WHAT’S HOT WEEKLY The Great Disconnect WHAT’S HOT WEEKLY LOCAL | PAGE 4 CAMPAIGNERS: CAYMAN CANNOT COPE WITH 2.5M CRUISE PASSENGERS Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. High of 89 Low of 78 ESTABLISHED 1965 www.caymancompass.com SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY – 75 CENTS – FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 Construction work on the new John Gray High School has been given the go-ahead to restart. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY Dorian survivor finds hope through face painting RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky A routine trip back home to Bahamas quickly turned into a nightmare for 29‑year‑ old Cayman Islands resident Lateishea Cooper as she and her family faced the passage of Hur‑ ricane Dorian. Cooper was in the Abaco Is‑ lands earlier this month when the devastating storm hit the Ba‑ hamas at 185 miles an hour. “When we realised it was a Category 5, we knew we just had to buckle and ride that one out and just hope for the best, be‑ cause we have never seen a Cat‑ egory 5. … I could never have dreamt what we were about to get into,” Cooper said. The hurricane pummelled is‑ lands along the Bahamas chain for three days. The official death toll stands at more than 50, but at least 1,300 people were still unaccounted for this week. Cooper, who provides Lateishea Cooper says face painting is helping her cope with the trauma of Hurricane Dorian. - PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY John Gray project given green light JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky A $40 million plan to complete the new John Gray High School campus was approved by the Central Planning Au‑ thority Wednesday. The decision means the project, which has been in progress for more than a decade, can finally move towards conclu‑ sion. Around $54 million had been spent when issues with the original contractor and a government funding crisis brought a halt to construction in 2012. It has since been revived, with the com‑ pletion of the school gym in 2017. Now the Ministry of Education is aiming to finish the job. The project has undergone a radical re‑ design, moving away from the original plan for separate academies and open‑plan classrooms. That design proved unpopular with teaching staff at the new Clifton Hunter High School. This time, extensive input from teachers, parents and even students has been factored in. Principal Jon Clark told the Cayman Compass Thursday he was delighted the project was moving forward. He said he and his team had been involved every step of the way. “The goal is to have a world‑class school. That is about more than just the buildings,” he said. “We are trying to get our exams up to international standards and we are making inroads there. “We are improving teaching and learning, we are sorting out world‑class trips for the students, a world‑class experience. That will go to the next level now with the new building.” He said the teaching staff had been clear that they wanted traditional walled class‑ rooms in preference to the more open design that proved unpopular at Clifton Hunter. Other changes to the design mean there will no longer be three mini schools for each academy, as originally envisaged. In‑ stead, classrooms will be grouped together by subject matter, with separate sections for humanities, STEM and other subject areas. Clark said this approach would allow the school to remain as one community and enable teachers in each subject matter to share resources and work together more collaboratively. Though there will be more than one PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8 » PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9 »2 LOCAL NEWS Two women were held up at gunpoint on Wednesday night in George Town. The lone robber made off with an undisclosed sum of cash following the incident. Police said it happened shortly after 9pm just west of the Shedden Road intersec- tion with Liberty Lane. The two women were out- side a business when they were approached by a man brandishing a handgun. Police said he demanded one of the women’s handbag. He then fled on foot via Liberty Lane with the bag. It contained personal items and a quantity of cash. Police said the man was de- scribed as tall, with a light com- plexion. He had brown eyes, and was wearing a black hoodie with the lower half of his face covered. The suspect reportedly walked with a limp. FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 CAYMAN COMPASS The opening sentence of the article ‘Registry makes company director information available for inspection’ published on 25 Sept. stated that the names of directors and officers of Cayman com- panies would be made available for inspec- tion by General Registry. However, the new service only applies to directors, not officers. BREAKTHROUGH (PG) 1:25 I 4:10 I 7:15 I 10:00 SUN: 4:10 I 7:15 I 10:00 KALANK (PG) 3:10 I 9:00 (SAT ONLY) I 9:30 (NO SAT) SUN: 3:10 I 9:20 LITTLE (PG13) 12:30 I 3:25 (SAT ONLY) I 3:50 (NO SAT) 6:50 I 9:45 SUN: 3:50 I 6:50 I 9:35 DUMBO (PG) 10:30 (SAT ONLY) I 4:35 I 7:15 (NO SAT) SUN: 4:35 I 7:15 CAPTAIN MARVEL (PG13) 1:40 I 10:00 (NO SAT) SUN: 6:30 I 10:00 THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA (R) 1:10 VIP I 4:35 I 7:00 VIP I 10:15 HELLBOY (R) 12:35 (SAT ONLY) I 1:00 I 6:10 (SAT ONLY) I 6:45 SHAZAM! (PG13) 1:30 I 3:40 VIP I 7:15 I 9:30 VIP SUN: 3:40 VIP I 4:40 I 6:40 VIP 8:00 I 9:40 VIP KIDS CLUB: OVER THE HEDGE (PG) 10:00 (SAT ONLY) CULTURE AT THE CINEMA: THE TRAGEDY OF KIND RICHARD THE SECOND (R18) SAT ONLY: 8:00 Matinees Daily (matinee price before 6pm) Seniors $8.00, Mon-Fri Before 6pm Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. - FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) ABOMINABLE (PG) 10:30 VIP (SAT) | 1:10 (SAT) | 2:10 (FRI) | 3:40 3D (SAT) | 4:00 VIP | 4:40 3D (FRI) | 7:05 | 9:30 3D SUN: 3:40 3D | 4:00 VIP | 6:20 | 7:05 | 9:30 3D 47 METERS DOWN: (PG13) UNCAGED 10:40 (SAT) SUN: 4:25 | 7:25 DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) 1:00 VIP | 4:15 | 6:40 VIP | 9:45 SUN: 4:15 | 6:40 VIP | 8:50 | 9:30 VIP | 9:45 HUSTLERS (R) 2:05 | 4:45 | 7:25 (FRI) | 10:05 F&F: HOBBS & SHAW (PG13) 11:00 (SAT) SUN: 6:40 | 9:45 IT: CHAPTER TWO (R) 1:35 | 5:15 | 9:00 RAMBO: LAST BLOOD (R) 1:20 | 7:10 (FRI) | 7:25 (SAT) | 9:50 VIP AD ASTRA (PG13) 1:00 | 3:50 | 7:00 | 10:00 SUN:3:50 | 7:00 | 10:00 ANGRY BIRDS (PG) MOVIE 2, THE 11:10 (SAT) SUN: 2:30 | 4:55 KIDS CLUB (G) GOOFY MOVIE, A 10:00 (SAT ) Located in the West Shore Center 945-2290 CI$105.00 3Pints 3Pints 3Pints 3Pints 1 ½ Pints 1 Pint 8Pieces 1 Pie CI$145.00 4Pints 4Pints 4Pints 4Pints 2 ½ Pints 1 ½ pints 12 Pieces 2 Pies CI$ 17.50 Turkey Feast US Thanksgiving (November 28th) Turkey Dinner Available All Day Canadian (October 14th) Turkey Dinner Available All Day Feast for 6 – 8 A 10 Pound Wood Roasted Turkey with All the Trimmings!! Garlic 'N' Herb, Mash Potatoes, or Rice Aunt Dee's Stuffing Baked Sweet Potatoes Sautéed Green Beans Homemade Gravy Cranberry Sauce (with a hint of Fresh Orange!) HomemadeCaribbean Cornbread Traditional Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie Feast for 9 or More A 12 Pound Wood Roasted Turkey with All the Trimmings!! Garlic 'N' Herb, Mash Potatoes, or Rice Aunt Dee's Stuffing Baked Boniato Sweet Potatoes Sautéed Green Beans Homemade Gravy Cranberry Sauce (with a hint of Fresh Orange!) HomemadeCaribbean Cornbread Traditional Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie Dinner for One Visiting Specialist will be available for consultation at Novo Clinic, Britcay House 236 Eastern Avenue from 10 October - 30 October, 2019 For appointments please call +1 (345) 746-6082 clinic@novocayman.com Gynecology, Urogynecology, Cosmeti c Gynecology Please call 945-8380 for appointments Cayman Orthopaedic Group DR. RICK OGILVIE, F.R.C.S.C. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Arthroscopic Surgery, Ligament Reconstruction & Sports Injuries will be at #1 Smith Road Plaza Monday, 30th September, 2019 to Friday 4th October, 2019 Botanic Park to close for day of culling IRIS STONER istoner@compassmedia.ky For the first time, the management of the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is seeking official help to cull green iguanas. John Lawrus, the park’s general manager, explained that the greens are removed on a regular basis by a pri- vate culler who volunteers his services and does not col- lect the per-head bounty on the iguanas, but the rise in number of the invasive spe- cies has prompted the call for assistance. The park will be closed to visitors the entire day on Wednesday, 2 Oct., to facili- tate the cull. While there has not been a survey done to con- firm the population of green iguanas at the park, Lawrus said, “There has been a noticeable increase in hatchlings.” The Department of En- vironment is coordinating the exercise, he added, and the cullers will be arranged through DoE. Fred Burton, head of the DoE’s terrestrial resources unit, explained that depart- ment staff will be on hand to ensure the park’s native blue iguanas are not targeted by mistake. Lawrus stressed the im- portance of protecting the blues’ habitat from the inva- sive species, due to the ob- served upturn in greens. “We need to do an inten- sive full-range cull over a full day,” he said. The park will be closed to visitors the entire day on Wednesday, 2 Oct., to facilitate the cull. Cullers will be targeting invasive green iguanas in the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park on Wednesday. Students rewarded for reading books over summer CORRECTION JEWEL LEVY jlevy@compassmedia.ky One hundred and eight students, ages 6-17, racked up more than 147,475 min- utes reading 2,031 books during the library’s Summer Reading Challenge. “Those students have truly embodied this year’s theme, ‘Extraordinary Characters’,” said Kevin Goring, deputy director of the Cayman Islands Public Library Service. On Saturday, a ceremony was held at the Mary Miller Memorial Hall to reward students for their efforts. David Wight, MLA for George Town West, acting for the Education Ministry, as- sisted Paul Robinson, director of the Public Library Service, with presenting top readers and all participants with prizes that included WiFi de- vices, a Gopro camera, gift certificates, games, toys, ac- tivity packets and more. Wight told the children he had fond memories of stories he had read during his child- hood and how he had spent many hours being captivated by characters in faraway lands and magical kingdoms. He commended the George Town Library for the well-timed initiative and offered his congratula- tions to awardees. Winners The summer reading chal- lenge champion in the 6-9 age group was Talia Bustillo Bing of Cayman Brac. Karishma Seeram, also of Cayman Brac, won the 10-13 age group. Grand Cayman’s Maleek Powell was named champion in the 14-17 category. Best Summary Awards went to Milan McLaughlin, Analeah Parker and Michaela Robinson. The Ambassador Award went to Ivanka Grant. There were also prizes for best costumes. Robinson said more people participated in this year’s event than ever before. Michaela Robinson won an award for best summary. Women mugged on Shedden RoadThe islands’ most-trusted news source 3 CAYMAN COMPASS FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 4 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 27 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” Campaigners: Cayman cannot cope with 2.5M cruise passengers Group disputes extent of economic benefit JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Campaigners protesting plans for a new cruise port in George Town harbour have raised fresh concerns about the island’s ‘carrying ca- pacity’ following projections that the new piers could see cruise arrivals surge to 2.5 million passengers per year. That prediction, made by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines CEO Michael Bayley, one of the partners in the Verdant Isle group, would mean 600,000 extra visitors, compared with the 1.9 mil- lion tourists that arrived at the port in 2018. According to the Cruise Port Referendum Cayman campaign, that is more than the island can handle. In a press release Thursday, the group high- lighted a Department of Tourism report that pitched Cayman’s cruise capacity at around 2.1 million pas- sengers “to maintain the delicate equilibrium be- tween cruise and over- night tourism”. They also questioned whether the anticipated eco- nomic impact from those ad- ditional arrivals was worth the cost to Cayman’s nat- ural resources, highlighting an environmental impact re- port which put the economic value of George Town’s reefs at more than US$23 million a year. Opposition legislator Chris Saunders also re- sponded to Bayley’s claims, suggesting there was no evi- dence that a new port would mean more passenger ar- rivals. Saunders said Ja- maica had three ports with cruise piers but still had significantly fewer passen- gers than Cayman, based on figures for June this year. CPR Cayman, in its state- ment, said, “Rather than pushing Cayman beyond its natural limits, we would welcome discussions with Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines, on how the cruise lines can work collab- oratively with local stake- holders to ensure mutually beneficial sustainable devel- opment of the sector.” Bayley is scheduled to visit Cayman next week and is expected to meet with the CPR Cayman group, among others. Funding formula The group also disputed Bayley’s claims that the cost of the project would not be borne by the Cayman people. Bayley told the Compass, “I can assure you that this is 100% financed by the consor- tium. There is not one dollar that comes out of Cayman to fundamentally double the cargo capacity and signifi- cantly improve the efficiency of cruise tourism.” CPR Cayman highlighted that the funding formula for the project involves a $2.32 reduction in the per-pas- senger head tax that goes to the central government. Based on last year’s arrival figures of 1.9 million pas- sengers, that would mean $4.4 million less revenue for government coffers. Using the projected number of 2.5 million ar- rivals, CPR Cayman cal- culates that government would lose out on $5.8 mil- lion a year because of this ‘concession’. The Cayman Islands gov- ernment and Verdant Isle say that cruise arrival num- bers will decrease without a port. They suggest the in- crease in arrival numbers the port is expected to facili- tate means government will not lose out on net head tax revenue, despite the lower per-passenger rate. CPR Cayman also points out that Verdant Isle can ex- pect to receive more than $450 million over 25 years from its passenger fees, in return for its $200 million upfront investment. “Where is the value for money in this?” The group questions in its release. It adds that the project, if it does bring the anticipated arrival numbers, will neces- sitate more public spending on infrastructure. “Required feasibility studies and public infra- structure costs remain ei- ther unassessed or publicly undisclosed, such as the George Town Revitalisation, road upgrades and other in- frastructure costs, including waste management, and Spotts Dock upgrades,” the group states. Environmental loss Commenting on Bayley’s stated commitment to re- sponsible environmental practices, the group sug- gests there is no way to mit- igate the anticipated loss of coral reef in the harbour. Citing the environmental impact assessment on the project that calculated the annual economic benefits from the reefs in the har- bour at between US$23 and US$26 million, the group warns the project will have a “devastating impact” on these sites, including ad- jacent dive sites like Soto’s Reef and Eden Rock, “The very reefs that draw visitors to our shores and provide invaluable protec- tion in storms, have been valued at US$650 million over the next 25 years. Will the promised benefits truly outweigh this enormous eco- nomic, cultural and ecolog- ical loss of our natural cap- ital?” CPR Cayman asked. The group also renewed calls for more information to be made public in ad- vance of the referendum, in- cluding an updated environ- mental impact assessment on the new design, detailed de- signs for the new plan and the business case. They also want more in- formation on the financial arrangement, such as de- tails of any conditions or ‘force majeure’ clauses that benefit Verdant Isle in case of hurricanes, recessions or other impacts on pas- senger numbers. Bayley, in his interview with the Compass earlier this week, said there were no such clauses in the pro- posed agreement and the risk was all on Verdant Isle. He said detailed plans and concept designs would be unveiled during his visit next week. Jamaica comparison Opposition legislator Saunders said Jamaica, de- spite its three cruise ports, had seen a reduction in passengers. Highlighting June’s ar- rival figures, he pointed out 40,000 passengers sailed into George Town, more than Jamaica had in total at its three ports in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Falmouth. “If Jamaica has three main ports all with piers and Cayman has one port with no piers and both Cayman and Jamaica are on the same western itinerary, why did Cayman get 57% more passengers than Jamaica in June 2019?” he asked. He urged people not to be fooled by the passenger pro- jections, and insisted, “The cruise lines already pulled a fast one on Jamaica and they trying to do the same with Cayman. Let’s not make the same mistakes Ja- maica made”. “ The very reefs that draw visitors to our shores and provide invaluable protection in storms, have been valued at US$650 million over the next 25 years. Will the promised benefits truly outweigh this enormous economic, cultural and ecological loss of our natural capital?” CPR CAYMAN New OfReg CEO appointed RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Former Turks and Caicos Energy and Utilities Commis- sioner Malike Cummings has been appointed as the new chief executive officer at utili- ties regulatory OfReg. He took up office this month. He replaced former CEO JP Morgan whose contract came to an end in August last year. Since Morgan’s depar- ture, OfReg’s chief fuels in- spector Duke Munroe and the regulator’s executive di- rector of energy and utilities Gregg Anderson were oper- ating as acting CEOs on a ro- tational basis. According to an OfReg media statement on Thursday, the incoming CEO was “instrumental in the de- velopment of a number of policies and revision of ar- chaic regulatory frameworks where previously none ex- isted; drafting new water and sewerage policies and a draft national energy policy for the TCI”. He spent 10 years in regu- lation, the release added. Cummings said he hoped to build on OfReg’s “work and vision to provide safe, reli- able and fairly priced energy and utilities for consumers in the Cayman Islands”. He said the most crucial aspect of the role “is to find and maintain a balance be- tween the interests of the consumer and those of the service providers”. Chairman of the Board of OfReg Linford Pierson wel- comed the new appointment. “I believe that we have someone with both the vi- sion and the understanding of the principles of regula- tion to successfully drive the Cayman Islands towards a more prosperous future, where everyone benefits from robust competition in the markets, investment in infra- structure and innovation, and a regulatory framework that ensures the safety and well- being of us all,” Pierson said. Malike CummingsThe islands’ most-trusted news source 5 CAYMAN COMPASS FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 Disclaimer : FIN Grand Cayman features and amenities are based on current development plans and concepts and are subject to change without notice. Some services and amenities are subject to service-based fees or homeowner fees. ART DECO INSPIRED RESIDENCES WITH UNIQUE FIVE-STAR AMENITIES Reserve your private tour and discover the last word in luxury + 1 345 326 1400 fin@fingrandcayman.com Guest suites Owners private Aquariva Private wine locker with sommelier service Personal car service & two parking spaces per residencePrivate business centre FIN.cayman fingrandcayman Priced from US $1.9M6 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Dominic is a graduate of St. Ignatius Catholic School where he was an Honour Roll student, and student council representative. Dominic was heavily involved in several extracurriculars while in school, including school and club football, track & field, school plays, and black-belt karate. He is currently attending the University of Bristol where he is pursuing his degree in Accounting. Reggiena is another Deloitte internship alumnus, currently attending the University of Birmingham studying Accounting. Her long-term goals are to graduate university and earn a Masters degree, obtain an ACCA qualification, and become an accountant at Deloitte. In her spare time, Reggiena enjoys dance, theatre, volunteer work, and trying out new activities such as yoga and cycling. “Over the past 27 years, Deloitte has supported over 70 students through our scholarship program. We are proud to announce two more future leaders, and welcome Dominic and Reggiena to our team as this year’s scholarship recipients.” – Jennifer Skinner, Director, Talent. mycareer.deloitte.com/ky © 2019 DCB Holding Ltd. and its affiliates. Congratulations Reggiena and Dominic! 2019 scholarship recipients Dominic Owens “I was very excited upon receiving the news of the scholarship award as I believe my hard work and dedication during my high school years has been recognized in this way. I am grateful that Deloitte supports the development of Caymanians in such an important industry.” Reggiena Erispe “I was ecstatic and relieved when I found out I received the scholarship. It is tough to acquire a scholarship from a Big Four company, since it is highly competitive and only a couple are chosen among a myriad of applicants. Receiving a scholarship for something I want to pursue in my life has proven to me that anything is possible.” We are proud to announce two exceptional Caymanians awarded the Deloitte Scholarship. Young at Heart seniors enjoy fellowship JEWEL LEVY jlevy@compassmedia.ky Seniors enjoyed a day of fellowship at the First Bap- tist Church on Pedro Castle Road on Monday. The elderly citizens enjoyed singing, bingo games, fellow- ship and a healthy lunch of roast turkey, chicken soup and Graham cracker cake. Members of the Baptist Church and the Department of Children and Family Services hosted the ‘Young at Heart’ event, which takes place once a month at various churches islandwide. Pastor Steve Tillis of First Baptist Church welcomed the seniors, read words of encour- agement from the Bible and shared his own life experiences of trusting God. “Nowadays, a lot is being done for the seniors, especially through the Department of Chil- dren and Family services,” said Heather Bodden, seniors advo- cate for the Savannah area. “Seniors are precious to me, and in my humble opinion, I think they need that outing where they can reminisce about the old days. That’s what they really love to do,” she added. Senior Fred Moncrieffe thinks it’s good to have these functions to attend in the com- munity. “I never missed one since I‘ve been coming,” he said. The history buffs in the group shared some of their life stories with the Compass. Ed Bodden, 90, the last living member of the first 18 seamen to join National Bulk Carriers in 1947, said he enjoyed the socials and helping one another. Bodden left Cayman Brac at age 13 in 1942 for Jamaica and joined the ship when he was around 18. He was born in Spot Bay to parents Cleveland Earl Bodden and Margaret Louise Walton. Bodden recalls very little about the few people that lived on Cayman Brac in those days, but what he does remember is the 1932 storm that wreaked havoc on the island, killing a lot of people in the Spott Bay area. “That was a terrible time,” he said. Roy Bodden, 83, married for the past 62 years to wife Reva, 82, said at First Baptist it’s like one great big family and he loves it. He was surprised there were not more people at the sen- iors social. Bodden said his wife’s grandfather, William E Ritch, was the first child born on Cayman Brac in 1832 – one hundred years before the big hurricane. He said 1832 was also the year Cayman Brac was first settled with three families, the Ritches, Scotts and Fosters. Seniors check over bingo scores with DCFS social worker Carol Bodden. – PHOTO: JEWEL LEVY Cayman in Monaco RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky A trade delegation from the Cayman Islands do- nated US$40,000 to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation this week. According to a post on Premier Alden McLaugh- lin’s Facebook page, the presentation was made during a reception which was hosted by him at the Monaco Yacht Show. The premier, who is also the Minister for Interna- tional Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Af- fairs, is leading a delegation for the show and a series of scheduled events this week. McLaughlin said, in his post, the funds were raised through sponsorship of a charity bike ride that was held on Tuesday morning. “In attendance at the re- ception were many from the yachting sector as we continue to promote the Cayman Registry as the premium yacht flag,” the premier said in his post. The Government Infor- mation Services, in a press release announcing the visit, said, “the broad pur- pose of such trips is to at- tract new international business and to promote the Cayman Islands brand on the international stage”. The premier also hosted a dinner at the Yacht Show on Thursday night. The Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, ac- cording to GIS, will be hosting a business forum in Monaco. Government said rep- resentatives “from the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms and from the worlds of law, real estate, yacht brokerage and management, tech- nology and precious metals and stones” have accompa- nied the premier and his team on the Monaco trip. Premier Alden McLaughlin meets Prince Albert of Monaco.The islands’ most-trusted news source 7 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 SIMONE DE LA RUE Fitness Empowering and inspiring personal trainer, founder of workout program Body by Simone. Enjoy a three-day invigorating festival for your mind and body at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Celebrate wellness and rejuvenation with an exceptional panel of experts and events focused on fitness, nutrition, yoga and skincare. A WELLNESS FESTIVAL IN THE CARIBBEAN Full event line up and tickets available on caymanrejuvenate.com. *All event tickets are sold individually. Room package available at ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman. NOVEMBER 1 3, 2019 HEADLINING TALENT TANYA ZUCKERBROT, M.S., R.D. Nutrition Founder of the lifestyle F-Factor diet where you can have it all! LA PRAIRIE SPA Skincare Inspired by Swiss expertise, providers of multi-sensory beauty and skincare experiences. AMANDA KLOOTS Fitness Fun and dynamic workouts to get yourself into shape with her signature AK! programs. RIVA G Yoga Stretch, twist and reconnect through a playful and energized flow. DR. WILL COLE Nutrition Leader in functional medicine and pioneer of the Keto diet. Author of best-selling book “Ketotarian”. @ritzcarltongrandcaymanritzcarltongrandcaymanThe islands’ most-trusted news source 8 FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 • CAYMAN COMPASS Shall we meet at home in the morning and from sorrow forever be free. Shall we meet at home in the morning our blessed redeemer to see. Shall we meet at home in the morning with loved ones who long have been waiting. What a meeting indeed that will be Shall we know and be known by our loved ones What a meeting indeed that will be Sadly missed and always will be remembered Rest in Peace In Loving and Unfading Memory of a Dear Wife, Mother, Grandmother Valma Hyacinth Ebanks Sunrise April 11th,1931 – Sunset September 28th, 2004 structure, the campus will be centred around one main two-storey ‘radial building’ that will be the heart of the school, the plans indicate. The redeveloped school will feature a central atrium, with a library, that will be the main entry point to the new building. “We have got the library right at the heart of the school,” Clark said. “Not only does it show that literacy and learning is at the centre of every- thing we want to do, it is also very practical and ac- cessible for all the different departments.” He said the rest of the de- sign was extremely functional and built with the teachers’ and students’ needs in mind. He said everything had been considered, including maxim- ising ‘lines of sight’ to allow teachers and administrators to better supervise the stu- dents outside of class time. A special needs hub and a per- forming arts studio are also part of the plans. In its submission to the Central Planning Au- thority, the ministry ex- plained the delays in the project that caused it to be paused in 2012. It states, “Work ceased on site in 2012 leaving the pro- ject works incomplete. This was due to issues with the original contractor, delays, escalating costs and falling revenues. There were also concerns that the schools- within-schools model and the open-plan model imple- mented at Clifton Hunter, was proving challenging.” The freeze on construc- tion and the design changes have brought additional costs. Two of the partially built structures will have to be demolished “due to their poor state”, the application indicates. The new school will be able to accommodate 1,200 students. The ministry stated in its application that it will pro- vide a significant improve- ment on existing facilities. “The new design will provide hugely improved teaching conditions and en- able a curriculum model that provides more opportunities for improving performance and increasing engagement, including enhanced ICT, out- door sports facilities, prac- tical vocational space and other world-class facilities for teaching traditional and new skills,” the ministry ap- plication noted. The project will be deliv- ered in phases, with the new school expected to be com- pleted by August 2021 and the associated playing fields by August 2022. The project will be delivered in phases, with the new school expected to be completed by August 2021 and the associated playing fields by August 2022. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 John Gray High School construction project given green light An artist’s rendering of an interior of one of the new John Gray High School classrooms.Image shows the proposed design for one of the workrooms within the new John Gray High School.The islands’ most-trusted news source 9 CAYMAN COMPASS • FRIDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 The Family of the Late Bradshaw Edward Hill Taylor regret to announce his passing on Saturday, 21 September 2019. A funeral service will be announced at a later date. Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page The Family Of The Late Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page. Eddier Cordero regret to announce his passing on Tuesday, 10 September, 2019. Mr. Cordero will be repatriated to Costa Rica. The Family of the Late Roger Charles “Sid” Giddings regret to announce his passing on Thursday, 19 September 2019. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, 30 September 2019 at Church Of God, Full Gospel Hall, Savannah. Viewing will be from 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Tall Tree Cemetery. Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page The Family of the Late Rena Cherrill (Jackson) Reid regret to announce her passing on Sunday, 22 September 2019. A Service of Remembrance will take place on Saturday 5 October 2019 at The Aston Rutty Civic Centre, Ashton Reid Dr. Cayman Brac. at 9:30 am, viewing will take place 1 hour prior to the Service Interment will follow at the Creek Cemetery. Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page Mrs Zita Mehetabel (Foster) Kirkconnell 2 July 1927 - 18 September 2019 Please join the Family for a Celebration of her life on Sunday 29 September 2019 at the Stake Bay Baptist Church, 149 Stake Bay Rd at 3:00 pm. Final Resting place will be at the Stake Bay Cemetery, Stake Bay Front Road. Condolences can be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page entertainment at children’s parties in Cayman, went back home to renew her passport. She was spending time with her family when they received news of the growing storm. “The storm [was] still a Category 2 storm. It wasn’t even a 3 at the time. So, our initial preparation for the storm wasn’t even that big. It was more so a couple of canned supplies and things we would need right away and during the storm, hoping that the storm itself wouldn’t be too long. But as the time went on, we found out that this is not a Category 2, this is not a 3, this is not a 4 … it is a 5,” she said. Riding out the storm Her voice broke slightly as she recounted watching the storm rage outside the home she and her family were holi- daying at in Abaco. “The door was a hurri- cane-proof door so we could see everything and that did not help,” she recalled. “It made it even more terrifying. First, you see the gusts, then you see the wind and then you see water and then eve- rything was almost like whit- eout. Everything just con- stantly beating down.” After weathering the storm, she and her family, with the help of a neighbour, drove to the airport in Abaco. Most of the roads, she said, were littered with debris and covered in water. She said they had to clear paths to get through. “We had to do a lot of things to get to the city and by the time we got to the downtown area, we were met with scores of looters. They were just getting things out of the stores. Everything from food to toiletries to guns. They were just walking through the water with eve- rything,” she said. When they managed to get to the airport, where there were free flights to Nassau, Cooper said she had to leave her brother behind because only women, children and the elderly were being airlifted at the time. “I am going on the plane and I am leaving Abaco and I know how bad it was. Eve- rybody was in the survival mode. People were doing an- ything and everything. It was really a lawless place, so I felt really bad to leave my brother behind and everyone who was with us,” she said. She was eventually reu- nited with her brother. It would take Cooper roughly two weeks to get back to Cayman. She has been living here since 2017. She said she fell in love with Cayman at the age of 17 when she first came here on a cruise ship. She returned to Cayman a few days ago and since then, she said, she has been struggling with the trauma of the storm and leaving her family behind. “That’s the most heart- breaking part,” she said. “Our house was destroyed by water. I left them taking out the furniture out of the house. I could not even go through my own stuff and keep anything.” She said she has been slowly working her way through her depression and frustration. Coping through art Cooper explained that she began coping emotionally with the disaster through her art. She has been painting col- ourful art on her face and going out and about. “First of all, I am just happy to be alive. I think my whole outfit just showed, ‘Hey I’m alive, I’m here and I am taking every moment.’ There is a reason I am here. I do not know what that reason is yet. I will find out, but I am here,” she said. For her interview with the Cayman Compass Cooper painted a Bat Girl mask onto her face. “I am channelling my inner superhero,” she joked. While Cooper said she is not sure what is next for her, she is grateful to the Cayman community for rallying be- hind the Bahamas and pro- viding much-needed support. “The fact that we shel- tered in a home that was built by someone from the Cayman Islands who was an established builder, it just made me feel like we are all united, like one big body, brothers and sisters, and we should continue to help each other out,” she said. She said, right now, she may be down, but she is not out. “The fact that I am alive means that there’s still hope,” she said. Dorian survivor finds hope through face painting Rescue workers search for victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. - PHOTO: AP “ We had to do a lot of things to get to the city and by the time we got to the downtown area, we were met with scores of looters. They were just getting things out of the stores. Everything from food to toiletries to guns.” LATEISHEA COOPER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1Next >