iNews Briefs & Community Events
More Cuban land in Cayman Brac
Twenty-one Cuban migrants landed in Cayman Brac on Sunday, 24th April.
Immigration officials have begun migrant reception and detention protocols. The 12 males and 9 females indicated a desire to disembark in the Cayman Islands after their vessel developed engine problems. Arrangements are being made for the group to be transferred to Grand Cayman.
This brings the number of Cuban migrants in Immigration custody to 67.
International law prohibits the Cayman Islands from facilitating illegal migration. This extends to members of the public assisting migrants, on land or in local waters, with food, shelter, transportation, or other forms of comfort.
Although persons who arrive in such a manner are detained pending a repatriation process, the Cayman Islands Government is responsible for ensuring that they are able to access resources necessary for health and well-being while in custody. This includes food, clothes and medical treatment.
The Immigration Department notes that the restriction on assistance is in part due to the dangerous and potentially fatal journey which such individuals face.
Local laws criminalize acts by any persons who assist or facilitate illegal transportation, harbouring or the movement of migrants, whether or not for financial gain. These acts attract a fine of CI$50,000 and seven years imprisonment.
Migrants are presently being housed at the Immigration Detention Centre.
Child Month Cupcake War open to students in Cayman Brac
Young pastry chefs in Cayman Brac are invited to take part in the Child Month Cupcake Wars competition. Taking place on Saturday 30 April from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Layman Scott High School, the competition challenges bakers to create two cupcakes, a cupcake using fruit in the recipe and a diabetic friendly cupcake.
Bakers ages 10 – 25 years old are welcomed to participate, at no charge. The competition is sponsored by the Youth Services Unit, Kiwanis Club, Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), Department of Children and Family Services, The Ministry of Tourism and the Layman Scott Senior High School.
For more information email [email protected].
FLOW Cayman Islands Voicemail Migration
From FLOW
Dear Valued Customer
We are going to be migrating our existing voicemail system to a new, more robust, reliable platform on Wednesday 27th April 2016.
If you have a voicemail that you wish to keep, you can record it onto another device.
The old voicemail platform will be available for sixty (60) days after migration so you will still be able to access old voicemails during this time.
Once we migrate you will access the new voicemail system by dialing *123 and you will be guided through how to set up your new mailbox by following the prompts.
Once we have migrated to the new platform, to access saved voice messages on the old platform, you will need to dial 345 943 6269.
For more information please visit http://www.discoverflow.ky/voicemail
Mexico police under gun attack in Acapulco
From BBC
Image caption: Man in helmet and bulletproof holds machine gun in air; it’s night time; the black vest contrasts with his white short sleeved T shirt Image copyright AFP
Mexican police worked to secure the area after the gunfight
Police officers came under attack in a two-hour gunfight in the Mexican city of Acapulco, officials say.
Several gunmen attacked a hotel where officers stay, in the tourist area Las Playas on Sunday evening.
Dozens of people had to shelter in shops while shooting continued, until after 23:00 local time (04:00 GMT).
One suspected gunman was killed when police returned fire. Officers then chased other gunmen through the streets before securing the area.
At the same time, a separate group of gunmen attacked a federal police base in the city.
Some universities in Acapulco have cancelled classes for Monday but local media (link in Spanish) report that according to education authorities, schools will still be open.
The US department of state has warned American consular staff not to travel to Acapulco, saying the state of Guerrero was the most violent state in Mexico in 2015.
Tens of thousands of people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico in the past decade.
For more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36127224
Peru’s Public Investment System, model for LatAm and Caribbean countries
From Andina
Peru’s National Public Investment System (SNIP) has been recognized as model for the Latin American and Caribbean Public Investment Systems Network.
The recognition was made during the 6th International SNIP Network Seminar held in Costa Rica on April 18th-19th, 2016.
At the said event, authorities exchanged experiences concerning system’s development, as well as future goals for the following years.
The Network aims to strengthen the functioning of these state systems, which contribute to member countries’ growth and development, as well as inequality reduction.
The mechanism is supported by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Panama builds shelters for Cubans stranded at border with Costa Rica
From Caribbean News Now
HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) — Panamanian authorities have announced the building of shelters for some 2 500 Cubans stranded at the border with Costa Rica, who intend to continue their journey to the United States, where they hope to pursue the benefits offered only to Cuban citizens by the US Cuban Adjustment Act.
news2.jpg According to an official statement cited by PL news agency, the construction of shelters and the temporary stay of Cubans in local hotels in the district of David, Chiriqui, are part of actions taken by the Panamanian government at the behest of President Juan Carlos Varela.
The new shelters will allow improved attention to all 2,500 Cubans in Panama in a humanitarian gesture with appropriate respect to human rights, the statement read.
The shelters will host only Cubans, who stay overnight there en route to the United States, the official statement said. With the arrival of the rainy season, the transfer of the Cubans to the hotels in the district of David offers them better conditions as well.
Javier Carrillo, Panama’s migration director, said that Cubans are privileged under the US wet foot, dry foot policy and the Adjustment Act if they reach US territory through irregular means, while entry visas to the US territory are denied to the same persons if they choose the official channels.
A previous migration crisis was solved after Central American governments decided to take the Cubans to Mexico so that they might headed to the US looking for their American Dream.
German tour operators register boom in reservations for Caribbean
From Travel Trade Caribbean
German tour operators witnessed an increase in the demand for long-distance trips in 2015, with more than 5.5 million travelers. The Caribbean destinations were the ones that increased the most, 25%.
A report by the association of German agencies and tour operators (DRV), referred to by hosteltur.com.do, concluded that the tour operators’ global sales during the 2014-2015 season grew between 3-4%, which supposes an increase of a billion euros, exceeding in total more than 27 billion euros.
The association also confirms a 1% rise for the request of organized trips, which according to DRV’s president, Norbert Fiebig, “demonstrates the continuity in the high demand for trips organized by tour operators.” He highlighted that the German tourist sector has lived a good year despite the geopolitical problems of certain countries and the strength of the dollar.
The Caribbean destinations, and especially Cuba as well as the Dominican Republic and Mexico, were among the winners. United Arab Emirates and the United States also show significant increases. Meanwhile, the attraction increased for Asian, Mediterranean and local destinations in Germany, Egypt, Baleares and Greece. The trips to European cities remained very popular.
Mens breakfast meeting
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday April 30th at 7:30am, at Lola’s (formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay.
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
Special Immunization Clinic for Vaccination Week in the Americas
The public is invited to attend a special Immunization Clinic on Saturday 30 April, 2016 at the Public Health Department from 10.00 am to 3.00pm, to assist all children needing vaccinations including those with missed/outstanding doses; parents will be contacted to schedule appointments.
In addition, all adults needing Tetanus boosters; healthcare workers needing vaccines or people who are planning overseas travel within the next three weeks are invited to attend. No appointment is necessary and vaccines will be given on a first come first serve basis.
For more information, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2648.
Cayman Islands: Regular LA meeting moved to Wednesday (25)
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Legislators return to the Legislative Assembly at 9 a.m. Monday, 25 April, 2016, for the resumption of the adjourned special meeting to discuss two Private Members’ motions, thereby delaying the start of the regular meeting until Wednesday, 27 April, 2016.
One of the Private Member’s motions, to be moved by MLA Arden McLean and seconded by MLA Ezzard Miller seeks that the House declares a lack of confidence in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and in its governance. The filing of this motion has already resulted in the Commissioner of Police David Baines deciding to leave office a year before his contract expires.
The other motion, to be moved by Leader of the Opposition Hon. McKeeva Bush and seconded by MLA Anthony Eden seeks an inquiry into the handling of the recent tragic case of five Caymanians, including two children, being lost at sea. Today, 21 April, Her Excellency the Governor Helen Kilpatrick announced that the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has agreed to conduct an independent review of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service response to reports of persons missing at sea from 6 March until the operation concluded. The Governor remains committed to making the findings from this review public.
The regular meeting of the Legislative Assembly will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday when Government will deal with 48 questions to ministers and members of Cabinet, 18 bills,10 Private Members’ motions, and three Government motions.
Bills to be considered include:
The Cadet Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2015;
The Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill, 2015;
The Tax Information Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2015;
The Limited Liability Companies Bill, 2015;
The Information and Communications Technology Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Sunday Trading (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Accountants Bill, 2016;
The Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Health Insurance Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Health Services Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Justice Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Standard in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The National Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
The Education Bill, 2016;
The Judge’s Emoluments and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
Queen’s New Year Honours 2017
Members of the public have until Friday 6 May 2016 to recommend Royal Honours for persons who have made outstanding contributions to Caymanian society.
Her Excellency the Governor Helen Kilpatrick invites members of the public to put forward names for Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year Honours 2017.
Nominations must include a persuasive account of nominees’ outstanding, innovative, or self-sacrificing achievements, as well as a description of what makes them exceptional. Contributions may be paid or unpaid, in one field or several.
Final recommendations for OBEs and MBEs are considered in the United Kingdom. Recommendations for the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour are considered locally.
Honours nomination forms can be found on the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/honours/overview
Completed nomination forms should be returned, under confidential cover, to the Governor’s Office, at the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue, or to the above email by no later than Friday 6 May 2016. While all recommendations will be acknowledged, the Governor’s Office does not provide details of any actions that it may take on them.
For any further information please contact the Governor’s Office on 244-2434.
Corrections Week Events in Cayman Islands
Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service is marking its 35th anniversary with the first ever formal Corrections Week from 24-30 April.
Highlights include: A collector’s supplement in the Cayman Compass on Friday, 22 April; a service at the Church of God Chapel, Walker’s Road on Sunday 24 April at 10 a.m; the official opening of Corrections Week by Director of Prisons Neil Lavis on Monday, 25 April at 8.30 a.m.; prisoners’ work at Camana Bay Farmers & Artisans Market on Wednesday, 27 April from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m; a prison team on Cayman 27’s The Panel discussion show on Thursday 28 April at 7 p.m; a friendly football match – RCIPS v. HMCIPS at the Walking Track, Olympic Way, on Saturday, 30 April at 8.30 a.m.
All are welcome at the events above.
End of March Deadline for Seafarers’/Veterans’ Updates
Seafarers, Veterans and their spouses have until 31 May 2016 to provide their current information to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
The Ministry is in the process of updating its health insurance database and has already distributed the relevant forms.
Any seafarer, veteran or spouse who has yet to receive such a document may provide a postal address to the Ministry so that the form can be mailed to them. Once completed, forms may be dropped off or mailed to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, 3rd Floor Government Administration Building, Elgin Avenue, Grand Cayman, PO Box 131, KY1-9000.
This request was initially made in July 2015 and those Seafarers, Veterans and their spouse who have responded to the initial request need not do so again.
Individuals seeking assistance may contact the Ministry at email:
[email protected] or phone: 244-2224.
Failure to respond may result in the discontinuation of health insurance benefits.
Child month cupcake war open to students in Cayman Brac
Young pastry chefs in Cayman Brac are invited to take part in the Child Month Cupcake Wars competition. Taking place on Saturday 30 April at the Layman Scott High School, the competition challenges bakers to create two cupcakes, a cupcake using fruit in the recipe and a diabetic friendly cupcake.
Bakers ages 10 – 25 years old are welcomed to participate, at no charge. The competition is sponsored by the Youth Services Unit, Kiwanis Club, Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), Department of Children and Family Services, The Ministry of Tourism and the Layman Scott Senior High School.
For more information email [email protected]
Cayman Islands: Call for Hurricane Shelter Volunteers
The Department of Children and Family Services is inviting individuals to sign up as shelter volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season.
The Shelter Operations 2016 Hurricane Training for Shelter Managers & District Representatives Volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season will be held over two days on Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May at the Prospect Primary School Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Registration begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.
All volunteers MUST complete both days of training.
For more information contact Ernesto Carter at the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 or
email [email protected] (GIS)
Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Annual Coin Collection Drive
Please note that the Meals on wheels Coin Collection drive will be held this year a little later on May 27th and 28th. volunteers will be outside all supermarkets on the island as well as Kirks Home Centre and AL Thompsons hardware. for those companies that see heavy traffic i.e. banks, collection boxes will be available for that week.
For more information please don’t hesitate to call
Pat Bazell-Taylor
916-6249
British Airways Nassau / Grand Cayman Aircraft Changes from July 2016
By JL From Airline Route
British Airways starting 01JUL16 is increasing capacity on London Heathrow – Nassau – Grand Cayman route, as the airline plans to operate 3-class Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, instead of 767-300ER.
The airline operates this route 4 times a week.
BA253 LHR1030 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 57
BA253 LHR1035 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 1
BA253 LHR1045 – 1505NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 3
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2225 – 1200+1LHR 777 57
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2230 – 1205+1LHR 777 13
For more: http://airlineroute.net/2015/11/23/ba-nasgcm-jul16/
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
TUE APR 26
Time Management & Productivity
The Chamber of Commerce presents Time Management & Productivity with Catherine Tyson on Tuesday (26 Apr) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
WED APR 27
The Alpha Course: Exploring the basics of Christian faith
The United Church of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands invites you to “The Alpha Course: Exploring the basics of Christian faith”, Sunday’s at Savannah United, Tuesday’s at John Gray Memorial and Wednesday’s at St George’s Anglican Church, May 1st to June 29th. Learn more at a free Introductory Dinner on Wednesday (27 Apr) at 7:00p.m. at the Prospect Youth Center. Call 949-5583.
THU APR 28
Intellectual Property Basics: Copyright, Trademarks & Patents
The Chamber of Commerce presents Intellectual Property Basics: Copyright, Trademarks & Patents by Sophie Davies on Thursday (28 Apr) from 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
SME Workshop: Unlock your Retail Potential: Tips & Tricks for your Success
The Chamber of Commerce presents a FREE SME Workshop: Unlock your Retail Potential: Tips & Tricks for your Success by Savage Consulting on Thursday (28 Apr) from 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
FRI APR 29
Cake/Bake Sale
Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church, Women in the Church will be having a Cake/Bake Sale on Friday (29 Apr) from 10:00am — 2:00pm at Scotia Bank, George Town.
Consumer Protection: Entrenching Consumer Supremacy in Cayman Islands Legislation
The Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission submits for stakeholder and public comment a Discussion Paper entitled “Consumer Protection: Entrenching Consumer Supremacy in Cayman Islands Legislation”. The Paper may be viewed on www.lrc.gov.ky. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] no later than 29th April.
SAT APR 30
Family Walk and Fellowship
St. George’s Anglican Church host hosting their annual Family Walk and Fellowship on Saturday (30 Apr) at 530pm
70s and 80s Party
The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens presents their 70s and 80s Party at UCCI Auditorium on Saturday (30 Apr) at 8pm.
Child Month Cupcake Wars competition
Young pastry chefs in Cayman Brac are invited to take part in the Child Month Cupcake Wars competition on Saturday 30 April at the Layman Scott High School. Bakers ages 10 — 25 years old are welcomed to participate, at no charge. For more information email [email protected].
Mens breakfast meeting
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday April 30th at 7:30am, at Lola’s (formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay.
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
SUN MAY 1
Cayman Brac New Testament Church of God Crusade
The Cayman Brac New Testament Church of God invites you to a week of crusade Sunday through Sunday (1 — 8 May) at 730pm nightly under the theme The King is coming, are you ready?’
FRI MAY 6
Deadline For Queen’s New Year Honours 2017
Members of the public have until Friday 6 May 2015 to recommend persons who have made outstanding contributions to Caymanian society for Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year Honours 2017. Nomination forms can be found on the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/honours/overview. Completed forms should be returned, under confidential cover, to the Governor’s Office, at Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue, or to email [email protected]. For any further information please contact the Governor’s Office on 244-2434.
April Events at Camana Bay
This is the month to experience all things local with the return of Slow Food Day, a full-day event celebrating Cayman’s home-grown food scene. You can find your next treasure at a car boot sale, get your kids to fall in love with reading during a weekly book club or take some time for yourself and enjoy pampering opportunities with Eclipze Hair Design & Day Spa’s 23rd anniversary celebration. With Mother’s Day approaching, you can also celebrate early with a special Mom & Me cooking class and a family portrait session.
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Thursday 28 April
7pm
Ortanique
Mother’s Day Portraits
Saturday 30 April
10am-1pm
Mom & Me Cooking Class
Saturday 30 April
