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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 Partly cloudy with isolated showers SEA STATE Rough with a wave height of 6 to 8 feet. A small craft warning is in effect. WINDS Northeast at 15 to 20 knots with higher gusts. 85°F HIGH 75°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief Former Chief Justice Smellie appointed as Court of Appeal judge Retired chief justice, Sir Anthony Smellie, has been appointed as one of two new justices in the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal, Governor Jane Owen announced on Thursday, 4 Jan. The other new appointee is Clare Montgomery, KC, who currently serves as a judge of appeal in Guernsey and Jersey. Smellie served as a Grand Court judge in Cayman for nearly 30 years, including almost 25 years as chief justice, before retiring in 2022. He was included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2022 and knighted by King Charles III in October last year. Montgomery has served as a judge of appeal in Guernsey and Jersey since 2007 and attained senior judge of appeal status in 2022. She is a deputy high court judge in England and Wales, “These individuals bring a wealth of skills, experience and knowledge that will enhance the already exceptional calibre of the Court of Appeal,” Owen said in a statement. “I look forward to Sir Anthony’s return to the Cayman Islands judiciary and to welcoming Ms. Montgomery to the islands in due course.” Machete-wielding thief steals restaurant tip jar Police are investigating a theft of a tip jar from a West Bay restaurant by a shirtless machete- wielding man. The theft, at a restaurant on Boggy Sand Road, was reported shortly after 2:30pm on Tuesday, 2 Jan., when it was said the man took the tip jar and walked off with it, in the company of a woman. When a restaurant worker followed the man and confronted him, the thief then “took some cash from the jar, brandished a machete, and made off on foot, leaving the jar and the remainder of the money behind”, police said in a press release. The woman who had been with him was seen leaving in a Honda Civic. Officers later located an unoccupied vehicle matching the description elsewhere in West Bay. The man is described as being about 5 feet 8 inches in height, between 30 and 35 years old, of slim but muscular build, and brown complexion. His face was covered and he was shirtless, wearing a black backpack and jeans shorts. The woman is described as being of light complexion, of “chubby build”, with short dark hair, and was wearing a long black dress. West Bay CID are investigating in the theft and asking anyone with information to contact them at 949-3999. Man injured in Brac hit and run Police say they have recovered a white Honda Fit that was used in a Boxing Day hit and run on Cayman Brac, in which a man was injured. As of press time, the driver had not been located. The vehicle was recovered on Saturday, 30 Dec., at a commercial premises in West End, the RCIPS said on Tuesday. Police said the owner of the vehicle is believed to be currently off island. The hit and run happened shortly after 7:30pm, on Tuesday, 26 Dec., on West End Road East on Cayman Brac. Police and other emergency services responded to a report of an incident, and found a man lying on the ground. Police said the victim was taken to Faith Hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. He has since been released from hospital. Missing woman found safely after six-hour search A woman reported missing in the early hours of Saturday, 30 Dec., was found safely following an overnight search. According to the police press office, the woman’s friend, who was described as being in distress, called police at 1:45am to report her missing. Police and other emergency services went to Jasmine Blossom Way in George Town where the report was made. Officers immediately conducted a search of the location and surrounding area for the missing woman. Also taking part in the search were the police Air Operations Unit, police dogs and family members of the missing woman. The woman was located safely at about 7:45am and appeared to be in good health, police said. The woman’s friend, who had minor injuries, was taken by ambulance to Cayman Islands Hospital for treatment and later released. The press office told the Compass: “The current line of investigation does not reveal that anyone else was involved in the incident.” Shoplifting suspect arrested A 31-year-old woman from Bodden Town was arrested after allegedly attempting to steal goods from a shop on Cardinall Avenue in George Town. According to a police press release, officers on foot patrol responded to a report of an altercation at the store at about 3:40pm on Friday, 29 Dec. “A women was reported to have accosted staff when confronted about an attempt to steal goods from the store,” the release said. When police arrived at the location to conduct inquiries, the suspect fled the scene. Officers pursued her on foot and subsequently apprehended her in a parking lot, where she was arrested for the offence of theft – shoplifting. One police officer reportedly received injuries during the arrest. Man treated for head injury after 3-vehicle collision A man was taken to hospital with a head injury after three vehicles collided on Shedden Road in George Town on Saturday, 30 Dec. Emergency services responded to the crash near the junction with Thomas Russell Way and North Sound Road shortly after 11:30pm, police said in a press release. The driver, who sustained a head injury, was transported by ambulance to Cayman Islands Hospital where he was treated and later released. Of the three other people who were involved in the incident, two were taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries. They were assessed by a physician and released, police said. Cyclist injured after being struck by car A car hit a pedal cyclist on Shedden Road in George Town on Wednesday, 27 Dec., police have said. At about 6:15pm, officers responded to the incident near the intersection with Thomas Russell Avenue, according to a press release. On arriving at the scene, they saw a man lying on the road and members of the public providing first aid. The driver remained at the scene with the injured man. The injured man was taken by ambulance to Cayman Islands Hospital to receive treatment, and was described as being in stable condition. ‘Significant quantity’ of drugs found in George Town Police recovered a “significant quantity” of drugs, suspected to be cocaine, from a communal area of a private residential complex on Wednesday, 3 Jan. According to a police press release, the raid took place at about 5:30pm at the property on Walkers Road in George Town. No arrests were made. Anyone with information can call 911 or the George Town Police Station on 949-4222. Former Chief Justice Sir Anthony Smellie, seen here with his Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George medal in October 2022, has been appinted as a Court of Appeal judge in Cayman. - Photo: Supplied cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonth@ compassmedia.ky Being recognised in the latest round of the King’s New Year’s honours came as a surprise for the recipients in Cayman, all of whom were personally informed of their award by Governor Jane Owen last week. The five recipients of New Year’s honours were Cayman Brac West and Little Cayman legislator Moses Kirkconnell, Department of Environment Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie, Robert James Perry, director of the Cayman Islands Financial Reporting Authority, educator Sharon Marie Martin and horticulture volunteer at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park Valeri Wood. Owen, in a brief statement on Friday , 29 Dec., announced the five recipients being honoured for their outstanding services to the Cayman Islands. “I send my warmest congratulations to all those receiving awards,” she said. Kirkconnell and Berry were both made Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The Sister Islands MP and former tourism minister receives his OBE for his “services to the Caymanian People, to the Tourism Industry and to District Administration in the Cayman Islands”, according to the governor’s announcement last week. In a brief comment to the Cayman Compass on Friday, 29 Dec., he said he was “honoured and humbled” to be acknowledged with the award of an OBE. “It has been a privilege to serve the people of the Cayman Islands, and in particular the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman community, over my nearly twenty years in Parliament,” he said. Berry is receiving his OBE for “services to the UK Sanctions Regime and Global Financial Standards in the Cayman Islands”. He told the Compass, “When I got the call it was a combination of unbelievably awesome, emotional and humbling.” Berry said he was “deeply honoured”, adding that he wanted to recognise those without whose encouragement, guidance and support, the award would not be possible. He thanked his wife, as well as “the Attorney General, the Solicitor General, the Cabinet Secretary, members of the Operation Hektor Taskforce and my incredible staff. I also want to thank whoever nominated me for taking the time to do so.” DoE Director Ebanks-Petrie Gina Ebanks-Petrie is being made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the environment and to the community in the Cayman Islands. Like Berry, she said, she had no idea that she had been nominated. “The call just asked if I could meet with the governor, which I do from time to time, so that really wasn’t a clue,” Ebanks-Petrie said, as she recalled when she learned she was receiving the MBE. The DoE director told the Compass she was “very honoured and deeply humbled” to have been recognised for her work, both formal and voluntary, in the environmental space over almost 40 years. “While I have had to address many challenges over this time period, much of what I have been able to accomplish is because of the excellent and committed team at the Department of Environment, who work tirelessly every day for the benefit of current and future generations, and I am also extremely pleased for the recognition on their behalf,” she added. Sharon Marie Martin, former educator and retired principal of the George Town Primary School, said she was equally surprised to have been made a MBE after having received a Certificate and Badge of Honour in 2009. “I was not aware of the nomination and was completely surprised when I received the call from the Governor’s Office. I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious award,” she said. She added, “The work I do is never for recognition and I never expect it. However, it is extremely gratifying to know that what I do is worthy of recognition. I am extremely grateful for this award,” Martin told the Compass via email. Horticulture volunteer at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Valerie Wood, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her “services to the Community in the Cayman Islands”. In a brief comment via email, Wood expressed joy at receiving the honour. “I’m quite overwhelmed, as I had absolutely no idea I was to receive an award like this. I have loved being involved with the Botanic Park since its inception, thirty years ago, and seeing it evolve, especially the Children’s Garden, has been a reward in itself,” Wood said. King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour recipients Special honours were also given to Deputy Postmaster General Melissa Martinez- Ebanks and Cayman National Cultural Foundation Board member Morgan DaCosta in the form of a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour. These honours are awarded locally by governors in some overseas territories. Martinez-Ebanks, who was recognised for services to the Cayman Islands Postal Service, said she was “extremely humbled and honoured” by the award. “I passionately believe the Postal Service has so much to offer as a key economic partner for our people and I very blessed to work with an amazing team that shares and supports that vision. I did not know I had been nominated. In fact, when I got the message that the Governor wanted to speak to me, I was puzzled and frankly a little worried that we’d not delivered our best service in some regards,” Martinez-Ebanks said. She said she pulled together all sorts of data to have on hand for the call, in an effort to be ready to answer any questions the governor may have had about the national mail service. “My feelings now, having been awarded, are mixed; partly, just a ‘wow’ that I want to enjoy, and another part, a sense of urgency to leverage this to keep the conversation on the Postal Service and all that we offer,” she said. She added, “We will introduce 10 new products in 2024. Our team of customer experience specialists has completed training and our focus is on working with [small and medium-sized enterprises] to grow an export market.” DaCosta said he received an email from the Governor’s Office saying that she would give him a call. The reason for the call, he said, was not shared in the correspondence. “I actually was surprised. I didn’t even know I was nominated for anything... Her Excellency called the next day [after the email], and it was then that she gave me the news that I had been awarded this Badge of Honour for work that I’ve done with the foundation. So it’s quite a surprise, obviously, quite the honour,” he said. DaCosta, who has been with the CNCF since 1996, said he had no expectation that he would have been recognised at any level for his work. “I was just simply doing what I believe was for the love of country more than anything else and the preservation and perpetuation of the Cayman Islands culture, through the Cayman Islands National Cultural Foundation,” he said. King's New Year gongs a surprise for recipients Kirkconnell, Ebanks-Petrie among honourees Moses KirkconnellMelissa Martinez-EbanksRobert James Berry Gina Ebanks-PetrieMorgan DaCostaSharon Marie Martin Valerie Wood cayman compass 3 news N news WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 20241234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Bring in as price (5) 4 Severe rebuke (4,3) 8 Desert a cause (3) 9 Big guns (9) 10 Late in arriving (7) 11 Watching by night (5) 13 Poorly made (6) 15 Suave (6) 18 Conjecture (5) 19 Available from the publisher (2,5) 21 Having no money at all (4,5) 23 Unit of weight (3) 24 Beseech (7) 25 Bout of merrymaking (5) DOWN 1 Containing iron (7) 2 Prominent (2,3,4) 3 An amassed store (5) 4 Become dry and shrivelled (6) 5 Covering entire surface (3,4) 6 Enemy (3) 7 In service of the crown (5) 12 A trained sword-fighter (9) 14 Deprive of ability to function (7) 16 An international understanding (7) 17 Become extinct (3,3) 18 Indiscreet remark (5) 20 Newspapers collectively (5) 22 Operate effectively (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17519 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 17519 ACROSS: 1 Fetch, 4 What for, 8 Rat, 9 Artillery, 10 Overdue, 11 Vigil, 13 Shoddy, 15 Urbane, 18 Guess, 19 In print, 21 Flat broke, 23 Ton, 24 Entreat, 25 Spree. DOWN: 1 Ferrous, 2 To the fore, 3 Hoard, 4 Wither, 5 All over, 6 Foe, 7 Royal, 12 Gladiator, 14 Disable, 16 Entente, 17 Die out, 18 Gaffe, 20 Press, 22 Act. What they’re saying Online Oly Rush makes world- record book for Grand Cayman swim Sure, it’s really cool to get in the big book but it’s overshadowed by the false promise of change from the government. I didn’t put my life on the line for a record, I did it out of desperation to be heard. We sat in that big room after the swim and all the right things were said, but still no action, and still no single-use plastics ban of any kind? Come on, Cayman Islands government, get on board, look around you, go for a walk along the beaches on the east end and see the destruction. Do I have to come and swim around your island again? (I really don’t want to, it was brutal!) Please support and work with Plastic Free Cayman, Protect Our Future, our oceans. We are drowning in plastic. - Oly Rush Everyone listen to Oly! It’s not the glory; it’s the future. Ban single-use plastics. Ban styrofoam. The billionaires will have to get over it; the children’s future is more important. -Rachel Osborne Please support Project Planet Earth in the fight against plastic pollution! It’s everywhere we look! - Krystal Arch 1 million cruise passengers arrive in first 11 months of 2023 How do we let our government know we want the number of cruise ship visitors capped? Never want to go back to those days of nine ships a day. - Sara Harbison Mackay They should also measure the amount of flu and COVID. - Dolly Rainer Is there no way to get it on a ballot and let the citizens vote? Don’t complain if you are not willing to try to do something about it. - Kathryn Wolfe Floating petri dishes of pollution. - Clare Marshall Year in review: 10-storey blocks to transform Cayman’s skyline And some of our politicians want to change the Conservation Act because they say it’s making development too difficult! - Anita Ebanks OMG. I get the need to make money but stop this! It kills me how one of my favourite places on this Earth is turning into another ‘Miami’. - Kathryn Dufour I give it 15 years; we will look like South Beach. - _matthew_g_ Good. Build higher, not wider! - tom.m.ky This can’t be good when you have the disparity between the haves and have-nots; crime will only get worse. Such a sad situation. - Valerie Jeanine Deny the proposals is the solution. - mclachlanwild Stop selling land to the highest bidder, stop granting building permits. This isn’t rocket science, but it is about greed. - Regina Ecclefield This is why I go to East End or Rum Point. It’s how Cayman used to be, but how long will it last? So sad what they are doing to this island. - Cindy Dennis Phillips Cost of living challenges top priority in 2024 Easy way would to pass laws to prevent realtors and other essential services from price gouging. No one should be paying $1,500 or more for a one bedroom, for example. - the.neos.helios A certain irony here where our politicians are amongst the highest paid in the world with the premier leading the way, ranking in the top 10 of country leaders. - Trusty2man D. 1. Ban Airbnb. Start there. It’s a housing crisis more than anything. 2. Tax property being held by non-Caymanians who are sitting on land and have no motivation to sell. Land prices are ridiculous because the market has no pressure. 3. Buy land and only sell to locals so they can build generational wealth and have stable housing. - davin.ebanks 10 key issues for 2024 I wish Cayman Compass would address the rise in crime to the list of important issues for Cayman. To be honest – it should be the most important issue of all – without safety, Cayman becomes just like every other Caribbean island (ie Jamaica, Bahamas). The high cost of visiting/living on Cayman becomes less attractive to tourists and investors who would bring jobs and money. As a student of history, I can assure you the future of Cayman will not be bright if crime is not addressed. - Chester F. Government transparency should be the number one topic of concern to all citizens, residents and businesses in Cayman. In my opinion, if the people and businesses do not trust what the government is doing on their behalf, there will never be stability of either the government or the people. - Bob B. pic of the week Lighting up the New Year Once more, the whole of Seven Mile Beach offered perfect spots to watch traditional firework displays, welcoming in 2024 with great bangs and fantastic showers of colour lighting up the night sky. There wasn’t a bad view to be found, with Compass photographer Taneos Ramsay catching people on the beach in front of The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman, enjoying the show. And, as usual, fireworks were visible up and down the beach, giving everyone the opportunity to watch numerous pyrotechnics at the same time. cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024Missing nut prompts inspections of 737 Max aircraft All four of Cayman Airways’ Boeing 737 Max planes have been checked and a spokesperson has confirmed there are no missing parts. RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The rising cost-of-living challenges faced by the Cayman Islands community will be a top agenda item for both Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart in 2024. The local leaders, in separate New Year’s Day messages, addressed the issue of cost of living, which led to significant struggles for many over the last 12 months. O’Connor-Connolly acknowledged that she will work on addressing those struggles. “Given the challenges posed by the global economy and the rise in the cost of living, we will continue to implement programmes to assist our most vulnerable Caymanians, ensuring that no one is left behind,” O’Connor-Connolly said in her New Year message. She said that, in tandem with initiatives to address cost of living, the United People’s Movement government will continue to implement other projects associated with the 2024-2026 Strategic Policy Statement. This, she said, is “a road map that outlines our vision for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Cayman Islands”. The SPS lists five broad outcomes for the administration, which are quality of life, enhancing competitiveness, future-proofing, modernising government, and protecting and promoting Caymanian culture, heritage and identity. Prioritise spending McTaggart, in his message, acknowledged the “immense challenges” some families faced this past year due to the cost-of- living crisis. However, he said, “it’s important to remember the resilience and strength that defines us. Despite facing financial challenges, many found ways to extend their budgets to create beautiful Christmas moments, ensuring loved ones enjoyed a delicious meal, received gifts and experienced the true joy of the season”. Though the bills from the holiday season will start to arrive, McTaggart pointed out that “families actively find ways to adapt their budgets, which is a wise approach to managing our financial obligations”. Taking aim at the UPM, McTaggart said, “Just as families judiciously manage their expenses and live within their means, our country and government need to adopt a similar level of fiscal responsibility”. However, for her part, O’Connor- Connolly said the UPM “cannot and will not slow our pace, as much yet remains to be done”. “We remain steadfast and unified in our commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to our people. Affordable housing, high-quality healthcare, a world-class education system, and ample job opportunities will be our focus. Ensuring that we are all on a sustainable path to hope and prosperity,” she said in her message. O’Connor-Connolly said her administration will prioritise strengthening the education system at all levels, from early childhood to tertiary education. “Investing in our nation’s future workforce and shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. We will also focus on community safety and security to make sure that our three islands remain one of the safest and most stable places in the region,” she said. She added that government will support the operation of the first residential, long-term mental health facility, “ensuring our community has access to a comprehensive medical healthcare facility and system”. McTaggart cautioned against overspending, calling for a more conservative approach as the country embarks on its new chapter in 2024. “The current government’s strategies are very different,” he said. “They are spending more money than the country earns and paying for their projects with a staggering 120 million dollars in new taxes and a half billion dollars in new debt. A better approach is needed, especially with revenues of over a billion dollars annually going into government coffers.” McTaggart urged government to “prioritise measures that directly alleviate people’s financial burdens – like temporarily removing the duty on fuel, including cooking gas, temporarily freezing Water Authority rates, increasing stipends for the vulnerable and providing an appropriate COLA for civil servants”. Cost-of-living top priority in 2024 for leaders Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly - Photo: Supplied Leader of the Opposition Roy McTaggart - Photo: Andrel Harris The cost of living has been a source of concern for many in Cayman. - Photo: File ‘No discrepancies’ found on Cayman Airways fleet ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued a notice for all Boeing 737 Max operators, which includes Cayman Airways, to check for a loose bolt that could impact how the aircraft turns while flying. The notice was issued after an unidentified international operator of the 737 Max aircraft discovered a bolt that had a missing nut during a routine inspection. All four of Cayman Airways’ Boeing 737 Max planes have been checked and a spokesperson has confirmed there are no missing parts. “No discrepancies were found during the inspections and this information has been communicated to Boeing in keeping with their data collection associated with this precautionary B737 fleet inspection campaign,” said a CAL spokesperson. According to the FAA, the bolt is connected to the plane’s rudder control system, which controls how the plane yaws, or turns, from side to side up to 360 degrees, while flying. Although the FAA looking at a possible maintenance breach, no grounding orders have been made and the aircraft are still considered safe for commercial operation. “The agency is asking the airlines to work through their approved Safety Management Systems to identify whether any loose hardware has been detected previously and to provide the agency with details on how quickly these two-hour inspections can be completed,” advised the FAA in a statement issued on 28 Dec. It noted that additional safety measures may be announced depending on the findings of each inspection. An initial two-week window has been set by the FAA for all 737 Max operators to complete the necessary inspections and report the findings. The spokesperson for Cayman Airways said its inspections were completed well in advance of this deadline. “Cayman Airways completed the required precautionary inspections of its B737-8 fleet during scheduled overnight ground layovers in Grand Cayman last weekend, well ahead of the January 10, 2024 completion date requested by Boeing,” said the spokesperson. Cayman Airways inspected its four 737-800 Max planes. - Photo: FIle cayman compass 5 news N news WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky At 3:29am on New Year’s Day, the Cayman Islands Hospital’s maternity ward rang out with the sound of new life as baby Evie Macleod took her first breath, marking the end of her mother’s 15 hours of labour. At 6 pounds, 11 ounces, she was born without complications and is the second child of Cameron and Tamarin Macleod. “She actually came 10 days earlier than we had expected,” said Tamarin, as she recalled the moment her water broke while doing laundry on Sunday, 31 Dec. “We were a little shocked but we were told that a second child could come early, so we kind of expected it,” added Cameron. “But what we didn’t expect was that the initial part of the labour would take so long.” The vast majority of the labour was spent with Tamarin enduring painful contractions, as she hadn’t fully dilated, while Cameron stayed nearby supporting her the best he could. “In the end, the final part of the active labour was over really quickly with three big pushes,” he told the Compass in a phone call from the maternity ward. Skin-to-skin With a pair of surgical scissors, Cameron cut Evie’s umbilical cord, and the doctors handed her over to an exhausted Tamarin, who was given a chance to do an initial round of nursing as the doctors conducted their preliminary checks. The Macleods say when their first child, daughter Casey, was delivered, skin-to-skin contact between the baby and parents was not encouraged, but this time the doctors adopted a different approach. “Then they told me to remove my shirt and gave her to me for 10 minutes for skin- to-skin bonding,” said Cameron. “It was just so emotional and really nice to have that initial bonding, there’s nothing like it, to just look down into the eyes of this little being, knowing how much you love her.” He added, “We are forever grateful Dr. Rommel El-Madany and Dr. Siobhan Jaques, and the whole HSA team for these past several months and this amazing bonding experience.” Evie’s arrival marked the end of a pregnancy riddled with anxious optimism for the husband and wife who’ve endured two previous miscarriages. “Our first pregnancy and third pregnancy ended in miscarriages so we were nervous about this one,” explained Tamarin. “Her successful birth is also the reason why we chose her name.” The name Evie is derived from the Hebrew word for “life” or “breathe”. “We are not Jewish, but we believe it is a fitting name for her,” said Cameron. He added, “We’ve always wanted a family of four and now our dream and our family is complete.” Casey Macleod holds her younger sister Evie for the first time. Meet Cayman’s New Year’s baby REBECCA BIRD rbird@compassmedia.ky The National Housing Development Trust has submitted nine planning applications for modern, affordable homes to be constructed in a colourful housing estate in East End. If the Central Planning Authority grants approval, the properties will be built on Marvelle McLaughlin Drive and Will Jackson Drive, just to the north of East End Primary School. Since 2020, when construction started on what will eventually be a 50-house development, a total of 23 houses have been built at East End Gardens. In its recent planning proposals, the trust is seeking variances of up to six feet in the setback for all nine buildings. It argued that “there is sufficient reason to grant a variance and an exceptional circumstance exists”. The trust added that the features of the proposed developments are consistent with the character of the surrounding area. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment, in its analysis under delegated authority from the National Conservation Council, expressed concern about the existing habitats. Some of the proposed homes are on plots of land that contain dry shrub-land and dry woodland, while other plots were pre-emptively cleared, destroying all of the habitat. The department stressed it “does not support speculative clearing” and said applications should be made for land clearing so mitigation measures can be recommended. “Clearing the site prematurely takes away the opportunity for the Department of Environment to make meaningful comments. “It also removes the choice to retain native vegetation for use within the future development,” it said. The department added that in these cases, there is now no opportunity for the future residents of the proposed houses to retain native vegetation. “Native plants are best suited for the conditions of the site, including the temperature and amount of rainfall,” the environment department said. “They are climate-appropriate and require less maintenance and irrigation.” It said retaining native vegetation is especially important for affordable housing developments as it is free, low- maintenance landscaping provided by the environment. “Landscaping with native vegetation also provides ecological benefits by creating habitat and food for native fauna such as birds and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and providing valuable ecosystem services,” it said. The Central Planning Authority considered the applications in its 3 Jan. meeting and will publish the decision in its minutes in the coming weeks. A long waiting list The National Housing Development Trust is a government-owned company under the portfolio of the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure. Its function is to provide quality affordable housing in planned communities to families across Grand Cayman. It also offers financing opportunities for first-time homeowners with low or middle incomes. In 2021, National Housing Development Trust general manager Julio Ramos told the Compass that 400 people were on the waiting list for affordable housing. At the time he said, “We have individuals that have been waiting for two to three years.” The trust’s other developments include Apple Blossom Gardens in West Bay, Windsor Park in George Town, Belford Estates in Bodden Town and Ottos Avenue in North Side. To apply for an affordable home, applicants must hold Caymanian status, reside in the Cayman Islands and not earn more than $6,000 a month or $72,000 a year. They must be in the age bracket required for repaying a mortgage and employed for at least six months or self-employed for two years. The home being purchased must be the applicant’s primary residence and they must live there. Affordable homes in East End Gardens, which opened in 2023. - Photo: Rebecca Bird Housing trust applies for more affordable homes in East End From left, OB-GYN Dr. Rommel El-Madany, Tamarin Macleod with baby Evie, Cameron Macleod, and paediatrician Dr. Siobhan Jaques. cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024Your Scotia credit card gets you closer to your Scotia Holiday Wishlist. All-Expense vacation trip to a destination of your choice* 1 year Grocery, Gas and/or Utility payment Holiday Home Makeover Learn more: Spend US$120 or more to win any one of these amazing prizes valued at US$15,000, plus 2 winners of consolation prizes at US$5,000 each. Visit ky.scotiabank.com Call (354) 949-7666 *Conditions apply. Draw date - January 29, 2024. Promotional date: October 25, 2023 - January 10, 2024. *Winners are responsible for their own travel itinerary, visas and choice of destination. View Terms and Conditions on website. Registered trademark of the Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky A person of interest in a murder investigation, who is accused of serving as a lookout in an unrelated burglary, in which a bag of chips was stolen, has been granted bail by the Summary Court. Antascio Terrell Rankine, of East End, who turned himself in to police on 28 Dec., was arrested on suspicion of murder, in connection with the shooting death of Sven Connor, but was not charged in that ongoing investigation. However, he was charged in relation to a burglary at The One Stop Shop grocery store in North Side, which occurred on 6 Nov. He was remanded in custody and transferred to Northward Prison. During an initial bail hearing on Tuesday, 2 Jan., Rankine’s application was deferred, pending an examination of a potential address to which he could be released. The following day, when proceedings resumed before Summary Court Magistrate Vanessa Allard, Senior Crown Counsel Sarah Lewis told the court the prosecution was opposing bail on several grounds. “The Crown’s case is one of three persons acting in concert to burgle a grocery store,” said Lewis. “The defendant, together with another person that is believed to have been Roland Welcome and an unidentified woman, were caught on camera hanging out near the grocery store before disappearing to the back where attempts were made to gain entry to the store through a laundry room which was adjoined to the building.” According to Lewis, the target was money the suspects believed was on the premises, associated with a cash-exchange business that was also conducted at the grocery store. Stolen bag of chips “When attempts to gain access through the back failed, they then turned their attention to the front, where a window was broken and a bag of chips stolen,” added Lewis. Pointing to Rankine’s prior convictions, she told Allard there were 10 convictions which spanned between 2012 and 2018. “There are convictions for four violent offences, two ganja offences, two firearms offences and two other offences,” she said. Turning her attention to the ongoing murder investigation, Lewis told the court that although Rankine had not been charged, police were concerned that if he were released, he might “interfere with witnesses and/ or tamper with evidence”. “We are also worried for his safety, as he has received threats from Mr. Welcome, who is the other person of interest in the murder investigation,” said Lewis, adding that Welcome continues to evade officers. Rebutting the prosecution’s submissions, Rankine’s attorney Prathna Bodden told the court that “although the prosecution was doing their job by muddying the waters”, the court should not lose focus on the matter on hand – the burglary. “We are here to address a burglary charge for a bag of crisps, which my client denies,” said Bodden. “Even if he was to be convicted, given his lack of convictions for offences of dishonesty, the court would likely impose a community order sentence.” She added, “To suggest that he should be held in custody until there is enough evidence to build a case against him or that he should be kept in custody to prevent him from interfering with another case is in contravention of the bail law, and simply isn’t with keeping with open justice.” Bodden told the court that it would be wrong to deny Rankine bail due to any ongoing murder investigations as the police themselves released him on bail because of a lack of supporting evidence to charge him. When granting him bail, Allard, noting that Rankine does not have a history of failing to surrender, imposed several stringent conditions, which include a curfew, a requirement to reside at a specific address, to surrender all travel documents, and to wear an electronic monitoring tag. Rankine was remanded to Northward Prison after being charged with burglary. - Photo: File Bail for burglary suspect initially arrested on suspicion of murder cayman compass 7 news N news WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024RESHMA RAGOONATH rraagoonath@compassmedia.ky The sighting of a pink flamingo, which has taken up short-term residency at the Malportas Pond in North Side, has been thrilling Cayman Islands residents. The recent blustery cold-front weather brought the special visitor to Cayman over the Christmas holidays and it has been creating a stir ever since among wildlife lovers. The usually quiet National Trust reserve site has been abuzz with activity since news of the rare sighting started to spread. “When I heard about it, I immediately shared the information on our Facebook page and the post went viral,” Catherine Childs, National Trust environmental programmes manager told the Cayman Compass on Tuesday, 2 Jan. “Since the bird arrived over the Christmas holidays, people took advantage of the time to have a little adventure and go look for this remarkable and gorgeous bird. I heard that there was a steady stream of cars and a festival atmosphere at the site as people drove in and saw the infamous big pink bird for themselves.” She said the flamingo arrived with the recent cold front and was probably blown in from Cuba. “It’s not uncommon for flamingos and other birds to get caught up in a storm and blown off course. We don’t see flamingos in Cayman very often though, so it is very exciting that this beautiful bird is visiting our shores,” she said. Seb Nehme, of Seb Nehme Photography, was among the excited visitors seeking to capture pictures of the bird. He said he first learned that the flamingo was spotted at the pond through a bird watch WhatsApp group over the weekend, and the local photographer knew he had to see it for himself. Pink flamingo sighting creates excitement in Cayman Photographers and bird watchers have flocked to Malportas Pond to catch a glimpse of the bird. - Photo: Seb Nehme Photograghy “Usually these birds migrate through this area and they go either to South America or they go to Cuba because that’s where you would mostly see these birds, or even [in] South Florida. So to see it here is a very rare occasion... The assumption is that it got lost from its group,” Nehme told the Cayman Compass in a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon. The last sighting of this species of bird in the wild in Cayman was back in 2014 when nine pink flamingos were blown off course during a storm in November that year and took up residence at the same pond in North Side. Jane Haakonsson, Department of Environment terrestrial research officer, told the Compass Tuesday that the bird is the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) which “is considered a casual visitor to the Cayman Islands throughout the year, [though] sightings of this stunning species have been scarce in recent years”. She recounted the 2014 visit from the flamingoes, saying that five of the birds collided with powerlines and passed away. Twelve others remained in Malportas Pond for a while, she said. “In an effort to reduce mortality events, DoE later partnered with CUC to install 14 markers on the powerlines along the pond’s northern boundary,” she added. Haakonsson said the DoE has checked out Cayman’s more recent visitor, which appears to be in good health. “It is still bright pink with hues of orange, which means that the carotenoids – likely obtained at a previous feeding location – are still in its system. While it can survive here for some time, it will likely take off once rested to resume its journey and find its flock,” she said “Once flamingoes have stayed in Malportas Pond for some time, they usually grow markedly paler in cayman compass 8 news N news WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024 The flamingo takes flight over Malportas Pond in North Side, where it has been since the holiday season began. - Photo: Taneos RamsaySaturday, January 13, 2024 4:00 p.m. Governor’s Beach West Bay Road For more information, e-mail ciasa@ciasa.ky Online Registration: www.racecaribbean.net Registration and Check-in at the Beach: 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Start Time: 4:00 p.m. (800m) . 4:30 p.m. (Child’s 400m) Fees: CIASA Members: $15 (Child) . $20 (Adults) Non-CIASA Members: $20 (Child) . $25 (Adults) Great Spot Prizes including CUC Gift Certificates and Travel Vouchers from Cayman Airways 35th Anniversary t-shirts and power bags for all participants . Refreshments Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in various age-groups The flamingo is believed to have blown in from Cuba during the recent cold, windy spell in the Cayman Islands. - Photo: Seb Nehme Photography colour, indicating that they feed on algae instead of tiny crustaceans containing carotenoids, such as brine shrimp.” ‘Dream come true’ Nehme said he and his family headed to North Side on Sunday to see the bird and at first they could not find it because they tried the National Trust Bird Sanctuary. However, he said, they did not give up and tried the entrance to the pond and they spotted a pink dot as they drove in. “It was the first entrance of the Malportas Pond where there are land lots for sale and, as soon as you entered the lot, it was right there in the water, feeding. It was not very difficult to miss because it was just this pink little bird on the horizon as soon as you entered the pond,” he said. Nehme said when his 2½-year-old daughter saw the bird, “she started excitedly saying, ‘Oh, flamingo, flamingo.’ I said ‘Yeah, that’s a flamingo.’ She was pretty excited about seeing a pink flamingo in front of her.” He said it was a “dream come true” for him to see the bird in the wild here in Cayman. “We don’t have flamingoes ever here and it’s very rare. I mean, if they do come, they might flock here for a couple of days or whatever because of the weather, but then they just travel again because those are migratory birds. But to see one just hanging out in Cayman, that’s awesome,” he said. He said when he and his family arrived at the site, there was only one other car there, though within half an hour, “a flock of people just came in to check the bird out”. “We had about 10 to 12 cars just starting to come to the pond while I was finishing up taking photos,” he said. The National Trust had initially shared a photo of the flamingo taken by Peter Davey. The Trust said that this summer, Hurricane Idalia carried large numbers of flamingoes across the eastern United States, with some being spotted as far north as Ohio and Pennsylvania, and as far northwest as Wisconsin. Plans for development Childs said those who visited the pond say they have seen a variety of birds, from ospreys, to lesser scaup, snowy egrets, frigatebirds, brown pelicans, blue-winged teal and others. “The pond’s shore is also known to be visited every year by some 500 white-rumped sandpipers who stop here on their 9,000-mile migration journey between southern South America to northern Canada. We’re grateful that the flamingo is drawing attention to the rich diversity of life that relies upon Malportas Pond,” she said. This wetland, Childs explained, has been classified as an International Bird Area (IBA), a location that is identified as being globally important for the conservation of bird populations. “Migratory birds rely upon wetlands such as this to rest and recuperate on their long and perilous journeys while our resident bird populations depend upon them every day,” she said. “With this in mind, the National Trust recently acquired 5.17 acres of shoreland bordering the pond to create a bird sanctuary. We have big plans for the site, including viewing towers and interpretive signage so that everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful natural area. “The district of North Side is blessed with an abundance of pristine natural areas and we hope to highlight this biodiversity for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike.” Childs urged everyone heading to the site to be mindful that it is a wilderness area and to give the wildlife plenty of space. “We don’t encourage the use of drones as they often disturb birds and can cause them undue stress,” she said. “Please leave your pets at home. Although it’s very exciting to spot unusual birds such as this, try to keep your voices down to avoid disturbing the wildlife (and other birders). “But, most importantly, take the time to really stop for a minute and appreciate this beautiful natural area and the flora and fauna that call it home. It will remind you how lucky we are to be sharing paradise with so many amazing creatures.” Haakonsson agreed. She added, “Grab your binoculars and spread the word! Our natural resources should be protected to be enjoyed by all – take pictures for the ones unable to make it in person. Please do not disturb the pond by leaving garbage or bringing dogs to the site”. cayman compass 9 WEEKLY, 5-11 JANUARY 2024 news N newsNext >