cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS (funding local journalism) TUESDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2019 Make it STOP! Living 1-on-1 with Governor Martyn Roper Page 10 Sports On Guard! Fencing Comes to Cayman Page 14 Issues The Issue Explained: Sargassum in the Caribbean Page 8 "Dancing Policeman" Fabian O’Connor directs traffic Monday at the Red Bay roundabout. Traffic congestion continues to be an issue plaguing motorists driving towards George Town from the eastern districts.See page 3BREAKTHROUGH (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 admit- ted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. - TUESDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) 10 MINUTES GONE (R) 12:45 | 3:00 | 5:15 | 7:30 | 9:50 ABOMINABLE (PG) 1:10 3D | 2:30 | 3:50 3D | 7:05 | 9:30 3D DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) 1:00 VIP | 4:15 | 7:00 | 9:50 VIP CULTURE @ THE CINEMA FRANKSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN 2:05 | 4:45 | 7:25 | 10:05 7:00 VIP HUSTLERS (R) 2:05 | 4:45 | 7:25 | 10:05 JOKER (R) 1:15 | 3:50 VIP | 7:00 VIP | 10:00 WAR (PG) 5:00 | 8:30 The Cayman Compass apologises for any misunderstanding resulting from the two photos used on the Friday, 4 Oct. newspaper cover and website to illustrate the story 'Clash of Carnivals'. Neither of the women pictured is an advocate of either position in the debate nor a representative of either organisation. Partly cloudy skies with a 40% chance of showers. weather Forecast today Cayman Islands TUESDAY 07.10.2019 89°F 78°F HIGH LOW WINDS East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots. SEA STATE Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. 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: T: (345) 949-5111 E: sales@compassmedia.ky W: caymancompass.com PUBLISHER KATHLEEN CAPETTA EDITOR CATHERINE MACGILLIVRAY NEWS PRODUCER AND OPERATIONS MANAGER KEVIN MORALES A MEMBER OF THE INTER- AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will find their own way” Clarifications In a story that ran on 4 Oct. titled ‘Dart plans Camana Bay expansion’ some details of the planning applications were incorrectly stated. Dart submitted plans for one new 10-storey apartment building and one new five-storey office block. cartoon Jake Fuller ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Constance Dixon, the owner of Archie’s Bar and Restaurant, said she is furious the Liquor Licensing Board has pulled the plug on her business selling alcoholic drinks. “They called me in on Thursday (26 Sept.) and told me that I had to close by Monday (1 Oct.),” said Dixon. “I am upset. I’m a 78-year-old woman, who is now destitute. Who is going to take care of me? Who will buy my medications? The bar was my only livelihood.” Dixon said health and fire inspectors visited her bar and told her there were several things that needed to be fixed before her licence could be renewed. “They never came back to verify that I did indeed fix the problems,” she said. Archie’s Bar and Disco has been the subject of several police raids in recent times. During those raids multiple arrests were made for gambling, drugs and even overstaying. But Dixon said that has nothing to do with her bar. “No one has ever been arrested for anything inside the bar," she said. "That stuff is always outside in the parking lot. I can’t control the parking lot, the police need to do their job." Efforts are under way to reopen the bar, and Dixon said the plan is eventually to see the establishment transfer ownership. “We have fixed all the problems identified by the inspectors, and we are applying for a temporary licence, but I don’t know how long that will take,” she said. Cayman Compass reached out to the Department of Commerce and Investment seeking a comment but no reply was received by press time. Archie’s liquor licence pulled RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Government has extended Police Commissioner Derek Byrne’s contract by four more years. He will retain his post until the end of September 2023. Governor Martyn Roper confirmed the extension in a statement on Monday. “He is a dedicated and experienced police leader who has made an enormous impact to the safety and security of the Cayman Islands,” he said. “This territory remains one of the safest places to live and visit in the Caribbean and serious crime levels continue to fall under the commissioner’s leadership.” Roper stressed that he, together with the Commissioner and Premier, remain committed to the continual reform and modernisation of the police and other agencies which work to keep Cayman safe. “This includes developing Caymanian talent and investing in community policing,” said Roper. “We will continue to pursue this agenda in the years to come.” It is a point Premier Alden McLaughlin shared. “It is reassuring to know that the stability he has brought to the job, while helping to train Caymanian police officers, will continue.” he said. Byrne, in the Government statement, pledged his commitment to working in partnership with communities across the Cayman Islands to deliver a policing service that has the trust and confidence of the communities it serves. CoP Derek Byrne gets four more years 2ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Eastern district commuters travelling west during peak traffic times will have to endure long queues for the foreseeable future. “There are several things at play when it comes to the traffic coming from the eastern district,” said police media officer Jodi-Ann Powery. “It’s a structural issue, it’s a commuting issue, and it’s a driving issue as well.” Since last week, members of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service traffic department have been deployed to help with the flow of morning traffic, specifically at the roundabout in Red Bay where police are seeing severe “bottle-necking”. “The eastern district is the most dense area on the island," said Powery. "Most people live in that area, and they all work in [George Town]. So, what you find is that every single person is coming down at the same time and going home at the same time - every single day.” Powery said in that collective horde of commuters are several people who either do not know how to use roundabouts properly or choose not to use them properly. “A lot of times, people do not use the roundabout correctly,” said Powery. “Persons coming from Red Bay Primary should be coming into the inside lane, whilst persons coming from the East-West Arterial should be on the outside lane going around … So, that outside lane should be a constant flow.” To help correct any misuse, the National Roads Authority has started to close off sections of the roundabout. Powery said closing lanes is a cost-effective way to address the flow of traffic and deploying officers to direct traffic daily is far more expensive and less practical. However, until structural changes are made, Powery said the next best thing is for drivers to become educated on how to use intersections like roundabouts. Whilst the police have been able to make a dent in the flow of traffic, it’s not been to the liking of everyone. “We did receive one comment from a member of the public who did say that traffic was worse for them,” Powery said. At the crack of dawn on Monday 7 Oct., Cayman Compass crew visited the roundabout at Red Bay. Over the span of two hours, traffic ebbed and flowed through the coordinated efforts of some six traffic officers. When the Compass crews joined the queue, it took 13 minutes to get from Prospect Primary to the roundabout at Red Bay. The same journey without traffic takes three minutes. During the drive, traffic moved smoothest when drivers were attentive and focused on the road, which Powery said is another issue that can either help or hinder the flow of traffic. “What we’ve seen is that people were more aware when police were around. People should not be using their phones while driving, especially while in traffic. You should also be attentive and courteous,” said Powery. But even if everyone does drive attentively and uses the intersections correctly, traffic woes will persist. So commuters who hope to avoid traffic may have to find other ways to escape the long queues. “We [the police] have been in talks with the NRA as well as the ministry responsible for roads and infrastructure, and as you will have seen there have been some developments along the East-West Arterial,” said Powery. “Until there are structural changes, people who want to get to work sooner will have to potentially leave home earlier.” Another tip that Powery said could help lessen the traffic is using other means to travel to work, such as carpooling, cycling, or even catching a bus. BY JEWEL LEVY jlevy@compassmedia.ky Infrastructure Minister Joey Hew, at a meeting last week in Bodden Town, outlined a number of short- and long-term solutions being considered to combat the growing traffic problems encountered by motorists from the eastern districts. The minister did not provide a timeline for when all the changes would be made and some are already in effect. The proposed solutions include: Short term Government will pay for off-duty police officers to carry out traffic- management operations at the Prospect, CTMH and Poindexter Road roundabouts. The timing of street signals has also been adjusted as the lights at the intersection of Smith Road and Bobby Thompson Way as well as the intersection of Shedden Road and North Sound Road were not in sync. That was an issue spotted from the police helicopter. Westbound traffic on Shamrock Road will be restricted from turning left onto Old Prospect Road. Only local access will be allowed. A merge lane is planned for traffic on the Red Bay roundabout to access westbound Shamrock Road. Space exists in the area to open a third lane, which will coincide with opening a third lane on the inside of that same roundabout to allow a free flow from Prospect onto the inside lane, which will then take drivers to westbound Shamrock Road. The idea of reversing the flow of traffic on Shamrock Road near Red Bay Primary to accommodate traffic from Prospect Drive and Marina Drive has also been proposed. Presently, there are two eastbound lanes that stop at Marina Drive. This proposal would include three lanes all the way through, but two lanes would be coming east to west rather than west to east. Long term Placing traffic signals at several roundabouts similar to what was done on South Sound Road near the Grand Harbour roundabout. The roundabouts being examined include those at Red Bay and CTMH, along with additions at Grand Harbour. A lane at the roundabout of Bobby Thompson Way and the Linford Pierson Highway that would allow traffic to head toward Smith Road while a separate lane would be used for traffic turning onto the Linford Pierson Highway. Adding extra lanes on Bobby Thompson Way temporarily until the second phase of the Linford Pierson Highway is completed. Building a third lane on Shamrock Road and Crewe Road stretching from the CTMH roundabout to the roundabout at Crewe Road and the Linford Pierson Highway. Adding a second lane on Rex Crighton Boulevard, from the CTMH roundabout to the Poindexter Road roundabout. Creating a left turn lane on Bobby Thompson Way for traffic going to Cayman Prep. Even longer term The East-West Arterial extension from Newlands to Lookout Gardens. Solutions offered for traffic woes Make it stop How to lessen the stress of traffic Be attentive - Avoid using mobile phones, eating, or doing makeup . When coming to a roundabout, choose your lane in advance . Leave earlier to avoid congestion . Carpool, cycle or use public transport . Traffic woes continue to plague motorists driving from the eastern districts toward George Town. news N news 3RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Local ophthalmologist Dr. Krishna Mani passed away Monday morning. He had been ailing for some time and had been recently admitted to Health City Cayman Islands. In 2015 Mani was honoured with a Health Services Pioneer award at the annual Heroes Day celebrations for his work in the field of ophthalmology. Tributes poured in on Monday as news of Mani’s death spread within the community. Mani was well known for his charity work, especially with the Lions Club of Grand Cayman. He had initially visited Cayman to conduct free clinics for the club, before moving here permanently in 1979, according to Lions Club president Cordella Cholette. “His contribution to Cayman was invaluable,” Cholette said. She added Mani was working for the Kingston Lions Club on its sight programme and would visit from Jamaica to conduct the Grand Cayman club’s sight clinics. He had moved to Jamaica in 1976 from New Delhi, India after earning his medical degree and post-graduate qualifications. Mani was made an honourary member of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman for his many years of service to sight conservation, according to a statement from the club. In addition, Mani was active in the Indian Community in Cayman group. On its Facebook page, the organisation posted its condolences. “We are very saddened and shocked to announce that Dr. Mani has passed away [this] morning (Monday). He was a pillar of our Indian community in Cayman. He will be remembered forever in our hearts,” the group wrote. Health services pioneer Dr. Krishna Mani dies ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Government officials recently signed on the dotted line with multiple contactors to build a $15 million long-term residential mental-health facility in East End. “I’ve long said that the true mark of a country’s moral character can be seen in how we treat the most vulnerable amongst us,” said Premier Alden McLaughlin, who was on hand for the signing at the Government Administration Building on Friday, 4 Oct. Representatives from the successful bidders - Ron Wilson’s Equipment, Phoenix Construction and AAA Construction - inked the deal, which will see groundbreaking later this week. “When this project is complete, we will finally be able to bring back home several people who are now receiving treatment overseas,” said Health Minister Dwayne Seymour. “This will also bring much more comfort to the families whose loved ones are overseas.” While an exact timeline for the completion of the project was not given during the signing, McLaughlin said he did not expect it to be completed before the next general election. “While we are not sure of what the next election will hold, we hope the project will have progressed far enough so that no one would reasonably attempt to stop it,” said McLaughlin. Government inks deal to build mental-health facility Companies Contracted Ron Wilson’s Equipment Phoenix Construction AAA Construction RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Grand Court Justice Ingrid Mangatal is set to leave her spot on the judicial bench at the end of this month. On Monday, the Governor’s Office announced that Mangatal will be demitting her post effective 31 Oct. A Judicial and Legal Services Commission spokesperson told the Cayman Compass the judge “made a personal decision to demit office as a Grand Court judge at this time in order to pursue other career opportunities”. Last year, Mangatal was fined $600 and had her driving licence suspended for a year after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving following an incident in Sept. 2017. She had crashed her car into a concrete barrier along West Bay Road and told police she could not remember anything about the incident. Following her sentencing, Mangatal was allowed to remain on the bench. She was appointed to the Cayman Islands Grand Court on 1 Jan. 2015 by former Governor Helen Kilpatrick following a JLSC recommendation. According to the statement from the Governor’s Office, at the time of her appointment Justice Mangatal had been serving as an Acting Judge of Appeal in Jamaica since 2014. Prior to that she served as a Puisne Judge in Jamaica from 2003-2013, presiding in both criminal and civil courts. Ormond Williams, chairman of the JLSC, commenting on Mangatal’s departure in the statement, said, “she will be dearly missed and we wish her continued success”. He added, “Justice Mangatal impressed the JLSC at her interview and it was an honour to recruit her to the judiciary of the Cayman Islands. Throughout her tenure on the Grand Court she has served with competence and fairness using her breadth of knowledge of and experience in the law in both the criminal and civil courts.” Chief Justice Anthony Smellie added that the judiciary was thankful to Mangatal for her dedication and efforts during her time in Cayman. “The Cayman Islands has been privileged to have a judge of Justice Mangatal’s calibre serving as a member of our judiciary,” Smellie said. Governor Martyn Roper also commended Mangatal for her work over the past five years. Justice Mangatal to leave bench Premier Alden McLaughlin with government officials and contractors at the signing ceremony. Grand Court judge Ingrid Mangatal will be stepping down on Oct. 31. Dr. Krishna Mani is pictured in this file photo from 2015 as he received a Health Services Pioneer award from Premier Alden McLaughin as Health Ministry Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn looks on. 4ACROSS 1 Repudiate (7) 4 Do without (5) 7 Forehead (4) 8 Underhand scheming (8) 10 Swear solemnly (4,2,4) 12 Indiscriminate (6) 13 Energy (6) 15 Darling (10) 18 Value too highly (8) 19 Deprivation (4) 20 North African capital (5) 21 Unstable (7) DOWN 1 First appearance (5) 2 Execrable (8) 3 Unprovoked (6) 4 Premiere (5,5) 5 Fury (4) 6 Outdoor (4-3) 9 Complicated problem (3,2,5) 11 Extremely drowsy (8) 12 Eradicate (4,3) 14 To greater advantage (6) 16 Palatable (5) 17 To incline (4) The Compass CROSSWORD PUZZLE 123456 87 9 10 11 1213 14 1516 17 1819 2021 123456 87 9 10 11 1213 14 1516 17 1819 2021 Puzzle 16190 YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Puzzle 16189 ACROSS: 1 Sitting duck, 9 Elegant, 10 Pause, 11 Oily, 12 Overstep, 14 Damson, 16 Beacon, 18 On record, 19 Stay, 22 Booze, 23 Soprano, 24 Give-and-take. DOWN: 2 Ideal, 3 Toad, 4 Native, 5 Departed, 6 Caustic, 7 Beyond doubt, 8 Keep an eye on, 13 Concrete, 15 Marconi, 17 Prison, 20 Track, 21 Spit. Claims new design will mean less impact JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Coastal engineers Baird aim to submit a preliminary review of the new port project design to environment officials by the end of this month. That review - a comprehensive analysis of the changes from the original design and how they may alter the environmental impacts - is the first step in crafting an updated Environmental Impact Assessment on the project. Dave Anglin, of Baird, the consultants that carried out the original assessment for government, confirmed that the firm had been hired by Verdant Isle to carry out the update. But he insisted the company would not simply be telling the consortium what they want to hear. “We certainly understand the history of the project, the controversy surrounding it, the challenges, the constraints and the trade-offs,” said Anglin, a senior coastal engineer. “Baird has been in this business for 38 years. We have been successful because we do good work and we stand by our work and our opinion will not be compromised by the fact that we are part of this team (Verdant Isle). “Our reputation is on the line with every project we do and we do what we need to do and tell people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.” Gina Ebanks-Petrie, director of the Department of Environment, said there was no issue with Baird conducting the assessment on behalf of the applicant. She said the firm would be required to submit details and credentials of their team for vetting by the Environmental Assessment Board, which she chairs. Currently she said the board was waiting for a “scoping report” from Baird as well as key details, including an electronic copy of the proposed layout. Anglin said he understood that the Department of Environment was “starving for information” and Baird would get them the documents they need as quickly as possible. He said the firm was actively working on the scoping document, which he described as a systematic comparison of the new and old designs and a preliminary assessment on how the changes alter the environmental impacts. For the most part, he said, the changes should lessen the impacts by reducing the amount of dredging and using mechanical, rather than hydraulic, dredging methods. He said that had been the objective of the redesigns since 2015. “In general, the scoping document will highlight that in critical areas the adverse impacts to the environment will be less,” he said. He said the new design moved the piers further from Eden Rock, one of the most important dive sites in the area, but acknowledged it was still close to Soto’s Reef, another extremely popular diving and snorkelling site. The Balboa wreck is still within the footprint of the design and the Cali wreck is very close to the area for the new tender pier. The precise details of the designs will be included in Baird’s report to the Environmental Assessment Board. How quickly they will be made available to the public is unclear. Verdant Isle has indicated they will post documentation on their website but verdant. ky only featured a landing page with no information as of Monday afternoon. Ebanks-Petrie said the updated EIA process would include public consultation and public meetings to get input on the terms of the study and another round of public involvement once the consultants have carried out their work and prepared a report. She said the EAB would also review the documentation and issue its own report. Government is obliged under the law to consider the findings of the report, but the report does not determine whether the project proceeds or not. A federal judge in the US pushed Carnival Cruise Line to move faster to clean up its act following a conviction for ocean pollution. At a hearing in Miami Federal Court last week, US District Judge Patricia Seitz said she had not seen enough action from the cruise line to improve its environmental record. “We’re not there. And we should be,” she told company executives, according to news reports. Earlier this year, Carnival, which is part of the consortium seeking to build new cruise and cargo facilities in George Town, admitted violating probation from a 2016 criminal pollution case, USA Today reported. It was hit with a US$20 million penalty, on top of a US$40 million fine imposed in the original case. The environmental problems included allowing plastic to be discharged along with food into water; dumping “grey water” in prohibited places such as Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park; and permitting a corporate culture to persist that does not value compliance with environmental laws, the newspaper reported. Last week’s hearing was a status update, required as part of a five-year probation term stemming from the original conviction. The Dart group has confirmed it is in talks to sell a plot of land in George Town for the port project should the development get the people’s blessing in a referendum later this year. The small slice of waterfront land, a parking lot between the Sandbar bar and grill and the existing port, was encompassed within a design-layout image released by Verdant Isle last week. A Dart spokesperson said, “We have been approached by the preferred bidder to explore our willingness to make the parcel available for the port project.” She said government had not been involved in the discussion and no commitments had been made at this point. Baird promises robust EIA update Dart considers parking lot sale for port Judge calls out Carnival over environmental record Next steps towards EIA update: Baird to submit scoping report to Environmental Assessment Board The board can then draft the terms of reference for the update Those will go out to public consultation for 21 days Within that timeframe Ver- dant Isle and Baird must host a public meeting Work on the updated EIA begins Dave Anglin, senior coastal engineer with Baird, said he expects the updated assessment will show less environmen- tal impact from the new design. 5Visiting 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, Cosmetic Gynecology Duchess of York shares message of love KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky Sarah, Duchess of York implored Cayman’s community to embrace the three Cs - communication, compromise and compassion – to overcome the immense challenges posed by breast cancer. By embracing an ethic of love and resisting fear, she reminded the 655 attendees at Saturday’s Breast Cancer Foundation gala of the power of community. “I think it’s important that you all really appreciate yourselves and you turn to each other and say, ‘you know what, I really love you,’” Ferguson said from The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman ballroom. In the face of detractors and doubt, she told those affected by cancer to continue to fight. “It’s through failures and through the obstacles that are thrown at us that we can win change, that we can make a difference," she said. "Because we don’t let them get to us. But we have scars in our heart. “Our scars are, in fact, our medals of honour.” Breast cancer survivor Tori Croft shared her personal battle with the disease and the important role that the Breast Cancer Foundation has played in her journey. When Croft was first diagnosed, her children were just 3 and 5 years old. The diagnosis was more than just a struggle for herself, but one for her entire family. At the Breast Cancer Foundation office in Grand Harbour, Croft said her family has been able to access counselling services that are personalised for patients, families and children. “I continue to fight my breast cancer every day," she said."I am grateful to have had the Breast Cancer Foundation fighting alongside me the entire time. “Having the support of a counsellor … has been crucial to our navigation and understanding of this journey through breast cancer. That service is one of many that the Breast Cancer Foundation provides to those impacted by this terrible disease.” Other wellness initiatives have helped Croft alleviate the symptoms, such as pain and swelling from the removal of lymph nodes. “The BCF wellness programme offers therapeutic and holistic treatments such as massage and acupuncture to help manage the side effects of breast cancer,” Croft said. “While this may sound luxurious, the reality is that these services allow me to be in less pain so that I can get out of bed, be with my family and live my life.” While the Breast Cancer Foundation currently offers extensive support programmes in Cayman, RE/MAX owner Kim Lund reminded attendees that such services should not be taken for granted. Twenty-three years ago, when Lund’s wife, Brenda Tibbetts- Lund, was diagnosed with breast cancer, accessing information and services in Cayman wasn’t so easy. Her struggle was a driving force in creating many of the services now available to cancer patients and their families today. Through chemotherapy and illness, Tibbetts-Lund made breast cancer advocacy a central cause in her final days. “After the nine months, even though she had no hair, her whole purpose in life was to bring awareness to the Cayman Islands, to help the local people here,” said Lund, who serves as the Breast Cancer Foundation director. “Unfortunately, Brenda, at 36 years old, died in 1998," he said. "Nobody should die at 36 years old or even older than that from breast cancer. Her goal was to make sure in Cayman we did whatever we could to make sure we helped the people here. Every dime we raise here goes to Cayman.” Saturday night’s live auction raised $209,300. The funds will be matched by an anonymous donor, bringing the live auction total to $418,600. Breast Cancer Foundation Chief Administrator Janette Fitzgerald said the total funds raised through the event are still being tallied. Breast cancer warriors show strength in numbers “Nobody should die at 36 years old or even older than that from breast cancer.” Kim Lund, Breast Cancer Foundation Director Janette Fitzgerald of the Breast Cancer Foundation, left, poses with the Duchess of York, breast cancer survivor Tori Croft and Andy Croft. Tori Croft shares her battle with breast cancer on Saturday night at the Ritz- Carlton. cayman compass 6 news briefs news N news TUESDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2019RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s Public Procurement Law and its accompanying regulations are under review, according to director of the Cayman Islands Procurement Office Taraq Bashir. Bashir was testifying before the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday when he said that his office was looking into the effectiveness of the legislation. “We are going through a full review of the Procurement Law, the procurement regulations and the financial regulations with the view to, first of all, identify any improvements and secondly, to iron out any differences and inconsistencies between all those things,” he said. He told the PAC that a working steering committee, which he also sits on, was established for the review and a draft has already been prepared. “We have to go through the process of formally presenting that to the Legislative Assembly,” he said. Bashir, together with Financial Secretary Kenneth Jefferson, faced the PAC as it enquired into the auditor general’s report on government’s use of outsourced services from 2012-2017. Prospect MLA Austin Harris took aim at the lengthy delay from the passage of the bill in 2016 and the completion of the regulations in 2018 to bring it into force. Jefferson said it was “certainly not desirable” for such a long period to elapse between the passage of a law and regulations. However, he said, given the nature of the law, a high level of preparedness for civil servants was needed. “The reason for such a long delay was the level of training required and I remember there was quite a long period of consultation with the private sector in getting their feedback as to what the regulations should contain,” he added. Bashir explained that the current procurement process promotes value for dollar and better scrutiny, adding that projects of $100,000 and over require a business case and evidence must be provided to establish the need for the expenditure before it is approved. Bodden Town MLA Chris Saunders questioned the quality of the business cases that are being submitted. He said that the preparation process for business cases needs to be fixed first before the document is sent to the procurement office. He also asked how the procurement office was managing collusion among bidders who may try to skew the process. Bashir said his office was mindful of the issue and, under the regulations, if collusion is discovered, bidders will be excluded from the process. Jefferson said when government’s Bonfire procurement portal was established, 1,900 vendors registered to make themselves available to do services for the government. He said some 180 procurement opportunities have been placed on Bonfire for the public to subscribe and apply for. He told committee members that while they do recognise that the present regime is not perfect, it “is an improvement from where we were before”. Bashir told the committee that his office is still going through a learning and development process, with Cayman in the early stages of the development of proper procurement in the public sector. To Cayman’s credit, Bahir said, “we are very well advanced in relation to other Caribbean countries in terms of our processes and procedures around the Procurement Law”. However, he hastened to add, “we are a long way behind with regard to other countries in the world”. Procurement law under review RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The Cayman Islands Port Authority continues to look for a new port director. According to an ad published Friday, that has already been posted over several weeks, the authority said it is “seeking a dynamic Port Director who will be responsible for defining and implementing the strategy and vision of the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands”. A yearly package range of $134,720 to $196,296, inclusive of salary, benefits and allowances, has been advertised for the post. The deadline for applications is 18 Oct. The ad also said that preference will be given to suitably qualified and experienced Caymanians. The port director post became vacant with the removal of former director Clement Reid, whose employment was terminated November 2018. Reid was suspended in May last year in the aftermath of a damning auditor general’s report which highlighted breaches of hiring rules and excessive spending on office upgrades, among a number of concerns. The auditors also flagged the suspected theft of boat engines, which was not reported to police, as a concern. An internal investigation was launched following the findings. Roughly six months later, the Port Authority ended his employment “by mutual consent”. The circumstances of his departure, as well as the findings of the internal investigation into Reid’s performance, were never made public. Deputy Director Joseph Woods has been acting director since Reid’s removal. Port Authority director post still vacant RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s 27-year-old communications tower at Northward will be getting a makeover. The Department of Public Safety and Communications has issued a request for proposals to build a new tower, which it said will form an integral part of the National Emergency Notification System. The system enables government to broadcast emergency announcements to the public on local radio frequencies or through text message alerts. Last month, the NENS radio alert system had its first trial run. According to Hazard Management Cayman Islands, Cayman is one of the first countries in the Caribbean to have a national alert system in place. The RPF is inviting proposals for a three-legged lattice communications tower. The closing date for submissions is 18 Oct. The DPSC, in response to questions from the Cayman Compass, said work has already commenced on clearing the site and engaging local consultants for the project. The department said the communications tower is a critical part of the Cayman Islands Public Safety Communications network. The current 260-foot antenna tower is located at the rear of Northward Prison and was constructed in 1992. “Life expectancy of this type of tower is 25-30 years, especially in tropical /salt air climate,” the department said. “The new tower constructed as part of this project will replace the existing outdated tower.” The new tower will be located on Crown land approximately 1,000 feet north of the prison. It is expected to integrate a number of existing services, such as radio frequency repeater services for local radio stations, the local weather service transmitter (107.9 FM) and microwave connectivity for the Kearney Gomez Weather Station in East End. The tower will also include new services, such as the VHF transceivers that will allow the Cayman Islands Coast Guard and other marine vessels to communicate more efficiently, according to the DPSC. The NENS will also incorporate an app through which residents who sign up will receive emergency messages to their smart phones. $1.2M upgrade for Cayman’s communications tower “We are going through a full review of the Procurement Law” Taraq Bashir , Cayman Islands Procurement Office director The communications tower at Northward is getting a makeover. 7What exactly is sargassum? Sargassum is a stringy brown seaweed. Held afloat by gas-filled bubbles that resemble grapes, it accumulates in large mats. Typically found in the Sargasso Sea around Bermuda, it began showing up in large quantities in the Caribbean from 2011. Why is it a problem? In the open ocean, sargassum is a vital refuge for an untold number of sea creatures. When it washes ashore in small quantities, it can help nourish and stabilise beaches. However, the sheer mass of this seaweed that has washed up in the Caribbean since 2011 is perilous for the tourism industry, threatening the image of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters that attract tourists to the region. When it starts to rot, it gives off a sulphurous rotten-egg smell that is equally off-putting. Where is it coming from? Scientists have traced the source of the sargassum invasion to a new ‘accumulation zone’ spanning more than 5,500 miles from Brazil to the coast of west Africa. Dubbed the ‘Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt’, this zone contained 200 million tons of sargassum in 2018, based on a study of satellite imagery. Prior to 2010, it barely registered on satellites. Ocean currents carry it to the Caribbean, where winds and local current patterns impact when and where it arrives on beaches here. Why is this happening now? Scientists believe nutrients flooding in from the Amazon and Congo rivers, combined with an upwelling of currents off the coast of Africa, have essentially changed the ocean chemistry. This has created the ideal conditions for a bloom in production of the algae. Exactly why 2011 was the ‘tipping point’ is still being researched. Is this a temporary thing? While some years may be worse than others, researchers agree that the twin causes of ‘ocean nutrification and climate change’ are not going away and neither is sargassum. Is it harmful to humans? This is another area that needs more study, but the short answer is yes, it can be hazardous to humans. In the ocean it is fine, but once it washes up and starts to rot, it releases hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. Inhaling it at low levels can cause itchy eyes and breathing problems; at extremely high levels it can be life threatening. In Martinique, doctors reported more than 8,000 cases of ‘acute exposure’ in 2018, including three patients who were admitted to intensive care, according to an article in medical journal, The Lancet. The French government has committed 10 million euros in funding to mitigate the problem in its territories. So far, there have been no reports of any sargassum-related health issues in Cayman. What can be done about it? How to deal with sargassum is an expanding field of research. Scientists in Barbados, France, Mexico, Florida and elsewhere are still examining the causes and whether it can be intercepted at sea before it hits the beaches. Another branch of research is emerging into the possibility of turning it into economically viable products, including fertiliser. Right now, in Cayman, careful clearing of the beaches is the only solution being pursued in a significant way. The bulk of the sargassum collected so far has gone to the landfill, though the Department of Agriculture is looking into other options. facts: 124 square miles The estimated sargassum coverage in the Caribbean and West Atlantic in October 2018. $150,000 The cost of keeping one beach resort clean in Grand Cayman in 2019. 200 tons The amount of sargassum cleared from Cayman's beaches in two weeks this summer. 200 times more The amount of sargassum in Caribbean waters in 2011 compared with the average for the previous eight years. $120 million The estimated US dollar clean-up cost for sargassum across the Caribbean in 2018. The reported drop in tourism on Mexico's Caribbean coast in 2018. 35% Since 2011, periodic invasions of sargassum have been a feature of life in the Caribbean. Here we answer some of the key questions about what is driving this phenomenon and what it means for coastal communities on islands across the region. What exactly is sargassum? Sargassum is a stringy brown seaweed. Held afloat by gas-filled bubbles that resemble grapes, it accumulates in large mats. Typically found in the Sargasso Sea around Bermuda, it began showing up in large quantities in the Caribbean from 2011. Why is it a problem? In the open ocean, sargassum is a vital refuge for an untold number of sea creatures. When it washes ashore in small quantities, it can help nourish and stabilise beaches. However, the sheer mass of this seaweed that has washed up in the Caribbean since 2011 is perilous for the tourism industry, threatening the image of white Since 2011, periodic invasions of sargassum have been a feature of life in the Caribbean. Here we answer some of the key questions about what is driving this phenomenon and what it means for coastal communities on islands across the region. Sargassum in the Caribbean gum The Issue Explained: While some years may be worse than others, scientists agree that regular sargassum invasions are likely to be a feature of life in the Caribbean for the near future. cayman compass 8 I issues TUESDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2019Surprise, Surprise! Chef George made the headlines in St Tropez. He hit the beach wearing his resurrected 30 year old Speedos – on day 2 they decided to disintegrate and he had to race to the adjacent beach which happened to be the famous nudist beach. He was a huge hit with the crowd there - even made the news…… CALYPSO RE-OPENS ON FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky A less-than-postcard-perfect vacation to the Caribbean in 2013 resulted in one of the region’s most utilised tools for monitoring seaweed conditions on popular tourist beaches. Mado Martin, a founder of sargassummonitoring.com, had envisioned crystal-clear, blue waters and white sand beaches when he vacationed in Belize and Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Instead, he encountered a stark - and smelly - contrast to the images promoted by tour providers. Like many Caribbean tourists in recent years, he discovered white sand obscured by mounds of rotting seaweed and turquoise water browned by the decomposing masses. “We experienced the inconvenience caused by the nauseating odour. We saw the sea becoming brown, and the fish and sea turtles dead, imprisoned in these thick, sometimes impassable carpets,” Martin said. While most tourists would settle with leaving a disgruntled review online, he took his disappointment one step further. He turned it into a tool to help other tourists. Sargassum Monitoring compiles and maps images that show the sargassum impact across the region. One map shows beaches with sargassum and a separate map shows beaches without sargassum. With sargassum-forecasting tools still in development, the maps offer one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date snapshots of the seaweed situation in the region. The work requires extensive research and hours of time by a team of volunteers who check regional webcams, search the internet and cross-check information submitted by users. Some areas, such as Cuba and Haiti, are more difficult to monitor than others. The team also runs into difficulty when monitoring webcams are shut off, at times to hide influxes of seaweed. “We update multiple times a day, every day, seven days a week,” Martin said. “Like journalists, we do a real job of investigation, because to be credible, we must provide true information and real images of the day, not those misleading ones that people or organisations that have essentially a financial interest are circulating, because the invasion of … sargassum induces economic losses in the millions of dollars.” With 1.6 million visitors a year reported by Sargassum Monitoring, the information provided has generated substantial interest. The team is considering launching an app to facilitate information sharing. But Sargassum mapping empowers tourists the task is not easy. Apps require investment and the Sargassum Monitoring team is unpaid. Monitoring photos is also an imperfect approach, but more sophisticated forecasting is not yet possible. “We receive lots of messages from people that are planning their trip, but unfortunately to this day, no one can predict the arrivals,” Martin said. “A beach can be clean in the morning, and totally flooded by algae by the afternoon.” Monitoring beaches across the Caribbean has also allowed the team to observe the environmental impact of sargassum arrivals and response efforts. “All year long, with Sargassum Monitoring, we observe thousands of photos and we notice the erosion of beaches provoked by the back and forth of heavy machinery, but also wheelbarrows or pitchforks,” Martin said. “These beaches that have taken years to form, and that have been appreciated by millions of tourists, are disappearing quickly because of the bad management of the sargassum.” Exacerbated by lack of communication and information sharing, many countries in the region have repeated the same management mistakes, Martin said. Sargassum Monitoring takes one small step toward bridging that information divide. “We’ve learned a lot about sargassum and their impact on the tourism, sanitary and ecological sides. And we still learn more every day,” Martin said. “It’s important because we don’t want to participate in disinformation.” With sargassum- forecasting tools still in development, the maps offer one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date snapshots of the seaweed situation in the region. Sargassum Monitoring compiles images and videos from across the region, like this photo submitted in August from Placencia Village Council in Belize. Sargassum influxes have spread across the region. This photo shows piles of seaweed in Isla Morada, Florida, in March. cayman compass 9 I issues issues cayman TUESDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2019Next >