ALSO AVAILABLE WITH TM & © 2020 Burger King Corporation. SEVEN MILE BEACH WATERFRONT WALKERS ROAD RED BAY cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 24-30 July 2020 Road map for reopening Tourism plan highlights value of natural attractions. Page 10 Domestic Partnership Bill heads to LA Page 2 Fuel wholesalers defend local gas prices Page 14 Pandemic tests resilience of food supply chain Page 16 Photo: James WhittakerMatinees (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 BLOODSHOT (PG-13) (FRI) 1:00PM 2D | 4:10PM VIP | 7:35PM 2D | 9:45PM VIP (SAT)1:00PM 2D | 4:10PM VIP | 9:45PM VIP | 10:15PM 2D (SUN)4:10PM VIP | 4:30PM 2D | 6:45PM 2D | 9:45PM VIP | 10:00PM 2D (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 1:00PM 2D | 4:10PM VIP | 7:35PM 2D | 9:45PM VIP COMMANDO 3 (PG) (FRI-SAT) 1:45PM 2D | 7:00PM 2D (SUN) 3:45PM 2D | 8:45PM 2D (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 1:45PM 2D | 7:00PM 2D THE GREAT DISCONNECT (PG-13) (FRI-SAT) 12:45PM 2D | 2:35PM 2D | 7:20PM 2D | 10:10PM 2D (SUN) 2:50PM 2D | 4:50PM 2D | 6:45PM 2D | 8:15PM 2D | 10:10PM 2D (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 12:45PM 2D | 2:35PM 2D | 7:20PM 2D | 10:10PM 2D I STILL BELIEVE (PG) (SUN) 7:15PM 2D MY SPY (PG-13) (FRI-SAT) 12:30PM 2D | 3:20PM 2D | 9:25PM 2D (SUN) 3:05PM 2D | 9:25PM 2D (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 12:30PM 2D | 3:20PM 2D | 9:25PM 2D ONWARD (PG) (FRI-SAT) 4:55PM 2D | 6:45PM 2D (SUN) 5:35PM 2D | 7:00PM VIP (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 4:55PM 2D | 6:45PM 2D THE SHAWSHANK REDEPTION (R) (FRI) 3:40PM 2D | 9:15PM 2D (SAT) 3:40PM 2D (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 3:40PM 2D | 9:15PM 2D THE HUNT (R) (FRI) 1:35PM VIP | 4:30PM 2D | 7:10PM VIP | 10:15PM 2D (SAT)1:35PM VIP | 4:30PM 2D | 7:10PM VIP | 10:00PM 2D (MON, TUES, WED, THURS) 1:35PM VIP | 4:30PM 2D | 7:10PM VIP | 10:15PM 2D NT LIVE: FLEABAG (R18) 8:00 PM CULTURE Indoor and Outdoor dining PICK-UP • TAKE-OUT • DELIVERY 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 to cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers and some thunder. weather Forecast today Cayman Islands 90°F 80°F HIGH LOW WINDS East to southeast at 5 to 10 knots. SEA STATE Slight with wave heights of 1 to 3 feet. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Legislators on Monday are set to debate the Domestic Partnership Bill, which seeks to provide a legal framework for same-sex couples to enter into a formal union. The bill, which has been open for public comment and consultation for a 30-day period, also seeks to address the long-standing issue of common law relationships in the Cayman Islands. It sets out the process for entering into domestic partnerships, registration, and creates offences for breaches under the law. While it is unclear how lawmakers will vote in the debate, the Cayman Compass understands that both government and opposition MLAs will be allowed a conscience vote when the proposed bill is tabled for debate. Legislators have been seeking feedback from constituents on the proposed legislation. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, public meetings have been largely limited, which, as Opposition Leader Arden McLean pointed out last month, will hamper efforts to elicit public comment. However, MLAs have been using other means to secure direction from constituents. On Saturday, George Town Central MLA Kenneth Bryan will hold a secret ballot vote for his constituents at Constitution Hall (formally Town Hall). Other MLAs, like Bodden Town West’s Chris Saunders and Newlands’ Alva Suckoo, have been using WhatsApp to solicit feedback. The proposed law seeks to address the directions in the ruling handed down by the Court of Appeal in its decision in the Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush case. The women had challenged the constitutionality of the marriage law and sought the right to enter into a same-sex marriage. Chief Justice Anthony Smellie ruled in their favour, changing the definition of marriage and removing the wording of ‘as a union between a man and a woman’. Government appealed the ruling on the grounds that the court could not and should not legislate from the bench. The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the government. However, it ruled that Day and Bodden Bush are entitled “expeditiously” to legal protection in the Cayman Islands, which is functionally equivalent to marriage. The court said there is an obligation to provide such a framework and that the failure to do so was “woeful”. The court said, in its ruling, that the failure of the Legislative Assembly to provide the framework is a continuing violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This week, the Human Rights Commission, in a press statement, expressed hope that the bill would overcome “divisiveness and intolerance” to address a legislative inequality as it reminded residents “to treat everyone with courtesy, dignity and respect”. Chantelle Day, left, and Vickie Bodden Bush challenged the government over their right to wed. Domestic Partnership Bill heads to LA Legislators have been seeking feedback from constituents on the proposed legislation . FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass cayman compass 2 news N news FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2020It is an honor to commend Joseph T. Ostroski, M.D., for his 30 years of service as distinguished physician liaison for Baptist Health International. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Joe (as his Cayman Islands “family” lovingly refer to him) has dedicated much time and effort to serving Caymanians and helping build strong and long-lasting relationships with the international medical community. He was nominated and received The Honorary Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour awarded in the name of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second for medical services to the people of the Cayman Islands and has also been honored by the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Cayman Heart Fund. Baptist Health is proud of Dr. Ostroski’s many accomplishments and wish him continued health and happiness in his retirement. DR. FERNANDEZ Chief Executive Officer Baptist Health Medical Group It is our pleasure to announce that Bernardo “Bernie” Fernandez, M.D., chief executive officer of Baptist Health Medical Group, has been appointed distinguished physician liaison of Baptist Health International. Dr. Fernandez will assume this expanded role at the end of July 2020. Baptist Health International’s team of professionals is here for the people of Cayman and committed to continue providing compassionate care. For more information or assistance with any of your medical needs, email BHICayman@BaptistHealth.net or call 345-749-3304. For international inquiries, email International@BaptistHealth.net or call 786-596-2373. BaptistHealth.net/International ROGELIO E. RIBAS, M.D. Vice President REBEKAH BROOKS, R.N. Managing Director ANA BASSIL International Consultant SOOK YIN, M.D. Medical Director Thank You cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 24 JULY 20201234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Heavy blow (5) 4 Proposition to be proved (7) 8 Having a tendency (3) 9 Chiromancy (9) 10 A shade of orange (7) 11 Farther from the centre (5) 13 Vulgar (6) 15 Sumptuous (2,4) 18 Reproduction of sound (5) 19 Talk excessively (7) 21 Preside over admirers (4,5) 23 Knack (3) 24 Drive back (7) 25 Severe abdominal pain (5) DOWN 1 Of acknowledged excellence (7) 2 Peremptorily (3,2,4) 3 Habitual drinker (5) 4 Special faculty (6) 5 Part of a serial (7) 6 Boring routine (3) 7 Civic leader (5) 12 Denoting conciseness (9) 14 Impassive in adversity (7) 16 Unpredictable (7) 17 Dull-witted (6) 18 Loathe (5) 20 Garret (5) 22 Impudence (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16439 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 16439 ACROSS: 1 Clout, 4 Theorem, 8 Apt, 9 Palmistry, 10 Saffron, 11 Outer, 13 Coarse, 15 De luxe, 18 Audio, 19 Blabber, 21 Hold court, 23 Art, 24 Repulse, 25 Colic. DOWN: 1 Classic, 2 Out of hand, 3 Toper, 4 Talent, 5 Episode, 6 Rut, 7 Mayor, 12 Thumbnail, 14 Stoical, 16 Erratic, 17 Obtuse, 18 Abhor, 20 Attic, 22 Lip. cartoon No Flight - By Caymanman Cayman’s borders to reopen in September Our borders must reopen at some time. OK, so these published criteria from the Cayman Islands government are a start. On the surface, they seem fairly rational, perhaps as cautious as can be per the context, seemingly workable, subject to full compliance of the visitors affected, and, I hope, remain flexible enough to be revised to the benefit of the people presently living in the Cayman Islands, if necessary. So, we will be spending unknown amounts of funds (albeit pandemic-related and perhaps with measures to make it more easily available – but public funds [nevertheless]) to establish and operate application- processing, testing, and monitoring visitors for perhaps three, four, five days or more, and perhaps even more costs unseen at this time. We will be using more test kits from our stock. Recall that many were previously sold to some of our neighbours in a great humanitarian gesture. Have we replenished our stock? Has a cost/benefit analysis been done to establish that it is indeed worth these expenditures for the revenues that visitors may bring? The unknown is how many visitors may choose to come and how much our revenues will benefit from their presence. In my opinion, the criteria... leaves enough room for any visitor considering coming after 1 Sept. to decide whether or not they are prepared to comply. It is likely that some people may decline and not come. Hopefully, the monitoring and response actions will be more than adequate to detect and act on those who may not comply at any point after they arrive. By the way, are there penalties attached? In any case, under all circumstances, I trust our government will carefully consider which countries it will prioritise first per their virus status and departure virus-control measures and, under no circumstances, will include anywhere in the USA for the foreseeable future. Kerith McCoy In my opinion, you’re just asking for another surge. Look what’s happened here in the US. It’s not always about the dollar, Cayman! Michele Vanderford I think some additional consideration should be given to property owners as far as self-quarantining upon arrival. If someone has their own home or condo, why the need to be shuttled off to someplace else? Even if it meant reporting to a central location each day to be tested, it’s still a better alternative and certainly less costly for all. Christopher Love We were planning on using our timeshare this year for a week, as always, but these restrictions make it impossible to do so. A week’s vacation with five days in isolation, someplace, and paying for all of it at some cost. This seems out of line if you really want to attract tourists back to the Cayman Islands. I can’t see how anyone can follow these mandates. We hope you will look at it realistically or I am afraid your tourism is finished. Greg Johnson This is a well thought-out opening. Many restrictions, including testing before and upon arriving; quarantine with electronic monitoring; after release, social distancing, etc. And with limited capacity, accommodations will be more expensive. So this phased, trial opening is for the serious traveller, not the novice looking for a cheap, quick getaway. Richard Nathan Parson It is my belief that property owners will be very responsible regarding the opportunity to return to Cayman, given their vested interest. However, requiring a property owner to quarantine in a hotel room for five days is very unreasonable. Why not allow property owners to self-quarantine in their own homes and monitor with whatever technology is available? Any violation would incur an immediate $2,000 fine. I think you would get a very high level of compliance and significantly reduce cost and resource requirements. Robert Cooke I certainly do not agree with a fitted animal/criminal collar of any type to monitor human behaviour. I have personal business to tend to and these current regulations will push my travel out into the islands until government’s further review. Either take the risk or remain closed, I support one way or the other. I look forward to a time when COVID is in our rear-view mirror. Joshua Coville Renewable energy offers huge jobs potential for post-COVID Cayman I have solar in Delaware, US. I am connected to the grid so if I produce more energy than I use, it goes back into the grid and my meter runs backward. At night or when the sun is not shining, I use energy from the grid. It works here so it can work in Cayman. Bruce Leibowitz Government needs to approve a new allotment for consumer renewable energy as CUC will not take any new consumer’s renewable energy. I have a new home just completed and CUC will not approve my application as CUC says government has not approved any new allotment, since CUC’s huge solar farm has used up all the past government’s agreement with CUC. OfReg needs to do a better job in making sure new renewable projects, especially homes, can sell back to the grid, or CUC needs to approve net metering for home owners. Jay Easterbrook Green recovery proposed for post-COVID Cayman A good start would be water fountains in every park and beach, as well as paved bike lanes for safety and family outdoor healthy living. This is one of the few countries that lacks access to public drinkable water. Paola Vazquez del Mercado More walking and cycle paths, please! A proper cycle path and pedestrian crossings for Spotts beach and Shamrock Road would be ideal, especially since adding a car park at Spotts beach, which has so many more visitors now. Jennifer Marshall What they’re saying Online cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2020cayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2020 Account # Date account was opened Account # Date account was opened Account # Date account was opened Account # Date account was openedThe Human Tissue Transplant Council (HTTC) wishes to pay tribute to Mr Robert Hamaty, who served as a member of the council since its inception in 2018. As a recipient of an organ transplant, he had a deep clarity of purpose, was a passionate advocate for organ and tissue transplants and became our champion for the development of the programme. Mr Hamaty shared his transplant story with members of the council and the public and showed how thankful he was for the extra years his new heart had given him. The donor was a 27 year old pilot which in turn made his transplant journey even more special as he too was an airline pilot for our national flight carrier, Cayman Airways. Mr Hamaty shared our views, eagerness and hopes for the Cayman Islands in this area of human tissue transplant, and for that we will always be grateful. The Human Tissue Transplant Council and the Ministry of Health extend our sincere condolences to Mr Hamaty’s family and friends. It was an honour to have known and work with such a great person. He will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace. February 12 1948 to June 13 2020 RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Maternity leave in the private sector is 20 days shorter than that of mothers who work in the public sector. For moms like Kate Theron, who is currently on maternity leave, and Kristin Sullivan, who will be going on maternity leave soon, the disparity in time off is disappointing. “I didn’t realise that the government sector actually received a bit more [maternity leave] and I would certainly question the rationale behind that and challenge private business that, if the government can pony up, then why can’t they?” Theron told the Cayman Compass. “I guess that it would make more sense if it were standard across the board for both private and public sector. I think that would be more fair,” Sullivan said. The disparity in maternity leave is not a new issue. Proposed changes to the Labour Law in 2015 sought to increase maternity leave, recommending an additional two weeks' unpaid leave. However, the bill was pulled back for redrafting in 2016 and a new iteration has yet to be seen. The issue was raised recently in the Legislative Assembly through a private member’s motion filed by Bodden Town West MLA Chris Saunders, who sought to have government consider aligning leave so it would be equal for all female employees. Saunders pointed out that the Personnel Regulations of the Public Service Management Law, which applies to government workers, provide female employees with 90 working days maternity leave surrounding the birth or adoption of a child. Of those 90 days, 30 are on normal pay and the remaining 60 days are without pay. Conversely, the current Labour Law, which applies to the private sector, provides maternity leave 70 working days in any 12-month period. The law requires that mothers receive 20 working days leave on full pay, 20 on half pay, and the remaining 30 on no pay. “I believe that this inconsistency between the private sector and the civil service needs to be corrected as a matter of natural justice, as we can’t have a Constitution with a Bill of Rights that promotes equality under the law, but then we have laws that are applied unequally,” Saunders argued. Premier Alden McLaughlin accepted Saunders’s motion on behalf of the government, agreeing to consider the MLA’s resolution. Sullivan said any extra time would be a blessing, especially being a first-time mom. “I definitely have heard many other countries have more of an extensive maternity leave, which would again be really great. As a first-time mother not really knowing what fully to expect, obviously the more time being able to bond with my child... would be great,” she said. Both women suggested a six- month maternity leave period. Theron said, for mothers, the first few months of a baby’s life require complete attention and dedication, especially if they are breastfeeding. “When you think about the World Health Organization encouraging breastfeeding, for example, they encourage breastfeeding up to six months. So, it’s very difficult for a mother who has to go back to work after three and a half months to continue with breastfeeding,” she said. The mom of three said what needs to be an important consideration is the fact that maternity leave is not a “holiday”. “Of course, it’s a privilege,” she said, “but it’s certainly not anything other than what’s necessary for the baby.” Both women would also like to see paternity leave included in government’s considerations. "It’s important for the father to bond with the baby as well...," Sullivan said, "It’s nice to have him, maybe [for] two weeks ... to be able to help me out as a new mother,” she said. In Cayman, there is no stipulation under the Labour Law for fathers working in the private sector to be entitled to paternity leave. However, under the Personnel Regulations of the Public Service Management Law, “a male employee who has worked for at least 12 months is entitled to paternity leave of two working weeks, with one week on normal pay and one week without pay”. Expectant mother Kristin Sullivan says she is hopeful government moves swifty to make maternity leave equal in the private and public sectors. Moms urge speedy maternity leave alignment cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2020cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2020 The first half of 2020 was one for the record books, to say the least. The fastest market decline in history was abruptly followed by the best quarter for stocks in over 20 years, culminating in the biggest quarter-to-quarter swing in more than 80 years. A rebound of epic proportions in its own right was made even more staggering by the fact that this historic market rally took place against the backdrop of a deteriorating economic outlook. While a rapid and coordinated monetary and fiscal response has allowed markets to stage a remarkable comeback, uncertainty is still ever-present. Increasing virus statistics, heightened geopolitical tensions and high relative valuations highlighting just some reasons for caution. While we are unlikely to retest the March lows at this point, the market has moved very far, very fast, and this lack of clarity is sure to result in future volatility. Expect a rocky road ahead. With the noise in the stock market now at deafening levels, indecision has become prevalent amongst investors and understandably so. To help combat this, we have highlighted the crucial areas you need to focus on when assessing the strength of your financial portfolio. What is the biggest mistake an investor can make at a time like this? Investors should be focused on ‘time in the market’ instead of ‘timing the market.’ The uncertainty of short-term market moves should not be your primary focus. Far too often, investors are preoccupied with attempting to pinpoint the exact moment the market hits an absolute bottom. Unfortunately, the market is a fickle beast, and trying to time it to perfection is a humbling endeavor. While nobody wants to be the one buying just before the dip and the psychological benefits of buying at precisely the right time are undeniable, this buy low, sell high mentality is a fool’s errand for most investors. It’s natural to be hesitant to invest, following such a sharp correction. However, setting up an investment strategy that focuses on your long-term objectives is likely to pay-off in the long-run, while obsessing over the perfect time to buy is likely to leave you sitting on the sidelines. Is this a time to hunker down and wait? Cash has never been king. With widespread uncertainty evident in equity markets and yields across safe-haven fixed income securities bound for zero, you would not be remiss in thinking that maybe it’s time to start hoarding your money under your mattress in wait for a sunnier investment climate. While there is safety in holding cash, the question remains, why accept the negative real returns offered by cash when there is still an abundance of opportunities in the market for investors of all risk appetites? In the words of Warren Buffett “The one thing I will tell you is the worst investment you can have is cash. Everybody is talking about cash being king and all that sort of thing. Cash is going to become worth less over time”. History has proven that cash has drastically underperformed all other major asset classes over time. The S&P 500 index returned a historic annualized average return of around 10% since inception (1926) vs. the negative real return offered by cash after inflation. So, while it is vital to hold a cash reserve within your portfolio for liquidity purposes, the remaining cash should be invested in line with your long- term objectives, taking full advantage of the compounding effects offered by return generating asset classes. How can investors protect their portfolios? Diversification is key Investing during periods of market volatility can be unsettling. No one likes to see their account value dip, even temporarily. By their very nature, equity markets are cyclical. They will rise and fall over time, so it’s crucial to implement a disciplined and diversified long-term focus, allowing you to participate in the rising tide of equity market without falling prey to the emotional fallacies that come with short-term stock price fluctuations. Diversification is paramount when trying to implement a disciplined investment approach. The benefits of diversification have been well documented and were highlighted once again in March as Treasury values rose sharply amid the equity market decline. When diversifying, your goal is to lower the risk profile of your portfolio by adding non-correlated or inversely correlated investment strategies. This combination of assets that move independently of each other will allow for a more consistent and predictable return irrespective of the current investment climate, making those inevitable market corrections much easier to bear. At Holdun, we recognized some time ago that traditional asset classes alone were unlikely to deliver acceptable returns in periods of sustained low-interest rates and muted economic growth. As a result, we created our Alternative Funds. These include Private Equity, Real Estate, and Venture Capital Funds, offering a broad range of exposure across the risk and illiquidity spectrum and little to no correlation to stocks, providing greater portfolio diversification, reduced portfolio volatility, and higher returns. Opportunities in Uncertainty ADVERTISEMENTcayman compass 8 N news FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2020 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 More than $281.6M worth of goods touch local shores RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Online shopping during the COVID-19 lockdown led to an increase in imports to Cayman, and Customs and Border Control officials say they expect those trends to continue as international travel restrictions remain. CBC Deputy Director Kevin Walton told the Cayman Compass this week that a rise in imports had been projected by his team, but the volume of single imports coming through local ports was more than they had planned for. “We had this in our continuity plan to manage the amount of imports. However, it did go above what we were expecting. To manage it, we have deployed [an] extra… 15 officers and support staff to [deal with] the increase,” Walton said. He said the travel restrictions led residents, who would normally import their goods themselves as passengers on flights, to spend shopping online instead. “I think that [lack of travel] has the most impact. However, because persons can’t travel and buy their stuff overseas, they’re also purchasing locally. So, the [local] businesses are also having to restock and bring in more stuff. It has a dual effect… from both ways, but obviously imports [of] the individual shipments have increased because of the travel restrictions,” Walton said. The higher number of imports is putting additional strain on resources, the deputy director said, adding that the main struggle CBC is facing is the fact that most of the imports are by people who are not regular users of the CBC system and therefore are unfamiliar with it. “That poses a challenge for us because those individuals haven’t been registered in our system before. They haven’t used courier services or consolidated companies before, so they haven’t even been Lockdown shopping fuels rise in imports appointing agents and they have very little understanding of [what] importing of goods through our system requires,” he said. For smooth clearing of imports, Walton said, importers must complete and submit an Appointment of Agent Authorisation form when using courier or broker services. This is the importers’ responsibility, he said. However, he said, CBC staff are spending extra time helping first- time importers go through the system, including some who were unable to access a computer to complete the process. This, he said, has added to the challenges of wading through the imports to clear goods, as has the fact that many imports are arriving at the same time. He added that it seems the freezing of payments on home mortgages and the early release of pension funds meant that many residents had more disposable income to spend “and that has caused a lot of online shopping to go, what we would consider, … wild.” Record imports bring revenue Cayman’s monthly imports for the first seven months of this year have reached record highs. In June, more than 18,000 items were imported, surpassing the highest number for a single month in 2019. The highest number of imports in a single month last year was recorded in October, when more than 17,000 items were imported. Walton explained that traditionally the last three months of the year are the peak period for imports. As of 20 July, Cayman’s imports were just shy of 12,000, and climbing. From January through June this year, with the exception of April, imports reached at least 13,000 per month. During the first six months of last year, import numbers were typically between 8,000 and 9,000 per month. The total value of imports from March to June stood at an estimated $281.6 million, inclusive of insurance, shipping and freight costs. The import duty revenue from these goods is expected to be more than $74 million. Of that sum, so far this year, CBC has collected $56 million in duty, as some importers have lines of credit and their tariff payments will be forthcoming. The current import system allows for the real-time tracking of data. Walton said CBC is feeling the heat from importers who want their goods released as soon as possible, but “approximately 40% of imports [to] the Cayman Islands arrive with incorrect invoices”. This, he said, creates a backlog when it comes to dealing with releasing imports, especially when each import has to be filed individually, even if it is delivered in the same container. Also, he said, some people were not cooperating with their couriers, and were refusing to even submit the form to them for the release of the goods. “In addition to that, when they did submit, some of their identifications were not readable,” he said. He said CBC requires a driver’s licence or passport when submitting the appointing agent form which is required by law to protect the importer, as well as the agent, and for CBC to link the importer with the agent. Walton asked the public for patience, saying some new suppliers sending single- import invoices were listing imports incorrectly, which could lead to customers overpaying or underpaying duties. “Our objective is to have the general public compliant and understanding the process that is needed when importing goods, because it’s not just to check for revenue or check your tariffs. But also, to ensure that our borders are protected from any prohibited or restricted goods that may cross [them], may it be drugs, firearms, plants, animals, etc.,” he said. He said protecting Cayman’s borders is increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic as the airports are closed and the sea port is the only point of entry into the islands. Walton said work is ongoing to facilitate online payments, and the CBC is building out its system to increase efficiency. This approach entails upgrading the operating system behind the scenes while it is running on the front end, and testing its upgrades simultaneously before releasing the new function onto the computerised portal. He said a number of phased upgrades are planned for the customs portal. Number of items imported annually, Jan. to July 201820192020 Import revenue processed, March-June 2020 MonthRevenue earned Revenue collected Estimated cost of insurance and freight March$24,486,000$18,077,000$90,385,000 April$16,650,000$12,618,000$63,090,000 May$15,930,000$12,330,000$61,650,000 June$17,253,000$13,313,000$66,565,000 TOTAL$74,319,000$56,338,000$281,690,000 - Source: CBC 2020 imports Jan.14,000 Feb. 14,000 Mar. 14,000 April 9,000 May 13,000 June 18,000 July (20th) 12,000 - Source: CBCcayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 24 JULY 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many persons in the Cayman Islands, most notably the elderly, who have been forced to stay at home as a result of Government restrictions to stem the transmission of the disease on the islands. These restrictions have meant that many persons who fall in this category have had to stay at home and depend on organizations such as Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels to survive. Recognizing this, JN Money Cayman, who has in the past supported many initiatives on the island in keeping with its commitment to the growth of the Cayman Islands economy and the well-being of its citizens, has stepped in to assist Meals on Wheels with its feeding programme. “Since our establishment here in 2005, JN Money Services (Cayman) Limited, owners and operators of the JN Money brand has integrated itself in the society through various initiatives that provide support to our customers and the wider Cayman Islands,” said Mr. Glenroy Henry, Country Manager, JNMS Cayman. To support Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels, JN Money Cayman, donated CI$2,000 to enable the charity to continue its work in the community. “It is said that the real wealth of a nation is the health of its people and Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels is ensuring that the vulnerable on the islands remain healthy especially during these challenging times. Therefore, we felt it a worthwhile effort to provide support by giving them a CI$2,000 donation which is a part of our commitment to ensure that all citizens of the Cayman Islands remain healthy especially in these difficult times,” Mr. Henry added. Mr. Henry added that JN Money Cayman remained dedicated to its customers and the wider Cayman Islands “We are committed to the growth and development of the island and have consistently supported activities in the health, education and the general welfare of Cayman and its citizens. Therefore, when we heard the story of Meals on Wheels and their charity efforts, we thought it was prudent to support their efforts in a meaningful way.” Miss Jennifer West, General Manager of Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels explained that the pandemic has placed increased pressure on its resources. “Before the pandemic we would serve on average 470 meals and soups each day. But since COVID-19, that number has increased to over 1000 daily meals and soups. “The increase is as a result of restrictions placed on the elderly and vulnerable groups who are unable to leave their homes because they are considered most at risk of contracting COVID-19, but also due to lack of access to a hot meal and loss of income” she stated. Miss West said the organization was grateful for the donation because it has been unable to embark on fundraising efforts that had to be cancelled, which are typically held to raise funds to cover the cost of the meals which are delivered free of charge to the homes of those in need. “This donation will allow us to provide 800 hot soups and nutritious meals. We appreciate the support and thank JN Money for choosing to support Meals on Wheels at this time as we continue to serve an increased number of persons in need” she stated. Founded in 1997, Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels serves daily hot meals and soups to the elderly, the disabled, the homebound, the homeless and the infirm. Meals are delivered by a dedicated team on volunteers who are committed to delivery hot meals, warm smiles and peace of mind to those in need. JN Money Cayman donates to Meals on Wheels Glenroy Henry (left) Country Manager, JNMS Cayman makes a donation to Jennifer West, General Manager, Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels as part of the money services operator’s commitment to support development initiatives on the islands. ADVERTISEMENTNext >