iNews Briefs & Community Events
Memorial Service for former Cayman Islands Governor
The Government of the Cayman Islands will pay its final respects to the retired and much respected former Governor of the Cayman Islands, the late Col. Thomas Russell, CMG, CBE. The memorial service will take place on Thursday 4 August, between 8.00 a.m. – 8.45 a.m. on the lawn of the former Government Administration Building (Glasshouse).
The service will include tributes and reflections from those who knew or worked alongside Mr. Russell. Officials expected to attend include Her Excellency the Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Leader of the Opposition Hon. McKeeva Bush. There will also be representatives from the Veterans and JP Associations. The general public is invited to attend the special ceremony.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place inside the current Government Administration Building. Notifications will be broadcast and posted should this change of location be deemed necessary.
Cayman Islands: West Bay Fire Station temporarily relocated
The crew, vehicles and equipment of the West Bay Sub Station are being temporarily relocated to the Ed Bush Sports Complex and will be dispatched from there when responding to respective incidents.
The move is to accommodate extensive repairs to the sub station. Work began on Monday 25 July 2016 and is expected to continue over a period of six weeks. There is no anticipated impact on the delivery of services or emergency response times due to the mandatory relocation. Residents are reminded to call 911 in the event of an emergency
Harbour Nights to bring life to Cayman Islands’ Capital George Town
Live music, local food and family fun are all in store for Harbour Nights. The concert is set to take place on Saturday 30 July, 6.00 p.m. to midnight on Harbour Drive.
Set to take the stage are performers Back Beat Band, DJ Ralph, Unity, and Regeneration Band. In addition to providing an avenue for local artists to perform, visitors will be able to enjoy activities such as face painting and a teen disco, as well as food specials and live entertainment at surrounding restaurants. The event is free of charge to the public.
Harbour Nights was created to be a catalyst to help revitalise George Town Town Centre. The concert series is set to take place once each quarter. Organised by the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association, Harbour Nights is funded by the Ministries of Culture, Planning and Tourism.
Can one person help global warming?
From The Carbon Wars
The problem of global warming seems out of our hands. As individuals, we haven’t much impact on Earth’s future, or do we?
Fact is, single people have perhaps made more impact on humanity than you might think: presidents, religious leaders, cult leaders, saints, and sinners have all impacted society and are remembered for it too.
The problems we face are real. Last year was by far the hottest year on record, and in 2016 we’ve once again had some of the warmest months since record-keeping began in 1880, with temperatures well above long term global averages.
The results of climate change are numerous and devastating, from the melting of the polar ice caps to the rapid population decline of species like tigers and polar bears to recent reports that large sections of the Great Barrier Reef have been bleached by warmer waters and are dying off at alarming rates.
So what can we do to lessen its impacts?
1. Change your driving habits
Transportation accounts for about 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the majority comes from road transport, so changing your driving habits is an excellent way to reduce your impact on the environment while also saving money.
For shorter distances, walking or cycling are by far the better options, but when this isn’t possible, taking public transportation or carpooling with colleagues can also help to reduce CO2 emissions.
2. Eat less meat
Agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, for a large part due to the methane gasses produced by livestock like cows and sheep. So eating less meat or cutting it out of your diet entirely is a good way to reduce your ecological footprint.
If this sounds scary or difficult to you, start by implementing one or two meat free days each week and try experimenting with different protein-rich vegetarian or vegan ingredients like paneer, halloumi, dal and chickpeas. I discovered some of my favourite dishes, including falafels; hummus and even cheesy tamales after implementing meat-free Mondays, so have some fun with it and don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous.
3. Use technology to conserve energy
Believe it or not, greener living doesn’t necessarily require you drop off the grid and start living like it’s the 1800s. There are countless apps and gadgets that can help you with everything from regulating the temperature in your home in order to conserve energy to powering your electronics with solar energy.
If you’re not sure where to get started, this infographic gives some examples of how technology can be used to conserve energy, and while not all will meet your needs or fall within your budget, thinking about how technology can help us live a greener lifestyle is an inspiration in itself.
4. Eat local and seasonal
Eating fruits and vegetables that are flown halfway across the world or grown out of season can put a big strain on the environment, not only in terms of transport, but also the pesticides and energy that goes into producing food out of season.
If you’re not sure what produce is imported or when it’s in season where you live, the easiest way to get around this is to start shopping at farmer’s markets, as the produce there is generally both local and in season, but don’t be afraid to ask questions about how and where it’s been grown.
For more: http://www.thecarbonwars.com/can-one-person-help-global-warming/
Solar Impulse completes its round-the-world journey
It flew more than 40,000 km over the last 15 months or so, powered only by the sun.
IMAGE: Solar Impulse
In March 2015 Solar Impulse 2 took off from Abu Dhabi and tonight it has successfully returned, completing a 40,000km+ round the world trip. It managed the feat “without using a drop of fuel,” becoming the first to manage the feat thanks to sunlight, piloted by Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg. Its arrival is a bit delayed, partially due to some problems with heat-related battery damage, but just making the trip helps the project’s goal to show off the potential of transportation powered by green energy sources.
For more: https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/25/solar-impulse-completes-its-round-the-world-journey/
Turns out warmer air temperatures aren’t to blame
It has long been believed that warmer air temperatures were the primary cause of glaciers melting. New research finds that the primary driver was, in fact, not warmer air temperatures, but warmer oceans. Alongside other research with similar findings, this could have important implications for our understanding, and predictions, of sea-level rise.
“The story they’re telling is consistent with a lot of other lines of evidence,” says Charles Greene, director of the Ocean Resources and Ecosystems Program at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
“Probably if you’d looked five years ago, people would have said it was all due to atmospheric temperature,” adds Dr. Greene, “but what we’ve found in recent years to be the driving force are the warm temperatures melting from below.” The lower part of the ice is called an ice shelf, and because of the topography of the sea floor, there are plenty of gaps, where ocean water fills spaces between the ice and ocean bottom. In this way, when the temperature of that ocean water rises, it melts the ice from below.
This can destabilize the ice, accelerate its seaward travel and prompt more hunks to break off at its outer edge, there to float away as icebergs and melt into the surrounding water.
“As a result of this study, new predictions of sea-level rise from Antarctic Peninsula ice loss will need to incorporate mid-depth ocean warming as the primary driver of glacier change,” says Cook. “This will therefore help to improve predictions of sea-level rise.”
The study feeds into the growing body of evidence that underscores the importance of ocean warming in the melting of ice shelves.
This matters because ocean warming melts the ice far more quickly than increasing air temperatures. Understanding this allows scientists to better predict the rates of melting, and thereby the likely sea-level rise.
For more: http://www.thecarbonwars.com/turns-out-warmer-air-temperatures-arent-to-blame/
Cayman Islands Pirates Week calls for food vendors
The Pirates Week Festival Office is inviting participants for the annual Food Festival to submit their vendor applications for the below dates/times:
Friday 11th November |
6:00pm to 2:00am |
|
Saturday 12th November |
1:00pm to midnight |
|
Saturday 19th November |
George Town |
2:00pm to midnight |
Vendor applications must be submitted beginning on Monday 1st August, 2016 to the Pirates Week Office on Shedden Road, George Town (upstairs next to KFC). Vendor space is limited therefore applications must be submitted as soon as possible after the opening date above. Deadline for submission is Monday 31st October.
All vendors must comply with the rules and regulations set by the Pirates Week Festival Office and must present a valid Food Handling Certificate for all persons handing food by the 31st October. Food handling certificates can be obtained from the Department of Environmental Health by contacting Mr. Gideon Simms on 949-6696 or email [email protected] .
For application forms and more details please contact the Pirates Week Festival Office at 949-5078 or [email protected].
Red Bay Summer Roadworks Cayman Islands
Roadworks continue in the Prospect and Red Bay areas; to reconfigure the Red Bay roundabout and enhance the east-west arterial.
Most work is being done during off-peak times to avoid disruptions to traffic.
While work is being done, one of the lanes will be open for traffic as usual, but drivers may also use an alternate lane, as directed.
Please drive carefully, and pay attention to signs indicating lane closures or diversions.
Work in this area is to be completed before the end of August.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
THU JULY 28
Basic Writing and Grammar Skills Part 2
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar on Basic Writing and Grammar Skills Part 2 at their offices in Governor’s Square on Thursday (28 Jul) at 9am. Sign up at caymanchamber.ky.
World Hepatitis Day
Thursday (28 Jul) is World Hepatitis Day under the theme ‘It’s Up To You.’ Log on to caymanactive.com for information about local events.
SAT JULY 30
Exercise Your Faith … WALK WITH THE LORD
St. George’s Anglican Church Mission, Outreach and Evangelism Team proudly presents
Exercise Your Faith … WALK WITH THE LORD” Saturday, July 30, 2016 Safehaven | 5:30am
Our Walk is scheduled for 6:00am on what we anticipate will be a bright Saturday morning among a group of dedicated individuals. You may or may not know that all proceeds will help fund the installation of an elevator in the Church Hall and we sincerely appreciate your contribution of KYD25.00.
SUN JULY 31
Red Bay Road Work
Roadworks continue in the Prospect and Red Bay areas to reconfigure the Red Bay roundabout and enhance the east-west arterial. While work is being done, one of the lanes will be open for traffic as usual, but drivers may also use an alternate lane, as directed. Work in this area is to be completed before the end of August.
MON AUG 1
Pirates Week Food Festival Vendor Applications
The Pirates Week Festival Office is inviting participants for the annual Food Festival to submit their vendor applications by Monday (1 Aug) to the Pirates Week Office on Shedden Road, George Town.
Vacation Bible School
Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church is hosting its V-B-S under the theme Cave Quest — Following Jesus ‘The Light of the World’ for children between the ages of 4 and 17 from 9am to 1230pm Monday – Friday (1 – 5 Aug)
Good News Baptist Church – Vacation Bible School
Good News Baptist Church Vacation Bible School will be August 1st to the 5th from 6:00 pm -8:30 PM each night.
WED AUG 3
1st of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride events
The 1st of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride events is Wednesday (3 Aug) at Sunset House. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
Immigration Closure
The Department of Immigration Headquarters, including Passport & Corporate Services, Visa Office and Front Counter, will be closed to the public for all but essential services on Friday (5 Aug.)
FRI AUG 5
CAYMAN ISLANDS IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT CLOSURE ON 5 August 2016
The Department of Immigration Headquarters, including Passport & Corporate Services, Visa Office and Front Counter, will be closed to the public for all but essential services on Friday 5, August 2016. Only work permit and permanent residence applications (including applications for permission to continue to work (PCW)) that must be submitted prior to 6 August in order to allow continued employment will be accepted.
Time sensitive applications for visitor extensions will also be accepted.
The Department will resume normal operations on Monday 8th, August and will also remain open to the public until 7.00pm on Wednesday 3rd, August.
The Department apologizes for any inconvenience the closure on 5 August may cause.
WED AUG 10
2nd of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride
The 2nd of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride events is Wednesday (10 Aug) at Sunset House. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
SUN AUG 14
Pete Ribbins Memorial 10K or 40K Bike Ride
The Pete Ribbins Memorial 10K or 40K Bike Ride is Sunday (14 Aug) at 630am. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
WED AUG 17
Final Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride
The final Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride is Wednesday (17 Aug) at Sunset House. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
FRI AUG 19
Cayman Islands Liquor Licence Holders: Remember your 19 August deadline
Liquor licence holders – including those with music and dancing licenses – are reminded of the Friday, 19 August deadline to apply for licence renewals.
They also are reminded that before they can apply for a renewal, their premises must be inspected by relevant Government agencies. Depending on licensees’ particular operations, these inspections may include the Fire Service, Department of Environmental Health, Planning Department, and Port Authority.
To help speed up the process, the Planning Department has advised that licensees must have inspections done by private, licensed plumbers and/or electricians. These inspections are then submitted to the Planning Department for approval.
The Planning Department added that there are a few exceptions. For example, package licences (for retail outlets such as stores and warehouses) do not require electrical or plumbing inspections.
Only complete renewal applications, with either inspection certificates or proof of inspection requests, that are submitted by the 19 August deadline will be heard at the Liquor Licensing Board’s annual session on 30 September.
Applications can be downloaded from the Department of Commerce and Investment’s website, www.dci.gov.ky . For more information, contact the Liquor Licensing Board through Acting Secretary Gavin Dixon on 244-3167 or DCI’s Shelise Jeffery on 244-2202.
July Events at Camana Bay
Next month’s public holiday on Monday, 4 July will have a fireworks extravaganza not to be missed. Kids won’t be bored this summer with a variety of camps for all ages, outdoor movies shown under the stars every Tuesday and a summer splash party with prizes to be won. Grownups will enjoy summer savings as the shops mark down prices for one day only and ladies will have the chance to enjoy a ‘healthified’ three-course menu. Moviegoers are also in for a real treat as Regal Cinemas shows the ballet classic, One Man, Two Guvnors.
For more details on our summer festivities, camps and offers; visit camanabay.com/summer.
Here is a quick look at our summer camps:
6th Annual Multi-Sport Camp
5 through 8 July (Week 1), 11 through 15 July (Week 2) and
25 through 29 July (Week 3)
8am-12pm
Camana Bay Sports Complex
Starfish Village Summer Camp
5 July through 25 August
8am-3pm
Starfish Village
Mondays, 11 July through 15 August (Ages 8-11) and
Fridays, 15 July through 19 August (Ages 11-16)
9am-12pm,
Picture This Studios
Bon Vivant
8th Annual Basketball Camp
18 through 22 July
8:30am-4pm
The Arts & Recreation Centre
Here is a quick look at our special events:
End-of-School Kids Disco Party
Moonlight & Movies
Tuesdays, July through August
7pm
Floetry
Wednesday 20 July
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Summer Splash
Saturday 23 July