iNews Briefs
Cayman Islands’ public asked for views on Sunday Trading
“We want to understand the views of the general public and all key stakeholders, so that Government has a guide for developing appropriate policy on the issue”
Commerce Minister Wayne Panton
The Ministry of Commerce is asking the public if changes should be made to The Sunday Trading Law, in response to the changing social and economic environment.
Commerce Minister Wayne Panton said the public consultation is in line with other Government proposals that are intended to encourage economic activity, provide support for local commerce, and positively impact employment opportunities.
He also said that during the 2014/15 Budget Debate, the Premier, the Hon. Alden McLaughlin, outlined a number of considerations in relation to potential changes to the law, including the competitiveness of local retailers; consumer flexibility and choice; religious beliefs; and family life in the Cayman Islands.
“We want to understand the views of the general public and all key stakeholders, so that Government has a guide for developing appropriate policy on the issue”, Minister Panton said.
The period of public consultation will end on Tuesday, 30 September. Instructions on how to provide feedback are included in a short consultation paper, which is available at www.investcayman.gov.ky or at the Department of Commerce and Investment’s Trade and Business Counter, located in General Registry on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.
Officials: US citizen killed by bandits in Haiti
From ABC
(AP) An American citizen of Haitian descent was killed last week by armed robbers shortly after arriving in her impoverished Caribbean homeland to visit relatives, friends and officials said Thursday.
The U.S. State Department on Thursday identified the victim as Myriam Saint Germain. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti said it was touch with the dead woman’s relatives.
Saint Germain lived in Boston, Massachusetts, and had worked as a health assistant at Harvard University the last five years. She had two children.
Officials with Haiti’s national police declined to provide information about the investigation into the killing.
Saint Germain was apparently killed by gunmen last Friday, not long after arriving at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. Friends say she was heading to the town of Les Cayes to visit family.
Last month, the U.S. Embassy noted an increase in the number of travelers who had been robbed shortly after departing the Port-au-Prince airport.
In a June 18 security message to American citizens, the U.S. Embassy said most victims reported that they were “followed by armed individuals on motorcycles shortly after leaving the airport and robbed of cash and other portable valuables.”
Family friend Jacques Jean, president of a Massachusetts learning center where she volunteered her time and money, described Saint Germain as a “very wonderful person.”
“This is a shock for me and all here who knew her,” Jean said in a Thursday phone interview.
For more: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/officials-us-citizen-killed-bandits-haiti-24799523
Cayman police investigating liquor licenses
The Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Commission has confirmed there is an investigation that has been ongoing for just under a year into liquor licensing.
The main concern is the use of mobile licenses that have apparently been used without the owner’s knowledge.
No charges have been brought so far although preliminary material has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Police say UK pier fire may have been arson
From The Big Story AP
LONDON (AP) — British police say a fire that gutted a landmark seaside pier in southern England may have been started deliberately.
Sussex Police said Friday that they were treating the blaze at the 144-year-old Eastbourne Pier as suspicious.
No one was injured in Wednesday’s fire, which destroyed about a third of the 1,000 foot-long (300 meter-long) structure.
Prime Minister David Cameron visited Eastbourne, 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of London, on Friday and promised 2 million pounds ($3.4 million) to help the local tourist economy. He said the owners of the pier were determined to rebuild it.
Dozens of pleasure piers are dotted along the English coast, offering entertainment venues, fast-food outlets and amusement arcades.
For more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/police-say-uk-pier-fire-may-have-been-arson
7 Cayman police officers under investigation
From a CITN/Cayman27 Freedom of Information request it was revealed seven members of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service are currently under investigation for a variety of infractions as follows:
under the anti-corruption law – 4
under the penal code – 1
under the traffic law – 1
under the customs law – 1
Four of the officers have been suspended with pay.
Acupuncture boon for breast cancer patients
From The Times of India
Acupuncture can bring significant improvements in fatigue, anxiety and depression in as little as eight weeks for early stage breast cancer patients, a study shows.
Electroacupuncture (EA) is a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles.
It produces significant improvements in early stage breast cancer patients experiencing joint pain related to the use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to treat breast cancer.
“Since many patients experience pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression simultaneously, our results provide an opportunity to offer patients one treatment that may target multiple symptoms,” said lead author Jun Mao, an associate professor at University of Pennsylvania’s school of medicine.
In the eight-week trial, researchers evaluated the short-term effects and safety of EA for AI-related joint pain and other side effects, compared with sham acupuncture (SA) – a non-electric, placebo acupuncture.
Patients receiving EA had a greater reduction in the fatigue score at week eight and the effect was maintained at week 12.
By week 12, patients receiving EA reported a significant improvement in their anxiety score.
Patients in both EA and SA groups reported major improvements in depression scores, the study found.
“We found that acupuncture helped reduce these symptoms and the effects persisted for at least four weeks following treatment,” Mao noted.
The findings were published online in the journal Cancer.
EDITOR: Here in the Cayman Islands we have a number of Acupuncturists and I can personally recommend acupuncture. The acupuncturist I visited was Violetta Kanarek at Cayman Clinic, George Town, Tel: 9464420.
Cayman Islands: Public asked for views on Sunday trading
By Angela Piercy Cayman Islands Government
The Ministry of Commerce is asking the public if changes should be made to The Sunday Trading Law, in response to the changing social and economic environment.
Commerce Minister Wayne Panton said the public consultation is in line with other Government proposals that are intended to encourage economic activity, provide support for local commerce, and positively impact employment opportunities.
He also said that during the 2014/15 Budget Debate, the Premier, the Hon. Alden McLaughlin, outlined a number of considerations in relation to potential changes to the law, including the competitiveness of local retailers; consumer flexibility and choice; religious beliefs; and family life in the Cayman Islands.
‘We want to understand the views of the general public and all key stakeholders, so that Government has a guide for developing appropriate policy on the issue’, Minister Panton said.
The period of public consultation will end on Tuesday, 30 September. Instructions on how to provide feedback are included in a short consultation paper, which is available here or at the Department of Commerce and Investment’s Trade and Business Counter, located in General Registry on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.
Technologies to make you ‘Superhuman’ are no longer science fiction
From Business Insider
It’s no longer a distant dream or a sci-fi fantasy. The bionic age is here.
So many firsts:
The first bionic eye, from California’s Second Sight.
The first bionic body suits, for consumers and soldiers, from companies like ReWalk and Ekso Bionics.
Even those trapped inside bodies that can’t move or speak are finding ways to communicate through their brain waves. That via groundbreaking research from BrainGate in Massachusetts.
These first patients and technologists are the pioneers, using bionics to restore normal human capabilities.
The next wave, though, is already upon us — those seeking to use technology to gain extra senses, or “superhuman” qualities. Neil Harbisson, a leader of the cyborg movement, implanted an antenna in his head a decade ago. He says it allows him to “hear” ultraviolet and infrared colors, now the purview of machines and select animals and insects.
It’s a small leap from today’s wearable technologies to tomorrow’s implantable ones, many of which are likely to be used for detecting and preventing disease. Within our lifetimes, bionics are likely to transform not only how we live but who we are.
For more:
http://www.businessinsider.com/bionic-technology-human-cyborgs-2014-7#ixzz39CBwtQ00
Cayman Islands Trade & Business Board Meeting Notice to Public
The next meeting for the Trade & Business Board will take place on 19th August, 2014. All applications received from July 22nd for T&B grants and renewals, LCCL matters, and other T&B misc items will be listed for this meeting. For more information of Trade & Business matters call 945-0943 or email: [email protected]
[PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten] Chamber representatives meet with Caribbean Development Bank representatives
By Giselle York From St. Maarten Island Time
Chamber representatives meet with Caribbean Development Bank representatives
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – The Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) recently met with the representatives of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) where discussions were held on the possibilities of St. Maarten becoming a member and the benefits of this to business community on the island.
In Photo [attached] (l to r) COCI Project Coordinator Tytania Archangel, Executive Director Mr. Claret Connor and Vice President Stanley Lint; CDB President Dr. Warren Smith, Vice-President of Corporate Services and Assistant Bank Secretary, Mrs. Yvette Lemonias Seale and Mr. Volville Forsythe, Bank Secretary; and Mr. Ramzy Dennaoui, Senior Policy Advisor of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism Traffic & Telecommunication. (Edgardo Lynch photo)
Caribbean Palliative Conference in Cayman Islands
Starting October 02, 2014
Hosted by Cayman HospiceCare on October 2, 2014.
Here is a note from Ms. Grant-McCarthy, Operations & Fundraising Manager of Cayman HospiceCare:
This will be the fourth conference Cayman HospiceCare has hosted and we remain committed to our ongoing goal: to broaden the education and encourage not only our own staff, but also of our interdisciplinary colleagues, who share the same challenges and responsibilities as we do in hospice and palliative care.
We welcome clinicians, counselors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, government leaders, medical students, pastors, and all other members of the community who can benefit from a better understating of caring for a person, not a disease.
We hope to see you on October 2, 2014 at The Marriot Hotel.
2nd Annual Pete Ribbins Memorial Ride takes place on Grand Cayman Aug 17
Following last year’s successful 40th Anniversary ride, Cayman Water Company (CWC), which provides potable water services for the Seven Mile Beach and West Bay areas, will be hosting their 2nd Annual Pete Ribbins memorial ride on August 17th 2014 in honor of former General Manger Peter ‘Pete’ Ribbins.
Like last year, this leisurely ride will start at their Abel Castillo Water Works Plant at Peninsula Way, Governor’s Harbour on August 17th at 6:30am for those doing the full 40km and at 7:30am for those choosing to do the 10km. The event will be a social ride at no more than 18 mph, so no one should be put off by speed.
Last year approximately seventy cyclists, including the Honorable Premier Alden McLaughlin, took part. It was fantastic celebration for all the cyclists. Prizes were drawn at the end of the event while participants enjoyed a light breakfast. The friendly atmosphere and casual pace ensured that everyone, including the many youngsters, mostly stayed together throughout the ride.
Once again, all proceeds from the ride will go to benefit Cayman Hospice Care, in honor of Pete who was an active member of Cayman’s sporting community.
As it has now become an annual event, Cayman Water Company would like see the ride grow and are encouraging everyone to come out and support.
So pump up your tires, dust off your helmets and bicycles and bring the whole family out for a Sunday ride and support of a worthy cause.
Prizes will be drawn at the end of the ride and a light breakfast will be served to all participants. All participants will also receive a ‘goody bag’.
Further information and registration for the ride is available on www.caymanactive.com
CIA admits to spying on US Senate computer network
By Ben Gilbert From engadget
Back in March 2014, two United States senators accused the Central Intelligence Agency of infiltrating Senate computers. Worse, they accused the CIA of hacking Senate computer networks and accessing files while the Senate’s Intelligence Committee was actively investigating CIA detention practices. Following an internal investigation by the CIA, it turns out that the senators were right. “Some CIA employees acted in a manner inconsistent with the common understanding reached between SSCI (Senate Select Committee on Intelligence) and the CIA in 2009,” a statement issued by the CIA spokesman Dean Boyd says.
As McClatchyDC points out, the battle between the Senate’s intelligence committee and the CIA stems from a 2009 agreement that formed the basis of the Senate’s investigation into the CIA detention program. According to that agreement, the Senate committee could access classified CIA files through a database set up for and only accessible to the Senate. When CIA director John Brennan privately raised concerns to Senate Intelligence Committee chairwoman Dianne Feinstein, Feinstein realized that the CIA were monitoring the files her committee was supposed to access exclusively.
For more: http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/31/cia-spied-on-us-senate/?ncid=rss_truncated
Cayman golfers tee off in PR
The 58th Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship 2014 at Trump International Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico begins on August 3rd and runs to 9th and Cayman will be represented by its best golfers.
The Cayman Islands National Golf team includes:
Men’s
Michael Wight, Brian Ross, Payten Wight, Brandon Smith, Jason Lovelock
Ladies
Samantha Widmer, Nitti Howe, Emily Ribbins
Mid-Amateur
Philip Wight, Rich Hastings
Seniors
Tracy Moore, Mick Whitworth
Super Seniors
Andy Newton, Braden Howe.
Tesla seals landmark deal to mass-produce EV batteries in the US
By Daniel Cooper From engadget
How is Elon Musk going to produce his vaunted $35,000 Tesla when EV batteries are so expensive? By making his own. Tesla has signed a deal with Panasonic that’ll see the pair team up to build the Gigafactory. It’s from here that vehicle packs and cells will be mass-produced on an unprecedented scale that costs are expected to tumble. According to the announcement, Tesla will build the plant and maintain it, while Panasonic supplies the lithium cells, plant, machinery and manufacturing equipment to make the whole thing happen. The Gigafactory is expected to produce 35GWh of cells and 50GWh of power packs by 2020 and will be built just as soon as Musk and co. work out which state — Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada or Texas — depending on which has the better tax rebate renewable energy resources.
For more: http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/31/tesla-panasonic-gigafactory-deal/?ncid=rss_truncated
Cayman Brac’s ‘smelly’ pond being de-mucked!
To deal with the bad smell emanating from the Saltwater Pond on Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands, the Ministry of District Administration, Tourism and Transport has authorised the Public Works Department to go through the de-mucking process “in an effort to bring some relief to the uncomfortable and obnoxious odour emanating from the sediment at the western end of the [Saltwater] pond”.
The smell was one of the main complaints of the owners of the adjacent Alexander Hotel, which contributed to its closing on 15th June.
The owners of the hotel said the de-mucking will not mean the immediate re-opening of the hotel.
JPMorgan to pay US$650,000 to settle CFTC charges
By James Langton From IE
U.S. derivatives regulators have settled allegations with JPMorgan Chase unit J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, alleging that it repeatedly filed inaccurate reports on the activity of large traders.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued an order today settling charges against J.P. Morgan Securities for submitting inaccurate reports to the CFTC. The firm has agreed to pay a US$650,000 civil monetary penalty, and to certify that it has revised its compliance systems, to settle the allegations.
The violations relate to required reporting of positions held by the firm’s clients that are defined as large traders. The CFTC uses the reports, which are known as ‘large trader’ reports, to evaluate potential market risks and monitor compliance with its rules.
The regulator says that the reporting violations occurred despite the CFTC notifying the firm of numerous errors in its reports, which increased throughout the year, starting in 2012. It says that the firm, which was relying on a third-party vendor that generated the reports, assured CFTC staff that the problems would be resolved by the end of January 2013. However, it says the firm continued to submit reports that contained hundreds of errors between February 2013 and February 2014.
“The large trader reports are vital to the CFTC’s role in monitoring market behavior and are important to members of the public, many of whom rely on that information in forming trading strategies. Therefore, submission of accurate and reliable data to the CFTC is essential,” says CFTC director of enforcement, Aitan Goelman. “The CFTC will be vigilant in enforcing these rules in order to ensure the integrity of the regulatory structure and to maintain transparency in the markets.”
For more: http://www.investmentexecutive.com/-/jpmorgan-to-pay-us-650-000-to-settle-cftc-charges
Cayman Islands College to offer hospitality programme
The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) is offering a hospitality programme for students.
The programme is a partnership with the hospitality industry and it’s not just front desk, concierge and housekeeping.
The students will rotate through different areas in the hospitality industry where they will obtain experience. The students will then decide what area of the industry they like and they will be placed there.
The hospitality industry needs accountants, managers and lawyers, too.
The school of hospitality studies will begin classes in September.
George Zimmerman stopped by police while pretending to be a security guard
By Mary Noble Politix
George Zimmerman was questioned by police around midnight on Sunday when they spotted him parked behind a motorcycle and gun store in DeLand, Florida. Zimmerman told police that he had been hired by the store manager as a security guard. But the manager has told the media and police that he never hired Zimmerman in any capacity, according to the AP.
Zimmerman told police that the owner asked him to be there to keep watch after a recent burglary, the police report states.
But Zimmerman is not employed by the store – “in no way, shape or form,” as Pompano Pat’s manager Sam Porter told the press emphatically. “He’s not being paid to be act as a security officer or in any other way for Pompano Pat’s.”
The police didn’t charge him because he was not committing a crime, according to the report.
Zimmerman had already been in the news earlier this week: he filed an appeal in his defamation lawsuit against NBC, who allegedly aired doctored recordings of Zimmerman that made him sound racist. The lawsuit was dismissed last month by a judge.
Hispanics reportedly fly more, spend more on vacation
By Scharon Harding From Latin Post
According to a new survey, Hispanics spend more on vacations than non-Hispanics.
The study by Think Now Research, titled “Hispanics and Travel Research,” surveyed over 2,000 Hispanics and over 1,000 non-Hispanics ages 18-64 via online surveys conducted from February through May of this year. “Upscale” and “affluent” income groups, $50,000 – $90,000 and $100,000, respectively, were examined.
The study found that amongst the two income groups, Hispanics and non-Hispanics are equally likely to take a vacation. Hispanics, however, are more likely to take a plane to reach their domestic and/or international location, with 47 percent opting for an airplane for U.S. vacations, versus 41 percent of non-Hispanics. Seventy-four percent of Hispanics opt for a road trip via car, versus 83 percent of non-Hispanics.
“As expected, likelihood of traveling increases with income,” the survey says. “In the past year, 9-10 upscale Hispanics reported traveling in the past years; this was nearly 100 percent among the affluent group.”
In addition, Hispanics reportedly spend more money during their trip.
It’s official: Apple is axing 200 Beats employees
By Jacob Siegal From BGR
Apple is cleaning house as the $3 billion acquisition of Beats Electronics approaches completion. Bloomberg reports that Apple has informed over 200 Beats employees that they will not be able to stay on with the company for the long term once the transaction has been finalized. According to the source, most of those jobs are in finance, HR and other areas where the two groups might overlap.
“We’re excited to have the Beats team join Apple, and we have extended job offers to every Beats employee,” said Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr in a statement on Thursday. “Because of some overlap in our operations, some offers are for a limited period and we’ll work hard during this time to find as many of these Beats employees as we can another permanent job within Apple.”
As 9to5Mac reported on Wednesday, these temporary extensions are expected to last until January 2015. During this time, Beats employees will be able to call a dedicated hotline which will allow them to speak with Apple’s HR regarding severance packages or potential long-term employment.
Sources also say that the Beats Music infrastructure is almost entirely incompatible with iTunes. Beats Music will likely see a complete overhaul in the coming months as Apple consolidates the technology.
Cayman Islands Passport2Success application deadline
The Passport2Success Programme is currently seeking participants for its 15th cohort which will begin on 8 September 2014.
This cohort is for Caymanians between the ages of 17-20. Application deadline is Friday 15 August 2014.
Please visit www.passport2success.ky to apply or contact the NWDA at 945-3114 or [email protected].
See attached flyer for more details
