© 2024 Burger King Company LLC© 2024 Burger K Jerk & Mango Habanero cayman compass Your most trusted news source Established 1965 Weekly, 21 - 27 June 2024 Cabinet at odds over conservation law Page 5 Cayman celebrates King’s birthday Pages 23 and 30 Flowers Sea Swim Pages 36-37 UnFit for the road? 'Buyer beware' warning to be issued as Honda Fits dubbed 'clear and present danger' Pages 26-28Matinees (matinee price before 6pm) • Seniors $10.00 (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 fi 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 Likely scattered thunderstorms SEA STATE Rough with a wave height of 4 to 6 feet. Small craft should exercise caution over open water WINDS East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots 88°F HIGH 78°F LOW NEWS EDITOR CAROLINE JAMES ISSUES EDITOR JAMES WHITTAKER HEAD OF SALES CHERYL BIRCH-GILLIES news in brief New body scanners installed at airports Customs and Border Control says it has installed new 'non-intrusive' body scanners at the Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman and the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport in Cayman Brac. The two scanners, the cost of which has not been released, will be part of the overall border- management process at the two airports, according to the CBC. “This significant enhancement in security infrastructure is designed to detect individuals attempting to smuggle illicit drugs and other contraband into the Cayman Islands, thereby closing critical gaps in border security,” a statement from the department noted. CBC officers, it said, will conduct an initial screening of passengers, supported by intelligence and key behavioural indicators. Any passengers deemed to pose a high risk of internally concealing prohibited or restricted goods will be subject to being scanned. “The introduction of non- invasive body scanners represents a monumental leap forward in our efforts to maintain the highest standards of border security. This technology enhances our ability to detect and prevent drug smuggling and ensures a safe and secure environment for all travelers,” Border Control Minister Dwayne Seymour said in the statement. The CBC stated that the body scanners use advanced imaging technology to provide “detailed, non-intrusive scanning capabilities and can provide visual indication of concealed substances and objects with unprecedented accuracy”. Former civil servant among two charged in money-laundering case A former civil servant and a George Town man are set to appear in court on 25 June to face charges for money- laundering-related offences, the Anti-Corruption Commission has confirmed. Maxwell Renal Linwood, a former Department of Environmental Health staff member, and Omar Anthony Samuels, employed in the private sector, both age 46, were charged following a “complex and protracted investigation”, the Anti-Corruption Commission said in a 14 June statement. Linwood, the statement said, was charged with five offences, including breach of trust, obtaining property by deception, being concerned in a money-laundering arrangement, acquiring criminal property and transferring criminal property. ACC investigators have charged Samuels with two offences – obtaining property by deception and being concerned in a money-laundering arrangement. The charges were filed under the ACC Act, Penal Code and Proceeds of Crime Act. New tourism plan paused until after 2025 election Cayman’s tourism industry will have to wait until next year for a new road map to guide its development. Work on replacing the expired tourism plan has been put on hold until the end of the 2025 general election and the subsequent installation of a tourism minister. Tourism Ministry Chief Officer Stran Bodden relayed this decision to the Public Accounts Committee earlier this month when he appeared before the committee to answer questions about the auditor general’s recent performance report on Cayman Airways. Bodden, responding to a question from PAC chairman and Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart on the status of the plan, said the ministry and the Department of Tourism had decided to extend the former National Tourism Plan, which expired in December, and hold off on a new plan until next year. “It is still a very dynamic and comprehensive document,” he said, adding that the ministry will be publishing an adapted ‘roll forward’ document this month. Bodden said the ministry will then develop a new national tourism plan next year, as noted in the auditor general’s report. Machete used in two separate incidents A man was reportedly struck in the head with a machete in an attack on 17 June in George Town. It was one of two incidents involving the use of a machete, according to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. The RCIPS is now appealing for information about the serious assault, reported around 4pm outside an address on Shedden Road near Main Street. A man had been on the roadside when he was approached by a man he knew, who struck him in the head with a machete, according to the police report. The alleged attacker then fled the location. The injured man was taken to the hospital for treatment. Days after that attack, another man used a machete to rob a restaurant on Eastern Avenue. RCIPS officers responded to the report of the robbery on 19 June, according to a press release. The masked suspect entered the restaurant, located south of the Godfrey Nixon Way intersection, and reportedly jumped over the counter, took an unspecified amount of cash from the register, and fled on foot. Police said that no one was injured in the incident. The RCIPS has described the suspect as “being of dark complexion and slim build, and was wearing all black clothing and a mask”. Cayman’s Asia office to open The Cayman Islands government will officially open its Asia office on Wednesday, 26 June, as it moves to “establish and deepen strong public- and private-sector relations throughout the region”. A government statement on the opening said that Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce André Ebanks, together with the ministry’s Chief Officer Dax Basdeo and Julie Campbell, government’s deputy representative for financial services, to Europe, will attend the commemorative reception at Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore. The opening is being hosted by government’s representative in the Asia office, Gene DaCosta, and attendees will also include UK, Singapore and Cayman government officials, and financial services industry members and regulators representing the Cayman Islands and Asia. In addition to the official opening, the deputy premier will attend the Financial Action Task Force Plenary in Singapore, where he will attend sessions and side events on subjects that are pertinent to the Cayman Islands, such as beneficial ownership. The new body scanner at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport in Cayman Brac. - Photo: Customs and Border Control cayman compass 2 N news WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024GO ALL-IN. GO FULL MANIA. Flow Mania is the first-ever all-in bundle that brings insanely fast 5G to the island. On top of that, you get absurd internet speeds at home with an incredible 1Gig broadband and Wi-Fi backup to guarantee the strongest connection, whatever happens. MANIA 500MANIA 1 GIG Broadband Speed500Mbps upload/download1Gig upload/download Data Allowance30 GBUnlimited New Features5G and WiFi Back-up Price$159/MO$229/MO Calculate how much you can save when you sign up for Flow Mania at discoverflow.co Terms and Conditions apply cayman compass 3 WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 20241234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 1234567 89 101112 13141516 17 181920 212223 2425 ACROSS 1 An obsession (5) 4 To support (7) 8 Fixed (3) 9 An exacting assignment (4,5) 10 Unlawful (7) 11 Untethered (5) 13 Insubstantial (6) 15 Fragment of talk (6) 18 Authoritative doctrine (5) 19 Momentous (7) 21 Relaxed in manner (9) 23 Poke fun at (3) 24 Fit of petulance (7) 25 Negotiate (5) DOWN 1 Large strong breed of dog (7) 2 Impossible to know (2,7) 3 Room under the roof (5) 4 Greet (6) 5 Enlarged (7) 6 Append (3) 7 Presumptuous audacity (5) 12 Wrongly aligned (3,2,4) 14 Self-assuredly superior bearing (7) 16 Large marine flatfish (7) 17 State positively (6) 18 Resided (5) 20 Stringent (5) 22 Transgress (3) The Compass Crossword Puzzle The Compass universal kakuro Puzzle 17663 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 17663 ACROSS: 1 Mania, 4 Sustain, 8 Set, 9 Tall order, 10 Illicit, 11 Loose, 13 Flimsy, 15 Snatch, 18 Dogma, 19 Fateful, 21 Easygoing, 23 Rib, 24 Tantrum, 25 Treat. DOWN: 1 Mastiff, 2 No telling, 3 Attic, 4 Salute, 5 Swollen, 6 Add, 7 Nerve, 12 Out of true, 14 Swagger, 16 Halibut, 17 Affirm, 18 Dwelt, 20 Tight, 22 Sin. What they’re saying Online $40 million mixed-use complex proposed on ‘primary habitat’ Now you know why they want to gut the National Conservation Act! Andrew McLachlan Have they not learned anything yet? For goodness sake, we are located in a hurricane zone! Stop selling, stop approving and stop building. Elizabeth Gaio And they are only catering to the rich and don’t care about the little poor man, who can’t afford a decent place to live. Price for rent going up every day and people can’t afford to buy food. Carlin Markman It looks like they want to get it all done before the next election, they must see the door closing. Richard McLean Y’all gotta look carefully at drainage as you continue to cement over your land and greenery, and destroy habitat. The character of the island is shifting and not in an inviting way. caybon30 US firms get $12 million contract to develop Cayman’s ‘global brand’ Wow, if this place becomes any more of a luxury vacation destination, I wonder how and where the average resident and the imported cheap labourer will live ... and not be affected in body, mind and soul by the increasing disparity? Anita Ebanks It bothers me when people keep talking about quality visitors is what Cayman needs, and here we go once more, just living in denial. Instead Cayman should try to improve the quality of service that we offer. We have people in the tourism business whose business services are purely low grade, but they expect tourists to pay top prices for this. Well, we have lots of quality visitors, but they can’t pay the top price for terrible quality service. Dexter Rivers They’re not even hiding the disregard for locals at this point. Sarasue McField Why aren’t these contracts mandated to be issued locally? Jolene Nelson Give the public the names of those who think this is a good idea. Tell us who is signing the cheques. Cyndy Ebanks We’re insulted time and time again because the same people we elect year in and year out keep us under their foot until they need our vote. Why aren’t at least some, if not all, of the funds used for this purpose being rewarded to our local marketing companies? Or even better yet, used to put jetways at that unfinished expensive airport of ours so people stay dry during the rainy season. Pauline Barnes What is the Department of Tourism for if not to promote the Cayman Islands? Do we shut the DOT down now because we’re paying a firm to do their work? This is Invest Cayman all over again. Scott EB This is insane. The Department of Tourism should be able to promote our Islands. I hope the voters are awake. Donna Dilbert And what do they know about Cayman? Local creators could do it for one-tenth of the cost. Krystal Arch Community seeks to support struggling young population We may never understand why they choose this path. My brother took his life. I still don’t understand why. Shelley Solomon Sad. So many inactive, vacuous non-starter promises around, while the youth cry out for social facilities, foundation careers that offer fair wages, and battle against unconscionable threats from vapes, booze and drugs, plus the many predators of all nationalities, ages and genders! Lennon Christian Cayman Hard Rock Cafe among George Town business closures Let’s hope something much more Caymanian and much less American takes over this central GT premise. Rosaleen Harrington Sad that this iconic restaurant is closing its doors after 20 years. Melanie Jackson A shift like this just means the opportunity has opened. kiorq Many more doors will soon be closed due to the high cost of rent and to operate a business. George Town is becoming a ghost town. Very sad. mixmasterdj.ky This is very sad news. I ate here on every visit to Cayman. sthal11 pic of the day I see you This agouti, or ‘Cayman rabbit’, was found in Savannah staring down Compass journalist Seaford Russell Jr, as he snapped this photo. The rodent, common to Cayman but hard to spot up close, sports a compact body and short legs, with fur ranging from brown to reddish-brown. According to the National Trust, agoutis can live up to 17 years and usually give birth to one to four offspring. They live in monogamous pairs, feeding on fruits and seeds, and act as important seed dispersers. cayman compass 4 news N news WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky Cabinet is divided over potential changes to the National Conservation Act, with senior ministers locked in talks this week in an effort to agree on revisions to the landmark legislation. The Cayman Compass understands that a reshuffle of the front bench is being considered amid strong differences of opinion over the need for, and the extent of, the changes required. To date, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has maintained total silence on the proposed amendments, even as her predecessor Wayne Panton railed against any attempt to water down the provisions of the law. Absence of information Within O’Connor-Connolly’s Cabinet, there is dissension over what is being proposed. Despite this, however, government hopes to bring the revisions to the legislation to Parliament at the next session, the Compass understands. Questions put to both the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency on the changes have gone unanswered. Up to publication time, there were no updates from government on the changes or potential Cabinet portfolio shifts. Discussions among senior members of the UPM government were continuing about the extent of the changes – if any – that are required, with several members opposed to radical revisions. Though no specifics of the proposal have been revealed, the Compass understands they concern the extent to which the National Conservation Council can direct other government bodies, including by requiring environmental impact assessments for major infrastructure projects, like roads. Several other contentious revisions – including eliminating the council’s ability to delegate authority to the director of the Department of Environment – are also believed to be included among the proposed amendments. Critics of the legislation have claimed that this provision, along with the council’s power to direct other government bodies – such as the Central Planning Authority – in select cases, puts too much power in the hands of one individual. This was one element of a recent court battle, which saw judges rule in favour of the conservation council over a Central Planning Authority decision in relation to a seawall on Boggy Sand Road. Changes challenged While some members of Cabinet support significant changes, a number of ministers are understood to favour a more conservative approach. There has been talk of multiple resignations or a Cabinet reshuffle should any radical changes move forward. One possibility, that could break the impasse in Cabinet without imploding the government, would be for the premier to allow a ‘conscience vote’, freeing the members who disagree with the proposals from their obligations to vote with their colleagues if the proposed amendments are taken to the Parliament. It is not clear where that would leave the legislation, however, and if the rift exposed over this issue could be repaired. The politics of the issue are further complicated by belief that the Progressives opposition – who previously considered revisions to the legislation – would be prepared to support some alterations to the conservation law. The Progressives state they have not seen the government’s proposals. Opposition leader Roy McTaggart said he could not comment one way or another until something concrete is published. “We cannot take a position in the absence of a published bill or an official statement from the Government,” he told the Compass. His predecessor as leader, Sir Alden McLaughlin, now the Speaker, previously described elements of the law as “ridiculous“. A committee was set up by McLaughlin’s government to review the legislation, but it petered out without any changes being brought. Panton, who was environment minister when the law was brought to the House in 2013, defended what he described as “Cayman’s most important piece of environmental legislation” as he sounded the alarm about what he views as an attempt to undermine the legislation. In a statement on his website, he said the proposed changes come at a time when many Caymanians believe there is “too much development” taking place. Even in the absence of any official information about what the proposed amendments include, a new campaign group ‘Don’t Pave Paradise’ is organising a petition against the changes, which has been heavily shared on social media. The campaign website encourages people to “say no to National Conservation Act amendments”. It states, “Don’t be misled by misinformation. The NCA doesn’t stop us from building the housing and infrastructure we need; it simply makes sure we do it properly.” It goes on to address common misconceptions about the power of the council and its perceived ability to block development. Further changes, according to Compass sources, also relate to the EIA process and the National Conservation Council's authority to require assessments, which directly impact major capital projects, like the East-West Arterial (see page 17). Last year, MPs collectively voiced their overwhelming support of a private member’s motion which asked for the first section of a planned extension to the East-West Arterial to proceed immediately – saying it was the least Cabinet at odds over proposed conservation law changes National Conservation Council comes to defence of legislation Former Premier Wayne PantonOpposition leader Roy McTaggartPremier Juliana O'Connor-ConnollyNCC chair Stuart Mailer “Any amendments to the Act which dilute the council’s ability to act efficiently or that result in poorer conservation outcomes and a sub- standard environmental governance framework for the people and natural environment of the Cayman Islands are ill advised and are therefore strongly discouraged.” Stuart Mailer, National Conservation Council Chairman. cayman compass news N news WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024 5RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky The iconic Hard Rock Cafe, a signature restaurant on the George Town waterfront, is closing its doors at month’s end, more than 20 years after its establishment. The popular restaurant, reopened in 2014 after a short closure, is one of three eateries closing down in the area. The others are Fort 51, formally Bluestone Lane, and Bread and Chocolate Vegan Bistro in the heart of town. Joining the list of closures across Grand Cayman is Steak Social on West Bay Road. While Hard Rock Cafe and Steak Social will close 29 June, Fort 51 is set to close doors on 30 June. Meanwhile, Bread and Chocolate ceased operations as of 1 June. The Cayman Compass understands that in the case of Fort 51, it had dropped its franchise with Bluestone and was set to transition to a new brand, but that did not materialise, leading to the coming closure. Hard Rock Cafe and Steak Social have indicated that their coming closures were related to commercial factors. In Bread and Chocolate’s case, the closure was attributed to the adverse impact of the extended roadworks in central George Town. The restaurant highlighted the dust, noise and road closures in several Facebook posts. The Cayman Compass reached out to the management team at Bread and Chocolate on the closure, but they declined to comment further on the issue. CITA ‘disappointed’ by closures Cayman Islands Tourism Association president Troy Leacock said he was “disappointed” to hear of the closure of the three restaurants. Leacock said he was aware that the renovation and road work in George Town had affected Bread and Chocolate. However, he was surprised at Steak Social’s closure. Hard Rock Cafe, in a Facebook post Thursday night announcing its closure, said the decision, though difficult, comes as part of “a broader strategic shift for the brand and an evaluation of market conditions”. “We are deeply grateful to the community of Grand Cayman and all our customers who have supported us over the years. The Hard Rock Cafe has been more than just a restaurant; it has been a place where memories were made, music was celebrated, and friendships were formed,” a message from management read. Since the reopening of borders following the COVID pandemic, Cayman has seen a continued decline of cruise calls, and a number of businesses, especially those on the George Town waterfront, have struggled. Downtown businesses that depend heavily on the cruise sector have been lamenting the challenges they have been experiencing in the wake of the drop in cruise calls. Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan has renewed his bid for a cruise pier referendum to determine whether Cayman should to invest in berthing infrastructure to enable the arrival of bigger cruise ships. Hard Rock Cafe has said that its closure will involve a structured wind-down process to ensure a smooth transition for employees and patrons. “We are committed to supporting our team during this time and will be offering assistance to help them transition to new opportunities. The Hard Rock Cafe has been privileged to work with some of the best talent in the hospitality industry, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to each of our employees for their dedication and hard work,” it said. Steak Social, located in Caribbean Plaza, announced its closure on its Facebook page saying, “the decision to close has been an incredibly difficult one”. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and your loyalty to our business over the past four and half years. Serving you has been a privilege, and we have cherished every moment and every memory created within our walls,” it said. Hard Rock Cafe among George Town business closures “The Hard Rock Cafe has been more than just a restaurant; it has been a place where memories were made, music was celebrated, and friendships were formed.” Hard Rock Cafe management Hard Rock Cafe Grand Cayman has announced its closure after 20 years of operation on the waterfront. - Photo: Reshma Ragoonath Steak Social restaurant is set to close on 29 June. – Photo: Reshma Ragoonath Bread and Chocolate Vegan Bistro has closed its doors after being adversely affected by the ongoing roadworks in George Town. Its upstairs neighbour, Daily Grind, has moved to a new location. – Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass 6 news N news WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024We give you the flexibility you deserve to manage your pension, your way. That’s why we offer not one, but three different pension plans to choose from — putting the power of choice in your hands. Transition seamlessly towards your golden years with our target date profiles, adjusting dynamically as your retirement horizon approaches. Or select from our risk-based profiles, aligning with your specific investment tolerance. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, our self-directed plan empowers you to craft your portfolio by selecting a diverse range of asset classes. Take control of your journey to retirement — with Island Heritage, you can. Ask your employer about a pension with Island Heritage. Visit us online at islandheritageinsurance.com RESHMA RAGOONATH rragoonath@compassmedia.ky US creative agencies Grey and Praytell have been awarded contracts totalling $12.3 million to develop Cayman’s brand as a luxury vacation destination. The Department of Tourism on 14 June announced the agencies’ names, saying that they were selected after “a competitive, multi- month procurement process”. Grey, according to details on government’s public procurement site Bonfire, has been awarded a $9.5 million contract and will serve as the department’s global creative agency of record. Praytell will serve as the DoT’s US public relations and influencer agency of record. Its contract was awarded at the cost of $2.8 million. Also seeking PR firm for UK and Europe markets The department is also seeking to hire a public relations firm to develop a strategy for the United Kingdom and European tourist markets. According to a tender document for the work, which has been posted to government’s procurement portal Bonfire, it is seeking “critical services for Public Relations in UK and Europe for a period of five years” for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. That contract should start 1 Sept. and run until 31 Aug. 2029, with the scope of work being reviewed and confirmed annually between Department of Tourism and the winning agency. The value of the latest PR contract, aimed at the UK and Europe, has not been disclosed, as it is still open for tender. According to the request for proposals documents, the firm will be required to “research and develop the most appropriate needs to move the Cayman Islands to a leader in the travel and tourism industry, with comprehensive methodology aligned with Cayman Islands business objectives”. The Cayman Compass has reached out to the department for comment on this new contract and is awaiting a response. Developing a global brand According to the DOT, the Grey advertising agency is tasked with developing the department’s “first- ever global marketing effort” for the luxury vacation destination. Department of Tourism Director Rosa Harris said Grey’s “formidable proposal” emerged as the department’s top choice, as part of “an intensive procurement search”. “I am confident our tourism partners and the country will be proud of the impending Cayman Islands global brand that will be unveiled in 2025,” she said. “The agency’s strategic thinking has mined an ownable, breakthrough idea and their creative prowess will undoubtedly elevate and captivate audiences across our global markets. We had an instant connection, a natural camaraderie, and we can’t wait to get started.” Chief creative officer of Grey NY, Thiago Cruz, said in a statement, the strategy, creativity and craft of the work it will be doing for the destination “is what captivated the clients. It will be a great example of ‘Famously Effective’ work that has an equal impact on culture and the client’s business.” Grey, founded in 1917, has been described as a “longtime industry leader” and is the global creative agency partner for renowned brands such as P&G, GlaxoSmithKline (now GSK), and The Coca-Cola Company. Grey Global Chief Client Officer Jason Kahner said the company would be working with the DoT team to reach new audiences across North America, Europe and Latin America and to position Cayman “as the warm weather luxury destination”. “There’s stiff competition across the Caribbean, but the Cayman Islands provides an unparalleled experience given their many unique treasures, inviting culture, and incredibly warm hospitality,” he said. Praytell, headquartered in New York City and founded a decade ago, has been tasked with overseeing DoT’s media relations and its visiting journalist programme, as well as influencer relations, thought leadership, issues and crisis consultation. It is also tasked with travel trade and consumer publicity, and events for the US, the Cayman Islands’ largest source market. Harris said Praytell’s proven track record and deep understanding of the tourism industry made them the perfect fit to “amplify the unique offerings of the Cayman Islands to the American market.” “In a landscape where breakthrough creativity and industry expertise are paramount, Praytell emerged as the clear choice for our partnership,” she added. Praytell’s travel practice, the statement said, is one of its fastest- growing divisions with key clients spanning airlines, hotels and accommodations, and destinations at the national, state and city levels. The division is co-led by Senior US firms get $12.3M contract to develop Cayman’s ‘global brand’ Another new request for proposals also issued for tourism PR strategy for UK and Europe Vice President Jamie Simpson and Vice President Maria Opatz. “The Praytell team is completely captivated by the allure of the Cayman Islands — not just its stunning beauty, but the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people, which was put on full display during our team’s recent visits to the island. We are eager to embark on this journey and spread the spirit of Caymankind across the U.S., with creative, earned-first programming that showcases the unparalleled experiences this Caribbean gem has to offer,” Opatz said in the statement. Rosa Harris, Department of Tourism director cayman compass 7 news N news WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024FOR WORK, REST OR PLAY, STAYCATION WITH CAYMAN VILLAS! PRIVATE RETREATS AMAZING RATES BEACH FRONT BLISS 345.945.4144 RESERVATIONS@CAYMANVILLAS.COM WWW.CAYMANVILLAS.COM View or book our 70+ properties online or call us today to find your Cayman home away from home! DANA KAMPA dkampa@compassmedia.ky From a pool of 803 applicants, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service was left with relatively few finalists from its recent recruitment efforts. The service advanced with 29 final candidates — 16 recruit police constables and 13 recruit auxiliary constables — or just 3.6% of applicants. Commissioner Kurt Walton said the low selection rate comes down to maintaining high standards for employees. The police service recently pushed back against critics who suggested the RCIPS “deliberately failed Caymanians in the recent local police recruitment drive to favour hiring nationals from other jurisdictions”. “We categorically state that this information is inaccurate and misleading,” RCIPS said in a press release. The service began its most recent recruitment campaign in April, which it said specifically aimed to bring in more Caymanians and permanent residents with the right to work. They received applications from 803 people. Of those, police said only 354 met the basic eligibility requirements to continue. Those requirements include being a Caymanian or permanent resident with the right to work without restrictions. Candidates must also be physically fit, computer literate and have at least a high school diploma or GED, with a minimum five CXC passes, two being in maths and English. More cuts Further vetting brought the applicants down to 137 people, who were invited to take an entrance exam on numeracy, literacy and comprehension skills. RCIPS said several candidates couldn’t make the 1 June testing date. “Every effort has been made to accommodate these candidates by scheduling further opportunities to sit the examination,” the press release said, noting the process is ongoing. Further whittled down to 51 candidates, the remainder had the opportunity to take a fitness test. Eight candidates were then cut when police found “discrepancies” in their eligibility criteria. Finally, 16 candidates met the eligibility requirements for recruit police constables, and 13 qualified for recruit auxiliary constables. “As commissioner of police,” Walton said in the press release, “I want to emphasize that we will not compromise the standards of the RCIPS by employing individuals who do not meet the requirements to become police officers.” He continued, “Our commitment is to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and transparency throughout the recruitment process.” During a press conference on 24 April, Walton also noted that the police force naturally experiences attrition as officers retire or leave the force for other reasons. “We tend to average between 15 and 20 staff per year,” he said. The deadline for the summer recruitment programme was 14 May, but details about eligi- bility requirements are available at www.rcips.ky/newrecruits. Fewer than 4% prevail as police recruits “[We] will not compromise the standards of the RCIPS by employing individuals who do not meet the requirements to become police officers.” Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton 29 The number of applicants, out of 803, who passed the RCIPS recruitment process Police recruits in their passing out parade in 2018. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay cayman compass 8 WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024 news N newsCamana BayRegent Village CAYMAN ISLANDS . TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS INTERIOR DESIGN . FURNISHINGS . OUTDOOR HOME DECOR . UPHOLSTERY . LIGHTING . RUGS . ACCESSORIE S www.designstudio.ky info@designstudio.ky Island Style. Island Living. cayman compass 9 WEEKLY, 21 - 27 JUNE 2024Next >