© 2023 Burger King Corporation. Seven Mile Beach location still open! Use the temporary entrance (normally exit) on West Bay Road cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 24-30 March 2023 compass cayman compass Established 1965 compass cayman compass cayman compass Established 1965 compass Broken ties Tension between Saunders and governor revealed in email exchange Page 5 McKeeva Bush court date moved Page 8 New John Gray High School campus opens Page 10 Hundreds sat inaccurate permanent residency tests Pages 24-26Unseasonal rainfall to bring flood of mosquitoes The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is warning residents to brace themselves for an increase in mosquitoes from Sunday evening, 26 March. “High tides combined with unseasonal rainfall have resulted in widespread flooding across Grand Cayman, and MRCU surveillance has identified high numbers of mosquito larvae developing in these flooded areas,” said MRCU director Alan Wheeler, in a statement issued on 21 March. According to the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, there were three instances in which rainfall exceeded 10mm, or 0.4 inches and, in total, 4.46 inches of rainfall were recorded during March. While Aedes aegypti, a commonly known virus-carrying mosquito, prefers to breed in urban areas closer to their human targets, they are not the mosquitoes that Wheeler is warning about. Instead, he expects the larger and stronger swamp mosquito, which is capable of travelling greater distances, to swarm en masse. In 2019, when a similar increase occurred, due to slightly different circumstances, then director Jim McNelly noted that there was a 9,000-acre span of untouched swampland that serves as a critical breeding area for the insects, which are capable of reaching people in North Side, Bodden Town and George Town. Wheeler told the Compass that his officers initially began noticing an increase in the larvae population some two weeks ago and started treating the accessible areas with larvicide. Lack of legal aid delays rental scam case Outstanding legal aid funding has prevented Judith Douglas from entering pleas in relation to an alleged rental scam. “We are still awaiting legal aid in this matter, so there is no progress that can be made today,” said attorney Prathna Bodden on Tuesday, 21 March, while standing in for Jonathon Hughes, who represents Douglas. Douglas, 57, of Bodden Town, faces five counts of obtaining property by deception in connection to the alleged rental scam, following multiple complaints from people claiming that she had taken money from them as cash deposits for leasing a property that she did not own or have the right to rent. She was arrested on 5 March, and has remained in custody since then. She has made two court appearances, on 8 and 21 March, both via video link, and has not made any applications for bail. The matter returns to court on 4 April. Health City opens radiation oncology centre Health City Cayman Islands has opened its new radiation oncology centre for cancer patients in Camana Bay. The centre, the first radiation treatment facility in Cayman, will be named the Gene Thompson Radiotherapy Centre, in homage to the late developer and entrepreneur, who was instrumental in establishing Health City. The opening marks the first phase of the 70,000-square-foot medical facility it is building on three acres of land to the south of Camana Bay, at a cost of US$100 million. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Health City Clinical Director, Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil called the new Radiation Oncology Centre “a symbol of hope, built on a legacy of excellence in medicine which balances compassionate patient care with research, development and innovation.” He added: “The technology which is available means we are now able to provide effective, precise, and less invasive cancer treatments for the people of the Cayman Islands.” Military-grade flare washes ashore in barrel The Cayman Islands Fire Service on 20 March extinguished an ignited military grade flare that washed ashore in a barrel in Bodden Town. Firefighters and police monitored the barrel until 1:15am on Tuesday, 21 March, by which time the fire had extinguished. The barrel washed ashore in the vicinity of Pirates Cave and firefighters were dispatched to the scene following a 911 call. “As a part of a coordinated hazardous material response, the area was quickly cordoned off to allow a thorough on- scene assessment by responding agencies. It was determined that the barrel, which was labelled ‘phosphorous’ contained a military grade flare, [that had] ignited within the barrel,” a statement from the fire service said. It noted the discovery of the ignited flare had triggered a multi-agency response from its team, police, Hazard Management Cayman Islands, the Coast Guard and the Department of Environmental Health. National health survey to begin this summer A national health survey to determine the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases will be carried out this summer across the Cayman Islands. The World Health Organization survey, which will involve 3,300 households, is set to be carried out between 5 June and 31 July, by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Economics and Statistics Office and the Health Services Authority. The last STEPS survey was carried out in Cayman in 2012 survey, and sampled 2,105 households. It showed that 15% of the population smoked; 36.6% were obese and 70.6% overweight; 63% of men and 39.4% of women regularly drank alcohol; 27% had high blood pressure; and less than half (47.9%) had high levels of physical activity. The Ministry of Health, in a statement, said the purpose of the new survey is to determine how the population’s health has changed over the past decade. It consists of three parts: • A questionnaire; • In-house measures of blood pressure, weight, etc.; • Finger-prick blood measurements for blood sugar, cholesterol and other levels. All residents aged 16-69 can participate. The results will be anonymised and all personal information will be removed, the ministry said. The first of a series of community meetings about the survey will be held at the East End Civic Centre on 30 March from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, and will feature Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent and National Epidemiologist Rachel Corbett. 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FURY OF THE GODS (PG-13) (FRI) 3:30 | 4:25 VIP | 6:30 | 9:30 (SAT) 12:30 | 12:45 VIP | 3:30 | 3:40 VIP | 6:30 | 6:40 VIP | 9:30 | 9:45 VIP (SUN-THURS) 3:30 | 3:40 VIP | 6:30 | 6:40 VIP | 9:30 | 9:45 VIP WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK ROBOCOP (1987) TUESDAY 7PM VIP (R) CLASSICSKIDS CLUB THE LION KING (1994) SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (G) KIDS CLUB THE LAND BEFORE TIME SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (G) 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 weather Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers. SEA STATE Rough with a wave height of 4 to 6 feet. WINDS East to northeast at 15 to 20 knots. 86°F HIGH 74°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief Tips to staying mosquito bite-free: • Wear long trousers, as well as long-sleeved clothes. • Use insect repellent with DEET. • Avoid going outside during peak feeding times (6-8am and 6-8pm). • Host events indoors where possible. CORRECTION We apologise that an article titled 'Anger and tears over waiter's hit-and-run death', published in last week’s edition, misnamed one of the interviewees. The MRCU has begun inspections to help its mosquito-control efforts. cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023Specialist Knee Surgeon World-class care here in Cayman (345) 945-8380 Do you suffer with knee pain? Get help from one of the UK’s leading knee specialists. 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Dr James Arbuthnot cayman compass 3 WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 20231234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Helpful factor (7) 5 That is to say (2,3) 8 Adequate space to work (5,4) 9 Sequence (3) 10 Responsibility (4) 12 Decisive confrontation (8) 14 Placard (6) 15 Dismal (6) 17 Power of seeing (8) 18 Excitement (4) 21 Invite (3) 22 Ineffectual (2,2,5) 24 Exalted (5) 25 Magic (7) DOWN 1 A race (5) 2 Gist (3) 3 Behave servilely (4) 4 Prize of victory (6) 5 Impaired by age (4-4) 6 Fine painting for example (4,2,3) 7 Temporary occupation of property (7) 11 Worth mentioning (2,5,2) 13 Laughably small (8) 14 Be predominant (7) 16 Gratitude (6) 19 Mass meeting of supporters (5) 20 Impartial (4) 23 To mimic (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17273 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 17273 ACROSS: 1 Benefit, 5 To wit, 8 Elbow room, 9 Run, 10 Duty, 12 Showdown, 14 Poster, 15 Dreary, 17 Eyesight, 18 Stir, 21 Ask, 22 Of no avail, 24 Lofty, 25 Sorcery. DOWN: 1 Breed, 2 Nub, 3 Fawn, 4 Trophy, 5 Time-worn, 6 Work of art, 7 Tenancy, 11 To speak of, 13 Derisory, 14 Prevail, 16 Thanks, 19 Rally, 20 Fair, 23 Ape. What they’re saying Online Cruise lines eye Cayman Brac expansion This is a very bad idea that will decimate that area of the Brac. Cruise ships have nothing to offer that will benefit the Brac. It’s all negative. Save the Brac! Andrew McLachlan Why would anyone want to turn Cayman Brac into a cruise ship destination? Leave it alone and don’t mess up this pristine gem. It would just turn into another version of a private ‘cruise ship island’ like Coco Cay. Ursula Ceisel Zubizarreta Boo. Cruise ships and their largely obnoxious passengers will quickly ruin the Brac. But money, money, money, right? Ted N. There is opportunity for growth on the Brac but not at the cost of everything that makes the island what it is. Cruise tourism is abso- lutely not the way. Elaine Shalvey This makes me so sad. I know my island needs a boost in the economy but not this way. Focus on stayover tourists. Build a new hotel. Don’t destroy our natural marine environment for the cruise industry. Anything but this. Sadly, my people are so desperate for a change and, while I do understand, I think some are short-sighted with this one. This isn’t the answer. I’m afraid that the desperation for change is going to lead to bad decisions here and we will suffer for it in the long run. Reena Medina Governor calls out reckless driving in wake of ‘heartbreaking’ hit-and-run death The roads are an absolute mess! Also, people, please use your indica- tors! It isn’t for you! It’s for people around you to know where you are going! Corona Ecclefield And? Isn’t the RCIPS under his direction? There are no police on the roads to curb any bad behav- iour and a serious lack of interest in the problems on our roads, so no sense in considering it a “serious issue” now, while you are going out the door. What has anyone done about it for the last three years? The police commissioner doesn’t seem to want to do anything about anything. Radar up in East End making sure you don’t go over the 25 mile an hour speed limit, and on South Sound Road, while people driving at breakneck speed on Linford Pierson and Esterley Tibbetts. Where are the police on those roads? Wanda Viscount A crying shame, a young life cut short. Diane Rankin Asian shipping shortage leaves used cars stuck in ports Good, because that’s the last thing this island needs! Way too many cars. Andrew Veganic Fine. We have too many cars and SUVs that can’t stay on their side of the narrow roads anyway. Ivor Lee Missing teenage girl found Happy to know she was found safe. I hope counselling is in place for these poor young kids that feel that running away is the best option. We don’t know what causes this behaviour which could be a number of things. Sarasue McField Good. Thank God. And I hope that she and her friends get all the care and support they need, because their need could not be more obvious. Rachel Osborne I would like to know her story! No one knows what these kids are going through either! It may not be what plenty us are thinking! Maybe we need to talk to these kids the right and proper way and show them you care a little. Let them know that it’s not always their fault! Because it can’t always be! Nona Webster New golf course would be a game-changer for Cayman New golf course? Put it on Brac. That will foster the devel- opment of more tourism resourc- es there and relieve some of the overcrowding on Grand Cayman. Win-win. Pete M. Better spend the public’s money on road projects. Start- ing with an overpass at the A. L. Thompson’s and Hurley’s round- abouts that cannot cope with the present volume of traffic. Not just for local residents either. How many tourists won’t return after being stuck in hour-long traffic jams? Norman L. How about investing in the Cayman youth sporting pro- grammes, academies? Tyris General Because there’s nothing more important to focus on right now... Amber Ford And charge too much for the locals to play. Zactly Marotta Sounds like a great idea! Robert H Darley The site of the proposed Port Zeus which could bring cruise ships to Cayman Brac. - Photo: Alvaro Serey cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023A heated dispute between Governor Martyn Roper and former Deputy Premier Chris Saunders appears to have set off a chain of events that culminated with Saunders’ sudden exit from the PACT administration. An email exchange between the two men and other Cabinet ministers, a portion of which was seen by the Cayman Compass, sheds light on what had been unfolding behind closed doors for weeks. The row, during which the governor says he was told “go home, the sooner, the better”, escalated to the point where Saunders accused Roper of having made a “racist” comment; the disagreement is understood to have played a part in Saunders’ shock exit from the front bench on Tuesday, 21 March. In an email sent by Roper, he describes behaviour at a 10 Jan. Cabinet meeting as “astounding and unacceptable”. While the governor doesn’t single out Saunders by name, he suggests some reactions during this meeting, including an accusation that comments he made about failure to pass a gambling bill were “racist”, were “likely” in breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct. In his reply, Saunders appears to accept that the comments refer to him and accuses Roper of continuously using language that is “imperialistic, offensive, and condescending in nature”. Details of the conflict come just days before Roper’s departure after four-and- a-half years as the UK’s representative in Cayman. Saunders’ resignation In a surprise move, Saunders announced he had resigned from the PACT government in a WhatsApp message to his constituents, writing, “Earlier today, I held a brief meeting with Premier Panton. It is clear from that meeting that the Premier and I have differences that are material to us working together, and as such, I have resigned as a Minister of Cabinet and a member of PACT effective immediately.” The move prompted a Cabinet reshuffle in which Education Minister Juliana O’Connor- Connolly was elevated to deputy premier. Gambling Bill sparked conflict The source of the conflict between Saunders and the governor appears to be government’s decision not to vote to pass legislation increasing penalties for illegal gambling, but instead send it to a select committee. The email thread, viewed by the Compass, shows that Roper had raised concerns about this during a Cabinet meeting in December 2022. The subject appears to have come up again in a subsequent meeting, culminating in the tense exchange, and straining relations between the two men. In an 11 Jan. message to all Cabinet ministers following that second stand-off, Roper states: “I accept that comments I made at the Government House Cabinet in December, around perceptions I had heard about why illegal gambling legislation was not passed, were uncomfortable. “But to go from that to accusing me of racism and ‘go home, the sooner the better’ is frankly astounding and unacceptable. It is likely a breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct.” Saunders’ reply provides more detail in terms of the governor’s concerns around the bill and why the issue inflamed tensions at successive Cabinet meetings, indicating his belief that Roper had effectively insinuated there were links with criminals who run Cayman’s illegal lotteries. “The comment that you made at the Cabinet meeting last December was not just “uncomfortable” – it was racist,” Saunders wrote. “Your default position was that the government was controlled by organized crime. That’s the default thinking of people who see through a ‘particular’ lens,” he wrote. The governor’s message acknowledges he did raise concerns about the gambling bill, and specifically how government not yet moving forward with an increase in penalties for the underground lottery could be perceived. “The way to dispel any such perceptions, if they are indeed unfounded, is for lawmakers to uphold their obligations for the rule of law and pass the legislation. I have not heard any overwhelming arguments for delay,” Roper states. Reserved power Saunders also questions whether the governor may have encroached on the territory of elected legislators in seeking to influence the passage of the bill, which is currently with a select committee. “Are Members of Parliament and Ministers of Cabinet subject to the direction or control of the Governor?” he asks in a missive that was copied to Attorney General Samuel Bulgin. He also makes reference to the governor’s “previous threatening tone of the use of Section 81”, suggesting that Roper may have indicated an intent to use his reserved power to introduce illegal- gambling legislation. While he does not have the power to intervene in domestic affairs, the governor can enact legislation though Section 81, subject to approval from the UK, which is his reserved power. Roper did this when he enacted the Civil Partnerships Act in 2020 after lawmakers voted down similar legislation in Parliament. Bill in limbo The Gambling Bill was sent to a select committee of the House for revisions amid concerns expressed during a parliamentary debate that it could criminalise ordinary citizens, particularly the elderly, who play the numbers. During debate on the bill, Premier Wayne Panton and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson had suggested the local lottery games were linked to foreign “organised crime syndicates” that raked in up to $50 million a year. Former Premier Alden McLaughlin was among those to highlight the prevalence of the local lottery games and indicate concerns that the bill risked a “draconian approach of sending masses of Caymanians to jail”. It was ultimately shelved and referred to a bipartisan select committee with a view to coming up with appropriate revisions at a later date. The governor appears to have been pressing for swifter action on this, citing his responsibility for law and order. The Cabinet discussions around the bill came in the context of escalating armed robberies that police said were linked to the numbers games. In a recent interview on the Cayman Compass Facebook talkshow, ‘The Resh Hour’, Roper reiterated his concerns about the impact of illegal gambling on efforts to keep Cayman safe. “Our law enforcement experts advise me action is necessary and needed now to protect our community. I ask Cabinet colleagues to reconsider their positions and engage with the select committee process,” he said, alluding more recently to the delays in moving forward with the legislation. Saunders, in his email, in reference to the governor’s apparent pressure to get the bill passed, added, “You speak about upholding the rule of law as if we sit there and encourage lawlessness and you are the only one concerned. It is us Members of Parliament and Ministers of Cabinet that attends the funerals. It is us that console the families.” Saunders suggests he was not the only one to take offence at the governor’s remarks, claiming that five out of eight Cabinet ministers had “left immediately” after the December meeting and “refused to break bread with you at what was to be your last Christmas lunch here”. Wider accusations While the governor’s apparent concerns about illegal gambling legislation were clearly the flashpoint for the row, Saunders seems to have gone on to detail wider accusations of disrespectful behaviour and made references to a “pigmentocracy”, citing pictures posted from events at Government House. Saunders defends these views as being justified by the same “freedom of expression” that allowed the governor to opine on the Gambling Bill and perceptions of links to the criminal community. “Because you didn’t like what I said I must now be reprimanded like some petulant child? Why? Because my opinion differed from yours? The year is 2023. Not 1823 or 1923,” he wrote in the email. Despite that, Saunders appears to accept in the email, also dated 11 Jan., that the dispute could lead to his departure from Cabinet. “If the Hon. Premier believes that I have nothing to offer his government, our Constitution is clear on what he can do,” he states, adding, as he did in his resignation statement, that the role of “MP” is more important to him than “DP”. Governor defends his record and character The governor’s email encouraged Cabinet ministers to observe the “highest standards, values and ethics”. It is not clear if he escalated his complaint about a “likely breach” of the ministerial code further. At the time, he stated, “We must work to ensure that Cabinet can function effectively and that we carry out our roles with courtesy, dignity and mutual respect. “I have worked extremely hard for Cayman and its community over 4 years, not least during Covid. I know fair-minded people recognise this. I will continue to do my utmost for the people of these Islands until I depart at the end of March.” Cabinet reshuffle The Cabinet reshuffle that followed Saunders’ resignation saw Panton assuming responsibility for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, with O’Connor- Connolly appointed deputy premier while retaining her two current ministries of Education, and District Administration and Lands. Bodden Town East MP Dwayne Seymour was elevated to Cabinet, responsible for the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, relinquishing his roles as Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary. Responsibility for public transport moves from Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan’s ministry to Minister Jay Ebanks, whose remit already includes the National Roads Authority and traffic management. “Consolidating all traffic related matters under the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure will allow that Ministry to bring forth comprehensive solutions to deal with traffic issues,” Panton said. Bryan retains responsibility for tourism and ports, and all other ministerial assignments will remain the same. - Reshma Ragoonath and James Whittaker contributed to this report. Tension between Saunders and governor revealed in email exchange Governor Martyn RoperChris Saunders cayman compass 5 news N news WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023www.turtle.ky 949 - 3894 SATURDAY, APRIL 8th 8 am - 4 pm AT THE CAYMAN TURTLE CENTRE Festival EASTER THEMED GAMES AND ACTIVITIES, FACE PAINTING, POOLSIDE BBQ. Enjoy a fun day out for the whol e family! Kids 12 and under get in FREE when they bring 3 plastic items to be recycled Sponsored By: RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has called on the PACT government to honour the ‘T’ of its acronym and tell the public the reasons behind former Deputy Premier Chris Saunders’s sudden exit from the government. “They preach transparency and openness. So let’s be open. Let’s be transparent with the people and have that discussion and reveal the information,” McTaggart said on Wednesday, 22 March, when he appeared on the Cayman Compass’ weekly Facebook talkshow ‘The Resh Hour’. PACT’s acronym stands for ‘People- driven, Accountable, Competent and Transparent’. McTaggart called on “either the premier or Mr. Saunders [to] address the whole issue as to the reasons” behind events which unfolded Tuesday, when the former deputy premier announced he would leave the Cabinet. “I don’t find that very satisfactory at all. Our country deserves to know why and they are expecting to hear officially why that is the case,” said the Opposition leader. Fresh elections? McTaggart said he has noted calls in the community for fresh elections, adding that the Opposition is not, at this point, having those conversations. “We are watching developments and we’ll see where things go with regard to that. But there are a number of important things that are coming up for the government that we need to get beyond,” he said. Among those matters are the upcoming Strategic Policy Statement, which is legally due on 1 May, and the upcoming referendum. “Given the turmoil they are in, I think they are going to be severely challenged to deliver that (SPS) in the time frame in which they have left to get it done well,” he added. Following the Cabinet reshuffle caused by Saunders’ departure, Premier Wayne Panton has now assumed the role of finance minister, in addition to his existing portfolio. ‘It’s not a healthy situation’ McTaggart also said a ‘press briefing’ hastily arranged following the Cabinet reshuffle, during which members of the media were prohibited from asking any questions, did not leave him feeling comfortable. “I’ve never seen anything like it. You invite the press and then tell them they can’t ask questions? Then why invite them if you just want to get a message out? There are other ways in which they could have done that... and I think that just led to more confusion, more speculation, and that’s what it will do and has been doing. It’s not a healthy situation in the current state,” he said. McTaggart said, while there have been persistent rumblings of discord in the PACT camp for some time, he was taken by surprise with the turn of events on Tuesday, especially the “suddenness” of it. He said the Opposition has been aware of “all the factions and the disagreements and the dysfunction that exist within the PACT government”, almost from day one. No confidence motion an option Given the current climate, McTaggart said bringing another motion of no confidence in the premier and his government remains an option, as it is “another weapon any Opposition has”. He added there had been numerous discussions with government members about potentially forming a new government, which led up to a no confidence motion in the House last August. That motion, he said, was “thwarted” by the PACT government. “We have not had discussions honestly with regard to having a no confidence motion at this point. To me, it’s just too early days to even think about it right now. You have to see where they are, how things unfold over the next few days and in the weeks to come,” he said. McTaggart said that the uncertainty does not augur well for the islands. “I think the most important thing right now is the premier really needs to get his government towing the line and being far more cohesive than they are. It’s been a terrible two years seeing the division and the discord that exists. It is not healthy for the country... the people are crying out and saying nothing is getting done,” he stated. “They preach transparency and openness. So let’s be open. Let’s be transparent with the people and have that discussion and reveal the information.” Leader of the Opposition Roy McTaggart McTaggart calls for ‘transparency’ over Saunders departure cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023 Interview: Roy McTaggartBermuda | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Dubai | Guernsey | Hong Kong | Ireland | Jersey | London | Singaporewalkersglobal.com Limitless Career Opportunities Start Here At Walkers Professional Services (WPS) we develop technically strong and highly competent administrators as part of our WPS Development Programme. Our tailored professional developmentcourse is designed to ensure participants acquire skillset leading to limitless opportunities for career progression. We invite applicants from Caymanians considering post-graduation career options or looking for a career change to visit the Careers section of our website for more information. The application deadline is 5pm on Friday 31 March 2023. cayman compass 7 WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush has had his assault case pushed back for another week to allow for a final round of discussions with his attorney, after appearing in Summary Court on Tuesday, 21 March. The veteran politician, and former Speaker of the House, faces two counts of indecent assault and two counts of common assault, which stem from an incident on 13 Sept. 2022 during a government function. Initially, Bush was slated to appear in Summary Court before Chief Magistrate Valdis Foldats; however, due to an unexplained illness, which required Bush to use a walker, the matter was transferred to Magistrate Philippa McFarlane. “The pleas can be put to him; however, we are having an issue with the matter of electability for the either-way charges,” said Dennis Brady, who represents Bush. The charge of indecent assault is a Category B offence, an electable charge which means it is a matter that can be dealt with in either the Grand Court, where Bush would have the right to a jury trial if he enters a not guilty plea; or in the Summary Court, with a judge-alone trial. In cases of Category B offences, the prosecution also has the option to choose which court for the case to be heard. However, during Tuesday’s proceedings the decision was left to Bush and his attorney. A defendant must first choose a court before they can enter a plea. “Although you say your client is in a position to enter pleas that simply cannot be done until the issue of electability has been addressed,” said McFarlane, who asked Brady if the matter could be resolved if given an extra 30 minutes. “Unfortunately, we will not be able to arrive at a decision today, and we would need some more time to settle the matter,” Brady responded. McFarlane granted Bush a final adjournment for seven days, continued his bail and set the matter down for Tuesday, 28 March. McKeeva Bush assault case delayed McKeeva Bush leaves Summary Court on Tuesday, 21 March, with the aid of a walker, having been released on bail. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Prosecutors are calling for sentences of up to 14 years and seven years, respectively, for former Cayman Islands Football Association and CONCACAF executives Canover Watson and Bruce Blake, for defrauding the local and regional governing football bodies between 2013 and 2014. Watson, 50, had been found guilty on all counts of making secret commissions, transferring criminal property, entering an arrangement to acquire, retain, use or control criminal property by or on behalf of another person (money laundering), and false accounting. The charges stem from sending false invoices valued at US$1.54 million to CONCACAF and laundering the stolen funds. “He wasn’t providing a service to CONCACAF or CIFA, he was defrauding them,” said lead Crown counsel Eloise Marshall, KC, during a sentencing hearing before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale on 16 March. “It is only because of the positions and high significant degree of trust granted to him as an auditor for CIFA that he was able to commit this fraud against the public and the nonprofits,” said Marshall. The two criminal property-related charges that Watson was convicted of both carry a maximum sentence of 14 years. Marshall told Ramsay-Hale that the sentence for Watson should be towards the higher end, if not the maximum, due to several aggravating factors. “These factors include the abuse of position of power and trust, the significant planning involved in the commission of these offences, the offences happened across different jurisdictions, the damage done to CONCACAF’s reputation and the significant financial loss to the non-profit,” said Marshall, who then noted Watson’s previous convictions of a similar nature. In 2016, Watson was convicted in a government CarePay scheme for which he was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud; and one count each of conflict of interest, fraud on the government and breach of trust, for which he was sentenced to seven years. Although the FIFA and CarePay frauds occurred at or around the same time, Marshall argued that the CarePay case should be viewed as an aggravating factor because Watson would have been aware that police were investigating him but was not deterred from continuing this fraudulent scheme. In addition to the seven-year sentence for the CarePay scheme, a confiscation order was implemented for Watson’s assets, which were valued at over US$5 million. “These funds were never paid over to authorities,” said Marshall, before turning her attention to Watson’s co-defendant Blake. Blake, 53, was acquitted of the money- laundering charges but found guilty on two counts of false accounting in relation to two bulk payments of US$600,000. The false accounting charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. “Blake’s offending is indeed to a lesser extent; however, he still does not accept his wrongdoing even in the face of the guilty verdicts by the jury, as is clear in the social inquiry report,” said Marshall. “We accept that he is of previous good character, unlike Watson, but, apart from that, there are no other mitigating circumstances.” Calls for suspended sentences or community service Responding to Marshall’s submissions, Dapinder Singh, KC, who represents Watson, told the court that he was a “broken man who found the strength to carry on” and could no longer re-offend and was no danger to the community. “He has lost his reputation, his occupation, and his assets,” said Singh. “Most would have deteriorated and their life would have spiralled out of control, but even after having gone to prison, he has found the strength to rebuild himself. “His ability to maintain his home, work and a crime-free life is clear, the evidence is there,” said Singh, who called on the chief justice to apply a balanced and proportionate sentence. Singh said the court would be wrong to view the prosecution’s submissions of “significant planning” and reputational damage to the jurisdiction as aggravating factors. “The world can see what happens when you wrong the Cayman Islands,” he said. Blake’s attorney, Cairns Nelson, KC, expressed similar sentiments, calling for the judge to consider no jail time for his client. “The extraordinary, unusual and rare circumstances in his case takes this into the suspended-sentence territory,” said Nelson. “As of April 2016, he had funded CIFA $470,000. The lights were kept on, the staff and bills paid because CIFA had his credit card.” He argued that Blake’s offending was not for personal or financial gain, and not only was Blake out of pocket because of CIFA, he chose to walk away from his career as a lawyer to continue his efforts to assist the local football organisation. “He was the one putting up the goal nets, organising the football matches, and referees,” said Nelson. “It is a personal tragedy that it should come to this for this devoted family man.” Nelson also highlighted the significant delays between Blake's arrest and charge in 2016, and conviction in late 2022. “The delicate balance that this court must strike during this sentencing exercise can be achieved by way of suspended sentence,” the attorney said. Both men’s bail was extended until 14 April, when they are scheduled for sentencing. Toyin Salako represents the Crown as junior counsel. Jonathon Hughes serves as junior counsel for Blake, and Amelia Fosuhene serves as junior counsel for Watson. Prosecutors call for lengthy prison sentences for Watson and Blake Canover Watson, left, and Bruce Blake cayman compass 8 news N news WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023WIN $500 EVERY DAY Pay Your Bill, Buy a Prime Bundle or Top Up from $10 to Enter. CELEBR ATING 1 9 YE ARS RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky As of 17 March, the road leading to the new Cayman Brac District Administration complex will be named Martyn Roper’s Way, a nod to the outgoing governor’s “decisive” action during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cayman Brac East MP and Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly made the announcement as the Sister Islands paid homage to Roper’s commitment to Cayman. A special appreciation event, which coincided with the soft opening of the first building at the new administrative complex, was held Friday in Roper's and his wife Lissie’s honour. ‘I am very touched’ Roper, who appeared visibly emotional after the special honour was announced, said he was “very touched” by the gesture, and had only learned about it shortly before the announcement. “I’m hugely grateful to the minister for that… that’s very nice indeed,” he said, as he shared that he’d spent a “wonderful day” Friday making his final tour of the Sister Islands. Roper said it has been “quite overwhelming” experiencing the warmth and the generosity of everyone he and his wife Lissie had met on their visit. “We’ve had a lovely day going around and saying goodbye to everybody in Cayman Brac… sad in many ways but also it’s been a wonderfully enjoyable day,” he added. O’Connor-Connolly, in her speech announcing the governor’s parting gift, lauded his diplomacy and love for the Cayman Islands. She pointed to his work during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts which assisted in the delivery of the first vaccines for residents, and his handling of decisions at that time of uncertainty. “Governor Roper ensured that we got our vaccines… right quantities, right time, cost effective [and] efficiently. [There was a] level playing field which included the Sister Islands,” she said. She said he also ensured the Sister Islands had a supply of lateral flow tests at Faith Hospital and on Little Cayman when schools had to be closed in March 2020. He did this, she said, while the rest of the world was scrambling to get tests. ‘True gentleman, diplomat’ O’Connor-Connolly lauded Roper’s affection for the community, saying his actions demonstrated this fact. “He also learned quite soon after embarking upon these lovely Cayman Islands that ‘if I want to leave a legacy, I have to learn to like the people,’ so much so that he ventured into the musical dimensions of the steel plan, and that takes a lot of steel,” she said. Premier Wayne Panton, who was on hand for the special farewell event, thanked the governor for his support, calling him a friend. “He has been such an incredible leader. He has been such an advocate for Cayman,” Panton said. He described Roper as a “true gentleman” and “a true representative of what the world of diplomacy and the people that the [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] ought to be sending out here to be representatives for us”. The premier also expressed admiration for the bond that Roper shares with his wife. District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts commended Roper’s contribution to the islands and his love for the Sister Islands. Roper and his wife mingled with the community who came out to show their appreciation for his service. Roper was presented with a plaque after he, together with the premier and other officials, cut the ribbon at the opening of the office. Governor Martyn Roper and his wife Lissie cut their 'Brac' cake at a farewell gathering for the pair on 17 March. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath Parting gift: Brac road named after Roper cayman compass 9 WEEKLY, 24-30 MARCH 2023 news N newsNext >