cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 22-28 April 2022 Tourism operators weigh value of returning cruise ships Page 3 Business sector calls for end of mask mandate Page 6 © 2022 Burger King Corporation. ® cayman compass Weekly, 22-28 April 2022 operators weigh value of returning cruise ships Page 3 sector calls for end of mask mandate Page 6 Bullet-riddled planes and a suitcase of cash The full story of Cayman’s unwitting role in America’s Cold War invasion of Cuba Page 22 Photo of plane: Ragnhild and Neil Crawford Doctors Hospital challenges Health City concessions deal Current and future governments are not bound by deals signed by the previous United Democratic Party and Progressives-led administrations granting hundreds of millions in tax waivers and concessions to the Health City and Aster Cayman MedCity hospital projects, the Grand Court heard on 20 April. Justice Richard Williams is presiding over a three-day judicial review hearing of a challenge brought by Doctors Hospital, under the name CTMH Holdings Ltd., against the government of the Cayman Islands, with Health City (under the name Narayana Hrudayalaya Private Ltd.) and Aster Caribbean Holdings Ltd listed as interested parties in the case. Throughout the opening day of the hearing, the court heard from CTMH’s barrister, Chris Buttler, QC, on the objections to the ongoing waivers on work-permit fees and import and stamp duties, and to the role of healthcare practitioners registered under an ‘Institutional List’, who are allowed to meet different criteria than healthcare staff registered on a ‘Principal List’. CTMH is challenging the wide-ranging import and stamp duty waivers granted by the UDP in 2010 to Health City, which opened its hospital in East End in 2014, and to similar concessions given to Aster, which signed a deal with the Progressives-led government in 2020 to pave the way for a proposed new hospital in West Bay. Visit www.caymancompass.com for more on this case, which was continuing as this edition of the Compass went to print, with the government’s legal counsel presenting its arguments relating to the judicial review. Shooting victim stable after surgery Police say a man who was shot on Wednesday, 20 April, underwent surgery at the Cayman Islands Hospital and is now in stable condition. In a statement released by the RCIPS the following day, a spokesperson said the victim received a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. “He was treated at the hospital for possible life- threatening injuries as a result, but is now in stable condition,” police said. The shooting occurred on Oakland Close, in Windsor Park, George Town, shortly after 5:30pm on Wednesday, at an address commonly referred to as ‘Big Yard’. At the scene, Cayman Compass staff were told by eyewitnesses that both men are known to each other, and the shooting occurred after a shard of glass from a broken bottle, thrown by the injured man, got into the eye of a child. The matter remains under investigation, and police say anyone with information about the shooting should contact the George Town Police Station at 949-4222. Governor Roper tests positive for COVID Governor Martyn Roper confi rmed on 20 April that he has tested positive for COVID-19. In a social media post, Roper said he had tested positive on Good Friday, a few days after his wife Lissie. In his post, he said, “I’m pleased to say that other than some generally mild symptoms (a sore throat, slightly stuffy nose), we are both doing well and feeling fi ne.” He used this as an opportunity to urge people to get vaccinated, saying, “Without our booster shots, things could of course have been a lot worse. The vaccinations the UK provided have helped many across our islands avoid serious illness and even worse, saving countless precious lives.” He added, “Please, if you have not yet been vaccinated or not received your booster, please go and get it as soon as you can – it could make all the difference to your health.” During his isolation period, the governor said, he is working from his home on Seven Mile Beach. “I attended the excellent National Trust Conference via zoom yesterday. This morning I have had Teams meetings with the Police Commissioner and numerous other telephone calls. “We both hope to be released from isolation in the next few days,” he said. DoE appeals to public to help track sea urchin die-off Long-spined sea urchins are mysteriously dying across the Caribbean, in what appears to be a repeat of a mass die-off that occurred in the 1980s, and from which the population was still recovering. While so far there have been no reports of sick or dying sea urchins in Cayman, the Department of Environment is asking divers, snorkellers, fishermen, boaters and beachgoers to help monitor the spiny creatures, also known as Diadema antillarum, and record if they come across any dead urchins. There have been reports of die-offs of the animal from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands in early February; Jamaica in early March; and Mexico, Dominica and St. Vincent in the past few weeks. The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment programme has launched a region-wide effort – the Diadema Response Network – to track and investigate the cause of this mortality event, which includes an interactive map showing the extent of the die-off. Shot fi red during Savannah robbery Police are investigating an armed robbery of a business premises in Savannah where armed men fired a shot into the ceiling and assaulted an employee. The robbery occurred on Homestead Crescent shortly before 9:40pm on Tuesday, 19 April. Police were told that three masked men – two armed with handguns – entered the business and demanded money. “One of the men fi red a shot in the ceiling and another assaulted an employee of the business,” the RCIPS said in a statement on 20 April. The man who was assaulted received a minor injury that was not gunshot related, the RCIPS said. Police said the robbers made off with a quantity of cash in a light-coloured SUV. This is the latest in a spate of armed robberies in recent weeks. Anyone with information is asked to call the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220. Matinees (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $9.00 (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 lm starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. BEAST(HINDI)(PG) (FRI, TUES, & THURS) 4:00 (MON & WED) 7:25 (SAT) 7:25 (SUN) 4:00 BEAST(TAMIL)(PG) (FRI, TUES, & THURS) 7:25 (MON & WED) 4:00 (SAT) 4:00 (SUN) 7:25 FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETSOF DUMBLEDORE (PG-13) (FRI, MON, & WED) 3:40 | 9:30 (TUES) 3:40 (THURS) 9:30 (SAT) 12:20 | 3:40 | 9:30 (SUN) 6:20 | 9:30 | 9:30 VIP THE NORTHMAN (R) (FRI, MON, WED & THURS) 6:30 | 6:50 VIP | 9:05 VIP (TUES) 6:30 | 9:30 (SAT) 12:30 VIP | 6:30 | 6:50 VIP | 9:05 VIP SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 (PG) (FRI, MON -THURS) 3:30 | 4:00 VIP | 9:40 (SAT) 12:45 VIP | 1:00 | 3:30 | 4:00 VIP | 9:40 (SUN) 3:30 | 3:45 | 6:25 | 6:40 VIP | 9:15 THE BATMAN (PG -13) (SUN) 9:00 VIP THE BAD GUYS (PG) (SUN) 3:50 THE LOST CITY (PG-13) (FRI, MON -THURS) 4:20 VIP | 4:40 | 7:00 VIP | 7:20 | 9:40 VIP | 10:00 (SAT) 1:30 VIP | 2:00 | 4:20 VIP | 4:40 | 7:00 VIP | 7:20 | 9:40 VIP | 10:00 (SUN) 3:25 VIP | 4:20 VIP | 4:40 | 6:20 VIP | | 7:00 VIP | 7:20 | 9:40 VIP | 10:00 THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE (R) (FRI, MON, WED & THURS) 3:40 VIP | 6:20 VIP | 6:55 | 10:00 VIP (TUES) 3:40 VIP | 6:55 (SAT) 12:45 | 3:40 VIP | 6:20 VIP | 6:55 | 10:00 VIP WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE BATMAN (PG -13) (SUN) KIDS CLUB LION KING 1994 SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (G) (FRI, TUES, & THURS) 4:00 KIDS CLUB MONSTERS INC SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) CLASSICS THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING TUESDAY 7PM - 7:30PM VIP (PG-13) FIND 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 40% chance of showers. SEA STATE Rough with a wave height of 4 to 6 feet. WINDS East to northeast at 15 to 20 knots. 85°F HIGH 75°F LOW news in brief Long-spined sea urchins, such as this one in Sint Eustatius, are dying across the Caribbean. – Photo: Kimani Kitson-Walters, via Diadema Response Network cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022Tourism operators weigh value of returning cruise passengers An estimated 75,000 passengers were due to arrive in Cayman during the fi rst month of the border reopening to cruise ships. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay Bus operator Walter Kidd says some days he only earns enough money to pay for gas. - Photo: Andrel Harris “There is no denying that the return of cruise passengers resulted in an immediate uplift of numbers, across the sector.” Cayman Islands Tourism Association vice president Troy Leacock ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Over the past month, commuters along Seafarers Way in George Town have grumbled about busy intersections now packed with tourists. It’s an all-too-familiar sign that cruise ship passengers are back, after a two-year government- imposed ban due to COVID. For many who earn a living in the tourism industry, cruise ship passengers were expected to bolster Cayman’s rebounding tourism numbers, as they bring with them much-needed fi nancial relief. However, in reality the results have been mixed. “There is no denying that the return of cruise passengers resulted in an immediate uplift of numbers, across the sector,” said Cayman Islands Tourism Association vice president Troy Leacock. For the past six years, he and his sons have owned and operated Crazy Crab, a water-sports and charter company which caters primarily to stayover tourists. He said the visitors arriving in the initial wave have been more understanding of the need for higher prices. “When the borders were just reopening, we discounted our prices tremendously… and kept those discounted rates for some time; however, we soon found that in order to stay in business we could not continue with those rates.” He added, “What was even more surprising was that when we returned to our regular rates, we still could not survive, so we increased our prices further and the tourists didn’t bat an eye.” Leacock believes there is a general acceptance of increased costs for goods and services, as part of a larger rise in prices globally. But not everyone working in the tourism sector has the same story to tell. Increased numbers do not equal increased spending Walter Kidd, a bus operator, has shuttled tourists from the ports to the beach and back for the better part of 10 years. Over the past month, however, he’s noted trends he had hoped would no longer be the case. “We are getting the trickles,” said Kidd. “When the tourists come, the bigger operators snatch up more than half of them, because they have direct contact with the ships.” Kidd said the smaller independent operators are then left to compete among themselves, taxis and public buses for the few tourists who were keen to venture outside of the capital. In March, the government announced that 21 vessels with a passenger capacity of approximately 75,000 were given tentative approval, providing that they followed the COVID regulations stipulated in Phase 1 of the staggered return of cruise ships. But that’s not been enough to ensure everyone gets a cut of the tourists’ expenditure. “Some days, we only make enough to pay for the gas we burn; other days we don’t even make that much,” Kidd said. Ernestas Vitunskas is a chef and co-owner of Murph’s Kitchen – a food truck which primarily operates by Seven Mile Public Beach. He and his partner have been in operation for the past fi ve months. “The other day, the beach was full of cruise ship passengers, but more passengers didn’t mean more money,” said Vitunskas. “The tourists staying on island are more likely to spend money, which would mean more income. Cruise [passengers] they do spend money, but not as we would probably like,” he explained. The balancing act The return of tourists has brought into focus the need to balance several factors seemingly in competition: Ensuring the health and safety of all in Cayman, allowing people to make a profi t, protecting the environment and the oft-repeated debate about passenger volume versus passenger experience. Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan said government’s position is quite clear, when weighing up the balance between the need to make a living and the administration’s responsibility to keep people safe. “One [cruise ship] didn’t come and I think it could have been because they weren’t fully vaccinated with their crew,” said Bryan, while speaking on the Cayman Compass Facebook talkshow ‘The Resh Hour’ on 13 April. “As a result, and as the country expects us to do, [we held] fast on our medical regulations, [which] were that all crew and passengers have to be vaccinated outside those who are below the age of 12.” In addition to the vaccination requirements, the regulations also mandate social distancing and wearing masks in certain areas. But, for Kidd and Vitunskas, the balancing act weighs heavily on them, as it does for others in the tourism industry. “Obviously we are being cautious with face masks, hand sanitisers and all of that… just the simple measures that we did at the beginning of COVID,” said Vitunskas. “At the back of my mind I am always thinking about COVID, like everybody else,” said Kidd. “But we have to make money; the problem is, health comes fi rst.” Restarting the engine Since reopening to cruise passengers on 21 March, the number of daily visitors to Seven Mile Public Beach seems to ebb and fl ow like the tide. Some days, the beach is crammed with lounge chairs and umbrellas, leaving little sight of the water line. Other days, the chairs are stacked and chained together with not a cruise ship on the horizon. For Leacock, the question that needs urgent answering is: What’s the right number of tourists? Bryan said that answer lies in the strategic tourism plan, which is currently being worked out. “I think where some people may not be happy is that until we get that plan, we go back to normal as we were,” said Bryan. “But at this particular moment the number one priority for the government is that we have to get the industry back going… Some people wanted us to not bring it back at all until we were ready for the plan, but it’s hard to fi x a car without starting the engine and what we have done is started back the engine to fi x the problem.” On 13 April, Cayman entered Phase 2 of its cruise ship return plan, which allows an unlimited number of vessels to arrive, providing that they adhere to COVID-19 regulations. “As a person whose main business caters to stayover tourists, what I have found is that the quality of the experience drops at places like the sand bar, on days with cruise ship passengers,” said Leacock. “How many tourists are too much and what’s the right number?” he asked. Until those answers are found, Leacock said most operators will maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook. cayman compass news N news FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022 3 N news1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Acute infectious disease (7) 5 Conjuring tricks (5) 8 To surprise (4,5) 9 Flee (3) 10 Catch sight of (4) 12 Extra large (4-4) 14 Unfounded rumour (6) 15 Dutiful reverence (6) 17 Precisely punctual (2,3,3) 18 To rush (4) 21 One’s relatives (3) 22 Be an encouraging sign (5,4) 24 Trepidation (5) 25 Uncompromisingly (7) DOWN 1 A form of poetic rhythm (5) 2 Invite (3) 3 Cargo (4) 4 Unmoving (6) 5 Substantiate (4,4) 6 To sprout (9) 7 Admit to be true (7) 11 Contrition (9) 13 Absolute discretion (4,4) 14 Criminal (7) 16 Puma (6) 19 Revive (5) 20 Thoroughly boring person (4) 23 Extreme limit (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 16985 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 16985 ACROSS: 1 Measles, 5 Magic, 8 Take aback, 9 Run, 10 Espy, 12 King-size, 14 Canard, 15 Homage, 17 On the dot, 18 Tear, 21 Kin, 22 Augur well, 24 Dread, 25 Rigidly. DOWN: 1 Metre, 2 Ask, 3 Load, 4 Static, 5 Make good, 6 Germinate, 7 Concede, 11 Penitence, 13 Free hand, 14 Crooked, 16 Cougar, 19 Rally, 20 Drag, 23 End. Ideas put forward to solve the alarming issue of traffic congestion in Cayman at the moment make interesting reading. Indeed, the decision as to the way forward is by no means an easy one and simply building new roads is clearly no longer a simple solution. To add just a couple of points here, two countries spring to mind. In Sweden, some years ago, at a time of fuel shortages, they allowed people to use their cars on three days of the week only – so Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, based on something arbitrary like surname, zip code or car registration. Sundays, I’m not sure what happened. Maybe all cars were banned, like the French do with the TGVs (intercity high-speed rail). Then, in a place much more comparable to Cayman, that is Bermuda, they have for a long time restricted households to a single car only and had strict rules regarding car engine size and capacity. Like most of the other suggestions put forward, popularity with the general public seldom accompanies such directives. But then again that is hardly a key factor in these perilous times, now is it? Mike Spragg Poacher facing jail for taking 43 conch What about the persons fishing from the shore/boats? Wasn’t legislation passed stating that persons resident on the island had to obtain a permit to fish? – Magalyn Ebanks-Clarke He should be fined heavily, especially since the season [was not open] yet. – Jan Zora Would be interesting to put some conch/seafood receipt requirements in place for local restaurants to supply documents as to the source of their supply (and quantity) being sold locally in restaurants. – Taura Ebanks ‘Warned that he could face jail time…’ Oh blimey, how harsh. – Gerardo Ochoa Vargas Should be prison time! – Rhonda Maydanski People have to eat and they are going to do what they have to do to eat and feed their family. – Kathy Williams He can fish and feed his family. Selling conch out of season should be a red flag to anyone buying. If he was actually eating them, the fish would still go a lot farther. The conch in this country are hard to find now because of people taking more than their share and soon there will be none. – Wanda Viscount Should go to prison to set an example. – Bruce Leibowitz Bet he gets a slap on the wrist. And he is back at it the next day. – Graeme Thomson Gov’t sets October deadline to seal financial deal on ReGen Cayman desperately needs waste-to-energy infrastructure. The island has already surpassed waste capacity and energy costs are unacceptable. Great project that is necessary for the future of Cayman. – James Bodden DoE appeals to public to help track sea urchin die-off Maybe pollution has something to do with it. I would not call it a mystery, unless you all were born yesterday. – Rafael Hasbun ‘Mysteriously’? Only if we keep sticking our heads in the (rapidly disappearing) sand and ignore all publicly available data showing the considerable environmental damage caused by cruise ships. – Anna Peccarino Fourth COVID vaccine dose now available First booster made me sick but I never catch COVID-19. It’s scary but I might take the second one – Elizabeth Watler Australia only recommends a fourth booster to over 65s. Western Australia has over 74% triple- vaccinated and the hospital rates/ deaths are exceptionally low. – Nicole Apthorp What they’re saying Online Letters to the editor Getting traffic under control pic of the week Youngsters from a camp run by Musicians Ltd, sponsored by the R3 Foundation as part of Cayman Arts Trust, were treated to a tour of the Compass on Thursday, 21 April, where they were shown how the newspaper is put together. Here they are in the newsroom where they met editorial staff, who talked about how the news is gathered. - Photo : Taneos Ramsay Journalists in waiting cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022NORMA CONNOLLY nconnolly@compassmedia.ky If all goes according to Jeremy Hurst’s plan, by summer 2024 a new 10-storey hotel development will be open for business in downtown George Town, helping to usher in the long-awaited revitalisation of Cayman’s capital. The $80 million project, a 175- room hotel and residences complex on Goring Avenue, called ONE|GT, is one of the biggest recent developments in George Town to get the green light from the Central Planning Authority. Hurst, owner of International Realty Group (IRG), the company behind ONE|GT, told the Cayman Compass that he sees the project as a catalyst for future development in a reinvigorated George Town. “I’ve seen over the past 10 years the transition from George Town being the vibrant capital of the Cayman Islands, capital of the fi fth or sixth largest fi nancial centre in the world, to being a bit of a ghost town, and that was sad for me to see,” he said. While it may be bustling on days when the recently re-introduced cruise ships are in town, with several businesses formerly based in George Town relocating to Camana Bay over the years, the capital has seen a marked decline in activity, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Hurst said he concurs with the widespread opinion that George Town needs “to see some serious revitalisation”, and cited other examples overseas where areas that have fallen into disrepair and deterioration have been turned into success stories, such as the Docklands in London. With the planned hotel and residences including a rooftop bar, a restaurant, a piazza and a lobby that will feature the work of local artists, Hurst said he can see the site being a daytime and nighttime spot for residents and visitors alike, and adding a buzz to the vicinity. “In terms of the community, we’d love to see our project help to really put the nation’s capital back where it should be, in terms of respect, in terms of its position in Cayman,” he said. “We want to ensure the design brings in the community, the guests, the residents, and creates an interface with George Town.” He added, “We very much wanted something that would invite people in – the amenities, the ground fl oor, the café, the piazza, which we want to use as a canvas for Caymanian art, and for Caymanian artists to exhibit sculptures and paintings throughout the hotel. On the second fl oor, we’ll have our signature restaurant... The lobby itself which is contemporary urban, with vibrant common areas, and going all the way through up to the rooftop bar, and rooftop deck which will bring glamour to George Town which it hasn’t had in a long time. We think that it will be a destination itself. “We’re looking forward to the locals... coming up and enjoying Friday cocktails, and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday cocktails, and Sunday brunch on our rooftop and enjoying the beautiful views.” ‘Blazing a trail’ Hurst said other developers were closely watching how ONE|GT plays out, before possibly following its lead. “We are excited about ONE|GT, we think that it’s an amazing opportunity and that it will start the next wave of revitalisation and rejuvenation of George Town,” he said. “We feel that, being fi rst, it’s always a little tough when you’re blazing a trail. But if we don’t build this, someone is going to do it.” He added, “Apart from being a good business opportunity, we think we could be the catalyst for other redevelopment projects to start to be initiated. We see a number of developers to a certain degree standing on the sidelines, so if we’re successful we’ll start to see them get fully into the game and start their projects.” Hurst says his company has worked with the government’s George Town Revitalisation Initiative team to try to ensure that the development will be in sync with the vision for the future look and feel of the capital, adding that ONE|GT will “be part of the streetscape”. “Before we even started, we talked to them about what was important to them. They were infl uential in the way we conceptualised the design, for example, particularly the ground fl oor piazza which will become a community open space where we can exhibit Caymanian artists,” he said. The task of piloting the revitalisation of George Town, which successive governments have attempted over the years, falls in part to City Manager Colin Lumsden, who has been the coordinator of the George Town Revitalisation Initiative since 2018. He said the revitalisation team supports the ONE|GT project as it will improve some of the housing and accommodation options in the central George Town area, and offers job opportunities for local residents. While he acknowledges that ONE|GT could be considered a forerunner for similar developments, he points out that the 10-storey design does not have to be a blueprint for future projects. “Not all housing and accommodation solutions need to be this size and type. Small- and medium-sized developments have to be also considered,” he told the Compass. As well as being a hotel for tourists and visitors, ONE|GT will also offer long- and short-term rental accommodation, and options to purchase one- to three-bedroom residences there. Lumsden says this “type of mixed-use development of short- and long-term accommodation, will help to provide a place for locals and visitors to gather and live, closer to central hub George Town. It is no secret that giving people Planned 10-storey hotel touted as GT revitalisation catalyst “We want to ensure the design brings in the community, the guests, the residents, and creates an interface with George Town.” Jeremy Hurst, IRG a good business opportunity, we think we could be the catalyst for other redevelopment projects to start to be initiated. We see a number of developers to a certain degree as GT revitalisation catalyst PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 13» The ONE|GT project is located on Goring Avenue in George Town. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass 5 news N news FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022NORMA CONNOLLY nconnolly@compassmedia.ky The Chamber of Commerce is appealing to Cabinet to lift its mandate on the wearing of masks, citing Cayman’s high vaccination rate and low hospitalisation numbers. Current COVID regulations expire at the end of this month, and the Chamber is calling on government to make changes to the law at that point. “It is time to move to the next phase of the reopening plan. Removing the indoor mask mandate for businesses and simplifying travel restrictions is the natural next step,” Chamber president Shomari Scott said in a statement on 20 April. He added, “At present and based on the science, the level of vaccinations administered in our community and the relatively low hospitalization and infection rate since reopening our borders to visitors is a clear sign that we are ready to reclaim our position as a premier tourism destination and restore a marquee industry that is the lifeblood for many small and micro businesses.” Cayman is currently in Phase 5 of its reopening plan – the fi nal phase before all restrictions are dropped. Tourists arriving by air were allowed back on island in November last year, and cruise tourism resumed last month. The Chamber noted that Jamaica dropped its indoor mask mandate last week, and that the US had scrapped requirements to wear masks on public transport. It also pointed out that some countries, including Aruba and Puerto Rico, were relaxing pre-arrival testing for incoming travellers in time for an anticipated busy summer season. “Lifting restrictions at this point… based on limited hospitalizations will make it easier to travel to Cayman and will help us to continue to restore our tourism product to improve our economy,” said Scott. “The longer we wait to lift the restrictions and regulations, the longer it will take for our islands to fully recover,” he added. At a press briefi ng last month, offi cials said the mask mandate would be reviewed when the current regulations expire at the end of April. The issue of mask wearing indoors came to the forefront recently after Health Minister Sabrina Turner failed to don one while touring a medical facility in Little Cayman last month. While acknowledging that she should have worn a mask, she said the clinic was closed when she visited, and her ministry, in a statement, pointed out that existing COVID regulations state that medical facilities and businesses ‘may’ mandate the wearing of masks, implying that it is optional for a premises to require visitors or customers to wear masks. The Compass asked the ministry to clarify the discretionary element of the rules and was told, "The owner or operator of a health care facility has a discretion to require mask wearing at all times, irrespective of the ability to remain six feet apart and notwithstanding any other exception." A mask-less Turner was videoed by the government’s channel CIGTV alongside medical staff wearing full personal protective touring the Little Cayman Clinic on 22 March. The clinic is run by the Health Services Authority, which has adopted a policy requiring masks be worn inside its facilities. Other health facilities, including Health City and Doctors Hospital, also require anyone entering their premises to wear masks. Masks in restaurants Under the existing regulations, servers and front-of-house staff at bars and restaurants are required to wear masks while serving customers, but the regulations Chamber calls on government to scrap mask mandate 7. (1) Subject to paragraph (4), any person who is fi ve years of age or older who is indoors a public place, including an educational institution, and is unable to, or does not maintain a distance of six feet from every other person, shall cover that person’s mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face covering, except — (a) where the person is unable to wear a mask or cloth face covering due to a medical condition or the person is otherwise exempted by guidance provided by the Medical Offi cer of Health; (b) where the person is sitting without talking or eating — (i) at the person’s desk at the person’s place of employment; or (ii) at the person’s desk, or at a table, at the person’s educational institution, or (c) where the person is a customer who is indoors a restaurant or bar and is sitting at a table or counter inside of the restaurant or bar. (2) A person who refuses to wear a mask or cloth face covering because of a medical condition shall not be required to produce documentation verifying the condition. (3) Paragraph (1) applies to all persons including employees and customers of businesses and other organizations open to the public. (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the owner or operator of — (a) a health care facility; (b) a residential home care facility; (c) a prison or place of detention; (d) an airport; (e) a place of business; or (f) such other public place as may be specifi ed by notice by the Medical Offi cer of Health, may require any person who visits any of such places to wear a mask and a person who refuses to do so shall be refused entry. What the regulations say Here is the full section of the regulations dealing with the wearing of masks: PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 11» cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022Mass_NRG_WhiteLine_Bleed_OuterMask_CMYKcayman compass 7 FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022BRITCAY 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 2022 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. The haul of two men who, in July 2021, were caught poaching 195 conch and four lobsters in a marine reserve. – Photo: Department of Environment Poacher facing jail for taking 43 conch ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky A poacher who was caught taking 43 conch, which would be more than eight times the daily limit if it had been in season, has been warned that he could be facing prison time. Appearing before the Summary Court on Tuesday, 19 April, Donald Dexter Dixon entered guilty pleas to charges of taking conch outside the season, in May 2021. “These are very serious charges, Mr. Dixon. You were caught taking 43 conchs and, at the time, the season was closed,” said Chief Magistrate Valdis Foldats, who was presiding over the case. In reply, Dixon said he knew that taking that many was wrong, but that he did it for a relative. “This is very degrading to the environment and, the fact is, when sentencing we will actually be looking at jail,” said Foldats. Conch season in Cayman runs from 1 Nov. to 30 April each year. The catch limits allow for fi ve conch per person or 10 per boat per day, whichever is fewer. Cayman’s National Conservation Act sets out a maximum $500,000 fine and up to four years in prison for anyone who convicted of an offence under this legislation. Dixon was released on bail to return to court on 29 April, at which time he is expected to be sentenced. Wider ring of organised poaching suspected Dixon is one of multiple people who have been intercepted by Department of Environment offi cers while poaching in Cayman’s waters. In July, two people were arrested after they were caught poaching 195 conch and four lobsters in the Frank Sound Marine Reserve. DoE officers say they suspect there is a wide ring of sophisticated poachers, working in teams, who sell their illegal seafood to rogue local restaurants. “These days, we have a lot more teams of persons actually doing it as a profession. They are hurting the island even more because when they wipe out an area of 100 or 150 conch, they are taking out an entire breeding bed,” DoE chief conservation officer Mark Orr told the Cayman Compass earlier this month. The legal daily limit for possessing conch during the open season is fi ve per person or 10 per boat each day, whichever is less. cayman compass news N news FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022 8Who Is Eligible For The Booster Programme? If you are 18 years old and over and have taken your second COVID-19 vaccine dose MORE than three months ago, you can now get a COVID-19 booster shot. Where/When Can I Get The Booster? Eligible persons can attend the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at 131 Maclendon Drive (next to DHL behind the Foster's Airport) during clinic hours. Visit www.hsa.ky/public- health/coronavirus What Do I Need To Bring To The COVID-19 Clinic? - Vaccination card or digital vaccination certificate showing the date for the second dose - Government-issued photo identification showing date of birth - Facemasks (please bring your own) Can I Choose Which COVID-19 Vaccine I Receive As A Booster Shot? The 3rd dose of the Pfizer BioNT vaccine is administered at the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. Persons who are unable to take the Pfizer vaccine due to medical reasons or otherwise prefer to take the AstraZeneca vaccine should contact the Public Health at 244-7169/7620. Does The Booster Cause Side Effects? The COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective against COVID-19. When you get the vaccine, as with any vaccine, you may experience some mild side effects. → gov.ky/coronavirus GET BOOSTED Who Is Eligible For The Booster Programme? If you are 18 years old and over and have taken your second COVID-19 vaccine dose MORE than three months ago, you can now get a COVID-19 booster shot. Where/When Can I Get The Booster? Eligible persons can attend the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at 131 Maclendon Drive (next to DHL behind the Foster's Airport) during clinic hours. Visit www.hsa.ky/public- health/coronavirus What Do I Need To Bring To The COVID-19 Clinic? - Vaccination card or digital vaccination certificate showing the date for the second dose - Government-issued photo identification showing date of birth - Facemasks (please bring your own) Can I Choose Which COVID-19 Vaccine I Receive As A Booster Shot? The 3rd dose of the Pfizer BioNT vaccine is administered at the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. Persons who are unable to take the Pfizer vaccine due to medical reasons or otherwise prefer to take the AstraZeneca vaccine should contact the Public Health at 244-7169/7620. Does The Booster Cause Side Effects? The COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective against COVID-19. When you get the vaccine, as with any vaccine, you may experience some mild side effects. → gov.ky/coronavirus GET BOOSTED cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2022Next >