$ 3 99 M EAL D EALS MONDAY - SATURDAY 9pcs MIXED, 2 Sides & 5 BISCUITS NEW FAMILY SUNDAY cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Friday, 31 January 2020 WHO declares coronavirus a global emergency Illustration of the coronavirus, provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NEWS Premier ‘haunted’ by quake reactions Page 4 NEWS Earthquake was one of biggest in Caribbean history Page 6 Cayman Islands enhances border surveillance. Page 2 NEWS Owen Roberts gets airport award Page 9Matinees (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. 1917 (R) (FRI-SAT) 1:00 VIP | 3:50 7:00 VIP | 10:00 BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (R) (FRI) 12:40 | 3:55 VIP | 7:05 | 9:55 VIP (SAT) 11:55 | 3:55 VIP | 7:05 | 9:55 VIP DOLITTLE (PG) (FRI) 1:15 | 4:00 | 6:35 | 9:10 (SAT) 10:10 | 1:15 | 4:00 | 6:35 | 9:10 (SUN) 3:45 | 7:05 VIP | 9:25 GRETEL & HANSEL (PG13) (FRI) 12:35 | 2:50 | 5:10 | 7:25 | 9:40 (SAT) 1:45 | 2:50 | 5:10 | 7:25 | 9:40 (SUN) 2:50 | 5:10 | 7:25 | 9:40 JO JO RABBIT (PG13) (SUN) 4:25 | 7:10 | 9:50 JAMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (PG13) (SAT) 10:00 VIP | 10:25 (SUN) 4:00 VIP | 6:35 | 9:45 VIP JUST MERCY (PG13) (SUN) 3:10 | 6:30 | 9:35 RICHARD JEWELL (R) (FRI) 12:45 | 3:45 | 6:45 | 9:45 (SAT) 12:45 | 3:45 | 6:45 | 9:45 THE TURNING (PG13) (FRI) 12:30 | 2:55 | 5:15 | 7:35 | 10:00 (SAT) 10:05 | 12:30 | 2:55 | 5:15 7:35 | 10:00 (SUN) 2:55 | 5:15 7:35 | 10:00 KIDS CLUB THE SOUND OF MUSIC (SAT) 10:00 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Cayman Compass Ltd. 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PUBLISHER KATHLEEN CAPETTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KEVIN MORALES WHO declares virus a ‘global emergency’ KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky Shortly before the World Health Organization declared coronavirus as a global emergency on Thursday, Cayman's Public Health Department announced that surveillance is being stepped up at local borders, and visitors coming to the Caribbean from coronavirus-affected countries would undergo “entrance screening”. The WHO issued the global emergency alert after the virus, first found in China, was reported in 18 other countries and the number of cases spiked tenfold in a week. The UN health agency defines an international emergency as an “extraordinary event” that constitutes a risk to other countries and requires a coordinated international response. To date, China has reported more than 7,800 cases, including 170 deaths. The statement issued by Cayman health officials did not elaborate on what form the screening or surveillance at the islands' borders would take, simply stating that “surveillance has already been enhanced at all borders”. “The potential for international dissemination of the virus via air travel is clear from the rise in cases reported in multiple countries,” the statement read. Acting Port Director Joseph Woods elaborated on protocol regarding cruise ship arrivals. “On the cruise side, we receive a Maritime Declaration of Health prior to the ships’ arrival. Public Health can then assess and decide what action, if any, is required. It’s the same protocols we used with SARS and Ebola scenarios. We will also be posting Public Health information posters once available,” he told the Compass. In the case of the Ebola virus in 2014, government officials from 13 agencies in Cayman collaborated on prevention efforts, including entry screening; isolation and quarantine plan; use of protective equipment, including 500 protective suits; and contingency plans for issues such as transportation. Customs forms were amended to include a question about whether incoming travellers were arriving from countries where Ebola had been reported. With regard to coronavirus, public health officials are reminding arriving passengers to seek medical attention and to share their travel history with their healthcare provider if they have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness. Common symptoms of the virus are shortness of breath and cough, along with flu-like symptoms and fever. No cases of suspected coronavirus have been reported in the Cayman Islands and no cases have been confirmed in the Caribbean. The statement from Cayman officials on Thursday said, “Public Health officials and the management of the Health Services Authority wish to assure the public on their capability to manage any imported cases of the novel coronavirus and continue to activate national contingency plans as needed.” In the US, the Centers for Disease Control began screening measures Monday at the nation’s 20 busiest airports. At Miami International Airport, a quarantine station has been established. The Caribbean Public Health Agency said it is working with international health partners to prevent transmission to the region. CARPHA has recommended its member states review public health emergency plans, request travel history on passenger arrival surveys, and establish the necessary staff and support structures to implement screening measures. Neither the Public Health Department nor Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control had responded by press time to requests for comment to elaborate on the coronavirus screening measures in Cayman. Cayman Islands issues coronavirus travel advisory A doctor puts on a protective suit and goggles at a hospital in Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province on Thursday. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak as a global emergency. cayman compass 2 news N news FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 2020Disclaimer : FIN GrandCaymanfeatures and amenities are basedon current development plans andconcepts and are subject to changewithout notice. Some services and amenities are subject to service-basedfees or homeowner fees. ART DECO INSPIREDRESIDENCES WITH UNIQUE FIVE-STAR AMENITIES Priced from US $1.9M Reserve your private tour and discover the last word in luxury + 1 345 326 1400 fin@fingrandcayman.com Guest suites Owners private Aquariva Privatewinelocker with sommelier service Personal car service & two parking spaces per residence Private business centre FIN.cayman fingrandcayman cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 20201234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Judicious (7) 5 River of southwest Europe (5) 8 Not at correct pitch (3,2,4) 9 Behave (3) 10 Move swiftly and lightly (4) 12 Antiquated (8) 14 Uproar (6) 15 Closing scene (6) 17 Anticipated (8) 18 Set of bells (4) 21 Everyone (3) 22 Unanimous (2,3,4) 24 Much below normal size (5) 25 Small cucumber for pickling (7) DOWN 1 Able to resist (5) 2 Large number (3) 3 Slight quarrel (4) 4 Plump (6) 5 Art of effective speaking (8) 6 Typically (2,7) 7 Lacking moderation (7) 11 Among other things (5,4) 13 Disdainful dismissal (5-3) 14 Extempore (7) 16 Be a member of (6) 19 Burdened (5) 20 Give up possession of (4) 23 Annoy (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16289 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 16288 ACROSS: 1 Personal, 5 Oboe, 9 Limit, 10 Diehard, 11 Cannon fodder, 13 Tetchy, 14 Edison, 17 Ugly customer, 20 Gorilla, 21 Outdo, 22 Echo, 23 Research. DOWN: 1 Pile, 2 Rampant, 3 Out in the cold, 4 Ardent, 6 Bland, 7 Enduring, 8 Second to none, 12 Struggle, 15 Shelter, 16 Escape, 18 Larch, 19 Moth. cartoon The Refund - By Caymanman Says massive education campaign is needed RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Reactions in the wake of Tuesday’s earthquake have demonstrated the need for a massive national public education campaign on how to respond during such events. It’s a point both Premier Alden McLaughlin and Opposition Leader Arden McLean agreed on as they addressed the events that followed Tuesday’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake. McLaughlin addressed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, outlining the emergency response to the earthquake. While he commended those involved, McLaughlin reminded the public that Hazard Management Cayman Islands has warned that aftershocks could be felt for up to two weeks. “So, if you have not yet made an earthquake plan or don’t know what to do during and after a tremor, look at Hazard Management’s web page caymanprepared.ky,” he said. McLean extended his gratitude as well, but stressed the urgent need for more engagement, awareness and public education when it comes to earthquakes. “It was obvious on Tuesday that parents in particular ... were not satisfied that their children, where they were, were comfortable or safe. Therefore, they ran out not knowing they were putting themselves in danger,” McLean said. “We must have a robust plan in place to make sure people understand the dangers of where they are or going someplace else, particularly on the roads.” McLaughlin agreed, saying there were a number of things that have been “haunting” him since Tuesday’s earthquake, uppermost being what would have happened had it struck at 2am instead of 2pm. “We had 26 minutes between the commencement of the shake and the time any tsunami was likely to have hit us, 26 minutes. If that had occurred at 2am in the morning, there would have been nobody at the Government Administration Building. There would have been no way of sending out radio alerts, radio interrupts, let alone doing anything else,” he lamented. What was even more “scary” was the traffic that ensued after the tremor, he said. “I understand human nature and I understand the natural response to want to have your children with you and look after your children,” he said, noting that “as I looked down at the gridlock of cars outside… had we had a tsunami of any significant proportions, frankly, there would have been hundreds, if not thousands, of people drowned in their cars.” He said he agreed there is a need for “a massive public education campaign” about how one should respond in the case of an earthquake which is likely to trigger a tsunami. It is now, he said, “a matter of critical national importance, a point I have already impressed upon his Excellency [Governor Martyn Roper] and he agrees”. MLA Kenneth Bryan agreed as well. He also questioned why George Town Central residents were turned away when they sought refuge at the Government Administration Building after the tsunami alert was triggered. McLaughlin said he was not aware at the time that had happened and was only informed about it Wednesday. He said it was just security officers doing their jobs and there is no current protocol in place for such events. He said had he or his team known what was happening, no one would have been turned away. This, he said, stressed the need for a plan. McLaughlin said the National Security Council and the National Hazard Management Executive will be convened to discuss a way forward. Premier ‘haunted’ by earthquake reactions • Duck Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, making yourself into a little ball. • Cover Keep head and eyes protected from falling or flying objects. • Hold Hold onto the piece of furniture. Stay under shelter until you are sure the shaking has stopped. • If you cannot shelter under furniture, move against an interior wall if you are indoors, duck, put your arms over your head and across the back of your neck for protection. • If you are driving when an earthquake starts, slow down carefully and come to a stop in an area free of hazards. What to do in an earthquake? Premier Alden McLaughlin “It was obvious on Tuesday that parents in particular ... were not satisfied that their children, where they were, were comfortable or safe. Therefore, they ran out not knowing they were putting themselves in danger.” Arden McLean, Opposition Leader 4cayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 2020JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Cayman on Tuesday afternoon was one of the largest quakes ever recorded in the Caribbean. But what caused the tremor and what elements protected Cayman from more severe impacts? The Cayman Compass talked to experts in earthquakes and tsunami research to break down the science behind the shockwaves. Where and when did the earthquake strike? The earthquake struck at 2:10pm in the Caribbean Sea, around 80 miles north east of George Town and equidistant from the coasts of Jamaica and Cuba. The earthquake originated at a depth of around 6.2 miles, according to the US Geological Survey. Historically, how big an earthquake was this? According to Simon Boxall, at Hazard Management Cayman Islands, this was the sixth strongest Caribbean earthquake on record and the second strongest event in the past 176 years, eclipsed only by a Dominican Republic 8.1 magnitude event on 4 Aug. 1946. Don Blakeman, a geophysicist at the US National Earthquake Information Centre, told the Compass, “This is easily one of the largest earthquakes recorded in the Caribbean. A 7.7 magnitude event is pretty rare.” For comparison, the earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010, killing more than 200,000 people, was a magnitude 7.0 event. So why was the damage so limited in this case? The fact that the epicentre of the earthquake was so far from land (more than 70 miles from the closest point in Jamaica) shielded communities from the worst impacts. The Haiti quake was less than 7 miles from the island, by comparison. Though buildings shook in Cayman and as far away as Miami during Tuesday’s quake, there were no reported injuries or serious damage. According to Blakeman, the nature of the plate tectonics in the Caribbean region meant that this was a 'strike-slip' event, which typically causes less damage than subduction or ‘thrust’ impacts. Stride-slip event? Almost all of the seismic activity around Cayman is caused by the movement of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. The Oriente fault, which separates the two plates, runs south of Cuba and curves westward between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. According to Blakeman, the plate tectonics in this area are characterised by lateral movement. “The plates slide against one another,” he said. “Even though that releases a high blast of energy, it is different direction and type of release than a subduction or thrust earthquake when a plate goes beneath another one.” Damage is typically less severe from lateral or strike-slip quakes. Was there a tsunami? When people think of tsunamis, they immediately conjure up images of the catastrophic walls of water that struck Indonesia and Thailand in 2004 and Japan in 2011. But a tsunami is technically any wave action caused by an earthquake. In that sense, Cayman did experience a very minor tsunami on Tuesday. A radar measuring system in George Town Harbour, part of the Caribbean Tsunami Watch System, recorded a definite spike in sea- level shortly after the earthquake. Data from the system shows a wave of just over half-a-metre (1.5 feet) as a result of the earthquake. Could it have been worse? Again, Cayman appears to have been protected from more severe impacts by the dynamics of the plate tectonics in the region. According to Diego Melgar, a tsunami expert at the University of Oregon, lateral strike-slip impacts just don’t generate the same type of wave effects as subduction impacts. If that sounds frighteningly complex, he recommends a simple home science experiment. Stand in your swimming pool and move your hand swiftly from side to side just beneath the water’s surface. Now try moving your hand up and down. Which creates the greater water movement? So is Cayman safe from severe tsunamis? According to Melgar, the type of earthquakes seen on the Oriente fault line off Cayman are pretty much always lateral fault quakes. This is just the nature of the way the plates move in this area. “From a lateral fault event you will never see the type of gigantic tsunamis like the 30-metre wave in Japan [in 2011],” he said. That doesn’t mean Cayman couldn’t suffer more severe wave impact. He estimates up to around three metres (10 feet) is possible. “There is always the added hazard of underwater landslides which are hard to predict and can impact wave action,” Melgar said. Hazard Management Cayman Islands, in a vulnerability analysis for the territory in 2009, estimated the threat from tsunamis to be relatively low. Its report noted that the underwater geography around Cayman, including the lack of a sloping continental shelf, offered some protection against the build-up of large tsunami waves. What are the chances of a serious earthquake closer to Grand Cayman? The Oriente fault line’s closest point to Grand Cayman is just over 20 miles away. In fact, some of the aftershocks from Tuesday’s quake were recorded significantly closer to the island. The nearest was a 4.9 magnitude impact, just over 20 miles off East End. According to Blakeman, a high magnitude earthquake closer to the islands could potentially do more damage, though there are other factors at play, including the depth of the impact, the type of groundrock, and the quality of the buildings. He adds that a 7.7 magnitude impact is unusual for the region and, while Caymanians should be aware and prepared for potential impacts, history suggests this type of event is likely to be rare. Earthquake was one of biggest in Caribbean history Simon Boxall of Hazard Management Cayman Islands. Diego Melgar of the University of Oregan. The Oriente fault line, shown in red, which separates the Caribbean and North American plates, runs just south of the Cayman Islands and is responsible for much of the seismic activity in the region. It is a strike-slip fault, which means earthquakes it generates are caused by the sideways movement of the plates, rather than a more typical subduction or thrust quake where one plate moves underneath the other. Seismologists say this characteristic saved Cayman from worse damage in Tuesday's quake. cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 2020Hello Gorgeous! 1503 Property Group is proud to announce our association with Savills. We deliver exceptional local results and now have extraordinary global reach. 345-525-1503 | @1503propertygroup.com | www.1503propertygroup.com | Member of CIREBA An International Associate of Savills cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 2020cayman compass 8 FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 2020Visiting Specialist will be available for consultation at Novo Clinic, Britcay House 236 Eastern Avenue from 3 February - 27 February, 2020 For appointments please call +1 (345) 746-6082 clinic@novocayman.com Gynecology, Urogynecology, Cosmetic Gynecology 70 apply to serve as officers RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Former UK Royal Dragoon Guard Simon Watson has been appointed commanding officer for the Cayman Islands Regiment. The Governor’s Office announced Watson’s appointment Wednesday, as well as the recruitment of six junior officers. Premier Alden McLaughlin, speaking in the Legislative Assembly Thursday, stressed the importance of the development of a regiment, especially in light of Tuesday’s earthquake. He assured that the reigiment will be a pathway for Caymanians to get training and become officers. “This is a Cayman Islands regiment, it is not some outpost of the British Army,” McLaughlin said in the Legislative Assembly. It will be a “symbol of pride,” he said. McLaughlin also addressed the creation of the regiment in the Governor’s Office statement, saying, “We are blessed to live in a country which is safe and has excellent infrastructure but recent history, including this week’s earthquake and the devastating hurricanes that impacted the region in 2017 and 2019, highlight the need to adapt and ensure that we are prepared and resilient to face any threat,” McLaughlin said in the statement. Watson, the statement said, will be supported in his new role by Simon Spiers, who served in a range of senior roles, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Former Trinidad and Tobago judge Andre Mon Desir, who is also a former Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force officer, will serve as legal advisor to the new regiment. He was a senior legal advisor and staff judge advocate for the Defence Force. The trio has more than 38 years combined of officer experience in the British Army and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Governor Martyn Roper said he is pleased with the quick establishment of the regiment. “Its primary focus will be disaster preparedness and it will be up and running by August this year. The events of this week underline the importance of developing a regiment in the Cayman Islands, which will provide resilience against disasters, not only at home, but also to help our fellow Overseas Territories when in need,” Roper said. Officers head off for training More than 70 people have applied to serve as officers for the new regiment. The first six junior officers have been selected and are due to leave for Bermuda next month to attend three weeks of initial training with the Royal Bermuda Regiment. They will also attend officer training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst later this year. Five of the recruits are former members of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, with the sixth is a Royal Cayman Islands Police Service officer. The six will serve as full-time officers for a year before becoming reservists and reverting to their previous careers. The announcement of the creation of the regiment was made late last year during the visit of then UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Mark Lancaster. Last month, the National Security Council authorised an initial force of seven officers and 50 reserve volunteers for the regiment. Roper said he was pleased Watson and the other officers stepped forward and volunteered to serve the Cayman Islands. “The junior officers will in turn receive some of the best military training available, which will help to develop their leadership potential. We will watch their progress with keen interest,” he added. Officers will be equipped and provided with uniforms by the UK Government during their basic training in Bermuda. The Governor’s Office said that, on their return, the officers will assist the senior officers to recruit the first 50 reservists, all of whom will receive basic training in Bermuda in July. The new team will also be assisted by a Regimental Sergeant Major, who has 13 years of former experience as a non- commissioned officer in the British Army, including operational deployments, training and recruitment roles. “Having a trained and disciplined force which can be mobilised quickly is vital and will enhance the other initiatives which we have recently introduced including the increased resilience of our air operations unit and the excellent work that (Hazard Management Cayman Islands) does to prepare and coordinate our response to disasters,” the premier said. He also said he was happy the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps was being developed with the training they will receive, including at Sandhurst. Regiment senior officers appointed Back row, from left: Theodore Kelly Jr, Selena Sookoosingh, Halston Farley, Shanice Kelly, Gabe Rabess and Jonassi Swaby. Seated: Commanding Officer Simon Watson, Premier Alden McLaughlin, Governor Martyn Roper, Simon Spiers and Andre Mon Desir. Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport has been awarded Caribbean Airport of the Year 2020 by online travel news site Caribbean Journal. The 2020 Caribbean Travel Awards, which this year included winners across 21 categories, were selected by Caribbean Journal’s editorial staff and contributors. According to a press release from the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, “It’s been a spectacular year for Cayman Islands tourism so far this year, and that means thousands of tourists who have been lucky enough to arrive in the brand- new terminal at Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman, which was officially opened by Princes Charles [last] year. “It’s a major addition for the destination, with a clean, sleek interior, a stunning turtle-shell exterior and a terrifically run airport operation (and a terrific duty-free experience, too).” The authority’s CEO Albert Anderson said in the release, “We are very honoured to have been recognized for the tremendous efforts put forth on bringing big improvements to our terminal, the service, operations and safety standards at our airports.” The CIAA said Owen Roberts International Airport now has the capacity to handle 2.5 million passengers per year. Owen Roberts awarded Caribbean Airport of the Year Owen Roberts International Airport was officially opened by Prince Charles last year. 9Next >