iNews Briefs
Cayman’s government in UK High Court over return of Tempura documents
Cayman Islands Police Commissioner, David Baines, and other Cayman Islands officials were in the United Kingdom before the High Court of Justice last week fighting a legal challenge over the Operation Tempura police corruption investigation of 2007-2009, and also seeking to force former Tempura chief investigator, Martin Bridger, to hand over relevant documents it is believed he still possesses.
Bridger has said he needs the documents to defend himself against a lawsuit from former Cayman Police Commissioner, Stuart Kernohan, for wrongful dismissal.
The ruling at the UK High Court was that Bridger would be allowed to present a defense against his having to return the documents.
HM Customs arrests one male for hashish
On Tuesday 20th May, 2014 HM Customs Officers arrested a male passenger who arrived in the Cayman Islands on a flight from the US for Possession and Importation of Cannabis Resin known as Hashish.
The passenger, who is said to be a French national, was travelling to the Cayman Islands to visit his family. During the search of his luggage, Officers discovered the substance, and after preliminary assessment, the passenger was arrested. The male passenger was put on bail while the substance was further analysed.
The analysis proved it to be hashish and the passenger was formally charged with the offences of possession and importation of hashish and is due to appear in Court today, 26th May, 2014.
Assistant Collector of Customs Trevor Williams said, “We will maintain our zero tolerance approach for possession and or importation of any illegal drugs; we will maintain our intense vigilance and wish to remind the public that offences of this nature will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with Information relating to this type of crime to contact HM Customs tip-line on 1-800-534-8477 or email at [email protected].
About Cayman big game
From Cayman Rugby
A new concept in delivering International fixtures, Cayman Big game 1 (Cayman v Mexico) and Cayman Big Game 2 (Cayman v Bahamas) and Cayman Big Game 3 (Cayman v Bermuda) were massive successes each event attracting over 2500 fans and more than 500 corporate guests.
With the internationals being played at Truman Bodden these were huge days where vendors sold goods, food and drinks and local artists entertained the crowd late into the evening. The Rugby was pretty good too, with Cayman winning all internationals on home soil.
Big Game 4 is set for July 14 2014 when Cayman will host USA South and, as always, the plans for Big Game 4 will be bigger and better!
Check back at link below for details as they are announced.
For more: http://www.caymanrugby.com/about-cayman-big-game
Probe launched in Caribbean Airlines cocaine find
From RJR News
A probe has been launched into the discovery of two packages of cocaine weighing 2.2 kilogrammes on a Caribbean Airlines flight less than an hour after it touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana on Friday.
Ir was found in the belly of the aircraft.
The plane had arrived from Port of Spain, Trinidad , with an onward connection to Toronto, Canada.
A statement from the airport said during a sweep, the drug was discovered.
Law enforcement officers were informed and an investigation has commenced into the discovery.
For more: http://rjrnewsonline.com/local/probe-launched-in-caribbean-airlines-cocaine-find
World sunscreen record attempt in Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Cancer Society is attempting to break a new world record to help raise awareness of skin cancer.
The World Record, held by Corinda State High School in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, is for the “most simultaneous sunscreen applications” that stands at 1,143.
The record attempt will be at Flowers Sea Swim on June 14 at 3:45 p.m. immediately after the sea swim and before the prizes are awarded.
Sponsor Ocean Potion will provide all sunscreen for the event.
For more information, contact the Cayman Islands Cancer Society at www.cics.ky
Man pleads guilty in US Virgin Islands smuggling
From The New Zealand Herald
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) A Haitian man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to smuggle migrants into the U.S. Virgin Islands in a 2010 case in which at least eight of them died.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 46-year-old Lamorthe Delva was among three suspects in charge of a boat carrying 33 migrants, the majority of them Haitian. Authorities said the boat was traveling from the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Martin to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Officials said the suspects tried to evade the U.S. Coast Guard and ran the ship aground, killing at least eight people, four of them children.
Officials said Friday that Delva is scheduled to be sentenced in September. Another suspect is already serving a sentence for manslaughter.
For more: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11261302
Cayman’s government radio station now has a political talk-back show
The last thing I expected anyone would want was another talk-back show but the Cayman Islands government thinks we do.
Radio Cayman that is owned by the government have just started a political talk radio show called “For the Record” with host, retired civil servant Orrett “O.C” Connor.
The Radio Cayman show will run from 7:30a.m to 9a.m three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The show won’t just feature politicians but will include civil service chief officers, heads of departments…even chairs of certain statutory boards.
I can hardly wait…
Jamaica finalising $50 Million “Growth and Competitiveness” project
By the Caribbean Journal staff
Jamaica’s government is currently in the midst of finalizing a $50 million “growth and competitiveness” project with the World Bank, according to Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Anthony Hylton.
The loan project, which will take place over a four-year period, will be executed in its first part by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation through the National Competitiveness Council.
“This component will place specific focus on increasing Jamaica’s competitiveness, through strengthening of the country’s competition laws and the work of the Fair Trading Commission,” Hylton said this week.
The second portion of the project will cover the development of the master plan for the country’s much-touted Global Logistics Hub Initiative, including the “packaging of Hub investment projects.”
The third component, Hylton said, will support “support a lending facility as well as capacity building and linkages programmes for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.”
JAMPRO will be working with the Development Bank of Jamaica and the Planning Institute of Jamaica as lead coordinating agencies for “discrete components” of the work, the Minister said.
Caymanian Compass is no more – it’s Cayman Compass
Pinnacle Media Ltd has changed the previous name of the Caymanian Compass back to its older name, and the name most people still call it, the “CAYMAN Compass”.
The Compass’ Editorial Board says:
“Like the new Pinnacle Media sign at our physical headquarters on Shedden Road, the change to the name of the newspaper can be considered a stamp, or signature, of the new management. The Compass is a different (and, we submit, better) newspaper than before. But the name change is also a harkening back to the Compass’s roots.”
Trinidad bank to inject $200M into local market
From The New Zealand Herald
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) Trinidad & Tobago’s finance minister has ordered the island’s government bank to inject $200 million into the local market to help boost foreign exchange allocation.
Larry Howai says the money is required to meet short-term needs and tackle ongoing limited supply issues.
He said this week that Trinidad’s foreign reserves have grown and remain strong.
Trinidad & Tobago is one of the most prosperous Caribbean countries thanks to natural gas and oil reserves that make it a major fuel supplier.
For more: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11261408
Cayman’s Deputy Governor Franz Manderson’s 5K walk/run attracts 500
“Running for the New Hospice” last Sunday (25) at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex that was promoted by Cayman Islands Deputy Governor Franz Manderson (who also took part in the race) to raise money toward the $1 million target for a new Cayman HospiceCare building, attracted around 500 persons.
People could either run or walk the 5k event and the funds raised will be added to $420,000 already raised or pledged to Derek Haines six marathons HospiceCare $1 million Challenge.
Haines has already completed two of the six marathons and his next race will be on June 28th at Pamplona, Spain.
2.3K people refuse to vote on Colombian Caribbean island
From Colombia Reports
Residents of Isla Baru, an island off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, have collectively decided to abstain from voting in Sunday’s presidential election, national media reported.
The roughly 2,300 participants say they are protesting the government’s attitude toward the island, located in the Caribbean Sea a few miles from the coastal city of Cartagena de Indias.
According to the coastal El Heraldo newspaper, many of the island’s inhabitants live under poor conditions, with no drinking water, basic infrastructure, or access to comprehensive education.
Leonard Vallecillas, a legal representative of the local Community Council, told El Heraldo that locals were disappointed by the longstanding negligence they feel they’ve been shown by the national government.
“Abstention is total,” said Vallecillas. ”We believe that, although on many occasions we have made known our dissident voice, we have not received any positive response.”
Instead of voting, Baru locals have decided to take to the streets with banners, expressing their sense of exclusion from Colombian democracy. The manifestation is peaceful, according to early reports, though authorities are monitoring the area.
“Only when they were going to take down the voting boxes, did the people get a little angry. However, at this point everyone is quiet. Of course, with the firm belief that no one will vote. We will prepare a stew for the whole community that joins us in this day,” said Vallecillas.
For more: http://colombiareports.co/2300-people-refuse-vote-northeast-coast-colombia/
Cayman Islands netballers need to raise $40,000
The Cayman Islands Netball Association requires another $40,000 to attend the 2014 American Federation of Netball Associations championship in Calgary, Canada
Association secretary Onicia Mitchell has said they have only been able to raise just over $20,000 and they need $60,000.
The slowness in getting the available funds, even though the association’s members have been hard at it with fish fries, and funds from individual sponsors and raffles, netball is overlooked says veteran netballer Katherine Gow.
Cayman is among the association’s member countries in the Americas region.
World Cup 2014: Brazilian UFC star Shogun is robbed. Who is safe?
By David Kano From TV Mix
A mix of constant crime and a major sports event could spell disaster for Brazil.
With Brazilian UFC star Mauricio “Shogun” Rua robbed in his own country, are World Cup fans safe?
Let’s face it — the country of Brazil isn’t exactly Disneyland, unless we’re talking about Pirates of the Caribbean or something. A country where gangs have military weapons in their arsenal, and gang shootouts with police in the middle of street (during broad daylight) is nothing new to the embattled country where they are hosting the 2014 World Cup.
Brazilian officials claim the country is safe for visitors, but with former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua being robbed at gunpoint in Rio de Janeiro, how safe can Brazil be?
By now, most MMA fans know that Rua — one of Brazil’s top MMA stars — was robbed of his car, money and clothes (crazy), and was sent on his way. Allegedly one of the crooks even recognized Shogun, but they still jacked him for all he had. So, if celebrities in their own country aren’t safe, why should tourists and World Cup goers feel safe?
Answer is: they shouldn’t.
No mace, pepper spray, or any weapon of any sort (short of a tank that is) will help against Brazil’s terrorists. It’s one of those places you can be at the right place at the right time, and something could still go bad.
TMZ and other paparazzi caught up with UFC star Nick Diaz, and asked him what he would do. He said being in the United States is one thing, but “that’s the reason I don’t go to Brazil or Mexico.”
Suze Orman wows the crowd at the Westin Resort Cayman
Two-time Emmy Award-winning CNBC television host, Suze Orman, wowed a crowd of hundreds at Grand Cayman’s Westin Resort for two hours and challenged them to take the steps with her toward financial freedom.
She said “debt is bondage” and you will never have financial freedom when you are in bondage.
“Simply when you pay for present day desires, your cost will be your future day needs,” she said.
Colonial Pension Services Ltd, a member of Colonial Group International Ltd. (CGI) and a registered pension provider in the Cayman Islands brought M/s Orman to Cayman.
Central Bank warns of counterfeit EC$100 notes in circulation
From Caribbean360
CASTRIES, St Lucia, Monday May 26, 2014, CMC – The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has sounded an alert to be on guard for the circulation of counterfeit EC$100 notes within the Eastern Caribbean region.
The bank states that in circulation is a fake money bill which is photocopied or printed poorly.
“They will appear smaller than regular bills and lack the unique security features of the ECCB issued bank notes,” it stated.
The Bank advised that some of the existing security features of EC bank notes include a see-through feature:
“On all of the banknotes, there are fish in the bottom left hand corner on the front of the notes. When the notes are held up to the light, parts of the fish fill in, as areas on the back of the note line up perfectly with the front,” the statement said.
The EC banknotes are in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. It stated that from time to time the ECCB upgrades the security features of the notes, in an effort to guard against counterfeiting. The last upgrade of EC notes was on April 1, 2008.
The ECCB noted that though the incidences are few, customers are advised to remain vigilant when handling currency and if in doubt contact the Bank for more information.
For more: http://www.caribbean360.com/business/central-bank-warns-of-counterfeit-ec100-notes-in-circulation
Gall and Ebanks lift Cayman ladies to draw
(CIFA) Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Late goals from Shenel Gall and Courtisha Ebanks helped the Cayman Islands Women’s National Team earn a share of the points against Bermuda, with a 2-2 draw on Sunday.
In their second match of the Caribbean Football Union Women’s Championship, the Cayman Islands played a spirited second half, the remain in the hunt for one of two spots to the final round in Trinidad and Tobago this August.
Two late goals for the Cayman Islands earned them a draw 2-2 against Bermuda. The Bermudians opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Shuntae Todd scored her third goal of the competition. Cherya Bell doubled the lead in the 55th to give the Bermudians the half time advantage.
An inspired second half performance by the Caymanians paid off, first former Switzerland based professional Shenel Gall pulled one back in the 74th before Courtisha Ebanks got the equalizer in the 88th.
In order for Cayman to advance to the final round, they must defeat Turks and Caicos handsomely on Tuesday and Bermuda lose to St Kitts & Nevis.
Ranking the Caribbean on Internet use
By the Caribbean Journal staff
Which Caribbean countries use Internet the most?
We took a look at the recently-released World Development Indicators report, which we used in last week’s story on mobile phone use in the Caribbean.
The World Bank’s data, which was based on the International Telecommunication Union’s World Telecommunication/ICT indicators database, looked at the number of individuals in each country using the internet as a percentage of the population.
The ITU’s data compiled the data from a survey defining internet users as people who used the internet, from any location, whether by computer, mobile phone, digital TV or other.
So which country in the Caribbean has the highest percentage of internet users? It’s St Kitts and Nevis, where 79 percent of the population are internet users, according to the data.
Coming in a tie for second were Aruba and the Cayman Islands, where in each of which 74 percent of the population were internet users.
The lowest rate on the list was in Haiti, where just 10 percent of the population used the Internet according to the 2012 data.
Haiti’s number would seem to be low, particularly in light of last week’s data showing 60 percent of the population with mobile phone subscriptions — that would seem to point to a decidedly small number of smart phones in use.
Not included in the report were British Overseas Territories excluding the Cayman Islands, along with the French Caribbean areas of Martinique, Guadeloupe and St Martin and the Dutch Caribbean.
See attached chart
For more: http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/05/26/ranking-the-caribbean-on-internet-use/
