REGISTRATION: Opens at 6:00pm on Wednesday, March 11th at Salty‘s Bar & Grill at Grand Harbour REGISTRATION COST: $200 per boat which includes 4 anglers. Each additional angler $100 FISHING: 6:00am – 4:00pm Friday – Sunday, March 13th - 15th WEIGH IN: 4:00pm – 6:00pm by Salty‘s Bar & Grill at Grand Harbour AWARDS PRESENTATION: 7:00pm on Monday, March 16th at Salty‘s Bar & Grill at Grand Harbour NEW DATE & VENUE MARCH 13TH - 15TH, 2020 With over $55,000 in cash and prizes to be won and giveaways for all participants. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 75 CENTS | Funding local journalism | Monday, 9 March 2020 NEWS Panton, Bodden ditch Progressives Page 5 NEWS Public meetings on coronavirus planned Page 7 McLaughlin: Port project ‘almost certainly lost’ Page 2 Walkers ‘Light Up The Night’ for breast cancer Page 7 Photo: Taneos Ramsay Queen’s message on Commonwealth Day Page 4 Motorcyclist killed in crash with SUV Page 2Matinees (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. BAAGHI 3 (PG) 5:20 | 9:00 BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (R) 1:10 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 9:55 THE INVISIBLE MAN (R) 1:40 | 4:35 VIP | 7:00 | 9:55 VIP ONWARD 3D (PG) 1:50 | 2:40 | 9:00 ONWARD (PG) 4:20 | 7:20 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (PG) 1:35 | 4:05 | 6:30 | 9:40 THE WAY BACK (R) 1:30 VIP | 4:35 | 7:15 VIP | 10:10 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK MONDAY, MARCH 9 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 MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@compassmedia.ky The planned cruise berthing facility is in jeopardy after a Grand Court judge quashed the Referendum Law in February, Premier Alden McLaughlin admitted on Friday. He said the project was “seriously at risk” and “almost certainly lost”, given that the verdict will inevitably lead to lengthy delays. In February, Acting Grand Court Judge Tim Owen declared the Referendum Law incompatible with the Constitution. This means legislators will have to pass a new referendum law before a vote on the port project can go ahead. Government has announced it will appeal the decision. Speaking at the Royal Fidelity Cayman Economic Outlook conference, McLaughlin added that the legal struggles over a referendum deciding the fate of the planned cruise port comes in addition to other economic issues Cayman is grappling with, including the threat of a wider economic downturn, coronavirus and the EU blacklist. He said government had spent more than $9 million over seven years on the proposed port project, which he said was important to cruise tourism and many local jobs and businesses. To mitigate the impact of a global economic slump, he said, government needed to ensure Cayman’s long-term competitiveness and “that the things that are possible to be done right here in Cayman do actually get done”. In light of a “likely recession”, the premier said he was “still incredulous” that Cayman had put itself into a position where the project may not happen because of the resulting delays. He said he was not concerned about the cruise lines, which would be able to cope, but about the thousands of Caymanians and small businesses that depend on cruise tourism. “Without a cruise berthing pier, I am afraid that we must again expect the inevitable decline in cruise visitor numbers over the next few years.” He added, “Without the project, we will be exposing our economy – and our people – to more risk. And, in my view, totally unnecessary risk.” The premier said that in a period of “almost certain economic slowdown”, the case for the project was “even more clear and obvious”. The cargo element of the project was equally important, he noted, predicting that Cayman would struggle to import the quantity of goods it needs as the economy develops and the population grows. “Without the cruise berthing project, any future cargo port improvements will have to be funded by the Port Authority and the costs passed on, no doubt, ultimately to consumers,” he said. The premier added the firm commitment by several cruise lines would have delivered both the cruise and the cargo element of the port development at no financial risk to the Caymanian people, with the cruise passenger head tax used to pay for the construction. For more on the premier’s speech, see Business, page 9. McLaughlin: Port project 'almost certainly lost' Premier Alden McLaughlin speaks Friday at the Cayman Economic Outlook conference at The Ritz-Carlton. “Without a cruise berthing pier, I am afraid that we must again expect the inevitable decline in cruise visitor numbers.” Premier Alden McLaughlin Motorcyclist killed in crash with SUV The damaged motorbike involved in the fatal accident can be seen on the right. ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedai.ky A motorcyclist was killed in a collision in George Town early Saturday morning. Shortly before 2am, police officers and other emergency personnel responded to reports of the crash on Shedden Road, at the intersection with Vibert Bodden Drive. Police said the motorcycle collided with a Mercedes SUV. The bike rider, a 28-year- old resident of George Town, was transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the car was not injured, police said. Police have not released the deceased man’s identity, and an investigation into the cause of the crash is under way. 2 newsnews MONDAY, 9 MARCH 2020cayman compass 3 MONDAY, 9 MARCH 2020 Caribbean Fest Register today, space limited Date: Sunday, 29 March 2020 Location: Compass Centre Time: 12pm – 3pm Compass Media is excited to bring together the eclectic and varied tastes of the Caribbean to one event; Grace Flava Caribbean Fest . We’re inviting both amateur and professional chefs to present their best Caribbean dish. “Curry Goat, Oxtail, Jerk Fish, Festivals, Rundown; the more flava the betta!” $50 Vendors entry fee to reserve your spot Consumers will sample from each vendor and then VOTE for their favourite Flava! Winners will be determined by votes: First prize $1000 KY Grace prize $500 KY Winners recipe will also be published in our Flava Recipe Booklet Reserve your space: sign up and pay fees at Compass Centre front desk , 949 5111 ext 219es at Com f FridAY'S SOLUTiONS 123456 78 910 1112 13 141516 17 181920 21 2223 24 123456 78 910 1112 13 141516 17 181920 21 2223 24 Puzzle 16319 ACROSS: 1 Catch, 4 Dialect, 8 Rot, 9 In any case, 10 Operate, 11 Muted, 13 Stormy, 15 Blithe, 18 Sheer, 19 Explore, 21 Lost cause, 23 Tea, 24 Deplore, 25 Ditch. DOWN: 1 Curious, 2 To the fore, 3 Haifa, 4 Deaden, 5 Abysmal, 6 Era, 7 Tweed, 12 Tit for tat, 14 Morocco, 16 Eyewash, 17 De luxe, 18 Solid, 20 Plead, 22 Sap. ACrOSS 1 Paltry sum (11) 9 South American river (7) 10 Originate (5) 11 Grounds for regret (4) 12 Terminate prematurely (3,5) 14 Brick or stone debris (6) 16 Obstruct (6) 18 Uncommunicative (8) 19 Stylishness (4) 22 To express (5) 23 A work of lasting merit (7) 24 Self-important (11) dOWN 2 An armed robbery (5) 3 Lacking cordiality (4) 4 Mass departure (6) 5 Frightening (8) 6 One part of a TV series (7) 7 Willing to work together (11) 8 Wind-direction vane (11) 13 To abuse (3-5) 15 Support (7) 17 Bulbous flowering plant (6) 20 Plantain lily (5) 21 Indonesian island (4) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16321 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. cartoon Special Care - By Caymanman On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family. We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future. This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day. Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience. Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to see and hear how membership of the Commonwealth family means so much to those living in all parts of the world, often in places that are quite remote. Advances in technology and modern media have now enabled many more people to witness and enjoy - with remarkable immediacy - this experience of Commonwealth connection, in areas such as education, medicine and conservation. Looking to the future, this connectivity means we are also aware, perhaps as never before, that wherever we live, our choices and actions affect the well-being of people and communities living far away, and in very different circumstances. For many, this awareness awakens a desire to employ our planet’s natural resources with greater care, and it is encouraging to see how the countries of the Commonwealth continue to devise new ways of working together to achieve prosperity, whilst protecting our planet. As members of this very special community, on this Commonwealth Day, I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world. Elizabeth R. Queen Elizabeth II’s Commonwealth Day message Protect our natural resources Queen Elizabeth II The events of the past days involving high-profile personalities, and the subsequent attempt by MLA Ezzard Miller to bring some semblance of justice, sobriety and morality to what should be a clear and unacceptable outrage, led me to offer the following. In Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2), Mark Antony makes this observation: “O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts, and men have lost their reason.” Here Mark Antony is speaking of “judgment” as if it were a person and claiming it has left human beings for animals. William Shakespeare (the author of the work), through these characters, informs us that men have lost their ability to differentiate right from wrong – a persistent ‘greying of the area’ which seems ever present in Caymanian society at this time. It is this ‘greying of the area’, this sacrificing of principles for political expediency, which will exalt the Ezzard Millers in this instance and debase those who act against public decency and morality. When officialdom behaves idiotically, our collective voice should be heard. J.A. Roy Bodden Has Cayman entered the ‘age of unreason’? Letters to the editor What they’re saying Port referendum law quashed The will of the people. Govern- ment is there to serve you not to help themselves. – Paul Allan Max-8 plane arrives at Boeing facility in US Keep it out of the air until Boe- ing fixes all of the problems. – Allen McCracken ‘Nothing to fear’ over Italian cruise ship We have hundreds of people every day flying in from all over the US where the virus has now started spreading in numerous states. We would need to close all entry via ports and airports to even try and prevent it coming to Cayman. I think best to take the hand washing hygiene advice being given by the experts and not buy into the mass hysteria being created by social media and news networks. – Kary Claybourn Can anyone confirm if the pas- sengers were screened upon entry by our government? Also, are we 100% guaranteed that they are all free of this virus and passed any possible incubation period? Just a concerned citizen. – Melesia Adderley All I have to say is good luck be- cause it’s everywhere! Once again, the money means more. Sad. – Michele Vanderford Cayman is in no position to treat this virus, so why in the world are they allowing these ships to dock? I don’t understand. – Alyssa Gilbert Our hospitals would not be able to take the pressure of treatments if [the virus] ever hits the island. If it takes me two-plus hours in the emergency room to be seen, imagine [what would happen] with the coronavirus. – Enyer Rivers They will deny all when it’s too late. It’s better to deny cruise [ships] from everywhere till this deadly virus is cured. It’s spreading everywhere now. This is so scary. I just hope it doesn’t hit here. – Shan Jefferson 4RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Former PPM ministers Wayne Panton and Osbourne Bodden have resigned from the People’s Progressive Party. Over the weekend, the two founding members tendered their resignations from the party, which is led by Premier Alden McLaughlin, citing dissatisfaction with the direction it was heading. Neither man has been politically active in the party since their defeat in the 2017 elections. Bodden is no stranger to conflict within the Progressives. He found himself in hot water early in his tenure as health minister under the PPM’s 2013 administration, when he shouted at then Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn, calling her ‘driftwood’. McLaughlin, at that time, stood by Bodden, opting not to fire him and instead giving him the Community Affairs portfolio, with McLaughlin taking over as health minister. This is not the first time Bodden has left the party – he quit in 2009 after losing his seat and then rejoined the party in order to contest the 2013 elections. Both men’s resignations come at a time when the premier and his administration have been on the receiving end of criticism, especially in the wake of assault allegations levelled against House Speaker McKeeva Bush last month. Bush, who is alleged to have been involved in an assault on a female bar manager on 21 Feb., has taken a leave of absence from his Speaker role. Police have declined to provide any updates on the investigation, except to say it is ongoing and progressing. There have been no arrests or charges in the matter. Panton, a former finance minister who is now chairman of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority board, was present at a recent #sheissupported protest at the old Glass House, which was held to show the public’s support for the alleged victim and call on government to take action. Panton, speaking with the Cayman Compass on his resignation from the party he helped form – and also financially supported – said, “It was time to accept that the we do not appear to share the same principles and values, sense of justice and perspective, on what is best for the longer term interest of our country.” He added, “Recent events, which are very sad for the country, have personally made a very difficult decision easier.” Panton has also been seen at protests against the $200 million cruise berthing and cargo project. Bodden, in a brief comment to the Compass on his departure, said, “The PPM is no longer an effective political party to my mind, and, sadly, was sacrificed for political expediency ... that is not what I signed up for, nor do I subscribe to.” He said the same expediency is “now haunting what was a perfectly good political organisation, formed for the right reason ... For love of country.” While neither man disclosed what their political future holds, Bodden said although retirement beckons, “that same love of country burns deep in my soul, and I guess we will see what the future holds. With the right people, right goals and focus, who knows? The good Lord always has the final say and I will be guided accordingly.” The Compass reached out to McLaughlin for comment. The premier said neither Panton nor Bodden had contacted him, but added “I am being made to understand that they’ve left to start a new political movement and I wish them well." Panton, Bodden ditch Progressives ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Remediation of the George Town landfill is expected to begin this month, the Dart group has announced. On Wednesday, in an article that appeared in the company’s publication, the Camana Bay Times and on Dart’s website, the company stated that the process would include the capping of the main mound, stormwater run-off control measures, and the monitoring of environmental factors. The current mound, which has been expanding steadily since the 1970s, stands at 90 feet above sea level and is thought to represent approximately 40 acres of waste. “The first step in the technical closure of the site will be for tipping operations to move to a different location within the existing landfill footprint, freeing up the main mound to be capped,” Dart said in the article. In order to cap the site, the main mound will be covered by four layers of different materials, Dart said. “The waste will be covered with a layer of fill material similar to marl, then a layer of man-made low-permeability material. This is then covered with more fill and, finally, with a layer of topsoil to support the growth of grasses and shrubs that will provide an attractive green surface that is resistant to erosion,” the company said in the statement. To reduce a build-up of potentially combustible gases, a series of collection wells and pipes connected to a gas blower will be installed to draw gases from the waste mound. While a waste-to-energy facility is being constructed, the collected gases “will be flared off to destroy odorous or noxious compounds [as well as greenhouse gases such] as methane, which makes up approximately 50% of landfill gas”, Dart said.“The flare will be located beside the waste mound and stand approximately 10 to 15 feet tall. Landfill gas will be burned within the flare stack to avoid a visible flame and ensure complete combustion.” Government’s Integrated Solid Waste Management System will deploy a variety of options to manage the country’s waste, including the planned waste-to- energy plant. Once that plant is built, the collected landfill gas will be piped to the facility for energy recovery through a waste combustion boiler. In 2017, Decco Consortium, a Dart-owned company, was identified as the preferred bidder to implement the waste- management system. While Dart’s statement said it intended to control the stormwater run-off, and monitor air, surface and groundwater quality in and around the landfill, it did not provide any details on how this would be done. Dart: Landfill remediation to begin this month In order to cap the site, the main mound will be covered by four layers of different materials, Dart said . The 90-foot-high George Town landfill will be capped. ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky An East End man accused of attacking his friend with a knife appeared in Grand Court on Friday. Geoff Ryan Scott faces one count of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on 26 Feb. He pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent, but entered a guilty plea to a lesser charge of wounding. According to court documents, Scott and the complainant, who are known to each other, bought alcohol some time after 5pm on 25 Feb. and went to an East End residence to drink. Shortly after 11pm, they went to the complainant’s house in Bodden Town and continued drinking until after midnight. The file reads, “The information is that both men were drinking, when the suspect who was unprovoked used a knife to cause a wound to the left side of the complainant’s neck.” Prosecutor Toyin Salako said on Friday that the Crown would review Scott’s pleas, adding, "I won’t seek to guess the outcome, but it is highly unlikely the Crown will accept the pleas.” Scott’s case was put off until 20 Mar. He was remanded into custody. Man in Grand Court for wounding Wayne PantonOsbourne Bodden 5‘We have enough sanitisation supplies’ RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky One of Cayman’s leading distributors has assured that there are enough sanitisation products available to meet customers’ demands, and supplementary orders have already been issued to beef up local stocks. “We are ahead of this. We saw this coming three weeks ago when it started trending and we started putting things in place for our staff, as well as our clients,” Dax Foster, Progressive Distributors’ chief operating officer, told the Cayman Compass Friday. He said Progressive has a monthly roll-over cycle for the products it supplies, but “we have made supplementary orders to up the supply”. Foster’s comments come as Premier Alden McLaughlin announced Friday that Cabinet has agreed to a duty waiver on all hand sanitisers, face masks and surgical gloves. “The waiver is effective immediately and runs through to the end of 2020. I encourage merchants to pass on these savings to the consumer,” the premier said in his address at the Royal Fidelity Cayman Economic Outlook 2020 conference. He said while Cayman can minimise risk, “we cannot eliminate it. Therefore, we are also preparing for the worst. Make no mistake, if there is a significant outbreak here, it will have a potentially devastating effect on the health of the nation and the economy.” While there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Cayman Islands, the premier said, “Clearly, there is considerable risk” that the islands will see coronavirus cases locally. Foster said distributors have noted that items like Clorox wipes, hand sanitisers, Ecolab products, and cold and flu medicine have been moving “extremely rapidly” off local shelves. “That is an indication that local consumers are taking this very seriously. They are not waiting, which I think is a smart thing to do,” he said. Foster said his team at Progressive have also been topping up local restaurants and hotels with Ecolab dispensers and hygiene products. “We have seen an uptick in that for hotels and restaurants [and that is] a good thing because it shows indications that local merchants are also taking those things seriously, and another good indicator that they are committed to keeping customers safe,” he said. While Foster said that there are supplies on island, multiple grocery stores in Grand Cayman are rationing their cleaning and hand sanitising products because demand for such items, as well as surgical masks, has skyrocketed in the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak. Foster’s supermarket stated on its website Friday that in order to ensure products are available for as many people as possible, it is limiting the purchase of specific disinfectant products to two per customer. “For example, two Clorox Lemon Disinfecting Wipes and two Equaline hand sanitizers could be purchased at the same time. The products limited to two per customer are clearly marked on shelves,” the supermarket chain said. Dax Foster, however, cautioned that while the supply in Cayman is steady at the moment, consumers may have to reconsider the use of “convenience products” and revert to old-school methods of sanitising, like soaking paper towels in bleach and water instead of using handy disinfecting wipes, and using Dettol, when pricing and supplies become an issue. “We operate with a supply- and-demand challenge. I am sure that the retailers will be facing price inflation [because] the supply-and-demand model is so taxed right now. We are an [import] market; there is always other implications that would apply to us,” Foster warned. He said he is certain retailers and manufacturers will soon start placing a moratorium on certain products. Distributor: Don't panic buy RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s port leaders have issued assurances that, amid the global coronavirus outbreak, all health protocols are being followed, especially when it comes to cruise and cargo ships touching local shores. The announcement comes as Cayman is set to receive 31 ships – 24 cruise and seven cargo – this week. “For more than a decade, Public Health, Customs and Border Control, the Shipping Agents, the Cruise Lines and the respective Government Ministries have worked collaboratively with the Port Authority to prevent and contain the spread of infectious diseases in the maritime domain and to the Cayman Islands in particular,” a Port Authority of the Cayman Islands statement said Friday. The assurance comes as several cruise ships were placed under quarantine in recent weeks after passengers and crew members tested positive for COVID-19. Most recently, the Grand Princess cruise ship had been held off the coast of California after 21 people onboard tested positive for the coronavirus. The ship is expected to dock in the Port of Oakland on Monday. Last month, Cayman denied entry to the MSC Meraviglia, which was carrying 4,488 passengers and more than 1,600 crew. It had been scheduled to arrive in George Town, but the Cayman Islands government refused to allow the ship to dock after a crew member was placed in isolation with flu-like symptoms. Travel restrictions have been implemented locally limiting visitors with travel history to 13 countries, including China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy and South Korea. Cayman port officials said there is no need for fear once the public understands and knows what to do if faced with the virus. “We are doing our best to prevent it, but if not, together we are prepared,” the PACI statement said, noting there had been outbreaks of the Norwalk virus and “never has there been a known case of it spreading to the local community”. PACI added, “Cayman Public Health’s guidelines have been implemented and followed during the SARS, MERS and Ebola virus disease epidemics and the Cayman Islands remained safe. We would like to assure the public that we are still working together as the world faces the threat and spread of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19.” The Public Health Department has published guidelines, which PACI said, “we all can follow in an effort to slow the arrival of COVID-19 to our shores, or to contain it when it comes”. PACI added in the statement, “Cayman’s Public Health officials evaluate each circumstance and advise on the appropriate action to take, which can range from preventing the individuals from disembarking, to preventing the ship from landing.” PACI said there are procedures in place within the cruise industry to prevent a potential infection spreading between the ships and the Cayman community, including screening all passengers to determine if they have been to, or passed through, an area impacted by the virus, or if they have been in close contact with people who may have contracted the virus up to 14 days prior to the cruise. “If they are found to be a potential risk, they and their travel companions are not allowed to travel. Health officials observe the guests constantly, looking for evidence of respiratory or other illnesses (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing). Those with severe symptoms are also not allowed to travel. Should any illness arise while passengers are on a cruise, the information is shared with the Port Authority, Public Health and Customs and Border Control prior to the vessel arriving in Cayman,” PACI added. Port Authority: Protocols are being followed Cruise-ship arrivals scheduled for this week 9 March: 6 ships 10 March: 5 ships 11 March: 6 ships 12 March: 5 ships 13 March: 2 ships Twenty-four cruise and seven cargo ships are due in port this week. The Cayman Heart Fund has postponed its annual international symposium, which had been scheduled for next week, amid travel warnings over coronavirus. The symposium, which usually brings a number of international medical experts to Cayman, was due to be held on 19 March at the Margaritaville Beach Resort. The Cayman Heart Fund said in a statement it has postponed the event because many institutions are cancelling their travel plans for non-essential overseas trips, which impacted the presenters and doctors scheduled to speak at the symposium. The charity said the cardiovascular-disease awareness and education event, now in its 13th year, attracts more than 160 attendees annually. “We are confident in the next weeks that we can set a new date that will accommodate all parties and the event will be a success,” the Cayman Heart Fund said in its statement. International heart symposium postponed amid virus fears High demand for disinfecting products, such as Lysol, have left shelves bare in some supermarkets, leading to rationing of the items. 6 newsnewsPublic meetings on coronavirus planned RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky A Public Health England laboratory specialist is expected to be dispatched to the Cayman Islands this week to support local efforts to respond to the coronavirus threat. The news comes as Cayman confirmed that there were no cases of COVID-19 on island. The virus has infected more than 105,000 people worldwide and impacted 93 countries. Premier Alden McLaughlin, Health Minister Dwayne Seymour and local health officials plan to hold the first two public meetings in Grand Cayman this week to address concerns and answer questions about government’s preparations and response to the virus. The first Grand Cayman meeting will be held at the Mary Miller Hall in Red Bay on Tuesday, 10 March, at 7pm, followed by one at the Bodden Town Civic Centre on Thursday, 12 March, at 7pm. A meeting was held on Cayman Brac last week, and one is scheduled for Monday, 9 March, at 4pm, at the Grouper Room at the Little Cayman Beach Resort. UK offers Cayman COVID-19 help A statement from the Office of the Governor, issued on Friday evening, announced the intended arrival of the laboratory specialist, saying that other technical advice is also being looked at for Cayman. “Our relationship with the UK also enables us to have access to specialist support, including some of the best technical and scientific thinking in the world,” Governor Martyn Roper said in the statement. “I am grateful to Public Health England for their support and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that the decisions we take are based on the best available science.” A team from Public Health England, led by Autilia Newton, head of the Overseas Territories programme, was on island last week to discuss a number of healthcare- related issues, including the current situation with COVID 19. Newton and a consultant in communicable disease control, the statement said, have “been discussing strategies with the Ministry of Health, Environment, Culture and Housing and the (Health Services Authority). In particular, PHE are providing support to ensure that HSA’s laboratory services can be upgraded swiftly to enable on island testing for COVID 19.” The UK, it said, is also conducting modelling for the Overseas Territories to enable more accurate predictions of the likely impact of COVID-19, which will support the planning already being undertaken by the Cayman Islands government. Further support to the Overseas Territories was also discussed earlier Friday at a Cabinet Office Briefing Room meeting in London. Roper, the statement said, has just returned from a meeting in Miami with other Overseas Territories’ governors and heads of UK diplomatic missions in the Caribbean. At the meeting, a range of regional issues was discussed, including coordination of the response to COVID-19. Roper said, “There is a lot of planning going on in Government to ensure that the impact of COVID-19 on the Cayman Islands is managed effectively. We have high-quality health professionals in the Cayman Islands, in whom I and PHE England have full confidence, and our medical facilities are excellent." He urged the public to seek information on COVID-19 only from official government sources. “The risks of rumours and false information in this situation are real and we need to remain calm, act on official scientific advice and continue to go about our day-to-day business,” he added. The advice comes a day after Cayman port officials said there was no truth to a social media message being circulated on WhatsApp claiming that containers are not being allowed to be discharged locally. “Commerce continues as normal. The protocols of public health are being upheld and there is no need for fear or panic,” Acting Port Director Joseph Woods said in a statement to the media Thursday evening. He issued the statement in response to a voice message that was being circulated alleging that government is not allowing any containers to come into the Cayman Islands. UK lab specialist to join Cayman COVID-19 efforts More than 1,200 people took part Saturday evening in the Breast Cancer Foundation’s 10th annual ‘Light Up the Night’ beach walk. The event raised more than $40,000, which will be used to fund the foundation’s wellness programme. “Ten years ago, when we first started, we didn’t even have 100 people,” said Janette Fitzgerald, the charity’s chief administrator. “When we first started, our goal was simply to raise awareness about breast cancer. Now 10 years later, we have more than 1,200 people, and we are able to raise funds to help the patients affected by breast cancer, as well as their families.” Community shines a light on breast cancer Public meetings schedule Monday, 9 March, 4pm: Grouper Room, Little Cayman Beach Resort Tuesday, 10 March, 7pm: Mary Miller Hall, Red Bay Thursday, 12 March, 7pm: Bodden Town Civic Centre Beach walkers brave the encroaching waves during Saturday night’s ‘Light Up the Night’ fundraiser. Other participants chose to keep their feet dry by walking along West Bay Road’s tunnel. 7 March is gynecological awareness month. Early detection of cervical cancer saves lives. Ladies, get your PAP smear screening every other year or as recommended by your doctor. CICS has charity vouchers for those unable to afford to get these life-saving screenings. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the ad sponsored by: C A N C E R S O C I E T Y C A Y M A N IS L A N D S 25 ANNIVERSARY th Go to www.cics.ky for ideas on what you can do. For more information call the CI Cancer Society: 949 7618CAROLINA LOPEZ clopez@compassmedia.ky Men showed their support for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre by gamely slipping into women’s footwear Thursday to take ‘A Walk in Her Shoes’ in Camana Bay to raise money for a new shelter. Michelle Lockwood, director of fundraising for the Crisis Centre, said the idea was inspired by an event in the US called ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’. “We thought it might be a little much to ask the guys from the Cayman Islands to do a mile so we decided how about we do a couple of laps and that’s kind of where it came from,” Lockwood said. She added that the goal of last week’s fundraiser, one of the centre’s largest of the year, was to collect $50,000. “It’s been incredible watching [the fundraiser] grow. This is the fifth year we are doing it,” Lockwood said. “The first year we were expecting $10,000 and made over $50,000, and this year we are hoping for a similar amount.” Lockwood explained that the funds raised would be used to cover the ongoing costs of the centre’s 24/7 shelter, as well as to help build a new facility. The Crisis Centre offers shelter to victims of domestic abuse and their children. “We are in a stage now where we are looking forward to building the purpose-built shelter, which can offer the ladies a little bit more dignity when they are going through one of the most vulnerable times in their lives,” Lockwood said. Speaking just before the event began, Miss World Cayman Islands Jaci Patrick said she was excited to lead the walk this year. “It’s going to be my first time here doing ‘A Walk in Her Shoes’, so I get the privilege of actually leading the walk, which is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to see these men walk. I’m going to show them and teach them some moves,” she said. Patrick said the number-one tip she had for the men donning their stilettos and platforms was moving their hips. “It’s something that my pageant trainers have always said to me – hips – so move your hips. That’s my advice, and it’s going to be great,” she said. Participant Max Petkovsek, wearing white strappy heels with his blue suit, said that he has taken part in the sashaying fundraiser for the past three years. “The Crisis Centre can always use a hand, especially in building a new shelter, but it’s also good to see the community be out and about doing something good for each other,” he said. Men sported footwear of all kinds, from wedges and strappy heels to stiletto sandals. Some even donned dresses and colourful wigs to go along with their heels. There was also an appearance by some superheroes, with Batman and Robin using all their power to stay upright while teetering along Camana Bay’s Market Street. Some men struggled to finish the maximum five laps, with some giving up the fight as their sandal straps snapped or they couldn’t quite keep their balance. Patrick crowned Joey Alibangbang the ‘best catwalk’. Cayman men don heels for Crisis Centre Miss World Cayman Islands Jaci Patrick shows the guys at the starting line how to walk in heels. Andreas 'Zulu' Kettner, Joey Alibangbang and Brad Kuttner at the end of the five laps showing off their pink heels. The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre fundraising committee, Regina Ecclefield, Nic Makin, Michelle Lockwood, Ania Milanowska, Ariel Grace, Bridget Carty, Kelley Verwey, Kathryn Wild, Eden Jordan and Caroline James. PwC walkers Chris Hirst, Charles Bolland, Francois du Toit, Richard Pooley, Richard Crozier and Geoff Butler can't be missed in their colourful T-shirts. cayman compass 8 news N news MONDAY, 9 MARCH 2020MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@compassmedia.ky After years of positive economic growth, Cayman is likely to face an economic downturn that will come sooner and be more intense than previously thought, according to Premier Alden McLaughlin. A cyclical slump in the global economy, the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector, the EU tax blacklisting and the delay to the cruise port were all issues that Cayman must deal with in the coming months. “Admittedly, this year has not started well,” McLaughlin said in his annual ‘state of the nation’ address at the Royal Fidelity Cayman Economic Outlook conference on Friday. Since the beginning of the year, international organisations like the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development have revised their economic forecasts for 2020. Last week, the OECD said, even under the most positive COVID-19 scenario, annual global growth would be significantly lower than expected. In case of a more widespread impact of the coronavirus, countries like Japan or the eurozone could be tipped into a recession, and global growth could be as low as half of the original forecasts. McLaughlin said Cayman had to face the reality that these impacts come at the end of a sustained decade of global growth. “I had previously been warning that, in my view, a slowdown in the global economy was inevitable in the short to medium term,” he said. “The impact of COVID-19 is likely to mean that the timescale is shorter and the impact deeper than I had previously thought.” Although central banks are ready to respond, such as the US Federal Reserve which cut interest rates by 0.5% last week, Cayman’s economy is expected to take a hit, with lower- than-predicted GDP growth. “Much of the impact will be the result of a drop-off in discretionary consumption and, crucially for Cayman, reductions in travel and tourism,” McLaughlin said. “We have already seen a few planned visits from cruise ships being cancelled as Cayman tries to stay infection free. The longer-term impact on the cruise industry could be considerable. Weaker investment and the knock-on effects in financial markets will also impact our economy.” However, the premier added, “We are in a much better position than we were in 2008 to ride out these storms. Slowdowns are cyclical after all, and we shall be ready to take full advantage once we all come out the other side.” The fundamentals of the Caymanian economy were sound, he noted, but the country is also at a point in its development, where it needs to find drivers of future growth. Resilient economy Speaking to the Cayman Compass after McLaughlin’s speech, economist Marla Dukharan said Cayman’s economy is resilient and a benchmark in the Caribbean, with the lowest unemployment rate and debt-to-GDP ratio in the region and consistently growing in the past few years. Compared to the region, “the Cayman Islands is a huge positive outlier”, she said. “So, clearly, the government is doing something right.” Dukharan, a chief economist with financial technology company Bitt in Barbados, ascribes much of the consistent success of the Cayman economy to fiscal prudence. “Many, if not all, governments in the Caribbean, except the Cayman Islands, have people [who] believe that the government has to spend money to create jobs. That is actually not the case.” She said it is a fallacy propagated by governments that, at times, want to spend to expand their popularity. Because 80% to 90% of all things that are purchased have to be imported, most spending leaks out through imports. As a result, no country in the region has a fiscal multiplier above 1, meaning that every dollar spent generates less than a dollar of economic impact in terms of GDP. The same applies to Cayman, but, Dukharan said, Cayman has created the environment for private sector-led growth with a strong, stable institutional and regulatory framework, and an immigration work permit programme that allows the private sector to access the labour it needs. The former chief economist with RBC said she would not be surprised to see an economic slowdown in Cayman, given that global growth has been steadily declining and the fundamentals were already bleak, even without any impact from COVID-19. Tourism is also likely to slow down because of geopolitical tension and general uncertainty, during which consumers tend to hold off on discretionary spending. However, Cayman’s low debt- to-GDP ratio of 6% to 7% could, if necessary, give the government room to spend to meet development goals in terms of healthcare, housing or infrastructure, she said. And in the next downturn, the government would also be to step in with some countercyclical, fiscal spending to help those who are vulnerable and suffer the most. Premier: Cayman to face economic headwinds “Much of the impact will be the result of a drop- off in discretionary consumption and, crucially for Cayman, reductions in travel and tourism.” Premier Alden McLaughlin Premier Alden McLaughlin delivers his speech at the Royal Fidelity Cayman Economic Outlook conference on Friday. Christie’s International Real Estate named Provenance Properties Cayman Islands Affiliate of the Year in the Small Market at the network’s annual gobal conference in Palm Beach, Florida, last week. The population must be less than 275,000 to qualify as a small market. Sue Nickason received the award on behalf of Provenance Properties. Rick Moeser, Palm Beach- based executive director of the Southeast Region for Christie’s International Real Estate, said of the award, “Provenance Properties has undertaken an impressive brand immersion to align all marketing materials with the Christie’s International Real Estate brand. Since establishing their business in 2014 they have continuously grown in their market. In 2019 they successfully focused their efforts on increased sales and marketing.” All luxury brokerages enrolled in the invitation-only Christie’s International Real Estate network, spanning 49 countries and territories, are eligible for Affiliate of the Year honours. Criteria to determine the award winners are overall business innovation, market leadership, passion to succeed in the local and global marketplace under the Christie’s International Real Estate brand, and collaboration with network colleagues and Christie’s art auction house specialists. “We are honoured to have been recognised as the Affiliate of the Year in the Small Market category,” said Nickason. “We value our Christie’s International Real Estate family, and the support that both Christie’s and its affiliates provide us in telling the story about the Cayman Islands value proposition and our thriving luxury real estate market.” The evening was hosted in the ‘Gilded Age’ estate of industrialist Henry Flagler, since designated a National Historic Landmark and museum. At the conference it was also announced that the 2021 Owners Conference will take place 7-9 March, at The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman. “We look forward to extending our ‘Caymankind’ hospitality to fellow affiliates, and show them just why Grand Cayman is such a wonderful place to live,” Nickason siaid. Provenance Properties named affiliate of the year Provenance Properties Sue Nickason receives Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate of the year award. All luxury brokerages enrolled in the invitation- only Christie’s International Real Estate network, spanning 49 countries and territories, are eligible for Affiliate of the Year honours . 9 B businessNext >