100% Whopper 0% Beef New REBEL cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism | Weekly, 20-26 October 2023 Women’s rights activist Georgette Ebanks passes Page 8 In photos: Culinary Society Awards Pages 24-25 Deaths in the water Study: Cayman's drowning rate among highest in world Page 660,000 turtle hatchlings make it safely to sea The year to-date is already another record-setter for turtle nesting, with 986 nests recorded and more than 60,000 hatchlings making it to sea. Department of Environment sea turtle programme manager Jane Hardwick, who holds a PhD in tropical ecology, welcomed the continued increase in turtle numbers. “We are amazed every year at the success of turtle conservation efforts, which have seen an increase from a mere 38 nests across all three islands when monitoring systematically began in 1998, to 986 nests to date in 2023,” she said. Last year, Cayman logged a record-breaking 858 nests, the highest total since the DoE started keeping statistics in 1998. Cayman’s previous high of 689 nests was recorded in 2017. Murder suspect George Senior arrested George Orlando Senior has been arrested in connection with the murder of Divonte Alejandro Hernandez, who was shot dead in broad daylight last month. Senior, a 35-year-old George Town resident, was taken into custody during an operation in East End after having spent the past week evading officers, according to a press release issued by the RCIPS on 18 Oct. “Police also arrested a 32-year-old woman, of West Bay, on suspicion of being an accessory by assisting an offender to avoid arrest,” the release said, adding that both individuals remained in custody while investigations continue. Senior is the third person arrested in connection with Hernandez’s killing. On 6 Oct., one week after the shooting, police arrested Sean Conolly Amaya, 24, of George Town, who is the only person so far to have been charged with Hernandez’s murder. On 11 Oct., police arrested Maurice Ray Chin, of Bodden Town, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. However, he has not been charged with that offence and remains in custody on a separate charge of possession of a prohibited weapon. Sentencing delayed once again for Tiffany Conolly The sentencing proceedings of former Miss Universe Cayman Islands Tiffany Conolly have been delayed again, eight months after she was convicted of assaulting her estranged partner, his father and a police officer. Magistrate Philippa McFarlane convicted Conolly, 25, of West Bay, on 9 Feb. of two counts of assault, two counts of damage to property, two counts of assaulting police and one count of disorderly conduct. Following Conolly’s conviction, a series of reports were ordered to give the Summary Court a better understanding of the impact of the assaults on the various victims, as well as Conolly’s upbringing, her social background and mental well being. While the first set of reports were completed in time, a psychiatric report proved more difficult. It was reportedly completed last month, but included a recommendation for an additional psychological report, for which Conolly’s attorney, Oliver Grimwood, requested an adjournment. McFarlane granted a two- week extension. Conolly has been released on bail and is due to return to court on 6 Nov. Premier warns of increased penalties for illegal gun possession Plans are in place to increase penalties for illegal possession of firearms following a recent shooting, Premier Wayne Panton has said. In a Facebook video, he said the National Security Council on Tuesday, 17 Oct., agreed as a matter of urgency to review the Firearms Act 2008 Revision. It will consider recommendations on increasing the penalties to be sent to Cabinet. Currently, those found guilty risk a fine of up to $100,000 or 20 years in prison. The mandatory minimum sentence for possession of a firearm in the Cayman Islands is 10 years on conviction after a trial or seven years in cases where a guilty plea is entered. Panton did not give specifics of which sentencing guidelines would be altered or by how much. US group pays to sterilise 100 cats An American animal welfare organisation has made a donation to the Cayman Islands Humane Society to pay for the spaying and neutering of 100 cats. The cash will help to bolster the society’s long- running sterilisation programme, set up to stop the birth of unwanted kittens across the territory. Alley Cat Allies said by offering its funding boost, it is “making a stand to prevent cats from being killed on the Cayman Islands”. The group announced the donation just weeks after Cabinet approved the creation of Department of Agriculture cat pounds in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Cats captured by members of the public will be kept in one of the pounds for six days, and if they are not claimed, they will be euthanised. The US group said the Humane Society’s programme is “an approach that starkly contrasts against the deadly government plan already underway”. 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. GANAPATH (PG) (FRI) 7:05 | 9:55 (SAT) 12:35 | 4:35 (SUN) 4:35 | 7:05 | 9:00 | 9:55 (MON, WED-THURS) 4:15 | 7:05 | 9:55 KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (R) (FRI) 3:30 | 7:45 | 8:40 VIP (SAT) 1:00 VIP | 3:30 | 5:15 VIP | 7:40 VIP | 7:45 (MON) 3:30 | 3:30 VIP | 4:25 | 5:45 VIP | 7:45 | 7:45 VIP | 8:40 | 8:40 (WED) 3:30 | 3:30 VIP | 4:25 | 5:45 VIP | 7:45 VIP | 8:40 | 8:40 (THURS) 4:25 VIP | 7:45 | 8:40 PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE (PG) (FRI) 4:00 | 6:15 VIP (SAT) 1:25 | 4:00 (SUN) 4:00 | 4:50 VIP | 6:35 | 7:15 VIP (MON) 3:20 VIP | 4:00 | 6:15 VIP (WED) 3:20 VIP | 6:15 VIP (THURS) 4:00 | 4:35 VIP SAW X (R) (FRI, THURS) 6:40 | 10:05 VIP (SAT) 12:45 | 6:40 | 9:30 VIP (MON) 6:40 | 10:00 VIP (WED) 10:00 VIP TAYLOR SWIFT THE ERAS TOUR (PG-13) (FRI, THURS) 3:30 | 6:30 VIP | 7:00 VIP | 7:30 (SAT) 12:30 VIP | 1:00 | 3:30 | 4:05 VIP | 6:30 VIP | 7:30 (SUN) 3:30 | 4:05 VIP | 6:30 VIP | 7:30 | 7:35 VIP | 9:40 VIP THE CREATOR (PG-13) (FRI-SAT) 9:25 (SUN) 3:30 VIP | 4:20 | 7:25 | 10:00 VIP (MON, WED-THURS) 3:15 VIP | 9:25 WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK 4:15 | 7:05 | 9:55 CLASSICS THE BIRDS TUESDAY 7PM VIP (PG-13) SPORT: RUGBY WORLD CUP SEMI FINAL 1 CONYERS (FRI) 2:00 VIP SEMI FINAL 1 NOVA (FRI) 2:00 VIP SEMI FINAL 1 (FRI) 2:00 VIP SEMI FINAL 2 (SAT) 2:00 VIP KIDS CLUB RANGO SATURDAY 10AM (PG) KIDS CLUB CARS SATURDAY 10AM (G) NT LIVE: FRANKENSTEIN CUMBERBATCH AS CREATURE (TBC) (SAT) 8:00 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 Slight chance isolated showers SEA STATE Slight to moderate with a wave height of 2 to 4 feet. WINDS East to northeast at 5 to 10 knots. 88°F HIGH 76°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief A sea turtle hatchling from September this year. - Photo: Department of Environment cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023cayman compass 3 WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023What they’re saying Online Letters to the editor Cayman Airways Cayman Airways staff hold up the Cayman Islands and Barbados flags, to celebrate the launch of the airline’s newest route. The inaugural flight from Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport to Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport took off on Wednesday morning, 18 Oct. The launch of the route, which will operate once a week until early November and then twice-weekly during the winter months, was scheduled to coincide with the 2023 Barbados Food and Rum Festival taking place this week. - Photo: Supplied I grew up on Grand Cayman, and my husband and I have just spent our 34th holiday with you. We have watched the island grow over the years, and it was so nice to see the newly paved shopping area. My concern, though, is for the amount of very uneven walkways, paths and sidewalks. Anyone who is vision-impaired is in some danger of tripping and falling. People who use mobility scooters are also in danger of tipping over. There are also a number of little shops that have huge steps, which are impossible for a lot of people to negotiate. My other concern is lack of restrooms. It seems that if the cruise ships are not visiting, the public toilets are closed. Last year, we were able to use the Bayshore Mall facility, but that was also closed this year. I really think these issues need some attention. Gillian Rudd Fix the sidewalks ‘Holy Business?’ Cayman grocery stores normalising Sunday hours There was something nice about businesses not being open on a Sunday, I thought, when I moved from New York to the UK several years ago as it made Sunday a relaxing day. I worked in an office, so from a work perspective it was not difficult for me. However, I realise how many people – especially here, who work in the service industry doing shifts – need to take care of their family’s needs as well. The holiness is not affected by whether you are covering your shift at work or chilling with your family and friends. Regina Ecclefield A general prohibition on Sunday trading is not reasonable when most residents work Mon- Fri as it forces the majority to squeeze all shopping and errands into one day. The congestion created on the roads and in the shops on Saturdays would be better managed with vendors being permitted to operate seven days a week. To accommodate the Christian element, allow shops to open from 12 noon onwards after most church services have completed. Cayman is far behind modern commerce in this regard and it’s not difficult to correct the problem while recognising the importance the islands place on their religion. Jeffrey Johnstone One of the last sacred Cayman traditions now also gone. Sunday is Family Day. Six days of trade is more than enough. Morne Botes Our Shabbat is Saturday and I would personally really appreciate the ability to grocery shop on a Sunday. Mackenzie Rose Brown-Ebanks If businesses stayed open later during the week and on Saturdays, maybe this wouldn’t be such an issue. But most people are also tired after such a long workday and traffic too, so not sure that would make much of a difference. Stores that want to open Sundays can and ones that don’t want to, don’t need to. But working a 45-hour work week and the lengthy commute times only leaves Saturday for most to run errands. Stores are congested and so are the roads because of this. Shorten the work week to 40 hours like a normal civilised country and encourage and maybe partially mandate flex work weeks. Many staff don’t need to be in the office the whole week and should have the option. Doesn’t work for every employee but many would benefit from this and it would help significantly with traffic and pollution... we need to be much more progressive on these fronts. Natascha Schroll-McLaughlin Robert Thompson Jr. reflects on historic Mr. America win Congratulations RJ! Your hard work has paid off. Elaine McLean Congratulations – awesome job. Yudian McLaren Retirement could be ‘unaffordable’ for many Caymanians The problem we have is the interest rates/insurance premiums and gas prices that are affecting ordinary Caymanians. Government policies are needed to police the private increases. Jacqueline Rankine This is news? Any ordinary Caymanian who’s retired knows this already. Darlene Glidden pic of the week 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Edible bivalve mollusc (7) 5 Recapitulate (3,2) 8 Detailed analysis (9) 9 Essential (3) 10 To lasso (4) 12 Imitate (8) 14 Categorical order (6) 15 Unimpaired (6) 17 Pretentious (8) 18 Immediately adjacent (4) 21 Metal container (3) 22 Instantly (4,1,4) 24 Slyly spiteful (5) 25 Eminent (7) DOWN 1 Subdued in tone (5) 2 Successful fighter pilot (3) 3 Huron or Victoria for example (4) 4 An irrational fear (6) 5 Optimistic (8) 6 To grimace (4,1,4) 7 Remuneration (7) 11 To ridicule (4,3,2) 13 Knavish (8) 14 Having far-reaching effect (7) 16 To count (6) 19 Name of a book (5) 20 Actors in a play (4) 23 Central point of activity (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17069 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 17069 ACROSS: 1 Scallop, 5 Sum up, 8 Breakdown, 9 Key, 10 Rope, 12 Simulate, 14 Diktat, 15 Intact, 17 Affected, 18 Next, 21 Tin, 22 Like a shot, 24 Catty, 25 Notable. DOWN: 1 Sober, 2 Ace, 3 Lake, 4 Phobia, 5 Sanguine, 6 Make a face, 7 Payment, 11 Poke fun at, 13 Rascally, 14 Drastic, 16 Reckon, 19 Title, 20 Cast, 23 Hub. Sea of sargassum: Invasion spreads in North Sound Sargassum probably poses the greatest threat to the Cayman tourist industry since COVID and I can’t see anybody in government doing anything about it. We had a five- month warning of this influx [of] weed this year, yet nothing seems to have be done. In Mexico, they have special boats prepared to sift out the weed before it arrives and special beach clean-up vehicles and a plan to use the weed for fertiliser. Someone smart and proactive needs to be put in charge and get a plan to deal with this problem that will not go away before the tourists leave to find clean, unclogged beaches. Maybe the Compass can find the minister in charge of sargassum and publish an article on the plan to deal with the problem we can all view. – Duncan Heard This was terrible at the end of May and early June. It smells awful and the beach (at Morritt’s) is barely useable in spite of daily efforts to remove the sargassum. We have enjoyed it there for 20+ years, but until this is resolved, we have to find another vacation spot. – Stephanie Patterson Sadly, we just cancelled our trip to Cayman due to this. Cayman needs to sweep the area and dump the sargassum into utility boilers or use as compost for plants. – Donovan Pullen Mother Nature leaving us a message. – Andrew Veganic Hope government can come up with some good plans. Local condos Businesses and residents along Morgan’s Harbour, West Bay, were greeted with large mats of brown sargassum along the shoreline on 23 July, which they say is the worst they have experienced in the area. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay wanted to put up temporary barriers in the sea but were not allowed, even though turtles could have swum under them. – Richard Moss Recruitment crisis amid cost-of-living challenge The other issue that is being seen is traditional large private- sector employers, who are multinationals, are starting to move support roles (especially IT) out of Cayman to places where they have larger options and lower wage demands. Government needs to find a solution to Cayman companies ,who make the majority of their income from Cayman services, from moving these support roles overseas. – Josh Leggatt Long overdue – a living wage review. – Rory Joe McDonough I was having this conversation just yesterday. Workers going to look elsewhere for work.. – Ian Anderson $6 minimum wage... absurd for this day and time, unless one is working for $6 an hour, plus gratuities. And even then, that would depend on where they work and the type of business it is, such as hotel, restaurant/bartending and the like. Cayman, with its high costs for everything… just [paying for] the basics for survival isn’t easy. No wonder there are multiples living in a one- or two-bedroom homes, having to pay high rental prices… and some rentals are questionable. No wonder there are Caymanians struggling to remain afloat… some not even knowing how they will afford their next meal. How does a young Caymanian even begin to dream and hope for a future of owning their own home? And yes, I understand, getting a higher education offers the majority better positions, which offers more income, but not everyone is in a position to afford to continue their education after high school graduation. – Jim Norris $6 per hour. Is someone somewhere having a laugh? Who is going to put themselves out for that amount of nothing. Watch the rich get richer on the backs of the poorer. Shame on you, Cayman government and business leaders. – Jerry Young High praise as DoE officer rescues nesting turtle from poachers I hope these people are caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. – Bruce Leibowitz Great job. Shame, though, that they or the police didn’t stick around to see who came back for the turtle. – Norman Linton These poachers need long jail times and cleaning the beach for years as their community service. – Toni Baxter This man deserves a medal! – Ivor Lee Well done. One saved to lay eggs for a future generation. – Renee Bernardo What they’re saying Online cayman compass 4 news N news FRIDAY, 29 JULY 2022cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023cayman compass 5 WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky Cayman has one of the highest drowning rates in the world, according to a data research project involving the islands’ forensic pathologist, local doctors and the Royal Lifesaving Society of the Cayman Islands. There were 84 deaths in the waters around the Cayman Islands in the decade up to the end of 2021. Of those, 64 were recorded by the coroner as ‘misadventure’, meaning they were avoidable accidents. The other 20 were recorded as natural causes – meaning the victim suffered another health emergency while in the water. The average of just over eight deaths each year, for the past decade, has already been eclipsed in 2023. As of October, there had been 10 water-related deaths reported in the media, the most recent being two Cubans lost when their raft capsized off Cayman Brac. While the figures are not surprising, this is the first time water-related deaths have been comprehensively compiled and analysed. And the rate of 13 deaths per 100,000 people – the statistical metric used by the World Health Organization – is significantly higher than Cayman’s regional neighbours and among the five worst in the world. Only Guyana (18.5 per 100,000) has a higher drowning rate in the Caribbean. Other major tourist destinations, like the Bahamas (6.5 per 100,000), which also attracts large numbers of cruise passengers, have significantly lower rates. Jamaica’s drowning rate (0.3 per 100,000) is the lowest in the region, thanks in part to a legal requirement for lifeguards at certain tourist attractions, according to the research team. Dr. Shravana Jyoti, forensic pathologist with the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, said he had partnered with the lifesaving society to shed light on the problem. He is also working on his own research paper. Jyoti said many of the deaths involved older people. More than half of the fatalities were over 60 years old. One in five were younger than 40. But he said a high percentage of those drownings were avoidable. “The demographic of our travellers is slightly older, but whether it is 50, 60 or 80, these are still lost years for their families and loved ones,” he said. He said there were strategies, including lifeguarding, that had been shown to reduce deaths in other countries. He also plans to use the research – including a more detailed analysis of the types and varieties of underlying conditions associated with deaths in the water in the Cayman Islands – to inform guidelines for tourists, hoteliers and water-sports operators on precautions to take in the islands’ waters. “We have to be very balanced because we are a tourism country,” he said. “We don’t want to say, ‘Don’t get in the water’. That is why people come here.” Nonetheless, he said, people suffering with heart conditions or obesity should be advised to stay within their comfort range. And he believes signs could be used to advise against swimming at certain locations. Jyoti also endorses the Lifesaving Society’s call for lifeguards on beaches in certain locations. ‘Lifeguards can make a difference’ Craig Amundsen, executive director and lifeguard trainer with the Lifesaving Society, said government has shown some interest in that approach but nothing had got off the ground as yet. He said the society’s data had been presented to the Ministry of Health as part of a push for new safety standards, including lifeguards on some beaches and at public pools. He fears that businesses and governments are reluctant to add to their costs. But he cautioned that the continued high number of drowning deaths compared to other jurisdictions was damaging for Cayman’s reputation. “Each drowning is an individual tragedy and many of them are preventable. It is not a good sign for Cayman that the numbers are so high.” The society has trained more than 100 lifeguards to international standards over the past three years, but he said there was not enough work in Cayman for those graduates. He hopes the new 50-metre pool will be combined with new programming and opportunities for lifeguards. The association will present its findings at the ILS World Drowning Prevention Conference in Perth, Australia in December. In a five-page summary, the research team – which also includes doctors from St. Matthew’s University and a clerk from the coroner’s court – makes the case that stationing lifeguards on Cayman’s beaches could have a transformative impact on drownings. It cites Ecuador and Costa Rica as countries that have implemented lifeguarding programmes on a relatively small number of beaches and drastically cut drowning rates. Suggested strategies to solve the issue go beyond lifeguarding, however, and are outlined in the box on the right. Cayman’s drowning rate among ‘world’s worst’ • Introduce a professional lifeguard training course for local Caymanian youth. • Mandate the availability of trained lifeguards at local beaches, boats, and recreational swimming areas. This would in turn provide an increase in employment opportunities for local Caymanian youth. • Make available low- cost, affordable swimming lessons to all school-age children across the Cayman Islands to teach swimming as well as water rescue. • Teach basic CPR skills to the local community. Drowning deaths could be prevented if immediate rescue and resuscitation efforts were administered to the drowning victims. • Introduce legislation for water safety in boats. • Fence all residential swimming pools with self-closing gates and safety latches. • Create public awareness of water safety and prevention of drowning, through literature and involvement of the media. The document proposes the following seven key solutions: Lifeguard coach Craig Amundsen (in red shirt) has trained scores of people in Cayman. - Photo: Supplied Dr. Shravana Jyoti, forensic pathologist at the Health Services Authority Craig Amundsen of the Royal Lifesaving Society of the Cayman Islands. cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023caymannational.com PERSONAL BANKING | BUSINESS BANKING | FIDUCIARY & INVESTMENT SERVICES | FUND SERVICES Dream Home, Dream Loan Meet our team at Kapok Camana Bay 9:30am to 4:30pm, Friday, 27 October Meet Our Team! Come meet our lending team at the Kapok Customer Service Centre (facing Foster’s Camana Bay) on Friday, 27 October, from 9:30am to 4:30pm, to discuss our fully tailored home and land loan offers. cayman compass 7 WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 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 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 112/09/2023 9:44 AM SHANDA GALLEGO sgallego@compassmedia.ky Georgette Ebanks, the last living signatory of the 1948 petition demanding women’s right to vote in Cayman, passed away at her home on Tuesday after a brief illness. She was 96. Born on 19 Sept. 1927, Ebanks, affectionately known as ‘Ms Georgette’, was born in Grand Cayman and made her home in the heart of George Town. She was part of the first graduating class of Triple C School in 1947. A month shy of her 21st birthday, Ebanks (nee Hurlston) played a pivotal role in women receiving the right to vote in the Cayman Islands. The 19 Aug. 1948 letter to the Cayman Islands commissioner was directly linked to the passing of the Women’s Suffrage Act in 1958. Ebanks was a “daughter of the sea”, Carl Brown, chair of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, posted on social media. “One of the longest in service to the Cayman Islands postal system (from the days when the Post Office served as the only Bank in Cayman) and was [a] relentless voice for gender equality since the late 1930’s.” “Ms. Georgette was relentless in her voice demanding that women be allowed representation rights in the Legislative Assembly. In 1962, Evelyn Wood was elected the first woman of Bodden Town, as part of the output of Ms. Georgette’s advocacy,” Brown wrote on behalf of the National Gallery. “Al Ebanks’ bronze statue of two women, erected in the northwest corner of Heroes Square in the heart of George Town, represents the invaluable place in our community that women like Ms. Georgette epitomize.” He added Ebanks was “a repository of Caymanian history and culture”, adding she was “the epitome of poise, and a commanding voice of truth, in tune with current affairs at home and overseas. She was fearless in presenting her views in any public forum and was a valued citizen who helped define socio-political life in the Cayman Islands. She is indelibly etched in our history. We stand on her shoulders,” Brown said. She was presented with the first Ira Thompson Award in 2017 in recognition of her significant contributions to the preservation of Cayman’s history. “Ms. Georgette held a special place in our hearts,” the Cayman Islands National Museum said in an official Facebook post Wednesday, extending its “deepest condolences”. “She portrayed the character of Ms. Hattie in our cherished audiovisual presentation. Her talent and dedication brought history to life, and her legacy will forever resonate within our Museum’s walls,” it said. According to the museum’s post, Ebanks was not just a part of its exhibit, “she was the beloved mother of our founding Museum Director, Ms. Anita Ebanks”. Ebanks unveiled an exhibition that shared her life story, the post said, noting “her journey was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. As we remember and celebrate the life of this remarkable woman, let us cherish the moments, the stories, and the legacy she left behind.” Parliament Speaker and West Bay Central MP Katherine Ebanks- Wilks told the Compass, “Miss Georgette was certainly one of the women back in the ’50s and ’60s who felt that sitting around and complaining was simply not good enough for her and she played a critical role in the establishment of women’s right to vote in the Cayman Islands.” While “deeply saddened on her passing”, Ebanks-Wilks said she was also comforted to know that Ebanks was able to “live to be publicly celebrated and honoured by her country for her bravery and persistence earlier this year”, as one of Cayman’s original suffragettes. She continued, “The work of women like Ms Georgette is what allows women like myself, to not only vote, but also serve as elected officials. And I’m so happy that she was able to live to see the strides that women have made in our legislature, knowing that she lived long enough to see five women sitting in the House of Parliament representing constituencies around the Cayman Islands. This means that she was able to see how far we have come as a country”. “She lived a long and a fruitful life. And, as the Bible says in the book of Proverbs, the memory of the righteous is a blessing. Our country was blessed to have Ms Georgette Ebanks. She will always be missed and never forgotten,” Ebanks-Wilks said. ‘Quintessential Caymanian woman’ Roy Bodden, former Cayman Islands legislator as well as educator, author and activist, in an email to the Compass, said, “This lady, known for her quiet dignity, politeness and respect for others, represented the quintessential Caymanian woman.” He added, “Born in an era when these islands were still unspoilt by a growing materialism, she kept her poise, sense of dignity and pride in being Caymanian.” As one of the women who signed the 1948 petition seeking female enfranchisement, Bodden explained she “remained interested in the political development of these islands”. “She had the enviable ability to express her political differences in the most respectful language. Her moral and spiritual compass never varied, and here again she manifested those qualities of her contemporaries,” Bodden said. He said her passing “leaves a void in the memories of all her acquaintances, but history will record her contributions favourably”. MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Heather Bodden told the Compass that Ebanks was a “very sweet, gentle, well-spoken lady who I knew all my life”. “She was an icon in her own right and paved the way for many women the day her signature was added to the list for the right of women to vote. Through death, her voice is now silenced but she left an everlasting legacy which I will carry on as long as I possibly can. May her beautiful soul sleep in eternal peace.” “A woman we must all call a hero,” Lucille Seymour, community activist, and former legislator, said of Ebanks in a statement to the Compass. “Her determination and political savvy as a young woman made me a politician in my country. For that, she is my heroine. Without her determination and the 10 women in 1948, plus the 376 women in 1958, to allow women to vote, we would not be where we are today,” Seymour said. Ebanks gave women “hope and the will to fight. Never give up fighting for our liberty and freedom. To have a say about how we live, die, and what is good for us is a freedom she was determined we all got.” She added, “The incomparable Georgette Ebanks always to be edified, and her name must ring incessantly on the lips of all Caymanian women for what she had: the spirit, the knowledge, and the will to do and help us to be liberated. She is our heroine, and her name shall be etched in all of her communities to remind us, women, how we can fight for freedom, hope and a place always to be heard.” Georgette Ebanks was married in 1951 to Nathan Ebanks, who passed in 1998. She is survived by her three daughters, Anita Ebanks, Ella DaCosta and Laura Henry, three grandchildren and one great- grandchild, and her brother Booth Hurlston. cayman compass 8 WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023 Women’s rights activist Georgette Ebanks passes Georgette Ebanks holding her graduation portrait at a 2016 anniversary celebration at Triple C; she was among the school’s first graduating class of seven students in 1947. The Caymanian icon passed away on Tuesday, 17 Oct., at the age of 96. – Photo: Matt Lamerscayman compass 9 WEEKLY, 20-26 OCTOBER 2023 ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Join us for our RBC Auto-Show on October 28 at RBC parking-lot, Shedden Road, 9am-2pm. Meet leading auto dealers and our experienced sales professionals equipped with expert financial advice. 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