2 8 $ for Crispy Chicken Sandwich Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich Whopper® Original Chicken Sandwich Big Fish Mix n’ Match © 2021 Burger King Corporation. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 27 August - 2 September 2021 Sharks at risk Page 10 Grace survival stories Page 6 Private solutions for public housing Page 18 New targetNew target Grace survival stories Page 6 Date for 80% vaccination rate pushed back to 14 Oct. Page 5Matinees (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 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 Man who fled to UK extradited in fatal crash case A 27-year-old George Town man, who was extradited from the United Kingdom on 25 Aug., has been charged with causing the death of 29-year-old Giovani Berry in 2019 by dangerous driving. He was expected to appear in court on 26 Aug. The RCIPS said the man arrived on island – after having been extradited with the help of British authorities – to face charges in the fatal collision that took place on 2 Sept. 2019 in Bodden Town. “As part of our policing priorities to relentlessly tackle the perpetrators of crime, we have done all we could to ensure that the offender in this case is brought to justice,” Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown said in a statement, adding “on behalf of the RCIPS, I would like to thank the UK NCA Extradition Unit for their assistance in locating and returning this man.” The man was originally arrested on 2 Sept. 2019 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was subsequently bailed. Miami-bound flight returns due to medical emergency The captain of a Cayman Airways flight bound for Miami turned the aircraft around and returned to Owen Roberts International Airport shortly after taking off on 25 Aug. when a passenger on board had a medical emergency, the airline reported. The incident occurred aboard Cayman Airways’ repatriation flight KX3102, which left Owen Roberts at 10:19am. According to an airline spokesperson, the passenger had a medical emergency about 15 minutes after take-off. “The Captain returned the aircraft to ORIA to ensure that the passenger received the necessary medical attention as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said in a statement. An ambulance met the aircraft to transport the passenger to hospital. After the passenger’s baggage was located and removed from the plane, the flight departed again around noon. The airline said all public health protocols were adhered to. A Health Services Authority spokesperson said on 26 Aug. that the patient was in a stable condition. Bonus payments for Stock Exchange staff Cabinet has approved a request by the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange (CSX) to award bonus payments to its employees for financial year 2020, as well as remuneration for council members of the government company. CEO Marco Archer told the Cayman Compass, “The approved bonus for all staff was CI$40,252 or 1.9% of CI$2.126 million, the audited net income for 2020.” Archer said both requests will be fully funded through the exchange’s budget, as he pointed out that no funding from the government’s annual budget is appropriated to the Stock Exchange. “The CSX’s annual budget is funded entirely by revenue generated from services provided to issuers of securities locally and abroad. On the other hand, the Cayman Islands Government has received from the CSX over the past 20 years,” he said in an email to the Compass. Over those 20 years, he said, an aggregate of dividends from the work of the CSX came to more than US$8.5 million, with dividends of around US$1.3 million for 2020, which is 50% of audited net income of CI$2.126 million for that year. These amounts were decided according to government’s approved dividend calculation formula, he said. Shomari Scott appointed new chairman of Education Council Cabinet has appointed Shomari Scott as the new chairman of the Education Council, replacing Dan Scott, who had been head of the council since 2017. Dan Scott, managing director of EY, took up the role after an amendment was made to the Education Law in 2016, which stipulated that the council would be led by a professional from the private sector rather than by the minister of education. His term as chairman was set to expire on 31 Aug. He told the Compass in an email, “Having served for almost four years I felt it was time to step away. It has been a privilege to work with an incredible group of persons on Education Council and its various sub committees." Shomari Scott, in a statement to the Cayman Compass, said, “I am humbled to be given this opportunity to assist in the enhancing and implementation of the strategic plan that will arm our educators and students alike with the tools needed to give the best possible chance for success." CBC intercepts edible marijuana candies Customs and Border Control has seized several marijuana- infused edible products which were concealed within imported goods and resembled popular snacks. In a statement, a CBC spokesperson said, “CBC Officers recovered three packets of marijuana in vegetable form, along with two packs of Trips Ahoy Chunky Cookies containing 600mg of THC, two packs of ‘Cannabis Infused’ Gummy Bears containing 400mg of THC, and three packs of marijuana Skittles. THC is the active ingredient in marijuana.” CBC has not said whether all the items were intercepted in the same shipment, nor whether anyone has been arrested or charged in relation to the matter. However, they did say this is not a new trend, and “CBC remains concerned with the innocent appearance of these drugs”. The items were intercepted on 27 July but only made public on 20 Aug. Mentor programme gives unemployed women chance for success A group of unemployed women is taking part in a pilot mentorship programme to prepare them for success in the workplace. The Mentorship Programme, which began in May, is a collaborative initiative between the Business and Professional Women’s Club and the government’s Needs Assessment Unit and Department of Children and Family Services. Six women are taking part in the pilot programme, which was created to address the lack of job opportunities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and enhance the career opportunities for individuals. “Many people in our community and globally have been displaced from employment due to the current pandemic,” said Mehr Petkovsek, chair of the Young Business and Professional Women’s Club. “Even prior to that, there were several barriers for persons, particularly women, attempting to enter or re-enter the workforce. “These barriers have been exacerbated by the pandemic and include childcare, transportation, professional attire, access to technology and much more. This programme helps to address the barriers for those looking to enter the workforce and reduce reliance on the social assistance systems through a holistic approach.” That approach comprises incorporating job readiness, vocational, technical, life skills training, financial assistance, reduction of barriers, as well as a mentorship component, coaching, administrative and social work support. Organisers said the pilot is scheduled to run until February 2022, but may be extended based on the vocational training programmes in which the participants are enrolled. news in brief Shomari Scott cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2021CAYMAN CORPORATE CENTRE FOR LEASE: CLASS-A OFFICE SUITES Located in one of Grand Cayman’s most prestigious corporate districts, this newly renovated building is located in close proximity to the amenities at Cricket Square and central George Town. The available suites have all been completely refurbished to create clean, contemporary workspaces. The property also boasts an impressive lobby with manned security and a high-quality fit-out throughout. | RMLS#: 1462 Suites Range from 991 - 2,365 Sq.Ft. For more than 25 years, IRG - International Realty Group’s specialist commercial property division has worked with start-ups, family businesses and global brands to lease, sell, manage and acquire properties from George Town, to East End and even the Sister Islands. Our expert range of services includes: Sales, Leasing & Acquisitions Tenant Representation Consultancy Property Management Valuations Lease Advisory Member of CIREBA Lease expiring? Ready to make more of your investment? Contact the specialists. Trisha Johnson: 547-4231 | Andrew Gilbert: 548-0524 cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 20211234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Superficial wound (7) 5 Go and bring (5) 8 On the other hand (4,5) 9 Slow old boat (3) 10 Question persistently (4) 12 Grounds (8) 14 Alleviation of pain (6) 15 Fashionable craze (6) 17 Overnight break in travel (4-4) 18 Pile (4) 21 Obstruct (3) 22 With the purpose of (2,5,2) 24 Each single (5) 25 Shake involuntarily (7) DOWN 1 Start to show interest (3,2) 2 Feel regret for (3) 3 Title of Russian emperors (4) 4 Paradise (6) 5 Whimsical (8) 6 Prominent (2,3,4) 7 A frequenter (7) 11 Australian city (9) 13 Speed (8) 14 Ludicrous (7) 16 Rebellion (6) 19 Critical investigation (5) 20 Indolent (4) 23 Poke fun at (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16781 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 16781 ACROSS: 1 Scratch, 5 Fetch, 8 Then again, 9 Tub, 10 Pump, 12 Sediment, 14 Relief, 15 Furore, 17 Stop-over, 18 Heap, 21 Bar, 22 In order to, 24 Every, 25 Tremble. DOWN: 1 Sit up, 2 Rue, 3 Tsar, 4 Heaven, 5 Fanciful, 6 To the fore, 7 Habitue, 11 Melbourne, 13 Velocity, 14 Risible, 16 Revolt, 19 Probe, 20 Idle, 23 Rib. In college, I actually enjoyed the maths behind economics and statistics. Used properly, statistics and demographics will help the leadership of the Cayman Islands reopen the borders safely. Misused, statistics are not worth the paper on which they are written. Mark Twain had it right when he wrote about using numbers to prove a point. The 15. Aug. Compass article disclosing the Economics and Statistics Office population research figures (“Government using upper limit of error margin to estimate population”) is one of those instances and requires both examination and simple conclusions of fact. Government appears to have arbitrarily used the statistical upper limit (with only 2.5% confidence) of 70,686 people from the ESO study and declared that figure as the ‘new’ population denominator for the premier’s 80% vaccination (of total population) prerequisite for phased reopening of borders. Government ignored the most- likely estimated figure (the mean, or average) of just under 66,000. This presumption added almost 5,000 Did your property sustain any damage during Tropical Storm Grace? Landscape (trees, greenery) cayman compass ONLINE POLL 82% 5% 8% 11% 30% 2% No damage Other Car Boat Home ‘Lies, damned lies and statistics’ people (7.4%) to the population and put the 80% vaccination target further out of reach, just when, despite raffles and prizes, it was starting to slow down. Oddly enough, the probability that the population is the upper limit of 70,686 is exactly the same as the probability that it is the lower limit of 60,886. The difference is that 60,886 would not support the premier’s higher-number target or narrative. Using the ESO statistics report, one can summarise: 1. With 95% confidence, the mean population is 65,786, plus or minus 4,900. 2. There is only 2.5% confidence that the population is 70,686 or larger. Using the upper limit of a statistical range with only 2.5% confidence is inaccurate, arbitrary and defeats the purpose of using population estimates in the first place. With 95% confidence, government and ESO can estimate: • The population aged 12 or older is 87.5% of total, with a mean figure of 57,738. • The share of newborn to 11-year-old children (who are ineligible for vaccination) is 12.5%, with a mean figure of 8,248. As of 21 Aug. 2021: 50,884 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine. That is: • 77.1% of the total estimated population. • 88.1% of the estimated population eligible to take the vaccine. 48,751 people are fully- vaccinated. That is: • 74% of the total estimated population. • 84.4% of the estimated vaccine-eligible population. What the government can proudly boast (using ESO statistics) is that with 95% confidence, almost 75% of the total population is fully vaccinated and almost 85% of those eligible for the jab have rolled up their sleeves. Government will continue to encourage the unvaccinated minority of 15% to protect not just themselves, but also their family and friends. The Cayman Islands vaccination programme, led by government, the chief medical officer and the Health Services Authority, is a shining example of commitment and perseverance by the population to suppress the spread of the virus. The Cayman Islands leads the entire Caribbean (as well as the western hemisphere), having fully vaccinated 74% of the population. While Cayman has the highest vaccination rate in the hemisphere, the borders remain closed to tourism. The futures of thousands of tourism industry workers and hundreds of local tourism-related businesses are on the line for the holidays. If the reopening plan gets pushed back or is scrapped by the government, many hotels, condos, resorts, restaurants, vendors, transport operators, boat captains and businesses will be faced with the difficult decision to release their employees just before the holidays and board up their businesses until the island ultimately reopens. An additional 2,000 unemployed people (including 85% who did their part and got vaccinated) would be on the streets just before the holidays. This will cast a pall on the entire tourism sector and question the government’s support of stayover tourism. Homelessness and poverty on the island have already reached the highest level in years. When there is not enough water in the river, the rocks are revealed. Jim Leavitt - General Manager, Grand Cayman Villas & Condos 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 55.557.559.561.563.565.567.569.571.573.575.5 yti li ba b or P Population in Thousands 95% Confidence Estimated Median Population is 65,786 Only 2.50% confidence that actual population is 60,886 or lower Only 2.50% confidence that actual population is 70,686 or higher Total Population Distribution (per ESO study) Cayman Islands mean population is estimated to be 65,986. ESO has 95% confidence (2 standard deviations) that the actual population lies between 60,886 and 70,686. Further, ESO study finds only 2.50% confidence that the actual population is 70,686 or higher. 2.50%2.50% Guest Columnist cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2021July 2021 Juliet Osbourne OUTSTANDING ADVISOR 1 (345) 916 0500 NORMA CONNOLLY nconnolly@compassmedia.ky The Cayman Islands government has revised the date for when it hopes the islands will reach the 80% vaccination rate, from 9 Sept. to 14 Oct. As of 25 Aug., with the original target date two weeks away, 69% of the Cayman population was fully vaccinated, a rate that has not increased since 13 Aug. The government’s original reopening plan, announced by Premier Wayne Panton in early July, involved a limited return of tourism by 9 Sept., when phase 3 of the plan gets under way, contingent on reaching the 80% target. Panton, speaking at a press briefing on 25 Aug., said phase 3 will go ahead as planned, even without reaching the 80% target. He pointed out that when quarantine restrictions for vaccinated tourists are lifted on 14 Oct. – phase 4 of the plan – the risk of community transmission in Cayman will rise exponentially. “That is the day the risk that COVID-19 will become a reality in our country significantly ratchets up,” he said, as he made a passionate appeal for residents who have not yet been vaccinated to get inoculated. “That is the day we stop relying on our very effective and protective quarantining and testing mechanisms, and start relying on the vaccine to keep us safe from serious illness and death,” he said. “That is the date those of you who have not been vaccinated will be at an exponentially increasing risk. “That is the date there will be a chance you cross paths with a COVID-carrying visitor at the supermarket, liquor store, hardware store, or any restaurant or church, and you may become infected and, God forbid, take the virus home to unvaccinated children, parents or grandparents. Do you really want to be perceived as being that irresponsible? COVID is real and very likely to be present when we open our borders.” Panton said that people would need to receive their first dose of the vaccine by 9 Sept., and their second shot by 30 Sept., if the reopening plan is to go ahead as scheduled, as the vaccine becomes fully effective two weeks after the second jab. Vaccines to expire at end-October The premier stated that Cayman has 8,765 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine available, which are due to expire at the end of October. With more than 2,000 people awaiting their second dose, this means that there are enough doses for more than 3,000 others to get both their first and second shots, Panton said. He said it was possible the UK may stop supplying free vaccines to Cayman if the country fails to use up the doses already sent. Panton also urged private businesses to encourage their staff to get vaccinated. Governor Martyn Roper said any doses that are not used would be wasted, as they cannot be transported to other countries, due to the cold-storage requirement for the vaccine. However, he said, with the continuation of British Airways flights, Cayman would have a reliable supply of free vaccines from the UK if the current batch runs out. The premier said moving the 80% requirement to October had been provisionally approved by government and this would be finalised by Cabinet soon. “I want to emphasise that you can and should still take the vaccine anytime between today and 9 September,” he said. “People ask for a go-to date, or a target date. Well, that’s it. October 14 is the target date that we are going to effectively be dropping the quarantine. And that’s when the risk that we have infected people in the country and the possibility of COVID returning to Cayman in place.” Heading to the districts Health Minister Sabrina Turner announced that from 6 Sept., buses would be visiting the various districts, bringing the vaccinations to the residents there, rather than requiring them to travel to the Owen Roberts International Airport vaccination centre. Vaccines will also be available at MPs’ constituency offices throughout the districts, she said. “We will be coming to your area, and we’ll be using all social media platforms in our efforts to make this possible,” Turner added. Population statistics Panton also addressed confusion over population statistics. The government in April announced that it was working with a revised population number when considering the rate of vaccinations. Previously, the population had been estimated to be approximately 65,000, but that number was increased to 71,106, meaning more people had to be vaccinated to reach the 80% target. The premier said that even using a population figure of 65,786, released by the Economics and Statistics Office last week, Cayman had still not reached 80%, stating that close to 78% have received the first shot, and about 75% have received the second. “In relation to that, with the Delta variant, this notion of a population target for vaccination is becoming more and more difficult to maintain… We really need to be seeking to maximise vaccine distribution and uptake, because the Delta variant, as has been indicated fairly recently, has a very high rate of contagion. Its transmissibility is very similar to measles or chickenpox. We need to have as many people as possible vaccinated.” He stated that authorities, for now, will continue to work with the 71,106 population number, in terms of reaching the 80% target, although he acknowledged that this may change, and a final decision on the issue would be made at the end of September or early October. In response to a question, Panton said once the borders reopen, it was likely that requirements for mask-wearing and social distancing may have to be re-imposed in Cayman. Commercial flights Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan, in an update on the return of commercial air services once the borders reopen, said five major international airlines had confirmed that they were ready to resume flights to and from Cayman. From 9 Sept., repatriation flights will no longer be the only flights allowed to come to Cayman, and the airport will be open to commercial flights. Currently, only Cayman Airways and British Airways are allowed to operate flights to and from Cayman, on a repatriation basis. “I will provide further updates when the schedule has been finalised,” Bryan said. “The resumption of commercial flights is exciting news, and signals the restart of our tourism, and the return to normalcy within our industry.” The tourism minister said, despite the border reopening, incoming or returning travellers would need to continue to apply to Travel Cayman to enter Cayman, until at least January 2022. Cayman revising 80% vaccination rate date From left, Dr. Colin Charles, Health Minister Sabrina Turner, Premier Wayne Panton, Governor Martyn Roper, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan and Education Minister Juliana O'Connor-Connolly at the 25 Aug. press briefing. - Photo: Alvaro Serey cayman compass 5 news N news FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2021RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Acting on pure maternal instinct, single mother Monique Stewart flung her body over her infant son as a shield when the roof of her George Town apartment col- lapsed as Tropical Storm Grace passed over Grand Cayman on 18 Aug. Stewart’s act saved her 1-year-old son Conrad Malcolm when the rafters gave way in their Mary Street apartment. “I’m a single mother… so just thinking about losing him was a nightmare,” Stewart sobbed as she sat down with the Cayman Compass to share her story. She said when the roof collapsed, she was battered as she covered her son’s body with her own. “At one point I said, ‘Monique, this is it’, because the [roof] board… the zinc was back and forth at me… my body was bruised.” Homeless and scared The apartment was so badly damaged in the storm, that the mother and son had to move out. Stewart, a domestic worker, is currently sharing a small one-bedroom studio apartment with her sister and boyfriend. “I’m trying my best just to find somewhere to stay with [my son],” she said. She said the storm was the worst experience of her life. “I tried to save him and myself…. Even now I’m still scared,” Stewart said, adding that she remains traumatised by the ordeal. She and her son had to be evacuated from the apartment by the Cayman Islands Regiment during the storm. The 30-year-old mom, who moved to Cayman eight years from her native Jamaica, said when she heard a storm was coming, she thought it would be like Eta last year. “I went and buy up candle and stuff like that because I had the baby. I said, ‘OK, maybe it’s a little one passing’,” she said. An ordeal like no other Stewart said she had been following the progress of the storm from 17 Aug., but was busy doing laundry the night before it struck, and did not catch the news that Grace’s intensity had been building. “About six o’clock it started to get heavy, but the baby was asleep. ... I got to the kitchen to make the breakfast, then I hear a loud bang,” she said. At that point, she decided to pack a bag of belongings in preparation for leaving the apartment if the storm worsened. Stewart went into the bedroom where her son was asleep and started to grab her passport, other documents and clothes from a drawer to put into a bag. “I hear the bang again and by the time I look up, the ceiling bang my head,” she said. As she reached out for her son, a rafter fell on her back, and she used her body to shield the boy. “I started to panic because it getting worse, water coming in… everything coming in at once,” she said. Stewart called 911 for help, and she could heard her neighbours calling her. “I started to panic… I get scared of everything. The board blowing, the zinc… everything started to blow, hitting me back and forth with him. I tried to wrap him up in a towel to try to save him and to shield him,” she said. Within half an hour, a regiment team, led by Commander Colonel Simon Watson, was at her door. “I always hear talk about Titanic. I just imagine when you are on the Titanic and you see the help coming, it was something like that,” she said, as she described how relieved she felt when the regiment arrived. Watson, she said, was the first in the apartment and he took hold of her son and rushed them both to safety to the Red Cross shelter in George Town. After the storm passed, Stewart’s sister went to her apartment “to save stuff, but everything was under water”. All she had with her was her documents and the clothes she was wearing. “When I went to Red Cross [shelter] I changed my clothes, and they gave me some clothes for me and the baby. The rescue team, they were a big help for me,” she said. Stewart said she is still distressed from her harrowing storm experience and has not been able to bring herself to return to the apartment. “I don’t go back there because it’s too much. Even when I close my eyes, [it’s] coming back,” she said. Anyone able to assist Stewart and her son can email her at Pchance841@ gmail.com. Mom shielded baby as roof caved “At one point I said, ‘Monique, this is it’, because the [roof] board… the zinc was back and forth at me… my body was bruised.” Monique Stewart flung Battling the storm Emma Halbert-Payne, who is 23 weeks pregnant, and her 6-year- old son Harrison fought off the storm for hours (husband Ulrich was off-island). Here, in her own words, is Emma’s story. I woke up around 5:15am, grateful for a good night’s sleep. My first thoughts were of the storm and it certainly didn’t seem too bad since I hadn’t been woken by it. It was pretty windy and raining hard but probably just another Tropical Storm Eta – a bit blowy but not much more, and probably over quickly. Harrison was already awake. I made a cup of tea and had only had a few sips when a terrified little boy came screaming into my room, shouting ‘Mummy, the doors, the doors have blown in!’ His face was pure terror and he was crying and screaming. I had never seen his face like that. It was now 5:30am. I ran to our front door – a large double entrance which is 6 feet by 8 feet – to discover... both [doors] wide open and the storm blowing directly into the house. The huge middle section of wood, where the locks were, had completely broken off and had flown about 10 feet into my living room! There were splinters of broken wood everywhere and a lot of rainwater had already come in. I ran to the door in an attempt to close it but slipped on water. Luckily I broke my fall with the door and didn’t hurt myself, but was immediately concerned about my pregnancy. I quickly realised that all four locks on the doors had failed and were broken, including two deadlocks which had completely blown out. It was impossible to re-lock the doors. I ran to our large eight-seater dining room table and threw the chairs aside. All the while, the doors were open, and more wind and rain was getting in. The noise was so loud and it was still dark. I was feeling scared – this was just the beginning of the storm! I pushed the very heavy dining table as fast as I could to the doors – a distance of approximately 35 feet and around a corner – I think adrenaline pushed it for me! I needed to find a way to re-close the doors and use the table [as a] barricade. Fortunately, there was enough of a break in the wind for me to get the doors closed again and PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 8» Mom Monique Stewart and her son Conrad Malcolm are now looking for a new home after Tropical Storm Grace wrecked their apartment. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath Ulrich and Emma Halbert-Payne and 6-year-old Harrison stand outside the double doors of their home, weeks before Tropical Storm Grace. - Photo: Submitted Surviving Grace cayman compass 6 FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2021An inclusive culture At Ogier, we pride ourselves on putting our people first and creating a culture that supports and empowers our colleagues. “Law firms are traditionally intimidating environments, so it’s only natural to be nervous. But with Ogier, there’s no need to worry,” says Ayanda. “Ogier has an inclusive and encouraging culture and you’re immediately set at ease. This is helped by their flexible working schedules and dress code, but more importantly by the effort made to welcome and include new joiners and interns alike. “I felt I could enjoy myself as an intern and express myself whilst still learning invaluable knowledge through hands-on experience and conversations with associates.” “I am really enjoying my time at Ogier, and that’s due to more than just the opportunities I am being given and what I am learning,” says Jamar. “My colleagues had prepared for my arrival, helping to smooth the transition and make me feel welcome. There is a true sense of unity, equality, and authenticity.” Flexibility We offer a flexible approach to when, how, and where you work. Our people can choose how to structure their day based on what they need to feel their best. But we also acknowledge that everyone has good days and bad days, and no one should need to mask how they’re feeling. “Ogier is flexible with an ultimate goal of making sure employees are balancing work and home life,” says Brooke. “Sitting in traffic at rush hour is never encouraged and we don’t need to show up to the office in suits – no one really cares how you dress, as long as you’re comfortable and the work gets done.” It’s vitally important that we look after ourselves, and our families, first. Often, prioritising our own health is pushed to one side. This is why we offer our people flexibility within their working day to be used however they need – many take advantage of our extended lunch breaks to go to the gym for example, and people are free to attend personal appointments as needed throughout the day. Brooke joined Ogier in 2016, trained as a legal secretary, and is now one of our scholarship students. For her, this flexibility provides a valuable opportunity. She explains: “Since starting law school in 2019, I have worked part-time for Ogier by logging my hours from home, and I work full-time during my summer breaks. I am still involved with the firm, have access to a vast resource collection, and have a continuous income as I pursue my studies. “I’m expecting my first baby in November and I’m pausing my studies for a year. Ogier has supported me through this. I also had the choice to work from home for a portion of my pregnancy, this greatly contributed to my overall wellbeing.” Tatiana adds: “But what’s truly amazing, is that this flexible policy isn’t purely for the long-term staff. It’s for everyone. I am working towards my goals, and reaching my set targets, while feeling comfortable.” “Wellbeing isn’t simply a buzzword here,” says Brooke. “Ogier really do put our wellbeing above all.” Training and development “Ogier has been committed to my training and development from day one and I am extremely grateful every day for the opportunities, and the flexibility, I have been given,” says Brooke. As a firm, Ogier takes pride in investing in skills, training and helping our people to achieve everything that they can. “Continual self-improvement and development really matters to everyone at Ogier,” says Ayanda. “Though I was only with the firm for four weeks, I was able to gain hands-on experience. My tasks were meaningful and correlated to a matter an associate was working on. And on my ‘lighter’ days, I was encouraged to access the firm’s training resources. I really felt that Ogier truly cared about my professional development and wanted me to succeed.” Advice to future Ogier interns “Don’t be daunted or nervous, and seize the opportunities offered,” says Tatiana. “Listening to my fellow interns talk about their own experiences immediately put me at ease. You’re given opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone and through this, I’m discovering where I have room for improvement and my strengths. And there is a great social environment – I’m interacting with my fellow interns and supervisors, and building friendships. I feel as though I am part of Ogier.” Jamar adds: “Over your internship, you will develop valuable skills, gain technical knowledge, find new friends and enjoy new experiences. So, don’t hesitate, just apply. And once you start, don’t worry – just be yourself and do your best. It’s an experience to learn from and enjoy.” Open from day one. What’s the big idea? We’re waiting for you to tell us. If you work with Ogier, we want to hear what you’ve got to say. Ogier. Be extraordinary. Join our team ogier.com/careers Legal and Corporate Services British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Guernsey Hong Kong Jersey London Luxembourg Shanghai Singapore Tokyo Each summer, law firm Ogier opens the office to a new cohort of interns offering the chance to gain a taste of a career in law and financial services with valuable hands-on experience. This year, 19 interns will take part in our dedicated programme. What we’re offering is a platform to be extraordinary – to collaborate across borders, to be the first to experiment with new technology, and to be part of an international law firm that wants to do things differently. Jamar Smith, Ayanda Jones, and Tatiana Gauntlett recently joined the ranks, alongside scholarship student Brooke Fitzgerald. ADVERTORIALADVERTORIAL Internships with Ogier Supporting you from day one Ogier has a number of great opportunities for students at all stages in their education, including school work experience, vacation scheme placements or summer internships, university bursaries or scholarships, post-graduate training schemes and Articled Clerk programmes. Find out more at ogier.com/careers L-R: Jamar Smith, Ayanda Jones, Tatiana Gauntlett and Brooke Fitzgerald. cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2021place the table, but it wasn’t heavy enough to keep the doors closed. The wind kept forcing the doors open. I had no choice but to stay there and keep pushing [the table] over and over again in repeated attempts to re-close the doors. It was still dark and power had gone. I was slipping on rainwater and couldn’t see where the hazards were. I needed help but we were alone. That’s when the true little hero of the story showed how incredibly brave and helpful he could be. I asked Harrison to be brave and head to the kitchen to get the torches. That really helped so I could see where not to stand. We realised we needed a LOT of towels which are stored upstairs so I sent Harrison to fetch as many as he could carry. I didn’t want him to be too close to the doors as they were being forced open constantly so I had to try to throw the towels at the water. Once I felt that we had enough towels down and I had the doors closed, I knew I needed to eat. Being pregnant, I knew that I would become weak very quickly as I hadn’t had any breakfast. I was already feeling faint and shaking from the stress. Harrison fetched me food and water. The storm kept raging and some of the gusts forced the table a good foot open and into me several times. My biggest concern was that one gust could blow me backwards and I would be injured. I kept thinking about what would happen to Harrison if I got hurt. He was so scared and kept saying ‘We need Daddy – tell me him to fly home to help you!’ I reassured him that it was all going to be OK but inside I was panicking that we were alone. Being the only adult was terrifying – I only had the help of my 6-year-old son, but he was incredible, and proved that he was going to help very much. Harrison kept giving me little pep talks and words of encouragement, such as ‘Well done, Mummy’, ‘You’re doing a great job!’, ‘You’re the bravest mummy in the whole world’. The battle with the doors went on for two hours. I had a plan B if I couldn’t keep it up; that was to hide in my bathroom and just let the storm rage through my house. I was already exhausted and just knew that I couldn’t go on like this forever. Eventually, the storm winds changed direction, which meant I could leave the doors and run to the hurricane box in the garage which I knew contained rope. I tied the rope around the door handles as tight as I could. I had one chance to get it right, as at any moment the wind [might] change back and I’d be back into the battle. I pushed a long and heavy console table and another piece of furniture to the barricade. I shouldn’t have been pushing anything heavy in my condition and I had many thoughts about the baby. If the wind came back that way, I wasn’t sure if the rope and barricade would hold so I sat there for about five hours in total waiting for the wind to come back – but it never did. Thankfully! I couldn’t have done any of it without Harrison. It was remarkable, an incredible bonding experience for us both. I know we both learned that we could count on each other in a time of crisis. He was so brave and he stayed calm in order to help, and he really was a rock star! I have since had the doors turned the other way so they no longer open inwards. We are buying new hurricane-rated doors but the lead time is two to six months. It was discovered that the door was rotten in places, which is why both deadlocks failed. This wasn’t picked up at the inspection. We are lucky that things were not worse and we got through the ordeal in one piece, with our home intact. I am covered in bruises but no other injuries. I have learned to never underestimate the potential of these storms and to never be alone. Battling the storm CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 This image shows the damaged door and the barricade that Emma Halbert-Payne put in place to try to keep it closed during Tropical Storm Grace. - Photo: Submitted cayman compass 8 FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2021 Nothing Compares. © 2021 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty offi ce is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All off erings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. MEMBER OF CIREBA. Waters Edge Opulence Contact Kate 916-4104 MLS#411253 US$4.625M This exceptional 3B/3.5B oceanfront condo sits on one of the widest, most pristine parts of world-famous Seven Mile Beach. Unique additions & incredible complex amenities. 3 BED / 3.5 BATHS 3,231 Sq. Ft. Britannia Kings Court Spacious ground fl oor unit in sought-after location. Lovely pools & beautiful landscaping. SEVEN MILE BEACH Call Patty 525-3003 MLS#413295 US$1.695M Rum Point Beachfront Beautiful beach front lot located on the Northern shoreline of Rum Point Drive. Walkable beach! GRAND CAYMAN LAND Call Caroline 916-4858 MLS#413369 US$795,000 Beachfront Land Gorgeous views come with elevation around 8 ft above msl. Zoned Beach Resort residential. OLD ROBIN ROAD Call Karina 925-3800 MLS#413289 US$595,000 Absolute Beachfront Beautiful piece of land with 100 ft. of beachfront. Great location. Zoned neighborhood commercial. EAST END Call Raff aele 326-2057 MLS#412624 CI$220,000 Brac Bluff Land Beautiful 1.26 acre lot overlooking the ocean. Build your island dream home today. CAYMAN BRAC www.SirCaymanIslands.com345-623-1234 Contact Cathy 927-8095 MLS#413301 CI$893,0002 BED / 2 BATHS 1,848 Sq. Ft. INCLUDES DOCK Seagull Seven Mile Beach Exceptional value & rare opportunity. Situated on one of the world’s most sought after stretches of sand. Inside you’ll fi nd a relaxed beach chic vibe. Contact Jonathan 525-3400 MLS#413415 US$975,0001 BED / 1 BATH 762 Sq. Ft. NEW Caribbean Paradise Newly renovated, this condo off ers ocean & pool views. Lots of storage, two ensuite bedrooms in a highly sought-after community. Contact Brittainy 323-9783 MLS#413396 US$750,000 2 BED / 2.5 BATHS 1,316 Sq. Ft. SOUTH SOUND Periwinkle Garden Townhome Waterfront canal location with optional boat dock, this fantastic energy effi cient, gated residential development includes pools, spa, kids play areas. Contact Raff aele 326-2057 MLS#412904 CI$845,0003 BED / 3 BATHS 2,250 Sq. Ft. NEW PEND ING WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE Christina Moxam TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY TEAM Christina brings a wealth of experience & passion to her role, a seasoned sales professional she is ready to assist with all your Cayman Islands real estate needs. Contact Christina at 345.525.0404 christina.moxam@sothebysrealty.kyWelcome back students. Health City is committed to positively changing the lives of the students of the Cayman Islands. Over the summer, we connected with many students from elementary school to university through our various Healthcare Explorers programs - Shadow a Doctor, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and our annual STEM Day Camp. As the new school year begins, we look forward to working together with the students and schools of Cayman as we continue providing rich, educational experiences that enhance learning and prepare the next generation of Caymanian doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals. GO & DO GREAT THINGS. 1 (345) 640-4195healthcare.explorers@healthcity.kywww.healthcareexplorers.com cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2021Next >