cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 13-19 October 2023 'Transforming' financial assistance in Cayman Page 6 In Focus: Breast Cancer Foundation Gala Page 16 First Caymanian Mr. America Robert Thompson Jr. Page 28 'A long recurring nightmare' Victims of sexual abuse tell of trauma and neglect as departing police commissioner warns of 'serious concerns' Page 3Matinees (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $9.00 (Mon-Fri before 6pm) Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets 640-FILM (640-3456) Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any lm starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. 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Compass Centre, Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 • Email: newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: T: (345) 949-5111 • E: sales@compassmedia.ky • W: caymancompass.com weather Friday Forecast FORECAST Little chance isolated showers SEA STATE Moderate with a wave height of 3 to 5 feet. WINDS South to southeast at 10 to 15 knots. 90°F HIGH 80°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief Two held for murder, third suspect sought A second man has been arrested in relation to the murder of Divonte Hernandez, while police continue to search for a third suspect who they say is armed and dangerous. According to police, the second suspect, Maurice Ryan Chin, 22, from Bodden Town, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. “Following a search related to his arrest, he was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a prohibited weapon,” police said in a press release issued shortly after 5:30pm on Wednesday, 11 Oct. Although he was arrested in relation to Hernandez’s death, police have not formally charged him in connection with that. Instead he was charged for the prohibited weapon. He made an initial Summary Court appearance last week, where he was remanded, while investigations continue. Sean Conolly Amaya, 24, of George Town, is the only person who has been formally charged in connection with the 29 Sept. murder. Amaya was arrested on 6 Oct., one week after the shooting, and made an initial Summary Court appearance on Monday 9 Oct., at which time the single charge of murder was transmitted to the Grand Court, where he will make his next appearance. Amaya has been remanded into custody. A third suspect, George Orlando Senior, of West Bay, whom police say is armed and dangerous and should not be approached, is being sought for the murder. A $50,000 reward is being offered by Cayman Crime Stoppers for any information that can lead to Senior’s arrest, charge or conviction in relation to Hernandez’s death. At the time of publication, Senior remained at large. Hydroponic farms to encourage sustainable agriculture The Ministry of Agriculture has been awarded five indoor hydroponic farms which it is setting up across the Cayman Islands to teach people about sustainable farming. The ‘Flex Farms’ are capable of growing a diverse range of foods efficiently and affordably throughout the year, according to a government press release. “Remarkably, a single Flex Farm can produce 25 pounds of lettuce in just 28 days while occupying a mere 9-square-feet of space,” it said. The introduction of the hydroponic farms is a result of collective efforts of the ministry, the Department of Agriculture, and the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator. Agriculture Minister Jay Ebanks and Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly delivered the first units on Thursday, 5 Oct. Edna Moyle Primary School, Beacon Farms, Clifton Hunter High School and the Department of Agriculture each received one hydroponic farm. The next delivery, to Layman E. Scott High School in Cayman Brac, is scheduled over the coming weeks. Special banknote released to honour Late Queen Elizabeth II The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority has released a commemorative $70 banknote to honour the one-year anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and in recognition of her Platinum Jubilee. The note, done in collaboration with De La Rue, was limited to a production of only 10,000 units, according to a CIMA press release, and will not enter general circulation. “Inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary 70-year reign, the banknote showcases three distinct portraits of Her Majesty, including a poignant depiction of her historic visit to the Cayman Islands in 1983. The obverse side elegantly displays the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms and the Royal Cipher of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolising her reign from 1952 to 2022,” the release said. Sales are limited to a maximum of 10 banknotes per person. The banknote is now available for purchase at the CIMA Currency office located on the first floor of the Cayman Islands Government Administration Building for $70. Only cash is being accepted at this time. Resident raises cancer fears over proposed 5G tower A North Side resident has raised health concerns over a planning application from TV and internet company Logic for a new 130-foot 5G communications tower. The individual said they were worried it may increase the risk of cancer and other conditions for those living nearby, and has asked the Central Planning Authority to refuse the proposal. But Logic refuted those suggestions, saying there is no evidence that the equipment they plan to use poses any risk to the public. If approved, the $150,000 tower, generator and battery enclosure will be located on an agricultural/residential-zoned vacant plot on Hutland Road. In a letter of objection, the resident said they live 500 feet from the proposed site and their worries stem from “evidence I gathered from various sources of research”. They cited the US Department of Health and Human Services which, they wrote, outlines health risks posed by the installation of a communications tower. The planning authority will make a decision on the application following that meeting, which will be published in the minutes about three weeks later. Four car theft repeat offenders arrested Four men connected to vehicle thefts have been arrested as part of targeted police operations. One of the men had been arrested three times in the last six weeks for theft-related matters. He has been formally charged in relation to two of those incidents. Superintendent Roje Williams said, “Police have apprehended recidivist offenders who have been targeting communities and stealing thousands of dollars of tools, jewellery and cash from vehicles. “Reports of thefts from vehicles have increased significantly over recent months, and we are now seeing this escalate to theft of vehicles. “These offenders are known to police and often have complex personal issues that lead to their recidivist behaviour.” The arrests were made on Thursday, 29 Sept., and on Monday, 2 Oct., according to a police press release. It added that so far this year, police have received more than 100 reports of thefts from and of vehicles. “Two of the men that were arrested were caught in possession of tools believed to be used to facilitate theft activity,” said Williams. A Flex Farms hydroponics unit being delivered to Beacon Farms. - Photo: Supplied cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 13-19 OCTOBER 2023ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Of all the issues plaguing the Cayman Islands, former Police Commissioner Derek Byrne said he was most worried about a “disproportionate” level of sexual offences, specifically against children. Byrne’s parting words of concern are borne out by the data, which shows an average of 87 sexual offences reported over the last five years. But he suspects that for every successful detection and prosecution, several more offences go unreported for a multitude of reasons. Women who say they are sexual assault victims, but have chosen not to report their cases, told the Compass they don’t believe Cayman “as a society is truly ready to tackle this issue”. Like the wider world, it is thought that the vast majority of sexual offences are underreported. Child-safeguarding experts believe that to get more people to come forward, Cayman needs a national rethink and to reprioritise how to protect children. The recurring nightmare of a ‘helpless child’ “There are two nightmares that plague me most nights; the first is when I was raped by my uncle at the age of 14, and the second is when I did a self-abortion at home two months later after I found out I was pregnant with his child,” said one woman, whose identity the Compass is not releasing. “Some nights it’s just one long horrible dream that I’m trapped in, and when I do wake up I’m shaking and drenched in sweat,” she said, pausing as if reliving the ordeal. “When it happened, it felt like my whole world was crashing down around me and inside me,” she said. “I kept thinking, ‘Why is this happening to me, what did I do wrong and how can I make it stop?’ But there was nothing I could have done. I was just a helpless young child.” Now 21, she said she still feels like that “helpless young child” incapable of speaking up and equally unable to forgive, forget or move on. “It’s been so long now that I’m afraid no one would believe me if I said something, and if I do say something, my family will fall apart,” she said. “I don’t get along with them anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I love them, but they love him, and this would just hurt everyone and what good is that?” She added, “What if I reported it and he gets found not guilty, then I would be made to look like the liar and have to deal with that as well.” She told the Compass that she learned about the abortion pills from her older cousin, who was raped by a family friend at the age of 16. Her cousin became pregnant and decided not to report the matter – choosing instead to self-abort. As previously documented by the Compass, a highly efficient, expensive black market for abortion pills exists in Cayman. The legislation in Florida banning abortions after 15 weeks – and the possible enacting of a more- restrictive six-week cutoff – has resulted in the demand for the pills to increase significantly, and makes it more difficult for women in Cayman to travel to that state to get an abortion. “I get a call almost every week, sometimes it’s from cheating partners who don’t want to get caught, or young girls who are afraid their lives will be ruined. But a lot of times it’s also young girls who were assaulted and can’t handle the fuss of telling the family or going to police,” said a supplier, whose identity the Compass is also not releasing. The supplier, who says she is a victim herself, said she also didn’t report her assault. She told the Compass she got into the illegal pharmaceutical market to help victims without causing more emotional anguish. She is one of numerous illegal pill providers, who, she says tell similar stories. Statistics don’t paint accurate picture Cases of minors being sexually assaulted are abundant, and feature a variety of assailants who have committed those unspeakable acts. One only needs to take a cursory glance at court records or the Compass archives to find stories of children being raped or molested by their fathers, grandfathers and extended family members, as well as neighbours, teachers, coaches, home repairmen… the list is seemingly endless. But, despite the well- documented cases of sexual abuse, there is no way to know the true prevalence of these offences against minors. According to the RCIPS from 2018 to 2022 there were 435 reported serious sexual offences, of which there were 71 reported cases of rape. The 104 reported sexual offences in 2019 represented the highest number over those five years, while in 2022 there were 19 reported rapes, the highest over that time period. However, 2023 will likely shatter those numbers as the Compass understands that between January and June, 157 sexual offences were reported. The RCIPS statistics do not reveal how many of the reported sexual assaults were against minors, but the numbers show an overall increase in that type of offending. “I have concerns about the number of sexual crimes that are on island that involve children,” said Byrne. “I have to say I’m really concerned about the level of it. It seems disproportionate to me, the whole issue.” According to the NDC, 3,608 students from 19 government and private schools in Years 7 to 13 participated in the survey. Of that number, 1,934 students (989 girls and 929 boys) in Years 9 to 13 participated in an Adverse Childhood Experience survey which featured questions about sexual abuse. Results from the survey show that approximately 13.4% of girls and 4.3% of boys reported sexual abuse. It is not clear if any of the cases contained in the NDC report were acted upon. While the survey is not scientific, the NDC states that it adheres to best practices used in public health Cayman struggles to safeguard its children 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 No. of Sexual offences 82 104 82 89 78 Year on year % Change 26.83%-21.15%8.54%-12.36% 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 20182019202020212022 2018-2022 Sexual Offences Jan Mar May Jul Sep NovJan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 14» cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 13-19 OCTOBER 2023 31234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Move very slowly (5) 4 Falter in speaking (7) 8 Sound of disapproval (3) 9 Discordant sound (9) 10 Exonerate (7) 11 Point of view (5) 13 Show that one has (6) 15 Meeting of spiritualists (6) 18 Main ingredient (5) 19 Surviving trace (7) 21 Social exclusion (9) 23 Individual (3) 24 Ridicule (7) 25 Underground vault (5) DOWN 1 Green vegetable (7) 2 Science of sound (9) 3 Peculiar to an area (5) 4 Gullible person (6) 5 Conciliate by concessions (7) 6 To low (3) 7 Kind of poem (5) 12 Study of lines of descent (9) 14 Small waterfall (7) 16 No longer existing (7) 17 Intellectually clever (6) 18 Flourish (5) 20 Imitate closely (5) 22 Involuntary muscular twitch (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17447 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 17447 ACROSS: 1 Crawl, 4 Stammer, 8 Boo, 9 Cacophony, 10 Absolve, 11 Angle, 13 Evince, 15 Seance, 18 Basis, 19 Remnant, 21 Ostracism, 23 Own, 24 Mockery, 25 Crypt. DOWN: 1 Cabbage, 2 Acoustics, 3 Local, 4 Sucker, 5 Appease, 6 Moo, 7 Rhyme, 12 Genealogy, 14 Cascade, 16 Extinct, 17 Brainy, 18 Bloom, 20 Mimic, 22 Tic. What they’re saying Online Letters to the editor pic of the week Dozens of people and neighbours who live in the Aqua Bay area are protesting the Butler Group’s development plan of building a high-rise 38-apartment condo among low-rise condos on Seven Mile Beach. The highest structure allowed by the Development and Planning Regulations 2022 is not more than 10 storeys tall. The new Aqua Bay plan describes two levels of rooftop structures and an underground parking garage, thus adding three more levels to the 10 allowed. Will the Butler Group be permitted to build the tall apartment block, plus shoring up the Seven Mile beachfront on the 1.4-acre plot the old Aqua Bay condos sit on today? The protesters have good reason to protest the Butler Group plan in their neighbourhood. Will [they] be listened to? Nan Socolow Senior citizen ‘grateful’ to Boyz2Men for painting her home This was such an answer to prayer for me and I was so blessed to be part of the Boyz2Men programme. They were all so helpful, cooperative and kind. I wish them every success in life and pray that whatever they do it makes them happy and well loved. Lorraine Clancy Ebanks I am glad to read this as it’s very touching to see all of you giving back to the community. It is rewarding. Denise Ebanks I am so happy to have been a part of this phenomenal project. It feels great to give back to my hometown of West Bay. I’m looking forward to giving back to all of the districts now. May God bless Ms. Lorraine always and we thank her very much for her pleasant welcome. Jerrin Reynolds-Velasquez 10 issues that raising minimum wage won’t resolve The bottom line is the government is more interested in expats, and revenue than actually looking after the people. We are so far behind the times. How can we be in a surplus but still suffer from homelessness? I emailed the premier asking for some insight or a meeting; he has not answered. He must be busy counting. Alison F. Dart plans second 10-storey office block in Camana Bay Somebody is giving the approvals. That somebody is following the guidelines set out by government. Who voted for the government? Regina Ecclefield Almost everything Dart does is going to improve the island. Multi- million dollar buildings don’t get developed without the demand. Unpopular opinion, but all I see is some great job creation, endless economic contribution and opportunities for the local employment market. It is another move to allow Cayman to compete against other tax- friendly jurisdictions. Leif Ristimaki I feel for any tourist that visits the Cayman Islands these days. We started to visit back in the 1970s when Cayman was quaint and the locals were truly excited and happy to have us there. We travelled yearly to Cayman and the very last time we visited, 2019, will be our last. Very sad to see what has happened to this beautiful island. It’s all about greed and taking what belonged to the Caymanians and turning it into Miami Beach. Joni Campbell Another 10-storey office building. Will these workers have anywhere to live? I wonder if some of the empty and about- to-get emptier-offices in George Town will need to convert into lower cost housing. rdlviper Football season in turmoil amid transfer chaos How is it that CIFA is historically such a dumpster fire? I don’t get it. This isn’t rocket science, you’re not walking on the moon or curing cancer. It’s local football, I played it my whole life growing up at various levels and running it effectively can’t be that hard. Sounds like an entire organisational house-cleaning is needed and there needs to be people put in place that have clarity about what its intent, vision and goals actually are. James Whittaker (no relation to Compass journalist James Whittaker) Say no to new Aqua Bay development Stepping out About 100 people attended the Inspire Leadership Development Conference, organised by Compass Media and SteppingStones recruitment agency, held earlier this month at The Vault in the Compass Centre. Organisers described the event as “part of a collective effort to create positive change in our community and beyond”. The conference was hosted by Ciara Aspinall, director of Pinpointing Potential, and Erin Jenkinson, CEO of NDeavour Consultants. The SteppingStones team is featured in the photo with Aspinall, back row, second from left. - Photo: Angela Sevilla cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 13-19 OCTOBER 2023WEEKLY, 13-19 OCTOBER 2023RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky A longstanding dispute over the payment of licensing fees between local telecommunications operator C3 and regulator OfReg is heading for the courts. C3 – also known as Infinity Broadband Ltd. – and OfReg have been engaged in a back-and- forth for more than a year over outstanding fees amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The regulator claims it is owed more than $500,000 in licensing fees, according to a press release issued Monday. It has also indicated plans to fine C3 for its non-payment of those fees. The telecoms company disputes OfReg’s authority to impose those charges, however, and plans to challenge the decision in court. OfReg, in the release, pointed out that after the issuance of a final enforcement notice to C3 over the fees and reports, the telecoms operator “has now initiated a legal challenge to OfReg’s determination through the courts”. Randy Merren, C3 managing director, declined comment when contacted by the Cayman Compass on Monday. Premier Wayne Panton is also an owner of C3. Licence fees, the regulator stated, are collected from all information and communications technology licensees and comprise two parts – a ‘royalty fee’ that OfReg collects on behalf of the Cayman Islands government and is reflected as government revenue; and a ‘regulatory fee’, which it said covers OfReg’s costs of regulating the ICT sector. ‘Failure to comply’ OfReg, in the release, said C3 “repeatedly failed to comply” with its longstanding licence obligations, resulting in the issuance of an enforcement notice which listed failure to pay its licence fees as well as failure to submit its audited financial reports. A link to the enforcement notice, with heavily redacted pages, was also issued along with the press release. Additionally, OfReg said it had “issued C3 with a notice outlining the demands for payment of outstanding fees, including any interest accrued, and the proposed imposition of fines for the various breaches”. The regulator said in July 2022, after several reminders and requests were sent to C3, it issued an initial enforcement notice setting out C3’s failure to pay its licence fees totalling over $500,000, including interest. At that time, C3 had also failed to submit its required audited financials for 2021, OfReg added. “C3 issued a response challenging OfReg’s authority to collect licence fees as per the obligation set out in C3’s own ICT licence and demanded that OfReg pay back fees already paid by C3 for previous periods,” the statement said. Following this challenge, OfReg said it still continued with its enforcement action and issued a final determination in late August 2023. “The determination confirmed OfReg’s position that C3 was, and remains, obligated to pay its licence fees and submit its financial reports and as such C3’s failures amounted to a breach of its licence. As a consequence, OfReg issued C3 with a further notice on intended fines for the breaches beyond any demand to pay the outstanding fees,” it said. Prior to OfReg issuing the enforcement notice in July 2023, the regulator said, C3 submitted its outstanding audited financial reports. “C3 has also not paid licence fees beyond the amount referenced in the enforcement notices for the period from July 2022 to present,” it added. The telecoms company’s legal challenge is expected to heard in late November. 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AD_IH why choose IH for motor ins._strip_frid.jun.23.2023.indd 120/06/2023 9:37 AM RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cabinet has approved the publication of regulations that will pave the way for reforming Cayman’s financial assistance programmes and their management. The Ministry of Social Development, on Tuesday evening, announced that the Financial Assistance Regulations, 2023 and the Financial Assistance (Appeals) Regulations, 2023 have been approved and now create the framework for the launch of the Department of Financial Assistance later next month. “Today, with the approval of these Regulations, we are on the cusp of transforming the way we deliver financial assistance in the Cayman Islands. As we look forward to the launch of the Department of Financial Assistance, we embrace a future where members of our community can more efficiently access the support they need through modern processes and systems,” Social Development Minister André Ebanks said through the statement. The regulations come exactly one year after the passage of the Financial Assistance Act, 2022 in Parliament. Under the new legislation, the Needs Assessment Unit will be renamed the Department of Financial Assistance. The legislation will also clearly define who is eligible for government’s financial assistance. It will allow the introduction of conditions that can be attached to financial assistance, in particular for households with adult members who are able to work. A new appeals tribunal is also to be set up under which decisions by the Department of Financial Assistance can be challenged, and grievances aired. There will also be additional protections for personal information. Ebanks said with the publication of the regulations, all of the recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General Report on Government Programmes Supporting Those in Need (May 2015) should now be addressed. The audit report found that there was no overall strategy, coordination or accountability for how $50 million in financial assistance was spent annually. Tamara Ebanks, chief officer of the ministry, said focus groups with other government departments, non-profit organisations, mental health practitioners, landlords and clients of the department have been held since the passing of the act. This is in addition to consultation with members of the Opposition and “ultimately extensive” input from members of Caucus. “Consultation with all of these groups has directly improved many aspects of the Regulations,” she said. The ministry will be hosting town hall meetings across the islands to inform the public about the changes being implemented. Reforms aim to ‘transform’ financial assistance in Cayman West Bay: 6:30-8pm, Monday, 16 Oct. at John Gray Memorial Church Hall George Town: 6:30-8pm, Tuesday, 17 Oct. at Constitution Hall (George Town, Town Hall) Bodden Town: 6:30-8pm, Tuesday, 24 Oct. at Bodden Town Primary School East End: 6:30-8pm, Wednesday, 25 Oct. at East End Civic Centre Cayman Brac: 6:30-8pm, Monday, 30 Oct. at the Aston Rutty Centre North Side: 6:30-8pm, Wednesday, 1 Nov. at the North Side Civic Centre The town hall schedule is as follows: André Ebanks JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Unemployment in Cayman has fallen to the lowest point in decades as the island’s population surged yet again, according to the latest data from the Economics and Statistics Office. An influx of new work-permit holders, as the country bounced back after the COVID-19 lockdown, is behind the latest spike in growth. The resurgence of the economy, which has also brought an increase in jobs for Caymanians, has accelerated a demographic shift that has been in process for several decades. For the first time, according to the ESO Spring Labour Force Survey, Caymanians make up less than half of the population – 46.5% of the 83,671 now living on the islands. The growth has brought both challenges and opportunities. There are more Caymanians in work than ever, with only 842 listed as unemployed. Premier Wayne Panton said he was encouraged by the economic and unemployment data but concerned over the rapid rate of growth. “While these overall economic indicators are positive, I understand the concerns of many Caymanians that the increase in population growth has negatively impacted their quality of life. “We must continually strive to balance overall economic growth with improved quality of life and increased opportunities for Caymanians.” Citing stresses on infrastructure, public services, cost of living and the cultural balance of society, he said the report would help inform policy decisions. Attributing the recent spike to the ‘rebound effect of the pandemic’, he said it was not something government could have fully planned for. Nonetheless, he added, “We are working steadily to improve our roads and transportation network, alleviate traffic concerns, and ensure that public services such as health, education, and safety are strengthened and expanded to meet increased demands.” Record low unemployment Despite those concerns, the core economic outlook for Cayman is good. The overall unemployment is down to 2.4%, with fewer than 1,000 Caymanians now out of work – the lowest number in decades. Panton said he was “heartened” by that statistic saying it shows “our people are benefitting from the economic growth through a return to the job market”. Citing data that indicated higher levels of unemployment among those without high school level education and further training, he said his government was increasing opportunities in this area. He reiterated previously articulated ambitions to introduce more strategic development and planning. “Growth cannot come at the cost of peace of mind and quality of life,” he said. “We must ensure that growth and expansion are sustainable. “This is one of the key reasons why we need to be both strategic and far-sighted in our planning now and moving forward so we may ensure that all Caymanians and residents have a good quality of life within our shores.” Unemployment hits new low as population surges again cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 13-19 OCTOBER 2023AT DART, we’re committed to creating a prosperous future, not just for our company and our people, but for the entire Cayman Islands. For over 30 years, we’ve been attracting tourists, professionals and investment to the islands with our diverse portfolio in real estate, hospitality, retail and leisure. But that only tells half the story. We’ve also invested in education, healthcare and community projects. Built homes and offices with world-class sustainability credentials. Nurtured careers and empowered employees. Developed renewable energy solutions and resilient infrastructure. Promoted biodiversity and reduced waste. And created inspiring places to live, work and play. Because we believe a better tomorrow starts with the foundations we lay today. dart.ky Tomorrow CREATING FOUNDATIONS FOR cayman compass 7 WEEKLY, 13-19 OCTOBER 2023The Bahamas | Barbados | Cayman Islands www.rfgroup.com | invest@rfgroup.com Tried and true investment options in your own backyard. Mutual Funds Investment Management Pension Plans and so much more. RF Bank & Trust (Cayman) Limited is registered as a Broker Member of the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and authorised to conduct Securities Investment Business by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), license number 1609101. Fidelity Financial Centre, 1 Gecko Link Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Phone: 746-6010 RF BANK & TRUST REBECCA BIRD rbird@compassmedia.ky A proposal to demolish the 35-year- old Aqua Bay Club on Seven Mile Beach and build a luxury 10-storey apartment block in its place is facing considerable opposition. The Central Planning Authority has received 43 objection letters to the $60 million plan from nearby residents and homeowners, with some signed by more than one person. Among their concerns are the building’s appearance, with its size blocking out sunlight, daylight and views from neighbouring properties; traffic noise and fumes; disruption to nesting turtles; and beach erosion from a protective seawall. “Attempting to squeeze this massive size of a project into the frontage/property width area of Aqua Bay… is an affront to every proprietor on each side of the project,” one letter said. Meanwhile, the Planning Department said the proposed tower is actually 11 storeys or more, as it includes an underground parking floor and two levels of rooftop structures. “The authority has no discretion to allow more than 10 storeys,” it said, referring to the Development and Planning Regulations, 2022. This is the first time the plan has been submitted for approval, after the company in 2020 announced that the current condo owners had voted in favour of the site’s redevelopment. If approved, the Butler Development Group will take control of the project – which will see the existing property torn down and the pool demolished. A tower block with 38 apartments and a pool will be constructed on the 1.4-acre beachfront plot, along with 63 parking spaces – some on a plot on the other side of West Bay Road. The proposal is detailed in the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the Central Planning Authority on Wednesday, 11 Oct., when it will be discussed. ‘Strenuous’ objections The 43 letters of objection to the planning authority all came from residents or owners of the adjacent properties – The Palms and Silver Sands. Most used the same template, “strenuously” objecting to the proposal and describing eight reasons why. Firstly, the letters said physical characteristics of the proposed tower are “totally inconsistent” with the character of the surrounding properties. They added that there is no application for planning permission to tear down the existing development. “The dust, noise, pollution and vibrations from the demolition and the new construction will have an adverse effect on the neighbouring properties,” the letters read. In their fourth point, the objectors said the critical mass and height of the tower will block daylight, sunlight and views for those living in the adjacent properties. The entry and exit lanes of the parking garage on each side of the building will bring vehicles, exhaust fumes and noise very close to the adjacent properties, their letters said. Meanwhile, parking on the other side of West Bay Road will create even more traffic and danger of accidents for vehicles and pedestrians, the objectors suggested. In their seventh point, they said the site is a very active sea turtle nesting area, and the likely two- to three-year project will “almost certainly have an adverse effect”. Finally, the letters said the plans for an elevated concrete retaining wall on the beachside of the pool deck could cause “significant erosion issues” on Seven Mile Beach during storms. The letters conclude by strongly urging the Central Planning Authority to reject the application. Other objectors’ concerns included the impact to rentals in the adjacent properties, the lack of an environmental impact study and no consideration of the affordable housing crisis. A ‘viable’ development Butler Development Group, in its letter to the planning authority, said the current owners of Aqua Bay Club’s 21 condos approached them to investigate rebuilding their homes in 2019. “The costs of constant repairs, evidence of concrete [spalling] (cracked patches), dated building design and lack of amenities to attract tourists motivated [them] to look to other options,” the group said. After carrying out financial modelling, the developers decided that adding another 17 apartments to the site was “viable”. However, current regulations only allow 34. “The existing regulation related to density is imbalanced and prohibits the financial viability of redevelopment,” the group said, adding it has not changed in line with building height. They asked for a variance in density, and insisted the property will be consistent with the character of the surrounding area, and not impact setback or building height regulations. The developers added that it will not be materially detrimental to anyone living or working in the vicinity, to the adjacent properties, to the neighbourhood, or to public welfare. “The existing swimming pool will be removed to create a far greater sand foreshore and thereby increase turtle nesting habitat [and] the project name will be changed to just Aqua Bay. “Additional land across the road will be utilised for parking per regulations and will remove the unsightly aspect of garbage containers on the beachfront site,” they said. Butler Development Group said, if approved, the project will create $10 million in development revenue for the government and “excellent” employment opportunities. “Additionally, refreshing our tourism accommodation product will create increased tourism tax recurrent revenue along with sustainable employment,” the developers said. Low rise to high rise According to the Department of Environment in its analysis of the project, it said the proposal is another in a string of similar redevelopment projects along Seven Mile Beach. “It is highly likely that other existing low-rise condominiums will also seek to redevelop into 10 storey buildings and this is changing the nature of Seven Mile Beach,” it said. The department suggested that these higher, more densely populated buildings will introduce more people onto the beach and exacerbate traffic issues for the area. They will also be visually prominent which will change the view of Seven Mile Beach from low rise to high rise, it added. The department recommended the Central Planning Authority give “due holistic consideration to visual impact and the impacts of daylight, sunlight and overshadowing both at a development-specific scale and more generally as part of development planning for the islands”. The DoE also drafted several conditions for the developers that will help to protect nesting turtles and the surrounding beach and marine environment. The proposal will be discussed at the Wednesday, 11 Oct., meeting of the Central Planning Authority and the decision published in the minutes about three weeks later. Dozens ‘strenuously’ object to 10-storey Aqua Bay plan An architect’s impression of the planned Aqua Bay development. - Image: File cayman compass 8 news N news WEEKLY, 13-19 OCTOBER 2023KEANNA KELLY ABBEY WALTON To learn more, scan the QR code or visit APPLEBYGLOBAL.COM/CAREERS We wish them well in their studies! 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