iNews Briefs
Man killed and second hurt in Sheffield [UK] as gunman fires at car
From BBC
Emergency workers at the scene of the double shooting on Derek Dooley Way, Sheffield
Derek Dooley Way in Sheffield was cordoned off to allow investigations to take place
A man was shot dead and another was injured when gunman opened fire as they sat in a stationary car in Sheffield.
The pair were shot on Derek Dooley Way in the city centre, at about 22:15 GMT on Sunday, South Yorkshire Police said.
Both men – aged 22 and from Sheffield – were taken to hospital, where the passenger was pronounced dead and the driver is in a stable condition.
No arrests have yet been made. One lane of Sheffield Parkway out of the city centre is currently shut.
“It’s anticipated they will remain closed throughout the morning as police continue their enquiries. The Parkway into the city is unaffected,” a police spokesman said.
Detectives have appealed for anyone who witnessed the shooting or may have information to come forward.
For more: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-30572702
Cayman Islands Tennis: Junior circuit serves off in January
From Digicel Sportsmax
The Tennis Federation of the Cayman Islands has organised the first PwC Junior Circuit of the new season for the second weekend in January, 2015.
The junior circuit will be staged in four categories; 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under and 18 & Under. The tournament is open to any junior.
There will be five tournaments throughout the year with an invitational tournament played at the end of the year.
The tournament dates are as follows and will be held at the Cayman Islands Tennis Club, in South Sound.
Round 1 will be played between January 9 and 11, round two from March 6-8, round three from April 24-26, and round four from May 29-31. The two final rounds will be played from October 2-4 and November 13-15, respectively. The final round will be an invitational.
For more: http://www.digicelsportsmax.com/?q=articles/2014/12/21/cayman-tennis-junior-circuit-serves-january
Scheduled flights to be launched between Antigua and Barbuda
From Caribbean News Now
ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Montserrat based airline FlyMontserrat has entered into an agreement with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to fly two scheduled flights every day between the twin Islands of Antigua and Barbuda.
Flights start Sunday, December 21, and will operate daily, departing Antigua at 8 am and 4 pm. The return flights will depart Barbuda at 8.30 am and 4.30 pm.
FlyMontserrat already provides air ambulance provision for the island and has a good working relationship with the government of Antigua and the Barbuda.
FlyMontserrat’s managing director, Nigel Harris, said: “The government of Antigua contacted FlyMontserrat to help out at a difficult time for the island with their current air operator’s inability to provide service.”
Harris added: “We are happy to work with our friends in Barbuda.”
The airline, using three twin-engined BN Islander aircraft, also flies scheduled services to Montserrat and charters throughout the region.
Cayman Gymnastics: Boys show what they can do at Texas event
From Digicel Sportsmax
Cayman’s male gymnasts from Motions Unlimited had a strong showing as they began the 2014-2105 competitive season in Frisco, Texas.
In what was their first meeting of the season and their first performance in Texas, the boys excelled in their six events at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy gymnastics club.
Eleven-year-old Igor Magalhaes took home three gold medals in the all-around, high bar and floor, along with bronze on rings.
His teammate Sebastian Adapa completed his new level five routines for the first time and won two top-10 finishes in his age group and earned a personal best all around score. Their new teammate, Kaleb Woolaver posted an impressive two top-10 finishes in the 6-7 year-old age group. It was his first competition overseas.
The boys also enjoyed meeting Olympic gold medallist Valeri Liukin, who inspired their dreams and aspirations to succeed in the sport.
The boys’ team and Level Three girls will compete together at the Paws for a Cause competition in Atlanta at the end of January 2015. The girls started their season at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina at the Crown of the Carolinas Invitational last month. The team consisted of veterans Gabriella Royston, Emmi Daykin, Jaiden Gilbert and Anais Small along with newcomers Cameron Claire Doak and Tyler Woolaver.
Daykin took home a bronze overall, placing third on vault and fourth on bars and floor in her age group. She also grabbed an eighth-place finish. Royston, Gilbert and Small rounded out the sessions, placing ninth, 11th and 12th, respectively. Woolaver ended up in 11th place.
Five CARICOM countries eligible to participate in US H-2A, H-2B visa programs
From Antigua Observer
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, CMC – The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the US Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of State, have announced that five Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B Visa programmes for the coming year.
The US agencies said Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Haiti and Jamaica will participate in the H-2A and H-2B Visa programs that allow US employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural and nonagricultural jobs.
The Dominican Republic is the other Caribbean country on the list.
The Czech Republic, Denmark, Madagascar, Portugal and Sweden have also been added to the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the programs in the New Year.
USCIS said it only approves H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as eligible to participate in the programs.
USCIS said it may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions for nationals of countries not on the list “if it is determined to be in the interest of the United States.”
Effective January 18, 2015, nationals of the 68 countries are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B Visa programs.
Cayman Islands Magic Reef Restoration
BY DIVE MASTER DAMO From Don Fosters Dive Center, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014 – 06:00 – 08:00
In August this year a cruise ship anchor destroyed a 12,000 square foot area of coral reef close to Don Fosters Dive Shop in George Town, Grand Cayman. Volunteers are needed to help in removing rubble and salvaging live coral on the site. Volunteers are using special marine epoxy to re-attach surviving coral back to the reef. So far, around 50 crates of live coral have been salvaged, but much live coral is still buried beneath rubble. Volunteers are urged to keep contributing their time and skills. Anyone can volunteer to help, so long as they are dive certified and have DAN insurance. Anyone who wishes to volunteer can go to the Cayman Magic Reef Recovery Facebook page for details. Dives are usually scheduled every weekend.
For more: http://www.projectaware.org/action/cayman-magic-reef-restoration
Former Cayman University College head may not get a fair trial
Hassan Syed (47). Former president of the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) may not be able to obtain a fair trial.
Syed’s lawyer who is acting for him only as a friend of the court said this in Court last week when Cayman Islands Grand Court Justice Charles Quin despite hearing arguments from the Crown adjourned the case until 9th January 2915.
Syed is accused of stealing over a quarter of a million dollars from UCCI using the University’s credit card for luxury items of jewellery and weekends away amongst others.
Syed has had problems finding a lawyer to represent him and has been refused legal aid because of his assets. However, the Court under the Proceeds of Crime Act has frozen these.
Syed has not answered any of the charges against him but Justice Qin said he must answer the charges at the adjournment hearing.
The trial is set for March 2015.
Kenroy Peters replaces Kemar Roach in Windies squad
From Loop News
Windward Islands veteran, thirty-two-year-old left-arm fast-medium bowler Kenroy Peters has been called up as replacement for Kemar Roach on the ongoing three-match Test Series against South Africa.
Kemar Roach injured his right ankle while bowling on the first day of the first Test match at SuperSport Park last Wednesday.
The St Vincent-born player is the leading wicket taker in the WICB Professional League and has 190 wickets in 62 First Class matches playing for the Windward Islands.
He comes in for Roach, who injured his right ankle while bowling on the first day of the first Test match at SuperSport Park last Wednesday. He will return home to continue his rehabilitation.
Peters, who made his first class debut in the 1999/2000 season for the Windward Islands against Barbado, has career-best figures of 7 for 36 against Trinidad in April 2014.
T&T cop booted from CAL flight for refusing to turn off phone
(Trinidad Express) A senior police officer was thrown off a Caribbean Airlines flight to Tobago on Thursday night when he refused to switch off his cellular telephone and became hostile when the flight attendant asked him several times.
The Express was told that the cop was heading to Tobago (a 15-minute trip) to assume duties there but as the flight was about to depart the flight attendant was making her final checks of the passengers when she noticed that the man was still on his phone. She reminded him of the protocols and that he needed to comply with the international rules. He reportedly asked her if she knew who he was but she said she did not. She continued to stand her ground and insisted that the man switch off the mobile device or the airplane would not leave Piarco International Airport. He continued to refuse. Security protocols were triggered and security officials were forced to board the plane and remove the cop. The flight was able to take off a short time later.
The police officer later told security officials that he was not arguing with the flight attendant and tried to switch off his cellular telephone but a malfunction with the device caused it to not switch off even when he tried. The cop was not detained and a National Security helicopter was used to transport him to Tobago. Sources told the Express that he was allowed to use his cellphone during the helicopter flight.
Donations wanted for missing Cayman Islands landfill worker’s family
Cayman Islands Psychiatrist Linda McField and Lisa Prendergast, with the Ministry of Education, are appealing for donations to help the family, especially the children, of missing landfill worker Anna Evans.
Dr. McField is planning to host the family in her Spotts-Newland home for a Christmas lunch, and she is working with the children’s legal guardian to set up a new charitable fund to help with the family’s expenses.
She is appealing “to the community to come together and help make this Christmas special” for the Evans children. She is asking for people to donate food for the lunch, including a baked ham, rice and beans, curry chicken, other side dishes, desserts and drinks.
Lisa Prendergast said the family also needs donations for their new home in Bodden Town. The Department of Family and Children’s Services secured a three-bedroom house in an affordable housing development in Bodden Town for the children and their guardian.
Prendergast said they are looking for donations of pots, crockery, bed linens and gift certificates for food, clothes and shoes.
Health Minister named as Haiti’s new Interim Prime Minister
From VOA
Reuters: Haitian Health Minister Florence Duperval Guillaume was named interim prime minister on Sunday to replace Laurent Lamothe, who resigned a week ago following several weeks of protests.
The announcement is part of an effort to resolve a mounting political crisis over long-delayed elections. Lamothe’s resignation also came after international warnings from the United States and the United Nations that the impoverished Caribbean nation was on the brink of political chaos again.
Guillaume’s temporary appointment was announced in an e-mail signed by Enex Jean-Charles, the secretary of the Council of Ministers.
A career health worker whose official title is Minister of Public Health and Population, she has overseen efforts to rebuild the country’s frail medical services, including new hospitals and combating a cholera epidemic and long-running HIV-AIDS treatment.
For more: http://www.voanews.com/content/health-minister-named-as-haiti-interim-prime-minister/2568042.html
Richard’s Rants
“Ethel had the flu three times this year. She’s a Frequent Fluer.”
“Well, what does she get for that?”
“What else? Frequent Fluer Smiles…..”
SOURCE: Carol-Ann Rudy
Procter & Gamble sells soap brands to Unilever
By John Kell From Fortune
The Anglo-Dutch company is buying all of Camay, and the Zest brand outside of the North America and Caribbean markets.
Procter & Gamble PG 0.46% has agreed to sell some of its soap brands to Unilever, the latest move by the consumer-products giant to slim down its product slate.
Unilever is buying all of Camay, and the Zest brand outside of the North America and Caribbean markets. The Anglo-Dutch company is also buying a manufacturing facility in Mexico that employs about 170 people. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the first half of next year, were not disclosed.
For more: http://fortune.com/2014/12/22/pg-sells-soaps-to-unilever/
IMF approves US$67 million disbursement to Jamaica
From Caribbean News Now
WASHINGTON, USA — The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday completed the sixth review of Jamaica’s economic performance under the program supported by a four-year, SDR 615.38 million (about US$932 million at the time of approval) arrangement under the extended fund facility (EFF).
The completion of the review enables an immediate purchase of an amount equivalent to SDR 45.95 million (about US$67 million). The EFF arrangement was approved on May 1, 2013.
Following the Board discussion of the review, Naoyuki Shinohara, deputy managing director, and acting chair made the following statement:
“The authorities’ commitment to the program under the Extended Fund Facility has remained strong. Fiscal performance was broadly on track and all quantitative performance targets for end-September were met. Structural reforms have progressed on schedule.
“Macroeconomic performance under the program continues to be good and growth is showing signs of picking up. Wide-ranging actions to boost growth and employment are nonetheless critical for the success of the program. While the ongoing economic stabilization and debt reduction are essential pillars of the growth strategy, reforms to enhance the business climate should be accelerated — including by cutting red tape, reforming the energy sector, and making the public sector more client-oriented.
“Achieving the program’s ambitious fiscal goals on a sustained basis will require further actions to strengthen public financial management and revenue administration, and to contain the wage bill. The preparation of the 2015/16 budget offers an opportunity to strengthen the quality of the fiscal adjustment, including by advancing public sector reform. These efforts will help provide additional resources for priority budgetary outlays.
“Expeditious implementation of the plans for financial sector reform, including by bringing into effect the Banking Services Act and the new framework for repo transactions, combined with strong contingency planning and resolution frameworks, will improve the soundness of the financial system.”
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Court of Appeals: “No Equal pensions for Caribbean Netherlands”
From SABA-NEWS
The Daily Herald writes that pensions for residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba may differ from pensions in the European Netherlands, the Joint Court has stated in the appeal case of three residents of the islands against the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment.
According to the three appellants, their lower pensions are in violation of anti-discrimination stipulations in several treaties, among which are the European Human Rights Treaty, the Dutch Constitution and the Kingdom Statute.
Residents in the Caribbean Netherlands receive a pension that is lower than their counterparts in the European Netherlands obtain. In the appeal case, the Court only considered whether the difference is legitimate or in contravention of anti-discrimination stipulations. The Court did not look into the question if and to what extent pensions on Bonaire, Statia and Saba are to differ from pensions in the European Netherlands. According to the Court of Appeals, this question is of a political nature, which should be answered by lawmakers.
The Court disagrees with the three residents and is of the opinion that the Law General Old Age Insurance BES does not make a distinction based on territorial differences. The level of old-age pension differs on how long persons have worked in the European Netherlands or on the islands.
In the second place, it is also of importance where pensioners have contributed to their pensions while they were working. The Court also established that the law does not make any distinction based on ethnicity, because residents of the Caribbean Netherlands cannot be considered one “social group.”
The Appeals Court is further of the opinion that the differences in the level of pensions made in the law are serving a legitimate purpose, because lawmakers were entitled to set certain rules to avoid economic and social disruption after the constitutional changes of October 10, 2010.
The law is also not disproportionate because the pensions in Bonaire, Statia and Saba are related to the minimum wage, similar to the European part of the Netherlands, the Court said.
Finally, the Court also took into consideration that the pension is not meant to guarantee a minimum level of existence, but only is a basic pension that may be enlarged by pensioners themselves.
The three appellants, represented by lawyer Michiel Bijkerk, have announced they will now submit their cases to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
For more: http://www.saba-news.com/court-appeals-equal-pensions-caribbean-netherlands/
Making progress on climate change
By Dan Utech From The Whitehouse Blog
In June 2013, President Obama gave a speech at Georgetown University where he laid out both the case for action on climate change and the steps his Administration will take to address it. The Climate Action Plan that the President announced includes steps to cut carbon pollution, help prepare the United States for the impacts of climate change that are already on the way, and continue American leadership in international efforts to combat global climate change. As we begin 2014, seven months after the President’s speech, we can report that the Administration is delivering on the ambitious goals the President put forward.
In the past few months, the Administration has taken important steps under the Climate Action Plan to move to cleaner sources of power, strengthen our communities against climate change impacts such as the threat of more severe weather, and engage our international partners. The Department of the Interior continued to approve renewable energy projects on our Federal; the Department of Energy has proposed new energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment that will help cut consumers’ electricity bills; and the Environmental Protection Agency has taken common sense steps to cut carbon pollution from power plants.
In addition, the President has signed an Executive Order on Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change, and we have brought together a diverse group of elected officials through the State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. The Administration has also made significant progress in leading multilateral and bilateral efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions while working to advance international climate negotiations.
Taking on the challenge of climate change will require an all-hands effort. Over the last seven months we have made progress under the President’s Climate Action plan towards meeting this challenge in a way that advances our economy, our environment, and public health at the same time. For more highlights on the Administration’s work since the President’s speech, check out our latest Progress Report on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan.
From: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/01/16/making-progress-climate-change
Caribbean success stories needed – Spencer
By Peter Richards From Caribbean360
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer Thursday defended the regional integration movement and appealed to regional broadcasters to play a meaningful role in educating the Caribbean population about the achievements of the 40 year-old institution.
Addressing the start of a two-day workshop for regional broadcasters on the regional integration and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME), Spencer acknowledged that over the last few years, CARICOM and specifically the CSM component has been going through a period of consolidation.ent
He reminded delegates that last year, the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) delivered a ruling on the landmark case involving the Jamaican national, Shanique Myrie, who claimed she had been discriminated against by Barbados when she sought to enter the island a few years ago.
“To Heads of Government and member states, the judgement means that it cannot be business as usual,” Spencer said, workshops such as these offer media practitioners the opportunity to tell the region’s story more accurately and in a manner that the average Caribbean person can appreciate.
“That is why I am of the opinion that broadcasters are indeed and should be the champions of the regional integration message,” Spencer said, noting that the benefits of the CARICOM from its inception “have suffered from a lack of media buss.
“The paparazzi syndrome never caught on to CARICOM and the integration movement. Very often we hear in the media, negative commentary and discourse about the lack of implementation or the “talk shop” stigma regularly attached to regional bodies.
“We hear very little about how a private sector business operating in the CSME has been able to benefit from the regimes, or how an artisan has been able to move through the region as a skilled national, or even how successful regional bodies like CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) or CARDI (Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute) have been in implementing their mandate and impacting the people of the region”
Getaway arrives in the UK
By Michele Witthaus from Cruise and Ferry
Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Kevin Sheehan introduced his company’s latest newbuild, Norwegian Getaway, to the travel community in Southampton on 15 January. The event took place ahead of the ship’s maiden cross-Atlantic voyage to New York en route to her Miami homeport.
The 4,000-berth ship will be the largest vessel to be based year-round in Miami and the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to homeport in the city for more than a decade. Getaway’s itinerary will circle the Caribbean, where the company has recently invested in a second private cay.
From the design to the onboard experience, Getaway has a Latin focus in keeping with Miami’s city style. Shows such as ‘Burn the Floor’, which have proved popular on sister ship Breakaway, have been given a Latin dance twist on the new ship. The Grammy Experience, introduced on Getaway, features Grammy award-winning artists well known in Miami, such as jazz flautist Nestor Torres, who captivated audiences at the inaugural event. Getaway also offers guests immersive magic shows in the purpose-built Illusionarium.
Sheehan said the cruise line was on course for its 22nd quarter of growth since he took the helm six years ago. Regarding immediate prospects for bookings in the 2014 wave season, he said: “The next four to six weeks will be critical for the industry. We are all feeling the impact of recent events but we are starting to feel hopeful for the wave season.”
In an unplanned announcement, Sheehan revealed to his UK guests that all ships in the Norwegian fleet are to be retrofitted with the versatile O’Sheehans pub dining venue as part of a revamp of the most popular eating and drinking places on the ships.
“We said we would announce this and now we have,” laughed Sheehan. However, on the subject of design details and planned itineraries for the Breakaway-plus ships due for delivery in 2015 and 2017, Escape and Bliss, he would not be drawn, but promised announcements in March during the Cruise Shipping Miami industry event.
For more:
http://www.cruiseandferry.net/article/News/001142/Getaway%20arrives%20in%20the%20UK
Syrian electronic army hacks Microsoft Twitter Account
By Fran Berkman From Mashable
The Syrian Electronic Army hacked a Twitter account that belongs to Microsoft.
“We can only say that’s just the beginning,” an SEA member called “Syrian Eagle” told Mashable in an email. The group also hacked an Xbox Twitter account (@XboxSupport) earlier Saturday, The Drum reported.
When asked why the SEA targeted Microsoft, Syrian Eagle provided the following response:
Microsoft is monitoring emails accounts and selling the data for the American intelligence and other governments.
And we will publish more details and documents that prove it.
Microsoft is not our enemy but what they are doing affected the SEA.
The hack comes just 10 days after the group, known to favor Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, took over Skype’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, as well as its official blog. Microsoft, which owns the VoIP service, issued a warning to discourage people from using Microsoft emails following the New Year’s Day hack.
The group went on to further taunt Microsoft on Saturday by tweeting a supposed photo of an internal company email discussing the recent hacks. There’s reason to believe the email might be bogus, as it seems unlikely that a Microsoft employee would put a hashtag before “SEA” in the subject line of an email about getting hacked. The alleged email is shown, below, with the names of the Microsoft employees redacted.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For more :
