AAdvantage Standard Mastercard AAdvantage miles 5,000 AAdvantage miles AAdvantage Platinum Mastercard 10,000 cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Tuesday, 24 December 2019 Cayman aglow with Christmas cheer 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. - TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - 640-FILM (640-3456) BOMBSHELL (R) (TUE) 1:30 | 4:10 | 7:10 (WED) 4:30 | 7:10 | 9:50 (THU) 1:30 | 4:10 7:10 | 9:50 FROZEN 2 (PG) (TUE) 12:50 | 3:25 3D | 6:30 (WED) 3:40 3D | 6:30 | 9:10 3D (THU) 12:50 | 3:25 3D | 6:30 | 9:10 3D JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (PG13) (TUE) 1:15 | 4:10 | 7:05 (WED) 4:10 | 7:05 | 9:55 (THU) 1:15 | 4:10 | 7:05 | 9:55 STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (TUE) 12:50 VIP | 2:00 3:00 | 3:25 VIP | 5:30 3D 6:45 | 7:00 (WED) 4:00 | 4:25 VIP 5:30 3D | 7:30 | 8:00 VIP | 9:00 (THU) 12:30 3D | 12:50 VIP | 5:30 | 2:00 4:00 | 4:25 VIP | 7:30 | 8:00 | 9:00 CLASSICS @ THE CINEMA NO FEATURE DUE TO HOLIDAY 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” Mainly fair skies this morning becoming partly cloudy tonight over Grand Cayman. Cloudiness and showers will linger over the sister islands. WINDS: Northwest 10 to 15 knots with higher gusts. SEA STATE: Moderate to rough with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet with higher swells especially on the west and north coasts. Small craft should exercise caution over open water. weather Forecast today 80°F 70°F HIGH LOW CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky While it won’t be snowing in Cayman this Christmas, a cold front is set to accompany the festivities this holiday season. A Nor’wester was anticipated to reach Cayman on Monday night and last through Boxing Day, bringing with it rough seas and some strong 'Christmas breezes'. “It will be rough on the west and north coast of Grand Cayman [Monday] and the Sister Islands later, through Wednesday morning,” National Weather Service forecaster Avalon Porter said. Forecasters expect wave heights to increase and recommend exercising caution when taking part in water-related activities. The National Weather Service is advising small craft to exercise caution over open water from Monday evening through Tuesday. “We expect 4-to-6-foot waves Monday night through Tuesday morning, moderate through Wednesday morning, and slight thereafter,” Porter said. The temperature is expected to reach a high of 80 degrees on Christmas Day, with a low in the upper 60s. Cayman braces for Christmas Nor’wester A Nor’wester was anticipated to reach Cayman on Monday night and last through Boxing Day, bringing with it rough seas and some strong 'Christmas breezes' . XQs bar owners Alvaro Quintas, left, and Federico Quiroga hand over a cheque to Jeanette Fitzgerald of the Breast Cancer Foundation. The two owners and some of their customers helped organise a sold-out concert fundraiser on 23 Nov. Co-organiser Pete Davies said the concert, featuring a number of local musicians, raised $5,850, including $900 raised in an auction. XQs is planning two more fundraisers at the venue next year. Police are investigating a robbery in George Town in which two men were held up at gunpoint. Details of the Thursday, 19 Dec. robbery were released by police on Monday. In a press release, police said it was reported that a man had been robbed around 10pm at an address off Spruce Lane, while he was in the parking lot of an apartment complex. He was approached by an unknown male who brandished a handgun and demanded cash, police said. The robber then approached another man who was in a vehicle in the parking lot and stole cash and a mobile phone from him, before fleeing the scene. No shots were fired and neither of the victims were injured, police said. The suspect is described as being about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and of slim build. He, was dressed in black and wearing a mask. 2 men robbed at gunpoint Hurley’s Media teamed up with the Department of Children and Family Services for the 25th annual Christmas for Kids event, bringing together more than 170 children, parents and caretakers for a fun-filled day out with a Christmas theme. Staff volunteered their time at the event and sponsors made a variety of contributions. The company donated $9,952 to the DCFS, which will purchase presents and Christmas food for local children who are in the social service programme, a press release from the company noted. “Christmas for Kids is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community. Seeing children, who may not have a chance to experience Christmas festivities, brings the team at Hurley’s Media so much joy. After all, it is the season of giving,” said event organiser Shawna Marshall, . Hurley's Media and DCFS staff at the cheque handover. Concert raises nearly $6K for Breast Cancer Foundation Christmas for Kids raises nearly $10K 2cayman compass 3 TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 2019 BE A DESIGNATED DRIVER OR TAKE THE PURPLE RIBBON BUS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE 021 Miles Route1 Route2 Route3 Route4 Route5 Route6 Route7 Route8 BusTerminals&Routes Purple Ribbon Bus Pick Up TAKE THE PURPLE RIBBON PLEDGE visit www.HurleysMedia.ky for more information #ARRIVEALIVE345 FATALITY FREE FESTIVITIES NRA is a Gold Sponsor of the #ArriveAlive345 campaign which includes The Purple Ribbon Pledge The Designated Driver Programme The Purple Ribbon Bus NRA is a Gold Sponsor of the #ArriveAlive345 campaign which includes The Purple Ribbon Pledge The Designated Driver Programme The Purple Ribbon Bus1234567 8 910 111213 14 15161718 19 2021 1234567 8 910 111213 14 15161718 19 2021 ACROSS 1 Performance of music (7) 5 Conflict (5) 8 Rubella (6,7) 9 To long (5) 10 A stretch (7) 11 Great poverty (6) 12 Speculation (6) 15 Person of high rank (7) 17 Evade (5) 19 With little advance warning (2,5,6) 20 Brusquely brief (5) 21 Tolerant of delay (7) DOWN 1 A form of football (5) 2 A preliminary event (7-6) 3 Athletics instructor (7) 4 Tightly clinging mollusc (6) 5 Confine (5) 6 Soon enough (3,2,4,4) 7 Socks, stockings (7) 11 Richly costumed parade (7) 13 Place of concealment (7) 14 Repressed (4-2) 16 Deep humming sound (5) 18 Bring to bear (5) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16256 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 16255 ACROSS: 1 State, 8 Zero hour, 9 Cocky, 10 Lopsided, 11 Parry, 12 Net, 16 Denote, 17 Anyhow, 18 Wag, 23 Stake, 24 All there, 25 Creed, 26 Give away, 27 Say-so. DOWN: 2 Two-faced, 3 Take root, 4 Remote, 5 Worst, 6 Moody, 7 Grade, 12 New, 13 Tag, 14 Hysteria, 15 For keeps, 19 Abroad, 20 Gauge, 21 Alive, 22 Ahead. PREMIER ALDEN MCLAUGHLIN I bring you warm Caymanian greetings on this special Christmas Day. Whenever I think of Christmas, these words from our National Song ‘Beloved Isle Cayman’ often come to me: “When tired of all excitement, And glam’rous worldly care, How sweet thy shores to reach, And find a welcome there, And when comes on the season, Of peace, goodwill to man, ‘Tis then I love thee best of all, Beloved Isle, Cayman!” We are fortunate, all of us, to live, work and to raise our families in these three verdant isles. In a very troubled world, our beloved Cayman Islands remain a paradise, despite the challenges we face. Challenges are nothing new to Caymanians. The iron men and women who made these islands by their toil and devotion faced much greater challenges. Yet they persevered and with faith in God and each other built and shaped these islands into homes and communities. Communities that shared what they had, looking after each other and working to make these Islands a better place. Each generation has played their part to progress our Islands and provide greater opportunities for their children and for the generations to come. The past year has reminded us of this as we reflected on and honoured the important events and people who, some sixty years ago, set us on a political and economic path that has brought us continued stability, financial independence, and a standard of living that is the envy of much of the world. I pray that we never forget those nation builders or take for granted the foundation they built. Like them, we should never forget from whence we have come, but seek always to forge an even better Cayman Islands. That has been my singular motivation over my nineteen years in public office – to serve my people and to move our beloved country forward. I believe most would agree, our Islands are in a far better place today than we were when I first took office as Premier in 2013. Over the remaining seventeen months of this term, I intend, along with my Government, to ‘roll up our sleeves’ and work even harder to ensure that a progressive Cayman provides opportunities for all Caymanians, regardless of social standing, now and into the future. Your unity Government, as we have shown in our recent budget, will complete the work we promised to do and have started, including key infrastructure projects. We remain steadfast in our ambition to improve the lives of our people, especially the most vulnerable. We will continue the fight to protect the opportunities for employment and prosperity of all Caymanians and residents for years to come. We will continue to ensure that the opportunities created are available for Caymanians from all walks of life - not just the privileged. Yes, this past year has been one of many blessings and challenges. And I recognise that some in our community have not always agreed with the Government’s plans to move the country forward. But that is proof that democracy is alive and well in our Islands. And I would not have it any other way. Because we live in a democratic society we have many freedoms, one of which is the right to worship and with that the ability to celebrate Christmas and the season of joy. It is at Christmas that we recognise the greatest gift of all, the birth of the Christ child. We recall and celebrate that God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus, to be born amongst us, bringing great joy and love to the world. Christmas in these Islands is a religious time but it is also a time for family and for the carrying on of traditions. It is family and traditions that help bind us together as a people. I wish each of you happiness as you take time to be with families and friends, gathering to reminisce and catch up, eating Christmas beef or ham but in true Caymanian tradition always sharing our food, our stories and creating new memories with loved ones. I know that I will cherish this day as I slow down a bit and spend time with family and friends. Sadly, there are some families, my own included, that will have an empty chair at the table this Christmas. But we cherish the time we had with the loved ones who have gone on and while we miss them, we remember them and Christmases past with fondness and affection. As we celebrate this Christmas, let us also pause and reflect on the many blessings we have received over the past year. And let us remember Christ’s admonition to us – that it is more blessed to give than to receive. On this Christmas Day, we have much for which to be thankful and we are blessed when we give, whether it is a shiny present, fellowship, a hug or a simple smile. On behalf of myself and my Government, I wish each of you a wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughter and many blessings. Premier's Christmas message Premier Alden McLaughlin cartoon Jake Fuller 4cayman compass 5 TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 2019TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 2019 JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky A luxury property at WaterColours on Seven Mile Beach has sold for US$13 million, a fee which ties the record for the most expensive condominium ever sold in Cayman. The Grand Residence at the luxury condo complex features seven bedrooms, a sound-proof theatre room, chef’s kitchen and dining room. But it was the location, overlooking 70 feet of beach front, that pushed the price to record levels. The only other property to sell for that price was an opulent beach- front penthouse at Water’s Edge, also on Seven Mile Beach. RE/MAX realtor Kim Lund, who sold both properties, said the luxury real estate market in Cayman is going strong. “Anything on Seven Mile Beach is booming,” he said. “From studios to grand luxury residences. it is all going well. Demand is really strong. “Every month, we break a new tourism record. It seems that people have really discovered Cayman now.” He said the strength of the American economy and Cayman’s tourism product was boosting sales. Typical buyers on Seven Mile Beach are regular visitors who want a second home in the sun. Lund said there had been “pent- up demand” for luxury property on the beach, which was now being filled by new developments. He said projects coming online, like the Grand Hyatt and The Watermark, meant there was now plenty of inventory. He said there was a need for more development in the mid- price range. “There is still strong demand and a lack of supply on Seven Mile Beach. The strongest demand is in the $500,000 to $3 million bracket, where there is very little available.” He said here was more property now available at the higher end, but a limited pool of buyers. “Once you get past the $3 million range, there is a smaller market,” he said. With space limited on Seven Mile Beach, Lund expects any new development to follow the model of the Lacovia rebuild. In that case, strata members voted to demolish their properties and partner with a developer on a new condo development. “That was a game changer for Seven Mile Beach,” said Lund, who believes other stratas at older properties may look to follow suit in the coming years. Top 5 condo sales in Cayman Grand Residences, WaterColours, Dec. 2019 US$13M Residential condo, Water’s Edge, Feb. 2014 US$13M Residence at The Ritz-Carlton, Oct. 2018 US$11.2M WaterColours unit, Feb. 2016 US$10.75M Residence at The Ritz-Carlton, Jan. 2019 US$9.6M Luxury condo sells for record $13 million fee The Grand Residence at WaterColours sold for US$13 million. View from the top: Seven Mile Beach looks serene from the balcony of the WaterColours property. From left, Richard Scott-Hopkins, CIIPA member; Norm McGrego, CIIPA past president; Jovanna Wright, principal; Jeff Short, CIIPA past president; Peter Small, CIIPA past president and Sir John A Cumber Primary School alum; Leonora Mendoza-Hydes, deputy principal, in front of the stage when the students were rehearsing for their Christmas concert. The Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants donated more than 500 gifts to students at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School this month. In a press release, school principal Jovanna Wright said the students were ecstatic to receive the presents, adding, “As the principal, I wanted to ensure that every single child received something for Christmas as many of our students come from homes with low socio-economic backgrounds.” CIIPA members Jeff Short, Norm McGregor, Richard Scott-Hopkins and Peter Small paid a visit to the school during Christmas concert rehearsals on 13 Dec. They was met with smiles, hugs and high fives from the students who thanked them for their generosity. Throughout the year, CIIPA’s Social Committee has raised funds for several charities and organisations, including the YMCA of the Cayman Islands, Special Olympics Cayman Islands, the Cancer Society, Plastic Free Cayman, and the International College of the Cayman Islands. Accountants give 500 gifts to West Bay students A donation from the board of the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange will be paying for a 14-month course for two Caymanian apprentices. Chairman of the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange Anthony Travers and Stock Exchange CEO Marco Archer made the donation to sponsor Superior Auto Apprenticeship Programme trainees Aaron Lyn and Matthew Bennett on Monday. In a press release from Superior Auto, Travers said the Exchange wished to assist Caymanians participating in the programme, which would enable them to acquire technical skills across a broad range of mechanical requirements, including motor engines, aircraft engines and air-conditioning. Also in attendance at the presentation were Mark and Denise DeMercado, joint CEOs of Superior Auto and founders of the apprenticeship programme. Superior Auto opened its new technical training centre on Seymour Road earlier this year. The centre can accommodate 20 students at a time. The programme taught at Superior Auto is an internationally recognised one in automotive repair technology and other marketable skills, accredited by the Jamaican German Automotive School and Jamaica’s HEART Trust/National Training Agency. Trainees Aaron Lyn, third from left, and Matthew Bennett, fourth from left, receive a cheque that will pay for their 14-month apprenticeship course. Also pictured, from left, are Denise DeMercado, Lisa Lyn and Desreen Bennett (mothers of the trainees), and Mark DeMercado. Stock Exchange donates to apprenticeship programme 6 news N newsCall or Whatsapp (345) 326-3726 email: deskcyclecayman@gmail.com website: www.deskcyclecayman.com cayman compass 7 N news TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 2019 *®®® Earn 4% at all grocery stores and wholesale clubs. 2% at pharmacies and 1% everywhere else. PLUS you get a KY$110 plus a US$50 Amazon Gift Card!* Apply for your new Scotiabank Gold Mastercard ® credit card today! Come in and chat with us or learn more on ky.scotiabank.com. Offer ends 29th February, 2020. You spend anyway. Earn cash back every day. †* Conditions Apply. Offer ends 29th, February 2020. Subject to credit approval by 29th, February 2020. Offer subject to change without notice. To view full terms and conditions, visit www.scotiabank.com/ccardoffers. ® Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license. ®Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard® International Incorporated. CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky Jaci Patrick of West Bay, who was named Miss World Cayman in September, represented the Cayman Islands in the Miss World Competition in London earlier this month. Patrick sat down with the Cayman Compass to talk about her involvement in the international pageant. What inspired you to get involved with the Miss World pageant? I saw this pageant as an opportunity to grow as an individual, gain self- confidence and develop a sense of self. I recognised and appreciated how the Miss World organisation was making a difference in our community. I wanted to become part of this difference as I believe that my purpose in life is to help others. I saw an opportunity in this pageant to be an inspiration to other women and to promote awareness on the things that I am passionate about. How has your experience been so far? It has been a great honour to be Miss World Cayman and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. This position allows me to be a public voice and to be an inspiration to the people of Cayman. How was the competition in London? What were some of your most memorable experiences there? It was an amazing experience visiting London for the first time and compet- ing in the 2019 Miss World pageant. I met some really amazing people during my time there and I have cre- ated connections and memories that I will cherish forever. One of my most memorable experiences was when Miss Thailand gave me one of her project shirts which is similarly raising awareness for mental health. Another memorable experience was taking a boat cruise to attend an afternoon tea at the House of Lords and then a tour of the House of Parliament. What does beauty with a purpose mean to you? Beauty with a purpose is the heart and soul of the Miss World organisation. What beauty with a purpose means to me is that pageantry is not only about appearances but rather a combination of beauty and the things that you are passionate about and want to express. What are your goals for the rest of the year as Miss World Cayman? I will continue to use my title as a platform to inspire meaningful change in the Cayman Islands. I have been very fortunate to work with the Alex Panton Foundation and I will continue raising awareness around mental health issues and would seek to introduce strategies to help reduce the stigma. I am also going to reach out to other organisations that hold a place in my heart and work with them as well. What advice do you have for Caymanian girls wanting to enter the pageant world? My advice would be to stay strong and always follow your heart. Chase your dreams and do not let anything or anyone get in your way. You can do what you believe in if you set your mind to it. And, most importantly, don’t be a follower, be a leader. Miss World Cayman returns from London Miss World Cayman Jaci Patrick. cayman compass 8 TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 2019 Feeling afraid, trapped or silenced through physical, financial or emotional abuse is control...not love. The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre offers services to help victims of domestic violence. 24 Hour Crisis Line - 943-2422 24/7 Safe Shelter - safe house for women and their children Estella's Place - walk-in centre for all victims of domestic abuse Aftercare Programme - for victims after leaving the shelter C risis CENTRE CAYMAN ISLANDS CICC.ky 949 0366 info@cicc.ky LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT If you are a victim of domestic violence, contact us now and find out how we can help. Ad sponsored byThe Driftwood Cayman-style beach house faces South Sound. Ashley Rudyard McLaughlin 20 Oct 1954 – Sept 9, 2015 Precious Memories of a Son, Brothers & Uncle Since this is the fourth Christmas since you left us, Christmas has never been the same, we never thought your time with us would be so short. Though we’re fulled with sadness we still feel you near and our love for you will never die. Your life was a blessing a treasure beyond measure. We love you in life and still love you in death and will always love you and miss you. Loving you always Mom, Brothers, Charles, Clarance, Nephews, Nieces and friends. We little knew that morning God was to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone For part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. Forever loved and in our hearts Judith, Theoline (Tits) and the rest of the family Joanna Faith Clarke July 24, 1933 - December 24, 2018 In Loving Memory cayman compass news N news TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 2019 9 Two properties, a restored Cayman cottage and a Cayman-style beach house, have received the 2019 Governor’s Award for Design and Construction Excellence. “It was my pleasure to present the [award] to the team involved in ‘Pinkie and Driftwood’,” the governor said in a press statement. “What stood out for me, among many other factors, was the dedication involved in restoring and moving ‘Pinkie’, a Caymanian cottage of over 100 years old, back to the front of South Sound Road for all to see. “A worthy winner that the judges and I all agreed on. This is an excellent initiative supporting sustainable construction in our islands.” The award was presented at a reception at Government House on 5 Dec. The project team consisted of John Doak Architecture, structural engineer AMR Consulting Engineers, MEP consultants Corporate Electric Design and landscaping by Vigoro. The contractors for Pinkie and Driftwood were Island Builders and Palmyra Developments, respectively. The two awarded homes are on the same property in South Sound; one is a 1904 Caymanian cottage restored in the traditional manner, and the other a 2019 Cayman-style beach house designed and constructed to respect Caymanian-built heritage, according to the statement. “Driftwood is the first of a brace of beach houses that speak to the Islands’ past heritage while considering its residents’ modern and changing lifestyles and societal influences. Pinkie (named after Nurse Pinkie Bush who once lived there) was an original wattle-and-daub cottage hidden behind a series of additions that had been made to the home over the last century,” the statement said. The Governor’s Award, which aims to encourage, foster and maintain innovation, sustainability and excellence in the Cayman Islands construction industry, is open to all projects, small or large, according to organisers. Projects need to demonstrate why they are special in one or more areas of environmental friendliness, Caymanian style, uniqueness, or any other aspect that the team feels is important. Two uniquely Caymanian homes take Governor’s Award “This is an excellent initiative supporting sustainable construction in our islands.” Governor Martyn Roper Submissions are judged on: • Design excellence • Creativity and innovation • Value • Buildability • Cultural response Driftwood is the first of several houses that reflect Cayman's heritage. After: The Pinkie house is named after its former resident, Nurse Pinkie Bush. Before: The dilapidated Pinkie cottage was restored to its traditional manner.Next >