cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 Issues Roulstone's port vote case explained Pages 10 & 11 News Three in court for Bananas death Page 4 Gov’t puts cap on Stingray City licences Page 6 Lawmakers agree to constitutional changes Page 2 SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD TOWN CENTRE PLAZA RED BAY SPICY GRILLED CRISPY SANDICHES I W CK ANDW CHICKEN ICHE E 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Monday, 9, December 2019 Record-breaking race Half marathon fastest ever for Intertrust run - Pages 14 & 15 New RCIPS chopper touches down Page 6• 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. - MONDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) 21 BRIDGES (R) 1:30 | 4:05 | 7:20 | 10:00 VIP THE COURIER (PG) 12:50 | 2:45 | 7:05 | 10:00 FORD V FERRARI (PG13) 3:20 | 6:40 | 9:30 FROZEN 2 (PG) - 3D 12:45 3D | 1:15 | 3:50 VIP 4:25 3D | 7:00 | 9:30 3D KNIVES OUT (PG13) 12:45 VIP | 3:35 | 7:00 VIP | 9:50 PANTI PATNI AUR WOH (PG) 6:20 | 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 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 in the morning becoming fair thereafter with 20% chance of showers weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 86°F 72°F HIGH LOW WINDS East to northeast 10 to 15 knots during the day, 5 to 10 knots at night SEA STATE Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet Legislators have passed key constitutional changes that will see a mandatory requirement for the UK to consult with Cayman on any laws or Orders in Council directly impacting these islands. Order to be confirmed by Privy Council in Feb. 2020 RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Lawmakers have unanimously approved constitutional changes that will alter how the UK legislates for the Cayman Islands. The changes now make it mandatory for the UK to consult with the premier on any legislation or Orders in Council that may directly affect the Cayman Islands, and that Cabinet offer its view on the legislation or order. It also removes some of the reserve powers held by the governor, including the ability to write legislation. The push for the changes was triggered by amendments to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Law last year which imposed the mandatory creation of public beneficial ownership registers on the UK Overseas Territories, including Cayman. Now that the local process is finalised, once the legislators’ motion is sent to the UK, the revised Constitutional Order will go through the formal process in there.It is expected that the new order will be confirmed by the Privy Council in February 2020. Premier Alden McLaughlin brought the government motion on the changes Friday in the Legislative Assembly. McLaughlin, at the close of the debate on the motion, expressed pride that fellow legislators could put aside partisan politics and work together on the issue. “We have done the country proud this day. I believe in time this decision, what I expect to be an unanimous decision of this House, will be looked upon as one of the critical points in the continued development and maturity of these islands as a constitutional democracy,” McLaughlin said he closed the debate on the government motion on the changes. Declaring the vote, House Speaker McKeeva Bush announced the division of 18 ayes and zero against. “If I could vote I would say aye too,” Bush quipped. While there was consensus, Opposition Leader Arden McLean still maintained his concern over the governor’s ability to address the legislature. It leaves the possibility for the “disruption of the political harmony” of the Cayman Islands, he said. McLean, in a brief comment to the Cayman Compass on the passage of the motion, welcomed the unity demonstrated by fellow lawmakers through their unanimous support of the changes. “It is important that the Legislative Assembly works in unison on matters of such importance to the country,” he said. “It is clear that the entire membership of our legislature recognises that this constitutional reform is important to the advancement of our autonomy and governance. I applauded the members for voting unanimously in support of the changes.” Legislators, in their contributions, agreed with the changes, but they maintained that wider public involvement was needed. To this end the premier announced the creation of a website, www.exploregov. ky/constitutionalreform, where the public can access key constitutional documents and give input. North Side MLA Ezzard Miller, who was part of the negotiating team for the changes, welcomed Friday’s unanimous vote. “These constitutional changes approved by the legislators tonight [Friday] will greatly enhance the ability of Caymanians to govern Cayman for Caymanians,” Miller told the Compass. All legislators recognised the importance of the changes and the urgency to get it approved before the UK election is held on 12 Dec. The changes that were debated were issued together with a letter from UK Overseas Territories Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad last month. McLaughlin praised Ahmad and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May for their efforts during the negotiating process. The UK would usually require a referendum for constitutional changes unless the reforms are declared by the premier and leader of the opposition to be minor or not controversial. Both the premier and opposition leader agreed that while the changes were significant, they were not controversial and therefore a public referendum was not necessary. Bodden Town West MLA Chris Saunders was a strong advocate for a referendum and said he still believes the public should have its say. However, he still gave his support for the changes Friday as he said it was too important not to move the process forward. “Our ability to govern comes from the consent of the governed, and as such, my first preference would have been that the proposed changes be done via a referendum. However, with the uncertainties in the current UK political landscape, I would prefer to explain my actions for supporting the proposed changes rather than my inactions in exposing the Cayman Islands to external threats that may affect our way of life,” Saunders told the Compass. Constitutional changes approved by LA Breakdown of some of the changes: Mandatory consultation on laws directly affecting the Cayman Islands Removal of governor’s power to write legislation Removal of governor’s power to write standing orders for the LA Renaming the Legislative Assembly as Parliament Addition of an eighth minister (deferred until the next election) Creation of Parliamentary Secretaries Creation of a Police Service Commission 2Total cases grow to 26 Public Health Department officials have confirmed three new locally transmitted cases of dengue. These latest figures take Cayman’s overall number of the mosquito-borne disease to 26. The total number of confirmed dengue results, since the first locally transmitted case was identified in October, has reached 17 locally transmitted and nine imported cases, according to a Public Health statement Friday night. The confirmed cases, the statement said, have been distributed among East End, George Town, West Bay and Bodden Town. In its dengue update, the department said since its last statement was isssued 22 Nov. an additional 20 results had been received from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) confirming the three new cases of dengue. These new cases had no travel history which, Public Health said, suggests that these people acquired dengue within the Cayman Islands. A total of 150 samples, since the start of 2019, have been sent to CARPHA to be investigated for dengue. Of that number, 34 people were admitted to the Cayman Islands Hospital and Health City Cayman Islands showing clinical symptoms that could potentially be dengue. “The Public Health Department’s Surveillance Unit continues to deploy enhanced surveillance measures, working closely with government and private sector physicians to review reports of suspected dengue,” the statement added. For more information, contact the Public Health Department on 244‑2648. For advice on mosquito control, contact the Mosquito Research and Control Unit on 949‑2557 in Grand Cayman, or 948‑2223 on Cayman Brac; and the Department of Environmental Health on 949‑6696 in Grand Cayman, or 948‑2321 in Cayman Brac. Three new local cases of dengue recorded Transmitted cases in October 17 locally 9 imported The disease‑carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito. cayman compass 3 MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 201920, of West Bay and Shimar Kelly, 22, of George Town appeared before Summary Court on Friday 6 Dec. They are jointly charged with one count of manslaughter. Kevin Parchman, 24, Jeremy Parchman’s brother, who has also been charged in relation to the same incident, faces a single count of assault causing actual bodily harm. The circumstances leading up to the death of Dinesh Asanka Fernando Wannukawatta- Waduge reveal an altercation took place between him and at least one of the defendants minutes before his death. According to court documents, around 3:30am on 1 Dec., the victim was captured on CCTV inside Bananas Bar on Eastern Avenue. In the CCTV video, he is said to be seen talking to a woman who was at the bar with one of the defendants. While speaking to the woman, he leant towards her and rested his hand on the middle of her back. The documents reveal he was “struck almost immediately”, by one of the defendants. As he staggered away, he was pushed by several people, one of whom was identified as one of the other defendants. After being escorted outside, another incident is said to have transpired. However, the camera’s view was obstructed and so the incident was not recorded. Handcuffed together, all three men arrived at the courthouse in the back of a police vehicle. Addressing Magistrate Adam Roberts, defence attorney Jonathon Hughes told the court no bail applications would be made in respect of Jeremy Parchman and Kelly. “These are Category A offences, and therefore they will have to be transmitted to the Grand Court,” said Hughes. Kevin Parchman made an unsuccessful bail application. No pleas were entered. All three men were remanded into custody and are expected to appear again before the courts in the coming weeks. cartoon The Wall - By Caymanman CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky Clifton Hunter High School continues to register weak progress according to a recent follow- up inspection by the Office of Education Standards. In the initial inspection, conducted early in the 2018-2019 academic year, the OES evaluated the performance of the school as weak, and reached the same conclusion in a second inspection done six months later, in March 2019. In the latest report, published 29 Nov. and conducted earlier that month, the OES inspectorate again evaluated the school as making weak progress in addressing three of the six recommendations from the initial report. The recommendations included such categories as academic achievement, student behaviour and teaching standards. However, according to the report, although the OES did see ongoing weakness in the behaviour of students and quality of teaching, the inspectors said there was a notable improvement in the leadership of CHHS. This is the first term for the new principal, Dr. Richard Wildman, who addressed the performance of the school in a letter to parents, stating that low-level disruptions still remain significantly challenging, and urging parents to help their children develop the right attitude to learning. “We have provided a response to our parents that also highlights our commitment to growth in the three recommendations outlined,” Wildman said. “The parent letter conveys the growth mindset attitude we are taking towards addressing the areas of concern.” The next inspection is set to commence in 2020. Clifton Hunter progress still ‘weak’ following inspection What is the Office of Education Standards? The Office of Education Standards is part of the Portfolio of the Civil Service within the Cayman Islands Government. The office inspects early childhood care and education centres, public and private schools, and reports on standards in all educational institutions in the Cayman Islands. ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Three men, including two brothers, charged in connection with the death of a Sri Lankan man have been remanded into custody. Jeremy Ralph Parchman, Three men charged in Bananas death From left, Jeremy Parchman, Kevin Parchman, Shimar Kelly FridAY'S SOLUTiONS 1234567 8 9 10 11 12131415 1617 1819 20212223 24 25 26 27 1234567 8 9 10 11 12131415 1617 1819 20212223 24 25 26 27 Puzzle 16241 ACROSS: 1 Hideous, 5 Table, 8 By the book, 9 Out, 10 Yard, 12 Baccarat, 14 Such as, 15 Triple, 17 Construe, 18 Myth, 21 Eye, 22 Remainder, 24 Surly, 25 Tragedy. DOWN: 1 Hobby, 2 Dot, 3 Open, 4 Slogan, 5 Take care, 6 Biography, 7 Entitle, 11 Raconteur, 13 Masterly, 14 Success, 16 Summit, 19 Hardy, 20 Lima, 23 Doe. ACrOSS 1 Friendship (5) 8 Of highest quality (3-5) 9 Site of Nile High Dam (5) 10 Solo and orchestral piece (8) 11 Pal (5) 12 Network (3) 16 Suffer extreme hunger (6) 17 Writer (6) 18 Secluded room (3) 23 To calm (5) 24 Up to the present time (8) 25 Wander away (5) 26 Put up with (8) 27 Lively Bohemian dance (5) dOWN 2 Small biting insect (8) 3 From side to side (2,3,3) 4 Prairie wolf (6) 5 Light meal (5) 6 All too clear (5) 7 Photographic session (5) 12 Marry (3) 13 Prohibit (3) 14 Slender dagger (8) 15 Hatchet (8) 19 Existence (6) 20 Snowy (5) 21 Motionless (5) 22 Uncanny (5) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16243 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. 4Stayover tourism generates 80% of our income with a smaller head count vs cruise tourism accounting for only 20% of that revenue The government does not want to produce an updated EIA for the new designs Piers would make it easier for passengers to spend more money aboard the ships, than onshore The current government has not successfully managed any large capital works project to date FACT The majority of the increase will be in the summer when cruise tourism numbers are typically much lower and therefore will NOT cause stress to our infrastructure and other attractions. In addition, the increase in these months will help many local businesses gain additional revenues. The Cayman Islands Department of the Environment and their team of experts and scientists are responsible for issuing any permits and licenses to the proposed developer. The developers have assembled a team of world renowned experts and are willing to work with any other qualified local scientists and institutions. It is estimated that 900 jobs will be created. 200 of these will relate to the construction phase of the project and the remaining 700 jobs will be created in the tourism sector. The BREA 2018 Report estimates that cruise tourism in Cayman Islands generates a total employment impact of 4,622 persons. Experts estimate that we could lose half of the current number of passengers over the next few years if we do not build the piers to accommodate the larger ships. That could mean losing over 2,000 jobs. Plans for the new port include a large area specifically created to accommodate taxis and tour operators to collect and drop off their passengers. All of this traffic activity will occur within the new port area so traffic congestion on the main roads will be minimised or even improved. These plans are being developed in conjunction with the George Town Revitalisation plans. A 2001 study showed there was no apparent sediment transport link between George Town Harbour and Seven Mile Beach. The Cayman Islands Environmental Assessment Board reviewed these findings and agreed with the conclusion that the proposed project would not impact Seven Mile Beach. The preferred bidders are currently preparing an environmental scoping document’ which will show how the current design has significantly reduced the environmental impact. This will be submitted to the Cayman Islands Department of Environment who will determine next steps. The government spends a significant amount to promote stayover which makes sense given that 80% of income comes from that sector. The government spends considerably less to promote cruise tourism and the economy gets more than CI$200 million per year in income from the sector. In addition, data shows that 20% of stayover visitors first arrived on a cruise. Therefore the cruise sector is directly contributing significantly to stayover tourism. On-board shops are closed in all ports unless given specific permission from government. When a cruise passenger can easily board and debark, they spend more, not less. The piers also mean passengers can stay on island for longer and spend more money instead of rushing to get back on the tenders. Finally, the larger ships that can visit if the piers are built bring passengers with 20% higher incomes. Our airport, the Government Admin Building, the Clifton Hunter High School and extensive road works are all examples of major capital projects successfully managed by the government. Independent reports verify there are hundreds of local businesses, large and small, which benefit from the cruise sector and thousands of jobs. The financing model is based on mass tourism which creates overcrowding of already stressed infrastructure and attractions The Government has ignored real information from our own scientists and local institutions Any damage to Seven Mile Beach will be irreversible Increased traffic in George Town and throughout Grand Cayman The project will only benefit a select fewFalse job creation for Caymanians (999, 499, 200..) Here are the 10 things the Office of the Opposition is saying about the port project and the truth about each one. PORT PROJECT: WHAT THE OPPOSITION IS SAYING VS THE FACTS FACT FACT FACT FACT FACT 1. 7. 9. 3. 5. 2. 8. 10. 4. 6. FACT FACT FACT FACT cayman compass 5 MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2019Kirkconnell: We need to take back control RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The Department of Environment will not be issuing any new licences for Stingray City. This came as Environment Minister Dwayne Seymour announced a temporary moratorium on licences, Thursday evening in the Legislative Assembly. He said the action follows “numerous observations and complaints” made to the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Tourism. The freeze effectively caps the total number of licensed operators at the popular Wildlife Interaction Zone at 209, the current number of licencees. Seymour said the decision to institute the freeze was taken after careful consideration and investigation. “The ministry knows the efforts that [have] been made by the DoE and the current constraints it has on them, so we have teamed up with the Coast Guard attachment to assist us in upholding this moratorium and capping policy,” Seymour told the House. Opposition Leader Arden McLean said the issue was one of lack of enforcement, since there are rules in place for the operation of the WIZ. The issue of indiscriminate behaviour and lack of observance of the WIZ rules at Stingray City has also been flagged by Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell on several occasions, the most recent during Finance Committee when he urged Coast Guard intervention to assist with patrols. “We believe it is something that has to be monitored on a continuous basis. This [moratorium] we think, is a prudent way to start, as we say, taking back Stingray City and the WIZ zones,” Kirkconnell said following Seymour’s statement. The freeze on licences also follows reports last week of two stingrays being injured by boats at the Sandbar. Kirkconnell said from his ministry’s standpoint the moratorium is an opportunity to stop and “take a look at where we are and what is needed”. Councillor for the Environment Captain Eugene Ebanks has been working alongside the ministry, Seymour said, to adapt some strict policies for boating safety in Cayman waters. “His endeavour is to have proper training classes for all boat captains in all sizes, and also issue a boat captain licence to all who are successful. We are also aware of proper boating etiquette with items such as lighting for night use etc.,” the minister added. For his part,] Ebanks said North Sound operators are being squeezed out of business given the current operation of the WIZ. “We cannot continue to allow every Tom, Dick and Harry to do as they choose and push and continue to push these little, those North Sound operators out of business. They are the ones who created the biggest tourist attraction in the Cayman Islands and yet they are being pushed out of business because they cannot compete with the multi-million dollar operators who already control Seven Mile Beach,” Ebanks argued as he made a statement on the issue in the LA. House Speaker McKeeva Bush, following both statements, made a plug for the cruise berthing project, saying that if Cayman has the piers, the cruise passengers could get to Stingray City faster. Stingray City licences capped Wildlife Interaction Zone rules Under the WIZ rules, licensed vessels are not permitted to carry paying passengers into the Sandbar area of the wildlife interaction zone after 2pm on weekends and 3pm on public holidays. Licensed vessels are not permitted to carry more than 100 people per trip into the Sandbar area, regardless of the total capacity of the vessel. Licenced vessels are also not permitted to discharge paying passengers into the Sandbar area of the wildlife zone if there are more than 1,500 people already in the area, and if more than 20 licensed tourist boats are in the area, and should remain at the Sandbar area of the WIZ zone no more than one hour per visit. Permits granted 2017 9 new permits granted by the DoE and 4 renewals – Total 13 2018 26 new and 43 renewals – Total 69 2019 46 new Jan to Oct, and 79 renewals – Total 125 Total current licences: 209 Governor Martyn Roper and Premier Alden McLaughlin stand in front of the new RCIPS H145 helicopter. Above, the new helicopter touches down. CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky Cayman's new US$11.5 million police helicopter landed on Friday. The Airbus H145, the first helicopter purchased solely by the Cayman Islands government, will operate alongside the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Air Operation Unit’s current H145 helicopter. That helicopter was funded by a joint deal between Cayman and the UK. “I think that’s a clear indication of the priority and importance we attached to security and [the] capacity to be able to rescue persons who are in distress,” said Premier Alden McLaughlin, who attended the landing, along with Governor Martyn Roper and RCIPS representatives. He added that having both choppers enhances the ability to assist in medical emergencies, “because that is becoming increasingly important, to be able to medevac our people when there is need for that”. The new helicopter replaces the EC135 chopper damaged earlier this year in a forced landing caused by a technical fault. Roper said the two helicopters will increase Cayman’s capabilities to perform search-and-rescue, law-enforcement and border-patrol operations, as well as support disaster-relief efforts in the region. This new helicopter also means that Cayman will not be without air cover during times when one chopper is out of service due to maintenance or is deployed overseas assisting in emergency situations, the governor added. “I also think the technology on these helicopters is state of the art, the best in the world, and anyone out there considering breaking our laws should be very aware of the power of surveillance and radar that these helicopters have to monitor what goes on at sea and on land,” he said. The premier stressed the importance of the two helicopters to the safety and security of the country. “It’s an incredible moment really. This new helicopter brings redundancy and capability, so that we always have one,” McLaughlin said. New helicopter officially home This is the first H145 helicopter to be purchased solely by the Cayman Islands government. Tourists get up close and personal with stingrays at the Sandbar. 6 news N newsOwen Roberts International Airport | Charles Kirkconnell International Airport caymanairports.com Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky The night lit up in the Camana Bay Harbour Saturday night for the annual Parade of Lights Festival. The winners of the Parade of Lights boat competition were boat 8, Sea Spirit, for the large boat category, and boat 11, Lil Blue, for the small boat category. They each won $2,000 dollars for their Red Sail and Crazy Crab themes. “We get excited about it. It’s a once a year thing,” said Tricia Thompson, one of the participants of the large boat competition. While Thompson and her family usually just watching from ashore, “this year we are actually in it. That’s why I’m looking all Christmassy.” she said. Thompson and her husband own boat 9, Ausum, and they found inspiration by throwing Christmas themes together, like Santa and chimneys and The Grinch. She said she thinks the festival helps bring the Christmas spirit to the island. “We just did it for fun, not seriously competing,” Thompson said. Alex and Katie Varney attended their first Parade of Lights as a newlywed couple, to bring in the Christmas spirit. “We are both quite excited by it, we came to the [Christmas tree] light switching a couple of weeks ago, and it was really good,” Alex Varney said. “We have been saying how nice it is to be on the island. It is making it feel a lot more Christmassy, being on a tropical island, than being back in London.” Parade of Lights brings Christmas cheer Boat 1 - 36 ft Rock Awayz (large) Boat 2 - 60 ft Caribbean Explorer (large) Boat 3 - 20 ft CICS Sweet Delight (small) Boat 4 - 22 ft Big Blue (small) Boat 5 - 18 ft Lost Boyz II (small) Boat 6 - 55 ft Reel Affair (large) Boat 7 - 26 ft Adrenaline (small) Boat 8 - 42 ft Sea Spirit (large) Boat 9 - 33 ft Ausum (large) Boat 10 - 17 ft Sheila J (small) Boat 11 - 25 ft Lil Blue (small) Eleven boats participated pic of the day Compass Media Christmas Craft Market The Compass Media Christmas Craft Market took place on Saturday, 7 Dec. with just under 50 market vendors in attendance. cayman compass 7 news N news MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2019Daily Horoscope THE LOCKHORNS By Bunny Hoest & John Reiner ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) This is a good day for business and finance. Not only will you attract favorable situations to you, you also will see things with common sense, which isn’t so common. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) This is a lovely day for you! The Moon is in your sign dancing with other planets, which puts you in a position to be successful today. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) Solitude in beautiful surroundings will please you today. However, you can benefit from the wealth or resources of someone else. Keep your pockets open! CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) This is a lovely day to schmooze with others. People are happy to see you, and you are happy to see them! LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Relations with co-workers are pleasant today, which is why this is a good day to ask for help or support from someone if you need it. Perhaps someone will ask for your help. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Romance is in the air today. (Some- thing different for Monday?) You also will enjoy the arts and playful activities with children. It’s a great day to socialize! LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) You might buy something beau- tiful for your home or have a new decorating idea that pleases you. Stock the fridge in case you spon- taneously entertain today or this evening. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) You feel warmhearted to others today, which is why you are happy and others are happy to be in your company. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Keep your eyes open, because you can attract money to you today. However, many of you will want to shop for something beau- tiful and special. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) You will be caring and com- passionate when you deal with others today because it feels good. However, you also might spend time in fantasy and day- dreams rather than working in your everyday world. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Time spent alone will be a special luxury for you today. Grab some- thing to eat or drink and hide somewhere. PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) You’ll find it rewarding to work for a charitable group today because you want to help those who are less fortunate. BY FRANCES DRAKE MONday, dECEMbER 9, 2019 CURTIS By Ray Billingsley bLONdIE By Y. Marshall PEaNUTS By Charles M. Shulz HägaR THE HORRIbLE By Chris Browne THE aMaZINg SPIdERMaN By Stan Lee and Alex Saviuk cayman compass 8 MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2019The Cayman Islands government recently revealed its budget for 2020 and 2021 and confirmed what we have been discussing for some time now – our real estate industry’s worth to the entire economy and the fact that, while our industry is so strong, our worth has been increasing. Government’s operating revenues are forecast to be $824.2 million, which is $101.4 million higher than estimated in the original 2019 budget. The government said this better-than- expected performance was primarily attributed to strong growth in revenue lines from import duties, stamp duty on land transfers, banks and trust licence fees, partnership fees and tourist accommodation charges. It is interesting to note, therefore, that three out of the five growing revenue lines are directly a result of a successful and flourishing real estate industry. Stamp duty on land transfers has an obvious correlation with the real estate industry, while increases in revenue from import duties can be attributed in huge part to the construction industry and speaks to the unprecedented level of construction currently under way in Cayman. I think this will continue given the projects that are up and coming over the next few months and years. Tourist accommodation charges is another strong income stream for government directly related to our industry, with further growth predicted with hotel and condominium projects coming on board in the next three to five years. I believe the fact that government has specifically outlined tourist accommodation charges as an important revenue stream justifies why the Cayman Islands tourism industry ought to be focussing on stayover tourists. This is government’s own statement on the importance of our stayover visitors to our economy as a whole, which are adding tens of millions of dollars into our economy, as they spend in our hotels and condominiums, restaurants, tourist attractions, taxis, supermarkets and retail stores, let alone purchase property and pay stamp duty, which goes directly into the coffers. They also enjoy our pristine beaches, clear waters and exemplary diving. Having read Guy Harvey’s eloquent letter to the Cayman Compass, in which he warns us not to ruin what makes Cayman unique, I believe it was a very well-balanced argument for Cayman to take a close look at capacity when it comes to the volume of tourists this island can adequately cater to. Without a doubt, Cayman’s cruise visitors bring some value into our economy but we must consider the pressure on our infrastructure and how larger volumes of visitors will impact the quality of life for residents and stayover visitors alike. Dr. Harvey wrote about all the great things that entice visitors to our shores, such as the amazing diving, high quality of our beaches, Stingray City and land-based attractions. “Then there is browsing the waterfront, shopping the jewellery stores or making a trip to Camana Bay. Our modern topside infrastructure, including great restaurants, condos and hotels, all add to making the Cayman Islands unique,” he wrote. “By adding so many extra cruise tourists, we risk that reputation.” These are all extremely important attributes which I have been writing about for the past few years. Let us ensure they remain as attractive as ever for our stayover visitors, which will in turn keep government’s revenue streams looking as healthy as they do for 2019. What I have seen over the last 25-plus years is that stayover tourism is the greatest contributor to our vacation and investment real estate market. Our natural resources and beauty are among the top reasons travellers visit the Cayman Islands. It is a unique and coveted travel destination which should be protected for our future and that of our children. Cayman’s real estate industry is on a high… and long may it continue "I believe the fact that government has specifically outlined tourist accommodation charges as an important revenue stream justifies why the Cayman Islands tourism industry ought to be focussing on stayover tourists ." Consulting firm EY announced that this year’s Global Alternative Funds Symposium in Cayman will be held on 12 Dec. at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa. The event is part of the EY’s annual symposium series, which is hosted in 15 financial centres worldwide and attended by more than 3,500 senior executives from asset managers and service providers. Representatives from hedge, alternative and private equity funds will discuss key issues such as changing investor preferences, the importance of talent management in alternatives, the current business environment and innovation in the asset management industry, according to a press release. Michael Hyatt, a so- called serial entrepreneur, self-made millionaire by age 25 and business commentator on Canada’s CBC News Network, will offer his perspective on the alternative funds industry and the challenges and opportunities ahead. In addition to the keynote, panels will discuss developments in the alternatives space, ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing, the regulatory environment and a fireside chat featuring Minister of Education Juliana O’Connor- Connolly. “This year’s EY Global Alternative Fund Survey found that overall allocations to alternatives have remained constant since last year, but investors are shifting investments between different alternative asset classes,” said Jeffrey Short, EY partner and regional wealth and asset management sector leader. “To address this, managers are offering new investment vehicles and products to grow their businesses and address investor concerns. This requires significant business transformation – ranging from implementing new technology to support processes or hiring people with different skills to support innovation,” he said. “I look forward to this event each and every year because we’re excited to be at the forefront of this evolving industry and providing value to our clients by advising on various industry trends.” EY to hold annual funds symposium The Global Alternative Fund Symposium Series is hosted in 15 financial centres worldwide and attended by more than 3,500 senior executives. Thought leaders from the firm and industry across the globe provide in-depth coverage, commentary and share insights around key industry issues, including the tax landscape, the global macroeconomic environment and innovation in the asset management industry. Litigator Ulrich Payne will join Kobre & Kim as a partner in the Cayman Islands office in January. Payne will bolster the firm’s offshore capabilities to address complex, cross- border disputes on behalf of clients in major global financial markets around the world, the firm said in a press release. Payne has a track record of representing clients in cross-border matters, including those involving complex financial products, contentious restructuring and insolvency proceedings, contentious boardroom and shareholder issues, and asset- recovery efforts. “In the kinds of high-stakes global disputes that we work on, we are seeing a growing demand for top- tier offshore litigation capabilities,” said Steven Kobre, founding partner of Kobre & Kim. “Bringing Ulrich on board will complement our offshore offerings in matters such as insolvency and cross-border judgment enforcement, where we exclusively serve as special litigation counsel in partnership with other law firms.” Payne’s experience spans court proceedings in the English High Court and the Cayman Islands Grand Court, as well as the English and Cayman Islands Court of Appeal and the Privy Council, mostly in the context of multi-jurisdictional litigation in the US, Middle East, Russia and Asia. He also has extensive experience with high-value, complex international arbitrations. Prior to joining Kobre & Kim, Payne practised at Ogier, where he advised on multi-million- and multi- billion-dollar global disputes and worked on regulatory and internal investigations for international corporate clients. Before joining Ogier, Payne practised at Kirkland & Ellis in London. He is admitted in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and as a non-practising lawyer in England and Wales. Kobre & Kim adds offshore litigator Property Column James Bovell Broker/owner at RE/MAX Cayman Islands. cayman compass 9 B business MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2019Next >