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Compass Centre, Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: T: (345) 949-5111 E: sales@compassmedia.ky W: caymancompass.com PUBLISHER KATHLEEN CAPETTA 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” Cloudy skies with a 20% chance of showers weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 86°F 75°F HIGH LOW WINDS Northerly at 5 to 10 knots SEA STATE Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet 11 DUIs, 272 infringements recorded since 1 Dec. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Drunk drivers beware. That’s the warning from Inspector Dwayne Jones, head of the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit, as police kicked off the annual holiday crackdown which will see officers hitting the streets in greater numbers to nab drunk drivers and traffic offenders. “We understand the desire to celebrate and socialise, and we simply encourage the public to do so responsibly. If you will be consuming alcohol, then you must find an alternative to driving. If not, you will face the consequences,” Jones said, in a Royal Cayman Islands Police Service statement. The police have started its holiday traffic- safety operations with intensified road enforcement that will continue throughout the holiday season and into the new year, according to the statement. “As we enter the festive season, we know that the temptation to drink and drive increases. That’s why increased road enforcement is needed to deter drinking and driving and the serious accidents that can result,” Jones said. A total of 11 DUI arrests have been made since the start of the month, according to the RCIPS. Police said DUI offences continue to be a major concern during the holiday season and a focus of the Christmas campaign, but officers are also targeting illegal tinting, speeding and people driving while disqualified. Since the start of December, officers have issued 132 tickets for tint, 109 for speeding and 17 for expired registration. In addition, over that time, the police have issued 14 traffic offence reports, such as for no insurance, no certificate of roadworthiness, expired licences, or excessive speed, which require individuals to appear in court. Police also arrested eight people for driving while disqualified or unqualified. These totals, police said, are in addition to tickets and arrests made by shift officers during regular patrols. According to 2018 crime statistics, DUIs have increased by almost 30% over 2017. There was an overall 14% decrease in the total number of traffic collisions on the islands, but there was a 49% increase in overall traffic enforcement. “Speeding enforcement contributed significantly to these numbers, with a 226% increase in speeding offences over 2017,” the crime stats report stated. To this end, the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit has increased its traffic stops and high- visibility patrols, with the aim of reducing traffic collisions, cracking down on traffic offences, and reassuring the community through an increased police presence, police said. “The purpose of the road safety campaign is not just about deterring unsafe behaviour on the road and targeting law breakers, but also ensuring we have good policing visibility to deter irresponsible driving during this festive period,” said Superintendent of Uniform Operations Robert Graham. While the focus is heightened during the holidays, Graham said, bad driving practices and the enforcement of the law need to be addressed whatever time of year. “But, the festive period brings with it additional issues and challenges. As such, please make arrangements in advance to ensure safe transportation to and from holiday festivities. I would ask all members of the public to work with the police and drive responsibly. By simply following the law, you can help to make the roads that much safer this holiday season,” he said. The RCIPS will also be supporting the National Drug Council in its annual Designated Driver and New Year’s Eve Purple Ribbon Bus campaigns; the former, which began on 1 Dec., continues throughout the holiday season. RCIPS Christmas crackdown begins Police have started their annual holiday traffic offence crackdown. What is the Designated Driver Campaign? The campaign is an initiative among local restaurants which offer to provide the designated driver of a party with complimentary soft drinks throughout the evening. The Purple Ribbon Bus initiative provides free bus service on New Year’s Eve from 9pm to 4am for all districts on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. December traffic statistics • 11 DUI arrests • 132 tickets for tint • 109 tickets for speeding • 17 ticketed for expired registration • 14 traffic offence reports • 8 arrests for driving while disqualified or unqualified. cayman compass 2 news N news THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2019cayman compass 3 THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2019 HOLIDAYBRUNCH SUNDAY 15 TH DECEMBER •Prime ribstation •Classic sides •Season’s best tomato and freshsaladbar •Made-to-order omelets • •Sweets bar with holiday cookies, brownies and Baked Alaska •Santa! 65KYD per person 30KYD for 5 - 12year olds TUESDAY 31 ST DECEMBER 6.00PM &9.00PM SIX COURSE TASTING MENUFEATURING: •Welcome reception with live music •Specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres •Foie gras terrine •Oysters, lobster, caviar, king crab • •Flaming Baked Alaska •Champagne toast and rum •Live music from Cuban Quartet; Trio Vivo •Dance party on the beach withour resident DJ •Fun late night snacks from our sea side grill 185KYDper person NEW YEAR’SEVE CHRISTMAS DAY WEDNESDAY 25 TH DECEMBER 95KYD per person 35KYD for 5 - 12year olds 12:00 - 8:00PM CHRISTMAS BUFFET Tillies will be having Christmas Buet that will feature all the trimmings: •Standing rib roast •Fresh raw and lightly cooked seafood •Our unique vegetable dishes •Sun-red vegan food from Dr. Aris Latham NEW YEAR’S DAY 85KYD per person 38KYD open bar package 30KYD for 5 - 12 year olds HOLIDAY EVENTS WEDNESDAY 1 ST JANUARY Start o the New Year with a mouthwatering brunch bu et. In an e ort to energise the body and mind we will also o er healthy options, a coconut bar and Dr. Aris Latham’s fresh juices and vegan specialties. 11:00AM - 4:00PM NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH BUFFET FEAT DR. ARIS DETOX BARcartoon Jake Fuller ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Sean-Michael McDonald, 36, of George Town has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm following a boat collision in August in which two people died. On 13 Aug., a charter boat called the Pepper Jelly, captained by McDonald, collided with a private boat that was carrying three people. McDonald was arrested in October and made his first Summary Court appearance on Wednesday. John Turner, 70, of the UK and Emmanuel Brown, 49, a retired Royal Cayman Islands Police Service officer, were both killed in the crash. A woman, the third person on the private boat, was hospitalised with serious injuries. “These are indictable offences and will therefore have to be transferred to the Grand Court,” said Crown prosecutor Greg Walcolm on Wednesday. “We therefore ask that the first and second charges be transmitted to the Grand Court. We also ask that the third charge be transmitted as it is related to the same incident.” McDonald, who was originally released on bail, appeared from the court cells in custody. No pleas were entered and the matter was transferred to the Grand Court, where MacDonald is expected to make an appearance on Friday. He was released on strict bail conditions, which include prohibitions on boarding any marine vessel or changing residence, and surrendering his travel documents. ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky A judge cleared Elton David Webster of George Town on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Wednesday. Grand Court Judge Marva McDonald-Bishop acquitted Webster of the charges via video link. A Glock 17 9mm handgun and 59 rounds of ammunition had been recovered during a police operation at Webster’s Prospect home in April 2018. Police found the gun and bullets in a bag that was wrapped in a towel and placed behind a microwave, the court heard. During the trial, Webster denied any knowledge or ownership of the gun and bullets. A forensic analysis of the weapon revealed no DNA evidence that linked Webster to the gun or the bullets. However, DNA evidence did connect Webster to the towel. While presenting her ruling, Justice McDonald-Bishop said she had reviewed the case extensively and had undergone significant “mental gymnastics” to arrive at her decision. “The prosecution’s case was largely circumstantial,” the judge said. She noted there was a limited number of people who had access to the house, naming Webster, his wife and their domestic helper. “The DNA on the towel is linked to Webster. There was no evidence of police contaminating the DNA evidence. They say, all together, the evidence points to Mr. Webster as having been in possession and control.” McDonald-Bishop added, “The defence says the towel would have been readily accessible to all occupants in the house and there is no telling how or when the DNA could have ended up on it.” The judge said both the prosecution and defence cases were likely and therefore she could not be sure of Webster’s guilt. “In the prosecution’s case, the standard of proof is not beyond a reasonable doubt,” said McDonald-Bishop. “While I believe that Mr Webster was lying, I must remind myself that people lie for different reasons and that does not mean he is guilty of the offence. I therefore come to the conclusion that I must acquit him of the charges.” Before she discharged him, the judge said, “Mr. Webster, I have my suspicions, but you must count your blessings one by one. If you are involved in criminality, use this opportunity to reflect on where you want to go in life. That gun and ammunition had to have been placed by one of the occupants or by someone else with their supplication.” The gun and ammunition were forfeited to the police. Prospect man cleared of gun charges Man charged in fatal boat accident McDonald was arrested in October and made his first Summary Court appearance on Wednesday . A Glock 17 9mm handgun and 59 rounds of ammunition had been recovered during a police operation at Webster’s Prospect home in April 2018 . cayman compass 4 N news THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2019 123456 7 89 1011 12131415 16 17181920 2122 23 123456 7 89 1011 12131415 16 17181920 2122 23 ACROSS 1 Squander (3,7) 8 A smart blow (5) 9 Hotchpotch (7) 10 Beginner (7) 11 Illuminated (3,2) 12 Exaggerate (6) 14 Liquefied by heat (6) 17 Of a particular place (5) 19 A radioactive metal (7) 21 A male servant (7) 22 Establish and develop (5) 23 Complete stop (10) DOWN 2 Ignorant (7) 3 Symbolic (5) 4 Change for the better (6) 5 Paris street scene painter (7) 6 Centre (5) 7 Extremely angry (7,3) 8 Chosen occupation (4,2,4) 13 Predicament (7) 15 Of little importance (7) 16 Bankrupt (6) 18 Traverse (5) 20 Scope (5) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16246 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. YeSteRDAY'S SOLUtIONS Puzzle 16245 ACROSS: 1 Snappy, 4 Abacus, 9 Orinoco, 10 Lance, 11 Taste, 12 New York, 13 Rubber-stamp, 18 Rebound, 20 Amble, 22 Craft, 23 Exploit, 24 Riddle, 25 Tender. DOWN: 1 Smooth, 2 Alias, 3 Proverb, 5 By-law, 6 Conform, 7 Sheikh, 8 Downtrodden, 14 Upbraid, 15 Trample, 16 Grocer, 17 Mentor, 19 Until, 21 Brood. cayman compass 5 THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2019 Thanks to everyone who made the 17th Annual Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon a success! Congratulations to all the amazing runners and special thanks to all of the visitors who joined us. A big shout out to all our wonderful volunteers; you make it all possible! This year brought 1270 runners registered across the 3 events, 250 children in the Milo Kids Fun Run and more than 300 volunteers! We are looking forward to having all of you join us again with friends in 2020 ! FULL MARATHON WINNERS HALF MARATHON WINNERS RELAY TEAM CATEGORY WINNERS WATERSTOPS WINNERS MAIN SPONSORSMAJOR SPONSORS OFFICIAL SPONSORS TOURISM PARTNERS MILE SPONSORS OUR SPONSORS FEMALE 1 st Lindy-LeeFolscher (UK)3:15:05 2 nd BethFlorek (CYM)3:15:21 3 rd LindsayTaylor-Watson (CA) 3:26:32 FEMALE 1 st LeighSharek(USA) 1:23:53 2 nd OliviaShanks(CYM) 1:29:59 3 rd TiffanyCole (CYM) 1:32:41 MALE 1 st PhilReed (CYM) 2:57:50 2 nd SteveSpeirs(USA) 3:01:31 3 rd SeanLilley(CYM) 3:03:32 MALE 1 st ChristopherThompson(UK) (COURSERECORD) 1:07:47 2 nd EsmondBrown(CYM)1:21:24 3 rd PatrickHarfield (CYM)1:22:20 Corporate-TeamWalkersRunning1 (CYM)2:54:48 Male-TeamApplebyAthleticClub(CYM)2:39:11 Female–Team345Girls(CYM) 3:25:39 Mixed-TeamF45CaymanGazelles(CYM) 3:25:36 CUCHighSchoolChallenge-Team345AcBushManz(CYM) 3:12:19 1 st OneLove-Indians 2 nd RedCross-Superheroes 3 rd CUC-Electrifying SUPPORTERS 24/7 Towing Agape Family Worship Centre Agua Restaurant Body Works Casanova’s By the Sea Cayman Islands Airports Authority Cayman Islands Customs Agency Cayman Islands Triathlon Association Cayman Physiotherapy Ltd. Cimboco CI Red Cross Da Vinci Centre Department of Agriculture Department of Environmental Health Department of Immigration Eats Café Focus Hair & Beauty George Town Yacht Club Grand Old House Harmony Aesthetics Hazard Management C.I. Innovative Building Products Icoa Island Naturals Jacques Scott Legendz Restaurant Lobster Pot Luca Restaurant Mack & Sons Trucking Magnum Jewelers Marathon-Photos.com Massive Crew Maxine & Maureen Bodden National Roads Authority Pizza Hut PMI Gas Regenexx RenataK Self-Protection Int RCIPS Ragazzi Ristorante Pappagallo Rum Point Restaurant Seaboard Cayman Special Constabulary SportStats Staff of Sharkeez – Alan Simpson Subway The Cayman Islands Port Authority The Wharf Restaurant Tim Walton Tony’s Toys Tukka Restaurant West Indies Wine Company XQs Restaurant Yoshi Sushi OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS Alwin Buttram Anderson Skinner Ashley Giselle Miller Ava Hamilton Becky Redford Beverley McField Carmen Qunitero Carmen Thomas Carol Jurchison Catherine Tick Charmaine Lawrence Christine Gibbs Christine Hagopian Christopher Wiles Colleen Stoetzel Damari Green David Cooke Dayannah Sobrun Dulsey McKoy Earl Walker Eckerd McField Erica Gordon Gina Matthews Hannah Bodden Hannah Smye Helen Chisholm Helen Wong Herfer Hyde Ingrid Barrett James Adekeye James Bebarfald Janet Harris Jaymie Rankin Jeanne Durant Jeremy Welcome Jerry Dilbert Jessie Minott Jialy Archbold Joaquin Garcia John Ferguson Judith Black Judy Dilbert Julia King Julia Reid Julie Tremblay Kady Melinda Meyers Karen Tenneson Karen Williams Kathleen Brown-Gremli Kay Gremli Kelley Verwey Keshan Sawarat Kodel Thompson Laura Hatfield Laura Ribbins Leon Harris Loreta McBean Louane Silva Marcus Gremli Marian Williams Maribel Dadal Martha Andino Melissa Nicole Smith Merta Day Michael Rhoden Mollyann Moore Morgan Bell Mureen Broomfield Nadira Lord Nancy Saur Nicole Hyde Nicole Thompson Nigel Tenneson Norma McField Pam Parsons Pamella Martin Pat Burke Penni Bell Phil Pace Philip Copeland Philip Keating Priyana Renukanthi Raejan Lawla Richard Brown Robyn Parent Rohan Williams Russell Bryan Sadie Nelson Sandra Millwood Sharmee McField Shemar Dawkins Sophia Whittaker Sophie McKenzie Stacey Bartley Stephen Abbott Tallis Wessels Tazmar Dawkins Tevin Crawford Thanmattie Ballack Tharien Meyer Tim J. Plonczynski Toby Wade Trenda Kelly Tricia Skyers Palacio Trisha Cuffy Vanessa Hansen Veron Lawson Viraj GodeHewa OUR MEDICAL TEAM Alex Potts Cayman Islands Red Cross Dr. Eddie Fernandes Dr. Matthias Herzig Dr. Wejbora Jody Syms Maria Barnes Campbell Nancy Saur Peter Hughes Sophia Lorraine Morgan OUR AMAZING WATER STOPS Cancer Society – Christmas Theme CUC – Construction Crew CINICO CIVF – Carnival Junkies Alex Panton Foundation – Self-Care Intertrust – Disco One Love – Indians Jasmine KSG Law Red Cross - Superheroes Rotaract – Flintstones Ritz Carlton – 5 Star Service West Bay Community Council – Santa Theme www.caymanislandsmarathon.com THANK YOU THANK YOUANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky A jury found church pastor Christopher Constantine Murray not guilty of forgery at the end of a two-week trial on Tuesday. Following the jury’s verdict, church members and supporters of the pastor sang hymns at the courthouse building as they celebrated his acquittal. The Bethel Refuge Apostolic Church pastor had been accused of forging the signatures of assistant pastors Oral Campbell and Winston Calloo on official church documents. He denied the charges. Murray, Campbell and Calloo founded the Bethel Refuge Apostolic Church in 2012. The court had heard that relations soured in 2016 after Campbell and Calloo learned of their status as directors on the church’s board and that they could be removed at an annual general meeting. Campbell and Calloo subsequently accused Murray of forging their signatures on the church’s memorandum and articles of association. A Grand Court jury of five women and two men returned unanimous not guilty verdicts against charges of forgery and uttering a false document. “These have been two of the longest and hardest weeks of my life,” said Murray, after the not guilty verdicts were announced. “These two weeks have been the most trying and challenging, not just on me, but my family and the church family, as well.” The trial began on 26 Nov. Many of the pastor’s supporters had offered to speak as character witnesses at the trial. “Normally, when it comes to criminal cases, you’ll find it is hard to get people to come forward and give evidence,” said Amelia Fosuhene, Murray’s lawyer. “But in this case, there were so many people willing to give evidence about Mr. Murray’s character that we had to turn some away, or else the trial could have easily lasted another two weeks.” Pastor cleared of forgery charges Chief justice to respond to report at Grand Court opening RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s judicial leaders have said they will continue to prioritise implementing best practices to improve court efficiency. The comment follows a recent Office of the Auditor General’s ‘Efficiency of Summary Courts’ report which stated that a lack of performance and financial information made it “difficult to assess the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Summary Courts or Judicial Administration”. Responding to queries from the Cayman Compass, Chief Justice Anthony Smellie said he has received the final report and its recommendations. “As the Head of the Judiciary, he [Smellie] continues to prioritise implementing suitable best practices to improve court efficiency in the round and to engage relevant stakeholders in doing so, even amongst the court’s current infrastructure and human resource constraints,” said the Judicial Administration statement. The 43-page report evaluated the efficiency of processing Summary Court cases. It also reviewed how Judicial Administration was performing, how it used resources, and its relationships with other justice partners and court users. In the statement, Smellie said during the course of 2019 he and key staff members engaged with the Office of the Auditor General regarding the audit of Summary Court efficiency. Smellie, in the statement, said he will deliver a more comprehensive response to the report at the opening of the Grand Court on 15 Jan. “There are many things to consider arising out of the report of the Auditor General’s Office,” Smellie said. Auditor General Sue Winspear expressed concern over plans for the redevelopment of the courthouse, saying that, at this stage, she could not assess the value for money of the proposed multi-million-dollar investment since the Outline Business Case was still being drafted. She said the current facilities are not fit for purpose. The Judicial Administration statement welcomed the planned court improvements. “These initial improvements will temporarily assist in reducing the displacement of other courts, thus shortening the delay in resolution of court cases,” the Judicial Administration said in the statement, adding that the chief justice thanked the government for its commitment to fund the first phase of expanded court facilities “which will include a temporary Grand Court and a permanent home to the Court of Appeal”. The auditor general found that there were a number of significant gaps in the information presented for the court project. “For example, there is no recent analysis of current and future workload that justifies the need for the number of court rooms being proposed,” Winspear said. A total of 10 court rooms are planned for the new facility. However, the report noted the projected space requirement appears to be based on experience rather than any study. Judiciary: Court efficiency remains a priority “As the Head of the Judiciary, [the chief justice] continues to prioritise implementing suitable best practices to improve court efficiency in the round and to engage relevant stakeholders in doing so, even amongst the court’s current infrastructure and human resource constraints .” Judicial Administration statement Lions Club GCM toy drive continues RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky ‘Tis the season of giving and the Lions Club of Grand Cayman is reaching out to the community for a helping hand to spread Christmas cheer. The Christmas project has been part of the community since the initiative was started in 1972 by club member John Ebanks. Donation bins have been placed in the lobby of the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue. “This year, thanks to our community donations, we have been able to gather 600-plus toys which will be distributed to the less fortunate kids and allow them to have a memorable and wonderful start of the season,” said Heidi Anderson, chair of the club’s Christmas committee. These donations are being spread through various events the club hosts, such as the Lighthouse School party, Sunrise Adult Training Centre luncheon and the All Island Kids Christmas party. The club members will also deliver donated gifts to families in need on Christmas Day, so the club will continue to accept donations throughout the holiday season. “Last weekend, on 7 December, a big group of Lions were scattered around George Town to raise funds for the needy. These funds are used mainly on the four big projects for the month of December directed by Lion Eric Anderson, second vice president, and myself,” Heidi Anderson said. She said volunteers are also welcome to assist the club by donating their time, funds, new unwrapped toys or non-perishable goods. This Sunday, the club will host its annual All Islands Kids Christmas party for less fortunate children, at the Lions Centre from 1pm. The event will feature a visit from Santa Claus, a bouncy castle, food and fun with the Lions mascot Roary. Christmas call for presents Lions Club members and volunteers gather last Christmas. Pastor Christopher Murray, in grey jacket, celebrates his acquittal with supporters outside court on Tuesday. 6cayman compass 7 THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2019 12 DAYS OF GIVING EXPERIENCE THE GIVING WITH AMAZING PRIZES & TASTY EXPERIENCES, DAILY! DECEMBER 10 - 23 Private Cayman LuxuryCharters sail for 10 guests DAY 8 WED DEC 18TH Dinner for 12 with Chef Maureen Cubbon at Bon Vivant $1200 USD Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa Gift Certificate DAY 6 MON DEC 16TH $1200 USD Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Gift Certificate DAY 12 MON DEC 23RD BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BROUGHT TO YOU BY:BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BROUGHT TO YOU BY: iPhone11Pro, WirelessCharger andAirPodsPro DAY 1 TUE DEC 10TH BROUGHT TO YOU BY: 3 Tickets to The Beach Bash Presented by Progressive Distributors LTD. BROUGHT TO YOU BY: DAY 2 WED DEC 11TH $1,000 Foster'sCard DAY 3 THU DEC 12TH BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BROUGHT TO YOU BY: DAY 4 FRI DEC 13TH $800 CamanaBay GiftCard $800 Refuel Gift Certificate DAY 5 SAT DEC 14TH BROUGHT TO YOU BY: DAY 7 TUE DEC 17TH DAY 9 THU DEC 19TH $1,000 Foster'sCard DAY 10 FRI DEC 20TH 3 Tickets to Barefoot BBQ at Royal Palms DAY 11 SAT DEC 21ST iPhone11Pro, WirelessCharger andAirPodsPro WIN GROCERIES FOR A YEAR! TICKETS TO CAYMAN COOKOUT, CAMANA BAY GIFT CARD, IPHONE 11 PRO & AIRPODS PRO & SO MUCH MORE! PURCHASE ANY SPECIALLY MARKED PRODUCT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN. LOOK OUT FOR THE SHELF TALKERS! | @FOSTERSCAYMAN FOSTERS.KY/12-DAYScayman compass 8 news N news THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2019 The staff and management of Edie’s Décor wish to thank you for your patronage in 2019. We trust that the hope and joy of Christmas will be yours this season and we look forward to serving you in the New Year. 64 Eastern Ave. George Town 345.949.6348 www.ediesdecor.com info@ediesdecor.com OUR LAST DAY OF BUSINESS FOR THE YEAR WILL BE SATURDAY, DEC 21. WE WILL REOPEN IN 2020 ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 AT 8 AM. Merry Christmas LONDON (AP) — Britain’s election has been like the country’s late- autumn weather: chilly and dull, with blustery outbursts. On the last day of the campaign, political leaders dashed around the UK on Wednesday trying to win over millions of undecided voters who will likely determine the outcome. Opinion polls suggest Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservatives have a lead over the main opposition Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn ahead of Thursday’s election. But all the parties are nervous about the verdict of a volatile electorate fed up after years of Brexit wrangling. Truck driver Clive Jordan expressed a weariness that could be heard up and down the country during the five-week campaign. “Basically I just want it over and done with now,” he said. “Nobody’s doing what they said. Everybody’s lying.” The vote, dubbed the Brexit Election, is being held more than two years early in hopes of breaking Britain’s political deadlock over the country’s stalled departure from the European Union. Johnson has focussed relentlessly on Brexit throughout the campaign, endlessly repeating his slogan ‘Get Brexit done’. He says that if he wins a majority of the 650 House of Commons seats on Thursday, he will get Parliament to ratify his “oven-ready” divorce deal with the EU and take Britain out of the bloc as scheduled on 31 Jan. “If we can get a working majority, we have a deal, it’s ready to go,” Johnson said Wednesday as he watched pies being baked at a catering firm in central England. “We put it in, slam it in the oven, take it out and there it is – get Brexit done.” As a slogan, ‘Get Brexit done’ is both misleading and effective. If Britain leaves the EU on 31 Jan. it will only kick-start months or years of negotiations on future trade relations with the bloc, involving tough trade-offs between independence and access. “His campaign was all about ‘Getting Brexit done’, but actually it’s about getting Brexit started,” said Tony Travers, professor of government at the London School of Economics. “Elections seem to suggest these things are easy; they’re not.” But the notion of an end to the Brexit melodrama is tempting to voters who have watched politicians bicker for more than three years since Britain’s June 2016 vote to leave the European Union. “Brexit is fuelling the election,” said Allan Bailey, a parish councilor in Clowne, a former coal-mining village in the central England constituency of Bolsover. “If one person can offer this area ... Brexit, that person will win.” The Conservatives have focussed their energy on trying to win seats like Bolsover – working-class towns in central and northern England that have elected Labour lawmakers for decades, but also voted strongly in 2016 to leave the EU. Polls suggest that plan may be working, and the Conservatives have also been helped by Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, which decided at the last minute not to contest 317 Conservative-held seats to avoid splitting the pro-Brexit vote. Labour, which is largely pro-EU, faces competition for anti-Brexit voters from the centrist Liberal Democrats, Scottish and Welsh nationalist parties and the Greens. “The only reason the Conservatives are so far ahead in the polls now is that the ‘remain’ vote is divided,” said Rosie Campbell, professor of politics at King’s College London. “For ‘remain’ voters it has been a real failure of leadership.” If the Tories fail to win a majority, it will be a sign that voters think other issues are as important as Brexit. Labour has focussed on domestic issues, especially the wear and tear to the country’s state-funded health service after nine years of Conservative government austerity. Labour also promises to boost public spending, nationalise railways and utilities, and provide everyone with free internet access – all paid for by raising taxes on high earners. Polls are open from 7am to 10pm UK time, with most results expected early Friday. Leaders scramble for final votes as UK’s ugly election ends Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares a pie at the Red Olive catering company while on the campaign trail, in Derby, England, on Wednesday.RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Plans for a new Sunrise Adult Training Centre are advancing to the design phase, the Education Ministry confirmed. A ministry spokesperson, in response to queries from the Cayman Compass on the proposed project, estimated it will be calling for tenders on various construction consultative design services in the first quarter of 2020. Construction is planned for early 2021. The new facility is planned for a government- owned property at the corner of Gresscott Lane and Rock Hole Road, off Eastern Avenue in George Town. The proposed 25,000- 30,000 square-foot-facility will replace the current West Bay premises, which are housed in a repurposed duplex. A 2010 report on the West Bay facility found the centre, which trains adults with special needs, was overcrowded and wholly inadequate for its purpose. Earlier this year, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced the planned facility in his Strategic Policy Statement. Government had received a $1.35 million payment for the centre as part of the National Roads Authority agreement with Dart. Dart, according to previous media reports, had indicated government accepted the money instead of land under the agreement. During recent Finance Committee hearings, ministry officials indicated that the Outline Business Case for the new facility has been approved and the search is on for the procurement of consulting services for architecture and design. Ministry officials said the project will include areas for training workshops, arts and music, a cafeteria and classrooms. The new centre is also expected to have a library, gymnasium, occupational therapy room, sensory gardens, play field, pool, administrative offices and greenhouse. New Sunrise Centre moves to design phase JEWEL LEVY Jlevy@compassmedia.ky A partnership between the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman and Cooperative for Education Guatemala is helping students to get an education. Cooperative for Education provides textbooks, computers, scholarships and literacy programmes to underprivileged children in Guatemala with the mission of helping them overcome poverty through education. Founded in 1996 by two Xavier University graduates, the organisation has offices in Westwood and Guatemala City. Last month, Rotary past president Chris Johnson attended the annual graduation of the students sponsored by club members. He said the Cayman flag stands proudly in the Cooperative's new headquarters, just as it did when he and Derek Haines assisted in its opening two years ago. “It is one of the most satisfying and exciting projects I have ever been involved in. It includes visiting many of the schools, largely in the rural and remote areas, interacting with the students and seeing them graduate after six years,” Johnson said. He said many of the students go on to enroll at the university. If not, their graduation from the programme makes it easier to find employment. The cost of sponsoring each student is US$1,000 each year. Over the past 10 years, Johnson said, Rotary has donated about $100,000 and sponsored some 30 students. In addition, Rotary International plays an active role. According to Rotary, the programme represents its efforts to educate more than 55,000 Guatemala children across the country in 313 schools. For more information, visit www.coeduc.org. Cayman flag flies in Guatemala Howard Lobb, director of Cooperative for Education's Partner Development, left, with graduating student Elvia Xicay and sister Rosa, and Rotary’s Chris Johnson. The Sunrise Adult Centre has operated out of this building in West Bay since 2003. 9 news N newsNext >