© 2024 Burger King Corporation. F O R L IM IT ED TI M E O N LY Try the Big Fish, Rebel Whopper or Chick’n Royale. No meat. No problem. cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 $1 | Funding local journalism Weekly, 23-29 February 2024 Beach vendors mount legal challenge over licences Page 8 Further delays on minimum wage Page 14 On trial Pages 3, 17 Photo: Taneos Ramsay Bush in court on indecent assault charges Tough sentence sought for serial con- woman Page 12Matinees (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $9.00 (Mon-Fri before 6pm) Additional charges apply per 3D/VIP tickets 640-FILM (640-3456) Cayman Cinema@cbcinema6cbcinema6 SATURDAY NIGHT: For your viewing pleasure, minors under the age of 18 will not be admitted to any lm starting after 6pm, unless accompanied by their parent. 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Compass Centre, Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 • Email: newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: T: (345) 949-5111 • E: sales@compassmedia.ky • W: caymancompass.com weather Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy slight chance isolated showers SEA STATE Rough with a wave height of 4 to 6 feet. Small craft should exercise caution over open water WINDS North to northeast at 15 to 20 knots. 83°F HIGH 72°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief Driver held for suspected DUI after crash A 25-year-old man from George Town was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a two-vehicle collision in which a truck overturned on 16 Feb. The man is also facing additional charges of driving without a licence and driving without insurance, according to police. The incident happened shortly before 8:20pm on Friday, 16 Feb., on Rex Crighton Boulevard, east of Norfolk Drive. The collision involved a white Isuzu Elf and a black Honda Civic. Police said both vehicles were travelling eastbound when they collided. The Isuzu then crashed into a railing on the side of the road and flipped over. The Honda left the road. Both drivers and the passenger in the Isuzu received minor injuries. The driver and passenger of the Isuzu were transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged. Police said officers spoke to both drivers and, following inquiries, arrested the Honda driver. Salt contamination a concern as CUC power outages continue Thousands of CUC customers were left in the dark on Sunday night, 18 Feb. after a utility pole caught fire in the Industrial Park area in George Town. The fire resulted in an outage to customers in the vicinity. “The fire was addressed first, after the area was cleared by emergency personnel as safe to commence work, repair work was initiated by CUC team members to enable restoration,” the spokesperson said. Since the severe nor’wester on 5 and 6 Feb., CUC has been encountering issues on its power lines leading to outages in Grand Cayman, which it attributed to salt contamination from massive waves produced by the winter storm. It is unclear how soon the issue will be resolved. CUC crews have been line- washing in weather-impacted communities as the outages became more frequent last week. “Salt contamination continues to be a concern and cause for outages,” a CUC spokesperson, responding to Compass queries on Monday, 19 Feb. The spokesperson said it was hard to predict when the outages will end. “Normally rainfall assists with the cleaning process but the last week has been extremely dry,” the spokesperson added. Court convicts man of manslaughter in friend’s death Javon James Dixon has been convicted of killing his friend, Jovin Omar Fuentes, over a $175 debt that the victim is said to have owed Dixon’s girlfriend. Dixon was convicted on Friday, 16 Feb., on a single count of manslaughter with provocation in relation to the 1 July 2022 shooting. He was acquitted of the more serious charge of murder. He is expected to be sentenced in April. He remanded in custody. This was the second time Dixon had been on trial for the broad-daylight shooting. His first trial ended in a hung jury, after jurors were unable to reach a consensus on a charge of either murder or manslaughter. The prosecution’s case was that Fuentes rented a car from Dixon’s partner, but failed to make any payments on it. Fuentes is also said to have filled up the car at gas stations and driven off without paying – prompting Dixon to reclaim the car. In CCTV video, which was played before the jury, Dixon was seen approaching Fuentes over the unpaid bill, and the interaction quickly escalated. Members of Fuentes’ family, who were all travelling together, having gone to visit an ailing relative that day, told the court that Dixon confronted Fuentes over the unpaid bill, which turned into a heated dispute. A witness told the court that Fuentes drew a machete and threatened Dixon, who pulled a small silver handgun from the waist of his pants and fired a single shot while retreating to his car. That shot pierced Fuentes’ heart, killing him within minutes. Dixon had pleaded not guilty In the face of the verdict, he claimed a Jamaican man he only knows as ‘Blacks’ was the shooter. Two robbed in stick-up on School Road Police are searching for a lone suspect who robbed two men of cash and personal items on 20 Feb. on School Road, George Town. Police said officers received a report of the robbery, which had taken place at about 11am. It was reported that the two victims had been sitting behind a store in the area when they were approached by a masked man who threatened them and demanded cash. Police said the suspect raised his shirt to show the victims what appeared to be a firearm, before robbing them. He then fled the scene on foot, heading east. The suspect is described as being about 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches and dark in complexion. He was wearing blue jeans, a dark long-sleeved shirt and a black ski mask at the time of the robbery. CINICO moves house Local insurance provider CINICO is moving its Grand Cayman headquarters to new location on Elgin Avenue, George Town. The company announced the planned move in a short notice on 21 Feb., saying that, from 4 March, its main office will move to the third floor of Maiden Place on Elgin Avenue. “CINICO members who need assistance in-person should go to this location from this date onwards,” the statement said. The current main office, at the Cayman Centre, opposite the Airport Post Office, will close permanently as of Friday, 1 March CINICO's offices at Countryside and Cayman Brac are unaffected. Members can call 925-4153 or email info@cinico.ky for assistance. CUC crews have been washing lines, similar to what is seen here, as they try to clear saltwater contamination. cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024JAMES WHITTAKER AND NORMA CONNOLLY The first alleged victim to give evidence in McKeeva Bush’s indecent assault trial has told how she was left feeling “embarrassed and uncomfortable” after the former premier hugged her and kissed her twice on the shoulder during a government cocktail reception. The woman said she had silently tolerated similar unwanted behaviour from men in the past, but had decided to speak up on this occasion in the hope that something might change. “I am not a little girl any more. I am 45 now and I am upset I am reduced to feeling like a little girl,” she said in a police interview, a video recording of which was played to the jury and Justice Stanley John at the ongoing Grand Court trial on Thursday. The woman added that she had a daughter and hoped that speaking out might make men think differently about how they treat women. She told officers she had thought hard before making a statement and wondered if she should just ‘move on’. “I said, I am just going to be brave and talk about it,” she stated. Bush has denied two counts of indecent assault and two alternate charges of common assault. Cocktail reception The charges stem from two separate incidents involving two women, that allegedly occurred on the night of 13 Sept. 2022 at a cocktail reception at the ballroom foyer of The Ritz-Carlton hotel. The event was part of a Caribbean Tourism Organization conference hosted by the Cayman Islands government, which was attended by a number of ministers and leaders from around the region. The woman told the court on Thursday that her discomfort was magnified because she was attending the event in a work capacity and Bush was Parliament’s Speaker of the House at the time. “I was very aware that anyone could have seen it. I was embarrassed and uncomfortable for myself, for him, and for my country. It shouldn’t have happened,” she said. The woman said she had been talking to a colleague at a cocktail table near the entrance area when Bush walked into the ballroom lobby. She said she believed he was drunk, and fearing an embarrassing situation, grabbed his hand and drew him into a conversation with her and her colleague. At this point, she said, Bush was slurring his words and she offered to get him some food. After a brief interaction, the former premier put his arms around her and, she said, he kissed her on the shoulder. She said he made reference to her husband, who was apparently on the other side of the room and said, “‘If he saw me doing this he wouldn’t like it’” before kissing her again. The interaction lasted just a couple of minutes, but the woman said her “mood changed” and she was embarrassed and upset. “These things shouldn’t happen, especially from people in such high- ranking positions,” she said. “He overstepped the line and he knew he overstepped the line,” she added, referencing his comments about her husband. Giving evidence in person Later on Thursday, the woman took the stand in person, to face questions about her recorded evidence. She was asked by the Crown’s attorney, Charles Miskin, KC, about a second complainant, at the same event, who Bush is alleged to have given a “love bite or hickey” on her arm. She said the woman, who has not yet given evidence, told her, “he bit me”. The witness said she had seen teeth marks on the woman’s arm and had later drawn a sketch of those marks at the request of an investigating officer. That sketch was shown to the jury on Thursday. “If anyone has a child and they have bit you, you can see the top teeth and the bottom teeth; that’s what I was trying to draw,” she said The witness was facing cross- examination as the Compass went to press Thursday. Under questioning from Bush’s defence lawyer, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins, KC, the woman acknowledged that warm greetings, sometimes including a hug and a kiss, were normal in Caribbean society. “If they know each other and are welcoming of it, yes,” she said. She also accepted that Bush was swaying rather than stumbling, and said she was unaware he had any mobility issues until he had first arrived in court using a walker. Under cross examination, she acknowledged she had initially told officers he didn’t fondle her. She had described his conduct as inappropriate and unfortunate, but that she didn’t believe it had warranted “taking the guy to court”. She also insisted, following a question by Bennett-Jenkins, that she was “absolutely not mistaken” about what Bush had said to her about her husband. The woman’s evidence came on day four of the trial, which, according to the Judicial Administration court cause list, is scheduled to last three weeks. A summary of the coverage of the previous days of the trial follows: Day 1 The trial began on Monday, 19 Feb. with the Crown prosecutor telling jurors that the former premier, in what he described as “boorish, unwelcome, uninvited, unlawful touching”, had left teeth marks and a love bite on the skin of one woman, and kissed the shoulder of another. Bush, who had been arraigned at an earlier date on two indecent assault charges – to which he had pleaded not guilty – responded loudly, “Absolutely not guilty”, when he was asked to plead to two alternate charges of common assault. Crown prosecutor Charles Miskin, KC, told jurors that the alleged assaults included “sucking and biting” the arm of one woman. Miskin said the first complainant, a government employee who was working at the event, was trying to pull away “from an uncomfortable hug when he kissed her on the shoulder”, and then referred to her husband’s presence in the room and kissed her again. This encounter was captured on the hotel’s CCTV, though the cameras did not record any audio. “From that moment,” Miskin said, “diplomatic efforts were made to persuade [Bush] to leave the venue. That was eventually achieved only an hour later.” Before leaving, Bush took the hand of the second complainant, giving her a “love bite or hickey on her arm, or hand, or wrist”, Miskin told the jury. “She was incredulous,” he said, and noted that she described the incident as “odd and creepy”. That incident was not captured on CCTV because it occurred in a blind spot. Miskin said Bush’s behaviour had shown a “profound lack of respect” and a “tendency to believe that you are above the law”. He told the jurors that Bush appeared to have been drinking, though “opinions vary on this topic”. He added, “Having too much to drink may well explain what happened, but it is not an excuse. It is not a defence.” Day 2 On Tuesday, before heading to The Ritz-Carlton to tour the scene of the alleged assaults, jurors watched CCTV footage that tracked Bush’s movements on the night of the cocktail reception. It showed him hugging the first complainant, placing his arm around her and kissing her shoulder. She is among several women he is seen hugging or putting his arms around in the video clips. Bush on trial for indecent assault Woman says her encounter with the former premier left her 'embarrassed and uncomfortable' “Boorish, unwelcome, uninvited, unlawful touching”. The prosecution’s description of the alleged assaults PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 17» McKeeva Bush arrives at court on Wednesday, 21 Feb. - Photo: James Whittaker cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024 31234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Evolve (7) 5 Plain clothes (5) 8 Inappropriately (3,2,4) 9 Track worn by wheels (3) 10 Long eagerly (4) 12 Journalist (8) 14 To lower status of (6) 15 Conciliate (6) 17 Official means of regulation (8) 18 Ooze out (4) 21 Raised edge (3) 22 To revel (9) 24 Vague (5) 25 Generally considered (7) DOWN 1 To flag (5) 2 Examine critically (3) 3 Elevate (4) 4 Destitute person (6) 5 Capital of Liberia (8) 6 Of highest quality (5-4) 7 Temporary (7) 11 Accuse specific people (4,5) 13 Equitable treatment (4,4) 14 Propriety (7) 16 Supposed cure for all ills (6) 19 Offer as excuse (5) 20 A rigid support (4) 23 Proverbially industrious insect (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17561 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 17561 ACROSS: 1 Develop, 5 Mufti, 8 Out of turn, 9 Rut, 10 Pine, 12 Reporter, 14 Demean, 15 Disarm, 17 Controls, 18 Seep, 21 Rim, 22 Luxuriate, 24 Misty, 25 Reputed. DOWN: 1 Droop, 2 Vet, 3 Lift, 4 Pauper, 5 Monrovia, 6 First-rate, 7 Interim, 11 Name names, 13 Fair play, 14 Decorum, 16 Elixir, 19 Plead, 20 Prop, 23 Ant. What they’re saying Online Cyclists hit out at dangerous drivers after bus collision On the new roads being built, as well as these large roundabouts, I am not seeing safe crossings for pedestrians or bicyclists being considered in the designs. If they are not considered, I would expect more accidents. One means to reduce traffic is to make it safer to travel by other means. Colleen Stoetzel He is correct. Way too much terrible, mean spirited, in-a-hurry driving here. Dangerous. Who in their right mind would let their kids ride bikes? Enforcement, please! Sara Harbison Mackay It is disgusting how the taxi buses operate – park wherever and whenever they feel like! Lenie Hulse Rosado It’s time to give public bus drivers and taxis another driving exam. la_rana_marranada It’s time to build safe walking paths and cycling paths in the major areas. monikakepa I’m a runner and I frequently run on Esterley Tibbetts between Canal Point and Camana Bay, which has a wide shoulder marked off by a solid white line. Every run, I encounter speeding cars that cut into the shoulder and come dangerously close. It appears to be a game of “chicken” with some. Anne Evans Law enforcement needs to be more assertive in tracking, monitoring and enforcing the law on criminal behaviour of motor vehicle drivers. John C. The Hurley’s roundabout is a danger to everyone – walkers, riders, and drivers. Susan M. Opinion: Is Cayman’s ‘safe’ reputation at risk? Good article. Let’s see if anything changes. Incognit O. All good ideas. But here’s a simple reason why criminals go unpunished: Fear of reprisal. There’s no doubt that multiple people know who these gun- toting criminals are. But if they tell the police and the criminal is arrested, then that person is immediately released on bail; free to find out and intimidate the witness who told the police. Weeks later, the person doesn’t show up for trial; why would they? And the police try to find them; warning the public that they are armed and dangerous. Keep people arrested for serious crimes in prison till trial. The corollary is that the trial should be quick. Within a few months at most. Norman L. The police should know who the gangs are. It is a small island. They should be proactive in taking these guns away. Bruce L. Since the police know the location of the gangsters in Grand Cayman, the government should be proactive in letting the police arrest them and place them in prison once these gangsters are convicted in court. If the so-called gangsters come from other countries, they should be deported permanently from the Cayman Islands once their crimes are convicted in court... Key topic is that the Cayman Islands government and police need to work in unison. John C. DoE setback advice ignored in storm-damaged coastal properties IG 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 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. Cops to beef up presence in West Bay after shots fired at vehicle, house What is going on there? I remember when police didn’t even carry guns. Randy Jaeck Get some warrants and put some doors in. Positive action will soon put a stop to it. Jerry Young How does letting off someone who brings in firearms without a permit on a technicality fit with that strategic policing plan exactly? No wonder we have so many problems with growing gun violence. annapeccarino This osprey was caught surveying the action along the Linford Pierson Highway on Monday, 19 Feb. These impressive-looking raptors normally ‘cruise’ over water in search of fish. In addition, they sometimes build their nests on utility poles, so perching on a street light must be second nature to them. The photo was taken by Compass journalist and bird watcher Seaford Russell Jr. pic of the week Bird’s-eye view cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024Marking a major milestone for this first-of-its-kind real estate redevelopment project on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, the demolition of Lacovia began on Friday, February 16th, just a week after the conclusion of a deal for the financing of the $330 million project. IP Driver Ltd., a local subsidiary of JV Driver Limited, has been entrusted as the contractor for the development. As owners and members of the project team gathered to witness the event, Lacovia’s strata corporation chairman Andrew Bolton welcomed the start of the project and thanked those involved for the extensive planning and preparation that made it possible. Over the next two months, crews will undertake clearing, compacting, and filling tasks to prepare the site for the construction of Lacovia’s three buildings. This first phase of work marks the inaugural phase of a $330 million master plan, which will introduce ultra-luxury residences to what is arguably the most coveted location along Seven Mile Beach. With the impending transformation of Lacovia, only 15 of the 96 units remain available for sale. “Pent-up demand and buyer interest are at unprecedented levels. With a limited yet exceptional selection of prime residences still on offer, we anticipate Lacovia’s complete sell-out next year, followed by record-setting resale prices,” commented Kim Lund, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Cayman Islands. “Seven Mile Beach is facing a scarcity of available land and diminishing inventory for sale, elevating the value of the remaining residences at Lacovia,” added Stefan Cohen, Owner/Director of The AgencyRE Cayman Islands. In addition to the ultra-luxury residential units, Lacovia Residences East will introduce a collection of ultra-luxury short-term rental properties meticulously designed to optimize rental returns. “These 4 and 5-bedroom residences are crafted for flexibility, serving as grand suites or adaptable lock-offs across seven configurations, setting a new standard for rental properties along Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach,” explained Fleur Coleman, Owner/Broker of The AgencyRE Cayman Islands. As the project progresses, Lacovia’s website will provide comprehensive insights for this groundbreaking development. Prospective buyers can explore lacovia. com and lacovia.com/east for up-to-date information. Demolition Commences at Lacovia A Major Milestone in Grand Cayman’s Luxury Real Estate Development C A YMAN ISLANDS For sales inquiries or to schedule a presentation, please contact: Kim Lund, Owner/Broker RE/MAX Cayman Islands Kim.lund@remax.ky | 345 916 5555 Stefan Cohen, Owner/Director The AgencyRE Cayman Islands stefan.cohen@theagencyre.com | 345 926 8638 Fleur Coleman, Owner/Broker The AgencyRE Cayman Islands fleur.coleman@theagencyre.com | 345 916 0678 Owners, stakeholders, and real estate agents gather to watch the demolition of Lacovia on Friday. Excavators start demolition of the tiring Lacovia condominiums. ADVERTORIAL cayman compass 5 WEEKLY, 23 29 FEBRUARY 2024DANA KAMPA dkampa@compassmedia.ky Speaking freely about mental health can be a challenge for anyone, but especially for young people who are just discovering their voices. Leaders in the community united on Saturday, 17 Feb. at the seventh annual Youth Mental Health Symposium to consider new perspectives on how best to support Cayman’s youth as they navigate these challenges, and the young people who spoke at the forum urged those in attendance to listen not just that day, but in earnest moving forward. Hosted by the Alex Panton Foundation, the focus of the symposium, held at The Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman, was ‘Building Bridges: Acceptance, Belonging, and the Power of Connection’. Ever since Alex Panton died at age 16 in 2010 while dealing with the effects of severe depression, his family and supporters have been working to improve the resources available to young people. His mother, Jane Panton, chair of the foundation, thanked guests for their support and urged them to work toward bridging gaps among people in the community, especially the gaps between generations. She also thanked Governor Jane Owen who, in her welcome remarks, shared the metaphor of dealing with mental health issues as a small ship alone at sea in a storm – modelled after the reflections of 14-year-old Molly Russell, from the UK, who died by suicide. “One of the reasons we are here today is that we want to support these little boats in the storm,” Owen said. “That’s why we need the support of the teachers, the friends, the family, the people in sporting organisations, the people doing activities, the people at university, the people in the workplace. We need all of us to come together.” The governor acknowledged that young people are facing ever- evolving challenges to their mental health, especially compounded by the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic concerns. Several of the day’s speakers built on Owen’s metaphor as they delved into topics including the power of connection, mental resilience and emotional regulation. Helplines A highlight of the conference was the launch of a new helpline specifically catering to kids. Starting 7 March, adolescents will be able to contact the Cayman Kids Helpline to reach trained volunteers who can listen, provide a safe space for kids to share their concerns, and guide them to useful resources. The lines will be staffed from 3-9pm on Thursdays through Sundays. Emily Kelly, Alex Panton Foundation project manager, noted that the volunteers will undergo rigorous training, but are not a replacement for licensed professionals who can provide therapy. The helpline will be anonymous, she said, unless a caller is in immediate crisis, in which case they will contact first responders to provide aid. She encouraged any adults needing similar support to utilise CayMind’s services at 1-800-534- 6463. Outside of the main conference room, at least 20 groups and organisations presented materials about the services they offer to the community. Attendees also celebrated the first year of operation of Alex’s Place, an adolescent mental health hub. The centre, located at the front of the Cayman Islands Hospital after the atrium, accepts walk-ins and referrals for young people aged 10 to 20 needing support. Dr. Tonya Holder, a consultant psychiatrist with the Health Services Authority, said such resources are imperative, given what teens face. She said one-in-seven adolescents aged 10 to 19 experience a mental disorder, according to global statistics from November 2021 provided by the World Health Organization. She said depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are some of the leading causes of illness among that age group, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for ages 15 to 19. Holder said teens are particularly vulnerable to such things as discrimination, stigma and risk- taking behaviours. Speakers also highlighted the importance of offering the latest, high-quality emotional literacy programmes in Cayman schools. Helping build resilience Throughout the day, speakers offered insights into how families can help ensure their children have the tools they need to face what life throws at them. Psychologist Shannon Seymour, of The Wellness Centre, explained the ways the physical formation of the brain is impacted by neglect or abuse during a child’s formative years. Providing for children and helping them grow in a safe environment is imperative to supporting their lifelong mental health. She said research shows children aren’t really able to self-regulate their emotions until they are about 3½ to 4 years old. Speakers pointed out that supporting young people’s mental health isn’t necessarily about trying to prevent children from ever being challenged. In fact, Seymour said “good stress” – like being tasked with learning new subjects in school – can aid in development. However, “toxic stress”, like that caused by neglect, has the opposite effect. “It’s up to us as a community to make sure that all young people have the kinds of nurturing experiences they need for positive development, to build better futures,” she said. Renee Howell, marketing, communication and fund development manager with Inclusion Cayman, shared her own journey with multiple sclerosis and childhood abuse, saying it is vital to show young people that acceptance begins within. “Having a disability does not define my worth or my place in this world,” she said, encouraging young people to recognise their own value. Howell said she hopes adolescents learn to recognise that their individual differences are not weaknesses, but doorways to finding genuine connections with other people. Making themselves heard Taking a moment to hear directly from young people, the symposium welcomed three youth ambassadors to a panel on leading the way forward. Panellists Amorya Crawford, Jerrin Reynolds-Velasquez and Monina Thompson expounded upon their plans to take an active role in talking about the needs of young people, and they encouraged their peers to do the same. Reynolds-Velasquez highlighted his plans to pursue a career in politics, speaking up for those who need support. Crawford urged the leaders in the room to take meaningful action now, rather than letting young people’s well-thought-out feedback fall to the wayside after the photo op. “I definitely do think that it’s never too late to change that,” she said. “They can definitely improve on creating those opportunities for the youth.” Mental health resources If you, or others you know, are struggling with issues similar to those raised by this article, there are resources available to help. In an emergency, call 911. Mental Health Helpline: Call 1-800-534-6463 (MIND) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Alex Panton Foundation: Email info@alexpantonfoundation.ky or visit alexpantonfoundation.ky. Alex’s Place: Located at the Cayman Islands Hospital, this offers walk-ins and referrals to those aged 10-20. Call 244-7856 or 949-8600. Department of Children and Family Services: For non-critical services, email DCFS@gov.ky or call 949-0290 in Grand Cayman and 948-2331 in Cayman Brac, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Cayman Islands Crisis Centre: This provides support to victims of domestic violence. Call the 24/7 helpline at 943-2422, and kids’ helpline at 649-5437. Other private health care providers offering counselling and support, include Infinite Mindcare and The Wellness Centre. Youth mental health forum focuses on ‘building bridges’ Governor Jane Owen acknowledged the challenges to mental health that young people face as she addressed the Alex Panton Foundation’s annual symposium. Shannon Seymour, of The Wellness Centre, explains the ways the physical formation of the brain is impacted by neglect or abuse during a child’s formative years. Youth ambassadors participating in this year’s mental health symposium, from left, Monina Thompson, Jerrin Reynolds-Velasquez and Amorya Crawford. - Photo: Dana Kampa cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024 6• Blood Sugar cayman compass 7 WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024Judge blocks enforcement action JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compasssmedia.ky A group of Caymanian souvenir sellers, deck-chair renters, and food and jet-ski vendors will face off against government in Grand Court for the right to trade at Seven Mile Public Beach. The vendors won a preliminary victory on 13 Feb. when the court granted them permission to fight for their rights to operate at the tourist hotspot. The court also issued a ‘stay’, preventing the Public Lands Commission following through on enforcement notices which demanded they cease and desist trading at the beach by 14 Feb. or face heavy fines. The court application was filed on behalf of a group of nine vendors, including some who had been operating at that site for more than a decade. The filing indicates that the impacted vendors had been operating with the agreement of government for years and had invested heavily in their businesses on the basis of assurances that they would be granted permits under the new system. Several had even entered contracts with cruise lines or tour operators and had commitments to fulfil, it states. “The position taken by the Commission to refuse these applications will cause major losses to all the applicants as this is the primary income they rely on for the financial survival of themselves and their families,” the writ indicates. Among the applicants are a 62-year-old woman who relies on income from a hair-braiding business to support herself and her elderly mother; a husband-and- wife team who say they invested $35,000 in their water-sports and deck-chair business; and a specialist ice-and-food carvings vendor. ‘Broken promises’ Several of the business owners gave statements that they had been assured they would be given licences on the basis that they were among the original traders at the site. They state that they had completed PRIDE tourism training and food handling or first aid courses, as requested by government, and had operated at the beach ‘incident free’ for several years, with the knowledge and “consent or acquiescence” of government. The applicants contend that as a result of the assertions and promises made to each of them they had a legitimate expectation that they would be permitted to continue to vend at Seven Mile Public Beach Park. The lawsuit cites a number of statements made in the media, and allegedly personally to the applicants, by then Public Lands Commission inspector Winsome Prendergast that the commission would be working with the current vendors and was “not going to trouble them”. One applicant claims they were given “express assertions” that they would be allowed to continue to operate, and invested in new deck chairs and jet-skis on that basis. Another claims they were told they were “pre-approved” while a third contends they were informed “your application will get through”. Instead, the vendors received letters from government informing them their applications had been scored against criteria set out in the new Seven Mile Beach Vendor Policy and were unsuccessful. Latest twist in long-running saga The application for leave to apply for judicial review was granted by Justice Jalil Asif, KC, on 13 Feb. The judge also issued a stay against any enforcement action until the conclusion of the case or further order of the court. The decision is the latest twist in a decades-long battle over the right of traders to carry on business on public lands. Government’s efforts to bring structure to the often chaotic scenes at Cayman’s most-prized public beach culminated in a policy requiring vendors to submit applications for 34 slots to operate at that location. The commission received 120 applications for those spots and many of the vendors who had been there from the beginning say they missed out on permits. The writ filed on their behalf argues that the policy was unreasonable because details of the criteria were not well defined, the scoring system for applicants was not clear and they were not given proper written reasons for the refusal to grant them permits. They contend this amounts to a breach of their rights under the Bill of Rights, which requires decisions of public officials to be “lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair”. The court filing also argues that issuing enforcement notices with large fines attached is “unreasonable and disproportionate”. It goes on to argue that the unsuccessful applicants were given no right of appeal – again in contravention of their rights under the Cayman Islands Constitution. The application was filed by lead counsel Phillip Ebanks, assisted by Kattina Anglin. Anglin told the Compass she was pleased that the court had granted the vendors the right to have their day in court. “The applicants include people who rely on their businesses as the sole source of income for themselves and their families. They also include people who have struggled for a variety of reasons to find a role in the Cayman Islands economy and have come to rely on the business and income at the beach as part of their recovery.” Beach vendors take their battle to court Government accepts there will not be enough chairs to meet demand, but says it must balance competing interests on the beach. – Photo: Taneos Ramsay David Lyons, owner of Air Wave water sports, is among the litigants. – Photo: James Whittaker. “The applicants include people who rely on their businesses as the sole source of income for themselves and their families.” Kattina Anglin, lawyer cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024 8ARE YOU AN AMBITIOUS, YOUNG CAYMANIAN SEEKING AN EXCITING CAREER IN HOSPITALITY? The Dart Hospitality Training Programme is a unique three-month paid training opportunity designed to provide participants with experience across a variety of departments in Dart’s hospitality portfolio including: • The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman • Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa • Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman • Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman (opening April 2024) Dart has partnered with Lynn University to deliver a hospitality curriculum consolidated over a two-week period of in-person intensive training from the accredited institution. Successful candidates will be able to apply for full-time positions at one of the participating hotels. Application deadline 29 March 2024 Programme commences 13 May 2024 For more information and to register visit: www.dart.ky/hospitality Opportunity A GREAT cayman compass 9 WEEKLY, 23-29 FEBRUARY 2024Next >