cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism Friday, 21-27 January 2022 Quarantine scrapped for unvaccinated children Page 3 Remembering Red Bay Plaza Page 20 100-mile run in coach Larner’s memory Page 22 Try the NEW TM & © 2022 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism Friday, 21-27 January 2022 Balancing act COVID restrictions may breach human rights Page 15FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass 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 NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES BUSINESS EDITOR MICHAEL KLEIN ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER LIVING EDITOR VICKI WHEATON HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCHGILLIES weather Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of evening showers. SEA STATE Slight with a wave height of 1 to 3 feet. WINDS Northwest at 5 to 10 knots. 77°F HIGH 72°F LOW news in brief Heroes Day awards ceremony postponed The 500 people due to receive honours at the National Heroes Day ceremony will have to wait a bit longer to receive their certifi cates, as organisers have postponed that part of the event to adhere to COVID-19 regulations limiting crowd size. This year’s pared-down event, scheduled for 9-11am on Monday, 24 Jan., which is a public holiday, will be held in Heroes Square, and attendance will be by invitation only. It will involve the unveiling of a bust of Cayman’s newest national hero, Leila Elberta Ross- Shier, who composed ‘Beloved Isle Cayman’, the islands’ national song, in 1930, and wreath-laying to recognise the contributions of the 10 national heroes and other nation builders, organisers said. Unlike in previous years, the honourees and their families will not be able to attend the ceremony because outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 250 people. In a statement, Chief of Protocol Meloney Syms said, “Even though this year’s theme for National Heroes Day recognises our uniformed services, it is not possible for the approx. 500 honourees and their loved ones to be present on the day – as is the long- established tradition.” Education minister contracts COVID Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly tested positive for COVID and was in isolation, Premier Wayne Panton confi rmed on 17 Jan. He said the minister, who is the MP for Cayman Brac East, “is doing well and so far experiencing mild symptoms”. O’Connor-Connolly was one of the last members of Panton’s government to get vaccinated, which she revealed during a press conference in August last year. She said she had eventually been convinced by the premier and her doctors to get the vaccine, after initially having concerns about side-effects and her medical issues. She is the second MP to be publicly confi rmed as testing positive for COVID. Last month, East End MP Isaac Rankine stated on his Facebook page that he had the virus. Airport parking fees resume Starting 1 Feb., free parking at Owen Roberts International Airport will come to an end. The Cayman Islands Airports Authority has announced the resumption of fees for long- and short-term parking at the airport from that date. There is no fee for the fi rst fi ve minutes in the short-term car park, to accommodate those dropping off and picking up passengers, as kerbside pick- up is no longer an option. The short-term parking fee is $2 per hour. The long-term car park costs $7 a day. The CIAA said it had upgraded the ‘pay parking’ system so customers can pay by credit or debit card at the exit machines at both the short-term or long-term parking lots. Former Margaritaville owner ordered to pay businessman US$2M The Grand Court has upheld an order for MV Advisory Ltd., the company that previously owned the rights to the Margaritaville resort in Cayman, to pay businessman Jeremy Beck US$2 million. The decision to uphold the order was handed down on 12 Jan., by Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, who had previously ruled in favour of Beck on 16 Nov. last year. The civil suit stems from a 2016 business venture between Beck and MV Cayman, in which Beck purchased 10 hotel rooms from MV Cayman that were then to be rented out to hotel guests. The contract contained an ‘option agreement’ which would require MV Cayman to buy back the rooms from Beck if certain conditions were met. These conditions included if the rights to the Margaritaville hotel chain were lost within 10 years, and a hotel brand of a similar calibre was not obtained within a reasonable time. COVID case found among Cuban migrants who landed on Brac One of six Cuban migrants who were taken into custody after arriving on board a boat in Cayman Brac tested positive for COVID-19, according to Customs and Border Control. In a statement issued on behalf of CBC, a spokesperson said the migrants, who are all males, arrived on Cayman Brac around 6:30pm on Sunday, 16 Jan. “The migrants were placed in isolation and processed in accordance with COVID-19 processing, and one positive result was found,” CBC said in the statement. According to the latest update on COVID cases on the Sister Islands, a total of 11 new cases were reported there over the weekend. There are currently 48 Cuban migrants in Cayman, 12 of whom are in the custody of CBC. Free parking, which has been available at the airport since the borders closed in March 2020, will cease on 1 Feb. Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, speaking at a press conference last year. The education minister tested postiive for COVID-19 recently. cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022 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. MY HERO ACADEMIA 3: WORLD HEROES’ MISSION (PG-13) (FRI) 4:25 | 7:15 | 9:50 VIP (SAT & MON) 12:45 VIP | 1:25 | 4:25 | 7:15 | 10:00 VIP (SUN) 4:25 | 7:00 VIP | 7:15 | 9:50 | 10:00 VIP | 10:15 (TUE-THURS) 4:25 | 7:15 | 10:00 VIP SCREAM (2022) (R) (FRI, & WED-THURS) 3:45 | 6:50 | 7:00 VIP | 9:55 | 10:00 VIP (SAT & MON) 12:45 | 3:45 | 6:50 | 7:00 VIP | 9:55 | 10:00 VIP (TUE) 3:45 | 6:50 | 9:55 | 10:00 VIP SING 2 (PG) (FRI) 4:10 | 4:35 VIP (SAT & MON) 1:00 | 1:25 VIP | 4:10 | 4:10 VIP (SUN) 4:10 | 4:10 VIP | 4:50 VIP | 5:00 | 6:55 (TUE-THURS) 4:10 | 4:10 VIP SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME (PG-13) (FRI, TUE-THURS) 3:20 VIP | 3:55 | 6:35 | 6:40 VIP | 9:40 (SAT & MON) 12:35 VIP | 1:00 | 3:20 VIP | 3:55 | 6:35 | 6:40 VIP | 9:40 (SUN) 3:20 VIP | 3:55 | 6:40 VIP | 7:00 | 7:30 VIP | 7:40 | 9:30 VIP | 9:40 THE KING’S MAN (R) (FRI) 4:00 VIP | 7:00 | 9:45 VIP | 10:00 (SAT & MON-TUE) 4:00 VIP | 6:50 VIP | 7:00 | 9:45 VIP | 10:00 THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS (R) (FRI-SAT & MON-THURS) 9:50 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted KIDS CLUB SLEEPING BEAUTY SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (1959) (G) KIDS CLUB FROZEN SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) KIDS CLUB FROZEN SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) KIDS CLUB THE ROAD TO EL DORADO SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted CLASSICS BACK TO THE FUTURE TUESDAY 7PM VIP (PG)cayman compass 3 news N news FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022 JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Quarantine restrictions for children have been eased, paving the way for families to travel to the Cayman Islands. With immediate effect, unvaccinated children under 11, travelling with vaccinated adults, will no longer be required to isolate. The decision, announced at a press briefing Thursday afternoon, 20 Jan., lifts one of the major barriers to the full return of tourism. There was also good news about airlift into the islands, with new flights from Washington, Newark, Miami and Denver on the schedule by next month. There will be no return of cruise tourism for the foreseeable future, however. Visitor numbers have been limited since the official reopening of the borders last November, but the decision to move to phase 5 of the reopening plan is expected to boost tourism and make life easier for Cayman families travelling overseas. Premier Wayne Panton said, “We will officially be moving into an updated phase 5 of our national border-reopening plan, effective today.” He added, “Our tourism partners have been adamant for a long time that to truly reopen the tourism industry, visitors must be able to bring their children here under the same vaccination status as their parents. These changes achieve that.” A reduction in the time period for travellers to quarantine and changes to the testing regime are also planned, Panton said. No details were given on whether the lateral flow tests required on days two, five and 10 for arriving travellers will still be required. Testing needed to travel to Sister Islands Panton, meanwhile, announced a new requirement for anyone travelling to the Sister Islands to get a negative lateral flow or PCR test. He said the islands had a vulnerable population and were seeing too many cases. From 9-15 Jan., 76 people tested positive for COVID on the Sister Islands, according to weekly statistics released by the Public Health Department. The premier also gave his well wishes to Education Minister Juliana O’Connor- Connolly, an MP for the Sister Islands, who is positive for COVID-19 and was being airlifted from Cayman Brac to the Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town on Thursday afternoon. Flights begin to return Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan said he was hopeful that the changes, combined with an increased number of flights and routes, would bring a boost to tourism for spring break and Easter. He said, “These changes to the regulations will bring a range of encouraging benefits to our tourism industry. They will make travelling to the Cayman Islands with unvaccinated children easier, make quarantine protocols less restrictive, and present another step forward for us in continuing to live with COVID-19 in our midst.” Bryan added that Cayman was a family- friendly destination and the easing of restrictions, combined with the arrival of child-friendly vaccines in many countries, would help the island tap into pent-up demand for vacations. He confirmed that United Airlines service from Chicago, Houston, Washington and Newark would restart next month. American Airlines service from Miami and Cayman Airways flights from Denver will also resume next month, while Delta will recommence flights from Atlanta in March. Southwest Airlines service from Fort Lauderdale and Baltimore, and the American Airlines flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, will also resume at the same time, Bryan added. “The return of these flights increases the number of airline seats to Cayman and the variety of gateways to make it easier and more convenient for visitors to get to our wonderful shores,” he said. Bryan acknowledged that the raised caution level on cruise travel from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had delayed the return of that sector. He said he would be meeting with industry heads next month, both to establish the parameters for the resumption of cruise tourism and to help reset the relationship between cruise corporations and Cayman operators. Restrictions on travel for children lifted • 7-day quarantine for unaccompanied Caymanian and resident children aged 0-11 and those travelling from countries with less than 60% first-dose vaccination rate • Unvaccinated children aged 0-11, who are tourists, cannot travel unaccompanied • Children aged 0–11 take on vaccination status of their accompanying parent/guardian • Children aged 5–11 will follow the same testing regime as adults • Children aged 0–4 will not be required to test • Fully vaccinated positives: Isolate for 6 days; negative PCR exit test required on day 7 • Vaccinated primary contacts: Conduct daily lateral flow testing for 7 days, but may continue usual activities • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated positives: Isolate for 9 days; negative PCR exit test required on day 10 • Unvaccinated primary contacts: Quarantine for 10 days • Unvaccinated primary contacts under age 18: Can attend school if daily lateral flow tests continue to be negative over seven days • Unvaccinated travellers: Quarantine cut from 14 days to 10 days, with certified LFT test to exit quarantine Rules for children entering Cayman Isolation rules PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 10» Health Minister Sabrina Turner and Premier Wayne Panton announce the easing of restrictions on children travelling to Cayman. - Photo: Alvaro Serey1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Very bad (5) 4 Steady accumulation (5-2) 8 An evergreen conifer (3) 9 Select individually (6,3) 10 Result (7) 11 Stale-smelling (5) 13 Roof covering of straw (6) 15 Strongly constructed (6) 18 Propel a bicycle (5) 19 Canadian province (7) 21 Peak period in TV audiences (5,4) 23 Cancelled (3) 24 But on the other hand (7) 25 Take illegally (5) DOWN 1 Insult (7) 2 Obtained directly (5-4) 3 Lariat (5) 4 Reinforced underground shelter (6) 5 Seemingly forgotten (2,5) 6 Double act (3) 7 Trivial (5) 12 Original starting point (6,3) 14 Place of higher education (7) 16 Lachrymose (7) 17 Hydrophobia (6) 18 A tropical fruit (5) 20 Wish happiness to (5) 22 Wrath (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16907 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 16907 ACROSS: 1 Awful, 4 Build-up, 8 Fir, 9 Single out, 10 Outcome, 11 Musty, 13 Thatch, 15 Robust, 18 Pedal, 19 Alberta, 21 Prime time, 23 Off, 24 Whereas, 25 Steal. DOWN: 1 Affront, 2 First-hand, 3 Lasso, 4 Bunker, 5 In limbo, 6 Duo, 7 Petty, 12 Square one, 14 College, 16 Tearful, 17 Rabies, 18 Papaw, 20 Bless, 22 Ire. I support the petition’s decriminalisation of marijuana [See ‘Mental health chief backs call for cannabis referendum’ on page 12]. I benefit from its pain and anxiety reduction. Who doesn’t need to reduce anxiety? Should we not take this small step which could potentially benefit all people of Cayman? When God Foundeth It Upon The Seas, he also foundeth ganja here. Coincidence? Let’s be truly Cayman Kind. Beverley Simpson I’ve had a lot of Canadians reach out to me thinking that they can no longer come to the Cayman Islands until after April due to Air Canada’s suspension of flights. Air Canada is just not flying ‘direct’ to best deploy the limited crew that they have on routes that are guaranteed to have full planes, so I think this requires clarification. In fact, Canadians can still get to the Cayman Islands via Air Canada to Bahamas and then British Airways to Cayman, or Air Canada to Miami, Tampa or Jamaica, then Cayman Airways to Cayman. You also have at least one direct WestJet flight a week. No need to put unnecessary fear into Canadians thinking they can’t get here or will be stranded in the Cayman Islands as there are lots of flight options! Tuula Jalasjaa Flights available from Canada to Cayman Time to decriminalise marijuana What they’re saying Online Letters to the editor Quarantine period reduced for COVID It is so amazing how the suppres- sion measures continue to be relaxed in the face of increasing infections and hospitalisations. – Bruce Smith [It] is so amazing how people keep testing and isolating fanatically even though hospitalisations and mortal- ity rates are falling dramatically. You people won’t LET the pandemic end. – Jan Morgan I know people who have tested negative on day five but had to remain in quarantine. Reducing the days required in quarantine makes no difference if you still test positive – you will have to stay in quarantine. – Kathy Leggatt Jackson Why is this PCR testing so expen- sive? Does anyone have an answer for this? – Kadam Rushikesh Great question. All over the world, it is high for individuals. And it’s al- ways been expensive for government; they have been paying $150 to these hospitals. Never been free. Now we have join the world by paying for it ourselves. – Sabrina Conolly I’m in Boston, US. Have not paid for one COVID test since this all began, and we, as a family of five, have had to take many tests, includ- ing tests we’ve had to take to travel overseas three times. When returning from Jamaica in August. we had to pay there and it was expensive! We still haven’t returned to Cayman because of the tests we have to take and the out-of-pocket money to pay for them. – Ann-Marie Bissonette- English PCR testing expands to other districts About time! This was such a mess. Parents with kids who were positive but they were negative had to be put in this risky situation and no social distancing! Do they really need a PCR if the LFT is positive?! – Karie Bergstrom I could see driving by, the lines were insanely long, it should not have taken this long to open additional testing sites. – Mark Gaus The South Sound Commu- nity Centre is not a suitable choice of venue due to parking problems. I suggest another location. – Morne Botes Mental health chief backs calls for cannabis referendum And all the prisoners and young people that the doctor put on cannabis oil, they are still smoking and beating the system when it comes to the law. Thought the cannabis oil was for cancer and other stuff. Some of these criminals use mental health as an excuse to smoke ganja. That’s my two cents. – Melinda Mcfield If you really want to use nature for mental health, one should look at the studies being done on psychedelic mushrooms. Looks like great benefits for anxiety, depres- sion, Alzheimer’s, dementia… used with proper medical supervision, of course. – Vanessa Magee It is time to stop sending our young people to jail for this. – Beulah McField It’s time Cayman caught up with the rest of the in- formed world! The war on ganja was lost years ago! – Ted E.C. Duncan Looking back in time: Red Bay Plaza Durty Reid’s had one of the best wings on island. Seeing that plaza makes me nostalgic for Cayman Foods that was just up the road! – Liza Jackson Sigh. Good times! There used to be a Chinese place in it at one point and Dr. Mel McCoy used to teach music classes. We enjoyed going to Red Rabbit to get candy and walk in the back and check out the animals by the man- groves while waiting for our parents! – Faith Gealey I can’t believe how emo- tional I got reading this. Mom worked in Reid’s kitchen on and off for years. I loved the free food... amazing wings and burgers... soooooo good! She worked for (Gene) Wren, too. I was always at that pla- za, what a busy place it was. Time waits on no one. Many of these folks have passed on now. Cayman Compass, thank you for this! – Shannon Francis I can always remember me and my family had to stop at the store there every evening when we used to fin- ish school. Also, every time I pass there it brings back memories and I would tell my children about this same little plaza. – Nina Connolly We lived on Prospect Point Road so it was an easy Friday night takeaway for us. My 3-year-old loved spotting Durty’s thatched roofed Jeep (I told her it was Fred Flint- stone’s). – Danielle Young Foster’s Airport and Durty Reid’s were our two main stops after getting off the plane before heading out east to begin an incredible vaca- tion each and every time – when Cayman had its quaint charm of the real Caribbean. – Jim Norris Durty Reid’s wings, ohhh, they were so good. Many great Sundays spent drink- ing, eating and watching NFL at that joint. – Sam Hunt cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022Mass_NRG_WhiteLine_Inset_OuterMask_CMYKMass_NRG_WhiteLine_Inset_OuterMask_CMYKcayman compass 5 FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Cayman Islands Fire Service veteran Randy Rankin will take the helm as chief fire officer when Paul Walker leaves the post later this year. A statement released by the Government Information Services on Thursday, 20 Jan., said Rankin was selected as designate fire chief following an “intensive” recruitment drive led by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Rankin has worked for the Fire Service for 28 years, and currently serves as the division manager of domestic operations. He is also the deputy chair of the UK Overseas Territories Search and Rescue Committee. “As part of the Fire Service’s evolving mission to prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues, our partners, and community members to tackle several strategic priorities,” Rankin said in a statement. “I am proud to be a part of an experienced and dynamic team of fire-rescue and public safety professionals. Together we will work tirelessly for the people of the Cayman Islands, strengthening our culture of safety, investing in the professionalism of our fire fighters, and embracing service innovation – all while ensuring that we retain the traditions of the Fire Service which are the source of much pride for so many.” During his tenure, Rankin has been credited with helping to establish a local inshore/maritime search-and-rescue unit within the Fire Service to work with the Cayman Islands Coast Guard, and contributing to the amalgamation of 911/fire dispatch communications. Outgoing Chief Fire Officer Walker’s one-year contract was extended by two years in 2020 so that he could put in place a succession plan that would see a Caymanian take up the fire chief role when he left, and he was one of the people on the recruitment panel. “As a panelist, I was impressed with all of the candidates and will continue for the remainder of my tenure with the CIFS to provide direct support for each in respect of their personal development. In conjunction with other senior managers, I am looking forward to working even more closely with Mr. Rankin to progress the department’s identified priorities, projects and activities together with the ministry.” According to the government statement, Walker and Rankin will work together for the next six months until Walker departs. Deputy Governor Franz Manderson called on the public and the Fire Service to support the appointment of a Caymanian as the next chief fire officer, adding, “Mr. Rankin has demonstrated his versatility as a leader in the emergency management space and as a first responder who serves the public with an obvious sense of urgency and passion.” RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have met with local leaders, including Premier Wayne Panton, Governor Martyn Roper and Police Commissioner Derek Byrne, in a concerted push for anti-discrimination legislation that will tackle hate crimes. Noel Cayasso Smith of the LGBTQ Foundation and Billie Bryan of Colours Caribbean, along with representatives of both organisations, delivered the message that such a law was necessary in the wake of a homophobic attack on two men in the car park of the Strand on West Bay Road in the early hours of 3 Jan. Cayasso Smith met with Governor Martyn Roper on 12 Jan. and Commissioner Byrne on 18 Jan. to discuss the issue. He told the Cayman Compass that the police commissioner has undertaken to review existing legislation and seek recommendations from local non-profit organisations on the creation of a hate crime law for Cayman. “I’m very pleased that the commissioner has taken this seriously and is basically starting the process,” he said. “I thank the governor very much for making sure that this has been pushed to the forefront.” Police to set up advisory group The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, in a statement to the Compass, said two representatives from the RCIPS had met with members of the LGBTQ+ community to discuss their concerns. “In what was a constructive initial meeting, it was agreed that this type of collaborative and consultative process will continue, with the aim of establishing an Advisory Group comprising of stakeholder representatives of the full range of communities who are vulnerable to hate crime. It is anticipated the advisory group will help shape policy, training and education in these matters and lobby for any necessary legislative reform,” the emailed statement said. Colours Caribbean meetings Colours Caribbean, in a statement on its meeting with Panton and Roper, said it would continue to push for the implementation of hate crime and anti-discrimination legislation “by any means necessary”. The group said it planned to meet with members of the UK Parliament to highlight the significance of such legislation for the Cayman Islands and all other British Overseas Territories. “Colours Caribbean also commits to continuing to offer its training on political and social issues surrounding gender and sexuality through its educational workshops for government, schools and the workplace, as it has since 2016,” the group said. In its statement, Colours said Roper was “very receptive and understanding” throughout the discussion, “noting the significance of such legislation to protect not only LGBTQIA+ people but also other minorities such as people with disabilities or people with HIV”. Attack still under investigation Police have made no arrests in 3 Jan. attack, which left one man nursing a broken nose. A $10,000 reward has been pledged by a local philanthropist for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people behind the attack. “Colours Caribbean is deeply concerned that the victims, having endured such a heinous attack, now have the added burden of no protection from discrimination should their identities become public,” a statement from the group said. “Colours Caribbean also considers it illogical and unacceptable for persons to be able to enter into same- sex civil partnerships under the Civil Partnership Act and yet not be protected against discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation, for example, in the workplace or when accessing healthcare or other public and private services.” Roper, following his meeting with Cayasso Smith, said while implementing legislation was a government decision, he agreed it was an important discussion to be had in the community. Wider discussion to shape law Cayasso Smith welcomed the inclusion of other advocacy groups in the process to explore what Cayman’s hate crime law should include. “It’s great to know that other organisations are being included because... we all are hurting. I think a hate crime law should cover and benefit everyone, not only the gay community,” he said. Cayasso Smith said he has yet to hear back from government officials, in particular the premier, on the PACT administration’s position on the legislation. Colours, in its statement, added that it reminded the governor and the premier of the Cayman Islands’ international legal obligation to have in place anti-discrimination legislation under the European Convention on Human Rights. This obligation, it said, has existed for more than 22 years. “It first arose in 1999 when the decision in Smith and Grady v UK 29 EHRR 493 was delivered by the ECHR in Strasbourg against the UK. It is also a legal obligation that was highlighted to the Cayman Islands and UK governments by Professor Robert Wintemute of King’s College in London during his lecture in the Grand Court on 15 January 2015,” the statement added. The Compass has reached out to the Premier’s Office for comment and is awaiting a response. LGBTQ groups push for hate crime law Rankin named new fire chief “I am proud to be a part of an experienced and dynamic team of fire- rescue and public safety professionals.” Randy Rankin, designate chief fire officer Billie Bryan of Colours Caribbean, which is calling for anti-discrimination legislation. Noel Cayasso Smith, CEO of the Cayman LGBTQ Foundation, left, with Governor Martyn Roper and Detective Constable Patricia Sevik, who is the police's LGBTQ liaison officer, following their meeting on 12 Jan. - Photo: Governor Martyn Roper’s Official Facebook page cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022cayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022 OWEN ROBERTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL CURB SIDE TAXIS AND BUSES ONLY TAXIS AND BUSES ONLY CURB SIDE 5 MINUTE DROP OFF ZONE EMPLOYEE PARKING ! SHORT-TERM PARKING LONG-TERM PARKING AUTHORISED VEHICLES ONLY BEYOND THIS POINT Owen Roberts International Airport | Charles Kirkconnell International Airport caymanairports.com PARKING RATES: LONG-TERM · $7.00 PER DAY SHORT-TERM · 0-5 MINS - FREE · OVER 5 MINS - $2.00 PER HR · DAILY RATE - $48.00 PLEASE USE LONG-TERM FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING. SHORT-TERM/DROP OFF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW AUTHORISED VEHICLES ONLY LONG-TERM VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW Park. Pay. Go! Pay Parking at Grand Cayman Airport Resumes, Cards Accepted Airport customers exiting the Short-Term or Long-Term parking lots at Owen Roberts International Airport will now have the added convenience of being able to pay their parking fees by credit or debit card at the exit machines. The exit machines accept Mastercard and Visa cards and are equipped with an intercom help button should customers require assistance from an Airport Ground Transportation Officer. Customers may also pay their parking fees by cash at any one of the pay stations located inside the main airport terminal. A drop-off zone in the Short-Term parking lot has been allocated for those persons dropping off departing passengers. Drivers who are picking up arriving passengers must also park in the Short-term parking lot. Parking is free for up to five minutes after which time the standard parking rates apply, which come into effect from 1 February 2022. Visit caymanairports.com for more informationbutterfieldgroup.com Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited is licensed to conduct banking and investment business by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Address: 12 Albert Panton Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship Education is an investment that delivers excellent returns. If you’re a Caymanian student pursuing post-secondary education, let’s start a conversation. Each year, Butterfield selects one deserving student to receive up to US$30,000 per annum to cover undergraduate education-related expenses at an accredited college or university anywhere in the world. An investment in our young people is an investment in our community’s future. Visit us online at www.butterfieldgroup.com/careers/scholarships for scholarship details and how to apply. Application deadline is Friday, 25 March 2022. Undergraduate Scholarship 200411-Ad-Compass-QP-Undergraduate-Scholarship-2022.indd 11/18/22 12:07 PM NORMA CONNOLLY nconnolly@compassmedia.ky Former Director of Public Prosecutions Patrick Moran has spoken out against what he described as “misinformation” after stepping down from the role in the wake of unfounded allegations of racial bias. As his successor, British barrister Simon Davis, prepares to take up the post of DDP in March, Moran, speaking for the fi rst time about his decision to leave the job last year, criticised one-sided online commentary and misinformation, suggesting it was having a negative impact on the law enforcement and justice system in Cayman. Moran resigned and left the post in May 2021, amid allegations of racial discrimination within the DPP offi ce, of which he was later cleared following an investigation by the Internal Audit Unit. A statement from the Governor’s Offi ce said Moran had tendered his resignation “for personal reasons”. At the time, Moran did not make any public comments on his decision to leave, but recently, in response to queries from the Cayman Compass, he stated, “In early 2021, after a particularly busy year, I began to refl ect upon my own future and that of my young family. In April 2021, I made the decision to leave offi ce, following the making of an unfounded suggestion of potential bias on my part. This was an extremely diffi cult decision, which was mine and mine alone.” In a statement in August last year, Governor Martyn Roper said that he had requested the Internal Audit Unit carry out a “full and immediate” investigation in response to a “serious allegation of perceived racial discrimination” in an appointment made by Moran within the DPP’s offi ce. The audit unit concluded “there was no evidence to substantiate the complainant’s perception of racial bias”. Addressing the allegations made against him while he was in offi ce, Moran told the Compass, “The work of a prosecution lawyer can bring many burdens. Misconceptions about the duties of those who work in law enforcement, coupled with online sharing of misinformation or unbalanced opinion, can make this work harder. Such misinformation may cause harm to people’s reputations, livelihoods and even their wellbeing. It may also cause victims and witnesses to hesitate before standing up for what is right for fear of adverse ‘media’, particularly in a small community.” He added that it was crucial that “all of those involved in the criminal justice system, be they witnesses, investigators or lawyers, are supported in their efforts to root out and stand up to wrongdoing. Such support can only enhance the ability of the justice system to protect the community as a whole.” During his tenure, Moran successfully prosecuted several major cases that hit the headlines. These included the prosecution of Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush on charges of common assault on a female bar manager; former University College of the Cayman Islands president Hassan Syed for defrauding the university of $700,000; former Health Services Authority chairman Canover Watson on conspiracy to defraud the CarePay patient swipe-card scheme; chiropractor Jemal Khan for indecently assaulting some of his patients; lawyer Simon Courtney for causing grievous bodily harm to two elderly pedestrians in a collision; and customs offi cer David Lobo on charges of being involved in international cocaine smuggling. Candia James-Malcolm has been the acting director of public prosecutions since Moran stepped down from his position. Earlier this month, the governor announced Davis’s appointment. Former DPP speaks out against ‘misinformation’ “Misconceptions about the duties of those who work in law enforcement, coupled with online sharing of misinformation or unbalanced opinion, can make this work harder.” - Patrick Moran, Former Director of Public Prosecutions Former Director of Public Prosecutions Patrick Moran resigned and left the position in May 2021. cayman compass 8 news N news FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservice.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page The family of the late Adeline R.J. Echenique regret to announce her passing on 23 December 2021. A memorial service will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, 26 January 2022, at Church of God Universal, Walkers Rd. In lieu of flowers please make dona�ons to the Alzheimer’s and Demen�a Associa�on of The Cayman Islands (ADACI). All Covid 19 precau�ons will be observed. Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservice.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page The family of the late Steven Smith regret to announce his passing on, January 14, 2022. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday 23 January 2022, at Church of God Chapel, Walkers Rd. Interment will follow at Miller Cemetery, North Side. All Covid 19 precau�ons will be observed. Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservice.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page The family of the late Winston Maxwell regret to announce his passing on 23 December, 2021. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. at Bodden Funeral Service, on Sunday 23 January 2022. Interment will follow at the Prospect Cemetery. All Covid 19 precau�ons will be observed. Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservice.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page The family of the late Frank Ebanks regret to announce his passing on 2 January, 2022. A funeral service will be held on Saturday January 22, 2022 at 2: 00 pm at Wesleyan Holiness Church 150 N.W. Point Rd, West Bay. Viewing will be held on Friday January 21, from 5- 7:00 p.m. at Bodden Funeral Service Interment will be at Boatswain Bay Cemetery Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservice.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page We regret to announce the passing of Peter Brian Balls who le� this earthly world on Thursday 13 January 2022. Thanksgiving Mass will take place at St. Igna�us Catholic Church, Walkers Road on Saturday 22 January, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Church a�endees are requested to wear light and bright a�re. The family requests that in lieu of flowers dona�ons be made to Jasmine. Condolences can be registered at boddenfuneralservice.com & Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page The family of the late Jewel Arguile Smalldon nee Ebanks regret to announce her passing on, Wednesday January 12, 2022. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday 29 January 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of La�er Day Saints, Selkirk Drive, Red Bay A private crema�on will follow. In lieu of flowers, dona�ons maybe made to the Heart Founda�on in her name. Happy 1st Birthday in Heaven to our Beloved Linda To loose someone we loved so much brings pain beyond belief there are no words to ease our pain our sadness and our grief we feel we’ve lost someone so close so wonderful and dear we think about your special ways and wish that you were near but although you have left this world you’ll stay within our hearts guiding like an angel even though we are apart For love is everlasting and so are our memories your legacy that’s always there to light the way for us Linda D. McField Sunrise Jan 21st, 1953 / Sunset Sept 20th, 2021 Your loving husband, Children, Grand Children, Great Grandson & your Parents & Siblings Community Announcements cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 21 JANUARY 2022Next >