iNews Briefs & Community Events
Cayman Islands accountant wants to go to jail
Robert Neil Aspinall (38), a British National who has been working in the Cayman Islands from 2003 as an offshore accountant, wants to go to jail immediately.
Aspinall is accused of stealing from the fund he was liquidating while working for Deloitte. He is charged with fourteen accounts that include theft, fraud, forgery and money laundering.
Aspinall, through his lawyer, James Austin-Smith, explained to the Grand Court last Friday (22) he would be pleading guilty once a signed indictment has been received. He added that Aspinall was giving up his bail and was prepared to go to HMP Northward immediately as he knew there would be a custodial sentence.
An arraignment and sentencing hearing was set for 28 July.
Guyana extends win streak at junior Caribbean squash – defeat Cayman Islands, T&T
From Stabroek News
Guyana continued their unbeaten run in the Boys and Girls Junior Caribbean Squash Championships, downing hosts Cayman Islands and Trinidad and Tobago respectively yesterday in the Cayman Islands.
In the Boys section, Guyana defeated the Cayman Islands 4-1 to maintain their unbeaten record. The first match witnessed Rithew Saywack defeating Christian Dube 12-10, 8-11, 11-7 and 11-9.
Guyana doubled their lead in the second round as Shomari Wiltshire crushed Jace Jervis 11-5, 11-1 and 11-1. Julian Jervis kept the hosts in the contest as he defeated Alec Melville 11-3, 11-1 and 11-4 in the third showdown.
However the Guyanese clinched the contest in the fourth round as Daniel Islam defeated David Pitcairn 11-6, 11-3 and 11-8. The result was sealed in the fifth round as Alex Cheeks downed Jasun Sairsingh 11-7, 11-8 and 11-8.
For more: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2016/sports/07/22/guyana-extends-win-streak-junior-caribbean-squash/
No growth forecast in the Caribbean, Latin America this year on heels of Brexit
From NAN
News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. July 22, 2016: The International Monetary
Fund this week lowered its growth projection for Latin America and the Caribbean to zero on the heels of Britain’s decision last month to exit the European Union, or Brexit.
The IMF said Tuesday in its latest World Economic Outlook report that Latin America and the Caribbean will experience a negative growth this year of 0.4 percent, down from a 0.1 growth forecast in April. However, the region could bounce back to 1.6 percent growth in 2017, up from the initial forecast of 0.1. Brazil specifically is forecast to see a loss of 3.3 percent this year but Mexico is still expected to grow at a rate of 2.5 percent.
The IMF also lowered its growth projection for the global economy to 3.1 percent for 2016. The latest forecast is down by 0.1 percentage points from the IMF’s previous estimate in April. For 2017, it reduced the world economic growth forecast by 0.1 point to 3.4 percent.
US. Virgin Islands Congresswoman “Saddened” at leaked topless photo
From NAN
IMAGE: Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, D-V.I.
News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. July 22, 2016: The Congressional representative of the U.S. Virgin Islands says she is “saddened” that someone would hack into her personal computer and leak a topless photo of her.
The FBI and Capitol Police are investigating the claims of Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, D-V.I., who said photos and a personal family video were illegally obtained and disseminated on a fake Facebook account and elsewhere online but are no longer public.
“The theft and distribution of these personal images via the internet marks a new low in Virgin Islands politics,” Congresswoman Plaskett said Thursday. “I am shocked and deeply saddened that someone would stoop to such a level as to invade my marriage and the love of my family in an attempt to besmirch me politically.”
The 52-year-old Congresswoman says the “private” photograph was shared between her and her husband the private playful video shows her husband wearing make-up with the couple’s seven-year-old daughter.
“The theft and dissemination of these images via the internet is a shockingly disgusting invasion of my family’s and my privacy – not to mention criminal acts in violation of both territorial and federal law,” added the Congresswoman. “I know the people of our Virgin Islands are disgusted by individuals who would try to destroy families for political gain. I ask Virgin Islanders to stand with me as the authorities continue to investigate this matter.”
The Congresswoman won her seat in 2014 and is running for re-election against St. Thomas businessman Gordon Ackley and Ronald Russell.
For more: http://www.newsamericasnow.com/us-virgin-islands-congresswoman-saddened-at-leaked-topless-photo/
Indiana Court throws out Purvi Patel’s abortion conviction
By Susan Rinkunas
Last friday (22), the Indiana Court of Appeals overturned the feticide conviction of Purvi Patel, the woman who was found guilty last year of killing her fetus by taking abortion-inducing drugs and sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, the court upheld a lower felony conviction for neglect of a dependent.
In 2013, Patel sought care at a hospital for severe bleeding and told doctors that she’d delivered a stillborn baby at home and discarded its remains in a dumpster. Prosecutors argued that she’d taken abortion-inducing drugs purchased online, which is illegal in the United States, but police could not find evidence, beyond text messages discussing it, that the drugs were purchased. Toxicology reports found no evidence of the drugs in her system. Patel’s attorney said she thought the baby was stillborn. Each side had a pathologist testify to the age of the fetus and whether it was viable, but no one really knows the answer to that.
Patel’s attorney, and other critics of the conviction, argued that the charge of feticide was never meant to be used against a pregnant woman; rather it was intended to punish illegal abortion providers and abusive partners. Plus, it was contradictory to charge her with both the killing of a fetus and neglect of a living, breathing baby. But Indiana is notoriously anti-choice (looking at you, Governor Mike Pence) and some argued the state wanted a conviction however they could get one.
Indiana had previously charged a woman with feticide after she attempted suicide while pregnant but the charge was dropped when she pleaded guilty to a lesser offense. Patel was the first woman to be convicted of feticide in the state for an alleged self-induced abortion — a conviction that has now been dismissed. A bright spot in your record, Indiana.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
IMAGE: Purvi Patel. Photo: Robert Franklin/AP
Sagicor seals headquarters move
From Barbados Today
Sagicor Financial Corporation has completed its headquarters move from Barbados to Bermuda, at least on paper.
In a brief statement Thursday, the company announced that “further to the grant of approval by its shareholders at a meeting held on June 8, 2016, the company has continued as an exempted company under the laws of Bermuda with effect from July 20, 2016 under the name Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited”.
The company first announced its intention to relocate in January last year, following Standard & Poor’s downgrade of Sagicor Life’s rating from BB+ to BB-, and Sagicor Finance Ltd’s US$150 million ten-year senior unsecured notes to B from BB-.
This came on the heels of the lowering of Barbados’ sovereign rating to B from BB- by the same international ratings agency, less than two weeks prior.
Company officials had also announced that three jurisdictions – Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and Bermuda – were chosen as the most favourable jurisdictions to redomicile. However, after careful research by experts, Bermuda was chosen.
Sagicor is a leading provider of financial services in the Caribbean. Operating in 22 countries, including the USA and Latin America, Sagicor has total assets of US $6.4 billion and $739 million in capital. The Sagicor Group offers a wide range of products and services including life insurance, pensions, annuities, group and individual health, banking and asset management.
A widely held publicly- traded company with over 36,000 shareholders, the company is currently listed on the stock exchanges of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and London.
For more: http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/07/22/sagicor-seals-headquarters-move/
The president of the Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission receives the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George medal.
By Inter-American Division staff From Adventist Review
A Seventh-day Adventist Church leader from The Bahamas has received a prestigious award presented by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to people of high office who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country.
Leonard Johnson, president of the Adventist Church’s Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission, whose territory encompasses The Bahamas, The Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, was awarded the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) medal during the queen’s New Year Honor awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London on June 22.
“I accept such honor not necessarily for myself but on behalf of the church that I serve with all the energy and strength that God has given to me,” said Johnson, who began his second five-year term in office in 2015.
Johnson’s 34 years of service has included positions as conference president in The Bahamas from 2003 to 2010 as well as a church pastor in the Caribbean country.
Johnson was one of two recipients of the CMG honor at the ceremony, joining 24 other Bahamians on the annual New Year’s Honors list announced earlier this year. He is the first Adventist minister from The Bahamas to receive the award.
Born on Polemus Street in the heart of the inner city of Grant’s Town in Nassau, Bahamas, Johnson was raised a Baptist and said he never imagined becoming the leader of a church, much less the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“This award reminds me of many persons God placed in my path to nurture me, including my late parents, my dear wife of 32 years, and those in and outside the church,” Johnson said. “This high and significant recognition without question must be attributed to God and, by extension, His church.”
Johnson also was among government and religious leaders who took part in The Bahamas’ 43rd independence celebrations on Rawson Square in Nassau on July 9. He prayed for the country and its leaders and people during the televised ceremony. In 2012, during The Bahamas’ 39th independence celebration, Johnson delivered the main spiritual message.
Scientists develop compound to detect Neurodegenerative diseases
From Presna Latino
Scientists Develop Compound to Detect Neurodegenerative DiseasesWashington, Jul 22 (Prensa Latina) American scientists have developed a chemical compound that, inoculated in the brain, shows the presence of neurodegenerative diseases, published today the journal Science Translational Medicine.
With the radioactive tracer, a path is drawn in the organ, and the image is captured with a positron emission tomography (PET), according to the research by the University of Yale.
Subsequently, the authors of the research explained that through mathematical calculations is obtained information on the possible presence of brain disorders.
Regarding the feasibility study, they said that it will allow the improvement in the medical diagnosis of Alzheimer, epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The experts said that this compound will be also useful to improve the drugs that help with these degenerative processes.
However, they stated that the potential application is focused in fighting Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and one of the most common causes of dementia in the world.
With an increasing trend on a global scale, the disease causes loss of memory, problems with the language, emotional control, and the loss of the ability to reason and make logical decisions, the experts said.
For more: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5088191&Itemid=1
Zika Virus found in second species of mosquito
From Presna Latino
Rio de Janeiro, Jul 22 (Prensa Latina) Brazilian scientists found the Zika virus in the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, but still are analyzing its impact as a source of transmission of the virus, was published today.
In the city of Recife, one of the most affected by the outbreak registered in Brazil, hundreds of such specimens were collected and the scientists found the disease in some of them, according to a note from the Brazilian public laboratory Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ).
According to the note, the current study is relevant because the control measures for these mosquitoes are different.
The result of the research has caused concerns in the scientific community, because, according to experts, a second species contributing to spread the disease would complicate the efforts for eradicating the epidemic.
The Zika virus keeps on alert the health authorities in Brazil since late last year, when it was confirmed a direct incidence of the disease on the increase of cases od microcephaly in newborns.
For more: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5088241&Itemid=1
Europe to allocate 83 million Euros for refugees in Greece
From Presna Latino
Europe to Allocate 83 Million Euros for Refugees in GreeceBrussels, Jul 22 (Prensa Latina)The European Commission approved today a plan of emergency aid to address the situation of migrants and refugees in Greece.
Reports of the European Union indicate that Greece, including the latest financial aid, has received nearly 345 million euros in terms of emergency aid since early 2015 to face the current immigration crisis.
Such support is handled by the local authorities, as well as by different non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
Also was published today that Greece will receive until 2020 more than 500 million euros from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Internal Security Fund.
For more: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5088301&Itemid=1
Ecuador strengthens bilateral ties with Caribbean countries
Quito, Jul 22 (Prensa Latina) The Ecuadorian government has signed cooperation agreements with Granada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Galo Yepez, Ecuadorian concurrent ambassador to Granada, and the foreign minister of the Caribbean island, Elvin Nimrod, signed an agreement that establishes the reference framework for setting activities and bilateral cooperation programs, according to a note released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility.
Grenadian Deputy Foreign Minister, Alva Browne, attended the signing of the document.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines agreed on the abolition of visas, allowing entry into either of the two territories and stays of up to 90 days without any kind of passport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Yepez, who is also responsible for the Quito diplomatic affairs in Kingston, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of San Vicente, Louis Straker, formalized the treaty.
In addition to strengthening the bilateral relations of the national government with states of the Caribbean Community, the new agreements are part of the Ecuadorian politics of South-South cooperation.
The three territories are part of regional integration mechanisms such as the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America- People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
For more: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5087811&Itemid=1
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 |
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].
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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
MON JULY 25
Grand Court Jurors Notice
Grand Court jurors in the current session must now report on Monday (25 Jul) at 945am.
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 JULY 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, July 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.
SUN JULY 31
Red Bay Road Work
Roadworks continue in the Prospect and Red Bay areas to reconfigure the Red Bay roundabout and enhance the east-west arterial. 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. Work in this area is to be completed before the end of August.
MON AUG 1
Pirates Week Food Festival Vendor Applications
The Pirates Week Festival Office is inviting participants for the annual Food Festival to submit their vendor applications by Monday (1 Aug) to the Pirates Week Office on Shedden Road, George Town.
Vacation Bible School
Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church is hosting its V-B-S under the theme Cave Quest — Following Jesus ‘The Light of the World’ for children between the ages of 4 and 17 from 9am to 1230pm Monday – Friday (1 – 5 Aug)
Good News Baptist Church – Vacation Bible School
Good News Baptist Church Vacation Bible School will be August 1st to the 5th from 6:00 pm -8:30 PM each night.
WED AUG 3
1st of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride events
The 1st of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride events is Wednesday (3 Aug) at Sunset House. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
Immigration Closure
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 Aug.)
FRI AUG 5
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.
WED AUG 10
2nd of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride
The 2nd of 3 Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride events is Wednesday (10 Aug) at Sunset House. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
SUN AUG 14
Pete Ribbins Memorial 10K or 40K Bike Ride
The Pete Ribbins Memorial 10K or 40K Bike Ride is Sunday (14 Aug) at 630am. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
WED AUG 17
Final Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride
The final Jaguar Land Rover Stroke and Stride is Wednesday (17 Aug) at Sunset House. Log on to caymanactive.com for more details.
FRI AUG 19
Cayman Islands Liquor Licence Holders: Remember your 19 August deadline
Liquor licence holders – including those with music and dancing licenses – are reminded of the Friday, 19 August deadline to apply for licence renewals.
They also are reminded that before they can apply for a renewal, their premises must be inspected by relevant Government agencies. Depending on licensees’ particular operations, these inspections may include the Fire Service, Department of Environmental Health, Planning Department, and Port Authority.
To help speed up the process, the Planning Department has advised that licensees must have inspections done by private, licensed plumbers and/or electricians. These inspections are then submitted to the Planning Department for approval.
The Planning Department added that there are a few exceptions. For example, package licences (for retail outlets such as stores and warehouses) do not require electrical or plumbing inspections.
Only complete renewal applications, with either inspection certificates or proof of inspection requests, that are submitted by the 19 August deadline will be heard at the Liquor Licensing Board’s annual session on 30 September.
Applications can be downloaded from the Department of Commerce and Investment’s website, www.dci.gov.ky . For more information, contact the Liquor Licensing Board through Acting Secretary Gavin Dixon on 244-3167 or DCI’s Shelise Jeffery on 244-2202.
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
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
Floetry
Wednesday 20 July
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Summer Splash
Saturday 23 July
