iNews Briefs & Community Events
UPDATED: MISSING GIRL FOUND -Cayman Islands Police Request Public Assistance in Search for Teenage Girl
UPDATE:
FROM RCIPS JAN 8 2017
Police located the missing teenager, Roseanna Redden, today at a location in Bodden Town. She has been returned to her caregivers.
ORIGINAL STORY FROM RCIPS JAN 7 2017
Police are searching for a 15-year-old female juvenile named Roseanna Redden who has been missing since just after 9:00PM last night, Monday, 2 January. The girl was visiting the Cayman Islands Hospital at that time when she eluded the adult accompanying her and left the premises.
Roseanna is about 5’6” in height, and was wearing a purple T-shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers, as well as a gold chain around neck with the word “bling”. Her hair was pulled back.
Two pictures of Roseanna, taken a little while ago, 
are attached.
Anyone with information about Roseanna’s whereabouts is asked to call George Town Police Station at 949-4222. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via ourConfidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the Miami-based call centre of Crime Stoppers at800-8477(TIPS), or online at the link: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=681.
DCI To Close Early on 18 January
The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) in Grand Cayman, including its Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close at 3:00pm on Wednesday, 18 January, for a staff meeting.
DCI’s main office will reopen on Thursday, 19 January at 8:30am, and the counter will reopen at 9:00am. DCI staff apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information please call 945-0943 or email [email protected].
Hubble snaps a pic of a microwave-emitting galaxy
By Mariella Moon From engadget
The megamaser galaxy emits microwaves instead of visible light.
False alarm in bag screening evacuates Airside F at Tampa International Airport
By Caitlin Johnston and Sara DiNatale, Times Staff Writers From TBO.com
TAMPA — Lucy Perkins was eating in the Hard Rock Cafe in Tampa International Airport, waiting for her flight on New Year’s Day, when she heard the announcement:
Officials were shutting down Airside F.
Rumors of a bomb threat spread through the airport as several hundred people were hastily evacuated onto the tarmac at 1:07 p.m. after a carry-on bag set off an alarm while going through a screening device.
By 2:10 p.m., the area was cleared, and soon afterward officials announced it was a false alarm — but it left some passengers with an eerie feeling in light of recent terror attacks on holidays, such as in Nice, France, on Bastille Day, Berlin during a Christmas market and in an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Eve.
“It’s kind of scary to get on an airplane now,” said Perkins, 24, as she waited in a crowd outside Airside F for her flight to Washington, D.C.
Passenger safety was never compromised, and the airport is always prepared for such events, whether it’s a holiday or not, said John Tiliacos, the airport’s vice president of operations and customer service.
“We are always on heightened alert,” Tiliacos said. “We are always vigilant.”
While passengers like Perkins waited anxiously in the main terminal for any word of the cause, those in Airside F were evacuated onto the tarmac and bused away from the terminal.
The situation also affected arriving flights. The trip from Panama City seemed normal to 13-year-old Juanita Zuluaga of Colombia. The plane landed safely without any indication of a threat. But after she and her mother went through immigration, they were told to go outside.
“I was scared, because I didn’t know what was happening,” she said. “They didn’t tell us anything; we only got the rumors.”
At one point, she said she and her mother overheard someone say a bomb threat was called in to the airport.
Another traveler, Debra Schmidt Phillips-Taddeo, said she was sitting in an Airside F restaurant when she saw everyone “get up from the tables and start running.”
Outside, Phillips-Taddeo said travelers were given little information but were led to buses to take them away from the tarmac. Passengers then had to go back through security screenings to board their planes.
A flight from the Cayman Islands landed moments after the shutdown. Stuck in his seat for more than an hour, Zealand Shannon, 20, watched from his window as people boarded buses.
“(The pilot) had no clue what was happening, along with everyone else,” he said.
Transportation Security Administration agents were able to quickly determine it was a false alarm, Tiliacos said. No flights were canceled.
“The TSA team did an extraordinary job . . . to quickly get our customers rescreened and on their way,” he said.
In total, four departing American Airlines planes were delayed and two arriving flights were diverted to other parts of the airport. About a thousand passengers were affected by the afternoon’s events, Tiliacos said.
The rest of the airport remained open and operating during the evacuation. Airside F is one of four extending from the main terminal and services international flights through American Airlines, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Edelweiss Air and Lufthansa.
IMAGE: Passengers wait to board their flights due to an evacuation at Airside F at the Tampa International Airport on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. [OCTAVIO JONES | Times]
Recipe: Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch (Ponche Navideño)
By Yvette Marquez From The Kitchn
When it comes to holiday drinking, eggnog is only the beginning. Many cultures and cuisines proudly claim a Christmas punch and this week we’re bringing you The Global Punch Bowl with five festive punches, each with a story of their own.
Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas fruit punch) is a hot punch served with or without alcohol during the holiday season and most generally during Las Posadas. On those chilly nights, this fragrant infusion warms you from the inside out.
My grandma made a very similar calientito (warm drink) around the holidays, but it did not have all of the unique ingredients you’ll find in this recipe. The intoxicating aroma and perfumed air in your home will certainly entice your guests to give the drink a try. After that, they’ll be hooked. Brandy or tequila can be added, making it ponche con piquete (punch with a sting).
Ponche for Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas widely celebrated in Mexico. December 16 marks the beginning of Las Posadas, and it ends on December 24.
I remember being a teenager and attending my very first Posada at a friend’s home. We ate, we prayed, we sang songs, and we walked door-to-door carrying a candle and knocked on houses of neighbors to recreate the holy pilgrimage of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus on their way to Bethlehem. The last house was designated to be an “inn,” and the homeowner allowed us to enter. We kneeled around the Nativity scene to pray and then we ate and sang some more.
To make this warm, spiced Christmas punch you begin by simmering Mexican fruits with cane sugar and spices until the heavenly aroma permeates your kitchen. The canela (cinnamon), tamarind pods, and tejocotes give this drink a unique tart, spiced flavor and a rich, warm color. Tamarind pods have a sweet and slightly sour flavor, and tejocotes have a sweet-tart apple-like flavor when cooked.
Every traditional ponche recipe calls for fresh tejocotes. During the holidays you can find them in Latin markets. Sweet and soft ingredients like guava, apple, pear, raisins, prunes, and orange slices are then added with sugarcane and piloncillo(unrefined whole cane sugar). The sweetness of the sugarcane and piloncilloenhance the drink. Overall the flavor is rich, bold, and sweet.
That was the one and only time I have ever attended an authentic Posadacelebration. Today, I celebrate Las Posadas with my children by setting up our nativity scene together, going to mass on Christmas Eve, and afterwards enjoying traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales and Ponche Navideño with family and friends.
RECIPE
Ponche Navideño
16 cups (1 gallon) water
2 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
5 long tamarind pods, husks removed, and seeded
8 ounces whole tejocotes or crab apples
6 large guavas, peeled and diced
2 medium red apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 medium pear, peeled, cored, and diced
2 (4-inch) sugar cane sticks, peeled and diced
1 cup pitted prunes
1/2 cup raisins
1 medium orange, sliced
8 ounces chopped piloncillo, or 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
Brandy or tequila (1 ounce per cup of punch, optional)
Place the water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, tamarind pods, and tejocotes or crab apples in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the tejocotes are soft, about 10 minutes.
Remove the tejocotes or crab apples from the pot with a slotted spoon. When cool enough to handle, peel, trim the ends, halve, and remove the seeds. Return the apple halves to the pot.
Add the guavas, apples, pear, sugarcane, prunes, raisins, orange, and piloncillo. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
To serve, ladle the punch into coffee cups or mugs, making sure each cup gets some chunks of fruit. If desired, add 1 ounce of brandy or tequila to each cup.
Recipe published by permission of Hippocrene from Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails (Hippocrene, 2015)
VIDEO: Taliban Releases Video Showing Kidnapped Canadian, US Couple With Kids Born in Captivity
From WN.com
A new video released Tuesday was confirmed by senior Taliban figures that it did show kidnapped Canadian Joshua Boyle and American Caitlan Coleman with their two young boys in captivity, according to Reuters.
They were being held in captivity by the Haqqani network after disappearing in 2012 while on a backpacking trip in Afghanistan while Coleman was pregnant.
“We understand both sides hate us and are content to leave us and our two surviving children in these problems,” Coleman said in the video. “But we can only ask and pray that somebody will recognize the atrocities these men carry out against us as so-called retaliation in their ingratitude and hypocrisy.”
A Canadian spokesman said the government was reviewing the video still while no U.S. officials would comment on the issue.
“We are deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of Joshua Boyle, Caitlan Coleman and their young children and call for their unconditional release,” said Michael O’Shaughnessy, spokesman for the Canadian Department of Global Affairs.
Some of the demands from the Haqqani network are the release of three senior members, including the brother and maternal uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani who is the deputy leader of the Afghan Taliban.
–WN.com, Maureen Foody
For video: https://article.wn.com/view/2016/12/21/VIDEO_Taliban_Releases_Video_Showing_Kidnapped_Canadian_US_C/
Update: Cayman Islands Shooting Incidents on Monday, 26 December
From RCIPShe two victims in two separate shooting incidents that occurred on Monday, 26 December, near the Fete Night Club on West Bay Road and Super C’s Restaurant on Watercourse Road in West Bay, are both undergoing treatment and are in stable condition.
Police are investigating these incidents and can confirm that they are suspected to be gang-related. High-visibility patrols are being carried out in different areas around the island in response to these incidents.
Police continue to be concerned about late-night incidents and public safety around liquor-licensed premises.
Police continue to appeal anyone with information about either incident to call George Town Police Station 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.
Paul Stanley to perform in support of the National Gallery
Rock Icon Paul Stanley, frontman of the band KISS, will perform at The Mill Cayman in support of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
As the chief songwriter and unwavering voice of the band KISS, Paul Stanley is one of the single most recognisable front-men in the history of rock and roll. Hosted by The Mill Cayman, Stanley now takes the stage for the first time ever in the Cayman Islands with an evening of fine art and music held in support of free art programming for young people at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI). It is the second in the concert series hosted by The Mill Cayman and it follows the highly successful Carl Palmer – A Legacy of Light event held earlier in 2016.
Stanley will perform with his band Soul Station, a ten-piece R&B revue which also features KISS drummer Eric Singer. The set list features “a celebration of soul music” that ranges from Motown to Memphis to Philadelphia, all songs which have contributed to the music he has written over the past 40 years.
The event at The Mill Cayman will also showcase Stanley’s artistic talent. Initially realised through designs for KISS album covers and set designs, including creating the iconic KISS logo which is universally recognised as one of the greatest logos of the 20th century, he later developed his passion into painting on canvas. The exhibition will feature eleven original artworks each one an emotionally-charged portrait or abstract that celebrates scale, texture and colour. Stanley’s signature guitars will also be exhibited.
Funds raised at the 6 January event will support youth programming at the National Gallery in 2017. “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of The Mill Cayman,” says NGCI Director Natalie Urquhart. “These inspiring concerts, which celebrate art and music, are a unique way to ensure access to creative education for young people across the Cayman Islands and to inspire the next generation of young creatives.”
Tickets for the 6 January 2017 event are extremely limited. For ticket information or to purchase Paul Stanley artwork or guitars, email [email protected].
For general press enquires email [email protected]. For more information about Paul Stanley fine art, visit http://paulstanley.com/artwork/.
To connect with The Mill Cayman, visit www.twitter.com/TheMiIlCayman, www.facebook.com/TheMillCayman/, www.instagram.com/themillcayman.
Cayman Islands Christmas Tree Recycling Dates in 2017
Recycle Real Christmas Trees
Christmas trees can be recycled and turned into mulch after the festive season to save them from going into the landfill.
The trees, which must be real rather than artificial, can be dropped off at containers in each community from 1 to 20 January before being mulched on Saturday, 21 January at George Town cricket field.
Members of the public are welcome to watch the trees being mulched by the industrial wood grinding machine, known as the “Beast”, which was recently purchased by the Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
The mulch is available free of charge to anyone who brings their shovel or rake and bags to collect it from the field, and is ideal for spreading around garden plants to enrich and insulate the soil. The processing begins at 7 a.m., with the mulch given away on a first-come first-served basis.
Containers to collect discarded Christmas trees will be placed at Ed Bush Stadium in West Bay, George Town cricket field, Spotts dock and the southern entrance to Frank Sound Road.
The mulching project is part of an enhanced recycling initiative to divert waste from going into the landfill. Recycling is also central to the proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management System (ISWMS), which is currently in the first stage of the procurement phase, with government aiming to have a contract in place, in principle, by spring 2017.
Last year, more than 1,800 Christmas trees were processed by the “Beast”, resulting in around two-and-a-half dump-truck loads of mulch, which was also given away at no cost.
“This process of recycling the trees is a great way to save space at the landfill and is ideal material for people to spread in their gardens and yards at no cost other than coming to collect it,” said DEH’s Recycling Foreman of Solid Waste Angello Roye.
For further information about the Christmas tree recycling programme, contact DEH’s Solid Waste unit at 949-8793.
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.
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.
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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
THU JAN 5
Public Consultation Period
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
WED JAN 18
DCI To Close Early on 18 January
The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) in Grand Cayman, including its Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close at 3:00pm on Wednesday, 18 January, for a staff meeting.
DCI’s main office will reopen on Thursday, 19 January at 8:30am, and the counter will reopen at 9:00am.
DCI staff apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information please call 945-0943 or email [email protected].
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
