iNews Briefs & Community Events
Cayman Islands DVDL-Restricted Hrs on Thursday 18th August
Office Closure
Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing Thursday Hours
The Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing informs the public that it will be offering limited services on Thursday, August 18th, 2016 at its Crewe Road location.
The West Bay office will be also closed on that day.
Limited services will result in there being no written/driving examinations or vehicle inspections.
Normal hours of operation will resume on Friday, August, 19th, for the Crewe Road office (8:30am to 4:00pm) and for the West Bay Office (10:00am to 6:00 pm).
This necessary closure is to facilitate a staff meeting and retreat.
The management and staff apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Climate change may kill mosquitos
From The Carbon Wars
Climate change is bad news for the planet, but there may be some scattered bright spots in the short term.
Reduced rainfall will make it hard for mosquitoes to thrive and lead to lower rates of malaria in parts of West Africa, shows new research.
West Africa is home to some of the most malaria-endemic countries in the world. Nearly 400,000 people died from malaria across the continent in 2015. In Nigeria alone, 120,000 people died, and tens of thousands died in other countries in the region. By projecting the burden of the parasite, scientists hope to control its spread.
Unfortunately, even if malaria is decreasing in some parts of the world, it is not exactly great news. Lower rainfall makes for poor crop growth.
Parts of Ghana, for example, are already adapting farming techniques and changing crop choices because of shorter rain seasons. Fewer mosquitoes to spread malaria is certainly a welcome development, but it may not end up making too much of a difference overall if the livelihoods of subsistence farmers are worse off.
For more: http://www.thecarbonwars.com/climate-change-may-kill-mosquitos/
2016 Breaks Global Warming Records
From The Carbon Wars
The World Meteorological Organization announced that the first six months of 2016 have surpassed all previously set records that measure global warming on July 24, 2016. Record temperatures on land and at sea have been set in the previous 14 months and are expected to continue through July and the rest of 2016. The yard stick for temperature measurement is the global average set in the 20th century.
The most recent data indicates that the Earth is warming at significantly higher rates than had been predicted by the most sophisticated climate models from across the world according to David Carlson, director of the World Climate Research Program at the World Meteorological Organization. The average temperature across the globe rose 1.3 degrees Centigrade above the 20th century average in the first six months of 2016.
Carlson cites an exceptionally strong El Nino as one of the major reasons for the phenomenally rapid rise in global temperatures in 2016. The rampant wild fires in the Western United States and in parts of Europe and Russia have added to the carbon dioxide content that accelerates global warming.
Carlson also notes that the failures of all parties to meet previously agreed upon emission reduction limits and little hope that large coal using countries will meet the goals they committed to at the Paris Accord are a major factor in the accelerated rate of temperature increase in 2016.
Much more aggressive emission limitations and faster changes to power supplies that do not use fossil fuels are seen by Carlson as the only hope to reduce the accelerated rate of global warming. The announcement comes on the heels of an acknowledged increase in the amount of winter ice in the Antarctic that had been expected to lower the rate of global temperature increase caused by emissions.
For more: http://www.thecarbonwars.com/2016-breaks-global-warming-records/
The Marines now have robots that carry and fire heavy machine guns
By Chris Smith From BGR
We’ve seen all sorts of weapons mounted on drones, and military drones already wield impressive firepower, but that doesn’t mean we’re done building crazy machines with fire power. The next step is adding heavy machine guns and even grenade launchers to robots. Thankfully, these are not robots powered by artificial intelligence. Just like drones, they’re piloted by soldiers — the robots only do the heavy lifting and stabilize fire.
Detailed in a Business Insider video, the Maars (Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System) is the military’s machine gun-toting robot. The robot is like a mini-tank with a remote control. It can travel at a top speed of 7 mph, which means it’ll walk alongside marines on a mission, and its battery is good for 8 to 12 hours.
When equipped with a M240 machine gun, the Maars can carry some 400 rounds in addition to the weapon itself. But it can also be used to drag wounded Marines off the battlefield if need be.
A tactical robot controller is needed to operate the Maars and fire the weapon, and the same device can be used for drones or other devices. The robot has cameras and sensors that transmit information to the controller, which may also make it a valuable weaponized scout.
The Maars is not alone. A bigger version of the robot exists, the RVM/CART, which can carry a massive M134 minigun — a weapon capable of firing between 2,000 and 3,000 rounds per minute.
Business Insider’s video is available at the source link, while a longer YouTube video showing the Maars in action follows below.
For more and video: http://bgr.com/2016/08/02/marines-machine-gun-robot/
The Apprentice’ network distances itself from Donald Trump’s campaign: ‘It surprised all of us’
By Jethro Nededog From Business Insider
NBC isn’t responsible for making Donald Trump’s campaign successful by making him famous in the first place with its “The Apprentice” series — at least that’s what NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt is saying.
During a Television Critics press tour in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, a reporter asked Greenblatt if NBC had considered its pivotal role in making Trump a celebrity.
“We were happy to have a show that was doing really well with a guy that was a big TV star,” Greenblatt said. “It’s impossible to figure out where he goes from there. I think it surprised all of us that he wanted to do this, but I guess that’s what’s great about this country.”
Greenblatt referred to the 1951 comedy film “Bedtime for Bonzo” in making former President Ronald Reagan famous. He also cited that “Doonesbury” cartoonist Garry Trudeau predicted Trump would run for president about 15 years ago — before “Apprentice” aired.
“I don’t think there is too much of a correlation” between Trump’s celebrity from “The Apprentice” and his successful campaign, the chairman said. “And I think he has been a popular figure for so many years.”
NBC had renewed “Celebrity Apprentice” last year for an eighth season — a 15th season if you count the entire “Apprentice” run. Last season, in which on-air personality Leeza Gibbons triumphed, “Celebrity Apprentice” averaged 7.6 million viewers — its best since 2012.
Arnold Schwarzenegger will replace Trump when the reality show returns in 2017.
Cayman Islands athletes’ Olympic schedule
Five athletes from Cayman are competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Cayman-to-Rio-2016
These are the scheduled competition times for each:
Geoff Butler (Swimming – 400m Freestyle) Saturday, Aug. 6 – DONE Did not qualify for finals
Lara Butler (Swimming – 100m Backstroke) Sunday, Aug. 7 – DONE Did not qualify for finals
Florence Allan (Sailing – Women’s Laser Radial) Aug. 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13
Kemar Hyman (Athletics – 100m) Aug. 13 (prelims), Aug. 14 (semis and final)
Ronald Forbes (Athletics – 110m Hurdles) Aug. 15 (prelims), Aug. 16 (semis and final).
Cayman Drama Society
2016 is proving to be amazing around the Prospect Playhouse! We have been busy renovating the auditorium this summer and getting ready for a smashing end to 2016!
And Yes! Its election season and what greater way to lighten the mood than coming to see the very funny, Yes Minister!
September 15,16,17,22,23,24,29,30, October 1
Yes Minister is a satirical look at the early career of Jim Hacker MP; a newly appointed cabinet minister in the fictional Department of Administrative Affairs at Whitehall. Hacker goes through various struggles to formulate and enact legislation or effect departmental changes that are continually opposed by the British Civil Service in particular his Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby. His Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley, is usually caught between the two. The British comedy, written by Sir Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, was fist broadcast by BBC Television in the 1980s has now been adapted to the Cayman stage by Chuck and Barrie Quappe. As the Cayman Parliamentary system is based on Whitehall, any of the situations will be undeniably familiar to all that live in Cayman!
And you do not want to miss our continuing celebration of Shakespeare’s 400th!!!
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].
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
THU AUG 11
Catch the Olympics
Catch the Olympics on a big outdoor screen on Thursday (11 Aug) at 7pm on the Crescent at Camana Bay.
Water Interruption
The Water Authority has scheduled a planned service interruption in the Tropical Gardens area from 9 — 1pm on Thursday (11 Aug)
FRI AUG 12
Music Happy Hour for kids is Friday from 3:30 — 4:30 pm at Starfish Village every Friday in August.
SAT AUG 13
Catch the Olympics: Kids Challenge
In celebration of the 2016 Olympics, children between the ages of 6 and 12 are invited to participate in the Kid’s Challenge on Saturday (13 Aug) at the Town Center in Camana Bay between 2 and 5pm. Events include cracker eating competition, a flipper race and more
JGHS Uniform Sale
Parents of John Gray High School students are advised that uniforms are now on sale, upstairs Number One Shoe Shop in Unit G, on Hospital Road from 9am to 5pm daily.
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.
TUE AUG 16
Moonlight and Movies: Nanny McPhee
The Moonlight and Movies series continues on Tuesday (16 Aug) featuring Nanny McPhee at 7pm in Gardenia Court in Camana Bay.
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.
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (17 Aug) at 630pm at Books & Books.
THU AUG 18
Catch the Olympics
Catch the Olympics on a big outdoor screen on Thursday (18 Aug) at 7pm on the Crescent at Camana Bay.
3rd Annual CCUK Cayman Summer Reception Aug 18
2016 CCUK Summer Reception in Cayman
Date: Thursday 18th August 2016
Time: Workshop (5pm-6pm) & Reception (6pm-8pm)
Venue: St. Ignatius Catholic High-School Hall
Join us for an evening of networking and fun as we host our 3rd Annual CCUK Cayman Summer Reception! These receptions are historically a time for students, friends and associates who have connections to the UK to get together and share experiences. It is also an opportunity for those considering tertiary education the UK to meet others currently there, and glean some advise, tips and tricks!
RSVP BY FRIDAY 12TH AUGUST
RSVP here: http://caymanconnection.org/rsvp/
PLEASE SHARE WITH CAYMAN FRIENDS AND STUDENTS.
Humane Society Pub Quiz
The Humane Society Pub Quiz is Thursday (18 Aug) at Fidel Murphy’s at 7pm.
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.
Music Happy Hour
Music Happy Hour for kids is Friday from 3:30 — 4:30 pm at Starfish Village every Friday in August.
SAT AUG 20
Culture at the Cinema: Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Culture at the Cinema presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Saturday (20 Aug) at 7pm at Regal Cinemas.
Lions Tropical Gardens Diabetes Health Fair
TUE AUG 23
Moonlight and Movies: Shrek the Third
The Moonlight and Movies series continues on Tuesday (23 Aug) featuring Shrek the Third at 7pm in Gardenia Court in Camana Bay.
THU SEP 1
Cayman Islands: LCCL applicants must advise TBL board of Caymanian participation
In order to ensure that the law is upheld, procedural changes for the Local Companies (Control) Licence Law (LCCL) will come into effect on 1 September 2016.
The LCCL requires foreign investors to publish ads that solicit Caymanian participation in their potential business endeavours. In these ads, Caymanians are asked to inform the foreign investor of their interest, in writing; however, as of 1 September, Caymanians also must supply a copy of that letter directly to the Trade and Business Licensing Board.
Also, when submitting their applications to the board, foreign investors must include copies of the two local newspaper ads, published in accordance with section 11 (4) (e) of the law, that solicited Caymanian participation.
‘These procedural changes will help the board to know if the applicant has complied fully with the LCCL’, said Minister of Commerce Wayne Panton.
LCCL applications must be submitted in person at the Business Licensing Counter, on the first floor of the Government Administration Building. The counter is open Mondays to Fridays, between 9:00am and 4:00pm. In addition to the two newspaper ads, applications must be accompanied by due diligence such as a police clearance, copies of passports, references, and the relevant fees.
Letters from Caymanians are to be addressed to the Trade and Business Licensing Board, c/o the Department of Commerce and Investment, Government Administration Building, 133 Elgin Avenue Suite 126, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
For more information, visit www.dci.gov.ky or email [email protected]
SAT & SUN SEP 18 & 19
British Schools Fair Cayman Islands
Street: Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
District: Seven Mile Beach
Island: Grand Cayman
Country: Cayman Islands
Description
Ritz-Carlton
Sat 18 Sep & Sun 19 Sep
2.00-6.00 p.m.
A chance for Cayman families to meet leading UK boarding schools. If you are considering the possibility of your children having the opportunities afforded by an overseas education, this is your chance to speak to some of the top schools.
Free entry
For more information contact [email protected]
AUGUST EVENTS AT CAMANA BAY
Be part of the action and support your nation with The Games at Camana Bay – a series of festivities inspired by the 2016 Olympics. Take in cultural experiences by catching the last chance to see Rundown, getting lost in poetry readings or by supporting a local author as they celebrate their latest book.
Moonlight & Movies: Summer Series
Tuesdays until 30 August
7pm
Gardenia Court
Music Happy Hour for Kids
Fridays until 26 August
3:30-4:30pm
Starfish Village
Got Milk?
Friday 5 August
3pm
Bedside Manor
The Games at Camana Bay: Opening Ceremony and Fireworks
Friday 5 August
5:30-9pm
The Crescent
Tai Chi
Sunday 7 August
8:30am
The Crescent
The Bookends Club
Wednesday 10 August
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Douglas Schofield Book Signing
Thursday 11 August
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
The Games at Camana Bay: Moonlight & Movies
Thursday 11 and 18 August
7pm
The Crescent
The Games at Camana Bay: Kids’ Challenge
Saturday 13 August
2-5pm
Town Centre
Floetry
Wednesday 17 August
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Culture at the Cinema: Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Saturday 20 August
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Theatre in the Court: Rundown
Saturday 27 August
7pm
Gardenia Court
NATIONAL GALLERY EVENTS
Early Watercolours
Rarely displayed watercolour paintings from the early collections of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) and the Cayman Islands National Museum (CINM) will be on show at the National Gallery throughout summer. The temporary exhibition titled, A Legacy of Light features a wide selection of landscapes, seascapes and architectural studies by both established and lesser-known artists from the Cayman Islands. The exhibition opens to the public 1 July 2016 and ends 16 September 2016.
Light & Colour Workshop
Take part in a special watercolour workshop with Lois Brezinski Saturday, 13 August 2016 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This intensive workshop explores the use of watercolours to capture the dramatic effects of light in the tropics. The workshop is designed for all levels and is open to adults and mature teens.
Watercolour Kids Club
Saturday Mornings 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
9 July to 13 August 2016
Free watercolour art activities for kids! These creative drop-in sessions will be sure to inspire families of all levels and abilities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings are not required.
Take it Home
The gift shop at the National Gallery has a fabulous selection of creative gifts for all ages. Brand new watercolour paint sets, brushes and books have arrived so you can try your hand at creating a masterpiece of your own!
