ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 High of 89 Low of 76 Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. WORLD | PAGE 7 BRITISH AIRWAYS GROUNDS NEARLY ALL FLIGHTS AS PILOTS STRIKE SPORTS | PAGE 8 CAYMAN OFF TO HOT START IN CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE Owner Gaston Grant, standing in front of the old movie theatre and general store, holds an old movie reel found hidden behind one of the theatre walls. - PHOTO: SISTER ISLAND NEWS AGENCY Revisiting Brac’s first movie theatre JEWEL LEVY jlevy@compassmedia.ky A two-storey building on White Bay Road in Cayman Brac’s West End holds decades of movie magic history. Many decades ago, it housed the is- land’s only movie theatre. It may have been closed more than 45 years ago, but it still holds many fond memories for its owner Gaston Grant, 81. The theatre was opened in 1949 by Grant’s father Briton Bodden Grant. Grant inherited it when Briton passed away in 1998 at the age of 82. The construction of the building, which included Hanson Theatre and BBG Hanson General Store, was a big accomplishment for his father, Gaston Grant said. The theatre was located on the top floor and the general store, which sold basic merchandise to the public was on the ground floor. Briton named the general store after his wife Hannah, Grant said. Grant said he wants to preserve his fa- ther’s memory, but is still toying with ideas. The building has become dilapidated and he believes it may need to be demolished. What- ever replaces the building, it won’t be an- other cinema, he said. “Everyone has televisions now, that’s what killed the movies in the first place,” he said. Grant said his father fell in love with the idea of showing moving pictures on the wall after watching his father showing them in their home and charging people sixpence. He would show a moving picture of a rooster from a tiny projector that people called a ‘magic lantern’. To get people to return the next night, he would turn the rooster up-side down and tell people they were watching a ship. “People came to watch it too,” Grant said with a laugh. He said his father started showing movies on his front porch with a 16mm projector and fold-up screen. Eventually, when he had col- lected enough money, he built the building. “Growing up in West End, Cayman Brac, in the early fifties, the theatre played a major role in the lives of the citizens of the country,” said resident Carley Parchman, 78. He said he would buy ice-cream, patties, candies, popcorn and other light snacks at the shop downstairs before heading up to watch the movies. The main entrance to the theatre was a wooden staircase leading up from the side of the building. The stairs were rebuilt in ce- ment years later, Grant said. The projector room was on an open stand at the top of a flight of six steps leading up from the theatre floor. The movies, which were shown every night of the week, were delivered every three weeks by Parcel Post from Trinidad. At the time, movie admission was 2 shillings. The first movie Grant remembers his fa- ther showing was ‘Fiesta’, a 1947 musical COMMUNITY PAYS RESPECTS AS MCLEAN LIES IN STATE MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@compassmedia.ky Visitors murmured in small pockets, an honour guard snapped through its ceremonial routine and well-known Cayman faces mingled with others paying their respects as former politician John McLean lay in state on Monday in the foyer of Legislative Assembly building. McLean, whose flag-draped coffin sat in the small antechamber directly across from the main entrance, is only the second Cay- manian to be given this honour, according to Meloney Syms, chief of protocol for the gov- ernment. The first was former Speaker of the House Edna Moyle, who died in 2013. McLean served in the legislature for 24 years, from 1976 to 2000. Standing on the steps outside the As- sembly building, Brainard McLaughlin said it was a fitting honour to have the East End rep- resentative lie in state. “He deserves that and more,” McLaughlin said. “He did a lot for his district and for the country.” CAYMAN AIRWAYS SHIFTS FLIGHTS AFTER EMERGENCY LANDING Cayman Airways was forced to juggle its flight schedule Monday following a Sunday flight that was diverted to Orlando for an emergency landing after smoke was detected in the cargo hold. The plane involved in the incident has been taken out of service indefinitely for repairs, and a number of flights had to leave at dif- ferent departure times to accommodate the Cayman Airways fleet. Three Monday flights were changed to different times, and one flight – Flight KX 200/201 scheduled to fly between Grand Cayman and Tampa International Airport – will fly on Tuesday instead. The shortage of available planes occurred as a result of technical difficulties encountered by Flight KX792 on Sunday afternoon. That flight, piloted by Captain Frederick Whorms, departed Grand Cayman for New York PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 »2 LOCAL®IONAL TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 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 (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 • 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) ONCE UPON A TIME (R) IN HOLLYWOOD 12:40 | 3:05 VIP | 4:00 | 7:30 | 9:20 THE ANGRY BIRDS (PG) MOVIE 2 1:35 | 4:15 47 METERS DOWN: (PG13) UNCAGED 12:45 VIP | 4:40 | 7:00 | 10:15 VIP IT: CHAPTER TWO (R) 1:00 | 3:20 | 8:00 | 9:30 ANGEL HAS FALLEN (R) 12:30 | 4:20 | 6:40 | 10:00 F&F HOBBS & SHAW (PG13) 1:15 | 7:00 CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA (R) THE TERMINATOR 7:00 VIP US LIMITS AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT AMERICANS CAN SEND TO CUBA WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administra- tion toughened sanctions against Cuba on Friday by reducing the amount of money that Cuban-Amer- icans can send to family members on the island. Changes announced by the Treasury Depart- ment will limit remittances to $1,000 per person per quarter when they take ef- fect on 9 Oct. The new rules also will no longer allow trans- fers of money to non- family members. “We are taking addi- tional steps to financially isolate the Cuban regime,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a state- ment. “Through these reg- ulatory amendments, Treasury is denying Cuba access to hard currency, and we are curbing the Cuban government’s bad behavior while continuing to support the long-suf- fering people of Cuba.” The Obama adminis- tration removed limits on family remittances in 2009 as it took steps to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba and later ended re- strictions on transfers to nonfamily members. Such remittances totalled some $3 billion in 2016. President Donald Trump changed course, steadily re- instating the financial re- strictions and other sanc- tions targeting Cuba’s communist government in what his administra- tion says is an attempt to change Cuban behaviour. In June this year, the Republican president’s ad- ministration revoked au- thorisation for most non- family travel to Cuba, forcing international cruise lines to abruptly cancel port calls in Havana and other Cuban cities. Since the beginning of this year, the Trump ad- ministration also has penalized Cuba for its support of Venezuelan President Nicolás Ma- duro, whose reelection last year is considered illegiti- mate by the US and about 50 other countries. Cuba has vehemently denounced the Trump ad- ministration for its hard- line policies, complaining that they are relics of the Cold War that serve no pur- pose other than to hurt the Cuban people. DG’s 5K Challenge nears fundraising goal UN human rights chief cites continued abuses in Venezuela CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – The United Nations’ chief human rights official said Monday that millions of Venezuelans continue to suffer rights vio- lations, including dozens of possible extrajudicial kill- ings carried out by a special police force. Non-governmental or- ganisations report that the Special Action police force carried out 57 suspected ex- trajudicial killings in July alone within Caracas, Mi- chelle Bachelet said in an oral presentation on Ven- ezuela to the UN. Human Rights Council in Geneva. Bachelet’s latest presen- tation followed a scathing written report issued in early July that drew a government backlash. It found a “pattern of torture” under the govern- ment of President Nicolás Maduro and citing viola- tions like arbitrary deten- tion, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and enforced disappearances. Bachelet’s latest presen- tation noted some areas of progress, while pointing to more cases of human rights violations and declining con- ditions as more than 4 mil- lion Venezuelan have fled a country beset by hyperinfla- tion that leaves monthly min- imum wages equal to $2. While Bachelet said she had called for officials to dismantle the feared Spe- cial Action police force, the unit has actually received ongoing support from the highest levels of the govern- ment, she said. Bachelet raised concern that groups that collabo- rated with her in the ear- lier report have since come under criticism and threats by senior officials. “Reprisals for having co- operated with the United Na- tions are unacceptable,” she said. “I urge the authorities to take preventative measures.” Bachelet said she wor- ried about a proposed law criminalising the activi- ties of human rights organi- zations that receive money from abroad, which could further erode democracy in Venezuela, a once wealthy oil nation. Highlighting advances, Bachelet said a member of her team recently was allowed to visit the Ramo Verde Mili- tary Center – a prison com- monly used to hold what op- position leaders consider political prisoners – with an agreement for visits to come. The government also has re- leased 83 people whose ar- rests human rights observers considered arbitrary, she said, adding that officials have agreed to consider another 27 cases, expecting action soon. The only way to overcome Venezuela’s human rights crisis is for Maduro’s govern- ment and the opposition led by National Assembly Presi- dent Juan Guaidó to return to negotiations overseen by Norway, Bachelet said, and renewed her offer to support all such efforts. Maduro’s government did not immediately respond to Bachelet’s latest com- ments, but officials rejected earlier criticism as biased and demanded she make corrections. The Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge had received more than half of its target for donations by last week, with major sponsors commit- ting $41,500. The funds were presented to Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, on Thursday, 5 Sept., pushing the total closer to its $70,000 goal, which will be divided among three charities – the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, Spe- cial Needs Foundation Cayman and the Alex Panton Foundation. Platinum sponsor Ap- pleby has donated $17,500; gold sponsors EY, Butter- field, Davenport, Credit Union and Dart have com- mitted $5,000 each; CINICO has donated $4,000. Manderson thanked the sponsors when they pre- sented their cheques, saying “I am thrilled we are on track with our ambitious fund- raising goal this year.” He added, “Providing tan- gible assistance to great causes like these is testament to the spirit of Caymankind in both the public and pri- vate sectors, who come to- gether for the good of the community and to promote healthy exercise.” Participants can reg- ister online at www.cayman- active.com/dg5K. The first 400 participants to sign up will receive a special, lim- ited-edition cap sponsored by Appleby. In addition, to promote sustainability, organisers are requesting people bring their own water bottles. Discounts for flights and accommodation for the Cayman Brac event, set for Sunday, 15 Sept., are available through Cayman Airways (online only at www. caymanairways.com, with code AHC12) and Cayman Brac Beach Resort (948‑1323). Cuba has vehemently denounced the Trump administration for its hardline policies, complaining that they are relics of the Cold War that serve no purpose other than to hurt the Cuban people. Non-governmental organisations report that the Special Action police force carried out 57 suspected extrajudicial killings in July alone within Caracas. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet Claire Lloyd‑Hickey of Appleby presents a donation cheque to Deputy Governor Franz Manderson.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 PROLIFERATION FINANCING SEMINAR SEPTEMBER 17 | 8:30-11:30 AM The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa Tuesday 17 September, 2019 8:30am - 11:30am SPONSORED BY Knowing the key requirements of the new Cayman Islands framework, identifying the risks and mitigating them. SPEAKERS: Dr. Togzhan Kassenova Senior Fellow, Project on International Security, Commerce & Economic Statecraft, University at Albany International expert on nuclear politics, weapons of mass destruction, nonproliferation and financial crime prevention, and a former member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament. A global risk - the main PF risks, methods used by criminals, and how to improve your institution’s risk management. Ms. Kim France Sanctions Coordinator of the Cayman Islands Financial Reporting Authority The Cayman Islands anti Proliferation Financing framework. www.ftscayman.com/events USD $225 | CI$189 REGISTER NOW MINISTRY OF FINANCIAL SERVICES & HOME AFFAIRS Liquor board reviews long list of requests A red sky at night will mark World Heart Day The sky above Ca- mana Bay will light up red later this month to mark World Heart Day. Organisers are inviting people to wear red to the ‘Light the sky red’ event on Sunday, 29 Sept., from 6pm to 9pm. Dart Marketing Manager Christy Whittaker said in a press release that Camana Bay is proud to support the Cayman Heart Fund and World Heart Day by lighting up its Town Centre in red. “We encourage everyone in our community to take charge of their heart health and be mindful of actions you can take to prevent and con- trol cardiovascular disease,” she said. “Physical activity is one action that plays a huge role in maintaining good health and with Camana Bay being largely pedestrianized we are proud to provide an environment convenient for walkers, runners and joggers to keep moving and get their daily exercise in.” To help Cayman Heart Fund raise funds and spread the life-saving message, the charity also is asking people to wear red on Friday, 27 Sept., in schools, the work- place or while exercising. This year, on World Heart Day, as part of the Cayman Heart Fund mission to ensure heart health equity for all, the charity says it wants to create “a community of Heart Heroes”, which involves indi- viduals making a number of promises. These include: ■■ A promise to our fami- lies to cook and eat more healthily, ■■ A promise to our children to exercise more help them to be more active, to say no to smoking and help our loved ones stop, ■■ A promise as an em- ployee to invest in heart- healthy workplaces, ■■ A simple promise for My Heart, for Your Heart and for All Our Hearts. According to Cayman Heart Fund, heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.9 million lives each year. The charity highlights the actions that individuals can take to pre- vent and control cardiovas- cular disease. It aims to drive action to educate people that by con- trolling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided. World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities, and govern- ments participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. Funds raised by the Cayman Heart Fund will go to support fitness programmes, educational sessions and free health screening events. Cayman Heart Fund encourages participants to take pictures and send them to info@caymanheartfund.com. For more information, call 916‑6324. KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky The Liquor Licensing Board attended a full house on Monday, with 28 applica- tions appearing before the annual general meeting. Requests included a piano bar in Savannah, a mobile prosecco van, and services catering to cruise tourists. The issue of displaying alcohol outside of non-sales hours arose during several applications. Ruth McLaughlin applied to allow liquor sales at her store, One Stop Mini Mart in West Bay. She was questioned about how alcohol would be kept out of the public eye during hours when liquor sales are not permitted. A number of possibili- ties were proposed, such as keeping a separate area for alcohol that could be cor- doned off, storing liquor in a cabinet that could be locked, or putting a cover over the liquor display. The board acknowledged that previously licensed es- tablishments do not follow the same standards and that the board is working towards standardising norms. “We are trying to educate applicants on this because eventually that’s the direction we will be taking,” said board chairman Noel Williams. Savannah piano bar Tropical Trader Co., repre- senting the new Cimboco and Chicken! Chicken! location in Savannah, is seeking per- mission to open a piano bar that would be located on the upper level of the joint restau- rant location. The open-concept building, next to Countryside Shopping Village, is expected to open in mid-October. Tropical Trader Co. is seeking to host one to two evenings a week with piano music and alcohol sales until 11pm or midnight. Prosecco van A mobile prosecco van con- cept from the United Kingdom could be coming to Cayman. Bubble Bros would cater to events such as weddings and other gatherings. During events, the van would remain stationary, in the same way as mobile food trucks. The three-wheeled van that would house the pro- secco bar has not yet been imported to Cayman. The board questioned if such ve- hicles can be licensed in Cayman and said that issue would need to be addressed. The van would not be per- mitted to set up shop at will, but would be granted ap- proval for individual events following police and fire inspections. Board member Lyn Bodden called the concept professional and cute. Blackbeard’s Several applications were submitted by Blackbeard’s Trading Company. The business is seeking a provisional tasting licence for a new location in Camana Bay next to the planned Foster’s. That location is slated to open in November and is not expected to affect the Black- beard’s location at the Strand. The company is also seeking to open a bar, de- scribed as similar to a beer garden, on Harbour Drive across from the port. The bar, expected to open in De- cember, would cater to cruise tourists and operate around the cruise ship schedule. Obar noise complaints Representatives from the Grape Tree Villas strata and BCQS Property Management asked the board to suspend Obar Night Club’s music and dancing licence, alleging on- going and unresolved noise complaints. The board declined the request, instead seeking to find an amicable solution to the situation. Grape Tree property owner and resident Fred Rutty said early morning music emanating from Obar was “extremely offensive” and detrimental to the health of surrounding residents. On Fridays and Wednes- days, Rutty said Obar’s music begins around 11:30pm and continues until 4am. The vi- brations of low-frequency bass have disrupted his sleep schedule since the summer of 2018, Rutty said. Obar manager Jason Cronk contradicted Rutty’s claims over the operating hours. He said the bar currently opens only on Saturdays from 9pm to midnight, adding that Friday events have not oc- curred for five weeks and that the bar has not opened on Wednesdays since February. Rutty said the noise is- sues had been toned down, “but it’s loud enough that I’m hearing it in my bedroom even with the hurricane shut- ters down”, he said. Rutty also expressed con- cern that the noise pollution could affect property values. A Royal Cayman Islands Police officer present at the meeting said there were four nights in one week when po- lice were called to the bar over noise complains. He said officers discovered no music that would disturb residents on those nights. Cronk said the establish- ment has invested in $20,000 in sound insulation and has cut down from four bass speakers to two. “We go out and check if we can hear bass. If we hear it, we go and turn it down,” Cronk said, adding that the venue has a list of prohibited DJs who have violated sound ordnances in the past. Addressing noise ord- nances has forced the bar to close for periods of time, Cronk said. One option the bar explored was switching to low-level house music, but Cronk said it did not attract public interest. The board said the insu- lation work and other meas- ures the management had undertaken sounded positive, but suggested they take fur- ther steps to guarantee con- trol of sound levels. Cronk said the bar had been unaware of ongoing complaints from residents until the past week, when he was advised to attend the liquor board meeting. During follow-up ques- tioning, Rutty said he could not be sure if recent noise is- sues emanated from Obar or from elsewhere, such as cars in the parking lot. The board sought to ex- plore a solution that would appease residents while al- lowing business to continue. Rutty said he would work with Obar and police on re- solving future noise issues. Representatives from the Grape Tree Villas strata and BCQS Property Management asked the board to suspend Obar Night Club’s music and dancing licence, alleging ongoing and unresolved noise complaints. The Prosecco Van by Bubble Bros is a mobile bar concept from the United Kingdom. The company is seeking permission to operate in Cayman. - PHOTO: BUBBLE BROSThe islands’ most-trusted news source 4 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, 10 SEPT. JOHN MCLEAN FUNERAL: The official funeral service for John McLean will be held today at 3pm at the Cayman Islands Baptist Church, 163 Pedro Castle Road, Savannah. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: The National Museum is hosting ‘Cayman Prepared: An educational lecture’. 6pm at the museum’s Audiovisual Theatre. $10 general public, $6 members. Refreshments provided. Part of the museum’s three-part Speaker Series on ‘Ivan the Terrible: Fifteen Years Later’. Email info@museum.ky for more details. SENIORS EVENTS: The Department of Children and Family Services is coordinating activities throughout this month for seniors in the districts. A craft event will be hosted today by the Countryside Church in East End from 10am to 2:30pm. Call Delmira Bodden on 925-5543 for more details. WEDNESDAY, 11 SEPT. CONSERVATION MEETING: The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting at 2pm today at Room 2112 (second floor), Government Administration Building. The agenda for the meeting is posted on the Department of Environment website. HURRICANE IVAN REMEMBERED: Water Authority – Cayman invites the public to attend an event at its office on Red Gate Road, from 11am to 2pm, to mark the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Ivan. There will be an exhibit on display that highlights the impact of the storm, as well as the strides made by the Cayman Islands and the Water Authority to become more resilient. There will also be hurricane preparedness information available, as well as lunch and giveaways. THURSDAY, 12 SEPT. LITTLE CAYMAN VEHICLE LICENSING: DVDL officers will visit the District Office in Little Cayman today from 9am to 2:30pm. SATURDAY, 14 SEPT. MEMORY CAFE: The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association is hosting a ‘Memory Cafe’ at South Sound Community Centre today. 10am to 1pm. FIDELITY FUN RUN: The second of an annual three- part series of 2-mile fun runs will be held today. The next one will be held on 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 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. Proceeds will go to Bahamas hurricane relief. Register online at www.caymanactive. com/registrations. Late registration on the day from 6:30-7:15am. SUNDAY, 15 SEPT. 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. MONDAY, 16 SEPT. PAINT FOR THE BAHAMAS: Art Nest Creative Studio is hosting a ‘paint and sip’ fundraiser, 7-10pm, for victims of Hurricane Dorian. For a $100 donation, participants can help create a communal painting of a lighthouse on Bahamas’ Paradise Island. The event takes place at studio at 131 Centre, MacLendon Drive. Email Christina Pineda at director@artnestcayman.com for more details. TUESDAY, 17 SEPT. HURRICANE RECOVERY TALK: At the National Museum’s Audiovisual Theatre. 6pm. Part of the museum’s Speaker Series on ‘Ivan the Terrible: Fifteen Years Later’. $10 general public, $6 members. Refreshments provided. Email info@museum.ky for more details. NORTH SIDE SENIORS EVENT: The Department of Children and Family Services is coordinating activities throughout this month for seniors in the districts. Today, from 10am to 1pm, a Games and Craft event for seniors will be held at the North Side Civic Centre. Call Flavia Gardner on 926-0490 for more details. CAYMAN ISLANDS SEAFARERS ASSOCIATION: The Seafarers Association is holding its September social, starting at 7pm at the Seafarers Hall, 12 Victory Ave, Prospect. All attendees should wear their CISA shirts. Transport is available. Three buses will be leaving from West Bay Town Hall at 6pm. The Barnes bus route begins at George Town Public Library at 6:30pm. There will also be bus pickups from East End, and a bus marked ‘Bobo’, costing $1, making stops in George Town. Call Anthea de Carufel at 947-7378 for more details. WEDNESDAY, 18 SEPT. DRUG AWARENESS SESSION: The Department of Counselling Services is organising a ‘Talk Early, Talk Often: Drug Edition’ as part of Recovery Month activities. At the Family Resource Centre, 2nd floor, Apollo House West, Mary Street, George Town. 6-7:30pm. Learn how to talk to your children about drugs and alcohol. The workshop will provide parents with the skills and the age-appropriate language needed. NATIONAL TRUST AGM: The National Trust is inviting its members to the Annual General Meeting at the George Town Yacht Club today. The 2018/19 Annual Report and Financials will be presented and members will have the opportunity to vote for the 2019/20 Trust Council. Members unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to cast their vote by proxy. Proxy nominations must be received before 5pm, 16 Sept. Doors open at 5:30pm for registration and voting, with a 6:30pm start to the AGM. Drinks and canapes will be served. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky. RSVP to info@nationaltrust.org.ky so the Trust can ensure a quorum. THURSDAY, 19 SEPT. CONQUERING CANCER: The Cayman Islands Cancer Society presents ‘Conquering Cancer VI – Let’s Fight Cancer Together’, a three-day series of cancer awareness activities for health professionals and the general public begins today. This evening’s event at the Marriott resort will be for doctors, allied healthcare professionals and medical students. Four hours of continuing medical education credit. Health information and screenings will be provided. Today, the evening Speakers from Broward Health International, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Cleveland Clinic, CTMH Doctors Hospital, Health City Cayman Islands, Holy Cross Hospital, Memorial Healthcare Systems, Miami Cancer Institute Baptist Health South Florida and University of Miami Health Systems. Refreshments and registration at 5pm. Nine CME presentations from 5:30pm. DEBT COLLECTION COURSE: The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a two-hour course on ‘Debt Collection: How to Avoid and Collect Bad Debt’. Aimed at small businesses. 9-11am at Unit 4-107, Governors Square. $175 for members, $225 for future members. Visit the events page at www.caymanchamber.ky for more information. FRIDAY, 20 SEPT. HANNAH’S HEROES BIG SHAVE: The 7th annual Big Shave takes place today at Cricket Square to raise funds for childhood cancer research charity St. Baldrick’s Foundation. To get involved, register now to get a shave; organise a dress-down day or a bake sale at work; or donate. For more information, visit www.stbaldricks.org/ events/hannahsheroes. DRESS PURPLE DAY: To mark World Alzheimer’s Day on Saturday, a Corporate Dress Purple Day is being held today. CONQUERING CANCER HEALTH FAIR: Aimed at providing doctors and allied healthcare professionals with an informative presentation by a visiting physician, who will be providing their expertise on cancer prevention and treatment. At the Health Services Authority. Noon to 2pm: Lunch and Learn/CME. SATURDAY, 21 SEPT. BRAC BRENDA TIBBETTS LUND WALK/RUN: The annual walk/run to raise funds for the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens and raise awareness of breast cancer will be held on Cayman Brac today at 6am; $10 registration for ages 8-adult, and free for under 8’s. The route will be out and back from the Brac Reef Resort. Register online at www.caymanactive.com. WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY: The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association will be holding an awareness session at Foster’s at The Strand from 8am to noon. Also, from 6-8pm, dementia training for caregivers will be held at Jasmine on West Bay Road. CONQUERING CANCER HEALTH FAIR: A day of awareness and education. This free event is designed to bring new and innovative ways of screening, diagnosing and treating cancer. While this event is dubbed ‘Conquering Cancer VI’, attendees can also avail of free health screenings for glucose levels, blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol, as well as free healthy food samplings. Refreshments will be provided. Open to members of the public of all ages. Featuring more than 30 exhibitors, including nine visiting hospitals, with giveaways and health information. 8:30am to 2pm, at the Marriott resort. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 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”5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 S ah, che THANK YOU TO OUR SILVER SPONSORS OCTOBER 5, 2019 The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman www.breastcancerfoundation.ky info@breastcancerfoundation.ky Featuring Special Guest Speaker Recovery Month offers help, hope KEVIN MORALES kmorales@compassmedia.ky As Quincy Brown shares a laugh with passers-by, he’s the first to admit he’s lucky to be alive. “Many of us addicts and alcoholics, we relapse,” he said. “I came very close to death. I overdosed. I had too many chemicals in my system and it shut down. The doctor said that I could’ve died.” It was the proverbial rock bottom he needed to jump start his journey into recovery. Now, Brown and others struggling with addiction are selling raffle tickets in conjunction with a run/walk being organised by the Hope Foundation, the privately run West Bay halfway house that assists addicts and those re- cently released from prison. The run/walk is being held on 29 Sept., as part of Na- tional Recovery Month, spon- sored every September by the US-based Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration. “This month is Recovery Month and I would like to see the community come to- gether,” said George Dexter Evans, a Hope Foundation resident who says substance abuse led to problems with the law and his family. “Don’t care who you are – whether he or she – there’s no excuse. Show the love. Bring back the love for the people of this country, the Cayman Islands, and let’s build a foundation.” Forty-three percent of stu- dents in Years 9-12 have tried marijuana, according to a 2016 National Drug Council survey that polled 768 stu- dents. The average age of first use is 15 years old for girls and 14 years old for boys, ac- cording to the survey. It’s during this stage of his life, Brown says his ad- diction began. “Started drinking at age 17,” he said “I thought it was the thing to do. I felt like a man. I started to drink. I started as a social drinker but at some point in my life I crossed the line of being a social drinker, be- came a problem drinker and then eventually a hard, chronic alcoholic. “At age 31, I thought I’d try cocaine. And then for five years after that – that really, really took me to rock bottom. So I admit I am a drug ad- dict. But I am thankful I’m getting help.” Brown has been in and out of rehabilitation facili- ties for years. He says it’s difficult for recovering ad- dicts in a small commu- nity like Cayman where per- sonal information is hard to keep personal. “People are very judg- mental,” Brown said. “You apply for jobs and you don’t get the job because of your history. You have a history of being a crack addict or a weed head or an alcoholic and you just don’t get the job. Even if you’re trying to make positive changes. “We need to change that.” There are several options in Cayman for those strug- gling with substance abuse. Cayman Islands Alco- holics Anonymous holds daily meetings around Grand Cayman and the Sister Is- lands. Infinite Mindcare of- fers counselling and therapy for those struggling with substance abuse and their families. The Department of Counselling Services of- fers residential treatment, a withdrawal management unit, prison counselling ser- vices and an intervention unit. The Hope Foundation halfway house assists res- idents by keeping recov- ering addicts with those also trying to get their lives back on track, and the Beacon Farms facility in Frank Sound offers recovering addicts a chance to work with those who have been through sim- ilar struggles. Government earmarked $3.4 million in 2019 for coun- selling and support ser- vices, according to 2018/19 budget documents. It budg- eted another $50,000 for ca- nine support to combat drugs in schools, and estimates 375-475 drug rehab court cases this year. The National Drug council also is budgeted to receive $637,000 this year. Many of those still strug- gling to stay clean, however, say more needs to be done. “Maybe you’re not an ad- dict but chances are you have a sister, a cousin, a brother, a parent who is,” Brown said. “Today I want to live. I want to be healthy. I want to be healthy physically and mentally and that starts by staying clean and sober.” The Department of Counselling Services is organising an number of events throughout September, which is Recovery Month. For more information, visit www.dcs.gov.ky. “ This month is Recovery Month and I would like to see the community come together.” GEORGE DEXTER EVANS, Hope Foundation resident Quincy Brown, centre, and George Dexter Evans, right, share a laugh as they sell raffle tickets Wednesday aimed at helping raise funds for the Hope Foundation halfway house. - PHOTO: KEVIN MORALESThe islands’ most-trusted news source 6 TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS (Better Known as “BEN”) 30th Aug. 1925 - 10th Sept. 2006 In loving Memory of Pershing Ben Allen Webster In loving memory of a Great And Special Man” We all remember you as a man That was so kind and sweet. Our memories of you always giving to others will forever be etched in our minds. You will forever live in our hearts. May Your Soul Rest In Peace . Kenrick, Brittany, Travis, Leta, Marjorie and Erscelle drama about an aspiring bullfighter, starring actress Esther Williams. He laughs when he recalls a grandmother telling her granddaughter to “let’s get out of here” before that bull gets away and kills everyone in the theatre. He said Sundays were re- served for a Billy Graham special or a Christian movie. Mostly westerns, such as ‘The Durango Kid: Blazing the Western Trail’ were shown throughout the week. Grant and his brother Geddes helped their fa- ther operate the projector each night. Brac resident Ward Scott said he went inside to ex- amine the old theatre with Grant recently to check out the building. Rummaging through the old building, Scott discovered an old movie reel which he found hidden behind one of the theatre walls. He pulled it out only to discover it contained old footage of a horse race filmed at the Tropical Park Race Track in Miami, Florida. “It is a film, much like how a person would do a video today. The race is Number 9 on January 11, 1966. It is a silent film and after getting it restored, I hope to post it on an up-and-coming Cayman Brac YouTube channel,” Scott said. at 3:30pm. But approxi- mately 90 minutes into the flight, an emergency was declared following a warning light indicating the presence of smoke in one of its cargo holds. The flight was diverted to Orlando and landed safely at 6:17pm. The 103 passengers and five crew evacuated the aircraft through the emergency exits and deployed door chutes and slides. There is no indication that there was any actual smoke in the cargo hold, but an in- vestigation is in progress. “We are extremely mindful that this emer- gency landing and evacua- tion was a very distressing event,” said Cayman Air- ways president Fabian Whorms in an official statement. “On behalf of Cayman Airways, I offer a most sincere apology to our passengers for having to experience this emergency landing and evacuation, which was necessary in the interest of the safety of our passengers and crew. We have removed the affected aircraft from service indef- initely in order to accom- plish the required repairs.” The Cayman Airways fleet has already been reduced after the airline grounded its two newly leased Boeing 737 Max 8 planes earlier this year. Airlines around the world took the Max 8 planes out of service following two fatal crashes involving the aircraft. Cayman Airways indi- cated Monday that it has provided accommodations for crew and passengers stuck in Orlando, and it ar- ranged a replacement flight for Monday. Affected passengers may call Cayman Airways Reservations on 345‑949‑2311 or 1‑800‑422‑9626 (toll free in the United States) with any questions or concerns. Jeralow Rankine likened McLean to family. He said he had known the 69-year-old his entire life. “We were like brothers,” said Rankine, who is known for his weaving skills. “I used to make all his hammocks. If he promised you something, he never stopped until you got it.” Rankine was standing with Elma D. Ebanks on the sidewalk in the shadow of an overhanging tree, shortly before the visitation began at 10am. Ebanks said she thought McLean deserved to be honoured even more. “They make a big thing when they have the guards run in for the queen,” she said. “Mr. John, his body should be in a parade.” Alan Ebanks, who works with East End representa- tive Arden McLean, said John McLean was not about pomp and circumstance. “He was down to earth and never forgot his station in life,” Ebanks said. “He al- ways showed me the same face. He was always the same person, a person who never forgot his roots.” Even former polit- ical foes were on hand to honour McLean. Former MLA and govern- ment minister Frank McField said he once put forward a motion calling for McLean to be removed from the Execu- tive Council. Despite that, McField said, “It was never something that stood between me and him. He always spoke to me and I always spoke to him. Per- sonally, I never had anything against him.” “I came to pay my respects to the man,” he added. “The re- spect I was showing him was the respect he showed me.” The official funeral ser- vice for John McLean will be held Tuesday, 10 Sept. at 3pm at the Cayman Islands Bap- tist Church, 163 Pedro Castle Road, Savannah. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Revisiting Brac’s first movie theatre This two-storey building in West End, Cayman Brac, housed the island’s first movie theatre. - PHOTO: SISTER ISLANDS NEWS AGENCY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cayman Airways shifts flights after emergency landing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The 103 passengers and five crew evacuated the aircraft through the emergency exits and deployed door chutes and slides. Community pays respects as McLean lies in state The Cayman Islands flag drapes the coffin of John McLean in the Legislative Assembly building in George Town on Monday. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Criminal probe under way in fiery California boat disaster LOS ANGELES (AP) – US au- thorities are conducting a criminal investigation into the fiery dive boat disaster that killed 34 people off the coast of California, two offi- cials said Monday. The FBI, Coast Guard and US attorney in Los Angeles are overseeing the investigation, according to the two people who were not authorised to speak publicly and commented on condition of anonymity. Federal agents on Sunday raided the office of the boat’s owner, Truth Aquatics Inc. in Santa Barbara, and its two remaining vessels. Investigators have been gathering other evidence, including interviewing the captain and four sur- viving crewmembers, since the 2 Sept. tragedy off the Channel Islands. Authorities are looking into various safety issues, including whether a night watchman was on duty when the blaze broke out before dawn. Thirty-three passengers and one crewmember were trapped below deck when the fire broke out after 3am on the Conception. Efforts by the crew to save them were unsuccessful.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 India locates lost moon lander The lander module from India’s moon mission was located on the lunar surface on Sunday, one day after it lost contact with the space station, and efforts are under way to try to establish contact with it, K. Sivan, head of the nation’s space agency said. Britain’s Johnson to suspend Parliament as his Brexit plans stall LONDON (AP) – British law- makers demanded Monday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government re- lease officials’ correspond- ence about plans for Brexit, as the government prepared to suspend Parliament and send rebellious lawmakers home until two weeks before the country is supposed to leave the European Union. Lawmakers used the re- maining hours before the session of Parliament ended to deliver new blows to John- son’s teetering authority. An opposition-backed measure designed to stop Britain from crashing out of the EU on 31 Oct. without a divorce deal became law after receiving the formal assent of Queen Elizabeth II. They also demanded the government release emails and text messages among aides and officials relating to suspending Parliament and planning for Brexit amid al- legations that the suspen- sion is being used to circum- vent democracy. “It is blindingly ob- vious why we are being shut down – to prevent scrutiny,” said Labour Party Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer. Under parliamentary rules the government is obliged to release the documents. Law- makers set a Wednesday deadline for that to happen. Lawmakers were set later to reject Johnson’s demand for a snap election to break the political deadlock en- gulfing the government. Meanwhile, Speaker John Bercow, whose control of busi- ness in the House of Com- mons has made him a central player in the Brexit drama, an- nounced he would step down after a decade in the job. Britain is due to leave the EU on 31 Oct., and Johnson says the country’s delayed exit must happen then, with or without a divorce agree- ment to smooth the way. But many lawmakers fear a no- deal Brexit would be econom- ically devastating, and are determined to stop him. An opposition-backed law compelling the government to seek a three-month delay from the EU if no deal has been agreed by 19 Oct. be- came law Monday after re- ceiving royal assent. Johnson has he’d “rather be dead in a ditch” than delay Brexit, but has few easy ways out of it. His options – all of them extreme – include diso- beying the law, which could land him in court or even prison, and resigning so that someone else would have to ask for a delay. He has had a turbulent week since Parliament re- turned from its summer break on 3 Sept. He kicked 21 lawmakers out of the Con- servative group in Parliament after they sided with the op- position, and saw two min- isters quit his government – one of them his own brother. Later Monday, Johnson plans to ask lawmakers to back an early election, which he sees as the only way to break the deadlock. His hope is to win a ma- jority that would support his Brexit strategy. But opposition parties say they will vote the measure down, because they want to make sure a no-deal de- parture is blocked before agreeing to an election. Immediately after the vote, Parliament will be pro- rogued, or suspended, a highly unusual move by the government that limits Par- liament’s ability to block Johnson’s plans for Brexit. It is being challenged in court by opponents who say the suspension is anti-demo- cratic and illegal. Johnson says he is cut- ting short the parliamentary term so he can outline his do- mestic agenda at a new ses- sion of Parliament in October. Johnson repeated his in- sistence Monday that Britain must exit the EU on 31 Oct., but acknowledged that leaving without an agree- ment on divorce terms “would be a failure of state- craft” for which he’d be par- tially to blame. The comments marked a change of tone, if not sub- stance, from Johnson, who is accused by opponents of driving Britain at full-tilt to- wards a cliff-edge Brexit. Cabinet Minister Amber Rudd resigned over the weekend, saying she did not believe Johnson was sincere about seeking a deal. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warned Johnson that “there’s no such thing as a clean break”, and if Britain crashed out, it would “cause severe disruption for British and Irish people alike”. After their first meeting since Johnson became prime minister in July, the UK and Irish leaders said they’d had “a positive and construc- tive meeting”, but there was no breakthrough on the issue of the Irish border, the main stumbling block to a Brexit deal. The EU says Britain has not produced any concrete proposals for replacing the contentious “backstop”, a provision in the withdrawal agreement reached by John- son’s predecessor Theresa May that is designed to en- sure an open border between EU member Ireland and the UK’s Northern Ireland. An open border is cru- cial to the regional economy and underpins the peace process that ended dec- ades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. Opposition to the back- stop was a key reason Brit- ain’s Parliament rejected May’s Brexit deal with the EU three times earlier this year. British Brexit-backers oppose the backstop because it locks Britain into EU trade rules to avoid customs checks, some- thing they say will stop the UK from striking new trade deals with countries such as the United States. Varadkar said he was open to any alternatives that were “legally workable”, but none has been received so far. Amid the divisions, British lawmakers were united in paying tribute to Bercow after he announced he will step down as speaker and member of Parlia- ment on 31 Oct. The colourful speaker, fa- mous for his loud ties and even louder cries of “Order!” during raucous debates, told lawmakers he will quit the same day Britain is due to leave the EU, unless an elec- tion is called before then. In that case, he will step down ahead of the campaign. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left, meets with Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at Government Buildings in Dublin, Monday. – PHOTOS: AP British $irways grounds nearly all flights as Silots strike LONDON (AP) – British Air- ways has cancelled almost all its flights for 48 hours, af- fecting as many as 195,000 travellers, due to a strike by pilots over pay. The UK’s flagship car- rier said in a statement Monday that it had “no way of predicting how many [pi- lots] would come to work or which aircraft they are quali- fied to fly”. As a result, it said it had “no option but to cancel nearly 100%” of its flights for the duration of the strike. British Airways operates up to 850 flights a day. Lon- don’s sprawling Heathrow Airport was most affected by the work stoppage as it is the airline’s hub and is used for many of the company’s long- haul international flights. The sprawling departure area at Heathrow Terminal 5 was almost empty, with only a handful of BA flights set to leave on Monday. There were no queues at any of the check-in desks or security gates and only a handful of people waiting on benches. The terminal is typi- cally quite busy. British Airways said it stands ready to return to talks with the pilots’ union, BALPA, and that it has of- fered all affected customers full refunds or the option to rebook. The airline had been preparing for weeks for the strike, giving travellers ad- vanced notice. “We understand the frus- tration and disruption Bal- pa’s strike action has caused our customers,” it said. “After many months of trying to resolve the pay dis- pute, we are extremely sorry that it has come to this.” British Airways says it has offered pilots an 11.5% pay raise over three years but the union says its members want a bigger share of the company’s profits. The union accuses British Airways of making big profits at the expense of workers who made sacrifices during hard times. British Airways’ parent company, IAG, made a net profit of 2.9 billion euros (US$3.2 billion) last year. Union leader Brian Strutton said pilots are deter- mined to be heard. “They’ve previously taken big pay cuts to help the company through hard times. Now BA is making billions of pounds of profit, its pilots have made a fair, rea- sonable and affordable claim for pay and benefits.” British Airways planes sit parked at Heathrow Airport in London on 0onday after the airline cancelled alPost all flights as a result of a pilots’ 48-hour strike over pay. - PHOTO: AP An opposition-backed measure designed to stop Britain from crashing out of the EU on 31 Oct. without a divorce deal became law after receiving the formal assent of Queen Elizabeth II. Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow announced Monday that he will leave his influential Sost Ey the end of 2ctoEerThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 Sports NEWS TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 CAYMAN COMPASS US beats Britain, Ireland in Walker Cup For the first time in 12 years, American golfers celebrated a Walker Cup victory away from home. Facing a two-point deficit at the start of Sunday, the Americans picked up a point in morning foursomes and then overwhelmed Great Britain and Ireland by taking eight of 10 singles matches for victory at Royal Liverpool. Cayman off to hot start in CONCACAF Nations League SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@compassmedia.ky There’s a surprising team atop the standings in the C level of the CONCACAF Na- tions League. Cayman earned a hard- fought 3-2 victory over Bar- bados on Sunday night and now holds first place in Group A of the C League. The teams are one-third of the way through the schedule, and the winner of the Group will move up to B League the next time the Nations League is contested. “We’re atop the group, but there’s a long way to go,” said coach Ben Pugh. “We’ve still got four games to go but we’ve put ourselves in a good posi- tion. Confidence will hopefully build. Momentum will build. We’re really proud of every one of the players. The game wasn’t pretty, but I thought in terms of effort, we were out- standing. We worked hard, we battled through. It’s been a tough two games.” Cayman was missing multiple starters on Sunday night, but it was in good posi- tion thanks to a 2-0 road win against the US Virgin Islands last week. Michael Martin scored both goals in that initial victory, and he gave Cayman an early lead on Sunday night by scoring in the fifth minute. Barbados battled back, though, and tied the game with a goal by Akeem Hill just nine minutes later. The second half brought more of the same. Both teams had their scoring opportuni- ties, and players from both sides wound up knocked down and nursing injuries. All three of Cayman’s substi- tutes were injury-related, and Martin played the second half banged up after an injury be- fore the break. “They’re desperate to win games,” said Pugh of his young charges. “They’re des- perate to prove people wrong. They want to achieve some- thing. They have ambitions of playing overseas.” The second half proved to be a tight affair, and then three were goals scored in a crazy five-minute sequence. Cayman briefly went on top with a header from Jonah Ebanks from about six yards out in the 70th minute, and four minutes later, Rashad Jules answered for Barbados with the tying goal. One minute later, before the crowd had settled in fol- lowing the Barbados goal, Cayman struck again when Jorel Bellafonte streaked into the goalie box and found the net with a left-footed shot from close range. That was the first senior goal for Bellafonte and it inspired a raucous reac- tion from the crowd. “It was like I was playing FIFA,” said Bellafonte after the game. “I literally felt the air being sucked out of Truman Bodden when Barbados scored. That’s the beauty of the game, the highs and lows. We showed real character to come out here and win this game today, because Barbados is a very good team.” Barbados had won its first game by a 4-0 score over Saint Martin, and it currently sits second in the table with three points and a +3 goal dif- ferential. Barbados will play its next three games against US Virgin Islands and Saint Martin, potentially setting up a climactic final game against Cayman on 19 Nov. “I cannot question the effort and the work rate,” said Bar- bados coach Russell Latrapy. “We didn’t play to our capabili- ties. In saying that, I must say ‘congrats to the Cayman Is- lands.’ It was a strange game in terms of how the games were scored and the time of the goals, but we didn’t pass the ball well tonight.” Cayman will next play Saint Martin on the road on 12 Oct. and then will have home games against Saint Martin on 15 Oct. and US Virgin Islands on 16 Nov. be- fore the final game against Barbados. Pugh knows there’s still a lot of football left to be played, and he’s proud of the effort he’s seen from his team. “It’s a real testament to the players,” said Pugh. “They’re the ones who have put the ef- fort in. They’re the ones who have turned up to every ses- sion and worked hard. They’ve done everything we’ve asked of them. … They deserved to win two games, and hopefully we can continue to push.” CANADA AND CUBA TO SQUARE OFF IN CAYMAN TUESDAY NIGHT SPENCER FORDIN sfordin@compassmedia.ky Top-level international football comes to Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Tuesday night, when Canada and Cuba will square off in a CONCACAF Nations League game. The two teams will line up and kick off at 6:15pm on Tuesday evening. Cuba will be the nominal home team on Tuesday night in Cayman because its home sta- dium is still undergoing renovations. The two teams met last week, and Canada earned a 6-0 victory at BMO Field in To- ronto. Three months ago, Canada took a 7-0 win over Cuba in the group stage of the CON- CACAF Gold Cup. Canada and Cuba are part of Group A in League A in the Nations League, and the third team in that group is the United States. The US and Cuba will play each other on Cayman soil on 19 Nov. One of the three teams in Group A of League A will qualify for the final championship, and the second-place team will qualify for the 2021 CON- CACAF Gold Cup. The third team will move down to League B for the next edition of the Nations League. Cayman, which currently plays in League C of the Nations League, is atop its group following a Sunday night victory over Barbados. If Cayman ultimately wins its group, it will advance to League B for the next Nations League. Substitute Kyle Santamaria tries to win a second-half header against Barbados. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Captain Rashad Jules scored late for Barbados, but it wasn’t enough to escape the loss. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Cayman comes together to celebrate its win in the moments after the final whistle. - PHOTO: SPENCER FORDIN Jorel Bellafonte came through with his first senior goal at a crucial time for Cayman. - PHOTO: SPENCER FORDIN9 SPORTS CAYMAN COMPASS • TUESDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2019 Mercuryman winners must first overcome Cayman crucible MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@compassmedia.ky Laura Hicks looked askance at Phillip McCatty, shortly after both had crossed the finish line, completing a half-Ironman triathlon on Sunday. The two were respective women’s and men’s cham- pions in the Mercuryman event that drew nearly 70 competitors, about 10% of whom were from out- side Cayman. One of those was McCatty, who works for a construction company in Toronto. “Did you come back just for the race?” Hicks asked him. “You are crazy.” McCatty just smiled. Hicks said the Cayman heat is the crazy part for the cycling and running legs of the event. “You just cook your- self,” she said. The event began at 6am, with a 1.2-mile swim fol- lowed by 56 miles of cycling and a half-marathon run of 13.1 miles. McCatty and Hicks finished around noon, just as some rain clouds began to move overhead and cooled of the wind coming from the west. Both said they wished the temperature had dropped earlier, while they were strug- gling through the run. McCatty said the swim portion of the event was “beautiful, not too choppy, no currents”. The rest, he called “brutal”. “Everyone suffered,” he said. “We all died out there.” His run time was more than 30 minutes off what he would normally expect, he said. Hicks, who is a canine of- ficer with Cayman’s police service, said she purposely trains in the middle of the day to steel herself against the elements. She is used to running in the heat, she said, unlike many. “People seriously under- estimate what you need,” Hicks said. “I went through six bottles of water on the ride. Here, you’ve got to stop [at aid stations] to re- fill. If you pass them by, you won’t finish.” Race director Trevor Murphy said only one racer he knew of had to drop out of the competition and that was in the shorter inter- national distance triathlon (half the distance of the half-Ironman). “One guy got severe cramps and ended up needing an IV,” Murphy said. A cyclist crashed in the international distance, he said, but was able to get back up and finish the race. The Mercuryman, now in its sixth year, is usu- ally held in early February. Murphy said he lacked the personnel and resources to make it happen this past winter and moved the event to September. Next year, he said, he plans to mount it in February again, when the temperature is gener- ally cooler. That makes it better for the athletes and for their per- formances. Asked whether there were any record times on Sunday, Murphy shook his head. “No,” he said, “it was way too hot.” The event began at 6am, with a 1.2‑mile swim followed by 56 miles of cycling and a half‑marathon run of 13.1 miles. Phillip McCatty and Laura Hicks were the top finishers in the Mercury Man half-Ironman triathlon. - PHOTO: MARK MUCKENFUSS Brady starts his 20th season by beating Steelers 33-3 FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots trolled the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday and then blew them out Sunday night. A day after the acquiring former Steelers malcontent Antonio Brown, the reigning Super Bowl champions showed they might not even need him, getting 341 yards and three touchdown passes from 42-year-old Tom Brady to beat Pittsburgh 33-3. “Well, he’s the best in the world,” Steelers quar- terback Ben Roethlisberger said. “There’s a reason he’s the best when he’s out there doing his thing.” Phillip Dorsett caught two touchdown passes, including a 58-yard score, and Josh Gordon – another receiver who wore out his welcome elsewhere – caught one TD pass. On the night New Eng- land unveiled its sixth NFL championship banner, Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman caught six passes for 83 yards and also completed a throw to help the Patriots begin their title defence. No one has won back- to-back NFL titles since New England did it in 2003 and ‘04. “We were so locked in on the moment. We were locked in because we knew of the expectations,” defensive back Duron Harmon said. “We knew that when we had the opportunity to play the Steelers, on opening night, with the banner raising, we were going to do every- thing possible to prepare the right way.” Facing the last team to beat them, back in Week 15 last year, the Patriots opened a 20-0 lead before Pittsburgh kicked a field goal on fourth- and-goal from the 1 with 10:17 left in the third quarter. Brady responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Dorsett and a 27-3 lead. Dorsett had four catches for 95 yards and the first multi-score game of his ca- reer. He will be moving down the depth chart Monday when the Patriots are ex- pected to make Brown’s signing official. “He’s a playmaker,” Edelman said. “The more playmakers you have, the more dynamic we can be.” The move could not be welcome in Pittsburgh. Un- able to get Brown to be- have, the Steelers refused to trade the disgruntled diva to New England only to see him wind up with the team that has reached the AFC championship game eight straight seasons. “Whatever,” Roeth- lisberger said “Didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about it or dwelling on it,” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. “I’m not specifi- cally worried about anything relative to Antonio Brown.” Roethlisberger com- pleted 27 of 47 passes for 277 yards and an intercep- tion, though 116 of the yards came on non-scoring drives in the fourth quarter with the Steelers down four scores. The offence showed the ef- fects of losing two of its big- gest playmakers: Brown, who talked and tweeted his way out of both Pittsburgh and Oakland in one off-season, and running back Le’Veon Bell, a two-time All-Pro who sat out all of last season to avoid a franchise tag. In their place, James Conner gained 21 yards on 10 carries; the Steelers gained only 32 yards rushing in all. Top receiver JuJu Smith- Schuster caught six passes for 78 yards, 26 of it coming on one throw in the final six minutes with the Steelers al- ready trailing 33-3. The drive ended when Ro- ethlisberger threw it into the end zone from the 41-yard line and was picked off by Devin McCourty. The Steelers had five full possessions in the first half and punted on four of them, going three-and-out three times. “We got our butts whooped,” defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speak at midfield after their Sunday NFL football game in Foxborough, Massachusetts. – PHOTO: AP UFC 242 NURMAGOMEDOV BEATS POIRIER, STAYS UNBEATEN ABU DHABI, United Arab Emir- ates (AP) – Khabib Nurma- gomedov stopped Dustin Poirier by submission in the third round Saturday night at UFC 242, retaining his lightweight title and unbeaten record. After dominating Poirier with wrestling and grap- pling throughout the bout at Yas Island, Nurmago- medov (28-0) landed a rear naked choke and forced Poirier to tap midway through the third. The Dagestan-born Rus- sian fighter returned al- most flawlessly for his first fight since beating Conor McGregor in October 2018. Nurmagomedov has stopped three of his last five opponents by submis- sion, and he is challenging Jon Jones and Amanda Nunes for unofficial pound- for-pound supremacy in mixed martial arts. Nurmagomedov felt dis- respected by McGregor and the Irish star’s friends be- fore their bout, and that is why he jumped into the crowd to brawl with the entourage after his victory last year. Nurmagomedov was suspended and fined by the Nevada Athletic Commission, and Poirier won an interim lightweight title during Nurmagome- dov’s forced absence. Poirier (25-6) nearly fin- ished Nurmagomedov with a guillotine choke early in the third round of a fight otherwise dominated by his opponent. Poirier held his interim title after beating Max Holloway in April for his fourth consecutive vic- tory over elite lightweights. Nurmagomedov has won his first 12 UFC bouts, a mark surpassed only by Anderson Silva in the pro- motion’s history. McGregor, who has un- persuasively claimed to be retired, offered his own idea for Nurmagomedov’s next bout on Twitter: “Book my rematch for Moscow.” Russian UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, right, fights with Dustin Poirier, of Lafayette, Louisiana, during the Lightweight title bout at UFC 242, Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. – PHOTO: APNext >