EASTERN AVENUE cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 26 March - 1 April 2021 AGAIN? New fi re re-ignites old concerns at the George Town landfi ll. Page 2 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 CHAOS WALKING (PG-13) (FRI & SUN) 4:20 | 7:10 | 9:00 (SAT) 1:35 | 4:20 | 7:10 | 9:00 (MON-WED-THURS) 4:20 | 7:10 - (TUES) 4:20 FATALE (R) (FRI) 3:50 | 7:30 VIP | 10:00 VIP | 10:00 (SAT) 1:00 VIP | 3:50 | 10:00 (MON & THURS) 3:50 | 7:30 VIP (TUE & WED) 3:50 GODZILLA VS. 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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 weather 86°F HIGH 73°F LOW Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of morning showers SEA STATE Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet. SAT 86°F HIGH 72°F LOW SUN 86°F HIGH 76°F LOW MON 86°F HIGH 76°F LOW TUES 86°F HIGH 76°F LOW WED 86°F HIGH 76°F LOW THUR 86°F HIGH 76°F LOW caymancompass.comfacebook.com/caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass WINDS East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots. FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass A large blaze at the George Town landfill on Thursday, 25 March, left many on Grand Cayman with a sinking feeling of déjà vu. The fire erupted in the scrap metal area of the dump site near the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, and was still burning by press time. The thick plumes of black smoke that could be seen across the island throughout Thursday morning and afternoon was a scene that was eerily reminiscent of the March 2020 four-day blaze that led to the evacuation of residents in the neighbourhood. Many of the comments that proliferated on social media throughout Thursday, accompanied by images of smoke and fire, contained the phrase “Not again.” The fire was reported at 9:52am, Fire Chief Paul Walker said at a press briefing, where he pointed out that wind conditions were posing a challenge to getting the blaze under control. He said there had been no reports of injuries at the site. Residents and workers in the vicinity were advised to keep their windows closed and to turn off their air-conditioning unit if their premises were being impacted by smoke. The fire chief advised people to use their own judgment to determine if they should evacuate. However, Cayman International School closed its doors and sent all students home Thursday morning. Fire crews were working on “four points of attack” as they battled the blaze, officials said. “At the moment, because we’re getting significant water onto the fire, the smoke is lighter and the plume is a bit higher, which is a good thing,” Walker said early Thursday afternoon. He added that fire crews were expected to remain on the scene to keep hot spots at bay “well into the night”, but “in terms of the impact on local communities, I hope to see that diminishing by later this afternoon”. Walker said it is too early to speculate about what had caused the fire. Department of Environmental Health Director Richard Simms told the Compass that the DEH had “no idea how this fire started,” adding that there had been no activity going on in that part of the landfill at the time the blaze started. The fire chief said George Town’s Central Fire Station had responded immediately to the fire, and Frank Sound and West Bay stations were on standby. There were 25 on- duty and off-duty firefighters at the scene Thursday, along with three tankers, two rapid intervention vehicles and two trailer pumps. The police helicopter was also in the air to monitor the situation. Traffic became snarled in the area after the southbound lane of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway was closed, and Police Superintendent Brad Ebanks advised drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys. Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, Danielle Coleman, who also spoke at the press briefing, said her unit had activated its Gold Command team and had been providing personnel at the site with food, water and safety supplies, such as masks. Two shelters – at the Red Cross and at the John Gray High School – were on standby in case the fire escalated and individuals were required to evacuate from the surrounding neighbourhoods. Remediation work at the landfill over the past year, which began since the last major blaze, was supposed to significantly reduce the risk of fire at the site, the Dart group said at the time. Most of the dump mound has been covered with aggregate, although the area where the fire broke out Thursday is uncovered, and contained large quantities of scrapped cars and metal debris. A consortium led by Dart was selected in late 2017 as the preferred bidder on a new ‘Integrated Solid Waste Management System’, which would include the capping of the landfill and building a new waste-to- energy plant to convert rubbish into electricity. As of 25 March, however, no final agreement had been signed. Dart and government announced Thursday they planned to hold a press briefing about the waste management system on Friday, 26 March. Compass journalists Andrel Harris, Reshma Ragoonath, Taneos Ramsay and Norma Connolly contributed to this article. Dump fire re-ignites old concerns “At the moment, because we’re getting significant water onto the fire, the smoke is lighter and the plume is a bit higher, which is a good thing.” Fire Chief Paul Walker Smoke billows from the George Town landfill fire on Thursday morning, 25 March. - Photo: RCIPS cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2021RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky While campaigns ramp up efforts to attract voters, the Elections Office and police are urging caution regarding candidates’ claims while canvassing for support. The warning comes as accusations of vote buying have circulated unverified in the community. However, both Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell and RCIPS Chief Inspector Patrick Beersingh confirmed there have not been any formal reports of “vote buying or of people soliciting money from candidates, nor have we received information of such activity”, Beersingh told the Cayman Compass via email. He heads up a special team of investigators focussed on dealing with election-related offences. Howell said his office had reached out to the Director of Public Prosecutions “proactively before we got into the season to ensure that we understand where that bar is in relation to the evidence threshold”. He added that he had reached out to a candidate who had publicly made claims that cash was being handed out to voters, but they have not submitted a formal report. “Firstly, if you have information or knowledge of people soliciting money from candidates, or of vote buying, please report the matter to the police immediately,” Beersingh said. “Soliciting money from political candidates in exchange for voting or not voting for a candidate in an election is an offence under section 95 of the Elections Act of 2021.” Howell also cautioned candidates against giving gifts during this period. “We are aware through social media and others, that many of the candidates were donating and giving things to schoolchildren, and otherwise leading up to Nomination Day. But the legislation criteria for treating and gift giving between Nomination and Election Day is quite different than it is outside of that season,” he said, as he advised candidates to familiarise themselves with the law. Howell stressed it’s not only a candidate’s responsibility, but a voter’s as well. What the law says The Elections Act (2021 Revision) outlines offences relating to bribery, treating and undue influence, all of which are subject to a fine of $2,000 or to imprisonment for 12 months. The offence of bribery is explained in seven scenarios, which include getting or giving money, promises of jobs and offering/ receiving money to return an MP. Howell said when it comes to treating, precedent is used to determine an offence. “We have case law that says if you’re serving lobster, caviar and expensive champagne at a political event and you’re asking for people to vote for you at that point, then that could be considered that you’re over the top," he said. Other offences under the Elections Act include making false statements about a candidate’s character or conduct, breaching the secrecy of voting, unlawfully voting and destroying ballots. What candidates say “Treating or vote buying is clearly wrong,” new Progressives leader Roy McTaggart said. He said he has heard a lot of the “rhetoric from social media and in a number of the rallies” alleging accusations of rampant vote buying and treating taking place. “What I’ve really found conspicuously absent from any of these discussions is proof. With all of the noise, it is really difficult to separate truth from what is simply political rhetoric. I would say to any candidate or any member of the public who has solid reasons and solid information... that they report it to the proper authorities and let it be investigated and prosecuted if necessary,” McTaggart said. To date, he said he has not received any solicitations from any voters. “If that were to happen to me, I would simply decline or refuse to accede to their requests. I would also take the time to explain to them why and let them know that it is illegal for these activities to be taking place,” he added. Fellow George Town East candidate, independent Emily DeCou, echoed that sentiment. “If someone were to approach me, or if I were to knock on the door of a constituent, and they asked me for money or if they stated, for example, ‘I can’t pay my light bill this month, I will vote for you if you pay it’, I would say ‘Let’s figure out why you can’t pay your light bill, and when I get elected, I will advocate for members of the community like you to find a solution to ensure you don’t have this issue again’,” DeCou said. She added vote buying is something the community has to be educated on, “so they don’t have to rely on handouts. Government should work to empower our people to thrive, not enabling them to scrape by and just survive,” she said. Jeanna Williams, an independent candidate for Savannah, said during her canvassing she has come across soliciting, but it was minimal. “I just basically say ‘Well, actually, I’m here to talk about the issues and that’s really not a position I would ever take’. It really does end there. I’m just very polite about it and we just move along with the conversation after that,” she said. Candidates and voters urged: ‘Report instances of vote buying’ Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell. – Photo:Taneos Ramsay Traffic, speeding and environment flagged by voters RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky With an increasing number of housing developments popping up in their communities, it is perhaps of little surprise that traffic congestion and the environment are top agenda items for Red Bay and Prospect voters. Coupled with that, there are growing concerns over excessive speeding in the densely packed neighbourhoods that are home to an electorate of more than 1,300 in each constituency. Speeding and environmental concerns Gary Watler, a Victory Avenue resident and Red Bay voter, said he has seen improvements in his constituency, but when it comes to traffic, the community remains frustrated. “At first, we used to have a lot of flooding on the roads, but now the premier and them have started to address that. We’re finally getting our community park in place, which was another concern for kids [who] had nowhere to play. But the main issue right now that we’re all facing is the traffic ‘cause commuting in the morning and the evenings is very difficult – getting to work and back from work because of traffic flow,” Watler said. He also questioned why it was taking so long for the roadworks to be completed. “Why couldn’t it just be continuous all the way and not stop until it was completed?” Watler asked. Over on Patricks Avenue, in the Prospect constituency, Christine Terry lamented the same challenges with traffic. However, she said, apart from congestion, she sees a problem with speeding and policing. “I would like [them] to address some more policing… up and down on the street. This is a real nice quiet neighbourhood and to me it’s suitable for more policing to be patrolling up and down,” she said. Birch Avenue resident and fellow Prospect voter Barbara Miller shared Terry’s concern about excessive speeding. “The main issue, I think, is the speeders down our road. They just fly down here and we’re always trying to get them to slow down,” Miller said, adding the community has a stray cat and chicken problem as well. However, for her, community safety is a big issue “in general and in Prospect”. “I think just people feeling safe, in their houses,” she said, adding that the environment is also a concern. Pointing to the recent illegal clearing of mangroves in the neighbouring Red Bay constituency on Abbey Way, Miller said she would like more attention paid to issues with over- development and the environment. “We really don’t need all these concrete… whatever you call it… concrete jungles. Why are they not preserving the environment?” she said. Housing challenge Red Bay voter Jerrin Carter said he wants more done for young Caymanians who are struggling, working two jobs and more. He pointed out that affordable housing continues to be out of reach for many young Caymanians. “You try to save up so much money, but everything… the prices are going up, going up, going up. You can’t even buy a piece of land no more. Before a large piece of land used to be up to $25,000. Now a small lot of 0.3 of an acre is like $120,000… who can afford that on a salary of $2,500 (per month) or less? Something needs to be done about that,” he said. Carter also said more could be done to keep young people and children in his community active. He said continuing to build the Eddie Sanchez Community Park in Prospect is a welcomed move as there is a need for “some more activities for [children] to do because everyone is mostly inside the house, either on games or something. We don’t have enough outside activities.” In addition, Carter noted that a fix for the traffic problem was urgently needed, as that situation is “pretty bad”. “It takes you 45 minutes sometimes to get from Red Bay to town and if you’re coming up from the other side or from the eastern side of the island, it’s even longer, especially when you have an accident… you should be able to get to work efficiently and on time,” he said. Carter suggested increasing the police presence, especially when there is a collision on the roadway, to better conduct traffic in such instances. Meanwhile, for Abbey Way resident Khadine Moodie, the lack of speed bumps on her street is worrying for her as a parent. “The speeding is a definite issue for me because I have children and they are out riding their bikes and stuff and sometimes it’s very scary for them to be out and about. [Speed bumps are] definitely high priority,” she said. She added the community also had a problem with stray dogs. Mixed views on top election issues in Red Bay, Prospect PROSPECT Austin Harris INDEPENDENT Michael Myles INDEPENDENT Sabrina Turner INDEPENDENT RED BAY Samuel Jackson INDEPENDENT Alden McLaughlin PROGRESSIVES Red Bay voters 1,320 Prospect voters 1,346 (pending conrmation 1 April) (pending conrmation 1 April) cayman compass 3 news N news FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 20211234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Small quantity (7) 5 Falter (5) 8 Give assistance (4,1,4) 9 Pinch (3) 10 Concerning (2,2) 12 Voluntary choice (4,4) 14 Enclosure for livestock (6) 15 To scold (6) 17 Gesture of approval (6,2) 18 Abound (4) 21 Grow old (3) 22 Recklessly audacious (9) 24 Fund of communal money (5) 25 Perceive clearly (7) DOWN 1 Mediterranean island country (5) 2 Put on (3) 3 Persuade by flattery (4) 4 Insubstantial (6) 5 Naive (4-4) 6 To clear of blame (9) 7 Beat back (7) 11 Tempestuous (9) 13 Progressively (3,2,3) 14 Reduction (7) 16 Rotten (6) 19 Italian city (5) 20 The chances (4) 23 Compete (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16649 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 16649 ACROSS: 1 Modicum, 5 Waver, 8 Lend a hand, 9 Nip, 10 As to, 12 Free will, 14 Corral, 15 Berate, 17 Thumbs up, 18 Teem, 21 Age, 22 Daredevil, 24 Kitty, 25 Discern. DOWN: 1 Malta, 2 Don, 3 Coax, 4 Meagre, 5 Wide-eyed, 6 Vindicate, 7 Repulse, 11 Turbulent, 13 Day by day, 14 Cutback, 16 Putrid, 19 Milan, 20 Odds, 23 Vie. Do you support policies that would allow for the children of Caymanians and the children of expats to mix more freely in the islands' schools? cayman compass Undecided Yes No ONLINE POLL 92% 5% 3% cartoon The grump - By Caymanman In the run-up to the election we hear a lot about the need to ‘Take Cayman Back’. I have lived here almost 40 years and Grand Cayman is my home. I fully understand people’s frustration with large corporations dominating the economy. I share their anger at the destruction of the environment and special treatment for favoured developers. Better education is a must. It’s shameful that government-run schools cost more per pupil than private schools but deliver a worse result. But what does ‘taking back Cayman’ really mean? Does it mean the denial of future work permits? Perfectly fi ne IF those jobs can be fi lled by local residents. But remember the revenue generated by those work-permit fees. Does it mean a ban on the sale of homes to foreigners? If so, who will buy these $3 million-plus homes? Remember that the buyer of one $3 million condo puts in about $300,000 in stamp duty, which helps pay for local schools that non- Caymanian children cannot attend. How about just confi scating them from their foreign-born owners? Who would then pay to maintain them (electricity, water, yard and pool maintenance)? The rich country we live in today is well ahead of other Caribbean islands. Let’s be careful not to lose what we have. Norman Linton Careful what you wish for It is really interesting to see the discussions regarding the potential for Cayman to adopt the academy-style approach used in England [see ‘Rethinking our divided school system’, Cayman Compass 19 March]. The consensus seems to be that these have been a great success in England, whereas the substantial evidence is that many academies have actually failed and that overall standards have not improved. Yes, some academies have been successful and some of this has been at the expense of poaching students from the state schools in the area. The evidence from across the world is that the more equal a school system is the greater the achievement of the students. People of all backgrounds in the classroom together produces a more educated and happier community. Be very wary of academy representatives telling how good they are – it’s a business! Essentially concentrating on what happens in the classroom is what works. Frank Eade Academy system not the answer for Cayman’s schools Letters to the editor Opposition mounts over Dart’s latest new-town plan Too much building work con- cerning Dart going on. Leave the island to the paradise it is. – Jennifer Davis Lost so much of our beach in the past years. – Georgie Duarte Haylock Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Paradise very rarely can successfully coexist with progress! Just take a hard look at the rest of the Caribbean. – Chris Ware Is nowhere on Cayman safe from development? So sad. – Tanya Serena Friedman When will enough people be vaccinated to reopen Cayman’s borders? It is obvious and wise to be led by science for our reopen- ing. But we still need transpar- ent and practical parameters and protocols. As this article states, we are getting confl icting vaccination targets even from government ministers. God help those of us whose livelihoods and businesses are dying. – Troy Leacock It would be helpful to in- crease vaccination clinic hours to lunch times and before and after the traditional work day. Limiting it to 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-4pm makes it diffi cult for many to get away, especially when they are also limited to a specifi c day because of their name. – Robyn Larkin What they’re saying cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2021butterfieldgroup.com Address 12 Albert Panton Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Mastercard® debit or credit card for a chance to at local restaurants. Every purchase will enter Plus, three lucky cardholders will win a four-night stay at a local hotel. Visit our website to learn more. Perks, by. 197413-Ad-Compass-FP-Mastercard.indd 12/8/21 2:30 PM cayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2021RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky On 23 Jan. 2015, Dolyn Powery- Ebanks’ worst nightmare came true when her 20-year-old-son David Ebanks was shot and killed while waiting for his meal at a local restaurant. Six years later, she still mourns her son, hoping that his killers will be brought to justice. “It just hurts to know that there are people out there that have done it and know of something,” Powery- Ebanks told the Cayman Compass in her first sit-down interview since her son’s murder in early 2015. Ebanks' murder is one of over 20 cold cases being looked at by the RCIPS Serious Crime Review Unit, headed by Detective Sergeant Peter Dean. This Compass monthly special investigative series, in partnership with the police, delves into cases like David’s unsolved murder, which detectives at the unit are actively pursuing with fresh eyes to help deliver justice to families. A promising life cut short Powery-Ebanks said Ebanks' dream was to be a certified mechanic and he was on the path to achieving that goal when his life was cut short. Having graduated from the Passport2Success programme Ebanks applied and got accepted at Superior Auto for its apprenticeship programme in 2015. “David was very, very excited about the programme and three weeks into the programme on January 23rd, 2015… David’s life was taken suddenly from him. He had just got... that opportunity to be the certified mechanic that he always wanted to be, and he just had so many hopes on fulfilling his dream,” Powery- Ebanks said. She said his life was taken from him unexpectedly and sadly, “because it was unnecessary. It was through an act of gun violence.” Powery-Ebanks remembered her son fondly, as they had a close relationship. On 23 Jan. the mother of two said she had been unwell and had spoken to her son throughout the day, not knowing those would be her last conversations with him. “I know that there are people out there that could probably help us in some way… trying to solve his case. I’m just pleading with anyone that is out there that knows anything, that if they could come forward and just give us whatever they could help us with,” she said. Powery-Ebanks, who struggled at times to keep her composure, said “David was a very polite, kindhearted person”. All she wants, she said, is justice for her son. “I’m just heartbroken and I can’t describe really how I feel... I just have to think of him and that day... it’s like it’s new every day,” she said as her eyes welled with tears. Quick stop for food ends in murder Dean, who is heading the investigation into the case, named ‘Operation Albatross’, said each case under the team’s review is treated with equal priority, but, for him, Ebanks’ death resonated. “I didn’t know David personally and no doubt he was like most 20-year- old boys. I can remember, although it is a long time ago, my own behaviour and immaturities at 20 years of age, and David wasn’t afforded the opportunity of making a life for himself… making himself a well- respected member of the Cayman community… and that was taken away from him,” Dean said. According to the team’s review, Ebanks’ killing was a “targeted murder”, but he was not the intended victim. “Any murder is sad, but this is [an] incredibly sad set of circumstances,” Dean said. The detective said, based on the case file, on the evening of 23 Jan., Ebanks was socialising at Kelly’s Bar on Birch Tree Hill Road in West Bay. “Whilst he was with other people, a vehicle was driven onto Birch Tree Hill Road. Men have got out of the vehicle and they have attacked David and his colleague. Both David and this other man tried to make their escape. David ran into the backyard of the house opposite Kelly’s Bar,” Dean said, as he described the sequence of the murder. At that point, Ebanks had already been shot twice. “He succumbed to his injuries at the back of the yard of this house. It was clearly, immediately identified as a homicide,” Dean said. The attackers fled in their car which had been stolen, the detective said. “Just a few minutes later, there was a vehicle fire quite near to the scene of the murder. That vehicle was totally burnt out. We believe that was the vehicle that was used by the offenders. "There’s a lot of people, I believe, have information in the community that can assist us,” he said. Although Ebanks was not involved in gang-related activities, Dean said his murder did have “gang connotations to it”. He stressed that the police consider it paramount to ensure the confidentiality and safety of anyone who comes forward with information. “That’s what we’re trained to do. We will not put anybody’s life or safety in any danger,” he said. Ebanks’ case, he said, is still in the review stage. The victim's mother Dolyn Powery-Ebanks – Photo: Alvaro Serey RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Widely popular crime shows like ‘48 Hours’ have given the public a snapshot of what happens behind the scenes when murders or serious offences are committed. While the stories may be different in Cayman, the urgency and the determination demonstrated in those series mirror those of the members of the RCIPS Major Crimes Unit and Serious Crime Review team who set out to crack cases here. “We probably investigate half a dozen, seven or eight investigations a year. We tend to solve 60 to 70% of those crimes as they come up and they might take a year or so to be solved, but we continue work on them,” Detective Superintendent Pete Lansdown said in recent interview with the Cayman Compass. The Serious Crime Review team was created by Police Commissioner Derek Byrne with the specific aim of getting to the root of unsolved cases in the Cayman Islands. This monthly series will profile the cases they investigate and the work they do. Joint teamwork moves the needle If cases are not solved, Lansdown said, then the investigations move from Major Crimes to the Serious Crime Review team who investigate cold cases – “cases that we haven’t solved first time around”. Detective Sergeant Peter Dean, who heads up the Serious Crime Review team, explained that cold cases are triggered in investigations where all probative, reasonable inquiries have been carried out "or you've not come to a resolve in the case and it’s at that time that there is no current investigation and that’s when we come in". He said there’s no specific time period for a classification of a cold case; it could be months or years. However, when a case moves to his unit, it is given an operational name and an initial review is commenced. Lansdown said, much like ‘48 Hours’, those first hours after a major incident are crucial. “If we have viable lines of inquiry in the first 48 hours, we can generally assess whether an investigation is going to be solvable, but it takes weeks and weeks and weeks to get people charged, get them to courts, to get all your witnesses on board, offer the protection we might need to offer and ultimately a trial could take over a year,” he said. Lansdown said sometimes investigators don’t make it that far. “I know without doubt, I have felt it, but the senior investigating officers are very, very frustrated The murder of David Ebanks: A mother’s cry for justice Police turn up heat on cold cases Profile: The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service's Serious Crime Review team is investigating more than 20 unsolved cases. - Photo: Alvaro Serey David Ebanks, 20, was murdered in 2015. – Photo: Ebanks family PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 17» PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 17» cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2021Cayman Compass projects it will take until late May or early June to vaccinate 80% of the adult population. MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@compassmedia.ky As countries around the world are grappling to get hold of COVID-19 vaccines, Cayman is in an enviable position. Locally, the vaccine rollout is progressing fast, but even that may not be enough to quickly reach the targets currently set for reopening the jurisdiction’s borders. In comparison to other countries, Cayman’s vaccination efforts are undoubtedly going very well. Worldwide, more than 475.5 million COVID vaccine doses have been administered, equivalent to about 6.2 doses for every 100 people. In Cayman, the 42,115 Pfi zer-BioNTech shots given to residents to date represent 64.8 doses for every 100 people. This easily puts Cayman into the top fi ve globally. Only Israel, the Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates have higher vaccination rates, according to a tally by The New York Times. The UK, which prides itself on a fast vaccine rollout, has administered 46 doses for every 100 people. About 43% of the British population have received at least one shot. This is the exact share of the population as in Cayman. However, locally 22% are fully vaccinated compared to only 3.6% in the UK. Despite this relatively fast progress, numbers will have to increase steadily before Cayman’s borders can reopen. Government has mentioned various, sometimes contradictory, thresholds as a requirement. For some time, both Chief Medical Offi cer Dr. John Lee and the government have stated 80% of the population should be fully vaccinated before visitors can return to the islands. Using the government’s own population estimates, this is mathematically impossible, as long as children remain ineligible to receive the vaccine. Government estimates that Cayman currently has 65,000 residents and 51,893 are believed to be over the age of 16 – the cut-off point to receive the COVID vaccine. However, 80% of this population estimate is 52,000, more than the entire adult population. Recently, the required threshold has moved somewhat. In February, Premier Alden McLaughlin mentioned a lower 70% of the population, about 45,500 people, as the level required to do away with quarantining periods altogether. At a Progressives rally on Tuesday, 23 March, Roy McTaggart indicated it would be suffi cient if 75% to 80% of the adult population are fully vaccinated. This goal is more achievable as it equates to between 38,900 and 41,500 adult residents. As of 23 March, just under 28,000 people – or roughly two-thirds of the target – had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Based on Cayman Compass projections, from the average number of doses administered each day so far, it would take until late May or early June for 80% of the adult population to be fully vaccinated. After targeting older age groups fi rst, the vaccination schedule was opened to the entire population earlier this month. A second round of vaccinations, in alphabetical order, began on 22 March and ends on 1 April. It is, therefore, also possible that numbers are going to plateau, once all those who want to be vaccinated have received two jabs. This would mean the threshold will take longer to reach, or perhaps require a renewed public relations drive focussed on younger people, to meet the target. When will enough people be vaccinated to reopen Cayman’s borders? 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 Vaccinations in Cayman First shotFully vaccinatedAll doses administered 11 -J an 18 -J an 25 -J an 01 -F eb 08 -F eb 15 -F eb 22 -F eb 01 -M ar 08 -M ar 15 -M ar 22 -M ar 29 -M ar 05 -A pr 12 -A pr 19 -A pr 26 -A pr 03 -M ay 10 -M ay 17 -M ay 24 -M ay 31 -M ay 07 -J un 80% of total population total adult population over age 16 80% of adult population cayman compass 7 news N news FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2021Traffic Advisory/Road Works in Prospect Notice: During March, CUC and CUC’s sub-contractors UMC, will be erecting utility poles and stringing power lines between the newly constructed Prospect Substation on Shamrock Road eastwards along Rex Crighton Boulevard to the junction with Hirst Road in Savannah. These necessary upgrades will mitigate power interruptions to the Eastern Districts. Works will take place throughout March on Fridays and Mondays between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays between 6:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Motorists are asked to avoid using the eastbound lane(s) on Rex Crighton Boulevard during these specific hours and to utilise Shamrock Road as much as possible. When using Rex Crighton Boulevard, motorists are asked to exercise extreme caution and due diligence and to be on the look out for the bright orange “Utility Work Ahead” signage and traffic cones as there will be temporary lane blockages and traffic management in place. For further information, please contact our Customer Service Team at 949-5200 or via e-mail at service@cuc.ky or Cindy Powell at UMC at cindy@umc.ky. Rex Crighton Boulevard ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Whether you are a lifelong resident or a recent visitor to Grand Cayman, it does not take long to figure out the flaws in the island’s public transportation system. Having lived in North Side for the better part of seven years, there were many days when I felt like catching a bus was an exercise in futility. There were days when I would have to walk to the junction of East End and North Side just to increase my chances of catching a bus and, even then, it was more often I would catch a glimpse of the rare and highly elusive agouti, before I would see any sign of a public bus. For those who must embark on this daily quest, a new app called ‘K-Bus’ has launched to facilitate the process, by providing real-time GPS data for a few select buses across Grand Cayman. There are two apps, one for bus drivers and another for passengers. I downloaded the passenger app; once installed, I found it was easy to set up and use. Luke Berry is the president of the Cayman Islands Public Transport Operators Association and the developer of the app. He told the Compass he designed it “to help passengers and drivers more efficiently locate each other”. The app works off the Google maps platform and comes with a ‘nearby’ button feature, that opens up to shows buses that are in a two- mile radius. The buses are colour- coded based on their routes and the app indicates if there are any buses in your area as well as the general direction they are travelling. If you zoom out, you will be able to see the buses in use across the island. “The buses that are participating have WiFi on board, and so a passenger will be able to see which of those buses are active,” said Berry. While K-Bus is a first-of-its- kind app for Cayman, similar apps have long existed in major cities in North America and Europe. Those apps have proven to be invaluable assets to passengers across various forms of public transportation. Berry believes his app has the same potential; however, there is one roadblock that stands in the way. “Drivers still have an option to decide whether or not they want to participate in the programme, and right now only a handful have signed up,” said Berry. “This means that there are a lot more buses that are on the streets that passengers will not be able to see.” Earlier this month, the government announced that more than $30 million will be spent to build, widen and expand a network of roads across Grand Cayman over the next three years. The project includes the construction of a six-lane highway, as part of the jurisdiction’s answer to the ever-increasing volume of traffic. The failures of the current public transportation system have long been blamed as a contributing factor to the mounting bumper-to- bumper traffic that commuters in the eastern districts must face. The app’s ‘ping’ feature allows passengers to send out a message to all nearby buses, without sending personal details. While it does track your location, via your phone’s GPS, there is an option to turn off the tracking while the app is not in use. The app also protects the personal details of the passengers and drivers. “We deliberately chose not to include the personal details of the drivers for their own safety,” said Berry. “What passengers need to know is: Where is the bus and what direction is it travelling in?” After using the app for a couple of days, I found there is some room for growth. I was unable to pay for my bus fare via the app, and it did not give me an approximation of when a bus might be coming to a specific location. The app also did not show any nearby bus stops, nor did it show the closest main road where I could catch a bus. Nonetheless, it represents a step forward for Cayman’s public transportation. Transport app sets Cayman’s public buses on right track Compass reporter Andrel Harris tries the K-Bus app. – Photo: Taneos Ramsay. cayman compass 8 FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2021 news N newsNotification of Market Withdrawal Important Information In February 2019 the sale of Generali Worldwide Ltd to the Utmost Group completed, and continuity of service was provided to both clients and members under the Generali Worldwide brand, maintaining a relationship with Generali. However, this partnership, where Utmost Worldwide Ltd is the Cayman insurer and support services are provided by Generali, is now coming to an end and we therefore regret to announce that Generali and Utmost Worldwide will be withdrawing from the Cayman medical insurance market on 16th September 2021. This announcement has no impact on existing clients, policies or claims that are currently in force. All benefits and services provided through existing policies will continue and members should not encounter any change in their service or experience. Utmost Worldwide is working closely with the Cayman regulators and would like to reassure you that we will be honouring all of our commitments to existing policy holders, and we will be providing the same levels of service that you have come to expect from us. However, we do wish to make you aware of some important information and dates: • We will cease issuing policies on 16th September 2021. The cover under policies in force at that time will be unaffected and will continue until policy expiry. Similarly, claims will continue to be paid in accordance with policy terms and conditions. • Any quotes that we issue, with an inception date no later than 16th September 2021, will be honoured. • In respect of renewals, we will continue to offer renewal terms for policies renewing up to and including 16th September 2021. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact your insurance intermediary, or your Generali Worldwide client relationship manager. Office: Generali Worldwide, Citrus Grove Building, Ground Floor, 106 Goring Ave, George Town, Cayman Islands Mailing address: Generali Worldwide, PO Box 10212, Grand Cayman, KY1-1002, Cayman Islands. Utmost Worldwide Limited t/a Generali Worldwide is regulated in the Cayman Islands as a licensed insurer by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. T +1 345 747 2000 F +1 345 945 7288 caymanservice@generali-health.com Generali Worldwide and Generali Global Health are trade names of the Generali Group used under license by Utmost Worldwide Limited. Generali, GGH, Generali Global Health and the associated logos are the registered trademarks of Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A and licensed to Utmost Worldwide. generali-healthcare.com Registered Head Office address: Utmost Worldwide Limited, Utmost House, Hirzel Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 4PA. Regulated in Guernsey as a licensed insurer by the Guernsey Financial Services commission under the Insurance Business (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2002 (as amended). Incorporated in Guernsey under Company Registration No. 27151. GGH Withdrawal Notification Cayman Press ad_v1.indd 1GGH Withdrawal Notification Cayman Press ad_v1.indd 119/03/2021 18:2519/03/2021 18:25 cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 26 MARCH 2021Next >