ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 High of 88 Low of 78 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. REGIONAL | PAGE 4 LOCAL | PAGE 2 CARIBBEAN AIRLINES SET FOR GRAND CAYMAN SERVICE Regulated in the Cayman Islands as a licensed insurer by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Generali Worldwide is a trading name of Utmost Worldwide Limited. Registered Head Office address: Utmost Worldwide Limited, Utmost House, Hirzel Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 4PA. Regulated in Guernsey as a licensed insurer by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Insurance Business (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2002 (as amended). Incorporated in Guernsey under Company Registration No. 27151. www.generali-healthcare.com Project Grow is ready to GROW! Teachers interested in offering this free program please email karen.ebanks@ihs.ky. Youth with diverse abilities discover diving Charity programme introduces young people to underwater world KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky For Clint Mooney, diving in Grand Cayman is a reminder of his independ- ence. The ability to freely explore a new, un- derwater world grounds him and brings a sense of calm. “I often think back on this one image of diving … floating maybe two feet above the ocean floor and just looking around at all the fish and all the colourful coral. You find peace,” he said. After losing his mobility from the chest down in a car accident, that freedom was powerful. The buoyancy and mobility that diving offered him was a stark contrast to how he first felt trying to operate his wheelchair. “I was in the hospital in recovery for so long that my muscles got real weak. I re- member the first time being in a wheel- chair and pushing it myself. I couldn’t even push across the carpet hallway. It was really tough. It took a lot out of me,” he said. “Then to come here and dive ….” Mooney, who is from Virginia, first came to Cayman in 2011 with the Stay-Focused programme, a charity organisation based in Carnival signs on for Bahamas cruise port project JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Carnival Cruise Lines has agreed a deal to build a $100 million cruise port in Grand Bahama, according to Bahamas Prime Minister Hu- bert Minnis. Minnis made the announce- ment on Friday at a youth con- vention, saying, “I am pleased to announce that after many months of negotiations, we have delivered … a massive project for the people of Grand Bahama …. the Carnival port develop- ment is going full steam ahead.” He said the government would provide more details of the deal in upcoming days. Earlier news reports indi- cated the project is expected to cost around US$100 million. The Bahamas government had an- nounced in February that it was in negotiations with Carnival over the project, which it claims will create 1,000 jobs. Carnival is also one of the key partners in the Verdant Isle Port Partners consortium that was recently announced as the ‘pre- ferred bidder’ for the expanded cruise and cargo port project in SHARMA NAMED CAYMAN’S NEW SOLICITOR GENERAL The government has announced that Reshma Sharma is Cayman’s new solic- itor general. She was appointed earlier this month fol- lowing a rigorous open recruitment process, according to a government statement. Sharma, who was previously the acting solicitor gen- eral from 1 June 2017 to 31 July 2019, also has experience as the deputy solicitor general from June 2016 to August 2019. Sharma, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, previously served as a Crown counsel and a senior Crown counsel in Cayman. She has been involved in human rights liti- gation that has raised novel points of law in the Cayman Islands, including the first same- sex marriage challenge, the first challenge in- volving age/nationality discrimination under the Bill of Rights and the compatibility of stat- utory immunity provisions excluding claims in medical negligence with the Bill of Rights. Sharma was a key part of the government’s legal team in the same-sex marriage challenge by Vicki Bodden Bush and Chantelle Day, and successfully brought the application for a stay pending an appeal of Chief Justice Anthony Smellie’s ruling to legalise gay marriage. That appeal is scheduled to be heard next week. Before moving to Cayman, she served as a state counsel in her homeland. She has provided legal guidance to govern- ment in a number of areas including immigra- tion, civil aviation, employment, procurement, intellectual property and human rights. “I am deeply honoured by this appointment and grateful to both the Honourable Deputy Governor and Honourable Attorney General for their confidence in my ability to lead this Stay-Focused divers get a briefing before a dive at Sunset House. Carnival Cruise Lines has reached an agreement with the Bahamas government to build a cruise ship port in Grand Bahama. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » KIMPTON ADDS ROATAN TO CARIBBEAN PROPERTIES2 LOCAL®IONAL RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Bra- zil’s official monitoring agency is reporting a sharp increase in wildfires this year, and President Jair Bolsonaro suggested Wednesday, without citing evidence, that non-govern- mental organisations could be setting them to make him look bad. Brazil’s National Insti- tute for Space Research, a federal agency monitoring deforestation and wildfires, said the country has seen a record number of wildfires this year, counting 74,155 as of Tuesday, an 84% in- crease compared to the same period last year. Bol- sonaro took office on 1 Jan. “Maybe – I am not af- firming it – these [ONG people] are carrying out some criminal actions to draw attention against me, against the government of Brazil,” Bolsonaro said in a video posted on his Face- book account. “This is the war we are facing.” When asked by reporters if he had evidence, the pres- ident did not provide any. Bolsonaro, who once threatened to leave the Paris climate accord, has repeatedly attacked envi- ronmental non-profits, seen as obstacles in his quest to develop the country’s full economic potential, in- cluding in protected areas. THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 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) (PG13) 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. - THURSDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) THE ANGRY BIRDS (PG) MOVIES 2 1:00 VIP | 3:55 3D | 6:30 | 9:00 3D 47 METERS DOWN: (PG13) UNCAGED 12:30 | 2:55 | 7:40 | 10:00 MISSION MANGAL (PG) 12:40 | 6:50 | 9:50 GOOD BOYS (R) 1:20 | 3:35 | 5:15 | 10:10 DORA AND THE LOST (PG) CITY OF GOLD 1:30 | 6:45 THE LION KING (2019) (PG) 4:00 | 9:15 F&F HOBBS & SHAW (PG13) 1:05 3D | 3:35 VIP | 4:05 | 6:45 VIP | 7:10 | 9:50 VIP Caribbean Airlines set for Grand Cayman service Iguana cull numbers approach 850,000 In the space of a week, two airlines have added to travellers’ options going to and from Cayman. On Wednesday, Caribbean Airlines said it would begin running flights between Kingston, Jamaica and Grand Cayman on 29 Oct. The flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. On Monday, American Air- lines announced seasonal non-stop service to Boston. Caribbean Airlines flights are scheduled to depart King- ston at 11:25am Tuesdays, arriving at 12:35pm. It re- turns at 1:30pm, arriving in Kingston at 2:35pm. Sat- urday flights depart earlier, at 9:40am, arriving in Grand Cayman at 10:50. The return flight departs at 11:50am and arrives at 12:55pm in Kingston. In a statement, Carib- bean Airlines Chief Execu- tive Officer Garvin Medera said, “Grand Cayman is a welcomed addition to our schedule as we continue our mission to connect the Car- ibbean. Jamaica and Grand Cayman have always enjoyed a very close connection and this addition of 300 seats per week into either market will strengthen this relationship.” For the sixth week in a row, Grand Cayman’s green iguana cullers have turned in fewer than 10,000 iguanas to the George Town landfill. About two-thirds of the way through the Department of Environment’s roughly 60-week programme, cullers have removed 847,155 of the invasive liz- ards from the island. Cullers remain behind the overall pace needed to reach the target number of culling 1.3 million green iguanas by the end of 2019. More than 20,000 iguanas per week need to be culled on average in order to meet the target number. During the week running from 12-17 Aug., cullers turned in 7,693 iguanas. Department officials have previously attributed low culling numbers to heavy rainfall during Cayman’s traditional wet season. Cullers are being paid $4.50 a head, rising to $5 if they meet monthly and an- nual targets, in an effort to wipe out the invasive species in Grand Cayman. Concurrently, the DoE is conducting its annual green iguana survey for Grand Cayman to assess the effective- ness of the culling effort. Last year’s survey estimated there were between 1.1 million and 1.6 million green iguanas on the island. 0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000 900,000 800,000 Week 1 (29 Oct.-3 Nov.) Week 42 (12-17 Aug.) Iguanas culledTotal culled Green iguana cull update 847,155 BOLSONARO SUGGESTS NGOS SETTING AMAZON FIRES Caribbean Airlines will begin operating flights between Kingston, Jamaica and Grand Cayman on 29 Oct. Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro ROTARY SUNRISE DONATES BACKPACKS The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise do- nated 30 backpacks filled with school supplies to stu- dents last week. “We hope to ensure that the last thing students have to worry about is whether they have notebooks or a pencil, allowing them to focus on their education,” said President Pat Steward. The members of Rotary Sunrise packed the bags, 15 each for primary and high schools. “This is the second year we were able to provide the bags to the Department of Children and Family Services,” said Jenna Mungall, co-director of community service. “We hope to continue supporting the families of Cayman each year.” Rotary Sunrise focusses on local projects in Literacy, Youth and Community Service. The club meets every Wednesday at George Town Yacht Club at 7am. Email rcgcsunrise@gmail.com for information about volunteering or visiting the club. Rotarians present school bags at the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub. From left, Keisha Smith, Co-Director of Community Service Jenna Mungall, President Pat Steward, Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Director Rayle Roberts, Co-Director of Community Service Nanalie Cover, Prospective Rotarian Jamaal Anderson and MASH Manager Tiffany Myles.The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 4 LOCAL NEWS THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Cayman Compass Ltd. Compass Centre Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: Telephone: (345) 949-5111 Email: sales@compassmedia.ky Website: www.caymancompass.com PUBLISHER KATHLEEN CAPETTA EDITOR CATHERINE MACGILLIVRAY A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will find their own way” Kimpton adds Roatan to Caribbean properties Kimpton Hotels and Res- taurants announced Tuesday that it is expanding its Car- ibbean presence by adding a boutique resort on Roatan Is- land in Honduras. The project, due to open in early 2021, is the third hotel for Kimpton in the region. The first, Cayman’s Seafire Resort on Seven Mile Beach, opened in 2016. A second property is due to open in Grenada at the end of next year. The Kimpton Roatan will be owned and operated by Vista Capital, an Austin, Texas-based firm owned by David Dachner. Dachner has been involved in businesses in Roatan since 2006 when he founded the Abundant Life Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides scholarships, educational support and ecological pro- grammes, according to its website. He is the president of the Grand Roatan Carib- bean Resort and of the Am- arado Oil Co. in Austin. The new Kimpton hotel will be an expansion of the Grand Roatan Caribbean Re- sort, and will feature 126 guest rooms, including 43 one- and two-bedroom suites and one presidential suite. Caribbean architects Lane Pettigrew Associates will oversee the remodel- ling and expansion of the ex- isting property. Amenities will include a rooftop sky bar with a glass- fronted pool, a large outdoor pool, a restaurant, lounge and beach bars, fitness centre, spa, water sports facili- ties and nearly 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and events space, ac- cording to a press release is- sued by Kimpton. Plans also call for the re- sort to promote the island’s diversity and local culture in the artwork displayed in the hotel, incorporating Paya ar- tefacts borrowed from the national museum into its destination spa. It will also have sustainability features such as solar power, on-site water desalination and other eco-friendly touches, the company stated. In a news release, Dachner said, “We were so inspired and impassioned by the local culture here that we wanted to partner with a top oper- ator to bring our vision to life, opening the doors of Roatán to the world.” This artist’s rendition shows the Kimpton Roatan, expected to open in early 2021. Cayman investment funds sue Argentina over bond payout MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@compassmedia.ky Three investment funds that hold Argentinian sov- ereign bonds linked to the performance of the coun- try’s gross domestic product are suing the government of Argentina in the High Court of England and Wales claiming it failed to make payments of about 384 mil- lion euro (CI$349 million) due under the bond. Cayman Islands-registered Palladian Partners LP and HBK Master Fund LP, and Delaware-incorporated Hirsh Group LLC, argue that Argen- tina is in breach of contract because it failed to properly calculate payment amounts for the year 2013, after it switched from using 1993 prices to calculate reference GDP values to 2004 prices. The bond issuer in turn claims that one of the condi- tions for the payment was not met. For a payment to be due, the actual real GDP and ac- tual real GDP growth had to exceed the base case GDP and growth for the year. In addi- tion, lawyers for the govern- ment of Argentina submitted investors had to prove that its conduct amounted to “a man- ifest error”, “wilful miscon- duct” or “bad faith”. The three investment funds make the case that the so-called performance condition would have also been met under 2004 prices, if an adjustment provision, covering instances when a base rate other than 1993 prices is used, had been cor- rectly applied. They disagree that they must demonstrate manifest error, wilful misconduct or bad faith on the part of the issuer but state in their claim that it does in any case. The claimants further argue that Argentina’s switch to 2004 prices for the refer- ence year and its decision not to publish GDP data in 1993 prices was improper, irrational, arbitrary and capricious. According to the claim, Ar- gentina’s statistical govern- ment agency INDEC never published fourth quarter GDP data on the basis of 1993 prices but only on “what pur- ported to be 2004 prices”. “On that new basis, the Minister of Economy an- nounced that growth for 2013 had been 2.93%. This is de- spite the fact that the Re- public was reported to be defending a GDP Growth es- timate of approximately 4.9% just hours before the an- nouncement,” the writ states, adding that at the time there was political pressure on the government not to use dwin- dling foreign currency re- serves to make the payments to foreign creditors. If the performance condi- tion has been met, the funds say, Argentina would likely have to pay more than $2 bil- lion in relation to the securi- ties for the reference year. The claimants state they hold about 29% of the secu- rities issued with a total no- tional value of more than 5.4 billion euro, and would be owed an estimated 384 mil- lion euro for the year 2013. Charges dismissed due to missed deadline SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@compassmedia.ky A local woman had charges dismissed in Sum- mary Court on Wednesday because the Office of the Director of Public Pros- ecutions had missed the deadline for filing charges by one day. The defendant was charged with resisting a po- lice officer and disorderly conduct at a police station, but defence counsel Gregory Burke told Magistrate Kirsty- Ann Gunn that the charges appeared to be time-barred by a single day. The Crown counsel had six months to bring the charges against the defendant. Magistrate Gunn found that Burke had indeed calcu- lated correctly and that the Crown counsel had missed the deadline by a day. All charges against the de- fendant were dismissed. COMMUNITY REQUESTS SCHOOL DONATIONS The Prospect Red Bay Community Group is spon- soring a back-to-school drive to assist the children and schools of that commu- nity in ensuring they have the supplies for a successful start of the school year. Community members are encouraged to do- nate school supplies and materials. A list of items, ranging from crayons to dictionaries, can be found at the community group’s Facebook page. Lysol spray, wipes and hand sanitiser are also being accepted. The Min- istry of Education provides composition books. A donation box is lo- cated at Seafarers Hall. Items can be dropped off between 7am and 3pm weekdays. Executive mem- bers of the group can be contacted to arrange col- lection or drop off of do- nations, which can also be brought to the next monthly meeting at 7pm, 2 Sept. at Seafarers Hall. Collected items will be sorted and shared between the two schools. Teachers will distribute the items to those kids who require assistance. For additional information, email prospectcommunity345@gmail.com. POSTAL SERVICE WARNS ABOUT HOAX TEXT MESSAGE The Cayman Islands Postal Service is warning residents to ignore a text message claiming to be about a promotion, with a Galaxy phone as the giveaway. The message claims to be from the Postal Ser- vice and displays the ser- vice’s logo. Officials said they have not sent any such message nor does the Postal Ser- vice have such an ongoing promotion. The matter is being investigated. SHAMROCK ROAD RESTRICTIONS ON SUNDAY Traffic movement on Shamrock Road, near the intersection with Agricola Drive, will be restricted on Sunday as the Water Authority – Cayman car- ries out work. The road restrictions will be in place from 6am to 2pm, the water com- pany stated. Traffic management will be set up to direct the flow of traffic in the area, and motorists are asked to drive with caution.The islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 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 editor@compassmedia.ky at least three days in advance of publication. THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS THURSDAY, 22 AUG. FARM FOOD WORKSHOP: The Department of Agriculture will hold a Farm Food Safety Workshop today, focussing on the importance of food safety in fresh fruits and vegetables. Upstairs at Stacy Watler Pavilion, Lower Valley, Bodden Town. 6‑8pm. Free refreshments served. Crop farmers are encouraged to attend. Call 947‑3090 to confirm attendance. ‘LOVE BANK’ GLAZING: The National Council of Voluntary Organisations and 3 Girls & A Kiln are teaming up to decorate ‘Love Banks’, which are piggy banks in the shape of the word ‘Love’, to help raise money for the charity. The ‘Love Banks’ will be distributed around the island to encourage members of the public to contribute to the NCVO. 6‑8pm at 3 Girls & A Kiln in Camana Bay. $65 donation. Bubbles and bites included. Email ncvo@ncvo.org.ky for more information. FRIDAY, 23 AUG. SENIORS TOUR AND TEA PARTY: The National Gallery and EY welcome seniors for a morning of art and conversation. Beginning with a tour of the exhibition ‘Tropical Visions: Landscape Painting from the National Collection’, with a chance to share stories and memories inspired by the artwork. This will be followed by tea service with refreshments and pastries in the Gallery gardens. Admission is free thanks to sponsorship by EY Cayman. RSVP by calling 945‑8111 or emailing receptionvolunteer@ nationalgallery.org.ky. Transportation assistance can be arranged if requested. SATURDAY, 24 AUG. SCHOOL SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY: Pursuit of Excellence – The Lloyd Barker Foundation is holding its second annual back‑to‑school supplies giveaway, called ‘Ready, Set, Learn!’, at Constitution Hall (formerly the George Town Town Hall) today, 1‑5pm. Free admission. As well as giving away school supplies for students in need, the event includes face painting, light refreshment, special performances and a guest DJ. TUESDAY, 27 AUG. WRECK OF THE TEN SAIL TALK: The National Museum is hosting a Speaker Series: Wreck of the Ten Sail today, 6‑7:30pm. Log on to www.museum.ky for more information. WEDNESDAY, 28 AUG. ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY AGM: The Cayman Islands Astronomical Society will hold its annual general meeting at 7:30pm at the UCCI Observatory. Contact Richard McLeod for more details on 925‑4917. THURSDAY, 29 AUG. NAU CLOSURE: The Needs Assessment Unit’s offices in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac will close from 3pm today for a staff meeting. FRIDAY, 30 AUG. FUEL CONSUMER PROTECTION: Today is the closing date for responses to a public consultation on the proposed consumer protection regulations for the fuels sector by the Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg). The consultation document can be downloaded at www.ofreg.ky. Responses to the consultation must be submitted via email to consultations@ofreg.ky on or before 5pm today. LOOKY YA: East End District Looky Ya heritage event, hosted by the Cayman Islands National Museum. 10am to 2pm. SATURDAY, 7 SEPT. STORY TIME: Rotary Central Cayman Islands will host a Story Time event this morning at 10:30am at George Town Public Library. The event is free, There will be fun activities and goodies for children, who must be accompanied by an adult. BRAC DG 5K: The 2019 DG 5K run/walk, organised by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, will be held on Cayman Brac today. The first 400 registrants will receive a special edition hat. The beneficiaries of this year’s run will be the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, the Special Needs Foundation Cayman and the Alex Panton Foundation. A second run will be held on Grand Cayman on 29 Sept. To register, visit www.caymanactive.com/dg5k or email dg5k@gov.ky for more information. FIDELITY FUN RUN: The first of an annual series of 2‑mile fun runs will be held today. The next two will be held on 14 and 21 Sept. Starts at 7:30am on Walkers Road, opposite former John Gray High School, then goes to South Church Street before finishing on Denham Thompson Way. Free entry for 15 and under. $10 for one race, $25 for whole series. Awards will be presented to the top 3 male and top 3 female point scorers overall in the series and also to the top 3 male and female scorers in each age group. Register online at www.caymanactive.com/ registrations. Late registration possible on the day from 6:30‑7:15am. SUNDAY, 29 SEPT. BOYS FOOTBALL: Sunset FC is holding its Sunday Morning Boys Football Programme, starting from today. Sponsored by KPMG, the sessions will run from 8.15‑9.15am for boys in groups A to D and from 9.15‑10.15am for boys in groups E to G. Groups will be announced before the start of the programme based on registrations. All sessions will be at the Camana Bay Field. Boys from 4 to 11 are welcome to join. Contact Paul Macey at pmacey@ usarisk.ky or by phone at 525‑0822 for more details. GRAND CAYMAN DG 5K: The 2019 DJ 5K run/ walk, organised by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, will be held on Grand Cayman today. The first 400 registrants will receive a special edition hat. To register, visit www.caymanactive.com/dg5K or email dg5K@gov.ky for more information. GENERAL INTEREST DVDL INSPECTION CLOSURE: The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing’s inspection pit at its Crewe Road location will be closed indefinitely on Wednesdays, starting 28 Aug. The inspection pit will be open for business as usual on all other business days. There will be no changes at DVDL’s Breakers location where the inspection pit will remain open for business as usual. Members of the public wishing to have their vehicles inspected on a Wednesday can visit any of the authorised private garages. BACK-TO-SCHOOL DONATIONS: The Prospect Red Bay Community Group is holding a back‑to‑ school drive to ensure local children and schools have supplies for a successful start of the school year. A donation box is located at the Seafarers Hall and items can be dropped off between 7am and 3pm weekdays. Contact any of the executive members for collection or drop‑off of any donations, or bring supplies to the next monthly meeting at 7pm on Monday, 2 Sept., at 7pm at Seafarers Hall. Email prospectcommunity345@ gmail.com for more information or visit Prospect Red Bay Community 345 on Facebook for a list of recommended supplies. 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. 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. ART AT THE STRAND: Every Saturday, from 3pm to sunset, the Visual Arts Society hosts a local art market featuring artists displaying arts, crafts, paintings, prints, hand‑ crafted jewellery and ceramics for sale in front of the Lodge/Eco‑Den, who is offering 2‑4‑1 drinks, pub food and homemade treats, smoothies, and speciality coffees/teas. For more information or to become a displaying artist, 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. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. ‘The Path’ by Miguel Powery is among the paintings on display in the ‘Tropical Visions’ exhibition at the National Gallery. The gallery is hosting a seniors tour and tea party on Friday, 23 Aug.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 www.healthcareconference.ky 10th annual conference INNOVATING the Future of Healthcare Building on a decade of progress REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Open to all and free to attend. CME certificates will be availableThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 CAYMAN COMPASS New York that has certified 133 divers with disabilities over the past 16 years. The 28‑year‑old initially came as a student and has since returned as a mentor. This summer he joined three Caymanian interns in guiding the novice divers. For local students, the pro‑ gramme often provides their first chance to learn diving. Valentina Bustos, 16, was one of the local interns who dived for the first time this summer. Being able to share that experience with other young people of diverse abili‑ ties was enriching for her. “I got an opportunity to show them around the is‑ land and basically be a leader and mentor for them in a way, so it was very spe‑ cial,” she said. The week‑long programme taught her to try new experi‑ ences and to not fear meeting different types of people. Fellow intern Martina Burton, 17, returned to the programme for the second time this summer. She devel‑ oped a deep sense of camara‑ derie with the other partici‑ pants and it pained her for the programme to come to an end. Overall, however, she said the experience brought her joy. “[It taught me] not to un‑ derestimate anyone, because anyone can do anything once they put their mind to it. In my past experiences with first‑time divers who have no [physical] difficul‑ ties whatsoever, they still had a little bit of struggle. But for these guys, it went so smooth,” she said. Intern Ashley Ebanks, 17, also returned for the second time this year. Coming back was like a reunion with friends. And to share the underwater world with those friends was some‑ thing special. “We always look at [disa‑ bility] as the worst thing that could happen to you. But then getting to know these people and be a part of their lives, it shows you that despite what they were born with … they can still do anything they can put their minds to,” she said. “It has been such a moti‑ vation for me. I can literally go out there and do whatever I put my mind to.” Stay‑Focused held four one‑week‑long sessions this year at the Marriott and The Ritz‑Carlton in partnership with Red Sail Sports. Two programmes were for new di‑ vers and the other two were for returning divers. The sense of friendship and independence fostered by the programme is exactly what founder Roger Muller had in mind when he started the charity. Based on pro‑ gramme surveys, he said the new divers report feelings of empowerment. “The participants typi‑ cally say that they feel more confident as a result of doing the programme. They are mo‑ tivated to try new things,” Muller said. “Scuba diving is some‑ thing that most of them never thought they would do. And they are also very much moti‑ vated to set higher goals.” That is exactly what Mooney has described from his time diving. The experi‑ ence has taught him to look beyond disability. “When you get out of the water, you’re still inde‑ pendent. You don’t have to worry about anything. You just keep on rolling,” he said. “Disability, what disability?” Portfolio and its talented and dedicated staff,” said Sharma in the prepared statement. “It has been an incredible privilege to serve the Gov‑ ernment of the Cayman Is‑ lands over the past 14 years and I look forward to this new chapter and the experi‑ ences to come. There will be challenges ahead but with the collective best efforts of my staff, the Portfolio will continue to strive for excel‑ lence as part of the journey towards a world‑class civil service.” Deputy Governor Franz Manderson praised Sharma, saying, “I am delighted that an attorney of the calibre of Ms. Sharma has been ap‑ pointed to this position within the Cayman Islands Government. Ms. Sharma has served our Government admi‑ rably in all the years she has served in the public sector.” Sharma earned a masters of law degree from the Uni‑ versity of Aberdeen in Scot‑ land, and she has served as a member of the Cayman Is‑ lands Water Authority board for many years. She is also a member of the Anti‑Money Laundering Steering Group, the Law Reform Commission and the Cayman Islands Child Safeguarding Board. As head of the Treaties and Conventions Unit in the At‑ torney General’s Chambers, she worked on conventions such as the International Cov‑ enant on Civil and Political Rights and the extension of the Convention on the Elim‑ ination of All Forms of Dis‑ crimination Against Women. “I hold Ms. Sharma in high esteem for the probity and in‑ telligence she brings as a pro‑ fessional in the Portfolio of Legal Affairs,” said Attorney General Samuel Bulgin in the press release. “Her attention to detail and subtle nuances when dealing with even com‑ plex matters has been an in‑ valuable asset within these Chambers. I congratulate on her attaining this important position in government and welcome her expertise in the service of the people in the coming years.” Grand Cayman. Unlike the Cayman project, the Grand Ba‑ hama port appears to have broad support, Kwasi Thompson, Min‑ ister of State for Grand Bahama, told the Nassau Guardian newspaper he was extremely pleased with the announcement, highlighting the benefit to restaurateurs and taxi operators. “I think that it is going to have a tremendous im‑ pact on unemployment on the island,” he said. The project has drawn little opposition, with en‑ vironmental groups in‑ dicating they are not op‑ posed to it. Members of the Save the Bays group, which op‑ posed an earlier plan for a Carnival‑backed port on the pristine east end of Grand Bahama, told the Nassau Guardian earlier this year that they did not object to the new location, near Freeport. A separate cruise pier project in the Bahamas is creating more contro‑ versy. Save the Bays is one of a number of groups op‑ posing Disney’s planned port development at scenic Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera. Signatures are being collected for a petition to stop that project. Carnival is not without its critics in the Bahamas, particularly since it was fined US$20 million by a US court after admitting a string of environmental violations, including dumping plastic waste in Bahamian waters. A column in Bahamas newspaper The Tribune this week labelled Car‑ nival a “serial bad actor” and opined, “A thousand jobs will not pay the price for unquantifiable damage to the country’s natural environment”. Reshma Sharma CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Carnival is also one of the key partners in the Verdant Isle Port Partners consortium that was recently announced as the ‘preferred bidder’ for the expanded cruise and cargo port project in Grand Cayman. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Carnival signs on for Bahamas cruise port project Sharma named Cayman’s new solicitor general Charity programme introduces young people to underwater world CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Ready to get in the water: A group of Stay-Focused divers, with instructors and volunteers, on one of Red Sail Sports’ boats. - PHOTO: SUPPLIED Clint Mooney first came to Cayman to dive with Stay-Focused in 2011. This year he returned as a mentor. - PHOTOS: ALVARO SEREY Caymanian interns Martina Burton, Valentina Bustos and Ashley Ebanks helped Stay-Focused divers during their trip to Cayman this year. A dive instructor keeps an eye on Stay-Focused participants as they dive the Kittiwake wreck. - PHOTO: TONY LANDThe islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY, 22 AUGUST 2019 Rebels claim downing US drone over Yemen Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they shot down a US drone over the country’s north. A military spokesman for the Iran-backed Houthis said in a statement Wednesday that a missile from the group’s air defences downed a US MQ-9 drone on Tuesday over the northern city of Dhamar. Germany’s Merkel dangles possibility of negotiated Brexit At least 2,300 detained in locked-down Kashmir SRINAGAR, India (AP) – At least 2,300 people, mostly young men, have been detained in Indian-administered Kashmir during a security lockdown and communications blackout imposed to curb unrest after New Delhi stripped the dis- puted region of statehood, ac- cording to top Kashmir police and arrest statistics reviewed by The Associated Press. Those arrested include anti-India protesters as well as pro-India Kashmiri leaders who have been held in jails and other makeshift facilities, according to three police officials. The officials have access to all police re- cords but spoke on the con- dition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to reporters and feared reprisals from superiors. The crackdown began just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu na- tionalist-led government on 5 Aug. stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomy and its statehood, creating two federal territories. Thousands of additional Indian troops were sent to man checkpoints in the Kashmir Valley, already one of the world’s most milita- rised regions. Telephone com- munications, cellphone cov- erage, broadband internet and cable TV services were cut for the valley’s 7 million people, although some com- munications have been grad- ually restored in places. Kashmiris have staged protests and clashed with police since the crackdown, with about 300 demonstra- tions against India’s tighter control over Kashmir, the three officials said. One of the officials said most of the arrests have been in Srinagar, Kashmir’s main city and the heart of a 30-year- old movement to oust Hindu- majority India from Muslim- majority Kashmir so that it can exist independently or be merged with Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan claim the disputed territory of Kashmir in its entirety, but each controls only part of it. Kashmir’s special status was instituted shortly after India achieved independence from Britain in 1947. The official spokesman in Jammu and Kashmir, Rohit Kansal, has repeatedly re- fused to give any details about arrests and detentions, saying only that they have been made to prevent anti- India protests and clashes in the region. He declined ques- tions about specific arrests. Nearly 100 people have been arrested under the Public Safety Act, the arrest statistics showed. The law permits detaining people for up to two years without trial. At least 70 civilians and 20 police and soldiers have been treated at three hospi- tals in Srinagar for injuries stemming from the clashes, the three officers said. Moses Dhinakaran, a spokesman for the Central Reserve Police Force, which now holds jurisdiction in Kashmir, said he did not know how many people had been detained because his agency has “no direct role”. Families crowded out- side police stations Tuesday waiting to appeal for the re- lease of their sons, husbands and other relatives. At least three dozen men and women along with their children sat on the street out- side a Srinagar police sta- tion waiting to hear about 22 young men and teenage boys who they said had been detained in a nighttime raid in one neighbourhood. Residents say police and soldiers carry out the raids to suppress dissent. Ali Mohammed Rah said police and soldiers burst into his home and dragged his two sons, age 14 and 16, from their beds. “They forced their entry, trained their guns at us while ordering us not to raise any alarm,” Rah said. He said his wife, who is a heart patient, “pleaded with them to let our boys go but they whisked them away. My wife collapsed and is now in a hospital”. In the Soura area of Sri- nagar, which has seen some of the biggest protests and clashes, residents have bar- ricaded the neighbourhood by digging trenches, laying barbed wire and erecting poles and corrugated tin sheets to stop the raids. The residents, carrying axes and sticks, take turns on night patrol and have also distributed stones at street corners to defend against the raids. In Washington, a senior State Department official the US wants to see India restore human rights and basic freedoms for all Kash- miris, including the release of detainees, and then looks for- ward to a return to political normalcy. The official was not authorised to discuss diplo- matic discussions publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Kashmir has seen mass arrests and lockdowns be- fore. The partition of the ter- ritory left India in control of most of Kashmir, and Paki- stan and China in charge of other parts of the territory. India has often tried to sup- press uprisings, including a bloody armed rebellion in 1989. About 70,000 people have been killed since that uprising and a subsequent Indian military crackdown. BERLIN (AP) – German Chan- cellor Angela Merkel raised the possibility that a nego- tiated departure for Britain from the European Union might still be possible even as the clock is ticking on a deal that would satisfy both sides. Speaking Wednesday alongside UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson before the two leaders held bilateral talks in Berlin, Merkel indicated that a solution for the contentious Irish border issue might yet be reached before the Brexit date of 31 Oct. “[We] might be able to find it in the next 30 days, why not?” Merkel told reporters. Her comments marked a departure from the pes- simism that is prevailed on both sides of the English Channel in recent months. The EU has ruled out renego- tiating the Brexit agreement hammered out with Britain last year. Johnson, for his part, says he will take Britain out of the bloc at the end of October without a deal un- less the EU scraps the con- tentious backstop clause designed to prevent cus- toms checkpoints along the Irish border. Johnson, on his first visit to Germany since becoming prime minister last month, welcomed the “blistering timetable of 30 days” Merkel suggested, but appeared to acknowledge that the ball is now in Britain’s court to avert an economically devas- tating no-deal Brexit by pro- posing a viable solution to the Irish border issue. “There are abundant so- lutions which are proffered, which have already been discussed,” Johnson said, without elaborating. “I don’t think, to be fair, they have so far been very actively pro- posed over the last three years by the British government.” “You rightly say the onus is on us to produce those so- lutions, those ideas, to show how we can address the issue of the Northern Irish border and that is what we want to do,” he said. Johnson had insisted Monday that the Irish border backstop clause must be scrapped and replaced with “alternative arrangements” to regulate cross-border trade. The EU says the backstop is merely insurance policy meant to avoid checkpoints between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which have been a flash point for sectarian vio- lence in the past, and will not be needed if other solutions are found for goods moving across the border. The backstop was part of the withdrawal agreement former British Prime Min- ister Theresa May negotiated with the EU, but it was re- jected by the UK Parliament three times. Johnson’s stance, that Britain will leave the EU with or without a deal, has alien- ated many in Europe. The EU’s agriculture chief warned that if Britain crashes out without a deal on 31 Oct., it would create a “foul atmosphere” that would spill over into any negotia- tions on a future trade deal between the two sides. Speaking in his native Ireland, EU. Farm Commis- sion Phil Hogan said the re- maining 27 countries would “ hold the line” and had made “detailed contingency plans for every outcome”, echoing the view of many on the con- tinent that a no-deal Brexit is now the most likely outcome. “Contrary to what the UK government may wish, the EU will not buckle,” he insisted. German President Frank- Walter Steinmeier went so far Wednesday as to ques- tion whether Johnson was serious about seeking new Brexit talks or whether he was planning to blame the EU if they failed. Yet Johnson appeared em- boldened Wednesday as he and Merkel faced reporters before holding talks over dinner – where tuna tartare, saddle of venison and choco- late tarte were on the menu. “We seek a deal. And I be- lieve that we can get one,” he said, before quoting one of Merkel’s trademark phrases – “we can do it” – which the German chancellor repeatedly used when insisting that her country could cope with the migrant influx of 2015-2016. After meeting with Merkel, Johnson goes to Paris on Thursday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, then on to a three- day summit of G-7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, which begins Saturday in Biarritz, France. The withdrawal agree- ment is just the first step in Britain’s exit from the EU and will be followed by likely years of negotiations on fu- ture relations. Merkel on Wednesday cited the need for a new air traffic agreement between the EU and Britain as one example of the kind of deal that still needs to be agreed, noting that as a third country, the UK cannot expect to enjoy the same benefits as an EU member state. Johnson … appeared to acknowledge that the ball is now in Britain’s court to avert an economically devastating no-deal Brexit by proposing a viable solution to the Irish border issue. Those arrested include anti-India protesters as well as pro-India Kashmiri leaders who have been held in jails and other makeshift facilities. Kashmiri men sit on a footpath outside a police station Tuesday waiting to hear about their relatives who were detained during night raids in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir. – PHOTO: AP Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attend a joint press conference, Wednesday in Berlin. – PHOTO: APNext >