© 2023 Burger King Corporation. Simply purchase any regular priced Large Combo to enter! Entries end 14th May 2023. Win a BK Pelagic Soft Cooler worth over $250! cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 28 April - 4 May 2023 Cayman welcomes new governor Page 3 1 in 4 kids starting school overweight Page 6 Gearing up for Batabano Page 25 Record public spending Annual budgets to hit $1 billion Landfi ll, schools, roads among top priorities over 3 years Pages 7-9Matinees (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. BEACON FARMS (PG-13) (WED) 6:30 COCAINE BEAR (R) (FRI, MON, WED-THURS) 4:20 | 5:15 VIP | 7:00 | 7:40 VIP | 9:25 | 10:10 VIP (SAT) 1:35 | 2:40 VIP | 4:20 | 5:15 VIP | 7:00 | 7:40 VIP | 9:25 | 10:10 VIP (TUES) 4:00 VIP | 4:20 | 7:00 | 9:25 | 10:10 VIP DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES (PG-13) (SUN) 5:30 VIP | 7:35 | 8:40 VIP EVIL DEAD RISE (R) (FRI-SAT, MON-THURS) 7:00 VIP | 10:15 | 10:25 VIP PONNIYIN SELVAN: PART II (HINDI) (PG) (FRI, MON-THURS) 6:50 | 9:45 (SAT) 12:30 | 6:50 | 9:45 (SUN) 4:40 | 4:50 VIP | 6:50 | 8:00 VIP | 9:45 SPINNING GOLD (R) (FRI-SAT, MON-TUES, THURS) 3:40 | 4:15 VIP | 7:05 | 7:20 VIP | 9:30 VIP (WED) 3:15 | 4:15 VIP | 7:20 VIP | 9:30 VIP SUPER MARIO BROS: THE MOVIE (PG) (FRI, MON-THURS) 4:00 | 4:30 VIP (SAT) 1:00 | 1:45 VIP | 4:00 | 4:30 VIP (SUN) 4:00 | 4:30 VIP | 4:35 | 7:05 | 7:25 VIP | 9:25 | 10:00 VIP WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK (1991) KIDS CLUB DUMBO (1941) SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (G) KIDS CLUB CHRONICLES OF NARIA: THE LION, THE WITCH SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) CLASSICS CASABLANCA TUESDAY 7PM VIP (PG) 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 20% chance of showers. SEA STATE Smooth with a wave height of fewer than 2 feet. WINDS East to southeast at 5 to 10 knots. 87°F HIGH 74°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief New Central Scranton Park design unveiled A video featuring the design concept for a new four-acre public park in the middle of George Town has been released for public viewing. The sweeping animated views of Central Scranton Park include two man-made ponds, a basketball court, a seniors’ centre, exercise equipment, landscaping, and a wishing well. Minister of Tourism and Ports Kenneth Bryan, who is the representative for George Town Central, displayed the visuals for the first time to attendees at his district meeting on 20 April. He explained that the build will take place on the site of an old community park and adjacent Crown land off Myles Lane, and promised it will be completed within the next two years. Currently the land, which is occasionally used for community events, is unpaved, covered in rubbish and has a dilapidated basketball court, weed-filled pond and boarded-up buildings. Bryan said that he wants to turn the area into a multi-purpose park with a centre focused on entertainment and events, where “youth and seniors can go and come together in a family atmosphere”. He said there will be a roundabout near the main entrance where cars can pull in and elderly people can get dropped off by their children. The Compass has reached out to the Ministry of Tourism and Ports for details on the cost and timescale for the build and is awaiting a response. To watch the video, visit www.caymancompass.com. Crime spree hits Cayman Brac Two men were arrested after a church, a restaurant and a business premises were broken into in Cayman Brac between Friday, 21 April, and Tuesday, 25 April, police have reported. On the morning of 21 April, burglars broke into the Star Island Restaurant on West End Road East where they stole cash and food before making away with a Ford F-150 truck. They smashed a window to gain access and left the premises in disarray, a police press release said. Officers responded to a report of the incident at 6:15am. Just before 11:45am the same day, a second report of a burglary – this time at Cross Roads Baptist Church on West End Road West – was made to Cayman Brac Police Station. Two louvers were removed from a window shutter, the police release said. The Air Operations Unit travelled to the island on Saturday, 22 April, to conduct an aerial search of the island and located the stolen truck. On Tuesday, 25 April, two further incidents were reported to police. Burglars raided the Star Island again, and also broke into Scott Development, where a rear door was forced open, but nothing was reported stolen. The two arrested, both aged 31 of Cayman Brac, were arrested on suspicion of burglary in relation to the all four of the burglaries. Police said, following a search of premises where the men were located, they recovered items suspected to have been stolen during one of the burglaries. Fishermen’s fears, as Brac braces for sargassum influx A further influx of sargassum is expected over the coming weeks along the Cayman Brac coastline, which has already been invaded by the stinky seaweed. So far, sargassum is more on the north coast of the Brac, according to District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts, “whereas, in the past, it was the south coast that was most impacted.” “Based on reports, we anticipate impacts on both sides of the Sister Islands,” he added. Over last weekend, as part of World Earth Day celebrations on 22 April, volunteers on the Brac initiated beach clean-ups on the coastline, getting rid of the unsightly weed. Tibbetts said District Administration has its teams out as well to deal with the arrival of the seaweed. “We did have our teams ready for manual labour as much as possible and if the level does escalate to the [same] level as last year, we will definitely have to appeal for use of equipment where possible,” he said. LGBTQIA+ community centre offers ‘safe space’ for young members Colours Caribbean has opened a new LGBTQIA+ community centre in Cayman, which it says will provide a “safe space” for younger members of that community who face discrimination and harassment. The group says the Colours Community Centre will serve various purposes, “chief among them being the provision of a safe and secure physical space for vulnerable members of the local LGBTQIA+ community to gather and provide support or seek assistance”. Colours Caribbean founder Billie Bryan told the Compass the group is not publicly disclosing the location of the centre at this time “for safety reasons”. Those interested in using the space can contact Colours for details. She noted that before the introduction of the Colours Community Centre, there was no such dedicated space for the LGBTQIA+ community of the Cayman Islands, much less for its younger members. “Teens and adolescents who identify as LGBTQIA+ are especially at risk of facing ongoing discrimination, harassment and stigma at home as well as at school, from faculty, family and peers alike,” she said. “Our Colours Community Centre serves as a ‘safe space’ where they are free to be themselves without the threat of those risks, regardless of their gender expression, gender identity, sexual characteristics or sexual orientation.” Sargassum lines the coastline behind Tibmart gas station in Spot Bay, Cayman Brac. More seaweed can be seen floating in. – Photo: Reshma Ragoonath cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023NORMA CONNOLLY nconnolly@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s 15th governor, Jane Owen, who arrived on 21 April, has spent a busy first week familiarising herself with her new role, and meeting politicians, civil servants, colleagues and a cross-section of the Caymanian community. Throughout the week, she focused on introductory meetings, she said in a social media post, and “learning as much as I can so I can start to develop a real understanding of Cayman’s history, culture and heritage”. She spent her first day in her office at the Government Administration Building on Monday, 24 April, and chaired her first Cabinet meeting the next day. A trip to the Sister Islands is planned for Saturday, 29 April. The governor said she was “very much looking forward to meeting the community there”. Her introduction to Cayman will be interrupted by a trip to London next month, with Premier Wayne Panton, to attend the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday, 6 May, and a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council on 11-12 May. Swearing-in ceremony Owen was sworn in as governor on Friday, 21 April, at the House of Parliament, shortly after landing on a Cayman Airways flight at Owen Roberts International Airport, where she was greeting by local dignitaries. The second female United Kingdom representative in the islands’ history said she was “both humbled and excited” to be appointed “and to have this opportunity to work with you all”. She told those gathered to witness the occasion that she has three main commitments. “First, to listen and to learn,” she said. “Second, to further strengthen this great vision that we share – to ensure that Cayman remains vibrant, successful, safe and resilient. “And, finally, to devote myself to the service of all the people of the Cayman Islands, on behalf of His Majesty the King.” During the swearing-in ceremony, former acting governor and now Deputy Governor Franz Manderson read the warrant of appointment by King Charles III before Owen was asked to recite the Oath of Allegiance and Oath for Due Execution of Office administered by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, marking her appointment. ‘Professionalism, integrity, and openness’ Welcoming the governor, Premier Wayne Panton, speaking on behalf of the Cayman Islands government, said the day was the start of a “very delightful” journey together. The premier urged the governor that, if any disagreements arise throughout her term, to engage with the government and seek to understand any concerns raised. “We look forward to working with you to ensure a strong, prosperous and bright future for the people with these wonderful Cayman Islands,” he concluded. In her reply, the governor told Parliament that she has a lot to learn and asked for help in doing that. “I’m determined to ensure that our UK-Cayman relationship continues to grow and continues to bring benefits for both sides,” she said. She will always respect the boundaries of the Constitution, she said, while being open to sharing expertise and experience from the UK “where this can add value here in Cayman”. During her time in Cayman, the new governor plans to focus on her direct responsibilities – external affairs, defence, internal security and promoting good governance. That will include, among other things, supporting law-and-order authorities, supporting robust and fair immigration policies, and preparing to face each hurricane season, she said. During the hour-and-a-half event, there was also prayer, renditions of the national anthem and national song, and the presentation of a pink orchid to the new governor. A 21- gun royal salute and the inspection of the Guard of Honour that were planned for after the ceremony were put on hold due to heavy rain. A Caymankind welcome The following day, after taking her first dip in the ocean in front of her new home and witnessing her first sunset from there, Owen got a taste of Cayman on Saturday evening at a reception on the lawn of Pedro St. James, where she was feted with local music, dance, poetry and food. Owen, along with her daughter Phoebe Donnelly, 23, were guests of honour at the reception, hosted by the government, which included invited guests from the local districts and representatives of Cayman’s cultural, professional and charitable societies. She told attendees that in the short time she had been on island, she had been impressed by the friendliness of the people. “I feel that over the last day- and-a-half, I have really had a wonderful welcome to your beautiful islands,” she said. “Along with my daughter Phoebe, we’ve really felt a sense of Cayman kindness. Even this morning, when we took our first dip in the sea, lots of people came along to say hello, which was really, really nice.” She said it has been “great settling into Government House”, which, she added, was “without doubt, the most beautiful home that I have ever lived in and that I will ever live in”. Government House also has another new resident – Owen’s black Labrador, Benji. She said the dog was still “very confused by the change in temperature, who left a rather chilly United Kingdom a couple of days ago”. As well as stepping into the former home and role of Martyn Roper, who departed Cayman last month after serving four-and-a-half years as governor, Owen said she would be following in his footsteps by taking part in the Deputy Governor’s 5K run, scheduled for Sunday, 30 April, albeit at a slower pace, as she intended to walk it. Roper was a regular sight at weekend 5Ks and the annual Cayman Islands Marathon relay, and could often be found running along Seven Mile Beach. “I spent a long time trying to explain to the deputy governor that not every governor can run very fast and that my experience next Sunday will be at a leisurely walking pace,” she said. The premier, speaking at the reception, gave Owen a few helpful tips on navigating her way through the many social events she will be invited to during her time here, telling her “pace yourself”, as one of the ways Caymanians like to show hospitality to people is to feed them. He especially cautioned her on the delights and calories of Cayman’s famous heavy cakes. “You taste it a little bit, don’t try to eat the whole thing, because you’ll go from svelte and slim to my size in weeks,” he joked. In response, the governor said she looked forward to the experience of eating heavy cake, though “in careful amounts”. International diplomacy Owen was born in Bilston in the West Midlands, England, in 1963. She was educated at Ellerslie School in Malvern and obtained an honours bachelor of arts in Russian, French and German at Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1987, she entered the then- Foreign and Commonwealth Office and began her career in international diplomacy. Her previous role, which she held from 2017 to this year, was as the UK ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and non-resident ambassador to Liechtenstein. Although this will be her first time as governor, she has also represented the UK in Oslo, Norway; New Delhi, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Hanoi, Vietnam. Owen married David Donnelly in 1998 and has two children – Phoebe, 23, and James, 21. Her husband passed away in 2017. Compass reporter Rebecca Bird contributed to this story. “I’m determined to ensure that our UK- Cayman relationship continues to grow and continues to bring benefits for both sides.” Governor Jane Owen Jane Owen is sworn in as Cayman's 15th governor by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale on Friday, 21 April. Governor Jane Owen, with Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, left, and Premier Wayne Panton, at an official welcome reception for the new governor at Pedro St. James on Saturday, 22 April, the day after she was sworn in. - Photos: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass news N news 3 WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023 New governor’s first week on island1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Lisbon’s river (5) 4 Visibly anxious (7) 8 Clumsy slow boat (3) 9 To the full extent (3,3,3) 10 Stinging plants (7) 11 Customary (5) 13 Chillingly eerie (6) 15 Arrive at (6) 18 Comparatively unimportant (5) 19 A road-surfacing material (7) 21 Fail to reach target (4,5) 23 Apprehend (3) 24 A sudden inclination (7) 25 Tersely cogent (5) DOWN 1 Gigantic (7) 2 An intermediary (2-7) 3 Wrap to cover the shoulders (5) 4 Affable and sociable (6) 5 Use up whole of (7) 6 Not many (3) 7 Faithful (5) 12 Confronted with (2,7) 14 Sunshade (7) 16 In particular (7) 17 Word of honour (6) 18 Expounder of Muslim law (5) 20 To erect (3,2) 22 Impudence (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17303 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 17303 ACROSS: 1 Tagus, 4 Fretful, 8 Tub, 9 All the way, 10 Nettles, 11 Usual, 13 Creepy, 15 Attain, 18 Minor, 19 Asphalt, 21 Fall short, 23 Nab, 24 Impulse, 25 Pithy. DOWN: 1 Titanic, 2 Go-between, 3 Shawl, 4 Folksy, 5 Exhaust, 6 Few, 7 Loyal, 12 Up against, 14 Parasol, 16 Notably, 17 Parole, 18 Mufti, 20 Put up, 22 Lip. What they’re saying Online Little Cayman’s Pirates Point resort for sale Gladys [Howard] will be turning in her grave. Hopefully, whoever purchases it will keep in mind her love of nature and preserving the land, culture and history of Little Cayman. She was a true champion of the Cayman Islands National Trust. Her main goal in starting Pirates Point was to have a dive lodge that offered the guests everything they wanted from a remote diving lodge without all the rules. I miss her deeply. She was a great boss, mentor, friend and all around kickass woman. No one can replace her, but hopefully they will preserve her legacy. Miranda Philbin I hope its new owners keep it the same. Sharon Davies A special gem with some beautiful laughter and creativity embedded within its walls. Glad to have the memories. Melanie Carmichael Anti-littering signs to be put up island-wide When was the last time anyone got a fine or was imprisoned for illegal dumping or littering? Maybe the Compass could look into that Paulo Fierro It’s so sad people don’t take responsibility for their garbage. These islands are beautiful. Why would you want to dump your crap anywhere but the dump? Paula Wythe Also persons need to secure garbage cans from the chickens – and cats and dogs! And by chance that they do get in them, pick up the strewn garbage. Looks really bad island wide and very embarrassing and nasty, too. Jan Taylor Great idea but… there have always been these signs dotted around on island. But once again, without enforcement, what is the point? Nothing's gonna change. Penny Bird A few years ago, my wife and I were in Tokyo, Japan. The streets were spotless but there were no litter bins to be seen. How was this possible? I was told that Japanese children are taught from kindergarten upwards to be good civic citizens, to never litter and take their trash home with them. No beer bottles thrown out of car windows to shatter on the bike path or sidewalk. Norman L. Just like the police telling people not to speed. Wanda Viscount Maybe put up more trash cans and empty them? Charlene Minneboo Awesome. The littering here is astonishing – from cigarette butts to refrigerators. It’s sad. Kyle Creel What is the point of these signs? No one follows up! Sarah Curtis New Central Scranton Park design unveiled Love this. And keep the name. Original to all Caymanians. Jan Taylor Love the idea. Hope they go with native trees and shrubs. Milly Serpell Get rid of one of the ponds (mosquito attractor) and maybe add fountains like at Camana Bay. Too much concrete. Park equals green so let’s get more greenery in there. The name sucks – could give it a better name. Penny Bird The neighbours in that area have been calling that area Scranton for years as I’m aware; let the situation be. The only thing that scares me about the project is that it will attract developers and gentrification will be a guarantee. Neil Bodden Why non-Caymanians always trying to change Cayman? Never any respect for Caymanian history, culture and traditions. How about you go rename Scranton, Pennsylvania, or Bong Bong, New South Wales, first, then we can discuss changing the name of a Caymanian area that existed long before you were born. Jamil Solomon Love the idea of a park in George Town. Would be great to see much more greenery, less concrete, fountains for the kids to play in and tasteful play structures. Thinking along the lines of the Children’s Garden at the Botanic Park, but on a smaller scale. Is Seafarers Park still going ahead? Anaick Goelo-Stewart I would love to see less concrete and more trees and shade please. I didn’t see anywhere in the article if the public can provide feedback and comments (other than here!). If this truly is a to be a public space, wouldn’t that make sense? Susan Jones MRCU planes down as mosquito population rises Incompetence or mismanagement? Paul Brazier It’s already BEEN increasing. Courtney Winter Oh dear god ! We are ruined in West Bay. Corona Ecclefield Hundreds of children from schools throughout Cayman paraded through George Town on Saturday afternoon, 22 April, in the return of the annual Junior Batabano festival. The event, a forerunner to the Batabano carnival on 6 May, included a family fun day. Among the schools taking part were Sir John A Cumber Primary, Cayman International School, St. Ignatius, Joanna Clarke Primary, Prospect Primary and Edna Moyle Primary. The theme this year was ‘Ah Hearing Drums’, with participants wearing an array of costumes, designed by Richard Bartholomew and Shane James, that featured images of drums, such as steelpans, bongos, tambourines and congas. - Photo: Sharon Davies pic of the week Photo of the Week cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023jasmine.ky | +1 345 945 7447 Don't let symptoms of a serious illness affect your quality of life. If you're suffering from symptoms of a serious illness, Jasmine's palliative care team can provide care that can improve your quality of life while you receive treatment. Contact us today to learn more about Jasmine's free palliative support for patients and families. ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky “I hope he knew he was loved, even though I was hard on him at times. I had to be because I loved him dearly.” Those thoughts have run through Jessiephine McHayle’s mind since she got the tragic news that her son, Kieron Watler, had died in a collision minutes away from their home. “I dropped him by his father’s house, and by the time I arrived home, I got the call. ‘I think Kieron was in an accident,’ they said. ‘You need to come quickly’,” McHayle told the Compass before answering a knock at her front door, and receiving a bouquet of white flowers and a card of sympathy – the third one of the day. According to police, the collision occurred shortly after 6:20am on Tuesday, 25 April, along Walkers Road in the vicinity of Memorial Avenue, when the motorcycle Watler was riding and an Isuzu Elf truck collided. Police say the truck driver, a 53-year-old George Town man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving in connection with Watler’s death. “When I went to see him at the hospital, it was as if he was smiling and asleep. He was cold, but I could feel his presence and I knew he was at peace,” said McHayle. At 28 years old, Watler’s dreams and hopes of becoming an entrepreneur and starting a family were dashed, leaving his loved ones searching for answers. “I don’t know why, but God knew it was his time, and I trust and believe that God is taking care of him right now,” said McHayle, as she sat with her only daughter, Signy Watler, 26, looking through old photographs of her only son. Early troubles A devout Christian, McHayle remembers praying fervently for God’s protection for her two children as she tried to shelter them from the ills of the surrounding community. “There were so many things that stood in his way as he grew up, and I now understand that some of those things were spiritual and the battle wasn’t for me, but for God,” she said, noting that Watler had his fair share of troubles as a young child in school. “His mother was the one that was always calm and understanding; I was the one that wanted to grab the teacher across the desk for messing with my little Kieron,” said McHayle’s sister, Dona Sanderson-Richards. They were joined by their three other sisters, each of whom had fond memories of their nephew. “I have a son that’s two months older than Kieron, so they grew up like twins and were practically inseparable,” said Nola Sanderson. “Kieron was very a well-mannered young man who was smart and knew what he stood for. It’s just sad that after 28 years and four months, all we have left are memories.” Sanderson-Richards added, “I will always remember when he said, ‘Look aunty, muscles!’ He was flexing, but the poor thing didn’t have an ounce of muscle on those tiny arms. Oh, how I laughed.” Despite their grief, the women have not expressed any animosity towards the driver. “I have left it in God’s hands,” McHayle said. “The driver must be going through his own ordeal, and we don’t know what that is like. “Who knows? Maybe Kieron’s death was what is needed for the driver to find God, if he hasn’t already.” But while the grief at Watler’s mother’s house was bittersweet and nostalgic, slightly different emotions of pain were felt a stone’s throw away at his father’s house. “I couldn’t sleep last night, I have a headache right now and I’m sure I won’t be sleeping tonight,” said Kirt Watler. “I just keep thinking, someone killed my son and, trust me, you don’t want to know what’s going through my mind.” Looking through his phone, he read over his WhatsApp conversation with his son, with the last message Kieron telling him that he was outside – to which he replied to call the next time because messages wouldn’t wake him up. “Can you imagine? He was trying so hard to find a job, and he just got this one two weeks ago, and was on his way to work when this happened,” he said. “We were supposed to go fishing this Saturday, but I guess that won’t be happening now.” Watler’s untimely death triggered a wave of shock and sympathy throughout the community with hundreds taking to social media to express their condolences and recall found interactions with him. It also elicited tributes to the young man and condolences to his family by legislators in the House of Parliament on Wednesday. Third road fatality Watler’s death is the third traffic fatality in two months and has served to intensify a focus on making Cayman’s roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. “We need harsher penalties; people need to be charged with vehicular manslaughter, not this causing death by careless or dangerous driving,” said Sanderson. “We are talking about people’s lives here.” “They don’t respect cyclists or pedestrians or anybody really on the roads,” said Kirt Watler. “Something has to be done; it just can’t go on like this.” Watler's mother said she hoped “this is a wake-up call for his friends and other young people, to serve God, because tomorrow is not promised to anyone, no matter how young or beautiful. “But more than anything I really hope he knew just how much he was loved.” Kieron Watler, 28, of George Town, died following an early morning collision on 25 April. - Photos: Supplied Family mourns motorcyclist killed in collision cayman compass 5 news N news WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023Is a career in medicine in your future? Deadline Extended to 30th April 2023 Gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills while learning alongside our world-class physicians. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) provides an unrivaled internship and educational experience for Caymanian university students studying for a medical or allied health career. SURF runs from 4-28 July 2023 and provides a stipend of CI$1,000. Several intern placements have been awarded already, and spots are filling up. Apply now to meet the Admission Deadline of 30th April 2023. Questions? healthcare.explorers@healthcity.ky RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky When the school year began in 2022, intake data has shown that 1-in-5 children entering primary school for the first time and 2-in-5 in their final year are either obese or overweight. Speaking on the Cayman Compass talkshow, ‘The Resh Hour’ on 26 April, national epidemiologist Rachel Corbett revealed the figures as she discussed local health trends. She said, according to 2022- 23 data from the School Health Programme, which covers all primary schools across Cayman, 26% of children entering school were either overweight or obese, and that percentage climbed to 40% for Year 6 students. The issue of childhood obesity should be of national concern, Corbett said, with action from the entire community needed to address the problem. Obesity among Cayman’s young children is not a new issue. A 2013 Public Health Department screening of the 530 children who entered school in September the previous year, found 92, or 17.4%, of them were obese, and 86, or 16%, were overweight. Community effort needed There have been a number of efforts over the years to tackle the problem. “There’s been the government school meals programme... we can look at the nutrition in that. We can also look at increasing physical activity in schools and education, but I think it is important to recognise this isn’t just the responsibility of schools. This is everyone’s responsibility and that’s very much true when you’re looking at chronic illness,” she said. If Cayman is going to take action to deal with this problem, Corbett said, it needs to be across both government and the private sector, in communities and in families. “It’s really a mandate for all... just changing something in one area isn’t really going to be enough to address it,” she said. Though the statistics are not “unusual” – for example, the situation in the United States is similar – it is still “very much concerning” for a small community such as Cayman, Corbett added. If a child starts school life overweight, she said, “it’s putting a barrier up for them for progressing, and there are different impacts that that could have for the children as well. Their attendance at school could be affected or they could be put at higher risk of other health issues... breathing problems and things like that. So it is really important that we find ways to try and reduce this,” she said. She noted that as students are effectively a “captive audience” in schools, they can be encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyles. Stakeholders should consider how they can work with schools to address childhood obesity, she added. STEPS survey key to tracking trends However, it is not only Cayman’s childhood obesity problem that needs attention, as the number of non-communicable diseases in the community is also a matter of concern. Corbett, analysing existing data, said it is clear that obesity in the community is a problem, given that cardiovascular disease, often exacerbated by weight issues, is the leading cause of death on the island. She said local data is “patchy” when it comes to the real picture of the community’s health, which is why the upcoming STEPS national health survey will assist in providing medical professionals with a clearer idea of what is happening in the population. The survey, which will run from June through July, will be conducted by interviews and health checks with 3,300 randomly selected individuals. One person in each selected household will be invited to take part in the voluntary survey, she said. Though participation is not required by law, Corbett is asking the community to get involved “because if lots of people don’t want to... we won’t be able to gather enough information for this to be representative of all the Cayman Islands”. She said the small sample size was necessary for the targeted data officials are seeking on the number of cases of non- communicable diseases and local risk factors. Corbett said a full report of the survey will be provided in the autumn, but she expects preliminary numbers to be released before the aggregated results are issued, and hopes the data can drive policy. Interview: Rachel Corbett To see the full interview, watch the video on caymancompass.com 1 in 4 kids starting school overweight cayman compass 6 WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023 news N newsREBECCA BIRD rbird@compassmedia.ky Premier Wayne Panton and his government have been unable to deliver what they promised over the past two years, Roy McTaggart told Parliament on Wednesday, 26 April. In his response to the administration’s presentation of their Strategic Policy Statement, the Opposition leader said there was very little he could say on the newly presented SPS. He said he and his colleagues had only seen the document at the start of proceedings but had listened “keenly” during its presentation and closely followed the new promises made. “In some respects, I had a déjà vu moment,” he said, adding that he was sure the premier had made many of these same promises two years ago - “yet, few of them got done”. The MP said the key question is, “Has the premier at last found a way to achieve where he has so far been unable to over the past two years?” He said the premier seemed optimistic and hopeful, and urged him to “nourish” that, but not overlook past failures in delivering on many of the 230 promises in the last SPS. The Opposition leader said he worried the statement is not representative of the entire government. “If this government has not bought into the premier’s SPS, and if he cannot lead a united team to deliver on the promises of the SPS, then this is a policy statement based on wishful thinking rather than a coherent strategy,” he said. He described several moments of internal division, including over the East-West Arterial extension and the resignation of Chris Saunders. While he congratulated the government on some major milestones, he said many of those were the product of the Progressives government initiatives and leadership. Among those projects were the new John Gray High School campus, the Health Services Authority delivery, Climate Change Risk Assessment and the residential mental health facility. JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Government spending is expected to top $1 billion-a-year by 2026, Premier Wayne Panton revealed Wednesday. Despite the increase in spending – partially to offset the costs associated with Cayman’s planned new waste management system – the premier projected that government would continue to run budget surpluses for the foreseeable future. He said the economic projections for the next three years also kept government in line with the principles of the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility – the guidelines for responsible public spending which it is legally mandated to follow. Government expects to spend around $3 billion over the three financial years covered by the policy document: 2024, 2025 and 2026. Core government spending for next year is forecast at $982.9 million, rising to $1.02 billion by 2026. The biggest areas of expenditure outlined include $162 million each year to the Ministry of Education and $119 million annually to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Government projects it will continue to be in the black, at least in terms of its annual balance sheet, anticipating it will net $3.3 billion in revenue over the same period. Government’s reliance on the strength of its financial services industry to support is plans and operating expenses is exemplified in a breakdown, supplied by the premier, of the key sources of revenue over that period. Company fees, partnership fees, private fund fees, and mutual fund fees, collectively account for almost $1 billion in anticipated revenue over the three years. Import duty accounts for almost $600 million over that time while tourism accommodation fees are expected to bring in around $136.4 million. Panton said, “Operating expenditures are expected to increase modestly to fund a number of new government initiatives in improving education, maintaining our market share in tourism, funding tertiary health care at local and overseas institutions, commencing full operations of the long-term mental health facility and starting operations of the integrated solid waste management, or ReGen, facility.” A sinking fund has been set up in an effort to sock away $75 million over the next four years to help cover the costs of the waste management system if and when it becomes operational mid-2026. Meanwhile, government plans to spend around $300 million on various capital projects between 2024 and 2027, including on the East-West Arterial expansion and new school buildings in Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman. The premier also indicated that the impact of inflation - which has had a ruinous effect on household bills from groceries to mortgage payments over the past year – is expected to lessen. The Consumer Price Index – which measures the change in cost of key household items – is forecast to increase by 5.3% in 2023, but more modestly thereafter – between 2% and 3%. Caymanian unemployment is also moving in the right direction, hitting a “record low” of 3.6% in recent labour force surveys. Panton expects that to be maintained over the next three years, with the overall unemployment rate – including guest workers – expected to hover between 2% and 3% over the next four years. He said there were 8,900 more jobs in the economy than in 2019, pre-pandemic, and 14,700 more jobs than in 2020 – at a time when COVID-19 left many unemployed and saw thousands of expats leave Cayman. Overall, Panton said the broad policy and spending plan, which will help inform government’s more detailed two-year budget, to be brought to Parliament later this year, ensured prudent use of the public’s funds, while enabling needed investment in public services. He added that Cayman’s GDP per capita, at last count, was higher than the US and many other advanced economies. He acknowledged, though, that increased population, vehicle use and other factors associated with that wealth, didn’t always have a positive impact on people’s lives. “Yes, most Caymanians are well off enough to afford a car as a result of low unemployment and a high GDP per capita, which are both accepted indicators of a strong economy. But how much does driving a car improve their overall quality of life if they have to sit in that car for several hours each day travelling to and from work?” he said. Quoting former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Panton added that his government’s aim was to ensure people benefitted from the strong economy. “Real progress cannot be measured by money alone,” he said. “We must ensure that economic growth contributes to our quality of life rather than degrading it.” Opposition questions success of past SPS Government spending to top Strategic Policy Statement Premier Wayne Panton delivers the Strategic Policy Statement in the House of Parliament on 26 April. - Photo: Screengrab from CIGTV Government projects it will continue to be in the black, at least in terms of its annual balance sheet, anticipating it will net $3.3 billion in revenue over the same period. The amount government expects to spend on capital projects between 2024 and 2027 $1 billion cayman compass 7 I issues WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Making progress on the long-delayed transformation of the George Town landfill, the expansion of the East- West Arterial Highway and the completion of a mental health facility are among the key priorities for the PACT government during the balance of its term, Premier Wayne Panton said Wednesday. The Strategic Policy Statement – which outlines government’s key financial forecasts and policy objectives for the next three years – zeroes in on a handful of ongoing projects. The document, unveiled in Parliament on Wednesday, contains few new policy announcements, instead providing progress updates on a handful of projects and initiatives that have been in the works for some time and quietly omitting others. An expansion of school space and progress on upgrades to the airport were among the key infrastructure goals outlined. The document also reiterated previously announced policy goals, including improving access to affordable housing, and updating and implementing climate and energy policies. There was another commitment to increase the minimum wage, mirroring a similar promise in the same document two years ago. Other projects and policies were conspicuous by their absence. There was no news of the update to the islands’ development plan, intended to provide a framework for sustainable development and environmental protection across Cayman and already delayed past the end of the current PACT term. Meanwhile, plans for a new undersea telecoms cable, beach re-nourishment along Seven Mile and for government to play an ownership role in renewable energy, were also omitted from the policy agenda for 2024-2026. In a speech introducing the document, Panton gave his government a “passing grade” for their first two years in office. Here’s a look at the updates, from his speech and the SPS document, across 10 key areas. Schools, landfill, housing, roads among gov’t goals 10 key promises: Government is “on the cusp” of concluding a multi-million – potentially multi-billion – dollar deal to replace the George Town landfill with waste-to-energy and recycling facilities. Despite recent controversy – including claims from former Finance Minster Chris Saunders that the project could “bankrupt” the jurisdiction – Panton insisted the deal was affordable. He added that the ReGen deal, first announced in 2017, was now the only viable option on the table that could be completed before the current site runs out of space. He did not shed any light on the total expected cost of the 25-year solid waste management strategy, estimates for which have varied wildly, but indicated it would be the “biggest project the country will have ever done”. Nonetheless, he said it was “fiscally manageable” and could be completed while maintaining sound public finances in accordance with the framework for fiscal responsibility. He revealed that a “sinking fund” would be established that will set aside $75 million over the next three years to help fund the project costs once the new infrastructure is in place (and government’s annual bills for its implementation start running), projecting this would happen by mid-2026. “For 40 years we’ve kicked the can down the road on these problems,” Panton said. “Now is the time to solve the problem in a sustainable, modern, reliable way.” Panton referenced work to reform the Landlord and Tenants Act to “ensure a more level playing field” and introduce rights and protection for both parties. The Compass has previously highlighted complaints from tenants left without power and water by their landlords and outlined how their rights still depend on 19th century legislation. Panton’s announcement of plans to change the law were referenced alongside other goals to improve access to affordable housing. The SPS document also references a new project for government to buy up land to make available to Caymanians to build their own homes. The development of a new high school on Cayman Brac and expansion and upgrades to schools across the islands, form part of government’s spending plans. The wording of the document stops short of a hard commitment, indicating the development of a new Layman E. Scott High School is one of a number of infrastructure projects that “will be considered”. A new primary school in North Side and expansion to existing school facilities, including those in Prospect and West Bay, are also highlighted as priority plans. A fourth academy could be added at Clifton Hunter High School and plans are in place for new learning support classes at both Grand Cayman high schools. The document also reiterates a previously announced commitment to make tertiary education at UCCI and ICCI free to Caymanians. The completion of the long-term mental health facility – to be named Poinciana – is on a list of planned infrastructure projects. Building is expected to be complete in June this year. Funds will also be allocated towards the creation of a new general aviation terminal and runway expansion at the Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman. The waste management project, the East-West Arterial expansion and the schools projects, previously outlined, are also part of the government’s infrastructure goals over the period. There was no mention of a number of projects previously outlined as priorities, including an underwater telecoms cable, a national sewage and wastewater management system, and a beach re-nourishment project for the north side of Seven Mile. That doesn’t necessarily mean they have been dropped, just that they are not outlined among the spending priorities for the next three years. 1LANDFILL: ‘Sinking fund’ to help cover cost of project EDUCATION: School expansions planned 2 HOUSING: Renters’ rights considered 3 INFRASTRUCTURE: Mental health facility slated for completion 4 cayman compass 8 I issues WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023Updating the national development plan was earmarked as a goal in the last Strategic Policy Statement but appears to have fallen off the radar. The last major update of that document – which helps dictate how and where development can take place – was undertaken in the late ‘90s when Cayman’s population was half of what it was now. Both environmental groups and major developers, including the Dart group, have been calling for a clear national plan that outlines what areas of the islands can be developed and which should be preserved. The Plan Cayman project, which began, but was ultimately not implemented by the previous government, appears to have been shelved for now. The Strategic Policy Statement, which covers 2024, ’25 and ’26, includes no reference to reviving that project or replacing it with a separate effort to update the Development Plan. It does indicate that government will nonetheless look to amend zoning in some areas, increase allowable building heights and alter legislation so people can make additions of up to 10% to their homes without planning permission. In the previous SPS, two years ago, revising and updating the Development Plan was promoted as a flagship policy with Panton promising a “sea change” in approach. Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart highlighted those comments, and the absence of any apparent progress on the Development Plan during his response speech, saying the premier was paying ‘lip service’ to the issue. Modernising the immigration system, increasing the minimum wage and providing more protection for Caymanians in the workplace were all highlighted as goals in the SPS. The Permanent Residency points system is currently under review. A recent lawsuit, which declared aspects of that system incompatible with human rights, has complicated matters. Developing new criteria for PR and the right to be Caymanian are outlined as ambitions in the policy document along with plans to reward employers who train and retain Caymanians. There is also a repeat reference to a policy announced in the 2021 SPS but not yet actioned, implementing a gradual increase to the islands’ $6-an-hour minimum wage. While new road building – particularly the planned 10-mile expansion of the East- West Arterial – was referenced as a key traffic management policy, Panton also re- emphasised previously highlighted goals to reduce vehicle imports. He said, “Amending import legislation to restrict the quantity and types of vehicles that can be imported” was on government’s agenda. Equally developing a “reliable quality public transport system” is part of the plan, though specific budgets and timelines for this were not referenced. Deloitte is currently in the midst of a government-funded report evaluating options to improve public transport. TRAFFIC: Restrictions on vehicle imports planned 5 LABOUR: Permanent Residency system to be ‘modernised’ 6 ENVIRONMENT: Development plan update not mentioned 7 Keeping Cayman’s financial services industry in line with international standards is also on the agenda for the PACT government. Having had its anti-money laundering practices placed under increased scrutiny by the international standards-setter in February 2021, getting off the Financial Action Task Force’s ‘grey list’ was also considered a “national priority” of the previous administration. With an upcoming review in April and a final deadline represented by a plenary in June, Cayman has one key requirement left to fulfil, in order to avoid further action by the FATF. Previously, the body had criticised the jurisdiction’s failure to issue proportionate sentences in prosecuting and convicting money-laundering offences. The report outlines numerous objectives towards achieving a positive assessment at the next FATF inspection – considered key to getting off the ‘grey list’ and out of the crosshairs of the international community. Panton said this would be crucial to protecting Cayman’s business model and expanding into new sectors. Government announced a major policy plan in April of last year, to become a major investor in renewable energy plants in the Cayman Islands. The policy shift, highlighted as a move that would accelerate the islands’ conversion to clean energy, indicated that government would take a “majority ownership stake” in utility scale renewable projects. The policy is not referenced at all in the SPS and there have been no updates on how it will work since it was announced in April. Meantime, OfReg appears to be moving ahead with a private-sector auction process to procure a large solar farm. Again, that does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned. The SPS references more modest energy goals for government, such as the addition of solar panels to a handful of government buildings, including the Mosquito Research and Control Unit and the Civil Aviation headquarters. Updating the National Energy Policy, introduced in 2017, which set a goal that Cayman would be creating 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2037, was also highlighted as a policy goal. Currently, Cayman gets around 3% of its energy from green sources, according to a recent auditor general report. Panton also announced efforts to curb reckless and unregulated behaviour on the islands’ waters. He set out intentions to introduce new laws to deter people from “boating while impaired,” as well as to tackle what he called “antisocial behaviour within specific maritime recreational areas”. The pledge to improve maritime safety chimes with previously-announced efforts by the Coast Guard and Port Authority to tighten up outdated legislation and allow officers to breathlyse boaters and prevent them from captaining vessels while under the influence. Marine safety came to the fore after a boat captain was convicted of manslaughter over the deaths of two people who were killed after his boat collided with their vessel as both returned from an outing at Rum Point in 2019. ENERGY: No mention of plans for publicly owned solar farms 8 BOATING BEHAVIOUR: Legislation ahoy 9 Getting off the grey list 10 cayman compass 9 I issues WEEKLY, 28 APRIL - 4 MAY 2023Next >