iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
Channel Island credit ratings downgraded by S&F
From BL UK
The credit ratings of both Jersey and Guernsey have been downgraded from AA+ to AA by Standard & Poor’s.
The downgrade comes after a recalibration exercise by S&P and is the first time the islands have seen a change to their ratings. Jersey was first given a rating (of AA+) in 2014 so it could borrow money to build social housing.
The credit rating of AA still remains one of the highest possible ratings. Indeed, there is only a marginal difference between the two ratings, as defined by Standard & Poor’s: ‘An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.’
S&P have cited rising regulatory complexity and the G10’s focus on low-tax regimes as a reason for the change. This is despite both islands insisting they meet international standards of tax transparency and financial regulation.
The islands’ outlook has also been labelled as ‘negative’ to reflect the uncertainty of the economy if the UK exits the EU.
Both islands say they are ‘disappointed’ with the downgrade as no material change has taken place.
Senator Alan Maclean, Treasury Minister for Jersey, commented: “While we understand that credit rating agencies are liable to take a particularly risk-averse view, we are disappointed with this recalibration exercise. It is good that Jersey has retained one of the highest possible ratings but we do not accept the rationale behind the change.”
Jamaica’s Morgan Heritage wins Grammy for Best Reggae Album
By Jamaica Star From St Lucia News Online
*Photo credit: zimbabwecelebrities.com
JAMAICA STAR – After 20 years in the Reggae music industry, Morgan Heritage has finally won a Grammy.
On Monday evening, the group of five siblings walked away with the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for their Strictly Roots project.
The album which was released in early 2015 was produced by the family’s own record label, CTBC Music Group.
“Thank you to all our Fans and Team that played a part of Strictly Roots Album! WE WON…YES RASTA!” the group tweeted minutes after the announcement.
Among the nominees for best reggae album were: Jah Cure, Luciano, Barrington Levy and Rocky Dawuni of Nigeria.
Morgan Heritage is made up of, Peetah Morgan, Gramps Morgan, Nakamyah Morgan, Memmalatel Morgan and the lone female, Una Morgan.
Cayman Islands: Roadworks Red Bay area Feb 4 – 19
Drivers and pedestrians may have noticed that some road work projects are underway, and the National Roads Authority (NRA) advises that these will continue for some time.
Along the east-west arterial road in the Red Bay area, workers have begun preliminary work for the eventual installation of concrete barriers in the centre median. This stretch of road is between the Red Bay roundabout and the Dr. Tomlinson roundabout.
That project started Thursday 4 February, 2016, beginning with work on the east-bound lane. While work will take place from 7.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. weekdays (and possibly on weekends), little disruption of the traffic flow is expected. The project is expected to continue through 19 February.
Staff have already coned off the inside lane (the safety work-zone area) from traffic, with relevant roadway signs. Motorists are asked to use that road with caution, as the road enhancements proceed.
Following this project, there will be works to enhance Bobby Thompson Way.
Also underway is initial work to prepare for the conversion of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway into four-lanes.
PS: Please see contact info if you need..
National Roads Authority
Office: 946-7780 ext. 4008
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.caymanroads.com/
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/
Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Orange you Glad annual Gala
19th March
“Orange you Glad” will be held this year on the 19th March, 2016 at the Marriott. This Gala includes a sumptuous dinner, a Live and Silent auction, live music. We will be sending out full details in the next few days.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
WED FEB 17
Family Wellness Session: Communication
You’re invited to a Family Wellness Session at the Family Resource Center on Wednesday (17 Feb) from 6:30 to 8pm. The topic is communication.
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (17 Feb) at 630pm at Books and Books.
NWDA at West Bay Library
The National Workforce Development Agency will be at the West Bay Library Branch on Wednesday (17 Feb) from 10am until 1pm.
THU FEB 18
John Gray High School Career Day
Thursday, 18th February, 8.40am-11.30am, Minister of Education, Hon. Tara Rivers and Chief Officer Christen Suckoo will be in attendance at 9.15am. WHERE: John Gray High School, George Town. Participants: John Gray High School. A range of local businesses will be showcasing their companies and will be engaging with Year 11 and Year 9 students on what it takes to achieve a career in their company.
Basics of Budgeting
The Chamber of Commerce presents a workshop on the Basics of Budgeting by Terry Carson on Thursday & Friday (18 & 19 Feb) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Employment: The Hiring Process
The Chamber of Commerce presents a workshop on Employment: The Hiring Process by Huw Moses on Thursday (18 Feb) from 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Cardinal Avenue Street Fair
The Cardinal Avenue Street Fair is Thursday (18 Feb) from 9am until 4pm.
Soloists of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cayman National Choir
By Cayman Arts Festival
WHEN Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (EST)
WHERE First Baptist Church – 920 Crewe Road. (across from the Lions’ Centre). George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1002 KY
TICKETS $11.54–$38.97
Humane Society Pub Quiz
The Humane Society Pub Quiz is Thursday (18 Feb) at 7pm at Fidel Murphy’s.
THU & FRI FEB 18 &19
Graphics of the Americas FEB 18-20
FRI FEB 19
The Red Violin
As part of Cayman Arts Festival, you’re invited to a screening of The Red Violin on Friday (19 Feb) with a meet and greet at 6pm in Cassia Court followed by the movie at 730pm in Regal Cinemas.
SAT FEB 20
Guiding the Way 5 and 10K Family Fun Walk/Run
Guiding the Way 5 and 10K Family Fun Walk/Run is Saturday (20 Feb) starting at 630am for walkers and 645am for runners at Safe Haven. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Register online at caymanactive.com.
CoCo Fest
“Coco Fest is really about celebrating the Cayman Coconut – a bountiful food source with legendary properties, and a traditional staple in the Caymanian diet” – Tamer Soliman, Nutritionist and Film-Maker Coco Fest will take place at Pedro Castle in Savannah on February 20 from 12PM to 4PM. Admission for adults is $5 CI and kids under 12 go free.
Cayman Outreach Association Dinner Meeting
The next Cayman Outreach Association Dinner Meeting is Saturday (20 Feb) at 715pm at Triple C School Auditorium. Call 925.7798 for details.
SUN FEB 21
Tent Crusade
The West Bay New Testament Church will be having their annual tent crusade Sunday — Friday (21 Feb — 4 Mar) under the big white tent beside the Ed Bush Football Field, West Bay. There will also be nightly blood sugar and pressure checks.
Push Across Cayman
Push Across Cayman is Sunday (21 Feb) at 6am starting at Market Street in Camana Bay.
MON FEB 22
Visual Arts Society's Annual Art Show
WED FEB 24
Conservation Council Meeting 24 February 2016
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday February 24th, 2016, from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room (1038) of the Government Administration Building (Grand Cayman). This meeting is open to observers from the public. The Agenda of the meeting will be available at the DoE website (www.DoE.ky
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support meeting
The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support meeting will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday (24 Feb) at the Hibiscus Room in George Town Hospital. For more information call 924-4170
Cayman Arts Festival Musical Performance
Celebrate the sounds of African and Caribbean music as the Cayman Arts Festival showcases the musical talents of Woz Kaly, member of the Mokhtar Samba Band, and local artist Beneil Miller. Gallery doors open at 5:00 PM at the National Gallery.
February Events at Camana Bay
All you need is love at Camana Bay in February. Celebrate your love of sports with Legends tennis exhibitions, get inspiration in the areas you’re passionate about with motivational presentations, treat your loved one to a special dinner or watch movies together on a giant outdoor screen under the stars. Kids can also feel the love with a chocolate-themed cooking class or boogie the night away at a special disco.
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Valentine’s Kids’ Disco
Friday 12 February
6-8pm
Starfish Village
Me & My Love Duo Cooking Class
Saturday 13 February
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Culture at the Cinema: Taming of the Shrew
Saturday 13 February
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Cooking at Home with Gina Connolly
Wednesday 17 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Floetry
Wednesday 17 February
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
A Walk in Her Shoes
Thursday 18 February
5:30pm
Market Street
The Red Violin Screening
Friday 19 February
6-7pm (meet and greet) and 7:30pm (movie screening)
Cassia Court and Regal Cinemas
Sunday 21 February
6am (start) and 12pm (finish)
Market Street
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 25 February
7pm
Ortanique
Pulse Concert
Friday 26 February
8pm
The Festival Green
Chopped: The Teen Edition
Saturday 27 February
2-3:15pm
Bon Vivant
Cayman Islands National Gallery Weekly News
Curator Claire Tancons will lead a walkthrough of EN MAS’ and speak about her vision in conceptualizing and curating the international exhibition. The tour talk takes place at NGCI 12:30 PM Monday, 15 February 2016. Admission is free and all are welcome!
Learn more about Claire and her work here.
Garden Lunch & Lecture
Join us on Thursday, 18 February for a Garden Lunch and lecture of EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean. Lunch has been inspired by the exhibition and its New Orleans roots. The complimentary lecture begins at 12:00 PM and lunch is served until 2:00 PM.
Check out the delicious lunch menu here!
Curator’s Spotlight
Position & Powerby Marlon Griffith
Inspired by Japanese aestheticism and the looming police ‘watch towers’ that have become integral to Trinidad carnival, POSITIONS+POWER highlights the uneasiness of ever increasing police surveillance. This work skilfully brings urban performance art on to the walls of the institution.
Learn more here.
The Art of Love
“Cayman’s hottest new wedding venue is the National Gallery.The contemporary cultural institution has a lot to offer: stunning architecture, cultural cachet, gorgeous sculpture gardens and galleries highlighting work by Cayman’s most recognizable artists.”
Read more about it here!
Cayman Brac Classes
Did you know that the National Gallery offers six art classes in Cayman Brac! For more information about art classes and happenings on our Sister Islands get in touch with the NGCI Education Department.
Send us an email.
Hamlet on the Big Screen
Especially for Valentine’s Day, Culture at the Cinema presents the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of The Taming of the Shrewon Saturday 13th February. Doors open at 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM.
Shakespeare and bubbles at the cinema.
Bringing Learning to Life
NGCI’s Minds Inspired Active Learning Series bring students outside of the classroom and into an environment where fun creative learning thrives. Students explore links to literacy, numeracy, science and social studies.Tours run throughout the year and can be booked through the NGCI Education Department.
Bring a Date!
The National Gallery is a great spot to bring a date. Peaceful gardens, inspiring exhibitions, fantastic shopping and more! You can even get in touch with our team to book private curator led tours. Happy Valentine’s!
Book a private tour.
@NatGalCayman | www.nationalgallery.org.ky | (345) 945 8111 | [email protected]
Community Calendar
(non-NGCI events)
The National Gallery seeks to promote visual arts in and of the Cayman Islands. Through this e-bulletin you can learn about other arts-related happenings in our community.
What’s Happening
VAS (Visual Art Society)
Life Drawing Tonight with Model Drop-in Workshops
Watler House Studio- Pedro’s Castle
Tuesday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM / Saturday 10:00 AM – noon
Email [email protected]
Cayman Arts Festival
Tickets on sale now for Troubadours & Steel
Email [email protected]
Social Clubs, Groups & Associations
VAS (Visual Art Society)
Drop-in OPEN STUDIOS
Monday morning Paintings: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
First Sunday of each month Ceramics: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Watler House Studio, Pedro’s Castle
Email [email protected]
Cayman Islands Astronomical Society
Meets three days after the new moon at Pedro’s Castle
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Contact Chris Cooke on (345) 925 7657
Email [email protected]
Grand Cayman Toastmasters Club (Public Speaking)
Meets every Thursday at George Town Public Library,
3rd Floor, 68 Edward Street
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Email [email protected] or [email protected].
Cayman Islands Photography Club
Meets on 1st Thursday of the month at Breezes Restaurant (3rd floor)
5:00 PM
Contact Mike Whiteman on (345) 925 2161
Opportunities
Camana Bay Artisian Market
Every Wednesday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
VAS tents located by Karoo along the Paseo
Display artwork for sale
Contact [email protected].
Open Canvas VAS (Visual Art Society)
Every Wednesday 7 pm to Midnight
At Karoo Restaurant Terrace at Camana Bay
Easels provided – no fee required
Participating artist receive 2 tickets for house wine or beer compliments of Karoo
For more info contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Various events at the Visual Arts Society
Visual Arts Society of the Cayman Islands
Contact Mary McCallum
[email protected] or [email protected].
(345) 546-9422
Website www.visualartcayman.com or www.facebook.com/visualartcayman.
The Grand Cayman Beach Suites
Opportunity for artists to display their artwork in the
Royal Crown Ballroom free of charge.
For more information contact Marco Mauthner
Cayman Islands Craft Market (waterfront)
Come out and support our local artists.
Items on sale include prints and original pieces.
Please contact Cira Bush on (345) 929 4777.
‘Big Ole Looky Ya’ cultural festival
National Museum of the Cayman Islands
National Museum, George Town
(345) 949 8368
Website: www.museum.ky.
