iNews Briefs & Community Events
Cayman Islands: Man attacked by dogs in Bodden Town, 31 January
From RCIPS
Shortly after 4:00PM on Wednesday, 31 January, officers were dispatched to Crysdel Road, Bodden Town, where a man was reported to have been attacked by two dogs. The man, who had been walking home at the time, received bites to both his arms and legs. During the incident, the man struck one of the dogs with a pocket knife. He was taken to the Cayman Islands Hospital where he was treated and subsequently released. The dog that was struck with the knife died.
It was later ascertained that the dogs had escaped from a nearby yard.
The matter is currently under investigation by the RCIPS and Animal Control Officers from the Department of Agriculture. Anyone with any relevant information is asked to contact the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220. 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 Islands NRA to upgrade Seaview Road in East End
National Roads Authority (NRA) is pleased to announce that commencing on Monday 5th February road upgrade works will be carried out along Seaview Road in East End. Work will be taking place from near the west end of Lovers Wall to near the Blow Holes. Works will include shoulder construction, installation of guard rail for some sections and paving.
NRA crews and Island Paving crews will be carrying out the works. Traffic Management will be in place during the works which will be done between 9 am and 4 pm on week days.
Road users are asked to exercise caution when driving through the area, for their safety and the safety of the work crews. The works are expected to take approximately two (2) months to complete.
For any questions or further information please contact the National Roads Authority at 623-7780.
For general inquiries contact [email protected], visit www.caymanroads.com and www.facebook.com/nraroads
Cayman Islands: Overseas Scholarship Application Extension
The Ministry of Education has decided to extend the deadline for Overseas Scholarship applications from 31 January to 28 February 2018. This extension is being offered in order to ensure that every interested student has the opportunity to apply for funding during the current period. The overseas application submission window will therefore close at 11:59pm on February 28th 2018. The Ministry wishes a successful outcome for each and every applicant during this year’s scholarship process and would like to remind applicants that all of the required information needs to be submitted before the deadline in order for applications to be processed.
To obtain the link for online applications, please visit www.education.gov.ky. For more information, contact 244-2482 or send an email to [email protected]
Cayman Islands Motorists Advised to Exercise Caution in the Walkers Road Area, 12 February
Cayman Academy will be hosting a cross country race on Monday, 12 February, from 7:00AM to approximately 8:00AM. Students will be travelling from the school, which is located off Walkers Road, onto Memorial Avenue and then turning left onto South Church Street. They will then turn left at the intersection of South Church Street and Denham Thompson Way, continue back onto Walkers Road and then to the Truman Bodden Sports Complex via Academy Way, Aspiration Drive, and Olympic Way.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling through these areas at this time.
Cayman Islands 21st Anniversary International Fishing Tournament
Report: Fox taking Thursday NFL rights for $550M/year
By: Jason Aycock, SA News Editor
Fox (FOX, FOXA) will take over Thursday night NFL broadcast duties from CBS and NBC (NASDAQ:CMCSA), SportsBusiness Daily reports.
The network has a five-year deal to be announced later today, according to the report — and as it signaled, it will be paying more than the $450M per year that CBS and NBC were paying combined. CBS and NBC were expected to lower their bids amid declining ratings, whereas Fox expressed an intention to get competitive for the Thursday rights.
And ESPN (NYSE:DIS) thought about a bid but backed out at the last minute, SBD says.
The report actually puts Fox’s payout at an average of $550M each year to carry 11 Thursday Night Football games each season, to be simulcast on NFL Network and the eventual digital-rights partner.
In a departure from previous deals, Fox won’t use its top broadcast team (Joe Buck and Troy Aikman) for the Thursday games.
C-section vs VBAC – Is one the better option?
Women who’ve had cesarean sections don’t usually have a vaginal birth for children born after that. In fact, in the last 15 years, the number of women getting a C-section has risen dramatically. Many women are physically uncomfortable by the time they hit 38 weeks, and a lot of them are afraid of vaginal birth, so they request a C-section. But is this the right reason? What are the dangers of having this major surgery? Also, are doctors quick to suggest to a C-section if the woman has not dilated enough? NYC’s leading maternal-fetal medicine specialist, Dr. Daniel Roshan, says that forced C-sections need to stop. Dr. Roshan is available to comment on this growing request and can answer questions regarding the real reasons one should have a C-section, why he encourages a VBAC after a C-section and why you should not request an elective C-section.
For questions go to: Michelle Thompson [email protected]
Milestone Event for Spectrum of the Seas
A new video marks another milestone for Royal Caribbean today (Jan 31), “One Step Closer: Spectrum of the Seas’ Mega-Block Float Out.” With a unique construction process underway, mega-blocks of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ship are built in Neptun Werft (Rostock, Germany) and transferred via hydraulics onto a pontoon, which will travel down the Ems River to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Watch the ship’s FERU (Floating Engine Room Unit) make the roughly eight-hour move in preparation for its journey. Designed specifically for the Chinese market, Spectrum is scheduled for delivery in 2019.
View Video Here: https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/961/one-step-closer-spectrum-of-the-seas-mega-block-float-out/
Cayman Islands: Permanent Financial Assistance Re-assessments
Persons receiving Permanent Financial Assistance benefit are subject to periodic re-assessments. Anyone not assessed since 1 July 2015 must be re-assessed by the Needs Assessment Unit to continue receiving this service.
To start the re-assessment process, get a form from the NAU’s offices in Grand Cayman/Cayman Brac, via email [email protected], on the www.nau.gov.ky website or from your Department of Children and Family Services district Community Development Officer. The completed form/supporting documentation must be returned to the NAU by Friday, 30 March 2018. Once all necessary paperwork is received an appointment will be scheduled as necessary. Please note that failure to comply will result in payments initially being placed on hold.
For further information contact the NAU immediately on 946-0024 (Grand Cayman) or 948-8748 (Cayman Brac).
Aussie Open Champ Caroline Wozniacki signs new deal with Cayman Island Resort Group
Tennis player Caroline Wozniacki has signed a “year-long marketing deal with Dart Enterprises” that will see her become an “ambassador for the Residences at Seafire” resort on Grand Cayman Island, according to Spencer Fordin of the CAYMAN COMPASS.
IMAGE: Getty
SOURCE: https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2018/01/29/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Wozniacki.aspx
Consulting Programme Open to Cayman Islands Small Businesses
Small businesses are encouraged to sign up for the Student Consulting Programme, a partnership between the Ministry of Commerce, the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and Cayman National Bank.
The 10 week programme matches participating small business owners with a team of students, enrolled in UCCI’s upper-level entrepreneurship and small business management course, to help solve a business challenge. Business owners gain free and confidential advice, while students are able to put their skills into practice.
Interested small businesses are asked to email [email protected] by Wednesday 7th February. The Student Consulting Programme is set to begin Tuesday 13th February.
Petique Cayman Islands massive sale
Cayman Islands: John Gray High School Career Week
John Gray High School’s Career Week begins January 29th until February 2nd. A number of activities are planned to engage students in learning about job qualifications, job availability and employers’ expectations.
The week’s activities include guest speakers, mock interviews and conclude with a Careers Fair on Friday February 2nd, 2018. Over 40 employers, from various sectors and government entities will be participating throughout the week.
“This is an outstanding event with high quality employers giving essential guidance, support and inspiration to our students” states Principal Jon Clark. “We are always grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the island’s employers and the Careers Service Unit in preparing our students for the world of work”.
The main purposes of Career Week, especially the Career Fair, is to introduce students to a number of career options; provide them with the opportunity to interact directly with employers from a range of businesses; and provide networking opportunities.
For further information, please contact Ms. Carlene Hyatt at [email protected] 916-8892 or Mrs Tania Johnson at [email protected] 916-4985.
JGHS Career Fair Schedule of Activities
Monday 29th January
- Guest speaker at Assembly – Ms. Ruthanna Young of Renaissance Beauty Salon & Spa
- Career focus in Year 11 & 9 Life Skills classes
Tuesday 30th January
- Guest speaker at Assembly – Mr. Gabriel Morla of HSM IP and Ms. Tianna Ramgeet of HSM Chambers
- Mock interviews for Year 11 students
- Dress for Success – “Making an excellent first impression”
- Career focus in Year 11 & 9 Life Skills classes
Wednesday 31st January
- Guest speaker at Assembly -Mr. Frank Rivers-Morales of Red Sail Sports
- Mock Interviews for Year 11 students
- Dress for Success - “Making an excellent first impression”
- Career focus in Year 11 & 9 Life Skills classes
Thursday 1st February
- Guest speaker at Assembly – Mr. Marco Montero of Public Works Department
- Mock Interviews for Year 11 students
- Dress for Success -“Making an excellent first impression”
- Career focus in Year 11 & 9 Life Skills classes
Friday 2nd February
- Career Fair in the new multi-purpose hall.
Cayman Islands: Stolen 1998 Silver Honda Integra, 27 January
Just after 8:40PM on Saturday, 27 January, police responded to a report of stolen 1998 silver Honda Integra registration #125-885. The vehicle was parked along West Bay Road in George Town at 3PM. The owner returned for the vehicle around 8PM and discovered the vehicle missing. A picture of a similar vehicle is attached.
Vehicle:
Year: 1998
Make: Honda
Model: Integra
Colour: Silver
Registration: 125 885
Anyone with information regarding this 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
Hudson Structured to buy up Scottish Re Cayman entity
From Trading Risk
ILS manager Hudson Structured is set to buy some of the subsidiaries of Scottish Re, as the life reinsurer commences chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings covering its Cayman Island entity and associated subsidiaries.
Scottish Re went into run-off in early 2008 and appointed Keefe, Bruyette & Woods to find a buyer for its legacy assets last May.
The restructuring came as Scottish Re’s Cayman Islands subsidiary faced “acute liquidity issues” in the present financial quarter, due to adverse performance.
For more: http://www.trading-risk.com/hudson-structured-to-buy-up-scottish-re-cayman-entity
Cayman Islands: Teenager absconds from school, RCIPS requests public assistance in locating her – STILL MISSING
Despite further attempts by officers to locate and return Hayleigh Sciamonte to her home, she has not returned. Police are continuing to request the public’s assistance in locating her.
If she is sighted please call any local police station.
Hayleigh Sciamonte, age 13, absconded from school on Friday, 19 January, and the RCIPS is requesting the public’s assistance in locating her. A picture of Hayleigh is attached.
Hayleigh attended John Gray High School last Friday, but absconded from the school sometime that morning and has not been seen by caregivers since.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these two girls is encouraged to call Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220. 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 Islands DVDL Offices Closed 30 and 31 January
The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing advises that all its offices (Breakers, George Town and West Bay) will be closed to the public on Tuesday, 30 and Wednesday, 31 January 2018. The closures are necessary to conduct staff training.
All offices will re-open on Thursday, 1 February 2018 for normal business hours.
Additionally, the Crewe Road office will be open on Saturday, 3 February 2018 from9 am to 12 noon for all services, except vehicle inspections and drivers’ examination.
The management and staff apologise for any inconvenience the closures may cause.
Cayman Islands: West Bay Community Meeting Next Wednesday, 31 January
The RCIPS will be holding a community meeting next Wednesday, 31 January, at John A. Cumber Primary School in West Bay, in the main hall. The meeting is open to the general public.
The meeting will begin at 6:30pm sharp and continue until 8:30pm.
The Commissioner of Police, Derek Byrne, and West Bay Area Commander, Insp. Lloyd Marriott, along with representatives from DoE, NRA and other government agencies, will lead a discussion with community members about any issues they wish to raise.
The RCIPS looks forward to this meeting with the community and discussion of issues affecting West Bay in particular.
Cayman Islands DVDL Offices Closed Tuesday, 30 January 2018
The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing advises that all its offices (Breakers, George Town and West Bay) will be closed to the public on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 for the entire day. This closure is necessary to conduct staff training.
All offices will re-open on Wednesday, 31 January 2018.
The management and staff wish to apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause.
Cayman Islands Family Resource Centre January/February Parenting Programmes
The Family Resource Centre (FRC) is delivering the following free Parenting programmes for families in January and February 2018:
■ Young Parent Services – 13-week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) parenting education programme for young parents and their infants/ toddlers – 8:30 a.m.-1p.m. (for dates please contact the FRC on the email/number below)
■ Family Skills Session – Information session on upcoming FRC Services – Wednesday, 24 January, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
■ Positive Discipline Workshop – six-week Parenting workshop designed to equip parents with positive discipline strategies to help manage children’s behaviours – starting Wednesday, 24 January, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
■ Co-Parenting Programme – 10-week programme for families raising children between two separate households – starting Monday, 29 January, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
■ Love Shouldn’t Hurt – Monthly psychoeducational sessions exploring the dynamics of Domestic Violence, starting Tuesday, 30 January, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
■ Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) – 13-week programme teaching children with behavioural problems, and their parents to make better choices in the moment – starting Thursday, 1 February, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
For further information, or to register for the above programmes, email [email protected] or call the FRC on 949-0006.
Cayman Islands NRA to Extend Guardrail in East End
Beginning Tuesday 16 January the National Roads Authority (NRA) will begin work to extend the guardrail on Seaview Road in East End. The work is expected to be completed in two weeks.
Motorist are advised to use caution when driving in this area.
Cayman Islands Book Registry to Be Developed
One of the Public Library Service goals is to recognise local authors. At this time, published authors are encouraged to submit requested information to the Public Library Service (PLS) by 31 January 2018 in order to be a part of the first-ever Book Registry for the Cayman Islands.
In addition, the PLS is keen to provide the Cayman Islands community with as much information as possible about the author and their significant literary contributions.
To help accomplish their mission, the Public Library Service is partnering with CLM Publishing to compile and publish a registry of all locally authored books. Once completed, this Book Registry will be printed and distributed at various locations throughout the Islands. The intention is for the registry to be updated on a regular basis after the first publication.
Director of the Cayman Islands Public Library Service, Ramona Melody explained, “We are very excited about this project and look forward to getting the new Book Registry completed. However, in order to achieve this goal our first step is to gather as much information as possible about the local authors and the book(s) that they have written and published. We do hope that the local authors in the community will participate and provide us with necessary information for this project.”
For more information on how you can be a part of the local Book Registry and contact details for this project, please visit http://www.cipl.gov.ky. The deadline for submissions is 31, January, 2018.
Final Extension for all Cayman Islands Contractors to Register
The Builders Board has again extended, for the final time, the deadline for all local contractors to register with the board. The contractors’ deadline has been moved a full four-months from Thu (30 November 2017) to 31 March 2018.
All contractors will have to register to be able to seek permits or request inspections from the Planning Department after 31 March next year.
This registration requirement is for general and civil contractors, residential and building contractors as well as trade contractors.
For fees and registration forms, contractors should visit www.planning.ky/boards-all/builders-board.
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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
SNAP Program
The Family Resource Centre is delivering a free Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) – 13-week programme teaching children with behavioural problems, and their parents to make better choices in the moment — starting Thursday, 1 February, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
CAF Classical Mayhem
Cayman Arts Festival presents Classical Mayhem on Thursday (1 Feb) at 7pm at the Marriott Ballroom.
FRI FEB 2
PCCC Due in February
The Public Service Pensions Board would like to remind its pensioners that their Annual Pension Continuation Certificates (PCCCs) have been distributed through the mail. To ensure continuity of benefits, please return your PCCC by FEBRUARY 2nd, 2018 . If you have not received your PCCC form please feel free to drop by the PSPB office located on the 1st floor of the Government Administration Building to address this matter. If you are a shut-in or have care or control over a pensioner who is unable to be transported to the PSPB office, please call 945-8175 or 244-7104/7123 for special assistance.
Hope Academy Fundraiser
Hope Academy PTA is hosting a fundraiser for school projects and scholarships on Friday (2 Feb) at the Black Pearl Skate Park.
SAT FEB 3
CAF Andrei Ionita’s Cello Recital
Cayman Arts Festival presents Andrei Ionita’s Cello Recital on Saturday (3 Feb) at the Camana Bay Cinema at 6pm.
Rum Tails
The Third Annual Rum Tails event, in aid of charity group One Dog At A Time, is February 3rd between 1pm and 4pm at Cayman Spirits Company in George Town
SUN FEB 4
81st Convention of the Church of God Full Gospel Hall
The 81st Convention of the Church of God Full Gospel Hall George Town will run Sunday — Sunday (4 — 11 Feb) with a Daily Prayer Meeting at 630am, Preaching and Praise Service at 1030am and Evangelistic Service at 715pm nightly. On the Sundays, guests will have Sunday School at 945am, Morning Workshop at 1045, Youth Service at 3pm and Evangelistic Service at 715pm.
MON FEB 5
CAF Poetry Night
Cayman Arts Festival presents a poetry night with the Visual Arts Society on Monday (5 Feb) at Pedro Castle at 530pm
TUE FEB 6
CAF Rising Stars
Cayman Arts Festival presents Rising Stars on Tuesday (6 Feb) at 6pm at the George Town Public Library.
WED FEB 7
CAF at National Gallery
Cayman Arts Festivals presents a musical concert at the National Gallery on Wednesday (7 Feb) at 5pm.
THU FEB 8
CAF Song Recital
Cayman Arts Festival presents a Song Recital on Thursday (8 Feb) at the Westin Hotel Ballroom at 7pm.
SAT FEB 10
CAF New York Cabaret Night
Cayman Arts Festival presents a New York Cabaret Night on Saturday (10 Feb) at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom at 7pm.
Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association Meeting
The Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association is hosting its annual general meeting at St. Ignatius School at 9am.
SAT FEB 17
Free Health Checks
The Lion’s Club of Tropical Gardens presents free health checks on Saturday (17 Feb) from 11am to 2pm at St. George’s Anglican Church.
MON FEB 19
South Sound Boardwalk Construction
Work on the South Sound Boardwalk is anticipated to begin on 19 February 2018.
