$ 6 Hot Honey Chicken 2PC Chicken, Reg Side & Biscuit EASTERN AVENUE cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 10-16 July 2020 NEWS No new COVID cases since 1 July Page 2 SPORTS CIFA leagues to resume next month Page 16 DoE prepares for Sandbar reopening Page 3 Stony Coral Disease found in Cayman Page 5 The future of work? Pages 14-15 15 more named storms forecast Page 8 Photo: Taneos RamsayMatinees (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 BAAGHI 3 (PG) (FRI & SAT) 4:10 | 9:10 (SUN) 4:10 | 7:40 | 9:10 (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 4:10 | 7:40 | 9:10 BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (R) (FRI & SAT) 12:45 VIP | 9:45 VIP (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 12:45 VIP | 9:45 VIP BLOODSHOT (PG-13) (FRI & SAT) 1:30 | 3:55 VIP | 4:10 | 6:45 VIP | 10:10 (SUN) 3:55 VIP | 4:10 | 6:45 VIP | 9:30 VIP | 10:00 (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 1:30 | 3:55 VIP | 4:10 | 6:45 VIP | 10:10 ONWARD (PG) (FRI & SAT) 3:45 | 6:30 (SUN) 3:45 | 6:30 (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 3:45 | 6:30 ENTER THE DRAGON (R) (FRI & SAT) 1:15 | 7:25 | 10:00 (SAT) 11:10 | 1:35 | 4:05 | 6:30 | 9:40 (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 1:15 | 7:25 | 10:00 I STILL BELIEVE (PG) (FRI & SAT) 12:30 | 3:20 | 7:00 | 8:45 (SUN) 3:20 | 7:00 | 8:45 (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 12:30 | 3:20 | 7:00 | 8:45 MADAGASCAR (PG) (FRI & SAT) 1:00 | 6:15 (SUN) 6:15 (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 1:00 | 6:15 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 Open for outdoor dining CURBSIDE PICKUP • TAKE-OUT • DELIVERY No confirmed cases reported since 1 July As of Thursday afternoon, there had been no new COVID-19 cases reported in Cayman for more than a week. The last positive case was reported on 1 July. Only three cases remain active and none of these are symptomatic, health officials said this week. So far, 25,740 tests have been carried out locally. 3 bar owners warned for prosecution Police over the weekend found bar staff and hundreds of customers breaching the COVID-19 regulations. Three bar owners were warned for intended prosecution as hundreds of people, including some who reacted angrily to officers’ interventions, gathered at the establishments, police said. “We are gravely concerned at the level of disregard being shown by the staff and patrons at certain establishments. While most bars and restaurants have been complying with the regulations, the few that do not can potentially put the entire community at risk,” said Superintendent Pete Lansdown in a press release. Over two nights, police attended the bars –on Seymour drive, West Bay Road and Shamrock Road – and observed patrons and staff not wearing masks or observing social distancing. 2nd Philippines flight set A second British Airways flight to Manila is set to depart Grand Cayman on 28 July, according to Governor Martyn Roper's social media pages. COVID 19 WEEKLY ROUNDUP It is only open to members of the Filipino community and those interested can contact governorsoffice.cayman@fco.gov.uk. DVDL reopening The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing will reopen its office and inspection locations from next week. The Crewe Road office will open on Monday, 13 July, and will operate Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm; while Breakers and West Bay locations will be open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, according to a government press release. Driving tests will recommence on 20 July. 270 Indian nationals depart On Friday, 3 July, 270 Indian nationals boarded a British Airways flight at Owen Roberts International Airport to make their way back home on the first Indian airbridge flight organised by the Governor’s Office and the Cayman Islands government. A total of 330 passengers, 60 of whom were UK residents returning home, took the London-bound flight. The Indian passengers then transferred to a Qatar Airways plane at Heathrow to continue their journey to Chennai, India. Comfort Suites furniture donated to charities Furniture and appliances from the Comfort Suites hotel, which closed for renovations last month, are being donated to local charities to help families in need across the Cayman Islands. Dart, which owns the hotel, said it had been working with charities and the Ministry of Community Affairs to give the furnishings from the property’s 120 guest rooms to local families. Indian nationals line up outside Owen Roberts International Airport on 3 July as they prepare to depart the island. No new cases in more than a week cayman compass 2 news N news FRIDAY, 10 JULY 2020More 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 MAXIMUM SATISFACTION Your life connected | 745.5555 FIBRE INTERNET | TV | PHONE | LOGIC.KY RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Restrictions at Stingray City and the Sandbar are set to be lifted on 19 July and the Department of Environment is preparing for the return of visitors to the North Sound sites. DoE Deputy Director Tim Austin said his team has been working with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to research the impact of the absence of human interaction on the rays during the COVID-19 lockdown. “It was a unique opportunity to look at the Sandbar without the influence of tourists or visitors. So [the Guy Harvey team] have been helping us. They were given the exemptions to go out there,” he said. The researchers and DoE staffers have been the only people allowed at the Sandbar in the last four months. DoE staff have been feeding the animals. On average, about 30 rays have been counted at each feeding. As the government moves to lift the ban on the Wildlife Interaction Zones, local tour operators are being reintroduced to the sites. “They’ve [Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation] been also taking the local watersports operators out there to help with them so they can see what’s going on," Austin said. "Hopefully, as a result of that, everyone would be completely familiar with the Sandbar and they [will] get back to it and be full of confidence that the rays haven’t left." Austin, who has been on the rotation for the stingray feedings, said visitors will be in for a warm reception when they return. “Certainly, from my personal experience, I think people would be really pleased to get back [there]. And I think the rays will also be delighted. They are definitely very boisterous. They’re very keen to interact with people when you go there,” he said. He said the Sandbar remains the number one attraction on island and he wants the public to help the DoE keep it that way by following all the rules and handling guidelines. “Routinely, the DOE, we always used to monitor the site, primarily to make sure that people are complying with the WIZ regulations – that they’re not lifting rays out of the water, [there are] not too many boats, and that people have the appropriate permits. So, we’ll continue to do that when the Sandbar kicks off again,” he said. The Wildlife Interaction Zone regulations can be found on the Department of Environment website, www.doe.ky. DoE prepares for Sandbar reopening Stingray City and the Sandbar are expected to reopen on 19 July, when visitors will be allowed to return to the popular natural attractions. 30 The average number of stingrays that have been counted at feedings 31234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Long tedious task (5) 4 Prepare in advance (7) 8 Purpose (3) 9 To the extent that (7,2) 10 Provide capital for (7) 11 A hard dark wood (5) 13 Diminish (6) 15 Of a particular racial group (6) 18 A talent (5) 19 Violent altercation (7) 21 Embarrassed (3,2,4) 23 Overact (3) 24 Characteristic (7) 25 Slightly intoxicated (5) DOWN 1 Exultantly pleased (7) 2 Southeast Asian country (9) 3 Condescend (5) 4 Encourage (6) 5 Consider (7) 6 Express publicly (3) 7 Smelling stale (5) 12 Possession (9) 14 Unpredictable (7) 16 Slander (7) 17 Sudden storm of wind (6) 18 Weak and dizzy (5) 20 Watchful (5) 22 Impudence (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16427 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 16427 ACROSS: 1 Grind, 4 Forearm, 8 End, 9 Insofar as, 10 Finance, 11 Ebony, 13 Lessen, 15 Ethnic, 18 Flair, 19 Quarrel, 21 Ill at ease, 23 Ham, 24 Typical, 25 Tipsy. DOWN: 1 Gleeful, 2 Indonesia, 3 Deign, 4 Foster, 5 Reflect, 6 Air, 7 Musty, 12 Ownership, 14 Erratic, 16 Calumny, 17 Squall, 18 Faint, 20 Alert, 22 Lip. To every teacher in Cayman: Thank you for keeping going during the last three months. Thank you for all the extra effort that it has required, often with little support. Thank you for continuing to motivate students who are, at the best of times, demotivated; at worst, belligerent. Thank you for courteously answering parental emails sent well past your working day, in a professional and timely manner. Thank you for preparing creative, ‘outside the box’ lessons to engage students. You made it. Enjoy your well-earned break! Hopefully, parents will now appreciate that you deserve your holidays and actually you spend a lot of it preparing for your next term. To the educational decision makers: Why on Earth would you decide to extend the teaching day? It didn’t work after Ivan and it won’t work in September. It punishes students and teachers alike. For motivated students, they will naturally catch up, because everyone is in the same boat worldwide and they are happy to work a little harder. For the demotivated students, or students who find learning a challenge, it will simply cause resentment and/or stress, putting unnecessary strain on relationships with teachers and parents alike. This pandemic has changed teaching, but not the fact that students learn when they achieve success and feel fulfilled. When will administrators learn this and put children first? Paula Ross Thank you, teachers The list of possibilities is real and every Caymanian can contribute to the rebuilding of Cayman 2.0 with our new-found energy and love of country. Solar energy for every home! Banned plastics! The best recycling programme in the world! We have shown the world what good management, clear focus and cooperation can achieve during this pandemic. We can continue in this path and be first and best everywhere. It takes political will and focus and we have it. Diane Richard I feel tourism should not reopen until [we have] a vaccine certificate for every tourist and COVID-19 screening at the airport gate area, before they enter our island-wide safe bubble. The Cayman Islands needs to be known for safety for our citizens and future tourists [as] our number one goal. We now have the chance to be a world leader for a vision in living in a safe environment! Jay Easterbrook They could make Barkers a genuine national park overnight. Why isn’t it already? Oh, that’s because more than half of it is in private hands! Clare Marshall Editorial: The chance to build a better Cayman While simplicity is known to be a key to life, we still need to decide if we want a ‘new normal’ or a ‘new beginning’. Where we go from here should only be in our hands. If it’s not our hands, back to normal we go! Expect to see all the negativity continue to rise, while we fight for what’s positive in our society. Cameron Castillo [This article is] timely, realistic and pursues questions regarding a cleaner, healthier future for the people and the environment. A time to make sure all people of Cayman are noticed and employed. I agree this is an opportunity to hit the reset button. There is nothing but time to sort out what can be done better and more efficiently. For those who are familiar with the islands’ struggles, this makes perfect sense. Jennifer Arney Same-sex partnership bill challenges 500 years of history The fact that something “challenges 500 years of history,” as you take great pains to point out, doesn’t make the new idea wrong, merely an indication of humankind’s evolution in thinking. It’s truly disgusting that the Cayman government fights so hard against gays, but this is obviously because politicians are afraid of losing church endorsements. Hence, government [doing] what is clearly the right thing – to provide true equality for all – is shoved aside and ridiculed, as was demonstrated by the parade of hate speeches a few months ago on the floor of the Assembly. What an utter disgrace – and before a worldwide audience, no less. Vickie and Chantelle are true heroes of the Cayman Islands. They will win in the Privy Council, and the day will come when their wedding photo is at the top of the front page of the Compass. A great many of us will be cheering and celebrating for them – and for the fact that long-overdue equality will have finally arrived in the Cayman Islands. Mark Riviera What they’re saying cartoon Floss - By Caymanman Online Letters Cayman 2.0: Rethinking the vision for our islands The sheer scope and energy of this article is something to behold! Let’s not let the fire die down. It takes a tragedy to generate rethinking priorities to this degree. A new Green Cayman! Eco-tourism, conscientious recycling, alternative energy, state-of-the-art communication infrastructure, development diversification, public transit and bicycle paths! Everything I’ve ever dreamed of for Cayman. I dream of cool, unique, colourful, recognisable, public transit buses with maps, schedules and dependability. Electric? Free? I dream of bicycle paths, long and wide, meandering through mangroves and public parks, away from the roads and supported by convenient bicycle parking… everywhere. A rent-a-bike system? Quality jobs for everyone, less susceptible to the whims of a world crisis? Local industries and public services can create those jobs. Jobs in designing, managing and maintaining public transit networks, in recycling and garbage collection/processing, in alternative energy, in communications, in education, training and re-training. cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 10 JULY 2020cayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 10 JULY 2020 The family of the late are deeply saddened to announce his passing on Saturday 13 June 2020 A live stream of the funeral service will be available for viewing on Thursday 16 July 2020 from 10:00 am at any of the following links: www.youtube.com/channel/UCcC1emk2WM8g1A2Exr38T7w www.robbieyoungatheart.com In lieu of lowers please donate to any of Robbie's preferred charities: The Cayman Heart Fund: www.caymangi tcertificates.com/cayman-heart-fund Jackson Memorial Miami Transplant Institute: www.jacksonhealthfoundation.org/donate The Cayman Islands Cancer Society: www.cics.ky/ways-to-help/donation Condolences may also be registered at www.boddenfuneralservices.com and on Bodden Funeral Service Facebook Page. In accordance with current COVID 19 pandemic and government restrictions on gatherings, attendance to the funeral will be by invitation only. Special thanks to Health City sta f especially Dr. Archita Joshi-Bhatt, Dr. Romnesh DeSouza, Dr. Ravi Kishore, Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil, as well as Dr. Diane Hislop-Chestnut and sta f, Dr. Sidney Ebanks, Dr. Mohanty, and Dr. Joseph Mar- zouca. Baptist Hospital and their sta f especially Dr. Joseph Ostroski and Dr. Spencer Kellogg, Jackson Memorial Hos- pital and their sta f especially Dr. Stephen Mallon, Dr. Eugene Bauerlein, Gleidys Davalos and their entire transplant team, Dr. Luigi Meneghini and all the other wonderful doctors and medical sta f who took such good care of him. We also give special thanks to Patrica Anderson, Beverly Hamilton and Gina Howard who did so much for Robbie during his time of illness. We are truly blessed and thankful to all our dear family and friends. @tortugafinewineandspiritsDoE ‘very concerned’ RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s reefs are under attack from the mysterious, but deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease that has ravaged Florida’s coral reefs. Staff at the Department of Environment are racing to try to save local corals from the devastation witnessed there. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission reported that the Upper Keys has lost more than 40% of its coral cover due to disease. Last week, a diver in Cayman came across coral that had been impacted by the disease at Penny’s Arch, along the north coast. Deputy Director at the Department of Environment Tim Austin said that, while only one local area of infection has been found so far, the DoE team is “very, very concerned”. “If it does become a full-blown island-wide, or all three island-wide, infection, it’s going to take a lot of DoE’s resources,” Austin said. He said about one mile of infected coral has been discovered. The disease, he said, has spread in both directions from the epicentre of infection and the DoE research team is monitoring it. “We put out stakes and nails into the coral so we can determine how fast it’s spreading, and it will help us determine how quick of a response is needed. Obviously, if it’s moved hundreds of metres or to lots more corals, we’ll know we’ve got to get going faster than we currently are. But if things are relatively stable, then we’ve got some time to really think up a more solid response,” Austin said. The disease, which was first discovered in Florida in 2014, has been reported in at least 12 Caribbean jurisdictions, including Jamaica, St. Maarten, United States Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as in Quintana Roo in Mexico, according to the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment. What this means for Cayman’s reefs The cause of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease is unknown. What is known, however, is that it affects at least 20 types of stony corals, including primary reef building species such as pillar coral, elliptical star coral, maze coral, brain coral and the smooth flower coral. Austin said once a coral is infected, it begins to lose live tissue, and it is likely that the colony will die within months. “It certainly looks as though all corals can be infected by it, but there are certain species that are much more susceptible to it. In particular, the pillar coral we’re seeing, which is quite a rare coral anyway. We’ve seen that on the west side. The pillar corals are very, very susceptible to it. Florida lost, I think 95%, of its pillar coral as a result of this disease,” he said. For the moment, the infection, he said, seems contained in one area in Cayman. “Though it’s a fairly large area, the disease does look like it’s confined. We found the edges of it, in terms of the spread,” he said, adding that the DoE knows that when a reef is infected, the disease jumps coral to coral. He explained that hard corals created the structure of reefs and are critical species. “They are the ones that have been building the reef structure, the dimension. All of that has been built by the living coral animal, so to lose those would be really, really catastrophic. We would lose the three-dimensional structure. We would lose the productivity on the reef and pretty much everything else. Fish, all other marine life, is very, very closely connected to that process,” he said. As the disease kills the coral, it leaves the skeleton behind and turns the coral white. This, Austin said, could impact Cayman’s main diving draw. “A reef without coral would not be the best dive in the world. But then, you know, there are dives where coral isn’t the main feature, but certainly for the majority of the dives in Cayman, the coral reef is the attraction,” he said. It is unclear how the disease arrived in Cayman as researchers do not know how the disease is spread. However, Austin said, the whole Caribbean is connected by water currents, which is the most likely method of spreading. “But there are people suggesting it could be ballast water (discharged from ships). It could be in people’s dive equipment. There’s a host of factors that could, in fact, carry this. But, at the moment, it’s probably most likely just brought on ocean currents,” he said. What’s next? Austin said the DoE’s researchers have been impeded by the coronavirus restrictions and now they are tasked with this new challenge of dealing with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. However, he said, international scientists are monitoring the disease outbreak in the region and identifying the pathogens or bacteria. “There are some interventions, but they’re all extremely labour intensive. There are people around the Caribbean that are sort of culling disease by removing the diseased coral to prevent the spread. People are working with antibiotics and applying antibiotics underwater to coral. They’ve had some success with it,” he said. Cayman is not at that stage, but Austin said the DoE is looking at all options and is hoping divers exercise caution to help stop the spread. The DoE is developing a rapid response strategy and is urging divers to report any sightings of diseased coral directly to Tammi.Warrender@gov.ky. 40% The amount of coral lost in the Upper Keys in Florida due to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease How you can help The DoE is suggesting divers and snorkelers can do the following to reduce their likelihood of transferring Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease and help to slow its spread: • Practise proper buoyancy when diving • Avoid touching marine organisms • Sanitise equipment between dives and after each dive excursion (especially between infected and uninfected locations) This pineapple coral was identified as an infected coral at Penny's Arch. This photo shows healthy coral on a Cayman reef. This coral at Penny's Arch is already showing signs of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. Coral killer disease found in Cayman 1 Feb. 201912 Feb. 201921 Feb. 201917 March 2019 Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease can kill corals in a matter of days or weeks. Here, a lesion eats away at coral tissue over a six-week period in Florida waters. WATCH THE VIDEO ONLINE CAYMANCOMPASS.COM Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) www.agrra.org (Last Updated: 5 June) May be Present New Submission - Under Review Absent, but other diseases may be present Present cayman compass news N news FRIDAY, 10 JULY 2020 6NOTICE THE DORMANT ACCOUNTS LAW,2010 (Section 6) Name and/or Number of financial institution: JN Cayman Address of financial institution: 29 Elgin Ave, George Town P.O. Box 504 Grand Cayman KY1-1106 CAYMAN ISLANDS Change of name, if any, of the financial institution: The public is hereby given notice that JN Cayman holds the following dormant The public is also hereby given notice of the following- 1. Unless one or more of the following transactions are effected on a dormant account listed above on or before 31st December next following, the monies in the dormant account will be transferred to the general revenue of the Cayman Islands without further notice- (a) Increase or decrease the amount held in the financial institution (b) Present the passbook or other record for the crediting of interest or dividend in respect of the items enumerated in section 4 (6)(a) and (b) of the Dormant Accounts Law, 2010; · (c) Correspond in writing with the financial institution concerning the monies; (d) In the case of a trust. Make a claim under the trust; or (e) Otherwise indicate an interest in the monies as evidenced by a memorandum concerning the monies written by the financial institution. 2. Subject to the Dormant Accounts Law, 2010, on the transfer of the monies in the dormant account to the general revenue of the Islands, the dormant account holder will no longer have any right against the financial institution to repayment of the monies transferred, but the dormant account holder will have against the Government such right to repayment of the monies transferred that the dormant account holder would have had against the financial institution. 3. Any interested person should contact the financial institution mentioned above to establish if that person is a dormant account holder. Dated this 6th day of June 2020 Interest paid by a financial institution on monies held in the financial institution shall not be regarded as a transaction which increases the amount held in the financial institution pursuant to section 4(5) of the Dormant Accounts Law, 2010 – Public Notice Account number The Date the account was opened 20003716 20-APRIL-2012 20001042 27-OCTOBER-2006 846102 1-FEBRUARY-2001 20000932 23-AUGUST-2006 JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky The newly-formed R3 Foundation is raising a significant war chest to help Cayman be better prepared for the next potential disaster. The private-sector-led organisation, seeded by a $1 million grant from the Dart Foundation, believes it can play a significant role in the islands’ recovery from the coronavirus crisis. But a large part of its remit, said board chairman Bryan Hunter, is ensuring the islands are ready for whatever comes next. R3 stands for ‘readiness, relief and recovery’. Hunter, a former partner at Appleby law firm, told the Cayman Compass he believes the foundation can bring new standards of accountability and open up new avenues of funding for non-profits across Cayman. He said the aim was to provide support to existing charities that were functioning well, but also to help plug gaps in the non-profit sector, potentially even funding new organisations to meet needs that are currently not covered. The first batch of grants, totalling US$500,000, was primarily focussed on relief efforts for those most seriously impacted by the current crisis. Cash went to charities like ARK, Feed Our Future, and Meals on Wheels, which have been providing meals and food vouchers to those in need. Funding also went to Literacy is for Everyone to help pay for computers and internet access for children who were ‘digitally disadvantaged’ when schools were closed. In addition, R3 paid for 10 scholarships to the Inspire Cayman vocational training school to help retrain people who had lost jobs because of the virus and the lockdown. Additional money was allocated to allow children to attend YMCA summer camps in an effort to help their parents get back to work. As the immediate and urgent need for food begins to abate, Hunter said the foundation will continue to focus on education and training to help find a role for those who had lost jobs in the post-COVID-19 economy. “There’s going to be a renewed focus on how to get kids to take advantage of the jobs that do exist in areas like construction, like financial services, and things of that sort,” he said. R3 is also looking at preparations for hurricane season and planning for other potential disasters beyond COVID-19. One of the aims is to help facilitate a more robust non-profit sector that has all bases covered and has access to a steady stream of funding. “We would like to alleviate their burden when it comes to fundraising, so instead of having to focus on where they get their next dollar from, they can focus on what they do best,” he said. The Dart Foundation made the first $1 million grant to R3 and has pledged to match private-sector donations up to an additional $4 million. Hunter said another $1 million had been raised or pledged, over and above Dart’s initial donation. He believes the foundation’s strong governance structure and a board that includes Governor Martyn Roper and former Attorney General Richard Coles can offer guarantees to donors that their money will be well spent. “One of our goals is to ensure that anyone that we support is able to effectively and efficiently provide the support that they’re focussing on, so as to give confidence to our donors that their funding is being put to good use,” Hunter said. In turn, he expects that donor confidence will help R3 raise enough money to make a significant difference in post-COVID Cayman. “We feel that we are here for the long term, not just for the COVID-19 crisis, but for crises going forward,” he said R3 Foundation readying Cayman for next threats Tara Nielsen, of non-profit Acts of Random Kindness, with R3 chairman Bryan Hunter. US$500,000 The amount of the first batch of grants issued by the R3 Foundation 7cayman compass N news FRIDAY, 10 JULY 2020 8 KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky Atlantic hurricane forecasters are maintaining predictions for an above-average 2020 season. Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project released its early July forecast on Tuesday, predicting an additional 15 named storms, or 20 total, for the 2020 season. That total includes nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5). An average hurricane season, based on data from 1981- 2010, has 12.1 named storms, 6.4 hurricanes and 2.7 major hurricanes. As of 7 July, five named storms had already formed – Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly and Edouard. Environmental conditions appear favourable for further storm formation, including warm Atlantic sea-surface temperatures. A transition to weak La Niña conditions, associated with increased Atlantic storm activity, could form later in the summer. “We anticipate an above- normal probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean,” the July forecast reads. “The tropical Atlantic is somewhat warmer than normal, while the subtropical Atlantic is quite warm. Most of the eastern Atlantic is warmer than normal, and anomalously warm temperatures in this region in June have been typically associated with more active Atlantic hurricane seasons.” The probability of at least one major hurricane (category 3, 4 or 5) tracking into the Caribbean is at 58%, compared to 42% for the last century. The forecast notes that while it is impossible to fully predict the season’s activity, the early July predictions have relatively good long-term skill compared to real-season outcomes. CSU’s June and July forecasts were both adjusted above the early season forecast, released 2 April, which called for just 16 named storms. “As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them,” CSU writes. “They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.” For tips on hurricane and disaster preparedness, consult the Compass Media Emergency Guide. 15 more named storms forecast Atlantic Basin seasonal hurricane forecast for 2020 Forecast ParametersCSU forecast for 2020*Average for 1981-2010 Named storms2012.1 Named storm days8559.4 Hurricanes96.4 Hurricane days4024.2 Major hurricanes42.7 Major hurricane days96.2 Accumulated cyclone energy+160106 *Total forecast includes named storms Arthur, Bertha, Cristobel, Dolly and Edouard, which had formed in the Atlantic as of 6 July, 2020. + A measure of a named storm’s potential for wind and storm surge destruction defined as the sum of the square of a named storm’s maximum wind speed for each six-hour period during its existence. 20 The predicted number of named storms in the 2020 season Hurricane Dorian caused major damage in Grand Bahama last year. It was among 18 named storms that formed in the Atlantic in 2019.NOTICE TO THE MEMBERS OF CAYMAN NATIONAL PENSION FUND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Members of the Cayman National Pension Fund to be held Wednesday, 29th July, 2020, via Zoom Conference Call (details below) at 4pm. AGENDA 1. Review the Minutes of the last Members Meeting held on the 9th May, 2019 and any matters arising. 2. Receive Audited Financial Statements for the period ended 30th September 2019. 3. Report from Investment Committee. 4. Trustee Elections: Ian Phillips retires by rotation and is eligible for re-election. 5. Any other competent business. Zoom Meeting Login Details Meeting ID: 838 5024 9407 Password: 564381 Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US +1 312 626 6799 US THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE CAYMAN NATIONAL WEBSITE AT www.caymannational.com SHOP . EAT . ENJOY . We’ve missed you! As Cayman residents rediscover some of their favorite shops, businesses and restaurants let them know you’re back by advertising in the Weekly Cayman Compass and on caymancompass.com, reaching well everyone! For ad rates and packages e: sales@compassmedia.com or call Head of Sales Cheryl Birch at (345) 815 0027 Breast cancer survivors exercise caution amidst COVID fears RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky While medical professionals continue to analyse the COVID-19 strain, it is clear those with compromised immune systems – like cancer patients – are at risk, and local patients are not chancing contracting the virus. Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation representatives say they have noted a decline in walk-ins and appointments, even after lockdown restrictions were lifted last month. “[There’s a] decrease definitely because we were trying to do as much as possible over the telephone or WhatsApp chat or any other way,” said Janette Fitzgerald, the foundation’s chief administrator. “People can’t just walk in [at the foundation], but also most people, I think, on this island are being sensible, and if you’re a cancer survivor or a cancer patient, you know that you have a compromised immune system, so you’ve got to stay in and you’ve got to take that extra care. But that’s again where we can come in, because we can get things to them and deliver to them,” Fitzgerald said. Despite the restrictions, the charity has ensured the roughly 200 survivors under its care are attended to. “We’ve been able to get anybody who needed a check-up or needed checking out [sorted]. We’ve managed to make appointments and have them seen. So, no one’s been kept waiting. COVID forces reclusion “I haven’t been to a grocery store since March 13th. Those are the changes that I’ve made, that I’m sure a lot of immune- compromised persons have made,” said cancer patient Tori Croft, who is battling Hodgkin’s disease, a lymphatic cancer. The fear of the coronavirus and the implications of contraction have been a cause of concern for Croft. “From an immune system side of things, obviously, I was very worried. Maybe not any more worried than most, I guess, only because I just still had been [through] so much in my life so far that I wasn’t quite grasping it at first, but it was – it is – very scary,” Croft told the Compass. She said the lockdown impacted her treatment in the initial stages as she was taking part in a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, which required her to travel once a month to Houston. She said it also impacted the receipt of her medications. Croft was able to secure her medication with the assistance of the Breast Cancer Foundation and Dr. Virginia Hobday at Cayman Clinic. “At the time, you know, [there were] very few flights coming on-island to bring things. So it was very touch-and-go for a while. The meds kind of miraculously arrived... via FedEx to my house and getting the customs portion of that – the logistics of that – sorted, was a big stress,” she said. Croft added that she began experiencing more pain and was unable to get her regular therapy to help with managing the flare-ups because Cayman was under lockdown. “Obviously, none of us were leaving the house or doing anything. So, my pain got pretty bad and, very thankfully, the Breast Cancer Foundation, they mobilised themselves very quickly and were able to get those treatments back to me and in the privacy of my home,” she said. Those home-administered physiotherapy treatments brought with them additional anxiety, but she said everyone took extreme care to ensure she was safe. “It was scary to allow somebody in my house to do it but, equally, without it, I’m afraid to think about just how badly in pain I’d be if I hadn’t been able to keep up those treatments,” she said. Fitzgerald said for the Breast Cancer Foundation, being the link to the outside world for breast cancer survivors was critical, so no one had to go without food or other essential items. It has, however, increased the demand on the foundation’s limited funding. However, she added, the charity plans to go ahead with its annual fundraising gala in October. The Breast Cancer Foundation offers free services to clients and has established helplines 923-1135 or 936-1135 to assist those in need. Cancer and COVID Janette Fitzgerald, left, of the Breast Cancer Foundation, with actress Cynthia Nixon. Nixon was the guest speaker at the charity's fundraising gala in 2018. 210 Number of Breast Cancer Foundation clients since 2015 9Next >