iNews Briefs
Don’t send bank details via email warns Cayman police
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service’s (RCIPS) Financial Crime Unit have warned the public not to send their bank details over email after hackers have once again tried to raid Cayman bank accounts.
There have been a number of fictitious instructions to wire money overseas, including a number we have received and reported to the banks without receiving any acknowledgement back from the banks we contacted.
The RCIPS said hackers have continued to successfully infiltrate email accounts to pilfer bank details and attempt fraudulent transfers. But increased vigilance from the banks themselves means there have been no new cases where money has actually been transferred.
Financial Crime officers can be contacted on 949-8797.
Cayman women urged to play sports
This is Women’s Month and Cayman Islands government officials in the department of sports are urging more women and girls playing sports as part of a focus on inspiring change. As part of the initiative the department has organized an evening of squash for players of all levels of experience at the South Sound Squash Club on Monday. There will also be a Netball Social at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Sunday 30 March. Cayman Brac has also planned a clinic for netball players on 13-14 March and throughout the month the Netball Association, the Basketball Association and the Cricket Women’s League will continue with scheduled matches.
The squash event will take place on 10 March, from 5.45-8.00pm. A professional squash player will be present. In addition the club is offering a March special of three months for KYD120 and a fourth month free.
Cayman Brac’s two-day clinic takes place on 13-14 March at the Layman Scott High School. From 5.45-8.00pm. Later in the month past and present netball players aged 45 or older are invited to an Oldies Netball Social at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on Sunday 30 March from 6.45-8.00 pm.
Netball also takes place Thursdays and Saturdays at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex from 6.45.-8.00pm. Basketball matches are scheduled for Thursdays at ARC, Camana Bay from 6.15pm. Meanwhile cricket matches are Sundays, at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School from 2.00pm.
For more information contact Merta Day at 926-9161 or email [email protected].
Only one airline gives free rum punch on flights to the Cayman Islands
By wakeandwander From Jaunted
Where: Cayman Islands, United Kingdom
These days, the general consensus is that airlines nickel and dime you every chance they get along the way. This is true of most of the mainstream North American carriers, but as we discovered with Southwest’s ever-running happy hours and free drink days, there are still airlines out there that give you bang for your buck. Or better yet, let you have some fun on their tab.
Cayman Airways’ flights allow economy class passengers to check two bags for free, and they also feature a meal and complimentary Tortuga rum punch. Yes, free unlimited alcoholic drinks in a non-transatlantic international economy class. It’s not heavily advertised, but if you look closely at the list of complimentary beverages, you’ll surely find it.
Direct flights to Grand Cayman are offered from Miami, New York, Tampa, Chicago, and Dallas. Delta and United also service the island, but as we found out this week, despite the fact that the route is technically an international flight, you won’t be served a meal, free drinks, or be able to check bags without a fee. They’ll also look at you funny if you ask for a free rum punch.
New president sought by CITA
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association is seeking a new president, as the present incumbent, Ken Hydes, will have completed his term on April 16th. Nine seats on the 14-member board are also open, with nominations closing on March 14th.
The board members represent hotel, condo/villa, water sports, transportation, restaurants, cruise, sister islands and allied sector that represents numerous businesses in the community that are directly or indirectly supported by tourism.
For more information contact CITA at 949-8522 or email [email protected]
AMResorts to Open New Hotels in Mexican Caribbean, Panama
By the Caribbean Journal staff
US-based AMResorts is adding a pair of new hotels in the Caribbean region.
The company will be taking over sales, marketing and brand management to the Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres in Cancun, which will be rebranded as the Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun beginning Dec. 15.
That property will be the fourth Zoetry Wellness * Spa resort in the wider region.
AMResorts’ portfolio in Mexico will rise to 26 resorts by the end of this year.
The company also announced plans to open a new Dreams Buenaventura Panama resort in 2016, the 40th resort in the company’s collection and its 13th Dreams resort.
The new-construction 450-room reort will be located in the Buenaventura beach community of Panama City.
“Expanding our footprint to include new destinations that capture beautiful settings with distinctive cultural, eco and adventure-related experiences, AMResorts is excited about introducing the Dreams brand in Panama,” said Gonzalo del Peon, President, AMResorts, in a statement.
The Buenvaventura community is about 80 minutes away from Panama City.
For more; http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/03/06/amresorts-to-open-new-hotels-in-mexican-caribbean-panama/
America’s most royal family [President Obama and family]
From PatriotsBillboard
The redistribution of $1.4 billion each year
What can you buy for $1.4 BILLION a Year? You can buy the most luxurious and costly royal presidency in history. Taxpayers spent $1.4 billion dollars on everything from staffing, housing, flying and entertaining President Obama and his family last year, according to the author of a new book on taxpayer-funded presidential perks.
In comparison, British taxpayers spent just $57.8 million on the royal family.
Author Robert Keith Gray writes in “Presidential Perks Gone Royal” that Obama isn’t the only president to have taken advantage of the expensive trappings of his office. But the amount of money spent on the first family, he argues, has risen tremendously under the Obama administration and needs to be reined in.
Gray told The Daily Caller that the $1.4 billion spent on the Obama family last year is the “total cost of the presidency,” factoring the cost of the “biggest staff in history at the highest wages ever,” a 50 percent increase in the numbers of appointed czars and an Air Force One “running with the frequency of a scheduled air line.”
Perspective: $1.4 billion is equal to spending seven times Mitt Romney’s entire net-worth every year. If Romney had to pay for Barack and Michelle’s lifestyle this year, he would have been bankrupted by the third week in February.
Now, can we please get back to talking about the evil, freeloading rich people, who didn’t build anything and who need to “pay a little bit more.”
For more: http://patriotsbillboard.org/americas-most-royal-family/
600 unwanted dogs and cats in Cayman are euthanised every year
Following an open records request filed by the Caymanian Compass in November last year, it showed 443 dogs and cats were euthanised by the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture in the first 11 months of 2013. In 2012, 634 animals were put down. The figure for the previous year was 506, while 771 were euthanized in 2010.
These high numbers have staggered all of Cayman’s animal charities.
Malpractice insurance hike rate may mean less practicing Cayman obstetricians
Private obstetricians in Cayman will have to pay an annual insurance premium of $292,255 – an increase of $100,640 over the current rate charged by U.K.-based Medical Protection Society, or MPS by the end of this month.
And Cayman’s obstetricians say this rate rise could force them out of business meaning fewer available to deliver babies locally.
Obstetricians also have to pay on top of the malpractice insurance other fees relating to maintenance of ultrasound machines, new equipment, drugs, medicines, and office rentals.
At present there are only four private obstetricians/gynecologists still practicing here.
Free health checks courtesy of Rotary at Cayman’s supermarkets
The first weekend in March saw free health checks at eight supermarkets courtesy of Cayman Rotary Club Central who organised it all.
714 persons were screened, they said, and it was a joint effort with them and the Cayman Islands health Authority.
This was the fourth annual health screening organised by Rotary Central, and next stop for screenings will be the eastern districts.
Cayman culling of lionfish is producing results
The Cayman United Lionfish League’s 10th lionfish cull and weigh in over March’s first weekend, dubbed as “March Madness” saw the record for the largest lionfish caught free diving smashed. Team Cayman Deep Stroke now hold the record when they brought up from Cayman’s waters a 305 millimetres long lionfish.
Although the culling was good fun for all who took part it also meant dozens of the invasive species were taken out of our waters over the two day tournament.
Mark Orr a CULL member said the culls are working as yearly data collected from the Department of Environment has shown areas that are culled frequently are showing a lot less fish.
First utility-scale solar photovoltaic installation completed in Panama
From Caribbean News Now
NEW YORK, USA — Greenwood Biosar, a joint venture between Greenwood Energy and Biosar formed to provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, has completed design and construction of a 2.4-megawatt (MW) solar PV project in Panama’s Herrera Province for Enel Green Power Panama.
The solar array is located nine miles from the city of Chitre, is Panama’s first utility-scale solar PV installation, and can provide 30 percent of the surrounding area’s electricity demand – equivalent to 2,600 homes. The project has now been interconnected to the La Empresa de Generacion Electricita (EGESA) grid network.
“Latin America is one of the world’s most dynamic solar power markets, and we are excited to demonstrate our skill building utility-scale distributed clean energy generation projects on budget in this key geographical region,” said Camilo Patrignani, CEO of Greenwood Energy.
The EPC contract for this project was awarded in September of 2013 and Greenwood Biosar provided all services and equipment for plant construction including engineering, civil works, and construction management; PV module installation; and procurement, delivery, and installation of all inverters, pad mount transformers, MV switchgear, racking, metering devices, and monitoring and control systems.
“Greenwood Biosar’s strength is its expertise in international solar power project construction, and we look forward to leveraging this strength across other Latin American projects in 2014,” said Aris Polychronopoulos, CEO of Greenwood Biosar.
Greenwood Biosar is currently building utility-scale projects at locations across the United States and Latin America, and brings years of construction experience and extensive purchasing power derived from Biosar’s 1-gigawatt worldwide pipeline.
Statement by the Caribbean Community on situation in Ukraine
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply concerned by the recent developments in Ukraine and calls on all parties involved, to act with self-restraint and responsibility in order to reduce tensions and avoid destabilisation in that region.
The Community supports the people of Ukraine in their efforts to settle their differences peacefully, and calls for the respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In this regard, the Community also calls for the use of international mediation and/or negotiations, to address security and human rights concerns in Ukraine, under the auspices of the United Nations.
The Caribbean Community will continue to monitor developments within Ukraine and hopes for peace and calm as political and economic stability are restored within that country.
CFA: FFD Roma USC vs. Cayman Brac FC Postponement
Please be advised that due to flight unavailability from Cayman Brac to Grand Cayman the FFD match below has been postponed to Saturday 5 April 2014 with KICK OFF at 6pm at The Annex.
Two more Caymanians get invites to train in Europe
Dutch Soccer School coach and scout Roy Wilhelm said two Caymanian youths, Future’s Ryan Jackson and Academy’s Devonte Morejon will be going to Europe to train and play games with Netherlands-based Willem II Tilburg and Belgium-based Sint Truiden.
CMZ Group accuses former principal Dave Clark of $7 m fraud
Cayman Islands-based CMZ Group, whose operations include pawn shops throughout the Caribbean, has accused its former managing director and 50% owner, Dave Clark, of swindling it out of approximately $7.5 million.
For more: http://www.offshorealert.com/cmz-group-cayman-sues-dave-clark-for-fraud.aspx
Cayman-based fraudster Rani Jarkas banned from US securities industry
Cayman Islands-based fraudster Rani Jarkas – whose dishonest conduct and that of his attorney, Michael Alberga, was previously exposed by OffshoreAlert – has been barred from the securities industry in the United States.
For more: http://www.offshorealert.com/rani-jarkas-banned-from-us-securities-industry.aspx
Dozens of pigeons left at Spotts
Last week dozens of pigeons were left on the beach by Spotts dock.
Most of the pigeons were alive and appeared healthy although there were a few that had died and others looked sick.
The birds have been identified as Rock Pigeons.
Under the Animals Law, it is illegal to abandon animals, including birds.
Discover Paradise at the Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman
Our Grand Cayman Hotel
At The Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman, tranquility, fun, and beauty are yours to enjoy, and we make them easy to explore and experience. Surrounded by picture-perfect settings, our hotel offers a world class vacation in one of the most stunning destinations in the world. Feel the ocean breeze, put your toes in the white sand and relax while leaving the details to us.
As the closest hotel to Sting Ray City and just minutes from Seven Mile Beach, our Grand Cayman Island resort offers some of the best dive spots in our blue Caribbean waters. Visit our on-site dive shop before heading out, or opt for a Jet Ski or bike rental to explore the area by sea or land. Grand Cayman’s best attractions are located nearby, including Dolphin Discovery, Rum Point and Sandy Point, but our secluded oasis allows you to have both peace and excitement during your vacation in the Cayman Islands.
Proud Winner of the IHG 2013 Renovation Award
After the successful completion of major modernization and renovation programs within the last year, The Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman is the proud recipient of the InterContinental Hotels Group 2013 Renovation Award. We are extremely honored to have received this reward as it is a direct reflection of our commitment to enhancing our guests’ experience.
For more: http://www.hiresortgrandcayman.com/
Conyers Dill & Pearman wins Offshore Firm of the Year accolade at IFLR Asia Awards 2014
Conyers Dill & Pearman has been named Offshore Firm of the Year at IFLR’s annual Asia Awards, which took place in Hong Kong.
Conyers was also recognised for its involvement in the Focus Media take-private matter, which won Private Equity Deal of the Year.
The $3.7bn (£2.2bn) privatisation of Focus Media Holding is, to date, the largest privatisation of a Cayman Islands company listed on NASDAQ.
The Conyers team, led by Hong Kong partner and firm co-chair David Lamb and associate Angie Chu, acted as Cayman counsel to the buying consortium of FountainVest Partners (Asia), Carlyle Asian Investment Advisors and CITIC Capital Partners Management.
Street Food Friday: A Controversial taste of turtle in Grand Cayman
From Jaunted
On our last day in Grand Cayman, we went in search of something we had heard was a common dish served on the island, something that might be even more controversial than the consumption of whale in Norway: We were after a taste of turtle.
Many types of travel test your limits, but few challenge your perceptions the way culinary differences between cultures can. Bring up the fact that you ate turtle in a crowded room, and you will most likely receive a mixed bag of responses, those on the negative end being charged with anger and disappointment. Other animals may suffer similar fates, but people have a way of drawing the line.
There is definitely controversy on the island revolving around one specific turtle farm, but we weren’t there to talk politics – we were there because we wanted to experience Caymanian culture, which eats turtles. To fully immerse ourselves, we had to try it. The locals recommended Myrtle’s for its fresh turtle burgers, soups, and steaks. We went with the former at lunch, and when it arrived, it looked just like any other meat-based burger. This is a good approach for those that might not want to be unnecessarily reminded that they’re eating turtle.
The taste was similar to veal in that it was richer and sweeter than chicken and beef. This is one of the reasons turtle makes a great soup, the sweetness complimenting the salt of the broth. The burger was good, but we would recommend trying the soup for your first time, and, if you enjoy, indulging in the other preparations as follow ups. We feel the soup is the most traditional and the best vehicle to truly taste the meat. It provides more flavor enhancement than a straight-up steak and removes the blanket of the bun.
You can read more about the turtle debate on the island here at http://endangeredspecies.about.com/od/endangeredspeciesconflicts/a/Paul-Mccartney-And-The-Cayman-Turtle-Controversy.htm
Our advice would be to investigate where your turtle comes from Portlandia style if you have an issue with those that are farm-raised.
CNB to leave downtown George Town
With businesses in downtown George Town, Cayman’s capital, either closing for good or leaving, another one hits the dust. Cayman National Bank (CNB) have announced they are closing their doors on their branch office on Edward Street effective from March 28th.
In a press release the bank said, “In this difficult economic climate where businesses are reducing their staff complement, we have taken the approach to retain, retrain and redeploy our existing staff which is a true testament of the Cayman National ethos and a commitment to the socio-economic development of our community.”
All 13 staff at the branch are to be relocated at other CNB branches.
Cayman’s cricket team come down to earth in Malaysia and by Malaysia
After the Cayman Islands surprise win against Guernsey in their opening cricket match in the ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament being held in Malaysia they were crushed by the hosts in their second match on March 7th by 213 runs.
Malaysia 333-5
Shafiq 151*, Faiz 37
Taylor 3-55
Cayman Islands 120
Roach 22
Mohammed 4-10, Durrani 3-15
Malaysia wins by 213 runs
West Indies veteran cricketer is #3 in the world
In the latest world test batting rankings from the International Cricket Council (ICCI) West Indies veteran batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, has climbed to #3 making him the only West Indies cricketer in the top 20.
Darren Bravo is ranked at #23 and Chris Gayle at #29.
All the ICCI Test Player rankings can be found at: http://www.espncricinfo.com/rankings/content/page/211270.html
Legally Blonde is coming to Cayman’s The Playhouse
Elle Woods appears to have it all – she is literally in the pink! But when Warner Huntington, her shallow boyfriend, dumps her for someone with better prospects, her life is turned upside-down. His excuse is that he wants to start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Elle fights for her man and determined to get him back, she impresses the Harvard student panel enough to get into Harvard Law. Law school is a new world for her and she struggles with peers, professors, and her Ex. But friendship wins through as Paulette and Emmett help her to work the system. Elle quickly then realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
March 13th to 23rd Thu – Sun and Thu Mar 27th & Fri Mar 28th 2014 at the Prospect Playhouse. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children.
Legally Blonde is a production by The Cayman Drama Society
Call the CDS box office 938-1998 or email [email protected] now to avoid disappointment!
The Prospect Playhouse is situated by the Red Bay Primary School, Grand Cayman
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