EASTERN AVENUE cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 9-15 April 2020 The race to be premier Page 3 Mask required to vote Page 6 Voter Voices Page 10 10 key issues Page 16 Voting Time Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass Elections in the COVID era: A poll worker in full PPE prepares so quarantined voters can have their say.Matinees (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 GODZILLA VS. KONG (PG-13) (FRI) 4:05 | 4:45 VIP | 6:50 | 7:30 VIP | 9:30 VIP | 10:00 (SAT) 1:05 | 1:40 VIP | 4:05 | 4:45 VIP | 6:50 | 7:30 VIP | 9:30 VIP | 10:00 (SUN) 4:05 | 4:30 | 4:45 VIP | 6:45 VIP | 6:50 | 7:30 VIP (MON-TUES & THUR) 4:05 | 4:45 VIP | 6:50 | 7:30 VIP (WED) 1:05 | 1:40 VIP | 4:05 | 4:45 VIP | 6:50 | 7:30 VIP | 9:30 VIP | 10:00 NOBODY (R) (FRI) 4:30 VIP | 5:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:25 | 9:50 | 10:10 VIP (SAT) 2:00 | 2:15 VIP | 4:30 VIP | 5:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:25 | 9:50 | 10:10 VIP (MON & THUR) 4:30 VIP | 4:35 | 7:0 | 7:45 VIP (TUES) 4:30 VIP | 4:35 | 7:00 (WED) 2:00 | 2:15 VIP | 4:30 VIP | 5:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:25 | 9:50 | 10:10 VIP| 7:25 | 9:50 | 10:10 VIP KIDS CLUB CHICKEN RUN (G) SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE CLASSICS FAST FIVE (PG-13) TUESDAY 7PM VIP RAYA & THE LAST DRAGON (PG) (FRI & SUN) 3:45 VIP | 6:45 (SAT) 12:45 VIP | 3:45 VIP | 6:45 (MON-TUES & THURS) 4:15 VIP | 6:45 (WED) 12:45 VIP | 3:45 VIP | 6:45 THE MARKSMAN (PG-13) (FRI & SAT) 7:10 | 9:45 (SUN-MON-TUES & THURS) 7:10 (WED) 7:10 | 9:45 THE UNHOLY (PG-13) (FRI) 4:10 | 6:30 VIP | 9:00 VIP | 9:30 (SAT) 1:30 | 4:10 | 6:30 VIP | 9:00 VIP | 9:30 (SUN) 4:00 VIP | 4:10 | 6:30 VIP | 7:15 (MON & THUR) 4:10 | 7:00 VIP (TUES) 4:10 | 7:45 VIP (WED) 1:30 | 4:10 | 6:30 VIP | 9:00 VIP | 9:30 TOM & JERRY (PG) (FRI-THURS) 4:35 (SAT & WED) 2:05 | 4:35 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 EDITORINCHIEF KEVIN MORALES weather 81°F HIGH 73°F LOW Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers. SEA STATE Moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet. SAT 83°F HIGH 73°F LOW SUN 84°F HIGH 74°F LOW MON 84°F HIGH 73°F LOW TUES 84°F HIGH 74°F LOW WED 84°F HIGH 76°F LOW THUR 84°F HIGH 76°F LOW caymancompass.comfacebook.com/caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass WINDS Southeast at 10 to 15 knots. FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass Final batch of vaccines arrive The last scheduled batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived on island from the UK on 7 April, meaning Cayman now has enough vaccinations to inoculate 90% of its adult population. While there are now enough vaccinations on island to surpass the government’s goal of inoculating 75-80% of the population over the age of 16, Governor Martyn Roper said he was concerned that the number of people stepping forward daily to get their vaccines is decreasing. As of 7 April, just over 31,000 people – or 60% of the adult population – had received their fi rst dose of the vaccine. There are enough vaccines here for more than 45,000 people, or nearly nine-tenths of the adult population. The Public Health department announced that people receiving their vaccinations no longer need to provide identifi cation to demonstrate that they are ordinarily and legally resident, although photo ID will still be required. This means that people visiting Cayman can get vaccinated here. The department also confi rmed that, from Monday, 12 April, the vaccination clinic at the airport will offer the fi rst and second vaccine dose to everyone aged 16 and over, regardless of surname. Police clear premier of vote-buying allegation Premier Alden McLaughlin has been cleared of vote buying allegations levelled against him, police have confi rmed. The complaint related to McLaughlin’s promise to increase the current tourism stipend if re-elected. “We have determined that the concerns relating to statements made by Red Bay candidate, the Hon. Alden McLaughlin, do not amount to any breach of the Elections Act 2021,” Chief Inspector Patrick Beersingh said in an emailed response to queries from the Cayman Compass. Beersingh, who heads up the special police unit designated to investigate election offences, said the determination on the matter was made “after careful consideration”. McLaughlin told the Compass, “These baseless allegations of wrongdoing by my administration and myself are the last resort of the desperate who know they are losing. Their efforts would be better spent explaining to voters how they would form a government, who would be the premier and what their plans are to reopen our borders safely and to rebuild the economy. That’s what voters need to know.” Man with knife robs jewellery store An man armed with a knife held up staff at a George Town jewellery store on Saturday, 3 April. In a statement, an RCIPS media offi cer said the man entered the Harbour Drive store, brandished a knife and demanded jewellery. “He obtained a quantity of jewellery and made off from the location in what is believed to be a dark-coloured SUV type vehicle, before the arrival of police,” said the offi cer in a statement. Police said the man was wearing a “long-sleeve, neon yellow-green shirt, light-coloured cargo-style pants and a dark- coloured baseball cap with a red peak”. No one was injured during the robbery, according to the statement, and detectives are investigating the case. Cameras to give marine- life insights A network of underwater cameras is being set up in waters off 10 British Overseas Territories around the world, including the Cayman Islands, to gather information about ocean biodiversity and maritime ecosystems. The ‘Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems’, known as BRUVS, is being funded as part of the UK government’s ‘Blue Belt’ programme, which covers 2.4 million square miles of ocean. Scientists from the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, the University of Western Australia, and partners in the overseas territories are working with marine research company Blue Abacus, to analyse data collected from 66 BRUVS, which will be deployed in open ocean and coastal habitats off the coasts of the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Ascension Island, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Complete sets of the non- intrusive, carbon-fi bre stereo- BRUVS and associated equipment will be delivered to Cayman and other British Overseas Territories over the next few months. Health clinic opens in Brac Health City Cayman Islands has opened a clinic on Cayman Brac. According to a press release from Health City, the clinic in Stake Bay will provide specialised and tertiary-type hospital services for initial assessments, outpatient follow ups and check-ups in the areas of cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, pulmonology and psychiatry. In February, Health City Cayman Islands and Dart announced plans to expand on the existing East End hospital services by building a $100 million hospital, specialising in cancer and neo-natal intensive care, in Camana Bay, and opening the satellite clinic on Cayman Brac. Shomari Scott, Health City’s chief business offi cer, said at the opening ceremony on the Brac on 30 March, “In Cayman our challenge is not about having an undersupply of doctors, it is about getting doctors and health professionals to where they are needed – where people live and work, and without the added inconvenience and stress of travel. We’ve calculated that at least 50 trips per annum from the Brac will be prevented with the opening of this clinic.” News briefs A whaleshark gets up close and personal with one of the underwater cameras that are being installed in waters off British Overseas Territories worldwide. - Jessica Meeuwig, Marine Futures Lab and partners; courtesy of Blue Abacus Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccines arrive on board a British Airways fl ight earlier this year. The last scheduled batched were delivered by the airline on 7 April. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 2021Independents in talks over alternatives to alliance government JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Wayne Panton and Chris Saunders have emerged as the most likely leaders of a coalition of independent candidates if government is defeated at the polls next week. Panton, who is running in a team with Osbourne Bodden and Heather Bodden, has broad support among the variety of groups and partnerships that are forming among the 38 genuine independents in the race. Saunders, meanwhile, has been named by several sources as the de facto leader of a coalition of newer candidates, including Alric Lindsay and Johann Moxam. It is understood that discussions are taking place behind the scenes that could see those two groups merge under one banner, with Panton tipped as the most likely leader, if he is elected in Newlands. Asked about the premiership this week, the former environment and fi nancial services minister acknowledged there had “been discussions along those lines”. He said it was not something he was specifi cally campaigning for, however, and his primary focus right now is on winning back the seat he lost by just 15 votes to Alva Suckoo in the last election. North Side incumbent and sole member of his People’s Party, Ezzard Miller, still harbours leadership hopes. He told the Compass on Nomination Day that he would look to lead a coalition of independents if enough like- minded people were elected. Former premier McKeeva Bush could still have a signifi cant role to play, despite the fact that multiple candidates have publicly said they will not work with him following his assault conviction. Realistically, Bush’s chances of getting support for leadership appear slim, though if he and his West Bay team are victorious, he could yet emerge as the kingmaker in the post-election discussions. Bush, who is running on a team with Rolston Anglin and Captain Eugene Ebanks in West Bay, said anyone looking to form a government may well need to talk to him and his running mates. He said he would be willing and ready to serve in any position. Most of the candidates who spoke to the Compass acknowledged that the election is diffi cult to predict with multiple races that are too close to call across the 19 constituencies. The uncertainty is complicating leadership discussions, with few of the contenders for the premiership running in what could be described as safe seats. Progressives hopes With the Progressives only running eight candidates, as well as backing four independent ‘alliance’ members, there is little margin for error in the race to get the 10 members of Parliament needed to form a government. Roy McTaggart, the new leader of the party, has not publicly contemplated the idea of a coalition government, expressing optimism that his team will “get to 10”. “I am presenting to the country a team of candidates comprising Progressives and what we have termed alliance members,” he said. “At the moment, we are 12. If we are successful at the polls, we can form a government.” Several leading members of the Progressives, including current Premier Alden McLaughlin, have expressed confi dence that they will get further alliance partners to join their ticket before Wednesday’s election. A key theme of their rallies has been that they are the only group with a clear leader and a coherent plan to form a government. Panton has broad support Independent candidates reject that characterisation and numerous partnerships are emerging among the different groups. Panton told the Compass he is publicly backing George Town incumbent Kenneth Bryan as well as his Bodden Town running mates. He said there were several other candidates that he was supporting and with whom he felt he could form a government. He acknowledged he had been approached by various groups about the leadership. “A lot of people have spoken to me along those lines,” he said. “I have not campaigned on that basis. I will do what the country thinks it is best for me to do. I am not necessarily campaigning for it.” Panton said it was diffi cult for anything to be set in stone before election night. “There is a vote to be had and none of us can presuppose what the results will be,” he said. He does believe, however, that the 19 winners will be able to quickly come to an agreement after 14 April. “I am confi dent we will see a group of people elected that will be in a position to form a decent coalition government,” he said. Panton did not rule out the possibility of working with some members of the Progressives in a coalition, depending on the results. “Anything is on the table provided that... from my perspective, it is in the best interests of the country overall.” Saunders a contender Saunders, the independent MP for Bodden Town West, has appeared at rallies alongside a handful of new candidates including Moxam and Lindsay. He said a lot of discussions were taking place among different groups and he is confi dent that the country wants an independent-led government. “The independents have been meeting and we have been talking and we are aligned on many issues,” he said. Saunders added that he believes the days of traditional adversarial party politics are over in Cayman. He said, “We are looking for people willing to build consensus and to work together.” Moxam confi rmed a core group of independents, including himself, Sammy Jackson, Lindsay, Bernie Bush and Saunders, are supporting each other. It is understood that Saunders, who has been a legislator for four years, is the likely leader among that group. Moxam, who is challenging Joey Hew in George Town North, said at least four other candidates are expected to announce they are also part of what he described as the “coalition of the willing” within the next week. He believes others could come on board before or after the election. Moxam did not rule out a partnership with Panton and his group, though nothing has been agreed as yet. He said whoever was nominated as leader would need to fi t with the group’s core values of accountability, transparency, integrity and honesty. “We are confi dent that we have a good chance of forming the majority within the next coalition government,” he said. “The reality is that after the people have voted and decided who they want to be their representatives, we all understand there will need to be another assessment and a discussion on the way forward. “What we want is to be part of the best possible government that will work in the best interests of the majority of the people of the Cayman Islands.” McKeeva Bush could still play a role McKeeva Bush said there had been a lot of “foolishness and hypocrisy” in the run up to the election. He said he had been made a “scapegoat” by his political opponents over his conviction and suggested there were plenty of others in the race who had been involved in “scandals” over the years. He said the comments about him were motivated by a desire to eliminate a political rival rather than any moral reasons. He added that it was presumptuous for anyone to rule out working with him or anyone else. “You have to work with whoever is elected. That is a fact,” he said. Bush believes the race to lead the country is wide open. “Right now, there is no telling who is going to be premier,” he added. He did not rule himself out for leadership, saying he would do whatever job necessary in the best interests of the jurisdiction. If he is elected, along with his West Bay running mates Ebanks and Anglin, he hopes to be part of the government. Panton and Saunders among contenders for Premier PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12» Roy McTaggart leads the Progressives into the election and will be Premier if the party and its alliance partners are successful. Wayne Panton, Chris Saunders and Ezzard Miller are among the names mentioned as possible alternatives if a majority of independents prevail on 14 April cayman compass 3 news N news FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 2021Deadly coral disease spreads east Overpopulation. It leaches into the sea. No one ever tests the nearshore waters for pollutants and faecal bacterial contamiation. – Edward Jarrett Seems inevitable that it will make its way all around. – Andrew Gauld This breaks my heart. – Zack Keeson The disease isn’t caused by the dump or overpopulation. It was first spotted in Miami Dade coun- ty, Florida, and began to make its way across the Caribbean. We are in a fortunate position here because we still have a chance to slow the spread by sharing key information with the public and enlisting their help. Disinfect to protect by using a 1% bleach, 99% water mix to soak water-sports gear between sites, islands and at the end of the day, then rinse after 10 minutes. Afterwards, let the bleach mix sit in sunlight to break down and then dispose of it away from the ocean. Look for disinfecting stations at dive operators. Don’t spread the disease between reefs. The pathogen can hang around on water-sports gear for some time. Disinfect boat bilge water with 1% bleach and discharge away from reefs. If we all help get the word out we can help to protect the healthy reefs. – Rachel Osborne Cuban standoff: Baby running fever, says mom I thought she and the baby had come off. I pray the baby is OK but they put their child in this situation. – Carol Adams 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Infectious viral disease (7) 5 Damp (5) 8 Without hesitation (4,1,4) 9 Impose as a task (3) 10 Elegantly simple in form (4) 12 Abundantly productive (8) 14 State of supreme bliss (6) 15 A long way (3,3) 17 Difficult to fathom (8) 18 Splendid display (4) 21 Charge for a service (3) 22 Rules of polite behaviour (9) 24 Entrance hall (5) 25 Sweetly flattering (7) DOWN 1 Sweet pulpy fruit (5) 2 Invite (3) 3 To incline (4) 4 The largest desert (6) 5 Fictitious (8) 6 Thereby (4,5) 7 Utterly (7) 11 In a state of decline (2,1,3,3) 13 Convalescence (8) 14 Promising (7) 16 Make wealthy (6) 19 To offer in excuse (5) 20 To bankrupt (4) 23 To trifle (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16661 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 16661 ACROSS: 1 Measles, 5 Moist, 8 Like a shot, 9 Set, 10 Neat, 12 Fruitful, 14 Heaven, 15 Far cry, 17 Profound, 18 Pomp, 21 Fee, 22 Etiquette, 24 Lobby, 25 Honeyed. DOWN: 1 Melon, 2 Ask, 3 Lean, 4 Sahara, 5 Mythical, 6 Ipso facto, 7 Totally, 11 At a low ebb, 13 Recovery, 14 Hopeful, 16 Enrich, 19 Plead, 20 Ruin, 23 Toy. cartoon Vote - By Caymanman The charm of Cayman is rapidly fading. No more high rises. Will be just another Miami Beach! When is enough, enough from Dart? It makes me sad. Access to beaches is diminishing. There will always be banking, but tourism will fade, as people discover other beautiful, less- developed/populated islands. People should have more of a say in the proposed ‘progress’ plans for the island. Sally Smith Development is spoiling Cayman What they’re saying Online They should be forced to quarantine on the cargo ship. Drop off meds and other sup- plies at the dock for them. They put themselves and their child in this situation. – Belinda H Moses And if that baby die or get some serious side effects from it, who’s to blame? – Curtis Conolly These comments are getting as bad as the situ- ation that poor baby is in. Shame on all of you... Be better!! None of us really know what’s going on. What was so bad they felt they had to leave from, or the mental state they are in now. They are still human. CaymanKind should still exist in the face of diversity. – Christyna A. Bouliane As I can see they are more concerned about the journey than the child’s health situation. As a mother if your child is sick, take him to the doctor and stop trying to be the centre of attention. – Ana Powery-Parchment This coral at Penny’s Arch is infected with stony coral tissue loss disease. – Photo: DoE Drivers urged to watch out for blue iguanas on roads I am not a resident....but dearly love two weeks a year (except for COVID) on Grand Cayman. Drivers need to slow down, carefully scan the road surface ahead – same as respectful, careful drivers should do no matter which country they live in. – Debra Putnam Slower uptake in COVID vaccines worres governor (FB) Time to open back up. Planning on coming in October. – Pete Brown Seems like we may never get back to the shores of Grand Cayman. – Janet Reed Price Europe is on third lockdown. Hope when borders open here, visi- tors act responsibly. There’s a lot of COVID running through the US, too. – Julie Edwards If we had a set date for reopen- ing a lot of people would get the shot. Now, with no COVID and no reopening date, what’s their moti- vation? – David Blumenthal cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 09 APRIL 2021Booking deadline at 10am Monday, April 12th for Friday, April 16th edition Booking deadline at 10am HOLIDAY ELECTION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14TH 949-5111 | sales@compassmedia.ky | classifieds@compassmedia.ky Health Services Authority Specialist Clinic is relocating to Smith Road Centre 3rd Floor, 150 Smith Road effective Monday 12th April 2021. Orthopaedic, Dermatology, Rheumatology and Paediatric Services will remain at the Cayman Islands Hospital. 345-949-8600 | info@hsa.ky | hsa.ky Please remember to bring your facemask to all HSA locations New location: • Modern • Spacious • Ample parking • Patient shuttle service to Cayman Islands Hospital Campus New services: • Neurology • Chiropractic • Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) • Neurosurgery RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Customs and Border Control officers and a group of Cubans found themselves locked in a standoff at sea on 8 April after the group refused to disembark a Panamanian cargo ship that had rescued them earlier in the week. The initial group of 11 adult males, two adult females and one infant female was reported as “unaccounted for” over the Easter weekend. A number of them had been wearing electronic monitoring devices. On 6 April, the migrants were rescued by the crew aboard the cargo ship Bulk Freedom, which was heading back to Panama when they encountered the Cubans’ vessel in distress. The group refused to disembark the Bulk Freedom in Grand Cayman, which triggered the standoff just outside George Town Harbour. One of the Cuban men opted to leave, and was placed in a government quarantine facility. Two days into the standoff, the 1-year-old baby of Javier Jouz Varona and Erica Alvarez- Freites fell ill with fever, according to the child’s mother. The couple, who have been live-streaming on Facebook from the ship, refused to let the child leave the Bulk Freedom for medical care, instead asking that a doctor be brought on board to assist. “If I go to the hospital, they will take my daughter from me. We do not want to go back [to the Cayman Islands]… They want to force us to go back,” Alvarez-Freitas said in a telephone interview with the Cayman Compass. However, CBC, in a statement on 8 April, said its multiple offers to take the baby, and either of its parents, to the hospital to get medical treatment were rejected. “Officers made numerous offers to take the mother or the father and the child to the George Town Hospital for treatment as suggested by the Health Services Authority, however, all offers were refused by the parents,” CBC said. It refuted assertions from the migrants that they were being mistreated by the authorities in Cayman, stating that these claims “are simply not true”. It said it continued to provide the migrants with food, drinking water, baby food for the infant, and other necessary supplies. “CBC reiterates that the migrants have been and are being cared for in accordance with local policy which is compliant with the 1951 Convention on the Treatment of Refugees,” it said. The captain of the MV Bulk Freedom, CBC said in its statement, was unwilling to transport the migrants to any other port, “as the vessel’s structure and equipment cannot facilitate this number of persons onboard in terms of health and hygiene”. Cuban standoff plays out on high seas One Cuban who was refusing to leave the cargo ship Bulk Freedom later opted to return to Cayman and was promptly placed in quarantine. – Photo: Alvaro Serey “If I go to the hospital, they will take my daughter from me.” Erica Alvarez-Freitas cayman compass 5 news N news FRIDAY, 09 APRIL 2021BRITCAY INSURANCE SCHOLARSHIP Are you a young Caymanian considering a career in the growing Insurance industry? British Caymanian Insurance Company Limited (CG BritCay) wants to hear from you. The CG BritCay Insurance Scholarship has a maximum value of US$25,000 p.a. for up to two (2) years towards tuition, books, accommodation, airfare and meals. Caymanians or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, who are undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year at an accredited university, and pursuing studies in the following concentrations may apply: • Insurance • Risk Management • Actuarial Science • Mathematics • Economics • Business or Commerce Your career in insurance could start with a US$25,000 scholarship. To learn more or apply go to https://cayman.cgcoralisle.com/scholarship or email us at KY_HR_Manager@cgcoralisle.com. Deadline: 31st May 2021 British Cayman Insurance Company Limited BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, P.O. Box 74, George Town, Grand Cayman KYI-1102 12 Kirkconnell Street, P.O. Box 254, Stake Bay, Cayman Brac KY2-2101 Grand Cayman Tel: 949-8699 | Cayman Brac Tel: 948-1760 A member of Coralisle Group Ltd. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Voters heading to polling stations on 14 April will be required to wear masks even though the Cayman community remains largely COVID-19 free, Elections Supervisor Wesley Howell has said. “We want to ask everybody that attends the polling stations on Election Day to wear a mask. If they don’t have one, we will provide them with one of the three-layer surgical masks as they come up and we ask them to wear that throughout, because we [are] expecting 19 [to] 20,000 persons to be moving about on Election Day, which is probably the largest movement of persons since we [were] locked down this time last year,” Howell told the Cayman Compass in an 8 April interview. This is one of several changes the Elections Offi ce will be implementing when voters head to the polls. “Like, for example, the polling booths usually have one pencil that everybody uses. This time around, we’ll be giving one pencil per individual so we’re not reusing pencils. So there [won't] be 200 hands on one pencil at the end of the day. Some practical things like that,” Howell said. Cayman, which has been successful in its management of the pandemic, has not recorded any cases of community transmission since last year and has only registered sporadic cases from quarantined travellers. While Howell acknowledged this, he said the additional measures at the ballot box are necessary. “We are taking that extra precaution of having the hand sanitiser on hand, the masks for our staff and also for the voters that are visiting [the polling stations],” Howell said. He said social distancing will not be required, but “we’re asking for everyone to utilise the hand sanitisers that we have present”, he said. On 7 April, Howell oversaw a Public Health Department training session with Elections Offi ce staff at Constitution Hall in preparation for conducting mobile voting on 10 and 11 April for electors who are in isolation. They were being briefed on protocols for polling the quarantining voters and the proper use of personal protective equipment, which they are required to use when conducting mobile voting at isolation facilities. He said around 30 requests were received for mobile voting for isolating electors, two of which are on Cayman Brac. Election Offi ce staff conducting that exercise on the Brac were trained by health offi cials on the bigger of the two sister islands and also joined the Grand Cayman training session via Zoom. “We’re thankful that we’re in this situation where we’re not limited really in signifi cant numbers coming out at the polls. I think we’ll be able to pull the normal 200 per hour that we’ve been used to without having long lines and those things, and we’re also glad that we were able to use the courier for postal ballots, and we’re able to get some of the travellers voting before they travelled. That way, we just minimise the number of persons that we have to visit during quarantine,” Howell said. He said polling quarantining voters is the “most labour intensive” of the ways the Elections Offi ce has conducted the vote. The Elections Supervisor said that he was grateful to the Public Health team and Chief Medical Offi cer Dr. John Lee for working with his team to fi nalise the protocols to allow the quarantine voting. On 8 and 9 April, the Elections Offi ce team conducts mobile and postal voting for voters who applied for early voting and who are confi rmed on the updated electors roll. Howell said the Elections Offi ce team is ready for 14 April. Elections Offi ce preps for polling day Voters will be required to wear masks Public Health Department’s Timothy McLaughlin-Munroe oversees an Elections Offi ce staffer trying on a PPE face shield. – Photo: Taneos Ramsay WATCH THE VIDEO ONLINE “We want to ask everybody that attends the polling stations on Election Day to wear a mask. If they don’t have one, we will provide them with one of the three layer surgical masks as they come up and we ask them to wear that throughout.” Wesley Howell, Election Supervisor. cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 2021cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 2021cayman compass 8 FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 2021The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre would like to thank the sponsors, supporters and attendees of the 6th Annual Power of the Purse The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre would like to thank the sponsors, supporters and attendees of the 6th Annual Power of the Purse The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre would like to thank the sponsors, supporters and attendees of the 6th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon. This year’s Power of the Purse Luncheon was the biggest fundraising luncheon yet. All to benefit families affected by domestic violence. This year’s Power of the Purse Luncheon was the biggest fundraising luncheon yet. All to benefit families affected by domestic violence. This year’s Power of the Purse Luncheon was the biggest fundraising luncheon yet. All to benefit families affected by domestic violence. A sincere thank you to keynote speaker Liz Murray, New York Times bestselling author of the memoir, A sincere thank you to keynote speaker Liz Murray, New York Times bestselling author of the memoir, Breaking NightBreaking Night and Emmy Breaking Night and Emmy Breaking Night Nominated Film Homeless to Harvard, who shared her harrowing journey and inspiring life story with 500 attendees., who shared her harrowing journey and inspiring life story with 500 attendees., who shared her harrowing journey and inspiring life story with 500 attendees. The success of this event, year over year, could not have been achieved without the overwhelming support of the sponsors, supporters The success of this event, year over year, could not have been achieved without the overwhelming support of the sponsors, supporters The success of this event, year over year, could not have been achieved without the overwhelming support of the sponsors, supporters and the exceptional women and men who attend to give unselfishly to a cause that positively impacts the lives of others in our community.and the exceptional women and men who attend to give unselfishly to a cause that positively impacts the lives of others in our community.and the exceptional women and men who attend to give unselfishly to a cause that positively impacts the lives of others in our community. Thank you! Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!Thank You! THANK Y OU T O THE SPONSORS & SUPPOR TERSTHANK Y OU T O THE SPONSORS & SUPPOR TERS MGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGMGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL McCormick Global Ingredients Limited cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 9 APRIL 2021Next >