iNews Briefs & Community Events
Two people hit by subways around the same time near west village
By Jen Kirby From New York Mag
This is a gruesome coincidence: Two people were hit by trains in the West Village at 14th Street subway stations Thursday night, at around the same time. A 36-year-old woman fainted and fell onto the 3 train tracks at 14th Street at about 9:20 last night, while a 23-year-old male victim tumbled onto the E tracks at the 14th Street stop at Eighth Avenue.
The woman was hit by a southbound 3 train; police do not know how long she lay on the tracks. She is reportedly in very, very bad shape, and doctors had to amputate both of her legs. The man who fell was conscious and tried to lift himself back onto the platform. He could not climb back up before the train pulled into the station, and his legs were jammed between the train and the platform. The man had to be freed by emergency crews, reports NBC 4. He’s hospitalized but said to be in stable condition.
Jamaica: Former Police Officer, Girlfriend Dead in Suspected Murder Suicide
By JA-Blogz News Team
Police in St Elizabeth are reportedly probing a suspected case of murder-suicide in the parish on Wednesday evening, June 16.
The deceased are 59-year-old Easton Douglas, an ex-cop, of Passage Fort, St Catherine and his girlfriend – 41-year-old Tamara McIntosh, a nail technician, of Short Hill, St Elizabeth.
According to the police, Douglas was visiting McIntosh when gunshots were heard sometime after 6 pm.
Their bodies were later discovered by the police lying together in a pool of blood with gunshot wounds.
A glock pistol with nine rounds were also seen close to the couple.
The Pedro Plains police are investigating the incident as no motive has been established.
For more: http://jablogz.com/2016/06/former-police-officer-girlfriend-dead-in-suspected-murder-suicide/
ILO to issue new report on the impact of Active Labour Market Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean
GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) is to issue a Growth With Equity study on Active Labour Market Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This Synthesis Report is the outcome of a multi-year research project undertaken by the Policy Assessment Unit of the ILO Research Department, with the aim of providing constituents with evidence of “what works”.
In particular, the report provides a first systematic analysis of active labour market policies (ALMPs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and assesses their effectiveness in improving labour market and social conditions.
The report will be launched at the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Las Flores 275, San Isidro, (Peru) by ILO Latin America Regional Director José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs at 9.30am local time.
The report: “What works: Active labour market policies in Latin America and the Caribbean”, along with other public information material, will be under embargo until 16:00 GMT (11:00 a.m. Lima) on Tuesday 21 June 2016.
Jamaica seeks to boost cruise tourism to the island
From South Florida Caribbean News
MIAMI – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett is scheduled to meet with strategic tourism partners in Miami in a bid to boost arrivals to the Jamaica.
Minister Bartlett will attend several important meetings with tourism interests including representatives of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and the International Air Transport Association.
In making his contribution to the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, Minister Bartlett emphasized that cruise marketing has now been added to the portfolio of the Ministry of Tourism as part of a strategic move to further boost cruise arrivals.
This trip therefore forms part of the aggressive cruise marketing efforts being undertaken by the Ministry through the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to develop the sector.
“The JTB’s cruise marketing initiative will entail intensified efforts to market the destination directly to cruise customers and marketing agents, promoting local attractions as well as to drive cruise conversion,” said Minister Bartlett.
The Minister is being accompanied by the Jamaica Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook.
For more: http://sflcn.com/jamaica-seeks-to-boost-cruise-tourism-to-the-island/
HIV Testing Week June 20 – 25 2016
The C.I. Health Services Authority (H.S.A), the Cayman AIDS Foundation, and the C.I. Red Cross will once again join forces in coordinating activities to mark HIV Testing week, which will be observed in the Cayman Islands from 20 to 25 June 2016.
This is in support of the Regional HIV Testing Day (RTD) in collaboration with the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership (CBMP), and the regional franchise of Scotiabank in the Caribbean. Scotiabank Cayman is also a part of the activities.
“Regional Testing Day has become a permanent fixture on the calendar of Caribbean countries for the past nine years and has expanded to 21 territories, providing an opportunity for persons to ‘know their status’,” noted Health Promotion Officer Therese Prehay. While the regional testing day will be observed on 24 June and will focus on ‘know your status’, Cayman’s week of activities will be aimed at promoting heightened awareness of the prevention and spread of HIV. In addition, educational awareness on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in the Cayman Islands, as well as knowing your HIV status will be highlighted.
HIV Coordinator, Nurse Laura Elniski noted that “the overarching objective of this annual regional initiative is to heighten public awareness on the critical importance of voluntary counselling and testing in preventing the transmission of HIV infection and to encourage persons to get tested.”
Free HIV testing will be offered from 20 to 25 June 2016 at all district health centres in Grand Cayman, Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, Little Cayman public health clinic and other locations across the islands.
No appointment is necessary during the week and the waiting time for testing is usually no more than 10 minutes. Persons who are seeking testing or counselling can indicate to the registration clerks that they would like to register for free HIV screening. The testing procedure involves a quick and simple blood test. Results are available within three working days.
The results are given only to the patient, who must return to the clinic where the test was taken to retrieve the results; no results are available over the telephone. This is to protect the confidentiality of the individual and to offer counselling, if necessary.
For more information about HIV testing week, contact HIV AIDS Programme Coordinator Nurse Laura Elniski at 244-2507.
What is HIV?
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
- You can have HIV and not know it.
What is HIV testing?
- The HIV test looks for antigens and antibodies in a person’s blood. When HIV (which is a virus) enters a body, special chemicals are produced. These chemicals are called antigens and antibodies, which are the body’s response to an infection.
What does HIV testing involve?
- A small sample of blood will be taken from your arm, sent to a laboratory, and tested for HIV antigens and antibodies. The test is always strictly confidential.
What is a positive HIV test?
- HIV positive means that antigens and antibodies to HIV were detected, a confirmatory test must be completed to diagnosis HIV. This test is sent overseas and may take up to 10 days to return.
What is a negative HIV test?
- HIV negative means that no HIV antigens and antibodies were detected. In almost all cases, this means the person is not infected with HIV. With the fourth generation testing that HSA uses called HIV Combo (HIV antigen and Antibody testing), the previous known window period of three months has been reduced to between two and six weeks.
- The test is only accurate if there are no other exposures between the time of possible exposure to HIV, and testing.
How do I know if I have HIV?
- The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your status is important because it helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV.
- Some people may experience a flu-like illness within two to four weeks after infection (Stage 1 HIV infection). Some people may not feel sick during this stage. Flu-like symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or mouth ulcers.
- These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time, HIV infection may not show up on an HIV test, but people who have it are highly infectious and can transmit the infection to others.
- If you have these symptoms, that doesn’t mean you have HIV. Each of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses. But if you have these symptoms after a potential exposure to HIV, see a health care provider and tell them about your risk.
- The only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.
How is HIV transmitted?
- Through unprotected sex with someone who has HIV. Your sex partner can have HIV but not know it.
- By sharing needles or syringes that have already been used by someone who has HIV.
- Women with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, or
Breast feeding.
You can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities. Most commonly, people get or transmit HIV through sexual behaviour, and needle or syringe use.
How can I protect myself?
While abstinence from sexual activity that involves bodily fluids is the only 100% sure way to remain HIV negative, those who are sexually active can greatly reduce their risk of contracting HIV by:
- having one partner (who is only having sex with you)
- correct and consistent condom use every single time
- regular HIV testing
Other methods of prevention include:
- not sharing any kind of needles
You CANNOT get HIV from:
- Social contact – shaking hands, touching, or hugging someone with HIV.
- Coughing or sneezing.
- Tears, saliva or sweat.
- Sharing drinking glasses, plates, forks, knives or spoons.
- Using public bathrooms and drinking fountains.
- Mosquito bites or other bug bites.
- Swimming pools or hot tubs.
- Pets.
HIV Testing
If you think you have HIV or are at high risk (multiple partners) get an HIV test. The test is safe and private. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to.
You can make an appointment for confidential testing at:
- Public Health Clinic: 244-2648
- GT General Practice Clinic: 244-2800/244-2507
- District Health Centres
- Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) 916-1742
You may also have HIV testing with a private doctor
HIV Testing Sites
Cayman Islands National Gallery
A Last Look!
The Native Sons
If you haven’t seen the temporary exhibition The Native Sons – Twenty Years On, this is your last chance to view stunning works by seven talented individuals. The exhibition ends Saturday, 25 June 2016. Admission is free for everyone and all ages are welcome! We even have fun activities for kids, just ask at reception.
A Creative Lunch Break
A delicious and informative lunch and lecture will take place next week Wednesday, 15 June at the National Gallery. Learn all about the Native Sons with NGCI Assistant Curator Kerri-Anne Chisholm and enjoy some local flavours, like jerk chicken and fresh mango!
View the menu.
Learn more.
Make Your Mark!
Want more? More art, more access, more perks? Become a member of the National Gallery. Already a member? Refer a friend and support free admission and free public programme for everyone!
Learn more.
A Closer Look with the Curator
“This painting titled Home to Parking Lot by Native Sons artist Solomon Solomon expertly blends past and present using cubist influences to illustrate a personal story of loss resulting from urban development. Depicted is the estate Solomon’s family occupied for five decades, and the site currently as a parking lot.” – Kerri-Anne Chisholm, NGCI Assistant Curator
Learn more about the artist.
Cayman Islands Chatterbox is collaborating with Cayman Theraplay to present our fun and therapeutic Superheroes Camp!
Unleash your superhero and have fun with movement, creativity, language and friendship skills!
To book, contact: [email protected]
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
Cayman Drama Society: The funniest show on earth!
Have you got your tickets yet for the funniest play of the year? Join us for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Click here for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-complete-works-of-william-shakespeare-abridged-ticket-sales-in-us-tickets-24974384055?aff=ehomecard
Cayman Islands: Register for the CNCF Summer Arts Camp
Learn new skills while having fun this summer. Registration is open for the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp.
Set to take place 11 – 19 August, the camp is open to students ages 7 – 16. Children 6 years old are accepted if an older sibling is enrolled in the camp.
Students will engage in activities that focus on the visual, traditional and performing arts, with classes in drama, storytelling, dance, and more. Students will also get to take part in field trips that highlight Cayman’s cultural and maritime heritage.
Registration forms can be found online at www.artscayman.org/creative-kids and are due by Thursday 30 June. Membership cost is $150 per child for seven days. Snacks and lunch are included. Payment is due Friday 15 July.
For more information about the camp you can email [email protected] or call 949-5477.
MON JUNE 20
NWDA In Bodden Town
The National Workforce Development Agency will be at the Bodden Town Library on Monday (20 Jun) from 10 — 1pm.
TUE JUNE 21
Cayman Islands Seafarers Social Gathering June 21 2016
Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to remind their members of the social on 21 June 2016 at 7:00PM. at the Seafarer’s Hall. 11 Victory Ave. Prospect. Entertainment will be provided by BaCKBeAt Band.
Sickle Cell Support Group Meeting
The next Sickle Cell Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 21 2016 at 7.30 p.m. at the Cayman Islands Hospital public health waiting room. Dr. Anna Matthews, general practitioner, and Dr. Linden Swan, paediatrician, will lead the discussion. All are invited. For further information, contact the genetics coordinator on 244-2630 or email [email protected].
FRI JUNE 24
BBQ & Gospel Hoedown
St. George’s Anglican Church’s Annual 2016 Fundraising BBQ & Gospel Hoedown is Friday (24 Jun) at 530pm.
Island Living Show
Cayman 27’s Island Living Show is Friday & Saturday (24 & 25 Jun) from 5 — 8pm and 10 — 4pm respectively at the Arts and Recreation Center at Camana Bay.
SAT JUNE 25
Cayman Islands: Mud Run organisers call for volunteers
The Pirates Week Festival is seeking 100 volunteers to assist with its upcoming Pirates Trail Mud Run on Saturday 25th June, 2016.
The 5k run and obstacle course is a fundraiser for the Islands’ national festival, Pirates Week (10-20 November, 2016).
Event organisers are looking for both service groups and individuals to pitch in as follows:
The week before the race,
- course set-up
- organising participant packets
On race day,
- registration
- EMS station (must be First Aid/CPR trained)
- water stations
- obstacle management
- lifeguard stations
- photographers
Along with giving back to the community, volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, food and beverages as well as a chance to win a free airline ticket on Cayman Airways (terms and conditions apply. A minimum of 3 volunteer hours is required).
Interested persons, aged 18 and older, will be provided with a short training session on Tuesday 21st June at 5:30pm at the Pirates Week Office.
For more information or to receive a volunteer application from, contact the Pirates Week Office via email at [email protected] or 949-5859/949-5078.
The Pirates Trail Mud Run is set for Saturday 25th June (see flyer attached) at the end of Sparky Drive, Industrial Park at 7:00am. There will be a children’s course (five and up) available.
Register online at www.caymanactive.com before Friday 17th June. Late registration begins on 18th – 22nd June at a higher cost, so register early. Registration details are as follows: Children 5 – 12: $15, Individuals: $40, Teams of four: $120 (Late registration: $50/Individuals | $160/Teams).
The first 200 adults to register get a collectible Pirates Trail Mud Run t-shirt.
NEW to Pirates Trail Mud Run!
2016 registrants will also have the opportunity to win an additional $1,000 in our TUG-O-WAR event.
Eight people can take home the cash prize for an additional fee of only $10 per person/$80 per team!
Cayman Businessmen’s Breakfast
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday June 25th at 7:30am, at Lola’s ( formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay. Our speaker will be Mr. Charles Watler MBE.
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
Olympic Day 5K Run/Walk
The Olympic Day 5K Run/Walk is Saturday (25 Jun) at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex at 7am. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
Miss Cayman Islands Meet & Greet
The Miss Cayman Islands Meet & Greet is Saturday (25 Jun) at Lobster Pot at 7pm.
SUN JUNE 26
PAWS on Wheels
PAWS on Wheels cycling event is Sunday (26 Jun) at 7am starting at the Lighthouse Restaurant. For more details, log on to caymanactive.com.
TUE JUNE 28
Landlord and Tenant Relationships
The Chamber of Commerce presents a course on Landlord and Tenant Relationships on Tuesday (28 Jun) from 9 — 11am. Register online at caymanchamber.ky.
WED JUNE 29
SME Workshop
The Chamber of Commerce presents a free SME Workshop on Hiring the Right Employee on Wednesday (29 Jun) from 530 — 730pm. Register online at caymanchamber.ky.
THU JUNE 30
Cayman Islands student filmmakers to walk the Red Carpet
The Young Image Makers (YIM) Red Carpet Premiere will take place on Thursday 30 June at the Harquail Theatre at 7.00 p.m.
The event marks the close of the 2016 YIM programme which provided the eleven finalists the opportunity to sharpen their technical skills and explore their creativity through the art of filmmaking.
At the annual event, two students – one from the junior and senior categories – will win a summer movie camp experience at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) courtesy of the Department of Tourism (DoT). One additional NYFA movie camp prize is being awarded by DoT to the winner of the Cayman Through My Eyes Video Challenge, a special category in YIM this year. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will also be named and given a prize provided by Cathy Church’s Photo Center.
The premiere kick starts the second annual CayFilm Festival. It is free and open to the public with a semi-formal dress code. Additional support for YIM comes from the Department of Commerce and Investment.
For more information visit www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers, or email [email protected]
National Arts & Culture Awards
CNCF is now accepting nominations for the National Arts & Culture Awards. Nomination forms can be found online at www.artscayman.org/arts-award.
NRA Road Works
Motorists and residents of the Prospect and Red Bay areas are advised that the National Roads Authority will be conducting roadworks at the Red Bay roundabout through June 30th.
Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp
Registration is open for the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp, taking place 11 — 19 August. The Camp is open to students ages 7 — 16. Registration forms can be found online at www.artscayman.org/creative-kids and are due by Thursday (30 Jun.)
National Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan
Progress continues on the creation of the Cayman Islands’ first National Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan.
There is now a comprehensive survey designed to garner widest possible feedback from all individuals in the Cayman Islands, so that the public is given full access to contribute to this important policy.
The survey is designed to give the public the opportunity to have a voice in the information-gathering stage of the policy formation as well as to contribute to what will become the vision, values and potential objectives of the policy.
Members of the public can access the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZDQK8C2 . The survey closes 30th June.
The findings of the survey will be used along with the reports from the six Focus Groups of the Steering Committee, to be compiled into a main situational analysis on culture and heritage in the islands, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Culture by the end of July. Survey results will be used to feed into the framework for the new policy and strategic plan, which is expected to roll out over a 10-year period, from 2017 to 2027.
Cayman Islands Cancer Society Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society will be held at the Chamber of Commerce Office in Governor’s Square on June 30th, at 730pm
June Events at Camana Bay
We want to help you celebrate Dad this Father’s Day. From a family portrait session with Picture This Studios in beautiful Gardenia Court to a cooking class for dads and kids to whip up tasty treats at Bon Vivant, there are ample opportunities for bonding experiences this Father’s Day at Camana Bay.
With summer approaching, we have some exciting events to welcome this school’s-out season, including the return of our popular Moonlight & Movies series and a cooking class featuring the king of the grill, the Big Green Egg. Foodies can also enjoy an unforgettable night with a feast under the stars at Ortanique’s pig roast.
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Budding Chef Summer Tween Classes
Every Tuesday, 31 May through 28 June
3:45-4:45pm
Isy B. Fashion Show
Moonlight & Movies: Summer Series
Every Tuesday, June through August
7pm
Indian Infusion Cooking Class
Tuesday 14 June
6-8pm
Easy Entertaining Cooking Class
Wednesday 15 June
6-8pm
Floetry
Wednesday 15 June
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Father’s Day Duo Cooking Class
Saturday 18 June
12-1pm
Culture at the Cinema: Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Saturday 18 June
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Big Green Egg and Bourbon Cooking Class
Tuesday 21 June
6-8pm
Cayman 27’s Island Living Show
Friday 24 June and Saturday 25 June
5-8pm and 10am-4pm
The Arts & Recreation Centre
Island-Style Cooking Class
Tuesday 28 June
6-8pm
Ortanique’s Final Pig Roast
Tuesday 28 June
6-9pm
The Island
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 30 June
5:30-10pm
Ortanique
