cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Tuesday, 4 February 2020 NEWS Red Cross celebrates volunteers Page 4 NEWS Standards in Public Life Law begins in March Page 6 Bad driving contributing to clogged roads Page 8 Gallery exhibition explores women’s role in Caymanian history Page 10 Boxers pack a punch in year’s first bouts Page 12 $1M sought for coronavirus fight Page 3 g ller eiiti elres e’s rle i i history Page 10Matinees (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) 1:00 VIP | 3:50 | 10:00 BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (R) 12:40 | 3:55 VIP | 7:05 | 9:55 VIP DOLITTLE (PG) 1:15 | 4:00 | 6:35 | 9:10 GRETEL & HANSEL (PG13) 12:35 | 2:50 | 5:10 | 7:25 | 9:40 RICHARD JEWELL (R) 12:45 | 3:45 | 6:45 | 9:45 THE TURNING (PG13) 12:30 | 2:55 | 5:15 | 7:35 | 10:00 CLASSICS @ CINEMA RAIN MAN (R) (SAT) 7:00 VIP WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 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 morning showers. weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 83°F 74°F HIGH LOW WINDS East to southeast 10 to 15 knots. SEA STATE Moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet. FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky An alliance between St. Ignatius Catholic School and Cayman In- ternational School took first place at the Minds Inspired FIRST Tech Challenge interschool robotics competition, held Saturday at the Camana Bay Arts and Recreation Centre. Nine teams from seven Grand Cayman high schools participated in the Star Wars ‘A Force For Change’-themed competition, known as ‘Skystone’. The event challenged students to imagine the cities of the future and design a robot that could overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of building a superstructure. The competition served as a pre- qualifier for the Cayman National Robotics Team. As part of the challenge, students were randomly grouped into alliances to compete against each other. Cayman International School and St. Ignatius each fielded two teams for the competition, brining the total to nine entrants. The team alliances were randomly generated by a computer programme. After competing in qualifiers, the teams moved into the semi-finals, where they were allowed to set up their own alliances. Kieran Finch, a student from St. Ignatius and part of the robotics team called Beta Serious, said collaborating closely with teammates to learn from their past mistakes was part of their game plan for the challenge. The challenge entailed robots moving blocks to a ‘building site’ and then assembling a structure. “We decided that the best way to get points would be being able to stack high and being able to stack a capstone on top. That’s why we have a grabber and can easily grab the capstone,” Finch said, of his team’s efforts. Finch was part of the group that won the Finalist Alliance Award, the Team Spirit Award, and the Inspire Award for technical excellence and the embodiment of ‘Gracious Professionalism’. He said his team divided their responsibilities early, and had started working on their robot back in July 2019. “We have a list of all the teams, and we saw what their strengths and weaknesses are, and from there we base what we want to do, like who stacks or moves the bricks,” Finch said. CIS took the Winning Alliance Award and the Innovation and Engineering Design Award. John Gray High School was given the Judges’ Award for its efforts throughout the challenge. Last year, a team of 11 students representing different high schools travelled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to compete in the 2019 FIRST Global Challenge. FIRST is an acronym of ‘For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology’. Dart Senior Manager of Minds Inspired Education Programmes Glenda McTaggart said in a press release, “The FIRST Technical Challenge is becoming a highlight on the calendar of local education events, bringing together students from a variety of local high schools to partner and compete. Students who participated in SKYSTONE distinguished themselves as graceful competitors and team players, embodying the FIRST philosophy of ‘Gracious Professionalism’ throughout. Our next step will be the exciting but difficult task of selecting the 2020 National Team from such a talented pool of students.” The location and theme for this year’s FIRST Global Challenge will be announced later this month, according to the Minds Inspired press release. More than 1,100 visitors descended on the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park for its annual Family Fun Day, which raised more than $7,000 for the park’s new Children’s Garden. “Seeing new and familiar faces of all ages enjoying the Botanic Park was truly rewarding for all participants, volunteers and staff,” said the park’s general manager John Lawrus, in a press release issued by the Tourism Attraction Board, which manages the facility. The event was co-hosted by park management and the Garden Club of the Cayman Islands. Garden Club member Jill Wood said in the press release that more than $2,100 was raised from this year’s Tombola alone. Over the past five years of hosting this event, the Garden Club has raised close to $30,000, all of which, Wood said, has gone towards completing the Children’s Garden. “We are tasked with funding the maze and the sensory garden that will be featured in the new space. We really want to thank everyone who has supported the Family Fun Day over the years,” she said. Attendees enjoyed activities such as face painting and lawn games, an arts and crafts station, a plant sale, and displays by the Mosquito Research and Control Unit and the Department of Environment. Family Fun Day raises funds for Children’s Garden Schools take on robot challenge Students take part in the Minds Inspired robotics competition. Children take part in lawn games at the Botanic Park at the 16th annual Family Fun Day. cayman compass 2 news N news TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2020Screening at ports under way, new equipment planned RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Health officials are set to request Cabinet approval for just over $1 million as part of local coronavirus response preparations. Health Minister Dwayne Seymour, speaking at a press briefing at the Government Administration Building on Monday, said an official request for the funds will be presented when Cabinet meets Tuesday. “It’s [more than] a million dollars that’s being asked for and that is to prepare a room for persons, if anyone gets infected. That would include buying additional equipment. The room has been identified at the [Health Services Authority]. The premier has said whatever it takes, we will vote the funds to ensure that this happens,” Seymour said. He assured that there is an “action plan in place, which all parties are executing as needed”. Those parties include Customs and Border Control, HSA and local healthcare providers, as well as other government agencies. “I am confident that the Cayman Islands is ready to tackle any threats that come to our shores in this regard,” the minister said. As of Monday, Chinese health authorities’ latest figures showed 361 deaths and 17,205 confirmed cases in China. World Health Organization data indicated that, as at Sunday, 24 countries, including China, had reported cases of the new strain of the coronavirus. The WHO issued a global health emergency on the virus last week, and several countries have already implemented travel bans on China. On Sunday, the Philippines recorded the first coronavirus- related death outside of China. Postponing travel to China recommended Seymour said the National Security Council will be meeting Tuesday to discuss Cayman’s response to the virus threat, including whether a travel ban should be implemented here. In the interim, Seymour advised against travelling to China. “I recommend that all Caribbean or Caymanian citizens should postpone their travel to China until the all-clear is given, whether it’s for vacation, business or conferences,” he said. He encouraged the public to do their homework when it comes to the virus as there may have been “myths and misconceptions” spreading on social media. “What we know so far is that transmission from people with no symptoms is not likely to be a major form of transmission. Persons who have symptoms will have spread the virus more readily through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, the public is reminded to be in the know about the 2019 novel coronavirus,” he said. While the virus is a global threat, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee said new reports put the mortality rate at 2%. He said both the mortality rate and the infectivity rate of the coronavirus are low compared to some other pandemics, but added, "Unfortunately, pandemics are becoming an increasing issue in this century. We have had more already in the last 20 years than we have had in many, many centuries before that." Monitoring ports Monitoring at local points of entry has already commenced, and Deputy Director of Customs and Border Control Gary Wong said his staff is taking the coronavirus outbreak very seriously. “The officers of Customs and Border Control are being very vigilant in ensuring that they check all arriving passengers. [At] the ports of entry, they are going through [travellers’] documents to ensure that they have not visited China within the last few weeks, and we are being extremely vigilant with this matter,” he said at the media briefing. Wong said that Customs and Border Control has been sending information to the HSA about individuals arriving from affected countries, and those showing signs of sickness will be monitored. He added that his officers have been provided with a kit to ensure their safety as they are the first point of contact when people come off ships and aircraft. “We just need the public to be assured that we are doing our part as the border control officers to ensure that we keep this coronavirus away from our shores,” Wong added. Lee said a key part of ensuring this happens is public interaction. “What we are trying to do is to allow people to bring themselves forward, because certainly even though you institute screening, even though you provide people information, you may miss people that have come into the country who may potentially be at risk,” he said. Lee added that the most important thing to do “is to make sure that every traveller is aware of the potential symptoms and that if they’ve been travelling, they need to come forward and report themselves to the local healthcare practitioner”. He said travellers would not necessarily have had to have been to China to be potentially exposed, as passengers travelling through an airport could come into contact with someone who may have been to China. In the case of visitors or those who may not have health insurance, both Seymour and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams- Rodriquez said systems were in place for such instances. They added that not having insurance should not be a deterrent to seeking medical care. Public does not need to wear masks RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Health officials have confirmed that no local cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in the Cayman Islands. However, they will be implementing a series of measures, including opening a new flu clinic, increasing surveillance at local ports and running a public awareness campaign, all in a bid to ensure Cayman remains coronavirus-free as the global outbreak continues. “We are ready to deal with this virus should it arrive on our shores,” Health Minister Dwayne Seymour said as he addressed a media briefing on the virus Monday at the Government Administration Building. He said all stakeholders are working on plans to ensure public safety. Part of that, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee said, is educating people about proper coughing and sneezing etiquette. “I would encourage everyone to educate themselves as well as they can with regards to the virus and [I] reiterate the need to maintain good hygiene,” he said at the briefing. Monday’s media briefing had been planned for a 10am start but began about 15 minutes late as Seymour and Lee were participating in an emergency video conference on the coronavirus with Caribbean health ministers. Some countries in the region, such as Jamaica, have already instituted travel restrictions as the virus numbers continue to climb. Lee said it is important to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitisers, as well as use disposable handkerchiefs when coughing or sneezing. “Keep a good distance for people with acute respiratory infections,” he said. “If you are travelling, stay clear from wild animals and farm animals.” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriquez said at this time health authorities are not advising members of the general public to wear masks. However, he said, masks are being distributed at local clinics for patients with respiratory symptoms. Williams-Rodriguez pointed out that Cayman is in the throes of influenza season, so there will be people experiencing flu symptoms. This week, a clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital will be opened to treat patients separately who are presenting with flu-like symptoms. It’s one of the measures being implemented as Cayman ramps up its response to the virus outbreak. “That’s why the travel history is so important now. If you develop flu-like symptoms, but you have not travelled to any of [the affected] areas and you have not been in contact with anyone who travelled to these areas, it’s very unlikely that you have the coronavirus,” Williams-Rodriguez said. However, he stressed that it is important that patients with flu-like symptoms to contact their healthcare providers or the Public Health Department to discuss the next steps and advise them accordingly. He said the flu clinic will be similar to the one implemented in 2009 when there was an outbreak of H1N1 influenza. “Basically, [the clinic is] to attend [to] any patients that will have flu- like symptoms. What we’re trying to do with that is kind of separate patients that could be a potential risk for the rest of the other patients that may be attending the clinic for a different reason,” he said. Quarantine plans Williams-Rodriquez said visitors arriving in Cayman will be provided with information cards containing details about the virus, who to contact, and where to go if they develop symptoms. He said a room has been designated for quarantine purposes. Seymour indicated Friday that the quarantine room has to be prepared and more beds purchased. The Health Services Authority would manage cases that need medical attention, and officials are working on a proposal for the area identified to manage these patients if the number exceeds what the authority can manage on a regular basis. Williams-Rodriguez said that, at this time, there will be home quarantines, and the HSA/Public Health Department will follow up with quarantined individuals. Lee pointed out quarantines are a legal issue, as under the Public Health Law there are certain processes that have to be followed. The National Security Council, which is meeting Tuesday to discuss the coronavirus, will have to make a decision whether people would be quarantined and under what circumstances. Lee said anybody who has been identified as arriving from a coronavirus-affected country and who is within the 14-day incubation period has been contacted. For those who have not been contacted, he advised that they get in touch with Public Health on 244-2621. $1M sought for coronavirus fight No local coronavirus cases reported Deputy Director of Customs and Border Control Gary Wong speaks to the media, as Health Minister Dwayne Seymour, looks on. • China • Japan • South Korea • Vietnam • Singapore • Australia • Malaysia • Cambodia • Philippines • Thailand • Nepal • Sri Lanka • India • US • Canada • France • Finland • Germany • Italy • Russian Federation • Spain • Sweden • UK • United Arab Emirates 24 countries with confirmed cases Source: World Health Organization cayman compass 3 news N news TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 20201234567 8 910 111213 14 15161718 19 2021 1234567 8 910 111213 14 15161718 19 2021 ACROSS 1 Darling (7) 5 Do without (5) 8 Excessively (6,7) 9 Heavy, very dark wood (5) 10 Hearing range (7) 11 Readily combustible material (6) 12 Delirious fury (6) 15 Make unstable (7) 17 Walk in a military manner (5) 19 Pompous (4-9) 20 Use a divining rod (5) 21 Drunk (3-4) DOWN 1 Authoritative book (5) 2 Assert dogmatically (3,4,3,3) 3 A trim pointed beard (7) 4 A deadening influence (6) 5 Distinctive elegance (5) 6 Crude but effective (5-3-5) 7 For all to see (7) 11 Bound (7) 13 Self-reproach (7) 14 Maintain (4,2) 16 Unwelcome sound (5) 18 Despised (5) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16292 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 16291 ACROSS: 1 Bribe, 8 Sideshow, 9 Evade, 10 Sturgeon, 11 Verse, 12 Bob, 16 League, 17 Author, 18 Guy, 23 Risky, 24 Overturn, 25 Linen, 26 Bad blood, 27 Smash. DOWN: 2 Reviewer, 3 By design, 4 Bistro, 5 Decry, 6 Sheer, 7 Swing, 12 Beg, 13 Bay, 14 Stoicism, 15 For keeps, 19 Uproot, 20 Hobby, 21 Needy, 22 Stalk. The Cayman Islands Red Cross handed out awards to some of its hardest-working volunteers at its 16th annual volunteer-appreciation event last month. The celebration of volunteers for 2019, titled ‘The Henris’, after Red Cross founder Henri Durant, was held 18 Jan. at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. At the event, Julette Clemmings was named Volunteer of the Year, and Tashalee Christie was presented with the Volunteers’ Choice award, which is selected by the volunteers themselves. Estella Martin was awarded a long-service pin for her 33 years of volunteering, as were Anderson Skinner, Martha Flores and Murreen Broomfield for 15 years of service. Youth volunteers Nathaniel Forbes, Carina James, Kareisha Nelson, and Dalton Nelson Jr. were specially recognised. In a press release, Cayman Islands Red Cross director Jondo Obi said, “The Red Cross is an organisation built on volunteer work and community engagement. This event first started as a way to recognise the tremendous work done by volunteers during Hurricane Ivan and since then has become an annual event which celebrates our volunteers and the work they’ve put in in the [past] year.” The event opened with Governor Martyn Roper thanking the volunteers for their hard work and contribution to the Cayman Islands community. Carolina Ferreira, deputy director and child protection and sexuality education programme manager, summarised the work done in 2019. The multi-agency group, Protection Starts Here, published its child- safety lesson called ‘My Body is My Own’, which targets children ages 3-6. The lesson, piloted in 2018, last year began distributing its materials free of cost to child- service organisations throughout Grand Cayman. So far, the PSH has trained more than 100 teachers, representing 54 different classrooms, and distributed 1,000 booklets and posters to children. “Through this lesson and its illustrated stars ‘Bobo’ and ‘Teedee’, children are provided with knowledge, language and confidence to see that the safety net of adults around them should never feel unsafe or uncomfortable, to empower them with agency over their own bodies, and to be able to ask for help if needed,” Ferreira said. She added that, in 2019, 570 teachers, parents and others were trained in the ‘Darkness to Light – Child Sexual Abuse Training’. At the event, first aid instructor Ricki Ducent said volunteers for covering 59 events last year, and said more than 1,200 people were trained in the first aid programme, with 11 lifeguards certified. Thrift shop manager Remy Imperial thanked the volunteers for their dedication to the store throughout a ‘tumultuous’ year. Due to renovation to the headquarters building, the thrift shop was temporarily relocated, and often operated out of the cricket pitch. “Through these challenging circumstances, the Thrift Shop volunteers worked tirelessly to provide assistance to 114 vulnerable clients, and to serve close to 13,000 customers in both the indoor and outdoor locations,” the Red Cross said in the press release. The thrift shop re-opened in its original location on 25 Jan. Disaster manager Eddie Sepp Tinling-Miller provided an overview of 2019, during which several storms and six hurricanes hit the region. During hurricane season, the Red Cross joined with Hazard Management Cayman Islands to engage with 20 schools and more than 2,500 students throughout the island. Disaster-preparedness efforts in 2019 included training a new Community Emergency Response Team, along with Hazard Management, to add to the seven already operating on island. Additionally, 60 new volunteers were trained in shelter management, 41 in radio communications, and 45 in fire- safety management. One of the year’s biggest disaster-preparedness exercises was ‘Operation Aftershock’ where, in coordination with the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, volunteers took part in a two-day disaster simulation, which included hiking, sleeping outdoors, crossing chest-deep water, and simulating emergency-response situations. The exercise will be repeated for the third time in 2020. According to the Red Cross, additional plans for the upcoming year include providing continuous training for volunteers so they are prepared and equipped to respond to any local or national disaster, establishing additional CERT teams, maintaining the disaster- supply containers on island, and continuing to raise awareness on disaster preparedness and response for 500 additional students. Red Cross celebrates its volunteers cartoon Governor Martyn Roper with the Red Cross gold award recipients. 4AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY, 5 FEB. a panel of experts who know the ins and outs of some of Cayman’s most common questions will join the Cayman Compass to answer them live online. HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: At noon, log on to CaymanCompass.com and click on the live chat. Enter your question that has anything to do with traffic and a representative from the RCIPS will view your question and answer it. Ask anything about the path to becoming Caymanian, and an attorney from HSM Chambers will answer it. A representative from the Department of Labour and Pensions will also be joining us to take questions on labour-related issues . Have a question? Ask the experts Join us live online on Wednesday, 5 Feb “I’m applying for permanent residency? Who has to pay for the fees?” CaymanCompass.com “How are you supposed to use a roundabout?” “Am I legally entitled to overtime?” cayman compass 5 TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 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 RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Almost six years after its passage, the Standards in Public Life Law will take effect on 1 March, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced in the Legislative Assembly on Friday. He said the Cabinet intends to make a commencement order for the long-awaited legislation, which sets out ethical standards for politicians and people who serve on public boards and statutory authorities. The premier said the accompanying regulations for the law will follow shortly. “I do regret that we have been unable to move this review along at a faster pace, but it is not that government has been sitting on our hands,” McLaughlin said as he defended what he called “a long and involved process”. He explained that government has been handling many urgent matters, including issues to do with protecting Cayman from being blacklisted by the European Union. Amendments were made to the law back in 2016 following concerns raised by members of statutory authority and government company boards and committees. “Indeed, we had real threats of resignations from members of the public who were giving their time to serve on public boards and committees. And so, the law was not brought into effect until a review could be done,” McLaughlin said. Last year, the Auditor General’s Office, in its report on fighting corruption in the Cayman Islands, had called for government to enact the law, as well as fully implement its anti-fraud policy, which was issued in May 2017. The premier said even after the law was amended in June 2016, “it was quickly recognised that there were still ongoing concerns by the public, despite the amendments done in 2016”. He said government was presented with a dilemma at that time. “The same dilemma we had in 2014 – should we bring into force the law as amended and still risk many resignations from key government SAGC’s boards, committees, and commissions, or should we set it aside until we had an opportunity to have another look. We chose the latter approach,” McLaughlin added. Under the 2016 amended legislation, board members do not have to declare memberships in any professional group, charity or special interest organisation. Interest- disclosure requirements for appointed board members extend only to their immediate family – spouses and dependents – and are to be declared only when the board member holds property or manages anything on behalf of that person or if that person manages something for the board member. The 2017 elections delayed the review process of the amended legislation. Last May, McLaughlin said, he wrote to chairpersons of all statutory boards and government companies to poll their board members to understand what concerns they had with the law as amended. “In the latter quarter of 2019, sufficient feedback was received for an analysis to be done by the Attorney General’s Chambers, as well as the Commission Secretariat. It was determined that some additional changes were still required, but these could be done via the proposed regulations,” he said. McLaughlin said he intends, at the next Cabinet meeting, to issue a commencement order to bring the law into force. “I will say again that what is important… is that on this occasion we get it right, so we do not have the concern again of mass departures from important government boards. We will also include a public education campaign as part of the roll-out of the law,” he said. He said that has been “such a long and arduous journey, but we are now almost there”. McLaughlin pointed out that even though there was a delay with the legislation, there are still checks and balances in place. “Despite what some protagonists and naysayers in some parts of the media like to infer, the initial delay in bringing the law into effect had nothing to do with elected members not wanting to make our interests known. We in this House are required by law to provide, and update, annually the register prescribed by the Register of Interest Law at the Legislative Assembly,” he said. Additionally, he said, many senior civil servants, including chief officers, heads of departments, and anyone dealing with financial transactions, are required by law to file their interests yearly and these are audited by the Auditor General’s Office, annually. Standards in Public Life Law begins in March “I do regret that we have been unable to move this review along at a faster pace, but it is not that government has been sitting on our hands.” Premier Alden McLaughlin Premier Alden McLaughlin The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has appointed Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley as its director of research. Goodbody-Gringley, who has extensive experience in the field of coral reef research, comes from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science, according to a press release from CCMI. Director of research is a new role within the organisation, and is part of CCMI’s Vision 2025, which includes “an expansion of its research programme, as well as building capacity and capabilities at a company and operational level”. Carrie Manfrino, CCMI president and CEO, will retain her role as senior scientist but will focus on developing company strategy, the release stated. Goodbody-Gringley was hired after a year-long recruitment process, CCMI said. “In her application, Dr. Goodbody-Gringley outlined a vision for CCMI to establish a unique state-of-the-art dive centre and molecular and genetics laboratory that will place the Cayman Islands at the forefront of scientific research in the entire Caribbean,” Manfrino said in the release. “She has an excellent publication record, on topics that focus on population structure, reproductive ecology, and genetic connectivity of reef organisms. “Her work examines mechanisms that could boost coral resilience to climate change. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how coral reef ecosystems might continue to function as climate change continues to heat up the ocean. What is most remarkable is that she has an excellent network of international collaborators who will help build the capacity of our work in the Cayman Islands.” Goodbody-Gringley arrived in the Cayman Islands on 13 Jan., according to CCMI. She said in the statement, “I am thrilled to be joining the excellent team at CCMI and to lead a motivated and committed group of young scientists. My new research programme aims to increase our understanding of the resilience of coral reefs through examinations of adaptation and acclimatisation of coral reef organisms using a combination of large-scale ecosystem observations, small- scale laboratory experiments, and molecular ecology.” She added, “Understanding the mechanisms that enable populations to persist will ultimately guide our conservation strategies to maintain ecosystem function and protect biodiversity in the ocean. The Cayman Islands is the perfect place to conduct this work, not only because of its central location within the Caribbean, excellent and expanding marine protected areas, but it offers access to one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the region.” Before taking up her new role at CCMI, Goodbody- Gringley established and led the Reef Ecology and Evolution Laboratory at BIOS. She completed her bachelor of science at the University of Georgia and her PhD at Harvard University in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. She then held postdoctoral positions at Mote Marine Laboratory and University of Bologna, Italy. CCMI names director of research Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley is CCMI's new director of research. Water Authority customers in the Windsor Park area could experi- ence interruptions to their service on Tuesday and Wednesday as post-earthquake pipeline replace- ments are carried out. In a statement, the company said that further to temporary measures to restore water in areas with significant infrastructure damage, it will be carrying out pipeline- replacement work over the coming weeks. On Tuesday, from 9am to 4pm, the Water Authority will be replacing pipeline along Oak Mill Street, where the quake caused sinkholes. Customers on Oak Mill Street between Fairfax Way and Border Drive, and along Border Drive, Norbrook Street, Dallas Lane, Oakdale Close, Oakland Street and Fairfax Way, will be without water during this period. “The Authority may need to further interrupt water service within the community of Windsor Park and could result in water service over the next two days,” the Water Authority said. Water repairs for Windsor Park cayman compass 6 news N news TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2020Coronavirus Myth Busters BE IN THE KNOW For more information contact 949-8600 www.hsa.ky/public-health/coronavirus cayman compass 7 TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2020RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Gone are the days of a congestion- free Cayman. Traffic jams in every direction appear to be the new norm, rather than an exception, on local roads and it is taking a toll not just on road users but also on those charged with keeping law and order. “We are a small community. We are a growing community. There is ... quite an influx of cars here. From my last calculation, I believe we have over 42,000 registered cars here on island, and you will appreciate this [places] quite a demand on the [police] in terms of ensuring proper regulation on the street,” said Inspector Dwayne Jones, head of the RCIPS Traffic and Roads Policing Unit. Jones recently took over the unit and it been a shifting of gears for him. “It has been an experience. I’m coming from other areas into the traffic department. Knowing that you are responsible for pretty much all the road-related incidences there’s an inherent burden or inherent, I would say, pressure on me as the head of the department to ensure road safety and to ensure the safety of every individual that is on the street,” he said. He said a top priority for him, in terms of traffic management, is to make sure that all necessary steps are taken to make the roadway safe and adequate for commuters, so “that at least people can go about their lawful business in a free and flowing way”, he said. Collisions contribute to congestion However, free-flowing streets seem to be a thing of the past, especially during morning, lunchtime and evening rush hours with the congestion, in part, being driven by an increasing number of vehicles, fuelled by a rapid boost in population. That population growth also presents a challenge on local roads, Jones said. “The reality is that we are a diverse community and we have adopted various driving practices. ‘Cause you have individuals from various nationalities living here and, unfortunately, some bad driving practices come with some of them,” he said. In some cases, he said, Cayman is the first place that some drivers have encountered roundabouts and, as a result, they have no clue how to properly negotiate those traffic circles. This, he said, results in the frequency of accidents occurring on the roundabouts. “Frequently you will see some of these bad driving practices exhibited on the road. From a police perspective, obviously we have the mandate to ensure that we not only enforce but educate as well, because that is a primary aspect of it. So, we try to educate… prosecute and educate at the same time and hopefully our impact will reduce the frequency of it, but on a broader scale motorists have to be more informed,” Jones said. He said motorists have to take ownership of their responsibilities, especially when they are new to the island. “If you’re new to the island and you happen to own a motor vehicle, then obviously you need to be aware of what is required of you and not just jump in the vehicle and drive because every other motor vehicle, every individual that you encounter, there is a duty, a level of care and responsibility towards those individuals,” he said. As Cayman’s once free-flowing thoroughfares become clogged arteries, Jones said it’s not only the result of more vehicles. Collisions, he said, also contribute significantly. “Part of the problem is that motorists need to be a little bit more responsible on the roadway. The high frequency of accidents is a clear indication that motorists are not properly utilising the roadway.” Jones said many collisions are caused by negligence and excessive manoeuvring of vehicles. Speeding is a factor as well. “Our motorists need to show more due care on the road primarily, especially when you are in a bumper- to-bumper situation,” he said. He added that motorists in traffic tend to use their cellphones and that too leads to collisions. Big interview: Inspector Dwayne Jones The high frequency of accidents is a clear indication that motorists are not properly utilising the roadway.” Inspector Dwayne Jones , head of the RCIPS Traffic and Roads Policing Unit PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 9» Cayman Traffic Troubles Bad driving contributing to clogged roads to s Head of Traffic and Roads Policing Unit Inspector Dwayne Jones. Police continue to issue thousands of tickets for excessive speeding. cayman compass 8 I issues TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2020“Once there is an accident, then obviously it will cause inconvenience the other road users. So, these are some of the situations that occurr on a daily basis where motorists need to (be a) little bit more alert whilst manoeuvring their vehicle,” Jones said. Demand for resources Jones said with the traffic situation continuing there is a strain on his resources. The unit is staffed by 20 people, of which 16 officers are deployed on the street on a regular basis. He expects a boost in resources to help deal with the demands his unit faces daily. “There is always a need for more resources and unfortunately we do not operate on a 24-hour basis now because of the lack of resources. The ccommissioner has assured me that he intends to increase the department. So hopefully from his end, things will [be expedited] and as soon as we get those resources, then obviously we will have a greater police presence out there from a traffic perspective,” Jones said. He said 2019 was a record year in terms of prosecutions by his unit which is not something he is pleased about. A total of 6,108 traffic offences were recorded in the Summary Court last year. More than 3,056 individuals were prosecuted for excessive speeding and nine people lost their lives in traffic incidents. Jones said those stats have no place in a small community like Cayman. “It is rather unfortunate that because of the negligence of drivers, we’re losing so many lives here in Cayman as a result of road collision,” he said, noting that nine people died last year as a result of collisions. “Unfortunately, two thirds of those individuals did not reach the age of 36. They were young people. We are losing our young people. We have to take due care in how we manoeuvre and be obedient to the road regulations. We cannot continue in this form by any means.” Jones said his team has recorded speeds as high as 107 miles per hour - more than double the highest speed limit on the island. “Where are we flying to? Where are we going? Slow down, because the life you save might just be your own. Slow down; think not just about yourself but think about every other road user. slow down. Be patient, obey the road codes and you’ll get where you want to go safely,” Jones advised. Multi-agency effort Traffic is an issue that, Jones said, has the attention of those in authority and a multi-agency approach is being taken to find a solution to the continuing congestion. He said a traffic-management panel, which comprises the RCIPS, National Roads Authority, the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, and the Department of Vehicles and Drivers’ Licensing, has been established to find a way forward on the issue. “We meet once a month and we look at traffic-related issues and the impact as it relates to the communities. We make some suggestions and try to find solutions to some of these problems,” he said. Jones pointed to the traffic changes implemented at the Red Bay roundabout as an example of one of the solutions that has been providing some relief for motorists. “We were there, and we looked at it [traffic] from a holistic perspective and that’s where the adjustment came in and it seems to be very effective as we stand now, because the flow of traffic is moving quite nicely in that area,” he said. Jones said a collective effort, not just from a police perspective, but also from a community perspective, is needed to address traffic. “In terms of the traffic- management panel we look at these issues and see how best we can draft up a plan that will work holistically for everybody,” he added. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 This police officer shows a driver the speed recorded on the radar machine. Police media relations officer Jodi-Ann Powery will be online at caymancompass.com at noon on Wednesday to take questions from readers about various issues, including traffic congestion. To find out more about these highly regarded academic and professional programmes please contact Marjorie Corbridge at marjorie.corbridge@port.ac.uk HR PROGRAMMES TO BE DELIVERED IN CAYMAN ISLANDS IN 2020 THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH is delighted to be offering 2 CIPD accredited HR programmes in 2020 • Masters in HRM (MSc HRM) • Certificate in HR Practice (CHRP) These are fully taught on island by Faculty with substantial Cayman Islands experience. Master’s in HRM (MSc HRM) Starting 27 April 2020 Professional Certificate in HR Practice (CHRP) Starting 19 May 2020 This programme is perfect for HR profession- als and senior managers who want to enhance their people management knowledge and skills and gain a Master’s degree in HRM. The Master’s classes are delivered on island over 2 years with 5 daytime teaching blocks in each of years 1 and 2 plus a final research project The Master’s will develop your professional knowledge and understanding of HR to a high level and also your business skills: YEAR 1 SUBJECTS: 1. Resourcing and Talent Management 2. Skills for Business Leadership 3. Organisational Learning and Development 4. Leading Managing and Developing People YEAR 2 SUBJECTS: 1. Managing Employment relations 2. HR in Context 3. Issues and Debates in International HRM 4. Researching in HR FINAL YEAR: Supervised research project This Certificate in HR Practice is per- fect for those working in HR or aspiring to work in HR, team leaders, supervisors or managers looking to develop people management skills and knowledge. CHRP classes are delivered on-island in 6 daytime workshops – 20 days of teaching from May to November 2020 The Professional Certificate in HR Prac- tice will develop your HR knowledge and skills in: 1. The role of HR and the strategic business context: 4 days 2. Managing performance and rewarding employees: 4 days 3. Managing HR information: 2 days 4. Professional Development in HR: 2 days 5. Labour law, discipline, dismissal, gender equality: 4 days 6. Talent planning, recruitment, selection interviewing and on-boarding: 4 days January traffic offences: (up to 28 Jan.) DUI = 16 Speeding = 194 Tint = 135 MVA = 244 cayman compass 9 I issues TUESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2020Next >