iNews Briefs & Community Events
Community Events
MAY 19
Cayman Islands Seafarers Association General Meeting
The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform all Members that there will be a General Meeting, on Tuesday May 19, 2015 at 7:30 PM. in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect. Please plan to attend”.
MAY 23
Chill Out for Exam Time
Exam time is approaching and many young students are overwhelmed and anxious. Lifestyles invites you to a chill-out mindfulness-based stretch and relaxation session at the South Sound Community Center on Saturday, May 23rd. – 12:30 – 1:45 pm.
This is a specially designed relaxation session for releasing stressful feelings about exams and creating a relaxed and positive view of exams. A special once-a-year offer at exam time…$5.00 per student. Please let us know if you plan to attend. Drop in at last minute also welcome. Please bring a large beach towel.
MAY 26
Conservation Council Meeting 26 May 2015
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Tuesday May 26th, 2015, from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room (1038) of the Government Administration Building (Grand Cayman). This meeting is open to observers from the public. The Agenda of the meeting is available on the Department of Environment’s website: http://www.doe.ky/conservation-council-meeting-2/
MAY 28
Cayman Islands Facility Management Association meeting
The Cayman Islands Facility Management Association would like to invite you to a regular meeting on May 28 at Camana Bay. Please accept the invite to RSVP for this meeting. Guests are always welcome.
Date: May 28, 2015 Time: 9am-11am
Location: The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
Regular Meeting before and networking afterwards
Admission: Free
Jamal Walton, Rashaun Connolly medal at Cayman Invitational
From Loop Cayman
Cayman’s standout athlete, Jamal Walton had to settle for second after a creditable run at the Cayman Invitational on Saturday.
Walton finished behind Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor of Calabar High School with a time of 46.30.
Taylor finished in 46.06, breaking the meet record.
Another Cayman national, Rashaun Connolly placed third in the men’s 200m in a time of 22.35 behind Jamaica’s Tyreke Wilson, the winner of the boys 200m in 21.35 and Daniel Bogle who placed second.
The meet is underway at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.
For more and video: http://loopcayman.com/2015/05/16/cayman-news-walton-connolly-medal-at-cayman-invitational/
Related stories:
WATCH: Jamal Walton Cruises To 46.30, Second Place Showing At Cayman Invitational
By TODD GRASLEY From Runners.Com
Cayman Islands Invitational May 16, 2015
Watch as Jamal Walton of Miami Gardens XPress finishes runner-up at the 2015 Cayman Invitaitonal in 46.30, the second fastest time of his career. Walton was in it to the end with Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor (Calabar), but Taylor had just enough juice to take it in a meet record time of 46.03. The second place showing ended Walton’s streak of wins in 2014 and 2013 where he posted marks of 47.74 and 48.07. Next up, will be the 2015 Golden South Classic where he ran 47.55 in the prelims, but did not compete in the final. Coach Lawshea told me he was impressed with the performance and fans should expect to see something special this Saturday!
For more and video: http://fl.milesplit.com/articles/154453-watch-jamal-walton-cruises-to-4630-second-place-showing-at-cayman-invitational
Taylor breaks 400m record in Cayman Islands
From track Alerts
Christopher Taylor (Calabar) wins the boys 400m dash in a RECORD 46.06 beating the mark of 47.74. Jamal Walton (Cayman), was second in 46.30 and Johan Joseph (Mustang) 48.68 at the Cayman Invitational at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex #CaymanInvite
For more and video: http://www.trackalerts.com/Videos/taylor-breaks-400m-record-in-cayman/5769/
Calabar High wins 4×1 at Cayman InviteFrom DRE1Alliance Entertainment
Calabar Class 2 team won the high school boys’ 4x100m at the Cayman Invitational in 40.30 ahead of Cayman A 44.18 and Cayman B 45.01.
For more: http://www.dre1allianceent.com/calabar-high-wins-4×1-at-cayman-invite/
New Managing Director for Cayman Islands dispute resolution firm
Casey Mcdonald Appointed Managing Director For Cayman
May 14, 2015 CMC–Web-PR
KRyS Global, an international fraud investigation and dispute resolution firm, recently appointed Casey McDonald as Managing Director of its Cayman Islands office.
Mr. McDonald started his career in 1997 with one of the big four, working in Canada, the Cayman Islands, the UK, and the British Virgin Islands, the latter where he headed up their local Advisory practice. He brings a broad range of experience to the firm having acted as liquidator, receiver and judicial manager on a number of engagements, working in jurisdictions throughout the Americas, Europe, Russia, Hong Kong, PRC, Singapore and the Caribbean. His industry experience includes financial services, real estate, insurance, shipping, consumer goods and energy.
“Casey is an excellent addition to our leadership team. His extensive experience in the region and internationally will complement well with our firm’s capabilities and the strengths of our team” explained Founder and Executive Chairman Kenneth Krys.
Mr. McDonald said “I’m pleased to be back in Cayman and building on the strong relationships I had when I was here previously. Having an opportunity to work with a boutique firm like KRyS Global that has world-wide brand recognition and continues to grow as a leading offshore firm will allow me to develop my expertise and knowledge in the services the firm offers. ”
Mr. McDonald will lead KRyS Global’s Cayman office which specializes in Asset Recovery, Investigations, Consulting and Technology services.
Coast Guard intercepts 50 Cuban migrants at sea, returns them to Cuba
By Emily Miller From Sun Sentinel
The Coast Guard intercepted three makeshift vessels carrying a total of 50 Cuban migrants
The U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday brought 50 migrants back to Cuba after they were intercepted at sea.
On Friday and Saturday, the Coast Guard stopped three makeshift vessels headed toward the U.S. carrying Cuban migrants, the organization said.
A crew aboard the Carnival Breeze cruise ship noticed the first vessel south of Dry Tortugas with 27 Cuban migrants aboard. Members of the Coast Guard noticed the second and third vessels carrying 15 and eight migrants, respectively.
All of the migrants were safely removed from the vessels and transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant for repatriation, the organization said. Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, the migrants received food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.
Since Oct. 1, the Coast Guard 7th District estimates that 1,759 Haitians, 2,460 Cubans and 321 Dominicans have attempted to illegally migrate via the sea, the organization said.
For more: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-coast-guard-cuban-migrants-20150513-story.html
Cayman Islands police officer found guilty of traffic offences
Shawn Abshire Bodden was found guilty of driving without insurance after he had pleaded guilty to two other offences – driving a vehicle with no valid licence and no certificate of roadworthiness.
Bodden is a Cayman Islands police officer with the Joint Marine Unit. He will be sentenced in June.
News: CIGTV ” Jude Scott of Cayman Finance …” Update 582, May 12 2015
By Cayman Islands GOVTV | Published on May/15/2015
CIGTV News Update 582, May 12 2015
Published on May 12, 2015 (6)
Making our CIG TV news headlines today, hear about a new programme centered around our financial industry from the Minister of Education. And Tourism Councillor Joseph Hew tells us more about the airport expansion project at Owen Roberts International.
To see more Cayman Islands videos visit www.vision3e.ky
SOURCE: http://www.vision3e.ky/news-cigtv-jude-scott-of-cayman-finance?page=1
Jamaica: All in place for roll out of number portability
By O. Rodger Hutchinson From Jamaica Information Service
Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, said that all is in place to facilitate number portability in Jamaica on May 31.
Minister Paulwell, who was addressing a JIS Think Tank on May 12, said all the required infrastructure is in place and there is agreement by all service providers to facilitate the platform.
He informed that licences have been granted and the regulator, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), is fully up to speed on executing its monitoring role.
Number portability will allow Jamaicans to move from one service provider to another while retaining their telephone number.
“With the new system…that number is yours. It allows the consumer to be in control of the number and gives the consumer power over the provider,” Minister Paulwell noted.
He said that persons wishing to change their service provider can do so at no charge.
“In fact, the law now prohibits a charge by the donor provider to the customer apart from those that govern the service prior to the porting (switching from one provider to another),” he explained.
“The incoming provider has the option, but I suspect it might prove foolhardy on their part to impart charges on new clients,” he argued.
Minister Paulwell pointed out that number portability will lead to greater competition and the lowering of prices to consumers.
Initially, number portability will only be facilitated from mobile to mobile and fixed line to fixed line.
“Eventually, porting will be facilitated across service technologies but we’re not there as yet,” Minister Paulwell said.
He told JIS News that the porting facility being established would be reserved for operation within the country’s borders and by Jamaican service providers.
Cayman Islands’ cyclists raise $4,000 to help Feed our Future
On 26th April over 100 cyclists completed the Cayman Islands Cycling Association (CICA) Century Ride, raising $4,000 for Feed our Future.
The ride, through West Bay, George Town, South Sound, East End, Queens Highway (2 times), Rum Point and back to West Bay, was a total distance of 105 miles for each rider.
Feed Our Future Chairperson Stacey VanDevelde thanked all involved the ride. “It was a powerful demonstration of our community rallying together to combat hunger in Cayman’s schools,” she said. “Riding enthusiasts of all levels came out in droves to support our most vulnerable, our children.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of the sponsors, volunteers and riders who contributed to this event’s success and look forward to advancing our partnership with the Cayman Islands Cycling Association and its members.”
Raul Nicholson-Coe, Treasurer of the CICA, said “We are proud to support Feed Our Future because of the important social need that they are fulfilling by providing nutritional meals to the less fortunate within our community. The funds raised from this event will provide almost 600 meals to these kids.”
Sandals introduces island hopping
From St Lucia Times
Sandals Resorts International has introduced an exciting travel package for European guests – Island Hopping, Caribbean Style.
The new initiative brings together four islands in the Eastern Caribbean in its first instance including the spanking new Sandals Barbados and Sandals La Source Grenada along with Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Lucia.
Sandals Resorts guests struggling to decide which of the many magnificent vacation spots to choose from now have the option to split their stay between at least two different properties on at least two separate islands.
Chairman of Sandals Resorts Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart says the program has been in the pipeline for sometime and the company is excited to finally bring it to thousands of guests.
The initiative increases the marketability of each island with guests having an opportunity to choose multiple destinations in a land-based holiday.
“Thousands of guests will have multiple destinations to choose from. It is going quite well with all of our partners responding to this new idea. We have tried island hopping in the past but it was not as successful as it is now,” the Chairman said.
He added, “This campaign will really join the Caribbean tourism product together which the region has been trying to do for a really long time. The world sees the Caribbean as one but each island has its unique feature.”
Topping the island hopping twinning package is the combination of the two spanking new Sandals Barbados and Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa.
Guests can also experience a joint vacation package between Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Lucia.
This project started in September 2014 and Sandals Resorts has worked assiduously with key travel partners including British Airways, LIAT and Caribbean Airlines and is now in a position to give its full weight behind the promotion of these very valuable and attractive holidays.
For more: http://stluciatimes.com/article/sandals-introduces-island-hopping#sthash.jBtZyq98.dpuf
Asafa Powell pulls out of Cayman Islands Invitational meet
By Dwight Fraser From Irie FM
One week after setting the national stadium alight with his world leading performance former world record holder Asafa Powell has pulled out of the 4th Cayman Invitational set for the Truman Bodden Sports Complex Sat (16)
In a release today the organizers said it “regrets” Powell’s withdrawal.
According to the release, Powell’s agent Paul Doyle, said: “Asafa will use the following two weeks as a training block to prepare for 3 meets in Europe that will set him up most favourably for his trials. Powell blew away a quality field last week to win the men’s 100 meters at the Jamaica International Invitational meet, stopping the clock at 9.84 seconds, head of American Ryan Bailey 9.93 seconds with Nester Carter third in 9.98 seconds.
Powell was down to contest the men’s 100metres, which will have Jamaicans Kemar bailey-Cole, Jason Livermore, Andrew Fisher and Jevaughn Minzie. Also Cayman Islands’ Kemar Hyman and Bahamian Michael Mathieu.
Powell will next race in at the Ostrava Golden Spike (IAAF World Challenge) on May 26.
For more: http://iriefm.net/asafa-powell-pulls-out-of-cayman-invitational-meet/
Depp’s dogs flying back to America
By Susannah Cullinane, CNN
Johnny Depp has been warned to get his dogs out of Australia or risk them being euthanized
The actor allegedly brought the dogs into the country without proper documentation
Dog travel experts say Australia has some of the strictest regulations regarding entry
(CNN) Johnny Depp may have been a success as swashbuckling Capt. Jack Sparrow, but any potential smuggling career of his own has hit a large rock in the shape of Australia.
His two beloved dogs are expected to fly back to Los Angeles by private jet on Friday, after the actor sparked controversy by sneaking the pups Down Under in a private Gulfstream V jet, according to officials.
Though it’s unclear how much the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star is paying to send his dogs home, hiring such a plane can cost more than $400,000, according to CNN’s Australian affiliate 7 Network.
Officials there are showing no mercy after Depp allegedly breached bio-security regulations by bringing his two dogs into their country without proper documentation.
Yorkshire terriers Boo and Pistol must be taken out of Australia by Saturday morning, officials have said, or risk being euthanized.
For more and video: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/14/asia/johnny-depps-dogs-travel-rules/
Grand Bahama: 5th Junior International Rugby Festival kicked off with Welcome Pizza Reception
As of Friday, May 15, 2015 From Tribune 242
ONE of the oldest sporting organisations in the country, Freeport Rugby Football Club is all set to host one of the many events it has scheduled this year to commemorate 50 years of existence.
As a part of its 50th anniversary celebrations for 2015, the club is scheduled to host its 5th annual Junior International Rugby 2015 Festival at the club in Freeport, Grand Bahama, May 16-17.
The tournament is expected to feature six divisions ranging from under 8 to under 19.
Club president Rob Speller said the tournament is a major initiative of the youth movement to aid the development of the club and the sport on the local level.
“As we enter our 50th anniversary year, the club is experiencing a resurgence in all our youth development programmes. Over the past 10 years we have seen a record number of girls and boys playing rugby, soccer, flag football and other activities at the club and the youth festival is one of our main attractions of the year,” he said.
“Throughout the five years of the festival we have been fortunate in our friends from Cayman Rugby joining us for each of the festivals and a huge thanks goes out to everyone associated with Cayman Rugby in making this trip every year. This year we expect 80 boys and 40 adults from Cayman and we hope that once again the boys will enjoy a fantastic weekend of rugby and new friendships.”
In addition to the tournaments mainstays, he noted new participants for the 2015 edition.
“Joining us for the first time will be a group of boys and dads from Nassau and we hope that this will mark the start of something special and more boys will join us each year,” he said.
“A special thanks to everybody at the club who made this festival happen and who contributed to the organising, coaching, catering and general setting up of the festival.
“Without all this help it simply wouldn’t be the success that it has become. Our sponsors, who contribute funds and assistance in so many ways, also receive our thanks and we hope that we can make the festival a true Bahamas experience for all concerned. We hope for a safe and fun weekend and to all our visitors many thanks for making the effort and we hope you’ll leave our little island with good memories and new friendships.”
A welcome pizza reception is slated for 7pm tonight and play kicks off 9am to 4pm Saturday, followed by dinner for all teams.
The tournament finale is scheduled for 9am to 1pm Sunday.
For more: http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/may/15/5th-junior-international-rugby-festival-kicks-welc/
Jamaica: Harsher penalties for persons who harm children
By Garfield L. Angus From JIS
The Government is to implement harsher penalties for persons who harm children, and those who fail to protect children placed in their care.
This was disclosed by Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, during the Post Cabinet press briefing, held at the Office of the Prime, on May 13.
She informed that Cabinet has given approval for both the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA), and the Criminal Justice (Administration) Act (CJA), to be amended.
“Cabinet has also asked that the necessary administrative steps be taken to impose stiffer penalties for persons who murder, rape or commit serious violent offences against children,” the Minister said.
Senator Falconer pointed out that under the amended CJA Act, the victim’s status as a child will be treated as an aggravating feature, resulting in a substantial uplift in the sentence on conviction, while the CCPA Act will have new offences for persons who allow children to suffer abuse.
She said the proposed amendments have new offences for “parental neglect and failure of an adult to report suspected exposure of a child to sexual or other abuse.”
“Efforts are being made to ensure that cases relating to violence against children will be afforded priority scheduling, and disposal in the Courts,” the Minister said.
She emphasised that the matter of further protection for children is one that the Government has given high priority.
Senator Falconer reasoned that given the rise in the abuse and murder of children, under circumstances that are “disturbing,” the issue has “occupied the attention of Cabinet.”
The Child Care and Protection of Act of 2004, imposes a fine not exceeding $500,000 or to imprisonment with hard labour, if an adult who has custody, charge or care of a child wilfully assault, physically and mentally ill-treat, neglect, abandon or expose a child to suffer any of the above.
The Act also penalizes persons who sell or traffic children and imposes a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment with hard labour not exceeding three months.
Cayman Islands students rejoice
The seven Cayman Islands John Gray High School (JGHS) Year 11 art students who had lost hope of attending a week-long course at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta (SCAD), Georgia, because of lack of the necessary funds are rejoicing.
After appealing on local television CITN/Cayman27 donations came forth.
JGHS art teacher Aimee Randolph, said, “As soon as that aired that evening Mike from Elite [Marble and Granite] phoned me and said ‘Mrs. Randolph you need $3,500 and I wanna give it to you’ and it’s amazing!”
There were donations from other people too including a $2,000 from an anonymous donor.
SOURCE: http://www.cayman27.com.ky/2015/05/15/donations-pour-in-for-jghs-year-11-art-students
New witness claims he knows where Natalee Holloway’s body is
From KTLA5 Tribune Broadcasting
It has been almost 10 years since Natalee Holloway disappeared while on a high school graduation trip to Aruba — and now a new alleged witness has come forward claiming to have new details about the night the young woman disappeared.
“I saw Natalee Holloway on the last night she was alive. I was the eyewitness,” Jurrien de Jong told Inside Edition.
De Jong claims he witnessed Joran van der Sloot, the primary witness in the case, carrying Holloway’s body the night she was last seen.
“I saw that Joran was chasing Natalee into a small building under construction,” De Jon said. “In about five minutes, he came out with Natalee in his arms and slammed the body of Natalee on the floor … and then he made an opening in a crawl space … I knew she was dead.”
The witness said he didn’t come forward sooner because he was involved in illegal activities at the time. According to Inside Edition, the prosecutor in Aruba is going to take a look into De Jong’s claims.
Meanwhile, Holloway’s father, Dave Holloway, has returned to Aruba to follow up on new clues. His daughter was 18 when she vanished on May 30, 2005.
Joran van der Sloot maintains his innocence in connection with Holloway’s disappearance.
Cayman Islands premier announces another cut in fuel duty
Cayman Islands Premier, Alden McLaughlin, announced on Friday (15) in the Legislative Assembly, there will be a second cut in the fuel duty imported by Caribbean Utilities Company in January 2015. The 25cents per gallon reduction will be expected to be passed on to their customers on Grand Cayman.
Granny, five relatives held …after cops find ganja, cocaine in home
By Alexander Bruzual From Trinidad Express
A 64-year-old grandmother is among six persons arrested after officers of the Cunupia Police Station allegedly found a quantity of marijuana and cocaine at a house along Mon Plasir Road, Cunupia.
According to police reports, a party of officers, led by Sgt Figaro, with assistance from Cpl Ramsaran, and Warrant Officer Phillip, among others, conducted a police exercise in the Cunupia district between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. yesterday.
During this exercise, the officers, acting on information received, made their way to Mon Plasir Road where they executed a search warrant in the presence of the 64-year-old woman and five other relatives.
However, as the officers were searching the home, they heard a toilet flush in the home. The officers then broke the sewer lines and allegedly found a bag containing a quantity of marijuana and cocaine within the plumbing.
The woman, her four sons and her son-in-law, who were all present in the house at the time, were immediately arrested and taken into custody.
They were questioned and are expected to be charged with the offences of possession of illegal narcotics by today.
Following the detention of the six relatives, the same party of officers, acting on new information, made their way to an empty parcel of land in the vicinity of the home they had searched.
At that location, the officers found another quantity of marijuana hidden in some bushes.
However, because no one was near the drugs at the time of its discovery, no one was arrested for this find.
The exercises were part of the continuing “zero-tolerance” approach to crime in the Central Division as previously mandated by acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams.
For more: http://ttweb.tnt.dc.publicus.com/article/20150513/LOCAL/150519840
Consolidated Water Co. raised to “Hold” at Zacks (CWCO)
Zacks upgraded shares of Consolidated Water Co. (NASDAQ:CWCO) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday.
Zacks’ analyst wrote, “Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. intends to develop and operate seawater conversion plants and water distribution systems in areas of the world where naturally-occurring supplies of potable water are scarce or nonexistent. It currently operates a public water utility in certain areas of the Cayman Islands under a 20-year exclusive license from the Government of the Cayman Islands. The company has signed contracts for its first overseas operations in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. (PRESS RELEASE) “
Shares of Consolidated Water Co. (NASDAQ:CWCO) opened at 11.78 on Thursday. Consolidated Water Co. has a 1-year low of $8.41 and a 1-year high of $12.88. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $11. and its 200-day moving average is $11.. The company has a market cap of $173.34 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.05.
Consolidated Water Co. (NASDAQ:CWCO) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 11th. The company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.02. Analysts expect that Consolidated Water Co. will post $0.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Separately, analysts at Janney Montgomery Scott initiated coverage on shares of Consolidated Water Co. in a research note on Monday, April 6th. They set a buy rating and a $14.00 price target on the stock.
Consolidated Water Co Ltd. develops and operates seawater desalination plants (NASDAQ:CWCO) and water distribution systems in areas where naturally occurring supplies of potable water are scarce or nonexistent. The Company operates in three segments: retail water operations, bulk water operations and services operations.
To get a free copy of the research report on Consolidated Water Co. (CWCO), click here. For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit www.Zacks.com
US Special Forces kill head of ISIS oil operations
From Newsmax
BEIRUT — In a rare ground attack deep into Syria, U.S. Army commandos killed a man described as the Islamic State group’s head of oil operations, captured his wife and rescued a woman whom American officials said was enslaved.
A team of Delta Force commandos slipped across the border from Iraq under cover of darkness Saturday aboard Black Hawk helicopters and V-22 Osprey aircraft, according to a U.S. defense official knowledgeable about details of the raid. The official was not authorized to discuss the operation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Americans intended to capture a militant identified by U.S. officials as Abu Sayyaf. When they arrived at his location, a multi-story building, they met stiff resistance, the U.S. official said, and a firefight ensued, resulting in bullet-hole damage to the U.S. aircraft.
Abu Sayyaf was killed, along with an estimated dozen ISIS fighters, U.S. officials said. No American was killed or wounded.
Before the sun had risen, the commandos flew back to Iraq where Abu Sayyaf’s wife, Umm Sayyaf, was being questioned in U.S. custody, officials said.
Abu Sayyaf was described by one official as the ISIS “emir of oil and gas,” although he also was targeted for his known association with the group’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
U.S. officials said it was likely, given Abu Sayyaf’s position, that he knew about more than just the financial side of the group’s operations.
The U.S. official said his removal probably has temporarily halted ISIS oil-revenue operations, critical to the group’s ability to carry out military operations in Syria and Iraq and to govern the population centers it controls.
But U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, cautioned against exaggerating the long-term gain from killing Abu Sayyaf.
He said ISIS, like al-Qaida, “has proven adept at replacing its commanders and we will need to keep up the pressure on its leadership and financing.”
For more: http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Iraq-Syria-conflict-US/2015/05/16/id/645011/#ixzz3aLJEhTpC
Breakthrough in treating high blood pressure
From Caribbean360
TOKYO, Japan, Thursday May 14, 2015 – The discovery of a key mechanism in the cells which helps healthy people regulate their blood pressure naturally could lead to the development of new drugs to slash the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Scientists at the Riken Brain Science Institute in Japan discovered that blood pressure is dramatically reduced when a specific protein, ERAP1, is released from cells and enters the bloodstream.
The finding could lead to a medication for people with hypertension (high blood pressure), who are at a higher-than-usual risk of strokes, heart attacks and type 2 diabetes.
In research published in the journal Molecular Cell, the Japanese scientists found that the protein works by breaking down a key hormone called angiotensin II, a peptide chemical that causes blood vessels to constrict.
Blood pressure is raised as the arteries and veins tighten. The ERAP1 protein counters this effect by digesting the hormone, reducing its levels in the bloodstream, and preventing it constricting the blood vessels.
According to lead researcher Dr Katsuhiko Mikoshiba: “With this new discovery we now know more about how angiotensin II is normally removed from the blood to lower blood pressure, and we have a new system to study for potential therapies.”
The breakthrough was made after researchers discovered that mice with high levels of the ERAP1 protein had unusually low blood pressure.
“We noticed that the mice had similar defects to those that lack angiotensin II – the peptide hormone that acts to raise blood pressure,” researcher Chihiro Hisatsune said.
“We measured their blood pressure and were surprised to find it was about 20 percent lower than in normal mice.”
Medications currently prescribed for hypertension include some that target the enzyme that produces angiotensin II.
The Japanese research team hopes that a new medication may be more effective. Instead of stopping the production of the hormone, it would boost a naturally occurring mechanism that reduces its concentration in the bloodstream to normal levels.
“Current therapies for hypertension target the enzyme that produces angiotensin II,” said Mikoshiba.
“Our results open the door to alternative approaches that target the activity of proteins like ERAP1.
“We hope our results can lead to the development of new strategies for treating people with blood-pressure disorders.”
For more: http://www.caribbean360.com/news/breakthrough-in-treating-high-blood-pressure#ixzz3aGA6NmMU
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands have been, and continue to be, the premier jurisdiction for alternative investments. In addition to a stable political and social landscape, tax efficiency, and an effective regulatory regime, the Cayman Islands’ position as a favored jurisdiction is solidified by the substantial local presence of qualified and experienced industry professionals. Our extraordinary concentration of leading industry practitioners provides the foundation for a dynamic, diverse and robust membership. Our goal is to provide CAIA members, candidates and other industry participants, access to educational events and networking opportunities, while simultaneously raising the profile of the CAIA designation. In addition, we will play an active and positive role in our community, continuing a long-standing tradition of public and private sector collaboration that has been a hallmark of the success of the Cayman Islands’ alternative investment industry.
Email [email protected]
SOURCE: https://www.caia.org/members/global-chapters/cayman-islands-chapter
Author book announcement: Reproducing the British Caribbean
Discussion published by Juanita De Barros From H-Atlantic
Reproducing the British Caribbean: Sex, Gender, and Population Politics after Slavery. Juanita De Barros. University of North Carolina Press, 2014. 978-1-4696-1605-6 (paper, $32.95)
This innovative book traces the history of ideas and policymaking concerning population growth and infant and maternal welfare in Caribbean colonies wrestling with the aftermath of slavery. Focusing on Jamaica, Guyana, and Barbados from the nineteenth century through the 1930s, when violent labor protests swept the region, Juanita De Barros takes a comparative approach in analyzing the struggles among former slaves and masters attempting to determine the course of their societies after emancipation. Invested in the success of the “great experiment” of slave emancipation, colonial officials developed new social welfare and health policies. Concerns about the health and size of ex-slave populations were expressed throughout the colonial world during this period. In the Caribbean, an emergent black middle class, rapidly increasing immigration, and new attitudes toward medicine and society were crucial factors. While hemispheric and diasporic trends influenced the new policies, De Barros shows that local physicians, philanthropists, midwives, and the impoverished mothers who were the targets of this official concern helped shape and implement efforts to ensure the health and reproduction of Caribbean populations in the decades before independence. For more information, see http://uncpress.unc.edu/books/12613.html
Cayman Islands civil servants to receive increase
Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin announced in the Legislative Assembly last Friday (15) civil servants will be receiving an increase in salary.
The premier said the increase would provide them with some financial relief. He also said local merchants would benefit too “as the spending capacity of civil servants is increased.”
He thanked the government employees for exceeding government targets and urged them to keep up the good work.
FedEx can’t escape drug delivery charges
By Ross Todd, From The Recorder
SAN FRANCISCO — Neither FedEx Corp. nor federal prosecutors left court completely happy Thursday morning after a hearing in the government’s case alleging FedEx knowingly shipped drugs for illegal Internet pharmacies.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer denied FedEx’s bid to dismiss the federal criminal case, but allowed the company to subpoena records from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that contacted FedEx during investigations of individual online pharmacies.
FedEx’s lawyers at Arguedas, Cassman & Headley and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom had argued that the company’s role as a common carrier shielded FedEx from prosecution under federal drug laws. But Breyer said FedEx’s argument “proved too much” and that it would leave the government with no recourse to deal with “rogue” common carriers who might conspire in criminal enterprises.
“No one would seriously suggest that,” Breyer said. “That exemption isn’t so broad that it would encompass within it a common carrier that embarks on a scheme to deliver illicit drugs. That’s what you’re accused of doing.”
FedEx pleaded not guilty last year to charges that it willfully broke the law by shipping drugs for two Internet pharmacy networks which allowed customers to fill out online questionnaires to receive prescription drugs—without the face-to-face meeting with a physician required under the law.
FedEx rival United Parcel Services Inc. agreed to forfeit $40 million in 2013 as part of a nonprosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Prosecutors claim the drug shipments in the FedEx case generated $820 million in gross gains, a figure that could be doubled as a penalty under federal law.
Breyer granted the company’s request to seek records from law enforcement agencies to help determine its level of cooperation with government prosecutions of online pharmacies.
“This case turns on the question of what did FedEx know? What were they told? What options were presented to them? What did they say about those things?” Breyer said.
The judge denied a request by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirstin Ault to narrow FedEx’s subpoena requests to make them more manageable for local law enforcement agencies.
For more: http://www.therecorder.com/id=1202726526697/FedEx-Cant-Escape-Drug-Delivery-Charges#ixzz3aGLZxCBL
Southwest announces launch dates for new Caribbean flights
From Caribbean Journal
Southwest Airlines has revealed launch dates for a host of new flights out of Houston’s William P Hobby Airport.
The company announced this week that it would be launching daily, nonstop Houston-Belize service on Oct. 15.
Southwest also launch flights from Houston to Cancun on that date.
On Nov, 1, the carrier will be launching service to Montego Bay, Jamaica and Liberia, Costa Rica.
The flights, which were first announced in December 2014, are part of major expansion plans for Southwest at Hobby airport.
That includes a $156 million international concourse project at Hobby.
In March, Southwest began operating flights from Houston to Aruba as well.
For more: http://caribjournal.com/2015/05/14/southwest-announces-launch-dates-for-new-caribbean-flights/#
4.7 earthquake rocks Eastern Caribbean
From Trinidad Express
At least three Eastern Caribbean islands were Thursday (14) rocked by an earthquake measuring 4.7.
The Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies has confirmed that an earthquake was felt in St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Martinique shortly after 10 a.m. local time yesterday.
The quake was felt in the north and south of St Lucia, however there have been no reports of injuries or damage.
The Seismic Research Centre says the earthquake occurred 64km east of Castries, St Lucia; 100km southeast of Fort-de-France, Martinique; and 132 km northeast of Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. —CMC
For more: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/article/20150514/LOCAL/150519770
1MDB said to be in early settlement talks for US$975 million loan
From The Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR (Bloomberg) – 1Malaysia Development Bhd. may make an early repayment of a US$975 million syndicated loan led by Deutsche Bank that the state investment company took out in September, according to people familiar with the matter.
The loan is due at the end of August and 1MDB hasn’t come up with additional collateral sought by the lenders, prompting talks for early settlement, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the details are private. Singapore’s Business Times said Wednesday that lenders plan to ask 1MDB to repay the loan early.
1MDB, whose borrowings had reached RM41.9 billion through March 2014, flirted with default earlier this year after delaying payment on a RM2 billion loan. It said Wednesday it cannot comment immediately on reports of a planned early settlement of the loan.
“We are aware of recent press reports and statements concerning a loan taken by 1MDB in September 2014,” President and Group Executive Director Arul Kanda said in an e-mail to Bloomberg News on Wednesday. “Whilst we would like to respond in detail, this relates to a confidential banking matter, which prevents us from commenting at the present time. However, we intend to update the market as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
See related iNews story: 1MDB moves $1.53b from Cayman Islands to bank in Singapore, not Malaysia” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/1mdb-moves-1-53b-from-cayman-islands-to-bank-in-singapore-not-malaysia/
Forbes says he made $600k a night, but Lil Wayne is sued over unpaid $86k special
![retrieved 5/15- Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. (born September 27, 1982),[4] known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from New Orleans, Louisiana.](http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/iNews-B-lil-wayne-Article-201505141320-300x181.jpg)
IMAGE: Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.)
Lil Wayne, no stranger to litigation, has been sued by a special effects company that alleges the famed rapper failed to pay $85,964 for pyrotechnic effects on his national tour.
The lawsuit was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on May 5 by Pyrotek Special Effects Inc. of Ontario, Canada.
The complaint said the company provided Lil Wayne with special effects including “red tracer comets,” “white flash with bang,” and “molecular fog fluid” for performances nationally from July to September 2013. The fees included permitting and shipping of hazardous goods to such places as Alabama, Ohio, Colorado, California and Oklahoma.
The lawsuit was filed against Lil Wayne under his given name, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., in Miami because he owns a mansion in Miami Beach. Pyrotek is represented by Lilian Rodriguez-Baz of Markowitz, Ringel, Trusty & Hartog.
Lil Wayne and his companies, Cash Money Records Inc. and Young Money Entertainment Inc., have faced numerous lawsuits in recent years over unpaid royalties, copyright infringement and canceled shows. He also has been the plaintiff in numerous lawsuits seeking to stop a documentary about him from airing.
A lawyer for Carter did not return calls for comment by deadline.
Romney survives 2 Rounds in ring with Holyfield for charity
From Newsmax
Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney walked away uninjured from a charity boxing match with five-time heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield in Salt Lake City Friday night.
Romney, 68, and Holyfield, 52, sparred for just two short rounds Friday before Romney ran away from the boxer and threw in the towel, giving up a round early in the lighthearted fight that came amid several other fights by professional boxers and an auction.
The two barely threw any punches and largely just danced around, occasionally lightly jabbing each other in the midsection in what was much more of a comedic event than an actual bout.
The black-tie affair raised money for the Utah-based organization CharityVision, which helps doctors in developing countries perform surgeries to restore vision in people with curable blindness.
Romney’s son Josh Romney, who lives in Utah, serves as a volunteer president for CharityVision.
Corporate sponsorships for the event ranged from $25,000 to $250,000. Organizers say they raised at least $1 million.
“He said, ‘You know what? You float like a bee and sting like a butterfly,'” Romney said after the fight.
Attendees just enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the chance to see Romney in the ring.
“Oh, it was great. I was very proud of Mitt,” said Katie Anderson, who attended the event with her husband.
For more: http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/romney-holyfield-charity-boxing/2015/05/16/id/645013/#ixzz3aLIWlPRJ
If you love yogurt, then it’s time to explore its global culture
YOGURT CULTURE From The Kitchn
In a world rife with pain, violence, and strife, focusing on shared food traditions can remind us of our collective humanity and refocus us on what we have in common. Yogurt is among the most ancient, truly global foods there is.
Modern Israelis and Palestinians eat yogurt. Armenians and Turks eat yogurt. Indians, Pakistanis, Iranians, Iraqis, Greeks, Albanians, Russians, Bulgarians, Americans, Serbs, Canadians, New Zealanders, and Filipinos eat yogurt. And that’s just the smallest slice.
As I delved deep into researching my latest book, Yogurt Culture, I was amazed by what I learned about yogurt traditions in faraway lands.
In Mongolia, yogurt is dried and solidified, then cut into portable shapes so nomads can take it on the go. In Iran, yogurt is considered a souring agent, one not traditionally paired with sweet fruits like berries. In Middle Eastern cultures, yogurt is strained into labneh, then labneh is dried further until it can be scooped into little balls. These balls are stored in olive oil, which acts as an even longer-term preservative.
I’ve since learned that yogurt is on the rise worldwide, particularly in China and Brazil. Turkey, a traditional yogurt-eating culture, is eating even more yogurt than ever before.
So it’s time we expand our understanding of this food, drawing from both the classic and innovative traditions of our neighbors near and far. Not just to look beyond familiar pairings of yogurt with honey and granola (which is and always will be delicious), but to embrace the food’s natural tartness and see it as a refreshing change of pace, much like we embrace the assertiveness of sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi, three other fermented foods with long histories and newly rabid adherents.
With a food as comfortingly familiar as yogurt, it’s easy to eat it as we always have. It’s time for us to turn this familiarity upside down and draw inspiration from our brothers and sisters around the globe.
I would love to hear about your own yogurt culture. Did you grow up in a family that used yogurt in a unique way? What role has yogurt played in your cooking history?
