iNews Briefs & Community Events
Cayman Islands Voters Claims and Objections Period Closes 20 February 2017
Elections officials are urging all Caymanians who plan to vote in the General Elections on 24 May 2017 to check the revised voter details, published in the Electors’ List, before 20 February 2017. You can go online at www.elections.ky or visit in person any post office on all three islands to access and check the list.
The last date for receiving claims or objections to the published revised voters’ list is 20 February. The public review period for making claims and objections is a vital step in publishing an accurate list of electors for the General Elections.
The final list will be published on 1 April. Only those on that final list will be eligible to vote in May.
US: Setback for President Trump: Ninth Circuit Keeps Nationwide Block on Travel Ban in Place
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, where a three-judge panel heard arguments on the halting of the immigration ban.
Jason Doiy / The Recorder
SAN FRANCISCO — Per curiam. By the court. If there’s a way to respond to a president who has taken aim at the federal judiciary, it’s to speak with one voice.
With the entire country watching, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Thursday left in place a ruling blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
The unanimous panel decision from Ninth Circuit Judges William Canby Jr., Richard Clifton, and Michelle Friedland is the latest chapter in the fast-moving cross-country legal fight over the Jan. 27 executive order which suspended immigration from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
In a per curiam decision, the three judges wrote “the States have offered ample evidence that if the Executive Order were reinstated even temporarily, it would substantially injure the States and ‘multiple other parties interested in the proceeding.’”
The panel held that the government wasn’t likely to beat back the states’ claims that the executive order had violated the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment. The states have argued that the order illegally denied re-entry and travel rights to lawful permanent residents and visa holders without notice. They also claim it runs counter to the federal statute governing how refugees seeking asylum are treated by the U.S.
During a telephonic hearing before the Ninth Circuit panel Tuesday, DOJ lawyer August Flentje argued that Robart’s temporary restraining order ran counter to a ruling from a federal judge in Massachusetts who found that the executive order was a legitimate use of the president’s power to shape policy on questions of immigration and national security.
The panel, however, took issue with the government’s argument that the president’s decision was “unreviewable.”
“Although our jurisprudence has long counseled deference to the political branches on matters of immigrationand national security, neither the Supreme Court nor our court has ever held that courts lack the authority to review executive action in those arenas for compliance with the Constitution,” the Ninth Circuit judges wrote.
The panel also wrote that the states “raise serious allegations and present significant constitutional questions” regarding whether the executive was intended to disfavor Muslims and citing President Trump’s campaign season statements calling for a “Muslim ban.”
Ninth Circuit scholar Arthur Hellman at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law said that panel members didn’t confine themselves “to the four corners” of the executive order, and took the president’s public statements into account when determining the overall intent behind the order .
“In a way, you can see that as a sort of warning signal to the president that when he sounds off, it may hurt him in these legal proceedings,” Hellman said.
Tweeting shortly after the decision was issued, Trump wrote “SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!”
In the glare of public attention, the court turned around its decision in just 48 hours.
“Pretty amazing to write such a careful and coherent 29 page opinion in a couple of days,” UC-Irvine law professor Rick Hasen wrote in a tweet. Just before the decision came down, Hasen wrote ”Whatever the 9th Circuit decides on the merits, let us all praise the court for its transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.”
Court watchers had speculated that the Ninth Circuit might issue a split decision, at least on some of the issues at play. During oral argument Tuesday, Judge Clifton, a George W. Bush appointee, had questioned whether the executive order could really be considered a Muslim ban, since, according to his calculations, it only reached roughly 15 percent of the Muslim world.
He also expressed concern about the scope of Robart’s order, which applies the same protection to legal permanent residents as it offers to individuals who have yet to begin the immigration process.
Still Clifton joined a decision that fully upheld Robart’s order. In a portion of the opinion that bears Clifton’s fingerprints, the panel wrote “even if the TRO might be overbroad in some respects, it is not our role to try, in effect, to rewrite the Executive Order.”
Copyright The Recorder. All rights reserved.
The capture of Russian nationals, crew members of BBC Caribbean, in Nigeria
Nigeria:Seven Russian nationals, members of the crew, were among those taken hostage
MOSCOW, Russia, February 8, 2017/APO/ -Mareeg-The Russian Embassy in Abuja reports that on February 5, an armed attack on the cargo ship BBC Caribbean owned by Briese Schiffahrts (Germany) took place in the territorial waters of Nigeria. Seven Russian nationals, members of the crew, were among those taken hostage.
Russian diplomats in Nigeria are maintaining contacts with Nigerian officials and representatives of the ship owning company in order to establish the location and to safely liberate the sailors within the shortest possible time.
Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly
This release is from the Legislative Assembly.
Due to a quorum not being met, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has rescheduled today’s (Thu,9 Feb 2017) hearing to Monday, 13th February 2017 at 2:00 pm.
Cayman Islands DCI To Close Early on Thu 16 February
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 Thursday, 16 February, for a staff training event.
DCI’s main office will reopen on Friday, 17 February 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].
Cayman tourism popularity increasing gradually
From Travel and Tour World
Hotel performance in the Caribbean decreased in 2016; however, Cayman had the highest hotel performance in the Cayman Islands, USVI, Aruba and Barbados. It is not surprising that Cayman’s Average Daily Rate is one of the highest in the region, given the high demand for hotel rooms in the region and its popularity among tourists, especially from North America.
It has safe and secure environment with diverse and high quality infrastructure, which is improving each day. Cayman’s tourism product development is improving extremely well, with new conference facilities, retail and restaurant offerings, all culminating in a truly first-class product.
People here are friendly, which is a big attraction for tourists. This is something that Cayman should not lose sight of, as it is integral to tourism development for the region.
For more: http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/cayman-tourism-popularity-increasing-gradually/
Foster Parenting Session Being Held on Cayman Brac
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is holding its first-ever Foster Care Information session in Cayman Brac today (Thursday, 9 February 2017).
The meeting, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the District Administration Building, aims to recruit attendees as Foster Parents and to inform them about what the Foster Care programme involves.
“Foster Parents will forever hold a place in the hearts of the children they care for because they demonstrate love and kindness to children that are at their most vulnerable,” said Adoption and Foster Care Co-ordinator, Nicole Carter.
“They are the unsung heroes of our community,” she added.
For further details about the session or Foster Parenting in general, call the DCFS main reception on 949-0290 or visit the department’s website at [email protected]
Cayman Islands Premier hosts lunch for UK MPs
LONDON, England – Cayman Islands Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin hosted a lunch for Members of the House of Parliament Wednesday in London to discuss matters of importance to the Cayman Islands and our financial services sector.
It was an engaging conversation where Members of Parliament asked various questions on a variety of topics from financial services to public registers and immigration. They also provided their thoughts on ways to engage with UK Members of Parliament.
“It is in the interest of the Cayman Islands to not only maintain good relations with the United Kingdom Government, but to also maintain a dialogue qith UK MPs and continue to tell the good story of Cayman.” said Mr. McLaughlin.
Prior to the luncheon the Premier and Minister Wayne Panton attended Prime Minister’s question time in the House of Commons.
After the lunch, Premier McLaughlin attended 10 Downing Street for a brief visit with UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
Earlier in the day Minister Panton met with UK Security Minister Ben Wallace in regards to amendments to the Criminal Finance Bill, which is due to be debated in Parliament.
Transatel adds Caribbean roaming with Digicel deal [but not Cayman Islands]
James Pearce From Capacity Media
European mobile provider Transatel has added 23 Caribbean islands to its roaming footprint as part of a deal with Digicel.
Customers using the France-based MVNO’s DataSIM will be able to access services across the islands in the French and Dutch West Indies under the agreement.
The partnership means Transatel’s services are ow available I more than 100 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Americas and Africa.
The SIM, which offers data only services, can be inserted into a smartphone, tablet, laptop or wireless hotpsot. To use the Caribbean bundle, it will cost Transatel customers €29 for 1GB of data.
The islands that make up the deal with Digicel include: Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, Saint Barths, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, St. Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Six Cayman Islands attorneys named Queen’s Counsel
Chief Justice Anthony Smellie has announced the names of six attorneys in the Cayman Islands who have been appointed as Queen’s Counsel,
They are:
Benjamin Tonner, the first local criminal bar member to be named to the position, Myrtle Brandt director of the Legislative Drafting Department, Ross McDonough Campbells Senior Partner, lSheridan Brooks a leading family law attorney , Solicitor General Jacqueline Wilson and Hector Robinson partner with Mourant Ozannes.
The chief justice will admit the six new QCs to the Inner Bar of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands at a formal ceremony on Friday, Feb. 17th.
Watch Cayman Went with the Flipps app
Download the Flipps app to watch this video on your phone or a big screen TV.
Cayman Went is the story of Josh Anders, a fading Hollywood underwater action star whose life takes on new meaning when he’s forced to spend time with the eccentric, endearing inhabitants of Cayman Brac and their local dive community.
DIRECTED BY: Bobby Sheehan
STARS: Michael Lombardi , Susan Misner , Jeffrey DeMunn
STORY BY: Jim Ritterhoff , Bobby Sheehan
Go to: https://www.flipps.com/watch/cayman-went/e496d762db8887362efbdc89f91c28e/
Cayman Islands AOU visit to Bodden Town Primary Fri Feb 10
The police helicopter and crew will be landing at the field at Bodden Town Primary School this Friday, 10 February, at 4pm. The crew will be there for an hour, and will hold a Q&A with the students about the helicopter. Essentially, this is a rather grand show-and-tell!
Dart shows Cayman Islands’ students “Hidden Figures”
Private Screening Held to Inspire Students to Study STEM Subjects
(Friday 3 February – Grand Cayman) – Dart’s Minds Inspired Education programme welcomed 186 students from high schools across Grand Cayman to a private screening of Academy Award-nominated film Hidden Figures on Friday, 3 February. Students from Clifton Hunter High School, Hope Academy, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Cayman Prep & High School, Triple C School and Cayman International School were the first ones to see one of the newest arrivals to Cayman theatres. While both girls and boys attended, the female students were the guests of honour as the movie focuses on women excelling in STEM fields.
“The Minds Inspired Education programme offers tuition and enrichment opportunities for high school and college students that excel academically, specifically in mathematics and science. We hope that hosting events such as this private screening will inspire Cayman’s students to pursue studies in these subjects and to use their knowledge, skills and experiences to improve our community,” said Mark VanDevelde, CEO of Dart Enterprises.
Hidden Figures is based on the true story of three African-American women that worked on NASA’s team of “human computers” at a time when both women and people of colour were not generally respected. It has been nominated for numerous awards, namely two Golden Globes and three Academy Awards – including Best Picture.
“We believe this is an important film and our hope is that it will inspire and motivate young women to consider careers in STEM,” said Dart’s Education Programmes Manager, Glenda McTaggart. “The film is based on strong female role models who help young girls see themselves as mathematicians and scientists working within organisations such as NASA.”
To learn more about the Minds Inspired Education Programme please visit mindsinspired.ky.
Cayman Islands police helicopter spots and tracks unlicensed motorbike to Prospect address; rider arrested for traffic offences and theft
From RCIPS
Around 3:30PM yesterday, Sunday, 5 February, the police helicopter crew spotted a person with no helmet riding a motorbike with no plates in the vicinity of the Harbour House Marina in Prospect. The helicopter tracked the rider to a residence in Prospect Park while coordinating with patrol officers. The rider of the motorcycle, a male juvenile, age 16 of George Town, was arrested on suspicion of theft, driving without qualification, driving without insurance, and using a vehicle without registration. The motorbike was seized.
The juvenile was taken into police custody and is currently on Police bail.
Cybersecurity CEO to attend Cayman Alternative Investment Summit
Abacode CEO Michael Ferris has been asked to attend the Cayman Alternative Investment (CAI) Summit 2017 on February 15th-17th. In its four years of operation, the nonprofit CAI Summit has become known as a forum for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to discuss current industry challenges and present innovative solutions to investors. Notable speakers at this year’s event include actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly, George Whitesides, Mike Abrashoff, and David McWilliams. Ferris’ attendance at this event will provide other investors the opportunity to learn how cybersecurity affects their business and impacts their bottom line.
SOURCE: https://abacode.com/news_cai/
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Celebrating Maritime Culture and Heritage at the National Gallery
DISCUSSIONS
A Seafarers Discussion – Radio Cayman Talk Today
Thursday, 23 February 2017, 12:10 PM to 1:00 PM
Tune into 89.9 FM Radio Cayman’s Talk Today with Sterling D. Ebanks as members from the Seafarers Association, the Catboat Club and NGCI Director and Curator Natalie Urquhart discuss topics raised in the NGCI’s maritime exhibition programme – and the importance of passing on this story to the next generation. The segment begins at 12:10 PM and runs until 1:00 PM. Listeners are welcome to call in throughout the show to ask questions and air opinions. Call 1-800-534-TALK (8255) or 949-8037.
Upon the Seas “In Conversation With….”
Thursday, 9 March 2017, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is delighted to host an evening in conversation with members of the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association to celebrate the history of maritime culture of the Cayman Islands. Join us as seafarers share their first-hand accounts and stories of life at sea. The special discussion takes place in the NGCI Dart Auditorium and is free and open to all members of the public. Refreshments will be served.
A Last Look
Thursday, 20 April 2017. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Discussion begins at 6:00 PM.
Join Upon the Seas Curator Natalie Urquhart and featured artists for a special walk-through and discussion. This programme is free to attend and refreshments will be served. For additional details or to RSVP please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
EY’s Art Talks for Older Adults
Monday, 20 February 2017, Doors open at 1:00 PM talks start at 3:00 PM.
Additional dates to be announced.
EY’s Art Talks are open to the public and facilitate thought provoking discussions and time for seniors to socialise, aiming to improve health and strengthen a sense of well-being. Free coffee, tea and snacks are provided for seniors (over 65yrs). This programme is free to attend and group bookings can be made through the NGCI Education Department by emailing [email protected] or by calling (345) 945 8111. This programme is kindly sponsored by EY.
KIDS & FAMILIES
Free Family Guides
Ongoing – 20 January 2017 until 20 April 2017
Families can download a free copy of the Upon the Seas exhibition guide in advance of their visit from the National Gallery website at www.nationalgallery.org.ky. Guides include additional information about the artists, exhibition themes, discussion points and creative art activities. These can be completed at home or during your visit to the exhibition. Family guides are also available at reception upon arrival to the National Gallery.
Pre-schoolers & Parents
Ongoing – Every Friday, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Weekly classes provide structured arts and craft activities for pre-schoolers, their parents, and caregivers. Based on the NGCI exhibition, Upon the Seas participants enjoy interactive activities which include storytelling and a range of art making experiences to engage senses, develop cognitive, social, and sensory-motor skills. Projects can be messy to parents are encouraged to dress their children accordingly. The weekly drop in sessions take place in the NGCI Art Studio and are $5.00 per child and are designed for children ages 2yrs to 4yrs. For additional details or to RSVP please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
Curious Catboats Family Day
Saturday, 11 February 2017, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Cayman Catboat Club has partnered with the National Gallery to produce a special family day all about catboats. Enjoy art stations and pop-up art classes at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM in the NGCI Art Studio, then explore two new art exhibitions with activity sheets and self-guided tour packs for families. Admission to the family day event is free and open to all ages. Art classes at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM are free however pre-registration is necessary as the workshop is limited to 20 students. Beverages and healthy snacks will be available for purchase in the Art Café. For additional details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
Kids on Deck Family Day
Saturday, 4 March 2017, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Join the NGCI Education Department for free family fun art activities based on the contemporary art exhibition Upon the Seas. Play, create, and discover at the Kids on Deck event with arts and crafts, interactive games and art activities. Designed for children of all ages, activities are free and self-guided tour packs can be collected at reception. Beverages and healthy snacks will be available for purchase in the Art Café. For additional details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
Weave the Reef – Art Workshop for Families
Saturday, 4 March 2017, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Led by artist Kaitlyn Elphinstone learn about the threat of discarded fishing nets, called ‘ghostnets’ then craft your own ghostnet sea creatures. All materials are provided and the event is open to children of all ages. All children under 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult who can assist with the family art project. This is a free workshop however pre-registration is necessary as the workshop is limited to 20 students. Please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111 to register.
SCHOOLS & TEACHERS
Creative Worksheets ∙ Educational Resources for Students
Ongoing
20 January 2017 until 20 April 2017
The National Gallery’s Education Department has produced fun-filled educational activities in the form of worksheets for all ages to support the exhibition Upon the Seas. These educational resources can be downloaded for free from the NGCI website – www.nationalgallery.org.ky and will be made available during school tours and can be requested at reception throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Free School Tours for All Ages
Guided Tours and Activities by Appointment
20 January 2017 until 20 April 2017
Free guided tours of the temporary exhibition Upon the Seas – are available for students and youth groups of all ages at the National Gallery. Students will discuss the exhibition and get hands-on with interactive activity sheets. Topics covered include art, social studies, narratives, literacy and numeracy. For information or to book a tour contact NGCI at (345) 945 8111 or [email protected].
Educators’ Happy Hour!
Friday, 24 February 2017, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The National Gallery invites teachers and educators to join us for an informative evening of inspiring exhibition tours, socialising and wine! If you are an educator interested in bringing your students to the Gallery, this event will provide you with a firsthand experience of all that NGCI has to offer. Our staff will demonstrate a variety of educational tours and programmes available to students and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about these opportunities. Mingle with your fellow educators, enjoy some beverages and nibbles and learn about Caymanian art. This event will be a fantastic way to plan your upcoming field trip, and enjoy a great start to the weekend! For more information and to RSVP, please contact Jessica Ebanks at [email protected] or call (345) 945-8111.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Cayman Arts Festival Fringe Event & Late Night
Friday, 10 February 2017, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Guided tour at 6:15 PM.
Join us at the National Gallery for an evening of art and music with NGCI curators and young musicians David Brown and Isabella Rooney. Music begins at 6:00 PM in the NGCI Sculpture Gardens and a guided tour of the National Gallery’s latest exhibitions Upon the Seas and Saltwater in Their Veins will run at 6:15 PM. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Red Sky at Night – Late Night
Saturday, 25 February 2017, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The National Gallery joins the Cayman National Cultural Foundation for an evening to celebrate the arts and culture of the Cayman Islands. Two new exhibitions Upon the Seas and Saltwater in Their Veins will be open to the public and visitors will also have the opportunity to view the Permanent Collection in the Upper Gallery. Tours will run on the hour beginning at 6:00 PM and the last tour will run at 9:00 PM. Admission is free and scavenger hunts and worksheets for kids will be available. Visit www.nationalgallery.org.ky for more information about the exhibitions.
A Night at the MuseumS!
Thursday, 16 March 2017, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Cayman Islands National Museum and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Cayman Catboat Club Museum. The tour of the Catboat Club begins at 7:45 PM.
Join us for a special maritime tour with the Cayman Islands National Museum (CINM) and the Cayman Catboat Club Museum (CCCM). The special event kicks off at CINM at 5:30 PM with a cocktail reception and open house of the museum’s latest exhibition, Legends of Scuba Diving. Then head to the Catboat Club for a special fish fry and tour of the facility. Go behind the scenes and learn all about maritime history and culture with museum professionals and catboat specialists. Admission to both the National Museum and the Catboat Club is free and open to the public. For more information email [email protected].
WORKSHOPS & FILM SCREENINGS
Watercolour Collage – Workshop for Adults
Saturday, 18 March 2017, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Join artist John Broad at the National Gallery and dive into the art of watercolour collage. This one day workshop invites participants to experiment with a variety of watercolour techniques and layer them into a maritime-themed piece inspired by the new exhibition Saltwater in Their Veins. The workshop is $100.00 (members receive a 10% discount). All materials including fine art quality watercolour paints are included. Pre-registration is required. To book please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
Beach-combing & Assemblage Art with Chris Mann
Saturday, 1 April 2017, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Led by artist Chris Mann this workshop invites participants to create an environmental assemblage art piece which tells a story. Bring your beach-combing collection (driftwood, plastics, shells, bottles, fishing nets, etc., to produce your very own work of art while learning about form, narratives, and assemblage art. The workshop is $80.00 (members receive a 10% discount). Participants are asked to bring a piece of driftwood to create the base of their work as well as additional collected items from the beach. Paints, glue, canvas boards, inks, and craft pens, will be available. Pre-registration is required. To book please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
A Plastic Ocean – Film Screening
Saturday, 1 April 2017, Screenings at 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Released in 2016, A Plastic Ocean is an adventure documentary shot on more than 20 locations over four years. Explorers Craig Leeson, the film’s director, and Tanya Streeter, British-Caymanian-American world champion free diver, and a team of international scientists reveal the causes and consequences of plastic pollution and share solutions. Admission is free and refreshments including popcorn will be served. Donations welcome. Seating is on a first come first-served basis. For more information email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
NGCI STORE
The National Gallery Store works with NGCI curators and artists to find the very best products to support the temporary exhibition schedule. Throughout the exhibition, Upon the Seas, the NGCI Store will feature books, accessories, art supplies, and kids’ items that will inspire ingenuity and encourage one to make a BIG NOISE with a little creativity! NGCI members receive a 10% discount, plus additional sales on art supplies and merchandise will run throughout the exhibition.
GUIDED TOURS
National Gallery offers guided tours to enhance your experience and offer memorable moments. Led by NGCI curators or educators, tours provide additional insights and tell the stories behind the works of art and artists who created them. Custom tours and packages are also available – consider including a workshop, art class, or art documentary with your visit. We have ample parking and an Art Café offering healthy snacks and beverages. Additional catering options are also available. Tour pricing is dependent on group size and staff availability. For more information email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
Contact Us
For more information regarding any of the events listed above and to RSVP please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or by calling (345) 945 8111.
***TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD***
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) has a temporary access road while work is being done to improve site access as well as develop the front sculpture gardens. The access road is located off of Lawrence Boulevard and passes through the F.J. Harquail Cultural Grounds (Harquail Theatre). For a map please visit https://www.nationalgallery.org.ky/temporary-road-access/. NGCI exhibitions and programming will continue as per usual. For more information on roadworks related to NGCI email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
About the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Established in 1996, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is the country’s leading visual arts museum and education centre, charged with promoting and encouraging the appreciation and practice of the visual arts in the Cayman Islands. This mission is achieved through exhibitions, education/outreach programmes, school tours, community festivals, and ongoing research projects. Holding up to six exhibitions annually at our central exhibition space, and satellite venues around Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands, the curatorial team strives to create a balance between exhibitions of quality Caymanian artwork with art from further afield. This is achieved by working with a broad cross-section of artists and ranging from site-specific work to more traditional gallery-based projects.
NGCI is at the forefront of visual arts education in the Cayman Islands hosting 25+ education and outreach programmes monthly, across all three islands. These programmes aim to capture every age group in our community from the youngest pre-schoolers to senior citizens, in addition to marginalized members of our community. They combine arts education with enriching creative experiences which foster creativity, help build self-esteem, and provide effective and invaluable explorations of culture, cultural heritage, national identity and community values.
NGCI Site & Facility
The new National Gallery building is a 9,000 sq. ft. facility situated on the western side of the Esterley Tibbetts Bypass, close to Camana Bay town centre and adjacent to the Harquail Theatre. The new development is home to two temporary exhibition areas, an art studio, library, auditorium, sculpture garden, Art Café and Gift Shop, and a permanent gallery for the Cayman Islands National Art Collection.
As part of the National Gallery’s long-term business plan, an auditorium and multi-purpose event space have been incorporated into the design providing flexible venue options for conferences.
Trump State Visit Plan ‘Very Difficult’ For Queen
From Caribbean News Service
Theresa May’s decision to invite Donald Trump to a state visit has put the Queen in a “very difficult position”, a former head of the Foreign Office says.
Lord Ricketts said the speed of the invitation had “surprised” him.
A petition calling for the state visit to be cancelled has gathered more than 1.6 million signatures. A rival pro-visit petition has more than 90,000.
On Monday, thousands of people joined UK protests against Mr Trump’s travel ban on seven mainly Muslim countries.
The controversial immigration measures prompted an emergency debate in Parliament.
Lord Ricketts, who was permanent secretary at the Foreign Office from 2006 to 2010, said it was unprecedented for a US president to be invited for a state visit in their first year in the White House.
In a letter to the Times, he questioned whether Mr Trump was “specially deserving of this exceptional honour” and described the invitation as “premature”.
“It would have been far wiser to wait to see what sort of president he would turn out to be before advising the Queen to invite him.
“Now the Queen is put in a very difficult position,” he said.
Lord Ricketts said the state visit should be delayed until later in the presidency, and Mr Trump should instead be invited for an official visit this year, “centred mainly on political talks with the prime minister”.
He said the Queen would want to receive the president in a “celebratory, warm, friendly visit”, but a state visit at the moment would seem “quite controversial”.
It got the Queen directly involved with “this early turbulent period of the Trump presidency, when these controversial policies are being announced and so on,” he said.
No date has yet been announced for the state visit. Such events often include a stay at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen.
But Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen said that at a time when MPs were beginning debates over the government’s bill to start the Brexit process, “we certainly need that special relationship with the US even more acutely than normal”.
“The offer of a free trade deal with the US quickly will be a huge benefit to our negotiations over the next two years as we negotiate our exit from the EU and access to the single market,” he said.
Mr Bridgen added that he thought it unlikely that Mr Trump would visit the UK in the next 90 days, by which point “his issues around the travel ban will be resolved one way or another”.
Former foreign secretary William Hague said the Queen would take a state visit “in her stride”, saying she had in the past hosted “tyrants” such as Romania’s former leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, and would cope “effortlessly” with a “brash billionaire from New York”.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Hague added: “Most of us do not warm to Donald Trump or agree with the policies of his first 10 days.
“We can still, however, believe that our government should be the one he is most likely to listen to, and that Americans of all persuasions are among our closest friends.
“That means that when we ask the president to visit, we don’t rescind the invitation.”
Mrs May’s office said on Monday she was “very happy” to extend the invitation to Mr Trump on behalf of the Queen.
The prime minister has been under growing pressure to say whether or not she was briefed on the US travel restrictions when she met President Trump in Washington last week.
The ban affects citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Critics have called it a “Muslim ban” although the Trump administration denies this.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told MPs on Monday he would not comment on “confidential conversations” between the two leaders.
Mrs May faced heavy criticism when she refused several times to condemn the restrictions when asked during a visit to Turkey.
Downing Street later issued a statement saying she “does not agree” with Mr Trump’s travel ban but that US immigration was a matter for the US government.
But during demonstrations in London on Monday, the crowd chanted slogans including “Shame on May”.
Protesters packed Whitehall, causing the closure of Parliament Square. They held banners accusing Mr Trump of Islamophobia and Mrs May of appeasing him.
Demonstrations also took place in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Gloucester, Leeds, York, Liverpool, Leicester and several other towns and cities.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said Mr Trump should not be welcomed to Britain “while he abuses our shared values with his shameful Muslim ban and attacks on refugees’ and women’s rights”.
For more: http://caribbeannewsservice.com/now/trump-state-visit-plan-very-difficult-for-queen/
Cayman Islander asks you to vote for his book
2017 CSPA Book Award
I would kindly ask for your support in voting for my recent published book please. Thank you all.
With regard
Hamid Charles
Hamid Charles
Reprographics Technician
Cayman Islands National Archive (CINA)
From: CLM Publishing [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2017 11:01 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: 2017 CSPA Book Award
Your book was submitted to the CSPA (America), and voting is now open. Feel free to forward on to your readers/family/friends for voting. Tell them your book name (just in case they forget) and possible what genre it is listed under; autobiography, Christian Living, children…
See the link below:
Voting for the 2017 Christian Small Publisher
Book of the Year Award is Now Open
You can access the ballot at:
http://www.christianpublishers.net/17votes/
Issuance of Cayman Islands Voter IDs Starts 1 April
In response to a number of queries, Elections officials state that they will start issuing Voter ID cards from 1 April 2017.
The revised voters’ list is scheduled to be out on 31 March incorporating all the verified changes and new registrations. This will be formalized in the final list of voters on 1 April. Following this, the new IDs will be issued.
Existing voters will have their verified details and photograph transferred on to their new cards which they will have to pick up at Elections Headquarters on Smith Road.
New registrants will need to have their photos taken by the Elections Office prior to the Electors ID cards being issued to them.
Dominican Republic Popcorn performing Live
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
FRI FEB 10
A Show From The Heart
Golf Tournament
Julia Hydes Gospel Fest
SAT FEB 11
Guiding the Way 5 & 10K Family Fund Walk/Run
Cayman Islands Kids Gaelic Football Club welcomes new members
On Saturday February 11th2017, the Cayman Islands Kids Gaelic Football Club will host a ‘Start of Season Blitz’ at the Camana Bay CIS Football Pitch. This event will encompass training skill sets for each age group and culminate in a round robin of games. All children between the ages of 5 and 18 years old are welcome; the event is open to all children who have not played before and to those who attended the inaugural games last year. Registration is at 9.30am, with the training running until 11.30am. This event is free of charge to all.
Annual Flag Day Have a Heart Fundraiser
Volleyball Tournament
Early Childhood Association Meeting
SUN FEB 12
Kiwanis Bike ride
TUE FEB 14
Employment Pensions
THU FEB 16
Exceeding Customer Expectations
Coco Fest
TUE FEB 21
Floral Arrangement Classes
WED FEB 22
Legislative Assembly Starts
FRI FEB 24
Register for Dress For Culture Day
Host a dress down day at your business or school on Friday 24th February (or your preferred date!) and have everyone wear clothing that reflects their culture(s). Whether it be football jerseys or traditional costumes, all forms of cultural dress are welcome! We ask that each participant makes the suggested donation ($3 students or $5 adults) or more, which will directly support youth arts programming in the Cayman Islands.
Friday 24th February 2017
Adults $5 & Students $3
Register your school or business to participate by completing our Registration Form or email your participation details to: [email protected]
Please call if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to assist: 949-5477
Book launch
T
he Hon. Consul of Barbados, Mrs Juliette Gooding-Michelin, GCM, will launch a new book on Barbadian migration to Cuba on Friday 24th February at 6:00pm on at St George’s Anglican Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave., George Town.
The book, “Tell My Mother I Gone to Cuba: Stories of Early Twentieth-Century Migration from Barbados” (University of the West Indies Press) is authored by Dr. Sharon Marshall.
SAT FEB 25
Red Sky at Night
Red Sky at Night is a multi-disciplinary arts fair now in it’s 5th year with approximately 2,000+ in attendance each year. If you are engaged in any form of the arts, we invite you to get involved. All special talents are welcome and whether you have been performing for years or you consider yourself an up-and-coming talent, we encourage you to be a part of this year’s festival.
Event: Red Sky at Night
Event Date: Saturday 25th February 2017 – 4:00 p.m. – midnight
SUN FEB 26
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
SAT MAR 18
Girls Brigade 70th Anniversary: Fun Day
Saturday 4 February
10am
Regal Cinemas
Budding Chef Cooking Class: We’re Stuffed
Saturday 4 February
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Janine di Giovanni Book Signing and Presentation
Saturday 4 February
4pm
Books & Books
Exotic Indian Cooking Class
Tuesday 7 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Island-Style Cooking Class
Wednesday 8 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
The Bookends Club
Wednesday 8 February
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Daytime Cooking Class: Creme Brulee in the Day
Thursday 9 February
11:30am-1pm
Bon Vivant
Cayman Arts Festival Fringe Concert
Friday 10 February
6-7pm
Gardenia Court
Budding Chef Cooking Class: Sweet Treats
Saturday 11 February
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Valentine’s Day Moonlight & Movies: Cinderella (PG, 2015)
Sunday 12 February
7pm
The Crescent
Valentine’s Day Moonlight & Movies: Tangled (PG, 2010)
Monday 13 February
7pm
The Crescent
Valentine’s Day Moonlight & Movies: Lady and the Tramp (G, 1955)
Tuesday 14 February
7pm
Gardenia Court
Tasty Tapas and Bubbles Cooking Class
Tuesday 14 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Freshness from the Sea Cooking Class
Wednesday 15 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Floetry
Wednesday 15 February
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Daytime Cooking Class: Macarons for the Sweetest of Sweet
Thursday 16 February
11:30am-1pm
Bon Vivant
Legends at Camana Bay
Friday 17 February
6:30pm
The Festival Green
Regal Cinemas’ Kids Club: The Love Bug (G, 1968)
Saturday 18 February
10am
Regal Cinemas
Budding Chef Cooking Class: Pizza Party
Saturday 18 February
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Culture at the Cinema: Swan Lake
Saturday 18 February
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Big Green Egg 101
Tuesday 21 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Daytime Cooking Class: Braising and Slow Cooking
Wednesday 22 February
11:30am-1pm
Bon Vivant
Braising Bootcamp Cooking Class
Thursday 23 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Budding Chef Cooking Class: Mexican Fiesta
Saturday 25 February
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
