iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
Express approval exchange agreement between Cayman Islands and former Netherlands Antilles Islands
From Curacao Chronicle
THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch House of Representatives wants the approval of the treaty between the Netherlands, on behalf of the former islands of the Netherlands Antilles, and the Cayman Islands for the exchange of information relating to taxes, to be subject to the express approval of the States General.
To this end, the Minister of Foreign Affairs presented a proposal of statute law in parliament.
Earlier, the proposal had been sent to both parliament chambers for approval (V-N 2016 / 21.4).
The approval is requested for Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean part of the Netherlands.
IMAGE: Dutch Parliament
Haiti – Sports : A young haitian woman pilot in the Caribbean Air Rally 2016
From Haiti Libre
Following the evaluation in April 2015 of Haiti’s capacity to host a stage of the 7th edition of the Governor General’s Cup Caribbean Air Rally (11 to 25 April 2016) the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industry (MTIC), confirmed that the International Air Rally will officially stop in Haiti Cap Haitien on 23 and 24 April 2016. An event that represents a great promotional opportunity for Haiti because of the visibility worldwide of this Rally.
Innovation to the program this year, an armada of 25 to 30 aircraft from different countries and continents, will land in Cap Haitien with at its head Marie Yves Edouard Montima, a young Haitian pilot who was invited by the organizers of the Air Rally to take the controls of an aircraft alongside his mentor, a young woman teacher from Texas, employee from Bombardier, one of the sponsors who co-fiancing Marie in partnership with the International Air Rally, Sunrise Airlines and the Ministry of Tourism of Haiti.
Haiti prepares to celebrate its young pilot who has invested much effort and passed through many challenges to become a pilot, supported by the Haitian Foundation of Aeronautics Education, a nonprofit organization.
Note has each stop of this rally, the students of the islands will be invited to see the planes, talk with the pilots and in some occasions, enjoy introductory flights offered by volunteer pilots.
As part of the Air Rally, a first in Haiti, a preparatory meeting was held recently, bringing together several representatives of the tourism sector, aviation and government include: Maryse Noël, the Director General of the Tourism Ministry, Frantz Faustin, Director of the National Airport Authority, the directors of the OFNAC, of the Regional Bureau of Tourism, of the Immigration and Cap Haitien Mayor.
See also:
http://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-17173-icihaiti-air-rally-a-first-in-haiti.html
http://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-13700-haiti-news-some-news-here-and-there.html
Hurricane Hunters conduct hurricane awareness tour
By Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens, 403rd Wing Public Affairs From Dobbins Air Reserve Base
IMAGE: Lt. Gen. William H. Etter, Commander, Continental North American Aerospace Defense Region-1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern), thanks Refael Pacchiano Alaman, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Mexico, and Roberto Ramirez de la Parra, Director General of Con Agua, Mexico, (second from right) for the strong partnership and working relationships between the United States and Mexican governments on hurricane preparedness. The general, Mexican officials, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials flew on a Hurricane Hunter WC-130J weather aircraft from Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, April 12, 2016, during the first part of the 2016 Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour, which promotes hurricane preparedness throughout the Central American and Caribbean regions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens)
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. —
The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center partnered together for another year to promote hurricane preparedness through the Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour April 9-17.
The purpose of this tour, also known as the CHAT, is to raise hurricane awareness across Latin America and the Caribbean, and to maintain and expand partnerships among the NHC, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Air Force and neighbors in the region.
The Hurricane Hunters and NHC officials stopped at four different locations during their tour; two were in Mexico – Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, and two were in the Caribbean – the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. NHC officials taking part in the tour were Dr. Rick Knabb, NHC director, Lixion Avila, NHC senior hurricane specialist, and Gladys Rubio, Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch meteorologist.
“The key to this tour is encouraging people to prepare in advance, before the next hurricane while the weather is still good, because figuring out your hurricane plan is very difficult when the hurricane is on your doorstep,” said Knabb.
Col. Frank Amodeo, commander of the 403rd Wing, of which the 53rd WRS is a component, said, “Beyond just providing data for the National Hurricane Center, the great thing about this mission is that we are ambassadors for the United States visiting our allies, our friends and our neighbors. We’re educating them not just about hurricane preparedness, but also giving them a peek at our military and our commitment to the region.”
For the first leg of the tour, Hurricane Hunters and NHC officials stopped at the international airport in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to provide information to local residents and media about their missions and hurricane preparedness.
Several officials from various Mexican government organizations toured the aircraft and talked both with Hurricane Hunter crew members and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. William H. Etter, Commander, Continental North American Aerospace Defense Region-1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern).
Amodeo spoke to the importance of the U.S. Air Force Northern Command’s participation in this event.
“(This mission) also entails partnering with other countries, so in addition to promoting hurricane preparedness, this is also a ready-made theater security cooperation mission,” said Amodeo. “So for NORTHCOM to embrace (the CHAT) and include this in their annual planning is the right thing to do, and General Etter, our 1st Air Force commander, got to see that firsthand.”
The next day the general and two Mexican officials, Roberto Ramirez de la Parra, Director General of Conagua, Mexico, and Rafael Pacchiano Alaman, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Mexico, flew with the Hurricane Hunters to the next stop on the tour, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. During the flight, Etter thanked the officials for the strong partnerships and working relationships between the U.S. and Mexican governments.
The Hurricane Hunters next scheduled stop on the CHAT was Tegucigalpa, Honduras, but inclement weather prevented them from landing there, and the Hurricane Hunters had to divert to their next scheduled stop in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, arriving April 13.
This was the first time the Hurricane Hunters and NHC members visited these Caribbean islands since the tours began in the 1970s. Hurricane Hunters met with local government officials, such as Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Premier and Minister of Tourism, and Sharleen DaBreo, director of the British Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management, to discuss ways to coordinate and distribute weather data. They also provided tours of the WC-130J weather aircraft they flew and visited local schools to talk with students about the Hurricane Hunter mission and hurricane preparedness.
The final stop of the tour was at Ponce, Puerto Rico. The Hurricane Hunters provided a tour of their WC-130J weather aircraft to more than 10,000 visitors April 16 as well as interviews to local media that day. Maria Melendez, Mayor of Ponce, welcomed the Hurricane Hunters and NHC officials upon their arrival April 15 to thank them for the data they provide for hurricane forecasting, and Angel Crespo, Puerto Rico Emergency Management director, thanked them for the mission they perform, which provides his department information distributed to the public to help with hurricane preparedness.
“Many years ago you would see people scrambling to the stores to buy supplies just before a hurricane arrives, but you don’t see that as much anymore,” said Crespo. “The information provided by the Hurricane Hunters and National Hurricane Center helps us provide information to the people so they prepare themselves in advance for the upcoming storm season.”
For 1st Lt. Leesa Froelich, 53rd WRS aerial reconnaissance weather officer, this was her fourth year as an ARWO, but her first year participating in the CHAT. She also stressed the significance of these tours to the public.
“These tours are very important for the public since it gives them the opportunity to see and learn about what we do, and to learn about how to prepare for when a storm comes their way,” said Froelich.
For another member of the 53rd WRS, this was his eleventh and final CHAT with the Hurricane Hunters. Lt. Col. Jon Talbot, 53rd WRS chief ARWO, who is scheduled to retire June 2016, expressed his appreciation for being able to take part in these tours throughout the years.
“It’s a culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people, and I’ve really enjoyed taking part in getting this vital message about hurricane preparedness out to people in this part of the world,” said Talbot.
Child month cupcake war open to students in Cayman Brac
Young pastry chefs in Cayman Brac are invited to take part in the Child Month Cupcake Wars competition. Taking place on Saturday 30 April at the Layman Scott High School, the competition challenges bakers to create two cupcakes, a cupcake using fruit in the recipe and a diabetic friendly cupcake.
Bakers ages 10 – 25 years old are welcomed to participate, at no charge. The competition is sponsored by the Youth Services Unit, Kiwanis Club, Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), Department of Children and Family Services, The Ministry of Tourism and the Layman Scott Senior High School.
For more information email [email protected]
2016 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge Grand Cayman
The 2016 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge will be held on 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 on Thursday, 21 April and Friday, 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 Voicemail Migration IMPORTANT UPDATE from FLOW
From FLOW Cayman Islands
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances and to ensure you get a great experience, we are delaying our voicemail migration which was scheduled to take place on Sunday 17th April.
Once the new date is confirmed for the migration we will let you know.
Thanks for your patience.
Britain launches $300 million Caribbean Infrastructure Fund
By Benjamin Flowers From The Reporter Newspaper
Commonwealth Caribbean countries now have access to a £300 million fund (some US $426.5 million) for infrastructure projects, through the newly launched United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF).
Baroness Sandip Verma, the UK’s Development Minister for the Caribbean, launched the UKCIF on Monday at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Jamaica. At the launch she announced that the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a partner agency in the project, is ready to receive applications for projects to be funded.
Baroness Verma acknowledged that the region faces challenges with growth, and encouraged eligible countries to submit their applications as soon as possible so that work can begin.
“The money will be used to fund discrete or visible component parts of larger projects. While co-financing may be used on larger projects for other components, the UKCIF will always constitute the majority financing,” the UK government’s press office explained.
Prime Minister David Cameron first announced that the UK would be setting up the fund when he visited Jamaica and Grenada in September 2015. The fund will help countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Montserrat,with infrastructure works such as bridges and roads, to help spur economic growth.
During his visit to the Caribbean, Cameron explained that the fund will make the UK one of the largest donors to the region. His two day tour was focused on reinvigorating the relationship between the UK and the Caribbean countries.
For more: http://www.reporter.bz/business/britain-launches-300-million-caribbean-infrastructure-fund/
Cayman Islands: Call for Hurricane Shelter Volunteers
The Department of Children and Family Services is inviting individuals to sign up as shelter volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season.
The Shelter Operations 2016 Hurricane Training for Shelter Managers & District Representatives Volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season will be held over two days on Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May at the Prospect Primary School Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Registration begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.
All volunteers MUST complete both days of training.
For more information contact Ernesto Carter at the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 or
email [email protected] (GIS)
St George’s Week
At St George’s Anglican Church Hall, Courts Road, Off Eastern Ave., George Town, Grand Cayman
Grand Court Jurors Report DATE Changed
The Grand Court Jurors report DATE 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 WEDNESDAY the 13th April, 2016, at 9:45 a.m.
The Jury Information line – 945-5072 – has the most up to date 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 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.
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/
New Exhibition at the Cayman Islands National Gallery! And Events!!
New Art Exhibition Now Open!
Native Sons – Twenty Years On
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Exhibition Curated by Kerri-Anne Chisholm
Sponsored in part by Cayman National Bank
8 April 2016 – 25 June 2016
Free Admission! Plan your visit.
Members’ Reception
We had a wonderful opening event with National Gallery members and guests to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Native Sons. For more information about NGCI memberships email [email protected].
Take a look at the event photos at web link below
Caymanian-Style Family Day
Saturday, 23 April, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Join the NGCI Education Department for free family fun art activities based on the exhibition Native Sons – Twenty Years On. Special workshop with Native Sons artist Chris Christian starts at 10:00 AM.
Upcoming Panel Discussion
Wednesday, 27 April. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Discussion begins at 6:00 PM. Join artists, curators and members of the public for a thought provoking panel discussion about the work of the Native Sons and Caymanian art. Admission is free.
Conversations with the Curator
Thursday, 2 June. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Tour begins at 6:00 PM. Join the exhibition’s curator Kerri-Anne Chisholm as she takes you through a 20-year journey of the Native Sons. Explore the exhibition and learn about Caymanian artists. Admission is free and all are welcome.
In the News
See the Full Programme
Want to view the full programme of events related to the exhibition Native Sons – Twenty Years On?
Visit our website and learn about upcoming art workshops, student resources, film screenings and more!
Thank you!
Thank you to Cayman National for part sponsoring the exhibition Native Sons – Twenty Years On. We couldn’t do what we do without the support from corporate organisations like Cayman National. We are truly thankful that we can offer free admission to everyone and an extensive programme of free community events.
Register and/or RSVP at link below for all events
Website: www.nationalgallery.org.ky
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
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 & Line Dancing
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.
Cayman Outreach Association Dinner Meeting
Cayman Outreach Association invites the public to a dinner meeting on Saturday, April 23rd at 7:15 pm at the Triple C School Auditorium. Dr. Moland Pusey of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida will be the guest speaker. Call 925-7798 for details.
Service of Thanksgiving
As part of the St. George’s Patronal Festival, you’re invited to Service of Thanksgiving on Saturday (23 Apr) at 6pm.
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.
Convocation 2016
Members of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will gather on Sunday (24 Apr) at the Cayman Prep and High School Auditorium to celebrate Convocation 2016. The theme this year is ‘Discipleship: Discipline and Dedication’
TUE APR 26
Time Management & Productivity
The Chamber of Commerce presents Time Management & Productivity with Catherine Tyson on Tuesday (26 Apr) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
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:
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
