iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
China’s brand new “Flagship” research vessel
By John Konrad From gCaptain
IMAGE: Newly built science ship Xiangyanghong 03 is seen in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province, July 31, 2015. Xiangyanghong 03, a science ship costing around 500 million yuan (about 80.5 million US dollars) was finished this week by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co Ltd in Wuhan. ( Xinhua )
The scientific expedition vessel “Xiangyanghong 03” was launched on Saturday and joined China’s oceanic research team in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
At a cost of 580 million yuan (89 million U. S. dollars), the research ship was built by China’s State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and Wuchang shipbuilding industry group.
Xiangyanghong 03 is able to work in any navigable area, including the polar regions.
“The vessel will carry out deep sea observation, exploration, sampling and analysis, and will be a mobile lab and experimentation platform for scientific research and technology development in deep sea and oceanic area” said Yu Xingguang, director of the Third Institute of Oceanography (TIO). “This ship will be China’s new flagship research vessel and will take part in major international research programs to enhance our knowledge of the ocean.”
The vessel is expected to depart on its maiden voyage in May.
Lawsuit filed against Julian Marley’s marijuana brand
By NAN ET Editor From News Americas
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Mar. 26, 2016: British Jamaican reggae musician, Julian Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Bajan Lucy Pounder, is being sued by one of the original founders of his JUJU Royal marijuana brand.
Erin Hackney, whose family trust, Hackney Family Trust, is a co-owner of the company DropLeaf, LLC, which launched JUJU Royal Brand in partnership with Julian Marley. He filed a lawsuit on Monday March 21, 2016 against the company he co-owns for failure to repay a loan that was made to help launch the brand.
Hackney in the lawsuit claims that on or about September 26, 2015, he and DropLeaf, LLC entered into the Promissory Note dated September 16, 2015 for the amount of $74,262.00. He said the defendant (DropLeaf, LLC), agreed to repay the principal amount due, with interest, under the note by the maturity date of January 1, 2016. But he claims that the $74,262.00 plus interest and costs due on January 1, 2016 has not been paid by DropLeaf to date.
JUJU Royal was launched as a bridge between :reggae music, Rastafarian culture and the cannabis industry.”
Kingsley Brand, LLC, licensor of Julian Marley’s likeness and trademark name, exclusively partnered with DropLeaf, LLC to promote the movement to decriminalize marijuana and promote its healing benefits with the launch of the premium marijuana product line – Julian Marley JUJU Royal Premium Marijuana in 2014.
For more: http://www.newsamericasnow.com/lawsuit-filed-against-julian-marleys-marijuana-brand/
It’s not just here in the Cayman Islands: Nature Foundation, CADO partner on invasive iguana – St. Maarten
From The Daily Herald
COLE BAY–Nature Foundation has embarked on a strategic partnership with the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO) to find solutions for some of the invasive species issues facing St. Maarten, particularly the invasive Green Iguana (iguana iguana).
Since its introduction that particular species of iguana has caused the extinction of the local Lesser Antilles Iguana and has since overrun the island and has become a nuisance pest.
“We have the honour and a pleasure of working with the CADO in addressing some of the environmental issues we commonly share. Indigenous Amerindian knowledge, wisdom which comes from thousands of years of close spiritual contact with the land and sea, is crucial in understanding our environment on the island, in the wider Caribbean and in the Americas,” said Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Manager.
The first project embarked upon is to investigate and come up with a solution for the prevalence of invasive iguanas. These animals have been affecting vegetation and have become a nuisance. “Through working with indigenous peoples from the Americas, together with our own scientific research, we hope to come to a management of the invasive species,” said Bervoets.
CADO Director and Founder Damon Corrie said the strategic partnership with the Nature Foundation is special as it is the only wildlife foundation in the Caribbean CADO has this relationship with. “It is the most active one in the entire region and because human rights are part and parcel of the rest of the natural world. Whatever concerns the flora and fauna of the Caribbean also concerns the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, who were the first human custodians and beneficiaries of it.”
Residents are urged to contact Nature Foundation if they have significant issues with invasive iguanas. The Foundation can be reached at 544-4267 or via e-mail at [email protected].
For more: https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/56383-nature-foundation-cado-partner-on-invasive-iguana
Barbados airport reopens following protests by air traffic controllers
From Caribbean National Weekly
Flights resumed at the Grantley Adams International Airport on Thursday afternoon following protest action by air traffic controllers earlier in the day.
However, airport officials have only assured the public that the controllers will be at work until 8:00 pm (local time).
On Thursday morning, the air traffic controllers took industrial action in solidarity with workers at the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), who have been off the job for almost a week.
The workers have been demanding millions of dollars in payment for outstanding increments.
The strike was also extended to the Bridgetown Port.
In response to the protest, opposition leader Mia Mottley hit out at the Freundel Stuart administration over the shutdown of the island’s ports as well as a strike by workers of the BWA, saying it is “another example of what happens because of the callous attitude to, and the contempt of this government for ordinary workers”.
At Thursday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, Mottley called for a clear commitment from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Water to provide the necessary funds in an effort to end the protest.
Shootout leaves 3 police officers dead in Colombian Caribbean city
From Fox News Latinos
Three police officers died in a shootout that started during a routine stop outside Cartagena, a city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, media reports said, citing police spokesmen.
The shootout began when a man riding a motorcycle with another man resisted an inspection by officers in Cordialidad, located at the exit from the city.
Two officers were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third officer died while being treated for his wounds at the Clinica Madre Bernarda.
Other officers killed the gunman in a nearby neighborhood following a chase.
The other man riding the motorcycle was arrested and turned over to judicial officials. EFE
Gatineau lawyer detained in Caribbean
By Aedan Helmer From Ottawa Citizen
A Gatineau lawyer due up on charges of smuggling tobacco has now been detained in the Dominican Republic, where authorities allege he may have been acting as a drug mule.
According to a report in Le Droit, Stephane Grenier was detained in the Puerto Plata region shortly after checking into hospital. He had reportedly ingested either cocaine or heroin, allegedly with the intent of smuggling the drugs into Canada and, fearing for his health, checked himself into hospital. Staff then alerted police.
Global Affairs Canada would not comment specifically on the charges, citing privacy concerns, but did confirm the ministry is “aware of a Canadian citizen being detained in the Dominican Republic,” according to spokeswoman Diana Khaddaj.
“Canadian officials in the Dominican Republic are in contact with the individual and providing consular assistance.”
According to the Le Droit report, Grenier is the brother of Gatineau Police detective Marc Grenier, a veteran drug investigator, though the report says the police officer is not connected to his brother in the case.
Gatineau police spokeswoman Mariane Leduc would not confirm any information related to the case, but acknowledged a Gatineau police officer had informed management and internal affairs about “a personal situation.”
“Although no internal investigation is underway, and the two people only have a family connection, (Gatineau Police and internal affairs) management are monitoring the file,” she said.
Stephane Grenier was charged in 2015 a separate trafficking investigation involving contraband cigarettes.
A numbered company registered to Grenier was accused of attempting to smuggle 14,505 kg of tobacco into Canada via Windsor’s Ambassador Bridge.
The shipment was intercepted by Canada Border Services Agency, and Grenier was charged with attempting to evade more than $1.6 million in duties and taxes.
According to Le Droit, his recent legal troubles in the Dominican Republic forced Grenier to miss a recent court date on local charges.
For more: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/gatineau-lawyer-detained-in-caribbean
IDB Says Caribbean countries still suffering from 2008 global recession
From Caribflame
The Inter-American Development Bank, IDB says Caribbean countries continue to be affected by the 2008 recession which is affecting the growth rates of some countries.
The IDB says the region’s economies registered a mix of good and poor results with some nations suffering sharp declines in commodity prices and others experiencing increases in tourism during 2015.
It said overall, the Caribbean countries grew at 1.5 per cent in 2015 and are projected to grow at 1.6 per cent in 2016.
The bank also says it registered significant growth in its 2015 loans to The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
It says it approved some US$557.2 million in 2015, for improving the Caribbean’s citizen security, energy and transportation infrastructure and expanding the efficiency and coverage of basic social services in the region.
The IDB also approved US$17 million in grant financing to its Caribbean member countries.
Source/Jamaica Gleaner
CF/IC
For more: http://www.caribflame.com/2016/03/idb-says-caribbean-countries-still-suffering-from-2008-global-recession/
Barbados bans importation of drones
By Sharon Austin From Caribbean News Now
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) — The government of Barbados has announced a 12-month prohibition on the importation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, with effect from Friday, April 1.
According to an official in the Customs and Excise Department, this ban will allow the authorities to complete a legal framework to govern the use of these devices and determine the number in operation in Barbados.
The spokesperson said that, during the last two years in particular, there had been a significant increase in the number of RPAS for commercial and recreational use being allowed entry into the country.
She continued: “This has contributed to the unregulated growth of drones and the inability of the regulatory authorities to ascertain the numbers in operation.”
Despite the positive use of drones, the official stated, concerns had been raised here and internationally about the potential for their misuse and the risks posed to safety, security and privacy by their unregulated use.
Late last year, it was reported in Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday that the government, there was “moving to strictly regulate the use of drones … by introducing legal regulations that would make the devices illegal in the absence of registration certificates obtained from aviation authorities.
For more: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Barbados-bans-importation-of-drones-29611.html
Cuban upward tourism trend not slowing
From Caribbean News Now
HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) — Despite forecasts of the possibility of Cuban tourism failing to keep the upward trend shown in the last years, the Caribbean island’s leisure industry posted 14.6 percent growth in the first 71 days of 2016.
According to a report issued by the Cuban Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR by its Spanish acronym), the number of visitors to the island nation reached the one-million mark 11 days ahead of the previous year.
After posting record figures in 2015, when over 3.5 million tourists landed in Cuba, for a 17.8 percent growth compared to the year before, some media and experts believed it would be impossible to maintain the trend.
But source markets like Germany, the UK, the US, France and Italy continued to increase their operations, along with the largest and most traditional, Canada, which represents almost a full third of all visitors.
The press release by MINTUR stated that all its entities, along with the Cuban government and people, are working to improve the quality and the amount of lodging facilities to meet the high demand Cuba is facing nowadays.
The new strategies of the industry include diversifying tourism offers to go beyond being a sun and sand tourist destination, to become a cultural, historical, nature and event heaven for visitors.
For more: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-Cuban-upward-tourism-trend-not-slowing-29647.html
Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly date set
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Following the agreement of Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, 22 March, 2016, the Premier has asked the Speaker of the House to summon the Legislative Assembly to meet on Monday, 25 April, 2016.
Government is expected to present several bills for debate and passage, including:
• Statistics (Amendment) Bill (2016)
• Standards in Public Life (Amendment) Bill (2016)
• Accountants Bill (2016)
• Companies Law (Amendment) Bill (2016)
• Limited Liability Companies Bill (2016)
• Legal Practitioners Bill (2016)
• Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill (2016)
Also to be dealt with are various private member motions and parliamentary questions.
Public Meeting to Discuss Trade and Business Licensing Law Requirements
A public meeting on the new Trade and Business Licensing Law, specifically health insurance and pension requirements, is being held at 7pm on Thursday, 31 March, at the Town Hall in George Town.
Representatives from the National Health Insurance Commission and the Department of Labour and Pensions will be present, along with the Chamber of Commerce and the Cayman Islands Small Business Association.
For more information, email [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.
Children’s Film Competition Registration Extended
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has extended its registration deadline for students wishing to enter their short films in the Young Image Makers (YIM) competition.
Budding filmmakers can now submit their entries now through Wednesday, 13th April, 2016.
The Foundation is allowing students more time over the Easter holidays to work on their films.
Interested persons can submit films to CNCF offices behind Harquail Theatre by 5.00 p.m. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers , for more details, email [email protected]
Cayman Islands Humane Society Book Loft March Monthly Sale
50% Sale on all books
Self Help
Spiritual
Parenting
Biographies
Sport’s
+
Buy 1 CD Get 1 FREE
Tel: 946-8053
Location – next to ALT’s on North Sound Road
Minister Marion Hall heads to Grand Cayman
High profile dancehall artiste turned gospel minister, Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw is heading to Cayman.
Hall is scheduled to perform at Concert at the Lion Center in Grand Cayman on June 5.
“I will be there in the name of Jesus,” said Hall on Instagram as she shared a promotional flyer for the event.
Hall is also expected to make her gospel debut overseas from March 25-27.
SOURCE: http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/minister-marion-hall-heads-grand-cayman
Art through Cancer- Cancer through Art
Thu April 7 – May 12
National Training Programme – Passport2Success
The Passport2Success Programme is currently seeking applicants for its 20th cohort which will begin on April 25th 2016. This cohort is geared to young Caymanians between the ages of 17 and 23. Application deadline is 1st April 2016. Email [email protected] or call 945-3114 for more information. Visit www.passport2Success.ky to apply.
Internship with Prosperity Capital Management
This internship is being offered by Prosperity Capital Management Ltd, as part of the National Internship Programme. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience of accounting as well as some specifics of the funds industry. Various practical training sessions will be offered combined with the daily hands-on experience. The internship opportunity is available for those studying finance or accounting at a local college/university. Email [email protected] or call 945-3114 for application forms. Deadline is April 24th 2016.
Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Orange You Glad Gala NOW SAT APRIL 9
Click image to enlarge:
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 MAR 29
Grand Court Jurors Notice
All Grand Court Jurors in the current session are now to report for jury duty on Tuesday (29 Mar) at 9:45am.
Cayman Outreach Association Easter Camp
The Cayman Outreach Association Easter Camp runs Tuesday — Friday (29 Mar — 1 Apr). Call 939.7897 for more information.
WED MAR 30
Love Shouldn’t Hurt Lunch and Learn Series
Love Shouldn’t Hurt Lunch and Learn Series is Wednesday (30 Mar) from 12pm until 1pm at the Family Resource Center.
THU MAR 31
Trade and Business Licensing Law Meeting
A public meeting on the new Trade and Business Licensing Law, specifically health insurance and pension requirements, is being held at 7pm on Thursday (31 Mar) at the Town Hall in George Town. Representatives from the National Health Insurance Commission and the Department of Labour and Pensions will be present, along with the Chamber of Commerce and the Cayman Islands Small Business Association.
Dress Down in celebration of Earth Day
Dress Down in celebration of Earth Day. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky to order your shirt today.
SME Workshop
The Chamber of Commerce presents a SME Workshop on Thursday (31 Mar) from 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Debt Collection: How to Avoid and Collect Bad Debt
The Chamber of Commerce presents Debt Collection: How to Avoid and Collect Bad Debt by Sarah Allison on Thursday, (31 Mar) from 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Step it Up for Gender Equality
In an effort to organise activities that embody this year’s Honouring Women’s Month theme, “Step it Up for Gender Equality” the Family Resource Centre is encouraging employers from various fields and all levels of employees to participate in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day throughout the month of March. For more information contact the Family Resource Centre on [email protected] or 949-0006.
Cardinal Avenue Street Fair
The Cardinal Avenue Street Fair is Thursday (31Mar) from 9am until 4pm.
FRI APR 1
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day Free Screenings
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day is Friday (1 Apr) and the Cayman Cancer Society is offering free mouth cancer examinations at several dental and ear, nose and throat clinics. Call the Cancer Society for more information.
Passport2Success Programme Applications
The Passport2Success Programme is currently seeking applicants for its 20th cohort which will begin on April 25th 2016. This cohort is geared to Young Caymanians between the ages of 17 and 23. Application deadline is April 1st. Email [email protected] or call 945-3114 for more information. Visit www.passport2Success.ky to apply
SAT APR 2
Mustang Track Club car wash fundraiser
The Mustang Track Club car wash fundraiser is Saturday (2 Apr) from 830am until 430pm at the SMB Burger King.
St. Ignatius Church Garage Sale
St. Ignatius Church is having a garage sale and car boot on Saturday (2 Apr) from 1am until 11am at Loyola Hall.
Discovering Relational Wisdom
The Church of God Chapel in George Town, Grand Cayman, is sponsoring a live interactive seminar on Discovering Relational Wisdom. The venue is the Family Life Center and the time is from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday (2 Apr.)
Women in the Church Bake Sale
The Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church Women in the Church Bake Sale is Saturday (2 Apr) at the A.L. Home Depot parking lot at 7am
THU APR 7
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
The Cayman Drama Society presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat with shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday from April 4th through April 24th at 730pm. There will also be matinees on April 17th and 24th at 5pm.
SAT APR 9
Human Society’s Bargain Blow Out Book Sale
The Cayman Islands Human Society’s Bargain Blow Out Book Sale is Saturday (9 Apr) from 9am until 4pm outside AL Thompson’s Main Entrance.
Meals on Wheels Orange You Glad Gala
The Meals on Wheels Orange You Glad Gala is offering sponsoring and advertising opportunities on Saturday. The event is April 9th from 6pm to midnight at the Marriott Hotel. For more information call 949.3905.
