Cayman Compass

A no confidence motion in Speaker of the House McKeeva Bush appears to be in jeopardy as Premier Alden McLaughlin announced Parliament had no planned meetings ahead of the May General Elections. If the motion is to be heard Opposition Leader Arden McLean and North Side MP Ezzard Miller will have to convince other MPs to call an emergency sitting, which Premier McLaughlin said he believes is unlikely to happen. Dart has submitted a planning application to create a mixed-used, resort and residential development that will span an area from the Cayman Islands Yacht Club to Seven Mile Beach, and may involve cutting a canal under the Esterley Tibbetts Highway bridge. The Company applied to the central planning authority last week, if approved it will mean Dart’s resort/residential developments in the area will extend from the yacht club at Governor’s Greek to the Kimpton Searfire Resort and Spa.Samples sent to a laboratory that local vets had hoped would identify what poisoned several dogs last year have returned inconclusive results. Dr. Joyce Follows of Island Veterinary Services told the Cayman Compass last week, “Unfortunately, with all of our efforts and money spent sending these samples, we think all of the results are inconclusive.”At least a dozen dogs reportedly became ill or died as a result of ingesting poison in December. For more details on these and other stories visit www.caymancompass.ky

Before the COVID-19 crisis hit Cayman’s tourism sector, Lisha and Tom Watling made their living operating Cayman Kayaks. Now, they dedicate their days to supporting the island's families in need through donated clothing, shoes and children's items.Their charitable initiative, BLESSED, evolved organically from the couple’s work with Cayman’s Acts of Random Kindness.After months of delivering meals through ARK to residents in East End, Lisha realised an additional need facing families. More than just food, families with children also needed items such as clothes and shoes.The best way to contact BLESSED is through the group’s Facebook page or by contacting Lisha Watling at 925-9867.Read more at https://www.caymancompass.com/2020/10/16/cayman-couple-shares-blessings/.

Like so many other occasions this year, the 2020 Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant was far from typical.When 26-year-old accountant Mariah Tibbetts learned she would be crowned queen, the islands were still in lockdown and, in theory, the pageant was still months away.The decision to crown the 2019 first-runner-up, Tibbetts, came as a surprise and the Bodden Town beauty, with Cayman Brac roots, is still adjusting to her uncommon ascent to the crown.Tibbetts stopped by the Cayman Compass studio to reflect on her 26 Sept. crowning at Grand Old House and what she hopes to accomplish during her unexpected reign.

What does recovery from the COVID-19 crisis look like in a Caribbean context? How do we gear future growth and growth indicators towards improving the livelihoods of Caribbean people?We speak with Trinidadian economist Marla Dukharan, chief economist with fintech company Bitt Incorporated in Barbados, about rethinking the way Caribbean economies are structured. We explore how the region can take advantage of this period to tackle the challenges of climate change, mass tourism and development. For more Cayman Islands headlines, visit www.caymancompass.com.

Compass Editor Kevin Morales shares the week's top headlines from the Cayman Islands. Read more at www.caymancompass.com.

Compass journalist Kayla Young explains complications with Cayman’s international mail service and how US voters can ensure their ballots are delivered for the November election.The Cayman Islands Postal Service officially reopened to receive international mail on 6 May. In practice, however, much of the jurisdiction’s international mail service remains on pause.Limited air lift and ongoing transportation negotiations have complicated deliveries between Cayman and the United States.For more Cayman Islands news, visit www.caymancompass.com.

Tropical Storm Laura drenched the Cayman Islands on Monday, en route to the US Gulf Coast. There she is expected to make landfall at hurricane strength on Wednesday.At her closest point, Laura passed 92 miles north-northeast of Cayman Brac at 5am Monday. She left an estimated 2-4 inches of rain, with up to 6 inches in localised areas, in the Sister Islands. A tropical storm warning was lifted for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, at 4pm Monday.Read more at https://www.caymancompass.com/2020/08/24/tropical-storm-laura-expected-to-strengthen-to-hurricane-tuesday/

Compass Editor Kevin Morales shares the top headlines from the Cayman Islands.

Compass Editor Kevin Morales shares the week's top headlines from the Cayman Islands. First, cruise tourism will not return to Cayman until 2021. Then, the Pan-American Health Organization changes Cayman’s COVID-19 transmission level from ‘sporadic’ to ‘no cases’.Local construction and building suppliers feel the effects of a US construction boom and a resulting lumber shortage.Finance Minister Roy McTaggart reassures that government is not considering implementing direct taxation. And reservists with the Cayman Regiment showcase their skills.

Caymanian Josh O'Garro recently gave a verbal commitment to play college basketball at the University of Oklahoma. It would make him the first Caymanian ever to play basketball at the NCAA Division I level.He joins Cayman Compass Editor-in-Chief Kevin Morales to talk about his journey. Watch the original live broadcast of the interview here: https://www.facebook.com/237869980023/videos/2717418921863200

We speak with Regis Chapman, head of the United Nations World Food Programme in the Caribbean, about disaster management and keeping the region fed. He describes the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the islands and what this means for the food security of vulnerable people.Read more at www.caymancompass.com.

In the Cayman Islands, any individual holds the right to request information of government and public authorities. This right first came into effect in January 2009 through the Freedom of Information Law, later amended in 2018 to include data protection considerations.This freedom provides not only an important tool for journalists interested in government accountability, but it also empowers members of the public to access records and their own personal information.To further understand this right and the minimum expectations set out by law, the Cayman Compass spoke with the Ombudsman office, the entity entrusted with FOI conflict resolution and ensuring access to this right.Ombudsman Sandy Hermiston and Deputy Ombudsman Jan Leibars explain some basics of the law and how to navigate information requests.

In this two-part episode, we explore the reef off of Little Cayman with the Central Caribbean Marine Institute. During these months of lockdown, CCMI scientists have continued their work with coral restoration and research.Dr. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley starts us off with some good news about that work, sharing what 20-years worth of data sets have revealed about the resiliency of the reefs off of Little Cayman. In part two, Dr. Goodbody-Gringley returns with CCMI CEO and president, Dr. Carrie Manfrino. In these previously unreleased interview clips, recorded before the COVID-19 crisis disrupted our reporting schedules, the Compass sat down with the two CCMI scientists to discuss common threats to Cayman's reefs and measures being taken to protect them.

The global impact of coronavirus may feel overwhelming for any one person to process. The news updates are both constant and frightening, and it’s natural for that to take an emotional toll.In times like these, however, it is important to remember that we are not powerless. Dr. Marc Lockhart, chairperson of the Cayman Islands Mental Health Commission, shares some suggestions to help manage our mental wellbeing during these exceptionally stressful times.First published 29 March 2020Read more at https://www.caymancompass.com/2020/04/04/audio-fighting-covid-19-anxiety-with-dr-lockhart/

Compass Editor Kevin Morales shares the latest COVID-19 test numbers, business openings and other top headlines from the Cayman Islands.

It's that time of year again. June marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and forecasters are predicting an above average year, including 16 named storms and eight hurricanes. Colorado State University's Jhordanne Jones breaks down the forecasting released by CSU's Tropical Meteorology Project and how scientists evaluate environmental conditions to form their predictions.

Cayman Compass editor Kevin Morales shares the week's top headlines for the Cayman Islands, including new coronavirus numbers and shelter in place regulations.

Cayman's total COVID-19 cases reach 129 and Governor Martyn Roper condemns social media rumours of rioting at Northward Prison, following two positive cases there. Compass Editor Kevin Morales shares these and other top headlines from the Cayman Islands.

The latest COVID-19 stats, beach access soon come and more top headlines from the Cayman Islands with editor Kevin Morales.Read more at www.caymancompass.com.

In a typical year, deployment of Cayman’s National Emergency Operations Centre is uncommon. While its staff and services are tasked with responding to an array of public crises, these threats normally remain theoretical.This year has been anything but typical, however, and many of those theoretical situations have already become reality.Now with the 1 June start of hurricane season just two weeks away, emergency planners must grapple with a potentially active storm season, combined with the complications of COVID-19. Danielle Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, and Matthew Forbes, head of the Governor's Office, discuss preparations for the unique 2020 season.

The latest COVID-19 case numbers, new regulations for the Sister Islands, the economic impact of the shutdown and more top headlines from the Cayman Islands with editor Kevin MoralesRead more at www.caymancompass.com

As residents of Grand Cayman shelter indoors, the island’s blue iguana population is enjoying some peace and quiet – a possible benefit for breeding season.To ensure the health of this endangered, endemic species, however, some human interaction is necessary.Blue Iguana Conservation Programme staff were granted exemptions early on in the lockdown to allow daily check-ups of the animals and the breeding facility.Operations manager Luke Harding shared an update on conservation efforts, the iguanas, and their new-found taste for chicken.First published 5 May 2020Read more: https://www.caymancompass.com/2020/05/05/essential-work-caring-for-caymans-blue-iguanas-audio/

We go behind the scenes of the Compass investigation into food safety inspections. Host Kayla Young interviews journalist Kevin Morales about redacted inspection reports and the lack of public disclosure on safety evaluations. First published 11 Jan. 2020Read more: https://www.caymancompass.com/2020/01/11/behind-the-scenes-cleanest-kitchen-or-dirtiest-diner/

Samuel Powery describes the wattle-and-daub construction technique that old Caymanians employed to build their homes. Later, he takes us to a sandbar near Nicaragua’s Miskito Cay, where he toughed out a powerful storm. Finally, we end on an out-of-control cargo ship and a crying captain on the Bay of Biscay.Story first published 8 Jan. 2020Read more at https://www.caymancompass.com/2020/01/08/samuel-powery-we-always-pray-for-the-people-at-sea/.