iNews Briefs & Community Events
Disney Cruise Line alters Eastern Caribbean itinerary due to Hurricane Irma damages
Due to the destructive path left by Hurricane Irma, Disney Cruise Line is altering the itineraries for the Disney Fantasy in the Eastern Caribbean, exchanging ports for the Western Caribbean for sailings on September 23 and October 7. This is meant to give these islands time to recover.
Here is the modified itinerary:
Saturday – Port Canaveral
Sunday – Day at Sea
Monday – Cozumel, Mexico
Tuesday – George Town, Grand Cayman – tender port
Wednesday – Falmouth, Jamaica
Thursday – Day at Sea
Friday – Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Saturday – Port Canaveral
Port Adventures that have been reserved for Tortola and St. Thomas have been removed from cruise activity. Guests aboard the Disney Fantasy for the revised itineraries can schedule new Port Adventures on www.disneycruise.com in the My Cruise Activities section of the site after September 15.
Cayman Islands High School Shave Events for Childhood Cancer Research
In addition to next week’s Big Shave on Friday 22nd September, two local high schools have joined the fight against childhood cancer again this year and will be hosting school shaves next week. Both schools would be delighted for media to join these events.
On Thursday 21 September, at 8am, Clifton Hunter School, 311 Frank Sound Road.
In line with Clifton Hunter’s RESPECT 24/7 initiative and with a particular emphasis on empathy, Clifton Hunter are supporting St Baldrick’s Foundation by hosting a staff and student Shave assembly. All academies are collecting funds to support this event.
Also on Thursday 21 September, 12.55pm Cayman Prep High School, Walkers Road teaching staff and students will also shave to raise funds for The St Baldrick’s Foundation. See the attached poster for more information.
Please confirm your participation by return email, or call Luiza Dawson from Hannah’s Heroes for more information. (Tel: 925 7709)
The Hannah’s Heroes Team
Hannah’s Heroes – a *St Baldrick’s hero fund
*The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. For more information about St. Baldrick’s and the hero fund, visit www.stbaldricks.org/hero-funds/hannahsheroes
Family Fun Day at the Cayman Islands National Gallery – Saturday 16 September 2017
Cayman Islands: 38th Annual NCVO Radio/Telethon Save the Date
WFP Ramps Up Assistance To Islands Of The Caribbean Battered By Hurricane Irma
ROME – WFP has launched a range of operations in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma across the Caribbean. These assistance activities are being mounted in support of national governments, regional organizations, disaster agencies and humanitarian actors across the region.
Worst hit by the hurricane – one of the most powerful Atlantic storms ever recorded – has been the Eastern Caribbean where as many as 200,000 people have been affected. Some islands, including Barbuda and St. Martin, are reported to be near uninhabitable.
An operational hub for the distribution of supplies to this region is being established on Antigua. WFP is providing some 30 metric tons of high-energy biscuits, enough to feed more than 17,000 people for three days. These are being airlifted by WFP from Haiti to the hub in Antigua (where the population of Barbuda has been evacuated) and to nearby St. Martin.
Priority is being given to the most vulnerable, including families living in shelters, families with malnourished children, female-headed households, pregnant and nursing women, and the elderly. This life-saving assistance can then be followed up where necessary by cash-based assistance for thousands of people in the Eastern Caribbean whose livelihoods have been ruined.
WFP is also launching an emergency operation for the Western Caribbean islands including Turks and Caicos territory which is serving as an operational hub for that region. Some 10 metric tons of High-Energy Biscuits (HEB) are being airlifted there to help 8,500 vulnerable people.
Also being transported by WFP to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean are crucial non-food items, including mobile storage units, tarpaulins, prefabs, generators and other logistics and telecommunications support equipment. Meanwhile, WFP is putting together special teams to assist with damage and needs assessment, the management of food assistance and provision of supply chain support.
Some 60 metric tons of HEB were airlifted from the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Dubai to Haiti last week. Haiti was not as badly hit as had been feared. However, heavy rains caused flooding, particularly affecting the northern departments and causing more than 10,000 people to be evacuated to shelters.
At the request of the Government of Haiti, WFP started to distribute HEB on 10 September to thousands of displaced people in shelters in the north-east of the country. WFP remains ready to support national and local authorities with evaluating damage and assisting those affected.
Cuba sustained considerable material damage, including to its agricultural production facilities. WFP has offered to support the government of Cuba by providing food where it is needed. WFP has a long-standing operational presence and substantial food stocks already on the island.
WFP’s Executive Director David Beasley is hoping to visit Cuba this week to witness the damage done there and to discuss with the government what further support may be required by the United Nation
WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries.
Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media
IMAGE: Distribution of High-Energy Biscuits in Haiti started on 10 September. Copyright: WFP/ Lorene Didier
SOURCE: http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-ramps-assistance-islands-caribbean-battered-hurricane-irma
For more information please contact (email address: [email protected]):
Frances Kennedy, WFP/Rome, Tel. + 39 0665 133 725, +39 3467 600 806
David Orr, WFP/Rome, Tel. +39 0665 133 268, Mob. + 39 3402 466 831
Gregory Barrow, WFP/London, Tel. +44 20 72409001, Mob. +44 7968 008474
Bettina Luescher, WFP/Geneva, Tel. +41 22 917 8564, Mob. + 41-79 842 8057
Nominations close Friday (15) for Cayman Islands Protected Areas
The public is reminded that the deadline to nominate protected areas in the Cayman Islands is Friday, 15 September 2017.
The idea of protected areas it to ensure that sites, similar to national parks in other countries, are
preserved for future generations
Nominations should be emailed to [email protected], with a description of the protected area and reasons why it should be protected. Further information is available on the Department of Environment website www.DoE.ky
Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes
Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes: Cayman Islands 2017 (Second Round)
Peer Review Report on the Exchange of Information on Request
Print (Paperback) + PDF Version:Print (Paperback) + PDF Publication date: 13 Sep 2017Publisher: OECD Publishing Pages:128Language:English ISBN:9789264280144Availability:Forth coming Price:€36 | $43 | £29 | ¥4600 | MXN640 Standard shipping included!
Other Versions: E-book: PDF Format
Abstract
Details
This report contains the 2017 Peer Review Report on the Exchange of Information on Request of Cayman Islands.
Hurricane Irma Appeal launched by Cayman Islands Red Cross
The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) is launching its Hurricane Irma appeal in light of the devastation suffered by the Eastern Caribbean islands as the storm continues to wreak havoc throughout the region.
“We really don’t know the extent of the damage as full assessments haven’t been conducted yet, but based on what we have seen and heard Irma has been catastrophic for several nations,” explains CIRC Director Jondo Obi. “The Anguilla Red Cross has lost its headquarters, and as has now been widely reported the island of Barbuda has basically been declared uninhabitable,” she continues.
“We are still working on establishing contact with our counterparts throughout the region, and those with whom we have reached have stated that they are physically well but emotionally devastated,” adds Mrs. Obi.
The CIRC’s Irma appeal is strictly for monetary donations, and the organisation urges residents *not* to make arrangements to send supplies to the affected areas.
“The arrival of unsolicited donations into a disaster zone is at times referred to as the second disaster,” explains Deputy Director Carolina Ferreira. “The items that most people would like to donate, like clothing, shoes, household items and toys, are not a priority in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophe, and when they arrive into affected areas they create numerous problems for workers on the ground,” she explains.
Unsolicited donations are not only difficult and costly to send, but in areas where major ports have been affected and alternative locations are being utilised they become difficult for organisations to access and collect, if they are even made aware of their existence at all. Furthermore clearing and collecting such goods means diverting personnel and equipment away from more pressing tasks, like damage assessments. There is also the issue of sorting and storage, as such widespread devastation means that many buildings have been affected and there is a shortage of space. Lastly, often times the affected population is not in a position to be able to receive these goods at the time when they are sent.
“The Cayman Islands Red Cross is a branch of the British Red Cross, and the funds we collect here go directly to the most affected areas as part of the larger appeal by the British Red Cross and the International Federation,” adds Keith Ford, Disaster Manager for the organisation. “The people of these Eastern Caribbean islands are already going to need a lot of help, but the truth is that Jose is following closely behind a similar path and set to turn into a major hurricane itself. We must help.”
Persons wishing to donate to the Cayman Islands Red Cross Hurricane Irma Caribbean Appeal can do so via direct deposit to Bank of Butterfield Account 1360350540060 or at our Cayman Corporate Centre office on 27 Hospital Road, 1st Floor. For more information, contact 916-3345 or [email protected].
Cayman Islands: AEOI Portal open until 13 September 2017
The Department for International Tax Cooperation of Cayman Islands announced that the AEOI Portal will be open until 13 September 2017 to accept late registrations, variations, reporting and filing declarations prior to the closure of the AEOI Portal for the preparation of data for transmission.
Cayman Islands: Ask A Curator Day – 13 September
Cayman Drama Society events:
Our other current events for the moment are: Acting classes for children and adults are back for weekly sessions and we also have CAST arriving at the end of September to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream for a four-day special.
Acting classes for children and adults!
Term 1 Tue 29th August to Thursday 14th December **Please note ALL CLASSES are off from 2-6th October and 23-27th October. The adult class is also off Sept 5th and 27th (training), and 21st November (beginners) as the theater is in use those evenings.
CISA Meeting
“The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform all Members that there will be the September Social, on Tuesday 19 September at 7:00 PM. in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect.
Buses will be provided from West Bay Town Hall at 6:00 pm”.
A Bus route has been added in George Town, leaving the Public library parking area at 7:00, stopping at Cayman Compass building and the Airport Fosters. The bus is marked Bobo $1 Public transport and is blue in colour, there is no charge.
UPDATE: Foster’s Food Fair Sea Swim postponed
By Cayman Sports Buzz
From CIASA: The Race Director and BOD have decided to postpone the sea swim for this Saturday September 9th. The swims will be rescheduled to Saturday September 16, 2017. We apologise for any and all inconvenience.
Original post:
The 2017-18 Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA) season kicks off with the 33rd Annual Foster’s Food Fair IGA 800m Sea Swim on Saturday, 9 September.
It will be the first competitive race for many local swimmers after the summer break. The event will be followed by a 400m swim for those 12 years and under.
“Sea swims a great activity to participate with family and friends from all age groups and help you stay active and fit. If you can swim, but haven’t entered a sea swim before, the Foster’s Sea Swim is an excellent event for first timers,” said a CIASA spokesperson.
The race begins at Governor’s Beach at 4:00 p.m. with registration taking place between 3:00 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. A loop course will be set up with the race also ending at Governor’s Beach.
If weather conditions threaten the safety of the swimmers or organisers, the race may be cancelled at the discretion of the Race Director.
More Information Sessions Offered to Charities
As part of its public education campaign for the Non-Profit Organisation Law, the Ministry of Financial Services is continuing its one-hour information sessions this month. The sessions are aimed at organisations that solicit funds from the public for charitable causes.
The meetings will be held on Thursday, 14 September, from 10 to 11:30am; and on Wednesday, 20 September, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Both meetings will be held in room 1038 of the Government Administration Building.
For more information, persons are asked to contact Policy Officer Wilbur Welcome at [email protected], in the Department of Financial Services Policy and Legislation.
Cayman Islands: Boat Docked near Dixie’s Cemetery in George Town Reported Stolen Monday, 4 September
From RCIPS
Yesterday, 4 September, police responded to a report of a stolen boat, which had been docked between the Wharf and Dixie’s Cemetery near Harbor View Condos on Sunday, 3 September at 4 am, and was discovered missing at 7:30am that same morning.
The boat is described as a light blue-and-white, fiberglass vessel of 16 feet in length, with a 28 horsepower Johnson engine and a steering wheel on the right hand side.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call George Town Police Station at 949-4222. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the Miami-based call centre of Crime Stoppers at 800-8477(TIPS), or online at the link: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=681
Walkers to Sponsor STEP Cayman Forum: A Global Perspective 2017
Walkers is to sponsor STEP Cayman Forum: A Global Perspective on 7 November 2017 in London.
This event follows on from the success of the 2014 New York event and the initial promotional event in London in 2011. The purpose of the presentation and networking reception is to promote and develop the Cayman Islands’ wealth management industry and to discuss openly the issues surrounding trusts and wealth management from a global perspective, particularly looking at Cayman’s sophistication in this area, its transparent regulatory infrastructure and the role of Cayman trust’s in the global economy.
Termination and de-registration of Cayman regulated funds: consider action now to reduce 2018 fees
From Harneys
Managers of Cayman Islands regulated funds who are reviewing whether to wind any funds down before the end of 2017 may want to act promptly to avoid or reduce the annual 2018 Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) fees and related costs. Regulated funds which file their de-registration documents with CIMA before 31 December 2017 will not be liable to pay the 2018 CIMA fees, currently US$4,268 for a regulated feeder fund and US$3,048 for a regulated master fund. Funds may also save related service provider fees, including annual audit fees, once they have de-registered.
Cayman Islands Crisis Centre Presents “OPA! MY BIG FAT GREEK GALA”
Cayman Islands’ Green Iguana Cull extended
The Department of Environment wishes to announce that this year’s green iguana cull is to be extended until the end of November 2017.
Although contracts to cullers were issued with a provisional end date of 31 August 2017, availability of funds is sufficient to allow current culling contractors to continue until the end of November. Terms of contracts and payment rates will remain unchanged.
Culling contractors and other interested parties are asked to carefully note the following deadlines and arrangements:
1. No new contractors will be signed up after 5 p.m. on 31 August, 2017.
2. The green iguana raffle will close on 31 August 2017. Participants will be invited to attend the closing draw.
3. No contractor reports of culled iguanas will be accepted for payment after 5 p.m. on 30 November, 2017.
Cayman Islands Elections Office Open Monday to Friday
The issuing of Voter ID Card’s and Registration to become a voter are part of an ongoing process at the Elections Office even after elections.
If you wish to collect your Voter ID Card or you are eligible and wish to register to become a voter, please visit the Elections Office at 150 Smith Road Centre, 2nd floor, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
2018 Cayman Islands National Heroes Day date corrected
From GIS
Please note that 2018 National Heroes Day will be held on Monday, 22 January 2018 and not Monday, 29 2018 as previously indicated.