Cayman Islands Press Statement on EEPS Incident on Thurs. 9 Nov

East End Primary School Update

On 9 November, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Education Services (DES) were notified that East End Primary School’s (EEPS) gate was locked and students and staff were unable to gain access. The Director of the DES, Ms. Lyneth Monteith and the Senior School Improvement Officer (SSIO), Mrs. Gloria Bell proceeded to East End Primary School and met with the parents. The parents stated their concerns over a Year 5 teacher being removed from the school on 17 October and requested a reinstatement. The teacher was removed from the school due to an investigation that commenced with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and we understand that the investigation is ongoing.

The parents also shared their dissatisfaction with the capability of the Assistant Teacher, currently in place to provide the instruction the students need.  Assistant teachers, who must hold an Associates Degree at a minimum, are allowed to provide teaching for periods of time, but the parents were not satisfied with this arrangement and want a trained teacher in the class.

The parents were reminded of the procedure for managing Child Protection allegations, which is as follows:

Once a disclosure has been made, a referral is made to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the allegation is reviewed by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team and a decision is made whether to proceed via an investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services or the Royal Cayman Islands Police Services, or it is reverted to DES for internal action.

If the decision is an investigation by DCFS or the RCIPS, the case proceeds until its conclusion.  The concluding outcome is communicated to DES for any further action required.  The staff member is placed on required leave at this point.

When the referral is made to DCFS, DES takes the following actions:

• The teacher is removed from the school with immediate effect.
• The teacher is relocated to DES, if that is deemed appropriate.
• The teacher provides indirect educational support by planning lessons, assessing work and liaising with the substitute staff member for the period that the teacher is temporarily relocated.  This is directed by the Principal of the school with support from the SSIO.  This extends to completing reports if necessary.

If the decision is for DES action, an internal investigation occurs as per the Public Service Management Law and disciplinary actions are taken as needed.

While efforts to find a supply teacher occurred, the Director of DES indicated the intention to place Mrs. Bell, the SSIO in the classroom, as an immediate solution in terms of a trained teacher rather than having an Assistant Teacher.  However, this suggestion was declined by the parents, and they elected to leave their children at home for the day.

The availability of supply teachers for both public and private schools is very limited and plans are being developed to address the shortfall of quality supply teachers available for Government schools.  Subsequent to the meeting today with the EEPS parents, the Director has obtained a substitute teacher which will begin tomorrow(November 10). The individual is at present planning with the EEPS teacher and will continue to liaise with the teacher for the duration of the process.

Road Closures for Cayman Islands Remembrance Sunday & Pirates Week, 9-13 November

The RCIPS is informing the public about the following road closures for this weekend’s Pirates Week festivities.

Thursday, 9 November – 2:00pm to 6:00am:

–     The north bound lane of Harbour Drive will be closed between Goring Avenue and Fort Street from2:00pm.

–      Both lanes will be closed from 6:00pm.

Friday, 10 November – 3:00pm to 6:00am:

–          Harbour Drive and South Church Street will be closed between Boilers Road and Fort Street.

–          Shedden Road will be closed between Harbour Drive and the RBC roundabout.

–          Cardinal Avenue will be closed between Albert Panton Street and Harbour Drive.

Saturday, 11 November – 6:00am to 1:00am:

–          Harbour Drive, North Church Street and South Church Street will be closed between Boilers Road and Mary Street.

–          Boilers Road will be closed between Walkers Road and South Church Street.

–          Goring Avenue will be closed between Louise Llewellyn Way and South Church Street.

–          Shedden Road will be closed between Mary Street and South Church Street.

–          Edward Street, Cardinal Avenue and Albert Panton Street will be closed.

–          Fort Street will be closed between Edward Street and Harbour Drive.

–          In addition, South Church Street will be closed between Memorial Avenue and Boilers Road from8:00am to 2:00pm and;

–          Elgin Avenue will be closed between Hospital Road and Shedden Road from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

Sunday, 12 November  – Harbour Drive will be closed on Sunday, 12 November, from 6:15AM, between Fort Street and Shedden Road, in order to facilitate this year’s Remembrance Day Parade.

Monday, 13 November – 6:00am to 1:00am:

–          Harbour Drive, North Church Street and South Church Street will be closed between Boilers Road and Mary Street.

–          Boilers Road will be closed between Walkers Road and South Church Street.

–          Goring Avenue will be closed between Louise Llewellyn Way and South Church Street.

–          Shedden Road will be closed between the Mary Street and South Church Street.

–          Edward Street, Cardinal Avenue and Albert Panton Street will be closed.

–          Fort Street will be closed between Edward Street and Harbour Drive.

Cayman Islands Rose’ Wine Tasting With Chateau Minuty!

Cayman Islands Recruitment Fair 2017

 WHO:                               The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Human Resources & Immigration and the Ministry of Finance & Economic Development    

 WHAT:                             Law Enforcement & Public Safety Recruitment Fair 2017

WHEN:                            Thursday, 9 November 2017 from 3 to 7 p.m.

WHERE:                         George Town, Town Hall

Participants:                  Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service, Cayman Islands Fire Service, Department of Immigration, Department of Labour and Pensions, Department of Public Safety Communications, the Cayman Islands Customs Department and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

 Background:                 Interested persons will be able to personally speak with representatives and learn more about the variety of career options available for each agency. Staff members will also deliver brief presentations and demonstrate their specialist skills during the event, and will be available to answer any questions from the public

Cayman Islands: Vehicle stolen between 3-5 November UPDATE – Vehicle found

The grey Honda Integra that was stolen from Windermere Street in George Town (see below press release) has now been recovered.

Just before 2PM on Monday, 6 November, police received a report that a vehicle had been stolen from the parking lot of Reflections next to Airport Fosters.

The vehicle, a red 2-door Honda Integra with a black hood, is believed to have been stolen sometime between 3 and 5 November. A picture of a similar vehicle is attached.

Vehicle:

Make: Honda

Model: Integra

Year: 1999

Colour: Red

Registration: 167 092

The matter is currently being investigated by police officers in George Town.

Anyone with information regarding this stolen vehicle is asked to call 9-1-1 or the 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.

Cayman Captive Forum, November 28-30, 2017

November 6, 2017

News

Tony Barner from Accredited will be attending this event and would welcome the opportunity to meet you there.

Venue

The Ritz-Carlton

West Bay Road

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1209

Event Details

https://www.captive.com/resources/captive-insurance-calendar/cayman-captive-forum-2017

NWDA to Visit Cayman Brac

Representatives from the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA) will visit Cayman Brac this Tuesday through Thursday (7-9 November 2017) to hold workshops and meet with both jobseekers and employers.

Officials will assist with online registration for their National Job Link Programme from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday andWednesday, and until 2 p.m. on Thursday at the DLP Office, 256 Creek Road.

NWDA will also host two workshops on Wednesday, one on how to make a positive first impression from 9 a.m. to noon and another on stress management from 1p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Thursday a workshop focused on building positive relationship within the workplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Appointments to meet with a NWDA representative can be made by calling 945-3114. Walk-ins are also welcomed.

Cayman Islands: RCIPS FCU reminds public to beware of phishing emails purporting to be from local banks

From RCIPS

The RCIPS Financial Crimes Unit would like to warn the public of emails purporting to be from local banks which solicit banking account numbers and PIN numbers. Typically, once culprits obtain bank information through a phishing email, they then hack the email account of the victim, and send emails from that account with their PIN information to the banking institution, requesting a wire transfer.

“Banking institutions will never solicit such information from you over your email,” said Chief Inspector Richard Barrow. “No matter how legitimate the email may appear, if it is asking you to input your account number and PIN, it is definitely a scam.”

Any suspicious emails purportedly from a banking institution should never be responded to, and the bank should be contacted right away.

Two residents on island have reported unauthorized withdrawals on their accounts in substantial amounts. Both of these reports are currently under investigation by the Financial Crimes Unit.

Anyone with further information to share with the Financial Crimes Unit on this issue should contact 949-8797.

Cayman Islands DEH Temporarily reduces intake of scrap metals and derelict vehicles

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) wishes to advise the public that the George Town landfill is temporarily operating at a reduced frequency for the acceptance of scrap metals and derelict vehicles.

The DEH urges residents to refrain from abandoning vehicles on private property, along the road way and in other public spaces during this time. The DEH is also asking members of the public not to bring in scrap metals until further notice.

“We have not completely stopped the collection of scrap metals and derelict vehicles but have reduced the quantities going to the landfill until we can safely stack the metals and prepare another area for the safe storage of the derelict vehicles,” said DEH Director Roydell Carter.

The DEH apologises to the public for any inconvenience caused by this temporary delay and will update members of the public as soon as it is able to resume complete collection of derelict vehicles/scrap metals.

For additional information, please contact DEH’s main office by telephone at 949-6696 or by email at [email protected].

Cayman Islands Remembrance Sunday Ceremonies Sunday 12 November 10:30AM

Cayman Islands Recruitment Fair 2017

The 2017 Law Enforcement and Public Safety Recruitment Fair will take place on Thursday, 9 November 2017 with a number of departments seeking qualified persons to join their team.

The joint drive will be hosted by the Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service, Cayman Islands Fire Service, Department of Immigration, Department of Labour and Pensions, Department of Public Safety Communications, the Cayman Islands Customs Department and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

Interested persons will be able to personally speak with representatives and learn more about the variety of career options available for each agency from 3 – 7 p.m. at the George Town, Town Hall

Registrar to Educate Brac Residents on CBP, NPOs and IP

General Registry staff members will be in Cayman Brac on Friday, 10 November, to inform local business owners of the new CBP (Cayman Business Portal) online system.

The CBP is designed specifically to make it more convenient for business owners to manage their registered company affairs from their home or office. The portal will allow users to file company information, such as annual returns and directors’ and officers’ information, pay annual fees, and request certificates using a credit or debit card. It also will allow owners to file the company’s beneficial ownership information.

Registry staff also will explain how to register a non-profit organisation under the new legislation, and provide a refresher on how to use Cayman’s new intellectual property laws to protect your creative rights.

The public have two options for attending Registry’s presentations on 10 November. The first presentation will be held from 9:30am to 11:30am, and it will be repeated from 1pm to 3pm. Both presentations will be held at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre.

For more information on the Brac trip, email [email protected].

St. Vincent’s One Caribbean eyes US charter flights

From CH- Aviation

One Caribbean (St. Vincent Argyle Int’l) has filed an application for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit with the US Department of Transportation ahead of plans to offer ad-hoc charter flights to any point(s) in the United States.

In its application, One Caribbean states it intends to offer the flights between points in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and other OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) countries and various points in the United States via various points in the Caribbean area.

One Caribbean Ltd. secured its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority in January this year. Since then, it has commenced operations offering ad-hoc charters throughout the Eastern Caribbean using a single Beech (twin turboprop) King Air B200, J8-BQA (msn BB-1383), leased from Bequia Airways Inc. It also has plans to add EMB-120s at some point in the future.

For more: https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/61101-st-vincents-one-caribbean-eyes-us-charter-flights

Destructive 2017 Atlantic hurricane season may be over

From Augusta Free Press

AccuWeather reports while the official end of the Atlantic hurricane season is not until Nov. 30, the chance of a tropical storm developing and hitting the United States this month is very low.

August and September brought great devastation due to hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria striking heavily-populated areas. However, these storms struck when conditions were conducive for supporting tropical cyclones as hurricane season was at or approaching its climatological peak.

Ocean temperatures were like bath water and winds aloft were light during late August and September.

While hurricanes have formed and even struck the U.S. during November, the odds of such an occurrence are very low on average.

For more: http://augustafreepress.com/destructive-2017-atlantic-hurricane-season-may/

Cayman Islands Man Charged With Handling Stolen Goods

From RCIPS

A man, aged 25 of West Bay, was arrested on 31 October and then charged on 1 November, with handling stolen goods. He will appear in court this morning, Thursday 2 November. This relates to a burglary on the 30th of September where several items were stolen from Digicel on North Church Street in George Town.

Cayman Islands are recruiting persons to serve & protect

The 2017 Law Enforcement and Public Safety Recruitment Fair will take place on Thursday, 9 November 2017 with a number of departments seeking qualified persons to join their team.

The joint drive will be hosted by the Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service, Cayman Islands Fire Service, Department of Immigration, Department of Labour and Pensions, Department of Public Safety Communications, the Cayman Islands Customs Department and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

Interested persons will be able to personally speak with representatives and learn more about the variety of career options available for each agency from 3 – 7 p.m. at the George Town, Town Hall

Staff members will also deliver brief presentations and demonstrate their specialist skills during the event, and will be available to answer any questions from the public.

International Men’s Day 2017 Cayman Islands’ Events

International Men’s Day is on Sunday, 19 November 2017.

The Family Resource Centre of the Department of Counselling Services is holding the following events to mark the observance:

Celebrate Men and Boys Church Service, 10 a.m., at Savannah United Church – Sunday, 5 November.

All are invited to attend to encourage and support men to be positive role models in their communities.

International Men’s Day Roundtable, Rooster 101, 7.30 a.m. – Friday, 17 November. The forum will bring together men and boys to discuss male health issues, highlight male achievements at home, in their families/partnerships while looking at obstacles men sometimes face.

International Men’s Day Family Day, 3.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Kings Sports Centre – Saturday, 18 November. This free event aims to attract families to enjoy the leisure centre’s bowling, rock climbing and skating facilities while providing men with fun opportunities to further bond with their children.

Emergence of mosquitoes expected in the Cayman Islands following heavy rains

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is expecting a significant emergence of mosquitoes during the next few days due to the recent heavy rains.

The increased rainfall results in a higher number of mosquitoes hatching during this period, compared to dryer conditions.

The wet and stormy weather has also been hampering MRCU’s control efforts, as neither ground, nor aerial operations can be conducted in extreme wet or windy conditions.

As soon as weather conditions permit, MRCU will respond to the expected mosquito emergence.

Cayman Islands Police Offer Burglary Prevention Reminder

From RCIPS

Following reports of two burglaries overnight in the Rum Point Drive area, where culprits gained entry through unlocked doors, police are reminding members of the public to ensure their doors and windows are securely locked, especially in the evening.

“Securing points of entry is one of the most straightforward things that can be done to deter burglars,” said Inspector Courtney Myles of the Neighbourhood Policing Department. “In light of these two burglaries we will be stepping up our patrols in these areas and we ask the community to work with us and report any suspicious activity. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all persons living in our community and their properties.”

Anyone who is interested in a crime prevention review of their property should contact their local police station for the neighbourhood police officer in their area.

RCIPS FCU Warns of Fraudulent Solicitations from Fake Facebook Profiles of Public Figures, 26 October

The RCIPS FCU is advising the public of a report received yesterday, Wednesday 25 October, that a fake Facebook profile purporting to be the profile of Hon. Tara Rivers, MLA, has been soliciting money from those following the Facebook page.

The RCIPS FCU is investigating the report, and is taking this opportunity to raise awareness among the public of the use of fake Facebook profiles for fraudulent solicitations. Detectives are asking the public to be wary of any solicitations for financial details or donations via Facebook. These should be handled very carefully and authenticated, especially when received from Facebook pages that appear to be the profile of a public figure.

Any suspicious instances can be reported to the RCIPS Financial Crime Unit at 949-8797 or via email at [email protected].

Cayman Drama Society presents A Playhouse Family Christmas

Tickets for A Playhouse Family Christmas are on sale now. This is our family-friendly Christmas show featuring our beloved regulars Fizz and Grizz as they journey into a world of magical Christmas characters. Tickets can be bought at www.cds.ky and we recommend buying tickets soon as they sell out fast!

Client Appreciation Dinner During Cayman Captive Forum 2017

Please join us for the Client Appreciation Dinner during the Cayman Captive Forum 2017.

Please register by clicking the Register button below. Transportation will be provided to the Ritz at the

conclusion of dinner.

If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Marrero via email at [email protected]

When

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Eastern Time

Where

Coccoloba Bar & Grill @ the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa

60 Tanager Way

KY1-9008

Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands artist Gordon Solomon created just for you

Cayman Islands Public Holidays for 2018 Confirmed

The list of Cayman Islands Public Holidays for 2018 is now officially confirmed and released by the Deputy Governor’s Office.

The list is as follows:

New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January 2018;

National Heroes Day: Monday, 22 January 2018;

Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, 14 February 2018;

Good Friday: Friday, 30 March 2018;

Easter Monday: Monday, 2 April 2018;

Discovery Day: Monday, 21 May 2018;

Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 11 June 2018;

Constitution Day: Monday, 2 July 2018;

Remembrance Day: Monday, 12 November 2018;

Christmas: Tuesday, 25 December 2018; and

Boxing Day: Wednesday, 26 December 2018.

Cayman Islands’ Green Iguana Cull extended

The Department of Environment wishes to announce that this year’s green iguana cull is to be extended until the end of November 2017.

Although contracts to cullers were issued with a provisional end date of 31 August 2017, availability of funds is sufficient to allow current culling contractors to continue until the end of November. Terms of contracts and payment rates will remain unchanged.

Culling contractors and other interested parties are asked to carefully note the following deadlines and arrangements:

1. No new contractors will be signed up after 5 p.m. on 31 August, 2017.

2. The green iguana raffle will close on 31 August 2017. Participants will be invited to attend the closing draw.

3. No contractor reports of culled iguanas will be accepted for payment after 5 p.m. on 30 November, 2017.

Cayman Islands Elections Office Open Monday to Friday

The issuing of Voter ID Card’s and Registration to become a voter are part of an ongoing process at the Elections Office even after elections.

If you wish to collect your Voter ID Card or you are eligible and wish to register to become a voter, please visit the Elections Office at 150 Smith Road Centre, 2nd floor, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Hello Fellow Writers,

We are resurrecting Cayman Writers’ Circle! You are invited to attend every Monday from 6.30-8.00pm.

To make it accessible to everyone, we will meet at alternating locations – 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at St Alban’s Church Hall, 461 Shedden Road, in George Town, and 2nd and 4th Mondays at Sea Orchard Retreat in West Bay.

Bring your ideas and your friends! Please pass this on to everyone you know. Cayman Writers’ Circle Facilitators