$ 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, 7 February 2020 NEWS Cayman/Jamaica visa disparity flagged Page 8 Flu clinic opens following spike in cases Page 6 Post-quake repairs still being assessed Page 11 Cayman embraces new weather forecasting Page 12 Coronavirus border checks gear up Page 6Matinees (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) 12:30 | 3:25 | 6:35 | 9:30 BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (R) (FRI-SAT) 1:00 VIP | 4:00 | 7:05 | 9:55 VIP (FRI) 1:15 | 4:00 | 6:35 | 9:10 BIRDS OF PREY (R) (FRI) 1:10 | 4:05 VIP | 7:00 VIP | 9:55 (SAT) 10:15 VIP | 1:10 | 4:05 VIP 7:00 VIP | 9:55 DOLITTLE (PG) (FRI) 1:15 | 4:00 | 6:35 | 9:10 (SAT) 10:15 | 1:15 | 4:00 | 6:35 | 9:10 (SUN) 3:45 | 7:35 | 9:25 GRETEL & HANSEL (PG13) (FRI) 12:30 | 2:50 | 5:10 | 7:25 | 9:55 (SAT) 12:15 | 2:30 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 9:55 (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) (SUN) 4:00 VIP | 6:35 | 6:55 VIP | 9:45 VIP JUST MERCY (PG13) (SUN) 3:10 | 6:30 | 9:35 THE TURNING (PG13) (SUN) 2:55 | 5:15 | 10:10 WAVES (R) (FRI-SAT) 12:35 3:45 | 6:50 | 9:55 KIDS CLUB ALICE IN WONDERLAND (G) (SAT) 10:00 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY 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 CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky Protect Our Future members marked Global Wetlands Day on Monday by protesting the destruction of mangroves at an Old Prospect Road site after a developer removed the vegetation and filled the area without planning permission. The group met at the site with Martin Keeley, director of the Mangrove Education Project in Cayman, to talk about the significance of losing yet another mangrove site to development. “The Department of Environment has put together a Mangrove Conservation Plan. It’s been sitting in Cabinet for six months, seven months, and nobody’s acting on it and we need that in place so that there is some kind of control over this sort of thing because this is happening on a constant basis,” Keeley said. Keeley, who has worked for 20 years on an international mangrove action project, spoke about the significance of Cayman’s wetlands and the current lack of action in protecting them. He said that if the Mangrove Conservation Plan is approved by Cabinet, it will protect all mangrove species and allow the DoE to take enforcement action into their own hands. Mangroves act as juvenile nurseries for 60-70% of species found on coral reefs, and stores large quantities of carbon dioxide in their roots, Keeley said. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a mangrove, saltwater, wetland, or it’s a pond; most people see it as just swamp and [think] you’ve got to fill this swamp in because ‘that’s nasty because of all the mosquitoes’,” Keeley said. Protect Our Future member from John Gray High School, Jhadari Lumley, said she is a nature lover who is dejected to see the number of trees around her decreasing. “I think we should keep a lot of these trees because it gives us a lot more benefits than roads,” said Lumley, who is in Year 10. Yasmin Vernon, a Cayman Prep and High School Year 12 student and Protect Our Future member, said trees were being destroyed to make way for buildings, which shouldn’t be what Cayman is about. “I think we just need to start caring more about conservation and keep our natural assets that we have,” Vernon said. Another Protect Our Future member Luke Sell, a Year 12 student from Cayman International School, said he’s lived in Grand Cayman his whole life and is sad to see how the reefs have fewer fish. Sell said there is already a lot of underdeveloped space that developers could use instead of mangrove and ecological areas. “I would like there to be less lax zoning laws,” he said, adding, “I think they have to value what makes Cayman the way it is instead of building apartments that we don’t really need.” The mangrove area that was cleared in Prospect Point was confirmed by DoE to be an illegal clearing and filling of the site, for which the Planning Department has issued an enforcement notice. Chris Luijten, who has recently established the group Cayman Mangrove Conservation, said the powers at play that are in the position to effect change have not responded in favour of conservation. “The financial incentives to them is what drives their behaviour. It means the risk for them that is associated with destroying mangroves and filling land without approval is so low compared to the benefits, that even if in the last few months there have been countless articles in the news, public outcry, they just do it again,” Luijten said. Protect Our Future calls for mangrove conservation National Geographic wildlife presenter and author James Hendry is set to appear in Cayman this weekend for an event aimed to raise money for the National Trust of the Cayman Islands. ‘James Hendry Live, An African Adventure’ begins at 5pm on Saturday at Royal Palms Beach Club. The event is open to the members of the public, who can expect to hear stories of Hendry’s travels and global experiences with wildlife. He’ll be joined by National Trust Blue Iguana manager Luke Harding and Eco Drivers’ Aaron Hunt, who works with coral reef restoration. Proceeds go to the National Trust. Tickets are on sale at Royal Palms and the National Trust office. They are $65 for adults and $35 for children. Royal Palms to host night of conservation James Hendry Protect Our Future members at the site of clearing of mangroves at Prospect Point on Monday. James Hendry was born in Johannesburg and has over a decade of experience working in reserves in southern Africa. He has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science and a master’s in human development which focussed on rural people who live outside of game reserves. has written three books and is also a musician. “I think we just need to start caring more about conservation and keep our natural assets that we have.” Yasmin Vernon , Protect Our Future member 2 news N newsDisclaimer : FIN Grand Cayman features and amenities are based on current development plans and concepts and are subject to change without notice. Some services and amenities are subject to service-based fees or homeowner fees. ART DECO OCEANFRONT RESIDENCES INSPIRED BY THE SEA Single-Level and Multi-Level Residences Priced from USD 1,950,000 Reserve your private tour and discover the last word in luxury + 1 345 326 1400 fin@fingrandcayman.com Salt water lagoon Cantilevered glass-bottom pool Private beach Use of a centre console boat exclusive to residents Coral reef backyard protected by FIN Environment Project LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE! Only Four Residences Remain cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2020MLA Eden calls earthquake, coronavirus ‘warnings’ over gay lifestyle How lucky we are to have such a statesman among us. Other countries may be led astray by the siren calls of such ephemera as ‘human rights’ or ‘equality’ but we have Mr. Eden to keep us righteous. – John Harris Insanity. I honestly can’t believe that we have a government official saying something so foolish. Truly an uneducated statement and a poor reflection on our islands. – Steffen Pitta Christian values should begin and end with “Love God, love one another”. What consenting adults do in privacy is their business, not that of state or church. People like Anthony Eden should be looking at things like child abuse, domestic abuse, the economy, the environment. – Kathie Daniel Fertur Lux I am not sure if this is just complete ignorance or hate disguised as “faith” ... either way it is an embarrassment to the beautiful people of Cayman. – Dina Marie I thought dinosaurs were extinct. – Angela Ebanks The truly scary part is that he is duly elected by a popular vote. Let that sink in for a minute. – Roberto Silva Bad driving contributing to clogged roads If those charged with keeping law and order stuck to the rules too it might be half the battle won. But when police officers are spotted talking on their cells whilst driving, speeding in a residential area at 6am, then it is no wonder that everyone else has no regard for the law. – Joanna Maddison It would help if people didn’t tailgate and drive like they were racing in a video game. – Ivor Lee 244 collisions, 15 DUIs in January I wonder what proportion of these incidents were whilst drivers were using their phone? Come on, Cayman police, this needs to be sorted. – Nathan Green I wish people would only start using their indicators more. – Neil Bodden The government needs to install a reliable bus system, the current one is a complete joke! For God’s sake, the island is only 22 miles long. This can be accomplished. Taxis are too expensive, reduce the cost at night and people might consider using them when intoxicated. Stiffer penalties might get people to wake up and do the right thing. – Dennis St Claire We implore you [police] to get out there and encourage the drivers to do the right thing by being present more and giving more tickets! If you start ticketing the easy 20 a day for thinking they are on a racetrack, and to follow basic road rules, then you won’t see those accident numbers. All those tickets could actually pay the salary of the people giving them. And maybe try a different strategy other than sitting at the exact same spot and time on the southbound bypass every day. The police [are] nowhere to be seen in a proactive presence on the roads. Nor do they encourage good driving habits because they barely know how to use a blinker either. Mr. Jones, I believe it is the job of the RCIPS to protect and serve the public. I do not feel protected on the road. Far too many aggressive, idiot drivers with far too little police action. Been saying this for years. – Britta Bush There are so many things that they need to be doing, checking for insurance, driver’s licence, speeding, registration. – Wanda Viscount 250 in one month? Wow! I was in an accident last July within an hour of landing. Crazy drivers! – Becca Glenn I have noticed in Cayman it is like a free-for-all in the roundabouts and no one even turns their heads. – Julie Bell Hansel Um. Yeah actually I think we’ll all be surprised if something’s done, no matter who it is. Just do it already. – Angela Ebanks Slow down, people! – Bob Cooke I have observed lots of driving whilst using mobile phones. – Andy Marshall Cayman ramping up coronavirus response efforts Screen everyone. Even the cruise ship passengers. – Fernando Thompson As a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, on 31 Jan. the government of Antigua and Barbuda announced those who have visited China will not be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda until further notice. May be time to take note. – Verity Radford Traffic in focus: New Compass series We need to address the primary issue that everything is focussed on George Town and Seven Mile Beach. Decentralise business activities. This will enable the citizens that need to work at those facilities to travel to there and not to George Town. We can come up with hundreds of suggestions but the government needs to quickly set up groups to investigate options quickly (not take a year to come up with potential plans) – get citizens involved in coming up with suggested ways to resolve these problem – they probably have thought of a number of ways to improve things. Then present all the options to the citizens with details and get comments. Get the citizens involved as they are the ones who have been mostly affected. Once all comments are received then they need to have the option or options approved and funded. And only fund those that will help in the short and long run. One suggestion – moving the cargo port further east and set up port administration, cargo customs at that location and set up areas where businesses that utilise those services to move there. There needs to be a more concerted effort to decentralise activities away from George Town. – Peter Fratarcangelo Road to gridlock: 6,500 more cars in 2019 We have more drivers on the road due to a growing population which of course means more money is being made and spent here. Cayman’s biggest issue is George Town more than anything. It’s not only our business capital but also our tourism capital (talk about an identity crisis). It’s like a human-sized ants’ nest and with all of us worker ants who have had to move east since we can’t afford, much less find, property that’s affordable near town, gotta do the ole march every morning to work. So, limiting vehicles won’t fix it (I own three and am yet to drive all three at the same time). A good start is proper public transport with a long- term solution ... moving some or at least sub-offices east to remove some of the congestion out of the capital. – Brian Neil Dilbert 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Critical moment (5) 4 Guilty party (7) 8 A tough durable wood (3) 9 From one’s first look (2,1,6) 10 Eternal (7) 11 An assumed name (5) 13 Culmination (6) 15 Recurring regularly (6) 18 Immediately (5) 19 Great circle at 0∞ latitude (7) 21 Without suffering injury (9) 23 Grow old (3) 24 Impetuous person (7) 25 Throw out (5) DOWN 1 Commonplace (7) 2 Consistent (2,7) 3 To bait (5) 4 Rough in texture (6) 5 Soothing song (7) 6 Manage (3) 7 Timber (5) 12 Uncomfortable (3,2,4) 14 Set in motion (7) 16 Flow of electricity (7) 17 Technique (6) 18 Approximate (5) 20 Excessive (5) 22 Determined (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16295 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 16294 ACROSS: 1 Backstairs, 8 Mauve, 9 Write-up, 10 Meander, 11 Allot, 12 Odessa, 14 Sexton, 17 Uncle, 19 Rossini, 21 Bearing, 22 Lying, 23 Spellbound. DOWN: 2 Adulate, 3 Knead, 4 Thwart, 5 Imitate, 6 Spell, 7 Upstanding, 8 Mumbo jumbo, 13 Sterile, 15 Tuition, 16 Frugal, 18 Crass, 20 Salvo. cartoon Easy Gold - By Caymanman What they’re saying Online 4AMENITIES • 6 distinct dining venues • 12,000 sq. ft. destination spa & fitness center • 3 resort style swimming pools & jacuzzis • Fully serviced beach cabanas • State-of-the-art screening room • 25,000 sq. ft. indoor outdoor conference meeting space • Beach activities including snorkeling, diving & water sports • Grand Social Clubs • Variety of shopping boutiques • Steam & sauna room • 5-Star concierge service • Kids club • 24-hour room service • 24-hour valet • 24-hour front desk • 24-hour security • Plus access to Grand Hyatt services THE NEWEST WORLD-CLASS RESIDENCES ON SEVEN MILE BEACH UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT BELOW MARKET PRICES To put this in perspective, the Grand Hyatt Residences are pre-selling at an average of only US$933 per square foot for a 5 Star Internationally Branded Seven Mile Beach Resort! Compare this cost, to recent sales at a random summary below of other popular Seven Mile Beach condominium developments: Villas of the Galleon (built around 1980) US$1,509 sales price per square foot Pinnacle (built around 2000) US$1,323 sales price per square foot Ritz-Carlton (built around 2005) US$1,662 sales price per square foot WaterColours (built around 2014) US$1,805 sales price per square foot Kimpton Seafire (built around 2017) US$2,031 sales price per square foot Water’s Edge (built around 2006) US$1,376 sales price per square foot These are all current market sales taken from the CIREBA MLS system over the last year. The difference in comparable prices above represents a huge current upside in value of around 40% to 100% for a 5 Star Grand Hyatt Internationally branded resort residence. If you bought the least expensive Studio Suite at US$521,375, the increase in value over Seven Mile Beach sales prices, would be approximately US$200,000 to US$500,000 - TODAY! This upside is real and prevalent across all of the residences currently for sale at the Grand Hyatt and presents an unprecedented opportunity for future capital appreciation, as the Grand Hyatt progresses through construction. Why not invest into real estate with a great profit already baked in? Grand Cayman has been experiencing record breaking tourism, almost every month. We have a rare, high quality, family safe destination. The ongoing boom in development along with the infrastructure upgrades are continually improving the quality of life here – it gets better every year! Make a good investment, both financially and for your families future enjoyment, with a 5 Star Grand Hyatt Residence. Prices will increase with construction. Contact me now, while they are still at these very best prices! ATTENTION RESIDENTS AND VISITORS: Capitalize on significant appreciation, right now, with even more expected during development. 35% SOLD Each office independently owned and operated. CIREBA MLS 408412 - 408593. Member of CIREBA. Kim Lund - Owner/Broker 345-916-5555 kim.lund@remax.ky | www.caymanlundteam.com cayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2020Nearly 28% spike in January vs. December RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s Health Services Authority said there has been a 27.5% increase in the number of patients seeking medical care for flu-like symptoms in January when compared to December 2019. The HSA, responding to queries from the Cayman Compass, said 640 cases of “flu-like symptoms” were recorded in December. An additional 816 cases were recorded in January. No coronavirus cases have been reported in Cayman. The HSA has opened a temporary flu clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital. In a statement Wednesday announcing the clinic, the HSA said the Public Health Department is reporting higher-than-usual cases of patients presenting flu-like symptoms and has opened the clinic to coincide with the peak of flu season. “Flu-like cases in Grand Cayman are on the increase, which is normal during this time of the year. The period between December and March is usually the peak of the flu season when the highest numbers of flu cases are reported,” said Director of Primary Health Care Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriquez in the statement. The HSA statement said informational signage, face masks and hand sanitiser have been placed at the entrances of all clinics for use by patients that are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. The flu clinic will operate from 8am-4pm Monday to Friday with a dedicated physician to manage and treat patients showing symptoms of the flu. Williams-Rodriquez, in the statement, added that the single- best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are available at the Cayman Islands Hospital, all district health centres, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman Clinic. Williams-Rodriquez re- emphasised that the Cayman Islands does not have any cases of coronavirus and encourages all residents to practise infection- control measures to prevent the flu virus. On Tuesday, he confirmed to the Compass that a “very small” number of people who returned from China have been isolated in their homes and are under daily monitoring by public health personnel. Health officials indicated that the clinic would assist in keeping patients with respiratory symptoms separate from the general patient population. Visiting 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 CBC urges public cooperation RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s Customs and Border Control officers will be assisted by a Public Health Department staffer to handle health screenings during busy periods at local ports of entry. In a statement issued Thursday, CBC said the public health officer will help provide information to arriving air passengers and “will also be able to respond to airport staff queries and take any health matter forward”. It comes as Cayman implements measures to ensure the coronavirus does not reach local shores. This week, health officials confirmed that a “very small” number of people who returned from China are being monitored. These individuals are in isolation in their homes. Public health officials have been monitoring them daily. The coronavirus has been deemed a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. So far, 566 deaths have been recorded. There have been 28,396 coronavirus cases confirmed worldwide. There have been no reported cases of the virus in Cayman. CBC said frontline staff working at the airports and sea port have received medical briefings from the PHD on what measures to take to reduce their own risk, how to assess travellers’ risk, and the procedure to follow when travellers should be referred for medical assessment. “Following the advice of medical experts, CBC officers are not required to wear surgical masks as a standard part of the frontline uniform. However, masks are placed at the booths for immediate use in special circumstances. If individual officers feel more comfortable with wearing a mask, they are empowered to do so,” the statement said. The National Security Council and Cabinet held separate meetings this week to discuss Cayman’s response to the virus and what measures should be implemented to prevent any cases on island. No public statements have been issued on the outcomes of those discussions as of press time. Health Minister Dwayne Seymour stated at a press briefing on Monday that his ministry was seeking Cabinet approval for more than $1 million to purchase equipment and beds for a quarantine room. CBC Deputy Director Gary Wong said at that briefing that his officers are vigilantly monitoring those entering Cayman. He reiterated that position Thursday, adding, “CBC is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure our officers receive the resources needed for them to perform their duties.” He added, “We will continue to take proactive measures to ensure that officers throughout the department are trained and kept aware of any information received from Public Health in order for them to protect themselves and the people of the Cayman Islands.” CBC officers have been tasked to review passengers’ travel histories and to check for visible symptoms of respiratory illness, the statement said. “If passengers who are assessed warrant medical escalation, then CBC officers will request that the passenger use a surgical mask and wait in an isolated area until they can be examined by medical personnel,” the statement added. Acting Director of CBC Bruce Smith has said that CBC senior and supervisory managers at ports of entry will adhere to all Public Health Department health and safety protocols. “I strongly advise that the travelling public fully cooperate with landing officers and, as well, heed all official advisories and recommended health and hygiene best practices for the greater good,” he said in the statement. Border control gets health advice on coronavirus Cayman sees spike in flu-like cases Flu symptoms include Public Health Surveillance Officer Timothy McLaughlin-Munroe addresses Customs and Border Control staffers. • Frequent hand cleansing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser • Covering nose and mouth with a tissue or coughing or sneezing into a flexed elbow • Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections You can prevent flu virus by; cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2020As well as our commitment to recruit world- class experienced professionals, we are intently focussed on supporting the next generation entering a career in law. We are now recruiting for our Appleby Legal Scholarship. To find out more visit APPLEBYGLOBAL.COM/CAREERS APPLEBY LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP 2020 LOCAL EXPERTISE. GLOBAL AMBITION. Andrew Jackson | Senior Associate JOIN US. cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2020180 SHEDDEN ROAD (on the corner of Mary Street & Shedden Road next door to Moneygram) Premier: Resolution being pursued RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky George Town Central MLA Kenneth Bryan has called for swift action to resolve what he flagged as an unfair disparity in visa policy for Caymanian children travelling to Jamaica. Bryan raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly on Friday as he questioned government on the policy. Caymanian children are required to have a visa to travel to Jamaica, but Jamaican children under the age of 15 visiting Cayman do not need a visa. Premier Alden McLaughlin, who is also the immigration minister, said this matter is being pursued by his administration. “I am confident we will resolve this particular aspect of this thorny issue because it is a rather uncomfortable situation from both sides,” he told lawmakers. He said he raised the issue last August with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness during McLaughlin’s trip to Jamaica for the Denbigh Agricultural Show. “These diplomatic changes often take very, very lengthy periods to achieve what, you would think, on the surface, should be a relatively straightforward matter. But we are pursuing it,” he said. McLaughlin reminded lawmakers that visas and entry of people into the country are considered a matter of national security. “It is not entirely in [the] hands of the Cayman Islands government as to what visa requirements are. We have to get the approval of the United Kingdom,” he added. Even so, Bryan said, the disparity should be rectified. “I think it is only fair that if we allow the lovely people of Jamaica to come to Cayman, and their beautiful children, because they are our distant cousins, I think that it’s very important in a timely fashion that they do the same,” Bryan said. “If not, I encourage the government to take the necessary actions to make sure that our visa policy is a reflection of theirs.” He argued that he did not think it was fair to the children of the Cayman Islands who want to visit Jamaica that they should be treated differently on the issue of visas than a Jamaican child. Following Bryan’s statement, the premier questioned whether the MLA was suggesting a re- imposition of visa requirements for Jamaican children. House Speaker McKeeva Bush cautioned the George Town Central member on his response. Bryan explained that all he was suggesting is a “timely resolution diplomatically between both jurisdictions that offers up a fair and equitable solution to the people of Cayman.” The premier, in his response to Bryan’s original question on the policy, clarified that Caymanians who possess British Overseas Territories Citizen Cayman Islands passports are required to have a visa for Jamaica, “but if they also possess a British passport or a passport from any other country whose nationals are exempt from Jamaican visa requirements, then a visa is not required.” Cayman/Jamaica visa disparity flagged “I am confident we will resolve this particular aspect of this thorny issue because it is a rather uncomfortable situation from both sides.” Premier Alden McLaughlin RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The Commission for Standards in Public Life has said it is “encouraged” by the announcement that the long- awaited Standards in Public Life Law will come into force on 1 March. The law, which was first passed in 2014 and amended in 2016, has been in a state of abeyance, as Cabinet had not released a commencement date. A review of the legislation was announced following concerns raised by some members of public boards. Last Friday, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced the formal commencement of the law, adding that the regulations accompanying the legislation will be produced shortly. The law requires public disclosures of all interests by elected politicians, senior government workers and government-appointed board members. At present, legislators are required to file their interests in a register at the Legislative Assembly. Senior government officials are also required to file their interests, and those are audited annually by the Office of the Auditor General. In a brief statement to the Cayman Compass on the law’s commencement, the commission said it had provided input to the draft regulations and “we expect that these will be finalised soon”. It said that the making of declarations to the commission by ‘persons in public life’, identified in Schedule 1 of the law, is an important feature of the legislation. “As such, there will be an awareness/education campaign to familiarise the public with this requirement, as well as with the various other provisions of the Law. The Commission will also [liaise] with the Registrar of the Register of Interests, (Register of Interests Law, 1996), for the handing over of records as required under Section 36(2) of the Law,” it added. The original Standards in Public Life Law was passed in early 2014, but was not put into effect, largely because of complaints from appointed members of boards and commissions, who said the declarations required were too broad. Under the new amendments made in 2016, board members will not have to declare memberships in any professional group, charity or special interest organisation. They will, however, have to make interest disclosures for their immediate family – spouses and dependents – which 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. Ethics law enactment welcomed Police have issued traffic advisories regarding three events coming up this weekend. Motorists are urged to exercise caution on Walkers Road and Maple Road on Friday morning while Cayman Academy holds its Stride Against Cancer walk, which begins at 8:30am. Participants will travel from Cayman Academy on Walkers Road to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society on Maple Road, and back. The event is expected to be completed by 10:30am. On Saturday morning, St. George’s Anglican Church Mothers Union will host its annual Valentine Fun Run, beginning at 6am at Smith Barcadere. The runners and walkers will travel along South Sound Road to The Avenue, and then return to Smith Barcadere. The run/walk is expected to end by 8:30am. Drivers are also advised to be careful on the roads Sunday, during the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman's annual KiwaniBike cycle event, starting at 7am at the Blow Holes in East End. Participants will cycle to Smith Barcadere via Sea View Road, Bodden Town Road, Shamrock Road, South Sound Road and South Church Street. The event is expected to end by 8:30am. Weekend traffic advisories What is the Standards in Public Life Law? The law ensures the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct by persons in public life, which includes politicians, members of government boards and government staff. It also requires full disclosure of interests, such as assets and businesses, to guard against conflicts of interest. Changes made to Cayman/Jamaica visa policy 2005: All Jamaican nationals subject to visa requirements for entry into the Cayman Islands. 2011: Jamaicans under the age of 15 or over the age of 70 exempted from the visa requirement. 2015: Multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years introduced. 2017: Exemption extended to Jamaican nationals with valid visa for the US, UK or Canada for visits of up to 30 days. Kenneth Bryan cayman compass 8 news N news FRIDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2020Win a trip to Tokyo with your VISA ® Debit ScotiaCard . KY Kaled GironAlexander EliasLisaida Swaby-Oliva Current Scholarship Recipients Water Authority-Cayman is now accepting applications for its 2020 Annual Scholarship. The successful applicant could receive up to CI$30,000 to pursue an undergraduate academic or technical/vocational degree or diploma in a field of study relevant to the Authority’s work. Visit our website www.waterauthority.ky to apply today! APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 APRIL 2020 Investing in the Cayman Islands since 1983. Ash Wednesday Please be advised that the Cayman Compass will not be published on Wednesday, 26 Feb., 2020 For more information call 949-5111 or email at sales@compassmedia.ky | classifieds@compassmedia.ky AD BOOKING DEADLINES EDITIONDEADLINE Wednesday, 26 Feb. No Publication Thursday, 27 Feb. Friday, 21 Feb. Friday, 28 Feb. Monday, 24 Feb. Booking Deadline: 10am | Artwork Deadline: 3pm ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE LEADERS Apply to the Articles of Clerkship Programme today. maples.com/articlesofclerkship Being involved in a wide variety of work and getting prompt and pointed feedback is what I have found to be most valuable in my professional development. JOHN EBANKS ARTICLED CLERK | TRUMAN BODDEN LAW SCHOOL GRADUATE cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2020Next >