Highlights from the Print Newspaper edition - Issue No. 520
Updated as of | Wednesday, 29 October 2003 | 4:00PM

• Immigration Bill Leeway
• 'A New Day' for Cayman Shipping
• PPM: 'Status Grants A Scandal'

News

• BB&P Marketing celebrates 21 years
• Continental airline diverted to Cayman Airport
• Moneygram sponsorship deal delights members of Latinos Football Club
• Coaching pupils for success
• Breast cancer is not just a woman's disease
• The Civil Aviation Authority exhibits for first time at NBAA 2003 in Florida

Editorial

• Election Emotions High?

News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

• News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Sister Islands Report

• Brac love story: Love meant to be finds its way home
• Brac community and Police Force meet to discuss concerns and solutions
• Men held over spear-gun offence
• Two rescued in sea drama

Sports

• 5K swim no problem for Shaune Fraser
• Truth for Youth cruise to convincing netball victory
• Pirates Week 10K race brings top competition

Up Front

With only a week originally scheduled for the general public to have a chance to offer input, the Government has granted an

Immigration Bill Leeway

The Cayman Islands Government issued a statement on Monday saying it would accept input on the draft immigration bill up until the final phase in the Legislative Assembly before the bill becomes law.

Mrs Sherri Bodden-Cowan	Hon McKeeva Bush

Members of the public have until the end of this week (Friday, 31 October) to provide input into the version of the bill that will be tabled for debate in the Legislature mid-November.

Leader of Government Business the Hon McKeeva Bush says that following the second reading in the Legislature, the bill will be referred to a Committee of the Whole House for finalisation. At this committee stage, any input received after the 31 October deadline will be given every consideration.

"We are confident that we already represent the views of the Cayman public," said Mr. Bush, "as this bill has benefited from a very extensive public consultation effort." The Minister added that the bill was available to the public since tabling on 25 September. "Even so, we want to cover all our bases to ensure that we get it right, so we will consider all input received right up to debate."

Speaking about the need to act quickly on the bill, Mr. Bush said that law would facilitate the "upward mobility and training for all Caymanians, which are very much needed." As a consequence, he said, the law could not be delayed beyond the November introduction.

Prior to tabling the bill in the Legislature on 25 September, the Minister addressed the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, 22 September, and he invited input from the business sector for a month-long period before the bill's scheduled debate in the November meeting of the House.

Since tabling of the bill, Sherri Bodden-Cowan, who led the Immigration Review Team (IRT), has met with the main law and accounting firms, the Council of Associations, the Caymanian Bar Association, and the Council of Associations, which included the Chamber of Commerce President, President Designate, and Manager. She has held consultations on the subject with various merchants as well.

Mrs Bodden-Cowan continues her busy schedule of meetings with Cayman's business sector this week, and met with the Fund Managers Association on Monday. She expects to host several other meetings with other groups and individuals during the course of this week.

This further period of consultation enables all residents and businesses to have input in the finalization of the draft bill before it goes to the Legislative Assembly.
The draft legislation has been in development over many years with the benefit of wide public discussion in many forums and the effort to ensure wide public input began more than five years ago.

At that time, a Select Committee of the whole Legislative Assembly was appointed to hear public input on the matter and to produce recommendations for immigration reform. In addition to this, Vision 2008 conducted intensive public consultation on this subject, reporting to Government in 1999 on what the people saw as the issues and possible solutions.

When the new government took office in 2000, they took these recommendations on board and appointed a very experienced IRT. The role of the IRT was to consider these findings and to put forward concrete recommendations to Government for the creation of new legislation to replace the old.

In addition to Mrs. Bodden-Cowan, who had been chairman and deputy chairman of the Immigration Board between 1990 - 1992 and 2000-2002 and is presently the chairman of the Trade and Business Licensing Board, the IRT includes deputy of the IRT, Patrick Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt previously headed up the immigration discussion group for Vision 2008 and was deputy Chairman of the Immigration Board 2000-2002.

Working closely with Mr. Schmidt was Sheena Frederick-Westenburg, who was then a crown counsel from Government's Legal Department with many years' experience advising on immigration matters. Orrett Connor participated in his role as Chief Immigration Officer and continues as Cabinet Secretary.

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were represented by Mr. Alden McLaughlin, from the Peoples Progressive Movement (PPM), while Mr. Rolston Anglin, represented the United Democratic Party (UDP). Mr. Gilbert McLean, who was at the time a backbencher, was also a member of the team. When the Hon. McLean was elected to the Cabinet, MLA Lyndon Martin, who represents the Sister Islands, replaced him.

The IRT presented interim reports in 2001 and 2002. These reports brought together recommendations from the Select Committee of the Legislature and Vision 2008, together with proposals from various government and private sector agencies.

The third and final IRT report, on administration, entry and landing, is now being finalized and will also be tabled for debate in the November Meeting of the Legislature.

Having engaged in that comprehensive and widespread consultative exercise leading to the proposed bill, Mrs. Bodden-Cowan feels that the process they completed has ensured that the bill going before the Legislature in November will have faithfully incorporated public input.

"We certainly believe that the bill reflects the wishes of the people as set forth in prior recommendations and reports. This phase of the exercise is nevertheless an opportunity for fine-tuning what will be one of the most important pieces of legislation in advancing Cayman's development in the next ten to 20 years," she said.

The new immigration bill can be accessed on the Government website, at www.gov.ky and at the Chamber of Commerce, at www.caymanchamber.com.ky.
A pamphlet explaining provisions in layman's terms is available on line, also, and was last week distributed throughout the three islands as a supplement in both daily newspapers.

Copies are also available from the Legislative Assembly in the Kirk Building, District Administration on Cayman Brac, the Government Information Services (GIS) at Cricket Square, the Immigration Department on Elgin Avenue, and all district post offices, on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Persons wishing to give input may do so by sending their comments to the IRT, c/o the Department of Immigration, P.O. Box 1098GT, c/o Chief Immigration Officer (email address is gerry.maguire@gov.ky).

Representations may also be sent to Mrs Sherri Bodden-Cowan, at GIS, gis@gov.ky. Letters may also be sent to the Hon McKeeva Bush, at the Government Administration Building.

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Standing on the end of the George Town Cargo Finger Pier at its official ceremonial opening are (l-r) Port Director Paul Hurlston, Port Authority Member of the Board Wilbur 'Bing' Thompson, Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Development and Commerce Permanent Secretary Charles Clifford, and Port Authority Member of the Board James A. Bodden.

The reconstructed and upgraded George Town Cargo Finger Pier officially opened on Monday, marking a significant development for the Cayman Islands.

Presiding at the ceremonial ribbon cutting, the Chairman of the Port Authority, Hon McKeeva Bush stressed the importance of the new structure. "The dock is one of the key infrastructure assets that fosters the growth, development and sustainability of the economy of these Islands," he said, adding that 98 percent of the goods imported to the Cayman Islands come through the port.

The dock replaces one completed in 1976 that was severely damaged by a Nor'wester in 1998, and then virtually destroyed by Hurricane Michelle in 2001.
The new pier is solid, filled with sheet piles, aggregate and concrete, while the demolished dock allowed water underneath.

The 13,000-square dock is 65 feet wide and 200 feet long, which will allow larger vessels to utilize the berth, and for the first time, full container operations along its entire length. "It a new day," said Captain Wilbur 'Bing' Thompson, of Thompson Shipping, commenting on the impact for the shipping business. "The efficiency of the dock is greatly improved."

Originally scheduled for completion by the end of October, the front half of the dock has already been used for about two weeks, according to Port Director Paul Hurlston. Besides being a much-needed improvement in accepting cargo ships, Mr. Hurlston said another benefit of the solid structure would be that it will provide a breakwater effect for cruise tenders in Hog Sty Bay.

Misener Marine Construction, Inc acted as lead contractor on the project, working along with Caymanian contractor Alan Myles of Myles Construction. Minister Bush was pleased with their efforts. "I'm particularly glad and proud that we have completed the project ahead of schedule and on budget, and that we have a new facility. Some said it couldn't be done," he said.

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MLA Kurt D Tibbetts

The Executive Council of the People's Progressive Movement (PPM) issued a press statement on Monday in response to the Government Information Services (GIS) press release of 21 October concerning the recent grants of Caymanian Status.

The 21 October GIS release stated that the Cayman Islands' Cabinet had made one final batch of 540 Status grants. That statement also said that the Cabinet was giving the Immigration Board another quota of status grants to be filled through their procedures this year, and then one final quota for 2004.

"The GIS press release continues Government's attempt to confuse the people into thinking that the Cabinet's "dispensations" of Status had something to do with solving the question of how our many long-term residents should be given security and be fully integrated into our society," said the PPM statement in response, "No one, certainly not the Immigration Review Team, was saying that the answer to that question was for the Cabinet, without prior consultation, to use its special power to make thousands of grants. Government's proposals to amend the Immigration Law and introduce new quotas were made after the public outcry."

Prior to the most recent grants the Cabinet also made some 1,900 other grants of Caymanian Status, some to people who did not qualify under Immigration Board guidelines. "The GIS press release does nothing to answer or allay the natural suspicion that Ministers and UDP leaders wanted to give Status to their friends and supporters and, knowing that many would not meet the residence and other criteria applied by the Immigration Board, and knowing that their plan would not be approved by the people, they decided to use their special powers, with the fig-leaf excuse that this was to celebrate the Quincentennial."

The PPM said in their statement that the Government had declined to answer many questions concerning the Status grants. "Who has received the Cabinet's "dispensations?" How long have they resided here? What were the "special reasons" that they should not apply in the usual way to the Immigration Board - without which the validity of the grant is in doubt? Will there be sufficient educational capacity? Of course, the lack of answers has deepened fears and suspicions."

The statement called on the Government to publish the list of names of those granted Caymanian Status by the Cabinet for special reasons. "If not, suspicions will be confirmed, and worries about validity will continue."

Finding a bright side to the situation, the PPM stated that they were glad that the Cabinet was passing the responsibility of granting Status back to the Immigration Board. "If we may rely on the GIS press release, the Government does now accept, as a result of the public outcry, that grants of status should be made by the Immigration Board, not by the Cabinet ­ and, though we should be wary of making optimistic assumptions, we may hope that the Board will be left to deal with applications properly and fairly in accordance with the law and published guidelines."

According to their release, the PPM has been told that approximately 2,500 have been granted Status recently by the Cabinet. "It is unclear what quota will be established for existing 10-year residents, and whether the plan is to phase them in over a period of years," the release said, "But, depending on that, it appears that in a short period there may be as many as another 3,500 grants, making a grand total of 6,000 new Statusholders. And this does not take into account the number of dependants who will become entitled to Caymanian Status as a result. The sheer number is causing real fear, especially among parents worrying about their children's education and their employment prospects."

The PPM noted that many people are being torn between their fears for the future and their belief that we should give security to long-term residents. "This is tragic, divisive, and to a large extent, unnecessary," the statement said, "This is why, when the Hon Kurt Tibbetts, JP was the Leader of Government Business, the Immigration Review Team was established ­ to undertake the process of examining all sides of the question, taking note of people's fears and wishes, and arriving at a solution that all parts of the community could respect and accept."

Aknowledging that the immigration situation is not an easy one, the PPM commented on the solution. "It required careful thought. It required consultation. And then it required decision," they said, "The one thing it did not require was that a thoughtless and self-interested Cabinet should get the sudden idea that they would "dispense" status to their friends and acquaintances."

The release continued: "This has introduced a huge amount of heat into a combustible situation ­ it has even embarrassed some recipients - and it has shown this Government in its true colours. How ironic it is that the Cabinet ignored the Immigration Review Team's recommendations, but then tried to pull it onto the platform to help respond to public criticism."

The PPM said that people were now feeling frightened and vulnerable. "All of us are wondering "what next?" A clear pattern has emerged ­ of ignoring the people's wishes and fears, and of using power for self-interest. Those who have stood back from the political process are realizing that this puts them and the future at risk, that there is no safety-net, that it is up to us to take responsibility. Those who are not afraid to do so should now make their views clear, to see if public pressure can moderate the conduct of this Government - but in due time, all voters will have their say, and then they must be heard.

The statement ended by saying the Executive Council of the PPM will shortly announce arrangements for a public event to allow views to be expressed about the recent Status grants and other cases they feel are abuses of power by the United Democratic Party Government.

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BB&P Marketing celebrates 21 years

The proof is in the icing. Staff at BB&P celebrate 21 years in business.

Cayman advertiser, BB&P Marketing and Communications, is celebrating 21 years in business this month.

"We have a lot to celebrate," says Creative Director Simon Barwick. He describes BB&P as the "Clients' Agency" and believes its success is down to its objective approach to the business and marketing needs of their clients.
He said: "We are fully independent and have no hidden agendas, which means we can offer our clients a deep level of thought and produce the best strategic work with no strings attached."

The team at BB&P hail from Cayman, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Africa, and the USA. "We're a colourful bunch," said Studio Manager Shannon Lawrence. "Despite our cultural differences, we all work well together; we're serious when we need to be, but we also know how to have a blast."

BB&P offers clients strategic planning, identity, graphic design, web design, advertising, public relations, TV production and fully integrated marketing campaigns.

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A Continental Airlines aircraft made an unscheduled landing at Owen Roberts Airport on Sunday, 26 October following the pilot's decision to shut down one of its engines.

All emergency services were on hand as the aircraft, carrying 172 passengers from New Jersey from Costa Rica, landed.

The aircraft was given the "all-clear" on Sunday but remained on Grand Cayman until the mechanical problems were resolved.

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Moneygram Marketing Director Oswell Rankine (centre) presents a sponsorship cheque to Latino's President William Conolly (left) and Vice President Miguel Brown.

Latinos Football Club has recently received the generous sponsorship of F.I.S Moneygram according to the Club's newly-elected President, William Conolly. On hand for the cheque presentation was Oswell Rankine, Marketing Director for Moneygram.

Mr Conolly stated that the Club was very appreciative of their gesture of support and looked forward to making the money transfer company proud.

"We can only succeed with the kind support of companies such as Moneygram, who continue to demonstrate that they are good corporate citizens with a keen interest in our youth and the surrounding communities," he said.

According to a team profile, the Latinos Football Club has been restructured with two teams (men and ladies) and plans are in progress for a youth team. "We have a very dedicated organizational structure, a defined club program, and about 100 members," Mr Conolly stated.

There are 40 members that have been selected to play on the men's team and 28 ladies for the women's team according to the team profile.

Other members of the Board of Directors include Miguel Brown as Vice President; Larry Bennett as Treasurer; Sandra McLean as Secretary; Juan Rives as Technical Director/Head Coach; Ray Watler as Team Manager; Alexi Espinal as First Player Representative; Fermin Vera as Second Player Representative; Alfredo Challenger as Team Captain; Gary Wong, Mario Sequeira, and Francisco Moore as Directors; Eugene Barnes and Gilmer Solomon-Hydes as Team Medics; and John Ebanks as Fan Club President.

Mr Conolly commented that the men's team was going to be very competitive as the season progressed. The team has played four matches and is currently in 2nd place in Zone "A" of CIFA men's league.

While the name of the Club suggests a specific ethnicity, Mr Conolly is quick to point out that the Club's membership welcomes everyone. He went on to say that currently there are other Caymanians like himself, Canadians, Americans and obviously Latin Nationals and the executives of the club that are very proud of this melting pot of nationalities. "It demonstrates our Club motto of unity through sports, as we believe that positive elements are generated when all cultures and nationalities come together," he said.

Latinos Football Club was formed in 1982 with a purpose of representing the growing Latin population in the surrounding communities of George Town but has since developed as a conduit to strengthen and unite communities of Cayman in general.

For further details and sponsorship, contact President William Conolly at 945-3240 or e-mail: caymanlatinos@hotmail.com.

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A performance coach interacts with a student.

Students from John Gray High School who have been participating in the Coaching for Success programme had the opportunity recently to meet with their mentors and performance coaches.

Coaching for Success is a programme where mentors and performance coaches volunteer their time to work with students for a period of six months. The mentors and performance coaches assist the students to help them to realise and obtain their educational goals. Mentors and coaches are asked to spend at least half hour a week or one hour every two weeks with the students.

A total of 28 mentors and performance coaches from various professions have signed up for the programme. All of these volunteers have participated in a two-and-a-half-day training course, which was taught by Coaching for Success trainers Dionne Brahan and Beki Martin from the UK.

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As Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close in Cayman there has been a timely reminder that breast cancer is not just a woman's disease.

Although rarer in men than in women, more than 1,500 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year and this year more than 400 will die from the disease.

Cancer is the common name for a number of different diseases with the common characteristic of cells that become abnormal and divide without control or order.
When this happens, a growth or tumor forms which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). When a malignant tumor originates in the breast tissue, there is a diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast cancer often metastasizes (spreads) to the lymph nodes under the arm.

Many of the risk factors for male breast cancer are similar to those for women, although others are specific to men.

Risk factors for the development of male breast cancer include age (especially over 65 years), a personal and family medical history of testicular or breast disease and testicular dysfunction.

In addition, Klinefelter's syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and gynecomastia, a non-cancerous condition associated with an increase in a man's breast tissue, are also risk factors for male breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society other known risk factors include radiation exposure, liver disease, estrogen treatment e.g. those used in the treatment of prostate cancer, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men are nipple discharge (often bloody), nipple inversion, a breast lump or swelling, local pain, itching or a pulling sensation; or a change in appearance of the breast including redness, scaling or skin puckering.

If a man experiences any of these signs and symptoms or other changes in his breasts he should consult with his doctor. It is important to remember that not all changes in the breast are attributable to cancer.

Detection of breast cancer in men is often delayed despite the fact that men have less developed breasts than women do and less fatty tissue making it is easier to detect lumps and changes in the male breast.

Diagnosis is often delayed in men because they often ignore breast changes. As a result, when a diagnosis is made the lump is often smaller than those found in a women's breast.

Diagnosis and treatment of male breast cancer follow similar protocols as for women with diagnosis made by a clinical breast examination followed by an ultrasound, diagnostic mammogram or biopsy.

Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and where it is located, if the cancer has spread within the breast, if cancer is present in the lymph nodes under the arms or if cancer is present in other parts of your body. Treatment includes surgical options e.g. mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.

The prognosis for a male diagnosed with any specific stage and type of breast cancer is similar to that of a woman diagnosed with the same stage and type of breast cancer. Routine screening for breast cancer in males is not recommended by any of the major medical organisations due to the low incidence of male breast cancer.

For more information on breast cancer either in men or women, contact the Cayman Islands Cancer Society at 949 7618.

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The Civil Aviation Authority booth at NBAA 2003 (l-r) Head of Flight Operations at CAA, Ian Scott, Manager, Corporate Communications & Marketing Nikki McCoy; Marketing Services Representative at Department of Tourism, Dan Quinn; and Director of Civil Aviation, Richard Smith.

Cayman's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exhibited for the first time at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) tradeshow recently.

The annual convention, held this year at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida, attracted major aviation players including manufacturers, purchasers, and brokers of aircraft as well as providers of products and services for the airline industry.

This year's show was particularly well attended with more than 28,000 visitors and a record 1,068 exhibiting companies occupying nearly a million square feet.
The show's growing popularity is reflective of the recent growth in the corporate jet market following 9/11.

The CAA was among several delegations present that had recognised the opportunities that the corporate business jet market holds. Representatives from The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman also took the opportunity to display their project model for this affluent and lucrative market.

Director of Civil Aviation, Richard Smith said: "We are very pleased to have attended NBAA 2003, it was an extremely productive three days.

The show presented networking options for the CAA and the opportunity to grow the aircraft registry but also provided a platform to raise awareness of the Cayman Islands as a general aviation destination to support both the tourism and financial sectors."

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Editorial

Election emotions high?

For many Caymanians, the past few months have represented some of the most contentious political times in the annals of this country.

Traditionally, the Cayman Islands' political system has been the epitome of stability in the Caribbean, with its restrained civil governance, sustained economic prosperity, and its relative isolation from foreign policy concerns by virtue of its colonial relationship with the United Kingdom.

To date most public discussion revolves around public sector expenditure and social services, the pace of additional economic development, and the status of the large foreign national community here.

With what might become the most important general elections in the history of this country a little over a year away, and political tensions already running high, the possibility exists that our political and cultural calmness could face a large challenge over the next twelve months.

The antagonistic disdain that our two new political parties display towards one another as already set an anxious tone in the community, one that is likely to become exasperated by more rhetoric as weeks and months take us closer to November 2004.

In times past when things were going nothing but well for Cayman, when tourism was continually rising, when outside pressures from the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States had little or no bearing on our financial industry, and when we weren't faced with a myriad of problems like Seven Mile Beach disappearing, increasing crime and the ugly rearing of some gang activities, it seemed to hardly make a difference who was elected to office; so blessed were the Cayman Islands with good fortune, it felt like most anyone could steer us along a prosperous path.

Times have changed.
There is now a tangible air of exasperation in our society, as many people experience uncertainty for the first time in a long time, if ever at all.

The next elections will, as has been the case for quite some time now, bring windfalls of money to the victors and their supporters, and possibly hardships for those on the losing side.

Although social and political upheaval at election time might seem farfetched for the placid waters of Cayman, with the stakes as high as they are, emotions could easily get out of control if not kept in check. Should things reach that level, we could find it very difficult to regain our collective composure.

Countries considered even more relatively developed than the Cayman Islands in the past have surprisingly found themselves in turmoil at election time, and to think we are completely immune from such disorder is being naïve.

Of course, any civil disorder here would carry devastating, long-term consequences to both our tourism and financial industries, and would ultimately be self-defeating; whichever political party was declared the winners of a negative incidents-marred election would have a national crisis to deal with as its first order of business.

The Cayman Islands, most likely, will not experience any kind of violent scenario next year. We must all remember, however, especially when human political blood begins to boil with contempt for other side, that madness could ensue from just one rash act of anger committed in the right setting.

To help prevent such an occurrence, it is up to the members of both political parties to lead by example for the next twelve months by showing public respect to both colleague and adversary in a way that keeps nerves calm, and keeps impressionable and excitable people from doing things we will all regret for generation to come.

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News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Cayman Russia fund outperforms
NEW YORK, USA ­ According to the Moscow Times, the seven-year-old Firebird New Russia Fund, which has more than 90 percent of its assets in Russian investments, has performed better than 99 percent of other funds based in the Cayman Islands.

Cayman drives increased demand for submarine cable
NORTH ADAMS, USA ­ Lightwave reports that the Cayman Islands is one of a group of second tier countries driving increased demand for North American and intra-regional submarine cable connectivity as a result of breaking down incumbent monopolies.

Royal Bank automates document management in Cayman
MIAMI, USA- According to PRWeb, the Royal Bank of Canada, Miami Agency, has purchased DOC-Tracker to automate their documentation management and tracking processes for five separate banking operational sites, including Grand Cayman.

Rating agency affirms strength of Cayman insurance company
OLDWICK, USA ­ Business Wire reports that A M Best Co has affirmed the financial strength rating of Scottish Annuity & Life Insurance Company (Cayman) Ltd as A- (Excellent) and says that the rating outlooks are stable.

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Brac love story: Love meant to be finds its way home

Freda once again awaits Sheldon's return with pictures and memories.

Freda and Sheldon Lazzari first met in 1936, but it took 62 years for them to make it to the altar. Their story is one of lost love rediscovered in the December years of their life.

Freda was only 15 years old when they met and Sheldon was 20. Freda's brother's thought she was much to young to get involved in a serious relationship and kept the two apart.

Sheldon left Cayman Brac to work on the Panama Canal. He went about his life and married someone else, as did Freda.

Freda said: "I started working with the Kirkconnell Brothers and then with the Merren family in Grand Cayman. Mr Orren Merren told me that a gentleman by the name of Bud Fisher was interested in me, but I resisted the idea of personal involvement due to caring for my ailing mother."

Later Bud sent a ticket for Freda to come to California in the States and the two did marry and settle in California.

"We were married for 28 years until Bud died in the early 1970's. Upon Bud's death, I returned to Cayman Brac to look after the family home," Freda said.
Freda continued: "During that time, Sheldon's brother Shelburne, told me that Sheldon had divorced his wife and recently had surgery in the States. Sheldon would be coming back to Cayman Brac to recuperate from his operation.

"When Sheldon returned to his home in Northeast Bay, he would come down to talk with me. We took many long walks together and Sheldon asked me to marry him. I told him I was packed and ready to return to my home in California the very next day."

As fate would have it, Freda fell that evening and injured her kneecap. The accident required her to be in the Cayman Brac hospital for 10 days and it was another week before she could return to California.

"Within two to three days of my return, Sheldon's sister called me to find out when I'd be coming back. It was then I decided, 'Well, if I can't get rid of him, I'd better marry him.'" Once the decision was made, Freda met Sheldon at the airport in Tampa and the two flew back to the Brac together. They married on 17 October, 1998, in a typical Cayman Brac "front yard" wedding. They honeymooned in Cayman Brac.

Sheldon was recently diagnosed with cancer. Once again the two have been separated. Freda, unable to make the trip to St. Petersburg, has had to leave Sheldon in the care of his family there. She once again awaits his homecoming when the two will be reunited and their love will once again continue on.

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Moses Kirkconnell

Moses Kirkconnell, president of the Sister Islands Tourism Association (SITA), says the Cayman Islands boast the best and most pristine diving in the Caribbean.

"We have assessed our marketing to go towards keeping that image of our dive industry and the peripheral industries attached to it," he said.

"Our marketing monies are geared towards our main focus of family and nature. This means that 70 percent of our budget is put towards the dive industry and the other 30 percent goes into sustainable tourism."

Mr Kirkconnell said the greatest competition the sister islands faced was the all-inclusive packages that were offered elsewhere in
the Caribbean.

"We have to pit our local entrepreneurial spirit and family market plans against these other packages and produce a viable product to compete. Our assessment for the contemporary market seems to be geared towards a natural and not manmade destinations."

Many members of the organisation were in attendance at the annual DEMA convention. Members took the time to go to Miami and volunteer their time and skills towards the promotion of diving in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
The businesses of the sister islands have united with this association and meet on a monthly basis.

SITA's Mission Statement sums up the idealism behind this close association of businesses: "To promote sustainable tourism development while being sensitive to the natural environment both above and below the waters of the Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman."

The next SITA meeting is in Little Cayman in November.

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The issues of illegal drugs and speeding drivers were top of community concerns voiced to Police Commissioner Buel Braggs and Assistant Anthony Ennis when

hey visited the island for their tour of community meetings.
They assured the audience that a radar warning system was under way to tackle the drugs problem. Sites were being assessed and the system would serve as an early alarm of suspicious watercraft entering legally or illegally within Brac waters for interception.

DTF head Derek Haines was on hand at the meeting and explained that the numerous illegal drug sightings at sea were due to the geography of where Cayman Brac was situated. He went on to say: "Cayman Brac lies within the triangle of major drug traffic between the United States, Columbia and Jamaica. Because of stepped up interceptions with enforcement, major shipments are tossed overboard and drift into our waters."

According to Community Officer Dave Ashurst: "An atmosphere of mutual concern of both the community and police was apparent. People are becoming more conscious and aware and have been calling in suspicious situations. As a result we now have 16 auxiliary constables. Three of them are active with the force now."
Constable Ashurst commented on an incident that happened early Thursday, after the community meeting. "In the early hours of Thursday morning a concerned citizen placed a call to police to report illegal drug usage at one of the local licensed liquor premises.

"A male resident was observed and apprehended by the police who were accompanied by an auxiliary officer. During the arrest the suspect was told to put his hands on the roof of the car. As he was being arrested police found a knife and the suspect assaulted the arresting officer.

"The police officer received minor injuries and bruises to the face and the suspect was apprehended, arrested and later put in lock down. Along with the drug offences the suspect was charged with resisting arrest and assault on a police officer. To date, he has been interviewed and released on bail."

In regard to youthful speeding offenders, he said: "The Department of Education is looking into setting up a drivers' education course in the high school that will be assessed by the police."

In addition to the speeding issues, concerns were ex-pressed over the many tyre marks in the road and complaints over loud music.

Constable Ashurst said: "There was a keen interest in establishing Neighborhood Watches and concerns were expressed over sightings of children being brought into premises of liquor license."

The meeting was at Cayman Brac High School on 7 October.

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A man has been arrested on Cayman Brac on suspicion of catching lobster out of season with a spear-gun.

The island's Enforcement Officer arrested him after watching him go into the water in the Dennis Point marine park on the south side of the island with a spear and a sack.

He was later seen coming back to shore with a speared fish and hiding it before going back into the water.

After several more dives he was seen putting a lobster in the sack. He was then arrested on suspicion of taking marine life with an unlicensed spear gun, taking marine life from a marine park and taking lobster out of season.

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Two men had to be towed ashore to Little Cayman in their fishing boat after its engine would not start. They were discovered just outside the Main Channel during an extensive search following a report that a boat had overturned. No overturned boat was found.

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5K swim no problem for Shaune Fraser

Shaune Fraser, fastest swimmer in the Beacon Realty International 5K swim.

The participants start off in the Beacon Realty International 5K Sea Swim last Saturday morning.

The Beacon Realty International 5K Sea Swim, the oldest and the longest open water swim event in Cayman, took place on Saturday, 25 October at the Holiday Inn beach.

Nearly 80 swimmers participated in the only early morning sea swim of the year, which is traditionally held at the beginning of the Pirates Week festival.

Both the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA) and Stingray Swim Club hosted the event that is now in its 24th year.

Finishing first in the race was Shaune Fraser, with a time of 1:02.09. The runner-up was Andrew Mackay.

Shaune said that it had been a good race. "The weather was just perfect," he said.
The fastest female swimmer was Jodie Foster, with a time of 1:09.43. "It was hard," she said, "anything over 1500 metres is hard."

The race has been appointed to the FINA (international swimming's governing body) international calendar for open water swimming events. The race is open to all interested swimmers, aged 12 and over.

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Umpire Andrea Singh is about to intervene as Truth for Youth and Prep girls battle intensely for possession at the Truman Bodden Complex courts last Friday.

Truth for Youth cruised to a comfortable 11-3 victory over Cayman Prep when the second round of matches in the annual Inter-Primary Netball competition continued last Friday, 24 October.

The rain affected the opening round the previous week, but last Friday the girls enjoyed sunny conditions ideal for compelling netball action. Playing at the Truman Bodden Complex, Truth for Youth received most of their inspiration from goal attack Shelene Pars and goal shoot Monique Webb in the clash of the two A teams.

Prep tries to defend against another Truth for Youth attack.

George Town Primary overcame John A Cumber at the George Town Primary Court. George Town won the A league match 19-3 and the 'B' 6-1. Vanessa Scott and Mashara McLaughlin had particularly good games for West Bay. Goal attack Christina McLean and wing attack Ronella Douglas were among the outstanding A team players for George Town while goal shoot Marissa McLaughlin had a good game for the B team.

Last year's A league champions Savannah played like true champions in defeating Triple C 25-0 while the Savannah B team took out Triple C's B team 16-0.

East End won the B league last year but in their season opener the B girls lost to Red Bay 1-0 at the East End school court. Red Bay also won the A league game, scoring four goals to East End's one.

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The Pirates Week 10K race is scheduled to round out the celebratory festivities of Cayman's National Festival on Sunday, 2 November.

The traditional tour through Hell has been maintained, but the start/finish points will show some changes from previous offerings.

Participants will push off from in front of the Westin Hibiscus Spa, head out West Bay Road and along Town Hall Road, making a left turn onto Hell Road, and turning around at the Devil's Hangout, and then retrace their steps back to the finish opposite the Holiday Inn.

The overall winners of the last three "Hell" 10K races have all confirmed their entries in this year's Pirates Week 10K.

Paul Marmaro of Delray Beach, Florida, and former Louisiana State University standout, first-place finisher in 2000;Winston Taylor of Manchester, Jamaica, who was victorious in 2002; and "Fast Eddie" Ernest-Jones, from Boca Raton, Florida, last year's winner, who was an outstanding performer for the University of Florida, all plan to be at the starting line on Sunday morning at 7 am.

Returning also will be William Wuyke, head coach at Connecticut College, who compiled an impressive record as an 800-metre runner at the University of Alabama, and who gained a reputation as a tenacious closer in that event on the European circuit against opponents such as Sebastian Coe, and other top international middle distance stars in the mid-1980's. Wuyke also has been the world record holder for masters runners at 800 metres.

A spirited contingent from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, composed mainly of speedy masters runners, are also on the list of returnees.

All these individuals, plus top local entrants, will be available to join in training runs throughout the weekend, and to also offer advice and share anecdotes during the registration and packet pickup on Saturday, 1 November from noon to 5 pm in the lobby of the Holiday Inn.

Runners and walkers are invited to vie for overall and age group awards, as well as a number of random prizes. The CI$25 entry fee includes event shirts, souvenirs, and breakfast on the beach at the Holiday Inn.

There will be no race day registration for this. Entry forms may be obtained at the Pirates Week office and at various other locations. Call 945-3970 for further information.

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