ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 High of 90 Low of 78 Moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet. REGIONAL | PAGE 2 WHITE SMOKE AT PICO BONITO CONFOUNDS INVESTIGATORS SPORTS | PAGE 11 CAYMAN WINS GROUP, QUALIFIES FOR CONCACAF TOURNAMENT NEARLY 94% OF PORT PETITION SIGNATURES VERIFIED 332 more signatures can trigger referendum As of Saturday afternoon, the effort to prompt a referendum into the proposed cruise ship port needed just 332 more verified signa- tures to move the process forward. The Elections Office on Monday released the latest statistics on its verification of a pe- tition calling for a public vote on the project, stating that 93.7% of the submitted signatures had been verified. Cruise Port Referendum Cayman began collecting petition signatures a year ago and handed the petition containing 5,438 sig- natures to the Elections Office on 12 June. Since then, another 303 signatures have been submitted. Governor Martyn Roper tasked the Elec- tions Office with verifying the petition signa- tures, a process that involved staffers carrying out door-to-door checks, or inviting signato- ries to verify their names at the Elections Of- fice on Smith Road. Two other referendums have gone to voters in Cayman, but this would be the first people- initiated one. In order to trigger a referendum, 5,292 sig- natures, or 25% of Cayman’s 21,116 registered voters, are required. So far, 4,960 of 5,741 sub- mitted signatures have been verified. If the threshold is achieved, Cabinet would be required to put forth the referendum for a vote. Cabinet would also decide on the wording of the referendum and its question. RCIPS: Pedestrian accidents more likely to happen on George Town roads KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky More motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists occurred in George Town than in any other district over a 12- month period, according to data provided by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. Nearly 70% of such accidents happened in George Town, which accounted for 61 of the 88 incidents reported between July 2018 and June 2019. One of those accidents involved cyclist Ig- nacio ‘Nacho’ Kirzner, 21, who was fatally struck on North Church Street on 15 April after 4am on his way to work. The driver of the GMC Yukon that killed him was found to be driving over the speed limit and on the wrong side of the road. Kirzner, 21, had moved to Cayman from Argentina less than two months prior. Kirzner’s case was exemplary of the dan- gers on Caymans roads, where runners, cy- clists and pedestrians complain of frequent near misses with motorists. Eighteen pedestrian or cyclist accidents were reported for West Bay, followed by seven in Bodden Town, and two in Cayman Brac. No such accidents were reported for North Side, East End or Little Cayman. One of the West Bay accidents involved the death of Geoff Cornwall, a triathlete whose bike struck a vehicle that had come to a stop in a cycle lane in September 2018. While the accident reports were distrib- uted throughout the day, afternoons from noon to 5:59pm were the worst window for pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles. Thirty such accidents, or Ashley Gooden reigns as Miss Teen Bodden Town’s Ashley Gooden, 16, won the Miss Teen Cayman crown Saturday night at the Lions Centre. Gooden ran on a platform of encouraging girls and women to step up to the plate and dare to try something new. “I feel that in Cayman, girls tend to shy away from opportunities like this, so I wanted to be the reason someone would go out there and do something. So my life motto has been ‘aspire to inspire,’” Gooden said prior to the competition. The Bodden Town teen also won Best in Swimwear and the Iliana De La Cruz Com- munity Spirit Award. As the pageant winner, she will receive a four-year scholarship donated by the Min- istry of Education. She is completing her A-levels at Cayman Prep and High School, and hopes to become a school teacher or child psychologist. The first runner-up was Monina Thompson, 18, of George Town. Thompson also won the awards for Miss Personality and Best Smile. Second runner-up was Jada Bodden, 16, of Bodden Town. Bodden also won Most Improved. Sadé Parchment, 17 of West Bay, was lauded for Academic Achievement, Miss Pho- togenic and Best in Gown. Amelia Lamie, 17, of Bodden Town won Best in Talent. Miss Teen Cayman contestants and supporters gather on the stage after the crowning of Ashley Gooden, centre. - PHOTO: SUBMITTED PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 7 »2 LOCAL®IONAL KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky Honduran authorities are investigating white smoke that has been rising from Pico Bonito mountain near La Ceiba since last week. A flyover by Hon- duran armed forces deter- mined the smoke is not the product of fire. Following further investi- gation on Monday, authorities told the La Prensa newspaper there was a 60% probability the smoke was the result of hydrothermal activity. “What we’re looking for is certainty about what types of gases could be emanating or what type of water vapour,” said government geologist Eliseo Silva of the Permanent Contingency Commission, Copeco, on Monday. “We want to discard that these could be sul- pheric gases associated with possible molten activity. We presume this is only water vapour.” The smoke, reportedly visible throughout the mu- nicipality, alarmed locals who feared the occurrence could be the result of vol- canic activity. Safety workers called for the public not to speculate, stating that the evidence did not support the vol- cano theory. “For now, it is compli- cated to say with certain sci- ence what is occurring at Pico Bonito. It is possible that it’s not related to vol- canic activity, but there will be experts who will eval- uate the case. We shouldn’t speculate over what’s hap- pening on social media,” Co- peco’s Abraham Mejia told La Prensa on Sunday. Pico Bonito, located about 10 miles from La Ceiba, is a popular destination for Cayman residents. An expedition to investi- gate the smoke was compli- cated Sunday by a tropical wave that threatened to bring heavy rains and render con- ditions unsafe for camping. A group of engineers, geologists and first responders had been ascending the moun- tain by foot. “In consensus with all of the teams, it was decided to abort the mission because there were [a] few hours of trail left over an inaccessible zone and a tropical wave is expected to enter that will rain over Pico Bonito,” said Copeco Minister Gabriel Rubi in a press statement on Sunday. “Due to these condi- tions, it is not possible to camp overnight. The institu- tions will work on a plan to use helicopters and cameras with very good resolution to take photos with the aim of having a clear view.” Members of the armed forces were expected to get closer access to the origin of the smoke by flying over the location. Those efforts led to Monday’s announcement that the occurrence was likely water vapour. TUESDAY, 27 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) 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. - TUESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) POISON ROSE (R) 12:30 | 2:55 | 7:40 | 10:05 THE ANGRY BIRDS (PG) MOVIE 2 1:20 | 6:45 47 METERS DOWN: (PG13) UNCAGED 12:30 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:45 | 10:00 CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA (PG13) EDWARD SCISSORHANS 7:00 VIP ANGEL HAS FALLEN (R) 12:45 VIP | 3:40 VIP | 4:30 | 9:45 THE LION KING (2019) (PG) 4:00 | 9:15 F&F HOBBS & SHAW (PG13) 1:05 3D | 4:05 | 7:10 READY OR NOT (R) 1:35 | 5:20 | 7:25 | 9:50 VIP | 10:15 White smoke at Pico Bonito confounds investigators Barbados braces as Tropical Storm Dorian nears Caribbean SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Much of the eastern Carib- bean island of Barbados shut down on Monday as Tropical Storm Dorian approached the region and gathered strength, threatening to turn into a small hurricane that forecasters said could affect the northern Windward is- lands and Puerto Rico in up- coming days. Prime Minister Mia Mot- tley closed schools and gov- ernment offices across Bar- bados as she warned people to remain indoors. “When you’re dead, you’re dead,” she said in a televised address late Sunday. “Stay in- side and get some rest.” The US National Hurri- cane Center issued a hurri- cane watch for St. Lucia and a tropical storm warning for Barbados, Martinique, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It also is- sued a tropical storm watch for Dominica, Grenada, Saba and St. Eustatius. The storm was expected to dump be- tween 3 to 8 inches of rain in Barbados and nearby is- lands, with isolated amounts of 10 inches. As of 2pm Monday, the fourth tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season was centred about 95 miles east-southeast of Bar- bados and moving west at 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds were at 60 mph. Fore- casters said it could brush past southwest Puerto Rico late Wednesday as a Cate- gory 1 hurricane and then strike the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic early Thursday. In St. Lucia, Prime Min- ister Allen Chastanet an- nounced that everything on the island of nearly 179,000 people would shut down by 6pm EDT on Monday, with the hurricane expected to hit around 2am on Tuesday. “We are expecting the worst,” he said. Some were still boarding up windows and buying food and water, but not Joannes Lamontagne, who lives in the island’s southwest region. He said by phone that everything at his hotel, Serenity Escape, was already protected. “I don’t wait until it’s an- nounced,” he said of the storm. “We’re always pre- pared no matter what.” Meanwhile, in Barbados, many of the 285,000 inhabit- ants heeded the government’s warning, including Fitz Bostic, owner of Rest Haven Beach Cottages. He said he’s prepared in case officials shut down power and utility services as they have in pre- vious storms. “We have to be very cau- tious,” he said in a tele- phone interview. “The word ‘storm’ frightens me man. I’m very nervous.” In the US territory of Puerto Rico, hundreds of people have been crowding into grocery stores and gas stations to prepare for Do- rian, buying food, water and generators, among other things. Many are worried about power outages and heavy rains on an island still struggling to recover from Hurricane Maria, a Cate- gory 4 storm that hit nearly two years ago. Some 30,000 homes still have blue tarpau- lins as roofs and the elec- trical grid remains fragile and prone to outages even during brief rain showers. Forecasters said the storm could pass near or south of Puerto Rico on Wednesday and approach the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night. MINISTER SEYMOUR ALLEGES LIBEL BY CAYMAN MARL ROAD Bodden Town MLA Dwayne Seymour has filed a writ of summons against Sandra Hill alleging libel on her Cayman Marl Road website. The writ claims dam- ages for libel over three specific publications – ‘MLA alleged to be involved in child rape bribery’ pub- lished on the website on 7 Aug., ‘Sexual assault of Bodden Town child con- firmed’ published on the website on 10 Aug., and a podcast titled ‘Alleged MLA bribery in child rape case’ published 6 Aug. on Facebook. Links provided in the writ for the first two pub- lications lead to a ‘Page Not Found’ message on the Cayman Marl Road website. The podcast re- mains on the Cayman Marl Road Facebook. The writ, filed 16 Aug., calls for a permanent in- junction against publication of “any similar defamatory or malicious falsehoods” concerning Seymour. Hill was given 14 days to reply to the writ. She shared the writ to her Facebook page on 22 Aug., stating, “Dwayne Seymour filed suit … why? CMR never mention any MLA’s name with anything!” Police Commissioner Derek Byrne held a press conference earlier this month where he stated that there was no evidence to suggest the child had been physically or sexually assaulted. An expedition attempts to reach the source of smoke arising from Pico Bonito. Rains complicated their efforts. - PHOTO: COPECO The smoke, reportedly visible throughout the municipality, alarmed locals who feared the occurrence could be the result of volcanic activity. The US National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. MAN ARRESTED OVER STABBING Police arrested a 29-year-old man in the early hours of Sunday morning after a woman was stabbed in the head. According to the RCIPS, officers responded to a 911 call about a man who re- portedly was overheard threatening to stab a woman following a single- car collision early on Sunday morning. The 911 Communica- tions Centre received the report shortly after 2:05am. Officers located the ve- hicle which had left the roadway on Bodden Town Road, just east of Gun Square Road. According to police, the officers observed a man and woman standing by the vehicle, and that the woman had what appeared to be head wounds. Emergency Medical Ser- vices attended the scene and determined that the woman had received stab wounds to the head. The man, from Bodden Town, was arrested on sus- picion of assault GBH. Officers also conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered a knife. The man remained in police custody Monday afternoon. The woman was trans- ported for treatment via ambulance, and subse- quently discharged.The islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 The islands’ most-trusted news source 4 Opinion & Letters The Cayman Compass welcomes comments, opinions and viewpoints from readers. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@compassmedia.ky, submitted via www.caymancompass.com, sent by post or hand-delivered to the Compass office. TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Why is OfReg dragging its heels? GRAHAM MORSE The world is facing cata- strophic effects from climate change by the end of this cen- tury unless dramatic changes are introduced to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Cel- sius. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the world’s leading climate scientists – have said that to achieve that target, green- house gas emissions must be cut in half by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050. It is a race against time. Cayman’s National Energy Policy, approved by cabinet in February 2017, set a target of 70% of our energy coming from renewables by 2037. Premier Alden McLaughlin said, “It is my hope that eve- ryone will embrace this new policy so that we in the Cayman Islands can do our part to mitigate the impacts of climate change.” The clock is ticking, but over two years later there is little sign of progress and in- dustry insiders believe the problem lies at the door of OfReg, the regulator for the local energy sector. The National Energy Policy will use a number of options for clean energy, in- cluding utility scale solar (solar farms) and distributed energy (rooftop and parking lot solar). Cayman has local companies with the tech- nical expertise and resources to rapidly increase the en- ergy derived from distrib- uted solar. The Cayman Re- newable Energy Association (CREA) has submitted sev- eral constructive initiatives to OfReg which would help meet the targets for distrib- uted energy. More than a year after these proposals were submitted to OfReg, they have yet to act on them. Here are four examples. CUC have an off-peak (Demand Rate) programme to encourage large commer- cial customers to use solar for self-consumption and/ or install batteries to store power during the night at a much lower rate, thereby shifting their electricity de- mand. This is a good idea but the trouble is that CUC requires a two-year ratchet qualifying period, which is about a year longer than in- dustry standard. Uptake has been slow as, naturally, com- panies are less willing to make a significant invest- ment in solar or batteries with no return for two years. CREA wants OfReg to re- duce this ratchet period to 6-12 months in line with other jurisdictions to accel- erate uptake. The CUC CORE pro- gramme allows consumers to install rooftop solar and sell their power back to CUC at a premium. However, the programme has been a stop- start affair, with CUC re- leasing a fixed capacity each time at ever reducing pre- miums, but with no indi- cation what future rates or allocations will be. CREA ac- cepts that the CORE subsidy should be eliminated over time as costs continue to decline, but have proposed a five-year structure that would eliminate the subsidy, provide assurance of alloca- tion, and give local firms the certainty they need to in- vest in staff and equipment which will lower the costs for consumers. Another CREA initiative is for CUC to have an auc- tion for the supply of 10 MW of renewable energy each year for distributed genera- tion, using existing developed spaces such as rooftops and parking lots. There is at least one company that would bid to supply electricity to CUC as cheaply as 10 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) under such a scheme. This com- pares to the rate of up to 30 cents per kWh of solar power that CUC pays CORE users and 21 cents that it pays to government entities. The government have re- cently announced that elec- tric vehicles (EVs) can be imported duty-free (up to $30,000). This is to be wel- comed, but many potential buyers remain concerned about running out of battery power. There are currently 19 charging stations but many of these, like gas stations, are not convenient for a long stop to recharge. CREA have proposed a programme which would promote an is- land-wide EV charging net- work in places where cars are parked all day or for long periods, like offices, su- permarkets and car parks. Instead of getting the power from CUC, as charging sta- tions do now, it would come from PV solar arrays. Excess energy would be sold back to CUC at the costs of diesel fuel with no subsidy from consumers. Cayman must transi- tion to cleaner, cheaper en- ergy more quickly to fulfil the goals of the National En- ergy Policy. OfReg is one of the key decision makers re- quired for this to happen. Many MLAs have rightly questioned whether OfReg is giving value for money for its $5 million expendi- ture. What is urgently needed is the implementation of the long-awaited government ap- pointment of a renewable en- ergy czar to cut through bu- reaucracy and make things happen at a much faster pace. Graham Morse, author and ocean sailor, built his own eco-friendly house in Cayman in 2011, is an ad- vocate for the environment and renewable energy, and is a member of the Cayman Re- newable Energy Association. Cayman’s National Energy Policy, approved by cabinet in February 2017, set a target of 70% of our energy coming from renewables by 2037. The CUC CORE programme allows consumers to install rooftop solar and sell their power back to CUC at a premium. 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” It is with sadness that I recognise the passing of Hon. Mr. John Bonwell McLean, MLA, MEC, on Saturday, 24 August. He was devoted to the East End community, which he represented in the Legislative Assembly from 1976 to 2000. Mr. McLean was elected at a very young age, served three times as minister and did six terms as an elected member. He served on the Executive Council, which is now called Cabinet, and advocated for development throughout the Cayman Islands. In his district of East End, he is credited with the devel- opment of two civic centres, which have served the people in that district well during natural disasters. He also ini- tiated the road, which bears his name in East End. During his tenure, he had responsibility for Agriculture, Lands, Natural Resources, Communications, Environ- ment and Works. Mr. McLean was an avid farmer, being recognised many times during various Agricultural shows. As a sign of respect the Cayman Islands Government will fly flags at half-staff Monday at all Government sites and then again for two days before Mr. McLean’s fu- neral, which has not yet been announced. He was a true Caymanian and will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace. Premier Alden McLaughlin Premier’s response to passing of John McLean5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 Cayman Attorneys Regulation Authority REGISTRATION FOR LAW FIRMS & SOLE PRACTITIONERS DUE 30 AUGUST 2019 Registration Form - Visit https://cilpa.ky to download the CARA legal services registration form in accordance with the requirement under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (2018 Revision) (as amended) of the Cayman Islands for rms of attorneys (including sole practitioners) to register with the Cayman Attorneys Regulation Authority (CARA). Deadline - Please complete and submit the registration form before the close of business on 30 August 2019. Frequently Asked Questions - Visit https://cilpa.ky to download the frequently asked questions for more details in relation to CARA, the requirement for law rms/sole practitioners to register and the content of the registration form. Support - For additional support or to request an extension, please contact info@cara.ky. Government’s job portal launching soon Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman said it will, in the coming weeks, launch an online system to allow job-seekers to search employment openings posted by registered employers. The JobsCayman portal will also permit employers to search for qualified and skilled Cay- manians who are seeking employment. Explaining the new system at the Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum in June, WORC Director Sharon Roul- stone said, “The task is to rad- ically change the processes to help Caymanians find jobs and employers the labour that they need to keep Cayman globally competitive.” Employers must adver- tise all vacancies on the Job- sCayman portal, but only registered and work-ready job-seekers will be able to apply, she said. Caymanians who register will have the opportunity to search for jobs posted on- line with their skills or career ambitions. Employers who have listed job openings, will re- ceive email notifications when an applicant has ap- plied for a job and regis- tered job-seekers can re- ceive feedback if they were unsuccessful for a job they applied for. With this information on hand, WORC said, the job- seeker can then do all things necessary to upskill and re- ceive the necessary training to increase the chances of fu- ture employment. The initial system release does not allow for automatic alerts to let job-seekers know of available jobs in their field, but this feature is planned for the future, the depart- ment stated. WORC officials empha- sised that the onus is still on those looking for work to ensure that the information they input into JobsCayman is accurate and up-to-date. The system can generate a basic resume template using the submitted information such as name, address, edu- cation, skills or qualifications and job history. This can then be used when applying for job openings. Job-seekers and employers must register To search job postings and apply, each person will first need to obtain a user- name and password via the Cayman Islands Government Global Network (CIGnet). A link to create the login is available on the department’s website at www.worc.ky. The CIGnet username and pass- word will then allow access to JobsCayman. On the portal, each user has to register individually before registering in a second step as a job-seeker or employer. Each user of JobsCayman must be verified by WORC. To register, all individ- uals must provide a picture ID, such as a passport photo page, voter registration card or a driver’s license, as well as proof of their immigra- tion status. Proof of Caymanian doc- umentation can be a voter registration card, birth cer- tificate, Caymanian status certificate or stamp in a valid passport indicating the Cay- manian status. The system will ask for these documents to be up- loaded in digital format such as PDF or JPG. In fact, all registrations for JobsCayman will be done electronically, with a complete elimination of paper documents. For those without internet access and computers, WORC said it will partner with the district libraries and host district town hall registration drives to allow job-seekers to register during these events. Alternatively, those looking for work can visit the WORC office and register using available kiosks in the Cus- tomer Care Centre, where WORC staff will assist and guide them through the on- line process. Employers posting job ads A registered employer can assign a person responsible for posting jobs ads. When a job ad is created, a cus- tomer care officer will have to approve it, using criteria specified by WORC. Once ap- proved, the employer will be notified, and the ad will be live on the system and can be viewed by the public. To re-advertise existing job postings, the system al- lows for the cloning or cop- ying of job ads, maintaining the previously entered in- formation and adjusting the beginning and end dates of posting. This will not need to be approved by a customer care officer, unless the infor- mation is edited. The jobs portal is only the first phase of Jobs Cayman. Phase 2 encompasses the on- line process of work permits and Phase 3 will deal with Cayman status and perma- nent residency applications and filings. Phase 1 of JobsCayman will be launching in the coming weeks with the second and third phases ex- pected to come online in the fourth quarter of 2019, ac- cording to WORC. The department expects that the new system will sig- nificantly reduce approval times for applications and ensure that customers get answers to their requests more quickly, WORC stated in a press release. “ The task is to radically change the processes to help Caymanians find jobs and employers the labour that they need to keep Cayman globally competitive.” SHARON ROULSTONE, WORC director Sharon Roulstone, director, WORC Singers returning to Cayman for cancer fundraiser For the fourth consecu- tive year, Steve Higgins & Friends will present an an- nual ‘Evening of Excellence’ concert to help raise funds for the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens and the Cayman Is- lands Cancer Society. Last year, the singers raised more than $7,000 for those organisations. The concert, on Sunday, 1 Sept. at the Marriott Beach Resort, will feature tenor Steve Higgins, lyric soprano Dahlia Wynter, mezzo-so- prano April Marr and crea- tive dancer Amaya Lewis. The theme of this year’s concert is ‘Music of the Heart’. Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair, himself a per- former, will give a brief ad- dress at the concert, organ- isers said in a press release. “I am thrilled to be vis- iting the Cayman Islands and to lend support to the Steve Higgins & Friends’ outreach and contribution to the international com- munity,” said Mair, who will be making his first trip to the island in his offi- cial capacity. Steve Higgins & Friends started their 2019 con- cert series in Fort Laud- erdale in July. After Grand Cayman, they will appear in Atlanta, Georgia; Miami, Florida; New York and the United Kingdom. Sunday’s concert will fea- ture music ranging from romantic to classical to Broadway, from jazz to bal- lads to island. Tickets are $25 and are on sale at Funky Tang’s and Superstitch. Visit ‘Singer Steve Higgins’ on Facebook for more details.Steve Higgins & Friends will be performing at the Marriott on Sunday, 1 Sept. MAN ATTACKED, ROBBED ON SCHOOL ROAD Victim treated for minor injuries A man was assaulted and robbed on School Road in George Town early on Sunday morning. Police received a report of the crime just after 3:15am. The victim reported that he had been attacked by a man and a quantity of cash was stolen from his pockets. Police said the suspect, who is described as tall, slim and having low cut hair, made off on a bicycle. The victim attended hos- pital where he was treated for minor injuries and then discharged. Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident take place to call the George Town Po- lice Station at 949-4222.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. TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS 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. DCI CLOSURE: The Department of Commerce and Investment’s office will close early today, at 3:30pm, for a staff meeting. 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. GEORGE TOWN COMMITTEE AGM: The George Town District Committee will hold its annual general meeting this evening, 6‑7pm, at the National Trust. THURSDAY, 29 AUG. MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY: Cayman Arts Festival and the Cayman Islands Public Library Service are presenting monthly one‑hour concerts at the George Town Public Library (historical building), which includes classical music, poetry and readings from local poets and writers. This month’s event, at 6pm, will feature Glen Inanga on piano, Sarah Newman on violin, Dequan Smith on cello, Hannah Diss on violin, and Johnathon Bedasse on piano. The programme will contain works by Claude Debussy, Vittorio Monti, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert. Tickets available at the door. $20 for adults and $5 for students. 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, 31 AUG. HUMANE SOCIETY BOOK SALE: The Humane Society is holding a book sale outside Cost‑U‑Less today from 10am to 1pm. All proceeds will benefit the animals at the shelter. MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST: The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International holds its monthly breakfast today at 7:30am at Aroma restaurant in Camana Bay. There will be open sharing. 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 the former John Gray High School, then goes to South Church Street before finishing on Denham Thompson Way. Free entry for runners under the age of 15. $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 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, every Wednesday, 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, from 10am till noon. At the 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 local community that its hall is now available for rent on 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. Call 945‑5596 for more details. 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. Pianist Johnathon Bedasse will be among the musicians featured at Music at the Library on Thursday, 29 Aug. - PHOTO: MARK MUCKENFUSSThe islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 one-third, occurred during afternoon hours. Mornings, between 6am and noon, are the second most dangerous time of the day for pedestrians and cy- clists, with 28 accidents being recorded then, fol- lowed by evenings, from 6pm to midnight, with 22, and overnight from midnight to 5:59am with eight. The RCIPS also noted that February and March were the worst months in the past year for pedestrian and bicycle ac- cidents involving motor ve- hicles. Of the 88 accidents, nearly one-third occurred in February and March. Both months had 13 acci- dents each, and at least one of those encounters was fatal. Early on the morning of 22 March, police in Cayman Brac discovered 55-year-old Mitchell Marvin Ryan un- responsive on the street on Watering Place Road. Ryan had last been seen around 1am by La Esperanza Bar and Restaurant, near where he lived. The victim of a hit- and-run accident, Ryan never made it home. Ryan was one of two pe- destrians or cyclists involved in a motor vehicle accident in Cayman Brac during the pe- riod reported. The other Brac accident involved a female cyclist, who was struck by a car on 26 July 2018 and transported to Health City in critical condition. The RCIPS declined to provide the time, date and lo- cation of each accident, ar- guing that such disclosure could compromise victims’ identities. RCIPS: Pedestrian accidents more likely to happen on George Town roads Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving cars by time of day Morning (6am-11:59am) Afternoon (12pm-5:59pm) Evening (6pm-11:59pm) Overnight (12am-5:59am) Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving cars by district George Town West Bay Bodden Town Cayman Brac 30 61 18 7 2 28 22 8 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Jul-18Aug-18Sep-18Oct-18Nov-18Dec-18Jan-19Feb-19Mar-19Apr-19May-19Jun-19 Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving cars by month CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 BANANA INDUSTRY ON ALERT AFTER DISEASE ARRIVES IN COLOMBIA LA GUAJIRA, Colombia (AP) – It might not be obvious at the supermarket, but the banana industry is fighting to pro- tect the most popular variety of the fruit from a destruc- tive fungus. A disease that ravages banana crops has made its long-dreaded arrival in Latin America, the biggest exporter of the crop. That is reigniting worries about the global market’s dependence on a single type of banana, the Cavendish, which is known for its durability in shipping. For years, scientists have said big banana companies like Chiquita and Dole would eventually need to find new banana varieties as the dis- ease spread in countries in Asia and elsewhere. Then this month, the fungus was confirmed in Colombia, one of the top exporters in Latin America, prompting officials in the country to declare a state of emergency. Banana industry watchers say it’s more proof the Cav- endish’s days are numbered, but that there’s still plenty of time to find alternatives. “I don’t think it’s going to impact the availability of the Cavenidsh in super- markets anytime soon,” said Randy Ploetz, a retired sci- entist from the University of Florida who studied tropical plant diseases. While all sorts of bananas are grown around the world for domestic consumption, the ones shipped to places including the United States and the European Union are mostly Cavendishes. It may seem odd that the world ba- nana market would hitch its fortunes to a single variety, but mass producing just one kind is a way to keep costs down, which also helps make bananas so widely available. Bananas are also hard to breed, and finding varieties suited to global commerce is not easy. In addition to being productive, Cavendish plants yield bananas that can survive the trip from warm climates to far-flung supermarkets, without ripening too quickly. Still, history has shown the risks of relying on a single banana variety. Not that long ago, the world market was ruled by another banana, the Gros Michel, aka the Big Mike. Experts say it was even easier to ship than the Cavendish, and sweeter (though others contend it tasted similar). Ei- ther way, the Gros Michel was ravaged by the 1950s by an earlier strain of the disease now stalking the Cavendish. This time, there’s no ob- vious backup banana waiting in the wings to take over. In Asian countries hit by the Tropical Race 4 disease, coping strategies have in- cluded planting less suscep- tible Cavendish varieties or moving to uninfected farm- land, according to Ploetz. But those varieties are not as pro- ductive and still eventually succumb to the fungus, which can survive in soil for decades. Growers will also eventually run out of uninfected land. BRAZILIANS RALLY TO SUPPORT CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Thousands of Brazilians joined demonstrations across the country Sunday to urge that the government keep pursuing a mammoth corruption investigation and to show support for the justice minister, who has been hit with allegations he abused his powers as a judge overseeing the probe. The protesters also urged President Jair Bol- sonaro to reject recently passed legislation that would impose prison time for officials who obtain ev- idence by unlawful means. Marchers carried posters backing Justice Minister Sergio Moro, who is widely popular with many Brazilians for leading the “Car Wash” corruption investigation that has up- ended the country’s polit- ical elite and sent dozens of people in prison. “We want to stop the process that exists against ‘Car Wash,’” said Sergio Bruno, one of the organ- izers of a demonstration at Rio de Janeiro’s Copaca- bana beach. But Moro also is vilified by many on the left for put- ting former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in jail on a corruption conviction that arose from the probe. That kept Da Silva from running last year’s pres- idential election, which was won by the far-right Bolsonaro. Reports by the website The Intercept since June have used leaked tran- scripts of hacked cellphone conversations to raise questions about whether Moro as a judge improp- erly worked with prose- cutors in the case against Da Silva. Moro has denied wrongdoing. Earlier this month, Bra- zil’s Congress approved “abuse of authority” leg- islation that sets pun- ishments for judges and prosecutors who obtain evidence unlawfully, dis- close confidential informa- tion from a probe or initi- ating an investigation of someone without evidence they may have committed a crime. The measure has been sent to Bolsonaro, who must approve it for it to become law.The islands’ most-trusted news source 8 TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Russia to resume missile deliveries to Turkey Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar says Russia will resume the delivery of its S-400 missile defence system to Turkey this week. Turkey took delivery of the first part of the Russian system last month despite strong objections from the United States. G‑7 leaders vow to help Brazil fight fires, repair damage RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Leaders of the Group of Seven nations said Sunday they are preparing to help Brazil battle fires burning across the Amazon region and repair the damage as tens of thousands of sol- diers got ready to join the fight against blazes that have caused global alarm. French President Emma- nuel Macron said the summit leaders were nearing an agreement on how to support Brazil and said the agreement would involve both technical and financial mechanisms “so that we can help them in the most effective way possible”. German Chancellor An- gela Merkel said her country and others will talk with Brazil about reforestation in the Amazon once fires there have been extinguished. “Of course [this is] Bra- zilian territory, but we have a question here of the rain- forests that is really a global question,” she said. “The lung of our whole Earth is af- fected, and so we must find common solutions.” Pope Francis also added his voice to the chorus of concern over the fires in Brazil, which borders his homeland of Argentina, and urged people to pray so that “they are controlled as quickly as possible”. He told a crowd in St. Peter’s Square that “we’re all worried” about the Amazon fires. He warned that that green “lung of forest is vital for our planet”. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tweeted that he had talked by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Ben- jamin Netanyahu, who said Israel would send a special- ised plane to help in the fire- fighting operation. On Friday, the president announced 44,000 soldiers would be sent to help battle the fires that are scattered across Brazil’s’s share of the vast Amazon, an overall re- gion 10 times the size of Texas that is seen as a global bulwark against climate change. Only a few hundred troops had been sent so far. The country’s satellite monitoring agency has re- corded more than 41,000 fires in the Amazon region so far this year – with more than half of those coming this month alone. Experts say most of the fires are set by farmers or ranchers clearing existing farmland. But the same monitoring agency has reported a sharp increase in deforestation this year as well. Brazil’s federal police agency announced Sunday it would investigate reports that farmers in the state of Para, one of those most af- fected by the blazes, had called for “a day of fire” to ig- nite fires Aug. 10. Local news media said the group organised over Whats- App to show support for Bol- sonaro’s efforts to loosen en- vironmental regulations. Justice Minister Sergio Moro, who oversees the po- lice, said on Twitter that Bol- sonaro “asked for a rigorous investigation” and said “the criminal fires will be severely punished”. People demonstrated in Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian cities Sunday de- manding Bolsonaro’s ad- ministration do more to pro- tect the Amazon. One boy in Rio held up a poster saying “Bol$onaro is burning our future,” while people chanted: “Bolsonaro out! Am- azon stays!” Critics have accused Bol- sonaro’s pro-development policies of encouraging farmers and ranchers to in- crease efforts to strip away the forest, though the pres- ident has issued repeated pledges recently to protect the area, and backed that up by sending in soldiers and other federal forces. Merkel noted that Bol- sonaro is putting “significant forces” into the effort to save the rainforest. But Bolsonaro has had a tense relationship with foreign governments – including Germany’s – and non-governmental groups that he accuses of meddling in his country’s management of the Amazon. He last week floated the idea, without evi- dence, that non-governmental groups were setting fires to embarrass him. Macron’s office on Friday complained that the Brazilian leader “had lied to him” about environmental commitments. Asked if he would speak with Macron, Bolsonaro said Saturday, “If he calls me, I will answer. I am being ex- tremely well-mannered with him even though he called me ‘a liar.’” Meanwhile, Bolivian President Evo Morales said Sunday he would welcome aid in fighting his own coun- try’s wildfires, which have scorched about 3,475 square miles. Most of the damage has been in the forests of the Chiquitanía region over the past two weeks, but fires also have burned in Bolivia’s Amazon region. Morales said at a news conference that he had accepted offers of as- sistance from the leaders of Spain, Chile and Paraguay. “ Of course [this is] Brazilian territory, but we have a question here of the rainforests that is really a global question. The lung of our whole Earth is affected, and so we must find common solutions.” GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL Charred trees stand after a forest fire in the Jacunda National Forest near the city of Porto Velho, Rondonia state, part of Brazil’s Amazon. – PHOTO: AP Police defend warning shot as Hong Kong divide widens HONG KONG (AP) – Hong Kong police on Monday de- fended pulling out their guns and firing a warning shot during anti-government pro- tests over the weekend, and lawmakers on each side of the city’s political divide said the other side bears responsi- bility for the violence. Assistant Police Commis- sioner Mak Chin-ho said one officer fired into the air and six held up their revolvers after protesters charged them repeatedly with metal poles, long sticks and road signs on Sunday night. “Their use of force was in- deed necessary and reason- able,” he told a news confer- ence at police headquarters. Pro-government law- makers condemned the acts of protesters who blocked streets, threw gasoline bombs and assaulted police officers. “You can say a lot of dif- ferent opinions to the govern- ment,” said Starry Lee, chair- woman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. “But violence is different. If we can accept violence, our city will be ruined.” Pro-democracy members of the Legislative Council countered that the govern- ment and the police need to take responsibility, the former for introducing the extradition legislation that sparked the protests and the latter for what they say is selective enforcement of the law targeting government opponents. Kwok Ka-ki, a member of the Civic Party, blamed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. He called her creation of a plat- form for dialogue a delay tactic rather than an attempt to resolve the conflict. “She is the one who should shoulder all the responsi- bility, and now she is trying to get away from all the re- sponsibility and shifting the focus to the so-called plat- form,” he said. At a government news conference, Matthew Cheung, the chief secretary for admin- istration, said the protesters’ actions show a total disre- gard for law and order and called them unacceptable. On Saturday, protesters damaged several “smart” lampposts in- stalled by the city, cutting at least one down with a cir- cular electric saw. “We need to have dialogue instead of confrontation,” Cheung said, according to a simultaneous translation of his remarks. “We need to have peace instead of violence.” A hard-line contingent of protesters took over streets on Saturday and Sunday fol- lowing peaceful pro-democ- racy marches. They argue that peaceful protests are not enough to get the government to respond to their demands. Police used tear gas to clear the streets and arrested more than 80 people. The movement has five demands including demo- cratic elections and an inde- pendent inquiry into what it alleges is police violence in breaking up demonstrations. The protests started in early June with the now- suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed suspects to be sent to main- land China to face trial, and has expanded to encompass a general concern that China is chipping away at the rights of Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong’s leader is chosen by a 1,200-member committee dominated by sup- porters of the central govern- ment in Beijing. About half of the legislature is elected by the public, while the other half represents various pro- fessions and groups such as lawyers and accountants. Mak, the police official, called the actions of the hard-line protesters reckless and a grave threat to public safety. He said 21 officers were injured on Sunday. Assistant Police Commissioner Mak Chin-ho said one officer fired into the air and six held up their revolvers after protesters charged them repeatedly with metal poles, long sticks and road signs on Sunday night. Riot policemen fire weapons Sunday in a confrontation with demonstrators during a protest in Hong Kong. – PHOTO: AP9 WORLD®IONAL CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2019 S ah, che THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR OCTOBER 5, 2019 The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman www.breastcancerfoundation.ky info@breastcancerfoundation.ky Featuring Special Guest Speaker Johnson acknowledges touch and go prospects for Brexit deal BIARRITZ, France (AP) – UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged Sunday that the prospect of a Brexit deal was “touch and go”, as other European Union capitals grasp the problems Britain has with the withdrawal agreement. Speaking on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit, Johnson said that in the last few days, following visits to France and Germany, it has dawned on the EU what “the shape of the problem is for the UK.” Among the key is- sues is how to prevent the re- turn of a border between EU member Ireland and Britain’s Northern Ireland. As the clock runs down to the 31 Oct. exit date, Johnson injected doubt into hopes that a deal might be stuck. “I think it’s going to be touch and go,” he told the BBC. “But the important thing is to get ready to come out without a deal.” And with that, there would be a price. He confirmed, speaking to broadcaster Sky, that he would withhold the bulk of the 39 billion-pound (US$48 billion) Brexit divorce bill if there is not a deal. The comments came after Johnson won US President Donald Trump’s approval for his approach in talks to leave the EU after a chummy meeting on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in France. Johnson glowed as Trump said he gave him a vote of confidence in his approach to the Brexit talks. The British prime minister’s promise to bring his country out of the EU on 31 Oct. no matter what has raised worries about a disorderly divorce that would see new tariffs and border checks on trade between Britain and the EU, seriously disrupting business. Trump promised that he and Johnson would work out “a very big trade deal” between their nations once the United Kingdom leaves the EU. “I’m very grateful for that,” Johnson said. “And we’re looking forward to having some pretty compre- hensive talks about how to take forward the relationship in all sorts of ways, particu- larly on trade. We’re very ex- cited about that.” But the pair were barely past the elegant winding staircase at the Hotel du Palais when it became clear that each had a different vi- sion of what a trade deal might look like. The United States has said it is ready to negotiate a post-Brexit trade deal with the UK in pieces – rather than London’s wish of a comprehensive pact. The British prime minister badly needs a trade deal with the United States. Supporters of Brexit say a free trade deal with the United States can help make-up for any reduc- tion in commerce with the EU after Britain leaves the bloc’s single market for goods and services. In 2018, Britain did almost half its trade with the EU, while the US accounted for 18% of UK exports and 11% of imports. “We’re working on a very big trade deal and I think it’s going to work out,” Trump said. The meeting between the leaders came a day after Johnson warned that getting a trade deal with the United States will not be “plain sailing” as he bemoaned bar- riers to the United Kingdom’s goods in American markets. Speaking to reporters as he flew to France for the Group of Seven meeting, Johnson cited examples small and large of British goods that struggle in US markets for bureaucratic reasons. He cited things like cauliflower, English wine, pil- lows, rail cars and even parts for showers. It was not just goods on Johnson’s radar, but profes- sional services, which far and away make-up most of Britain’s economy. Account- ants, lawyers, architects and others face barriers in pro- viding services to the US that do not exist the other way around, he said. “If you want to sell insur- ance in the UK you only need to speak to two regulators,” Johnson fumed. “If you want to sell insurance in the US you have to speak to 50 reg- ulators. The same point can be made about architects and many other professions.” Even though he needs a deal, Johnson was at pains to say he was not giving away the store. Some sectors of the UK economy would not be part of any pact. Johnson has promised the National Health Service will be off-limits and that animal welfare stand- ards would be safeguarded. The odds do not look good for Johnson, who holds a majority in Parliament of a single vote and a wish to honour a highly divisive 2016 referendum that resulted in his present course. Nonethe- less, whenever cameras are near at least, he remains un- flaggingly optimistic. “Let me give you a meta- phor,” Johnson told ITV as the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashed behind him. “I swam round that rock this morning. From here you cannot tell there is a gigantic hole in that rock. There is a way through,” he said. “My point to the EU is that there is a way through, but you can’t find the way through if you just sit on the beach.” Among the key issues is how to prevent the return of a border between EU member Ireland and Britain’s Northern Ireland. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures ahead of a working session on World Economy and Trade on the second day of the G-7 summit Sunday in Biarritz, France. – PHOTO: APNext >