HIV Testing Week June 20 – 25 2016

 The C.I. Health Services Authority (H.S.A), the Cayman AIDS Foundation, and the C.I. Red Cross will once again join forces in coordinating activities to mark HIV Testing week, which will be observed in the Cayman Islands from 20 to 25 June 2016.

This is in support of the Regional HIV Testing Day (RTD) in collaboration with the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership (CBMP), and the regional franchise of Scotiabank in the Caribbean. Scotiabank Cayman is also a part of the activities.

“Regional Testing Day has become a permanent fixture on the calendar of Caribbean countries for the past nine years and has expanded to 21 territories, providing an opportunity for persons to ‘know their status’,” noted Health Promotion Officer Therese Prehay. While the regional testing day will be observed on 24 June and will focus on ‘know your status’, Cayman’s week of activities will be aimed at promoting heightened awareness of the prevention and spread of HIV. In addition, educational awareness on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in the Cayman Islands, as well as knowing your HIV status will be highlighted.

HIV Coordinator, Nurse Laura Elniski noted that “the overarching objective of this annual regional initiative is to heighten public awareness on the critical importance of voluntary counselling and testing in preventing the transmission of HIV infection and to encourage persons  to get tested.”

Free HIV testing will be offered from 20 to 25 June 2016 at all district health centres in Grand Cayman, Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, Little Cayman public health clinic and other locations across the islands.

No appointment is necessary during the week and the waiting time for testing is usually no more than 10 minutes. Persons who are seeking testing or counselling can indicate to the registration clerks that they would like to register for free HIV screening. The testing procedure involves a quick and simple blood test. Results are available within three working days.

The results are given only to the patient, who must return to the clinic where the test was taken to retrieve the results; no results are available over the telephone. This is to protect the confidentiality of the individual and to offer counselling, if necessary.

For more information about HIV testing week, contact HIV AIDS Programme Coordinator Nurse Laura Elniski at 244-2507.

Sidebar Part A

What is HIV?

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
• You can have HIV and not know it.

What is HIV testing?

• The HIV test looks for antigens and antibodies in a person’s blood. When HIV (which is a virus) enters a body, special chemicals are produced. These chemicals are called antigens and antibodies, which are the body’s response to an infection.

What does HIV testing involve?

• A small sample of blood will be taken from your arm, sent to a laboratory, and tested for HIV antigens and antibodies. The test is always strictly confidential.

What is a positive HIV test?

• HIV positive means that antigens and antibodies to HIV were detected, a confirmatory test must be completed to diagnosis HIV. This test is sent overseas and may take up to 10 days to return.

What is a negative HIV test?

• HIV negative means that no HIV antigens and antibodies were detected. In almost all cases, this means the person is not infected with HIV. With the fourth generation testing that HSA uses called HIV Combo (HIV antigen and Antibody testing), the previous known window period of three months has been reduced to between two and six weeks.
• The test is only accurate if there are no other exposures between the time of possible exposure to HIV, and testing.

How do I know if I have HIV?

• The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your status is important because it helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV.
• Some people may experience a flu-like illness within two to four weeks after infection (Stage 1 HIV infection). Some people may not feel sick during this stage. Flu-like symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or mouth ulcers.
• These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time, HIV infection may not show up on an HIV test, but people who have it are highly infectious and can transmit the infection to others.
• If you have these symptoms, that doesn’t mean you have HIV. Each of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses. But if you have these symptoms after a potential exposure to HIV, see a health care provider and tell them about your risk.
• The only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.

 

How is HIV transmitted?

• Through unprotected sex with someone who has HIV. Your sex partner can have HIV but not know it.
• By sharing needles or syringes that have already been used by someone who has HIV.
• Women with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, or

Breast feeding.

You can get or transmit HIV only through specific activities. Most commonly, people get or transmit HIV through sexual behaviour, and needle or syringe use.

How can I protect myself?

While abstinence from sexual activity that involves bodily fluids is the only 100% sure way to remain HIV negative, those who are sexually active can greatly reduce their risk of contracting HIV by:

• having one partner (who is only having sex with you)
• correct and consistent condom use every single time
• regular HIV testing

Other methods of prevention include:

• not sharing any kind of needles

You CANNOT get HIV from:

• Social contact – shaking hands, touching, or hugging someone with HIV.
• Coughing or sneezing.
• Tears, saliva or sweat.
• Sharing drinking glasses, plates, forks, knives or spoons.
• Using public bathrooms and drinking fountains.
• Mosquito bites or other bug bites.
• Swimming pools or hot tubs.
• Pets.

HIV Testing

If you think you have HIV or are at high risk (multiple partners) get an HIV test. The test is safe and private. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to.

You can make an appointment for confidential testing at:

• Public Health Clinic: 244-2648
• GT General Practice Clinic: 244-2800/244-2507
• District Health Centres
• Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) 916-1742

You may also have HIV testing with a private doctor

HIV Testing Sites

 

Cayman Islands outage on Wednesday, June 15 explained

On Wednesday, June 15, 2016, customers in parts of West Bay experienced interruptions to their electricity service between 7:24 p.m. and 12:20 a.m. (Thursday morning).

Areas affected included West Church Street, Willie Farrington Drive, Elizabeth Street, Town Hall Road, Northwest Point Road, Watercourse Road and Hell Road.

This interruption to service was caused by a pole fire near Pearlies Lane on West Church Street in West Bay. CUC’s crews were dispatched and on scene within 10 minutes to assess the damage and begin repairs.

The majority of customers were restored by 8:30 p.m. with customers residing in the immediate area around Pearlies Lane being restored by 12:20 a.m. following extensive pole line hardware replacement.

Approximately 1,700 of the Company’s over 28,000 customers were affected.

CUC apologises for the inconvenience the outage may have caused.

 

Man accused in Caribbean attacks faces murder charge

By: The Associated Press From The Gazette

NEW YORK (AP) — A man accused of brutally victimizing two women in the Caribbean has now been charged in a decade-old murder in Brooklyn.

District Attorney Kenneth Thompson and NYPD officials announced the new charges against Veron Primus on Wednesday.

Primus had long been considered a possible suspect in the 2006 slaying of 16-year-old Chanel Petro-Nixon. But authorities didn’t have enough evidence to charge him before his deportation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines last year in an unrelated case.

In April, word came from the island nation that Primus was in custody for an abduction of one woman and the killing of another. Police say NYPD cold case detectives gathered new evidence related to that investigation to make the case in Brooklyn.

For more: http://gazette.com/man-accused-in-caribbean-attacks-faces-murder-charge/article/feed/361768

 

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL Statement Regarding Derogatory and Offensive Fan Behavior at Certain Copa America Centenario Matches

The Confederation of North Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL) take any chants or actions that are derogatory or offensive during our matches very seriously. This behavior does not reflect the true spirit of football and must be stopped.

As part of our efforts to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion, the confederations implemented the ‘Embrace Diversity’ campaign prior to the start of the Copa America Centenario, which integrated all 16 participant nations. In addition, we have also worked closely with the Local Organizing Committee to adopt the necessary security and customer service measures to ensure our fans are safe at our matches.

We are also working with other stakeholders and partners on short, mid and long-term initiatives through educational campaigns and other means, as we act together to eradicate these behaviors from our sport while keeping our fans safe at our events.

Making attending the matches more enjoyable and safe for all is a main priority for CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, and we will continue to use all efforts to make the in-game experience the best in the world for our fans.

 

Cayman Islands student filmmakers to walk the Red Carpet

The Young Image Makers (YIM) Red Carpet Premiere will take place on Thursday 30 June at the Harquail Theatre at 7.00 p.m.

The event marks the close of the 2016 YIM programme which provided the eleven finalists the opportunity to sharpen their technical skills and explore their creativity through the art of filmmaking.

At the annual event, two students – one from the junior and senior categories – will win a summer movie camp experience at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) courtesy of the Department of Tourism (DoT). One additional NYFA movie camp prize is being awarded by DoT to the winner of the Cayman Through My Eyes Video Challenge, a special category in YIM this year. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will also be named and given a prize provided by Cathy Church’s Photo Center.

The premiere kick starts the second annual CayFilm Festival. It is free and open to the public with a semi-formal dress code. Additional support for YIM comes from the Department of Commerce and Investment.

For more information visit www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers, or email [email protected]

 

Cayman Businessmen’s Breakfast

The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday June 25th at 7:30am, at Lola’s ( formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay. Our speaker will be Mr. Charles Watler MBE.

Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.

 

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.

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.

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.

Seafarers Information Update

All seafarers members who have not submitted their information to the Ministry of Finance & Economic Development are being asked to do so immediately. For assistance, members from West Bay see Delano Bush, members from George Town go to the Seafarer’s Office, members from Bodden Town see Pastor Winston Rose, members from East End see Trevor Watler, and members from North Side see Benjamin Ebanks.

Grand Court Jurors Notice

Jurors in the current session must now report on Friday (17 Jun) at 945am.

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.

Caymanians Against Economic Injustice Meeting

Caymanians Against Economic Injustice will be holding a Public Meeting at George Town Town hall on Saturday (18 Jun) at 6pm. The topic will be labor issues and the speakers will include MLAs Winston Conolly, Ezzard Miller and Billy Adam.

SUN JUNE 19

Camp Meeting 2016

Faith Cathedral Deliverance Center presents Camp Meeting 2016 under the theme ‘The Journey Continues Today, Tomorrow, Together’ with services at 730pm nightly and at 630pm on Sunday.

Cayman Male Voice Choir Father’s Day Concert

The Cayman Male Voice Choir presents a Father’s Day concert on Sunday June 19th, @7pm at the Elmslie Memorial Church in George Town. This will be carried live on Radio Cayman.

MON JUNE 20

NWDA In Bodden Town

The National Workforce Development Agency will be at the Bodden Town Library on Monday (20 Jun) from 10 — 1pm.

TUE JUNE 21

Cayman Islands Seafarers Social Gathering June 21 2016

Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to remind their members of the social on 21 June 2016 at 7:00PM. at the Seafarer’s Hall. 11 Victory Ave. Prospect. Entertainment will be provided by BaCKBeAt Band.

Sickle Cell Support Group Meeting

The next Sickle Cell Support Group meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 21 2016 at 7.30 p.m. at the Cayman Islands Hospital public health waiting room. Dr. Anna Matthews, general practitioner, and Dr. Linden Swan, paediatrician, will lead the discussion. All are invited. For further information, contact the genetics coordinator on 244-2630 or email [email protected].

FRI JUNE 24

BBQ & Gospel Hoedown

St. George’s Anglican Church’s Annual 2016 Fundraising BBQ & Gospel Hoedown is Friday (24 Jun) at 530pm.

Island Living Show

Cayman 27’s Island Living Show is Friday & Saturday (24 & 25 Jun) from 5 — 8pm and 10 — 4pm respectively at the Arts and Recreation Center at Camana Bay.

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 25^th 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 21^st 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 18^th – 22^nd 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!

 

Cayman Businessmen’s Breakfast

The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday June 25th at 7:30am, at Lola’s ( formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay. Our speaker will be Mr. Charles Watler MBE.

Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.

Olympic Day 5K Run/Walk

The Olympic Day 5K Run/Walk is Saturday (25 Jun) at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex at 7am. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.

Miss Cayman Islands Meet & Greet

The Miss Cayman Islands Meet & Greet is Saturday (25 Jun) at Lobster Pot at 7pm.

SUN JUNE 26

PAWS on Wheels

PAWS on Wheels cycling event is Sunday (26 Jun) at 7am starting at the Lighthouse Restaurant. For more details, log on to caymanactive.com.

TUE JUNE 28

Landlord and Tenant Relationships

The Chamber of Commerce presents a course on Landlord and Tenant Relationships on Tuesday (28 Jun) from 9 — 11am. Register online at caymanchamber.ky.

WED JUNE 29

SME Workshop

The Chamber of Commerce presents a free SME Workshop on Hiring the Right Employee on Wednesday (29 Jun) from 530 — 730pm. Register online at caymanchamber.ky.

THU JUNE 30

Cayman Islands student filmmakers to walk the Red Carpet

The Young Image Makers (YIM) Red Carpet Premiere will take place on Thursday 30 June at the Harquail Theatre at 7.00 p.m.

The event marks the close of the 2016 YIM programme which provided the eleven finalists the opportunity to sharpen their technical skills and explore their creativity through the art of filmmaking.

At the annual event, two students – one from the junior and senior categories – will win a summer movie camp experience at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) courtesy of the Department of Tourism (DoT). One additional NYFA movie camp prize is being awarded by DoT to the winner of the Cayman Through My Eyes Video Challenge, a special category in YIM this year. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will also be named and given a prize provided by Cathy Church’s Photo Center.

The premiere kick starts the second annual CayFilm Festival. It is free and open to the public with a semi-formal dress code. Additional support for YIM comes from the Department of Commerce and Investment.

For more information visit www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers, or email [email protected]
National Arts & Culture Awards

CNCF is now accepting nominations for the National Arts & Culture Awards. Nomination forms can be found online at www.artscayman.org/arts-award.

NRA Road Works

Motorists and residents of the Prospect and Red Bay areas are advised that the National Roads Authority will be conducting roadworks at the Red Bay roundabout through June 30th.

Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp

Registration is open for the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp, taking place 11 — 19 August. The Camp is open to students ages 7 — 16. Registration forms can be found online at www.artscayman.org/creative-kids and are due by Thursday (30 Jun.)

National Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan

Progress continues on the creation of the Cayman Islands’ first National Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan.
There is now a comprehensive survey designed to garner widest possible feedback from all individuals in the Cayman Islands, so that the public is given full access to contribute to this important policy.
The survey is designed to give the public the opportunity to have a voice in the information-gathering stage of the policy formation as well as to contribute to what will become the vision, values and potential objectives of the policy.
Members of the public can access the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZDQK8C2 . The survey closes 30th June.
The findings of the survey will be used along with the reports from the six Focus Groups of the Steering Committee, to be compiled into a main situational analysis on culture and heritage in the islands, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Culture by the end of July. Survey results will be used to feed into the framework for the new policy and strategic plan, which is expected to roll out over a 10-year period, from 2017 to 2027.

Cayman Islands Cancer Society Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society will be held at the Chamber of Commerce Office in Governor’s Square on June 30th, at 730pm

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

Bon Vivant

Isy B. Fashion Show

Moonlight & Movies: Summer Series

Every Tuesday, June through August

7pm

Gardenia Court

Indian Infusion Cooking Class

Tuesday 14 June

6-8pm

Bon Vivant

Easy Entertaining Cooking Class

Wednesday 15 June

6-8pm

Bon Vivant

Floetry

Wednesday 15 June

6:30-7:30pm

Books & Books

Father’s Day Duo Cooking Class

Saturday 18 June

12-1pm

Bon Vivant

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

Bon Vivant

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

Bon Vivant

Ortanique’s Final Pig Roast

Tuesday 28 June

6-9pm

The Island

Cuisine of the Sun Dinner

Thursday 30 June

5:30-10pm

Ortanique