cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 29 July - 4 August 2022 Police investigate toddler’s death on Brac Page 2 Government releases census data Page 6 Cayman competes in Commonwealth Games Page 24 Labour shortages loom across sectors Recruitment crisis amid cost-of-living challenge. Page 5 Could a 4-day work week attract more staff? Page 18 Red Bay Seven Mile Beach Waterfront Walkers Road 100% hoppe r® 0% Beef 100% Whop per ® 0% Beef 100% Whop per ® 0% Beef Patty made from plants. TM & © 2022 Burger King Corporation. Impossible is a trademark of Impossible Foods Inc. Used under license.Overstayer uses murdered man’s passport A Jamaican man, who overstayed on island for 10 years, tried to fl y out of Cayman on the passport of a man who was murdered four years ago. Dennis Augustus Ramsay appeared in Summary Court on 25 July, where prosecutor Kerri-Ann Gillies told the court that the defendant was arrested at Owen Roberts International Airport on 16 May while attempting to board a fl ight to Honduras with a Cayman Islands passport. “Customs and Border Control Offi cers became suspicious of the passport after air bubbles were observed – this, coupled with his thick Jamaican accent,” Gilles said. The passport was in the name of Dougmore Wright, who was shot dead in March 2018. No one has been convicted of his murder. Ramsay pleaded guilty to overstaying and possessing an altered travel document, and remanded into custody until sentencing in September. Planning approves Rum Point Club restaurant The Central Planning Authority has given permission for Rum Point Club to continue operating a restaurant, after the owner argued that, as local residents had kept it running while the borders were closed, they should continue to be served. According to meeting minutes, the ‘owner’s kitchen’, which originally was slated to cater only to guests and owners of residences at Rum Point Club, has been operating as a restaurant for people in the neighbourhood who are not staying at the property. The Rum Point Club Residences opened in late January 2020, but soon shut down again when Cayman closed its borders. Objectors pointed out that Rum Point Club has twice previously applied for, and been denied, permission to operate an on-site restaurant, on the grounds of inadequate parking spaces. The CPA instructed the owners to add three more parking spaces. 172 Cubans in CBC care More than 170 Cubans are currently at Customs and Border Control facilities in Cayman. Three were recently repatriated, but a decision on the next steps for the remaining 172 nationals still in CBC care remains under consideration. A CBC spokesperson has confi rmed that three Cubans who had requested repatriation had been escorted back to their native country. “There are some [Cubans that] are still being processed in accordance with international laws and guidelines. I am not aware of a decision date at the moment,” the spokesperson said, following Compass queries on the plans for the Cubans. news in brief 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 20% chance of showers. SEA STATE Slight with a wave height of 1 to 3 feet. WINDS East to southeast at 5 to 10 knots. 85°F HIGH 79°F LOW Rum Point Club has been granted permission to continue operating its restaurant. - Photo: Courtesy of Rum Point Club 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. DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS (PG) (FRI) 1:00 | 1:50 VIP | 3:35 | 4:25 VIP | 6:25 (SAT) 1:00 | 1:50 VIP | 3:35 | 4:25 VIP | 6:25 (SUN) 3:35 | 4:25 VIP | 6:25 | 6:45 VIP (MON-TUES) 1:00 | 1:50 VIP | 3:35 | 4:25 VIP | 6:25 (WED) 12:35 | 1:50 VIP | 4:35 VIP | 6:25 (THURS) 1:00 | 1:50 VIP | 3:35 | 4:25 VIP | 6:25 EK VILLAIN RETURNS (PG) (FRI) 12:45 | 7:00 | 10:00 (SAT) 12:45 | 7:00 | 10:00 (SUN) 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 (MON-THURS) 12:45 | 7:00 | 10:00 ELVIS (PG-13) (FRI) 1:10 | 5:40 | 8:35 VIP | 9:25 (SAT) 1:10 | 5:40 | 8:35 VIP | 9:25 (SUN) 6:20 | 9:15 VIP | 9:25 (MON-THURS) 1:10 | 5:40 | 8:35 VIP | 9:25 MINIONS:THE RISE OF GRU (PG) (FRI) 12:30 | 12:50 VIP | 4:35 | 6:15 VIP (SAT) 12:30 | 12:50 VIP | 4:35 | 6:15 VIP (SUN) 3:40 VIP | 4:35 (MON-THURS) 12:30 | 12:50 VIP | 4:35 | 6:15 VIP WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK NOPE (R) (FRI) 3:20 VIP | 3:55 | 6:30 VIP | 9:15 | 9:35 VIP (SAT) 3:20 VIP | 3:55 | 6:30 VIP | 9:15 | 9:35 VIP (MON-THURS) 3:20 VIP | 3:55 | 6:30 VIP | 9:15 | 9:35 VIP THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER (PG-13) (FRI) 12:30 VIP | 2:50 | 3:10 VIP | 6:55 | 7:00 VIP | 9:00 | 9:50 VIP (SAT) 12:30 VIP | 2:50 | 3:10 VIP | 6:55 | 7:00 VIP | 9:00 | 9:50 VIP (SUN) 3:30 | 6:55 | 7:00 | 9:00 | 9:30 VIP | 9:50 VIP | 9:50 (TUES) 12:30 VIP | 2:50 | 3:10 VIP | 6:55 | 9:00 | 9:50 VIP (WED-THURS) 12:30 VIP | 2:50 | 3:10 VIP | 6:55 | 7:00 VIP | 9:00 | 9:50 VIP KIDS CLUB UP SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) KIDS CLUB STUART LITTLE SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) TAKEN TUESDAY 7PM VIP (R) CLASSICS Police have deployed fi ve investigators, along with forensic specialists and a pathologist to Cayman Brac, as they investigate the death of a two-year-old on the island on Tuesday, 26 July. According to an RCIPS press release, the delegation will support the local team with their inquiries. No arrests have been made, but offi cers are said to be “approaching their investigations with an open mind”. The release stated a “multi- agency approach” would be taken, so that “all avenues” could be explored. Police confi rmed the name of the child would not be formally released at this time to maintain the “privacy of the family and individuals involved”. “We understand there is signifi cant public interest in this case and further information will be released to the public and media when there is an update to be provided,” the press release stated. Search for missing child The 2-year-old girl, who went Police investigating toddler’s death Timeline of toddler’s death Tuesday, 26 July 4:30am 2-year-old girl is last seen alive 5:10am Child is discovered missing 5:16am Police respond to missing child reports 9:30am Brac Fire Service locates child, after vessel carries out offshore searches 10am Faith Hospital doctor confi rms child has died Wednesday, 27 July Police deploy fi ve investigators, along with forensic specialists and a pathologist to assist with local investigations. missing early on the morning of 26 July, was found dead along the shoreline a few hours later. The child’s disappearance was reported by her mother who made a plea for help on social media after she could not locate her daughter. Police said emergency services had responded to the report of the girl at 5:16am. Following news of the disappearance, members of the public, personnel from Public Works Cayman Brac, the Fire Service and police began a search for the child. The little girl’s body was found around 9:30am by the crew of a Fire Service vessel that was searching near shore sites. Emergency medical services attended the location and a doctor from Faith Hospital pronounced the child deceased at 10am Tuesday. Police confi rmed that a sudden death investigation will be carried out in relation to this incident. Members of the public, with information that they believe would assist police in their investigations, are asked to contact the Cayman Brac Police Station on 948-0331 or 926-0635. cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022 The Concierge team is standing by, the pools are lled and ready for dips, the wine lockers are stocked, the Teslas are charged, the boats are wet and the oceanfront lagoon awaits. All that is missing is you! Either for a quick break or a longer jaunt, the FIN Rental Program o ers both short and long term options. Beautifully appointed single level homes or multi-level penthouses with private rooftop garden and plunge pool, are ready to purchase and/or rent. Book a viewing or call today to discover why FIN is the Last Word in Luxury. Disclaimer : FIN Grand Cayman features and amenities are based on current development plans and concepts and are subject to change without notice. Some services and amenities are subject to service-based fees or homeowner fees. BOOK YOUR STAY IN GRAND CAYMAN’S ART DECO ICON Penthouses for sale from US $4.1M Reserve your private tour and discover the last word in luxury + 1 345 526 7777 n@ngrandcayman.com FIN.cayman ngrandcayman The Concierge team is standing by, the pools are lled and ready for dips, the wine lockers are stocked, the Teslas are charged, the boats are wet and the oceanfront lagoon awaits. All that is missing is you! Either for a quick break or a longer jaunt, the FIN Rental Program o ers both short and long term options. Beautifully appointed single level homes or multi-level penthouses with private rooftop garden and plunge pool, are ready to purchase and/or rent. Book a viewing or call today to discover why FIN is the Last Word in Luxury. RENT THE LAST WORD IN LUXURYINTERNATIONAL BEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CARIBBEAN FIN Company - The Last Word in Luxury by FIN Company Ltd 2017-2018 PROPERTY AWARDS DEVELOPMENT CARIBBEAN BEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CAYMAN ISLANDS FIN Company - The Last Word in Luxury by FIN Company Ltd 2017-2018 PROPERTY AWARDS1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Edible bivalve mollusc (7) 5 Recapitulate (3,2) 8 Detailed analysis (9) 9 Essential (3) 10 To lasso (4) 12 Imitate (8) 14 Categorical order (6) 15 Unimpaired (6) 17 Pretentious (8) 18 Immediately adjacent (4) 21 Metal container (3) 22 Instantly (4,1,4) 24 Slyly spiteful (5) 25 Eminent (7) DOWN 1 Subdued in tone (5) 2 Successful fighter pilot (3) 3 Huron or Victoria for example (4) 4 An irrational fear (6) 5 Optimistic (8) 6 To grimace (4,1,4) 7 Remuneration (7) 11 To ridicule (4,3,2) 13 Knavish (8) 14 Having far-reaching effect (7) 16 To count (6) 19 Name of a book (5) 20 Actors in a play (4) 23 Central point of activity (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17069 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 17069 ACROSS: 1 Scallop, 5 Sum up, 8 Breakdown, 9 Key, 10 Rope, 12 Simulate, 14 Diktat, 15 Intact, 17 Affected, 18 Next, 21 Tin, 22 Like a shot, 24 Catty, 25 Notable. DOWN: 1 Sober, 2 Ace, 3 Lake, 4 Phobia, 5 Sanguine, 6 Make a face, 7 Payment, 11 Poke fun at, 13 Rascally, 14 Drastic, 16 Reckon, 19 Title, 20 Cast, 23 Hub. Sea of sargassum: Invasion spreads in North Sound Sargassum probably poses the greatest threat to the Cayman tourist industry since COVID and I can’t see anybody in government doing anything about it. We had a five- month warning of this influx [of] weed this year, yet nothing seems to have be done. In Mexico, they have special boats prepared to sift out the weed before it arrives and special beach clean-up vehicles and a plan to use the weed for fertiliser. Someone smart and proactive needs to be put in charge and get a plan to deal with this problem that will not go away before the tourists leave to find clean, unclogged beaches. Maybe the Compass can find the minister in charge of sargassum and publish an article on the plan to deal with the problem we can all view. – Duncan Heard This was terrible at the end of May and early June. It smells awful and the beach (at Morritt’s) is barely useable in spite of daily efforts to remove the sargassum. We have enjoyed it there for 20+ years, but until this is resolved, we have to find another vacation spot. – Stephanie Patterson Sadly, we just cancelled our trip to Cayman due to this. Cayman needs to sweep the area and dump the sargassum into utility boilers or use as compost for plants. – Donovan Pullen Mother Nature leaving us a message. – Andrew Veganic Hope government can come up with some good plans. Local condos Businesses and residents along Morgan’s Harbour, West Bay, were greeted with large mats of brown sargassum along the shoreline on 23 July, which they say is the worst they have experienced in the area. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay wanted to put up temporary barriers in the sea but were not allowed, even though turtles could have swum under them. – Richard Moss Recruitment crisis amid cost-of-living challenge The other issue that is being seen is traditional large private- sector employers, who are multinationals, are starting to move support roles (especially IT) out of Cayman to places where they have larger options and lower wage demands. Government needs to find a solution to Cayman companies ,who make the majority of their income from Cayman services, from moving these support roles overseas. – Josh Leggatt Long overdue – a living wage review. – Rory Joe McDonough I was having this conversation just yesterday. Workers going to look elsewhere for work.. – Ian Anderson $6 minimum wage... absurd for this day and time, unless one is working for $6 an hour, plus gratuities. And even then, that would depend on where they work and the type of business it is, such as hotel, restaurant/bartending and the like. Cayman, with its high costs for everything… just [paying for] the basics for survival isn’t easy. No wonder there are multiples living in a one- or two-bedroom homes, having to pay high rental prices… and some rentals are questionable. No wonder there are Caymanians struggling to remain afloat… some not even knowing how they will afford their next meal. How does a young Caymanian even begin to dream and hope for a future of owning their own home? And yes, I understand, getting a higher education offers the majority better positions, which offers more income, but not everyone is in a position to afford to continue their education after high school graduation. – Jim Norris $6 per hour. Is someone somewhere having a laugh? Who is going to put themselves out for that amount of nothing. Watch the rich get richer on the backs of the poorer. Shame on you, Cayman government and business leaders. – Jerry Young High praise as DoE officer rescues nesting turtle from poachers I hope these people are caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. – Bruce Leibowitz Great job. Shame, though, that they or the police didn’t stick around to see who came back for the turtle. – Norman Linton These poachers need long jail times and cleaning the beach for years as their community service. – Toni Baxter This man deserves a medal! – Ivor Lee Well done. One saved to lay eggs for a future generation. – Renee Bernardo What they’re saying Online cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.com Cayman’s sky-high cost of living is causing recruitment challenges amid labour shortages in key industries, business leaders believe. Every sector, from construction and tourism to accounting and retail, is impacted. For lower-wage workers, Cayman’s minimum wage of $6 per hour – always a marginal proposition – is no longer tenable. Even in skilled professions, rising costs, particularly school fees and housing, are making it harder for Cayman-based businesses to compete in the global war for talent. That has had some benefit for locals with the right skill sets and qualifications, according to businesses. But it has also led, in some cases, to a culture of talent poaching, with coveted employees bouncing between firms. At the same time, businesses – many of them struggling to bounce back from lean economic times and facing higher costs themselves – have limited capacity to increase wages. Perfect storm It’s a confounding situation with no obvious solution, says Wil Pineau, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “It is really challenging to get international labour at this point,” he said. “Between the pandemic, travel challenges, the price increases and the housing shortage, it is almost a perfect storm.” He said businesses were hiring Caymanians wherever possible, but the fundamental dynamics of the economy have not changed and there is still a core requirement in multiple sectors for certain jobs to be sourced from overseas. While cost of living is a challenge everywhere, two areas are a particular problem for Cayman – housing costs and school fees. Rents have risen out of proportion with global norms, and the requirement for expatriate workers to send their children to private schools comes at an escalating cost that now runs to $25,000 a year in some cases. For mid-career professionals with families, those costs are an antidote to the enticement of sunny shores and tax-free salaries that has always made Cayman an attractive proposition. Pineau said some businesses were in a position to offer housing incentives and bump wages up, but others simply can’t do it. “Many are trying to recover from the pandemic and if they put wages up, then that would have to be paid for by further increases in prices. It is a difficult situation and there is no easy solution,” he said. A day’s work for a tank of gas At the lower end of the wage scale, the upward pressure on fuel costs, food and other necessities is taking its toll. When filling a car with a tank of gas costs $70, the prospect of driving to work and back for any less than $10-an-hour becomes almost unmanageable. Add to that the massive inflation in rental prices and the reduction in availability of housing, with more holiday homes going back into the tourism pool, and it is hard to see how low-income workers can manage daily expenses. The Ritz-Carlton boss Marc Langevin, also the head of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, said some overseas staff, laid off during the pandemic, had returned to take up their previous posts, but had quit almost immediately – unable to manage the post-COVID expenses on the same wages. As a business that was shut for almost two years – paying its workers for much of that time – and even now is only running at 50% occupancy, he said it was difficult for the hotel to consider significant wage increases at this time. Exacerbating the impact for tourism workers, is the fact that tips – the great consolation for the lowest hourly-wage employees on the islands – are much reduced. “The biggest challenge for our employees is the rental accommodation,” Langevin said, adding that some workers had seen their housing costs rise by as much as 50%. Combined with gas, grocery and CUC price rises and a lack of big-spending tourists on the island, he said it was a “crisis”. Competition for labour There is high competition between industries and within industries for Caymanian workers, he added. “Everyone is trying to remobilise at the same time,” he said. Adrien Briggs, who co-owns Sunset House and Red Sail Sports, said finding affordable housing for tourism staff was likely to be the biggest recruitment issue facing the industry ahead of the next high season. Other sectors face labour challenges too. Woody Foster, a former president of the Chamber of Commerce and the owner of the Foster’s supermarket chain, just brought in cost-of-living wage increases for his staff, but is still finding it difficult to recruit and maintain workers. “This is further compounded by the tourist industry taking our staff because they also are struggling to get labour,” he said. “Local companies are resorting to stealing each other’s staff while not solving the core problem – there is not enough labour to go around as the country reopens.” Dave Johnston, of Corporate Electric, said the same dynamic was playing out within the construction sector, which was one of the first industries to come back in a big way after the COVID lockdown. “Everyone was pinching staff from each other,” he said. There is still enough work around, for now, that overtime can compensate for the lower spending power of the Cayman dollar, he believes. And Caymanian tradespeople are especially sought after. “Those employees that have the skills and the qualifications are in high demand,” he said, suggesting some had left to start their own business or negotiate higher salaries at other firms. Sourcing talent from overseas has become more difficult, he added, with school fees and housing shortages causing unique challenges for Cayman firms. Dan DeFinis, engineering manager of Davenport Development and the head of the Cayman Contractors Association, said the volatility in the price of raw materials added a degree of instability and uncertainty. Shipping, steel and lumber have increased massively in price since the pandemic, and delays in sourcing parts for construction jobs can derail even the best-planned project. That means developers are reluctant to take on high-cost new projects – a scenario that has a knock-on impact on their ability to increase salaries. Corporate war for talent Even in the corporate world, where housing perks and high tax- free salaries are steady currency in the global ‘war for talent’, there are recruitment challenges. “There is a local and international talent shortage of accountants and, even with increases to competitive salaries and benefits, recruitment is still a challenge,” a spokesperson for Grant Thornton told the Cayman Compass. The company has introduced a four-day work week for the summer months (see Issues, page 18), which it hopes will help it gain an edge. Steve McIntosh, a Cayman- based recruitment specialist and CEO of CareerPoint, believes the long-term impact may not be as bad as some fear. He acknowledges school fees and housing, in particular, make executive hires from off island increasingly difficult. And while he believes some workers will leave the island as a result of rising costs, he is confident that a supply line of others willing to give Cayman a try. He said the exchange rate advantage and the “immense tax savings” for anyone coming from the UK or Canada could override any cost-of-living concerns. “While it may dampen supply of foreign labour,” he said, “there is no shortage of people who want to work in Cayman, so it’s unlikely to cause a dearth.” Recruitment crisis amid cost-of-living challenge There is increasing competition for labour among different industries and companies within Cayman, but the cost of living is causing challenges for employers and workers alike. – Photo: Taneos Ramsay Woody FosterWil PineauMarc Langevin cayman compass 5 news N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022MICHAEL KLEIN mklein@compassmedia.ky Population growth numbers, revealed by the final 2021 census results, indicate that Cayman needs to move away from unplanned and unrestrained growth, Premier Wayne Panton said at a press conference on Thursday, 28 July. Based on the report’s figures, Cayman’s population of 71,432 as of October 2021 has grown by 29.2% since the last census in 2010 and was 70% larger than just 25 years ago. Population growth as the direct result of the islands’ open immigration policy to support economic growth has brought much prosperity but also led to many concerns, Panton said, for instance about the inability of Caymanians to find affordable housing. While it has brought many economic opportunities for both the public and the private sector, the premier said ad hoc, unplanned growth had left the country without proper systems and structures to optimise development amid “infrastructure struggling to keep up and the lack of a proper development plan to ensure our sustainable future”. Panton said, “We as a country have to decide what is an appropriate rate of growth and have to design policies that are in line with that.” However, he conceded that there is not necessarily a static answer to the question about what Cayman’s desirable population size should be. “If our population is static, to maintain economic growth we are going to have to have an increase in productivity. That has either got to come through technology or people just working harder. “This is all a challenge to suggest you can have a static population and continue to have opportunities to attract economic growth to be the engine to create new jobs.” The premier said, “Moving forward, we need, as a government and as a country, to have more careful managed growth that is paced to allow us to leverage the opportunities of growth while addressing the negative consequences of neglect, which may have occurred over a period of decades.” Minister of Finance and Economic Development Chris Saunders said the census data will be essential to plan for government services in education, healthcare and infrastructure. The trends gleaned from the data will, among other things, determine the number of school places and how many teachers, doctors and nurses are needed in the future. The 2021 census also included several new metrics ranging from transportation, environmentally- friendly activities of households and from disabilities to food insecurity, which will help inform specific policies, Saunders said. Population About half of the population lives in George Town (49.1%), followed by West Bay (21.6%), Bodden Town (20.9%), the Sister Islands (3.2%), North Side (2.7%) and East End (2.5%). Bodden Town’s population grew the most since the last census, by 40.8%, followed by West Bay with 26.6%. The Sister Islands was the only district that saw its population drop during that time by 1.7%. In a reversal of the last census results, 50.6% of the population were men and 49.4% were women. The average age of Cayman’s population is 44 years. Unemployment is declining Saunders said Cayman’s literacy rate of 98.6% among those who are 10 years or older is well above the global and regional average in the Caribbean and Latin America. Caymanians make up 50.7% of the working age population of 57,216 and 45.2% of the labour force of 47,120. However, the top five industries, which include financial services, scientific and technical activities and public administration, all employed more Caymanians than non-Caymanians, Saunders said. At the time of the census, 2,679 people, 5.7% of the labour force, were unemployed and Caymanian unemployment amounted to 8.5%. However, Saunders said, at the end of June 2022, the overall unemployment rate had dropped to 3%, while Caymanian unemployment had declined to 5.1%. “This shows that while we are trending in the right direction, we still have more work to do.” Median salary is $36,000 The average worker in Cayman earned $49,611, with Caymanians earning on average more ($55,220) than non-Caymanians ($45,594). Men were, on average, in higher paid positions than women with average annual salaries of $51,724 compared with $47,241. The more representative median salary was $35,994, which means that half the population earns more than this and the other half less. Food insecurity an issue Food insecurity, the interruption of food intake because of a lack of money or other resources, was covered for the first time by the census. 652 households, or 2.2%, confirmed that at least one family member did not have enough food to eat in the four weeks prior to the census, due to a lack of money. Another 673 households did not respond. “Naturally, this is a serious area of concern for this government and one of the reasons why we pushed the school meal programme from very early on,” Saunders said. “However, there’s still work to be done. And we will be working with other private sector organisations to ensure that nobody who calls the Cayman Islands home should go to bed hungry.” “While we accept that not everyone in the Cayman Islands can be rich, equally we do accept that nobody in the Cayman Islands needs to be poor,” the finance minister said. He had previously stated that the government believes “there is a disconnect between the quality of our economy and the quality of life for our people.” Premier: Census shows Cayman needs more careful, managed growth Deputy Premier Chris Saunders and Premier Wayne Panton at the press briefing on the final census results. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath The census was carried out in October 2021. - Photo: Economic and Statistics Office - Source: Census report cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman LGBTQ Foundation founder Noel Cayasso-Smith has defended his organisation’s decision to attach a cost to participate in the 2nd Annual Pride Parade, saying the additional financial support was needed to ensure the event took place. Cayasso-Smith, speaking on the Cayman Compass weekly Facebook talkshow ‘The Resh Hour’ on 27 July, responded to the criticism over the pricing saying that the changes to this year’s event were necessary as the individuals who covered the costs in 2021 were unable to offer sponsorship this year. “We had two lovely ladies from Canada that sponsored the entire parade last year, and all the events. ... Last year’s parade was sponsored by them because, at that given point, it was a first parade. No one knew what the community was going to do or what the government side was going to do, so everybody was on the fence. This year, however, with Pride being successful last year, they feel that other organisations should step up and help fund the event, which I totally agree with,” he said. Entry fee needed to keep event alive He said the LGBTQ Foundation did try fundraising for the event, but that did not generate enough money to stage the parade and the after-event social. “It was either we charge for the event or there would be no Pride because we just didn’t have the funding,” he said. He said the foundation sought sponsorship from major corporations. Some did not respond, and, of those that did, only about $2,000 was donated. “Our total income in sponsorship was about round $8,000 from different organisations,” he said, adding that even government funding was modest. However, given the public outcry to the $100 entry fee originally announced, Cayasso-Smith said he has decided to offer a lower priced package option. He also announced an offering of a $10 registration charge to cover the cost of the commemorative Pride T-shirt for those who wish to just join the parade, but not the after-party. The start time of the parade has been moved up to 4pm, and participants are now asked to assemble at Seven Mile Public Beach from 3pm. (See Living section, page 21 for further details). Church ministers oppose parade The Pride parade is not without contention, as the Cayman Ministers Association has registered its disapproval. Pastor Torrance Bobb, in a statement on behalf of the association, said the parade should not be held. “We, the Pastors of the Cayman Ministers’ Association, wish to express our very strong disapproval and deep concern regarding the proposed LGBTQ march. This does not in any way represent the historical Christian values of our society, and more so, it disregards and opposes God’s standard that He gave us in His word regarding marriage and sexual expression. We should not celebrate that which God condemns,” the statement said. Cayasso-Smith said he was aware of the statement, but has opted not to read it. He said there is no disrespectful behaviour at the parade and no reason why the event should be stopped. He attempted last year to reach out to the association to sit down and discuss the pastors’ concerns, he said, but he did not receive a response. Cayasso-Smith said he would like to see the gap bridged in the Cayman community for all to live in harmony, but “I think it’s going to take some serious hard work”. “Our parade... is within the law and it doesn’t matter who objects to it; we are within our rights to have it, and it will continue,” he said. He said that proceeds from the event will go towards the foundation’s work to create a centre and shelter for members of the gay community who may require housing and counselling. He noted that the foundation has seen a number of individuals seeking advice and assistance after coming out as gay as the problem of discrimination and stigmatisation continues in the Cayman community. Advocating against this, he said, will be a focus for the organisation. The Resh Hour Pride organiser defends charging for parade “It was either we charge for the event or there would be no Pride because we just didn’t have the funding.” Noel Cayasso-Smith, founder, Cayman LGBTQ Foundation Noel Cayasso-Smith, founder of the Cayman LGBTQ Foundation, at last year's Pride parade. cayman compass news N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022 7 cgcoralisle.com | @cgcoralisle Good Like That. British Caymanian Insurance Company Limited BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, P.O. Box 74, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1102, Cayman Islands tel: Grand Cayman 949-8699 | Cayman Brac 948-1760 Hurricane season is here. There’s no time like now to assess how you are protecting your home. Call us to ensure you have the right coverage at the right value. Don’t waste time until there’s no time to waste.Mass_HNW_NRG_Grey_GreyLine_Inset_OuterMask_CMYK IMPORTANT NOTICE: US$ Prime Increase Following the July 27, 2022, announcement by the U.S. Federal Reserve to increase the U.S. Fed rate by 0.75%, RBC Royal Bank will be increasing our U.S. Prime rate by 0.75% to 5.50% effective August 29, 2022. ®/™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. Cruise passengers disembark from a tender on 21 March this year, the first day cruise lines were allowed to return to Cayman. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay NORMA CONNOLLY nconnolly@compassmedia.ky The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ended its COVID-19 programme for cruise ships. This means that the agency will no longer publicly release information about COVID cases on board cruise ships. Earlier this year, the CDC transitioned to a voluntary programme for COVID-19 mitigation on ships, in which it offered recommendations on testing and vaccinations, and cruise lines that opted into that programme agreed to follow the recommendations. “CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew,” the agency’s website reads. “Cruise ships have access to guidance and tools to manage their own COVID-19 mitigation programs.” The CDC added that “while cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities going forward.” Cayman’s cruise regulations to be reviewed in August Cayman’s tourism minister, Kenneth Bryan, told the Compass that the regulations regarding cruise passenger arrivals in the Cayman Islands are due to be reviewed next month. The regulations are due to expire on 31 Aug. They require all disembarking cruise passengers to be vaccinated – apart from unvaccinated children, who must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Bryan said he was aware of the recent changes by the CDC regarding the management of COVID-19 on board cruise ships, and noted that the agency had stated that it would reevaluate the guidance for cruise ships periodically, based on scientific evidence and the state of the pandemic, and update the guidance as needed. He added, “The Government will take a balanced approach that considers the new CDC guidelines, along with the economic, social and health and safety related impacts, prior to determining whether any changes are needed in the Regulations going forward. The public can be assured that the well-being of residents remains a priority for government as we all continue to live with COVID-19 and mitigate its potential impact.” Under its COVID programme, which ended on 18 July, the CDC had made available on its website a colour-coded chart and spreadsheet that showed the level of spread of COVID-19 on board individual ships, as well as the testing and vaccination rates. That data has now been removed from the CDC webpage. In an FAQ section of the CDC site, the agency explained that its colour-coding system had depended upon each cruise line having the same COVID-19 screening testing standards, which may now vary among cruise lines. “Therefore, the cruise ship color status webpage has been retired. CDC will continue to provide testing recommendations for cruise ship operators to follow and cruise ships will continue to report COVID-19 cases to CDC,” the agency stated. The CDC website says passengers “have the option of contacting their cruise line directly regarding outbreaks occurring on board their ship”. The agency still recommends that at least 90% of passengers and 95% of the crew on cruise ships be vaccinated and that pre-boarding testing be carried out. Cruise lines already changing test, vaccination policies However, some cruise lines have already announced they are dropping the pre-boarding testing requirement for passengers. Norwegian Cruise Lines, which makes regular stops in Cayman, in a statement earlier this month said it will lift its requirement for passengers to test before embarking from 1 Aug. Miami-based cruise line Azamara, which does not have a Cayman route, says it is dropping its pre-boarding testing for passengers from today, 25 July. Both cruise lines noted that testing would still be undertaken for ports where local regulations require it, and both are also retaining the requirement for passengers to be vaccinated. Meanwhile, Princess and Virgin cruise lines have announced they are dropping the requirement that all of their passengers to be vaccinated, stating that 10% of their guests can be unvaccinated. While Virgin does not have a route that includes Cayman, Princess Cruise Lines visits Cayman regularly, although it does not have another cruise scheduled to arrive here until November. Under Cayman’s current regulations, unvaccinated cruise passengers are not allowed to disembark here. CDC drops cruise COVID programme “While cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities going forward.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The percentage of passengers the CDC recommends should be vaccinated on board each ship cayman compass 8 news N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky A suspect wanted in connection with multiple murders in Jamaica was deported and handed over to Jamaican authorities Wednesday, 27 July, Customs and Border Control officials said. In a brief statement, a CBC spokesperson said Jamaican national Rudolph Almando Shaw was “escorted” out of Cayman by police and CBC officers. “The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service has confirmed that Rudolph A. Shaw was removed from the Cayman Islands in accordance with section 101(3) of the Customs and Border Control Act, 2021 Revision,” reads the statement in part. Shaw, 30, also known as ‘Boxa’ has been described by a senior Jamaican police official as a leading member of the Wildlife Gang, and is a prime suspect in at least three killings. Fitz Bailey, Jamaica’s assistant commissioner of police, counter-terrorism and organised crime, told the Cayman Compass last week that Shaw is considered a dangerous fugitive. “He is a vicious criminal and a person who is not afraid to use violence if the need arises,” Bailey said. “We want him to face justice. There are victims of crime that are anticipating closure for the crimes that have been committed against their family members.” It is unclear when Shaw first arrived in Cayman. He was taken into custody on 8 July following a brief pursuit by armed police, during which he rammed the car he was driving into a police car and then attempted to flee, before being caught. Shaw was originally arrested on suspicion of illegal landing, for which he was eventually charged. But on Tuesday, 26 July, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew that charge, Shaw’s attorney Prathna Bodden told the Compass. Bodden said, when the defence opposed the transfer once it became aware of Shaw’s pending departure, but he was deported despite the opposition. ‘Vicious’ murder suspect returned to Jamaica Shaw is a prime suspect in at least three killings. cayman compass 9 news N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022 Massy United is now CG United. We are now CG United, a member of the Coralisle Group (CG), a leading regional insurance provider. As CG United, our dedication to our clients and commitment to providing quality products and services will continue to be at the centre of everything we do. Two regional insurance companies have now combined experience and financial strength, to serve you with the same people-first mission which we have had for generations. CG United remains committed to you – our clients and partners. New Name, Same Mission. cgunited.com CG United Insurance Ltd. Unit #3 The Strand, 46 Canal Point Drive P.O Box 1973, Grand Cayman KY1-1104 tel: 743 1900 | info.ky@cgcoralisle.com A member of the Coralisle GroupNext >