© 2022 Burger King Corporation. Y U M Time Fries Supporting locals since 1982 © 2022 Burger King Corporation. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 No-confidence motion prompted by Bush allegations Page 5 Cayman prepares for storm Page 2 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 23-29 September 2022 Bouncing backBouncing back State of tourism across the region Pages 16-18Matinees (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. 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Compass Centre, Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 Email: newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: T: (345) 949-5111 E: sales@compassmedia.ky W: caymancompass.com 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 40% chance of showers. SEA STATE Smooth with a wave height of fewer than 2 feet. WINDS East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots. 90°F HIGH 76°F LOW As this edition of the Compass went to press on 22 Sept., the National Weather Service was monitoring a strong tropical wave which had entered the Caribbean Sea, along a path that could see it travel south of the Cayman Islands within the next five days. In a ‘potential severe weather’ notification issued shortly after 8:30am, the CINWS cautioned residents that, while there is still a “degree of uncertainty” around the actual storm path, there is a strong chance the islands will still be impacted by the passing storm. “The system is likely to become a tropical depression as it moves into an area more favourable for development,” stated the CINWS. According to the NHC, the system has a 70% chance of developing into a tropical storm between 22 Sept. and 24 Sept. and a 90% chance by 26 Sept. of next week. If the system continues to strengthen, as it has over the past week, it is likely to become Tropical Storm Hermine, the eighth named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on 1 June and ends 30 Nov. “Regardless of development of the system, the latest forecast information indicates there is a high potential for this system to impact the Cayman Islands early next week,” warned the CINSW. It added, “There still remains some uncertainty as to where the disturbance will move as it gets to the western Caribbean and, as such, residents are urged to keep abreast of the updates on this system.” For the latest information on storm activity in the Cayman Islands, as well as information on how to prepare for hurricane season, visit the Compass online and our ALT Storm Centre. Dead shark pup prompts DoE reminder The Department of Environment has said the cause of death of a black tip shark pup, a photo of which was making the rounds on social media, was inconclusive. However, it reminded the public to be mindful that “shark pupping season” is in “full swing” and shark pups are often found swimming in the shallows. The DoE, in a post on its Facebook page, said a conservation officer had investigated after a photo showing of an unresponsive baby shark at Rum Point was posted several weeks ago. “[I]t’s a good reminder to be careful when out shore fishing, particularly in the mangrove areas where young sharks are living their best life cruising in the shallows,” the DoE stated. Sharks, the DoE reminded, are fully protected under the National Conservation Act, and it is illegal to harm, kill or possess a shark whole or in part, anywhere in the Cayman Islands. The department offered advice to the community on what to do if they accidentally hook a shark when fishing. “[P]lease release it safely. Circle hooks are easier to remove without hurting the shark or other fish, or you can cut the line as close to the hook as possible. A steel hook will rust out if a shark or fish breaks the line,” the DoE advised. Forecasters are warning of 'potential severe weather' for Cayman as a strong tropical wave looks likely to develop into a tropical depression. If it strengthens further, it will become Tropical Storm Hermine. Cayman warned of ‘potential severe weather’ news in brief This dead black tip shark pup was found in the Rum Point area; its cause of death was inconclusive. - Photo: DoE Scholarships offered for water-sports careers With local tourism getting back on track, Inspire Cayman Training, seeking to give Caymanians an opportunity to pursue watersports careers, is offering 24 scholarships to the training centre. Inspire Cayman managing director Michael Myles told the Cayman Compass that the scholarships, offered in partnership with the Department and Ministry of Tourism, are “in support of our Caymanians pursuing career opportunities in the Watersports Industry”. He said the goal is get more Caymanians in watersports careers for the upcoming tourist season. “We are offering 12 full time scholarships… and 12 scholarships for people who are already in watersports but want to become certified boat captains,” he said, in a WhatsApp message. He said those who excel in the full- time training programme will receive a monthly performance bonus. Noting that the watersports industry is one of the “fastest growing in the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean”, he said the Inspire Cayman training programme has two goals. One is to “certify and place unemployed Caymanians who have a desire to pursue a career in the watersports industry and two, up-skill Caymanians who are already employed in the industry but desire advancement and certification to boat captain positions and/or persons wanting to start their own business,” he said. Scholarships are offered for certifications including international yacht training, Royal Yachting Association training, career coaching, employability skills, personal financial management and emergency first response, he said, adding that Inspire Cayman also provides career development and employment placement training. Managing director of Inspire Cayman Michael Myles cayman compass 2 N news FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022the boats are wet and the oceanfront lagoon awaits. All that is missing is you! 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. the boats are wet and the oceanfront lagoon awaits. All that is missing is you! 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. the boats are wet and the oceanfront lagoon awaits. All that is missing is you! 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. cayman compass 3 FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022It would be obtuse to ignore the whispers about the continued relevance of the monarchy or the reminders of the bloody history that unites such disparate nations under the British flag. But even the most vehement anti-monarchists reserve their opprobrium for the institution rather than for the Queen herself. And while there may come a time for debate over modernising the constitutional relationship, the prevailing mood in Cayman seems to remain one of affection and satisfaction with being part of the family. And if we are to seek reassurance about the future of our symbiotic relationship, there is much to be optimistic about. The visit of the King and his wife, now Queen Consort, Camilla, to Cayman in 2019 was a significant stop on a Caribbean tour that reaffirmed the monarchy’s commitment to its Overseas Territories, as well as from the people of Cayman to the sovereign. In his final speech on that trip, the then-Prince of Wales said he was leaving with “the fondest memories of these beautiful islands and the warmth of the Caymanian people”. An advocate for the environment long before it was popular to be one, he chimed a note in perfect symphony with the score Cayman is seeking to master, in calling on the islands to do everything in our power to protect the environment. With the right management and protection of natural resources, he said Cayman could “help lead the world and indeed the whole of nature out of this appalling crisis of our own making”. In an editorial after the royal visit, we wrote of a “welcome and much- appreciated show of unity – a balm during a time that is too often clouded by contentiousness and uncertainty. A reminder that even in a world of ceaseless change, there is comfort to be found in ceremony and tradition.” So, with a state funeral embodying the essence of that ceremony and tradition, the lowering of the Queen’s coffin into the royal vault marks the closing of so many chapters: the end of the second Elizabethan era, the culmination of 11 days of national mourning and a stop to an agenda full of public engagements undertaken by a grieving family. That agenda was full for a man of 73 years. But it did much to cement his position firmly in the eyes of the world as the head of the Royal Family – with all that entails. A man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, burying his mother. A stiff upper lip betrayed by eyes that seemed to water as mourners sang in chorus ‘God Save The King’. Public duty weighs heavy at a time of private grief, but already the monarchy under King Charles feels different, more relevant. It – and he – have evolved from the stoicism so encapsulated by the Prince of Wales and his young sons walking behind their mother’s coffin in 1997. If he can continue to modernise, listen and serve, Cayman has in King Charles an ally, champion and environmental advocate, as well as a ceremonial figurehead. Long live the King. 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Ask earnestly for (7) 5 Footwear (5) 8 Aware of what’s going on (2,3,4) 9 A deciduous tree (3) 10 Pleasurable thrill (4) 12 Liberty to act at will (4,4) 14 In full view (6) 15 Intellectually gifted (6) 17 Have increasing success (2,6) 18 Humiliating rebuff (4) 21 Perform a part (3) 22 Stir oneself (5,1,3) 24 Tense situation (5) 25 Quell (7) DOWN 1 Patch of oil on sea (5) 2 Large amount (3) 3 Ship’s complement (4) 4 Cheap and gaudy (6) 5 Balanced proportions (8) 6 Manner of functioning (9) 7 In due course (7) 11 Queen of Egypt 47-30BC (9) 13 Utterly perplexed (3,2,3) 14 Defensively watchful (2,5) 16 Mend (6) 19 Sham (5) 20 Ooze (4) 23 Be situated (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17117 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 17117 ACROSS: 1 Solicit, 5 Shoes, 8 In the swim, 9 Elm, 10 Kick, 12 Free hand, 14 Openly, 15 Brainy, 17 Go places, 18 Snub, 21 Act, 22 Shake a leg, 24 Drama, 25 Repress. DOWN: 1 Slick, 2 Lot, 3 Crew, 4 Tawdry, 5 Symmetry, 6 Operation, 7 Someday, 11 Cleopatra, 13 All at sea, 14 On guard, 16 Repair, 19 Bogus, 20 Seep, 23 Lie. Last week’s front page of the Cayman Compass featured our new monarch King Charles III. It has been impossible to watch events since the death of the Queen on 8 Sept. without feeling moved by the life of service, dignity and duty embodied by the late monarch. As she was laid to rest in a service in St George’s Chapel, the Dean of Windsor joined so many other voices to praise a life of “unstinting service” to the UK, Commonwealth, Realms and Overseas Territories. “In the midst of our rapidly changing and frequently troubled world, her calm and dignified presence has given us confidence to face the future, as she did, with courage and with hope,” he said. And it is with confidence, courage, and hope that Cayman now looks to King Charles III as he takes up the inimitable and unenviable mantle left by his mother’s passing. We need look no further than Cayman’s flag fluttering along the procession route and the islands’ delegations – political, police and civilian – paying their respects in London, to see evidence of the health and relevance of the relationship that exists between Cayman and the UK. I recently read an article concerning an American citizen, Jamilla Thomas, who accidentally carried one 9mm ammunition round into the Bahamas in May. According to the media report, she said she was unaware the round was in her travel bag. Thomas was arrested and ultimately pled guilty, and paid a [$500] fine to avoid prison. After reading about Thomas, I conducted a Google search and found multiple instances very similar in nature. My understanding is the Cayman Islands have a similar ‘zero tolerance’ law. My wife and I honeymooned on your beautiful island in 1990 and had the opportunity to stop there on a cruise years later with our children. We would like to return, but being an avid sportsman who frequently attends shooting ranges here in the US, I cannot chance an overlooked round in our travel bags putting me, or my family, in danger of arrest and prison. A potential solution is to decriminalise a first offence. A ‘Careless Possession of Ammunition’ statute would provide that any person entering Cayman because of carelessness or oversight, despite due diligence to avoid the matter, would only be subject to a civil fine of no more than $500 for the first offence. If a second offence occurs, the courts have discretion to proceed with criminal actions. My intent here is to provide a measure of ‘grace’ for the inadvertent mistaken actions of a person who acted in good-faith to avoid a violation of the law. Scott Williams A King for Cayman Decriminalise mistakenly carrying ammo into Cayman Letters to the editor Editorial 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: GIS cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022‘McKeeva Bush resignation not enough’ RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Government faced a political firestorm this week, punctuated on 21 Sept. when the Opposition Progressives filed a no-confidence motion in the PACT administration driven by the multiple calls for the resignation of House Speaker McKeeva Bush, the third highest officeholder in the Cayman Islands. The controversy surrounding the embattled West Bay West MP stemmed from a police investigation into allegations of misconduct involving the veteran legislator on 13 Sept. at a government-sponsored cocktail reception for visiting dignitaries in town for the Caribbean Tourism Organization conference. On 22 Sept., police confirmed that investigation remained open. The probe unleashed public outcry for the resignation of the Speaker and placed mounting pressure on Premier Wayne Panton to act; he issued a letter to Bush asking for his resignation by 23 Sept. On 22 Sept., Parliament confirmed to the Cayman Compass that Bush had not submitted a formal resignation letter. Governor Martyn Roper, in a public statement, also urged the Speaker to resign. Progressives and Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart, with the backing of his party, filed the no- confidence motion and is seeking to form a “coalition of the capable” to run the jurisdiction for the remainder of the current term The motion, seconded by Opposition deputy leader Joey Hew, appealed to all Members of Parliament to support the proposal, saying “the country simply deserves better”. “We need an alternative government that is ready to step in and take the action our country needs. We hope responsible members of the government will be persuaded by the debate that we will put to Parliament and that they will support our motion of no-confidence,” McTaggart told the Compass in an interview. The motion, if successful, may see McTaggart installed as premier. It is expected to be debated at the next session of Parliament on 5 Oct. The premier dismissed the Opposition’s motion. In an emailed comment to the Cayman Compass, Panton said, “The Progressives filing a motion of no confidence at this time, immediately after the Period of National Mourning and while the country is facing the threat of a hurricane, is not surprising." He added, “It is typical of the Progressives; they once again prioritise political power over the needs of the Caymanian people. While they are plotting and scheming, we are working to deliver results for the people and doing a good job of it.” Support for the motion? Asked whether he has the necessary support for the motion, McTaggart said, “Based on discussions, and what we have seen, we believe that there is support for it. “But again, it comes down to what happens on the day when that final vote is taken in the House as to where people do cast their support.” He said it will depend on whether the MPs will rally around “their premier and support him, or they will support the motion and call for a fresh new government”. There is currently no indication that the Progressives have persuaded any MPs outside of their group of six parliamentarians to support the motion. In order for the vote of no confidence to be successful, it would require at least four current members of the PACT coalition to vote with the Progressives and against their government colleagues. It is understood that the Opposition believes it has secured support from some on the government benches, though they have not revealed any names at this stage. Only the five Grand Cayman- based Progressives MPs were present in Parliament for the filing of the motion on 21 Sept. Apologies were given for the absence of Moses Kirkconnell, the Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman MP. Motion targets ‘lack of leadership’ The two-page motion sets out 14 reasons why confidence in the sitting government has been eroded, uppermost being “the Premier’s lack of effective leadership”. McTaggart, through the motion, pointed to the “Cabinet’s collective lack of collaboration, cohesion, and competence,” the lack of a code of conduct, and “contraventions of accepted conventions and norms”, such as allowing the House Speaker to be involved in government business at home and official meetings overseas. The Opposition leader said, in his view, Bush’s resignation would not suffice, given the conditions the situation surrounding him has created. “That is another nail in the coffin,” he said. This is not the first time a motion of no confidence has been triggered by actions connected to the West Bay West MP. In 2020, then-Opposition leader Arden McLean sought to bring a motion against Bush, following his conviction on assault charges. That motion did not get the necessary signatures needed to trigger a meeting of the House. Following this, then-Premier Alden McLaughlin moved up the election date, dissolving Parliament and sending Cayman to the polls. ‘Discontent, disagreement, infighting’ McTaggart argued that, before taking this step, the Opposition offered to assist with the management of COVID and provided a range of suggestions to help families facing the cost-of- living crisis. “We have also brought motions to Parliament seeking to drive forward actions that will benefit our people. These have been ignored or, at best, taken up grudgingly and after needless delay, but ultimately with no real action to date,” he said. He added that the “business of effective government is proving impossible due to a lack of leadership coming from the current premier and the apparent divisions within the Cabinet and government caucus; meanwhile, the cost-of- living crisis continues to escalate”. Referring to detractors who may accuse the Opposition of using this motion as a publicity stunt, he said, “I am only responding to the discord and the general malaise that exists in the government.” McTaggart said the convention in the Westminster system of government demands that a motion of lack of confidence in the government is a matter which “ought to be dealt with expeditiously”. “Such a motion places the government in an untenable position, and one of uncertainty, and so we expect that this motion will be aired and debated when Parliament meets on October 5th, 2022,” he said. “Right now, it is clear that there is very little being accomplished in the government. There is general discontent and disagreement within them all... much infighting, and it does not bode well for the stability and the future of the government the longer that this continues,” McTaggart added. Opposition files no-confidence motion in PACT government Opposition leader Roy McTaggart, flanked by members of the Progressives, delivered a motion of no confidence in PACT to Parliament on 21 Sept. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath “It is typical of the Progressives; they once again prioritise political power over the needs of the Caymanian people. While they are plotting and scheming, we are working to deliver results for the people and doing a good job of it.” Wayne Panton “The business of effective government is proving impossible due to a lack of leadership coming from the current premier and the apparent divisions within the Cabinet and government caucus; meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate.” Roy McTaggart cayman compass 5 news N news FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale will take over the reins of the judiciary as Cayman’s new chief justice, effective 26 Oct., Governor Martyn Roper has announced. She will be succeeding Chief Justice Anthony Smellie, who is retiring after having served on the judicial bench in Cayman since 1993 and as chief justice since June 1998 when he replaced former Chief Justice George Elliot Harre, who passed away in France in October last year, at the age of 93. Once sworn in, Ramsay-Hale will become the first female chief justice in the Cayman Islands. She is no stranger to firsts, as Ramsay- Hale was the first female puisne judge and the first female chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Roper, in a statement, said the Judicial and Legal Services Commission recently undertook a formal recruitment exercise for the post of chief justice, at the end of which Ramsay-Hale was selected. He said he was “delighted” to announce her appointment. “Justice Ramsay-Hale, who is Caymanian, brings extensive legal knowledge and significant leadership and management experience, including as a former Chief Justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Justice Ramsay- Hale impressed the JLSC with her vision, passion and commitment to strengthening our judicial system and rule of law in line with the Cayman Constitution,” Roper said. Erik Bodden, president of the Cayman Islands Legal Practitioners Association, welcomed Ramsay-Hale’s appointment. “We look forward to formally welcoming Justice Ramsay-Hale, and acknowledging the significant contributions and many years of service of the Honourable Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie KC on his retirement in October,” Bodden said in an emailed comment to the Compass. ‘A legacy to build on’ Smellie, in his last speech as chief justice in January at the opening of the Grand Court, reflected on how far the judiciary had come, pointing out that back in 1989, there were three judicial personnel in the court – a chief justice, a magistrate and a clerk of the court – and there are 39 today, including a panel of 18 acting judges and magistrates. Roper said Ramsay-Hale will build on the legacy of Smellie, “who has provided strong leadership and services to law and justice in the Cayman Islands and the wider Caribbean over the last 30 years as a judge, with nearly 25 years as Chief Justice”. The governor expressed gratitude to the chief justice for his long years of dedicated service, “which is greatly appreciated by the community”, adding that it was in recognition of his outstanding contribution that he had been awarded a knighthood in Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours. “It is a signal of strong confidence in the Judiciary in the Cayman Islands that the JLSC recommended an appointment from the bench in Cayman. A high quality and fully independent judiciary is one of [the] major strengths of our jurisdiction supporting the rule of law and our prosperity,” Roper said. Smellie has been at the centre of a number of high-profile cases over his career, the most recent being his ruling in the Chantelle Day/Vickie Bodden Bush case, in which he changed the definition of marriage in the Marriage Law, legalising same-sex marriage. That ruling was later appealed and overturned. The case eventually went to the Privy Council which upheld the Court of Appeal decision. About Ramsay-Hale As well as being chief justice in Turks and Caicos, she was also the sole presiding judge in the civil and commercial divisions of the Turks and Caicos Court and presided in the criminal and matrimonial/family divisions. Prior to being appointed chief justice, she was a puisne judge in Turks and Caicos from 2011-2014. She served as chief magistrate in Cayman for three years and as a magistrate for 10 years. She also sat in Jamaica as a resident magistrate and a family court judge, both for two years. The statement pointed out that Ramsay-Hale served ad hoc as a judge in the Cayman Islands in 2006 and was appointed to the Cayman Islands Panel of Acting Grand Court Judges in 2013. Before beginning her judicial career, she practised privately and was appointed Crown counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Jamaica in 1994. She is a certified mediator and was called to the Bar in 1991. Margaret Ramsay-Hale will take up the post of chief justice in October. - Photo: File Ramsay-Hale appointed as first female chief justice Cayman's new chief justice, Margaret Ramsay-Hale, with Governor Martyn Roper, left, and the outgoing Chief Justice Anthony Smellie. - Photo:Supplied “Justice Ramsay-Hale, who is Caymanian, brings extensive legal knowledge and significant leadership and management experience, including as a former Chief Justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Governor Martyn Roper cayman compass 6 news N news FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022Organisers awaiting outcome of criminal trial RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The Miss Cayman Islands Universe Committee has said Tiffany Conolly, who remains the Miss Cayman Islands Universe titleholder, will not make any appearances or conduct any interviews until further notice. The committee said it is awaiting the outcome of the pending court case in which the 24-year-old beauty queen from West Bay faces multiple assault charges. In March, Conolly was released on bail after pleading not guilty to the charges she faces: two counts of common assault, two counts of damage to property, two counts of assaulting a police officer, and one count of disorderly conduct. An initial trial was set for July; however, it was administratively adjourned and a new date has been set for 15 Oct. The trial, if it goes ahead as scheduled, will be held three months before the Miss Universe pageant is hosted, in New Orleans, Louisiana on 14 Jan. Conolly, along with the pageant committee and Ministry of Tourism, has faced public backlash since she was crowned on 6 Aug. out of a field of eight contestants. Some of her fellow contenders have said her win while facing criminal charges has overshadowed the pageant. The Cayman Islands Universe Committee has maintained its stance that she “met the entry requirements” and was, therefore, an eligible candidate at the time she participated in the pageant. The 2022/2023 Miss Cayman Islands Universe application form sets out the qualifications for entry which require applicants, among other stipulations, to be of “good character with no criminal record save… convictions for minor traffic offences”. As Miss Cayman Universe, Conolly was awarded a $70,000 three-year educational scholarship. Editor’s note: Compass Media was a sponsor of the Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant and of one of the contestants. Tiffany Conolly was crowned Miss Cayman Islands Universe on 6 Aug. - Photo: File No public appearances for Miss Cayman Universe Conolly, along with the pageant committee and Ministry of Tourism, has faced public backlash since she was crowned on 6 Aug. out of a field of eight contestants. cayman compass 7 news N news FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022RESHMA RAGOONATH rraganooth@compassmedia.ky Tears welled up in the eyes of Eziethamae Bodden as she watched the funeral procession for the late Queen Elizabeth II unfold on large TV screens in the dark church hall at the Wesleyan Holiness Church in the early hours of Monday morning. Though inevitable, she said, she never really expected she would have to face the reality of the Queen’s passing. “I already had my cry for this morning, and I feel like doing it again… I thought that she would just live forever,” she said as she spoke with the Cayman Compass at the West Bay church. She was among millions of people worldwide who watched on their screens the funeral service at London’s Westminster Abbey, the gun carriage procession through The Mall and Parliament Square, followed the journey of the hearse to Windsor Castle, where the late monarch was laid to rest with her husband Prince Philip at the Royal Vault in St. George’s Chapel. The state funeral was held at 1pm British time, meaning that those in Cayman who wanted to watch it live had to rise before the dawn, as coverage of the event began at 5am. Bodden said she met the Queen on both her visits to the Cayman Islands and recounted her interactions as the funeral played in the background. “I just marvelled at how she conducted herself. She was a humble lady and I just had to come today… I just had to come,” she said, adding that her father always told her about the importance of the Queen and the monarchy when she was growing up. ‘Felt like family had left us’ Bodden shared that she was supposed to receive her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from the Queen in 2008 when she went to Buckingham Palace. However, that day the Queen was ill. Instead, Prince Charles, who is now King Charles III, bestowed the honour on her and signed her certificate, which she proudly shared. Bodden was among a few mourners gathered at the West Bay church to watch the funeral and the procession, one of several public viewings arranged by government during Cayman’s period of national mourning. Over at Cayman Islands Baptist Church in Savannah, MP and Parliament Secretary Heather Bodden, together with a handful of others, watched the state funeral happening live. She said she came early to watch the ceremony, which she described as “very touching”. She said she had also felt as though the Queen would be around forever, having ruled for 70 years. “[Her passing] hit us very out of the blue and I think we all felt the grief,” she said. She said it was all the more emotional that someone that “we knew all of our lives had suddenly just left us”. “We almost all felt like family had left us,” she added. She was representing Premier Wayne Panton, who was in the UK attending the funeral as part of the Cayman delegation, which also included Governor Martyn Roper. Cayman represented at state funeral Among those marching in the funeral procession were six Royal Cayman Islands Police Service officers, an honour Heather Bodden said the island should be proud of, on such an historic occasion. “That made my heart feel really good this morning that they could also be in attendance… I think we’re all feeling it this morning as we watch it live. To be able to do this… means a lot,” she added. In a statement about the officers’ attendance at the funeral, Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne said, “The RCIPS representatives, comprising three male and three female officers were led by Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown, himself a former London Metropolitan Police Officer, have been selected from various departments across the service and have represented the Cayman Islands with great pride in ceremonial uniforms. It was indeed a great honour for the Service to be part of this historic and solemn occasion in London.” Over the weekend, Premier Panton and Governor Martyn Roper and their spouses paid their respects to the Queen in London on behalf of Cayman. On his official Facebook page, Roper said it was “excellent that Cayman is so well represented at these events to reflect the strong sense of sadness and loss that so many across our Islands feel”. Panton and Roper attended the King’s Reception at Buckingham Palace on Sunday afternoon. “The atmosphere in London is extraordinary with very large crowds and hundreds of thousands queuing patiently for hours for the Lying-in-State to pay their final respects to such an amazing woman and Monarch. The mood is sombre and respectful with a strong sense of compassion, dignity and community. I am very proud to be able to represent Cayman with the Premier,” the Governor added. In a post on his official Facebook page, Panton said the Queen’s death had “unquestionably placed a heavy, solemn mark on the hearts of our people”. Panton added that the delegation was also invited to join other Caymanians in the UK, at the Cayman Islands Government Office UK, to pay collective, personal respects to the late Queen. “Being able to attend Her Late Majesty’s Lying in State at Westminster Hall, and Official State Funeral on behalf of the Cayman Islands will allow us, as her lone servants, to pay our dutiful respects collectively and prove our strong devotion and admiration towards Her Late Majesty ceremonially. Our hope is to emphasise and uphold the deep-rooted strength so heavily ingrained into our Commonwealth of nations by an unforgettable, valiant lady,” Panton said in the post. Cayman and world watch Queen’s funeral Eziethamae Bodden signs the condolence book at the Wesleyan Holiness Church in West Bay. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay Five of the six police officers who represented the RCIPS at the funeral. “I thought that she would just live forever.” Eziethamae Bodden cayman compass 8 news N news FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022cayman compass 9 FRIDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2022Next >