SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Friday, 1 November 2019 Where’s the plan Auditor’s report questions direction of education in Cayman Page 6 News Landfill’s compactor breaks down Page 10 Issues Domestic violence: A survivor’s story Page 14 News Page 12 News Stella Welcome turns 104 Page 12• Matinees Daily (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $8.00, Mon-Fri Before 6pm • Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. - FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) ABOMINABLE (PG) (SUN) 4:00 | 6:45 | 9:10 THE ADDAMS FAMILY (PG) (SUN) 2:40 | 4:55 | 7:10 | 9:25 BLACK & BLUE (R) (FRI-SAT) 1:30 | 4:15 | 7:00 | 9:35 GEMINI MAN (PG13) (FRI-SAT) 12:50 | 3:45 | 9:40 (SUN) 3:10 | 6:45 | 9:40 | 10:00 VIP HARRIET (PG13) (FRI-SUN) 12:45 | 3:45 | 6:50 | 9:50 (SUN) 3:30 | 6:50 | 9:50 JOKER (R) (FRI-SAT) 4:00 VIP | 6:45 | 10:00 VIP KIDS CLUB THE LION KING (PG) (SAT) 10:00 MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL (PG) (FRI) 12:55 | 3:40 | 6:25 (SAT) 10:40 | 12:55 | 3:40 | 6:25 (SUN) 3:20 | 4:05 VIP | 6:25 7:15 VIP | 9:15 MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN (R) (FRI-SAT) 12:30 | 6:40 | 9:10 TERMINATOR: DARK FATE (R) (FRI-SAT) 12:45 VIP | 3:40 | 7:00 VIP | 9:45 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 A MEMBER OF THE INTER-AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION “Give light and the people will find their own way” Cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers and some thunder weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 90°F 78°F HIGH LOW WINDS Southerly at 5 to 10 knots SEA STATE Southerly at 5 to 10 knots Turkey! Turkey! Happy American Thanksgiving! Thursday, 28 November GET YOUR ORDERS IN EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! Open daily 10am-10pm West Shore Center, SMB Minister reminds public to observe legal limits RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Open season on conch and whelk officially started today. The season runs from 1 Nov. through to 30 April and allows the taking of conch and whelk from local coastal waters. However, Environment Minister Dwayne Seymour is reminding the public to observe the legal take limits when hunting for the local delicacies. “We encourage the public to be careful, pay attention to safety, and to respect the catch limits and the rules for our marine protected areas this season,” Seymour said in a statement Thursday. The law allows for a daily limit of five per person or 10 per boat, whichever is less. The Department of Environment, in a statement announcing the start of the season, said only queen conch may be taken. “No one may take or permit another person to take, purchase, receive, offer for sale or possess more than five conchs from Cayman waters,” the DoE said. As for whelks, the legal daily limit for possession during the open season is two- and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and- a-half pounds of processed whelks per person. In addition, no one is allowed to purchase or receive more than two-and-a- half gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half pounds of processed whelks from Cayman each day, the DoE added. The department told the Cayman Compass it has been gathering data on conch surveys for the past 20 years which should be released relatively soon to provide a clearer picture of the population of Cayman’s iconic queen conch. While the public can take conch and whelks, other marine animals like chitons, periwinkles and bleeding teeth may not be taken. “Echinoderms (starfish, sea eggs/ urchins, sea cucumbers and sand dollars) may not be taken,” the statement said. The next hunting season is for lobster, which starts on 1 Dec. The DoE said it will prosecute anyone who takes lobster put of season. “Cayman’s annual lobster season does not open until 1 December. Individuals may come across lobsters while conching or whelking when it is still closed season for lobsters. Anyone caught possessing locally- caught lobster out of season will also be arrested and prosecuted,” the DoE warned. The department is urging anyone who sees, or is aware of suspected poaching activity, or suspects someone is purchasing beyond the legal daily limits of locally caught conch or whelks to call 911. They can also contact DoE enforcement officers directly on Grand Cayman (916-4271), on Cayman Brac (call 911) or on Little Cayman (925-0185). Open season legal limits: Daily limit for conch: 5 per person 10 per boat (whichever is less) Daily limit whelks: Two-and-a-half gallons in the shell Two-and-a-half pounds of processed whelks per person Conch, whelk season opens NEWS PRODUCER AND OPERATIONS MANAGER KEVIN MORALES cayman compass 2 news N news FRIDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2019www.wistainternational.com THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FRIENDS OF WISTA BRONZE SILVER GOLD PLATINUM FOUNDED UPON THE SEAS WISTA INTERNATIONAL AGM & CONFERENCE 2019 OUR SUPPORTERS The Cayman Islands Government • H.E. The Governor Martyn Roper • WISTA International OUR SUPPLIERS Kelly Holding Ltd. • Aguru - Simon Ray-Hills • Hopscotch Productions • Déjà vu Photography • Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort • Grand Old House • Swanky Kitchen Band cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2019cartoon Jake Fuller Cruise port will not benefit Cayman We are annual visitors to your beautiful islands so I am making an observation on the proposed port project from this view- point. Your premier's comments on choosing prosperity rings hollow; in fact, I am wondering whose prosperity he is talking about. As the old saying goes, ‘Follow the money’ to see who will really benefit. The premier has already stacked the vote in his favour, spent 10X the money the opposition has and is still worried; follow the money! If you are wondering what his version of prosperity looks like, simply visit the other Caribbean islands where the cruise lines control the country's economy. You will not see a local country but simply jewellery stores and T-shirt shops. Is this the Cayman Islands you want? – Greg Johnson What they’re saying Premier urges Caymanians to ‘choose prosperity’ As a frequent visitor I say NO … I will find another island to go to. – Patrick Murphy I would urge the premier to choose his people over money... – Lincoln Bodden-Holness Prosperity for the 1%, not for Caymanians. – Jasmine Rebecca The synonym for prosperity is GREED over stewardship of our environment! – Kathleen Bodden-Harris Bernie Bush quits government Thank you, Mr. Bush, for actually asking your constituents and then listening to them! Bravo! – Jennifer Bolz Bravo! Bernie Bush, you are the hero of Cayman. A conservationist, an environmental politician with integrity. We are new voters and would like to have a voice on the referendum. The right thing to do is not to accept your resignation. We need representation. We support you! – Paola Vazquez del Mercado A Politician who listens, who cares, who is not taking a back hander. It's a miracle!!!! – Cyndy Ebanks I don't have a dog in this hunt but my view as a long time visitor & investor in the Caymans for years is the deal is done & the powers to be don't care what the people think.....All about $$$$$$$ in their back pocket....Just what I think....Vote NO !!! – Patrick Murphy I really hope the NO vote ends up being huge! Don’t ruin Cayman!!! This isn’t going to help it will only hurt you in the end. – Megan Noble Prosperity or Decline? It is good to have tourism but it should be balanced as it can destroy the very thing that attracts tourists, i.e., the reefs and gorgeous waters of Grand Cayman. Be wise and always think of the future. – Andy Marshall First birds released parrot sanctuary What a wonderful program. Doing A commendable job. Worthy of one’s support and help. Thank you for all that you do. – Chris Ware Seniors still have a lot to give It has been great to see and read all the coverage of Older Persons Month and the four weeks of activities during October. Also, the understanding that it is not just what these people did to make Cayman what it is today, but also what they can still do, given their wisdom and experience - especially the way things are these days. I am reminded of that song by Harry Belafonte titled ‘Angelique-O’, the lyrics of which include: Your mama got to take you back Teach you all the things you lack You never got time to sweep the dirt Never got time to wash a shirt You never got time to cut and peel Think you can make it on sex appeal You never learnt how to make a stew. Your biscuits I can hardly chew And so on. I think you get my point. With every best wish. – Mike Spragg 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 submit- ted letters in our print and online editions that meet our criteria. Readers are limited to three published 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 sensitiv- ity 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 verifiable 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 include the author’s name and contain a contact tele- phone number, email and physical address. • Due to time constraints, the Compass cannot notify individuals as to wheth- er submissions will be published. The views and comments expressed 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 editor@compassmedia.ky. LETTERS Standards and guidelines MLAs need to set green example Over the past few years the world has become more and more aware of the very serious and real damage plastic is doing to our environment, from micro plastics now found in the fish we eat to the plastic trash that washes up on our beaches daily, and indeed our very own floating plastic patch found by fishermen recently. For the very first time, I took a trip to the Legislative Assembly in session which was fascinating for many reasons. I was most distressed, however, to see that every member was issued a plastic bottle along with a glass. It made me realise how we, as a small island, still have so very far to go. It would be good to see our Legislative Assembly lead by example. Reduce, re-use, recycle and try to avoid using single-use plastic! Joanna Van Driel 4Considering Our Global Foodprint • Know your ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates and how to interpret them • Plan your meals a week ahead and create a shopping list • Ensure your fridge is set to the correct temperature. Your fridge should always be 0-5 degrees C. • Consume meals according to portion/ serving sizes • Create recipes using food found in your pantry/ freezer before purchasing more groceries • Take your left-overs for lunch the next day • Stick to your shopping list when grocery shopping • Foods like bread, milk, and yogurt can be stored in the freezer for longer use • Resist purchasing large amounts of perishables. Over-filling our fridge contributes to food waste because it redcues visibility We throw away approximately 1/3rd of the food we produce! One Health Day 2019#reducefoodwaste THINKEATSAVE cayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2019Report: Education system lacks strategic plan MARK MUCKENFUSS mmuckenfuss@compassmedia.ky In its first-ever audit of Cayman’s education system, the Office of the Auditor General describes a Ministry of Edu- cation that lacks a clear di- rection of where it is going. The 71-page report, issued Thursday, faults the ministry for implementing programmes and policies without specific long-term goals on what it should achieve. The report also notes the system continues to suffer from chronic student underperformance, ineffective use of its budget and ongoing problems with students with special education needs. Of the 18 recommendations Auditor General Sue Winspear made in the report, the ministry accepted all but one. In the one exception, the ministry said it was already holding private schools to account for the public money they receive. In a statement, the ministry said it recognised the need for a clearer vision. “The ministry acknowledges the importance of a strategic plan for education and will include this in upcoming planning,” the statement read. Ministry officials did not respond to Cayman Compass requests for direct comment on the report. One of the weaknesses cited in the report was the agency’s failure to include teachers and parents in decision making. “There is no overall strategy for parental engagement,” the report said. “We found that a recent policy was developed and implemented without sufficient parental engagement or consultation with teachers.” The policy cited was the implementation in 2018 of a new dress code for students. The auditor general said the policy was introduced too close to the beginning of the school year to allow schools and parents to adequately prepare. Other areas lacking in planning, particularly long term, include finances, workforce planning and monitoring or reporting progress in achieving broad outcome and outputs. The report adds there is “no clear link between the vision and priorities for education and the government’s economic priorities”. In other words, student learning does not necessarily line up with the needs of Cayman society. Lack of funding is not an issue, the report said. In the 2018 calendar year, the government spent $85.6 million on public school education. That figure is a 17% increase compared to the 2013-2014 school year. The proportion government spent on education also rose over the same period. “Education spending increased from 9.8% of core government spending to 12.7%,” the study said. “In 2018, spending on education accounted for the largest percentage of core government spending.” The amount puts Cayman ahead of most countries. “The average cost per student in public schools is 66% higher than the average cost per student in private schools and was the second-highest cost per student in 2015 when compared to 33 countries belonging to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development,” the report stated. Those countries include the UK and the US. Whether the funds were well spent is unclear. Value for money? “The absence of outcomes or success measures and of monitoring and reporting what is delivered against what is expected makes it difficult to determine whether the $86 million spent on public school education is providing value for money,” the report said. One of the areas benefiting most from the increase in funding is services for special needs students. In the five years studied, that funding increased 49% to $4 million. Despite the infusion of additional money, there was little to show for it in terms of student performance. “It is not clear if this increase in funding is improving outcomes for students with SEN,” the report said. “Over the five years to 2018, the attainment of primary school students with SEN declined significantly in all subjects except writing. However, the attainment of Year 12 students with SEN has improved over the same period.” There were a few areas where the report praised the education system. It noted that student performance has improved overall in the past five years. It also said data analysis is better than in the past. “The increased use of data over the past few years has provided a better understanding of the impact that certain initiatives and programmes such as reading recovery have on student performance,” the report said. “However, there is scope to further develop the use of data.” Much of that could be applied to student outcomes, according to the auditor general. Cayman’s government school students continue to perform well below international standards. And while overall scores have improved, the achievement gap between expected and actual performance has widened. In tests given at the end of Year 6, “between 59% and 66% of students achieved Level 4 or higher in each of the four subjects” tested. Just 45% passed all four subjects. Performance predictors indicated that 98% of primary students should score Level 4 in English and 93% should hit Level 4 in maths. Improving student performance In its statement on the report, the Education Ministry said one of its main focusses “has been to improve student performance . . . The 2018-2019 Office of Education Standards Full Inspection Report highlighted the fact that 72% of schools that receive government funding (private/ public schools) performed at a level that was deemed satisfactory or better.” It should be noted that student performance is only one of many factors considered in those assessments. The ministry said it expected to address some of the report’s concerns through the new primary curriculum introduced at the start of this school year and the new secondary curriculum due to be implemented at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 14.0% 10.5% 7.0% 3.5% 0% Government expenditure on public school education in dollars as a percent of public spending 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Pro-rated Actual ExpenditurePercent of public spending Auditor General Sue Winspear 6A LUXURY WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT IN THE PRESTIGIOUS YACHT CLUB COMMUNITY The Residences of Stone Island is comprised of 44 waterfront residences built to the highest standards, with 4,500 square feet of open-concept living space. This private gated community boasts an exquisite array of lifestyle amenities; Tennis court • expansive infinity edge pool • docking facilities • private screening room • children’s center waterside owner’s lounge with chef’s kitchen • bar and owner’s wine storage • gated with 24-hour security BBQ pavilion • boardwalk • lush landscaping • fitness studio OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 ND 12 PM to 2 PM NOW SELLING PHASE 2 Three full-scale model homes available for viewing STAMP DUTY SAVINGS of up to US $245,000 through 2019 cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2019CAYMAN ORTHOPAEDIC GROUP DR. PERVEZ ALI, M.D., F.R.C.S.C. Orthopaedic Surgeon and Adult Hip and Knee Joint Reconstruction Specialist will be at Unit #1, Smith Road Plaza Monday, 4th November 2019 to Friday, 15th November 2019 PLEASE CALL 945-8380 FOR APPOINTMENTS Government officers convicted in largest corruption case ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky The third and final instalment of Cayman’s largest-ever corruption trial ended Thursday when a jury delivered three guilty verdicts. The latest verdicts bring the total number of convictions to nine out of the 12 defendants. The case of fraud, breach of trust and bribery involved a network of corruption among one dozen individuals, half of whom were government officers who held senior roles within the then Immigration Department – now Customs and Border Control. Between August 2015 and June 2016, each defendant was alleged to have played varying roles in providing people with fraudulent passing grades to an Immigration Department English-language test. The exam was a mandatory requirement for people whose primary language was not English. The immigration officers involved were Marcus Alexander, Kathy-Ann Forbes, Carlos Robinson, Pheadra McDonald, Diane Dey-Rankin and Sherry Lee McLaughlin. The civilian defendants were Santo Castro Castillo, Marlenis Perez Mata, Mariel Maleno Suriel, Katerine Montero Paniagua, Carolin Nixon-Lopez and Angela Suyapa Rodriguez David. The initial indictment listed a total of 32 charges brought against the defendants – conspiracy to commit breach of trust, conspiracy to commit fraud on the government, and failing to report the solicitation of an advantage or reward. That indictment was later reduced to six counts, which alleged the same wrongdoing, apart from the breach of trust charge. Initially, all the defendants except for Maleno Suriel pleaded not guilty to the charges. The matter first came to light in June 2016, when senior immigration officers became suspicious of how the English-language tests were being conducted. An investigation was launched, following which the matter was transferred to the Anti-Corruption Commission. When the case eventually made its way to court in the latter part of 2018, it was broken down into three jury trials, the first of which occurred in January. “People were willing to pay hundreds of dollars to pass the test,” said prosecutor Greg Walcolm, who tried all three cases. Alexander, a senior immigration official, was at the centre of the allegations. He was described as the ‘ring-leader’ and was alleged to have worked with all the other immigration officials and several of the other defendants. The first and largest of the three trials ended in mixed verdicts. Alexander, Forbes, Robinson and Castro Castillo were all convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and failing to report the solicitation of an advantage or reward. Dey-Rankin and McDonald were both acquitted of the fraud charges but convicted of failing to report the solicitation of an advantage. Montero Paniagua was acquitted of all charges. Castro Castillo and McLaughlin, who were both listed in the second trial, were acquitted on charges of failing to report the solicitation of an advantage or reward. The third trial involved Dey-Rankin, Nixon-Lopez and Rodriquez David. All three defendants were convicted of failing to report the solicitation of an advantage or reward. Having been found not guilty, McLaughlin and Montero Paniagua were both discharged. Although Perez Mata was listed on the indictment, no evidence was offered against her, and she did not appear in any of the three trials. She has since been discharged. All that remains is for the sentencing of Alexander, Forbes, Robinson, McDonald, Dey-Rankin, Castro Castillo, Maleno Suriel, Nixon-Lopez and Rodriquez David. A sentencing date has not yet been set and each defendant has been released on bail. Prior to the start of the trial, a court-imposed order prevented the Cayman Compass from releasing the identities of the defendants. That order was lifted following the return of Thursday’s verdicts. Nine people have been convicted in the corruption case involving English- language tests at the former Immigration Department. VERDICTS Marcus Alexander Fraud, failing to report Kathy-Ann Forbes Fraud, failing to report Carlos Robinson Fraud, failing to report Pheadra McDonald Failing to report Diane Dey-Rankin Failing to report Marlenis Perez Mata No evidence offered Katherine Montero Paniagua Fraud Sherry Lee McLaughlin Failing to report Santo Castro Castillo Fraud, failing to report Mariel Maleno Suriel Pleaded guilty Carolin Nixon-Lopez Fraud, failing to report Angela Suyapa Rodriguez David Fraud, failing to report GUILTY: ACQUITTED Pirates golf tournament raises funds for Meals on Wheels The annual Pirates Week Char- ity Golf Classic, held Friday, 26 Oct., at the North Sound Golf Club, raised $1,200 for Meals on Wheels. Fifteen corporate teams took part in the event. "North Sound Golf Club is proud to have hosted yet another terrific Pirates Week golf event,” said Andrew Farrea, the club’s head golf pro, in a press release. “It continues to be a highly entertaining experience for all those who participate, and we look forward to many more great Pirates Week events in the future.” Team Queensgate won the tournament with a score of 50.6 with Team Grant Thornton coming second on a score of 51.9. After a scorecard playoff, Team CIBC took third place, also with a score of 51.9. “Funds raised will benefit Meals on Wheels Cayman Islands and goes toward providing hot meals for the elderly throughout Grand Cayman,” said Melanie McField, Pirates Week Festival general manager. Trina Savage, the charity’s general manager, said of the donation: "Meals on Wheels was delighted to be selected as the charity who benefitted from the Pirates Week Golf Classic last Friday. Each dollar raised will go towards our 'Feed a Senior' campaign, which has been set up to help end hunger for some of Cayman's most vulnerable seniors.” Other contest winners were Luke Armitage for longest drive (male), Nitti Howe for longest drive (female), and Daniel Kirkconnell, closest to the pin. $1,200 The amount raised for Meals on Wheels Pireates Week General Manager Melanie McField, far left, with winners Team Queensgate. 8RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Local legislators say a revision of Cayman’s Elections Law is needed. The issue was raised by Opposition Leader Arden McLean Wednesday in the Legislative Assembly. MLAs at the time were reviewing the provisions of the referendum law to allow for a vote on holding Cayman’s first people-initiated referendum. McLean queried the registration of voters once they become 18. “We need to decide whether it is mandatory or not,” the East End MLA said. Premier Alden McLaughlin, in response, said a level of electoral reform is necessary for Cayman and it should happen soon. “We really do need to look at the provisions to the Elections Law in advance of the next elections. I am more than amenable to doing that. I think we need a more modern piece of election machinery to be put in place,” the premier told fellow legislators. Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush agreed, saying that Cayman has advanced but the provisions of the legislation remain as they were decades ago. He said at the time of the 1972 elections, he was unable to vote because he was 17 and would have turned 18 in January. “I did not get to vote until I was 21, until I was married and everything else. I would like to add my voice to what the premier said. We need to advance that, like how we need to advance our port facilities,” Bush said. McLean distanced himself from the reference to the port project, but he did say that reform of the law is needed. “We need to have [an electoral] commission because as it is, the governor cannot be sued in his personal capacity and he is responsible for [elections], and so on. So, we need to deal with this, and soon,” McLean said. McLaughlin said he has previously discussed this with the Opposition leader. “I have told him the only obstacle to getting an electoral commission is his objection to a constitutional change, because that is what it requires,” the premier said. “You try to barter with that,” McLean quipped. In the run-up to and during debate on the Referendum Bill for the port vote, which is expected on 19 Dec., issues of voter-registration deadlines, eligibility for voting and updating of the electors roll were raised. The Cayman Compass reached out to Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell for comment on the discussion by lawmakers on reforming the law. He said at this time there is no review of the law underway. The Elections Law governs all elections-related areas in the Cayman Islands from the appointment of Elections Office personnel to determining polling divisions and registering voters. Lawmakers press need for more modern Elections Law Leader of the Opposition Arden McLean, at the referendum bill debate in the Legislative Assembly. Premier Alden McLaughlin addresses the house during the referendum bill debate. “We really do need to look at the provisions to the Elections Law in advance of the next elections . I am more than amenable to doing that. I think we need a more modern piece of election machinery to be put in place.” Premier Alden McLaughlin RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The Office of the Premier is advis- ing to public to be wary of a series of sponsored advertisements featur- ing Premier Alden McLaughlin’s photograph that have been popping up on social media. “We would advise the public not to click on any links within the ad as there could be a malicious link on the website,” a spokesperson told the Cayman Compass. The advertisements are a scam, the Office of the Premier spokesperson said, adding, “We had seen the original ‘Sports In Line’ page which was using the same ads; they were circulating last week and Facebook reacted quickly and removed it.” The advertisements started appearing on Facebook newsfeeds last week. It features various pictures of McLaughlin, as well as images of fancy cars, aeroplanes and ostentatious homes under headlines that included, ‘This … wasn’t meant to be televised.’ The ads take users to an article that claimed the premier is the richest man in Cayman and encourages bitcoin purchases. It features the logo of local publication Caymanian Times. Caymanian Times publisher Ralph Lewis said the advertisements and the articles have nothing to do with his newspaper. He said the advertisements were brought to his attention by readers. “They have also advised Facebook of the fake advertisement. It is not a legitimate article, and readers should be aware of these attempts to use legitimate logos to bring credibility to their stories,” Lewis said. This is not the first time the premier’s images have been used by scammers. Last year, the RCIPS Financial Crime Unit issued a warning after a number of fake profiles using the identity of the premier started showing up on Instagram. Those behind the profiles were contacting members of the public offering funds from a United Nations grant, as well as soliciting money from would-be victims. Other high-ranking government officials have also had their identities cloned on social media. Scam ads featuring premier’s photo flagged “We would advise the public not to click on any links within the ad as there could be a malicious link on the website.” Office of the Premier spokesperson 9Next >