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FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Changes to Cayman’s immigration laws will allow employers to file work-permit renewal applications online, without the need for new police clearance and medical certificates The amendments to the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment) Bill, approved by legislators Thursday, also include similar provisions for permanent residency applications. Premier Alden McLaughlin said the measures would allow businesses and employees to renew their right to work despite the closure of government offices and restrictions on unnecessary movement in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know a big part of Cayman’s workforce is made up of persons on work permits – many thousands of them,” he said. “There are always applications for work permits, renewals and various immigration- related procedures going on at any given time.” He said this law would allow all those applications to be processed. There will be a 30-day grace period for people whose permits expired in the last month while the new process was being established. The changes were introduced alongside previously planned tweaks to the immigration rules, which the premier said would help protect Caymanians in the workforce. Government has created a new online jobs portal where employers will be legally required to advertise any vacant positions and work- permit renewals. He said businesses would have to give reasons if a Caymanian applicant was rejected and a work- permit application was later filed. The premier said this was “especially important” now that so many Caymanians were unemployed as a result of the economic collapse caused by the shutdown of businesses and travel to contain the virus. The portal replaces an existing requirement to advertise vacancies in the local newspaper and will facilitate closer government monitoring of the process. Advertising in the paper is still optional. The premier added, “I am hoping we will be able to use this experience to improve the overall service to Caymanians who are seeking job opportunities and who are hoping and praying that their applications with various employers will be treated fairly, as well as to expedite the processes for work- permit applications, Caymanian status and permanent residency applications.” Opposition leader Arden McLean lent his support to the changes. He said government should double its efforts to ensure employers complied with the mandate to put Caymanians first in the workplace. “It is now more important than ever in all our history that, because this economy has had to be shut down, that there will be no excuses. None. Caymanians must be hired first and excuses must stop,” McLean said. He acknowledged that immigration and integration were needed in some sectors and had been part of Cayman’s history, but said work-permit holders should be displaced if necessary to help get Caymanians back to work. “I agree with this [legislation], with the proviso that Caymanians come first and we make provisions in a humane manner to get the people out of here that no longer [have jobs] or have been displaced by Caymanians,” he said. The bill was unanimously approved to go to the next stage of the process, with several legislators vocally expressing support, some dialling into the session via Zoom video-link. On Wednesday, legislators had voted to changed the Legislative Assembly’s standing orders to allow for lawmakers to attend LA sessions via video-link in the event of emergencies. In this screengrab from video, temporary Speaker of the House Anthony Eden presides over a meeting of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Changes to work-permit process approved The changes were introduced alongside previously planned tweaks to the immigration rules, which the premier said would help protect Caymanians in the workforce . cayman compass 2 news N news FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 20201234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Clad (7) 5 Promote interests of (5) 8 Mock (4,3,2) 9 Pull hard repeatedly (3) 10 Deceive (4) 12 Nearby (8) 14 Trenchant wit (6) 15 Whim (6) 17 Finally (2,6) 18 Large group of cattle (4) 21 Place of confinement (3) 22 Recklessly bold (9) 24 General tendency (5) 25 Issue from a source (7) DOWN 1 Roman god of love (5) 2 A sturdy timber (3) 3 Handle of dagger (4) 4 To divest of covering (6) 5 Act of treachery (8) 6 Declining (2,3,4) 7 Stringently (7) 11 Peevishness (9) 13 Caribbean island (8) 14 Remain where one is (4,3) 16 Die of hunger (6) 19 To research (5) 20 Notion (4) 23 By way of (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16361 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. TODAY'S SOLUTIONS Puzzle 16361 ACROSS: 1 Clothed, 5 Boost, 8 Poke fun at, 9 Tug, 10 Dupe, 12 Adjacent, 14 Satire, 15 Vagary, 17 At length, 18 Herd, 21 Pen, 22 Daredevil, 24 Trend, 25 Emanate. DOWN: 1 Cupid, 2 Oak, 3 Haft, 4 Denude, 5 Betrayal, 6 On the wane, 7 Tightly, 11 Petulance, 13 Trinidad, 14 Stay put, 16 Starve, 19 Delve, 20 Idea, 23 Via. cartoon Jake Fuller When I go out on one of my designated shopping days, I see cars parked in front of residences and I see empty parking lots at retail establishments, office buildings, bars and restaurants. I see folks here and there out exercising and walking their dogs. I see a few cars on the road, not many. I see folks making the best of their current situations. When I sit in my yard, I hear the neighbours playing cricket in their yard. I smell food on the grill and I hear Rooster FM on the radio of a neighbour tending to their garden. I hear roosters crowing, chicks chirping and birds singing. I hear the police helicopter overhead. I don’t hear cars on the road. I see roughly 68,000 people complying with the new laws. I see 68,000 people trying to make do with what they have. I see far more compliance than non-compliance. This should be a source of pride and accomplishment for our leaders. Instead, they are threatening us with complete lockdown for 21 days and the loss of access to the beaches indefinitely. With all this in mind, I respectfully request the return of the beaches to the public: 67,750 people are complying (based on previously reported figures) and should receive access to the beaches and ocean – with strictly defined and implemented rules for personal distancing and groups – as our reward. The government can ticket, fine and prosecute anyone who does not conform. Job well done, Cayman! Stay home to save lives. Brandy Flanagan One of the big Cayman banks has forced us to close our bank account, because we do not have a job on Cayman, and do not own property. We visit Cayman from the US a few times a year, and spend money, for our two-to-three- week stays. Our account was always up to date, and used when we visited, to pay for food, resorts and local business, etc. Seems like the bank wants us to stop visiting Cayman. Donald Betts I am absolutely shocked when I still see groups of individuals still together, when I see individuals grouping for a barbecue, or all the cars on the road. Where are the cars all going? I will now explain why I wrote in. Please can anybody explain as to why a criminal advocate/duty counsel is not an essential service? I am puzzled, for example, if an individual is in police custody and being interviewed, how is he/she to have an attorney there to give advice, if the attorney is not deemed to be essential? I understand that interviews are being conducted with no attorney being present. Let me think, is this lawful? Breach of a fundamental right, let’s not mention civil liberties. The police are essential, ... prosecutors are essential but not the attorneys that defend, a most interesting situation! On to a more positive note, may I thank his Hon. Dwayne Seymour; he is doing an excellent job, he is the right man for the job, he brings us all together, an island with many nationalities. Our minister speaks two different dialects at each briefing, good on him; this shows compassion for others and respect. I say to those that have been vile and nasty to grow up and show some respect. This man, this government, along with the governor, the police, the Health Services Authority and others, have saved our lives. Please, do not ever forget that. Our Hon. Alden McLaughlin is our Winston Churchill. Thank you. Keith Myers Fraser to be inducted into UF athletic hall of fame I think it’s time for govern- ment to allow the elite swimmers on the national team in Cayman, that could possibly qualify for the Olympics next year, to be able to swim. Let’s try keep their dream alive – there are not many of them and they could certainly social distance in the sea or pool. – Sally Brooker Cayman Food Bank opens pantry in East End So what about North Side? I have been home almost five weeks and I have not seen or heard from anyone ... I hope some good Sa- maritan reads this and passes it on. – Winsome Prendergast UK military team to support logistics Would have been more benefi- cial to recruit doctors and nurses, considering the majority of the people on island are complying with the rules. – Clifford Chotan Thousands to be tested in new COVID-19 strategy Can we please ask for a break- down of the positive cases by age group? – Melanie Carmichael And what if they don’t want to be tested? They will be forced? – Jadie Forbes Dart CEO: We’re here to stay People seem to forget that the Dart brand has been in the Cay- man Islands in excess of 25 years and he is a Caymanian. He has invested into this island and, of course, profited as well; however, what he has developed can’t be put in a container and shipped off the island. I remember when West Bay Road was bumper-to-bumper traffic, like what the residents of the eastern side of the island face in the morning, prior to COVID-19. Mr. Dart, many of us appreci- ate what you have done and are doing to assist us in this most difficult time. Ms. Olde is another awesome individual who loves these islands and steps up when the need arises. May God bless you all. – Elaine Patti Perhaps they can offer some help to dive companies unable to keep going. Don Foster’s, for example. There are enough love- ly new roads and pretty parks in Camana Bay. Look after the Caymanian founders. – Jilly Hoggins Please reopen the beaches Defence attorneys should be considered essential Visitor says bank made him close Cayman account Letters to the editor What they’re saying cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky A month into Cayman’s coronavirus-suppression measures, only a handful of people have been prosecuted for breaching hard and soft curfews. Only cases where the defendant is arrested, usually when other criminal offences are also involved, are being brought to court. Files on hundreds more defendants, who have been stopped at roadblocks or by officers on patrol, are mounting at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Those people will be issued a summons to appear in court if and when the DPP pursues charges. While much of the activity at Grand Court has been suspended because social-distancing regulations make it impossible to host jury trials, the Summary Court is operating via video-link. Defence attorneys have not been designated as ‘essential personnel’ but they are able to attend hearings and be ‘present’ at police interviews using Zoom. Prathna Bodden, a partner at Samson Law, said the system was working smoothly for the most part, given the circumstances. Curfew confusion Confusion remains around some of the curfew laws and Bodden believes many cases sent to the DPP may ultimately be withdrawn. She said her firm has dealt with a handful of curfew-breach arrests which are working their way through the system, and also has had numerous calls from people who have been stopped by police. “While there have been some straightforward breaches,” she said, “there have been other cases where people were confused about the regulations or where they believe the police have simply got the rules wrong.” She said some complained that they were stopped for exercising outside of their allotted ‘alphabet day’, although exercise is not restricted under that aspect of the regulations. Others had indicated they were warned for prosecution while going to pick up food, which is also exempt from the alphabet restrictions. “I think when the DPP reviews some of those cases, there is going to be quite a few that are withdrawn,” she said. Bodden said there had been plenty of “straightforward breaches”, but there were also some borderline cases where there was genuine confusion or ambiguity in the rules. For some, including those who don’t speak English as a first language, following the details of the new laws is a challenge. And while many people are glued to the daily government briefings, thousands of residents work all day and may not be fully up to date. Bodden said there were some areas where the law was creating genuine difficulties; for example, for essential staff who work on their allotted shopping days and can’t get to the supermarket. While some stores have designated Sundays for their employees to shop, it is not clear that there is any legal exemption to the hard curfew or the Sunday Trading Law that technically allows this. Poor more impacted Amelia Fosuhene, a barrister with Brady Law, said it was right that in most cases people were being warned for prosecution at a later date rather than arrested and brought to court immediately. “They have got six months to prosecute,” she said, adding that it would defeat the object of the regulations to cram large numbers of people into the detention centre. She said most people should be aware of the curfew rules by now and warned that ignorance of the law would not be considered a legitimate defence. “It is not rocket science; everybody is telling you, don’t go out,"she said. She added that it would be wise for people to listen to the daily updates so they can avoid breaking the laws by mistake or through lack of knowledge. She acknowledged there were some that would “chance their arm” and put others at risk despite the curfew rules. There are also cases, she believes, where people are simply victims of circumstance and find themselves risking a fine to seek a much-needed meal. “It is unfortunately the poorer end of society that is finding itself on the receiving end of these measures in some instances,” she said. “If you have no job and no income and someone is offering you a free meal to pick up, you might consider that an emergency – the police may not.” While in most cases those kind of offences are punishable by on-the-spot fines, that is not necessarily any comfort. “In a time when people are not able to work and in a time where people are requiring assistance to pay for food and to pay rent, a large fine is not going to help,” Fosuhene said. Clarity is vital Oliver Grimwood, a barrister at Barton Attorneys, said he was seeing similar patterns. He said the vast majority of cases involving simple curfew breaches were being deferred to a later date. Most defendants were being “warned for prosecution” and would receive a summons to appear in court within six months. “While some breaches may be clear-cut, many others may not. The first time an individual may be aware of exactly what it is they are being accused of is many months later,” he said. Grimwood added that there were areas of the regulations, particularly relating to exercise allowance, that he believes are unclear or ambiguous. “When the population is being asked to comply with these new requirements for the public good, but on pain of possible imprisonment, clarity is vital, not only as to what is expected of us, but also what breaches are alleged, and whether or not you will be prosecuted,” he said. Curfew cases mount, but few court appearances yet cayman compass 5 N news FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020 Cable & Wireless/Flow Cayman understands the importance of supporting our communities during these challenging times and is proud to announce that the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation (CWCF) has joined forces with Flow and One on One Educational Services Limited to provide FREE access to Flow Study for ALL schools and students in the Cayman Islands from now through June 15, 2020. Flow Study provides students access to the comprehensive virtual education platform, offering a wide array of content and enabling them to continue their studies at home during the COVID-19 crisis. It is extremely important that students across the region continue to have access to the education they deserve and that there is minimal disruption to their learning. “On behalf of all our students, the Ministry of Education and Government of the Cayman Islands, I commend the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation and Flow Cayman for answering the call to support our students in need. Flow Study is innovation exemplified and a strong example of good corporate citizenship in practice. Now is the time for our nation to unite more than ever and work together to overcome these unprecedented times which challenge our very survival. Initiatives like Flow Study instills hope that we can and will get through this successfully. We are undoubtedly stronger as one Cayman,” expressed the Honourable Juliana O’Connor- Connolly, Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands. Students age 5 to 18 will have access to the curriculum used in their schools. Access is available via Flow Study e-Learning services through the Flow Study mobile apps https://flowstudy.co/registration . The ability to continue with classes is even more critical for students who are preparing for CSEC and CAPE. Click here for video instructions on how to sign up. Flow Study offers: • Question bank and solutions with over 40,000 exam style questions and solutions for 35 subjects • 10 years of past paper solutions for over 17 subjects • Digital encyclopedia with over 9,500 digital animations and simulations for four subject areas • Virtual science labs with more than 500 digital laboratory simulations for science subjects and skills gap testing for over 30 subjects Flow Study enables students to learn at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and from any device and with access on the Flow mobile network at no cost, provides the perfect opportunity for students to continue learning wherever they may be. Flow Cayman is grateful to the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation for valuing the education of our students throughout our communities and providing this learning platform. We thank the Ministry of Education for supporting this resource and offering the platform to all public and private school students. #InThisTogether CWCF provides Flow Study Program FREE for ALL students until June 15th in response to COVID-19FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass e: Karla Whittaker at kwhittaker@compassmedia.ky or visit caymancompass.com to sign up today. Have your Friday newspaper delivered straight to your door Only CI$10 a month Minimum sign-up of one month Keep up with the news ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Cayman has rallied to support a group of stranded Nicaraguans who were denied entry into their own country as their government continues to grapple with COVID-19. The Cayman Compass on Sunday reported that 160 passengers – many of whom gave up almost everything to purchase a ticket on one of two repatriation flights to Managua, Nicaragua – learned the day before the flights were due to depart that the Nicaraguan government had closed its borders. The flights were cancelled, and the Nicaraguan residents were left in Cayman with no money, no shelter and no jobs. But just as things seemed hopeless, the local community stepped up to help. “I saw the story online, and I heard the news,” said Kenneth Thompson. “I’m a humanitarian and I don’t like to see or hear of people who don’t have, or they are without something they need.” Thompson owns and runs the Island Taste restaurant and catering company. He fired up the kitchen and put his chefs to work. “We will donate meals, I couldn’t do more than that,” he said. “But for now, we can give them meals each week and keep them going." On Wednesday, the chefs cooked Spanish chicken, white rice and red bean soup, and baked fresh bread. The food was packed into biodegradable packages for delivery. “When you get blessings, you pass them on,” said Thompson. “If everyone does a little bit, then it won’t come hard on anyone. It’s simple.” Volunteer Marlon Thomas Hodgson picks up and drops off food to those stranded. “Well, first and foremost, I am a Nicaraguan. And irrespective of where I see the need, and I’m in a position to assist, I try to,” he said. Thomas Hodgson added that since Sunday, people have been contacting him, asking how they can help. Following the flight cancellations, Governor Martyn Roper said the stranded passengers would receive assistance from the Cayman Islands government. Several have since received a $150 food voucher. Hurley’s supermarket has donated grocery vouchers. The Cayman Food Bank has increased deliveries to the passengers, and several people are searching for ways to assist with accommodation. “I’ve had so many people reach out to me, offering me help, food, water, and even opened their homes to me,” said Telma Molina, who on Saturday had been facing the grim reality of sleeping under a tree with her children if it had not been for the help of a friend. “Since the interview, a lot of people called me and asked what they can help with,” said Molina. “I tell them food [and] water. [Now] we have food and we are thankful.” Norlan Jimenez Gutierrez also gave up almost everything to get on the flight, in hopes of being reunited with his young son. “We are so grateful that many people are helping us every day after the flights cancelled,” he said. A former janitor, Jimenez Gutierrez was laid off more than a month ago. His landlord agreed to waive his rent for what was expected to have been his final month in Cayman. But with his time now extended for the foreseeable future, the question of how long his shelter will last remains uncertain. The community outreach has been so strong that charities are now coordinating with each other to ensure efforts are not duplicated. “One of the concerns that we have as a non-profit organisation, is a thing called 'double dipping',” said Cayman Food Bank's Phillip Hyre. “One person may deliver in the morning, one may deliver in the afternoon and several may deliver on the same day; and nobody would know what the other person is doing, and then one person may get four meals for the day, where others in other locations may get none.” Despite the help, the main goal for the stranded passengers is to find a way home to their families. “All we need from our president is to open the borders,” said Jimenez Gutierrez. “We are willing to do a quarantine to make sure that we are healthy and we won’t infect any other people.” Earlier this week, Governor Roper said that his office was in contact with the Nicaraguan foreign minister's office, but was unable to report on any progress to re-establish the repatriation flights. Community steps up to help stranded Nicaraguans Volunteer Marlon Thomas Hodgson, left, delivers food from Island Taste to a stranded passenger. cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020 INSPIRATIONAL ART COMPETITION A ‘just for fun’ art competition to express thanks to the wonderful front-line workers in our Islands and to spread positive vibes. Open to children of all ages, island wide. Guy Harvey will be selecting the winning entries. Winners will be published in the Cayman Compass! Any style, any medium, any idea! Please send your entries to contest@compassmedia.ky. Closing Date 1st May Don’t forget to include your name, age and a title for your piece. Sponsored by :RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Lawmakers paid homage to former legislator Esther Liola Ebanks following her passing on Thursday. Deputy Speaker Anthony Eden called for a minute of silence at the start of Thursday’s sitting of the contribution to the Cayman Islands. Ebanks served in the Legislative Assembly from 1976 to 1980 as a representative for the district of West Bay. Eden, who served with Ebanks in the House at the time, said she was a great supporter of his and offered his condolences to her family. “We will certainly miss her. She was a great lady,” he said. Premier Alden McLaughlin, in paying tribute to Ebanks Thursday, said he was grateful that legislators were able to acknowledge her passing and “to stand as current legislators to mark our respect for her service to the community”. He said Ebanks was well known to most members. While she only served one term as a legislator, Ebanks was no stranger to the Legislative Assembly, as she was married to local boxing icon and former legislator Dunstan Dalmain Ebanks. “She was indeed engaged in the political life of this country for most of her life,” McLaughlin said as he thanked Ebanks and her family for their support personally and for her friendship. The premier said he has requested that in her honour all Cayman Islands flags be flown at half-staff Thursday and Friday at government buildings and at the Legislative Assembly. Opposition Leader Arden McLean also shared his condolences and expressed his support to the Ebanks family in their time of grief. He said he had a good relationship with Ebanks, adding that he knew the loss of the matriarch of the family will leave them “heartbroken in life” as there is no loss like that of a mother. “You are now in this world by yourself, but make sure you keep your head up and take over that helm that she so graciously laid for you,” McLean said. George Town South MLA Barbara Conolly stated that Ebanks “was very special to us”. West Bay North MLA Bernie Bush recounted his conversations with Ebanks, saying that she was not one who held back when she did not approve of his decisions. “She was a strong, opinionated woman,” he said. Eden said Ebanks was always at her husband’s side and “together they made a formidable team”. Tributes pour in for former legislator Esther Ebanks Flags fly at half-staff outside the Government Administration Building on Thursday in a sign of respect for the late Esther Ebanks. “We will certainly miss her. She was a great lady.” Savannah MLA Anthony Eden Former West Bay legislator Esther Liola Ebanks. 7 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. ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY! Travers Thorp Alberga Email: malberga@tta.lawyer Direct: +1 (345) 6232371 Mobile: +1 (345) 3234631 Email: smcann@tta.lawyer Direct: +1 (345) 9490699 Mobile: +1 (345) 5164911 Email: ld@tta.lawyer Direct: +1 (345) 6232535 Mobile: +1 (345) 5162540 Email: mwellon@tta.lawyer Direct: +1 (345) 6232539 Mobile: +1 (345) 9220922cayman compass 8 N news FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020 Latest numbers As of Thursday, the Cayman Islands had 66 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The results of many more tests were expected to be known late this week, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee, as the Health Services Authority laboratory on Wednesday was processing 150 samples, with another 700 pending. Those tests included samples from around 50 passengers on the British Airways flight that brought residents back to the island from the UK two weeks ago and some 30 tests from people with possible COVID-19 symptoms. No results were announced on Thursday. The worldwide figure had reached more than 2.6 million by Thursday, including over 185,500 deaths. Curfew extension Cayman remains under ‘shelter in place’ regulations, and hard and soft curfews will continue until 1 May. The local public beaches also will continue to be closed to walkers and swimmers until that date. The time members of the public can exercise is now from 5:15am until 6:45pm, Monday to Saturday; however, as of last weekend, people can no longer drive to the places in which they want to do their exercise. Sunday is a hard curfew day during which no outdoor exercise is allowed. Wider testing Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announced that more than 1,000 people will be tested for coronavirus over the next two weeks as public health officials try to gauge the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Among those who will be tested are frontline health workers, inpatients in hospitals, and all prison inmates. As of Tuesday, some 400 samples had already been taken, Lee said. Once these more widespread results are known and analysed, authorities may consider lifting restrictions, Premier Alden McLaughlin said. Virtual Legislative Assembly meeting Several members of the Legislative Assembly attended a meeting of the House on Wednesday morning and amended standing orders to allow members to participate in a virtual meeting the following day. This was the first time such an amendment had been made. On Thursday, the parliamentarians, some of whom were present in the House and others who attended via a Zoom video-link, were due to vote on legislation that would allow members of the public to access their private pension funds and to renew vehicle licences without inspections. Pension access Premier Alden McLaughlin announced on Monday that Cayman Islands pension account holders will be allowed to withdraw a lump sum of $10,000, as well as up to 25% of the rest of their pensions, from their funds. The arrangement, made official by lawmakers who approved the relevant legislation on Thursday, applies to anyone with a private sector pension account, who is not already drawing down their pension. He estimated that the move could put around half-a-billion dollars into the local economy. He added that there would also be a six-month payment holiday on contributions to pension funds. Anyone with an active pension account containing $10,000 or less would be able to withdraw the whole amount. Anyone with a larger account will be able to take out $10,000 and 25% of the balance, so, for example, someone with a $100,000 balance could withdraw $10,000 and then 25% of the remaining $90,000, for a maximum of $32,500. UK military personnel to arrive in Cayman next week Governor Martyn Roper announced that a British Airways flight carrying military personnel, Cayman Islands residents, and medical equipment and supplies would arrive in Cayman on Tuesday, 28 April, and leave the next day carrying people from Cayman who want to fly to London. The military team will include medical planners, logistics experts and security advisors, Roper said, adding that “the plane will be bringing much-needed medical equipment, including extraction kits and swabs (used in the testing process) and will bring Caymanians back here”. The nine military personnel, as well as three civilians associated with the military, will help with logistics and planning around Cayman’s response to the coronavirus crisis and to support hurricane-preparedness plans, the governor said. Tourism impact The impact of COVID-19 on Cayman’s tourism industry continued to be felt this week. Don Foster’s dive operation in George Town, which has been in operation for more than 30 years, announced it was going out of business. Owner Mervyn Cumber told the Cayman Compass Monday that he had been left with no choice but to close the business, which he said had been a “labour of love”. He said the decision of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend the ban on cruise ship travel for another 100 days had been the “final nail in the coffin”. He added that the dive shop had been struggling since Carnival Cruise Lines pulled a contract at the end of 2018. Meanwhile, Cayman’s largest investor, Dart Enterprises, issued a statement Tuesday emphasising its long-term commitment to the Cayman Islands. The company’s CEO, Mark VanDevelde, said Dart, which owns several hotels on Seven Mile Beach, now all temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, would do its part to help the country rebound. He said Dart is “ready and prepared” to resume its construction and development projects, including new residential and office space at Camana Bay and the expansion of the Cayman International School, as soon as government gives the green light. Prisoners released Four foreign nationals were released from Northward prison by Governor Martyn Roper and deported on Friday, 17 April, in an effort to reduce crowding at the men’s prison and alleviate COVID-19 risk. The facility remains at overcapacity and currently houses 185 inmates, a government press release indicated, up from 181 prisoners reported at the facility during the first week of April. The prison’s capacity, according to government, is 169 prisoners and maximum single-cell occupancy is 138. The four prisoners deported on Friday were deemed low risk and were part of second batch of inmates to be released from the facility. Last month, 14 other prisoners were released early, and Roper said the release of additional prisoners could be considered. Nicaraguans stranded after flights cancelled Some 160 Nicaraguans, who had been booked to depart Cayman for Managua on Saturday, 18 April, were left stranded here when Nicaragua officials informed Cayman authorities that it was closing its borders on 17 April. The Nicaraguans had been preparing to leave on board two repatriation flights. The cancellations left many of the passengers homeless, unemployed and running out of food and money. “I can tell you there are people who sold probably everything they got, just to get on this flight,” Rody Hansack Ordonez told the Cayman Compass. “The effect that it is having on us is major - shelter, food, we gave it all up for this flight.” NAU clients surge The number of people seeking help to feed themselves and their families jumped by 165% in recent weeks, according to Needs Assessment Unit data. Premier McLaughlin, in Friday’s COVID-19 briefing, said, “957 families or 3,828 people have been assisted with food vouchers alone, representing a 165% increase since the COVID19 pandemic began.” Prior to the coronavirus crisis, assistance was provided to 361 families. Support, in the form of food vouchers, is also being provided for work-permit holders in need. The NAU is using phone numbers and last-name assignments during office hours. In addition to dialling 946-0024 (Grand Cayman) or 948-8758 (Cayman Brac), new numbers have been made available to people on their prescribed ‘letter day’. Those with last names A-K may call 936- 0628, 936-1628 or 936-2628 and last names L-Z may call 936-3628 or 936-4628. COVID-19 weekly roundup Government minister Joey Hew wears a mask at Wednesday's Legislative Assembly meeting. Don Foster's dive operation is closing its doors. Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee Four prisoners from overseas who had been serving terms in Northward Prison have been repatriated to their home countries.KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky COVID-19 has affected residents of all ages in the Cayman Islands, with confirmed cases so far impacting individuals ages 14- 84, a group of local doctors from Cayman’s three major hospitals told the press Thursday morning. The average age of Cayman’s 66 confirmed coronavirus cases is 43. The virus appears to be affecting men disproportionately, with 52% of confirmed cases being male, said Health Services Authority Medical Director Dr. Delroy Jefferson. All three patients who have entered critical care, including two treated with ventilation, have been men. A total of 11 individuals so far have been admitted at some point to hospital, and Jefferson confirmed that men have made up a majority of this group. He described doctors on island as joining forces in the “war” against COVID-19. “We’re in a very intense situation right now with this COVID pandemic,” he said. “Fortunately, we’ve had various physicians within the various facilities coming together to plot a way forward.” Doctors from all three hospitals in Grand Cayman and members of the Cayman Islands Medical and Dental Society have been in close collaboration to prepare the islands for a worst-case scenario, in which a surge of cases could overwhelm facilities. While Cayman remains in phase 1, considered a controlled and manageable stage, the medical community is aware that it must be prepared for all possibilities. “We’re at the very early phase and we’re hoping that’s the only phase we’ll ever experience,” Jefferson said. He said the Cayman Islands Hospital’s critical care unit currently has capacity to provide ventilation to seven COVID-19 patients, but that there are enough ventilators on island to expand that number to 36. Dr. Archita Joshi-Bhatt of Health City Cayman Islands said the East End hospital is prepared to receive patients for a phase 2, if a surge in cases occurs. The hospital has earmarked 11 beds in the intensive care unit and 24 additional ward rooms with centralised oxygen supply for COVID-19 treatment, she said. This includes beds in negative-pressure isolation rooms. Such rooms allow air to flow in but not out, to control the spread of infection. Combined, Cayman Islands Hospital, which is run by the HSA, and Health City are able to receive 27 patients for ventilation and 54 for non-ventilation treatment of COVID-19. CTMH Doctors Hospital would be able to contribute three dedicated beds to the virus. Anaesthesia machines on island are also being considered as back-up ventilators if the need arises. Joshi-Bhatt said the HSA has four anaesthesia machines and Health City has five that could be converted to ventilators. Jefferson said Cayman is in the advanced stages of setting up an alternate care site, which would be needed if all three hospitals reach capacity for COVID-19 treatment. If this site were needed, Dr. Stephen Gay of Doctors Hospital said that would mean Cayman had reached a “dire” stage in pandemic control. The need for an alternate site would mean Cayman had reached stage 4, a critical phase in which main healthcare resources have been exhausted. “We don’t want to get there,” Gay said. “This is why leaders have instituted the isolation and containment measures that are currently in place.” So far, the main form of COVID-19 care on island has been through supportive therapies, such as oxygen and hydration support, Joshi-Bhatt said. Other medications for septic shock and blood pressure, as well as antibiotics, may be administered as part of the critical care response. “There is no recommended or approved therapy for COVID-19 at this time,” Joshi-Bhatt said. She described initial studies and data that have been promising but explained that the knowledge about COVID-19 remains fluid and doctors are learning more about the virus every day. One medication that has been considered on a case-by-case basis is hydroxychloroquine, but the drug is not appropriate for all patients, such as those with cardiac issues, she said. She added that the symptoms presented for COVID-19 have been variable and not all people present pulmonary problems as their main concern. Patients have also presented with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rashes, body aches, fever and lack of appetite. Men represent majority of COVID-19 cases in Cayman From left, Dr. Stephen Gay, Dr. Delroy Jefferson and Dr. Archita Joshi-Bhatt shared their insight on COVID-19 prevention and treatment at a briefing on Thursday morning. cayman compass 9 news N news FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020 dartscholar.ky Beyond prestige and financial support for both high school and university students, the Dart Scholarship provides young Caymanians with life-changing experience in the real world of industry. If you’re a high achieving Caymanian student with aspirations to be a future leader and innovator, we invite you to apply for the 2020 programme. A whole new world of possibilities. It begins with a simple application. The Dart High School Scholarship Submit your application by 30 April 2020 The William A. Dart University Scholarship Submit your application by 15 May 2020Next >