wa- terway to enter the Persian Gulf. The Boxer is among several US Navy ships in the area, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier that has been oper- ating in the nearby North Arabian Sea for weeks. Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men to walk on the moon, has been traversing the United States attending celebrations of the first moon landing in 1969. Aldrin is a regular visitor to the Cayman Islands and has dived here many times. - PHOTO: AP The front page of the Caymanian Weekly newspaper of 24 July 1969.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2019 2019a�erlosingacourageousba�lewithcancer. DenialeavesbehindherdevotedhusbandJohnnyHurlston,cherisheddaughters SaskiaandKatya;herdevotedsiblings,Lillian,George,Francisco,Luella,Victor,Alex, Williamandfamilies;devotedCayman/Hurlstonfamily,WewardGH&Josephine, Sherrie,Marvin&Lynn,Hardie,Willard&Rizel,Ledis,andfamilies;devotedFlorida familyTiaMarjorie,UncleEarlandEleanor;belovednieces,nephewsandgreat nephew. Deniatouchedthelivesofmanywithlove,laughterandkindness,atrueblessing.We wereprivilegedtohaveknownthissweetgirl. At Denia’swish, she was laid to rest beside her parents in Roatan, Honduras. Memorial Service in Cayman to be announced. 25 Dec. 1975 –14 July 2019 “As flowers bloom & the sun shines, so we will forever remember you.” Denia Osiris Bodden-Hurlston ThefamilyofDeniaOsirisBodden-Hurlston sadlyannounceherpassingon14July “The next step is the Seven Mile Beach area plan later this year,” he said, “where we will get into more detail on those areas of contention, in- cluding building heights and public spaces.” He said the feedback so far showed support for taller buildings in George Town but less enthusiasm to go higher on Seven Mile Beach. “It is something we need to discuss in more detail. I think it is going to be a lively debate,” he added. One key concern that cropped up in multiple re- sponses was traffic conges- tion. Mileham said many re- spondents felt developers should be required to con- tribute to improvements in infrastructure, such as roads and utilities. Central Planning Au- thority chair A.L. Thompson said developers already con- tribute infrastructure fees, but suggested that these funds be earmarked for cap- ital projects rather than going into general revenues. “The infrastructure fund needs to be looked at more transparently so people can see where it is going,” he said. Thompson also suggested a more streamlined process for changing zoning to allow the Central Planning Au- thority or government to re- spond to demand. He said there is currently high de- mand for light industrial zones, but not enough space to accommodate them. Thompson also high- lighted the need for coastal works applications to be brought under the normal planning process. He said the planning au- thority could review marine plans and make recommen- dations to Cabinet. Board member Selvin Richardson said population predictions should be fac- tored into the plan to help determine infrastructure re- quirements in each area. Mileham said the plan- ners’ preferred approach was to look at alternate scenarios where certain growth trigger points might necessitate new infrastructure. Traffic, building heights dominate public concerns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Minister Rivers meets with US officials Financial Services Min- ister Tara Rivers met with government officials in Wash- ington, DC last week, where she told them about Cay- man’s financial services in- dustry and emphasised the islands’ leadership role in combating money laundering and ensuring tax transpar- ency, according to a govern- ment press release. She met with Deputy Sec- retary of the Treasury Justin Muzinich, senators, members of Congress, senior Congres- sional staff and other federal agency officials. Rivers was in Washington last year for similar meet- ings, which are part of the Cayman government’s on- going engagement efforts in the United States to promote the long-standing benefi- cial relationship in financial services between the United States and Cayman. The US Congress is consid- ering legislation that would establish new beneficial own- ership collection requirements in the US, similar to those al- ready in place in Cayman. In the release, Rivers said she also talked about “the benefit of our experience in implementing beneficial own- ership laws, should they take the next step in corporate compliance by making dis- closure of company owner- ship to the US government mandatory”. Rivers and her delega- tion met with Senator Tim Scott, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee’s finan- cial institutions subcom- mittee, and a member of the Senate Finance Com- mittee; Rep. Gregory Meeks, the chairman of the House Financial Services Subcom- mittee on Consumer Pro- tection and Financial Insti- tutions; Rep. Yvette Clarke, co-chair of the Congres- sional Caucus on the Car- ibbean; senior staff mem- bers of Rep. Maxine Waters, chairwoman for the House Financial Services Com- mittee; senior Democratic and Republican staff mem- bers of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. The Cayman delegation also participated in meet- ings with high-ranking of- ficials from the US Depart- ment of State and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the primary reg- ulator for nationally char- tered US banks. “Through these meet- ings, we have taken signifi- cant steps to dispel harmful myths about the Cayman Is- lands,” Rivers said. “Key leg- islators, congressional staff, and senior agency officials now have the information they need to combat persis- tent inaccurate stereotypes about our country.” The US Congress is considering legislation that would establish new beneficial ownership collection requirements in the US, similar to those already in place in Cayman. Minister of Financial Services Tara Rivers, with Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Justin Muzinich. NCVO to hold crab races to raise funds JEWEL LEVY jlevy@pinnaclemedialtd.com The National Council for Voluntary Organisa- tions is betting on 35 Cayman solider crabs to raise big bucks for NCVO children during a crab race on Sunday. The race takes place at the Royal Palms Beach Club on West Bay Road. People will be able to make a donation and sponsor a crab for each race, said Miriam Foster, the charity’s CEO. The NCVO is aiming to raise $1.6 million by Oc- tober, and Foster said the up- coming race is a fun way to help achieve that goal. For a $5 or $10 donation, partici- pants can guess who will be the winner and climb over the thatch rope finishing line first. “Right now, the immediate need is the renovation of the preschool,” said Foster. “That needs to be completed by the end of the summer. We need about $160,0000, so [if] anyone else wants to do anything to assist, let us know.” As of Thursday, the NCVO had collected 35 sol- dier crabs, also known as hermit crabs. The races will start at 3pm and finish around 6pm. “Each race will take a few seconds,” Foster said. “We already tested it out last Sunday. The crabs are that fast, you should see them run. They are hilarious.” Children from Miss Na- dine’s Pre-School painted the shells and named the crabs. One crab named Usain Bolt had to pulled from the race because he was just too fast. “He would climb all over the other crabs and head for the finish in a flash,” said Foster. For each race on the beach, 20 crabs will be used. The selected crabs will be placed in a bucket and then placed into the middle of a thatch rope circle. Once the crabs are released from a container, the first crab to make it to the outside of the circle and over the thatch rope wins. Also on offer at Royal Palms on Sunday is an all- day brunch. After the final race on Sunday, the crabs will be taken to Miss Nadine’s Pre- School, where a habitat has been built for them to live in. The NCVO will hold soldier crab races at the Royal Palms Beach Club on Sunday. - PHOTO: SISTER ISLANDS NEWS AGENCYNext >