iNews Briefs & Community Events
NOTE: See also Community Events listed in DATE ORDER below
Top 5 Mother-Daughter Getaways
There are a million ways to tell mom you love her. Whether you choose to get her a special card or a bouquet of roses, few things compare to spending quality time together.
A mother-daughter vacation is the perfect way to spend this time with her while crossing off dream vacations from your bucket-list
Tea gardens, princess castles, and dreamy spa days await
There are a million ways to tell mom you love her. Whether you choose to get her a special card or a bouquet of roses, few things compare to spending quality time together.
A mother-daughter vacation is the perfect way to spend this time with her while crossing off dream vacations from your bucket-list. From magical parks to coastal road trips, here are five of the ultimate mother-daughter vacations in the U.S that you will want to explore this year:
Orlando offers a variety of activities for the perfect mother-daughter getaway, but none more popular than a trip to Walt Disney World. While you’re there rent a car from Alamo Rent A Car to experience the magic of each park, whether you’re dining at a table fit for a queen in Cinderella’s Castle or taking in the incredible landscapes at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival.
San Antonio is a diverse city buzzing with energy, which makes it ideal for a getaway with mom. Spanning through the heart of city is the San Antonio River Walk, an urban waterway that blends the sounds and flavors of a modern metropolis and the rich history of Texas. After a stroll through the River Walk, make the short drive to the San Marcos Premium Outlets where you’ll find an outdoor shopping mecca offering a collection of 145 luxury and name brand stores. The impressive array of designer stores promises to be a unique experience and a must-visit when planning your mother-daughter vacation.
A trip to the Big Apple is the perfect getaway for the artistic mother-daughter duo. New York City is home to some of finest art in the world from Van Gogh’sStarry Night in the Museum of Modern Art to the Frick Collection’s world-class sculptures. Just as you’ll discover works of art in these museums, you’ll find beautiful artistry and designs along Fifth Avenue, Manhattan’s premiere shopping destination, in the form of architecture and high-end fashion.
Discover the city of angels with mom by your side. For the ultimate mother-daughter getaway, rent a convertible and tour the city beginning with the luxury shops along Rodeo Drive all the way to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then, cruise the California coast towards San Francisco. There you can relax and enjoy a meditative cup of tea at the stunning Japanese Tea Garden inside Golden Gate Park. Regardless of the activities you choose, the journey with mom is sure to be just as spectacular as the destination.
Experience Mother Nature with mom on the pristine beaches of Miami. There, you’ll discover lavish spas within luxury hotels in Miami Beach like the Carillon Miami. Spend the day in the hotel’s sea-inspired spa, which boasts a crystal steam room, an igloo with three Arctic mist experiences, and rain showers. At night, drive past the Art Deco lights of Ocean Drive and venture into Midtown. There you’ll discover some of the hottest restaurants, blending art and international cuisine, and one of the top doughnut shops in the U.S.
Celebrity Reading Day in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
- Celebrity Reading Day was the first Child Month 2018 event for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
- The event took place at three education and one day care facility.
- The stories were from an anthology containing the work of students from schools in the Cayman Islands
GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – The Department of Children and Family Services’ Child Month 2018 events on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman got a great start on Celebrity Reading Day Tuesday, 1 May 2018.
Organised by Community Development Officer Annie Rose Scott, the reading marathon delighted pupils at Spot Bay & Creek Junior and West End Primary schools, Little Cayman Learning Services and the Cayman Brac Day Care Centre.
This year’s “local celebrity readers” were Reverend Merle Ediger of Stake Bay Baptist Church, Police OfficerIndrani Tahal of the Cayman Brac Police Station, retired lawyer and owner/manager of McLaughlin’s Car Rentals, Carla Reid; Pastor Ezra Clarke of the Fellowship Baptist Church and Senior Business Licensing Officer at the Department of Commerce and Investment, Lolita Bodden.
“The children so look forward to the celebrity readers and the wonderful stories they read,” said Mrs. Scott. “The event, which promotes literacy, has been running since 1997 and continues to hold a special place in the children’s hearts.”
All of the stories read are included in “The Butterfly Reading Book,” an anthology of short stories by young local authors, produced by Rotarians of the E-Club of the Caribbean.
The stories read were: “Difference” by Jordanne Ogbourne (Edna Moyle Primary School – Creek & Spot Bay Junior School), “Washed Ashore” by Aracely Matute-Trejo (West End Primary), “Coconut & Paige” by Reann Scott(West End Primary), “The Lost Kitten – An Act Of Kindness” by Robert Arch (Cayman Prep) and “Betty, The Kind Friendly Reader” by Raldayne Thomas (West End Primary).
A copy of the Butterfly Storybook, 2018 was donated by Mrs. Scott to Little Cayman Education Services for future reading days.
Apple drops Irish data center plans
By: Yoel Minkoff, SA News Editor
Due to delays in the approval process, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is dropping a $1B plan to open a data center in Athenry, Ireland, RTE reports.
Apple first announced the facility in February 2015. It would have been build in the rural Irish location to take advantage of green energy sources nearby, but the project has faced a two-year delay amid planning objections.
SOURCE: https://seekingalpha.com/news/3355014-apple-drops-irish-data-center-plans
Cayman Islands Seafarers Meeting
The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform all Members that there will be a General Meeting, on Tuesday 15 May at 7:30 PM. in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect.
Buses will be provided from West Bay Town Hall at 6:00 pm”.
A Bus route has been added in George Town, leaving the Public library parking area at 7:00, stopping at Cayman Compass building and the Airport Fosters. The bus is marked Bobo $1 Public transport and is blue in colour, there is no charge
Shelter Management Training
WHO: The Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) and Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI).
WHAT: Two-day shelter management training for all community volunteers.
WHEN: Tuesday, 8 May & Wednesday, 9 May 2018 from 5.30 – 8.30 p.m.
WHERE: John Gray High School Canteen/Hall
Participants: Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson & Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Tara Rivers
Background: DCFS implemented pre-registration for the first time this year, and as a result now have around 100 new pre-registered volunteers. During the training, the team will learn critical procedures for opening and closing shelters, and how to care for all individuals particularly children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses and special needs. Volunteers will also learn about the impact of disasters on mental health and techniques that can be used for comforting those in distress.
KAABOO Cayman Feb. 15-16, 2019
In a news release, festival organizers said $1 of every ticket sold would be set aside to support three local and one international charitable groups. Two-day passes for the festival are expected to start at more than $200 when the lineup of entertainers is announced at 7:30 a.m. on May 15. Officials said they hope to sell 11,000 tickets.
The festival is scheduled for Feb. 15-16, 2019.
KAABOO Cayman will be supporting the National Gallery, Feed Our Future and the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, along with MusicCares, a Recording Academy program that has been a partner in the KAABOO Del Mar festival in California.
For more information about KAABOO Cayman, visit www.kaaboocayman.com
CONOCOPHILLIPS to provide Caribbean Island Bonaire access to a portion of PDVSA’s oil inventories retained under attachment order, for power generation -Dutch gov spokesman
Reuters Staff
CONOCOPHILLIPS TO PROVIDE CARIBBEAN ISLAND BONAIRE ACCESS TO A PORTION OF PDVSA’S OIL INVENTORIES RETAINED UNDER ATTACHMENT ORDER, FOR POWER GENERATION -DUTCH GOV SPOKESMAN
SOURCE: https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFMT1ALTL1N1SE1381
Carnival cruise ship floods in the Caribbean
Fifty rooms were flooded on a Carnival cruise ship when a water line broke and began to spill into the hallway.
For more and video: https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/02/18/cruise-ship-brawl-orig-mg.cnn/video/playlists/cruise-ship-disasters/
IMAGE: GETTY
Cayman Islands: Man arrested for attempted burglary of Seven Mile Beach establishment, 4 May
From RCIPS
Shortly after 1:40AM today, 4 May, officers received a report of a burglary in progress at an establishment on Seven Mile Beach, where a man was attempting to gain entry to a locked bar at the location. Officers attended the scene and located the man, age 20 of Bodden Town, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary. He is currently in police custody.
Cayman Islands: Witness Appeal: Fatal Accident in North Side, 29 April
From RCIPS
Traffic officers are interested in speaking with anyone who may have witnessed the fatal traffic collision which occurred in North Side on Sunday, 29 April (see previous release), involving a Honda Fit Aria. Officers are particularly interested in speaking with the occupants of a red vehicle (make and model unknown) that may have been overtaken by the Honda Fit Aria at the time of the collision.
These persons, and any other witnesses to the accident, are being asked to please contact the Traffic and Roads Policing Unit at 649-6254 with any information they may have, or to contact traffic investigator PC Devon O’Connor at Devon.O’[email protected].
Statement from the Speaker of the Cayman Islands LA
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Dated this 2nd day of May 2018
I, of course, support unreservedly the Premier’s position.
Over the past three decades in which I have been involved in government, the Cayman Islands has introduced world leading standards of transparency with regard to money laundering and criminal investigation. These exceed standards in effect in the United States and the European Union.
The Cayman Islands has for decades maintained registers of beneficial ownership available to law enforcement and tax authorities, and now has this information available on a central register which is not available to the public. This is entirely consistent with the Cayman Islands Constitution and the Bill of Rights which guarantees every persons private affairs shall be maintained in confidence, save on the enquiry of an agent of the government or a public body established by law.
These new proposals, which I note with astonishment, do not extend to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, but target, specifically, the legitimate financial services industry of the Cayman Islands. I assume that the members of Parliament in the United Kingdom were not aware that, unlike the United Kingdom, the Cayman Islands has systems already in place which require the maintaining, by corporate and other professional persons, of substantial information on persons who are directors, officers, shareholders and/or controllers of corporate and investment vehicles. This information is available when there is a justifiable need by law enforcement agencies.
In the event that the matter cannot be sorted out through negotiation, the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, and the Cabinet have my full support to determine the legitimacy of the proposals through the legal system as the same appear to be a clear violation of the Cayman Islands Constitution and an individual’s legitimate right to privacy.
The Cayman Islands government is under an obligation to protect its people and, in the light of this suggested and unwarranted intrusion, to consider all its options, which responses I will fully support and urge all Caymanians to support the Premier.
SAVE THE DATE: Celebrate Cayman Official Launch Ceremony
Cayman Islands Public Service Announcement – Wreck Notice
The vessel has the following markings on the left side near the stern: “AQUI LA VI L 3904”
The owner of this vessel may claim the vessel before the 17th May 2018 by producing proof of ownership, such as bill of sale etc. This claim should be made to The Receiver of Wrecks at:
The Port Authority of the Cayman Islands
C/o The Receiver of Wrecks
Harbour Drive, GT
P.O. Box 1358
Grand Cayman, KY1-1108
Failing the above, the Receiver of Wrecks will exercise his powers in relation to the disposition of the vessel.
Extension for all Cayman Islands contractors to Register
The Builders Board has extended the deadline for all local contractors to register with the board. The contractors’ deadline is now Tuesday 31 July, 2018.
This registration requirement is for general and civil contractors, residential and building contractors as well as trade contractors.
For fees and registration forms that are available online, contractors should visit www.planning.ky/boards-all/builders-board
May is Child Month in Cayman Islands
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is celebrating Child Month in May with more than 30 interactive and family friendly events across the Cayman Islands. The month’s motto is Rise Up and A.F.F.I.R.M. (Acknowledge, Friend, Favour, Influence, Respect and Motivate our children).
The observance will officially open with a Child Month church service on Sunday, 29 April 2018. The 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Church of God Chapel, Walkers Road, George Town.
The service will be followed by Celebrity Reading Day, which will take place in all Cayman Brac’s primary schools and day care centres on Tuesday, 1 May, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will involve several well-known local residents visiting classrooms to promote literacy by reading popular children’s books.
For the full listing of Child Month 2018 events, visit the department’s Facebook page.
Cayman Islands; PAC Public Hearings in May 2018
Please be advised that the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has scheduled public hearings on the dates below:
§ Wednesday, May 2nd 2018 at 10:00 am (confirmed)
§ Thursday, May 3rd 2018 at 10:00 am (confirmed)
§ Friday, May 4th 2018 at 10:00 am (pending not confirmed)
§ Wednesday, May 9th 2018 at 9:30 am (confirmed)
§ Thursday, May 10th 2018 at 10:00 am (confirmed)
Cayman Islands: Rundown is back! Get your tickets now!
THE RETURN OF DAVE MARTINS!
True fans and followers of Rundown will be delighted to hear that the first week of the show will feature a special appearance by show creator Dave Martins who has written a special song for the show. Dave left the island a few years ago to return to his homeland of Guyana after making his mark on Cayman’s culture for 30-plus years. We are so excited that he’s decided to come back this year! Watch the video for a special invitation from the man himself!
See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OWbPJJDZoc&feature=youtu.be
OPENING WEEKEND SPECIAL FOR GROUPS ONLY!
Are you a group of 10 or more adults? A corporate team? A social club? Rundown is an entertaining way to learn more about Cayman culture, a great team building activity. For opening weekend only, we’re offering a 10 percent discount for groups of 10 or more ADULTS.
Whether you’re new to the island or you’ve been here for years, we think you will be able to relate to Rundown and you’ll also learn a lot about our three islands. Think of it as a cultural lesson for your group! Call us on 949.5477 or email us here.
Inspire Cayman – 2018 International Scooter Tournament
Friday, June 29, 2018 9:00 AM
Sunday, July 1, 2018 5:00 PM
Black Pearl Skatepark
A Scooter competition in the CAYMAN ISLANDS? Why would you not go? Event is located at the Black Pearl Skatepark and will have 4 divisions including Pro. Please visit their instagram @inspire_cayman for updates and details on registration!
Cayman Islands Older Persons Council to Meet the Public
The Older Persons’ Council is seeking input from older persons and their families through a series of meetings in each of the Cayman Islands’ six Districts, from mid-April through mid-May. These take place as follows:
Bodden Town Saturday, 5 May – 5.30-7 p.m. Civic Centre
East End & Saturday, 12 May – 5.30- 7p.m. East End United Church Gun Bay Hall
Light refreshments will be available.
CITA Annual General Meeting & Election of the 2018/2019 Board of Directors
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Reception will immediately follow)
Those members who wish to provide promotional material (geared towards fellow members) for display at the AGM may contact us at [email protected] or on 345-949-8522 to discuss this.
In preparation for the AGM, please RSVP HERE. If you are unable to attend but would like your member business to be represented and participate in the voting process, please complete either the Proxy Form or the Appointment of Temporary Designated Representative. Click here to download the form.
Do you need to update your membership information? Click here download this form: (insert Member Info Form – attached).
Please note that to be eligible to vote for the above-mentioned candidates at the AGM, you will need to ensure your membership for the 2018/2019 year is renewed through payment of the requisite annual fees at the CITA office. If you have not yet received an invoice or need more information on the related fees, you may call 949-8522 or email [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you at The Westin on May 9th!
Cayman Islands Special Olympics June 5th-11th
The Special Olympics is coming up, starting this Saturday, June 5th. Dozens are needed at the opening Ceremony (with the ceremony starting at 3pm, volunteers are needed from 11am-5pm), so make an attempt to come out for an hour or two whenever you’re available! There are various events being held next week as well, all of which need volunteers and supporters. If you’re interested in helping out or want to find out more about a specific day or activity, feel free to contact Jessica at [email protected].
Cayman Islands Public Holidays for 2018 Confirmed
The list of Cayman Islands Public Holidays for 2018 is now officially confirmed and released by the Deputy Governor’s Office.
The list is as follows:
Discovery Day: Monday, 21 May 2018;
Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 11 June 2018;
Constitution Day: Monday, 2 July 2018;
Remembrance Day: Monday, 12 November 2018;
Christmas: Tuesday, 25 December 2018; and
Boxing Day: Wednesday, 26 December 2018.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
THU MAY 10
The Community Thatch Plaiting Class
The Community Thatch Plaiting Class is Thursday (10 May) at Heritage House from 7 to 9pm.
Little Cayman Vehicle Licensing Visit
The Little Cayman Vehicle Licensing Visit is Thursday (10 May) from 9am to 230pm at the District Office.
SAT MAY 12
Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast for Dinner in support of Kiwanais Club of Grand Cayman’s Buy a Kid for Breakfast program is Saturday (12 May) at the Marriott Beach Resort from 630pm. Call 916.8664 for ticket information.
Older Person’s Council Meeting
The Older Person’s Council is hosting a series of meetings for older persons and their families. The next meeting is Saturday (12 May) from 530 to 7pm at the East End United Church.
Fundraising Car Wash
There is a fundraising car wash on Saturday (12 May) at the Burger King on West Bay Road from 8am to 2pm in aid of the Wesleyan Holiness Church Youth Camp’s trip to Ohio.
SAT MAY 13
Little Cayman Church Service
Child Month Activities continue with a Little Cayman Church Service from 11am to 1230pm at the Little Cayman Baptist Church on Sunday (13 May). There will be games and refreshments from 1 to 3pm.
TUE MAY 15
Cayman Islands Seafarers Meeting
The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform all Members that there will be a General Meeting, on Tuesday 15 May at 7:30 PM. in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect.
Buses will be provided from West Bay Town Hall at 6:00 pm”.
A Bus route has been added in George Town, leaving the Public library parking area at 7:00, stopping at Cayman Compass building and the Airport Fosters. The bus is marked Bobo $1 Public transport and is blue in colour, there is no charge
THU MAY 17
Movies and Games Night
Child Month Activities continue with a Movies and Games Night from 6 to 10pm at the Aston Rutty Center on Thursday (17 May).
FRI MAY 18
Brac Jackpot Annual Fishing Tournament
The Brac Jackpot Annual Fishing Tournament is Friday – Sunday (18 – 20 May). Call 925.3844 for more information.
FRI MAY 18 – MON MAY 20
Cayman Brac Carnival – Braccanal
Cayman Brac Carnival – Braccanal is Friday – Monday (18 – 21 May). Email [email protected] for more information.
SUN MAY 20 – FRI MAY 25
Free Annual Family Enrichment Series
The West Bay Church of Christ invites the general public to its Free Annual Family Enrichment Series from May 20th – 25th at 7:30 pm nightly. The guest speaker will be Min. Evg. (Ministering Evangelist) J.K Hamilton from Dallas (TX).
MON MAY 21
Family Fun Day
Child Month Activities continue with a Family Fun Day at the Government Pool at Stake Bay on Monday (21 May) from 10 to 2pm.
THU MAY 24
Family Dinner Night
Child Month Activities continue with a Family Dinner Night from 7 to 9pm at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort on Thursday (24 May).
Little Cayman Vehicle Licensing Visit
The Little Cayman Vehicle Licensing Visit is Thursday (24 May) from 9am to 230pm at the District Office.
THU MAY 24 & FRI MAY 25
Summary Court
Summary Court heads to Cayman Brac on Thursday and Friday (24 & 25 May).
FRI MAY 25
Free Annual Family Enrichment Series
The West Bay Church of Christ invites the general public to its Free Annual Family Enrichment Series from May 20th – 25th at 7:30 pm nightly. The guest speaker will be Min. Evg. (Ministering Evangelist) J.K Hamilton from Dallas (TX).
SUN MAY 27
Wind of Hope 5K
Child Month Activities continue with the Cayman Brac Church Service from 11am to 12pm at Cross Roads United Baptist Church on Sunday (27 May).
MON MAY 28 – FRI JUN 1
Cayman Islands Under 15 Youth Invitation Football Cup
The Cayman Islands Under 15 Youth Invitation Football Cup is Monday – Friday (28 May – 1 Jun). For more information, email [email protected].
Community Thatch Plaiting Class
There will be a Community Thatch Plaiting Class on Thursday (31 May) from 7 to 9pm at Heritage House.
Hope Academy Fundraiser
Hope Academy PTA is hosting a fundraiser for school projects and scholarships on Friday (1 Jun) at the Black Pearl Skate Park.