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Proud to be Forbes Best Global Insurance Group. www.generali-healthcare.com cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Thursday, 31 October 2019 News Verdant Isle job fair Page 6 Bill passes despite defection Living Cayman crab cake eggs Benedict Page 7 Sports Princeton preps for Ivy League n Leagu Page 16 • Bill paves way for 19 Dec. vote – Page 4 • Bernie Bush quits government – Page 5 • What every legislator said on the issue - Page 8• Matinees Daily (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $8.00, Mon-Fri Before 6pm • Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. - THURSDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) ABOMINABLE (PG) 1.15 ADDAMS FAMILY, THE (2019) (PG) 4:15 | 7:00 BLACK & BLUE (R) 12:40 | 3:20 | 7:05 | 9:35 GEMINI MAN (PG13) 12:50 VIP | 1:40 | 3:50 VIP | 6:40 HOUSEFULL 4 (PG) 4:35 | 8:30 THE INFORMER (R) 12:50 | 9:10 JOKER (R) 12:45 | 4:00 | 9:30 | 7:00 VIP 9:30 | 10:00 VIP MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL (PG) 3:40 3D | 6:25 | 9:40 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” Former Radio Cayman reporter Jay Ehrhart will take up the post of executive director at the Cayman Islands Tourism Association on 1 Nov., succeeding Tiffany Dixon-Ebanks. According to a press release from CITA, Ehrhart was chosen following a “rigorous and extensive search” run by Baraud recruitment agency and a CITA select committee. “I am extremely pleased with Mr. Ehrhart’s selection for the post,” CITA president Theresa Leacock- Broderick said in the statement. She added, “As the Board of Directors are all volunteer roles, the Executive Director is crucial to the successful execution of the organisation’s endeavours. The Board has every confidence that Jay will build on the work of his predecessors and will be instrumental in advancing current initiatives and opportunities to serve our members and the interests of the industry.” Ehrhart worked at Radio Cayman for almost 18 years, first as a reporter and then as news director. He most recently worked in the Public Relations Unit of the Department of Tourism. He began working in the Cayman Islands in the hospitality industry in Little Cayman in 1995 and has more than 15 years of experience in the field, CITA said in the statement. “The knowledge of the inner workings and programmes of the Department of Tourism will certainly support me in my new role as CITA Executive Director,” Ehrhart. “I am looking forward to working with the CITA Directors, members and the government to help ensure positive visitor experiences and to help our local tourism businesses continue to thrive in this growing industry.” CITA gets new executive director A Rotary End Polio Now sign shines brightly on an exterior wall of the Cayman Islands Hospital on Thursday, 24 Oct., as the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise ran a polio awareness evening to focus on eradicating polio worldwide. Rotary International, aided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has raised US$1.8 billion and has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9%. Jay Ehrhart Rotary highlights polio weather Cayman Islands 89°F HIGH 78°F LOW Partly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of afternoon showers Forecast today WINDS East to northeast at 5 to 10 knots SEA STATE Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet Police urge safety during Halloween celebrations Police are asking motorists to exercise extra care on Halloween night as neighbourhoods host parties and kids go trick or treating. Parents are also reminded that while walking at night with their children on Thursday, they should go against the flow of traffic and ensure they do not venture onto the roadway. They should also wear reflective clothing or carry lights of some kind in order to be seen by motorists, the RCIPS said. Police are asking drivers to be aware of children walking on the roadsides while trick or treating, and are also advising motorists to be cautious when parking and leaving their vehicles. Police will be conducting high-visibility patrols across the islands on Thursday, with some officers assisting with larger events that require road closures, such as Websters Estates, Snug Harbour and Jason Drive. Halloween safety tips • Walk against flow of traffic • Wear reflective clothing/ carry lights • Drivers be aware • Park in well-lit area/remove valuables from car 2945 FOOD | @FOSTERSCAYMAN | WWW.FOSTERS.KY STORE HOURS MONDAY-SATURDAY | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAYS, NEW YEARS DAY AND GOOD FRIDAY. OPEN ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM 9:00AM - 6:00PM cayman compass 3 THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2019He said the two elements were “indivisible”. “You can’t ask a question that cannot be answered properly in practical terms. There is no separate cruise project,” he said. Amendments also added the principles by which the question should be set, including that it should be clear and simple, directed at the core matter and be neutral in phrasing. The bill also now explicitly includes language indicating the threshold for the result to be binding on government is if more than 50% of registered electors vote for or against the referendum question. An amendment was also made to ensure that deceased people could be struck from the electoral roll before the poll. Asked by Opposition legislators how he would proceed if government loses the vote on the day but the constitutional threshold is not met, McLaughlin said it would be a policy decision for his government to make at that time. Though he has previously indicated government would proceed with the project under those circumstances, he stopped short of making that commitment Wednesday. “That will be the matter for the Cabinet in due course,” he said. McLaughlin defended the constitutional provision for a higher bar in such referendums, saying, “If you want to stop or change government policy, you have got to demonstrate that more than 50% of the electorate agree with you because you are now seeking to change the outcome, in policy terms, of a general election of a democratically elected government. “If you don’t reach the threshold, you haven’t bound the government; then, it becomes a political and policy decision of the government, faced with the result of a referendum that falls short of the binding threshold, whether to proceed or not. That is how the system is set up to work.” No changes were made to the bill to deal with other concerns raised, including newly registered voters who did not join the electoral roll in time being unable to vote. No additions were made to deal with campaign financing – another concern raised by CPR and Opposition legislators during the debate. In terms of what happens next, McLaughlin said, “As soon as the law is assented to and gazetted, Cabinet will convene to formally settle the question and determine the date, and that will then be gazetted by virtue of regulations.” Earlier in the day, the premier had warned that passing the bill was the only way to ensure a people-initiated referendum took place. He said Cabinet had fulfilled its constitutional responsibility by bringing the bill to the house. “If this legislature fails to pass the bill currently before the house, there is no basis for the holding of a referendum,” he said. He added, “Some may vote no or abstain – that is their democratic right, but let it be understood by all that a failure to support this bill is a vote against the holding of a people-initiated referendum.” cartoon Trick or threat - By Caymanman Premier Alden McLaughlin delivers closing remarks during the port referendum bill debate on Wednesday. JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Government passed a bill Wednesday afternoon paving the way for the historic people-initiated referendum on the port project to go ahead. In a late amendment to head off a potential legal challenge, government dropped the question and date from the main bill. Instead, Cabinet will set these elements through regulations. Premier Alden McLaughlin suggested this change was largely a procedural issue to satisfy concerns raised by the legal team of the Cruise Port Referendum Cayman campaign. He said Cabinet has authority through the Constitution to set the question and date and hinted that neither would change from what had been outlined in the original bill. The date for the poll is still almost certain to be 19 Dec. and McLaughlin said significant changes to the question were unlikely. He said it would be presumptive for him to say there would be no changes at all but added, “In very short order, it will be clear, but you can take as a good indication of what Cabinet will do from what has already been published.” He said there was no chance that the cargo and cruise elements would be separated in the question, as some have requested. Gov't passes referendum bill See what every legislator had to say during the debate. Pages 8 and 9. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Letters penned by Premier Alden McLaughlin in 2012 raising concerns about the one man, one vote referendum process and the conduct of the then government made its way into the port debate this week. In the letters, tabled in the Legislative Assembly by Opposition Leader Arden McLean in his contribution Monday, McLaughlin had complained to then Governor Duncan Taylor about the manner in which then Premier McKeeva Bush was engaging in the referendum process. McLean called out the premier on what he labelled “hypocrisy”. He said the actions of McLaughlin’s government to garner support from the electorate to vote yes for the proposed $200 million cruise berthing and cargo project were the same as those McLaughlin had complained about Bush doing in the run-up to the 2012 poll. In the 2012 letters, McLaughlin expressed concern over public funds being used for the campaign and over the date of the referendum. Opponents to the current government’s port project have raised similar concerns in this present debate. On Wednesday, the premier addressed those letters as he delivered his closing speech on the Referendum Bill in the Legislative Assembly. He categorised it as an attempt by McLean to score political points by reminding the country that he and Bush, now House Speaker, have had their share of political differences in the past. “What you and I know, Mr. Speaker, and the country knows well, is that despite our political differences over many years, we have always been able to find ways to work together for the benefit of the country. Otherwise, I would not be premier, and you would not be speaker,” McLaughlin said. He told lawmakers he understood very well the challenges of being part of the Opposition, having spent his early years on those benches. However, back then, he said, the Opposition had a plan. He said if the current Opposition wanted to replace him and his government, then they had to do far more than criticise. McLean criticises premier over 2012 referendum actions 4Reuben Andre Forbes THE DAY YOU WENT AWAY Today’s the anniversary of the day that I lost you, And for a time it felt as though my life had ended too. But loss has taught me many things, and now I face each day, With hope and happy memories, to help me on my way. And though I’m full of sadness that you’re no longer here, Your influence still guides me and I still feel you near. What we shared will never die it lives within my heart, Bringing strength and comfort while we are apart. Missing you always, Mom, Dad, Kristen & Ronald ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF 17 September 1989 - 31 October 2009 Premier not surprised by move RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky West Bay North MLA Bernie Bush occupied his new seat on the Opposition benches on Wednesday morning on the final day of the debate of the Referendum Bill. The former Cayman Democratic Party MLA crossed the floor of the Legislative Assembly during Tuesday night’s debate on the legislation that paves the way for the people-initiated referendum on government’s proposed $200 million port project. In deciding to walk away, he said, he was following his conscience. Bush was the last legislator to speak in Tuesday’s debate, reading from a speech titled ‘Prexit - Port Exit’ and saying he had polled his constituents and could not find more than two that supported the project. “Many of my constituents said to me, ‘We expect you to represent us. We are not comfortable with what is being done, we do not support this, and we expect you to represent us.’ The second thing on my side was the [environmental impact assessment] that is being quoted from is from 2015 and there have been changes made to the plans since then,” he said. Bush told the Cayman Compass he is not part of the official Opposition as yet. He said he had some decisions to make on his future and he would be meeting with Opposition Leader Arden McLean and his team before making his next move. “I will have to sit and talk with them. As long as I am allowed to vote my conscience and if the government brings something that is good for the country and I am allowed to still vote for it, then fine,” Bush said. He said a separate EIA is needed based on the new project designs. “We have to take care of our tourism product, the original Caymanians that were here and built this tourism product and Stingray City. We cannot do anything to jeopardise that. And when there is a doubt, I would rather err on the side of safety than to err on the side that something can happen that we lose Seven Mile Beach,” he said. Premier Alden McLaughlin, speaking with the Compass following Bush’s departure, said he was not surprised Bush had crossed the aisle. “I am surprised it has taken this long for him to formalise his separation from the government,” he said. The premier said despite his “persistent” urging that he should participate since the government’s formation two and a half years ago, Bush never attended a meeting of the government caucus. “On the contrary, he has consistently spoken publicly against government policies and voted with the Opposition. His physical departure from the government benches has been expected for some time. I hope he finds his place on the Opposition benches more comfortable and productive and I wish him well,” McLaughlin said. However, Bush told the Compass that, while he was grateful to the premier for adding him to the Public Accounts Committee and always sitting and talking with him, he was “uncomfortable” in his seat. He said he felt it was better to leave than to remain on the government side and not be supportive. He said during his time on the government backbench, he supported some of the things on the government side, and sometimes had not. “I think that is my duty. I have always tried to vote my conscience,” he added. CDP leader and House Speaker McKeeva Bush, responding to Bush’s departure, said he was not taken aback since he knew the West Bay North MLA wanted to go. “Now he uses every excuse, and what better one than this referendum issue where he thinks the government is losing, to say he must leave the government side where he was sitting for the past two years and getting well paid for it, too,” the speaker said. Bernie Bush’s departure leaves the Unity government with 12 seats and the Opposition with seven. The government team consists of McLaughlin; Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell; ministers Juliana O’Connor- Connolly, Roy McTaggart, Dwayne Seymour, Tara Rivers and Joey Hew; and councillors Barbara Conolly, Austin Harris, David Wight and Captain Eugene Ebanks. House Speaker McKeeva Bush is also part of that majority. The official Opposition consists of McLean; his deputy Alva Suckoo; and MLAs Anthony Eden, Kenneth Bryan and Chris Saunders. North Side MLA Ezzard Miller also sits in Opposition along with newly added Bernie Bush. Bernie Bush makes ‘port exit’ Bernie Bush, right, takes his seat on the Opposition side of the Legislative Assembly, beside Anthony Edien. Current Legislative Assembly breakdown 12 Unified Government 5 Official Opposition 2* Independent *Includes Bernie Bush, who’s undecided about joining Opposition news N news 5MARRIOTT GRAND CAYMAN CAYMAN ISLANDS ALL WELCOME • FREE TO ATTEND • MEET LEADING UK BOARDING SCHOOLS 2 NOVEMBER 2019 bvs-education.co.uk ORGANISED BY FOLLOW BVSEDUCATION MEET UK BOARDING SCHOOLS JEWEL LEVY jlevy@compassmedia.ky The Verdant Isle consortium held a job fair on Tuesday in an effort to attract local employees to jobs related to the proposed cruise berthing and cargo port project. Organisers said some 100 people attended the event at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Grand Cayman, and 20 people signed up to apply for jobs. Earlier this month, Barry Loudermilk, director of business development at Orion Marine Group, one of the Verdant Isle partners, told the Cayman Compass the aim of the fair was to fill up to 200 short- and long- terms jobs locally. Daniel Berg, human resources manager for Orion Marine Group, said positions were available for a variety of skilled workers and professionals. “We probably had about 15 people sign up and a few that did not leave their information, maybe about 20,” Berg said at the fair Tuesday night. By the end of the event, 20 had officially applied for positions. The fair offered information sessions, lists of job opportunities and business ventures. Lauren Tudor of Carnival Cruise Line said her company wanted to let people know what jobs were available. “A lot of things are going on, vessels are coming out constantly, and we are constantly seeking staff and looking for cruise talent,” she said. Jobseeker Mellanda Habib said, “I probably would not work on board a ship, but if it’s the case where the port is open and I am able to get a job, why not?” Gina Matthews, manager of public relations services in the Ministry of Tourism, said the ministry was at the job fair to provide updated information about the project and the benefits it could bring to local families. Robert Robinson, seeking both a job and a business venture, said he wanted to see how the additional passengers brought to the island if the port project goes ahead, would be divided among the different tourism sectors. Kendra Linton said she has been jobless for three years. “Basically, everything I have seen and heard I like,” she said. “It was hard to decide which one I wanted to pursue, but there is some good stuff here.” Port company hosts job fair 200 jobs available Gina Matthews from the Ministry of Tourism, centre, describes some port project details to Robert Robinson and Kendra Linton at the Verdant Isle job fair on Tuesday night. cayman compass 6 news N news THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2019Crab cakes INGREDIENTS: 1 pound crab meat (local land crab is best, otherwise Pacific crab) ¼ red onion ½ yellow pepper ½ orange pepper ½ red pepper 2 tablespoons sriracha ½ bunch cilantro 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs 2 lemons METHOD: Finely dice the onions and peppers and sauté till translucent. Cool the vegetables and zest lemon. Mix all ingredients together and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside for one hour. Shape, bread and fry. Braised callaloo INGREDIENTS: 1 pound callaloo ½ yellow onion 5 seasoning peppers 2 tablespoons coconut milk 1 tablespoon garlic Optional scotch bonnet to taste METHOD: Roughly chop the callaloo. Small dice the onion, pepper and garlic. Sauté the aromatics until translucent and add the callaloo. Add coconut milk when callaloo starts to wilt. Cook until the leaves are tender. Seasoning pepper hollandaise INGREDIENTS: 2 seasoning peppers 2 shallots 1 clove garlic Juice of one lime 4 egg yolks 8 ounces clarified butter METHOD: Sauté minced onion, garlic and seasoning pepper, deglaze with vinegar. Place a bowl over a double boiler. Add egg yolk and cook till ribbon consistency is achieved. Drizzle in the butter slowly while whisking the eggs to form an emulsion. Season the sauce and the vinegar reduction. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Split the braised callaloo over 6-8 plates and create a bed of it in the centre of each plate. Place a crab cake on top. Add one poached egg atop each crab cake. Spoon hollandaise sauce over the top. In the early days of Cayman’s history, rosemary had a myriad of traditional uses. Brooms made from the aromatic bristles were used to smooth the white sand yards of the olden days. It was used to wash hair, soothe skin irritations, added to smoke pots to keep mosquitoes at bay and steeped as a medicinal tea. In Jamaica, rosemary was also burned to ward off duppies (mischievous spirits or ghosts). This twiggy shrub grows all over our three islands, sprouting up everywhere from rocky pastures to the mottled depths of the old-growth forests. It has dark, glossy leaves with silvery undersides and white blossoms that look like tiny starbursts. The origin of its common name is apparent - its appearance and aromatic scent are similar to that of Rosmarinus officinalis, the rosemary we use in cooking. In other countries it is called granny bush or bay-wormweed or rock rosemary but, here, it is known simply as rosemary. Its genus name (Croton) is derived from the Greek word krótos meaning ‘tick’ and seems to refer to the shape of the seeds of several plants in the genus. Its species name (linearis) references the linear shape of the leaves. The line that runs vertically along the leaf helps to distinguish it from Croton rosmarinoides, a rare species of Croton that also grows on all three islands. In addition to its medicinal and cultural uses, rosemary is also important as the larval food source for two species of tiny butterflies: the Cuban Red Leaf (Anaea troglodyta) and Drury’s Hairstreak (Strymon acis). Native plant of the week with Hannah Reid BIO: Hannah Reid A native Caymanian, Hannah has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and journalism and a master's degree in environment, science & Society. She serves on the boards of the Protection of Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals Association (CIMPA) and is a council member of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Through her blog, she explores Cayman’s traditional environmental knowledge. Website: www.bushgirlmedicine.com Common name: Rosemary Scientific name: Croton linearis Family: EUPHORBIACEAE Height: 3 to 6 feet high Growth habit: Slow growing, evergreen shrub Flowers: Tiny, white flowers clustered around a central stem Attracting nature: Larval food source for the Cuban Red Leaf butterfly (Anaea troglodyta) and Drury’s Hairstreak butterfly (Strymon acis) Soil requirement: Well-drained soil Light requirements: Full sun Environmental tolerance: Moderate salt-tolerance, high drought-tolerance Rosemary Local fare Was it really 25 years ago when ‘The Lion King’ was released in cinemas? It was then that we met Simba, Mufasa, Nala and Pumbaa for the very first time. The animation, coupled with a strong storyline and memorable music from Elton John, combined to create an unforgettable film that has since become a Broadway hit show. This year, a remake was launched in July with the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver and Beyoncé providing voices for the characters. Of course, James Earl Jones returned to reprise his role as Mufasa. There is only one Jones. This Saturday, you can watch the original that started it all on the big screen. You know the songs (‘Hakuna Matata’ is a big favourite) and at Kids Club, feel free to sing along. The remake did well at the box office, but in our opinion, the first one is still the best. See if you feel the same way. It’s the Circle of Life. Kids Club takes place every Saturday at Camana Bay Cinema, starting at 10am. Entry is $5 for both adults and children. ‘The Lion King’ Fancy yourself a whiz in the kitchen? Try this recipe by chef Frederic Morineau, executive chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Kids Club @ the Cinema Cayman crab cake eggs Benedict Makes 6-8 crab cakes cayman compass 7 L living THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2019 ant ek ngMoses Kirkconnell, Progressives, Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman Minister of Tourism, Deputy Premier “For many who turn out, this will be the most important decision they will make at the polls for the economic benefit of the Cayman Islands in their lifetime. The result will have a very real and direct impact on the lives of thousands of men and women who work in the cruise tourism industry in this country, as well as the economy of these islands…” “Our willingness to head to the polls at the earliest date possible serves to demonstrate that we are just as keen as the petitioners to have this matter settled.” “It is vital that the public is able to make an informed choice and weigh up the issues very carefully based on facts, not hearsay, opinions or assumptions.” Kenneth Bryan, Independent, George Town Central Opposition “They [the government] are using the public’s finances to campaign against the people. You don’t think those people from CPR are Caymanians too? They are paying their taxes too. ... “Give the data [of how each constituency votes] broken down. “I want to know what the majority says in George Town Central because if the majority comes back and says ‘We want the port’, then I am going to have to swallow every word and get up and support the government. I will get a shovel and come out there and dig the hole with you.” “The cargo operations have to move from the capital… Where is your vision? Where is your plan for the revitalisation of George Town. “Which high-end customers want to go look at cargo cranes?” Chris Saunders, Independent, Bodden Town West Opposition “We are in competition to some extent with the cruise lines. We try our best to work with them, but we are still fighting for what people call share of wallet. We want them [tourists] to spend money when they are on shore and the cruise lines want them to spend when they are on the ship. “Despite not having a port, and our competitors have piers and everything else, Cayman Islands continues to box above its weight. “We are not into mass tourism; we have always been into quality over quantity. It is that mindset that is why the cruise lines and everyone else wants to come to the Cayman Islands. If something is working, our uniqueness is selling, what are we doing [by building piers]? “I would have preferred if the government had went out to do a partnership where we build three or four more hotels across the island at a cost of $200 million or $300 million. That is sustainable tourism…” Joey Hew, Progressives, George Town North Minister of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure “It is a question of, do we want to remain in the [cruise] business or not? Do we want to attract the high- end cruisers that are on the mega ships or do we want to attract the masses on the smaller ships? “If we don’t want to remain in the business, then don’t build the piers and we might as well limit some of the cruise passengers I see coming in. “We might as well turn those ships back. “I have to say that [if that happened], we as a government would have to take drastic steps and perhaps pass legislation similar to affirmative action to put Caymanian North Sound operators in the hotels and stop the monopoly that Red Sail Sports has in there. “We can decide we don’t want to be in cruise tourism but there are ramifications. It is the one area of tourism that Caymanians participate in. You are not allowed in the hotels, you need $11 million in insurance…” “[If we build piers] we can get the quality passengers from the highest in class cruise lines - those with the most disposable income, not those who received a four-day cruise for taking a time-share tour.” Roy McTaggart, Progressives, George Town East Finance Minister “The Cayman Islands is experiencing another period of growth in population and economic expansion. “It has become abundantly clear to me that we are again at a very significant inflection point in our development, where we desperately need enhanced facilities for cruise and cargo operations. The facility, as it presently exists, is no longer really fit for purpose… “It makes absolute sense to do so now while we have a partner who is willing to design, build and finance both (cruise and cargo) under one umbrella… “In all of my professional years, I have never seen an agreement like this… “I really struggle to see any significant downside in financial risk to the model that we have created and have been successful in negotiating with our partners in this development.” Tara Rivers, Independent, West Bay South Minister for Financial Services “The people and the public should take note of those members who vote no against the will of the people to deny the people's call to have their say and a people-initiated referendum on the port. … “The people should take note of those members who abstain from the vote, those members who ride the fence so hard that they are at risk of becoming chafed. Those members choked because of talking out of both sides of their mouth on this issue. … “Is that the kind of representation that the people want? Is that the kind of leadership that they deserve? It is for that reason why I will be voting yes for this bill. I vote yes in support of democracy and I vote yes in support of the people having a voice in a people-initiated referendum on the port.” Dwayne Seymour, Independent, Bodden Town East Environment Minister “We encourage everyone to educate themselves and make their yes decision when they vote. I believe the port is good for the country and the adjustments made to the design makes me as a representative more comfortable. ... “Yes, I had my concerns too about the Seven Mile Beach and the method … being used, and after a few meetings with the deputy premier, I was made more comfortable. … It is controversial … since it's a large project but it's more good than negative. “In my opinion … the country needs the enhanced cargo port and cruise port to continue to grow and develop the economic opportunities and this is the government's responsibility.” Alva Suckoo, Newlands Opposition “We had a very lengthy session in Cayman Brac. We had a very strong debate and concerns came up then about the potential impact on stayover tourism. The government soon reports, gave warnings that if we continue down this road, there a risk of overcrowding of tourist attractions; there is a risk of infrastructure issues. “We simply have a maximum capacity because we are an island. We are three islands, limited square miles and you can only pack so many people in. After a point in time, you are going to have that overcrowding, over- capacity issue to deal with. It would be fine if we had the ability to suddenly increase infrastructure, but we are already struggling… with roads, traffic, congestion in George Town generally, [including] pedestrian. “We are here, as 19 representatives, we do not have to like each other, but the people put us here to work together. We can fix this bill before it becomes law.” Bernie Bush, Independent, West Bay North Opposition “Another major concern is the [Environmental Impact Assessment], this is where I have my major problem. [The EIA] was in 2015, this is 2019 and the plans have changed two or three times since 2015. The EIA should have been done over before this is done. We cannot take a chance, we cannot take a chance, I repeat, on our environment with that Seven Mile Beach. “Two things we know, we have Stingray City, the diving and Seven Mile Beach, and if that Seven Mile Beach goes, then guess what? We will be the cause of it. ... “A scenario where ballot boxes are transported in the night to be counted is not reflective of a free and democratic country. We should never ever put our elections in any scenario where anyone has doubts.” Anthony Eden, Savannah MLA Opposition “I want to know when we are dumping 10,000, 12,000, 15,000 people into George Town at one time with the limited facilities. We have restrooms and so forth. How are we going to deal and cope with this? How are we going to divert the traffic, route the traffic through George Town, South Sound and wherever?... “Friday or this morning’s paper, they were drawing a parallel of the amount of money stayover tourists spend - $650 million, compare… that to the cruise tourism, which was, they said, just about $200 million. We just want to be careful… PORT VOTE issues Cruise Port Debate What your representative said Cayman’s politicians debated the port referendum bill and the wider issue of the cruise and cargo project during a three-day debate this week. Here we break down some of the key comments from legislators on all sides. MLA Austin Harris chats with Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. cayman compass 8 I issues THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2019that we don’t cause a problem for those people who spend the most money and come here for rest and relaxation, peace and quiet, and getting away from the concrete jungles and get into George Town with it being so crowded.” Barbara Connolly George Town South, Education Councillor Government “In recent months, I have been deeply concerned by the misinformation that has been peddled by those who oppose the construction of the port. The cynical manner in which they have tried to undermine this project is unbecoming of us as a mature society. However, I have faith in my constituents and trust that they will listen to both sides and come to their own conclusions. “The truth of the matter is the health of our economy is at risk if we fail to move forward with the cruise berthing and enhanced cargo facility. We are risking not only a slowdown in economic growth, but possibly even a recession. So, while many opponents do not relay on cruise tourism for their direct income, there is no doubt in my mind that they, like everyone else who calls the Cayman Islands home, will feel the effects of an economic downturn when it hurts most. David Wight, George Town West, Tourism Councillor Government “The choice is not to pick cruise ship passengers or stayover versus the other, we need them both. We need the proper balance of both to satisfy the wide range of jobs and capabilities of Caymanians workers today and for the future. Any attempt to say that we must choose one over the other will result in a decline of our tourism as a whole. “As the older ships are decommissioned, we will lose our cruise industry. That is harsh truth. The business case estimated that cruise arrivals will be reduced by half, or basically one million passengers. I would expect all of you in this room to remember those lean times for our cruise industry. People were genuinely suffering. It is a terrible feeling not to be able to provide for your family." Arden McLean, Independent, East End Leader of the Opposition “The premier says that CPR had all kind of tactics to get people to sign the petition. … Not once during that entire period did I ever think that there were any tactics being used by those young people to try and get people's signature people to sign that petition. … “I have more questions about the members in here than I have about them. … “[Government] announced the preferred bidder, again showing their arrogance that they were moving ahead regardless of what people say. Then they proceeded to allow some of those financiers from the cruise industry to come into the country to do the job of explaining to the people what the project entails - a job that they alone … were elected to do, a job that is wholly and solely the responsibility of the government. They’re bringing people from America to dabble in the politics of this country and I don't want to hear that they’re a company here. Until a contract has been signed, they have no business in this country.” Ezzard Miller, Independent, North Side Opposition “I have always opposed the building of a cruise facility in George Town Harbour. … Way back in the ‘80s, Mr. Speaker, you remember the alternatives that we were offered. We were told in the 80s that if we didn't build a cruise pier, that the cruise industry would never grow. … I'm sure everybody in here and the listening audience clearly remember the purchase of huge anchors because you were going to put buoys in George Town Harbour as an alternative to cruise port. … I opposed that then. “There's no question that the anchors have destroyed some of the coral here but that's a result, again, because the government wouldn't listen to the mariners in the country … They were completely ignored as they are being ignored now. My greatest opposition to the cruise port is the fact that the mariners in my family tell me that what is being proposed is going to be very difficult to operate because of the design.” Austin Harris, Independent, Prospect Government “My views and why they had changed over the course of the past year … have been distorted by lies and confusion intentionally brought about by the CPR group and their leadership muppets and chaos has become the order of the day, proudly funded by private donors with commercial or political interests, not so much national interests. … “To be clear, I refer in a derogatory manner admittedly only to the persons I define as the leadership muppets. … The CPR group, many of whom who either are or were my friends, have to consider how gullible they have been to have allowed two rotten apples to spoil the bunch. “After all, the CPR group have gone from saying, ‘We don't oppose the port, we just want more information,’ to now, ‘Down with the port, no matter what the cost, no matter what the information may be.’” MINISTRY OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, TOURISM & TRANSPORTATION CAYMAN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT Children from George Town Primary pose with MLA Kenneth Bryan when the students visited the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. cayman compass 9 I issues THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2019Next >