iNews Briefs & Community Events
Free Vegetable Seedlings Offered to Cayman Islands residents
Residents with green thumbs are invited to obtain free seedlings, as a limited stock of cabbage, cucumber, bok choy (Chinese cabbage), cauliflower, broccoli and other plants are offered to the public by the Department of Agriculture (DoA).
This initiative seeks to stimulate interest amongst backyard gardeners in growing quality produce, and ideally will lead to more entries and participation in the Cayman Islands Agriculture Society 50th Agriculture Show next year.
There are twelve types of these vegetable seedlings available, and they may be collected from the DoA Nursery, at 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley.
Cayman Islands Holiday Hours Immigration Appeals Tribunal
The Immigration Appeals Tribunal advises the public of its holiday hours. The final meeting for the Tribunal takes place on Thursday 15 December 2016. The administrative arm of the IAT will close at 12.30 p.m. on Friday, 23 December, and reopen at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 December. It will close again at 12.30 p.m. on Friday, 30 December and reopen at 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday 3 January 2017. Members will hold their first meeting of the year on 12 January.
One More Cayman Islands Public Holiday for 2017
With the Elections Office’s schedule for the General Elections formally approved by the Governor this morning (Friday, 9 December 2016), one more public holiday has been officially declared for the Cayman Islands in 2017.
General Elections Day on Wednesday, 24 May 2017 will be a public holiday, bringing the number of public holidays for next year to 12 days.
The full list of public holidays for 2017 now is:
Monday, 2 January – New Year’s Day (observed)
Monday, 23 January – National Heroes Day
Wednesday, 1 March – Ash Wednesday
Friday, 14 April – Good Friday
Monday, 17 April – Easter Monday
Monday, 15 May – Discovery Day
Wednesday, 24 May – General Elections Day
Monday, 19 June – Queen’s Birthday
Monday, 3 July – Constitution Day
Monday, 13 November – Remembrance Day
Monday, 25 December – Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December – Boxing Day.
Cayman Islands Vehicle Licensing Offices’ December Closures
The public is informed that all three offices at the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing will close early on Friday, 16 December, 2016, for a staff function. The West Bay and Breakers offices will close 11.30a.m., while the Crewe Road Office will close at 12 noon.
Normal operating hours will resume on Saturday, 17 December for the West Bay and Breakers offices – that is, 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m.; and the Crewe Road location reopens on Monday, 19 December, from 8.30a.m. to 4.00p.m.
For the Christmas and New Year holidays, all three DVDL locations will close at12.30p.m. on Friday, 23 December, and again at 12.30p.m. on Friday, 30 December.
However, the West Bay and Breakers offices will be open at the usual time (9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m.) on Saturday, 24 December.
Cayman Islands liquor license holders receive New Year’s extension
Liquor licence holders will get an extension beyond regular closing times on New Year’s Eve.
The Liquor Licensing Board made the decision on Monday, 5 December, that bars, restaurants and hotels are permitted to sell liquor until 1:30 am and play music until 2:00 am, the morning of Sunday, 1 January 2017. Nightclubs are permitted to sell liquor until 3:30 am. Music and dancing must end at 4:00 am.
All other licensing stipulations will remain in effect, such as liquor sales and the playing of music ceasing during the last ten minutes of permitted opening hours.
For more information, contact the Department of Commerce and Investment on 945-0943 or email [email protected]
CUC will be hosting the second Integrated Resource Programme (IRP) Study Presentation on Wednesday, December 14 at noon and 6:00 p.m. (2 sessions, same presentation) at the Marriott Resort on West Bay Road.
This presentation follows on from the initial IRP Study Presentation that took place on August 24, 2016 at the Marriott.
Attached is a copy of the invitation.
The presentation is open to the public and interested persons are encouraged to attend.
National Tourism Plan- Workshops Continue in the Sister Islands
This week, workshops and town hall meetings will be held to garner input from tourism stakeholders and the general public for inclusion in the National Tourism Plan (NTP). This is the second round of meetings for the new five year plan that will be implemented from 2017 – 2021.
(L-R) Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Hon Moses Kirkconnell speaks with Rochelle Dilbert of La Esperanza at the inaugural NTP workshop held in Cayman Brac on Monday, 5 December 2016.
CAYMAN ISLANDS: Agriculture & Craft Bazaar this Saturday at Town Market
Everyone is invited to a celebration of tastes, music, craft and fresh local fruit and vegetables, during the first “Cayman Christmas Bazaar” at the Market at the Cricket Grounds – this Saturday, 10 December, 2016.
Beginning at 9:00a.m., the day will include a visit by Santa from 9a.m. to 10a.m., a bouncing castle, music and raffles of Caymanite jewellery and gift baskets full of fresh produce, local fruit, sweet treats, desserts and refreshing smoothies.
The market vendors also look forward to a “meet and greet” session into the afternoon hours.
Located in George Town, across from the Red Cross building, this popular new market venue allows local farmers and artisans to showcase their goods year-round; and for the festive season.
5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Trinidad and Tobago, Southern Caribbean
From Caribbean Journal
The biggest earthquake in the Caribbean in several years caused shaking across the Southern Caribbean on Tuesday evening.
The 5.8-magnitude quake’s epicenter was about 25 miles southwest of Scarborough, Tobago; it struck at about 5:42 PM local time at a depth of 35km.
Shaking was felt across much of the southern Caribbean, including in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada (there were also reports of shaking in Venezuela.
The strongest reports of shaking were in Trinidad, including in Port of Spain, with “moderate” strength, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The Caribbean region is seismically active, although the most frequent earthquakes tend to fall in the 3.0-4.0 range on the Richter scale.
There were not yet reports of damage or injuries resulting from the quake.
Night In Bethlehem in Cayman Islands
When: December 17th (Saturday)
Where: St. George’s Anglican Church Hall (off Courts Road)
Time: anytime between 4:00 pm & 9:00 pm
Cost: CI$5 per person (Children under 12 free)
This newly-found marine life has scientists baffled as to what it is
By Kevin Reilly From Business Insideer
Scientists from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) have found an organism that they can’t explain. The moss-like thing was found more than 1,700 feet underwater.
Cargo vessel owners admit damage to Cayman Islands coral reef
Last month as has been widely reported in Cayman’s media, Saga, a 100 metre cargo vessel ran aground in George Town Harbour off Eden Rock. The ship caused considerable damage to the reef and the owners of Saga have admitted to being responsible for it.
The owners have engaged marine experts to assess the damage and remove the rubble and coral that cannot be reattached.
Cayman Islands Wayne Panton has confirmed the company had “stepped up and taken responsibility”. He said the priority was assessing the extent of the damage.
Surround sound
By Paul McGowan From PS Audio
One of the joys of the upcoming holiday season for me is music. The best venue is right around the corner.
The University of Colorado is within walking distance of our home and each year the college of music puts on a sold out spectacular in the university’s Macky auditorium—one of the better sounding venues I have attended. Just take a look at this gorgeous architecture, including the horn loaded stage.
Two of the more remarkable highlights of the Christmas show: real, traditional Christmas songs + Santa, and surround sound.
Indeed, surround sound. Terri scored for us orchestra seating and midway through the event the balcony pews are filled with choral singers. Voices surround you while the orchestra croons. Amazing.
The finale is Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from his masterpiece The Messiah. Closing my eyes for the sound to wash over me in full 360˚ is Christmas present enough.
Of course I cannot listen to the hifi for some time after an event like this.
IMAGE: Macky Auditorium
For more: http://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/surround-sound/
Cayman Islands Department of Counselling Services – Holiday Closures
The Department of Counselling Services announces the following holiday closing times and dates:
The Family Resource Centre will close from 12.30 p.m. on Friday, 16 December 2016 for its Christmas staff function.
In addition to this, in line with other Government offices (non-essential services), both the Department of Counselling Services and the Family Resource Centre, will close at 12:30pm on Friday, 23 December and on Friday, 30 December, 2016.
Cayman Islands Police Appeal for Public Assistance to Locate Missing Boat
On Saturday morning, 3 December, officers responded to a report of a theft of a boat from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Hotel staff informed officers that just after 8AM that morning they learned that one of the hotel’s boats, a 2011 Zodiac Bayrunner PRO 550, was missing from where it had been anchored the night before, approximately 170 yards from shore on the beach side of the Ritz Carlton property.
The boat is grey in colour, 17.2’ in length, and seats between 7-9 people. Pictures of similar boats (but not the missing boat itself) are attached.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call George Town CID at 949-4222. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the Miami-based call centre of Crime Stoppers at 800-8477(TIPS), or online at the link: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=681.
Cayman 27’s Parade of Lights entertains thousands
Last Saturday (3) thousands of people flocked to Camana bay to watch the Annual Caymn27 Parade of Lights. This was the brain child of WestStar TV’s first manager Mike Martin and has grown over its many years that started in Hogsty Bay, George Town before moving to its present home Camana Bay
After the excellent singing from The First Cayman Baptist Choir, who were also there from the very first event, spectators saw thirteen brilliantly decorated boats show off their hard work by sailing around twice. This was followed by a fireworks display.
Unfortunately one of the boats did not show off its full potential of lights due to generator malfunction.
The theme of this year was Christmas stories.
Red Sail Sports with its underwater theme that featured creatures of the deep, such as stingrays and seahorses won the “Big Boat” award, and Beachcomber won the “Small Boat” award, with its theme of a Christmas castaway tropical island.
Cayman Islands Information Commissioner threatens to take Premier’s office to court
The Information Commissioner Jan Liebaers is reported as saying he will take the Premier’s office to court for contempt if they do not respond to his order to turn over the Ritch immigration report by Monday (5).
UPDATE: Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin’s on Monday to issued a certificate of exemption blocking the ICO from viewing the Ritch immigration report. McLaughlin has certified the report as legal advice and it’s not in the public’s interest to disclose the report.
Watch this space.
Cayman Poetry Festival
Opening ceremony at Cayman Islands National Gallery Mon 7pm. See attached flyers for all details
Savannah United Church Advent Season Events
17 Astral Way
Savannah
- 10 December @6:30pm Cantata: “He shall be Called”
- 11 December @ 10am Cantata: “He Shall be Called” Lighting of the Candle of JOY
- 11 December @ 7:30pm Our Choir will be performing at the Crighton Property
- 12 December @5:30pm SASEP (Savannah After School Enrichment Programme) Christmas Concert
- 18 December @ 10am Youth Christmas Programme Lighting of the Candle of LOVE
- 25 December @ Christmas Sunday Service
Lighting of the Christ Candle
- 31 December Watchnight Service for Youth and Adults @ 7pm
For more information, please call 947-6071
Cayman Islands: Agriculture Event – Monday Morning Dec 5th 2016
WHO: Agriculture Minister – Hon. D Kurt Tibbetts
& Senior Officers from Ministry & Dept of Agriculture.
Ansari Hosein – CARDI Representative, Cayman
WHAT: Invitation to CARDI Day 2016 Event
The CARDI Country Office in the Cayman Islands will be celebrating CARDI Day, with the theme “Improving Lives Through Agricultural Research”
Opening is to be followed by poster exhibition showcasing research for development achievements, as well as a tour of field operations.
(This year’s focus on Agriculture has included the Heroes Day Celebrations, and the recent Caribbean Week of Agriculture, hosted by the Cayman Islands).
WHEN: Monday, Dec 5th, 2016 – at 10:00a.m.
WHERE: Department of Agriculture, 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley, Bodden Town.
BACKGROUND: The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure invite you to CARDI Day.
The CARDI Day is an outreach mechanism which affords the public, stakeholders, partners,
collaborators and the private sector across the region the opportunity to learn more about the Institute and the work we are doing.
December 5th is symbolic, as on this day in 1974, Government representatives from across our region signed the Agreement Establishing CARDI.
(GIS)
Cayman Islands police Joint Marine Unit advisory to boat owners: Secure Your Vessels
The Joint Marine Unit is urging boat owners to be vigilant in securing their vessels from opportunistic thefts. Aside from locking their vessels, further security measures, such as GPS tracking or systems that can remotely disable boats, should be strongly considered.
“In addition to added security features, one simple tip is to limit the amount of fuel in a vessel,” says Inspector Leo Anglin, Marine Commander, “with only fifty miles worth of fuel a thief cannot get very far. Full fuel tanks, however, can make a boat a more attractive target.”
For further information, or to report any suspicious activity around boats, call the Joint Marine Unit at 649-7710 or George Town Police Station at 949-4222.
Cayman Airways adds first B737-800
Cayman Airways has taken delivery of its first B737-800, VP-CNG (MSN 30289).
The aircraft, formerly LN-NOO with Norwegian, has been leased from Air Lease Corporation on a twenty-five month contract.
The move comes as the Caymanian carrier will have to wait for the fourth quarter of 2018 for the delivery of the first of the four B737 MAX 8s it will lease from ALC.
All the four B737 MAXs will be delivered by the third quarter of 2020.
Cayman Airways is using the new jets to replace its existing fleet of four B737-300s which will be gone by 2020.
IMAGE: A Cayman Airways B737-300. Copyright: Caribbean Journal
For more: https://theworldofaviationblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/cayman-airways-adds-first-b737-800/
Cayman Islands Immigration Holiday Hours 2016
The Department of Immigration has announced its holiday working hours, as well as dates for the remaining board meetings for this year.
The Immigration headquarters (including public counters, and the Passport and Visa offices) will close to the public at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 23 December, and reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 December.
These offices again close to the public at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 30 December and resume at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 3 January 2017.
The meeting dates for the Immigration Boards are as follows:
The Work Permit Board’s final meeting date will be 12th December, and resumes on 9th January, 2017.
The Business Staffing Plan Board’s final meeting date will be 14th December, and resumes 11 January, 2017.
The Cayman Status and Permanent Residents Board’s final meeting will be 8 December, and resumes on 12 January, 2017.
The Administration, Border Control and Enforcement sections of Immigration will continue functioning as usual while the boards are on leave.
Cayman Islands Spelling Bees Competitions
The 2016 Spelling Bees competitions take place for secondary school children on Wednesday, 7 December and for primary-aged children on Thursday. 8 December.
The events are open to the public and will be held in the morning, starting at 9.30 a.m., followed immediately by the prize-giving. Both events will be at Red Bay Church of God on Selkirk Drive.
CI Government
Department of Environmental Health (DEH)
2016 Annual Bulk Waste Clean-up
The schedule for each district is as follows:
EAST END / NORTH SIDE DISTRICTS
November 21st to November 26th – bulk items will be collected
BODDEN TOWN DISTRICT
November 28th to December 3rd – bulk items will be collected.
GEORGE TOWN DISTRICT
December 5th to December 10th – bulk items will be collected.
WEST BAY DISTRICT
December 12th to December 17th – bulk items will be collected.
CAYMAN BRAC and LITTLE CAYMAN
November 28th to December 15th – bulk items will be collected.
Bulk waste should be placed on the curbside where they can be accessed by DEH trucks but not an obstruction to traffic.
Bulk waste includes the following items: Household appliances, furniture, and yard waste.
(Items not handled by normal DEH residential garbage weekly collection)
Construction and demolition debris WILL NOT BE COLLECTED.
(Construction and demolition debris is NOT considered residential bulk waste and is therefore not part of this campaign).
The public should separate the following waste items from the rest of bulk waste:
-
METALS – including old appliances, metal furniture, metal roofing etc…
-
VEGETATION – All yard & plant trimmings etc.
- OTHER RECYCLABLES –old tyres, scrap aluminium, batteries, and e-waste (old computers, TV, printers, etc.)
RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT ITEMS SHOULD NOT BE PUT OUT AFTER THE ABOVE DATES AS DEH CREWS WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO AN AREA ONCE IT HAS BEEN CLEANED.
For further information, in Grand Cayman contact the DEH solid waste dispatch unit at 949-8793; in the Little Cayman & Cayman Brac, contact DEH Cayman Brac office at 948-2321.
Cayman Islands: Looking for FOI research study participants!
I [Barrie Quappe] am looking for participants in my research project for my Master’s study programme. Please read the attached ad and feel free to forward to anyone you may think has filed an FOI request and would be a willing participant.
Your help in this recruitment is greatly appreciated.
Best,
Barrie Quappe
916-9800
Christmas Meat – Cayman Islands Abattoir Services Advisory
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) reminds farmers of the process for using its abattoir services – especially before the Christmas rush.
Animal-owners should follow the appropriate protocols for butchering meat, which is done free of cost, inclusive of delivery to the specified supermarkets or butcher shops.
Call 947-3090 to use the DoA’s abattoir service during November. Farmers must provide details of the livestock, and the dates and locations for the delivery of their meat.
Education begins on Cayman Islands Single Member Constituencies
The Elections Office invites the public, including voters, potential candidates and their agents in the 2017 General Election, to learn more about recent changes to the Elections Law that created 19 single member electoral districts.
Interested persons may email [email protected] to ask questions, or request short presentations for groups or organisations.
The public should also stay tuned to local media for information on upcoming meetings, which will aim to address any questions that people may have about the transition.
Cayman Islands Needs Assessment Unit Office closure for the Holidays
The Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) office, 2nd Floor Aqua Mall, 55 South Church Street, George Town will close for the following days over the holiday season 2016:
Thursday, 8 December from noon onwards for staff function
Friday, 23 to Wednesday, 28 December inclusive for the Christmas Holidays, and
Friday, 30 December.
The NAU office will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, 3 January 2017.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
WED & THU DEC 7 & 8
2016 Spelling Bees competitions
THU DEC 8
Basic Grammar and Writing Skills Part 2
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting Basic Grammar and Writing Skills Part 2 on Thursday (8 Dec) from 9am until 430pm at their offices in Governor’s Square.
NAU Closure
Traditional Santa photos
The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do
SAT DEC 9
Festival of Praise
First Baptist Church’s Festival of Praise is Saturday (9 Dec) at 7pm.
SAT DEC 10
A Choir & Orchestra Concert
Sat 10th December 7pm The Crescent Camana Bay FREE
Christmas Arts and Craft Bazaar
George Town Bulk Waste Clean Up
Christmas dinner
Junior Achievement Market
Christmas Tea Party
Caribbean Santa Photos
SAT DEC 10 & SUN DEC 11
Savannah United Church Cantata
SUN DEC 11
Savannah United Church
11 December @ 7:30pm Our Choir will be performing at the Crighton Property
Festival of Praise
Church of God Full Gospel Hall All Day Meeting
Third Sunday of Advent
MON DEC 12
West Bay Bulk Waste Clean Up
Sav-New Senior Citizens Christmas Party
TUE DEC 13
Cookie Baking workshop
WED DEC 14
Bookends Club
Festival of Praise
THU DEC 15
Sister Islands Bulk Waste Clean Up
Traditional Santa photos
Pre-School Concert
FRI DEC 16
Jingle Bell Rock Disco
Festival of Praise
SAT DEC 17
Community Christmas Meal
Community Christmas Meal: John Gray Memorial Church would like their friends in West Bay to whom they normally deliver meals at Christmas time, to know that this year they will be delivering on Saturday, December 17th by noon.
Cayman Artisans Market
Junior Achievement Market
Caribbean Santa Photos
Festival of Praise
A Night in Bethlehem
SUN DEC 18
Choir Cantata “Heaven on Earth”
Choir Cantata “Heaven on Earth”: John Gray Memorial Church, 10:00 a.m.
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
Santa Story Time
WED DEC 21
Floetry
Miss Jackie’s Christmas Recital
THU DEC 22
Traditional Santa photos
FRI DEC 23
Immigration Department Closure
NAU Closure
SAT DEC 24
Christmas Eve Carols & Midnight Mass
SUN DEC 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Day Service
Christmas Day Service: John Gray Memorial Church, 10:00 a.m.
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Christmas Day Service
MON DEC 26
St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr service
TUE DEC 27
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist service
WED DEC 28
Immigration Department Closure
Holy Innocent Mass & Fun Day
SAT DEC 31
Watch Night Service
Watch Night Service: John Gray Memorial Church, 11:00 p.m.
31 December Watchnight Service for Youth and Adults @ 7pm
Watch Night Service
SUNDAY JAN 1
New Year’s Day Service
JAN 12-15 (2017)
Cayman Islands Cookout festival
CAYMAN COOKOUT 2017
GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS
SCHEDULE
Thursday, January 12, 2017
03:00pm EST
VENUE
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
PO Box 32348 KY1-1209, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
George Town
Cayman Islands
HOST
Wine Folly
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Join Chef Eric Ripert for a weekend celebrating food, wine and the natural beauty of the Caribbean at The Ritz-Carlton, a premier Grand Cayman Island resort. An incomparable roster of world famous chefs, wine experts and spirits blenders will offer tastings, demonstrations, tours and dinners that celebrate the barefoot elegance that only the Cayman Islands can deliver.
Follow the Cookout conversation on Twitter at @CaymanCookout or @Cayman_Islands and use #CaymanCookout.
For event-related questions, please call 345-815-6117. Kindly note, this phone number is strictly for informational purposes only – ticket purchase is available online only.
Know what events you want? Get direct tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cayman-cookout-2017-tickets-27393446536
SUN FEB 26 (2017)
Cayman Islands Lion’s – Cycle For Sight
Cayman Islands Cycling Association
Sunday 26th Feb 2017 6:00AM – 9:00AM
Event Description:
Lion’s Cycle For Sight – Change the way we see the world Start: East End Public Beach | Finish: Lions Community Center – 24 Miles
November Events at Camana Bay
Good afternoon,
This month you can look forward to beloved rituals and the start of our holiday events. If you look closely in the Town Centre, you can see light bulbs sprinkled throughout, but they won’t be turned on until Santa comes to flick the magical switch at our annual Tree Lighting ceremony.
There’s a lot more to come…keep your elf ears to the ground for our Holiday Events Press Release coming in a couple of weeks, which will include a full details on how everyone can have the most wonderful time at Camana Bay this holiday season.
Warm regards,
Alyson Hay
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Moonlight & Movies: Christmas Series
Tuesdays; 22 November through 20 December
7pm
Gardenia Court
Holiday Market
Wednesdays; 23 November through 21 December
12-7pm
The Paseo
Traditional Santa Photos
Thursdays; 24 November through 22 December
5-7pm
Gardenia Court
Santa Paws
Saturday 26 November
10am-12pm
Gardenia Court
VAS Craft Market
Saturday 26 November
10am-5pm
The Paseo
Caribbean Santa Photos
Saturdays; 26 November through 17 December
3-5pm
The Island