iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
Panama Papers: Cayman Islands and Jersey on beneficial ownership
From TPA Global
In response to the ‘Panama Papers’, the Cayman Islands Ministry of Financial Services and CEO of Jersey Finance stressed the importance of beneficial ownership and reaffirmed countries’ positions regarding money laundering and tax evasion.
Geoff Cook, CEO at Jersey Finance noted that the Panama Papers challenge the use of offshore companies to hide the identities of the ultimate company owners – the beneficial owners. Hiding the identities of beneficial owners in Jersey is not allowed. He said that “Jersey has captured beneficial ownership information on a corporate registry since 1999 this enables Jersey to provide law enforcement and tax authorities with ‘adequate, accurate and timely’ data.”
He further said that “while no jurisdiction can ever guarantee it will never be used by a corrupt minority, we are confident we have world class anti-corruption measures and that few work harder than Jersey to stamp out illicit activity.”
Cayman Committed to Global Cooperation
The Cayman Islands Ministry of Financial Services Wayne Panton said that the Panama Papers further amplified the need for global cooperation, but it would need to be in accordance with accepted international standards. He informed about the two programs government is currently working on that would enable the country to better cooperate on global scale.
Regarding the beneficial ownership, Minister Panton said that “the Cayman’s proposed enhancements to our current beneficial ownership regime represent a viable alternative to the UK’s approach of a central register. This affirms our long-standing adherence to implementing international standards in a way that is effective and appropriate for our jurisdiction.”
To know more about the Panama Papers, see also our article ‘Panama Papers – a Leak of 11 Million Documents at: http://www.tpa-global.com/news/2016/04/07/panama-papers-a-leak-of-11-million-documents
HMCS Summerside returns to Halifax after anti-drug operation in Caribbean
From THE CANADIAN PRESS
HALIFAX – HMCS Summerside has returned to Halifax after an anti-narcotics mission in the Caribbean.
The Kingston-class defence vessel was involved in the seizure of almost 700 kilograms of cocaine while on patrol in the region last month.
The ship was part of the ongoing multinational mission to disrupt illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Summerside returns under the command of Lt.-Cmdr. Paul Smith, who was appointed in 2014 as the first black commanding officer of a Royal Canadian Navy warship.
The ship helped in the seizure of 16 bales of cocaine off Nicaragua.
Last month, it was joined by HMCS Saskatoon, which seized 10 bales of cocaine off the Central American coast.
Antigua & Barbuda: Gov’t works to access billions in Chinese funding
From Antigua Observer
The Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda has sanctioned the establishment of a new task force aimed at accessing billions in funding from China.
US $35 billion has been set aside as part of the China–Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (China-CELAC) Fund, which has recently been made available to the group’s member states.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Colin Murdoch said that Cabinet has already approved the China-CELAC Fund Task Force, which would determine the projects that the nation would submit to be financed.
“There are certain nominees to the task force, so it is now for us to implement that Cabinet decision and to run with it,” he said. “It is not a large task force; I would say about seven or eight persons.”
Ambassador Murdoch said the monies have been earmarked to cover “for infrastructure, integration and commercial projects by CELAC member states”.
He explained these broad categories include road works, ports, airports, the development of initiatives that would unite countries in the region, hotels, manufacturing plants, among other projects.
For more: http://antiguaobserver.com/govt-works-to-access-billions-in-chinese-funding/
Earthquake rattles Trinidad and Grenada
From Caribbean News Service
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Apr 07 2016 – Trinidad and Grenada were rattled by an earthquake Thursday the Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said.
The quake occurred at 08:22 (local time) and was registered with a magnitude of 5.7.
The SRC said that the epicenter of the quake was 105 km west of Port-of-Spain and 125 km northwest of San Fernando.
There were no reports of damages or injuries.
For more: http://caribbeannewsservice.com/now/earthquake-rattles-trinidad-and-grenada/
Bitcoin faces biggest threat yet: a Miner takeover
By DMO Affiliate From IT Business Net
The Bitcoin digital currency system is in danger of losing its credibility as an independent payment system because of the growing power of a group that runs some of the computers behind it. In recent weeks, a British-based “mining pool” called GHash has amassed nearly half of the Bitcoin computing power and has briefly gone over 50 percent. Miners operate the computers that keep track of bitcoins and create additional coins.
For more: http://www.itbusinessnet.com/article/Bitcoin-Faces-Biggest-Threat-Yet:-A-Miner-Takeover-4363980
Large viewing window installed for aquarium shark exhibit
By Kirsten Schaffer From KRISTV
IMAGE: The 759-square feet acrylic panel, weighing in at 42,000 pounds, is nine inches thick and comprised of eight chemically bonded panels.
The pieces are finally coming together over at the Texas State Aquarium’s new Caribbean Journey exhibit and Friday, one more chunk of the expansion project moved in.
That chunk was a 759 square feet acrylic panel, the largest in the United States. The window weighs 42,000 pounds, is 9 inches thick, and comprised of eight chemically bonded panels.
The panel was will be the main viewing window for the H-E-B Caribbean Shark exhibit. The new exhibit will feature more than a dozen large sharks and hundreds of marine fish.
The panel was made by Reynolds Polymer Tech in Grand Junction, Colorado.
The Aquarium’s 70,000 square foot, $55 million Caribbean Journey expansion is scheduled to open in the spring of 2017.
For more: http://www.kristv.com/story/31679594/large-viewing-window-installed-for-aquarium-shark-exhibit
(HK Sevens) Hong Kong blank Cayman Islands; Morocco stun Tonga
Fri Apr 8 2016 From Hong Kong Standard
Japan blanked Morocco 45-0 on a slightly sunny day today at the Hong Kong Stadium. They also beat Brazil 36-0 in an earlier encounter. Hong Kong easily routed Cayman Islands 43 to nothing in their opener. Tries came at regular intervals.
Yiu Kam-shing and Jamie Hood were among the try scorers for Hong Kong.
Morocco stunned Tonga having run in two tries in the first half.
For more: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=73368
CARICOM concerned about resurgence of ‘tax havens’ label in wake of Panama Papers leak
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed concern that the designation of “tax havens” is again being attached to the financial services centres in member states and associate members, following the leak of the “Panama Papers”.
The so called Panama Papers comprise over 11 million confidential files taken from the database of a Panama law firm, Mossack Fonseca.
The Community, in a statement, said the loose attribution of the ‘tax havens’ label ignores the reality that the regulation of this sector in CARICOM is fully compliant with international standards. The statement identified international standards that CARICOM members and associate members are committed to and are in compliance with.
CARICOM said as more disclosures unfold from the Panama Papers leak, it urged caution by those making the unjust labelling of the Community’s financial services centres.
Grand Court Jurors Report TIME Changed
The Grand Court Jurors report TIME has been changed.
All Grand Court Jurors who are in the ‘6th APRIL – 5th JULY 2016’ session, please be advised that you are now to report for jury duty on Monday the 11th April, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
The Jury Information line – 945-5072 – has been updated with this information.
Deadline Extended for Student Film Competition AGAIN
Budding filmmakers have a little more time to submit their stories to the Young Image Makers competition. The deadline has been extended to Wednesday, 20 April.
Hosted by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), the competition provides youngsters with the opportunity to sharpen their technical film skills and explore their creativity.
Films can focus on any subject matter and run one to three minutes. There are two age categories of competition, Junior (10 – 13 years) and Senior (14 – 17 years).
Up to 20 films will be selected for the competition. Students who are selected will participate in workshops conducted by film professionals. The experience will culminate in a red carpet event at the Harquail Theatre, as part of the CayFilm Festival on Thursday, 30 June. All films in competition will be screened that night.
Two winners will enjoy a trip to the New York Film Academy. Winning films from previous years can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/caymanculture.
Application information can be found online at www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers. Films must be submitted by 5 p.m. to the CNCF office on the deadline day.
Cayman Islands General Registry closing for staff training -Wed April 13
General Registry, including its counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close on Wednesday, 13 April, for a staff training event.
There will be limited electronic service available to CORIS/EDMS subscribers, with online queries not generating the usual immediate response.
In the event of a birth- or death-related emergency, the relevant Government agencies have been provided contact numbers for General Registry’s staff.
General Registry’s main office, including its counter, will reopen on Thursday, 14 April, at 8:30am.
General Registry apologises for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information, please call 946-7922 or email [email protected].
2016 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge
The 2016 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge will be held on Cayman Brac on Sunday, 17 April and Grand Cayman on Sunday, 24 April.
The event aims to raise $50,000 to help Cayman Heart Fund in its drive to buy a new ambulance, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Registration takes place in Cayman Brac on 7, 8, 14 and 15 April from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m in the District
Administration Building. In Grand Cayman, registration takes place on 7, 8, 14 and 15 April from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 21 and 22 April from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Government Administration Building.
Visit www.odg.gov.ky/DG5K for the registration form and further details.
Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly date set
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Following the agreement of Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, 22 March, 2016, the Premier has asked the Speaker of the House to summon the Legislative Assembly to meet on Monday, 25 April, 2016.
Government is expected to present several bills for debate and passage, including:
• Statistics (Amendment) Bill (2016)
• Standards in Public Life (Amendment) Bill (2016)
• Accountants Bill (2016)
• Companies Law (Amendment) Bill (2016)
• Limited Liability Companies Bill (2016)
• Legal Practitioners Bill (2016)
• Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill (2016)
Also to be dealt with are various private member motions and parliamentary questions.
Cayman Islands Humane Society Book Loft March Monthly Sale
50% Sale on all books
Self Help
Spiritual
Parenting
Biographies
Sport’s
+
Buy 1 CD Get 1 FREE
Tel: 946-8053
Location – next to ALT’s on North Sound Road
Internship with Prosperity Capital Management
This internship is being offered by Prosperity Capital Management Ltd, as part of the National Internship Programme. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience of accounting as well as some specifics of the funds industry. Various practical training sessions will be offered combined with the daily hands-on experience. The internship opportunity is available for those studying finance or accounting at a local college/university. Email [email protected] or call 945-3114 for application forms. Deadline is April 24th 2016.
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/
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
MON APR 11
Communicating Effectively
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting Communicating Effectively by Terry Carson on Monday and Tuesday (11 & 12 Apr) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Week of the Young Child Pajama Party
The Week of the Young Child Pajama Party is Monday (11 Apr) from 6 — 8pm at Gardenia Court in Camana Bay.
WED APR 13
Bookends Club
The Bookends Club’s next meeting is Wednesday (13 Apr) from 630 to 730pm at Books and Books.
Young Image Makers competition
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation has extended its registration deadline for students wishing to enter their short films in the Young Image Makers competition. Budding filmmakers can now submit their entries now through Wednesday (13 Apr.) Interested persons can submit films to CNCF offices behind Harquail Theatre by 5.00 p.m. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.artscayman.org/young-image-makers , for more details, email [email protected]
International tenor to conduct free workshop at Cayman University
After a successful run in Europe and the USA, international tenor soloist Steve Higgins is conducting his Jamaican Folk Music workshop at the University College of the Cayman Islands on Wednesday, April 13.
This event is free and open to the public.
Jamaican Folk Music workshop
You’re invited to a Jamaican Folk Music workshop on Wednesday (13 Apr) at 2pm at UCCI’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall.
Read to Tots Day
As part of Week of the Young Child, you’re invited to Read to Tots Day on Wednesday (13 Apr) from 9 until noon at participating Early Childhood Education Centers.
THU APR 14 – SUN APR 24
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
The Cayman Drama Society presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat with shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday from April 7th through April 24th at 730pm. There will also be matinees on April 17th and 24th at 5pm.
SAT APR 16
Culture at the Cinema Man and Superman
Culture at the Cinema featuring Man and Superman is Saturday (16 Apr) at 7pm at Regal Cinemas.
Camana Bay’s Slow Food Day Food Revolution Kids Culinary Challenge is Saturday (16 Apr) from 1230pm to 2pm in Gardenia Court at Camana Bay. The Farm to Table dinner is at 7pm on The Crescent.
Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Clean-Up
Volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Clean-Up on April 16 from 7a.m. — 10 a.m. Resources will be provided while supplies last. Register at www.caymanchamber.ky
Earth Day Island Wide Roadside Clean-Up
The Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Island Wide Roadside Clean-Up on April 16. Anyone interested in sponsoring or participating can contact Nikita Durrant at reception@caymanchamber.
20th Annual Earth Day Clean-Up
The 20th Annual Earth Day Clean-Up will be on April 16th with brunch and a Family Fun Day at Public Beach after the Clean-Up!
SUN APR 17
Dr. J. Hugh Cummings Memorial 5K Walk
The Annual Dr. J. Hugh Cummings Memorial 5K Walk is Sunday (17 Apr) at 6:30 AM.
MON APR 18
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – Cayman Islands Discs
Rev Mary Graham picks musical disks she takes with her that mean a lot to her and why.
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm – 9pm
Admission $5 includes light refreshments
TUE APR 19
Seafarers Association General Meeting
The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association wishes to inform all Members that there will be a General Meeting, on Tuesday 19 April 2016 at 7:30 PM. in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave. Prospect.
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – Bingo
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm – 9pm
Admission $5
WED APR 20
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (20 Apr) at 630pm at Books and Books.
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – St George Mass
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm
THU APR 21
Glen Inanga Piano Recital for Cayman Islands Arts Festival Scholarship Programme
Immigration: Work Permits
The Chamber of Commerce presents Immigration: Work Permits with Nick Joseph on Thursday (21 Apr) from 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – ABBA Movie Night
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm
Movie: Mama Mia
Admission $5 Includes light refreshments. Dress up as ABBA.
FRI APR 22
St George’s Anglican Church Patronal Festival – Family Feast & Games Night
Church Hall, Courts Road, off Eastern Ave. 7pm
Tickets $15 Adults Child $5
SAT APR 23
Rotary Science Fair
The Rotary Science Fair is Saturday (23 Apr) from 10 to 3pm at the Arts and Recreation Center.
Sixth Annual Breast Cancer Beach Walk
The Sixth Annual Breast Cancer Beach Walk is Saturday (23 April) at Royal Palms at 7pm. Register now at breastcancerfoundation.ky.
SUN APR 24
Revival Services
The Red Bay Church of God (Holiness) will hold Revival Services Sunday — Friday (24 – 29 Apr) at 6PM on Sunday and 730pm on weeknights.
Prosperity Capital Management Internship
Apply now for an internship with Prosperity Capital Management. This internship is being offered as part of the National Internship Programme. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience of accounting as well as some specifics of the funds industry. Various practical training sessions will be offered combined with the daily hands-on experience. The internship opportunity is available for those studying finance or accounting at a local college/university. Email [email protected] or call 945-3114 for application forms. Deadline is April 24th 2015.
April Events at Camana Bay
This is the month to experience all things local with the return of Slow Food Day, a full-day event celebrating Cayman’s home-grown food scene. You can find your next treasure at a car boot sale, get your kids to fall in love with reading during a weekly book club or take some time for yourself and enjoy pampering opportunities with Eclipze Hair Design & Day Spa’s 23rd anniversary celebration. With Mother’s Day approaching, you can also celebrate early with a special Mom & Me cooking class and a family portrait session.
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Tai Chi
Sunday 3 April
8:30am
The Crescent
Simplifying Healthy with Saucha
Tuesday 5 April
6-8pm
Eclipze’s 23rd Anniversary Open House
Friday 8 April
10am-7pm
Eclipze Hair Design & Day Spa
Guardians Alive 5/10K Walk and Run
Saturday 9 April
6-8am
Cayman International School
Car Boot Sale
Saturday 9 April
9-11am
Cayman International School
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Club
9, 16, 23, 30 April
1-2:30pm
Starfish Village
Week of the Young Child Pajama Party
Monday 11 April
6-8pm
Curry at Home Cooking Class
Wednesday 13 April
6-8pm
The Bookends Club
Wednesday 13 April
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Market & Chef Demonstrations
Saturday 16 April
10am-12pm
The Paseo, Gardenia Court and Bon Vivant
Food Revolution Kids’ Culinary Challenge
Saturday 16 April
12:30-2pm
Slow Food Day
Farm-to-Table Dinner
Saturday 16 April
7pm
The Crescent
Culture at the Cinema
Man and Superman
Saturday 16 April
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Burger Beer Bash Cooking Class
Tuesday 19 April
6-8pm
Floetry
Wednesday 20 April
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Rotary Science Fair
Saturday 23 April
10am-3pm
The Arts & Recreation Centre
Budding Chef Cooking Class
Pizza Mania
Saturday 23 April
12-1pm
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 28 April
7pm
Ortanique
Mother’s Day Portraits
Saturday 30 April
10am-1pm
Mom & Me Cooking Class
Saturday 30 April
12-1pm
