cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 compass Our new King Charles III proclaimed monarch ahead of Queen's state funeral Page 5 Tributes paid in speeches, fl owers and messages Pages 6-7 The Queen’s funeral: when and where to watch Page 8 In pictures: Cayman in mourning Pages 16-17 $1 | Weekly, 16-22 September 2022 The future king during his 2019 visit to the Cayman Islands. - Photo: GIScayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 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. THE INVITATION (PG-13) (FRI) 4:40 | 7:15 | 9:15 VIP | 9:45 (SAT) 2:05 | 4:40 | 9:15 VIP | 9:45 (SUN) 4:40 | 7:00 VIP | 7:15 | 9:35 VIP | 9:45 (MON) 7:15 | 9:45 (TUES) 4:40 | 7:15 | 9:45 | 10:00 VIP (WED) 7:15 | 9:45 (THURS) 4:40 | 7:15 | 9:45 | 10:00 VIP WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (PG-13) (FRI) 3:45 | 4:05 VIP (SAT) 1:05 | 4:05 VIP (SUN) 1:05 | 4:05 VIP | 10:00 VIP (MON) 3:45 | 4:05 VIP | 9:15 (TUES) 3:45 | 4:05 VIP (WED) 3:45 | 4:05 VIP | 9:15 (THURS) 3:45 | 4:05 VIP WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK BARBARIAN (R) (FRI) 3:55 VIP | 7:00 | 9:30 | 10:00 VIP (SAT) 3:55 VIP | 7:00 | 9:30 | 10:00 VIP (MON) 3:55 VIP | 4:40 | 7:00 | 9:30 | 10:00 VIP (TUES) 3:55 VIP | 7:00 | 9:30 | 9:40 VIP (WED) 3:55 VIP | 4:40 | 7:00 | 9:30 | 10:00 VIP (THURS) 7:00 | 9:30 | 9:45 VIP BRAHMASTRA PART 1:SHIVA (PG) (SUN) 4:00 | 7:40 | 9:10 BULLET PROOF (R) (FRI) 4:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:00 | 9:10 (SAT) 12:30 | 1:45 | 2:40 | 4:50 | 7:00 | 7:00 VIP | 9:10 (MON-THURS) 4:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:00 | 9:10 DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS (PG) (SUN) 3:55 VIP | 6:40 SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - MORE FUN STUFF VERSION (PG-13) (FRI) 5:00 | 6:30 VIP | 9:10 (SAT) 12:40 VIP | 1:30 | 5:00 | 6:30 VIP | 9:10 (SUN) 5:00 | 6:30 VIP | 9:10 (MON) 5:00 | 6:30 VIP | 9:10 (TUES) 5:00 | 9:10 (WED) 5:00 | 6:30 VIP | 9:10 (THURS) 5:00 | 9:10 KIDS CLUB ENCHANTED SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) KIDS CLUB MADAGASCAR SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) CLASSICS THURSDAY 7PM VIP (PG) For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted CULTURE NT LIVE: STRAIGHT LINE CRAZY SATURDAY 8:00PM (R18) MOONRAKER TUESDAY 7PM VIP (PG) CLASSICS FOR YOUR EYES ONLY 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 BIRCH-GILLIES weather Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of showers. SEA STATE Slight to moderate with a wave height of 2 to 4 feet. WINDS East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots. 87°F HIGH 77°F LOW Police investigating claims of assault involving ‘senior politician’ Police are investigating claims that a “senior politician” was involved in an alleged assault involving two women at an event at The Ritz- Carlton on 13 Sept. The RCIPS said in a statement that no formal complaint has been made by “either of the women” in the alleged incident. However, it confirmed an investigation had been opened and officers “will interview both women to ascertain whether a complaint/ complaints are to be made”. The alleged incident occurred at an evening cocktail reception for the Caribbean Tourism Organization conference. Premier Wayne Panton, in an emailed response to Compass queries on 14 Sept., said, “Although I was not in attendance at the Tourism event on Tuesday evening, I have received reports through social media and otherwise alleging an incident with a Member of Parliament. I have been informed that the RCIPS commenced an investigation on the matter and have issued a statement.” He added that under the current circumstances “it is not prudent for me to make further comment at this time”. Meanwhile, the Governor’s Office declined to comment on the matter at this time of national mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II, stating it will respond at a later date. Cayman still has no formal code of conduct in place for Members of Parliament, as the Compass reported in last week’s newspaper. A promised Sexual Harassment Bill has also not yet been brought before Parliament. The Compass reached out to Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, who said in an emailed response, “You will have seen the statement from the RCIPS. Given this, I will hold any comment until after the police investigation.” Health ministry: Only HSA can take emergency ambulance cases The only hospital on island authorised to take emergency ambulance cases is the Health Services Authority’s Cayman Islands Hospital, meaning Health City, despite having a 24-hour emergency unit and an ambulance bay, is not approved to accept such cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The ministry issued a statement on 13 Sept. to address questions about why Kashwayne McKenzie, who was fatally injured in a motorbike crash at Parker’s Raceway on 27 Aug., was taken by ambulance to the Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town – 14 miles from the race track – rather than to the much-nearer Health City hospital, just four miles away. According to the ministry, not only is the HSA the only facility authorised to take emergency cases, it also operates the Emergency Medical Services’ ambulances which are the only ones licensed to respond to 911 medical calls, and the only hospital to have more than one doctor whose speciality includes emergency medicine. Health City, however, contended in a statement that emergency services at its hospital have been approved by the Health Practice Commission. Increased airlift set to boost recovery With the introduction of new routes, Cayman’s airlift capacity in the last quarter of this year is predicted to surpass 2019 levels by 1%, highlighting a need to potentially further expand the Owen Roberts International Airport, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan says. Though it’s just a single-percent increase in available airline seats, it is being hailed as a major sign of recovery within the tourism sector and an indication of international airlines’ confidence in Cayman as a holiday destination, Bryan told reporters at a Caribbean Tourism Organization press briefing. The minister noted that the anticipated increase has been led by additional American Airlines connections through Charlotte and Miami; Southwest’s strong feeder markets in Texas; United’s growth in Washington D.C. and Newark; a new non-stop route from the Baltimore-Washington gateway; as well as a direct flight to Los Angeles by Cayman Airways, which will launch in November. “This encouraging news is a sign of confidence in our destination by international airlines, especially at a time when some destinations are experiencing reduced frequency,” Bryan said. Air arrivals have been steadily climbing as Cayman dropped its COVID-19 travel restrictions in increments from late last year. The last remaining restrictions – on unvaccinated travellers – were lifted last month. Cruise tourism strategy aims to keep numbers at pre-pandemic levels Meanwhile, an ongoing cruise tourism strategy for the Cayman Islands, while focusing on capacity management and sustainability, is unlikely to involve reducing the annual number of passengers arriving on local shores to below pre-pandemic numbers, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan says. Bryan said cruise ship passengers typically make up 75% of tourist arrivals in Cayman. “Our goal is to hold fast on that number and not grow much more than that,” he said, “because we recognise that our environment can only handle so much, and it starts to affect the experience of those who come here.” The PACT government repeatedly has given an undertaking that it will not be building a new cruise berthing facility capable of accommodating the types of mega cruise ships that can each carry more than 6,000 passengers – a development cruise lines have been pushing for over several years. Bryan said Cayman was committed “to spend the necessary monies to facilitate the growth as [the cruise lines] grow, and as we grow, but to ensure that it’s not at the sacrifice of our environment”. Concrete creatures find forever home at Botanic Park Anyone who happened to be in North Side on 11 Sept. might have spotted a herd of concrete creatures making their way to new stomping grounds at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. The large sculptures were relocated to the North Side park for its Children’s Garden, donated by concrete sculptor David Quasius, also known as Davinoff, who designed and built each piece by hand. “I’m very excited by the fact that those [sculptures] are going to end up as a complete collection in one place,” Quasius told the Cayman Compass in a telephone interview from his home in Wisconsin on 12 Sept. The Wisconsin native started creating his concrete sculptures in 1998 on his property in North Side and had allowed members of the public, residents and visitors alike, free access to check out the artwork. Quasius said for years John Lawrus, the manager at the park, had been asking him for a sculpture or two so he decided to donate them after putting his North Side home up for sale. Lawrus told the Compass he was excited to have the sculptures located in the Children’s Garden which “continues to move in a positive direction, thanks to all its supporters”. news in brief David Quasius putting the final touches on his Spectre octopus sculpture in 2016. - Photo: Suppliedcayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 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 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Hardy (5) 4 Fundamental principles (7) 8 Rainy (3) 9 A devoted assistant (3,6) 10 Reticence (7) 11 Tolerate (5) 13 Easily shocked (6) 15 Traditional story (6) 18 Until now (2,3) 19 With regard to (7) 21 13th Century Venetian traveller (5,4) 23 Spider’s trap (3) 24 General pardon (7) 25 Behindhand (5) DOWN 1 Not long before (7) 2 Meeting required standard (2,2,5) 3 Greek epic poet (5) 4 Good-natured joking (6) 5 Hard-wearing (7) 6 Occasional (3) 7 Eskimo canoe (5) 12 Subdue (9) 14 Raging (7) 16 Disregard an order (7) 17 Dilapidated old car (6) 18 Polynesian group of islands (5) 20 Place for sleeping bird (5) 22 Operate (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17111 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 17111 ACROSS: 1 Tough, 4 Bedrock, 8 Wet, 9 Man Friday, 10 Reserve, 11 Brook, 13 Stuffy, 15 Legend, 18 So far, 19 Apropos, 21 Marco Polo, 23 Web, 24 Amnesty, 25 Tardy. DOWN: 1 Towards, 2 Up to snuff, 3 Homer, 4 Banter, 5 Durable, 6 Odd, 7 Kayak, 12 Overpower, 14 Furious, 16 Disobey, 17 Jalopy, 18 Samoa, 20 Roost, 22 Run. FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 Memories of Hurricane Ivan, 18 years on The memories are still very fresh. – Michel Lemay I went shortly after it happened, it was so heartbreaking to see such devastation. – Linda Mclean An experience that we will all never forget. – Sally Houghton I still remember that experience, but give thanks. – Beverley Francis Health ministry: Only HSA authorised to take emergency ambulance cases That’s the craziest thing I have ever heard! When a patient is in a life-threatening situation, every second counts to get them on some kind of life support or to get a team of doctors operating on them to save their life. That’s just like putting a gun to their head and shooting them dead! – Robert Don Foster I think including Health City into the emergency acceptance should be a priority process to be embarked upon, so we can cut down on all these ‘death by proximity’ cases. – Mario Watson Perhaps it is time for a change and include Health City! – Alexandra Guenther-Calhoun So people that are coming from East End or the Queen’s Highway will have to go all the way into town, and there is a hospital right there? Surely they jest. – Joan Walter People will be dying more often. The distance is ridiculous. – Vanessa Scott This policy will cost lives and money when the HSA is sued. How can you literally drive past a hospital to take a patient 30 minutes further away? Seems like malpractice. Are we really left to drive our loved ones to Health City if that is where they want to go? Time for the ministers of the eastern districts to hold the Ministry of Health accountable. – Jesse La Where’s the part that says it’s being revised because this is a gross oversight. Human lives should not be a political pawn. – Shirley Nicoletta In 2016, I was stabbed severely in Frank Sound. It took the ambulance more than an hour to get there and it still had to come all the way back town to the Health Services Authority. By the time, we got there, I lost seven pints of blood, flatlined twice and the doctor barely saved my life after three surgeries. – Fernando Thompson Woman fights off would-be robber And yet we still can’t carry pepper spray. So sad this happened. – Renee Bernardo What in the world is this island coming to? This lady is so brave but will be forever traumatised by this experience. Ladies, time to start carrying a deterrent spray, perfume, oven spray, bug spray, something! – Cyndy Ebanks Why doesn’t the government offer self-defence classes! All people these days are vulnerable as we get targeted by ‘not-so-good people who observed patterns of your day’, then strike! Be aware of your surroundings at all times! – Francoise Minzett I am so sorry. What is happening to our homeland? – Darlene Glidden How traumatising. This is not something that will be easy to get over. Prayers for justice and healing. – Sarasue McField pic of the week During a week of clouds and rain, Cayman was treated to the sight of several water spouts breaking up the dreariness, from Seven Mile Beach to East End. Ron Hargrave of Tukka Restaurant shared video with the Compass he took of the natural phenomenon occurring out east, from which this screengrab was taken. Twisting in the wind Even though 18 years have passed since Hurricane Ivan hit Grand Cayman, those who lived through it vividly recall the devastation. - Photo: Courtney Platt What they’re saying Online cayman compass 4 news N newsANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky The Cayman Islands hailed King Charles III as its new monarch at a proclamation ceremony led by Governor Martyn Roper on Sunday , 11 Sept., the day after the sovereign was offi cially proclaimed King in the UK. The morning ceremony, outside Government House on West Bay Road, was attended by government leaders, dignitaries and other offi cial guests, as well as scores of well-wishers and curious onlookers. The sombre affair began with a parade comprising police, fi re, prison and coast guard offi cers, as well as members of the Cayman Islands Regiment, Cadet Corps, and a marching band. At the ceremony, Roper read the proclamation of the new sovereign, stating: “I, Martyn Keith Roper, Governor of the Cayman Islands, do now hereby with one voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now by the death of our Late Sovereign of happy memory become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles III, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of his other realms and territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless His Majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.” The proclamation was followed by the singing of God Save the King, a 21-gun salute and three cheers for His Majesty. Accession Council formally declares Charles is King Although Charles became King immediately after the passing of his mother on 8 Sept., this was formally confi rmed at a ceremony in London, at St. James Palace, on Saturday, 10 Sept., by the Accession Council, which is made up of senior politicians, judges and offi cials. Clerk of the Privy Council Richard Tilbrook proclaimed Charles “King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith”, before declaring “God Save the King”. The ceremony was attended by all six living former British prime ministers, and the current prime minister Liz Truss, whose appointment was formalised by Queen Elizabeth II just two days before she died. Prince William, Charles’s son and heir to the throne, and Queen Consort Camilla also attended. In a speech following his proclamation as King, Charles took an oath, and in a speech to the council, said, “I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world.” New era for Cayman and the UK Many in Cayman have fond memories of Charles’s most recent visit to the islands, when he and Camilla made a two-day trip here in March 2019, during which they opened the new expanded terminal at the Owen Roberts International Airport, and the Jasmine hospice. He had also visited the islands in 1973, when he was a naval offi cer on board HMS Minerva. Speaking with the Cayman Compass after the ceremony at Government House, Premier Wayne Panton said the proclamation of King Charles III was as important for people of Cayman as it is for the wider UK. “It is now for us to continue to acknowledge and support King Charles III as our sovereign,” said Panton. “While it is a momentous occasion, it is the end of an era. I hope and I believe this will be the start of a new era.” The premier’s comments were echoed by Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart, who told the Compass, “These are interesting times for us because none of us probably in this crowd today would have known a succession in the UK.” He added, “I thought this morning’s ceremony was very moving and very touching for all of us… and say, as I have several times, long live the King.” Governor Martyn Roper reads a proclamation declaring King Charles III is the new monarch of the United Kingdom and its realms. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay King Charles III was offi cially proclaimed sovereign at a ceremony at St. James's Palace, on Saturday, 10 Sept. Also present were his son and heir to the throne Prince William, Queen Consort Camilla and British Prime Minister Liz Truss. - Photo: Screengrab from BBC prime ministers, and whose appointment just two days before took an oath, and in a speech to Speaking with King Charles III proclaimed new monarch “While it is a momentous occasion, it is the end of an era. I hope and I believe this will be the start of a new era.” Premier Wayne Panton Ceremony held in Cayman the day after offi cial proclamation in London cayman compass news N news FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 5cayman compass news N news FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Lawmakers in the Cayman Islands delivered tributes to Queen Elizabeth II and paid their respects to the royal family in a special session of Parliament on Monday afternoon. The session, one of several events held as part of the period of national mourning, began with a minute of silence in the House witnessed by a number of visiting tourism ministers and dignitaries, who are in Grand Cayman for the Caribbean Tourism Organization and International Air Transport Association conference. Declaring the late Queen “a model of decency”, House Speaker McKeeva Bush, who started the session with his tribute, recounted having met the Queen six times, saying that “she reflected diplomacy and grace”. “She was a queen for the people, and this could even be seen in the way she signed her letters simply as ‘Your Servant’ that speaks volumes of who she was. Her personal deportment and decorum… the entire manner in which she conducted herself was truly exceptional. She has left an impeccable record and made a stellar contribution that is exemplary and matchless,” he said. ‘Consummate leader’ lost Bush said the late Queen was the consummate leader and public servant with incredible integrity, “even though she was adamantly disciplined, and a stickler for protocol, she was minded to modernise and took measures that were transformational for our way of life”. Governor Martyn Roper, speaking next, said the late Queen was arguably “the greatest monarch we have had, and one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known”. “She was a remarkable figurehead for the UK and its Overseas Territories during times of enormous social change. We were privileged to host her late majesty twice in Cayman, in 1983 and 1994,” he said. The late Queen, he said, had a remarkable quality of putting people at ease and had a magnetism that made you smile. “Her dignity, calmness, steadfastness, and incomparable dedication to duty set an outstanding example for all of us,” the governor added. He added, she was “unquestionably the greatest public servant we will see in our lifetimes, a quite extraordinary lady who will be greatly missed”. Reflecting also on the late Queen’s visits, Premier Wayne Panton said, “Many Caymanians treasure the memories they have of meeting the Queen when more than a quarter of the island’s population turned out in 1983 to greet the Queen and Prince Philip at the Owen Roberts International Airport… it was the year she officially opened The Pines Retirement Home.” She returned in 1984, he said, and during that visit she knighted Sir Vassel Johnson and opened the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. The late Queen, he said, was “a dignified, decent and deeply respected world leader”. “She held steady steer through economic challenges, periods of geopolitical tension, climate change, personal challenges, and yes, the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, she remained measured and dignified, becoming one of the most respected leaders in modern history,” he said. Legacy to emulate Panton, in his message to leaders, said the first takeaway from the late Queen’s legacy should be to “focus on our purpose”. “We have in her legacy an impeccable example of a leader who was crystal clear in her purpose and the purpose of her role. Her purpose was to ensure good governance and to be of service to the public,” he said. Turning his attention to King Charles III, who has now assumed the role as head of the British monarchy, Panton said he was confident that the new King will “meet and exceed the expectations the world has of him”. “He is well prepared for the burden and responsibilities of his role. He has had the benefit of excellent tutelage over the course of a long apprenticeship. His late mother set [an] unquestionably stellar… example for him. All this will stand him in good stead to continue as he leads this, as a sovereign of Britain, and its realms,” Panton said. Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart, in his contribution, said, as the Cayman Islands “have grown and developed as a nation, our queen has been a constant and unswerving presence”. “It was during her reign that we received our coat of arms and our first Constitution, and that commitment that Caymanians made to the United Kingdom has been reciprocated in the love and affection that our Queen has shown for our islands and our people,” he said. McTaggart, reflecting on the task ahead for King Charles III, said, “This must be an exceptionally difficult time. Even as he grieves the passing of his mother, he finds himself swept up in a myriad of new deep duties that he must now take on and fulfil.” “I pray that his own faith and his belief in everlasting life will sustain him through this time of trial. The tradition of the immediate passing of the crown from one head to another has given rise to the custom of marking the death of our Queen with a cry of ‘God Save the King’ in both recognition of his birthright and as a statement of hope for the future,” McTaggart said. Impact felt around the world Deputy Premier Chris Saunders pointed out that despite how people felt about the monarchy, the late Queen Elizabeth II “transcended the very monarchy that she represented”. “Not only did she redefine a monarchy in today’s world, she became a larger-than-life figure, so much so that regardless of what you thought about a monarchy, you couldn’t help but admire and respect the person,” Saunders said. Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan pointed out that countries have saluted the late Queen in special ways, from the Eiffel Tower being shut off in commemoration of her reign to the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro being lit up in the colours of the UK. For the Cayman Islands, he said, “we have the economy that we have, and it’s because of her strength [and] her leadership for 70 years”. He added, “There’s some countries that don’t have great leaders and, as a result, they don’t have great economies because of political instability. So not only do I owe her love and appreciation but I owe her the future of my children, because today I live in a country where I can provide in a safe manner because of the things that she has done.” Red Bay MP and former Premier Sir Alden McLaughlin was among the last members of the legal fraternity here to be conferred Queen’s Counsel – now known as King’s Counsel in the wake of her death – and the last bestowed with a knighthood during the Queen’s reign. The former premier said he was “shaken” when news broke of the Queen’s death, likening it in closeness to the loss of his own parents, Althea and McNee McLaughlin, saying that he felt again like “an orphan”. McLaughlin pointed out that his father was born the same year as the late Queen. “Someone that has been there all your life, a rock that you can lean on, a person on whom you can depend, is gone; for most of us, in fact, I believe for most of the world, we don’t know of a time when Queen Elizabeth II was not sovereign and so that is going to take some getting used to, I have no doubt,” he said. The late Queen, he said, had seen and experienced “tragedy, trauma, sorrow, loss, disappointment, embarrassment, none of which was caused by her, but she had steadfastly persevered, conducted herself impeccably”. At the end of the special sitting, lawmakers voted unanimously to have the recorded session of their contributions sent to King Charles III. 6 “Her dignity, calmness, steadfastness, and incomparable dedication to duty set an outstanding example for all of us.” Governor Martyn Roper Lawmakers pay tribute to Queen Members of Parliament paid tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II and welcomed King Charles III in a special sitting of the House on Monday, 12 Sept. - Photo: GIScayman compass 7 news N news FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 Residents young and old leave notes, flowers RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky As the world prepares to say a final farewell to the late Queen Elizabeth II, children in the Cayman Islands have said their goodbyes as only young people can. In a handwritten note, accompanied by a colourful drawing, 3-year-old Alby simply wrote, “I love you Queen. I miss you. Please be happy in heaven.” The weather-beaten note was accompanied by a crayon drawing of the Queen and one of her beloved corgis. Though simple in words, Alby’s message was powerful in its emotion, reflecting the general outpouring of affection shown by millions following the Queen’s death on 8 Sept. at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96 and had reigned for 70 years, the longest serving monarch in UK history. Nestled next to Alby’s note lay another drawing of the Queen with similar words of affection. Along with the children’s drawings, people had placed bouquets with messages paying homage to the Queen. Martin and Sarah Trott, in their sympathy note, said, “A true inspiration to us all. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.” Also among the tributes lay an anonymous bouquet with the note, “Never have I done this before for a public figure. But you were one in a million. God rest your kind soul.” Kids pay tribute More than 200 children gathered at four locations across Grand Cayman on Thursday, 15 Sept. to lay notes and floral tributes in honour of the late Queen. Each school was represented by nine students – one child for each decade of the late British monarch’s life. The tributes were laid outside the Government Administration Building, Government House, The Pines Retirement Home (which was formally opened by the Queen in 1983, during one of her two visits here) and at the Queen’s Highway monument in East End. A similar ceremony was held on Cayman Brac at the District Administration Building for students there to pay their respects. The tribute-laying ceremonies were part of a series of government- arranged events for Cayman’s 11-day national period of mourning, that will end with the Queen’s state funeral on Monday, 19 Sept., which has been declared a public holiday (see page 8). Government has arranged for public viewings of broadcasts of the state funeral at various locations. Governor Martyn Roper, speaking on Gold FM on 15 Sept., spoke of his experience meeting the Queen, who he met three times over his diplomatic career. “She [had] just an incredible manner of being very relaxed and using... humour to make you feel very relaxed, and it was a really enjoyable discussion. My last meeting was as governor of the Cayman Islands and, even though her visits to our islands were quite a while ago now, she remembered details of the visits and was very keen to be... updated on the incredible progress Cayman has made over those years... A truly incredible woman,” Roper said. The governor, together with Premier Wayne Panton, will represent Cayman at the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey. He acknowledged that, though there is “profound sadness” over the loss of the Queen, there is “huge affection” for the new monarch, King Charles III. “I think he’s going to be an excellent monarch for the United Kingdom, the Overseas Territories and the realms, the countries that still have King Charles as the head of state,” Roper said. Local churches, on 14 Sept., tolled bells for 96 seconds; one second for each year of Queen Elizabeth II’s life, as the islands continue to mark a period of mourning for the late monarch. “Although the number of Cayman Islands churches with bells has reduced significantly over the past few decades, some still proudly toll bells on certain occasions,” a Government Information Services statement said. Churches that tolled their bells in tribute to the late Queen included Church of God (Chapel), Church of God (Universal), both in George Town, East End United Church, First Assembly of God, and Old Stake Bay Baptist Church. Cayman represented at UK memorials Local photographer Maggie Jackson joined thousands of mourners on 14 Sept. in laying floral tributes in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace, before Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin departed the palace for Westminster Hall to lie in state. Jackson, speaking with the Compass from London, said she and her friend had been staying close to the palace and decided to walk to the park to leave a floral tribute. The garden in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace, has become the main location for laying flowers. “We were there early and were able to walk through the park towards the palace. People had been there for hours waiting, families old and young,” she said, adding that the crowd included both locals and tourists. She said it was an emotional scene at the park and palace as there were a lot of people in tears. Some mourners had left marmalade sandwiches – in tribute to a video created for the Platinum Jubilee, which showed the Queen and Paddington Bear having tea at the palace. Buckingham Palace later requested people refrain from leaving food as the sandwiches had been attracting rodents. Local legislator George Town West MP David Wight, and his brother Chris, hours after news of the Queen’s death broke, joined thousands of mourners in laying floral tributes at the gates of Buckingham Palace on 9 Sept. Speaking with the Compass about his experience, the MP said it was surreal watching the news of the Queen’s death unfold in the UK, and making the trip into London to honour the monarch at the palace was a must for him and his relatives. “We decided that we wanted to really pay our respects... As Caymanians, we love the Queen and we love the monarchy. We’ve grown up with only one person as our Queen and I know any time she came here, our parents used to make sure that we would somehow get to see her, and both times that we went looking for her we saw her... it wasn’t that we spoke to her or got close to her, but we just made sure we were there,” he said. Outpouring of love for Her Majesty Two Red Bay Primary School students lay flowers at the steps of the Government Administration Building on Thursday, 15 Sept., as Cayman's schools paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. - Photo: Governor Martyn Roper's Facebook pageThe Queen’s state funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey, beginning at 11am BST (5am in Cayman). The Queen’s coffin will be laid in the Royal Vault, beneath St George’s Chapel in Windsor, next to her husband, the late Duke of Edinburgh. cayman compass news N news FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 8 House of Parliament 33 Fort Street, PO Box 890, Grand Cayman - KY1-1103, Cayman Islands Tel: (345) 949-4236 Cell: (345) 525-8660 MP Office: (345) 949-8660 E-mail: mckeeva.bush@gov.ky Speaker’s Chambers Hon. Dr. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, Hon. MSc, MP Speaker of the House September 6, 2022 Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mary Elizabeth Truss, MP Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing St, London SW1A 2AA, United Kingdom. Dear Prime Minister, As the Speaker of the House of Parliament of the Cayman Islands and on behalf of the Representatives, I have taken the liberty and privilege to extend congratulations to you as the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It’s evident that your appointment arose from your victory among the Conservative Members having won 81,326 votes which amounts to 57 percent of their membership, compared to the former Chancellor’s 60,399. There is clear indication that the Conservative members have bestowed their trust in you. As the former foreign minister you have assumed the helm of the political directorate and will be influential in the parliamentary agenda. Notably, you have served with distinction as the foreign secretary and we anticipate that your courage and conviction will equally demonstrate your attributes in the capacity as the Prime Minister. It’s commendable that you have considered the future of people of the United Kingdom, particularly at this juncture. Your noble intention to reduce tax and intervening in order to have a reduction in inflation and the cost of living primarily, as it relates to the exponential energy prices, is humanitarian in nature. We are indeed mindful of the global effects that have triggered such. We note with keen interest your vast experience and serving in various capacities in both private and public sector. Your span of experience from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State then being appointed to the Cabinet, will undoubtedly serve you well. Your input to reform several policies which includes but not limited to education, childcare, economy and mathematics cannot go unnoticed. Similarly, we appreciate your skills as an author based on the papers and books you have written. Not to mention, it was remarkable when you were appointed Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, thus becoming the first female Lord Chancellor in the thousand-year history of that office. It’s compelling that the members have demonstrated great confidence in your leadership. Being an Overseas Territory, we wish you and the peoples of the United Kingdom success, prosperity and growth during your tenure as the third female Prime Minister. Most respectfully ______________________________________________________________ Speaker of Parliament Hon. Dr. W. McKeeva Bush, JP, Hon. MSc, MP House of Parliament 33 Fort Street, PO Box 890, Grand Cayman - KY1-1103, Cayman Islands Tel: (345) 949-4236 Cell: (345) 525-8660 MP Office: (345) 949-8660 E-mail: mckeeva.bush@gov.ky Speaker’s Chambers Hon. Dr. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, Hon. MSc, MP Speaker of the House September 6, 2022 Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mary Elizabeth Truss, MP Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing St, London SW1A 2AA, United Kingdom. Dear Prime Minister, As the Speaker of the House of Parliament of the Cayman Islands and on behalf of the Representatives, I have taken the liberty and privilege to extend congratulations to you as the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It’s evident that your appointment arose from your victory among the Conservative Members having won 81,326 votes which amounts to 57 percent of their membership, compared to the former Chancellor’s 60,399. There is clear indication that the Conservative members have bestowed their trust in you. As the former foreign minister you have assumed the helm of the political directorate and will be influential in the parliamentary agenda. Notably, you have served with distinction as the foreign secretary and we anticipate that your courage and conviction will equally demonstrate your attributes in the capacity as the Prime Minister. It’s commendable that you have considered the future of people of the United Kingdom, particularly at this juncture. Your noble intention to reduce tax and intervening in order to have a reduction in inflation and the cost of living primarily, as it relates to the exponential energy prices, is humanitarian in nature. We are indeed mindful of the global effects that have triggered such. We note with keen interest your vast experience and serving in various capacities in both private and public sector. Your span of experience from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State then being appointed to the Cabinet, will undoubtedly serve you well. Your input to reform several policies which includes but not limited to education, childcare, economy and mathematics cannot go unnoticed. Similarly, we appreciate your skills as an author based on the papers and books you have written. Not to mention, it was remarkable when you were appointed Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, thus becoming the first female Lord Chancellor in the thousand-year history of that office. It’s compelling that the members have demonstrated great confidence in your leadership. Being an Overseas Territory, we wish you and the peoples of the United Kingdom success, prosperity and growth during your tenure as the third female Prime Minister. Most respectfully ______________________________________________________________ Speaker of Parliament Hon. Dr. W. McKeeva Bush, JP, Hon. MSc, MP The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, 19 Sept., will be watched by millions around the world, with television networks broadcasting the historic event live. The state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey at 11am British time, which is 5am in the Cayman Islands. Before the funeral, the Queen’s coffin will be taken from Where and when to watch the Queen’s funeral Westminster Hall, where the late monarch has been lying in state, to Westminster Abbey. The procession is set to begin at 10:44am UK time (4:44am Cayman time). For viewers in Cayman with access to US cable networks, there will be live coverage on NBC, CNN, ABC and Fox News, while those who can view UK channels can see the funeral on BBC One, BBC News, and Sky News. The BBC will also stream its coverage live online, which will be accessible anywhere in the world. Live broadcasts of the funeral will also be shown at public viewings at three churches in Grand Cayman Monday morning – at Wesleyan Holiness Church in West Bay, First Baptist Church in George Town, and the Cayman Islands Baptist Church in Savannah. Official condolence books will be available for the public to sign at these locations. The day of the funeral has been declared a public holiday. The Queen’s coffin was conveyed from Balmoral Castle, where she died on 8 Sept., to Edinburgh on Sunday, 11 Sept., before being taken by a Royal Air Force plane to RAF Northolt on 13 Sept. A hearse then transported the coffin to Buckingham Palace by road, to rest in the Bow Room. On 14 Sept., the coffin was borne by a gun carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster where it is lying in state in Westminster Hall until the funeral. By 19 Sept., hundreds of thousands of people will have queued – for up to 10 hours – to view the coffin and to pay their final respects to the monarch who reigned for more than 70 years. On 19 Sept., the coffin will be taken in procession from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, where the state funeral service will take place. A two-minute national silence is planned throughout the UK to coincide with the concluding moments of the funeral service (around 11:54am UK time, or 5:54am Cayman time). In Cayman, radio stations will observe two minutes of silence from 12:30-12:32pm. Following the funeral, the coffin will be transported from Westminster Abbey to Windsor, where the state hearse will travel in procession to St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. There the Queen will be buried with her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in the Royal Vault, in a private service for members of the Royal Family on the evening of 19 Sept. For more information relating to the funeral and associated events, visit www.gov.ky. ADVERTISEMENTcayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022Next >