iNews Briefs & Community Events
Grand Cayman power plant upgraded with two MAN engines
Two new 18.5-megawatt MAN 48/60 engines have been commissioned at the Grand Cayman power plant, joining join five existing MAN engines onsite. The retrofit increases the plant’s overall capacity to 90 MW and was carried out in partnership with the Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) and Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor (BWSC).
Barbados Lone Caribbean Country Purchasing LNG From US
From CaribFlame
Barbados is the lone Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to import Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) from the United States, according to a report released by the United States Department of Energy.
The department notes that Barbados imported 7, 432 million cubic feet (Mcf) of LNG during the period February 5 to April 29, 2016.
Bridgetown paid as high as US$15.78 per MMbtu for the commodity, according to the figures released here.
The figures show that the US sold LNG to countries like Argentina, Brazil, India, and United Arab Emirates at prices between US$3.35 to US$4.10 MMbtu.
Trinidad and Tobago, CARICOM’s biggest exporter of LNG, exported the commodity to the United States this year, at US$6.70/mmbtu.
Source/CMC
For more: http://www.caribflame.com/2016/06/barbados-lone-caribbean-country-purchasing-lng-from-us/
The slightest exposure to this tree will probably kill you, NBD
From Mashable
Here it is, proof that Mother Nature hates us.
Here, YouTube channel Thoughty2 details the hateful attributes of the Manchineel: the world’s deadliest tree. The tree is so dangerous that eating its tasty and apple-like fruits, touching its acid-like sap, or simply standing underneath it can result in horrible injury and death.
NBD, just the Earth trying to kill you.
EDITOR: Manchineel trees can be found in the Cayman Islands, too. See iNews story today “Cayman Islands dangerous plants and animals”
Cayman Finance reports Cayman Panama Paper links as minor
From Stuarts Walker Hersant Humphries
The publishing of the online database of entities, officers and intermediaries linked to the Panama Papers released on 9 May 2016 show links to the Cayman Islands to be relatively minor in terms of the volume of data. It was found of the 214,000 offshore companies set up by the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, only 104 (0.05%) has a link to the Cayman Islands.
Cayman Finance stated: “Unfortunately, no jurisdiction in the world is free from the threat of criminal financial activity. Top jurisdictions ensure appropriate law enforcement authorities are empowered and informed fully to prevent crimes, investigate and apprehend criminals. On these efforts the Cayman Islands has been a leader.”
This publication is for general guidance and is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Advice should be sought about specific circumstances.
If you would like further information please contact:
Chris Humphries
Managing Director
Tel:(+1 345) 814 7911
c[email protected]
The Leadership Cayman Islands’ Class of 2016 completed their final seminar earlier this week.
The ‘Culture & Heritage’ seminar, which was sponsored by Cayman National Bank, aimed to provide the class members with a better understanding of Caymanian culture and heritage, both past and present, as well as understanding the issues collectively faced on Island.
The sessions was moderated by class members Lauren Christie and Monica Whittaker, whilst Kaitlyn Elphinstone served as the seminar’s mentor.
The class members were invited on a tour of the Cayman Catboat Club during the afternoon, and enjoyed an evening dinner there too.
Once the tour and dinner had been completed, the class attended their evening seminar and engaged in conversation with the invited panel of guest speakers.
The speakers for the Culture & Heritage seminar included Nancy Barnard, Deputy Chief Officer at the Ministry of Health & Culture, Cayman Islands Government; Natalie Urquhart, Director/Curator of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands; and Horacio Esteban, Caymanian Sculptor and Artist.
With all of the seminars in this year’s programme having been completed, the class members will now look forward to their graduation ceremony which takes place this Saturday, 25th June.
Reform of Cayman Islands Fuels Markets Proposed
Government is working to establish, for the first time, an oversight body for the local fuels market.
Public input is currently invited into the proposed reform of the fuels markets in the Cayman Islands. These issues are covered in the discussion paper, “The Regulation of the Fuel Markets in the Cayman Islands”, which is now available for review.
Specifically, the Government will incorporate the fuels markets under the responsibilities of a new regulatory agency which will come into effect later this year.
The discussion paper proposes a phased approach. First, amendments will be made to the Dangerous Substances Handling and Storage Law, requiring the industry to provide specific pricing and cost information.
These amendments were enacted last October.
Next, will be the enactment of a Fuels Markets Bill, which will allow the OCR to analyse data, assess retail prices and competition, and take necessary measures to promote fair competition.
“Price controls are a last resort but the Government will do whatever it takes”, said Minister responsible for infrastructure, Hon. Kurt Tibbetts. Welcoming this milestone, he added that Cabinet has decided to establish the multi-sector agency – to be known as the “Office of Competition and Regulation” (OCR).
This regulatory body which will assume all responsibilities and functions of the existing Information Communications Technology Authority (ICTA), as well as those of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), will also have the responsibility for the fuels markets guided by a Fuels Market Law.
The draft document is posted on the website of the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI). www.plahi<http://www.plahi>@gov.ky. Printed copies are also available at the Government Administration Building, and at public libraries.
“The scope is even a bit wider, as the OCR will also assume the economic regulatory responsibilities of the Water Authority Cayman (WAC), encompassing water production and supply, as well as wastewater collection and treatment,” added Minister Tibbetts.
He said that the OCR would have a critical function, by facilitating economic development and innovation in these sectors. “The expectation is that it could become a major driver in facilitating the development of a new pillar in our economy,” added Mr. Tibbetts.
Consumer value and protection will be one of the primary considerations. As the local fuels markets (and its pricing mechanisms) are closely tied to economic activity, the OCR’s oversight of this sector will be critical.
The long-time background issues include Government’s objective of promoting competition, as well as transparency, within the fuel industry. To facilitate this process, officials have been engaged for some months now in meetings with industry representatives.
Under this new plan, the Petroleum Inspectorate will be fully integrated into the OCR, which would assume responsibility for the functions of the Inspectorate. Government’s existing policies which relate to fuel imports will guide the new legislation. Some factors are economic efficiency, security of supply, public safety, and environmental sustainability.
OCR will take responsibility for ensuring the implementation of the policy. As the public discussion paper further outlines, the jurisdiction of the new OCR will include the transport, trade, and distribution (wholesale and retail) of all fuel products and importantly to advise Cabinet on the state of competition in the sector.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the discussion paper, and to submit their feedback by email [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> or, in writing to: “Fuel Markets Discussion Paper”, PLAHI Ministry Government Administration Building.
The deadline for public feedback is 15 July, 2016.
Grand Cayman: Major Roadworks Underway
Red Bay Summer Roadworks
Motorists, especially residents of the Prospect and Red Bay areas, should note that roadwork will continue in that area for the coming weeks of summer.
The National Roads Authority’s (NRA) phased plan will see the scale of work escalate once schools close in early July. Plans include a reconfiguration of the Red Bay roundabout as well as enhancements to the east-west arterial. Work in this area is to be completed before the end of August.
The NRA improvements will include widening the Red Bay roundabout to three lanes, which will accommodate the widening of the east-west arterial (between Dr Tomlinson Roundabout and the DMS/Grand Harbour roundabout) to three lanes in coming years.
NRA officials explain that, to improve road safety, the roundabout lanes will be re-surfaced so they slant inwards. Some of the traffic islands and sidewalks will be reconstructed to facilitate these roadway changes.
However, special allowances are being made to ensure the flow of traffic. When work is underway, one lane will remain open as usual, and the closed bypass lane will be re-routed to another road to maintain traffic capacity. Therefore, the work is not expected to result in major traffic diversions or holdups on the east-west bypass.
To further minimize the impact on motorists, most of this work will be done during off-peak times. The plan is to limit the amount of work during peak hours on weekdays (between 7am and 9am, and from 5pm to 7pm) and in so doing, avoid disruptions to drivers going to and from work.
Once the Red Bay roundabout is completed, only one direction of the main road will be worked on at a time. For instance, when work is being done to the east-bound lanes, one of the bypass lanes will be open for traffic as usual, but the other lane heading to the eastern districts will be diverted through the old section of Shamrock Road.
During this phase, west-bound traffic heading towards town should note that there will be no right-turns allowed from the Red Bay roundabout to access the Prospect or Red Bay areas, including the primary school.
To access the Red Bay Primary School and/or the Prospect area then, westbound traffic should use the Dr. Tolminson roundabout, and must then return the same way, since the Red Bay roundabout access to the highway will be closed.
Alternately, west-bound traffic may use the DMS roundabout, but they will have to return to the highway using the Dr. Tomlinson roundabout.
When the west-bound lanes are being worked on, one of the bypass lanes will be open for traffic as usual, but the other lane heading towards George Town will be diverted through Prospect Point Road.
When one west-bound lane is closed, west-bound motorists driving from the east (and who must access Red Bay Primary School or the Prospect area) may use the Dr.Tomlinson roundabout onto Shamrock Road; but, they must then return the same way, since the Red Bay roundabout access will be closed.
To ensure the safety of NRA workers as well as the general public, drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to remain aware of these temporary changes, and to drive with caution in the area. Road users are asked to also pay close attention to signage indicating any lane closures or diversions.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
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.
Blow Out Book Sale
The Humane Society’s Blow Out Book Sale is Saturday (28 Jun) from 9 — 4pm at AL Thompson’s.
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
SAT JULY 2
Football Camp
The Annual Football Summer camp for boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 16 years hosted by the Agape Family Worship Center on the first three Saturdays in July from 4 — 7pm. Call 949.2539 for more.
SUN JULY 3
Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church Graduation Service
The Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church is hosting a graduation service on Sunday (3 Jul) at 7pm
MON JULY 4
Teen Challenge
Red Bay Church of God Holiness will hold a Teen Challenge under the theme Deep Sea Discovery for ages 13-19 Monday — Friday (4 — 8 Jul) from 6:30 – 9:30PM.
Launch Pad Enrichment Center Summer Camp
Launch Pad Enrichment Center Summer Camp kicks off next month for children between the ages of 4 and 11 from 730am to 530pm. For more information, call 945-1866.
Gun Bay United Church Food Stall
The Gun Bay United Church is hosting a food stall on Monday (4 Jul) at the Elliott Conolly Civic Center at 11am.
KRI Performing Arts School
KRI Performing Arts School is hosting a summer camp July 4th — 23rd for children between the ages of 5 and 14. For more information call 924.4098.
TUE JULY 5
2016 Vacation Bible School — Tree House
The Church of God Chapel George Town invites all children between the ages 3 to 13 to attend their 2016 Vacation Bible School — “Tree House” — running July 5th through the 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM nightly at the Family Life Center
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]
Registration Open for Cayman Islands Youth Services Unit Summer Series
Summer heats up as the Youth Services Unit opens registration for its Summer Series, featuring two summer camps.
A culinary camp will take place from 5 – 8 July. The camp will focus primarily on cake decorating techniques including fondant work and sugar craft. In addition students will make breaks, rolls, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, eclairs and donuts. The camp will end with a showcase using the theme of “CaymanKind”. Campers must have intermediate or advanced baking skills. The camp will take place at the John Gray cooking classrooms between 9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. for $80 per camper.
A special Teen Summit will take place from 11 – 15 July. The summit will promote personal development through interactive competitions, trivia, special outings and other activities. The summit will feature “Power Talks” with special guest speakers from the community. The summit will take place at the University College of the Cayman Islands between 8.30 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. for $50 per camper.
Registration forms for both camps can be found online at www.ysu.gov.ky. For more information call 943-1127 or email [email protected].
July Events at Camana Bay
Next month’s public holiday on Monday, 4 July will have a fireworks extravaganza not to be missed. Kids won’t be bored this summer with a variety of camps for all ages, outdoor movies shown under the stars every Tuesday and a summer splash party with prizes to be won. Grownups will enjoy summer savings as the shops mark down prices for one day only and ladies will have the chance to enjoy a ‘healthified’ three-course menu. Moviegoers are also in for a real treat as Regal Cinemas shows the ballet classic, One Man, Two Guvnors.
For more details on our summer festivities, camps and offers; visit camanabay.com/summer.
Warm regards,
Alyson Hay
Here is a quick look at our summer camps:
6th Annual Multi-Sport Camp
5 through 8 July (Week 1), 11 through 15 July (Week 2) and
25 through 29 July (Week 3)
8am-12pm
Camana Bay Sports Complex
Starfish Village Summer Camp
5 July through 25 August
8am-3pm
Starfish Village
Shutterbugs Photography Camp
Mondays, 11 July through 15 August (Ages 8-11) and
Fridays, 15 July through 19 August (Ages 11-16)
9am-12pm,
Picture This Studios
Budding Chef Summer Camp
11 through 15 July
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
8th Annual Basketball Camp
18 through 22 July
8:30am-4pm
The Arts & Recreation Centre
Here is a quick look at our special events:
End-of-School Kids Disco Party
Friday 1 July
6-8pm
Starfish Village
Tai Chi
Sunday 3 July
8:30am
The Crescent
Moonlight & Movies
Tuesdays, July through August
7pm
Gardenia Court
Patriotic Festival
Monday 4 July
5-8pm
The Crescent
Summer Sidewalk Sale
Saturday 9 July
11am
Town Centre
Abacus Restaurant Takeover with Nadine Dumas
Tuesday 12 July
5:30-7:30pm
Abacus
The Bookends Club
Wednesday 13 July
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Ross Tibbetts Book Signing
Friday 15 July
6:30pm
Books & Books
Culture at the Cinema: One Man, Two Guvnors
Saturday 16 July
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Floetry
Wednesday 20 July
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Summer Splash
Saturday 23 July
2-7pm
The Crescent
