iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
Cayman Islands government and Paul Allen agree on restoration of coral
The Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DoE) and Paul Allen’s company Vulcan Inc. issued a joint statement on Thursday (25) to repair the coral that was said to be damaged by Allen’s 303 ft Superyacht Tatoosh.
The DoE and Vulcan jointly administered plan “has the immediate focus of helping to speed up the recovery of the damaged site, and to minimise or prevent ongoing losses and harm to the injured coral habitat.”
Polaris Applied Sciences Inc., a coral reef restoration firm has been contracted by Vulcan to stabilize or remove larger rubble and prevent continued and future damage to nearby living and established resources from the impacts of rubble movement.
Polaris and staff of the DoE have already completed triage to the affected coral.
Oversight of the restoration activities will be carried out by Dr Harold Hudson, a world leader in restoration of coral habitats. Hudson was formerly of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and has been engaged by Vulcan. He will report to Vulcan and the DoE.
Monitoring of the restoration effort will be executed by the DoE.
UPDATED: Smugglers intercepted by Cayman Islands police marine vessel and police helicopter Tuesday (23) night
From RCIPS
UPDATE:
Tuesday Night’s Police Interception of Smuggling Activity Yields Significant Ganja Recovery
The contraband confiscated from the suspicious vessel beached in the vicinity of North Side on Tuesday night, 23 February, has been examined and was found to be 509lbs. of Ganja.
The man, age 59, arrested that night has been charged with Conspiracy to Import Ganja and will appear in court this morning.
“Given public concern regarding illegal drugs and firearms coming into the country, the Joint Marine Unit and the Air Operations Unit have been working very closely to ensure that we maximize opportunities to protect our borders,” said Inspector Leo Anglin, Commander of the RCIPS Joint Marine Unit. “Tuesday night’s arrest and confiscation of a significant quantity of ganja signals to drugs and firearms smugglers both here and in other jurisdictions that smuggling will not be tolerated here. Already this year we have seized 706 lbs. of ganja and also recovered one semi-automatic and 64 rounds of ammunition.”
Boat Intercept 01 – The suspicious vessel
Boat Intercept 02 – the Niven D pursues the suspicious vessel
Boat Intercept 03 – Pursuit continues
FORMER RELEASE:
Around 9PM Tuesday night, 23 February, while on routine border patrol duties, the crew on the police helicopter spotted a suspicious vessel two miles north of the Grand Cayman. Co-ordinating with officers onboard the police marine boat Niven D, the suspicious vessel, which appeared to be engaged in smuggling activities, was intercepted off North Side. The vessel immediately accelerated toward shore and the Niven D and police helicopter gave chase. The occupants of the vessel beached it in the vicinity of North Side and decamped into the bush. The vessel and contraband onboard were recovered by police.
A search operation for the persons from the vessel was implemented in North Side, during which a man, age 59, of West Bay, was arrested. Police are looking for other persons who fled into the bush.
Anyone with information regarding this incident and the whereabouts of the other persons from the vessel is urged to call the George Town Police Station at 949-4222 or Crime Stoppers at 800-8477(TIPS). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online to Crime Stoppers at http://www.crimestoppers.ky/home/.
Trini man attacks ex-gf with acid, forces her to drink it
TRINIDAD EXPRESS – Armed with a bottle of acid, a knife, rope and duct tape, a San Fernando man allegedly attempted to kill his ex-lover on Monday.
The victim, Rachael Chadee, was doused with acid, then forced to consume some of the corrosive liquid by the suspect.
Chadee, 35, a mother of three, was also cut on the face with a knife during a struggle with the man, before he escaped through the same window he had used to enter the house.
The suspect, a 40-year-old man who had shared a 14-year relationship with Chadee is still on the run.
Police had warrants out for his arrest for several months in connection with a cocaine possession charge and for breaching a protection order taken out by Chadee.
20-y-o Guyanese immigration officer wanted for narco trafficking still at large
INEWS GUYANA – The police are on the hunt for 20-year-old Kidron Junior Waldron, an immigration officer, who is wanted for questioning in relation to trafficking in narcotics on February 2, last, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
Based on investigations led by the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), Orin Parris, 24, of 74 Timehri; Oral David, 29, of 401 Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara; and Raduskie Wright, 24, of 271 Number 77 New Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Berbice; along with a Roraima Airways Security officer Diane Jackson, 31, of Lot 17 Soesdyke/Linden Highway were all charged with conspiracy to traffic a quantity of cocaine.
Waldron has since gone into hiding. It alleged that the men colluded with others to place cocaine in the baggage hold of a Dynamic Airways Flight. The cocaine was detected upon landing at the JFK International Airport and is said to have weighed about two pounds.
Waldron’s last known address is said to be in the Soesdyke village, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Law enforcement officials are asking that anyone with any information which may lead to the arrest of Waldron to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-1111, 226-2870, 227-1149, 225-6411, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station.
IMAGE: Waldron
Jamaicans decide way forward in general election today (Thu 25)
February 25, 2016 – Political pundits, using recent opinion polls, believe the election will go down to the wire in the race for the 63 parliamentary seats.
However, the two major political parties — the People’s National Party (PNP), which has campaigned under the slogan ‘Step Up the Progress’, and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which has promising voters to move them from ‘Poverty to Prosperity’ — were, up to last night, brimming with confidence that they will take home the election.
While people will go out to vote for their respective candidates, several say their vote will be for the leader of the parties, the PNP’s 70-year-old Portia Simpson Miller and Andrew Holness, the 43-year-old leader of the JLP.
Yesterday, there was a frenzy of activity at PNP headquarters on Old Hope Road and the JLP headquarters on Belmont Road, both in Kingston, as the parties made final preparations for today’s vote.
The PNP’s car park was full as workers and technocrats had last-minute discussions, including the placement of their ‘victory stage’, which will have a special entrance for the party president and prime minister, Simpson Miller.
The media were also shown the areas from which they will operate, while a large screen will be placed near the stage area where supporters can follow the box-by-box count. That section of Old Hope Road will be blocked off to vehicular traffic.
Wednesday is Quiz Night (Mar 2)
From CARE – Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
Lion’s Club of Tropical Gardens Fitness Test – Flashback to the 80’s
Sunday March 6 at 8:00am
Venue The ARC Camana Bay
What’s Happening at UCCI?
Fun activities. Employment opportunities. Scholarships abroad. Awesome events. It’s all here!
Chamber of Commerce Careers Expo 2016 Friday, Feb. 26 (10 am – 6 pm)
UCCI Sir Vassel Johnson Hall
Get noticed by employers from the finance, tourism, legal, banking and other industries.
Learn about scholarship opportunities locally and abroad.
Get tips on how to advance yourself, win your dream job and achieve success.
Don’t forget to visit the UCCI booth and have fun with #teamUCCI. Take the most popular selfie or play Wheel of Fortune/Chain Reaction and win some fab prizes.
Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for sneak peeks and updates!
Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities
Summer and Fall 2016
Germany, Canada, Spain or the UK? Where will you be jetting off to? There’s a host of scholarship/study abroad opportunities for students who have the passion to learn and the will to succeed.
Don’t miss out on these great experiences.
Find out more!
TEDxUCCI:FutureVision
Great talks. Interesting conversations.
March 19, 2016
Next month, on March 19th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., TEDxUCCI 2016 will showcase live speakers who will be addressing a range of topics important to the future of the Cayman Islands. The theme for this event is “FutureVision” and the range of topics spans conservation, new energy sources, the ocean’s potential, improved health, technical literacy, economic and social sustainability, creativity, and how to deal with today’s increasingly complex world. A musical performance will be offered by the UCCI theatre arts students and food will be prepared by UCCI hospitality students.
$10 – Students and $25 – Non-Students.
Registration deadline: February 29
Register now!
Recently…
Our students have been getting kudos from the community. The TG Omega Leo Club hosted a Valentines-themed photo booth to raise funds for various charitable initiatives and were featured in the Compass.
The SHS students under Ms. Tanique Dunbar and Mr. Wayne Jackson’s mentorship emerged as champions in the National Youth Cook-Off at the Cayman Agricultural Show.
Hours extended for free HIV testing in Cayman Islands
The Public Health Department wishes to advise the public of extended hours for free HIV screenings offered at the Cayman Islands Red Cross on Huldah Avenue, George Town.
The free testing is now available from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. every Tuesday.
For more information about Free HIV Testing, contact HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Laura Elniski at 244-2507 or [email protected] or CI Red Cross Programmes Manager, Carolina Ferreira at 916-1742 or [email protected]y
Cayman Islands Voter Registration at Brac Ag Show on Saturday (27)
Elections Office announces voter registration at the Cayman Brac Ag Show on Saturday, 27 February 2016.
See attached
The 7th Annual CARE/BRITCAY -K9/5K
From CARE – Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
Registration for the 7th annual K9/5K 2015 is now open! This year, our annual walk/run will take place on Sunday, March 13th @ Camana Bay.
CARE-Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
938 2273
7th annual St. Ignatius Scramble
Date: March 18 2016 Time: 1:00 PM To 6:00 PM
North Sound Golf Club Phone: 949-6797
Register Event : 7th annual St. Ignatius Scramble. Room for 96 players in teams of 4. Directions: North Sound Golf Club.
Cayman Islands: One way traffic flow at ORIA
The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) would like to advise motorists that the lane leading to the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) will soon be one way only. This latest change is part of the new parking revenue system upgrade at the airport. The one way traffic flow will be phased in over the next week. Changes will also be made to the entrance and exit for short term parking and the public is being asked to pay close attention to signage that will be in place.
The Airports Authority would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused and would like to ask for the public’s patience as the CIAA works towards implementing this much needed upgrade in our continuing efforts to improve customer service at the Airport. The one way traffic flow system will be in place by Monday 29 February
Express Processing Available for Business Licensing Applications
Business owners are reminded that they can obtain express processing for their trade and business licensing applications.
To receive licences within five business days, persons can pay $400 for grants and $100 for renewals, in addition to other required application fees. Along with complete applications, all fees are to be submitted to the Business Licensing Counter, located on the first floor in the Government Administration Building, between 9am and 4pm, Mondays to Fridays.
For more information on trade and business licensing, please call the Department of Commerce and Investment on 945-0943 or email [email protected]
Cayman Islands Public Holidays in 2016 Confirmed
The full list of public holidays in 2016 is now released, with the Queen’s Birthday holiday confirmed for Monday, 13 June 2016.
The complete list is appended below.
Art through Cancer- Cancer through Art
Thu April 7 – May 12
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
FRI DEC 26
Department of Agriculture Cayman Brac Office Closure
The Department of Agriculture Cayman Brac Office will be closed on Friday (26 Feb) in preparation of the Annual Agricultural Show on Saturday (27 Feb).
SAT FEB 27
FGBMFI Breakfast
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday February 27th at 7:30am, at Lola’s ( formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay. Our Speaker will be Mr. Kevin McCormac.
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
Cayman Brac Agriculture Show
The Cayman Brac Agriculture Show is Saturday (27 Feb) from 8am — 5pm at the agriculture grounds off songbird drive.
Orchid Show and Sale
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, in partnership with the Cayman Islands Orchid Society is hosting our annual Orchid Show and Sale on February 27th and 28th.
Princess Tea Party
The Girls Brigade National Council’s annual fundraising event, Princess Tea Party, is Saturday (27 Feb) at #1237 Frank Sound Road in North Side at 3:30pm. Tickets are available from any girls brigade officer.
EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands will be open to the public on Saturday (27 Feb) for a late night viewing of the exhibition EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean. This late night viewing is in conjunction with the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Cayfest event, “Red Sky at Night.
MON FEB 29
Cayman Islands Airports Authority Road Work
The Cayman Islands Airports Authority advises motorists that the lane leading to the Owen Roberts International Airport will soon be one way only. This latest change is part of the new parking revenue system upgrade at the airport. The one way traffic flow will be phased in over the next week. Changes will also be made to the entrance and exit for short term parking and the public is being asked to pay close attention to signage that will be in place.
Grand Court Jurors Notice
All Grand Court Jurors who are in the current session must now report on Monday (29 Feb) at 945am.
TUE MAR 1
Free HIV screenings
The Public Health Department wishes to advise the public of extended hours for free HIV screenings offered at the Cayman Islands Red Cross on Huldah Avenue, George Town. The free testing is now available from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. every Tuesday.
THU MAR 3
Cardinal Avenue Street Fair
The Cardinal Avenue Street Fair is Thursday (3 Mar) from 9am until 4pm.
FRI MAR 4
St. Ignatius Fling School Fair
The St. Ignatius Fling School Fair is Friday (4 Mar) from 3 — 6pm on the school grounds.
SUN MAR 6
Lion’s Club of Tropical Gardens Fitness Test – Flashback to the 80’s
Sunday March 6 at 8:00am
Venue The ARC Camana Bay
The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens presents Fitness Fest — Flashback to the 80s — on Sunday (6 Mar) at 8am at the ARC at Camana Bay. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids between the ages of 12 and 18. All funds raised will go toward our many community projects including early childhood and youth, geriatrics and social services, diabetes education and eyeglass recycling programs.
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:
Friday 26 February
8pm
The Festival Green
Chopped: The Teen Edition
Saturday 27 February
2-3:15pm
Bon Vivant
Cayman Islands National Gallery Weekly News
Curator’s Spotlight
Position & Powerby Marlon Griffith
Inspired by Japanese aestheticism and the looming police ‘watch towers’ that have become integral to Trinidad carnival, POSITIONS+POWER highlights the uneasiness of ever increasing police surveillance. This work skilfully brings urban performance art on to the walls of the institution.
Learn more here.
The Art of Love
“Cayman’s hottest new wedding venue is the National Gallery.The contemporary cultural institution has a lot to offer: stunning architecture, cultural cachet, gorgeous sculpture gardens and galleries highlighting work by Cayman’s most recognizable artists.”
Read more about it here!
Cayman Brac Classes
Did you know that the National Gallery offers six art classes in Cayman Brac! For more information about art classes and happenings on our Sister Islands get in touch with the NGCI Education Department.
Send us an email.
Hamlet on the Big Screen
Especially for Valentine’s Day, Culture at the Cinema presents the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of The Taming of the Shrewon Saturday 13th February. Doors open at 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM.
Shakespeare and bubbles at the cinema.
Bringing Learning to Life
NGCI’s Minds Inspired Active Learning Series bring students outside of the classroom and into an environment where fun creative learning thrives. Students explore links to literacy, numeracy, science and social studies.Tours run throughout the year and can be booked through the NGCI Education Department.
Bring a Date!
The National Gallery is a great spot to bring a date. Peaceful gardens, inspiring exhibitions, fantastic shopping and more! You can even get in touch with our team to book private curator led tours. Happy Valentine’s!
Book a private tour.
@NatGalCayman | www.nationalgallery.org.ky | (345) 945 8111 | [email protected]
Community Calendar
(non-NGCI events)
The National Gallery seeks to promote visual arts in and of the Cayman Islands. Through this e-bulletin you can learn about other arts-related happenings in our community.
What’s Happening
VAS (Visual Art Society)
Life Drawing Tonight with Model Drop-in Workshops
Watler House Studio- Pedro’s Castle
Tuesday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM / Saturday 10:00 AM – noon
Email [email protected]
Cayman Arts Festival
Tickets on sale now for Troubadours & Steel
Email [email protected]
Social Clubs, Groups & Associations
VAS (Visual Art Society)
Drop-in OPEN STUDIOS
Monday morning Paintings: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
First Sunday of each month Ceramics: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Watler House Studio, Pedro’s Castle
Email [email protected]
Cayman Islands Astronomical Society
Meets three days after the new moon at Pedro’s Castle
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Contact Chris Cooke on (345) 925 7657
Email [email protected]
Grand Cayman Toastmasters Club (Public Speaking)
Meets every Thursday at George Town Public Library,
3rd Floor, 68 Edward Street
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Email [email protected] or [email protected].
Cayman Islands Photography Club
Meets on 1st Thursday of the month at Breezes Restaurant (3rd floor)
5:00 PM
Contact Mike Whiteman on (345) 925 2161
Opportunities
Camana Bay Artisian Market
Every Wednesday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
VAS tents located by Karoo along the Paseo
Display artwork for sale
Contact [email protected].
Open Canvas VAS (Visual Art Society)
Every Wednesday 7 pm to Midnight
At Karoo Restaurant Terrace at Camana Bay
Easels provided – no fee required
Participating artist receive 2 tickets for house wine or beer compliments of Karoo
For more info contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Various events at the Visual Arts Society
Visual Arts Society of the Cayman Islands
Contact Mary McCallum
[email protected] or [email protected].
(345) 546-9422
Website www.visualartcayman.com or www.facebook.com/visualartcayman.
The Grand Cayman Beach Suites
Opportunity for artists to display their artwork in the
Royal Crown Ballroom free of charge.
For more information contact Marco Mauthner
Cayman Islands Craft Market (waterfront)
Come out and support our local artists.
Items on sale include prints and original pieces.
Please contact Cira Bush on (345) 929 4777.
‘Big Ole Looky Ya’ cultural festival
National Museum of the Cayman Islands
National Museum, George Town
(345) 949 8368
Website: www.museum.ky.