© 2024 Burger King Company LLC© 2024 Burger K Jerk & Mango Habanero cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 Weekly, 3-9 May 2024 Making a splash Founded on the seas – and in the pool – swimming becomes Cayman's national sport Success drives decision but concerns over access for all Pages 32-33 Photo: Taneos RamsayMatinees (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. CHALLENGERS (R) (FRI, TUES-THURS) 3:45 | 3:55 VIP | 6:45 VIP | 7:05 | 10:05 (SAT, MON) 1:10 | 4:00 VIP | 4:10 | 6:45 VIP | 7:10 | 10:10 GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE (PG-13) (SUN) 3:30 | 6:45 VIP | 9:10 GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE (PG-13) (FRI, TUES-THURS) 3:30 VIP | 9:30 (SAT, MON) 12:45 | 1:00 VIP | 3:45 VIP | 9:30 (SUN) 3:45 VIP | 9:30 | 9:45 VIP SPY X FAMILY CODE: WHITE (SUBBED) (PG-13) (FRI-SAT, SUN-THURS) 3:50 | 4:20 VIP | 6:50 THE FALL GUY (PG-13) (FRI, THURS) 4:00 | 6:45 | 7:00 VIP | 9:40 | 10:00 VIP (SAT, MON) 1:00 | 1:40 VIP | 4:00 | 6:45 | 7:00 VIP | 9:40 | 10:00 VIP (SUN) 4:10 | 7:00 | 7:15 VIP | 9:40 | 10:00 VIP (TUES) 4:00 | 6:45 | 9:40 | 10:00 VIP (WED) 4:00 | 7:00 VIP | 7:30 | 10:00 VIP | 10:10 THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE (R) (FRI-SAT, MON-TUES, THURS) 3:30 | 10:20 VIP (WED) 10:20 VIP WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEK STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE (PG) (FRI, TUES-THURS) 6:30 | 7:15 VIP | 9:35 | 9:45 VIP (SAT, MON) 12:30 | 12:50 VIP | 6:30 | 7:15 VIP | 9:35 | 9:45 VIP (SUN) 6:30 | 6:30 VIP | 9:30 VIP | 9:35 KUNG FU PANDA 4 (PG) (SUN) 4:00 VIP | 4:20 | 6:45 KIDS CLUB UP SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) CLASSICS HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS TUESDAY 7PM VIP (R) KIDS CLUB THE LITTLE MERMAID SATURDAY 10AM VIP AVAILABLE (PG) (1989) FIND US ONLINE Caymancompass.com Facebook.com/Caycompass cayman_compass@cayCompassCayman Compass PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Cayman Compass Ltd. Compass Centre, Shedden Road, George Town, Cayman Islands SEND US YOUR VIEWS OR NEWS: P.O. Box 1365 Grand Cayman, KY1-1108 Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 815-0095 • Email: newsdesk@compassmedia.ky ADVERTISE WITH US: T: (345) 949-5111 • E: sales@compassmedia.ky • W: caymancompass.com weather Friday Forecast FORECAST Partly cloudy chance of isolated showers SEA STATE Moderate with a wave height of 3 to 5 feet. WINDS East at 15 to 20 knots. 87°F HIGH 77°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief Suspect sought in George Town wounding Police are still on the hunt for the suspect in a stabbing incident near a George Town bar on 26 April. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is seeking witnesses as officers continue to investigate the incident. Officers responded to a call of a serious wounding at about 3:30am on 26 April. According to a police press release, the victim was stabbed after patronising an unnamed bar on Eastern Avenue, and then ran to another business to seek help. The RCIPS said the man’s injuries were serious but not life threatening, and he was subsequently released from the hospital. Rackam’s coastal works approved Cabinet has approved a coastal works permit for Rackam’s to repair the waterfront restaurant’s storm-damaged seawall, much to the relief of the general manager. The application, which has been pending since November, was approved on 16 April, according to the post-Cabinet summary issued on 24 April. The Department of Environment, which published a review of the repair plan on Friday, 27 Oct. 2023, had recommended that Cabinet approve it with conditions. Manager Tim Langfitt told the Compass that the continued degradation of the seawall has been a cause of great concern for him, especially with hurricane season on the horizon, so he was grateful to be able to address the situation. “We’re going to do the construction and repairs during May, and hopefully, first of June it’ll be ready to go,” he said, adding that depending on the weather that may be subject to change. Langfitt said, based on the construction plan, there will be little impact on the restaurant’s operations. The damage to the seawall, Langfitt said, is the result of decades of degradation, noting that every time there is bad weather, he checks to see the direction of the storm so he can prepare for impact. Quality of life survey measures ‘success’ differently A new quality of life survey, covering everything from life satisfaction and sense of wellbeing to loneliness and social inclusion, is part of the Economics and Statistics Office’s latest research. The aim is to help steer spending priorities towards policies that can help improve people’s lives. A government project to buy up land to create beaches and parks is one example, already under way. But the ESO survey aims to provide better data to inform future decisions. The survey, which is being conducted alongside the Spring Labour Force Survey, which started 28 April, is a first attempt by the ESO to measure how residents view their quality of life and its correlation with happiness. ESO Director Adolphus Laidlow said the questions being asked seek information related to respondents’ economic outlook, sense of belonging to the local community, and perceived health. “The results will be used to produce a quality of life index for the Cayman Islands, with ongoing monitoring in future surveys,” he said. 5 Caymanians called to the bar Five Caymanian articled clerks have been admitted as Cayman Islands attorneys-at-law, after completing the Walkers Cayman Articles of Clerkship Programme. Ashani Francis-Collins, Daniel Lee, Florence Allan, Lauren Vernon and Zachary Jones were officially called to the bar. Peter Kendall, partner and chair of the Walkers Cayman Trainee Committee, in a statement, said, “We’re thrilled to witness their growth and proud to be supporting their pursuits of legal careers. We are confident they will continue to make significant contributions to our firm and the wider legal profession,” Kendall said. The Walkers Articles of Clerkship Programme, as part of the Walkers Cayman Legal Training Programme, is a cornerstone of the firm’s commitment to developing the next generation of legal talent and promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, he said. “This year, our Articles of Clerkship Programme reached new heights, simultaneously training a total of 10 aspiring legal professionals through their clerkships. As we continue to celebrate 40+ years of legal training, this latest milestone underscores our dedication to supporting the future of Caymanian legal professionals,” the statement said. Grace Christian Academy wins Minds Inspired Challenge Grace Christian Academy’s novel ‘Bus 345’ app won the top prize at the Minds Inspired Sustainable Development Goals Challenge on 25 April. The students’ app proposed using technology to keep passengers informed with real- time information on routes, wait times and seat availability in the existing bus network. Six schools presented their ideas to a panel of sustainability experts in the final round of the challenge, an inter-school competition based on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and applied to a Cayman context. At the challenge, 40 high school students were tasked with coming up with sustainable solutions to Cayman’s most pressing issues. Three topics emerged as clear priorities - a more reliable bus system; greener building materials; and educating young people on how climate change impacts Cayman. Each team of seven high school students had five minutes to pitch their projects for the chance to win funding to help progress their ideas, with judges awarding points for feasibility and impact, as well as presentation skills, teamwork and the quality of research and content. “The Grace Christian Academy team conducted a survey of more than 300 passengers and 30 drivers which showed 70% of users consider the current service unreliable. Having researched past attempts at a bus app and spoken with local technology providers, the team impressed judges with their carefully researched prototype for the app, which supports SDG Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities,” a statement on the event said. The winning school receives $1,000 to help progress sustainability initiatives, and team members each receive a reference letter from Dart CEO Mark VanDevelde. This year’s winners are Rozalyn Thompson-Ebanks, Isabell Akagac, Dylan Smith, Lacey Victoria Arch, Durk Tatum, Tashyla Thompson-Brown and Rhea Timothy, and their teacher is Deepali Mutneja. The students from Grace Christian Academy who took first place at the Minds Inspired Challenge with their 'Bus 345' app. - Photo: Supplied cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024DANA KAMPA AND ANDREL HARRIS Following the trend of an overall increase in crime rates, the Cayman Islands saw new threats from cyber and financial crimes last year, as detailed in the 2023 statistics report from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. Officers investigated more than US$28.25 million in financial crime, including both domestic and international incidents, according to the RCIPS 2023 Crime and Traffic Statistics Report. Police Commissioner Kurt Walton, during a press conference on Wednesday, 24 April, to present the report, said that the RCIPS must address crime in a growing, increasingly globalised community. “Crime evolves, which means our policing investigative skills will evolve,” he said. “We’re dealing with different threats that are on the horizon.” The Financial Crime Investigation Unit dealt with 106 incidents and 50 active crimes in 2023, according to the report. It noted these cases are “often protracted and complex”, with 152 ongoing investigations. Local service restructuring When asked what is being done to investigate financial crimes both here and abroad, Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown said law enforcement efforts have been bolstered by a complete restructuring of the FCIU last year. Among their successes, officers have taken a strong stance against rental scams, charging one person with 36 offences. Overall, the unit recovered CI$952,537 and US$1,162,949 related to local crime, as well as two restraint orders worth CI$224,703 – meaning the assets cannot be sold while under investigation. The revamped unit is complemented by the Cayman Islands Bureau of Financial Investigations, which has focused on cross-border money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and proliferation financing since its establishment in 2020. The bureau’s work resulted in the recovery of more than US$28.25 million in the Cayman Islands and four other jurisdictions, according to the report. Lansdown said investigators have made particular progress with recovering assets like bitcoin. “We get 25, 30 requests a year from international agencies for support and assistance, and they deal with those as well,” Lansdown added. He said investigators have been accomplishing a lot in the fight against financial crime, but the problem is “growing exponentially”. Prevention is key Bureau of Financial Investigations head Victoria Templeman told the Compass that officers have been seeing a lot of cyber-crime activity, “That’s probably because within Cayman, we have a really strong virtual asset industry, which is a good thing,” she said. “The paper trail still is very prevalent.” She continued, “But we’re seeing all sorts of other things, including business email compromises and hacks on protocols.” Lansdown had previously explained that in dealing with common work-permit scams, that police can work with Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman to prosecute offenders in some cases. In some such scams, a person may promise the permit seeker help with their forms upon payment of the fees, without any intention of actually filling out the paperwork. Lansdown highlighted the importance of individuals being diligent when navigating online businesses. While convictions play a role in the bureau’s responses to cyber crimes, Templeman said it also focuses on asset recovery. “You don’t prosecute a person – you prosecute a property,” she explained. Threats continue to evolve, and Templeman stressed the importance of residents and businesses taking preventative measures in 2024. Police recover over US$28M in financial crimes DANA KAMPA dkampa@compassmedia.ky Crooked and corrupt cops will find no refuge within the ranks of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Services, according to Commissioner Kurt Walton who has vowed to rid the service of any officer who disgraces their badge. Speaking to the Cayman Compass at the end of a recent annual crime and traffic statistics press conference, Walton acknowledged that in recent times, several of his officers have come under the spotlight for questionable acts. “The majority of my staff are very hardworking, good, honest officers, but when I do have that one or two who are rotten, well, it’s simple – I remove the rot,” he said. He added, “We have other officers who have not yet been charged, but they have been suspended because the offences were so serious it warranted immediate suspension.” His comments came on the heels of the arrest of a 23-year- old Bodden Town woman on suspicion of aggravated burglary and theft, who serves as a probationary police officer. “We have officers who are suspended immediately when they are charged with a criminal offences, that’s the position we take,” Walton told the Compass. “We had one officer who was convicted of assisting a known offender and he is now serving time in prison.” Walton was referring to Courtney Levy, an auxiliary constable who was convicted last year of attempting to pervert the course of justice, and breach of trust of a public officer. Levy was described in court as the righthand man to ‘murderous West Bay God’ Roger Bush, who shot his son Shaquille Bush 15 times. “The majority of my staff are.,, honest officers, but when I do have that one or two who are rotten... I remove the rot.” Police Commissioner Kurt Walton Commissioner Walton: ‘I will root out rotten officers’ “We’re dealing with different threats that are on the horizon.” Police Commissioner Kurt Walton 152 The number of current cases being investigated by the Financial Crime Investigation Unit Police Commissioner Kurt Walton and Detective Superintendent Peter Lansdown at the 24 April press conference. - Photo: Dana Kampa cayman compass 3 news N news WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 20241234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13 1415 16 171819 20 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 Producing tension (7) 5 Precisely (5) 8 Sensitive issue (4,5) 9 Follow persistently (3) 10 US university (4) 12 Make despondent (8) 14 Painter of Venus and Adonis (6) 15 Tedious moral discourse (6) 17 Of high investment quality (4-4) 18 Shaft of light (4) 21 Possess (3) 22 Marked by ceremonial courtesy (3-6) 24 Rough preliminary outline (5) 25 Inhumanly cruel person (7) DOWN 1 Causing suspicion (5) 2 Ventilate (3) 3 Wide opening (4) 4 Unimportant matters (6) 5 A scam (3-2,3) 6 Weaken insidiously (9) 7 Intolerant dogmatism (7) 11 Baltic republic (9) 13 A gambling card-game (8) 14 Small-format newspaper (7) 16 Sagacity (6) 19 Travel by car (5) 20 Excessively conceited (4) 23 Deep hole in ground (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17621 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 17621 ACROSS: 1 Fraught, 5 Plumb, 8 Sore point, 9 Dog, 10 Yale, 12 Dispirit, 14 Titian, 15 Homily, 17 Blue-chip, 18 Beam, 21 Own, 22 Red-carpet, 24 Draft, 25 Monster. DOWN: 1 Fishy, 2 Air, 3 Gape, 4 Trivia, 5 Put-up job, 6 Undermine, 7 Bigotry, 11 Lithuania, 13 Baccarat, 14 Tabloid, 16 Wisdom, 19 Motor, 20 Vain, 23 Pit. What they’re saying Online It seems to be that time of year when spotted eagle rays are plentiful in local waters. Divers have been encountering the graceful creatures at dive sites all around Grand Cayman in recent weeks. Photographer Don Inose snapped this photo of an eagle ray at Don Foster’s, off George Town, in late April. Theoline McCoy Primary dancers win new platinum award It’s so good to see this and go back in time to when you were a child. Very nice performance. Joy Proctor Beautiful performance! Love that they are keeping our culture alive! Well done to these students and their choreographers! Caren Thompson Lovely dancing by the students! So nice to see traditions kept alive. Happy May Day. Rachel Osborne Very well done. And getting lots of exercise. Fiona Foster Love the part when the music went off they continued dancing [and] thus were given another chance to present their piece. This was real cultural. Simone Allen ‘Lacovia effect’ fuelling investment in older Seven Mile condos With regard to Simon Watson’s comments regarding redevelopment of older condos, he says, “... people do want them to be in keeping with the character of the island”. I see very little (if any) Caymanian character in these new 10-storey redevelopments. Such a shame. Sheila M. This breaks my heart. tanyastreeter Securing Cayman’s beach-less, underwater future. soleil.parkinson Having vacationed there for over 30 years, I can definitely say that returning for the first time this February since 2020, the difference is palpable. It’s beginning to feel like anywhere else that’s all concrete and developments. Even the souvenir shops have gotten weirdly non- local and generic, and I didn’t see any bougainvillea where I usually do! (Do you kill the bees when you kill the mosquitoes?) I used to love the quiet island local feel to small, older places – charming! Whereas these high-end high- rises, honestly, could be anywhere (and more affordable with better transportation and shopping options). Be careful what you give away, because you will not get it back. caybon30 This is going to destroy the island. Why not cap these condos at 3 to 4 storeys? I think most Caymanians would agree with me that ‘old’ condos are perfectly fine, and bring so much history to the Cayman Islands. pilotmatt88 Will the new structures be as seaward as the original structures? kirstenmaxmccord Million-dollar radar investment to help fight gun and drug running The UK government emphasises that transnational drug trafficking in the Caribbean is linked to corruption. The large shipments of cocaine involve vast profits for the people behind it, yet it seems none of the Caribbean kingpins have been prosecuted and this is where corruption comes in. Until the big men around the Caribbean islands are identified and convicted, we will continue to find large amounts of cocaine washing ashore or floating off our shores. Trusty2man D. Record turnout for Chamber Earth Day Clean-up Our Cayman community is amazing – but the elephant in the room is the ban on single- use plastics that the Cayman Islands government still haven’t addressed. We can’t help the plastics washing up from other countries, but we can make bans on what we import and let into our islands. Plastic Free Cayman Stayover visitors near pre- pandemic highs Keep focus on the stayover visitors rather than cruise visitors. The people staying tend to take better care of the island and the environment. Cruise visitors are only on the island for less than a day and don’t see the repercussions of their actions and the overcrowding of the beaches and attractions. Glenda D. Opposition calls on government to tackle rising unemployment rate There are jobs posted on the Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman website. While the opposition can complain about the situation, what is their recommendation? Should the Cayman Islands government force unemployed, able-bodied individuals to take jobs? The solution is not less work permits, the solution is simply allow employers to hire those unemployed individuals through the Cayman Islands Government. CIG can pay them and be the staffing agency. Create daycare centres staffed by some of those unemployed so those with children can afford daycare and go to work. I would like to know what jobs those individuals have applied for and why they were denied. There should be more transparency so the public can understand the situation. Every business on this island is hiring. The jobs exist. Opinion G. pic of the day Fly like an eagle (ray) cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024JAMES WHITTAKER jwhittaker@compassmedia.ky There is a hole in the Seven Mile skyline. The red-tiled rooftops and the sandy-coloured condos of Lacovia, a fixture on West Bay Road since the 1980s, were demolished in March. And the gap will soon be filled by three new 10-storey buildings as the paradigm-shifting renovation of one of the beach’s oldest properties finally begins. It has been five years since the 55 owners of the original complex voted to demolish their homes and replace them with a new $263 million apartment complex. Despite challenges, and some controversy, property experts forecast the model will spread along the beach as older complexes reach the end of their viable lifespan and strata committees seek to turn expensive renovations into money- spinning redevelopments. Aqua Bay, a similarly low-rise condo complex at the north end of Seven Mile, was slated for similar treatment. The project, which planners said was actually 12-storeys once parking and rooftop facilities were considered, was turned down by the Central Planning Authority, but is expected to be resubmitted in amended form. Elsewhere on the beach, there are signs of the ‘Lacovia effect’. Simon Watson, of Charterland surveyors, said prices for units in older complexes are rising on the back of speculation that there is money to be made in demolishing and replacing those properties. The independent valuation firm’s 2023 market report notes three sales at Silver Sands – next door to Aqua Bay – at an average price of just under $2 million. That’s 36% higher than the last sale in that complex in 2021 and more than triple what those units were selling for in 2015. Similar patterns are being seen at other properties, including The Islands Club. Watson attributes that to the possibilities that the Lacovia and Aqua Bay projects – albeit unfinished and in one case yet to be approved – represent. There are many other properties on Seven Mile, some built with saltwater concrete in the 1980s and 1990s, that are now facing hefty repair bills. “It is a logical thing for them to be redeveloped as they reach the end of their economic life,” said Watson. “I don’t think anyone takes issue with that, but people do want them to be in keeping with the character of the island.” 10-storey trend to continue The economics of real estate, however, dictate that any developer is incentivised to maximise sales value and currently there is no motivation to build anything less than 10 storeys, says Watson. “At the moment, the economic argument is to put as many condos on the site as you can while maintaining that luxury price point. It will happen if it is allowed to happen,” he said. A subtle but significant switch in the planning law has increased the chances of such redevelopments along Seven Mile. The agreement of every condo owner in a development is no longer required to demolish and rebuild. A ‘supermajority’ of 75% is enough. That is influencing big developers and investors to buy into older condo units with a long-term strategy to force a rebuild, says Watson. “The sales activity is not coming from the man on the street,” he said. Strategic acquisitions Rick Riyat, head of valuations for Cayman Islands and the Bahamas at BCQS, highlighted similar trends. He said institutional investors were buying up condos in the hope of either making money from a potential rebuild or selling the units at a premium price to a developer. “There are almost no ‘green field’ sites left along Seven Mile but you do have several older, low density developments, with prime beachfront land.” He said the Lacovia model – which allowed the existing owners to get a newly built unit, and allowed the developer to build enough additional properties to make a profit – was likely considered a win-win for those involved. “That is certainly a blueprint that others will look at, particularly in those older properties that are not in the best shape, and we are already seeing evidence of strategic acquisitions that are likely to be part of long-term plan to redevelop certain properties.” James Bovell, in a prescient column for the Compass in 2018, predicted that the recently enacted strata legislation would create opportunities for investors. The RE/MAX realtor highlighted lack of available beachfront land as a hurdle for investors, and predicted that the next phase of Seven Mile projects would come from redevelopments. He said that redevelopments comprising high end units – of over US$3 million – would be the only way to realise sufficient funds to make that viable as an investment strategy. “People looking at investing in Seven Mile Beach from a development perspective should be aware that they need to put in place a long-term investment plan, because there are various hurdles to go through before returns can be made,” he wrote. “These developments can be long and protracted in the making, but the rewards are exciting at completion.” The process could be slow Realtor Kim Lund suggests the activity is not as swift as some believe. And he argues that many of the people who bought into older developments are happy to keep their vacation homes and not take the risks involved in a costly redevelopment for a long-term pay-off. While the owners of Lacovia will get new multi-million-dollar properties in the package, the project has been five years in the making and the foundations are yet to be laid. He agrees that redevelopment of older properties will happen, but suggests it will be a slow process. “I think longer term we will see more of that but it is going to be few and far between. “At the moment, nobody is banging on the doors of developers asking them to redevelop their property – just the opposite.” ‘Lacovia effect’ fuelling investment in older Seven Mile condos An architect’s impression of the new Lacovia. Lacovia has been demolished. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass 5 news N news WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024DANA KAMPA dkampa@compassmedia.ky Efforts to boost stayover tourism are paying off, with the latest statistics from the Department of Tourism pointing to stayover numbers that are approaching the pre-pandemic high recorded in early 2019. The DoT on Friday, 26 April, announced that 137,094 stayover visitors travelled to Cayman between January and March this year, just off the record of 145,804 for the same period in 2019, and a 13.4% uptick compared to 2023. Of those visitors over the first quarter, 83% came from the US, 8.3% from Canada, 5% from the United Kingdom and Europe, and 1.1% from Latin America, according to a DoT press release. The department noted that even areas with smaller absolute numbers posted significant increases. For example, while Latin America represents only about 1% of the total, the number of visitors from that area increased 21.4% compared to the beginning of 2023. The numbers have leaders in the hospitality industry, including Marc Langevin, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, optimistic about prospects for tourism. He told the Compass that tourism destinations have taken different approaches to recovering from the industry blows, with the Cayman Islands’ focus on quality over quantity paying dividends. “When I look at quarter one, we actually have a little bit less occupancy than back in 2019, which was our record year,” Langevin said. “But as the business has evolved, we have slightly reduced the occupancy, but we have actually gained revenue because we have a different way of targeting customers.” He noted that the Cayman Islands took a more gradual return to operations than some regional counterparts. “Because we have been able to deliver our quality service, I think the customers saw value, and they came back in 2024,” he said. “We are in a very good phase right now, where we have rebuilt the foundation of our business and potentially created a differentiation between the value we are offering here in Grand Cayman versus what they might find in other areas in the region.” Holiday numbers The DoT noted several outreach efforts have contributed to this success, including sending representatives to international travel media events, including the world’s largest tourism conference in Berlin, and Routes Americas, a large regional air service forum in Colombia. Holiday breaks also played a role. Easter fell in March this year rather than in April like 2023, which boosted the quarter’s numbers. In March alone, 57,040 stayover visitors arrived – a 23% increase over the previous March. Langevin noted that many visitors book their winter travel further out than for summer plans, so it remains to be seen whether this first quarter surge will continue. “When we arrive in the summer months, it is a more competitive market,” he said, adding he is cautiously optimistic based on the airline booking trends he has noticed so far. The tourism department also pointed to an increase in airlift capacity this year. The department said 243 more flights came into the Cayman Islands in the first quarter this year compared to 2023. The International Air Transport Association reported 226,270 inbound airline seats were booked to Cayman from the US, Canada, UK and Ireland, a 21% increase over 2023. In addition, American Airlines recently announced daily direct flights between Dallas and Grand Cayman, from 5 Dec. to 2 April 2025. DoT Director Rosa Harris said in the release that the department was “pleased” with the airlift uptick this year, adding, “but, it is important that we continue to seek out business development opportunities for the Cayman Islands”. Cruise tourists still lagging Visitor numbers do still lag in one area. First-quarter cruise arrivals fell compared to last year and are still far short of pre- COVID-19 numbers. According to DoT statistics, 406,715 cruise passengers arrived between January and March. By comparison, 471,502 people arrived over the same period in 2023, with 538,140 in 2020, and 641,045 in 2019. Arrivals in March 2020 were lower than normal because of the onset of the pandemic. Langevin said the decrease shouldn’t come as a significant surprise considering the government’s previous statements on the industry and lack of a cruise pier. As for the overall recovery, Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan lauded the tourism industry’s success, saying he looked forward to seeing more tourists arriving as room stock increases with the opening of the Hotel Indigo in May. “These first quarter visitation results show that demand for travel to the Cayman Islands is high,” he said in the release. Stayover visitors near pre-pandemic highs 137,094 Stayover visitors travelled to Cayman between January and March this year. “These first quarter visitation results show that demand for travel to the Cayman Islands is high.” Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan Visitors explore Seven Mile Beach, one of the main draws for tourists. The first quarter of 2024 saw a resurgence to pre-COVID-19 levels for stayover visits. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024 6cayman compass 7 WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cayman’s aviation community has lost a pioneer with the sudden passing of Caymanian pilot Capt. Harrison Bothwell on Saturday, 27 April, at age 77. Tributes have poured in for the former Cayman Airways pilot, since news of his passing spread throughout the community. Cayman Airways and the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, in a joint statement on 29 April, lauded Bothwell’s contributions to the development of aviation, saying that “for almost five decades he was a revered CAL pilot who was respected and loved by all who had the pleasure of working with him as part of the Cayman Airways family”. Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan said in the statement, “Captain Harrison Bothwell was a seasoned aviator; a revered mentor, a trusted leader and a cherished friend. As we mourn this loss of a true aviation pioneer, let us also celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy.” Decades-long career Bothwell’s flying career began at Cayman Airways on 15 March 1972 when he was hired by Norman Bodden, and he immediately began his training to become a pilot, the statement said. Though there have been many milestones in Bothwell’s career, one heroic act stands out for those who may recall. Back in June 1973, then only 25 years old, Bothwell made a safe landing after his Cayman Brac flight lost an engine. He recounted to the Compass at the time how he “saved the day” after taking off from Owen Roberts International Airport. The plane had only reached 200 feet altitude when “there was a terrible noise and vibration in the number one (left) engine”, but he was able to turn the plane around and land safely at Owen Roberts, saying after that, “we found out, she’ll fly on one engine”. ‘True icon’ Bryan, through the joint statement, shared his deepest condolences on Bothwell’s passing, who he described as “a stalwart aviator and a true icon of Cayman Airways”. He said Bothwell’s distinguished career with Cayman Airways spanned almost five decades, and was marked by “unwavering dedication, unparalleled expertise and an enduring passion for aviation”. “Since his inaugural flight in 1972, Capt. Bothwell embodied a spirit of excellence, soaring through the skies with grace and precision. Though he bid farewell to the cockpit in 2012, his legacy continued with CA Express, extending his remarkable career and contributions to both Cayman Airways and the Cayman Islands at large,” he said. Across his flying career, Bothwell flew almost all aircraft types in the Cayman Airways fleet, including the DC-8, DC-9, BAC 1-11, the DHC-6 Twin Otter, and the Boeing 737-300 jets. He retired from flying in 2012, with his last flight as captain taking place on 9 Sept. that year. Following his retirement from flying, he continued to work with Cayman Airways, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Cayman Airways Express. On 31 Dec. 2020, after almost five decades of dedicated service to Cayman’s national airline, and to the Cayman Islands, Bothwell entered full retirement. Cayman Airways president and CEO Fabian Whorms, in sharing condolences on behalf of the national flag carrier, said, “To Captain Bothwell’s family – we share in your loss because he was also a special part of our Cayman Airways family, and he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.” Bryan added, “May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him.” Visit us online or call 1-345-949-7280 Live your life. With insurance from Island Heritage, you can. This excerpt from the 7 June 1973 Cayman Compass tells the story of Capt. Harrison Bothwell’s heroic landing. Capt. Harrison Bothwell pictured in the pilot’s seat. – Photo: Cayman Airways Captain Harrison Bothwell, centre, with his Cayman Airways colleagues. – Photo: Cayman Airways ‘Aviation pioneer’ Capt. Harrison Bothwell passes away “Captain Harrison Bothwell was a seasoned aviator; a revered mentor, a trusted leader and a cherished friend.” Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan cayman compass 8 news N news WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024I�irst met Mr David Morritt 14 years ago. Mr Morritt explained his vision, likening the journey of a rocket ship to the moon and beyond. Thirty-four years ago, they said, “Who is this crazy Englishman building out east?” I can tell you one thing that I have learned over my time here. He is a crazy genius! Unlike many developers, his vision wasn’t one of ‘build, build, build’ and focusing entirely on pro�it. It was wanting to give people a home from home. A place they could enjoy for generations to come. It was for you, your children and your grandchildren. Through hurricanes, recessions, and a world pandemic, Morritt’s has continued to deliver a true piece of paradise. From the East End sunrise to the sun shimmering on the sea and the incredible reefs with diving and snorkeling – Morritt’s offers unforgettable Caribbean experiences. The rocket ship has never wavered during the past 34 years. Mr Morritt’s promise to the government to bring 30,000 guests to the Cayman Islands remains on course, with the next stage of his dream about to become a reality! Morritt’s will be introducing a new luxury building, “The Genevieve”, bringing a touch of elegance to the Morritt’s brand. Fifteen high-end, two and three-bedroom condos, each equipped with the best furnishings and appliances available. The Genevieve will also have a roof top pool with 270-degree views. It will give the owners an experience unmatched…and the rocket ship is landing within the next �ifteen months. My dear Morritt’s friends and family, you are a true part of this incredible story; for both Morritt’s Tortuga Club and the Cayman Islands. I hope you will come join us and enjoy the beauty of Cayman and Morritt’s. The Great Success of Morritt’s and Grand Cayman A D V E R T O R I A L Sincerely, cayman compass 9 WEEKLY, 3-9 MAY 2024Next >