iNews Briefs & Community Events
Digicel unites the Caribbean with Bring The Beat campaign
Usain Bolt takes on kiddies from the Caribbean
KINGSTON, Jamaica, /PRNewswire/ — On June 1, 2016, Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, teamed up with Digicel to launch its Bring the Beat campaign in front of an inquisitive bunch of little kids from across the Caribbean at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica yesterday. The launch took the form of a lively fireside chat session with Usain, hosted by nine-year old Naleighna-Kae McLean from Jamaica, followed by a ‘Kiddie Press Conference’.
Digicel’s Bring the Beat campaign represents the culture of the Caribbean and the irrepressible spirit which unites and ignites its people. Through music and the celebration of extraordinary talents, the campaign will connect the world to the Caribbean and its culture and support all of the athletes who are set to represent their countries in Brazil.
Digicel invited aspiring little newshounds from across the caribbean to a kiddie press conference with Usain Bolt in the hot seat. The kiddies peppered him with questions like, “how many girlfriends do you have?” and “What do you think of vegetables?”
For information on the ‘Bring the Beat’ campaign plus exclusive content and great prizes, fans can visit the campaign’s hub at www.BringTheBeat2016.com
About Digicel Group
Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After more than 15 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.
Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.
It’s time for retailers to start paying close attention to social media
By Cooper Smith, BI Intelligence From Business Insider
Social media may still only drive a small share of total online retail sales, but its impact is becoming impossible to ignore. Social-driven retail sales and referral traffic are rising at a faster pace than all other online channels.
The top 500 retailers earned $3.3 billion from social shopping in 2014, up 26% from 2013, according to the Internet Retailer’s Social Media 500. That is well ahead of the roughly 16% growth rate for the overall e-commerce market in the US.
Now new initiatives from a number of different social networks are making these platforms absolutely essential for retailers that want to drive sales and boost engagement.
In a new report from BI Intelligence we analyze social media’s role in online retail — whether that’s driving direct sales with the use of embedded “Buy” buttons on social media posts, or referring traffic to retailers’ websites and apps. We measure the impact social media has on e-commerce by looking at metrics such as conversion rates, average order value, and revenue generated by shares, likes, and tweets. We also outline the latest commerce efforts by leading social networks.
Here are some of the key points from the report:
Social is driving much bigger increases in retail traffic than any other online channel. Social media increased its share of e-commerce referrals nearly 200% between the first quarters of 2014 and 2015.
For retailers to maintain these social gains, they will need to pay special attention to mobile, where social engagement with retail content is still limited. Social media users are 35% less likely to share a brand’s or retailer’s social post on mobile than they are on desktop computers.
Facebook continues to grow its lead as the dominant social commerce platform. Facebook accounts for 50% of total social referrals and 64% of total social revenue. The site’s changing demographics could make older consumers a strong target for retailers leveraging the platform.
Pinterest is a major social commerce player despite a relatively small user base. The pinning platform drives 16% of social revenue despite an audience 6.5 times smaller than Twitter. New buy and action buttons on retailer posts should make Pinterest an even stronger referral and revenue engine for brands.
Twitter is losing its influence for mass-market merchants, but it could still have a role to play among sporting and events marketers, especially for location-based promotions. Recently, NFL and NBA teams have used Twitter to sell game tickets and merchandise.
Instagram doesn’t drive significant sales activity for retailers but high-end companies have been leveraging the platform for branding purposes. New Buy buttons on paid posts, as well as increased targeting capabilities, could make the app a more important direct-response driver.
Cayman Islands Film Screening shares tricks of the trade
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) will screen a film for filmmakers, through its latest installation of the ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ series.
“Cinematographer Style”, a film by John Fauer, discusses the art of how and why films look the way they do. It will share advice and technical insight into the craft of filmmaking. This screening keeps in line with CNCF’s special focus on film this month. In addition to this event CNCF will participate in CayFilm, a festival it is a founding member of, and is mentoring young filmmakers through its Young Image Makers programme.
The film will be screened on Thursday 16 June at 6:30 p.m. at the Harquail Studio Theatre. The event is part of the 30th anniversary celebrations for the Harquail Theatre. Admission is free and there will be a cash bar and refreshments on sale.
For more information call 949-5477 or email [email protected]. Visit www.artscayman.org/calendar for CNCF’s full events calendar.
Cayman Islands National Gallery
A Last Look!
The Native Sons
If you haven’t seen the temporary exhibition The Native Sons – Twenty Years On, this is your last chance to view stunning works by seven talented individuals. The exhibition ends Saturday, 25 June 2016. Admission is free for everyone and all ages are welcome! We even have fun activities for kids, just ask at reception.
A Creative Lunch Break
A delicious and informative lunch and lecture will take place next week Wednesday, 15 June at the National Gallery. Learn all about the Native Sons with NGCI Assistant Curator Kerri-Anne Chisholm and enjoy some local flavours, like jerk chicken and fresh mango!
View the menu.
Happy Hour with the Artists
The Butterfield Young Patrons’ Circle is set to host a “Happy Hour” with the Native Sons, 6:00 PM next week Friday, 17 June 2016 at NGCI. Mingle with the artists and enjoy curated led tours throughout the evening. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Learn more.
Make Your Mark!
Want more? More art, more access, more perks? Become a member of the National Gallery. Already a member? Refer a friend and support free admission and free public programme for everyone!
Learn more.
A Closer Look with the Curator
“This painting titled Home to Parking Lot by Native Sons artist Solomon Solomon expertly blends past and present using cubist influences to illustrate a personal story of loss resulting from urban development. Depicted is the estate Solomon’s family occupied for five decades, and the site currently as a parking lot.” – Kerri-Anne Chisholm, NGCI Assistant Curator
Learn more about the artist.\
Baptist Health International to receive 220-ton proton therapy cyclotron
On Tuesday, June 14th, a machine of cutting-edge technology for cancer treatment will arrive at Baptist Hospital Campus to be installed at the Miami Cancer Institute proton therapy division that is currently under construction but will be open for treatment in 2017.
The machine, which has been given the nickname Pete, is a 220-ton proton therapy cyclotron. It is one of fewer than 2 dozen machines in the United States, the only one in the South Florida region, and it will cater to patients across the region, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The impact this machine will have on cancer treatment makes this an event of not only medical interest but really of general interest in all three regions.
Cayman Islands Chatterbox is collaborating with Cayman Theraplay to present our fun and therapeutic Superheroes Camp!
Unleash your superhero and have fun with movement, creativity, language and friendship skills!
To book, contact: [email protected]
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
Cayman Drama Society: The funniest show on earth!
Have you got your tickets yet for the funniest play of the year? Join us for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Click here for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-complete-works-of-william-shakespeare-abridged-ticket-sales-in-us-tickets-24974384055?aff=ehomecard
Cayman Islands: Register for the CNCF Summer Arts Camp
Learn new skills while having fun this summer. Registration is open for the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp.
Set to take place 11 – 19 August, the camp is open to students ages 7 – 16. Children 6 years old are accepted if an older sibling is enrolled in the camp.
Students will engage in activities that focus on the visual, traditional and performing arts, with classes in drama, storytelling, dance, and more. Students will also get to take part in field trips that highlight Cayman’s cultural and maritime heritage.
Registration forms can be found online at www.artscayman.org/creative-kids and are due by Thursday 30 June. Membership cost is $150 per child for seven days. Snacks and lunch are included. Payment is due Friday 15 July.
For more information about the camp you can email [email protected] or call 949-5477.
TUE JUNE 14
Community Meeting On Little Cayman With Inspector
PUBLIC MEETING
INSPECTOR WENDY PARCHMENT OF THE SISTER ISLANDS
IS CORDIALLY INVITING THE PUBLIC TO A COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING
IN LITTLE CAYMAN
ON TUESDAY the 14th of JUNE 2016
AT THE HURRICANE SHELTER LOCATED ON SPOT BAY ROAD
COMMENCING 6PM – 8PM
SHE WILL BE AT THE POLICE STATION ON WEDNESDAY 15th – THURSDAY 16th JUNE 2016
FROM 10AM – 1PM AND 3PM – 5PM FOR PERSONS WHO WISH TO MEET WITH HER SEPARATELY
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY, WALK-IN’s ARE WELCOME
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE STATION
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AT 948-0100
World Blood Donor Day
Tuesday (14 Jun) is World Blood Donor Day. Call the H-S-A to book your appointment to help save a life!
WED JUNE 15
NWDA In West Bay
The National Workforce Development Agency will be at the West Bay Library on Wednesday (15 Jun) from 10 – 1pm.
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (15 Jun) at Books and Books at 630pm.
THU JUNE 16
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister to Discuss International Terrorism and Caribbean Preparedness
Employment: Pensions
The Chamber of Commerce presents a course on Employment: Pensions on Thursday (16 Jun) from 9 — 11am. Register online at caymanchamber.ky.
FRI JUNE 17
King and Queen of Literacy
Red Bay Primary Presents King and Queen of Literacy at Mary Miller Hall on Friday (17 Jun) at 6pm.
SAT JUNE 18
St. Ignatius International Food Festival
The St. Ignatius International Food Festival is Saturday (18 Jun) from 5 — 8pm. Tickets are $12. Email [email protected] for tickets or further information.
Father’s Day 5K Walk Run
The Father’s Day 5K Walk Run is Saturday (18 Jun) at Smith Cover at 6am for Walkers and 630am for runners. Register online at caymanactive.com.
Culture at the Cinema: As You Like It
Culture at the Cinema presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It on Saturday (18 Jun) at 7pm at Regal Cinemas.
SAT JUNE 25
Cayman Islands: Mud Run organisers call for volunteers
The Pirates Week Festival is seeking 100 volunteers to assist with its upcoming Pirates Trail Mud Run on Saturday 25th June, 2016.
The 5k run and obstacle course is a fundraiser for the Islands’ national festival, Pirates Week (10-20 November, 2016).
Event organisers are looking for both service groups and individuals to pitch in as follows:
The week before the race,
- course set-up
- organising participant packets
On race day,
- registration
- EMS station (must be First Aid/CPR trained)
- water stations
- obstacle management
- lifeguard stations
- photographers
Along with giving back to the community, volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, food and beverages as well as a chance to win a free airline ticket on Cayman Airways (terms and conditions apply. A minimum of 3 volunteer hours is required).
Interested persons, aged 18 and older, will be provided with a short training session on Tuesday 21st June at 5:30pm at the Pirates Week Office.
For more information or to receive a volunteer application from, contact the Pirates Week Office via email at [email protected] or 949-5859/949-5078.
The Pirates Trail Mud Run is set for Saturday 25th June (see flyer attached) at the end of Sparky Drive, Industrial Park at 7:00am. There will be a children’s course (five and up) available.
Register online at www.caymanactive.com before Friday 17th June. Late registration begins on 18th – 22nd June at a higher cost, so register early. Registration details are as follows: Children 5 – 12: $15, Individuals: $40, Teams of four: $120 (Late registration: $50/Individuals | $160/Teams).
The first 200 adults to register get a collectible Pirates Trail Mud Run t-shirt.
NEW to Pirates Trail Mud Run!
2016 registrants will also have the opportunity to win an additional $1,000 in our TUG-O-WAR event.
Eight people can take home the cash prize for an additional fee of only $10 per person/$80 per team!
June Events at Camana Bay
We want to help you celebrate Dad this Father’s Day. From a family portrait session with Picture This Studios in beautiful Gardenia Court to a cooking class for dads and kids to whip up tasty treats at Bon Vivant, there are ample opportunities for bonding experiences this Father’s Day at Camana Bay.
With summer approaching, we have some exciting events to welcome this school’s-out season, including the return of our popular Moonlight & Movies series and a cooking class featuring the king of the grill, the Big Green Egg. Foodies can also enjoy an unforgettable night with a feast under the stars at Ortanique’s pig roast.
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Budding Chef Summer Tween Classes
Every Tuesday, 31 May through 28 June
3:45-4:45pm
Isy B. Fashion Show
Moonlight & Movies: Summer Series
Every Tuesday, June through August
7pm
Indian Infusion Cooking Class
Tuesday 14 June
6-8pm
Easy Entertaining Cooking Class
Wednesday 15 June
6-8pm
Floetry
Wednesday 15 June
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Father’s Day Duo Cooking Class
Saturday 18 June
12-1pm
Culture at the Cinema: Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Saturday 18 June
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Big Green Egg and Bourbon Cooking Class
Tuesday 21 June
6-8pm
Cayman 27’s Island Living Show
Friday 24 June and Saturday 25 June
5-8pm and 10am-4pm
The Arts & Recreation Centre
Island-Style Cooking Class
Tuesday 28 June
6-8pm
Ortanique’s Final Pig Roast
Tuesday 28 June
6-9pm
The Island
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 30 June
5:30-10pm
Ortanique
