Cayman Compass - 22 September, 2023

cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 22-28 September 2023 Cayman Aggressor IV runs aground Page 2 Tourism officials ordered to release sponsorship records Page 5 In Focus: Best in Cayman Page 12 Gratuities under the spotlight in minimum wage debate Pages 20-22 Photo: Taneos Ramsay Tipping pointCayman Aggressor IV runs aground Cayman Aggressor IV liveaboard dive boat ran aground on a reef west of Stingray City Channel into North Sound on 21 September prompting a multi-agency effort to get it safely back to dock. The 108-foot-long vessel was travelling back to Grand Cayman from Little Cayman when it became lodged on the reef. Passengers aboard the vessel posted on social media that they were awoken from slumber around 2:30am when the boat ran aground. The Navigator tugboat responded to the incident, as well as the Cayman Islands Coast Guard and the Department of Environment, to assist getting the boat off the reef. Department of Environment Deputy Director Tim Austin told the Cayman Compass in a brief message on the 21 Sept, that the DOE was assembling a “research team to document the extent of damage to coral and the reef”. Scott Slaybaugh, the DoE’s deputy director of operations and enforcement, added that the department had also been monitoring the area for oil spills and had detected none following the grounding. The Cayman Aggressor IV has capacity for 18 passengers and six crew. The boat went on its maiden voyage in February this year. Grand Harbour complex sold to Jamaican company Jamaica-based real estate company Kingston Properties Limited has purchased the Grand Harbour commercial complex and an adjoining parking lot. The final closing cost of the deal has not been released. However, the mixed-used residential, commercial and marine subdivision development which spans 6.9 acres, and comprises 36 units totalling 37,276 square feet, was listed by Century 21 for an asking price of US$21.74 million. Posting to social media on Friday, 15 Sept., Kingston Properties announced that it had taken over control of a majority of the strata at the complex, while noting that this was the largest acquisition of its five properties in Cayman. The company, which is listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, first established a presence in Cayman 15 years ago. In July 2020, Kingston purchased the Harbour Centre, a multi-storey office building on North Church Street in George Town for US$10.7 million. Among the other properties owned by the company are eight warehouses in the Rosedale Warehouse Complex in George Town and a mixed-use building in West Bay. Imported dengue cases reported Cayman travellers heading to dengue-prone countries are being advised to take extra precaution during their stay, after three returning residents recently tested positive for the mosquito- borne disease. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent issued the advice on 16 Sept., as he assured that there was no local outbreak of the disease. “All of these cases were as a result of infections acquired in other countries and we have not detected any cases of dengue fever from infections arising in the Cayman Islands,” Gent said in a statement. He advised those visiting some of the islands in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America “to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect themselves against mosquito borne infections, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika”. “The symptoms of dengue are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and a rash,” he said. Gent said Cayman is able to rapidly diagnose dengue in the islands’ molecular diagnostics laboratory. Probe launched into prisoner escape Police have launched what they described as a “comprehensive investigation” into the escape of a prisoner during a hospital visit on 15 Sept. and his subsequent recapture. The RCIPS, in a statement on 16 Sept., said the investigation was being carried out “to ascertain the details of the escape”. “His Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service will continue to work closely with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service on the investigation,” police said in the statement. The prisoner escaped from the custody of prison officers while receiving medical treatment at the Cayman Islands Hospital on the evening of 15 Sept. The RCIPS, responding to a 911 call around 7:30pm, said on arriving at the scene, police officers pursued the prisoner and “he was soon apprehended”. The man was arrested for escaping lawful custody and taken to the detention centre for processing. It is unclear where the prisoner was apprehended and how long after his escape he was recaptured. Call for nominations for King’s birthday honours The Governor’s Office is inviting people to submit nominations for the 2024 King’s birthday honours list. In a statement inviting nominations on 19 Sept., the Governor’s Office asked, “Do you know someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the Cayman Islands or British interests? Someone who stands out for sustained and exceptional achievement and service?” It added that the annual call for honours nominations is an “opportunity to recognise people who have given exceptional and selfless service over a sustained period of time and are given to people from all walks of life and all sections of society”. It noted that the honours are awarded to individuals who are making a difference to their community or field of work; who are enhancing Britain’s reputation and that of the overseas territories; who are engaged in long-term voluntary service, innovation or entrepreneurship; who are changing things, with an emphasis on achievement; who are improving life for people less able to help themselves; or who are displaying moral courage. Nominations are reviewed by the Honours Committee which in turn advises the Royal, Ceremonial and Honours Unit, part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the UK. Matinees (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $9.00 (Mon-Fri before 6pm) Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets 640-FILM (640-3456) Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any lm starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. A HAUNTING IN VENICE (PG-13) (FRI-SAT, MON-THURS) 3:45 | 6:40 VIP | 7:40 (SUN) 3:45 | 6:40 VIP | 7:40 | 9:45 BARBIE (PG-13) (SUN) 4:15 | 5:20 VIP | 7:00 | 8:05 VIP MEG 2: THE TRENCH (PG-13) (SUN) 9:50 SOUND OF FREEDOM (PG-13) (FRI, MON-THURS) 3:40 VIP | 9:00 | 9:15 VIP (SAT) 1:15 | 9:00 | 9:15 VIP (SUN) 3:40 VIP | 3:45 | 6:45 | 7:50 VIP | 9:00 | 9:15 VIP THE EQUALIZER 3 (R) (FRI, MON-THURS) 7:00 | 7:20 VIP | 9:40 | 10:00 VIP (SAT) 1:00 | 7:00 | 7:20 VIP | 9:40 | 10:00 VIP THE EXPEND4BLES (R) (FRI, MON, WED-THURS) 4:30 VIP | 5:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:30 | 9:30 VIP | 10:00 (SAT) 1:00 VIP | 1:40 | 5:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:30 | 9:30 VIP | 10:00 (TUES) 4:30 VIP | 7:30 | 9:30 VIP | 10:00 THE INVENTOR (PG) (FRI, MON-THURS) 4:45 VIP | 5:20 | 6:40 (SAT) 12:30 | 3:00 | 4:45 VIP | 5:20 | 6:40 (SUN) 5:20 | 5:30 VIP | 6:40 THE NUN II (R) (FRI-SAT, MON-THURS) 4:20 | 10:10 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK | 7:30 | 5:20 | 6:40 CLASSICS GROUNDHOG DAY TUESDAY 7PM VIP (PG) | 6:40 KIDS CLUB DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) | 5:20 | 6:40 KIDS CLUB SMALLFOOT SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) SPORT: RUGBY WORLD CUP ENGLAND V CHILE (SAT) 10:45 AM VIP SCOTLAND V TONGA (SUN) 10:45 AM VIP SOUTH AFRICA V IRELAND (SAT) 2:00 VIP PRIVATE SOUTH AFRICA V IRELAND (FRI) 2:00 VIP WALES V AUSTRALIA (SUN) 2:00 VIP FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Cayman Compass Ltd. 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WINDS Light and variable. 90°F HIGH 80°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief The Cayman Aggressor IV ran aground on a reef in the North Sound in the early hours of Thursday, 21 Sept. - Photo: Supplied cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023cayman compass 3 WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023�� ACROSS 1 Persisting for long time (7) 5 Passage between rows (5) 8 Sociable outgoing person (9) 9 Stock phrase (3) 10 Prudish (4) 12 Follower of a teacher (8) 14 Eventual outcome (6) 15 Orderly procedure (6) 17 Uncontested victory (8) 18 Incentive (4) 21 Sequence (3) 22 Rashly bold person (9) 24 Diaphanous (5) 25 Towing vehicle (7) DOWN 1 Move stealthily (5) 2 Monotonous routine (3) 3 Secluded place (4) 4 Person’s financial standing (6) 5 Fondly devoted (8) 6 Establish a business (3,2,4) 7 An intellectual (7) 11 Without saying anything (2,7) 13 Earnest if naive reformer (2-6) 14 From lower to higher (7) 16 Capital of Lebanon (6) 19 Governor (5) 20 Thought (4) 23 Examine critically (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17429 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 17429 ACROSS: 1 Chronic, 5 Aisle, 8 Extrovert, 9 Tag, 10 Prim, 12 Disciple, 14 Upshot, 15 Method, 17 Walkover, 18 Spur, 21 Run, 22 Daredevil, 24 Sheer, 25 Tractor. DOWN: 1 Creep, 2 Rut, 3 Nook, 4 Credit, 5 Attached, 6 Set up shop, 7 Egghead, 11 In silence, 13 Do-gooder, 14 Upwards, 16 Beirut, 19 Ruler, 20 Idea, 23 Vet. What they’re saying Online Letters to the editor Wages are just one of the issues plaguing Cayman. Try banking. Recently, I was discussing with a friend the new local banking changes, and I was aghast. The local big banks no longer allow ‘cheque cashing services’ to non-registered clients. Sounds reasonable, only it isn’t. While I appreciate the bank’s approach to eradicating people from simply walking in to get cash, this rule gravely impacts community members. Not the bank, naturally. The bank will only grant an account if the applicant is gainfully employed. So, I am making an unliveable minimum wage and now want to open a local bank account. Fine. However, the anachronous bank process to open an account means your new client will be weeks without access to their funds – an atrocity. Globally, most banks have an online application platform, and accounts are almost instantaneous, as they should be. So how can one live when they can’t access their hard-earned money while navigating ‘banker hours’? How about the business or the individual who wrote the cheque? As I see it, this is now a two- fold issue. The banks only cash a cheque for their newly enrolled client once their outdated process is complete, leaving customers without. It also poses a problem for the issuer, who must balance their ledgers with uncashed cheques, potentially for extended periods. Or, is the expectation that they carry petty cash to cover bank payroll, less the bank part? In a country where living expenses are almost inhumane, and pay scales are more archaic than the banks, you would hope the banks would consider their ‘profit boosters’ need for safe, secure, and reliable banking practices and services. The banks only have their best interest at heart, and if I am wrong and someone with authority can discredit the ideology, I would love nothing more than to sit down and discuss. Alison Ford I’d like to challenge the resources and expense that Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman deploys in enforcing an English test on approved work permit holders (and not all permit holders, which feels discriminatory). It seems to me that this is a waste of time, money and resources and it’s effectively government over-reach, when employers, prior to going through the work permit process for a foreign worker, have interviewed the candidate and deemed them sufficiently qualified in all aspects of the role (including, I assume, their language skills) prior to submitting a work permit application. Additionally, I believe that due to the historical issues uncovered in enforcement around people bribing officers to pass the test, the test is now computerised and timed? Not every work permit holder here needs to be computer literate, or indeed read and write English to any high standard. I cannot see a good reason that we need to test incoming workers on their proficiency in English, and I really cannot see why we need to do it in a timed environment at a computer. At best, it’s government micromanaging employers at a cost we surely don’t need. At worst, it is discriminatory and it creates a homogenous society that doesn’t embrace diversity and inclusivity. Emma Graham-Taylor There is no compelling reason to build a four- pump gas station on Cayman Brac, at the corner of South Side Road and Gerrard Smith Avenue. The location of the proposed gas station is very near the homes and condos of Brackers. Noise and gas tank pollution of Salt Water Pond next to the Alexander Hotel is reason enough for the Development Control Board to not approve Damien Dilbert’s project. Cayman Brac is still a place of island tranquillity in the Cayman Islands. A new gas station disturbing the neighbourhood of South Side, West End is not welcome! Nan Socolow ‘Treated like a slave’: Domestic helpers tell of bullying and abuse Immigration needs to start holding work permits instead of the employer. There are no protections for most here on work permits and it allows for the rampant abuse of people, which also affects Caymanians and their ability to work here and find good jobs and employers. Natascha Schroll-McLaughlin Families that hire help and obviously expect value for money are sadly under-represented in all such articles. One side of the story cannot possibly suffice. I would imagine that in some such cases the money paid could largely end up wasted, effectively charity, with little return. Would you be able to gather the matching stories from the other side and publish those here next? Alexander P. Alexander, what is your side of the story? Are you really suggesting that some domestic staff are actually taking advantage of their employers? Where on earth did you get that idea? Exploitation of employees at the lower end of the wage scale in all sorts of jobs, has been going on since work permits were first introduced. A number of unscrupulous employers have always expected long hours on very low wages and demand a waiver of extra pay for overtime, and get away with it as they threaten to cancel the work permit if there are complaints. Perhaps the Compass can extend their survey to other workers at the bottom end of the pay scale. Trusty2man D. An employee should not have to get a ‘release’ paper from their employer. This holds them hostage and subject to abuse. A nanny would not leave an employer who treats her well. Employers in all sectors threaten employees with revoking their work permit, including one of the most ‘prestigious’ schools on the island – where the employees refer to it as ‘the prison’. Sandra L. A $3 million home, $300,000-a-year tax free income and a really busy wife who’s just exhausted after shopping, yoga and lunch with the gals! And yet, domestic helpers do the jobs of both maid and parent. Some children have a stronger bond with their nanny than their actual parents. But, these are people who know the value of a dollar and no lay-about domestic is going to take advantage of his/ her superior and employer. These cases of bullying and abuse are not unusual anywhere wealth, status, arrogance and a lack of empathy intersect. Bob N. Beach vendor permits to be granted by end of October All I can say is I hope this does not open a can of worms. [In] some of the islands that have allowed selling on the beach [it] became a negative thing, where they get overzealous in trying to sell. How does this affect the individual who is selling but pays rent for a brick-and-mortar, insurance, and all that goes with it? Evelyn C. Problems with banks in Cayman Say no to new Brac gas station WORC should get rid of English test cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023Ombudsman grants access to sponsorship details JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaler@compassmedia.ky Department of Tourism officials have been ordered to hand over a cache of documents linked to its controversial sponsorship strategy, following a 20-month Freedom of Information battle with the Cayman Compass. In a ruling handed down Thursday, the Ombudsman decided the department was wrong to claim details of the deals – which involve government funds – were ‘commercially sensitive’ or protected as ‘trade secrets’ that could not be shared with the public. Ombudsman Sharon Roulstone also reprimanded the department for its “slow and selective” response to the Compass’s request. “This is not an acceptable way of answering requests under the Freedom of Information Act,” she said, in a comprehensive ruling that sided with the Compass in almost every aspect of its appeal. The department used more than half-a-million dollars of taxpayer funds to sponsor British sports teams over a period of three years in an apparent effort to boost tourism from the UK, according to partial records already shared with the Compass. One of the teams sponsored was a recreational field hockey team, with no fan base, linked to Adrian White, Cayman’s senior tourism official in the UK. Those details emerged in February of this year following a Compass open records request, filed 12 months earlier. However, the department withheld details of the contracts, what it got in return and any business case or value for money analysis in its response. Tourism leaders said at that time that they were unaware of the connection between White and the Old Cranleighan Hockey Club, which received $10,000 a year from government over the three years covered in the response, until the Compass’s investigation. A Department of Tourism spokesperson said it took potential conflicts of interest seriously and was reviewing the matter. But the results of that review process were never revealed and White is still listed on the Department of Tourism’s website as its regional manager for UK and Europe. The department has declined to answer further questions about White’s actions or employment status over the past months, including this week. Following the Ombudsman’s ruling on Thursday, government is required to hand over unredacted copies of its agreements with all the sports clubs receiving sponsorship funds from the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, as well as the business case process for each of those agreements. The department has 45 days to indicate if it intends to appeal the Ombudsman’s ruling to the Grand Court. Amateur UK clubs receive Cayman cash Some of the deals revealed so far involve relatively well-known teams that occasionally appear on television, including London Irish Rugby Club, Portsmouth FC and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. Other deals include small amateur sports clubs that attract almost no media coverage or support beyond a small coterie of family and friends. Chief among those is the Old Cranleighan Hockey Club. The Compass confirmed that White is linked to the club, has played for its teams and coached in its junior programme. His LinkedIn profile indicates he attended the affiliated Cranleigh School. How were sponsored teams selected? White’s involvement with the Surrey hockey team raises serious questions about how the teams that benefited from Cayman Islands sponsorship money were selected. While the records provided in response to the Compass FOI request included the annual payments made by the Department of Tourism to each club, there were limited details about what the department or the country got in return. Equally, the business case analysis was not provided, nor any justification over why those clubs were selected and why this was considered a good use of funds. No ‘trade secrets’ in hidden files The Department of Tourism attempted to defend its decision to withhold those details on appeal, but the Ombudsman ruled that neither ‘trade secrets’ nor ‘commercial sensitivities’ exemptions applied to the material. Of the business cases, she wrote, “I find the arguments raised by the DOT unconvincing. The cost of each sponsorship and partnership is known from previous disclosures, as it should be, but the general public also has a reasonable expectation to understand the rationale behind the expenditures of public funds.” The ruling also reinforces previous decisions that contractual confidentiality clauses don’t absolve government entities from their responsibilities under the law. “Public authorities cannot ‘contract out’ of their lawful obligations under primary legislation such as the Freedom of Information Act,” the Ombudsman wrote. She added, “The DOT’s sponsorships/partnerships are for the most part with small, amateur sports organizations who presumably are quite happy to have the name and logo of the Cayman Islands associated with their events in exchange for a reasonable monetary payment.” Drip-feed disclosure The Compass persisted with this application over 20 months, making more than 100 calls or sending emails to get the information – which it has still not received in full. The Ombudsman’s ruling criticises the department for a “drip- feed disclosure” of information that dragged out the process. “I cannot find any good reason for the slow and selective response the DOT gave to the applicant’s request,” Roulstone wrote in her decision. “While an initial, partial disclosure of records took place within the initial statutory timeline, the applicant had to insist time and again that more records must be held. “These were then very gradually (and in some cases partially) provided over a period of multiple months, under close scrutiny of my office. The final explanations for withholding some of the records were not given until more than a year after the request was made.” In the Compass’s submissions to the Ombudsman, it argued that it was in the public interest for details of how the people’s money was spent to be made public, especially given the potential for conflict of interest or misuse of funds revealed in the partial records release. “This is a very simple case of the public having the right to know how their money is spent,” the Compass wrote in its statement to the hearing. Tourism officials ordered to hand over records to Compass London Irish Rugby Club jerseys sport Cayman Islands logos as part of a sponsorship deal. The DoT has been instructed to remove the redactions and supply the Compass with full access to the records. cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023 5REBECCA BIRD rbird@compassmedia.ky Premier Wayne Panton has told his fellow MPs that Cayman’s economy remains very strong, with more growth predicted over the coming years. Panton, who is also Minister of Finance and Economic Development, gave a speech on the ‘State of the Economy’ in the House of Parliament on Wednesday, 20 Sept. He spoke of Cayman’s financial position and its future prospects, and its impact on “our nation’s most precious commodity: our people”. “I am proud to report that, as predicted, Cayman’s economy is strong and getting stronger; and we are steadily recovering from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Panton said. The hotel, restaurant, transport, storage and communication sectors all grew in 2022 and further improved in 2023, Parliament heard. “International business is thriving. Shops are bustling and, for those that want them, jobs are available up and down the economic ladder,” Panton said. Despite hardships experienced during the global pandemic, the finance, insurance and business services sectors have shown “remarkable resilience” and have continued to expand, he added. Economy grows 3.8% During his speech, the premier detailed the government’s current fiscal position, as well as the end-of- year financial forecasts. Preliminary indicators suggest that the economy of the Cayman Islands expanded in real terms by 3.8% in 2022, a continuation of the recovery experienced since 2021, Panton said. “The expansion reflected robust global demand for Cayman’s services and underpins our people’s hard work and dedication,” he added. He went on to say that the indicators for the first quarter of this year show that the gross domestic product expanded by 3.4%. Panton said the “robust performance” was down to strong recovery in hotels, restaurants and transport, storage and communication, while maintaining strength in other sectors. In 2022, the hotels and restaurants sector grew 23.2% over the prior year, with projected growth of 29.9% in 2023 and 17% in 2024, he said. For the first six months of 2023, more than 235,000 stayover tourists visited Cayman – more than 80% of the total in the first six months of 2019, when there were record arrivals, he said. Cruise visitors are also recovering well, he said, with more than 740,000 visitors by the end of June 2023. Population growth and unemployment According to estimates from the Cayman Islands Labour Force Survey Spring 2023 Report, the total labour force increased by 7.9% in the past year to make up 58,669 people, as of June. Meanwhile, the overall unemployment rate dropped to 2.4% in June, and is expected to average 2.5% between 2023 and 2024 – significantly down from 5.7% in 2021, Panton said. The Caymanian unemployment rate fell to 3.7% of the labour force in June, compared to 5.1% for the same period in 2022 and as high as 8.5% in 2021, the finance minister added. “I am especially heartened by the dip in Caymanian unemployment, showing that our people are benefitting from the economic growth and returning to the job market,” Panton said. The government will continue to provide training and upskilling to Caymanians with the highest unemployment rate – those without high school level education and further training, he added. According to the labour force survey, the mid-year population of the Cayman Islands was estimated to be 83,671, the premier said. Within this total, Caymanians amounted to 38,926, or 46.5%. The total population indicated in the report – that of 83,671 people – reflected a growth of 2.6% from the 81,546 estimated in the previous year. He said the growth was led by the recovery construction and tourism-related services and by the expansion of others, including financial services, tech, fintech and healthcare. “Further, we know that people moved to our islands during the pandemic, choosing to work remotely from a base here in our safe, clean and beautiful islands,” he said. Work permits increased from 26,321 in December 2021 to 36,372 in June 2023, the premier added. This was due to demand for labour in the hotel and restaurant industry, he said, and in the construction, wholesale and retail trade, transport and storage, and financial services sectors. The results of the spring labour force survey indicated that total employment rose to an estimated 57,266, of which 21,615 or 37.7% were Caymanians, Panton told Parliament. Caymanian employment increased from 19,494 in 2021 to 22,457 in June 2023 – a boost of about 3,000 Caymanians in jobs. “Over the near term, we expect labour demand to continue to track with the GDP growth forecasts,” Panton said during his speech. Inflation The rising cost of living in the Cayman Islands, especially for the most vulnerable, is one of the most concerning issues the government is currently grappling with, the premier said. The Consumer Price Index report for the first quarter of 2023 indicated average prices rose by 6.6%. However, in the most recent quarter, ending June, the inflation rate was 4.1%. “This would seem to indicate a gradual levelling off in the inflation rate as we move through 2023,” Panton said. Average inflation for all of 2023 is projected at 5.2%, as the impact of central bank actions and improvements in the international supply chain temper price pressures throughout the year. For 2024, inflation is projected at 2.5%. “Despite the slowdown in the pace of inflation, these increases remain well above comfort levels,” Panton told Parliament, adding that the government will work to ease these pressures. He then provided an update on the government’s financial performance using year to date figures, which he said follow the same trend seen in the first half of the financial year. Quality of life gap Panton said the government believes there is a gap between the success of Cayman’s economy and the quality of life of Caymanian people. “We sought to understand and shrink this divide at the very beginning of our term by taking steps to improve our data collection mechanisms, especially on issues that impact quality of life.” He said the 2021 Census was key, and the results have informed the policies and programmes that execute the aims of the 2024-2026 Strategic Policy Statement. “I’ve always believed – especially in smaller jurisdictions – timely, accurate, relevant data in sufficient detail helps to make government and government services better,” Panton said. He added: “Data and information can help us forecast, plan and be better prepared.” The premier said Cayman’s rapidly growing population has tangible consequences for the government’s ability to plan and prepare for the future, but said it is working steadily to improve the roads and transportation network; alleviate the resulting traffic concerns; and ensure that public service mechanisms such as health, education and safety are strengthened and expanded to meet these increasing demands. “This is one of the key reasons why we need to be both strategic, prudent and farsighted in our budget allocations going forward. “As that is the only way to ensure that all Caymanians and residents continue to have a good quality of life within our shores.” In closing, he said his overriding mission is to foster an economy that is private sector driven, giving people access to opportunities that will allow them to develop their full potential. “With the national economy growing stronger and stronger each day, we intend to continue to share this growth with Caymanians in the form of tangible, measurable results that add value to the kitchen tables and bank accounts of the people of this country.” Premier: Economy ‘strong and getting stronger’ 3.7% Caymanian unemployment rate “We are steadily recovering from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Premier Wayne Panton Premier Wayne Panton delivered a 'State of the Economy' address in Parliament on 20 Sept. - Photo: File cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Members of Cayman’s Minimum Wage Advisory Committee have yet to settle on recommendations for the islands’ new standard wage and are still working to finalise the delivery of the report. Committee chair Lemuel Hurlston confirmed on Wednesday, 20 Sept. that completion of the anticipated wage report, which was expected by the end of this month, has been pushed back to October. He said a particular issue, which was “controversial... even within the committee”, had delayed the final report, but he declined to elaborate on what the issue was. “I’d like to leave the topic unnamed at the moment, but when you read the report you will appreciate the reason why I’m not naming the topic,” Hurlston said, while speaking on the Cayman Compass talkshow ‘The Resh Hour’ on Wednesday, 20 Sept. Panel member Mahreen Nabi, who also appeared on the show, added that the committee wanted to be sure that when the report comes out, it is very clear why the recommendations were made and that “everybody feels the information we’ve gathered over the last eight months has been reflected on appropriately, and included”. Hurlston, reminding that the committee represents three groups – employers, employees and independent civil society individuals – said, “We have tried to be consensus-driven, but, of course, there are times when polarisation will take place. This process is really a matter of trying to negotiate something that is affordable versus something that is desirable, and, in that negotiation process, there’s bound to be some tension, there’s bound to be some push back, and we certainly experienced a fair bit of that on this occasion." Choosing a number Nabi said there were a number of suggested figures for the wage, including a high of $100 an hour, which came out of the public consultations and the committee’s online survey. However, the average wage suggested by members of the public was $9-$10. Hurlston said the committee is looking at an average between a range that starts with $6.50, but would not state the upper limit. Though the committee looked at different wages for various industries, Hurlston said, there will only be one standard wage for all three islands and that figure will be applied across the board for workers. Minimum wage committee report delayed until October He said the committee, in this current review, was not looking to a “living wage” that would be adjusted in line with the cost of living, but that this may be the process used in future reviews, while assuring the community would not have to wait another seven years to see changes to wages. A minimum wage of $6 per hour was introduced in Cayman for the first time, in 2016, and this has not been revised since. Hurlston said the committee will be using inflation projections from the Economics and Statistics Office in its calculation for future wage changes, when inflation hits a certain range. “We’re going to come up with a formula that acknowledges that when inflation reaches a certain number, it will trigger a certain action, and that formula will be incorporated in our recommendations. We’re starting out with a minimum wage that will be subject to inflation in the future, and I think the public will also value that and appreciate that as well,” he said. Mahreen Nabi, research subcommittee head, and Lemuel Hurlston, Minimum Wage Advisory Committee chair, on The Resh Hour. - Photo: Andrel Harris cayman compass 7 news N news WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023Why choose Island Heritage for contents insurance? Visit us online at islandheritageinsurance.com or call +1 345 949 7280 See policy for details. Protect your household belongings from natural and man- made calamities like hurricane, fire, theft, etc. Add on accidental loss or damage of valuables and electronic equipment. Up to $1,000,000 in legal liability cover when you insure your building and/or your contents. AD_IH why choose IH for contents ins._strip_FINAL_frid.sept.15.2023.indd 1AD_IH why choose IH for contents ins._strip_FINAL_frid.sept.15.2023.indd 112/09/2023 9:44 AM12/09/2023 9:44 AM NORMA CONNOLLY nconnolly@compassmedia.ky The Central Planning Authority intends to take the matter of the Boggy Sand Road seawall to the Privy Council, the UK’s highest legal court, after Cayman’s Court of Appeal quashed the authority’s earlier approval of the demolition and replacement of the controversial wall. According to the recently released minutes of a 6 Sept. Central Planning Authority meeting, the board members met in private to consider legal advice from its counsel. “The Authority discussed the matter at length and resolved to appeal the decision of the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal to the Privy Council,” the minutes note. The board will be appealing a 1 Sept. judgment by the Court of Appeal which ruled that the National Conservation Council has the ‘final word’ on planning applications that are likely to have adverse effects on environmentally protected areas. The issue had come to court when the National Conservation Council brought a successful legal challenge against the Central Planning Authority for ignoring its direction in 2021 to refuse permission to Cayman Property Investments to rebuild a cabana and seawall next to a marine protected area on a badly eroded section of beach beside Boggy Sand Road. The controversy pitched two government entities against one another in local courtrooms, and now, potentially, before a panel of the UK’s most senior judges. The Court of Appeal earlier this month upheld a 24 Aug. 2022 Grand Court judgment to quash the approval and send the application back to the Central Planning Authority for reconsideration. The appeal court judges ruled that, in its initial decision to approve the project, the authority failed to properly comprehend its legal obligation to consult with and then follow the directive of the conservation council on the application. Within 24 hours of the Court of Appeal ruling, the developer tore down the yellow cabana on top of the seawall. In its application, Cayman Property Investments had asked the planning board for permission to demolish the existing crumbling seawall and replace it with a new seawall, and replace the cabana with a larger, two-storey structure. The Department of Environment, acting on delegated authority from the National Conservation Council, had directed the board to refuse that application, because of the anticipated damage it would do to the marine environment. The Central Planning Authority, according to the minutes of the meeting at which it approved the application, determined that it had not received a ‘lawful directive’ from the National Conservation Council, and that it believed rebuilding the deteriorating structures would be less harmful than leaving them in place to collapse. The Court of Appeal, in its 1 Sept. judgment, ruled that the conservation council had been “premature” in instructing the Central Planning Authority to reject the application, before the board consulted it on the matter. However, the appeal judges added that this breach of procedure did not remove the planning board’s legal obligation to examine the potential for harmful environmental impacts, to seek the council’s approval and to follow its directive. Following that ruling, Premier Wayne Panton, who was environment minister when the National Conservation Act was passed in 2013, said the judgment had confirmed “the legal basis for factoring environmental concerns into decision-making processes across the Cayman Islands Government, particularly where actions may or are likely to have an adverse effect on a protected area or protected species critical habitat. “I am comfortable that the Courts have settled this matter once and for all and there can be no more room for debate.” The Compass has reached out to the National Conservation Council and to Premier Wayne Panton, who is also minister for sustainability and climate resiliency, and is awaiting a response. Boggy Sand seawall case to go to UK Privy Council REBECCA BIRD rbird@compassmedia.ky If funding is approved in the 2024-2025 budget, the much- awaited re-nourishment of Seven Mile Beach will go ahead, Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor- Connolly said in response to a parliamentary question on the topic on 19 Sept. Joey Hew, George Town North MP, asked for an update on the project, which was announced in December 2021 and was expected to start this year. The plan was to replace sand at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach that had been eroded over several years at a cost of $20 million – but work has not yet begun. Beachfront property owners have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of assessment and action on the erosion. The Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency was originally granted $1 million to conduct a business case and feasibility study. But O’Connor-Connolly, who is also Minister of District Administration and Lands, said responsibility for the two-year project was transferred to her ministry in 2022. Following the transfer, the ministry facilitated a technical working group to complete the initial work and a strategic outline case was prepared, she explained. This is the first of a three-stage business case required by the Procurement Act and associated regulations due to the size of the project. The minister added that full funding for the project was not transferred to her ministry, but if it is approved in the 2024-2025 budget, “the project will progress accordingly”. Hew asked if the technical working group is the same as the ‘Beach Erosion Committee’ that was mentioned in the past. But the lands minister said it is a new group set up since the project was transferred to her ministry, to deal with the strategic business case. Asked if the committee still exists, O’Connor-Connolly said she would find out. Hew also questioned what is happening with the coastal works policy that the committee was meant to create in order to allow property owners to rebuild damaged seawalls. O'Connor-Connolly again said, with the transfer of the project, some knowledge has yet to be passed on, adding that she would gather the information for the MP. Conflicting views Earlier this month, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan told the Compass he was not inclined to support public funds being used to replace a beach that could potentially be lost again. “How do I, say, take $20 million to put sand back, that potentially is at risk of being lost again in any Nor’wester, as well as [risking] taxpayers’ money and they can’t even go to the beach?” Bryan said there is a shared responsibility, but developers of the beachfront properties took a risk when they decided to build close to the coastline. He added there was no easy solution, adding the problem was a result of weather patterns, global climate circumstances, hurricanes and “possibly… bad planning”. In Parliament, Sir Alden McLaughlin, MP for Red Bay, mentioned Bryan’s opposition to the work and said O’Connor- Connolly was in a “most unfortunate position”. He asked her if the government’s position on the re- nourishment project had changed. She responded: “The Constitution makes provision that if a minister of Cabinet seeks to deviate from the government’s policy, there is an option available." Bryan had sent apologies in the morning to say he would be arriving late at Parliament due to official travel and was not in the House at the time of the question. Deputy premier: Beach re-nourishment to go ahead if budgeted The empty foundations where the cabana on Boggy Sand Road once stood, pictured last week. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath The cabana on Boggy Sand Road before it was torn down in early September 2023. The Central Planning Authority has decided to take its battle over granting permission to replace the cabana and controversial seawall to the Privy Council. – Photo: File cayman compass 8 news N news WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023cayman compass 9 WEEKLY, 22-28 SEPTEMBER 2023Next >