Red Bay Seven Mile Beach Waterfront Walkers Road Steakhouse King ™ Also available in single Limited Time Only TM & © 2020 Burger King Corporation. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 28 August - 3 September 2020 Local News Domestic partnerships to be changed to civil partnerships Page 6 Business Bermuda and Cayman at opposite ends of fiscal policy Page 12 Back to school Page 3 A breath of fresh air Cayman embraces easing of restrictions on masks, social distancing and public gatherings. Page 2 Carnival organisations promise two lively weekends Page 16 Cayman 2.0: Ideas to reshape post-COVID Cayman Page 14Matinees (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. 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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 Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass Partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of morning showers. Friday Forecast 89°F HIGH WINDS East at 5 to 10 knots with higher gusts. SEA STATE Slight to moderate with heights of 2 to 4 feet. weather Cayman Islands 78°F LOW For the first time in more than three months, people throughout Cayman this week are entering stores, bars, restaurants and shops without having to wear face masks. The government on 25 Aug. eased COVID-19 suppression regulations and abolished the mandatory wearing of masks in indoor public places, including schools. Other restrictions were also relaxed or lifted. The number of people who can gather in public has been increased from 50 to 250; boats can now carry 100% of passenger capacity, if that number does not exceed 250; scuba equipment rental is now allowed under certain conditions; and social distancing is no longer required. Dr. John Lee, chief medical officer, speaking at Tuesday’s COVID-19 press briefing, announced the dropping of the mask requirement, but advised that people should continue to wear masks when interacting with the vulnerable or the elderly. Under the revised regulations, the wearing of masks remains mandatory on school buses and public transport, and at airports, prisons and healthcare centres. The latest regulations will remain in place until 30 Sept. Among the people who quickly abandoned their masks following the government announcment was Franck Bottero, who posted a photograph of himself on Facebook declaring ‘Freedom’ while shopping at a supermarket on Tuesday. “It felt so good to be able to breathe,” Bottero told the Cayman Compass. Partial border reopening still set for 1 Oct. Premier Alden McLaughlin, at Tuesday’s briefing, also announced that Cayman remained on schedule for a phased reopening of the islands’ borders from 1 Oct. The premier outlined a process that would include an application to travel through the Travel Time hotline, a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure, a further COVID-19 test eight days after arrival, and monitoring with a BioButton or similar technology. He said people arriving would not be required to go into mandatory isolation at a government facility and could isolate at their home or condo if they agreed to wear the BioButton. Despite the easing of restrictions, Cayman is still at Level 2 – minimum suppression – because of the threat still posed from the rest of the world, the premier said. “Although we are living in a quite safe bubble here, the virus is still raging around us,” he said, explaining why all restrictions had not been lifted and why Cayman had not been given the official ‘all clear’. He said more announcements would be coming on measures to support the economy, including a loan scheme and the global citizens initiative, which would attract people to live in Cayman and work from home. Government is also close to agreeing a deal for a line of credit to help supplement its revenues and fund its programmes. More London flights planned Governor Martyn Roper has announced that British Airways will resume commercial flights every two weeks between London's Heathrow Airport and Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman. Since March, only ad-hoc repatriation air-bridge flights, organised by the Governor’s Office, have been operating. The last ‘air bridge’ flight was scheduled to arrive in Cayman on 27 Aug., bringing around 150 people to the island, and returning to London on 28 Aug. with a fully booked plane, mostly for Caymanian students attending school in the UK. The first BA commercial flight, bookable on the airline’s website, will fly into Cayman on 17 Sept. and depart the following day. Anyone coming in on these flights will still be required to apply for approval through the ‘travel time’ hotline in Cayman. Arriving passengers on the 17 Sept. flight are expected to be part of a ‘phase one’ trial of government’s procedures for border reopening, which include testing and the use of a ‘BioButton’ to allow them to isolate without being in a quarantine facility. A breath of fresh air Cayman getting used to life without masks Staff and customers at Foster's this week were embracing life without masks. cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2020RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Government’s lifting of masks and social-distancing restrictions sent school officials into overdrive to rejig guidelines, which were issued in June, to remove requirements for face coverings ahead of the new term. However, John Gray High School principal Jonathan Clark welcomed the change in policy, even though it meant unravelling the changes put in place to comply with the initial restrictions. “Generally, any feelings of frustration [over the changes] were overcome by the joy of wanting to get kids back into school safely and learning. It has been a long time since we have seen them. I know it was welcomed news for parents, even though some may have concerns,” he told the Cayman Compass Wednesday at the Year 7 welcome assembly in the school’s gymnasium. Mom Danielle Bastiaanse said she was overjoyed at the changes. “It’s changed my mood completely. [I have] two happy, excited kids to go back to school on Monday and no online [classes]. It is like we won the lottery. I couldn’t be happier,” she said. On Tuesday, Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee confirmed the lifting of restrictions that had required masks in public places and social distancing. It came hours before hundreds of students were set to head off to school for the staggered reopening. However, that too has also changed. On Tuesday evening, the Department of Education Services issued revised school guidelines, doing away with its plan to have various year groups return to school on different dates. Instead, classes for Years 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9 have been pushed forward from 9 Sept. to Monday, 31 Aug. Other year groups began resuming school this week. For John Gray student Azani Chambers, just being able to go back to school and be with his friends again was good enough. “It feels good,” he said, adding he was looking forward to maths class. Normalcy welcomed for students and teachers Island Montessori principal Clare Thorpe said the school made several changes in its preparation to comply with the original guidelines. These included adding outdoor learning spaces with rain protection and fans to facilitate lessons outside and eliminating the need for masks for some of the older students. “We moved classrooms around to maximise space, changing entrances and exits. We ordered an air-purification system to enhance sanitation and purchased non-contact thermometers [and] additional PPE, and have outsourced recommended cleaning services,” she told the Compass, adding that more staff were also hired. While implementing these changes cost more than $10,000, and, for now, are not necessary, Thorpe said she did not mind. “COVID-19 has been challenging for us all. There is no footprint to follow and it is difficult to please everyone. It is a brave decision to lift the restrictions at the last minute, especially with all the adaptations already in place. Although we have prepared for an alternative reopening, we need to do what is best for the children. Lifting restrictions was the right call,” she said. On Wednesday at John Gray, students, flanked by their parents, were still socially distanced for their assembly and many kept on their masks, which Principal Clark welcomed. Members of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman, in partnership with Blue Water Medical, provided complimentary COVID-19 care packs to returning students, which included a mask, hand sanitiser and wipes. Clark said lifting of the mask and distancing requirements will make the school year better for students, in terms of returning to normalcy, but he believes having them become familiarised with the health guidelines will be useful. “The relaxing of masks makes things a lot easier for us, but what we obviously have to do is make sure the students are carrying their masks and wearing them for bus transportation and, therefore, we kind of want them to have a mask in school, and that gives us options,” he said, adding, “If, at any time, there was any issue, any problem, we can just ask students to put a mask back on again.” According to the updated DES guidelines, masks are required on school buses but are optional in class, and physical distancing would not be mandatory, but physical contact is "strongly discouraged". Over at Cayman International School, Director Jim Urquhart said the institution had been ready to implement all the original guidelines, but he did not have an issue with switching gears following Tuesday’s announcement. “Despite the timing of changes made, we are very happy to welcome our full student body back on campus earlier than expected. Whilst this quick pivot based on [Tuesday’s] government update has caused disruptions to our families and school operations, we are optimistic that this unique reopening will mark the start of a wonderful school year,” he said. Urquhart outlined the changes the school had made in preparation for the students' return, including setting up "sanitising stations, electrostatic cleaning, new logistics for drop off and pick up, very robust duty schedules, [and] purchased masks, shields, dividers, changed schedules to accommodate physical distancing, as well as implemented notable signage around the school and its grounds. We have also spent considerable time on training. "Aside from monetary costs, there were notable human resources and time costs to make the preparations necessary. Naturally, the health of our CIS team and broader community is paramount, so whilst the extra weeks/months of planning were needed, it is worth it to optimise health and safety to ensure the best learning environment possible." Thorpe said the changes they have made at Island Montessori will still be useful. “We will still utilise the new spaces and use them in the new school year,” she said. “Outdoor learning is a wonderful resource to have. Although the change in protocol has created more work, we are delighted to offer the children a more normal return to school. If the situation in Cayman should change in the future, we will be prepared and ready to adapt to the original suggestions.” Parent Kimberly Nixon said she was “very excited” that students are able to attend school without masks. However, she said, she was “very disappointed with government for not stating a plan, in regard to wearing masks, beyond 1 Oct. With the changes to the staggered school opening, I believe that all government schools should start at a later time, as having schools starting at 8am will result in having traffic delays [that will be] the same as before COVID in the eastern districts.” Nixon, like many other parents, opposed the wearing of masks in schools. “I understand that having/ wearing the masks will protect our children and ourselves, but I don’t think that they should be worn in schools, as it will be very difficult for kids to learn. Also, during COVID was the time for each school to discuss how they could work with parents, for example, homeschooling, staggered times for schools, etc.,” she added. Preparations will make a difference Urquhart said the lifting of restrictions was a positive sign, but indicated that CIS would encourage the wearing of masks, though this is now optional. " Like all schools and organisations, we do have some concerns about the relaxed mask and physical-distancing protocols on island in relation to people who have compromised immune systems. We trust our community will be mindful of the needs of others." Clark said it is important that schools teach the children how lucky Cayman is and how devastating COVID-19 has been across the world. “We need to get them into some good habits, because at any time we could be in a position where we have a few cases on island and the minister being really, really clear if that’s the case, then we’re going to take no risks with our students,” he said. Bastiaanse shared Clark’s feelings. “We all worked so hard to get to where we are now and it feels like a great reward for the kids as they also have been so patient and compliant with all the rules and regulations, etc. Let’s cross fingers all goes well and COVID stays off our beautiful island,” she said. Thorpe agreed. “Given Cayman’s strong response in the suppression of COVID, we are fortunate to be given the opportunity to change the regulations. I think we should be grateful and make the most of the next few weeks,” she said. John Gray High School student Azani Chambers says he's excited to get back to school. Although restrictions requiring social distancing were lifted Tuesday, John Gray High School students still maintained their distance and several opted to wear masks during Wednesday's assembly for Year 7 students. John Gray High School student Martina Hackett was among several students who wore their masks at assembly on Wednesday. Masks, social-distancing requirements dropped Back to school Clare Thorpe, principal at Island Montessori, said the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions was the 'right call'. New school guidelines • Wearing of masks on school buses is mandatory. • Wearing of masks in class is optional. • No social distancing required, but physical contact is strongly discouraged. 31234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 A French white wine (7) 5 Give false idea of (5) 8 Shameless (9) 9 Set of equipment (3) 10 Spoils (4) 12 Unlikely story (4,4) 14 Inherent character (6) 15 Man’s formal headgear (3,3) 17 Pay attention (4,4) 18 Originate (4) 21 Obstruct (3) 22 Bold (9) 24 Relaxed (5) 25 Eventually (7) DOWN 1 A secret intrigue (5) 2 Atmosphere (3) 3 Attic (4) 4 For example (4,2) 5 Ill feeling (3,5) 6 Very rapidly (4,1,4) 7 Plead with (7) 11 City’s environs (9) 13 Rigorous control (4,4) 14 Distinguished (7) 16 In conflict (2,4) 19 Untidy (5) 20 Worthless people (4) 23 Ancient (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16469 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 16469 ACROSS: 1 Chablis, 5 Belie, 8 Barefaced, 9 Kit, 10 Loot, 12 Tall tale, 14 Nature, 15 Top hat, 17 Take note, 18 Stem, 21 Bar, 22 Audacious, 24 Eased, 25 Someday. DOWN: 1 Cabal, 2 Air, 3 Loft, 4 Such as, 5 Bad blood, 6 Like a shot, 7 Entreat, 11 Outskirts, 13 Iron hand, 14 Notable, 16 At odds, 19 Messy, 20 Scum, 23 Old. EDITORIAL BOARD While the dark clouds of the coronavirus crisis still linger, there are plenty of silver linings for the Cayman Islands. There is no escaping the fact that the pandemic has had a profoundly negative impact for everyone on these islands. Thousands of jobs have been lost. Whole sectors of the economy have been diminished. Our collective way of life has been affected. Instead of lamenting what we have lost, the community has energised around the idea of rebuilding a better Cayman. The focus of our Cayman 2.0 series over the past two months has been to stimulate debate and examine ideas for how we shape the country we want for the future. We encouraged people to think big and to re-imagine what the country could be. The outcome of that process demonstrates that there is no shortage of dreams. A world-class university and tourism school, a tech economy that is the envy of the region, and a renewable-energy revolution that drives job growth for years to come are on the wish-lists of the thinkers, politicos and business leaders driving the national debate. We can add reform of public transport, commitment to genuinely sustainable tourism, and a roadmap for education that links academic and vocational programmes directly to areas of opportunity in Cayman, to the required schematics for the rebuild. The challenge facing the islands’ leaders now is how to harness these big ideas into a coherent and achievable plan. It is great to dream big, but it takes vision, leadership and serious ambition to make those dreams a reality. It is encouraging that government, through the Strategic Economic Advisory Council formed by Commerce Minister Joey Hew, has taken the opportunity to do some significant community consultation and draw up a new blueprint for the future. But the real test of that project will be in the execution. Many of the goals now being articulated for post-COVID Cayman can be found in the pages of energy policies, tourism plans and workforce- development policies approved and agreed long before the pandemic. The trouble is always where the rubber hits the road. The towering mounds of Mount Trashmore provide a visible and pungent reminder of just how long it can take to get things done – even when there is clear consensus over the way forward. It is not just multi-million-dollar development projects that have stalled mid process, either. Some of the ideas now on the table could have been achieved already with the stroke of a pen. An expansion to Cayman’s marine parks was announced in March last year to coincide with the visit of Prince Charles. It hasn’t happened. A change to the zoning in George Town to bring new residents and new life to the capital has been proposed for years. It hasn’t happened. The need for high-quality vocational training linked to the requirements of industry has been highlighted for even longer. It hasn’t happened. We are fully on board with the National Energy Policy goal that 70% of our power supply should come from renewables by 2037. We are also painfully aware that we are currently at less than 5%. We are encouraged and enthused about the scope and ambition of the vision emerging for Cayman 2.0. But this must be combined with the determination and the ability to cut through bureaucratic inertia to get it done. With an election on the horizon, we hope that it is a strong vision for Cayman and the ability to put ideas into action, rather than personality politics, that will characterise the campaigns. It is up to our political and business leaders to ensure that the dreams and ambitions of the community harden into concrete plans that can take Cayman into a brighter future. It is up to the rest of us to challenge and hold them accountable to make it happen. cartoon Who is that? - By Caymanman Editorial Online Dream big, but make it happen What they’re saying Dr. Lee: ‘Virus has burned out in Cayman’ Until the borders open.... I don’t want to see Cayman in a horrible second wave, so please, please don’t get too complacent when you open the borders. – Courtney Wright Wonder when other com- mercial flights will be allowed in. Also, it’s encouraging there won’t be government quarantine with the BA flight on 9/17. Hopefully the BioButton works as it should. – Susie Johnson Let’s pray this does not end up being a case of poor judge- ment. Praying for our islands. – Patsy Rowan Governmental leadership at its finest! One of the many reasons why I have always loved the people of the Cayman Islands since my first visit in the 1960s! – Kevin Althage Be diligent upon reopening the borders, however... eeek! – Joann R Burrows-Wood You guys gonna open soon or what? I want to come down there and drop a lot of dollars. – Brian Lunsford Border reopening still scheduled for October How will persons get be- tween the airport and their dif- ferent residences/hotels – strictly by government transports as currently or will they be able to rent cars from agencies or public transport (taxi), and what are the protocols in transporting guests? Also [how to] make sure between those two locations they won’t make a stop at the liquor/grocery store? We are struggling to find a clear answer. – Rob Smith COVID ain’t going anywhere. We all have to just find a way to live with it. – Shanty Lashan cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2020NB : Prices quoted do not include student uniform, student kits and external exam fees PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE. Email: principal@caymancareeracademy.ky or call 916-8970 for more details CIDESCO Diploma in Beauty Therapy – Start date 7th September 2020 Estimated End Date – Aug 2021 Tuition Fee – $16,000 KYD CIDESCO Diploma in Beauty and Spa Management - Start Oct 1st – April 30th, 2021 (no spa experience needed 100% online tutoring) COST:$2,100.00 KYD (Post-grad allowed only with 3 years’ experience in the field) Post Graduate Diploma Beauty Therapy – Tuition Fee: $3,800 KYD Post Graduate Certificate Aesthetics – Tuition Fee:$2,850 KYD Post Graduate Certificate Body Therapy – Tuition Fee:$2,850 KYD Certificate in Aesthetics – Start date 7th Sept 2020 Estimated End Date – April 30th, 2021 (Aestheticians with 3 years’ experience) Tuition Fee:$7,950 KYD Certificate in Body – Start Date 7th September 2020 Estimated End Date – March 31st, 2020 Tuition Fee: $6,500.00 KYD Manual Facial Certificate – Start date September 7th 2020 – December 18, 2020 Tuition Fee: $1,200.00 KYD Facial Certificate – Start Date September 7th, 2020 – November 31st -2020 Tuition Fee:$1,000.00 KYD (Both the Manual Facial and Facial certificates are introductory level certification. These are modular courses which allows the students to continue to any Diploma course.) Courses available at Cayman Career Academy School Address: Smith Rd Plaza suites 5-7, 60 Smith, George Town LAND CLEARING AND EQUIPMENT SERVICE THE DISTRICT OF EAST END Deadline for receipt of application is Friday 4th September, 2020. For additional information please contact Mr. Franklin Hinds at 947-3090 or 916-8901 The Department of Agriculture’s Land Clearing Service is currently being offered to all persons with a valid Commercial Farmer ID and organizations involved in agriculture in the district of East End. Application Forms can be collected from the Department of Agriculture’s Sales Office or downloaded from the Department’s website, under Agronomy (Crop Production) Revised Bulldozer Policy or by clicking the following link http://doa.gov.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/12322603.PDF Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Completed applications can be dropped off to the main office on Agricola Drive or emailed to ciagriculture@gov.ky Government seeking alternate means to transport mail to Cayman KAYLA YOUNG kyoung@compassmedia.ky The Cayman Islands Postal Service officially reopened to receive international mail on 6 May. In practice, however, much of the jurisdiction’s overseas mail service remains on pause. Limited air lift and ongoing transportation negotiations have complicated deliveries between Cayman and the United States, explained Premier Alden McLaughlin during Tuesday’s COVID-19 press conference. “Prior to the closure of Cayman’s borders to control COVID-19, the United States Postal Service had contracted American Airlines to transport its mail to Cayman. Of course, AA is not currently authorised to fly into Cayman, so an alternative has had to be explored,” McLaughlin said. “The United States Postal Service, the Cayman Islands government and Cayman Airways are in negotiations and, I think, close to concluding an agreement to allow Cayman Airways to transport United States Postal Service mail to and from the Cayman Islands. “Transportation of United States Postal Service mail will commence as soon as those negotiations are concluded and the necessary security clearances can be obtained, which we all expect to be soon.” The premier added that, ultimately, the responsibility of restoring US deliveries to the islands rests with the United States Postal Service. Cayman’s Postmaster General Sheena Glasgow explained that it is always the sending country’s responsibility to deal with transportation logistics for deliveries. “This outbound transportation responsibility makes sense if you consider that the sending country also collected the postage paid by the customer and the postage is meant to cover costs, including transportation to the Cayman Islands,” Glasgow said in written comments to the Cayman Compass. Establishing alternate transportation arrangements has been a barrier for many of Cayman’s mail partners, Glasgow added. The only country that has regularly sent mail to Cayman during the crisis has been the United Kingdom, which has relied on sea freight and air-bridge flights to London operated by British Airways. Cayman Airways has also transported mail to Jamaica. Mailing ballots for US election For American voters concerned about mailing ballots for the election in November, the US Consular Agency in George Town is able to assist. US consular agent Gary Montemayor said voters should first request an emailed ballot from the state, county or city where they last voted. Step-by-step instructions for this process can be found online at www.fvap.gov. Once a ballot is completed, it can be dropped off at the US Consular Agency at the Smith Road Centre and the agency will mail it. Montemayor added that the envelope must include postage. A postage-free envelope can be accessed at www.fvap.gov. International mail service still on hold Establishing alternate transportation arrangements has been a barrier for many of Cayman’s mail partners . Overseas mail services to and from Cayman have been disrupted during the COVID-19 crisis. cayman compass 5 news N news FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2020Governor says he’s distressed by divide within Cayman community RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Governor Martyn Roper next week will be finalising changes to the Domestic Partnership Bill, which he intends to rename the Civil Partnership Bill following feedback from the public during the ongoing consultation period. Roper, in a sit-down interview with the Cayman Compass on Thursday on the same- sex marriage debate, said changing the name of the law was a suggestion was put forward by several people. “Civil partnerships is a better term than domestic partnerships, and civil partnerships is the terminology in the UK as well,” Roper said. The governor, who plans to assent to the bill and 11 other amendments to various laws, said he is set to meet with Attorney General Samuel Bulgin next week to work through the comments received during the consultation and make changes to the law. Prior to that, he said he will continue to meet on the issue with public-interest groups, including church leaders and members of the LGBTQ community. Last month, Roper announced his decision to move ahead with the Domestic Partnership Bill after it failed in the Legislative Assembly. The bill, which was piloted by Premier Alden McLaughlin, was defeated by one vote. Government members Juliana O’Connor- Connolly, Dwayne Seymour and Captain Eugene Ebanks all voted with the Opposition to shoot down the bill. Roper: ‘I urged against same-sex marriage’ Roper, who acknowledged the decision to press ahead with the law remains a source of discomfort for the community, said he believes it is the “right thing” to do. “I am personally very sad about where we are because I know a lot of people out there are very upset by this, and I am distressed that this is causing people some sadness, but I don’t think the world is going to change overnight [because of] this. Cayman will continue to maintain its cultural and religious and Christian heritage, but we’re just correcting the legal situation for a minority of people on our islands, including many Caymanians,” he said. Roper, responding to the Opposition’s call for him to “come clean” on the decision to exercise his reserved powers under Section 81 in the Constitution, said this was an issue the UK felt it had to intervene in since local legislators failed to take action. “As governor, this is not the place I would want to be in at all, but it is about the rule of law, and we can’t just ignore a Court of Appeal judgment which requires us to introduce a legal framework for same-sex couples. We are a jurisdiction that is governed by the rule of law,” he said. Roper said part of his function as governor is he has to report to the UK on developments in Cayman and, as such, he had to advise the Boris Johnson-led government about the failure of the Domestic Partnership Bill. He said the UK had two choices when stepping in – either it would be same sex- marriage or would be domestic partnerships/ civil partnerships. Roper said he recognised that what the premier and most of his Cabinet tried to do was probably the “best compromise” they could come up with. He said nobody on either side of the debate was happy with the proposed bill. The LGBT community wanted same-sex marriage, he said, but a lot of people in Cayman don’t want same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. “So, my advice was that we should try and put in place a bill very similar to the one that was being introduced, and I urged against going for same-sex marriage because I felt that was in Cayman even more sensitive and even more difficult than domestic or civil partnerships,” he said. When it comes to the premier’s involvement in the process the UK has initiated, Roper said, he did have discussions on the way forward, but McLaughlin’s position after the failure of the proposed law was that it could not be brought back. “He made it clear this was a matter for the UK; it’s for the UK to decide the next steps. I knew his views and I knew the views of other people about the point we’d reached in Cayman after the defeat of the bill,” he said. Roper said he held discussions with many people and based his assessment and his advice to London on a “wide range of things”. Following the interview with the Compass, the governor pointed out on social media that Cayman and the UK remain subject to the European Convention on Human Rights, even after Brexit. He said the ECHR relates to the Council of Europe, not the European Union, and therefore Britain’s exit has no impact on the obligations under the convention. Comments over Section 81 ‘alarmist’ As Roper prepares to update the proposed law, he reflected on the way forward for the islands, saying that fears that Section 81 will be used liberally on various issues were unwarranted. “I’ve seen what some others in our community are saying: ‘Well, this is the first, now this is going to happen again and again, the UK will step in.’ Well, that’s just not correct. That’s unnecessarily alarmist and worries people for no reason. The UK respects Cayman’s autonomy for domestic affairs. This issue touches on an international obligation,” he said. The governor pointed out that the UK has the right to come in and “put that right”, stressing that there is no reason why anyone should think that this action on this particular issue will then lead to further moves by the UK. “I think it will be extremely rare that these situations happen. This only ever happened once before that Section 81 has been used. Cayman quite rightly enjoys extensive responsibility for domestic affairs, and that doesn’t change as a result of this. The UK is stepping in because of the situation in the courts,” he said. The ‘situation’ he referred to was the Court of Appeal action that involved Caymanian couple Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush challenging the local marriage law since it prevented them from getting married in Cayman. The Court of Appeal ruled that the government was obliged to provide the couple, and all same-sex couples, with rights ‘equivalent to marriage’ and instructed government to introduce legislation to that effect. In the absence of that, the UK must intervene, the court said. Day and Bodden Bush have taken their fight to the Privy Council. Roper said he knew the issue will not end with his assent to the legislation, but he urged those in the community to respect each other. “I appeal to everyone to find it in their hearts to accept that there are people in our community, Caymanians, who are discriminated against, and we are seeking to put that right. But that doesn’t change other people’s faith or beliefs. What it does require is that we accept that there are some people in our society who may have a different belief system, and the best societies, the most successful societies, are those which respect difference and accept difference and live with difference,” the governor said. Domestic partnerships to be changed to civil partnerships “As governor, this is not the place I would want to be in at all, but it is about the rule of law and we can’t just ignore a Court of Appeal judgment which requires us to introduce a legal framework for same-sex couples. We are a jurisdiction that is governed by the rule of law.” Governor Martyn Roper WATCH THE VIDEO ONLINE CAYMANCOMPASS.COM Governor Martyn Roper says he is set to finalise changes to the Domestic Partnership Bill, which will now be called the Civil Partnerships Bill, next week. Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden Bush. 6 sponsored content “Many of us learn in school that a free society requires a free press, but we rarely reflect on what it actually means to lose the Fourth Estate. Democracies need independent, fact-based journalism to provide a voice for a diverse range of people, to watchdog the powerful, and to keep members of a society informed.” – Harvard Business Review The Fourth Estate – making a difference Why local journalism is important in the community. F rom championing the nation to stimulating debate, local journalism gives a unique voice to issues and events that impact the Cayman Islands. It is at the heart of the community – celebrating and documenting our culture and history; telling our unique stories; connecting and reflecting our society; and holding our government – and other authorities – accountable. Local journalists understand what is important to these islands – covering stories in our communities that appear nowhere else but the Cayman Compass. WHY SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM? Journalism is referred to as the ‘Fourth Estate’ – used to emphasise the independence of the press as well as its critical role as a watchdog in a democratic society. But, in the last decades, newspapers – the backbone of local journalism – have been in decline worldwide, impacted by social media, internet access and corporate ownership. Revenues have fallen and newsroom staff have been cut, greatly diminishing the capacity for in-depth and consistent coverage of local events and issues that impact people’s lives. It is why the Cayman Compass, like many other responsible, quality newspapers around the globe, is asking for support for local journalism – through buying printed copies, online subscriptions and advertising. Utilising the services offered by Compass Content (the company’s in-house content marketing agency) and Compass Print also help support the journalism arm of Compass Media. The crises we have experienced in 2020 – from the massive earthquake earlier this year to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – underline why factual and reliable information is so essential. Our journalists are on the frontlines to keep the community informed. Your support ensures we can continue to deliver trustworthy news, advocate for the community and help people make informed decisions. Every contribution, however big or small, is valuable for our future – and yours. Many of us learn in school that a free society requires a free press, but we rarely reflect on what it actually means to lose the Fourth Estate. Democracies need independent, fact-based journalism to provide a voice for a diverse range of people, to watchdog the powerful, and to keep members of a society informed. – Harvard Business Review cayman compass Your most trusted news source 75 CENTS Funding local journalism Eastern Avenue Ariel Christian, Pines’ oldest resident passes away Page 4 Alphabet supermarkets Split shopping shifts announced as 4 new coronavirus cases confirmed. THRU The Compass livestreams a government press conference. Compass cameraman Alvaro Serey with reporter Reshma Ragoonath on the steps of the Legislative Assembly. Compass reporter Andrel Harris working on COVID-19 story. WAYS TO SUPPORT COMPASS JOURNALISM • Buy the weekly print edition of the Cayman Compass that comes out every Friday. • Subscribe to the newspaper online at caymancompass.com for the most up-to-date information & follow our social media pages. • Advertise with the Cayman Compass in print and online to keep customers engaged with this effective local marketing resource. • Utilise services from Compass Content, a multi-media division of Compass Media offering custom print, digital and video content services for the full range of business needs. • Book printing jobs, such as forms, flyers, stationery and business cards, with Compass Print, Compass Media’s commercial print division. cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2020PUBLIC NOTICE Email: george@GeorgeEbanksinc.com | www.GeorgeEbanksinc.com | P.O. Box 42, Grand Cayman Call for an appointment • 345-322-9369 • 345-916-0687 • 345-924-8527 Announcing our New Service offered by George Ebanks Consultancy Services to legal residents in the Cayman Islands. Call for appointment today! About George Ebanks Consultancy Services in Association with Mercurius Advisory Services, offers a wide range of solutions of accounting, taxation and consulting services. We are a client-focused professional services firm providing tax and accounting services to individuals and businesses n Grand Cayman. We are recognised as trusted business advisors as we understand the unique needs and situations of our clients and tailor our services to meet those specific needs. Maximum Deductions, Minimum Tax! US Tax & Consulting Services For Individual and Business 1040/ 1040NR 1065 1120 11205 Last Dates! Sept 15, 11205/ 1065 Oct 15, 1040/ 1120 4 4 4 4 RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The Cayman Islands Humane Society animal shelter is once again facing capacity challenges after people started surrendering and, in some cases, abandoning their pets in the wake of Cayman’s COVID-19 crisis. Humane Society director Saskia Salden has said the animal shelter is “back to square one” and has reached its tipping point. Ironically, it was on International Dog Day that the shelter shared the news of its capacity woes on social media. “We have to say no to some people [who] want to turn in [or] surrender their animals and that is the last thing we want because we then don’t know what’s going to happen to these animals. But there’s just nothing we can do about it. We just don’t have space,” Salden told the Cayman Compass on Wednesday. Currently, the Humane Society has 55 dogs and 20 cats at the shelter, and 60 dogs and 65 cats in foster homes. Salden said the COVID-19 lockdown turned out to be “blessing” for the shelter as residents who had to spend No vacancies Humane Society full, pleads for help Jason Jairam, assistant shelter manager, with some of the dogs from the Humane Society shelter. 20 cats in shelter 55 dogs in shelter 65 cats in foster homes 60 dogs in foster homes Number of animals in Humane Society shelter or foster homes challenges after people started surrendering and, in soe cases, abandoning their pets in the ake of ayan’s I-19 crisis. has said the animal shelter is “back to square one” and has reached its tipping point. Ironically, it was on International Dog Day that the shelter shared the news s ts t t sltr, so much time in their homes volunteered to foster animals. After that, she said, there were many foster “failures”, with foster parents deciding to keep their animals, but conversely others found they were unable to offer permanent homes. “People that were fostering dogs during COVID are now returning to work and so [they are] no longer able to foster,” she said, adding that there are also foster parents who moved from pet-friendly homes to rental propertites that did now allow animals. People leaving the island because of job losses have also compounded the situation, Salden said, since they did not know where they were going to live or if they would have the ability to offer a home to their pets once they got there. “Therefore, they were unable to take... their pets and had to surrender them or give them to friends who then, of course, were not able to keep them. So, [the animals] ended up in the shelter as well,” she said. Salden said the Humane Society has made an open call to the community to help care for the animals through fostering. “We need foster parents and we would like to have them foster maybe for two or three weeks. The more we also know about these animals, the better it is for us to promote them,” she said, as it’s easier to assess whether a dog is friendly or good with other animals or kids if the dog is in a home for a period rather than sitting in the shelter. “So it is very important that we have foster parents that can tell us more about these animals that we can then use to have them adopted,” she said. Salden noted there is also a growing problem of puppies and kittens being found abandoned. “I think, during COVID, people were not really out and about as much, and these animals went undetected, but now people are out again, they’re finding all these litters. We also really want to stress to the public please, please, spay and neuter your animals. There is no need for a female to have multiple litters,” she said. Since the shelter put out the call for help, Salden said, there has been some positive feedback, but nothing really concrete. “They’re all very nice dogs and they just need love. That’s all they need,” she said, making her pitch for fostering and adoption. Leopold is one of the 20 dogs at the shelter. Bilbo is looking for a home. cayman compass 8 news N news FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2020The Environmental Management System at the North Sound Road Power Plant is registered to ISO 14001 CUC advises the public NOT to approach or touch downed or low-hanging power lines or attempt to move objects in contact with power lines under any circumstances. Stay as far away as possible as the ground around the downed or low-hanging power lines may be energized. Always assume the power lines are energised. Call 911 immediately and 911 will contact CUC for assistance. Establish a ‘safe zone’ at least 35 feet away from the fallen or downed power lines and anything the power lines may be touching. Be careful NOT to touch or step in water near where a downed power line is located and DO NOT drive over downed power lines. If there is someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed power line(s), DO NOT touch the person as you could become the next victim. Wait for the emergency services or CUC to arrive. If you have any questions on downed power lines, please contact our Customer Service Team at 949-5200 or via e-mail at service@cuc.ky . Keep away from downed Power Lines is open and will remain OPEN for the Summer !!!! Thursdays from 3pm-9.30pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am-9.30pm Serving your favourites every weekend – ALL weekend With some additional Small Plates, Land & Sea Extravaganza Menus brilliant wines, cool breezes and views so OPEN for the month of September and October as Chef George has announced that he will be in training for a solo swim from Morgans Harbour to Cayman Brac on November 1st ( we won't mention the Speedo- come watch) …Stay tuned….. for constant FRESH Updates go to Instagram #calypsogrillcayman See you this summer COVID numbers remain steady Cayman’s number of positive COVID-19 cases remained steady this week, as the islands began adjusting to the lifting of restrictions, including the wearing of masks and social distancing. By Wednesday, 26 Aug., 697 test results were reported for this week, all of them negative. The results for Thursday had not been released by press time. There remain 205 people who have tested positive in Cayman during the pandemic, 202 of whom have fully recovered. There are two active cases, according to health officials. Both active cases are people who tested positive last week and were in quarantine after recently arriving in Cayman. National census postponed Cayman’s 2020 Population and Housing Census has been postponed to October 2021, the Economics and Statistics Office announced Wednesday. The exact date of the census is still be confirmed. The census, which is conducted every 10 years, was initially scheduled for October this year. Although health officials have said COVID-19 has burned itself out in the community, the ESO in its statement Wednesday said it weighed the health and safety of its staff and residents in taking the decision to delay the national survey. Trees to be cleared at Airport Park The Cayman Islands Airports Authority is set to clear trees at Airport Park and vegetation on land near the cricket pitch as part of the next phase of upgrades to Owen Roberts International Airport. The work will take place on Wednesday, 2 Sept. The clearing of trees is meant to provide Air Traffic Control with better visibility of aircraft manoeuvring on the newly extended runway at the westerly section of the airfield on Grand Cayman. The clearing of land by the cricket field is necessary to remove the vegetation penetrating the flight path for landing and departing aircraft. Post-grad global finance courses deadline 31 Aug. The deadline to apply to the local Master of Laws (LLM) and Postgraduate Diploma in ‘International Finance: Law and Regulation’ at the Truman Bodden Law School is 31 Aug. Both courses are offered on a full- and part-time basis, with entry in September 2020. These are work-friendly programmes, with all classes taking place in the early evening. The UK’s University of Liverpool awards the degrees. ICCI honours community leaders The International College of the Cayman Islands has inducted five students and two honourary recipients into the Sigma Beta Delta honour society. KPMG alternative investments practice partner Sheena Hislop and chairman of Silver Thatch Pensions Carlyle McLaughlin will both be honoured, as well as graduate student Elisa Adriano and undergrads Antanika Ebanks, Stephanie Jackson, Tashae Lawson and Mariah Webb. Sigma Beta Delta was created in 1994 as a business honour society for accredited institutions that offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees in business, management, and administration. Inclusion is based on factors like grade point average and class ranking. Sentencing delayed in animal-cruelty case Sentencing proceedings for a woman facing animal-cruelty charges have been delayed until 1 Oct. over a dispute about the facts of a plea deal. Appearing in the Summary Court on 24 Aug., Sylvia Felicity Lewis, 56, was due to be sentenced on five counts of animal cruelty. The charges stem from a police raid at a Prospect home in May last year, during which 53 dogs were seized. Two stabbed after leaving bar A man and a woman were stabbed after leaving a bar on Seymour Road, George Town, around 1am on Monday morning, police reported. Both had left the premises and crossed the street when they were approached by three men brandishing knives. An altercation ensued, during which the man and woman were both stabbed. They were taken to the Cayman Islands Hospital in a private vehicle. The woman received life- threatening injuries and was hospitalised in serious but stable condition. The man received minor injuries and was released. Baby blues abound Sixty blue iguanas have already hatched in captivity this year and more are expected, marking one of the best breeding seasons yet for the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme. With lockdown measures lifted, members of the public can view the baby lizards at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park breeding facility. Recommencement of blue iguana tours offers a reminder to the public of the dangers, such as cars, stray cats and dogs, that remain to the endemic species, 1,000 of which now live in the wild in Grand Cayman. news inbriefs QUICK TAKES ON THE ISLANDS' AFFAIRS Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee announces updates on COVID-19 at a press briefing on Tuesday, 25 Aug. cayman compass 9 news N news FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2020Next >