Our tender, crispy butterfly shrimp, served up in our Buttermilk Biscuit breading with our Red Pepper Jelly sauce. Pair it with a Signature Side and biscuit. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Friday, 13 March 2020 Princess Cruises stops sailing Page 6 Mozzie numbers rise with full moon Page 10 Work continues to extinguish dump fire Page 14 Cayman confirms its first coronavirus case Page 2 Premier Alden McLaughlin, centre, announces at a press conference Thursday that an Italian cruise ship passenger being treated at Health City has COVID-19 . - Photo: Reshma RagoonathMatinees (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. WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY BAAGHI 3 (PG) (FRI) 5:20 | 9:00 (SAT) 11:30 | 5:20 | 9:00 (SUN) 5:20 | 9:00 BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (R) (FRI) & (SAT) 1:10 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 9:55 BRAHMS: THE BOY II (PG-13) (SUN) 9:40 CALL OF THE WILD (PG) (SUN) 7:00 THE INVISIBLE MAN (R) (FRI) 1:40 | 4:10 VIP | 7:00 | 9:55 VIP (SAT) 10:45 | 1:40 | 4:10 VIP | 7:00 | 9:55 VIP ONWARD 3D (PG) (FRI) 2:40 | 9:00 (SAT) 1:50 | 2:40 | 9:00 (SUN) 2:40 | 8:40 ONWARD (PG) (FRI) 4:20 | 7:20 (SAT) 10:35 | 4:20 | 7:20 (SUN) 3:30 | 4:20 | 6:30 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (PG) (FRI) 1:35 | 4:05 | 6:30 | 9:40 (SAT) 11:10 | 1:35 | 4:05 | 6:30 | 9:40 (SUN) 3:45 | 6:30 | 9:40 BLOODSHOT (PG-13) (FRI) 1:20 VIP | 4:30 | 7:15 VIP | 10:00 (SAT) 1:20 VIP | 4:30 | 7:15 VIP | 10:00 (SUN) 3:30 | 4:10 VIP | 7:00 | 7:15 VIP | 9:15 | 9:55 VIP For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not IRON GIANT, THE (PG) (SAT) 10:00 KIDS CLUB 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 Casual indoor & outdoor dining with a local air. Family friendly & a ordable. 94-PASTA [ 947.2782 ] • Marquee Plaza Enjoy Dinner Tonight at Savannah or Seven Mile Beach Try One of Our Signature Dishes 623.2782 • Savannah location [][][] [] Try One of Our Signature Dishes B anana W rap S napper cayman compass 2 news N news FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2020 Cayman confirms first case of coronavirus RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The first case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the Cayman Islands, Premier Alden McLaughlin said at a press conference Thursday afternoon. The patient is a visitor - a 68-year-old man from Italy – who was transferred from a cruise ship to Health City Cayman Islands for a critical cardiac issue, the premier said. He was one of two sick passengers taken off the Caribbean Princess Monday. The ship did not dock here, nor were any other passengers allowed off. The Italian man was taken directly to isolation at Health City Cayman Islands, while the second ill passenger was airlifted to Florida. McLaughlin said the man is doing well and is still in isolation in hospital, adding, “We are confident that all the appropriate measures have been and continue to be taken and the patient poses no risk to the broader community.” The man was among six who had been tested for coronavirus in Cayman. Four tested negative and the result of a sixth test is still pending. The premier said an emergency Cabinet meeting will be held Friday to discuss expanding travel restrictions. “We will be extending the travel ban to include a significant number of new countries. I do not want to preempt Cabinet’s decision by going into those details right now, but we have spent the entire day dealing with a whole range of issues arising from the threat of this virus,” McLaughlin said. He said the closing of local schools is also under consideration. Government, he said, is in constant contact with businesses, schools and health officials. “We are going to have to make some radical and drastic decisions that are going to impact social behaviour, travel and, indeed, people’s economic circumstance, but we believe that unless we do so, the results will be potentially devastating, indeed tragic, for these islands. We will not allow, because of a lack of willingness to make hard decisions, the situation to obtain which is currently the case in places like Italy and the United States,” McLaughlin said. Prior to the start of the press conference, the premier and the panel demonstrated that they were taking their own advice to avoid handshakes and close contact, by greeting each other with elbow bumps. McLaughlin could not say if Cayman will close its borders, but said he was not taking chances when it comes to COVID-19. “We are planning for the worst while working very hard to do our best to ensure we don’t get there,” he said. Officials urge calm Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil, of Health City, said the patient had come to the hospital with cardiac disease and did not have respiratory symptoms when he was admitted. He said the patient had been getting better from a cardiac point of view when he developed mild respiratory symptoms. From that moment, he was in isolation. Health Minister Dwayne Seymour, at the press conference, warned against the spreading of rumours and fake news, following a series of inaccurate social media postings and messages. He urged the public not to panic and not to panic buy. “Our preparedness work is comprehensive on one front and it involves actions to minimise risk of exposure amongst the local population. On the other front, we are taking actions to make sure the public health system is enhanced and upgraded so we can treat patients in the event that we see cases of coronavirus in Cayman, as we now have. We are securing additional supplies and equipment at the present time. I can assure you we have enough clinical and personal protective equipment on island and for health facilities,” Seymour said. He said government has taken steps to advance order supplies, like beds and ventilators, to ensure healthcare providers have the resources they need. A public health meeting on coronavirus, which was scheduled for Thursday evening in Bodden Town, has been cancelled, as officials advised against attending public gatherings, including churches. “There will be some who say I should not say this, but if I were you I would stay home. I can worship God at home too,” the premier said. World Health Organisation leaders on Wednesday declared the outbreak to be “the first pandemic caused by coronavirus”. There have been 125,048 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across at least 117 countries, according to WHO. There have been 4,613 deaths associated with the virus. Healthcare officials assured that the country is prepared to manage any outbreak and that people should continue to follow the previously stated guidelines – wash hands regularly, cover sneezes, clean surfaces and avoid close social contact. The public can call the flu hotline 1-800-534-8600 to make reports. Additional reporting by Norma Connolly and James WhittakerDisclaimer : 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. fin@fingrandcayman.com + 1 345 326 1400 Reserve your private tour and discover the last word in luxury SECRET, CROWDLESS BEACH Beach cabanas, attendant and a private salt-water lagoon. DISCREET, RELIABLE, READY A full service team to care for your every need and safety. PRIVATE RESIDENCE ENTRY Private elevator access, private foyer, no corridors. WALLED, GATED AND LUSH A hidden oasis surrounded by tall privacy hedges. PRIVATE UNDERGROUND PARKING Gated with singular entry and exit access points. ART DECO OCEANFRONT RESIDENCES PRIVATE, SECURE AND DISCREET Two to four bedroom residences available at pre-completion pricing from USD 1.9M cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 20201234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Bitter and sour (7) 5 Large passenger ship (5) 8 From the original source (5-4) 9 Talk garrulously (3) 10 Be in need of (4) 12 Stealthily (2,6) 14 Set light to (6) 15 Filled with dismay (6) 17 Trivial (8) 18 Limited period (4) 21 Melody (3) 22 Manually clumsy (3,6) 24 Choose (5) 25 With justice (7) DOWN 1 Very bad (5) 2 Seed-head of cereal (3) 3 Object of ridicule (4) 4 Crevice (6) 5 Rooms rented to live in (8) 6 Terrifying experience (9) 7 A particular (7) 11 Wide open central area (9) 13 Brave and resolute (8) 14 Exaggerate (7) 16 Stag’s branched horn (6) 19 Having mouldy smell (5) 20 Brutal ruffian (4) 23 Encountered (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16325 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 16324 ACROSS: 1 Festival, 5 Mesh, 9 Cloud, 10 Flannel, 11 Shostakovich, 13 Circus, 14 Stroll, 17 Life-and-death, 20 Indulge, 21 Abide, 22 Glen, 23 Weakness. DOWN: 1 Face, 2 Smother, 3 Indisputable, 4 Affray, 6 Ennui, 7 Hellhole, 8 Pat on the back, 12 Scolding, 15 Outsize, 16 Adhere, 18 Fudge, 19 News. cartoon Not my problem - By Caymanman In his latest column, the governor gives an update on the Cayman Islands Regiment. Cayman’s first five officer cadets returned from their three weeks of training in Bermuda last week. Halston Farley, Theodore Kelly, Shanice Kelly, Gabe Rabess and Jonassi Swaby successfully completed two weeks of fitness, deportment, protocols and weapon training followed by a week’s officer-induction course to prepare them for Sandhurst later this year. Sandhurst is the UK’s top military training establishment. It provides the best training in the world. The Premier and I are working closely together on the establishment of a Cayman Islands Regiment. It will support our response to critical incidents both here and regionally. It is an exciting new prospect for the Cayman Islands. Every week it seems we think of new ways that the team, once fully recruited, will be able to support the islands. The provision of a multi-disciplined and skilled team of people who come together in our time of need to support civil authorities, clear roads, runways, get water flowing and electricity sparking will clearly be a great asset. It was a very proud moment for me in February when the first nine appointees gathered for a farewell and Commissioning event at Government House and soon we will come together again to acknowledge the first key training Regiment reservist recruitment begins in April achievement of the officer cadets – one of whom received a particular accolade for being part of the best Section. The hard work will be continuing – the next step is to start the recruitment programme for the first 50 reservists. We anticipate advertising at the beginning of April so if you’re thinking of applying start to think about getting fit – as part of the process you will be required to run a 20 metre shuttle run to a standard level. The new roles will be part- time and you will be paid for your attendance. All we ask in return is for a commitment to at least two weeks’ full-time training which, like the officer cadets, will be with the Royal Bermuda Regiment in July, and then a number of nights and weekends per year for continuation training and participation in relevant duties as required. You will also be required to deploy to support humanitarian and aid operations following crises both here and regionally. Joining the Regiment will teach you new skills and will be exciting. If you are good in a crisis, it could be for you. The Regiment is an excellent new opportunity for our youth. In the UK, private sector companies who provide reservists greatly welcome their employees coming back with new skills. This will be the same here. I have had a lot of questions about why the Regiment will carry firearms. The Regiment will be affiliated to the British Army and so arming them is part of the ethos of being a military unit. However, just as important is the overall discipline provided from maintaining and understanding weapons. Armed deployment is unlikely, but we have to be mindful there may be occasions where the personal safety of our Regiment needs to be protected, especially if deployed in the aftermath of a natural disaster. I’ve heard many stories about the invaluable support the Cayman Islands received from the region following Ivan. I have just returned from a meeting in Miami of UK High Commissioners and Governors in the Caribbean. There was praise for the contribution of Cayman following Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Dorian last year as we sent our helicopter, medical aid, personnel and provisions. The establishment of the Regiment will continue our long- standing history of supporting our neighbours in their time of need. We will soon be able to deploy a group of specially skilled people as part of that relief effort. Following our recent earthquake and as we gear up to deal with the possible effects of the COVID 19 situation, I am reminded that developing the Regiment will bring many benefits and help keep these islands safe. This is a milestone in our history and I appreciate the strategic vision of the Premier and Cabinet in providing the necessary resources and political support. I hope the people of Cayman will strongly support it as the initiative continues and grows. Martyn Roper Governor Martyn Roper Governor Members of Cayman’s Regiment during training in Bermuda. cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2020cayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2020 The art of winning. Discover your masterpiece with Provenance Properties. Provenance Properties is proud to be named a Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate of The Year. Our curated network of property specialists are trusted advisers in the art of connecting buyers and sellers of fine homes. Call +1.345.640.7000 or visit the website. provenanceproperties.com christiesrealestate.com MEMBER OF CIREBAThe Regal Princess cancelled its call to Grand Cayman Thursday. Princess Cruises has announced it is cancelling sailings for two months. cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2020 Imagine an employer who shares your ambitions. In order to deliver the high-quality services for which we are known, Harneys requires exceptional people. Harneys is now accepting applications for the following: articled clerk training programme student scholarship summer internship programme Closing date: 31 March 2020 Join Harneys, a global offshore law firm with entrepreneurial thinking. Find out more at harneys.com/careers Pineau: It will have significant impact RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises have announced that they are cancelling their sailings in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Princess, which regularly makes calls to Cayman, on Thursday afternoon said it was suspending the global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months with immediate effect. The voluntary pause impacts voyages departing 12 March to 10 May. Earlier on Thursday, Viking announced it was cancelling its cruises through 30 April. Viking does not include Cayman on its regular call schedule. The Regal Princess, which is owned by Princess, had been expected to call at Grand Cayman Thursday, but by lunch the ship was recorded as ‘missed’ on the Port Authority of Cayman Islands ship schedule. Six Princess cruise ships, including the Regal, had been scheduled to stop in the Cayman Islands over the next two months. Chamber of Commerce CEO Wil Pineau, commenting on the cruise lines’ decision, said it will have “significant impact” for the Cayman Islands. “We hope that, over time, with the measures that are in place, things will be able to return to normal once the virus is under control. It is going to impact various aspects of the economy, from tours, tour operators and small businesses. The cruise industry is an important part of the economy. Sadly, we will begin to see the impact for many businesses,” Pineau said. Pineau, who is the chair of the economic continuity subcommittee for support services under the National Emergency Operations Centre, said the Department of Tourism has been monitoring the situation and looking at the implications. He added that the Chamber would be meeting with the department to discuss the cruise lines’ announcement. “From an economic continuity standpoint, the government is taking measures to address the aspect of the impact for businesses and for workers who may be displaced as a result of the downturn in business from the cruise industry,” he added. However, Pineau pointed out that the current actions of the cruise lines were not unexpected, especially in light of US President Donald Trump’s suspension of travel to Europe. “The reality is, certainly, we understand the reason why the cruise lines have taken the action that they have, based on President Trump’s announcement in the US about travel. The most important aspect is to keep the community safe and they [cruise companies] feel that this will help keep their passengers safe,” he said. In its statement, Princess Cruises, which is owned by Carnival Corporation, said the decision was taken as an “proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19” and was out of an abundance of caution. In a video posted on YouTube, Jan Swartz, the president of Princess Cruises, said that “while this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values”. She said Princess Cruises serves more than 50,000 guests daily from 70 countries. “By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world,” said Swartz. Princess Cruises said that those currently on board a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through the end of the itinerary so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted. “Current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements. Princess will do everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible,” it added. “During this time, our operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for guests and crew on board,” the cruise line said. Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice, as well as to cruise credits which can be applied to the fare or on-board expenses. Princess Cruises said it plans to be back in operation beginning with cruises departing 11 May 2020. Cruise lines suspend sailingscayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 13 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 atCom f cayman compass 8 FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2020 Use your Scotiabank Mastercard ® * credit card for all your everyday purchases between March 9 and April 24, 2020 for a chance to win a Priceless trip to UEFA Champions League Final Istanbul 2020 courtesy of Mastercard. For full contest details visit www.myscotiatrip.com WIN an extraordinary trip from your ordinary purchases. Mastercard is an official sponsor of UEFA Champions League. *Terms and conditions apply. Education officials deny school virus rumour Premier: ‘It is downright evil’ RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The Department of Education Services issued a statement Wednesday evening denying a rumour circulating through a WhatsApp message of a case of coronavirus being found at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC). A WhatsApp message claimed that a teacher at CIFEC had contracted coronavirus. The DES refuted the claim and advised the public that government schools remain open and fully operational, despite the false information being disseminated. Premier Alden McLaughlin said the rumour had caused alarm in the community and the matter had been reported to the police. He pointed out that it was a criminal offence to deliberately create fear and alarm, and said the WhatsApp message had “upset many people”. “These are gravely serious times,” he said. “This kind of behaviour is not merely mischievous, it is downright evil. It cannot be allowed to continue and has been reported to the police.” The audio message featured a female voice claiming that a teacher had contracted COVID-19. DES director Tammy Hopkins appealed to members of the public “to desist from spreading unsubstantiated information that will only incite fear and panic among the general population. We must all strive to act responsibly while we remain vigilant and proactive as concerned citizens.” It is just one of a series of rumours and false information that has been circulating within the community about the virus, prompting officials to issue responses. The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared COVID-19 a pandemic. According to the WHO, a pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations. As of Thursday, 114 countries had confirmed cases of the virus including, in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, and Jamaica, Cayman’s nearest neighbour, which has two cases. CIFEC/DES addresses WhatsApp message CIFEC director Delores Thompson, in the DES statement, assured students and parents that the school would have been informed if any member of staff was being isolated, quarantined or tested for coronavirus. “The safety of staff and students is of utmost importance to us, and should the current situation change we will update everyone,” Thompson said. DES director Hopkins added that all schools had received coronavirus response procedures “as a precautionary measure”. She said schools will adhere to these procedures “to ensure the well-being of students and staff. We are committed to keeping parents, guardians and the wider public well- informed of any developments as they arise.” Hopkins added, “As educators, we are also child-care practitioners, therefore we take this matter very seriously as our priority is always what is best for our students, including their health and safety.” “This kind of behaviour is not merely mischievous, it is downright evil. It cannot be allowed to continue and has been reported to the police.” Premier Alden McLaughlin Officials confirmed Wednesday that no cases of coronavirus had been reported at CIFEC.cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2020 Customer Announcement Re: Interest Rate Adjustments Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. wishes to advise that due to the announcement by the Federal Reserve to decrease the federal funds rate by 0.50%, on March 3, 2020, the following changes will occur: • USD Prime Rate decrease from 4.75% to 4.25%, effective March 9, 2020 • KYD Prime Rate decrease from 4.75% to 4.25%, effective March 9, 2020 All products linked to USD and KYD Prime Rates will be adjusted on the effective dates indicated. More people than ever are switching to Logic to get more. What are you waiting for? • The Fastest and Most Reliable Fibre Internet • Up To 30% Savings Versus The Competition • The Highest Quality TV Entertainment • The Best Customer Service BEYOND EXPECTATIONS Your life connected | 745.5555 FIBRE INTERNET | TV | PHONE | LOGIC.KYNext >