iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
Steve Harvey visits Cayman Islands Comfort Suites
Choice Hotels Hosts Surprise Visit By Steve Harvey
World Famous Entertainer Delights Hotel Guests by Broadcasting His Live Radio Show from Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman
Co-hosts of The Steve Harvey Morning Show (L-R: Kier “Junior” Spates; Monica Barnes, producer; Shirley Strawberry; Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles)
Steve Harvey with Angel and Gary Rutty, Managing Director of Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach
Choice Hotels International.
Co-hosts of The Steve Harvey Morning Show (L-R: Kier “Junior” Spates; Monica Barnes, producer; Shirley Strawberry; Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles) Steve Harvey with Angel and Gary Rutty, Managing Director of Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach Choice Hotels International.
SEVEN MILE BEACH, Grand Cayman, Feb. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — The Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman received special star power this week with a surprise visit of multi-award winning entertainer, author and philanthropist Steve Harvey. Mr. Harvey joined his radio co-hosts Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles, Shirley Strawberry and Kier ‘Junior’ Spates at the recently renovated tropical hotel for a live poolside broadcast of the highly acclaimed Steve Harvey Morning Show, one of the top-rated morning radio programs in the United States.
The visit took place during two days of previously scheduled live programming of the Steve Harvey Morning Show featuring the radio co-hosts broadcasting live, poolside, at the recently renovated Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach to detail their experience at the hotel and around the Caribbean island.
“I couldn’t let my crew come down to the Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach without me,” joked Mr. Harvey. “That’s just cold. They were leaving me in the snow while they came to Grand Cayman to play in the sand. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days in paradise with good friends? I’m steps from the one of the world’s greatest beaches here. Plus, Choice Hotels has taken good care of mine and Marjorie’s Foundation and youth mentoring programs for years now. I am so happy to support a business that supports the community.”
Comfort Suites is one of eleven global brands franchised by parent company, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s leading lodging providers. The company has had a long standing philanthropic relationship with Mr. Harvey, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars and in-kind donations to the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, most notably through its loyalty rewards program, Choice Privileges.
“Choice Hotels and Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach are so excited to extend a warm welcome to Steve Harvey,” said Anne Smith, vice president of brand strategy for Choice Hotels who was a guest of the hotel at the time. “Choice prides itself on being able to bring people to people, not just places. We love that our hotels foster human connections. Steve Harvey, with his warm, trusting and friendly persona, really embodies that. Between his daytime television program, game show, movie projects, books, radio show and community service — you name it — Steve Harvey has so many responsibilities! We are so thrilled and honored he chose to spend time with us and to do the show from here.”
The Comfort brand’s recently unveiled tagline — Rested. Set. Go. — signals a promise to strive to offer guests a refreshing hotel experience. The brand has been undergoing a multi-year, multi-faceted transformation, implementing expansive renovations and upgrades, plus the addition of many newly constructed, freshly designed hotels across the United States. These enhancements come in addition to a complimentary hot breakfast which features new items such as Greek yogurt with healthy toppings; larger, plusher towels; an exclusive line of salon-quality bath and hair products recently developed by the brand called RAIO; plus free Wi-Fi and fitness centers – a must for business travelers. Further underscoring the brand’s support for travelers’ well-being, as of July 1, 2016, Comfort will be the largest single hotel brand to offer a completely smoke-free stay across America. The extent to which the brand is transforming has not gone unnoticed by customers. Guest satisfaction scores for the Comfort brand are currently at an all-time high.
Within steps of Grand Cayman’s stunning Seven Mile Beach, the top rated Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach property boasts a recently remodeled Caymanian atmosphere, roomy studios and renovated one- and two-bedroom suites with a kitchenette and all the conveniences of home. For easy dining, the property also features Stingers Restaurant onsite, serving up a great variety of local fare for lunch and dinner.
Choice Hotels currently has 11 hotels open and operating in the Caribbean, including this location in the Cayman Islands, next door to Atlantis in the Bahamas, on Curacao, St. Maarten, Aruba and Puerto Rico.
Comfort Suites®: Rested. Set. Go.™
Bigger really is better. And at Comfort Suites hotels, you’ll find more of the space you need to spread out, relax or work—25% more space than a traditional room, to be exact. Stretch out on the sofa, be productive at the desk or kick back in our premium bedding. We’ve got all the essentials you need to stay on your game while you’re away and be your best. Because behind every great day is a great night.
Comfort Inn®: Rested. Set. Go.™
When you travel, what do you need to be ready for the day ahead? At Comfort Inn® hotels we think we’ve got a pretty good idea. Like friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and amenities you can count on, for a start. Can’t decide if you want a soft or firm pillow? Don’t worry—your bed has both. Our premium bedding will leave you rested and refreshed in the morning, just in time to enjoy our signature free hot breakfast. Now, if you can’t decide which waffle to try first, we suggest flipping a coin—because both the original and flavored are delicious.
With all the amenities you need, and hotels everywhere you want to be, Comfort Inn will get you rested and ready for anything. After all, behind every great day is a great night.
About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world’s largest lodging companies. With more than 6,300 hotels franchised in more than 35 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International® represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of September 30, 2015, 638 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company’s Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests’ needs. With more than 25 million members and counting, check out our Choice Privileges® rewards program to see how you can reap the benefits of being a member of the Choice Hotels® family. All hotels are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.
Cayman Islands DCI to Close Early on Monday
The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI), including its Trade and Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close from 3:30pm on Monday, 15 February, for a staff training event.
DCI’s main office will reopen on Tuesday, 16 February at 8:30am, and the Trade and Business counter will reopen at 9:00am.
DCI staff apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information please call 945-0943 or email [email protected]
Grand Cayman: Roadworks Red Bay area Feb 4 – 19
Drivers and pedestrians may have noticed that some road work projects are underway, and the National Roads Authority (NRA) advises that these will continue for some time.
Along the east-west arterial road in the Red Bay area, workers have begun preliminary work for the eventual installation of concrete barriers in the centre median. This stretch of road is between the Red Bay roundabout and the Dr. Tomlinson roundabout.
That project started Thursday 4 February, 2016, beginning with work on the east-bound lane. While work will take place from 7.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. weekdays (and possibly on weekends), little disruption of the traffic flow is expected. The project is expected to continue through 19 February.
Staff have already coned off the inside lane (the safety work-zone area) from traffic, with relevant roadway signs. Motorists are asked to use that road with caution, as the road enhancements proceed.
Following this project, there will be works to enhance Bobby Thompson Way.
Also underway is initial work to prepare for the conversion of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway into four-lanes.
PS: Please see contact info if you need..
National Roads Authority
Office: 946-7780 ext. 4008
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.caymanroads.com/
Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Annual Coin Collection Drive
Please note that the Meals on wheels Coin Collection drive will be held this year a little later on May 27th and 28th. volunteers will be outside all supermarkets on the island as well as Kirks Home Centre and AL Thompsons hardware. for those companies that see heavy traffic i.e. banks, collection boxes will be available for that week.
For more information please don’t hesitate to call
Pat Bazell-Taylor
916-6249
British Airways Nassau / Grand Cayman Aircraft Changes from July 2016
By JL From Airline Route
British Airways starting 01JUL16 is increasing capacity on London Heathrow – Nassau – Grand Cayman route, as the airline plans to operate 3-class Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, instead of 767-300ER.
The airline operates this route 4 times a week.
BA253 LHR1030 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 57
BA253 LHR1035 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 1
BA253 LHR1045 – 1505NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 3
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2225 – 1200+1LHR 777 57
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2230 – 1205+1LHR 777 13
For more: http://airlineroute.net/2015/11/23/ba-nasgcm-jul16/
Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Orange you Glad annual Gala
19th March
“Orange you Glad” will be held this year on the 19th March, 2016 at the Marriott. This Gala includes a sumptuous dinner, a Live and Silent auction, live music. We will be sending out full details in the next few days.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TUE FEB 16
Seafarers General Meeting
The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform all Members that there will be a General Meeting, on Tuesday February 16 2015 at 7:30 PM. in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect. Election of New Officers will be held.
Please plan to attend. Buses will be provided from West Bay Town Hall at 6:00 pm.
Cayman Islands: TEDxLIVE@UCCI FEB 16 2016
TEDxLIVE@UCCI is a free, all-day simulcast of TED2016–a sold-out event in Vancouver Canada that costs US$8500 to attend. The simulcast will take place at UCCI on Tuesday, February 16th.
The simulcast will be set up in UCCI’s Professional Development Centre in Classroom #1, above the campus library. Although the simulcast will be running constantly throughout the day, attendees may come and go freely during the day of the event.
No food or beverages will be served, but attendees are welcome to bring their own refreshments. The organizers only ask that persons clean up after themselves and respect others who will also be watching the event.
To register, go to: http://conta.cc/1JJxe0N
For more information, please contact Dr. JD Mosley-Matchett at 623-0552 or [email protected]
What: TEDxLIVE@UCCI
Who: Anyone interested in viewing this $8500 internationally-acclaimed event for FREE!
Where: Professional Development Centre #1, above the UCCI campus library
When: All day on February 16th (come and go freely during the event)
Why: For a first-hand look at world-class ideas worth spreading…
How: Go to http://conta.cc/1JJxe0N to register!
WED FEB 17
Family Wellness Session: Communication
You’re invited to a Family Wellness Session at the Family Resource Center on Wednesday (17 Feb) from 6:30 to 8pm. The topic is communication.
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (17 Feb) at 630pm at Books and Books.
NWDA at West Bay Library
The National Workforce Development Agency will be at the West Bay Library Branch on Wednesday (17 Feb) from 10am until 1pm.
THU FEB 18
Basics of Budgeting
The Chamber of Commerce presents a workshop on the Basics of Budgeting by Terry Carson on Thursday & Friday (18 & 19 Feb) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Employment: The Hiring Process
The Chamber of Commerce presents a workshop on Employment: The Hiring Process by Huw Moses on Thursday (18 Feb) from 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Cardinal Avenue Street Fair
The Cardinal Avenue Street Fair is Thursday (18 Feb) from 9am until 4pm.
Soloists of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cayman National Choir
By Cayman Arts Festival
WHEN Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (EST)
WHERE First Baptist Church – 920 Crewe Road. (across from the Lions’ Centre). George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1002 KY
TICKETS $11.54–$38.97
THU & FRI FEB 18 &19
Graphics of the Americas FEB 18-20
FRI FEB 19
The Red Violin
As part of Cayman Arts Festival, you’re invited to a screening of The Red Violin on Friday (19 Feb) with a meet and greet at 6pm in Cassia Court followed by the movie at 730pm in Regal Cinemas.
SAT FEB 20
Guiding the Way 5 and 10K Family Fun Walk/Run
Guiding the Way 5 and 10K Family Fun Walk/Run is Saturday (20 Feb) starting at 630am for walkers and 645am for runners at Safe Haven. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Register online at caymanactive.com.
CoCo Fest
“Coco Fest is really about celebrating the Cayman Coconut – a bountiful food source with legendary properties, and a traditional staple in the Caymanian diet” – Tamer Soliman, Nutritionist and Film-Maker Coco Fest will take place at Pedro Castle in Savannah on February 20 from 12PM to 4PM. Admission for adults is $5 CI and kids under 12 go free.
WED FEB 24
Conservation Council Meeting 24 February 2016
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday February 24th, 2016, from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room (1038) of the Government Administration Building (Grand Cayman). This meeting is open to observers from the public. The Agenda of the meeting will be available at the DoE website (www.DoE.ky
February Events at Camana Bay
All you need is love at Camana Bay in February. Celebrate your love of sports with Legends tennis exhibitions, get inspiration in the areas you’re passionate about with motivational presentations, treat your loved one to a special dinner or watch movies together on a giant outdoor screen under the stars. Kids can also feel the love with a chocolate-themed cooking class or boogie the night away at a special disco.
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Valentine’s Kids’ Disco
Friday 12 February
6-8pm
Starfish Village
Me & My Love Duo Cooking Class
Saturday 13 February
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Culture at the Cinema: Taming of the Shrew
Saturday 13 February
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Cooking at Home with Gina Connolly
Wednesday 17 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Floetry
Wednesday 17 February
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
A Walk in Her Shoes
Thursday 18 February
5:30pm
Market Street
The Red Violin Screening
Friday 19 February
6-7pm (meet and greet) and 7:30pm (movie screening)
Cassia Court and Regal Cinemas
Sunday 21 February
6am (start) and 12pm (finish)
Market Street
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 25 February
7pm
Ortanique
Pulse Concert
Friday 26 February
8pm
The Festival Green
Chopped: The Teen Edition
Saturday 27 February
2-3:15pm
Bon Vivant
What’s on at the Cayman Islands National Gallery
|Upcoming Events!
Charles Campbell Actor Boy Fractal Engagement (2014). An unexpected carnival procession though the narrow lanes and bustling markets of downtown Kingston.
So much more than pretty #GrittyMas
A New Travelling Exhibition
EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean is now on display at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI). Performance works by nine international artists, which took place in six different countries, tackle thought provoking topics including, social divisions, security, community development and migration.
Cine Club Film Screening
Join us on Thursday, 11 February, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM for a Cine Club Movie Screening – Black Orpheus. Set during the time of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, this colorful, atmospheric, and infections, film takes an ancient tale and makes it fresh anew, thanks in part to its bewitching bossa nova soundtrack.
Garden Lunch & Lecture
Join us on Thursday, 18 February for a Garden Lunch and lecture of EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean. Lunch has been inspired by the exhibition and its New Orleans roots. The complimentary lecture begins at 12:00 PM and lunch is served until 2:00 PM.
Musical Performance
The Cayman Arts Festival is making its way to the National Gallery. 24 February at 6:00 PM. Celebrate the sounds of African and Caribbean music as the Cayman Arts Festival showcases the musical talents of Woz Kaly, member of the Mokhtar Samba Band and local artist Beneil Miller. Admission is free.
Red Sky at Night After-hours
In celebration of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Red Sky at Night the National Gallery will be open to the public for a late night viewing of the exhibition EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean. Saturday, 27 February 2016, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Admission is free.
Young Patrons’ Circle Late Night
The National Gallery will be open for a late night viewing of the exhibition EN MAS’, 11 March 2016. Admission is free and all are welcome. Fun, art, carnival fashion and networking with like-minded individuals with an eye for arts and culture, brought to you by the Butterfield Young Patrons’ Circle. More details to follow!
Visit the Butterfield YPC Facebook page.
The History of Caribbean Carnival
Learn about the fascinating and complex history of Caribbean Carnival with the Artistic Director of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, Henry Muttoo. The special lecture takes place 26 March 2016 at the National Gallery and begins at 6:00 PM. Admission free and open to the public.
Learn more about Henry Muttoo.
Family Fun Pop-Up Station
An interactive family pop-up station designed specifically for the EN MAS’ exhibition is now open. Bring your family, learn about the history of carnival and get creative with free activity sheets. Self-guided tour packs can also be collected at reception for families to use as they explore the art installations.
Take a look at the family guide.
Free Tours for Students
Free guided tours of the exhibition EN MAS’ – are available for students of all ages at the National Gallery. Students will discuss the exhibition and get hands-on with interactive activity sheets. Topics covered include art, social studies, narratives, literacy and numeracy.
Book a tour.
Become a Member
Support free public programming, receive invitations to member-only events and exhibition openings, enjoy exclusive offers and discounts, be the first to know about upcoming events, and so much more. National Gallery memberships start at CI $50 for 12 months.
For more information go to: www.nationalgallery.org.ky
