iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
Jamaican, Dominican, BVI cops accused of stealing drugs, money from criminals
From Caribbean 360
ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Monday April 11, 2016 – Three police officers in the British Virgin Islands – one from Jamaica, one from Dominica and the other a local – have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, accused of stealing drugs and money from criminals they apprehended and using the ill-gotten gains to purchase vehicles and houses.
BVI national Simon Power, Jamaican Shawn Henry and Dominican Pamphill Prevost, who took the lead in major drug and money laundering cases, are facing 19 charges for offences allegedly committed between January 2012 and April 2014. They are: three counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, nine counts of theft, four counts of possessing or using the proceeds of criminal conduct, two counts of drug possession with intent to supply, and one count of transferring proceeds of criminal conduct.
A fourth officer, Michael Isles, who was involved in the illegal activities at a later stage and was suspended form the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) along with the other three last year, has turned state witness in the case. He is not facing any charges.
According to the prosecutor, Queen’s Counsel Christopher Sallon who was brought in from the United Kingdom, the three officers who were part of the Proactive Unit of the RVIPF, would use police intelligence to intercept criminals and then take some of the drugs and money seized.
It’s alleged that they stole more than a quarter million dollars – sums of $30,000, $128,000, $15,000, $80,000, $4,000, $20,000, and $9,000 on separate occasions – along with 158 kilos of marijuana and 20 kilos of cocaine.
Despite arguments presented by defence attorneys when the matter was first heard in court last week, 20 months after Operation Lucan began to investigate allegations of serious police corruption, Power, Henry and Prevost were remanded to prison.
Sallon had told the court that Power and Henry posed a flight risk; that the accused may interfere with witnesses if released on bail; and that there were “credible” death threats made against them and keeping them behind bars was for their own safety.
In agreeing that they should be denied bail, Magistrate Ayanna Bapiste-DaBreo said the charges were serious and there was “a strong possibility that these defendants will abscond”.
Sallon assured that the authorities would speak with the Governor to ensure that the police officers would be kept separately and safe in jail.
Swiss banks face scrutiny over Panama Papers
From Reuters
Switzerland is stepping up scrutiny of its banks in response to the Panama Papers which have prompted a global outcry over allegations of tax avoidance.
“We want to know which banks have used the services of the Panamanian firm and whether Swiss laws were broken,” said Thomas Bauer, president of Swiss financial watchdog FINMA.
“We’ve already contacted (Swiss financial) institutes,” Bauer told Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag, without specifying names.
Switzerland is the world’s largest center for offshore wealth, with Boston Consulting Group estimating that around $2.5 trillion in foreign assets was kept with the country’s banks in 2014.
FINMA signaled a crackdown on money laundering on Wednesday and is now calling for authorities around the globe to set standards that would prevent abus
“Other states and organizations — such as the European Union or the OECD — need to make efforts to establish similar regulations everywhere,” Bauer told the paper.
Branches of Swiss lenders including UBS (UBSG.S) and Credit Suisse (CSGN.S) were mentioned in the leaked documents as being among the main banks that requested offshore companies for clients. Both banks have denied wrongdoing in connection with the practice.
(Reporting by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi; Editing by Keith Weir)
For more: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/17mhqzf6586ej/?&th=154059f7ecdfb0c4&v=c
Third drug interception in the Caribbean by the HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën
From St Maarten island Time
Third drug interception in the Caribbean by the HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – In the morning of April 3rd, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën managed to intercept more than 250 kilos of cocaine.
The operation was a successful collaboration between the Dutch, Belgian and American units operating from the Dutch frigate.
The action firing place in the framework of the international counter-drug operation Carib Venture, led by the Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean.
HNLMS De Zeven Provincien did two previous interceptions the past month, or 400 and 600 kilos of cocaine.
After receiving a notification of an American patrol aircraft about a suspicious sailing vessel, HNLMS Seven Provinces Sailed to the designated location for interception.
Just before sunset the ship came into position and during the night it Became clear thatthere was contraband on board.
On Sunday morning the sailing vessel was searched by a team of the US Coast Guard-which has embarked on HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën for thesis cases.
During Their search They found more than 250 kilos of cocaine. It is Believed That the only person on board the sailboat threw part of the contraband overboard.
During the operation, the Belgian helicopter, the Alouette III flew above the area to monitor the sailboat and surroundings for suspicious activity. The sailing vessel, the suspect and the contraband have been Transferred to the US Coast Guard.
Analyst makes case for all-inclusive governance
By Kadeem Joseph From Antigua Observer
A political analyst is warning that partisan politics will ruin Antigua & Barbuda and other countries in the region.
Denys Springer said it is time for political parties that have been elected to govern, to represent the entire population and not just a section.
“The development of the small islands of the Caribbean is at least hindered by the smaller islands of the Caribbean is at least hindered by the political establishment having to say we have to repay our people,” he said. “It is time that we have a government that represents the country … it’s time that politicians in the Caribbean understand that.”
The ruling Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) was strongly criticised by its supporters for reportedly employing two former opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) candidates.
During the UPP’s first term in office, the party was criticised by supporters for its “tent” philosophy which then prime minister Baldwin Spencer said welcomed all regardless of political persuasion.
Springer said parties should try to have the best people for what whatever job they have in order to advance the country.
He said this approach will avoid having “square pegs in round holes”.
The political analyst also said the politics of the region has become too divisive rather than proactive.
“Both the parties and politicians themselves seem to forget that there are issues especially in the development of the country that they should to be discussing instead of trying to denigrate each other,” he charged.
He said politicians should focus on educating their people, improving infrastructure and convincing the populace that they are the right choice.
For more: http://antiguaobserver.com/analyst-makes-case-for-all-inclusive-governance/
Grand Court Jurors Report DATE Changed
The Grand Court Jurors report DATE has been changed.
All Grand Court Jurors who are in the ‘6th APRIL – 5th JULY 2016’ session, please be advised that you are now to report for jury duty on WEDNESDAY the 13th April, 2016, at 9:45 a.m.
The Jury Information line – 945-5072 – has the most up to date information.
Deadline Extended for Student Film Competition AGAIN
Budding filmmakers have a little more time to submit their stories to the Young Image Makers competition. The deadline has been extended to Wednesday, 20 April.
Hosted by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), the competition provides youngsters with the opportunity to sharpen their technical film skills and explore their creativity.
Films can focus on any subject matter and run one to three minutes. There are two age categories of competition, Junior (10 – 13 years) and Senior (14 – 17 years).
Up to 20 films will be selected for the competition. Students who are selected will participate in workshops conducted by film professionals. The experience will culminate in a red carpet event at the Harquail Theatre, as part of the CayFilm Festival on Thursday, 30 June. All films in competition will be screened that night.
Two winners will enjoy a trip to the New York Film Academy. Winning films from previous years can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/caymanculture.
Application information can be found online at www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers. Films must be submitted by 5 p.m. to the CNCF office on the deadline day.
Cayman Islands General Registry closing for staff training -Wed April 13
General Registry, including its counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close on Wednesday, 13 April, for a staff training event.
There will be limited electronic service available to CORIS/EDMS subscribers, with online queries not generating the usual immediate response.
In the event of a birth- or death-related emergency, the relevant Government agencies have been provided contact numbers for General Registry’s staff.
General Registry’s main office, including its counter, will reopen on Thursday, 14 April, at 8:30am.
General Registry apologises for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information, please call 946-7922 or email [email protected].
2016 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge
The 2016 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge will be held on Cayman Brac on Sunday, 17 April and Grand Cayman on Sunday, 24 April.
The event aims to raise $50,000 to help Cayman Heart Fund in its drive to buy a new ambulance, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Registration takes place in Cayman Brac on 7, 8, 14 and 15 April from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m in the District
Administration Building. In Grand Cayman, registration takes place on 7, 8, 14 and 15 April from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 21 and 22 April from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Government Administration Building.
Visit www.odg.gov.ky/DG5K for the registration form and further details.
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.
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
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 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)
WED APR 13
Bookends Club
The Bookends Club’s next meeting is Wednesday (13 Apr) from 630 to 730pm at Books and Books.
International tenor to conduct free workshop at Cayman University
After a successful run in Europe and the USA, international tenor soloist Steve Higgins is conducting his Jamaican Folk Music workshop at the University College of the Cayman Islands on Wednesday, April 13.
This event is free and open to the public.
Jamaican Folk Music workshop
You’re invited to a Jamaican Folk Music workshop on Wednesday (13 Apr) at 2pm at UCCI’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall.
Read to Tots Day
As part of Week of the Young Child, you’re invited to Read to Tots Day on Wednesday (13 Apr) from 9 until noon at participating Early Childhood Education Centers.
THU APR 14 – SUN APR 24
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 7th through April 24th at 730pm. There will also be matinees on April 17th and 24th at 5pm.
SAT APR 16
Culture at the Cinema Man and Superman
Culture at the Cinema featuring Man and Superman is Saturday (16 Apr) at 7pm at Regal Cinemas.
Camana Bay’s Slow Food Day Food Revolution Kids Culinary Challenge is Saturday (16 Apr) from 1230pm to 2pm in Gardenia Court at Camana Bay. The Farm to Table dinner is at 7pm on The Crescent.
Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Clean-Up
Volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Clean-Up on April 16 from 7a.m. — 10 a.m. Resources will be provided while supplies last. Register at www.caymanchamber.ky
Earth Day Island Wide Roadside Clean-Up
The Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Island Wide Roadside Clean-Up on April 16. Anyone interested in sponsoring or participating can contact Nikita Durrant at reception@caymanchamber.
20th Annual Earth Day Clean-Up
The 20th Annual Earth Day Clean-Up will be on April 16th with brunch and a Family Fun Day at Public Beach after the Clean-Up!
SUN APR 17
Dr. J. Hugh Cummings Memorial 5K Walk
The Annual Dr. J. Hugh Cummings Memorial 5K Walk is Sunday (17 Apr) at 6:30 AM.
MON APR 18
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – Desert Islands Discs
Rev Mary Graham picks musical disks she takes with her to a deserted Caribbean island that mean a lot to her and why.
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm – 9pm
Admission $5 includes light refreshments
TUE APR 19
Seafarers Association General Meeting
The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform all Members that there will be a General Meeting, on Tuesday 19 April 2016 at 7:30 PM. in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect.
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – Bingo
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm – 9pm
Admission $5
WED APR 20
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (20 Apr) at 630pm at Books and Books.
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – St George Mass
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm
THU APR 21
Glen Inanga Piano Recital for Cayman Islands Arts Festival Scholarship Programme
Immigration: Work Permits
The Chamber of Commerce presents Immigration: Work Permits with Nick Joseph on Thursday (21 Apr) from 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – ABBA Movie Night
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm
Movie: Mama Mia
Admission $5 Includes light refreshments. Dress up as ABBA.
FRI APR 22
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – Family Feast & Games Night
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm
Tickets $15 Adults Child $5
SAT APR 23
Rotary Science Fair
The Rotary Science Fair is Saturday (23 Apr) from 10 to 3pm at the Arts and Recreation Center.
Sixth Annual Breast Cancer Beach Walk
The Sixth Annual Breast Cancer Beach Walk is Saturday (23 April) at Royal Palms at 7pm. Register now at breastcancerfoundation.ky.
SUN APR 24
Revival Services
The Red Bay Church of God (Holiness) will hold Revival Services Sunday — Friday (24 – 29 Apr) at 6PM on Sunday and 730pm on weeknights.
Prosperity Capital Management Internship
Apply now for an internship with Prosperity Capital Management. This internship is being offered 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 2015.
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:
Wednesday 13 April
6-8pm
The Bookends Club
Wednesday 13 April
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Market & Chef Demonstrations
Saturday 16 April
10am-12pm
The Paseo, Gardenia Court and Bon Vivant
Food Revolution Kids’ Culinary Challenge
Saturday 16 April
12:30-2pm
Slow Food Day
Farm-to-Table Dinner
Saturday 16 April
7pm
The Crescent
Culture at the Cinema
Man and Superman
Saturday 16 April
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Burger Beer Bash Cooking Class
Tuesday 19 April
6-8pm
Floetry
Wednesday 20 April
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Rotary Science Fair
Saturday 23 April
10am-3pm
The Arts & Recreation Centre
Budding Chef Cooking Class
Pizza Mania
Saturday 23 April
12-1pm
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 28 April
7pm
Ortanique
Mother’s Day Portraits
Saturday 30 April
10am-1pm
Mom & Me Cooking Class
Saturday 30 April
12-1pm
