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Have you heard of our New Member Benefits and Tools? www.generali-healthcare.com cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Thursday, 23 January 2020 NEWS Proud of Them: 12 Caymanians lauded Page 2 News Missing people to be ‘presumed dead’ after 7 years Page 5 More options for watersports events Page 5 An SOS call to Cayman Brac Page 6 Cruise port court battle under way Cruise Port Referendum Cayman’s Shirley Roulstone arrives at court on Wednesday morning. Page 3 Photo: Taneos Ramsay Bracfest 2020 for a rocking good time Page 8Matinees (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $8.00 (Mon-Fri before 6pm) Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets 640-FILM (640-3456) 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. BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (R) 1:00 VIP | 3:30 | 3:55 VIP | 7:00 VIP | 9:25 | 9:55 VIP DOLITTLE (PG) 12:45 | 4:30 | 6:40 | 9:30 JUMANGI: THE NEXT LEVEL (PG13) 12:40 | 3:40 | 6:40 JUST MERCY (PG13) 12:35 | 3:45 | 7:00 | 9:30 UNDERWATER (PG13) 2:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LIKE A BOSS (R) 7:15 | 10:05 SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG) 1:30 | 4:20 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Cayman Compass Ltd. Compass Centre, Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email:newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: T: (345) 949-5111 E: sales@compassmedia.ky W: caymancompass.com PUBLISHER KATHLEEN CAPETTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KEVIN MORALES Partly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of showers. weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 85°F 74°F HIGH LOW WINDS Easterly 15 to 20 knots. SEA STATE Rough with wave heights of 6 to 8 feet. A small craft warning is in effect. FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass Twelve young Caymanians, ranging in ages from 14 to 24, have been named the 2020 Proud of Them honourees for their achievements in academics, sports, career and community service. Abbegale Seymour, Aliyah Myers, Arnold Berry, Lorena Morejon, Neesah Godet and Zariah Anglin were recognised in the category of academics. John Michael Bodden and Raeanne Ebanks-Hydes were both named for academics and sports. Janelle Woods earned the honour for academics and community service. Hannah Peralta was recognised in academics and career, while Stephon Wright and Shakur Ebanks were named for career and community service, respectively. The honourees were nominated by members of the public and selected from among 75 young people. According to a press release from the Ministry of Youth, they were celebrated at a ceremony at the Marriott Beach Resort on 16 Jan. which was hosted by the ministry and the Youth Services Unit. Acting YSU Director James Myles said in the release, “The programme started in 2011 as a discussion at the National Youth Commission based on a problem we saw with our young people not receiving adequate coverage in the local media for their positive contributions to society. The idea of erecting the nation’s only roadside permanent billboards, featuring and celebrating exceptional young Caymanians was birthed to change the narrative. “I am so proud of how the programme has evolved since and even happier about our Minister’s support and the mandate she has given to enhance the programme with a formal affair.” During the evening, each honouree received a monetary grant of $1,000 and previewed the roadside billboards that will bear their images. The first billboards appeared on local roadsides on Friday, 17 Jan. Each month throughout this year, an honouree will be featured on the billboards. Youth Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, in her address at the ceremony, said, “As time progresses and our nation evolves, the bar for excellence is continually raised. I am equally impressed with the ability of our youth to set the bar to greater heights. “Many former honourees have already elevated to notable members of our society, who now contribute significantly to the social and economic development of our nation.” The guest speaker on the evening was 2016 Proud of Them honouree Chauntol Clark, who delivered a motivational speech and highlighted some of the opportunities that would become available to the honourees. The University of the West Indies medical student challenged them to view being involved in the Proud of Them initiative as an opportunity and responsibility to contribute something even greater to society. “And I leave you with these four important questions that my father gave me to guide my own life. Ask yourself: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going and how am I going to get there?” said Clark. For more information on the Proud of Them initiative, visit www.proudofthem.com. The honourees were nominated by members of the public and selected from among 75 young people . Proud of Them: 12 Caymanians lauded The honourees at the ceremony pose on the red carpet with Minister of Youth Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Attorney General Samuel Bulgin, Councillor Barbara Conolly, Chief Officer Cetonya Cacho, Deputy Chief Officer Joel Francis and Acting Director of Education Services Tammy Hopkins. cayman compass 2 news N news THURSDAY, 23 JANUARY 2020Lawyer: Absence of general referendum law a breach RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Attorneys challenging the vote on the cruise berthing and cargo project have said local legislators breached their duty by failing to enact a general framework for holding referendums. It was a point attorney Chris Buttler, of Matrix Chambers, raised Wednesday as the judicial review case filed by Cruise Port Referendum Cayman member Shirley Roulstone began in Grand Court. Roulstone’s case, which was filed against Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly, challenges the referendum law that was passed last year specifically to pave the way for holding a vote on government’s $200 million cruise berthing and cargo project. Buttler, representing Roulstone, argued that the port referendum law was “unlawful” as it failed to address critical issues that would guarantee the protection of a citizen’s right to vote. Referring to the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the Chantelle Day/Vickie Bodden Bush marriage case, Buttler argued that a similar principle of unlawfulness created by the absence of a legislative framework for same-sex marriage also applied in Roulstone’s case. He said there is a need for a “stable framework rather than one that changes” every time a referendum is held. This was not the case when the process for the people-initiated referendum on the port project was triggered, he said. Without proper official guidelines, it was left to the Elections Office to determine the verification process of referendum petition signatures, one that CPR objected to. It also allowed government to determine the date and the question of the referendum before a law was implemented. “A general law would help protect the right to an effective vote,” Buttler contended as he outlined his case before Justice Tim Owen and a packed courtroom. Owen pointed out that government, through its attorneys led by Mark Shaw, QC, has indicated that a general referendum law will be introduced in the second half of this year. Both sides said they wanted the referendum to be carried out without waiting for the law’s introduction. Buttler argued that having such a general referendum law would have addressed the problems raised in the judicial review and, therefore, Roulstone’s team is seeking an order quashing the port referendum law as it is. The problems the absence of a general law caused, he pointed out, include: • The absence of provisions for voter registration; • The absence of rules for cam- paign financing; • A lack of clear rules on party political broadcasting; • The absence of general rules on the formulation of the ref- erendum issue, i.e., confirm- ing it is an issue of national importance; • The absence of rules on pro- viding objective information. Prior to commencing the case, Justice Owen sought to clarify what matters were left before him as he noted that government had undertaken concessions that related to the initial case submitted by Roulstone’s legal team. Those concessions include amending the referendum question, which was done late last month; government’s declaration in its arguments that it has a duty to protect the environment in its decisions; and the submission of an environmental impact assessment scoping update on the project. Government, he pointed out, has paid Roulstone’s legal fees relating to the concessions on the wording of the referendum question. Buttler said government had issued a statement on the scoping update, but his team was yet to see the document and what it entails. The update was issued on Tuesday afternoon, the day before the judicial review began. A citizen’s inherent right to a free and fair vote, he argued, was impacted by the lack of set guidelines for the verification process of the CPR petition, an absence of rules for execution of the vote, and no clear provisions on how the process should be followed as it relates to who is eligible to vote in the referendum. The National Trust, which has joined Roulstone’s judicial review as an interested party, offered to provide submarine tours of the reefs to be impacted by the project and also suggested a site visit. However, Owen said he did not see the need for that since the government had committed to its duty to protect the environment. The judicial review continues Thursday with the government’s legal team set to present its case. Port vote case begins Shirley Roulstone, second from left, and her legal team, from left, Richard Parrish, Kate McClymont and Chris Buttler, arrive at court on Wednesday morning. Legal teams • Roulstone’s legal team: Chris Buttler of Matrix Chambers, Kate McClymont and Richard Parrish of Broadhurst LLC. • Government’s legal team: Mark Shaw, QC, Jessica Boyd and Michael Smith • National Trust’s legal team: Tom Lowe, Nicholas Dixey and Colm Flanagan of Nelson and Co. JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Environment officials are reviewing a report outlining how design changes to the proposed cruise berthing project will alter the environmental impacts. Gina Ebanks-Petrie, who heads up government’s Environmental Assessment Board, said her team would be analysing the report from Verdant Isle Port Partners, which is the preferred bidder on the project, over the next few weeks. The board has four weeks to issue a ‘scoping opinion’ based on the document as to what new work, if any, is required to update the environmental impact assessment on the controversial pier proposal. After that, there will be a period of public consultation, including a public meeting, before an updated report is commissioned. A comprehensive EIA was carried out on the original design in 2015. That report concluded that there would be significant losses of coral reef habitat in George Town Harbour and that adjacent reefs, including Eden Rock and Soto’s Reef, would suffer serious adverse impacts. It also concluded that the project would have no significant impact on Seven Mile Beach. Since then, the design has been changed to move the piers to deeper water and limit the amount of dredging required. Dave Anglin, senior coastal engineer with environmental consultants Baird, which carried out the original study and has joined the Verdant Isle group to work on the update, told the Cayman Compass in an interview in November that he expected the design changes would reduce the environmental impacts of the project. He described the scoping document, submitted this week, as a systematic comparison of the new and old designs and a preliminary assessment on how the changes alter the environmental impacts. Ebanks-Petrie confirmed the board had received the report and would give its verdict within four weeks. “Our job is to review this report and to develop a scoping opinion that outlines what needs to be covered by an update to the EIA,” she said. Any additional work, beyond what was done in 2015, she said, would be connected to the change in design, along with any other key parameters that had been altered in the past five years. “This is standard for environmental impact assessments,” she added. “They are iterative. If you change the design, then that affects the potential for impacts.” The update will also consider the likely effect of proposed mitigation measures, including the style of dredging and a proposed coral-relocation programme. Once the Environmental Assessment Board releases its scoping opinion, the next step will be to confirm and approve the credentials of the team appointed by Verdant Isle to do the update. After that, the consultants will work with the EAB to produce draft terms of reference – outlining the objectives of the EIA update and what it will cover. Those will go out for public consultation during a 21-day period. People will have the opportunity to give feedback, including through a public meeting, before the final terms of reference for the study are completed. The consultants will then complete the work and the study, and there will be another round of public feedback and meetings before the EAB issues a final updated report on the impacts of the port project. Environment board to decide on EIA update Next steps • The board has four weeks to issue a ‘scoping opin- ion’ outlining what up- dates are needed to the environmental impact assessment. • Verdant Isle will work with the board to produce draft terms of reference for the updated EIA. • There will be a 21-day con- sultation period, including a public meeting, before the terms of reference are finalised. • Verdant Isle’s consultants will carry out the work and produce an updated report. • That report will then go out to public consultation. • The EAB will produce a final environmental statement on the likely environmental impacts of the project with the new design. 3123456 7 89 1011 12131415 16 17181920 2122 23 123456 7 89 1011 12131415 16 17181920 2122 23 ACROSS 1 To do with trade (10) 8 Corruption in public life (5) 9 General medical examination (5-2) 10 Become gradually less (7) 11 Bracing (5) 12 Unprovoked (6) 14 Long way (3,3) 17 Courage (5) 19 Boorish (7) 21 Dawdler (7) 22 Up to the time that (5) 23 Disconcerted (5,5) DOWN 2 Enthusiastic reception (7) 3 Toned down (5) 4 Fraudulent scheme (6) 5 Sloth (7) 6 Compare (5) 7 Of doubtful authenticity (10) 8 Deteriorate (2,8) 13 Exceed in importance (7) 15 Sharply sarcastic (7) 16 Load (6) 18 Jargon of a group (5) 20 Small particle (5) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16282 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 16281 ACROSS: 1 Debate, 4 Heaven, 9 Species, 10 Relic, 11 Audit, 12 Athwart, 13 Case in point, 18 Longbow, 20 Fable, 22 Asset, 23 Overall, 24 Saying, 25 Sturdy. DOWN: 1 Dismay, 2 Blend, 3 Thistle, 5 Earth, 6 Villain, 7 Nicety, 8 Isaac Newton, 14 Amnesty, 15 Offbeat, 16 Always, 17 Medley, 19 Baton, 21 Blair. cartoon Solidarity Swim Lawyers acting for a same-sex couple contesting Cayman’s marriage laws have confirmed plans to take their fight to the UK Privy Council. Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush won their initial court fight to be granted the right to marry in Cayman, but that decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that Cayman’s Constitution preserved marriage for opposite-sex couples only. The appeals court ruled that government was obliged to provide the couple, and all same-sex couples, with rights ‘equivalent to marriage’ and instructed government to introduce legislation to that effect. Attorney General Samuel Bulgin indicated last week that legislation for civil partnerships is being drafted. Attorney Ben Tonner, QC, who represents Day and Bodden Bush, confirmed Wednesday that an application had been filed with the Court of Appeal for final leave to apply to the Privy Council in the UK. Once this is granted, the legal team will be able to file the appeal. He said they would seek to challenge the appeals court’s decision in the higher court. “It will be submitted that the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal should have interpreted the Constitution in a manner which protects and promotes fundamental rights and freedoms (as the Chief Justice did) rather than adopting an approach which does the very opposite,” Tonner told the Cayman Compass in an email. Same-sex marriage Legal fight to go to Privy Council No cases in Cayman RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Local public health officials are closely monitoring a newly identified strain of coronavirus, which has claimed the lives of 17 people in China. The virus, which is a new strain of the coronavirus known as 2019-nCoV, or novel coronavirus, was first detected in Wuhan, China. It is the first time this strain has been found in humans. According to Chinese state media, since the virus was first flagged on 31 Dec. 2019, 17 people have died in China from the infection. Wuhan authorities have confirmed 444 cases, which brings China’s national total to more than 500. Cases have also been reported in Thailand, Japan and South Korea. On Tuesday, the United States reported its first case. The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have issued alerts on the virus. Cayman’s Medical Officer of Health Samuel Williams- Rodriguez said that while there have been no local reports of the coronavirus in Cayman, the public health department is monitoring the situation. “At the advice of the Pan American Health Organization, we continue to strengthen our surveillance efforts to detect patients with acute respiratory disease and to ensure all health care professionals are up to date with guidance on infection and prevention control, and standard recommendations to prevent infection spread of the disease,” he added. Williams-Rodriguez said travellers returning from countries with reported cases should contact a doctor as soon as possible if they develop breathing difficulties that are unexplained by any other illness or virus. “At the moment, there is no vaccine available and treatment is supportive care based on the patient’s symptoms,” the statement added. PAHO has not advised special screening for virus at points of entry nor recommended any travel or trade restrictions. Public Health on lookout for coronavirus The Cayman Islands Fire Service is urging members of the public to leave the task of putting out fires to the professionals. The call comes after video footage on social media showed people trying to extinguish a tree and hedge fire on Tuesday afternoon near the old Hyatt hotel property on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. Firemen was called to deal with the “well-developed” fire at 4:27pm Tuesday, according to a statement from the CIFS. “Emerging video footage of the fire prior to the arrival of CIFS shows members of the public attempting to put the fire out with buckets of water and vehicles passing dangerously close,” the statement said. “CIFS would like to remind residents, businesses and visitors to the Cayman Islands that they should Get Out, Stay Out and dial 911 requesting fire and rescue. This includes outside wildfires where you should move to a safe distance, stay away and dial 911,” the Fire Service added. CIFS officials said they would only recommend that people attempt to tackle a small undeveloped fire where it is safe to do so with an appropriate fire extinguisher to prevent further escalation, and call 911 to report the fire as a matter of urgency. “Tackling larger fires, with no training, the wrong equipment or wrong extinguishing agent can lead to serious injuries or a fire-related fatality, and should be avoided in the interest of public safety,” the Fire Service stated. Fire Service asks members of public not to tackle blazes cayman compass 4 news N news THURSDAY, 23 JANUARY 2020New port regulations allow for temporary watersports zones RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky New amendments to Cayman’s port regulations have paved the way for hosting watersports events outside of designated zones. The changes allow for the creation of temporary watersports zones, subject to the approval of the Port Authority, for the hosting of one-off special events, according to Acting Port Director Joseph Woods. Prior to the changes, Woods said, watersports events were only allowed in eight designated sites on Grand Cayman. “The watersports operators who do special events like jet- ski races and [so on], they were wanting to put on races in areas that were outside of the designated watersports zones, and we couldn’t permit it because the law didn’t allow for it. Now the regulations cater for that,” Woods told the Cayman Compass in an interview on Tuesday. He explained that the changes in the regulations allow the authority to approve watersports operators conducting an event in any particular area and issue measures the operators have to incorporate in order to hold their events. “Normally, without [the amendment], you cannot travel parallel to the shore, closer than 50 yards from the shore, and you cannot exceed 5 miles an hour closer than 200 yards from shore. So, this allows us to waive all of those and set the parameters for that particular area in a particular event,” said Woods. He made it clear that any event promoters applying for the authority’s approval will have to strictly adhere to the guidelines and parameters set out by his team. Woods said the applications for approval do not carry a fee, and will be assessed by the authority and the Joint Marine Unit. He said he is uncertain if the newly formed Cayman Islands Coast Guard will also weigh in on the applications, as the amendment was set out before the new agency was formalised. “We will consider [the application] and then we set the criteria for them to have [the watersports event]. They have to meet whatever safety restrictions that we put on, and once they agree to that, then they can hold it for the time specified for them to do so. Then, after that, it’s back to normal,” Woods said. More options for watersports events Changes to port regulations could allow for the creation of temporary watersports zones for one-off watersports events. Missing people to be ‘presumed dead’ after 7 years A new law is planned that will enable missing persons to be presumed dead seven years after their disappearance, Attorney General Samuel Bulgin has indicated. The family of Anna Evans was required to go through a complex legal process to get a death certificate for the landfill worker, who went missing on the job nine years ago. Currently, Cayman operates under Common Law, which requires a court order before a missing person can be declared dead and their estate dealt with. That puts the onus on the family to obtain affidavits from police and other witnesses to prove the death. In his address at the opening of Grand Court last week, Bulgin indicated that could change, suggesting a British-style law that would allow for the automatic “presumption of death after seven years’ disappearance” was in the works. He said, “This, it is hoped, will assist in bringing some degree of closure to a number of outstanding matters.” The law will not impact Evans’ family, who has now obtained a declaration of death from the court. But if passed, it could impact other cases in Cayman, including that of Kerran Baker, a nurse who went missing in 2011, and teaching assistant Nathan Clarke, who went missing in 2012. JEWEL LEVY JLEVY@COMPASSMEDIA.KY Clifton Hunter High School’s assembly hall was filled with thunderous applause Monday as students cheered on models and designers from the Design and Technology Department. Year 9 students walked the runway wearing clothes from the school’s creative designers. Charmaine Lindsay-Baugh, subject leader for the school's Design and Technology Department, said the event was held to pique students’ interest in career paths that can lead from the subjects covered by the department. Winsome Campbell, who modelled a navy-blue dress designed by fellow student Allenger McLaughlin Jr., commended the students’ creativity. “It’s nice to see people at such a young age making dresses,” she said. McLaughlin said his inspiration came out of his doodling at night, and navy blue, which he matched with white for the dress, was his favourite colour. “I told my model to have fun, walk elegantly, and display a good attitude showing off the dress,” he said. Designer Rochelle Ebanks, who also chose blue for her dress colour, said she created a lot of dresses, but a light blue short dress with frills for plus-size women was her favourite piece. “I did that dress because I realise a lot of teen plus-size people don’t have that great variety of clothes to choose from when they are going out to a dinner or something fancy,” Ebanks said. Student Alma Smith said her royal blue design reflected the colour of the sea in Cayman. “Hosting the show makes the children see what they can achieve,” said Isabelle Grant, one of the models. Lindsay-Baugh said the fashion show was an opportunity to sensitise students about technical and design subjects. “We used the forum to advertise the home economics and the technology areas, as well,” she added. She said the school worked with Cayman fashion designer Norma Ebanks who, along with a group of students from the school, put together the InStyle Cayman Fashion show that took place some months ago. “Some of those students were designers of garments worn by students here today,” Lindsay- Baugh said. She added, “It was very good; they loved it and the kids were surprised it was their own students that designed some of the garments.” Home economics teacher Kamilah Moncrieffe said she sees the programme as offering students a chance to showcase their talents outside of school. “There are very talented students at Clifton Hunter and, I believe, with the re-introduction of a programme of this nature, it will allow students to showcase their talents within school and give them greater exposure when they leave school to start their own businesses, become entrepreneurs, or just to launch out in the world,” Moncrieffe said. School fashion show features talented student designers Anna Evans was last seen on 27 Jan. 2011. Student models show off designers' garments. 5KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky From his Cayman Brac home, Raymond Scott works around the clock to keep the seas safe. Through marine radio communications, he has facilitated hundreds of rescues in Cayman waters, with no reimbursement from government for that work. When a vessel sends out a distress signal near Cayman, it is often Scott who answers the call and coordinates the rescue efforts. Scott developed a love of the sea from a young age. He observed his older brother take to life at sea and would follow in his footsteps, joining Cayman Energy in the '70s. As part of the Cayman Compass #SaveOurStories series, Scott shared some experiences from his seafaring days and his current work facilitating emergency rescues. Below are his stories in his own words. Brac shipping business I was with Cayman Energy, which was an American company. I started out in 1978. I think it was in March or April 1978. I was 16 years old. My brother, Captain Radley Scott, was here on the island. He went to Captain Van Der Linde, the owner of [Cayman Energy]. I did mention that I would be interested in working with my brother or working on the tankers as well. At that time, there were not that many jobs around in Cayman Brac and this company was paying a salary of CI$200 every two weeks in 1978. Anyway, two months after my brother started working with Cayman Energy, I got a job as well with Cayman Energy and went out on the tankers for the ship-to- ship transfer. My brother was an experienced sea captain prior to his employment. He started as a seaman at age 16 and he was a sea captain at the age of 19. When I started working, I was an assistant to the mooring masters. A mooring master is the person that is experienced with taking command of the tanker from the captain and giving instructions as to the course and speed to approach another ship, and bring it alongside and keep it alongside parallel, until the ropes are connected and the ships are tied together to commence the ship-to-ship transfer of crude oil. The first person that started out was Captain Harold Banks, which was the manager of Cayman Energy in Cayman Brac. He was the first mooring master, docking master for the tankers. Captain Harold Banks was the man that taught my brother how to dock the tankers. Also, he taught a total of seven other Caymanian men how to dock the tankers. I worked with all of them in the tankers. Ship-to-ship transfer was a booming business in Cayman Brac from 1977 through about 1986. It was the best thing that happened to Cayman Brac since National Bulk Carriers. Cayman Energy had a staff of 93 persons at the peak of its operations in Cayman Brac and I was among one of those 93 persons that worked with Cayman Energy. A distress call in the night When I was age 15, I had started communicating with ships [via radio]. There were no computers, no cellphones. In 1978, I was employed on a salary of $25 a month to Lloyd’s of London to be their agent in calling up ships and finding out their names, their position, where they’re coming from, where they’re going, what they’re carrying. I worked for 32 years as an agent or shipping traffic reporter for Cayman Brac, or for the Cayman Islands, and after 32 years, I only reached to a sum of $290, which was some of the lowest pay that anyone could have ever been paid for that type of work, but that was my salary. In doing that [work], people here in the Cayman Islands started to contact me about when someone goes missing at sea. Their family members would be coming from Key West or Miami or coming from Honduras or from Jamaica and they could be overdue. Being as I was the man of the radio and communicating with the ships, I became like the maritime safety authority for the Cayman Islands. I have been involved in several hundred rescue operations. I have saved many lives at sea in the 40 years that I’ve been doing it. I’ve approached government on many occasions, for such an important job that I am carrying out, for them to put me on a salary and appoint me into a position as a search-and-rescue coordinator. But no one takes it as anything serious as to the importance of my duties in being the saviour of life at sea for so many people. All hours the night, I’ve been called out of bed, every hour and every half an hour. I’ve been called out of my bed to assist people in distress at sea by the marine department, by 911 communication, by family members, by friends of people, by foreign ships giving out a Mayday or SOS call. My responsibilities have been quite overwhelming for me. It has aged and educated me with a vast knowledge of the entire world, about its ports, what each port imports and exports from place to place. And I’ve spoken with just about every nationality in the world on ships passing the Cayman Islands, coming from every country in the world – to and from the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Panama, and all those other places. Rescue of the Angelique A 62-year-old captain and his 61-year-old wife were coming Tales of distress and salvation at sea from Raymond Scott An SOS call to Cayman Brac In 1978, I was employed on a salary of CI$25 a month to Lloyd’s of London to be their agent in calling up ships and finding out their names, their position, where they’re coming from, where they’re going, what they’re carrying . cayman compass 6 I issues THURSDAY, 23 JANUARY 2020Public Holiday Publication Deadlines Hero’s Day Monday, 27 January PLEASE BE ADVISED There will be no newspaper on Monday, 27 January 2020 and our office will be closed (public holiday). EDITION Monday, 27 January Tuesday, 28 January Wednesday, 29 January Thursday, 30 January BOOKING DEADLINE NO PUBLICATION Wednesday, 22 January Thursday, 23 January Friday, 24 January from Cayo Largo, Cuba, to Little Cayman and their boat [the Angelique] started sinking. I think it was a 39- or 41-foot sailboat. It started sinking at about 12:24 in the afternoon, and I heard the SOS call and I dispatched the Cayman Brac fire service rescue launch to go up there and then contacted a ship. The ship went to the scene and launched their lifeboat and took the captain and his wife on board, and then asked me what to do after that. I said, take the yacht in tow and tow it to Cayman Brac. They were towing the yacht to Cayman Brac while it was sinking, but at 5 o’clock that evening, it started to go completely under. And then the captain on the ship called me and asked what to do if the boat is sinking. I said, “Well, you are the captain. Decide what to do.” Anyway, he decided to cut the rope and let the sailing boat sink to the bottom. She’s on the bottom [of the sea] about 15 miles north of Little Cayman right now. The captain and his wife went back to Holland, bought another boat, and started an around-the-world cruise. Ship ablaze I saved the lives of 19 Hondurans when their radar had caught fire 80 miles southwest of Grand Cayman. It caught fire in the engine room and was burning and another ship got their SOS call at 2 o’clock in the morning and broadcast “SHIP ABLAZE, SHIP ABLAZE”. I heard it. The call came through. I was asleep and it awakened me. I jumped up from the bed and got on the radio as quickly as possible, and I said, “Give me your position. Give me your position.” Then I contact Lloyd’s of London, that I was working with then, and they called the US Coast Guard and sent a Coast Guard ship that was around western Cuba. They found 19 Honduran men hanging onto a partly sunken lifeboat. So, if I wasn’t doing what I was doing, those 19 Hondurans would have went into eternity. They would have all drowned out there that night. So, anyone that was on the motor vessel Topaz, please, let me know if anyone knows of any seaman who were rescued from the sinking, failing lifeboat from the motor vessel Topaz, which sank off of Grand Cayman. I would like to know or meet any of those 19 people. I would be delighted to hear from any one of them. I don’t remember which year, but it seems like about 15 years ago. Honouring the lost Whenever a seaman passes away, or his wife or a family member, I will contact the captain of an approaching ship that is going to pass the area and make a request that, I would like you to pass by the island and give a five- or 10-horn blast salute to honour them, like Captain Charles Kirkconnell, for example, when he passed away, and many other people from the Cayman Islands. There are hundreds of people that I have done it so far for. Raymond Scott at home on the radio. cayman compass 7 I issues THURSDAY, 23 JANUARY 2020VICKI WHEATON vwheaton@compassmedia.ky This is the weekend for outdoorsy types to get away from it all. Head to Cayman Brac for Bracfest, hosted by Rock Iguana Ltd. and the Cayman climbing community. Bracfest is a celebration of rock climbing in the Cayman Islands. It gives participants the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Cayman Brac in a totally different way. Join an Intro to Rock Climbing course, or link up with local climbers on their favourite routes. There will also be a speed climbing competition, yoga classes, rock mandala painting, a beach clean-up, bike ride, beach party and a chance to experience the unforgettable 140-foot Big Bluff Rappel. Whether you are a seasoned climber or a novice, looking for instructions or simply a friendly group to climb with, there are activities available for all skill levels. How much is it? The entry fee is only $25, which includes a T-shirt and access to all the free and discounted programmes, with 100% of the funds gong to a local charity. How does it work? Event and schedule information can be found at www.climb.ky/ bracfest-2020 where guests can also sign up and pay for their activities (it is recommended that interested parties book in advance as space is limited). For accommodation, Cayman Brac Beach Resort is recommended (916-5497) or a rental home. Check out www.vrbo.com or www.airbnb.com for deals. Got no climbing gear? No problem. All gear is available for hire from Rock Iguana and is included in guided activities. Bike hire for the Sunday ride is also available through Active Pursuit Ltd. Bracfest 2020 for a rocking good time FRIDAY Welcome party Barracuda Bar, West End Road 7pm Get merry, eat pizza, meet the organisers, and hook up with a belay buddy. SATURDAY Hatha yoga – Climbers Flow Yogi Wall, South East Side Road, Bluff Side 8-9am Price: $16 Intro to Rock Climbing with Rock Iguana Ltd. North Side, School Cave 10:30am-1pm Skills: Top rope climbing, knots, belaying and climber communication Price: $50 (Experienced climbers: Join climbers at a local crag) Boat scuba dive (one tank) Reef Divers 2:30pm Price: $48 for scuba (includes gear) (Not diving? Experienced climbers can join others at a local crag.) Beach climbers’ celebration Public Beach 7-10pm Bring your own drinks SUNDAY Sunrise bike ride to Lighthouse Point Active Pursuit shop next to Brac Scuba Shack, South West Side 5:30-7:30am Price: Donation to Cayman Brac Rotary Club (reserving a bike in advance is required). Bring your own bike or reserve one from Active Pursuit Ltd. Spice up your ride Bike across the island and rappel the Big Bluff Rappel (140 feet) at the Bluff’s highest point. Upon arrival at Lighthouse Point, leave the bike there and hike to the rappel starting point. After rappelling, the bike will be delivered to the North East Side. Big Bluff Rappel Meeting at Lighthouse Point 7-10am Price: $50 Angel Robledo, founder of Rock Iguana Ltd., enjoys the views from the Bluff Rappel tour. BRACFEST SCHEDULE There is a thriving climbing community in Cayman Brac. Muzaic celebrates local musicians The 12th Annual Muzaic Festival Weekend is set to kick off this Friday at the beginning of the Heroes Day weekend. Four days will be packed with several different musical events including the DJ showcase, happening at the Seven Mile Public Beach on Friday. It starts at 5pm and is free to the public. At 8:30pm on Saturday, the Heroes Salute segment will get underway at Club Havana, where artists and performers will pay homage to their Past musical Icon Award winners Lammie Seymour and Bunny Myles. The Big Bluff Rappel is one of the most scenic tours offered by Rock Iguana Ltd. but it is not for the faint of heart. This is the most adventurous rappel on the island. Skydivers will be familiar with that euphoric feeling of vertigo before jumping and this offers a similar experience. Sit back on the rope over the looming cliff edge with 140 feet of air between you and the roaring Caribbean Sea beneath. Free time to relax Scott’s Dock Noon-2pm This activity does not include any guiding or supervision. Climbing and beach clean-up South East Side Beach, Orange Streak crag 3-6pm Price: Free top rope climbing with Rock Iguana Ltd.’s guides for those who are collecting beach garbage (garbage bags and gloves provided). All climbing equipment will be provided. Speed climbing with GC Climbing Gym South East Side Road, Orange Cave crag (beginners) and Sector Theology (intermediate) 5pm Price: Donation to Bolt Fund Closing party and costume competition Captain’s Table 7pm MONDAY Restorative yoga Yogi Wall 8:30-9:30am Price: $16 Rock mandala painting Yogi Wall 9:30-10:30am Price: $16 Climb like a hero Heritage Wall (beginner- intermediate) and Dixon's Wall (intermediate- advanced) 1-4pm Community climbing. Bring your own gear or rent from Rock Iguana Ltd. Costumes encouraged. Visit www.climb.ky for more information. peers who have contributed to the music industry in Cayman. On Sunday, the award presentation takes place at the Harquail Theatre where this year’s recipients of awards such as the International Success and the Icon Award will be celebrated. Finally, the Heroes Day Live Muzaic Showcase is scheduled for George Town on Monday, when a post-award ceremony will take place at Heroes Square, featuring live entertainment. 8 L livingIn October 2019, Flow launched their 50 Year Appreciation Text to Win Cam- paign, where a 21’ Release boat, valued at CI$60,000, was given as the grand prize. Country Manager, Paul Osborne says, “Our goal was to give back to our customers as a thank you for their loyalty over the past 52 years.” Customers were not only entered into the grand prize draw, but also eligible for daily and weekly prizes. En- tries were gained by accruing points, after answering questions about Cayman and Flow. “ We wanted to make a grand gesture to our customers and give away something big. We think we ac- complished that with the boat,” Osborne said. Flow was excit- ed to be able to give away over $25,000 in instant prizes weekly prizes to numerous customers. The eleven week campaign flew by quickly, with thou- sands of text messag- es and customers in anticipation of who the lucky grand prize winner would be. On Friday, 10 January, Gordon Gen- eral was drawn as the winner of the grand prize boat. Gordon was genuinely surprised and speechless when the boat arrived at CUC, where he works. Col- leagues of Gordon’s were in on the reveal and made the atmosphere that much more exciting. Gordon is fisherman and is excited to enter the next fishing tourna- ment in his new boat. Flow wants to graciously thank all the partners that made this possible, by donating weekly prizes throughout the campaign. A special thanks to Hurleys Me- dia, Harbour House Marina and The RCIPS for their partnership and support. Most of all, we want to thank all our customers for their continued business and loyalty. Text to Win Campaign Dining at home is a great plan when you don’t feel like going out, but if you can’t cook to save your sausages, what to do? Fine Dine-In is a company you have probably already heard of. It has actually been around for 20 years and started out with a printed guide of all the restaurants it delivered from. In the past five years, however, Fine Dine-In has turned its attention solely to its online site as a means of advertising its restaurant partnerships, but it seems that the public has been craving more than just food turning up at its door – it wants the guide back. “We discovered that although our website offers a convenient way to see all of the menus of the restaurants that we deliver from, plus the capability to place your order online, many people missed using our printed magazine because of its convenience,” said owner Ken Moore. “Our magazine acts like a directory of menus that allows customers to easily flip through the pages, quickly seeing all of their options and helping them decide on their choices without having to be online. “While Fine Dine-In has offered online ordering for over 18 years via our website, the majority of our orders continue to be placed over the phone by our clientele.” After hearing his customers’ wishes, Moore took action, and the result is a reboot of the printed publication, presenting dinner menus from over 30 participating restaurants. Fine Dine-In offers dinner delivery from Al La Kebab, Agave, Alfresco, Boggy Sands Café, Bonfire Urban Grill, Brooklyn, Cayman Cabana, Catch, Chicken! Chicken!, Cimboco, Di Kit-chen, Dragon Inn, Duke’s, Fidel Murphy’s, Gateway of India, Good Mood Food, Guy Harvey’s, Harbour Grille, The Kitchen, Lobster Pot, Lone Star, Mizu, Pani, Ragazzi, Salty’s, Southern Spice, Thai Orchid (Thai & Sushi), Waterfront and Wok-n- Roll. It also offers wine, liquor and beer delivery from West Indies Wine Company, along with soft drinks and bottled water. “Fine Dine-In continues to strive to offer the widest range of choices possible for its customers,” said Moore. “Some nights, people just want comfort food – something simple, quick and inexpensive. Other nights, they feel like the treating themselves and going all out – appetiser, entrée, dessert, and a bottle of wine. We cater to all of these options.” Fine Dine-In offers delivery in the West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, George Town, Red Bay and Prospect areas from 5-10 pm, seven days a week. Get more information at www.finedinein.com. Why cook at home when you can just order delivery? Fine Dine-In launches updated menu guide The sweetsop, sometimes called sugar apple, is a relative of the soursop. Though it is smaller than soursop without that fruit’s soft spikes, it shares the sweet, delicious and creamy white flesh and black seeds. The fruit contains a sweet custard- like pulp, which may be eaten raw. Once very available in Cayman, the sweetsop can now only be occasionally spotted on trees. The sweetsop is round or cone-shaped and from 6-10 cm in diameter, with a lumpy skin. The skin colour changes from bright green to a pale whitish-green as the fruit ripens. The sweet flesh is white or very pale yellow. Hard, shiny brownish black seeds are spread throughout the inside. The fruit is opened by pulling the ‘pegs’ apart to enable the creamy flesh to be slurped from the skin, after which you spit out the seeds. People plant these trees in their yard to enjoy the fruit or as garden decoration. You can eat the pulp raw and throw away the seeds. Sweetsop Cayman's native fruit ADVERTISEMENT cayman compass 9 L living THURSDAY, 23 JANUARY 2020Next >