ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com – 50 CENTS – THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 High of 89 Low of 78 Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. LOCAL | PAGE 3 CAYMAN NURSES HELP BAHAMAS HURRICANE VICTIMS Regulated in the Cayman Islands as a licensed insurer by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Generali Worldwide is a trading name of Utmost Worldwide Limited. Registered Head Office address: Utmost Worldwide Limited, Utmost House, Hirzel Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 4PA. Regulated in Guernsey as a licensed insurer by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under the Insurance Business (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2002 (as amended). Incorporated in Guernsey under Company Registration No. 27151. www.generali-healthcare.com Visit our booths at the Healthcare Conference! We have exciting news on our member benefits and wellness community. John Tibbetts, director general of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, explains some recent weather formations in the area on screens at his office. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Forecasters revise hurricane predictions ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Although the 2019 hurricane season got off to a slow start, things have been heating up in the Atlantic Basin. So far, 12 named storms, four hurricanes and two major hur- ricanes have formed and battered multiple countries in the region. The initial activity has since forced fore- casters to rethink their pre-season predic- tions for a “quiet season”. Each year, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service aligns its predictions with Colorado State University, as well as the Na- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- tion in the US. Initial predictions from Cayman Islands National Weather Service and Colorado State University called for 13 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes. While NOAA’s initial predictions called for nine to 15 named storms, four to nine becoming hur- ricanes, and two to four of those becoming major hurricanes. The pre-season predictions called for a 30% probability of an average season, which according to NOAA is a season with 10.1 named storms, 5.9 hurricanes and 2.5 major hurricanes. Major hurricanes are storms category 3 and above. “For the most part, the observed hurri- cane activity has been far more active in the sense that we have had way more pow- erful storms,” said Jhordanne Jones, a Ph.D. student at Colorado State University. “Even though we have had two major hurricanes, they have been far more intense than we Bush to represent small nations in Commonwealth council RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush has been elected to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Small Branches Executive Council, on which he will represent all small countries in the world body. Bush was elected as deputy chairman of the council while at the 64th Common- wealth Parliamentary Conference in Kam- pala, Uganda, this week, according to a Gov- ernment Information Service press release. Representatives of 53 Commonwealth countries have gathered in Kampala to dis- cuss issues under the theme ‘Adaption, en- gagement, and evolution of parliaments in a rapidly changing Commonwealth’. In an address to an international audience of Commonwealth parliamentarians, Bush tackled the issue of Brexit and the potential impacts it may bring for overseas territories such as Cayman. “The degree of uncertainty lies with whether EU [European Union] regulatory framework will still have direct effect on the UK, and if so, will we be tied to such? There are no unimaginable consequences arising from Brexit. However, the uncertain- ties are concerning to us as overseas territo- ries, Crown dependencies and the small inde- pendent countries who are former colonies,” Bush said as he addressed the conference. Speaking at the 7th CPA Small Branches Conference, on 23-24 Sept. as part of the main POPULATION GROWS TO 65,813 AT END OF 2018 Bodden: ‘Cayman has to assess its needs before growth continues” RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s population is continuing its steady rise, nearing the 66,000 mark at the close of 2018. The latest numbers in the Economics and Statistics Office Compendium of Statistics 2018 showed that an estimated 65,813 people were residing in the Cayman Islands at year’s end – 2,398 more residents than were living here in 2017. Based on the numbers in the ESO report, Cayman could reach 70,000 residents in the next two years if the upward trend continues. Some politicians have noted that on its cur- rent trajectory, Cayman could reach a popula- tion of 100,000 within the next 10 to 15 years. However, author and political analyst Roy Bodden said that is a figure he is not entirely comfortable with, given what he is seeing hap- pening locally. “I am concerned because we are not ready for that influx suddenly. There is no five-year or ten-year development plan in which the things that accompany such an influx of pop- ulation has been discussed or prepared for,” Bodden said. Bodden said, in his view, Cayman is already facing challenges with the current population. “We are not up to 70,000 people yet and we have chaotic and confusing traffic, a prolifera- tion of cars which is only going to get worse, in spite of how many roads people think they are building. More roads simply means more cars and until we come to the realisation that we have to do something, with the kind of eco- nomic system we have, we are going to have PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 » HEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE SPECIAL FEATURE CAYMAN ISLANDS SPECIAL FEATURE Cayman Islands Healthcare2 LOCAL NEWS THURSDAY, 26 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 DUMBO (PG) 10:30 (SAT ONLY) I 4:35 I 7:15 (NO SAT) (PG13) THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (R) 1:10 VIP I 4:35 I 7:00 VIP I 10:15 HELLBOY (R) 12:35 (SAT ONLY) I 1:00 I 6:10 (SAT ONLY) I 6:45 SHAZAM! (PG13) 1:30 I 3:40 VIP I 7:15 I 9:30 VIP SUN: 3:40 VIP I 4:40 I 6:40 VIP 8:00 I 9:40 VIP KIDS CLUB: OVER THE HEDGE (PG) 10:00 (SAT ONLY) CULTURE AT THE CINEMA: THE TRAGEDY OF KIND RICHARD THE SECOND(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. - THURSDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) 1:00 VIP | 4:15 | 7:00 VIP | 9:45 HUSTLERS (R) 2:00 | 3:55 | 10:10 IT: CHAPTER TWO (R) 1:35 | 5:15 | 8:00 | 9:00 CHHICHHORE (PG) 3:35 ZOYA FACTOR, THE (PG) 12:15 | 4:40 | 6:50 RAMBO: LAST BLOOD (R) 1:05 | 7:10 | 10:10 VIP AD ASTRA (PG13) 1:00 | 4:00 VIP | 7:00 | 10:00 Business owners angered over uncontrolled dumping MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@compassmedia.ky Piles of scrap material and derelict cars are sullying the professional-looking light industrial park in George Town that business owners envisioned for their com- mercial area. Some owners are com- plaining that businesses near the North Sound end of the Airport Industrial Park are not only stacking debris and wrecked vehicles on their own properties but also on neighbouring ones and sur- rounding streets. New businesses, such as Otis Air, say they have fol- lowed the rules related to the planning authority and the vision for the development, constructing offices that have appealing facades and side- walks. They worry that the debris they see piling up on streets such as Hidden La- goon Drive and Blue Lagoon Drives, at the end of Sparkys Drive, detract from their ef- forts and hurt property values. Some have expressed concern that the largely un- regulated debris may be harming the environment as well. On a recent day, several junked cars sat on the road- side along Blue Lagoon Drive, one of which was on its side, its undercarriage exposed to the street. A dilapidated mo- bile home took up half a lane on the opposite side of the road. Two of its exterior walls were missing, exposing piles of insulation, carpeting and lumber on its floor. Jeremy Bodden’s family owns Robson Construction, which has a lot on Hidden Lagoon Drive. He said the scrap and equipment from some businesses are over- flowing onto the streets. “There’s so much garbage in the road, it’s getting an- noying,” Bodden said. “You have to [remove] it yourself.” He said he feels it’s ru- ining the area. “You’ve got a really nice Otis Air building and Clean Gas,” he said, referring to neighbouring businesses. “And one block away, you have all this junk.” Slimlines Trenching owner Richard Corbin said the de- bris sometimes makes it dif- ficult for him to get his heavy equipment in and out of his lot at the Hidden Lagoon and Blue Lagoon intersection. “One of the reasons we have a corner property is for access,” Corbin said. “They end up blocking our gates. There’s been days when you can barely get a car in there. “It’s a real convoluted mess,” he added. “I have a trade and business licence and keep my property clean and these guys do what they want. It’s gradually get- ting worse.” He said he has com- plained to government agen- cies, including the Depart- ment of Commerce and Investment, the Department of Environmental Health, the National Roads Authority and the police. “Nothing seems to happen,” he said. “On the surface, there’s a response to your complaint, but nothing further.” Joey Hew, the minister of commerce, planning and infrastructure and whose George Town North elec- toral district includes this area, acknowledged there is a problem. “It’s a broken-window syndrome,” Hew said, lik- ening it to the theory that when eyesore homes emerge in an impoverished area they tend to encourage further degradation of the neigh- bourhood. “We should deal with these things early. We want to encourage it to be developed in a much nicer fashion before we get too long into it.” Hew said he plans to set in motion the mechanisms for making that happen. “We have a bit of a task force that deals with these things,” he said. “We can get them to clean it up.” In addition to the debris littering the roads, a section of land between the Caymarl development and a canal to the north is owned by Dart. The land is eventually in- tended to be part of a new ac- cess road running from south of Camana Bay to Owen Rob- erts International Airport. While there are ‘No tres- passing’ signs posted at the end of the paved street, there are several places dotted with abandoned cars and other debris. In a statement, Dart said it has made efforts to keep unauthorised people from coming onto the prop- erty and is “conducting reg- ular site visits, in an effort to deter trespassers from dumping derelict vehicles on the property”. It also said it is working to clean the existing debris up. “We appreciate that illegal dumping of any kind poses a threat to environmental and public health,” the state- ment said. “We are working with the relevant authori- ties to have the derelict ve- hicles removed and disposed of in accordance with local legislation.” A statement from the De- partment of Environmental Health said there is little that agency can do. “There are no regula- tions that speak specifically to the disposal of oils/fluids emanating from motor ve- hicles,” the statement said. “The Cayman Islands Litter Law (1997 revision) however, defines oil/fluids as litter. ‘Litter means anything what- soever, including dust, dirt, oddments, leavings, waste paper, cigarette ends, bottles (whether empty or not), dere- lict vehicles and any dead an- imal or carrion.’” But agency officials have said the current litter laws are toothless and in need of revision. Spokeswoman Stacey- Ann Anderson said she was aware of only one complaint from a local business owner. The department is in the pro- cess of responding to it but “resolving the situation re- quires a multi-departmental approach”, she said. Hew said if the ground is being contaminated by oil or coolant, it would fall to the Water Authority to step in. About two dozen vehicles have overflowed from the rear of Maximum Auto on Blue Lagoon onto Dart’s property. Robert Robinson is the owner of Maximum Auto, which he calls a body shop and painting business. Junked cars fill most of his lot. The mobile home – since moved – and some of the junked cars on the street be- long to him, he said, but not all. “There’s a lot of things on the road that I don’t know about,” Robinson said. He said the same thing about some of the cars in the back of his business. “People bring vehi- cles there,” he said. “Dart came and told me I have to move them.” Robinson said he feels he often gets blamed for debris that is not his responsibility. “The other morning, some- body [left] a Ford van on the side of the road,” he said. “It reflects back to me like I’m the one doing it. I’m going to call the police and have them find the owner and get them to move it.” He added other people are also dumping junk outside his property. Richard Hurlstone owns the nearby Construction Equipment Services. Hurl- stone said the frustration of local business owners is growing. “The longer it goes on, the more people get annoyed, but nothing ever happens,” Hurlstone said. He said he and many others just want what’s fair. “Everyone who’s gone in here in the last two years has done it by the book,” he said. “I think everyone else should have to follow the same rules.” This scrapped car and motor home on Blue Lagoon Drive were partially blocking the road for weeks before being moved. Junked cars, such as these behind Maximum Auto, are a common sight in the marl pit area in the industrial park. - PHOTOS: MARK MUCKENFUSS Despite posted signs, abandoned cars have been dumped on Dart’s property in the Caymarl area.3 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 C A Y M A N ’S HOM E E X P O GIFTS | DISCOUNTS | DEMOS | VISITING EXPERTS | PRIZES FOOD & DRINKS STARTS TOMORROW WEEK → Green iguana cull update Iguanas culledTotal culled 0.00 200,000.00 400,000.00 600,000.00 800,000.00 1,000,000.00 1,200,000.00 1357911131517192123252729313335373941434547 Pace to reach 1.3 million Cayman nurses help Bahamas hurricane victims Iguana culls tops 925,000 New chairman for Human Rights Commission Last week, iguana cullers removed 18,172 of the in- vasive reptiles, bringing the total number killed since the start of the cull in October last year to 925,544. The weekly cull numbers, which had dwindled over the summer months, are the highest they have been since June, according to the latest Department of Environment statistics. Cullers are being paid $4.50 a head, rising to $5 if they meet monthly and an- nual targets, in an effort to wipe out the invasive species in Grand Cayman. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Attorney Dale Crowley has been appointed as the new chairman of the Human Rights Commission. He replaces attorney James Austin-Smith, who demitted office six months ago. Crowley’s three-year term commenced on 18 Sept. He has joined ex- isting members Reverend Yvette Noble-Bloomfield, Joni Kirkconnell and Dorothy Scott. Crowley’s appointment was among several made by Governor Martyn Roper, according to a Government Information Services statement. Roper also made ap- pointments to the Anti- Corruption Commission, Civil Service Appeals Commission and the Ju- dicial and Legal Services Commission. Anti-Corruption Com- mission members Sophia Harris and Kadi Pentney were re-appointed for a further three years. Their initial appoint- ment expired on 15 Aug. The ACC is chaired by Richard Coles. Members include Tim Ridley and Kenrick Hall. Huw Moses, according to the government re- lease, was appointed as chairman of the Civil Ser- vice Appeals Commission effective 4 March for a three-year term. Kimbert Solomon and Jennifer Skinner were appointed members of the Civil Ser- vice Appeals Commission effective 16 and 20 Sept., respectively. They will each serve three-year terms. They join existing members Stacey VanDe- velde, Vicki Hulse and Shomari Scott. Ormond Williams’ term as chairman of the Judicial and Legal Ser- vices Commission has been extended from 1 Aug. through to 31 Dec. The governor commended those who accepted their appointments. “The work of these Commissions is of the utmost importance to the good governance of our Islands and is fully supported by my of- fice,” he said. The governor has in- dicated that he intends to appoint more mem- bers on the Civil Service Appeals Commission, Constitutional Commis- sion, Human Rights Com- mission and the Judi- cial and Legal Services Commission. The government state- ment said earlier this year, Governor Roper began accepting ongoing expressions of interest from members of the public for consideration of appointment on these and other commissions supported by the Com- missions Secretariat. He encouraged “long- standing members of the community to ex- press their interest via the Commissions Secre- tariat for consideration of appointment in order to support the very im- portant work of these Commissions”. A team of six Cayman nurses is on the ground in the Bahamas assisting in disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. The registered nurses from the Health Services Authority and Health City Cayman Islands have been in the Bahamas since Friday, 20 Sept., providing relief sup- port to healthcare workers who are as- sisting people needing medical attention. The medical team comprises Maria Barnes-Campbell, Marlon Soriano, Riley Ondoy and Marian Slater of the HSA, and Joseph John and Mahesha Dundu- madaiah of HCCI. For two weeks, the nurses are conducting clinics and as- sisting with any other necessary medical care in Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands. “We are happy to provide some respite time for our healthcare counterparts in the Bahamas to allow them to look after themselves and their families. As health- care professionals, we are required to provide 24-hour medical care regardless of our personal circumstances,” said HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood in a press release. “We have sent experienced health profes- sionals whose areas of specialty range from critical care and operating room to maternity and emergency care.” She added that a second group will be sent to the Bahamas in early October to relieve the first team of nurses, who will be returning to Cayman. Health City clinical director and chief cardiac surgeon Dr. Binoy Chattupar- ambil said he was pleased to send med- ical staff to assist and thanked Ministry of Health and HSA officials for coordi- nating the effort. “It is heartwarming to see our is- lands’ Caymankind ethos in action from a medical perspective,” Chattupa- rambil said. “All of Cayman’s healthcare providers work together locally for the good of our patients every day, and we are extending this spirit of fraternity as we join together to assist our Bahamian neighbours in their time of need.” Minister of Health Dwayne Seymour noted that after Cayman “witnessed first- hand the devastating aftermath of a cat- egory 5 storm as a result of Hurricane Ivan, our hearts go out to our Caribbean neighbours in the Bahamas”, adding, “The Cayman Islands will continue to do our best to provide the support needed to help the people of the Bahamas regain stability and to alleviate some of the challenges they are facing during this difficult and overwhelming time.” Earlier this month, all three Grand Cayman hospitals, which also included CTMH Doctors Hospital, provided the Bahamas with more than 4,000 pounds of medical supplies. Crowley’s three-year term commenced on 18 Sept. He has joined existing members Reverend Yvette Noble- Bloomfield, Joni Kirkconnell and Dorothy Scott. Dale Crowley Cayman nurses Riley Ondoy and Marian Slater help out a patient in the Bahamas.4 LOCAL NEWS THURSDAY, 26 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” Cayman hosts fringe event at Labour Party conference The Cayman Islands gov- ernment has for the first time participated directly in a UK Labour Party con- ference by organising a fringe event to discuss the Cayman Islands with the left-wing party. The Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe André Ebanks attended the conference in Brighton this week to- gether with Jude Scott, chief executive officer of Cayman Finance, and a team from the Government Office in London. Moderated by Prospect magazine, the event in- volved a chaired discus- sion between Labour MP Catherine West and the Cayman Finance CEO about methods of taxation, in- cluding Cayman’s own tax neutral regime, the Min- istry of International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs said in a press release. Scott shared with the audience of Labour sup- porters and media facts about tax neutrality and clarified details about Cay- man’s process for veri- fying and sharing benefi- cial ownership information compared to self-reporting public registers. “I was very pleased that the Cayman Islands Govern- ment Office in the UK pre- sented the opportunity to engage with such a well-re- spected MP in this forum, a lot of good even-handed di- alogue and discussion took place today,” the Cayman Fi- nance chief executive said on Tuesday. “We were able to reinforce the great track record and the benefits of our tax neutral regime globally to a traditionally doubtful audience.” He said the conversation was balanced and informed and neutralised some of the historic scepticism. “We are sending a strong positive message that we are available and willing to continue to engage and be a part of this conversation,” Scott added. Last year, the Cayman Islands London office set up a branded booth at the Conservative Party Confer- ence in Birmingham. At- tendance at a Labour Party conference is, however, a first. “Events, engagement and attendance at party confer- ences form part of the on- going political engagement efforts by the Cayman Is- lands Government to in- teract with as many British parliamentarians as pos- sible in order to create and maintain positive working relationships, and are in- tended to better inform par- liamentarians and [the] UK public of Cayman’s history, heritage, culture, financial services, successful conser- vation work, healthcare and as a thriving British Over- seas Territory,” the ministry release stated. At the Labour confer- ence, Cayman Islands Rep- resentative Ebanks met with Gibraltar and Falkland The Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe André Ebanks attended the conference in Brighton this week together with Jude Scott, chief executive officer of Cayman Finance, and a team from the Government Office in London. New exhibit highlights creativity in Cayman prisons An exhibit is running this week in the Dart Audi- torium and Community Gal- lery showcasing works of art from artists at ‘Art Haven’. Close to 60 works of art by 31 participants are on dis- play. The exhibition, titled ‘Inside Out’, includes paint- ings, drawings, mixed media pieces and poetry. The exhibition, which is free to the public, is open 10am to 5pm until 27 Sept. Art Haven is an outreach programme by the Cayman Islands National Gallery of- fering guided art classes and materials at HMP Northward Prison, Fairbanks Prison, as well as Caribbean Haven Residential Centre. The class is taught by Joseph Betty, with spon- sorship from Kevin Butler and Lori Monk. Classes encourage the dis- covery of new skills and de- velopment of abilities, as well as using art as a ther- apeutic outlet to support mental health and overall well-being, according to the National Gallery. “Art Haven is one of NGCI’s longest running out- reach programmes, and is central to our mission of en- suring that art is accessible to all members of our com- munity,” said Jessica Ebanks, education coordinator at the National Gallery. “By offering guided classes and art supplies within HMP Northward, Fair- banks and Caribbean Haven, we aim to enrich participants’ lives and contribute toward the making of a healthy com- munity,” she added. “These artists are truly talented, and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase their work at the Gallery for all to enjoy,” she said. Cayman Islands Prison Service Director Steven Bar- rett said they were pleased once again to partner with the National Gallery on the Art Haven programme and exhibition. He said programmes which focus an inmate’s at- tention, hone their skills and enable personal expres- sion, are extremely impor- tant to their rehabilitation and help them to understand that talent, when channelled in the right way, very often leads into something positive. “Showcasing the work of inmates in this way helps to remind them that they are still very much part of the community and their tal- ents are worth sharing,” said Barrett. For more information, visit www.nationalgallery.org.ky. Cayman Finance CEO Jude Scott, Labour MP Catherine West and Cayman Islands Representative to the UK Andre Ebanks. Islands representatives and discussed mental health is- sues with Mental Health First Aid England. Ebanks also met Jonathan Reynolds, MP, Shadow Eco- nomic Secretary to the Treasury. Ebanks said his first month in the new post was off to a busy and “spirited start”, fol- lowing strategy meetings with his team in the London office, meetings with the High Com- mission of the Bahamas re- garding hurricane relief, meeting and briefing Cayman Islands Councillor David Wight and engaging with various public and private sector stakeholders. “Attendance at the Labour party conference has been in- valuable this year, combined with our first fringe event in conjunction with Cayman Fi- nance, we are ensuring that we have a much greater pres- ence and are at the forefront of political discussions con- cerning our financial ser- vices,” he said. “We are delighted to have had the support from Cayman Finance and that Catherine West MP was willing to engage and dis- cuss these important topics in a constructive and open manner. We very much look forward to further types of engagement like this to con- tinue this conversation.” Featured artists Marlon Porter, Devon Stewart and Canute Nairne alongside their work at the National Gallery. The exhibition, titled ‘Inside Out’, includes paintings, drawings, mixed media pieces and poetry.5 LOCAL NEWS CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 S ah, che THANK YOU TO OUR SPECIAL MENTION SPONSORS OCTOBER 5, 2019 The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman www.breastcancerfoundation.ky info@breastcancerfoundation.ky Featuring Special Guest Speaker Finalists named for Golden Apple Awards This year’s Golden Apple Award finalists have been an- nounced, with 12 teachers up for the annual recogni- tion based on nominations from parents, students, grad- uates, fellow teachers and the public. For the 2019 awards, 76 people were nominated for excellence in teaching across five categories. The awards, launched in 2007 by the Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Ministry of Edu- cation, recognises teachers and principals in public and private primary and high schools. Marjorie Scott has been tapped for the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Chamber president Chris Kirkconnell said of the awards, “[T]he high level of nominations received this year is testament to the im- pact our teachers have in our community. … The Chamber believes education is one of the most important aspects in shaping the future leaders in Cayman.” Finalist Clare Thorpe, principal and owner of Is- land Montessori, said she was “delighted” to be named a finalist in her category. “Since opening Island Mon- tessori in 2017, I have worked hard to assemble a won- derful team of teachers and support staff”, she said. “This ensures we provide a unique, child-centred envi- ronment nurturing and de- veloping the next genera- tion. To be nominated for this award is a huge honour and I am grateful for all the sup- port from our parents and community.” The 2019 finalists for High School Teacher in a Private School are: ■■ Jennifer Artuch, St. Ignatius Catholic School ■■ Daniel Baker, Cayman Prep and High School ■■ Katie Dilbert, Grace Christian Academy The finalists for High School Teacher in a Public School are: ■■ Kerita Levermore-Stewart, John Gray High School ■■ Dee Clark, Cayman Islands Further Education Centre The finalists for Primary School Teacher in a Private School are: ■■ Kelly Cowling, Cayman Prep and High School ■■ Allison Copeland, Cayman Academy The finalists for Primary School Teacher in a Public School are: ■■ Nadesha Edwards- Nyathi, Bodden Town Primary School ■■ Erica Powell, Savannah Primary School The finalists for Prin- cipal in a Public or Private School are: ■■ Adrian Jones of Layman E. Scott High School ■■ Clare Thorpe, Island Montessori The 2019 Golden Apple Awards will take place on World Teachers Day, 5 Oct. at the Kimpton Seafire Resort. To buy tickets for the event, go to www.caymanchamber.ky/ goldenappleawards. 6 months on, no charges in Brac fatality RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Six months after Cayman Brac resident Mitchell Marvin Ryan was knocked down and left to die at the side of the road, no one has been charged in relation to his death. A 28-year-old female suspect was detained in the case back in May. She was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dan- gerous driving. The Cayman Brac woman was granted bail. Since then, there have been no further updates on the case. Police told the Compass this week that their inves- tigations into Ryan’s death are still ongoing and it is “progressing”. Ryan, 55, was killed on 22 March. The Cayman Brac man was found unresponsive in the street on Watering Place Road, near La Esper- anza Bar and Restaurant. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No vehicle was present when police arrived. Police indicated that the circumstances strongly suggested Ryan was the victim of a hit-and-run. Officers from the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit were deployed to Cayman Brac at the time of the incident to assist with inquiries. Golden Apple finalist Clare Thorpe, principal of Island Montessori The scene at Watering Place Road on Cayman Brac where Mitchell Marvin Ryan was killed in an apparent hit-and-run on 22 March.The islands’ most-trusted news source 6 THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS meeting, he told fellow legisla- tors, “It is a fact that Brexit may have an effect [on] our legal, con- stitutional, operational and in- stitutional framework.” Bush contended that if the UK will be isolated and will need support to bolster its cir- cumstances then “they will cer- tainly enable OTs”. “The UK will need to op- erate more cooperatively and provide more liberty, and au- thority, to local jurisdictions [such] as our LA [Legislative As- sembly],” he said. Reflecting on what may happen post-Brexit, Bush said there will be uncertainties and speculations as to whether the UK may want to “bridle or re- strain and have greater influ- ence on OTs so as not to worsen or aggravate any circumstances favourable to them”. He pointed to contingent li- abilities, which, he said, “po- tentially further weaken OTs’ position if the OTs are not demonstrating that they have the acumen and expertise/ skill to govern their individual activities”. He suggested to parliamen- tarians that they can “devise a specific plan of our intentions and arrangement for clarity with the UK in the event of ei- ther eventuality”, referring to a Brexit agreement or a no-deal Brexit. As an executive member, Bush will be engaged in high- lighting the CPA Small Branches’ issues and challenges. Among the objectives of the executive “is to boost the cur- rent network for the CPA Small Branches by sharing knowl- edge and creating greater op- portunities for parliamentary strengthening and cooperation across the network”, the re- lease stated. initially predicted.” Hurricane Dorian, at category 5, was the most powerful storm to form this season. It claimed more than 50 lives in the Bahamas and racked up more than US$$2 billion in damages across the eastern Caribbean and the US east coast. Jones says initial models suggested an active El Nino was over the Car- ibbean area. El Nino and La Nina (Spanish for ‘little boy’ and ‘little girl’) refer to the heating and cooling of the tropical belt. For the Caribbean, an El Nino helps to suppress the cre- ation of storms, while a La Nina increases the chances. With some 10 weeks to go before the season ends, El Nino is now be- coming weaker. The shift in weather conditions is part of the reason why fore- casters are now calling for a 45% probability of an av- erage season. The revised projec- tions have seen the overall number of predicted storms increase from 13 to 14. This means forecasters expect as many as two more named systems, both of which could become hurricanes. Cayman and the wider western Caribbean have seen little to no storm ac- tivity so far. However, John Tibbetts, director general of Cayman’s National Weather Service, says now that the peak of the season has been reached, that could change. “The ones [storm sys- tems] that start to really concern us, is when we get into the month of October,” said Tibbetts. “Some of these storms start to form in the western Caribbean.” Tibbetts said that with the shift in storm develop- ment comes a higher risk for Cayman. “The problem with them is two-fold,” he said. “One, that time of year, the sea’s water is really warm, and so the possi- bility for rapid intensifica- tion exists. Number two is that, being that they are al- ready in the western Car- ibbean, they have a ten- dency to maybe shorten our warning times. So, one day you might be looking at a tropical wave or a tropical depression, all of a sudden, you have a major hurricane at your doorstep.” In order to increase the accuracy of storm predic- tions, the Caribbean re- gion will need to invest in equipment that tracks weather conditions, as well as increase the re- porting of the country-by- country observations. In- vesting in weather tracking and forecasting equipment is a pricy endeavour, which Jones says most Caribbean countries will not have to face for now. “There are enough re- sources to help monitor hurricane activity, perhaps more on land than at sea. I am not particularly sure of any observation sys- tems that belong to the Caribbean, that is currently within the Caribbean sea,” said Jones. While the accuracy of predictions has dramati- cally increased over the years, Tibbetts says there is still room for improvement. To increase accuracy, Jones says it will require more effort from all the Carib- bean countries. “One of our predic- tors is actually Carib- bean Zonal Winds – they are winds that move from east to west or from west to east, and those contain a lot of predictability,” said Jones. “It would defi- nitely help if we had way more observation of the Caribbean.” The last hurricane to make landfall in Cayman was Hurricane Paloma in 2008. Paloma pummelled Cayman Brac with 140 mph winds and left much de- struction in its wake. these overwhelming prob- lems,” Bodden argued. He said Cayman’s eco- nomic system is based on a consumption tax so the more that is consumed or used, the more money government earns from import duties and revenue. “Simply, [it] means that, without any limits, we are going to be getting more cars because the govern- ment is getting more duties, 22% and 29%. It does not make sense. We have to go in for some kind of planned economy,” he said. At the end of 2018, the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing reported that 35,620 vehicles had been inspected and passed in the Cayman Islands that year. A total of 27,991 were privately owned cars, an increase of 821 over 2017. Time to pause and reflect Bodden said the situation is getting to a point where it may be time to hit the pause button on bringing more people into Cayman, and take stock of the country’s precise needs. “We must have a man- power needs assessment survey … [looking at] what kind of economy are we going to build? What skills do we need to build it? Where are we going to get the skills from? Are we going to grow some home- grown? Are we going to import some? And if you are getting homegrown skills, have we got the in- frastructure in place?” he questioned. He said coupled with those questions comes the issue of which jurisdic- tions Cayman is going to im- port human resources from, “because in any popula- tion growth, for it to be ef- fective, we to have to have a balance”. He said until the man- power needs assessment survey is done to determine how many people Cayman can absorb beyond what it has now, there is no way to tell what an optimum pop- ulation would look like for these islands. Bodden contended that, apart from the resources, there is a need to spread the population throughout the island. “Are they all going to be in George Town, in the cor- ridor that is popular now? Or is the population going to be evenly spread out? And then what are we going to do about the infrastructure and the environment, because these are the people who are going to be taxing the envi- ronment,” he said. He added that attention must be paid to the environ- mental and social impact of a larger population. “There is going to be more refuse collection, more strain on the infrastructure, essential services. How are we going to absorb them into the school and social system? So personally, I am very cynical about the whole idea of such a population growth over such a short pe- riod of time, when there are no obvious plans,” he said. Added to this, Bodden stressed, the Caymanian people must not be left out of the process. “Right now, we are having concerns expressed by the Caymanian people that they are being outnumbered, that they are being suffocated. We have to listen to these things and plan accord- ingly,” he said. Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly Speaker McKeeva Bush, third from left, has been elected the Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Small Branches Executive Council at a conference in Kampala, Uganda. He is seen here with other members of the council. - PHOTO: SUBMITTED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Bush to represent small nations in Commonwealth council Forecasters revise hurricane predictions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Population grows to 65,813 at end of 2018 Roy Bodden Based on the numbers in the ESO report, Cayman could reach 70,000 residents in the next two years if the upward trend continues. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 US, JAPAN AGREE ON 1ST STAGE OF NEW TRADE AGREEMENT UNITED NATIONS (AP) – The US and Japan on Wednesday signed a limited trade deal that will eliminate tariffs and expand market access on farm, industrial and dig- ital products. But the deal does not address autos, a key sticking point during months of contentious negotiations. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed the deal on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Trump called it the “first stage of a phenomenal new trade agree- ment” and described it as “out- lining the significant steps we’re taking toward a fair and reciprocal trade agreement”. “This is a big chunk, but in the fairly near future we’re going to be having a lot more comprehensive deals signed with Japan,” Trump said. Abe said the agreement is good for both countries. “We have successfully cov- ered a wide range of areas, including not only the indus- trial goods, but also the ag- ricultural products and also the digital trade between the two sides,” Abe said. Trump has been seeking a bilateral agreement with Japan, the world’s third largest economy, since pulling out of the Trans-Pa- cific Partnership trade deal after he took office. Wash- ington would like to reduce a chronic trade imbalance that totalled $67.6 billion in 2018, according to US figures The two sides reached a basic agreement in late Au- gust, but a major point of contention has been autos. Japan is worried that Trump might slap new tar- iffs on its automobiles, which make up a significant amount of its exports to the US. Japan also has pushed to eliminate the current 2.5% auto and auto parts tariff. United States Trade Rep- resentative Robert Lighthizer said it’s not Trump’s inten- tion “at this point” to raise tariffs on Japanese autos. Ja- pan’s trade minister, Isshu Sugawara, and other top trade officials are to meet with heads of Japanese au- tomakers Thursday morning in an apparent attempt to ease their worries. US farm groups ap- plauded the announcement. They have been warning the Trump administration that agricultural producers could soon expect to lose market share in Japan if the United States was not treated on par with top competitors from Canada, Mexico, Australia and the European Union. Japan, which imports US farm products worth $14 billion, is America’s third largest market.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 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. CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 THURSDAY, 26 SEPT. PUB QUIZ: Trivia fundraiser at Fidel Murphy’s for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands. Call 949‑5189 to book a table. CHAMBER COURSE: ‘Immigration – Work Permits (BVPs, TWPs and RERCs)’. A 4‑hour course intended to detail the options under which non‑Caymanians can lawfully work in Cayman. 9am to 1pm. Member price, $250; future member price $325. Contact Sharon Shaw on 743‑9129 or email programmes@ caymanchamber.ky. LOCKED INN FUNDRAISER: One Dog At A Time will hold a Locked Inn session at 6pm. $300 entry per team of 6 or $50 for individuals. Price includes the Locked Inn Experience, food and a complimentary drink. Additional refreshments available. Call 917‑8284 or 926‑7506 or email onedogatatimeky@gmail.com. FRIDAY, 27 SEPT. SUMSPLASH: The SumSplash Summer Fest will feature live music from Machel Montano, Konshens, Skip Marley and others. 7pm to 1am. Festival Green at Camana Bay. Tickets available at www.eventpro.ky. SATURDAY, 28 SEPT. TURTLE CENTRE FAMILY FUN: Join the Department of Children and Family Services at the Cayman Islands Turtle Centre for a free Family Fun Day. 10am to 4pm. Pre‑register for entry and complimentary buffet. Call 949‑8789. MEN’S FELLOWSHIP: The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast at 7:30am, at Aroma restaurant in Camana Bay. There will be open sharing. SUNDAY, 29 SEPT. DG’S 5K: The DG’s 5K Challenge, an annual walk/run led by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson. Beneficiaries this year are the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, the Special Needs Foundation Cayman and the Alex Panton Foundation. Register at www.caymanactive.com/dg5K. Email dg5K@gov.ky or call 244‑3609. WALK/RUN FOR RECOVERY: The Hope for Today Foundation is hosting a 5K run/walk, starting at Seven Mile Public Beach at 6pm, to fundraise to benefit its halfway house. Call Brent Hydes, 928‑9099 for details. LIGHT THE SKY RED: Camana Bay and the Cayman Heart Fund are joining forces to mark World Heart Day. The sky above Camana Bay will turn red at 6‑9pm. People are encouraged to wear red. ODAAT PLANT SALE: Proceeds from the plant sale will go to One Dog At A Time, Mercury Crescent, South Sound Road. 9am to noon. Refreshments will be available to purchase. Any keen gardeners who would like to contribute plants for the sale beforehand, WhatsApp CJ on 939‑3995 to arrange collection. TUESDAY, 1 OCT. ELECTIONS OFFICE LATE OPENING: Today is the last day to register for voters who want their names added to the January 2020 voters list. The Elections Office at the Smith Road Centre will remain open until 9pm today. OLDER PERSONS GARDEN PARTY: To celebrate the International Day of Older Persons a garden party will be held at Pedro St. James at 3‑6pm. CHAMBER COURSE: Workshop: ‘Exceeding Customer Expectations’. 9am to 1pm. At the Chamber office in Governors Square. Member price, $150; future member price, $225. Call Sharon Shaw on 743‑9129 or email programmes@ caymanchamber.ky. THURSDAY, 3 OCT. NORTH SIDE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens tonight will hold the first of a series of breast cancer awareness talks this month. Mammogram vouchers available for eligible persons. 7pm, William Pouchie Memorial Church Hall, North Side. PIANO RECITAL: As part of Cayman Arts Festival, UK pianist Martin Roscoe will perform at St. George’s Anglican Church, 6:30‑8:30pm. Tickets: US$75 for family package (2 adults, 2 students); US$35 for adults; US$10 for students. Email enquiries@ caymanartsfestival. com or call 922‑5550 for more details. OLDER PERSONS BRAC TOUR: Part of Older Persons Month. Tour Cayman Brac. 9am‑1pm. Call Annie Rose Scott on 925‑9872 or 916‑7310 to register. FRIDAY, 4 OCT. OLDER PERSONS GYM DAY: Part of Older Persons Month. Yoga at Bliss Yoga, 1:30‑2:15pm. PINK HAPPY HOUR: At Premier Crew from 5pm. Drink specials, Seven Fathoms gin garden, games, gel on nail special by Equal salon. Funds raised will be donated to the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens’ breast cancer awareness campaign. SATURDAY, 5 OCT. KAIBO WALK/RUN: The annual 5/10K Brenda Tibbetts Lund walk/run at Kaibo. Set off from ‘Water Cay’ Beach at 6am. Register at www.caymanactive.com. OLDER PERSONS FELLOWSHIP BRUNCH: Part of Older Persons Month. Circle of Love Fellowship Brunch at Triple C School Hall, 10am‑12:30pm. WALK FOR THE CURE: The 8th annual Walk for the Cure takes place at 6:30am at Seven Mile Public Beach. Adults (12 and up) $20; Children (3‑11) $10. Free T‑shirt, while supplies last. 100% of proceeds to benefit Cayman Islands Cancer Society. Register at any CIBC/First Caribbean branch. Contact Shadden McLaughlin at 815‑2405 or shadden.mclaughlin@ cibcfcib.com for more details. 10K TO HELL AND BACK: The annual Pirates Week 10K to Hell and Back. 7am, Raleigh Quay Road, next to Kimpton Seafire. $25 registration fee. Free T‑shirt to first 50 paid registrants. Breakfast and awards ceremony at Calico Jack’s. Spot prizes available. No race day registration. Register online at www.caymanactive.com. Call 949‑5078 or email events@ piratesweekfestival.com. SAMEENA’S DAY OF BEAUTY: Specials all day with money raised donated to the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens’ breast cancer awareness campaign. SUNDAY, 6 OCT. OLDER PERSONS CHURCH SERVICE: Wesleyan Holiness Church, West Bay. 11am. MONDAY, 7 OCT. WEST BAY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens hosts a breast cancer awareness meeting tonight at 7pm. Mammogram vouchers available for eligible persons. John Gray Memorial Church Hall, West Bay. OLDER PERSONS ISLAND TOUR: As part of Older Persons Month, the Department of Children and Family Services is organising a tour of Grand Cayman. To register, call one of the following people – West Bay: Vanda Powery (916‑7902); George Town: Dorline Welcome (925‑4083); Bodden Town: Flavia Gardener (926‑0490)/ Carol Bodden (924‑3309); North Side: Flavia Gardener (926‑0490); East End: Delmira Bodden (925‑5543). TUESDAY, 8 OCT. BRAC BINGO: Bingo Night for older persons at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre. 7‑9pm. Call Annie Rose Scott on 925‑9872/916‑7310 for transportation. WEDNESDAY, 9 OCT. BOHEMIAN NIGHTS: Central Terrace (upstairs) at Bayshore Mall on the George Town waterfront. 7‑10pm: Enjoy live music, painting, art market. If interested in reserving an art space, email info@visualartcayman.com. BODDEN TOWN BREAST CANCER CLINIC: The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens hosts a daytime breast cancer awareness clinic. Bodden Town District Health Clinic. 10am. Mammogram vouchers available for eligible persons. OLDER PERSONS ISLAND TOUR: Tour of Grand Cayman for older persons. See contact details on 7 Oct. listing. THURSDAY, 10 OCT. BODDEN TOWN BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens hosts a breast cancer awareness meeting tonight at 7pm. Mammogram vouchers available for eligible persons. Webster Memorial Church Hall, Bodden Town. FRIDAY, 11 OCT. LITTLE CAYMAN TOUR: As part of Older Persons Month, a tour of Little Cayman and a social will be held. Call Annie Rose Scott on 925‑9872 or 916‑7310 for details. SUNDAY, 13 OCT. BRENDA TIBBETTS LUND WALK/RUN: The annual 5/10K Brenda Tibbetts Lund walk/run will be held this morning, setting off from Seven Mile Public Beach. Register at www.caymanactive.com. TUESDAY, 15 OCT. WEST BAY BREAST CANCER CLINIC: The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens hosts a breast cancer awareness clinic at 10am. West Bay District Health Centre. Mammogram vouchers available. THURSDAY, 17 OCT. VOICES AROUND THE WORLD: Jasmine, in recognition of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day to support Voices for Hospice, hosts ‘Voices Around The World’ at the Harquail Theatre. Show starts at 7pm. Featuring performances from the Cayman National Choir, Cayman National Orchestra, Singrays a cappella group, Miss Jackie’s Company Dancers and more. Adults, $30; Under 18, $10. Tickets available from www.eventpro.ky/ voices‑for‑hospice. For more information, email info@jasmine.ky or call 945‑7447. EAST END BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens hosts a breast cancer awareness meeting tonight at 7pm. Mammogram vouchers available for eligible persons. East End United Church Hall. LEGAL ADVICE FOR OLDER PERSONS: A presentation on court services and legal advice at Elmslie Memorial United Church Hall, 10‑11:30am. SATURDAY, 19 OCT. CAYMAN ISLANDS VETERANS ASSOCIATION: The 8th annual veterans benefit dinner/dance takes place at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, held to full military etiquette. The event is a fundraiser for veterans and recognises Cayman’s veterans, heroes, current service members, local police, fire service and seamen. Contact Andrew McLaughlin at 916‑5317 or caymanislandsveterans@ gmail.com for more details. BINGO NIGHT: Part of Older Persons Month. Bingo night at the Lions Community Centre, 5‑7pm. For more Community Calendar events, visit www.caymancompass.com/events. Runners and walkers join in an earlier DG’s 5K. This year’s run/walk will be held on Sunday, 29 Sept. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAYThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Earthquake relief efforts begin in Pakistan Authorities began distributing tents, food and water among thousands of earthquake victims in Pakistan-held Kashmir on Wednesday, as the death toll from a powerful 5.8 magnitude temblor that rocked the country’s northeast on Tuesday jumped to 37. Washington plunges into impeachment probe Angry UK lawmakers challenge attorney general on Brexit advice LONDON (AP) – British At- torney General Geoffrey Cox accused Parliament on Wednesday of being a “dis- grace” as lawmakers returned for the first day of work since a bombshell court decision deemed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s suspension of Par- liament to be illegal. Cox’s baritone voice boomed across the House of Commons as he defended the advice he gave Johnson backing the suspension. He aggressively took the of- fensive, accusing what he called a “dead Parliament” of being “too cowardly” to vote for no-confidence mo- tion in Johnson’s govern- ment, which would trigger an early election. “This Parliament should have the courage to face the electorate, but it won’t, be- cause so many of them are really all about preventing us leaving the European Union,” he told lawmakers. “But the time is coming. The time is coming, Mr. Speaker, when even these turkeys won’t be able to prevent Christmas.” Johnson remains on a collision course with Parlia- ment over his determination to pull Britain out of the Eu- ropean Union on 31 Oct. even if no divorce deal is reached. Parliament has passed a law requiring him to seek a Brexit extension if there is no deal, but Johnson says he will not do that under any circumstances. The prime minister flew back to London in the morning, cutting short a trip to the UN General Assembly in New York as demands for his resignation rose from opposition parties after the court ruling. After the court ruling Tuesday, Johnson had brushed aside questions about whether he would re- sign. He said he “strongly” disagreed with the court de- cision and even suggested he might try to suspend Parlia- ment for a second time. In the House of Commons, newly returned lawmakers focussed their ire Wednesday on Cox, who was forced to concede that he may have to make further disclosures about his advice that the sus- pension was legal. “I will consider over the coming days whether the public interest might require a greater disclosure of the advice given to the govern- ment,” Cox said. Johnson will address Par- liament later Wednesday but, looking ahead to a possible early general election, has begun to position himself as the champion of the people facing a recalcitrant estab- lishment bent on frustrating the 2016 Brexit vote. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said Johnson should say he was sorry to the public and to Queen Eliza- beth II for telling her that Parliament should be sus- pended until 14 Oct. The sus- pension would have limited debate before Britain’s sched- uled 31 Oct. departure from the 28-nation bloc. “I think he should apolo- gise to her [the Queen] for the advice he gave her but, more importantly, apologise to the British people for what he’s done in trying to shut down our democracy at a very cru- cial time when people are very, very worried about what will happen on October 31,” Corbyn told the BBC. The lawmakers on Wednesday will also discuss Brexit readiness preparations and the collapse of tour op- erator Thomas Cook, which is estimated to cost the gov- ernment 100 million pounds (US$125 million) as it repatri- ates some 150,000 travellers home to Britain. In his speech to the UN in New York, Johnson men- tioned Brexit only once – as a pointed aside while recalling the myth of Prometheus, who was chained to a rock by Zeus and sentenced to have his liver eaten out by an eagle for eternity. “And this went on forever,” he quipped, “a bit like the ex- perience of Brexit in the UK, if some of our parliamentar- ians had their way”. WASHINGTON (AP) – Pres- ident Donald Trump re- peatedly pushed Ukraine’s president to investigate Dem- ocratic rival Joe Biden, ac- cording to a rough transcript of a summer phone call that is now at the centre of Dem- ocrats’ impeachment probe into Trump. In the conversation, Trump told his Ukrainian counterpart: “I would like for you to do us a favor.” He urges him to work with At- torney General William Barr and Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s personal lawyer. The president’s words set the parameters of the po- litical debate to come, with Democrats saying that it laid the predicate for an impeach- ment inquiry and Trump dismissing it as a “nothing call”. Yet the rough tran- script clearly shows Trump’s willingness to engage a for- eign leader on matters di- rectly related to his reelec- tion prospects. The new impeachment probe plunges a deeply di- vided nation into an elec- tion year clash between Con- gress and the commander in chief. The probe injects deep uncertainty into the 2020 election campaign and tests anew the nation’s con- stitutional system of checks and balances. Trump spent Wednesday meeting with world leaders at the United Nations, a re- markable split screen even for the turbulence of the Trump era. On his schedule: a meeting with Ukrainian Pres- ident Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whose contacts with Trump are now central to the im- peachment inquiry. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who launched the impeachment inquiry after months of resistance, said Trump’s call with Zelen- skiy amounted to a “shake down” to benefit his cam- paign. She declared: “Con- gress must act.” Trump, who thrives on combat, has all but dared Democrats to move to- wards impeachment, confi- dent that the spectre of an investigation led by the op- position party will bolster rather than diminish his po- litical support. “Just so you understand, it’s the single greatest witch hunt in American history, probably in history,” Trump said during a meeting with foreign leaders in New York. Republicans largely stood by the president and dis- missed the notion that the rough transcript revealed any wrongdoing by Trump. “I think it was a perfectly appropriate phone call, it was a congratulatory phone call,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican. “The Democrats continually make these huge claims and allegations about President Trump, and then you find out there’s no there there.” The call is one part of a whistleblower complaint on the president’s activi- ties, though the administra- tion has blocked Congress from getting other details of the report, citing presiden- tial privilege. The complaint was being reviewed for classified ma- terial and could go to Con- gress by Thursday, according to a person familiar with the issue who was not au- thorised to discuss it pub- licly and spoke on condition of anonymity. In the rough transcript of the 30-minute phone call with Zelenskiy, Trump encourages the Ukrainian leader to talk with Giuliani and Barr. Im- mediately after saying they would be in touch, Trump ref- erences Ukraine’s economy, saying: “Your economy is going to get better and better I predict. You have a lot of as- sets. It’s a great country.” In the days before the call, Trump ordered ad- visers to freeze $400 million in military aid for Ukraine – prompting speculation that he was holding out the money as leverage for infor- mation on the Bidens. Trump has denied that charge and the aid package does not come up in the conversation with Zelenskiy. Trump has sought to im- plicate Biden and his son in the kind of corruption that has long plagued Ukraine. Hunter Biden served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company at the same time his father was leading the Obama administration’s dip- lomatic dealings with Kyiv. Though the timing raised concerns among anti-cor- ruption advocates, there has been no evidence of wrong- doing by either the former vice president or his son. Biden said Tuesday, before Pelosi’s announcement, that if Trump does not cooperate with lawmakers’ demands for documents and testimony in its investigations the pres- ident “will leave Congress … with no choice but to in- itiate impeachment”. He said that would be a tragedy of Trump’s “own making”. While the possibility of impeachment has hung over Trump for many months, the likelihood of a probe had faded after special counsel Robert Mueller’s Trump- Russia investigation ended without a clear directive for lawmakers. Since then, the House committees have revisited as- pects of the Mueller probe while also launching new in- quiries into Trump’s busi- nesses and various admin- istration scandals that all seemed likely to drag on for months. But details of Trump’s dealings with Ukraine prompted Democrats to quickly shift course. By the time Pelosi announced the probe, about two-thirds of House Democrats had an- nounced moving towards im- peachment probes. The burden will prob- ably now shift to Demo- crats to make the case to a scandal-weary public. In a highly polarised Congress, an impeachment inquiry could simply showcase how clearly two sides can disa- gree when shown the same evidence rather than ap- proach consensus. On Wednesday, the Dem- ocratic-controlled House is expected to consider a sym- bolic but still notable reso- lution insisting the Trump administration turn over to Congress the whistleblower’s complaint. The Republican- led Senate, in a rare bipar- tisan moment, unanimously approved a similar resolu- tion Tuesday. The lawyer for the whistleblower, who is still anonymous, released a state- ment saying he had asked Trump’s director of national intelligence to turn over the complaint to House commit- tees and asking guidance to permit the whistleblower to meet with lawmakers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reads a statement announcing a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, Tuesday on Capitol Hill in Washington. – PHOTO: AP Britain’s Prime Minster Boris Johnson arrives at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday. – PHOTO: AP The new impeachment probe plunges a deeply divided nation into an election year clash between Congress and the commander in chief.9 WORLD®IONAL CAYMAN COMPASS • THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2019 Pakistan PM warns of war with India over disputed Kashmir Juul to end product advertising and replace CEOKAREN EXITS CARIBBEAN AFTER CAUSING FLOODING, POWER OUTAGES (AP) – Juul Labs will no longer promote its e-ciga- rettes in print, digital and TV advertisements and is re- placing its CEO amid an es- calating backlash against vaping nationwide. The nation’s largest e-cig- arette maker also pledged Wednesday not to lobby against a sweeping ban on vaping flavours proposed by the Trump administration earlier this month. Juul announced its CEO, Kevin Burns, will step down and be replaced by a senior executive from Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes. Altria took a 35% stake in Juul in December at a cost of $13 billion. The shakeup comes amid growing public furore over vaping that has triggered calls for tighter restrictions at the federal and state levels. On Tuesday, Massachusetts proposed banning all vaping products for four months. Juul and hundreds of smaller e-cigarette compa- nies are fighting for their sur- vival as they face two public health debacles linked to vaping: a mysterious lung ill- ness and rising use of e-ciga- rettes by teenagers. Public health officials are investigating hundreds of cases of the breathing ail- ment but have not yet iden- tified any one product or ingredient. At the same time, underage vaping has reached epidemic levels, ac- cording to top government health officials, with more than 1 in 4 high school stu- dents using e-cigarettes in the last month. Also on Wednesday, one month after announcing that they were in merger talks, the tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris International said they were calling off those discussions. Juul quickly propelled it- self to the top of the e-ciga- rette market with a combi- nation of high-nicotine pods, dessert and fruit flavours and viral marketing. Today the San Francisco company con- trols roughly 70% of the US e- cigarette market. Since 2018 Juul has tried to head off a crackdown with a series of voluntary steps, halting retail stores of sev- eral flavours and shutting down its social media pres- ence. But parents, politicians and public health advocates have continued to push for a broader crackdown. The company now faces multiple investigations from Congress, several federal agencies and state attor- neys general. Earlier this month, Presi- dent Donald Trump said that the federal government will act to ban thousands of fla- vours used in e-cigarettes in response to a recent surge in underage vaping that has alarmed parents, politi- cians and health authorities nationwide. Altria Group Inc. said that K.C. Crosthwaite will be- come JUUL’s new CEO, re- placing Kevin Burns. Crosth- waite served as Altria’s chief growth officer. Crosthwaite said in a pre- pared statement that Juul has long focused on pro- viding adult smokers with alternatives, but recognised that there’s currently “un- acceptable levels of youth usage and eroding public confidence in our industry”. “We must strive to work with regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders, and earn the trust of the societies in which we operate. That in- cludes inviting an open dia- logue, listening to others and being responsive to their con- cerns,” he said. Altria and Philip Morris said last month that they were in discussions to be- come a single company, more than a decade after splitting into two as law- suits mounted. Altria has exclusively sold Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco brands in the US, while Philip Morris has handled international sales. Philip Morris Interna- tional Inc. CEO André Cal- antzopoulos said Wednesday that the companies will in- stead focus on launching IQOS in the US. IQOS is a heat-not-burn cigarette alter- native made by Philip Morris. It was Crosthwaite, who will take over Juul, who headed the development of IQOS. Shares of both compa- nies rose in early trading, with Philip Morris’ stock jumping almost 7%. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Authorities in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands reported limited power out- ages, flooding and land- slides as Tropical Storm Karen swirled away from the northeast Caribbean on Wednesday. Schools remained closed in Puerto Rico, although government offices reo- pened. Meanwhile, every- thing reopened in the US Virgin Islands, except for of- fices and schools in St. John. Crews also temporarily closed some coastal roads in southeastern Puerto Rico that flooded after Karen hit the island on Tuesday, leaving up to 29,000 cus- tomers without power at one point. An islandwide outage was reported in neigh- bouring St. Thomas Tuesday morning, followed by smaller outages later that afternoon. Forecasters warned of more rain showers for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands throughout Wednesday, but those were expected to dissi- pate by Thursday as Karen heads north. The US National Hur- ricane Center said the storm might slow and loop back towards the west by the weekend. Karen was located about 155 miles north northeast of San Juan early Wednesday and was moving north at 14 mph. It had maximum sustained winds increased in the afternoon to 45 mph, with some strengthening expected in upcoming days. Meanwhile, Jerry be- came a post-tropical cy- clone and was expected to pass near Bermuda on Wednesday. It was about 155 miles west of Bermuda and had sustained winds of 45 mph as it moved north- northeast at 7 mph. In addition, Lorenzo be- came the fifth Atlantic hur- ricane of the season and was projected to become a major hurricane by the end of the week, although it is not expected to affect the Caribbean. It was cen- tred about 640 miles south- west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. It was heading west-northwest at 17 mph. UNITED NATIONS (AP) – Paki- stani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned in blunt terms Tuesday of possible war be- tween Pakistan and India over what he called a brutal Indian crackdown in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. The nuclear-armed rivals, which have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, have been locked in a wors- ening standoff since 5 Aug., when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who Khan called a “racist”, stripped the portion of Kashmir that India controls of its limited au- tonomy. Indian authorities imposed a sweeping military curfew and cut off residents from all communications and the internet. “For 50 days, the people of Kashmir have been locked down by 900,000 soldiers,” Khan said, describing mass arrests, non-functioning hospitals and “a total news blackout” in the region. “Eight million people in an open jail is unprecedented in this day and age,” Khan said. “The biggest worry is what happens once the curfew is lifted? We fear with 900,000 soldiers there, there will be a massacre.” India and Pakistan’s con- flict over Kashmir dates to the late 1940s when they won independence from Britain. The region is one of the most heavily milita- rised in the world, patrolled by soldiers and paramilitary police. Most Kashmiris re- sent the Indian troop pres- ence. Modi has defended the Kashmir changes as freeing the territory from separa- tism, and his supporters welcomed the move. US President Donald Trump said after an ear- lier meeting with Khan that it would be great if Modi and Khan can resolve their standoff over Kashmir. But while Khan said he has raised Kashmir with world leaders this week, he expressed no interest in meeting with Modi. “Unfortunately India today is governed by a racist, a Hindu supremacist,” Khan said. “They do not consider Muslims as equal citizens.” Indian UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin indicated in a recent interview that a meeting between Modi and Khan was unlikely: “There has to be an enabling envi- ronment before leaders meet.” “Today the talk that is emanating from Pakistan in certainly not conducive to that enabling environment,” he said. Khan also addressed claims by India’s army chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat, that Pa- kistan has reactivated mili- tant camps in Pakistan-held Kashmir and about 500 mili- tants are waiting to infiltrate India. He did not provide any evidence to back his claims. Khan called the claims “nonsense”. “What possible benefit is Pakistan going to have now sending in terrorists when there are 900,000 security forces there? All that would happen is that there would be more oppression on the people of Kashmir,” he said. Khan also said that he had begun, at the request of the US president, to mediate between Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani over a nuclear standoff. He provided no other details but said he had spoken to Rou- hani on Monday after Trump asked Khan to “deescalate the situation”. “We are trying our best,” he said. India and Pakistan’s conflict over Kashmir dates to the late 1940s when they won independence from Britain. Juul and hundreds of smaller e-cigarette companies are fighting for their survival as they face two public health debacles linked to vaping: a mysterious lung illness and rising use of e-cigarettes by teenagers. Forecasters warned of more rain showers for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands throughout Wednesday, but those were expected to dissipate by Thursday as Karen heads north. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, speaks to reporters during a news conference at United Nations headquarters Tuesday. – PHOTO: AP Juul products are displayed at a smoke shop in New York, as criticism over vaping continues to intensify. – PHOTO: APNext >