Five new flavors cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Weekly, 16-22 February 2024 Storm brewing over coastal development Pages 22-24 George Town Primary renamed after renowned educator Marie Martin Page 3 Principal legacy Photo: Taneos Ramsay In photos: Agriculture Show Pages 8-9Matinees (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $9.00 (Mon-Fri before 6pm) Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets 640-FILM (640-3456) Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any film 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 Partly cloudy slight chance isolated showers SEA STATE Moderate with a wave height of 3 to 5 feet. WINDS East to northeast at 10 to 15 knots. 85°F HIGH 75°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief Building damaged by gunfire in George Town Police are investigating a report of shots being fired in George Town in the early hours of Monday morning, 12 Feb. Officers from the Firearms Response Unit found that a building by the junction of Shedden Road and Eastern Avenue had been struck by bullets, police said. They recovered several spent bullet casings at the scene. The RCIPS had been alerted to the shooting by a 9-1-1 call shortly after 2am. “A crime scene was established at the location and the scene was processed,” police said. Man jailed for fatal collision Kesley Martinez Ebanks has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison by the Grand Court for a head-on collision in which one woman died and three others were injured. Ebanks, who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on 15 Sept. last year, was remanded into custody following a brief sentencing appearance on 8 Feb. His car, a Changan CS75, collided with a Honda Fit, driven by nurse Kiarah Shikale Perkins, 32, on South Church Street, near Palm Springs condos, just after 1am on 23 May 2021. Perkins, 32, a US national who had arrived in Cayman one month prior to the collision, was fatally injured in the crash. Ebanks and three other occupants of the vehicles were hospitalised. Initially, Ebanks denied the original charges of causing death by dangerous driving, and causing grievous bodily harm. But months ahead of his trial, he changed his plea to guilty on a single charge of causing death by dangerous driving. In addition to his sentence, Ebanks has also been disqualified from driving for five years. Delta plane runs into stairs truck at airport A Delta Air Lines plane collided with a stairs truck, causing it to tip over, at the apron at Owen Roberts International Airport on Friday, 9 Feb. No injuries were reported. The wing of the 737-900 aircraft was damaged in the collision, which occurred as the plane was parking, the Cayman Islands Airports Authority said in a statement. The incident happened at 12:51pm, after the Delta flight from Atlanta landed. Flight operations were affected for about 20 minutes, the airports authority said, while the Cayman Islands Fire Service was diverted to the scene. The stairs truck was owned by Delta’s ground-handling service provider, FADS, the airports authority noted. Stairs trucks are used at the airport to transport stairs to aircraft doors, as the airport does not have air bridges. The airports authority said it was undertaking a “full investigation” into the incident. ‘Beacon Farms’ film wins international award in London Local documentary ‘Beacon Farms’ has won the Science and Education award at the London International Film Festival. The film, which follows the fortunes of the North Side farm and its staff – all of whom are recovering addicts – was made by producer and director Candy Whicker and Little Films. Whicker was in London on 9 Feb. to receive the award, the second the documentary has won on the international film festival circuit. In November, ‘Beacon Farms’ won silver at the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards. “The award is testament to all the wonderful people at Beacon Farms you see in the movie,” Whicker said of the London accolade. “It’s also particularly exciting that this award recognises the science and education aspects of the Beacon Farms project. “The farm is really pushing boundaries for agriculture, as well as developing solutions for people in recovery. I hope this recognition attracts greater support for the important work they are doing.” ‘Beacon Farms’ is currently being shown, on Wednesdays at 6pm, at the Camana Bay Cinema. Tickets can be booked online at fandango.com. Protester acquitted of ‘idle and disorderly’ charge Protester Lovell Marriott has been acquitted of being an idle and disorderly person by the Summary Court. Marriott, 53, who was initially accused of indecently exposing herself during a one-woman protest in January 2022, was acquitted by Magistrate Vanessa Allard. She was arrested in front of the Government Administration Building after a security officer allegedly told a police officer that he had seen her exposing herself – which led to her being charged with indecent exposure and idle and disorderly conduct. An initial trial, in August 2023, was aborted midway after it was discovered that Marriott had taken photos of the judge, witnesses and Cayman Compass staff. A retrial was ordered and in January 2023 the prosecution chose not to proceed on the indecent exposure charge. During her half-day trial on 29 Jan., in which Marriott represented herself, the prosecution called several police officers who told the court they did not personally witness the alleged indecent exposure. The security officer who claimed to have witnessed the indecent exposure did not attend the proceeding due to undisclosed medical complications. Nor'wester saltwater damage triggers outages Caribbean Utilities Company says electricity lines suffered “severe salt contamination” after last week’s nor’wester battered Grand Cayman's western coast, which triggered several power recent outages. Residents, mostly in communities in the western parts of the island, experienced power interruptions on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, 13 and 14 Feb. CUC said salt contamination can cause electricity “to track across the devices resulting in buzzing and crackling sounds along with visible arc flashes”. “Usually in instances of severe weather, nature provides a natural resolution in the form of rain, within short order of the salt buildup, assisting our crews with their efforts around elimination of the accumulation,” it said. Since the nor'wester, there has been limited rainfall. CUC said it “has been inspecting and systematically washing the devices with fresh water, prioritising on criticality to minimise the impact of potential faults”. Coastline communities received a severe lashing from the rough seas and accompanying the nor'wester on 5-6 Feb. CUC says between the rain and its crews' ongoing efforts “it is expected that there will be reduced outage events”. However, the energy provider said there continues to be “areas that require attention”. Candy Whicker, director and producer of 'Beacon Farms' documentary, with her award at the London International Film Festival. - Photo: Supplied cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024FINGRANDCAYMAN.COMT: +1 .345.526.7777 BRAND NEW OCEAN-FRONT PENTHOUSES AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY From USD $3.4m with one year warranty and flexible owner financing, FIN can finally release six of the best penthouses in Grand Cayman. With five-star concierge and 24/7 security services combined with unmatched facilities and amenities, owning at FIN is like living in the finest boutique hotel. Owners can also achieve strong returns using the fully-managed rental pool. SHANDA GALLEGO sgallego@compassmedia.ky George Town Primary was officially renamed this week after one of Cayman’s longest-serving school principals and the school’s head for 22 years, Marie Martin. The school now bears the full name of the former principal – Sharon (Marie) Martin Primary School – following a ceremony on Tuesday, 13 Feb. Before the unveiling, in the packed hall, there were cheers, applause and a standing ovation as Martin, who first began teaching at the school in 1983, walked through the familiar doors she had known for more than three decades. In typical fashion, Martin, who never took a sick day in her entire career, arrived early for the ceremony, which was held in recognition of her contributions to the field of education in the Cayman Islands. She was greeted with hugs, kisses, congratulations and flowers. Throughout the ceremony, Martin sat on stage, listening intently as school officials and government leaders, some of whom were her former students, paid tribute to her, and as the school’s choir provided the music. She was praised as being ‘a mother to many’; ‘having a sharp memory’ which enabled her to know the names of all her students and their parents; ’a role model’; ‘a true philanthropist’; ’a transformer’; ‘a natural leader’; and ‘remarkable principal’. “Renaming this school in her name is a testament to her dedication, preservation and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives and uplift communities,” said Kenneth Bryan, minister for tourism and ports and the MP for the school’s district, George Town Central, in his remarks. Bryan, who championed the renaming of the school in Martin’s honour, said, “You can’t think of George Town Primary without thinking of her. Her name is synonymous with this school. “But even so, getting her to agree was a challenge because, the humble person that she is, she doesn’t like the spotlight. She is truly an angel, and this does it, because it needs to be done, and that’s why it’s so momentous that she accepted.” Martin’s former teacher, education officer, former politician, mentor and friend, Lucille Seymour, also addressed the audience, saying the change of the school’s name is “a tribute to a remarkable woman whose life exemplified the core values of our school community”. She added, “The renaming ceremony symbolises pride for the community, ensuring that Marie’s legacy inspires future generations. The Sharon (Marie) Martin Primary School will stand as a reminder of her indelible mark on education and community welfare, resonating for years to come.” Premier Juliana O’Connor- Connolly, in her remarks, said the best part of the ceremony was that Martin was alive to celebrate the honour, as often such occasions happen posthumously. A life dedicated to education Martin, 66, started her career at Spot Bay Primary School in Cayman Brac following her completion of advanced studies at Erdiston Teachers College in Barbados. There, she earned her bachelor’s degree in July 1978, which started her commitment to the field of education. She also holds a master’s degree in education from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK, which she obtained in 1995. Upon her George Town Primary School renamed after former principal Marie Martin Marie Martin, centre, with two of her mentors, Lucille Seymour, left, and Marjorie Ebanks. – Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass 3 WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024 news N news1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Arbour (5) 4 Diabolical (7) 8 Unlucky (3) 9 Tackle seriously (3,4,2) 10 To exhaust (7) 11 Domineering (5) 13 Alloy of tin with lead (6) 15 Lebanese capital (6) 18 Comprehensive (5) 19 Member of embassy staff (7) 21 Probably (4,2,3) 23 Female deer (3) 24 Become popular (5,2) 25 Unoccupied (5) DOWN 1 Accumulate gradually (5,2) 2 Self-discipline (9) 3 Scoundrel (5) 4 Sofa with back and arms (6) 5 Inconvenience (7) 6 Woman in religious order (3) 7 Close friend (5) 12 Looking smart (7,2) 14 Nonsense (7) 16 As a result of that (7) 17 Shell-firing gun in aircraft (6) 18 Pale pinkish-violet (5) 20 Name of book (5) 22 Set of tools (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17555 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 17555 ACROSS: 1 Bower, 4 Satanic, 8 Ill, 9 Get down to, 10 Deplete, 11 Bossy, 13 Pewter, 15 Beirut, 18 Large, 19 Attache, 21 Like as not, 23 Doe, 24 Catch on, 25 Empty. DOWN: 1 Build up, 2 Willpower, 3 Rogue, 4 Settee, 5 Trouble, 6 Nun, 7 Crony, 12 Spruced up, 14 Eyewash, 16 Thereby, 17 Cannon, 18 Lilac, 20 Title, 22 Kit. What they’re saying Online The recent nor’wester that struck the west coast of Grand Cayman not only wreaked havoc on land; the waves it brought stripped the near-shore seabed of sand, sponges and sea fans to such an extent that divers who have visited the affected sites have described them as resembling the surface of the moon. The photo above shows bare, solid limestone on the sea floor, at about 15 feet deep, at one local shore-dive site in West Bay. It is expected to take at least 10 weeks before the sea fan and sponges begin repopulating the hard pan, based on surveys taken following hurricanes on other Caribbean islands. For more on this story, visit caymancompass.com. - Photo: Liz Wyatt Fewer sales, rising rents, but positive signs for property market revival Are there any developers and/or real estate companies building any sort of houses and/or apartments within the price range for many of our young Caymanians and especially for those in need for a roof over their head? Anita Ebanks Same is true all over the world. Any urban area close to jobs, and the rent and purchase prices are astronomical. Nothing surprising about the situation here except the number of exclusive high- end properties that are being rubber-stamped as fast as the application to build is submitted. Lucky for those with interests in construction companies. Regina Ecclefield All whilst wages not keeping pace with rising cost and inflation. Robert Bodden 2024 price for a place with 1980 kitchen and furniture. Tracey Pilkey No different from the illicit drugs. Demand overrides supply. Cost must go up. Stanley Hill Interest rates, massive property insurance hikes, cost of repairs, etc. ALL have skyrocketed in the last four years. Don’t get me wrong, renting is tough and so expensive but so is home ownership. Most aren’t making money on their rental properties, they’re charging just enough to cover costs. Just my humble opinion. melthomas519 Government spending is the reason why everyone’s rent is high. That’s the true greed. Inflation is a tax on everyone, especially the poor whose dollars are now worth less. cayman4caymanians DoE: Storm highlighted importance of expanding setback rules Don’t worry. History will repeat itself. #dowereallylearn? sir_clarke An ‘I told you so’ or reflection? Who cares! The outcome is the same. Planning needs to listen to DoE and stop this anything goes! The redevelopment of old properties seaward of old footprints is a disgrace. kirstenmaxmccord How about stop building everywhere and cementing beaches and mangrove, so you’re not on the very edge of the ocean and nature can protect your house! missmilesbeach DoE should publish every single instance that they have provided a technical assessment and also show all of the instances whether it was taken into account or ignored. babylove.345 50-foot setbacks from the shore should be the absolute minimum. No variances ever. And higher off the ground on open- water facing properties. Norman L. 10-storey apartment proposal aims to bring ‘life’ to George Town I took a walk through town yesterday morning amongst the four sets of cruise-shippers. There is little character, retail consists of T-shirts, perfume or diamonds… there needs to be more 3 Girls and a Kiln and fewer Diamonds. I’m not sure it matters how you dress up the exterior, the retail experience probably needs to change to breathe fresh life into the town centre. James Paddene Here we go again. Question – how high a building are our fire trucks built to handle? Do we know? Darlene Glidden Going to look like New York City in five years. The building going up now just looks like 10-storey square blocks. This CPA needs to go. All the CPA cares about is buildings and have no consideration for the neighbourhood and environment that these buildings affect. Tania Johnson So they chase people out of town and bought their land for cheap, which took the ‘life’ out of town. Brainwash people that George Town needs to be commercialised. Now turn around and want to build a 10-storey apartment building to bring ‘life’ back to George Town. This is pure unadulterated modern day piracy. Well done. Genius. Richard McLean John Gray students follow the yellow brick road Love this! I have so many great memories of all the musical productions put on during my primary and high school days. It’s good to see the creative arts still encouraged in the schools. Shirls Cayman This is a top-class production! Alliecia Rhone This was really well done. Delano Myers Delta plane runs into stairs at Owen Roberts airport I trust the Cayman Islands Airports Authority will publish the results of their investigation so we all know who was to blame. Trusty2man D. pic of the week Marine moonscape cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024Congratulations to the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for achieving the Forbes Travel Guide first, and only, Triple Five-Star resort in the Caribbean. BLUE BY ERIC RIPERTTHE RITZ-CARLTON SPA The unwavering dedication of the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has set a new standard for excellence. Their genuine warmth and attention to detail are truly exceptional and they embody the true spirit of hospitality every day. Thank you for being the driving force behind the continued success of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman | @ritzcarltongrandcayman ©2024 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. cayman compass 5 WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024return to Cayman that year, Martin took on the role of principal at George Town Primary, which she held until her retirement in 2017 due to health-related issues. During the ceremony, Martin thanked all of the individuals who had helped her during her tenure at the school and over the years. She reflected on memorable moments and expressed her appreciation for the honour. She attributed her inspiration for a career in education to three role models. “Some very good teachers of mine, from a very young age, served as my heroes and role models. Then at high school, one teacher in particular stood out to me and I knew I wanted to be like her. The influence she had on our young lives made me aspire to be like her. Marjorie Ebanks was that teacher. “There were three of us who followed her around. She had such a profound impact on our lives that, needless to say, three of us went into the teaching career – up to this day, two of which are still teaching. When Ms. Ebanks said to me that I was college material, that did it for me.” Lucille Seymour was another of those role models. “She saw the potential in me. She saw that I could go much further, that the West End Primary School was far too small for me, so and I needed to spread my wings and grow and develop into the potential she knew was there. She transferred me to the George Town Primary, allowing me to blossom, and the rest is history.” Her other mentor, Andrea Bryan, saw the potential in Martin when she was the chief education officer, “and saw that I was able to move from a regular classroom teacher, without being a deputy, and move straight into the principal’s role”. The long-serving educator has been rewarded with several awards and honours, including the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to education and the community in the Cayman Islands, a Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to education, the Woman of the Year 2000 by the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Golden Apple Award in 2007, and the Distinguished Woman Award from the Ministry of Gender Affairs, for outstanding contributions to education and community service. Past students reflect on Martin’s impact Among those in attendance were many former students of Martin, who were invited to stand up to represent the numbers of people that she had an impact on over the years. Bryan, who was one of Martin’s students in the early 1980s, reflected on the impact she had on his life. “She was easily one of my favourite teachers because she was patient, understanding and with the right amount of discipline,” he said. “I truly remember how much trouble I used to give her, and she loved me all the same. “Her way of getting me to behave was to show me how much she did love me. It helped me to be good because I didn’t want to disappoint her, because for me, she became a parent and source of love.” Tenisha Wilson, a 1999 graduate of the school, told the Compass that Martin had transformed her life in more ways than one. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without Marie Martin,” she said. “I gave this woman hell! I was one of those kids that was troubled. “With my mom having to work late in the evenings, I didn’t have my mom at home. Ms Martin filled a lot of those gaps. She took the time to pick me up, take me to the movies; she’d have this behavioural chart and give us stars for good behaviour, and we’d be rewarded.” Wilson added, “She took the time to teach me how to read, to write. She took the time to fill gaps that, now I’m an adult and a mother, I could look back and understand… She didn’t have to do, she did all of that out of love.” Wilson, who is currently the vice president of the school’s Parent Teacher Association, said, “When I look back at this, these are the educators we need, the ones that aren’t just here to teach, but to love, care and nurture you. I am so happy to be here, right now. I’m happy, I’m honoured and I’m proud of her. She’s an unsung hero.” Compass journalist Seaford Russell Jr is another of Martin’s past pupils. He described her as a legend on these islands, “an absolute treasure to the education system, and a true advocate for uplifting the youth in this country during her time at George Town Primary and even after retiring”. Though his memories of Martin have faded since graduating more than 20 years ago, Russell said there’s one thing he won’t forget. “I recall her asking me almost every other day, ‘Who trouble you?’ because my face was always screwed up. She soon realised that was just my normal expression and stopped asking after a while. These days, when we cross paths, she always gives me a hug and tells me to ‘keep up the good work, young man’.” Shano Evans, another product of the school, said his time at George Town Primary was a “very adventurous one”. “I would get in trouble from time to time, but Miss Martin was always there to remind me that I can do better, that I can be better. She would always say I need to stop playing the fool and put my brain to use. She would always give me words of encouragement.” He added, “Miss Martin has always been a kind, loving and caring person, when it came to others and more when it came to George Town Primary School. I am so happy that the school has been renamed after a wonderful and thoughtful person that truly deserves it.” ‘I keep busy’ Martin told the Compass things are a lot different now from when she started teaching some 46 years ago. “It has been amazing to see the advancements in technology and how that has affected the delivery of education,” she said. “The Cayman Islands has grown exponentially during the past four decades and so have the opportunities for those who avail themselves.” The Cayman Brac native said, over the years, it was seeing children blossom, grow and enjoy their school experience that she enjoyed most. “There were so many highlights along the way,” she said. “I have followed my students along their academic careers, and when I receive invitations to graduations from the tertiary institutions, some with their PhDs… it’s truly heartwarming to know that I played a part in moulding that individual.” Since her retirement, Martin said she has been busier than ever, “mainly tracking students after graduation that are not in education, not in employment and not in training. I am involved in a number of programmes with the youth; helping to mentor and guide their career choices.” Martin, who is an active justice of the peace, volunteers for public service several days a month at the Government Administration Building. She has recently become a director of the Rotary Club Cayman Islands - Sunset chapter, taking on the responsibility for the vocational and youth services. “I keep busy… and then I have my three dogs!” she said. Unveiling With help from the premier and Kenneth Bryan, Martin unclipped the royal blue ribbon which revealed the new signage at the front of the school. The evening ended with attendees taking pictures and an exchange of laughter, memories, and well wishes. Martin said she is “deeply humbled”, adding, “although my work, which was my passion, was never about reward or recognition, it is gratifying to know that it did not go unnoticed”. Martin subsequently told the Compass that the sign is likely to be changed to the ‘ Marie Martin Primary School’, as she is not generally known by her first name, Sharon. Marie Martin, fourth from right, with Members of Parliament, from left, Barbara Conolly, Heather Bodden, Dwayne Seymour, Kenneth Bryan, Premier Juliana O'Connor- Connolly, Isaac Rankine, Sabrina Turner and Roy McTaggart. – Photos: Taneos Ramsay Tourism Minister and George Town Central MP Kenneth Bryan praised Marie Martin's contribution to education in Cayman.The school choir entertained the audience. George Town Primary School renamed after former principal Marie Martin cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024ANDREL HARRIS aharris@compassmedia.ky Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Tourism Ministry Chief Officer Stran Bodden are among more than a dozen witnesses who are expected to give evidence on behalf of the prosecution in the upcoming assault trial of West Bay West MP McKeeva Bush. Veteran politician Bush, 69, is due to stand trial on Monday, 19 Feb., on two charges of indecent assault and two counts of common assault – all of which he denies. The charges stem from an incident on 13 Sept. 2022 during a regional tourism conference which was hosted by the government at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Visiting judge to preside over trial Justice Stanley John, from Trinidad and Tobago, who currently serves as a judge in the Turks and Caicos Court of Appeal, has been flown in to preside over the case. He was appointed by Governor Jane Owen, on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. According to a press release issued by the Judicial Administration, the judge was sworn in by Owen on 9 Feb. at Government House. John has had a lengthy legal career, having been called to the Bar in 1972, and appointed to the Trinidad and Tobago High Court in 1994 and then to the islands’ Court of Appeal in 2002. In 2009, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas where he served until 2014. He served as an acting judge in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 2016 until 2019, before being appointed as a judge of appeal in the Turks and Caicos. Jury selection On Monday, 12 Feb., a seven-member jury, along with four alternates, was selected after a three- hour process which saw them answering a series of questions on whether any of the jurors or their family knew Bush or the witnesses and, if they did, the extent of that relationship. Jurors were also questioned on whether they or their family members had been employed by The Ritz-Carlton, the RCIPS or the Governor’s Office within the past 12 months. Additional questions concerned whether they were comfortable to proceed with the case given that two of the charges are allegations of indecent assault. Finally, jurors were asked what they had learned about the case through the media and whether they believed they would be able to return a true and impartial verdict. “You are the judges of the fact, and I am the judge of the law,” said Justice John told the jurors. “This defendant is a public figure which is no secret,” he said. “He is to be treated no different than the ordinary defendant; that is to say, there are no special privileges that are to be afforded to him.” Bush has been released on bail and returns to court on Monday. Justice Stanley John was sworn in on 9 Feb. by Governor Jane Owen at Government House. - Photo: Supplied McKeeva Bush faces two counts of indecent assault and two counts of common assault. - Photo: File Senior civil servants to give evidence in Bush trial “He is to be treated no different than the ordinary defendant.” Justice Stanley John to jurors in the McKeeva Bush trial UK Minister Andrew Sharpe of Epsom visits first responders and other key stakeholders during his visit. – Photo: Hazard Management Cayman Islands DANA KAMPA dkampa@compassmedia.ky With a focus on national security, UK Minister Andrew Sharpe of Epsom met with various agencies in Cayman during his recent trip to the jurisdiction to gain a better understanding of security matters that fall under the purview of the UK’s Home Office. However, those discussions did not include upgrading Cayman’s prisons to maximum security facilities that could accommodate inmates such as convicted murderers Osbourne Douglas and Justin Ramoon who are serving time in the UK. Sharpe said that was a matter for the Ministry of Justice. The minister arrived Tuesday, 6 Feb., and spent several day discussing law enforcement, border integrity, cybersecurity and other matters with agencies including the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, Cayman Islands Coast Guard and Hazard Management Cayman Islands, the latter proving particularly timely following the damaging nor’wester that hit the jurisdiction early last week. Sharpe also participated in the third annual UK Overseas Territories Cyber Security Conference, which Governor Jane Owen opened. At a press briefing on Friday, 9 Feb., the minister’s final day in Cayman, Sharpe said he appreciated that all 11 invited territories attended the conference. “It’s a testament to the strength of the skills that are in place locally,” he said, labelling the Cayman Islands an “exemplar” in the area. Sharpe addresses border management When asked whether the UK would be offering organisations like the Coast Guard any new financial support, Sharpe said he wasn’t in a position to find funding. However, he said the UK is offering training for efficiently deploying assets. While the UK and Cayman face some differences in how to manage immigration issues, he said they do share some similarities, like the need to address asylum processes. “The drivers of illegal immigration tend to be similar wherever you are,” he said, noting that climate change and economic challenges are important factors to consider in the future management of border control. “These are global challenges that we are all going to have to face up to, one way or another.” In an overall summary of his visit, Sharpe said he was “incredibly impressed with the professionalism, dedication and general excellence” of the people he met. Prison upgrades still promised While Owen said upgrades to the prisons are planned, they may not necessarily allow for maximum security confinement. Douglas and Ramoon continue to fight against their transfer to the UK’s most secure prison, HMP Belmarsh. At the end of last year, they challenged the transfer as a violation of their human rights. “I know that the government continues to look at their prison facilities and how they could be upgraded in various different ways, not just in terms of maximum security,” the governor said. She added that includes both capacity and the quality of the prisons, but noted there are many demands on the national budget. “One thing I would say about the prison is that the good thing is that we have a very, very high quality of staff, although it doesn’t compensate for the quality of the physical surroundings,” she said. “But I think it does make a real difference to have such good leadership and commitment from all of the staff in the prison.” Prison upgrades have been a point of debate for more than a decade, with a 2020 report by a prisons watchdog calling the cells at HMP Northward “not fit for human habitation”. In the latest budget, government has allocated $7.4 million in 2024 and $4.2 million in 2025 for improvements to the prison facilities. UK minister discusses security in Cayman meetings cayman compass 7 news N news WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024DANA KAMPA dkampa@compassmedia.ky Valentine’s Day wasn’t just for couples this year, as thousands of people turned up to the 55th annual Agriculture Show to partake in traditional Caymanian dishes cooked with love, watch as handwoven baskets were crafted with care, see the meticulously raised produce on display, or enjoy the many other activities at the fair. The Savannah-based festival was abuzz from early in the morning through the early evening. After passing through the market street located at the entrance, attendees had their choice of first visiting the prize-winning livestock, the craft pavilion, the plant nursery or the arena for live entertainment. Officials kicked off the opening ceremony mid-morning, where Agriculture Minister Jay Ebanks expounded on the theme of food security. “It’s truly inspiring to see the dedication of our local farmers, producers, and community members working toward a sustainable future for Cayman Islands agriculture,” he said. “This year, we emphasise that food security is a collective responsibility, one that we have embraced wholeheartedly.” With that, Governor Jane Owen rang the ceremonial cowbell to officially begin the show. Appreciating community support Despite an uptick in late afternoon temperatures, attendees filled the grounds from sunup to sundown, with many commenting on the quality of food and produce offered. Many especially appreciated the handheld treats, like the homemade cassava cakes. Produce vendors at Wednesday’s market said they always appreciate the monumental community support for their craft at the fair. Dean Edwards from Eddie’s Farm, based in East End, said the turnout seemed to even surpass last year. His stall offered a rainbow of kitchen staples, including yams, plantains, tomatoes, bananas, scallions, papayas, callaloo, sugar cane and tremendous bushels of bok choy. He noted that the farm supplies several markets and restaurants throughout the year. He and Marjorie Edwards said they always enjoy getting to see what other farmers bring to the table. Vendors offered plenty of variety, including some products not often seen on store shelves, like black sapote, fresh ackee and nopales. Visitors on the go could enjoy their fruits in freshly blended smoothies. Cooking with love Some vendors have been longstanding participants in making the event so special. Rose McField of Rose’s Kitchen has run her booth every year for more than a decade. McField began cooking the day prior and worked throughout the night to accommodate the large crowd. She takes particular pride in her stew turtle and her Cayman- style beef, a traditional dish featured at many of the booths. Even when it comes to cooking for the masses, McField said she believes it is important to offer high quality. Farmers share the love at Agriculture Show cayman compass 8 news N news WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024Farmers share the love at Agriculture Show “I put extra love in the food today,” she said. She is not the only beloved Rose at the Agriculture Show. Rose May Ebanks, the West Bay traditional master artisan, delighted youngsters by teaching them the art of silver-thatch weaving. Her daughter Adonza Harrison, who ran the booth with her, said she takes pride in helping carry on the tradition in a variety of ways. In addition to the popular hats and bags, they also offered small tokens, including decorated magnets with scripture inscribed on the back. Harrison encourages community members to share their own skills next year. “This is our tradition; this is our heritage; this is our culture,” she said. Shows at the show The main stage stayed busy with a bevy of musicians and other entertainment. Stuart Wilson, James Geary and Friends, Dan Ebanks, Mr. Notch and the Cayman Islands National Dance Company kept the celebration lively. Spectators also had the chance to show their support for entrants in the Miss Agriculture Queen pageant, the princess pageant, and the beautiful baby contest. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about improving their own green thumb at booths hosted by the Department of Agriculture, which included a functional aquaponics display packed with fresh leafy greens and an interactive exhibit on agricultural pests. For those wanting to put their newly acquired knowledge to the test, they could walk one station over to the plant nursery. Michelle Green, a supervisor at Growing Beauty Nursery, said people were particularly interested in fruit trees, such as apple, cherry, mango, starfruit, breadfruit and more. She said the nursery, located by Seven Mile Beach, is always happy to offer advice to those new to growing their own plants, and she hoped plenty of people walked away with a new appreciation for agriculture. cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 16-22 FEBRUARY 2024 9Next >