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Can not be redeemed with the same transaction. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 20-26 January 2023 A new beginning and a family’s fresh hope Honouring Addi: Kelly family on a mission to help others Pages 16-17 Teen mental health hub Alex’s Place opens Page 3 Amid a mounting crisis: compasscompass Phot o: R eshma R agoonathBurglars repeatedly target Red Cross The Cayman Islands Red Cross is appealing for the public’s help to catch burglars who have repeatedly raided its trailer, storage container and overnight dropbox, and stolen items donated by members of the public. In a statement released on Tuesday, 17 Jan., a spokesperson for the Red Cross said the burglaries have escalated over the past month, during which the crooks destroyed locks and vandalised property to gain access to the public donations. The Red Cross says the incident was captured on CCTV, which was provided to police. “The latest major incident that occurred resulted in two males being detained by RCIPS on Saturday 7th January 2023,” said the Red Cross in its press release. “However, this did not stop the burglars from coming back, and in the past week there have been numerous thefts from the donation box overnight.” Now the Red Cross fears the thieves may be looking to target its main building, which houses its thrift shop. Volunteers have had to regularly clean up the aftermath of these raids, which includes donations being thrown in the parking lot, as well as human excrement and urine, the Red Cross said in the press release. In light of the burglaries, the Red Cross is asking the public not to use the overnight dropbox, but instead donate items directly to the Thrift Shop during the opening hours of 8am-2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. DoE issues warning on poisonous Brazilian peppertree The recent discovery of a new plot of the highly invasive and poisonous Brazilian peppertrees in Newlands has prompted a warning to the public from the Department of Environment about the plant. “If encountered, please do not attempt to cut down the tree as it is not only toxic to the skin and eyes but new shoots can grow from old stumps, stimulating propagation. Additionally, burning it releases an irritating and noxious smoke so the only way to ensure it does not spread is for it to be treated by professionals,” the DoE said in its post. Terrestrial Resources officer Simone Williams, in an emailed comment to the Cayman Compass on Tuesday, 17 Jan. said the Brazilian peppertree is an invasive noxious plant with similar properties to poison ivy. “The public should be mindful to keep a distance and not touch the plant as it can cause severe rashes. When it’s in bloom the pollen is also an irritant to the lungs and can cause an allergic reaction. Please report any sightings immediately by emailing doe@gov.ky with a photo and location,” Williams added. Back in December, new regulations to control alien and invasive species and protect native and endemic plants and animals came into effect under the National Conservation Act to assist the DoE in dealing with challenges such as these. These regulations introduce a prohibited species list, outline the distinctions between domestic and feral animals, and explain the procedures and actions to control feral animals and other alien species to reduce the threat to native species. Two West Bay public beach access signs illegally removed The Public Lands Commission is calling for the return of two public beach access signs that were removed without authorisation from two registered public access locations in West Bay. “I want to remind the public that the theft or unlawful removal of public property is an offence under the Penal Code, and persons found in possession of Public Access Signs without a lawful excuse will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Public Lands Commission chief inspector Winsome Prendergast, in a statement Tuesday, 17 Jan. on the missing signs. One of the two public beach access signs was removed from Barkers National Park (Barkers 48), she said. The other missing sign was removed from Conch Point Road, next to the horse stables (Barkers 46). She said the unlawful removal of these signs “is very unfortunate” as they are only meant to best serve the public. “However, if the signs are recovered they can be delivered to the [Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Unit] section at the Public Works compound, located at 370 North Sound Road… or delivered to the PLC office at Unit A7, Crown Square, 71 Eastern Avenue,” Prendergast said. Part of the mandate of the Public Lands Commission, which was established in 2017, is the protection of the right of access to public land. This includes registered and unregistered public rights of way to the beach/shoreline and enforcement of public rights of way over private land, the statement said. Anyone with information about the missing signs can contact the Public Lands Inspectorate at 946-7110 or plcinspectorate@gov.ky or plc@gov.ky. Powery-Doxey welcomed home after Miss Universe pageant Miss Cayman Islands Universe first runner-up Chloe Powery- Doxey returned to a warm welcome over the weekend, after representing Cayman at the 71st Miss Universe pageant held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Powery-Doxey was greeted by Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan, family, friends and Miss Universe Cayman Islands Committee members among other invited guests at Owen Roberts International Airport on Sunday, 15 Jan., at a reception which was closed to the media. Presenting her with a bouquet of flowers, Bryan said, “I hope these roses remind you of how beautiful you are, and how much we appreciate you. I’m so proud of you and glad you are home safe.” R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, of the US was crowned Miss Universe, with the first and second runners- up Amanda Dudamel, 23, of Venezuela and Anderina Martinez, 25, of the Dominican Republic, respectively. Although Powery-Doxey did not finish in the top 16, she made international headlines for her costume, which was inspired by Grand Cayman’s endangered endemic blue iguana. The costume was designed locally by Devika and Swanky International. 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. A MAN CALLED OTTO (PG-13) (FRI, MON - THURS) 3:30 | 3:45 VIP | 7:30 | 9:40 VIP (SAT) 12:35 VIP | 1:05 | 3:30 | 7:30 | 9:40 VIP (SUN) 3:30 | 3:45 VIP | 7:00 VIP | 7:30 VIP AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER (PG-13) (FRI, MON - THURS) 3:30 3D VIP | 4:00 | 7:30 3D VIP | 8:00 (SAT) 12:15 VIP | 12:40 | 3:30 3D VIP | 4:00 | 7:30 3D VIP | 8:00 (SUN) 3:30 3D VIP | 4:00 | 6:45 VIP | 7:30 3D VIP | 8:00 | 9:00 BABYLON (R) (FRI, MON - THURS) 3:30 | 6:40 VIP | 9:15 (SAT) 3:30 | 6:40 VIP M3GAN (PG-13) (FRI, MON, - THURS) 6:40 | 10:35 VIP (SAT) 4:10 VIP | 7:15 | 10:35 VIP (SUN) 4:45 | 7:15 | 9:55 VIP OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE (PG-13) (FRI, MON - THURS) 4:10 VIP | 7:15 | 10:00 (SAT) 12:30 | 4:15 VIP | 10:00 (SUN) 4:10 VIP | 10:00 PLANE (R) (FRI, SAT, MON, WED & THURS) 7:00 VIP | 10:25 (TUES) 10:25 PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (PG) (FRI, MON -THURS) 4:40 (SAT) 12:55 | 4:40 (SUN) 4:40 | 6:25 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK KIDS CLUB BEE MOVIE SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) KIDS CLUB MOANA SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) SHAUN OF THE DEAD TUESDAY 7PM VIP (R) CLASSICS CULTURE NT LIVE 2022: HENRY V SATURDAY 8PM (R18) 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 HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES weather Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers. SEA STATE Rough with a wave height of 5 to 7 feet. A small craft warning is in effect. WINDS East to northeast at 20 to 25 knots. 88°F HIGH 77°F LOW Chloe Powery-Doxey returned to Cayman after competing in the Miss Universe pageant on Saturday, 14 Jan. R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, of the USA was crowned winner. - Photo: Miss Cayman Islands Universe Facebook news in brief Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia), also known as Brazilian pepper, aroeira, rose pepper, Christmas berry or Florida Holly, is a highly invasive, poisonous plant. - Photo: Department of Environment cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 2023RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman has opened its first adolescent-specific mental health hub, Alex’s Place, in memory of teenager Alex Panton. “It is hoped that the young person being treated here will respond easier to mental health treatment without fear of being judged or stigmatised for the reason that they have been brought here,” a tearful Jane Panton, founder of the Alex Panton Foundation, said as she marked the milestone of the creation of the hub. “Alex would be very happy with the culmination of our efforts,” she said at the event, held at the old General Practice building at the Health Services Authority, which was characterised by both heartache and hope for those in attendance. Helping end the stigma Panton thanked those who stood with her and worked to form the foundation in the “12 years, two months and 19 days” since her family lost their “most awesome, vivacious Alex,” who had struggled with the effects of severe depression. “I’m deeply honoured to be a part of the team and profoundly grateful to all involved who have worked so hard to make this dream become a reality. The next step in this process is to facilitate inpatient treatment with an inpatient adolescent mental health unit. I am hoping this can be achieved in the next year or two,” she said. Together, she said, they have created a much-needed facility to treat “our youth in a mental health crisis with the hope that the treatment received will reduce the likelihood of a recurring crisis for the patient”. “Our vision of improved mental health for Cayman society as a whole is being illuminated here today,” she added. The hub features private rooms and open spaces, accentuated by colourful murals and words of encouragement. Through collaborative efforts with the HSA, along with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, she said, they were able to achieve their goal “which challenges the barriers that inhibit young people’s access to mental health treatment in emergency situations. Alex’s Place is designed to reduce the added anxiety of the emergency room posed by adults being triaged for various emergencies and traumas”. Panton was joined by her husband Premier Wayne Panton and their son Cody as they cut the ribbon to open the hub. Health Minister Sabrina Turner, speaking at the opening, said government is committed to the wellness of all in the community and the mental health care of those in need. Crying out for a space The need for a space for young people desperately seeking mental health support was emphasised by Dr. Marc Lockhart, former Mental Health Commission chairman, who shared a stark picture of struggling youth in Cayman. He said suicide attempts among teens went up by 72%, or more than 100, between 2020 and 2021. Looking back, he said, Alex, whom he knew, told him that he lost faith in a lot of things. “Alex lost faith in our approaches and the ways we deal with things and he shared that with me. He would be proud of what we are seeing today,” Lockhart said. Dr. Arline McGill, head of the HSA’s Behavioural Health Department, welcomed the hub, saying it will make a difference in both support and wait times for those seeking intervention. Previously, she said, the crisis pathway for suicidal thoughts, deliberate self-harm and mental distress led only to the A&E department where physical and psychiatric assessments would be conducted. “This resulted in wait times of two to four hours. The outpatient behavioural health clinic at the Smith Road Medical Centre would be hard pressed to provide intervention in less than two weeks. Today, we present a facility where the primary focus is the comfort and synchrony with mindset and needs of the modern adolescent,” she said. Alex’s Place, she said, aims to create an atmosphere which is welcoming to the adolescent age group and has seven offices designed for assessment and different therapy modalities including family therapy, hypnotherapy, activity-based therapy and group therapy. “The highly trained service providers include a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, social worker, community psychiatric nurse practitioner, soon, an activity therapist and family therapy specialist. Mobile services will also be available where clients can be reached in their community setting,” she said. The mobile bus was generously donated by Maples law firm, to whom Panton expressed gratitude, as well as the R3 Foundation that donated furniture to outfit the area. Doctor referrals Alex’s Place is an outpatient service, McGill said, though the goal longer term is an extended hours service. It will initially operate between 10am and 6pm. Outside of these hours, she said, individuals will need to seek assistance through the Accident & Emergency Department or the urgent care clinic at the hospital. “As the adolescent service expands into phase two, these hours will be extended,” she said. Initially, in phase one, she said, all young persons must be referred by a medical/mental health professional who should bear in mind that Alex’s Place will provide urgent, but not emergency, care. Severe disturbances will still be attended to by the A&E; if the A&E team considers a case appropriate for Alex’s Place, that young person will be directed there. The service will be completely voluntary, which means that the adolescent will be invited to be involved in the process, she explained. Young people seeking urgent mental health care outside of the context of severe mental disturbance, she said, can now be referred to Alex’s Place for an informed risk assessment. The hub, she said, is not suitable for “forensic cases or for people under the Mental Health [Act]”. Crisis exacerbated by COVID-19 HSA board chairman Osbourne Bodden welcomed the opening of a “long-awaited and much-needed service”. “The roots of these issues existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has most likely both exacerbated and highlighted the scope of the challenges in addressing this issue. The time is right and the need has never been more apparent to discuss and provide innovative solutions, and I can proudly say that Alex’s Place is among those solutions,” he said. HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood said the hub is a result of a true private-public collaboration between the Alex Panton Foundation, the HSA and the Ministry of Health & Wellness. “This is only the beginning of many other initiatives to come,” she said. “There will be ongoing efforts to increase mental health support and education to children and adolescents through awareness campaigns and collaboration with schools and after-school care programmes as well as for parents, family, care facilities, the RCIPS, (Department of Children and Family Services) and other professionals and community organisations responsible for children.” Jane Panton with son Alex. - Photo: Supplied A message of hope greets people as they enter Alex’s Place. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath From left, Health Minister Sabrina Turner, HSA board chairman Osbourne Bodden and Jane Panton, founder of the Alex Panton Foundation, cut the ribbon to open Alex’s Place. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath Alex’s Place opens doors to helping Cayman’s struggling youth cayman compass 3 news N news WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 20231234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Unsympathetic (5) 4 Aid to navigation (7) 8 Excessively (3) 9 Greek philosopher 384-322BC (9) 10 Dig up (7) 11 In suitable way (5) 13 Delicately pretty (6) 15 Monotony (6) 18 Sound broadcasting (5) 19 Denigrate (7) 21 Indoctrinate systematically (9) 23 A minimal amount (3) 24 Resentful indignation (7) 25 Bare (5) DOWN 1 Shock with surprise (7) 2 Unanimous (2,3,4) 3 Instinctive talent (5) 4 Self-consciously fashionable (6) 5 Firedamp (7) 6 Operate effectively (3) 7 Slightly unwell (5) 12 Body researching new ideas (5-4) 14 Thrash (7) 16 Wealthy (7) 17 Be prevalent (6) 18 Unreasoning (5) 20 Pasty (5) 22 Say further (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17219 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 17219 ACROSS: 1 Aloof, 4 Compass, 8 Too, 9 Aristotle, 10 Unearth, 11 Aptly, 13 Dainty, 15 Tedium, 18 Radio, 19 Blacken, 21 Brainwash, 23 Any, 24 Dudgeon, 25 Naked. DOWN: 1 Astound, 2 Of one mind, 3 Flair, 4 Chichi, 5 Methane, 6 Act, 7 Seedy, 12 Think-tank, 14 Trounce, 16 Moneyed, 17 Obtain, 18 Rabid, 20 Ashen, 22 Add. pic of the week Pooch parade The annual One Dog Jog, hosted by charity One Dog at a Time, attracted an array of both four- and two-legged participants to Safehaven on Sunday, 15 Jan. On its Facebook page, the organisation thanked those who showed up in spite of the weekend’s colder weather. “It was a bit chilly but we start 2023 in a healthy way with vital funds towards our vet bills,” ODAAT wrote in the post, thanking attendees for supporting the fundraiser. In addition to those canine cuties on display at the event, such as the pooch pictured above wearing an ‘Adopt me’ sign, there are a number of dogs available to be fostered or to be taken to their forever home. For more information, contact ODAAT at 917-8284 or onedogatatimeky@gmail.com. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay I would like to see more coverage of what is happening with the Black Pearl skatepark by Hurley’s. It is a terrible shame for the island to lose the skatepark. It is an underused resource that could provide a fantastic public park if the government were to step in and purchase the land. With skateboarding now an Olympic sport, Cayman could not only cultivate athletes in an emerging sport, but also act as a training ground for international athletes. The Black Pearl is a world class facility that is being disregarded. The government has the opportunity to gain a valuable asset for the Caymanian public, but doesn’t seem to be taking notice. Jordan Comacchio This letter is in response to the 4 Jan. 2023 Cayman Compass article by Norma Connolly, “Marriott bussing guests to Dart beach”. Great article! I am sure that I do not need to tell your readers of the extensive beach erosion from Plantation Village to Coral Beach. Our family has been an owner of a unit at Cayman Reef Resort that is located along this stretch of beach since it was built in the early 1970s. We have witnessed the beach erosion in this area up close and personally. When first built, we were over 200 feet from the ocean. We had a line of casuarina trees on the beach between Cayman Reef and the ocean. We could sit on the beach in the shade of these trees. Now the beach is almost completely gone! We were greatly heartened by the government allocation of $21 million in 2021 to study and restore the beach. What happened to this plan, because now it is a total secret. The September 2022 meeting of concerned parties, chaired by Marriott manager Hermes Cuello and mentioned in your article, essentially revealed no government progress that could be reported on this problem. The Marriott hotel now has no beach and must transport their guests to other parts of the island. How long will they stay in business under these circumstances? What about the homes along this section of Seven Mile Beach? Is the government just going to wait till they start falling into the ocean before announcing their plan for beach restoration? As a homeowner, the government has not provided any information or action plan to address beach restoration. They risk a future catastrophic loss of property values. This would not be good for future tourism or real estate sales! James Rich What is happening at the skatepark? Government needs to take action on beach erosion What they’re saying Online Letters to the editor Schilling seeks approval for Port Zeus marina project If it will provide jobs for Brac residents, I’m all for it. – Natasha-Gillian Bunting All of you guys on here saying the Brac doesn’t need this but none of you guys know how this Island is hurting. Try coming here for yourselves to see! – Curtis Conolly And this fits in with the plan to slow down development how? What does the Department of Environment say? – Regina Ecclefield Brac peaked right about when I was born there. I ended up graduating from university only to come home with no way to use my degree there, so I moved away. Whatever economic model is currently in place, surely isn’t working. I get the sentiment of the older generations to keep it as they know it, but change needs to happen there. This could breathe new life into the Brac and Little Cayman. Interested to see it play out. – Jd Banks This project will negatively impact the ecosystem around Scott’s Dock. – Andrew McLachlan cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 2023Make good health your resolution for 2023. Book a consultation with Dr Kayes at Cayman Surgical Group today. (345) 945-8380 As part of our expanding partnerships with international board- certified experts and fellowship-trained physicians, we are thrilled to announce the newest member to join our team: Urologist Dr Oliver Kayes. Dr Kayes brings 20 years of clinical experience to CSG, helping patients across all areas of urology. He is globally recognized as an expert in men’s health concerns, infertility, benign prostate conditions, reconstructive surgery, and male sexual dysfunction. Dr Kayes is motivated to deliver clinical innovation and first- class care to his patients in Cayman and across the Caribbean. World-class Urology is here at Cayman Surgical Group. CSG Kayes Ad-03.indd 1CSG Kayes Ad-03.indd 12023-01-04 4:53 PM2023-01-04 4:53 PM cayman compass 5 WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 2023JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Internet entrepreneur turned developer Frank Schilling has fired the starter’s gun on his Port Zeus project, promising to bring new tourism and business opportunities to Cayman Brac. Schilling has submitted permit applications to create a new inland safe harbour and marina that he believes could support a fleet of fishing and water-sports vessels, luxury yachts and potentially an inter-island passenger ferry. It is the first piece in an ambitious long- term project that could develop into an ocean- side village over the next two decades. Schilling, who has been promoting his plan for a Mediterranean- style coastal development on land close to Scott’s Dock for around 18 months, said it was a momentous step to begin the formal application process. He plans to meet with Brac residents next month to discuss the concept. The former owner of Uniregistry has acquired around 300 acres on the Brac in total, making him one of the biggest landowners on the Sister Islands. Coastal works application Cabinet has decision making authority over the coastal works application, which seeks to replace Scott’s Dock with a new 300-foot jetty and add a second jetty, jutting 450 feet into the sea, that will act as breakwater for wave action. A 120-foot-wide channel between those two structures will provide access to the new safe harbour. Separate applications are being filed with the Development Control Board to excavate a lot on the land side of the development – creating a 9-acre inland harbour that can accommodate large yachts. Ultimately, he aims to partner with businesses to develop commercial and residential lots around the water. Over the next two decades, he hopes it can develop into a bustling village that attracts affluent tourists from around the world and brings trade to the Brac. He believes the initial step of creating the harbour is ‘not controversial’ and meets an identified need on the Brac. He said it would stimulate inter-island tourism as well as more visitation from further afield to the Sister Islands. He hopes to have Cabinet approval and an environmental impact assessment completed in the first half of this year. After that, he acknowledged it would be a ‘giant earthworks’ project that could take around two years to create the 20-foot-deep harbour. The next phase will be to develop the lots, which he estimates could be completed by 2027. He said the project would help bring new business to the Brac without overwhelming the island with tourists. It will allow luxury yachts a safe way to visit both Sister Islands. “Every time one of those yachts comes in, it is like a boutique hotel just pulled up. They need fuel, they need champagne, they need Diet Coke, they need a restaurant and a bar.” He said the lots surrounding the harbour would be open to local businesses to develop. “This is something I want to do in partnership with the local community,” he added. Brac MP Moses Kirkconnell and Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan both offered support to the concept in a recent meeting of Parliament. But the impact of the coastal works on marine life and the surrounding environment will have to be assessed by the Department of Environment before the terms of reference for a full EIA are finalised. Schilling seeks approval for Port Zeus marina project An architect’s impression from the Port Zeus ‘masterplan’ shows how the harbour would be laid out. The diagram indicates how the land side of the harbour could be developed. Schilling aims to build Port Zeus on land extending east of Scotts dock. - Photo: Alvaro Serey. cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 2023butterfieldgroup.com Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited is licensed to conduct banking and investment business by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Address: 12 Albert Panton Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship Education is an investment that delivers excellent returns. If you’re a Caymanian student pursuing post-secondary education, let’s start a conversation. Each year, Butterfield selects one deserving student to receive up to US$30,000 per annum to cover undergraduate education- related expenses at an accredited college or university anywhere in the world. An investment in our young people is an investment in our community’s future. Visit us online at www.butterfieldgroup.com/careers/scholarships for scholarship details and how to apply. Application deadline is Friday, 31 March 2023. Undergraduate Scholarship 202602-Ad-Compass-FP-Scholarship-2023.indd 11/12/23 3:55 PM cayman compass 7 WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 2023D’Vonte Joseph Current Scholarship Recipients Let us invest in your future Water Authority-Cayman is now accepting applications for its 2023 Annual Scholarship. The successful applicant could receive up to CI$35,000 to pursue an undergraduate academic or technical/ vocational degree or diploma in a field of study relevant to the Authority’s work. Visit our website www.waterauthority.ky to apply today! APPLICATION DEADLINE: 28 FEBRUARY 2023 Investing in the Cayman Islands since 1983. Alexander EliasLevi Superville ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Former boat captain Sean Michael McDonald has been sentenced to seven years and one month in jail for a 2019 accident that claimed the lives of two people and injured another, when the two vessels collided on the way home after a day out at Rum Point. McDonald, 39, was convicted of two counts of manslaughter and one count of endangering human life through a reckless and negligent act, following a judge-alone trial in August this year. Former RCIPS police officer Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Brown, 49, and John Turner, 70, a British resident in Cayman, were killed in the night-time collision on 11 Aug. 2019. The third person on board, a female passenger, was seriously injured when their boat, a Hurricane Deck, and the vessel McDonald was piloting, a 32-foot Scarab called the Pepper Jelly, collided near Harbour House Marina in Prospect. At the time of the incident, McDonald had been operating as a boat captain for 15 years. “In a matter of moments, the lives of many have been changed forever,” said Grand Court Justice Cheryll Richards. “Children and grandchildren lost their fathers, and grandfathers.” While summarising a victim impact report, Richards noted that Turner’s extended family was on island celebrating his grandson’s birthday when he died. “His daughter says she remembers coming home to discover that her father had not yet returned,” said Richards. “She spoke of the nightmare, disbelief, grief and difficulties the family, extended family and friends have endured and continue to endure as they continue to suffer in constant grief.” Turning her attention to the family of Brown, Richards said, “His eldest son has described a constant state of anguish and hurt, and the anger and pain he feels over having lost his father who was his best friend.” Richards continued, “Brown’s death has led to a family home being sold as a result of the sudden loss of income.” A victim impact report from the third victim, Brown’s then partner, details how she learned of the deaths after awakening from a coma in extreme pain. “She recalls having to go through physiotherapy to relearn how to walk, talk and do other basic things for herself,” said Richards. When handing down her judgment, Richards said McDonald “must face up to the reality of his actions”. GPS data from the boat showed that minutes before the accident McDonald was travelling in excess of 35 miles per hour in a 5mph no-wake zone, and at the time of the impact he was travelling between 42 and 52mph. With knowledge of the risks, he chose to do what he did, Richards said, adding he had “no one to blame but himself”. For the majority of the time as the sentence was read out, McDonald sat silent, with his eyes closed and head slightly lowered. Afterwards, he offered a tearful apology to Turner’s daughter, who attended the proceedings via Zoom. “I am so, so sorry... if i could trade places with them and bring them back I would,” he said, before eventually hugging and kissing his loved ones and going down to the cells below the courthouse. Boat captain jailed for 7 years for manslaughter Children and grandchildren lost their fathers, and grandfathers . – Justice Cheryll Richards Emmanuel 'Manny' Brown The Pepper Jelly charter boat at Harbour House Marina following the 11 Aug. 2019 fatal collision. - Photo: Alvaro Serey cayman compass 8 WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 2023 news N newsPHOTOS Caption: Step 1: App step 2 Caption: Step 2: App step 3 Caption: Step 3: The driver arrives. Payment, tips and feedback are handled by the app. ✔ A US$200 or local equivalent credit in your savings or chequing account every month for one year ✔ A homeowner benefits card ✔ Up to 95% financing* ✔ Up to 30 years to repay* ✔ CIBC FirstCaribbean Home Insurance Plan and 0% interest to pay your home insurance in up to 11 months ✔ A pre-approved Visa Gold or Visa Platinum Credit Card with 5,000 bonus reward points Visit www.cibcfcib.com/homeownerspayday for more information. Homeowner's Pay Day Get cash back every month for 1 year! Future homeowners, enjoy another pay day! Build or buy a home with a mortgage from CIBC FirstCaribbean and relax with these great benefits*: *CIBC FirstCaribbean terms and conditions apply. Offer starts 9 January, 2023, and ends 31 March, 2023. CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank is not an insurer. †The CIBC FirstCaribbean Insurance Program (“Program”) is distributed by the CIBC FirstCaribbean Insurance Agent. The Program is underwritten and administered by CG United or its subsidiaries, the insurer. CIBC FirstCaribbean Insurance† Protection Plans are completely optional. Clients are free to not participate in the Plan, by choosing an alternative insurer. The CIBC logo is a trademark of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, used by FirstCaribbean International Bank under license. RETAIL226039 JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky A tourism-focused transport business is branching out to create a ‘private Uber’ service that will cater to locals in the evenings. Majestic Tours has set up a sister company, Island Ride, and has begun putting its vehicles into operation from 5pm until 11pm for the local market, using an app-based payment system. Owner Nigel Mitten said the aim was to utilise the business’ fleet of vehicles outside of the main daylight hours, when their core tourism trade tails off. He said the business, which launched last week, allows digital booking and payments for a private car service, bringing consistency and ease of booking for locals going out in the evenings. “This was my pandemic project,” said Mitten. “When we locked down for COVID and no one could go to work, I was getting so many calls to book transport and we couldn’t process them without our credit card machine.” He said he had made the decision to “pivot to the digital age”, launching a partner tech company to manage its fleet of vehicles. The app – available at www.islandride.ky – can be used to book one of a dozen vehicles in the evenings in the George Town, West Bay and Seven Mile Beach areas. “We are offering premium rides through the app. It is a bit like a private Uber service,” he said. “It is mostly aimed at people going out to dinner locally who don’t want to drive. The drink- drive limit has got stricter and we think there is a market for it.” He said the aim was to offer more consistency in terms of the cleanliness and quality of vehicles – through the company’s fleet of brand new Chevy Tahoes, Subarus and BMW X5s. The rates are marginally more expensive than a taxi, but the price is per-vehicle, rather than per- passenger and the rates are consistent and transparent through the smart phone app, he said. Passengers don’t need cash and can provide tips and feedback using the app. People riding alone, especially single women, have the option to share details of their ride with trusted contacts. Mitten said this would help people feel more comfortable taking a ride late at night. “This is more of a boutique Transport business launches ‘mini Uber’ in Cayman service,” he said, acknowledging fees would be slightly higher in most cases than a traditional taxi. But he insisted the service would be more consistent and reliable. He believes the app-based booking and payment option meets a need in the market, with the pandemic accelerating a trend that may otherwise have taken longer to break through. “Look at what happened with food delivery. Nobody calls a restaurant to order any more. People just want to go through an app. You should be able to do the same for getting a ride.” The business, which caters largely to tourists during the day, is already regulated by the Public Transport Unit. Summon a ride through the app. The nearest available driver responds and the app tracks him to your location. cayman compass 9 news N news WEEKLY, 20-26 JANUARY 2023Next >