iNews Briefs & Community Events
OT leaders discuss Brexit at pre-JMC meeting
Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin and other leaders attending the pre-Joint Ministerial Council meeting in Turks and Caicos have been assured that the United Kingdom will consult with them as Brexit talks continue.
The pre-JMC meeting began today with welcome remarks by Dr. The Hon Rufus Ewing, Premier of Turks & Caicos, and the opening address by Dr. The Hon Orlando Smith, Premier of the BVI and Chair of the Political Council of The United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA).
Before discussing Brexit, updates were provided on the work of UKOTA and the Overseas Countries and Territories Association.
Hon. Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, led the Brexit discussion, during which Richard Wood, Head of the European Union Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, telephoned. Mr. Wood confirmed that the UK would ensure a consultative process will be put in place between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories. OT leaders agreed that this is an important area that needs urgent attention and will be on the agenda at the full JMC later this year.
Concerns of OTs were varied but one was consistent – that much is still unknown as to a final deal between the UK and the EU. Other concerns included security, free movement of people, potential impacts to business and trade, as well as any possible negative impact on the world economy.
Other sessions consisted of discussions centred on sustainable economic development, which was led by Hon. Michael Dunkley, Premier of Bermuda, as well as the safeguarding of children, which was led by Hon. Roger Edwards, MLA for the Falklands.
Premier Hon. McLaughlin led the discussion with input from Financial Services Minister Hon. Wayne Panton on Financial Services, Tax and Transparency – Addressing the Offshore Stigma and Counteracting it.
There was also a meeting with Secretary General of CARICOM Ambassador Irwin Larocque.
“The day was productive with a good exchange of ideas and discussion of the challenges and successes of the Overseas Territories,” said Mr. McLaughlin.
The meeting continues Thursday and is an opportunity for all Overseas Territories Heads of Government to exchange views on political and constitutional issues, especially as they relate to the United Kingdom and its relationship with OTs.
The Pre-JMC is a precursor to the Joint Ministerial Council, which will be held in London 31 October – 4th November, 2016, and hosted by the Foreign Commonwealth Office.
Travelling with Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Panton are Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose, Senior Political Advisor Roy Tatum and Sherpa Jason Webster.
Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office issues alert on missing elderly man (from Cayman Islands) UPDATE – Body found
By WFLA Web Staff From news Channel 8
Scott was last seen at the Belvedere Common ALS on Fletcher Ave.
TAMPA, Fl. (WFLA) – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating an elderly man that wandered away from an assisted living facility early Saturday evening.
Maynell Benton Scott, 82, was last seen just after 6:30 pm near the Belvedere Common ALS on Fletcher Ave. West.
According to a HCSO report the missing man is a white male who stands 6’ tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. At the time of his disappearance Scott was wearing a light blue dress shirt and gray dress pants.
He also wears glasses and investigators say he suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Scott is originally from the Cayman Islands but has lived in Tampa most of his adult life.
If you have seen Scott or have any information on his whereabouts call 9-1-1 or contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.
For more on this story go to: http://wfla.com/2016/07/16/hillsborough-sheriffs-office-issues-alert-on-missing-elderly-man/
UPDATE: The body of Maynell Benton Scott has been found in a pond close to the living facility.
Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce delivers Immigration Focus Group findings to Caucus
In June the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce conducted three focus groups over a three-day period which focused on the topic of immigration in Cayman.
The Chamber of Commerce advocates for local business and community members, and immigration was the desire of focus from a cross-section of our membership according to our Prioritisation Survey.
A fair and reflective cross-section of businesses throughout Cayman were randomly selected, ranging from retailers to hospitality companies, and from small enterprises to global brands.
The sessions, which lasted one-hour-and-a-half each, saw representatives from selected companies engage in a question-and-answer session with Chamber Vice-President Paul Byles.
The answers provided were then collected by Chamber CEO, Wil Pineau, CCE, and Communications Assistant, Ross Taylor.
The answers were analysed to determine which positives there currently are during the immigration processes, and to determine which changes are necessary for improvement.
A report was written by the Chamber which explains in depth the answers given by the focus group attendees, and illustrates which changes are deemed a necessity by our selected business members.
This report was taken by Chamber President, Paul Pearson to Government Caucus during the quarterly meeting on Monday 11th July.
The Chamber of Commerce prides itself in advocating for our local business and community members, and our Immigration Report reflects this.
You may find a copy of the report n its entirety at: http://web.caymanchamber.ky/news/newsarticledisplay.aspx?ArticleID=2740
Community Meeting on Cayman Brac on Tomorrow, 21 July at Seamen’s Centre
Tomorrow, Thursday, 21 July, Acting Commissioner of Police Anthony Ennis and Chief Superintendent Kurt Walton will join Inspector Wendy Parchment, Area Commander for the Sister Islands, to hold an open meeting with the community of Cayman Brac.
The meeting will take place at Seamen’s Centre on Ashton Reed Drive at 7PM.
The public is encouraged to call the Cayman Brac Police Station at 948-0331 with any questions.
HBO GO offers free access to its original documentary
“WARS OF OTHERS”
The new HBO documentary will be available at no cost on HBO GO to subscribers and non-subscribers alike until August 21st, 2016.
MIAMI, FL., July 20, 2016 – Thanks to the resounding success during its premiere on HBO, the original documentary Wars of Others can now be enjoyed for a limited time at no cost on HBO GO. This gratuitous access will be available to the public until August 21, 2016.
Wars of Others examines the practice of aerial spraying with glyphosate, an herbicide declared to be potentially carcinogenic by the World Health Organization in 2015. The aerial fumigation has been a key tool in the collaboration between Colombia and the United States in the overall “War on Drugs”, and specifically against the cultivation of the coca leaf. Thus, for many years Colombia had been the only country in the world to disperse this herbicide from airplanes, making way for bitter debates between those that defended it as a harmless product and those that argued that it was severely affecting the health of Colombians.
“We are offering this open access of Wars of Others on HBO GO as part of our ongoing efforts to make our stories available to more people,” commented Luis F. Peraza, President of Networks, HBO Latin America. He added, “This documentary is a true reflection of how the voices of those in our region showcase their talent through HBO, bringing to light relevant narratives of the realities in our countries.”
HBO GO offers subscribers a catalog of more than 2,500 titles including all episodes of all of HBO’s original productions in Latin America and the U.S. To access HBO GO, visit www.hbogola.com, download the mobile app (iOS or Android) or on Xbox 360 (for Xbox Live users).
For more information on our programming, visit www.hbolapress.com or http://www.hbomax.tv/.
TT secure three medals at Junior Caribbean Squash in Cayman Islands
From Newsday TT
TRINIDAD AND Tobago made a winning start when the Girls Round Robin Team competition began at the 2016 Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) at the Cayman Islands National Squash Association in Grand Cayman, yesterday.
TT , competing alongside Barbados, Guyana, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Bermuda, won their opening series 4-1 over Cayman Islands. Details of the series were not available up to press time last night. In other girls matches Guyana defeated Jamaica 5-0, while Barbados outlasted Bermuda 5-0. Yesterday evening the national boys team faced Barbados in Boys Pool A action.
On Monday, TT concluded their individual campaign with one silver medal and two bronze medals. In the Girls Under-17 title match, second seed Alexandria Yearwood of TT earned silver after Barbadian top seed Amanda Haywood won the contest 11-8, 11-5, 11-4. The youthful national squad grabbed third place finishes in the Boys Under- 11 courtesy Seth Thong and Girls Under-17 Singles from Marie Claire-Barcant.
In the Girls Under-17 semi-final, third ranked Claire-Barcant went down to Haywood 11-2, 11- 7, 11-7. She then rallied to an 11- 3, 11-8, 11-7 victory over Emma Turnbull of the host nation in the third place playoff. Yearwood was an 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 winner over Turnbull in the other Girls Under- 17 semi-final.
Having progressed to the semi-final round by producing a come-from-behind 9-11, 11- 4, 11-9, 11-6 win over Guyanese Kamir Khan, Thong was beaten by first seed Alex Stewart (Barbados) 11-9, 11-7, 11-4. In the third place playoff, the TT athlete bettered Guyanese Mohryan Baksh 11-7, 11-4, 11-3.
TT were also fifth in the Girls Under-13 (Chloe Walcott) and Girls (Faith Gillezeau) and Boys Under-19 (Chad Salandy) categories.
In the Boys Under-15, Christopher Anthony was ousted in the round of 16 but went on to capture the consolation prize with an 11-8, 11-7, 11-1 triumph.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Caddle settled for eighth place in the Boys Under-17 as he lost 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 10-12, 11-8 to Alex Cheeks (Guyana).
For more: http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,230756.html
Malaysia 1MDB investigation: US seeks to seize $1bn in assets
From BBC
The US Justice Department has moved to seize more than $1bn (£761m) from Malaysia’s state fund 1MDB.
The department alleges that the funds were “misappropriated” and though it did not name PM Najib Razak directly, he is identifiable in the suit as someone whose account allegedly received huge sums.
He has in the past denied wrongdoing.
Mr Najib set up 1MDB in 2009 to turn Kuala Lumpur into a financial hub, but it missed debt payments in 2015.
The Justice Department alleges the “misappropriated” funds financed lavish lifestyles of “multiple individuals including public officials”.
There is no allegation that Mr Najib spent any of the money but people close to him are accused of using billions of dollars to buy jewellery, art and luxury properties, pay gambling expenses and hire musicians and celebrities to attend parties.
The court papers, filed in Los Angeles, allege that money was laundered through accounts in the US. If successful the US Justice Department would seize assets, including property in the US, UK and Switzerland.
The $1bn would only make up a proportion of the money that was allegedly diverted, which comes to more than $3.5bn (£2.6bn).
Mr Najib’s stepson, Riza Aziz, is named in the court papers, which were filed in Los Angeles. Mr Riza produced the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Wolf of Wall Street.
A Malaysian financier and two Abu Dhabi government officials are also among those named.
There has been no official reaction from Malaysia on the lawsuits.
The fund started to attract attention in early 2015 when it missed payments for the $11bn it owed to banks and bondholders.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported it had seen a paper trail that allegedly traced close to $700m from the troubled fund to Mr Najib’s personal bank accounts.
1MDB said in a statement last year that it had never given money to the prime minister and called the claims “unsubstantiated.” It has repeatedly stated that the company has assets worth more than its debts.
Mr Najib has denied taking money from 1MDB or any public funds, and his lawyers have demanded an explanation from the WSJ on its report.
For more on this story go to: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36848149
See related iNews Cayman story published July 17 2016 “Pua: Will new 1MDB board act on new exposé?” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/pua-will-new-1mdb-board-act-on-new-expose/
Cayman Islands Pirates Week calls for food vendors
The Pirates Week Festival Office is inviting participants for the annual Food Festival to submit their vendor applications for the below dates/times:
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Friday 11th November |
6:00pm to 2:00am |
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Saturday 12th November |
George Town |
1:00pm to midnight |
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Saturday 19th November |
George Town |
2:00pm to midnight |
Vendor applications must be submitted beginning on Monday 1st August, 2016 to the Pirates Week Office on Shedden Road, George Town (upstairs next to KFC). Vendor space is limited therefore applications must be submitted as soon as possible after the opening date above. Deadline for submission is Monday 31st October.
All vendors must comply with the rules and regulations set by the Pirates Week Festival Office and must present a valid Food Handling Certificate for all persons handing food by the 31st October. Food handling certificates can be obtained from the Department of Environmental Health by contacting Mr. Gideon Simms on 949-6696 or email [email protected] .
For application forms and more details please contact the Pirates Week Festival Office at 949-5078 or [email protected].
Deadline for CNCF Summer Arts Camp Extended
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation has extended the deadline to register students for its Summer Arts Camp. Parents now have until this Friday(22nd July) to sign up their child.
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.
CNCF is also seeking a camp leader and three performing arts teachers for the camp. Persons holder management and teaching qualifications in the field of drama, voice (singing) and dance can apply via email, attached a cover letter and three references, to [email protected].
Registration forms campers can be found online at www.artscayman.org/creative-kids Membership cost is $150 per child for seven days. Snacks and lunch are included. For more information about the camp you can email [email protected] or call 949-5477.
CAYMAN ISLANDS IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT CLOSURE ON 5 August 2016
The Department of Immigration Headquarters, including Passport & Corporate Services, Visa Office and Front Counter, will be closed to the public for all but essential services on Friday 5, August 2016. Only work permit and permanent residence applications (including applications for permission to continue to work (PCW)) that must be submitted prior to 6 August in order to allow continued employment will be accepted.
Time sensitive applications for visitor extensions will also be accepted.
The Department will resume normal operations on Monday 8th, August and will also remain open to the public until 7.00pm on Wednesday 3rd, August.
The Department apologizes for any inconvenience the closure on 5 August may cause.
Red Bay Summer Roadworks Cayman Islands
Roadworks continue in the Prospect and Red Bay areas; to reconfigure the Red Bay roundabout and enhance the east-west arterial.
Most work is being done during off-peak times to avoid disruptions to traffic.
While work is being done, one of the lanes will be open for traffic as usual, but drivers may also use an alternate lane, as directed.
Please drive carefully, and pay attention to signs indicating lane closures or diversions.
Work in this area is to be completed before the end of August.
Click on images to enlarge.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
THU JULY 21
CNCF Cultural Jam
READ WITH US AT CULTURE JAM AND EXPERIENCE CAYMANIAN THEATRE AT ITS BEST!
CHARACTERS
(Sign up to read!)
Timothy Hydes – Caymanian Sailor / Grandpa’s Grandson
Nettie Christian – Mama Liza’s Daughter / Dressmaker
Grandfather Daniel – Timothy’s Grandfather/Caymanian
Mama Liza – Nettie’s Mother
Sammie Hislop – Caymanian / Phillip’s Friend
Phillip Ebanks – Sailer / Fisherman / Caymanian
Leighton Ebanks – Phillip’s Dad
Isabel Blake – James’ Fiancée
Leila – Nettie’s Neighbor
John John – Leila’s Boyfriend
Maggie – Caymanian Child
Montgomery – Caymanian Child
Agnes Ebanks – Phillip’s Mother / Caymanian
James – Isabel’s Fiancé
Charlotte – James’ Mother
Basic Writing and Grammar Skills Part 1
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar on Basic Writing and Grammar Skills Part 1 at their offices in Governor’s Square on Thursday (21 Jul) at 9am. Sign up at caymanchamber.ky.
Community Meeting on Cayman Brac on Thursday, 21 July at Seamans Centre
On Thursday, 21 July, Acting Commissioner of Police Anthony Ennis and Chief Superintendent Kurt Walton will join Inspector Wendy Parchment, Area Commander for the Sister Islands, to hold an open meeting with the community of Cayman Brac.
The meeting will take place at Seamen’s Centre on Ashton Reed Drive at 7PM.
Please call the Cayman Brac Police Station at 948-0331 with any questions
THU JULY 28
Basic Writing and Grammar Skills Part 2
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar on Basic Writing and Grammar Skills Part 2 at their offices in Governor’s Square on Thursday (28 Jul) at 9am. Sign up at caymanchamber.ky.
World Hepatitis Day
Thursday (28 Jul) is World Hepatitis Day under the theme ‘It’s Up To You.’ Log on to caymanactive.com for information about local events.
SAT APRIL 30
Exercise Your Faith … WALK WITH THE LORD
St. George’s Anglican Church Mission, Outreach and Evangelism Team proudly presents
Exercise Your Faith … WALK WITH THE LORD” Saturday, April 30, 2016 Safehaven | 5:30am
Our Walk is scheduled for 6:00am on what we anticipate will be a bright Saturday morning among a group of dedicated individuals. You may or may not know that all proceeds will help fund the installation of an elevator in the Church Hall and we sincerely appreciate your contribution of KYD25.00.
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.
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
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
Moonlight & Movies
Tuesdays, July through August
7pm
Gardenia Court
Patriotic Festival
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
