cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS (funding local journalism) Tuesday, 15 October 2019 News Cadet Corps leader eager to see new regiment Page 2 News Local musicians to headline Bahamas aid concert Page 6 Mexican Caribbean entangled in sargassum invasion Issues | Page 10 Cruise ships return to eastern Caribbean News | Page 5 New Firearms Response Unit fleet on the streets Bendel Hydes’ career arc revealed in retrospective Living | Page 13 See page 3Currently, she said, there are few opportunities for the approximately 150 corps members to pursue any kind of military vocation. Some cadets go on to serve in the police force, the fire department or the prison system. Only one that she knows of became a member of the UK Armed Forces. She’s hoping that opening up a partnership with the UK would allow an avenue for cadets who are interested to attend the British military academy. Although it is envisioned as a reserve organisation, the regiment itself will also provide an outlet, she said. “When the regiment is recruiting, they’ll be looking for people with some skills already.” She expects the corps might also benefit from sharing some of the regiment resources, such as facilities and equipment. The equipment the UK might be providing, she said, won’t be tanks and missile launchers, but more like uniforms and materials. “We would definitely get the training facilities,” she said. “We would definitely get the bunks, classrooms and those sorts of things.” Having a centralised space for both the regiment and the corps where resources could be shared only makes sense, O’Garro said. She thinks it also makes sense to strengthen Cayman’s ability to help itself and others in the aftermath of hurricanes or other disasters. “It really is about capacity building,” she said of the regiment. “This can only add to our capacity as a nation. It takes it a notch higher.” 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! 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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” Partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of morning showers and possible thunder. weather Forecast today Cayman Islands TUESDAY 07.10.2019 90°F 78°F HIGH LOW WINDS East at 5 to 10 knots. SEA STATE Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. Cadet Corps leader eager to see new regiment “Everyone’s speaking about the contribution we could make. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate the skills we already have.” Bobeth O’Garro , Cadet Corps commandant 150 Approximate number of Cadet Corp members MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@compassmedia.ky The head of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps said she thinks the proposed military regiment for Cayman, announced on Friday, will benefit the corps and the nation. “We are most definitely excited about it,” said Bobeth O’Garro, who has been commandant for the corps for 11 years. “Everyone’s speaking about the contribution we could make. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate the skills we already have.” UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Mark Lancaster, along with Governor Martyn Roper and Premier Alden McLaughlin, announced plans for the Cayman regiment at a press conference Friday. Lancaster said the unit would be a cooperative venture between Cayman and the UK, with the latter providing training and equipment. O’Garro said she thinks the establishment of a regiment will provide a valuable resource to Cayman and the region when it comes to disaster response. She expects it will also generate more interest in the Cadet Corps, which trains young people, 12-17, in military discipline and skills. Bobeth O'Garro is commandant of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps. 2The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has added four custom- built Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles to its Firearms Response Unit fleet. The SVUs have been fitted with upgraded emergency lighting and reflective decals to identify the FRU to provide increased visibility during patrols and response, according to the RCIPS. Two of the vehicles have been equipped with winch capabilities which can pull more than 1 ton. “This capability, along with the size of the vehicles themselves, will add to their potential usefulness during national disasters such as hurricanes, where they may be used to help remove debris or clear roadways,” the police said in a statement. Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne said, “The vehicles were purchased because of the need to replace some of the vehicles in the unit which were old and had come to [the] end of useful service.” He added, “The vehicles, which have now become operational, are deployed on high visibility crime prevention and patrols, armed response and security details that form a part of the unit’s mandate. The vehicles will be used exclusively by the Firearms Response Unit." Governor Martyn Roper, who visited George Town Police Station to see the new vehicles, said in the statement, “Continuous improvement in our policing capability and equipment is essential to ensure the Police Commissioner’s vision of a police service at the cutting-edge of modern policing. These new vehicles will not only play a key role in the RCIPS response to day-to-day policing but will also be a valuable asset to our disaster management strategy." The vehicles were deployed on Friday, 11 Oct., and were on patrol throughout the weekend. The Cayman Islands government recently has taken other steps in relation to disaster management, including an announcement on Friday of its intention to create a military regiment. Premier Alden McLaughlin, UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Mark Lancaster and Governor Martyn Roper jointly announced plans for the unit, which would be a volunteer reserve force with a handful of full-time personnel. The initial size is expected to be between 35 and 50 members. A second police helicopter is expected to arrive on island in December, further bolstering the islands’ ability to respond to disasters locally and regionally. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky A public health meeting on dengue fever has been planned for Wednesday in East End. It comes as the Ministry of Health and the Mosquito Research and Control Unit on Friday confirmed Cayman’s first dengue case after a person contracted the virus locally. According to the ministry statement, the case is “a Cayman Islands resident who had no recent travel history”. Health officials did not release details on the district in which the case has been confirmed. The community meeting will be held at the United Church Hall in East End at 7:30pm. Staff from the Department of Environmental Health, Public Health and the MRCU will be at the meeting and will answer all questions, according to a meeting notice. Dengue outbreaks have been declared in a number of countries within the region and, until now, Cayman was one of the few territories that was dengue free. In Jamaica, more than 5,900 dengue cases, including 88 deaths related to the virus, have been reported so far this year. The Jamaican government has committed JM$350 million (CI$2 million) to fight the mosquito-borne disease. Florida recently has also reported a small number of cases of locally acquired dengue. According to the latest statistics for 2019 from the Pan-American Health Organization, there have been 2.56 million reported cases of dengue in the Americas, 1.31 million of which have been confirmed. In addition, 20,605 severe cases of the disease were reported and there were 1,082 dengue-related deaths. Members of the RCIPS Firearms Response Unit in front of the new fleet. Police get 4 new armed response vehicles “The vehicles which have now become operational, are deployed on high visibility crime prevention and patrols, armed response and security details that form a part of the unit’s mandate.” Derek Byrne , Police Commissioner Public health meeting on dengue planned What is dengue fever? Dengue fever is a mosqui- to-borne disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. There is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat dengue. cayman compass 3 news N news TUESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2019Looking for the Compass Comics?mpassComics Daily Horoscope YesterdAY' s sOLU tION s 1234567 89 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1234567 89 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Puzzle 16192 ACROSS: 1 Consomme, 5 Pump, 9 Admit, 10 Thunder, 11 On an even keel, 13 Filthy, 14 Pebble, 17 In succession, 20 Involve, 21 Niger, 22 Lore, 23 Dejected. DOWN: 1 Cram, 2 Nominal, 3 Out in the cold, 4 Motive, 6 Undue, 7 Parallel, 8 Quintessence, 12 Official, 15 Brought, 16 Revere, 18 Sever, 19 Arid. CURTIS By Ray Billingsley BLONDIE By Y. Marshall PEANUTS By Charles M. Shulz Häg AR THE H ORRIBLE By Chris Browne THE LOCKHORNS By Bunny Hoest & John Reiner ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Today is a poor day to make deci -sions or spend money on anything other than food, gas and entertain - ment. However, it’s a fun-loving, playful, social day! TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) You will enjoy schmoozing with friends, especially female con - tacts. It’s a great day to enjoy a long lunch or meet your pals after work. Nevertheless, restrict spending to food, gas and enter - tainment. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) This is a poor day for important decisions; therefore, agree to nothing. When talking to bosses or members of organizations, do not volunteer for anything! CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Today you will enjoy travel and doing something different. You will love to learn something new and meet different faces. However, this is a poor day to shop. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Your focus right now is on finan -cial matters; nevertheless, this is a poor day for important decisions. It’s also a poor day to spend money on anything other than food, gas or entertainment. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) You might have a meaningful, candid, heart-to-heart talk with a close friend or partner today. People are more willing to let down their guard. Nevertheless, post - pone important decisions. LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Shortages and silly mistakes might occur at work today. Avoid important decisions and restrict spending to food, gas and enter -tainment. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) This is a wonderful, creative, playful day! Enjoy schmoozing with others. Sports events, the arts, musical performances and fun activities with children will be top choices. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Today your focus is on home and family, perhaps a female relative in particular. This is a poor day to shop for anything at home except for food. Take note. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) You’re keen to talk to others today. Short trips will appeal to you. Be wise and confine your spending to food, gas and entertainment. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Today the Moon is in your Money House; nevertheless, restrict your spending to food, gas and enter - tainment. You can window shop, but wait until tomorrow to spend your dough. PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Today the Moon is in your sign, but it’s a loosey-goosey Moon! This means you are creative, sociable and full of wishful thinking. Restrict spending. YOU BORN TODAY You are creative, imaginative and competitive. You are also level -headed, practical and fair. This is a fun-loving year! You know what you’re doing. Enjoy increased pop -ularity and warm friendships. This year you will be more grateful for your life and will appreciate the happiness and beauty around you daily. BY FRANCES DRAKE MONDAy, D ECEMBER 1, 2014 AC rOss 1 Traveller (7) 5 Protection (5) 8 Belonging naturally (9) 9 Venomous snake (3) 10 Otherwise (4) 12 Australian city (8) 14 Caribbean form of sorcery (6) 15 To last (6) 17 South African city (4,4) 18 King of Greek gods (4) 21 Lyric poem (3) 22 Disentangle (9) 24 Period of time (5) 25 Affectedly superior (4-3) dOWN 1 To express (5) 2 Eventually (3) 3 Firm hold (4) 4 Dwell permanently (6) 5 New Zealand city (8) 6 Thankfulness (9) 7 Highest in rank (7) 11 Fine specimen for display (9) 13 Canadian city (8) 14 Empty-headed (7) 16 Electrical device (6) 19 Used up (5) 20 Boxing arena (4) 23 Tree of olive family (3) The Compass CROSS w ORD PU zzLE The Compass UNI vERSAL KAKURO Puzzle 16193 The numbers in the black cells are clues. Numbers above the slash are across clues. Number below the slash are down clues. The goal is to enter digits 1 - 9 in the white cells to add up to the number clues. You cannot enter any digit more than once when adding up to clue. They will be back on Fridays, as of 25 Oct., along with the horoscope. cartoon Jake Fuller I started my sea career at the age of 15 in 1946 culling turtles around the Nicaraguan coast. At the age of 16, I went to the US and joined the Merchant Navy Sailing of Foreign Flag Ships. I sailed on fruit ships, general cargo ships, oil tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, heavy lift ships and RO-RO (roll- on roll-off) ships. I started as a deck hand. Retired after 41½ years as Master. During my sailing as Master, I transported building equipment and supplies to many countries to construct docks. Just to name a few: Port Hess in St Croix, US Virgin Islands; St Thomas, USVI; Point Lisas, Pointe a Pierre, Galeota, Trinidad; Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles; St Martin; Cul de Sac Bay, St Lucia; Puerto Morelos, Mexico; Freeport, Bahamas; Guyanilla, Puerto Rico and many more. I will name some of the companies I transported equipment for: Chicago Bridge and Iron Works, Brown and Root, Badger Litwin Contractors, Riggers International and many more. I also transported a breeder nuclear reactor for the US Atomic Energy Commission from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Longview, Washington, so I would say I have a little experience in observing dock construction. I have a few questions to ask. Why is the builder of the dock designing it? It seems the government doesn’t know what they want. When you don’t know anything about the project, they can build anything, you don’t know if it will work or not. Yes, you can build the dock at a cost; but will you be able to use it? Why is the design so secret? One thing more, George Town does not have a harbour. George Town has a roadstead, a harbour is an enclosure. Please see Webster’s dictionary. These such large cruise ships have a lot of height above the water which holds a lot of wind power. Try docking one of these large ships when you have 15-20 knots of wind. You are not docking the Kirk Trader or the Merco. It is a different ball game. In closing, think and listen. Listening to people can save a whole lot of headache; sometimes even your life. Paul A Hurlston Retired Master Mariner Questions on proposed cruise port I write to offer what I see as a divergent and constructive alternative to the government establishing a regiment at this time, albeit one of reservists. Now let me make it clear, I am not saying that such a proposal is a complete 'hare-brained scheme'. What I wish to establish is that at this particular time, rather than build a regiment, resources and efforts would more constructively be spent on helping the jurisdiction prepare for climate change. The government would be better advised to use money to set up programmes to monitor sea level rise, coastal erosion, oil spillages, predict tsunamis and prevent storm-surge flooding. Money should be spent to build at least one Category 5 hurricane-resistant shelter in each major population centre such as the one started by the Church of God Chapel in Bodden Town. This model offers the example of a partnership in which all of the expense would not have to be borne solely by government, and in times of no threat from hurricanes the building could be used for other purposes. Such buildings would not only be sources of shelter for persons whose dwellings are vulnerable by virtue of poor construction etc, but also provide shelter to those persons living in flood-prone and storm surge-prone areas. After this has been satisfactorily accomplished (and only then), should attention be turned to the establishment of any regiment. Furthermore, the same objective can be achieved by developing and training a properly equipped Civil Defence Unit. Such a unit could then have a detachment in each district and could ideally work in tandem with the Red Cross to provide disaster- management support. This in my opinion is a more practical solution at this time. The matter of a regiment, while sounding popular, is fraught with organisational challenges and would be better developed after achieving the things mentioned in paragraph two. J.A.Roy Bodden Alternative to setting up a regiment The Cayman Compass encourages community dialogue on important public matters and is eager to receive letters to the editor that contribute positively to that discourse. Every effort is made to publish sub- mitted letters in our print and online editions that meet our criteria. Readers are limited to three pub- lished letters per month. Letters are accepted at the editor’s discretion based on the following criteria: • Letters must be no longer than 350 words. • Letters must be written with sen- sitivity to Cayman Islands’ multi- cultural society and in respectful language that avoids inciting violence or is any way derogatory towards others’ race, religion, or sexual orientation. • Letters must be based on verifi- able information; the Compass reserves the right to fact-check letters. • The Compass reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and AP style. • The Compass reserves the right to cut letters to fit available space in the print edition. • Letters must be signed by the author and contain a contact telephone number and/or email address. • Due to time constraints, the Compass cannot notify individuals as to whether submissions will be published. The views and comments ex pressed in letters submitted to the Cayman Compass, its website or any associated social media platforms, are those of the writer and not those of Compass Media. Letters should be emailed to edi- tor@compassmedia.ky LETTERS Standards and guidelines cayman compass 4 TUESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2019 opinion leaders & letters news N newsfoodservice event THE OF THE YEAR For more info, contact Dermot Troy: Dtroy@Island-Supply.com NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC - TRADE ONLY Over $200,000 of merchandise on the show floor Equipment - Meats, Produce, Specialty Foods Eco-Friendly & Green Products Beer, Wine & Spirits! FEATURING: • New Products • Special Show-Only Savings • Cooking Demonstrations • Food & Beverage Tastings Tuesday, October 15th Wednesday, October 16th 10AM to 4PM Westin Resort & Spa (Governor’s Ballroom) 2019 TRADE SHOW DON’T MISS OUT! Corresponding drop in Cayman arrival numbers RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cruise lines that once rerouted their ships to Cayman in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria are now returning to their original calls. The shift in the flow of calls is being felt locally. Acting Port Authority Director Joseph Woods, in response to questions from the Cayman Compass, said he believed Cayman has lost the extra ships that were diverted after hurricanes in the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos. “The ships that called here after the islands in the eastern Caribbean were hit by hurricanes have all resumed their original itineraries,” he said. Earlier this month, the Tourism Ministry issued its latest cruise ship statistics, which showed a 6% decline for the first half of 2019. “Other than January and April 2019, which saw increases of 24.12% and 2.17%, respectively, cruise passenger arrivals have declined for every month of this year when compared to 2018. For the month of August 2019, cruise passenger arrivals were down 7.5% compared to August 2018,” the ministry statement said. Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell, in a statement earlier this month, said the decline in cruise arrivals was “disappointing but not unexpected”. “The reality is that our economy is service based, and we depend on the market being brought to our shores. If that market declines, we don’t have many options for our people to fall back on to maintain themselves and their families," the minister said. Conversely, air arrivals have continued to grow. Tourism figures showed a total of 37,356 stayover visitors arrived in August, an increase of almost 10% over August 2018. Cruise lines resume Bahamas calls Meanwhile, as islands in the Bahamas continue the path to recovery following Hurricane Dorian, cruise ships are resuming calls to bolster the economy there. The strongest storm on record to hit the Bahamas, Dorian killed at least 50 people and left thousands homeless when it struck in early September. Following the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Cayman saw a jump in the number of cruise ships calling here. However, this was not the case when it came to the Bahamas, according to the acting Port Authority director. “We have not had any from the Bahamas. Nassau was untouched and that is where the majority of cruise lines call,” said Woods. Last week, Carnival Cruise Line announced the return of its call to Freeport in the Bahamas, with the first ship being Carnival Pride. The company said it expects to make a total of 39 calls in Freeport, which will bring more than 100,000 visitors to the Bahamas by year’s end. Cruise ships return to eastern Caribbean 6% Reduction in cruise ship arrivals in first half of 2019 Fewer cruise ships are calling to Cayman as they return to the eastern Caribbean. 5 news N newsRESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s Barefoot Man George Nowak and band Sea n’ B will be headlining an upcoming ‘Hope for Abaco’ hurricane-relief concert. The concert will take place in Stuart, Florida, on 14 Dec. at the Veterans Memorial Park. Nowak said he considers Abaco his second home and was happy to help. “Tourism is, or should we say was, the backbone to outlying Cays’ healthy economy [in the Bahamas],” he said. Nowak, along with Chuck and Barrie Quappe, Mark McTaggart and Winston (Bugs) Wilson, have been performing for the last 20 years at the annual beach concerts on the island of Great Guana Cay, which was in the direct path of Hurricane Dorian. “Without question, the majority of the island, along with the concert venue Nippers Grill, was devastated,’ a press release about the concert stated. “Over the years, Barefoot has composed and recorded several albums which eulogises the Abaco archipelago. He has even closer ties with the island of Green Turtle Cay, which is the home to one of his daughters, Dawn.” Cayman Airways has donated airline tickets for band members to attend the benefit concert. The other performers include Stone McEwan and Sunny Jim. Concert organiser Erich Sitko said the goal is to raise $1 million to send to the Abaco Cays for the rebuilding of uninsured Bahamian homes and businesses. He said all proceeds, including the artists’ fees, will be used for that effort. He has partnered with a local charity in the Bahamas to distribute the aid, he said. Sitko added he has been cruising the Bahamas for more than 14 years and was moved to help the islands. “When the first pictures were coming in, showing aerial views of the damage, it was clear to see that the damage was indeed catastrophic – pictures of giant oil slicks off Grand Bahama. They claim to this day that no oil leaked into the ocean; however, early photos paint a different story. The need for emergency aid became very clear,” he said. Sitko said he began working with individuals to collect supplies and ship them to the affected islands and was able to take 4,000 pounds of food and water to Grand Bahama on the yacht M/Y Synergy a few days after the storm. “We have since sent several vessels loaded with relief supplies to different islands in need. We are now switching to collecting and sending supplies for rebuilding,” he said. Many homes in Abaco are foreign owned, he said, and most of which have some type of insurance, but “the people most impacted by this event are the Bahamians themselves”. Ticket sales for the concert are set to open this week. For more information, email esitko@gmail.com or emerg_1@me.com. Local musicians to headline aid concert Barefoot Man George Nowak and Barrie Quappe from Sea 'n B play at Nippers Grill in Great Guana Cay in the Bahamas at an earlier concert. Concert organiser Erich Sitko said the goal is to raise $1 million to send to the Abaco Cays for the rebuilding of uninsured Bahamian homes and businesses . Robbery in Rock Hole A man was left nursing minor injuries following a robbery in Rock Hole on Sunday morning. The thieves struck the man on his head during the incident. Police said officers received a report around 8am on Sunday that shortly after midnight a man had been walking along Rock Hole Road when he was approached by two men. One of the men demanded cash before striking the victim with an object. He fell to the ground. The men then robbed him of his wallet and mobile phone. The culprits then fled the scene on foot. The victim went to the hospital and was treated for minor injuries. One of the suspects was described about 6 feet in height and of skinny build. He was also wearing a baseball hat. Investigations are continuing. Saturday Night Live returning to GT The second edition of Saturday Night Live in George Town has been planned for the end of this month. On Monday George Town Manager and Revitalisation Coordinator Colin Lumsden announced the new date, saying the street festival will return to Hog Sty Bay on Saturday, Oct. 26. It will run from 5p.m. to 12:00 a.m. A statement announcing the event said it is part of the George Town Revitalisation Initiative and “is aimed at creating a modern downtown waterfront atmosphere filled with live music, art, tappas style Caymanian food served from food trucks and stalls from local restaurants and businesses.” Lumsden said the turnout at the last event, which was held on Aug. 3, was “very good.” “We are creating a space for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy our food and culture. The event provides a positive way to celebrate the community spirit of George Town, our residents and businesses that has given so much to our town” he said in the statement announcing the return of the event. The statement added that the George Town Revitalisation Initiative also emphasises sustainability and quality of life for the George Town community, promoting walkability and connectivity, diversifying downtown through mixed-use zoning and providing affordable housing and transportation options to people. Lumsden said he is expecting everyone “to come and just spend some time together”. A musician enterrtains the crowd at the last Saturday Night Live in George Town. The next event will be held on 26 Oct. 6MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@compassmedia.ky The Office of Education Standards said Sir John A. Cumber Primary School has made significant progress in improving its weak performance, but still has a long way to go. In a newly published report, the West Bay school was judged satisfactory in 13 of 16 previously identified areas of weakness. “In some ways, there have been some very important improvements,” said Peter Carpenter, head of the standards office. “But it’s not where we want it to be.” The weak rating on just three of the 16 areas inspectors were evaluating is a substantial improvement from previous reports. In February, inspectors rated the school weak on eight of the 16 areas. In a May 2018 report, nine of the areas were judged as weak. Carpenter said better student behaviour and classroom management have made a big difference. There has also been a leadership change at John A. Cumber since the previous inspection. New principal Jovanna Wright did not respond to a request for comment. The report noted progress in a number of areas. “There had been a notable improvement in the quality of teaching since the previous inspection,” the report said. “In particular, there were more examples of good and satisfactory lessons and the number of lessons judged as weak had reduced. Overall, most lessons in this inspection were found to be satisfactory or better. A significant factor in the improved quality of teaching was that teachers managed students’ behaviour more effectively and with greater consistency.” The report added, “There were more examples of lessons in which students were encouraged to find out information for themselves, and there were also sessions in which the students demonstrated autonomy and responsibility for their own learning.” On the downside, inspectors said there were still a number of lessons they observed where teachers “talked for too long and there was insufficient time for the students to practise the skills taught”. The three areas where the school was found to be weak were in: • Identifying learning goals for the year and taking “speedy action if students are falling behind”; • Developing a standard system for marking students’ work “to ensure that students learn from their mistakes and are guided in improving their work”; and • Providing more opportunities for “writing at greater length in English” and in a context of inquiry. Carpenter said student performance also remains a problem. “Their exam results are still really poor, in fact, probably the worst of any school in the system,” he said. "Only one-quarter of students achieved the expected level in mathematics.” An example of the level at which students are working is contained in the report. “By Year 2, students were able to identify numbers to 100 and complete simple addition of one-digit numbers,” the report said. “Attainment in mathematical calculation in early years and Key Stage 1 classes was well below expected levels and teachers were working intensively with classes to address gaps in knowledge. By the end of Key Stage 2, students could add and subtract and round up and down using large numbers.” Carpenter said he’s hopeful further gains will be made. “The teaching’s getting better, so that will improve,” he said of the students’ performance. “But it will take time.” The full report can be found at http://bit.ly/SJACP3FT_2019. 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, Cosmetic Gynecology Sir John A. Cumber Primary School in West Bay. John A. Cumber shows some improvement “In some ways, there have been some very important improvements . But it’s not where we want it to be.” Peter Carpenter , director, Office of Education Standards Sir John A. Cumber Progress RecommendationApril 2018Jan. 2019Oct. 2019 State learning expectations plainly and act quickly if students fall behind WeakWeakWeak Improve lesson time and teach at brisker pace WeakWeakSatisfactory Develop standard marking and feedback on students’ papers Weak SatisfactoryWeak Improve reading for informationWeakWeakSatisfactory Provide longer writing exercisesWeak WeakWeak Assess and improve math teaching skillsSatisfactoryWeakSatisfactory 7 news N newsACROSS 1 A ship’s boat (7) 5 Light motorcycle (5) 8 Impotence (13) 9 Unattached (5) 10 Theatricality (7) 11 Insensitive (6) 12 Sudden (6) 15 Enchant (7) 17 Accepted practice (5) 19 Soon enough (3,2,4,4) 20 Nightclub for dancing (5) 21 Oppressive use of power (7) DOWN 1 Schoolchild (5) 2 Australian state (3,5,5) 3 Stuffy (7) 4 Not liable (6) 5 Worker in stone (5) 6 Chief consideration (13) 7 Difference of opinion (7) 11 In a ship (2,5) 13 Gross mistake (7) 14 Forepart of neck (6) 16 Latin American dance (5) 18 Sorrowful poem (5) The Compass CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1234567 8 190 111213 14 15161718 19 2021 1234567 8 190 111213 14 15161718 19 2021 Puzzle 16196 YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Puzzle 16195 ACROSS: 1 Steak, 8 Near miss, 9 Stage, 10 Go too far, 11 Below, 12 Peg, 16 Facade, 17 Action, 18 Nap, 23 Sense, 24 Disclose, 25 Aglow, 26 Gainsaid, 27 White. DOWN: 2 To the bad, 3 As good as, 4 Become, 5 Brook, 6 Jiffy, 7 Usury, 12 Pen, 13 Gap, 14 At length, 15 For short, 19 Assail, 20 Adage, 21 Aspic, 22 Plush. Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales during the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London on Monday. Regional Holness ‘saddened’ over former government minister’s arrest Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday stressed that the Jamaica Labour Party would not interfere with the ongoing investigation and court case involving former Minister of Education Ruel Reid, the Jamaica Gleaner reports. Holness, who was addressing a JLP Area Council One meeting at the Girl Guides Association of Jamaica headquarters in St. Andrew, said he was saddened by the debacle that has engulfed his administration. Reid, his daughter, Sharelle; his wife, Sharen; president of the Caribbean Maritime University Professor Fritz Pinnock; and Kim Brown Lawrence, councillor for the Brown’s Town division in St Ann, were offered bail when they appeared before court last week to answer to corruption and fraud charges. “There is no question that it (Reid’s arrest) saddens me, that it saddens the entire party,” Holness said. It’s the first time he has publicly addressed the issue of Reid’s arrest. “I want to make it clear that ... the Jamaica Labour Party that now has leadership and responsibility for the future of this country, the institution of the party, is strongly against anything that could be characterised as corruption, malfeasance, and abuse of public funds,” Holness stated, adding that concerns being raised are being taken seriously by the party. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that wherever there is corruption, wherever there is misuse of power, misappropriation of public resources, that this administration will ensure that the mechanisms are in place to ferret it out and bring them before the courts,” said Holness. Haiti's embattled president faces 5th week of protests Haiti's president faced a fifth week of protests on Monday as road blocks went up across the country after opposition leaders said they will not back down on their call for Jovenel Moïse to resign, according to an Associated Press report. The demonstrations come a day after tens of thousands of Haitians marched through the capital of Port-au-Prince in a peaceful protest organised by artists, with many participants wearing white shirts. Business groups, church leaders and human rights organisations also have joined the call for Moïse to step down amid anger over corruption, inflation and scarcity of basic goods, including fuel. The demonstrations have shuttered businesses, prevented 2 million children from going to school and led to the deaths of some 20 people and roughly 200 injuries. Much of the anger stems from an investigation released by Haiti's Senate that accuses former top government officials of misusing some $2 billion in funds tied to a Venezuelan subsidised oil programme that were slated for social programmes. The report also mentioned a company once owned by Moïse, who has denied corruption allegations. Police seize firearms in Kingston The Kingston East Police, along with military personnel, seized two firearms and 21 cartridges during an operation on Hardy Street, Elletson Road in Kingston on Sunday, the Jamaica Gleaner reports. One 9-millimetre Berretta pistol with a magazine containing 12 cartridges and one Browning pistol containing nine cartridges were seized. The Elletson Road Police report that at about 11:30am, an abandoned building was searched and both firearms were found in the bathroom ceiling. No one was arrested in relation to the find. Pomp in London, talks in Brussels as Brexit deadline looms Britain and the European Union said Monday that divorce talks were making slow progress, as the UK government tried to look beyond Brexit with a wide- ranging policy platform read by Queen Elizabeth II in a pomp- filled ceremony, the Associated Press reports. In terms of historical importance, the painstaking paragraph-by-paragraph talks at the EU's glass-and-steel Berlaymont headquarters outweighed the regal ritual in which an ermine-draped monarch delivered a speech on the priorities of a Conservative government that could be out of office within weeks. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on 31 Oct., and an EU summit on Thursday or Friday is considered one of the last possible chances to approve a divorce agreement to accommodate that timeframe. Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists the country will leave at the end of the month with or without a deal. “My government's priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom ’ s departure from the European Union on the 31st of October,” the queen said in a speech to Parliament, written for her by the government. The 10-minute speech, read by the 93-year-old monarch from a gilded throne in the House of Lords, included more than 20 bills, including a law to implement an EU withdrawal agreement, should one be reached. It also contained plans for post-Brexit reforms to agriculture, fishing and immigration that will include the ending of the automatic right of EU citizens to live and work in Britain in 2021. Hong Kong police: Homemade bomb targeted officers A homemade, remote-controlled bomb intended to “kill or to harm” riot control officers was detonated as they deployed against renewed violence in Hong Kong over the weekend, police said Monday, in a further escalation of destructive street battles gripping the business hub, the Associated Press reported. The “loud thud” Sunday night close to riot officers who had been clearing away a protester-built road-block marked the first known use of an explosive device during protests that started in June over a contested extradition bill and have snowballed into an anti-government, anti-police and anti-China movement. “It exploded less than two metres away from a police vehicle. We have reason to believe that the bomb was meant to target police officers,” Deputy Commissioner Tang Ping-keung said at a news conference. No casualties were reported from the detonation Sunday night on a usually busy thoroughfare in Kowloon that was among dozens of protest hotspots. news in brief Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness 8Your community newspaper Your new-look newspaper features the following sections: Keeping you up to date and informed with the latest happenings in the Cayman Islands. Covering our island lifestyle, focusing on community events, people and culture. Taking an in-depth look at issues impacting our islands. Reporting on the local business community, along with information and analysis on the financial services sector. Comprehensive coverage of the local sports scene, highlighting our athletes, clubs and sporting events. CaymanCompass.com cayman compass 9 TUESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2019Next >