iNews Briefs
Cayman Islands work permits reduced but you must be a farmer
Work permit for non-Caymanian farmers and farm assistants has been cut almost in half.
The cost now of obtaining these yearly permits are now $300 on Grand Cayman and even less, down to $225 per year in the Sister Islands!
The Cayman Cabinet announced these details last Monday (23)
Nevis featured as one of the best places to live outside the UK; Only Caribbean Island In Sunday Times article
NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 24, 2015) — The Sunday Times listed Nevis among the best places to live outside the United Kingdom. In an article titled “Best Places to Live Overseas 31-40” in its Home/Style/Home column published in its March 22, 2015, edition, Nevis was the only Caribbean island listed.
It said Nevis was among those chosen because it was arty and laid-back living in the sun.
The island was described as being off the beaten waterway, a tiny sombrero-shaped Caribbean island which was starting to appear on the radar.
“Nevis appeals to those who cold-shoulder the bling ring that is St. Barts but still like to know their neighbours are a pleasing mix of judges, architects and arty types.
“Nevis is reckoned to be one of the last ‘authentic’ islands in the West Indies with deserted beaches, nestling leatherback turtles and wild donkeys and goats roaming the lanes. Ultra-chick plantation inns and a Four Seasons Resort offer of a splash of sophistication,” the article said.
It also stated that one could pick up a small Caribbean – style house on the side of the 3,232ft Nevis Peak for 300,000 pounds sterling, a colonial-style mansions at the Four Seasons, built from scratch or off-the-peg, ranging from 1.3 million to 8 million plus pounds sterling.
Other places listed in the article were in Spain, USA, France, South America and Italy.
Petrol/Gas prices have lowered below $4 on Grand Cayman
Whilst the majority of petrol stations in Grand Cayman (George Town, West Bay and Bodden Town) seem to average out between $4.19 and $4.28 a gallon for regular, unleaded gasoline we discovered 3 stations actually below $4. These were all Rubis stations – Shedden Road and Crewe Road (Jose’s) at $3.92 per gallon and Maedac at $3.99 per gallon.
In Cayman Brac it was at the time of writing this $5. Little Cayman – $5.74
Jamaican prime minister welcomes Hyatt Rose Hall to Caribbean
From Breaking Travel news
Jamaican prime minister Portia Simpson Miller addresses the crowd at the grand opening of the resort
The official grand opening of the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Hyatt’s first dual-branded all inclusive resort in Jamaica, has been celebrated in Montego Bay.
Addressing an industry audience at the event, Jamaican prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, described the opening as a “monumental milestone for Jamaica’s tourism”.
The prime minister joined the resort’s owners and operators, Playa Hotels & Resorts, in a ribbon cutting ceremony and gala evening to mark the official opening of the 620 guestroom property.
Situated on the site of the former Ritz Carlton hotel, the project is the culmination of more than an $85 million dollar renovation and recreation of this iconic beachfront site at Rose Hall.
Simpson Miller said: “The opening of resorts like these is significant for the tourism industry, our economy and our people.
“We want our industry to grow not simply in quantity but in quality, and the new Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Hotels represent quality.”
Spanning 1,200 feet of private, pristine coastline on the turquoise Caribbean, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall share the same resort grounds and combine to form an unparalleled, all inclusive resort experience.
Dining takes centre stage and is led by an international culinary team that oversees unique offerings in each of the à la carte, buffet and innovative poolside ‘food cart’ experiences.
The fresh flavours of the Caribbean are creatively melded into unmatched dining experiences ranging from the casual local favourites of Jamaican Jerk to an authentic Churrascaria Brazilian Steak House, to Jamaica’s only Moroccan style Fez Roof Top Lounge.
Guests may enjoy an explosion of tastes, cultures and fine dining all complemented with an excellent wine and spirit collection served by creative mixologists and rum sommeliers.
Playa chief executive Bruce Wardinski said: “The celebration is a culmination of joint efforts among Playa, the people of Jamaica, and Hyatt.
“For almost two years we have collectively worked to bring to life a sophisticated and inspired resort that would reflect the warmth and gracious service of Jamaica in an exhilarating and unique environment.
“As I see these concepts come to life through all of the resort’s many special touches and island firsts, I can only thank our partners and our fantastic resort staff led by general manager Carl Hendriks.”
IMAGE: Jamaican tourism minister Wykeham Mcneill, prime minster Portia Simpson, Hyatt Rose Hall general manager Carl Hendriks, and Playa Hotels chief executive Bruce Wardinski cut the ribbon during the official opening ceremony
Mother in Cayman Islands Court may not be innocent as claimed despite co-conspirators all saying she is innocent
Cayman Islands Grand Court Justice Charles Quin refused to grant bail to a Romanian woman charged with being part of a credit card scam. Her attorney had asked the court to consider granting bail to the woman, Mariana Oprinoiu, but the Crown objected pointing to the flight risk as well as the serious nature of the allegations. Oprinoiu is a mother of a young child and has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with her boyfriend, Florin Roata, and two others to steal approx. US$100,000 from local retail banks using scammed cards in ATMs. The three men wrote to the court claiming she was innocent and have pleaded guilty to the charges.
However, evidence connecting her to the fraud was found in her underwear.
Even her tears did not sway the judge. He had her remanded in custody and is due to appear back in court next month.
Roland Pop and Ianaca Vismos admitted to conspiracy to defraud and money laundering charges in relation to the theft but have denied stealing the money. Roata has admitted conspiracy but has also denied stealing any cash or money laundering.
Jamaica PM to address nationals, UN
By Vinette K. Pryce From Caribbean Life
Two weeks before meeting with President Barack Obama, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller will address the Jamaican community here. The announcement was made by Consular General Herman G. Lamont in conjunction with the island’s ministry of foreign affairs arranged March 26 for the 6:30 p.m. start of the special meeting at St George’s Episcopal Church, 209 East 16th St. in Manhattan.
According to the evening’s program, the prime minister will also address key matters of relevance to the Jamaican community. Following the address, a question and answer segment will afford nationals an opportunity to inform and query the leader on issues pertinent to the community.
Another planned issue to be discussed is the upcoming sixth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference which is slated to be held in June in the country’s second city of Montego Bay.
Details of that important event will launch the annual unity conference which bonds Jamaicans living throughout the US, Canada and in other Caribbean islands.
President Obama will meet the leader in Jamaica on April 9 before addressing the CARICOM heads of governments.
For more: http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2015/3/2015-03-23-vkp-simpsonmiller-cl_2015_3.html
Royal Caribbean is sending Ovation of the Seas to China
From Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean will send its third Quantum-class cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas, to China when she debuts in April 2016.
Ovation of the Seas will be home ported in Tianjin, China, 70 miles southeast of Beijing.
Sister ship Quantum of the Seas will be heading to China later this summer and together with Ovation of the Seas and three other Royal Caribbean ships, Royal Caribbean is poised for a monster offering in this new cruising market.
Once launched, Ovation of the Seas’ maiden sailings will include a 52-night Global Odyssey from Southampton, U.K. to Tianjin. Vacationers can be among the first to experience the new ship on the 2016 Ovation Global Odyssey, which will open for sale on Thursday, March 26, 2015. Five itineraries will take guests to some of the world’s most iconic cities:
A seven-night England to Barcelona cruise, departing May 3, 2016 from Southampton
16-night Barcelona to Dubai cruise, via the Suez Canal, departing May 10
14-night India and Southeast Asia cruise, departing May 26 from Dubai to Singapore
Three-night Malaysia cruise, departing June 9 on a roundtrip sailing from Singapore
And 12-night Exotic Asia cruise, from Singapore to Tianjin.
Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley made the announcement earlier today, “Cruising has become very popular for Chinese consumers and Royal Caribbean is already capturing their imaginations with our industry-leading cruise ships,” said Bayley. “We are furthering our commitment by bringing two of the world’s newest and most advanced Quantum-class cruise ships to the region. In addition, we are significantly expanding our investment in the training and employment of Chinese talent so they can join us in delivering our amazing and distinctive vacations to Chinese travelers.”
The five ships Royal Caribbean will base in China will be homeporting in four metropolitan Chinese cities – Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Xiamen – and primarily sailing three- to 12-night itineraries to destinations in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Royal Caribbean’s summer 2016 Asia adventures will open for booking in August 2015.
The news Ovation of the Seas will be based in China confirms an earlier report we posted that the new mega ship was indeed heading there.
For more: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/03/25/royal-caribbean-sending-ovation-of-the-seas-china
Cayman Islands businessman pleads not guilty to forged bank letter
Lewis Ebanks, a Caymanian developer and investor, has denied the allegation he made a false document regarding the details of a bank deposit.
The charges relate to a property deal in 2012 where Ebanks is alleged to have written a letter to Scotia Bank claiming CI$23,750 had been paid to his company, Empire Development. The authorities say the claim is untrue.
The trial is scheduled for July.
Non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts provides tourists the chance to help
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Despite its natural beauty, the Caribbean faces challenges in education, community development and environmental preservation. One organization is dedicated to addressing those challenges and partners with many of its visitors in an effort to give back.
The Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International, is celebrating its sixth anniversary with the launch of a six-week online fundraising campaign to recognize the years of making a difference. Celebrating 6 Years Together speaks to the partnerships that drive the Sandals Foundation and its efforts to make a positive impact in the Caribbean, where approximately 12.9 million Americans visited in 2014.
Sandals Foundation, the brainchild of Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International, the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company, is the culmination of over 30 years of giving back and undertakes projects in Education, Community and Environment.
To date, Sandals Foundation has provided educational and infrastructural support for 98 schools in the Caribbean, provided free healthcare for over 190,000 people and facilitated the Pack for a Purpose programme where guests staying at any Sandals or Beaches resort can pack five pounds of school supplies for local distribution. By 2014, over 144,000 books were donated to schools.
“Together, we make a difference and together, we are making a difference,” said Heidi Clarke, Director of Programmes for the Sandals Foundation. “These words speak to our partnership with our guests to have a meaningful impact on the Caribbean, where promise and positivity exists. The results we have seen would not have been possible without our guests believing in us. Giving back through the Sandals Foundation means you play a role in providing education, facilitating development and preserving our natural environment.”
Throughout 2015, the Sandals Foundation will focus on marine conservation, which includes establishing coral nurseries; the Game Changer Programme in partnership with Dwyane Wade and Wade’s World Foundation – a youth development through sports initiative; and their partnership with Great Shape, Inc., which has led humanitarian dental, eye care and literacy projects in the region.
“We are extremely grateful for the donations over the years and we’re inviting as many people as possible to celebrate with us by making a $6 donation online,” Clarke said. “One hundred per cent of donations go into programs benefitting the Caribbean.”
To donate, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org
SOURCE Sandals Foundation
Cayman Islands woman admits to stealing from strata
Samantha Natasha Brown, a George Town woman pleaded guilty to the theft of CI$20,000 from South Sound Villas, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands in Court last Friday (20). Five other charges relating to forgery and false accounting have not been resolved.
Brown admitting stealing the money between 29 November 2013 and 25 April 2014. She was bailed until 10 April to allow further discussions between the prosecution and her attorney to reach an agreement to the other charges.
Caribbean to remain stuck with high energy costs, experts say
SAN JUAN – Caribbean nations are likely to go on suffering from high electricity costs because most do not possess their own fossil fuels or the capacity to exploit alternative renewable energy sources, experts told Efe.
“Unfortunately, Caribbean countries are condemned to pay more, because they lack the majority of endogenous resources needed to generate electricity,” Rigoberto Ariel Yepez-Garcia, Energy Division Chief at the Inter-American Development Bank, said in a telephone interview.
In 2012, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada had the highest electricity rates in the region, ranging from 41 cents to 44 cents per kilowatt/hour, compared with 13 cents per kWh on average in the United States, according to data from the IDB.
“Electricity costs in our region are very high. In general, households pay between U.S. 30 cents and U.S. 40 cents per kilowatt hour. Prices vary significantly from country to country,” Caribbean Development Bank head Warren Smith told Efe.
Smith said the high cost of electricity in the islands is due to a combination of factors, including the inherent inefficiency of using diesel to generate electricity; volatility of international oil markets; and the absence of economies of scale in the generation of electricity.
Regarding the possibility that local oil and gas producers such as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago can meet regional demand, Yepez-Garcia said those countries only produce enough to meet domestic demand.
Trinidad and Tobago, with its domestically produced natural gas, enjoys the region’s lowest electricity cost: 5 cents per kWh.
But Trinidad’s gas is not being exploited for the benefit of the region, because, according to Yepez-Garcia, the surrounding islands lack the necessary infrastructure and the Trinidadians find it more profitable to sell the gas to Europe.
Both experts agreed that the region must commit to diversifying its energy sources.
“Renewable energy has the potential to significantly reduce electricity costs in the Caribbean,” Smith said.
“Caribbean governments need to ensure that the correct regulatory environment is in place to promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies, such as allowing independent power producers and net billing,” the CDB president said.
Yepez-Garcia concluded that Caribbean countries need to lessen their dependence on fossil fuels, whose prices are volatile.
A 2014 CDB study, “New Paradigm for Caribbean Development: Transitioning to a Green Economy,” states that while governments express a commitment to developing renewable energy, they lack consistency in implementing projects.
For more: http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2380453&CategoryId=14092
