iNews Briefs, More & Community Events
Community Events
MAY 26
National Conservation Council Meeting
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Tuesday (26 May) from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room of the Government Administration Building . The Agenda of the meeting is available on the Department of Environment’s website: www.doe.ky
Cayman Islands Agricultural Society Meeting
The Cayman Islands Agricultural Society invites everyone interested in animal importations to a meeting at the William Allen Civic Center in East End on Tuesday (26 May) at 7:30pm.
MAY 27
2015 Hurricane Training
2015 Hurricane Training for Shelter Managers & District Representative Volunteers are Wednesday and Thursday (27 May & 28 May) at the Prospect Primary School Hall from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. For more information call 949-0290.
Nosotros: Spanish Floetry
Nosotros: Spanish Floetry is Wednesday (27 May) at 7pm at Books & Books.
Basic food hygiene course
Certification courses in basic food hygiene are being offered by the Department of Environmental Health. The next meeting is Wednesday (27May) from 9am until 4pm. For more information, call the DEH at 949-6696.
MAY 28
Cayman Islands Facility Management Association meeting
The Cayman Islands Facility Management Association would like to invite you to a regular meeting on May 28 at Camana Bay. Please accept the invite to RSVP for this meeting. Guests are always welcome.
Date: May 28, 2015 Time: 9am-11am
Location: The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
Regular Meeting before and networking afterwards
Admission: Free
MAY 29
Smoking Cessation Classes: ‘I Can Quit’
The Public Health Department urges smokers who wish to quit the habit to sign up for upcoming smoking cessation classes. These classes start on 3 June 2015, and will take place from 5.15pm to 6.45pm, every Wednesday for seven weeks, in the Public Health Waiting Room. Registration deadline is May 29, 2015.
For more info or to sign up, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889/244-2648, or email [email protected].
MAY 30
Businessmen’s breakfast
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday May 30th at 7:30am, at The Upper Crust restaurant in Camana Bay. Our speaker is Allan Turner
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
Cayman Islands talk show host escapes with no conviction after assault
Cayman Islands Rooster FM’s “Crosstalk” radio show host, Austin Harris, dodged a bullet last Thursday (22) after pleading ‘Guilty’ to assaulting a woman at a party in March 2014.
Harris told the magistrate he was severely intoxicated” at the time and could not remember anything about the incident. Since then he had given up drinking alcohol and was taking anger management classes. He said he accepted full responsibility for his actions. The prosecution said they did not wish to pursue charges against Harris.
Magistrate Angelyn Hernandez told Harris, “Everyone deserves a chance. I admonish you and discharge you with no conviction recorded.”
Bills to replace Privy Council with CCJ tabled in [Jamaican] Senate
By Balford Henry From Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding this morning tabled the three Bills seeking to replace the traditional Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in the United Kingdom, with the 10-year-old Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
However, there was no indication when the three Bills – the Caribbean Court of Justice Act, the Judicature (Appellate Jurisdiction) (Amendment) Act and The Constitution (Amendment) (Caribbean Court of Justice) Act – will be debated.
The Constitution (Amendment) (Caribbean Court of Justice) Act will require a two-thirds majority in the Senate to be approved. However, with the 21 members of the upper house shared 13-8, the Government does not have a two-thirds majority and its success rests in one of the eight Opposition members breaking ranks.
The three Bills were passed in the House of Representatives on May 12, with Speaker Michael Peart providing the 42nd vote needed for the two-thirds majority in the 63-member lower house.
For more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Bills-to-replace-Privy-Council-with-CCJ-tabled-in-Senate
Cayman Islands AEOI Portal Update: 11 May 2015
To ensure that industry members have sufficient time to fulfil their FATCA responsibilities, users of the Cayman Islands AEOI Portal are advised that notifications may be submitted on or before Thursday, 21 May 2015; and that returns may be reported on or before Friday, 12 June 2015.
These dates are in line with DITC’s soft approach to enforcement during the first year of FATCA compliance, which was communicated previously to industry.
No adverse consequences or enforcement measures will be attracted once there is compliance on, or before, the above dates for notification and returns reporting.
DITC staff will continue working with industry members to assist them in meeting the compliance requirements and the above due dates.
Users of the Cayman Islands AEOI Portal also are advised that the portal may be offline through Wednesday, 13 May, in order for DITC and the portal developers to continue implementing system updates. DITC staff apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Once the updates have been completed:
- users who have not received their portal passwords or been able to view their financial institutions’ names in the dropdown list will have access to their data; and
- users whose notification submissions appeared to have timed out, or who have received error messages during processing, also will have access to their data.
Industry members are advised to email [email protected] if they experience any issues with the portal. If you have already sent an email to this address regarding the portal, you will receive a reply from DITC staff within two days.
HBO Premieres “Jodorowsky’s Dune”, Science Fiction’s Lost Opportunity
The greatest science fiction film, never made
Miami, FL – May 21, 2015 – HBO announces the exclusive premiere of the documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune, Thursday, May 28th at 21:00hrs AST*, in the Caribbean. Considered as a “mind-blowing cult movie” by Variety Magazine, the documentary relates the story of the Chilean novelist, playwright, poet, actor, musician Alejandro Jodorowsky (El Topo, The Holy Mountain) and his most important project that was never fulfilled: his film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, Dune. An ambitious project to change the world through art, Jodorowsky’s production included the talent of some of the greatest artists of the century: Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, Mick Jagger and the classic English rock band, Pink Floyd.
In 1973, film producer Arthur P. Jacobs was the first to acquire the rights to Dune, but died before the film was made. Two years later, Jodorowsky acquired the rights and took creative liberties with Herbert’s original material. However, with an extensive script, the creative team he employed and the countless creative designs, the film could not move forward due to financial concerns.
Directed by Frank Pavich, the documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune tells the story of a film that began production in 1975 and was never realized, yet continues to live in the mind and imagination of its creators. Through interviews with Jodorowsky and his collaborators, Pavich highlights how the creative dreams in the adaptation of the novel, Dune, have inspired producers and writers throughout the years. The director of this film shares with viewers the inspiration the storyboard and concept art had on more recent films such as Star Wars, Terminator and Alien, all which included talent from the team Jodorowsky formed for his production.
Romanian credit card scammers in Cayman Islands all get jail
Three Romanians, two men and one woman, came to Grand Cayman with highly sophisticated modified store gift cards containing personal details of credit card holders in France, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. They were able to use them at ATM machines and had managed to extract approx. $100,000 before being caught.
The two men, Roland Pop and Ianaca Vlisma were sentenced to 3 years jail each after pleading guilty to fraud. The woman, Mariana Opriniou, was found guilty of money laundering and sentenced to 15 months jail for money laundering. She had been cleared of the fraud charge.
Florin Roata, a fourth defendant , was also part of the conspiracy and will be sentenced at a later date.
Bank Rate-Rigging Settlement Sparks Antitrust Class Action
By Ross Todd, From The Recorder
SAN FRANCISCO — Riding the wake of the U.S. Justice Department’s record-setting $2.5 billion settlement, two plaintiffs firms have sued a group of major banks, alleging that they conspired to fix prices and overcharge customers on foreign currency exchanges.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by lawyers at the Alioto Law Firm and the Law Offices of Lingel H. Winters, follows Wednesday’s announcement that five of the banks—Citicorp, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays PLC, The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and UBS A.G.—agreed to pay the largest antitrust fines ever levied by the U.S. Department of Justice. The banks agreed to pay a total of $2.5 billion to settle government charges that they violated the Sherman Act by fixing and rigging foreign currency exchange rates. The five banks all signed plea agreements with the government which state that their representatives participated in conversations nearly daily, sometimes in code, in an exclusive electronic chat room which they and others in the foreign exchange market referred to as “The Cartel” or “The Mafia.”
Thursday’s follow-on class action also claims that Bank of America Corp. and HSBC Finance Corp. participated in a conspiracy with competitors to establish prices for foreign currency exchanges. The suit seeks treble damages under the federal antitrust laws on behalf of all consumers in the U.S. who paid above competitive foreign exchange rates since January 2007. The lawsuit also asserts claims under California’s antitrust law, the Cartwright Act, as well as the state’s Unfair Competition Act.
Plaintiffs lawyer Joseph Alioto did not immediately respond to a message left at his office Thursday afternoon.
Cayman Islands FATCA Update – Announcement by Cayman TIA of no compliance penalties for Notifications submitted on or before May
29, 2015
May 20, 2015 From KPMG
The Cayman Islands Tax Information Authority (“TIA”), consistent with their previously communicated soft approach to enforcement, on May 20, 2015 extended the Notification Deadline for Cayman Reporting Financial Institutions (“Cayman Reporting FIs”) to May 29, 2015 (previously May 21, 2015). Further, the TIA also extended the Reporting Deadline to June 26, 2015 (previouslyJune 12, 2015).
KPMG can submit the notification to the TIA on your behalf as well as submit the U.S. FATCA Report in the XML compliant format for your Cayman Reporting FI(s) for 2015. Please contact us for further details.
Have Questions?
KPMG in the Cayman Islands has a FATCA Help Desk for any questions you may have. Contact us at [email protected].
How can we help?
KPMG in the Cayman Islands offers the following services to assist you in your preparations for FATCA:
- We can provide a detailed written summary of FATCA’s impact to a Cayman Islands Financial Institution.
- We can review the FATCA policies you have implemented providing recommendations on improvements.
- We can conduct a review to ensure the process implemented remains appropriate in face of changing legislation and upcoming requirements including the OECD Common Reporting Standard (“CRS”).
No zika virus cases in the Caribbean to date, says Barbados Health Ministry
From Curacao Chronicle
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The ministry of health in Barbados has assured the public that there are no suspected cases of the zika virus in the Caribbean to date.
The ministry, however, remains in communication with regional and international stakeholders in order to ensure a timely and effective public health response, if necessary.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry disclosed that the mosquito-borne zika virus had been confirmed in Brazil, the first report in the continental platform of the Americas.
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) first released an epidemiological alert on May 7 advising that public health authorities in Brazil were investigating a possible transmission of the virus in the northeast of the country.
On May 15, the Brazil International Relations National Focal Point confirmed positive test results for the infection. The virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda and was first detected in human samples in Nigeria in 1968.
Symptoms of the disease may appear within three to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include fever, headache, non-contagious red eye, muscle pain, joint pain or rash. Less frequently, there is eye pain or diarrhea. Symptoms may last four days to a week.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for zika. Treatment is symptomatic and may include rest, fluids and medication for fever and pain. Aspirin should be avoided.
The ministry advised the public to continue its vigilance against the Aedes aegypti mosquito by destroying all possible breeding sites on their premises. It noted that the reduction of vector density is fundamental to preventing transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
Cayman Islands MLA working on public transport plan
Cayman Islands MLA and Tourism Counsellor announced in the Legislative Assembly he is working on public transportation plan.
The plan includes expansion of the existing bus routes and reviews what the country already has and how it can be improved.
Caribbean region to benefit from launch of PPP support facility
From Nevis Pages
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — Effective partnership between government and private sector across the Caribbean are expected to grow with the establishment of a US$1.2 million Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Support Facility.
This was one of the outcomes of the recently held Annual Board of Governors’ Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith said the initiative is an important one and is based on three main pillars.
“This new multi-donor institution will fill three urgent needs in today’s Caribbean,” President Smith stated. These are: “to assist governments to improve the delivery and value for money of infrastructure services; to ensure that new infrastructure facilities are resistant to climate change and to seek mechanisms that will facilitate the private financing of infrastructure investments, given the fiscal constraints facing our member governments.”
The president echoed that the PPPs are “a proven way of delivering on all three of these goals; and it is fair to say that all governments have by now adopted the PPP concept as an integral element of their economic development policies.”
According to the CDB’s president, the “launch is the latest in a process of thought and development within CDB where they recognized that they needed to do something to facilitate the adoption of PPPS among the member governments.”
Michelle Cross Fenty, Director of Projects at the CDB explained the significance of the launch.
“This launch event, for the Regional PPP Support Facility, signifies CDB’s recognition of the need to adjust to shifting paradigms,” the Director explained. “It also signifies CDB’s intention to forge new partnerships with our development stakeholders, to guide the Caribbean to a better, stronger, brighter and more sustainable future.”
She said it is their “collective responsibility to ensure that the Caribbean must become the place where cutting edge development approaches are employed effectively and efficiently, while stating that this is where Public-Private Partnerships come into the picture.”
CDB has launched the first phase of the activities under the facility, designed to assist its Borrowing Member Countries (BMC) in the development and implementations of PPPs. This was done with the support of the multilateral development partners from the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank.
For more: http://www.nevispages.com/caribbean-region-to-benefit-from-launch-of-ppp-support-facility/
Caribbean Soul found to be full of marijuana
By Mikhail Voytenko From FleetMon
May 22: Holland-class patrol ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy Zr.Ms. Zeeland during routine inspection found on board of fish factory CARIBBEAN SOUL 6,000 kg of marijuana. Zr.Ms. Zeeland was directed to CARIBBEAN SOUL by the US CG patrol plane. CARIBBEAN SOUL was taken to Puerto Rico, 12 crew arrested.
For more: http://www.fleetmon.com/newsroom/2015/7651/caribbean-soul-found-be-full-marijuana/
Carey Olsen further strengthens its litigation and dispute resolution expertise
By James Qualtrough From Guernsey Isle News
Carey Olsen continues to grow its litigation and dispute resolution practice with the appointment of highly qualified offshore litigator, Martin Jones, who has joined the team in Guernsey as of counsel.
Advocate Jones specialises in complex international and commercial financial litigation including trust and regulatory matters, cross-border fraud claims, multi-jurisdictional insolvency matters, asset tracing and contract and tort claims. He also has substantial experience in property and construction disputes.
Advocate Jones qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1999 having trained at Masons (now Pinsent Masons). He moved to the Cayman Islands in 2003 with Campbells before relocating to Guernsey in 2006 where was admitted as an advocate in February 2012.
The Guernsey team has also been joined by associate Emma Little who will advise local and international clients on all aspects of commercial litigation.
Ms Little has a broad range of experience having practised at the Bar of Northern Ireland in relation to clinical and professional negligence, personal injury and mortgage and security redemption cases. She has also advised on private family law disputes and has a particular interest in the protection, interpretation and incorporation of the international rights of a child. She is an accredited civil and commercial mediator.
Three paralegals have also joined the department in London offering support across the practice: KoladeKayode, HinaSorathia and Emmanuel Amponsah.
Guernsey head of litigation and dispute resolution, Karen Le Cras, said:“These appointments further strengthen our team of specialists both in Guernsey and across the jurisdictions in which we work.Their arrival comes hot on the heels of the appointment of new partner and head of British Virgin Island litigation, Ben Mays.
“This growth reflects the increased volume of instructions we’re seeing in this practice area and supports our commitment to delivering the strongest offshore, cross-border litigation and insolvency offering,” she said.
Dutch Government Officials Against New Flights To Dutch Caribbean
From Curacao Chronicle
THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – Officials from the Dutch Ministries of Security and Justice, Finance and Infrastructure and Environment want the government puts a stop to the intention of Arkefly to fly from Eindhoven to Curaçao and Aruba. The airline is planning to start this new route on November 1 of this year.
ArkeflyThis was reported by the Dutch news program Nieuwsuur, which received a secret official note on Friday. Officials from the three ministries noted in their memo that the cost to check flights on drug mules is too high. Moreover, it is too short a time to have all the necessary equipment, reception rooms and staff ready for the first flight.
For more: http://curacaochronicle.com/main/dutch-government-officials-against-new-flights-to-dutch-caribbean/
Jeffries introduces student aid bill for families of military heroes
By Nelson A. King from Caribbean Life
In advance of the Memorial Day holiday, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) introduced the Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation designed to deliver expanded student aid assistance to the surviving spouses and children of service members who died in the line of duty.
Jeffries introduced the bill in the House of Representatives on Thursday, and Sens. Brown and Tillis introduce a companion bill in the Senate on Friday.
The Brooklyn congressman said the bill would extend Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program benefits to the child or spouse of service members who die in the line of duty while deployed.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is an educational assistance provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which allows institutions of higher learning to enter into agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to match a certain amount of the tuition and fees not covered by the basic Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
Currently, the Yellow Ribbon program is available to veterans utilizing Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits and the dependents to whom a service member transferred benefits, Jeffries noted.
However, he said the program excludes Fry Scholarship recipients, who are specifically dependents of service members who die in the line of duty.
“The Fry Scholarship Enhancement Act would correct this imbalance in the current law and provide important educational support for the family members of our brave heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice,” Jeffries said.
“American soldiers lay their lives on the line each and every day to keep this nation safe,” he added. “Helping their spouses and children pay for college is the very least we can do to show our appreciation for their bravery and unyielding courage.
“The families impacted by this bill have a loved one who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Jeffries continued. “We must continue to assist them in every way possible.”
The bill has the full support of the National Military Family Association, Military Child Education Coalition, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and the Gold Star Wives, Jeffries said.
For more: http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2015/5/2015-05-22-nk-studentaid-cl.html
PS: Pirates delays leave more than a few nervous film-makers
By Andrew Hornery From the Sydney Morning Herald
It’s not just Hollywood juggernaut Disney which has a lot riding on production of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
We, the Australian taxpayers, have funded the mammoth project to the tune of nearly $22 million courtesy of the Abbott government, which last year revealed it had made the lucrative offer to secure the production for the Gold Coast.
With Johnny Depp expected to depart in coming days following the international scandal over his allegedly illegal alien pooches and the prospect of yet more delays, there are more than a few nervous film crew members working on the project.
The film’s overall budget has already ballooned to a rumoured $270 million, with production halted earlier in the year for several weeks when Depp injured his hand following a wild weekend at Mick Doohan’s Gold Coast estate where he has been staying during the shoot.
This week reports that Depp was returning to the United States to “rescue his marriage” to his current wife, model Amber Heard, were hosed down by a publicist working on The Pirates of the Caribbean set, claiming his departure had always been factored into the production schedule and was in no way linked to the recent controversy surrounding last week’s eviction of his dogs, Pistol and Boo.
Cayman Islanders – What are your teens doing this summer?
Contact the Cayman Drama Society now to enroll!
An intensive two week summer acting school, culminating in a final performance on July 18th. For all teens age 14 to 18. For beginners to seasoned actors! A great way to kick off your summer!
Need more information? Complete your enrolment form here: http://www.cds.ky
or contact [email protected] for more information.
Save your spot now for this amazing opportunity!
JPS’ President & CEO elected to CARILEC Board
JPS President and CEO, Kelly Tomblin, has been elected to the Board of the Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation (CARILEC). Voting took place on Tuesday, May 19, during CARILEC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the Dominican Republic. As Director, Kelly will serve a three-year term.
CARILEC is an association of electric utilities, suppliers, manufacturers and a variety of other stakeholders, operating and representing the electricity industry within the Caribbean. There are currently 32 electric utilities and more than 80 suppliers and manufacturers registered with the association.
“CARILEC is a powerful organization representing Caribbean utilities and plays a critical role in the development of the region,” said Kelly Tomblin. “Representation on such a prestigious Board speaks volumes to the confidence that our Caribbean counterparts have in us as a Caribbean utility. We therefore continue to champion the development of Jamaica and the Caribbean through the partnerships and alliances that this organisation affords us.”
DART hotel in Cayman Islands is 12 storey not 10
The Cayman Islands Planning Law states a maximum of 10 storey. However, the new Kempton Hotel being built by DART is 12 but because the developer has built up the grade at the ground level to create two basement floors it is legal.
Planning Minister, Kurt Tibbetts, said in the Legislative Assembly he had concerns and was reviewing the law.
PM Harris proffers a “Fresh Start” for Caribbean development
From ZIZ Online
PM Harris Proffers a “Fresh Start” for Caribbean Development
Basseterre, St. Kitts — Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris has advocated for a “fresh start” to tackling the challenges of Caribbean development. He was at the time delivering an address as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) at the opening ceremony of the Forty-Fifth Meeting of the CDB’s Board of Governors [held May 20 – 21, 2015] at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
“So how about a fresh start in tackling our development challenges. We have some ideas to offer: How about an integrated regional approach to the production and distribution of alternative energy, be it blue or green energy? Wouldn’t it be a game changer if the Caribbean assumed leadership in alternative energy export? That would have enormous implication for the cost of doing business and development in the region? A leadership role here will do wonders for our competitiveness.”
The Prime Minister spoke to the need for member states to work together to improve regional competitiveness and said the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has a leading role to play. “Imagine a new OECS space with St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, leading in geothermal energy for the sub-region, Puerto Rico, the French overseas territories and southern islands. Imagine the results – New jobs, new skills, new source of foreign exchange, new dynamics in trade and sustainable development too. If we can work together coordinating, sharing and leveraging resources, harmonising regulations across jurisdictions in respect of alternative energy and power purchasing agreements (PPAs), we will create an amazing platform from which the CDB can act as enabler of resources and optimize resources from the Climate Fund. Let us have a fresh start in alternative energy.”
Prime Minister Harris also proffered a fresh approach for countries involved in the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) industry and said the CDB along with other stakeholders and partners have a big role to play in its development, for the benefit of the people of the region. “What about a fresh start in our approach to the economic citizenship programme? Rather than competition between St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, etc. over due diligence, let us develop best practices in the industry as a whole and burnish our credentials as leaders in this industry. St Kitts and Nevis as the oldest and best in the Citizenship by Investment Programme will host a Conference in the near future on International best practices in CBI. We invite all countries to come, learn and join us working together for common good. We invite CDB, US Treasury, EU, Canada and all who can help to come share with us.”
The two-day meeting of the Board of Governors was held under the theme, “Turning The Corner – Reshaping The Caribbean Agenda For Sustainable Development”.
For more: http://zizonline.com/pm-harris-proffers-a-fresh-start-for-caribbean-development/
Cayman Athletic are Cayman Islands U-23 Football Champions
Cayman Athletic beat Scholars 3-1 on Sunday (17) after two Scholar players were red carded with the scores at 1-1 late in the second half. The third goal came by way of a penalty.
Cedenio lines up vs Merritt Sat (23)
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH From T&T Newsday
After sprinting to second place on the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) senior outdoor 400m ranking list with an impressive sub-45 showing at the Cayman Invitational last Sunday, Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Cedenio returns to the track this weekend when he lines up in his pet event at the Ponce Grand Prix, Puerto Rico, today.
Cedenio will arguably be facing his toughest tests so far by squaring off against reigning World 400m champion, LaShawn Merritt (USA), and London 2012 silver medallist, Luguelin Santos (Dominican Republic). Added to the star-studded line-up is former World and Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner, who was instrumental in USA’s 4x400m victory in the Bahamas earlier this month.
Cedenio, also the current World Junior champion, is the second fastest 400m man for 2015 with his 44.36s clocking in the Cayman Islands last weekend. American Merritt ‘sseason’s best is 44.80s while Santos’ best time for the year has been set at 45.28s.
Cedenio opened his season with a personal best 45.09s at a meet in Florida and then surprised himself with the 44.36s clocking.
Meanwhile, Keston Bledman will also be hoping to run sub-10 in the Men’s 100m event today following his blistering 10.01s clocking earlier this season. He is expected to face stiff opposition however, from St. Kitts and Nevis’ Antoine Adams, American Maurice Mitchell and Harris Adams, along with Guyanese Adam Harris.
For more: http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,211572.html
ULM Faculty Member to Study Freshwater Supply in Eastern Caribbean
MONROE, La (Press Release) — Dr. Sean Chenoweth, associate professor of geosciences at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, will conduct research on fresh water wells and naturally-occurring sinkholes on the island of Barbuda in the Eastern Caribbean this summer.
For three weeks, Chenoweth will measure the levels of salt in both the municipal and secondary wells on the island. The data analysis and collection will continue for two more years.
According to Chenoweth, the Barbuda population depends heavily on the municipal well for drinking water. However, the freshwater aquifer has been stressed and over pumped to the point that it has been contaminated with saltwater.
“I visited Barbuda a few years ago and noticed there was widespread unfamiliarity among the general population about their freshwater supply,” Chenoweth said. “Some of the misconceptions are: the water comes from a desalinization plant; if you boil the water it is safe to drink; or if you add drink mix flavoring it is safe to drink.”
An accompanying education program will include findings from the field studies, water conservation, and the effects of drinking salty water. Chenoweth will work with the Barbuda Education Council to develop teaching materials to implement in local schools. He will also work with the Antigua and Barbuda Government to create a public awareness campaign concerning the environment and freshwater resources.
Chenoweth earned his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2003, specializing in geomorphology, remote sensing, and geographic information systems.
He has taught at ULM since 2003.
Venezuela and Colombia at odds after drug plane crashes in Caribbean Sea
CARACAS – Venezuela and Colombia are at odds over the events leading up to a small plane, loaded with 1.2 tonnes tonne of cocaine, crashing into the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday as it was being intercepted.
Both are taking responsibility for the operation that foiled the drug smuggling attempt.
The unidentified pilot, whose body was recovered from the wreckage along with the drugs packaged in one-kilogramme parcels, was travelling with a Mexican passport.
Soon after the plane crash, the Colombian air force said the Hawker 800 aircraft had taken off from Venezuela and was headed to Central America.
It blamed the crash that occurred in waters off the Colombian coast on a motor failing when the pilot tried to evade the military planes that had ordered it to land.
However, Venezuela’s defense minister Vladimir Padrino said on Wednesday night that the plane had originated in Central America and had landed in a remote part of Venezuela for a few hours.
“We know that plane came from Central America,” he said.
Padrino said his country’s military shot at the plane when it took off again and then alerted their Colombian counterparts.
Cayman Islands construction company building luxury Vista del Mar home
Cayman Structural Group Ltd. has taken on a new task, building a luxury spec home within the beautiful gated community of Vista del Mar. This Cayman Islands Real Estate sits on 52 acres along the shoreline of a reef-enclosed lagoon known as the North Sound, giving amazing views of the Caribbean. While it remains private and secluded, it is close to Seven Mile Beach and world-class attractions.vista del mar 2
The project began in early March of 2015 with the mindset of capturing a “classic and contemporary style” to match the rest of the community. Working closely with Eduardo Bernal from Arco architectural group, the home’s design is an eye catcher. The exterior of the home features stucco walls, a tiled roof, coral stone and rich Brazilian woods. The main house has four bedrooms, a playroom and private office within 4,800 sq. ft. The Cayman Islands real estate also features a 2,400 sq. ft. guest house with two bedrooms, a three car garage and a 1,200 sq. ft. covered outdoor patio space.
This home is designed to capture the classical and contemporary style of the Vista del Mar community as well as its own uniqueness. With the luxurious interior and the beautiful design of the exterior, this structure is the perfect home. From the designs, you can definitely see why the asking price for the home is 3.3 million dollars.
Construction on the Cayman Islands real estate has begun. The building is only in its early stages with the unique ability for the buyer to customize in its early stages of construction. With all of the permits and planning complete, the construction process will speed up. Make sure to jump into the design process of your new home before someone else does!
For more information about this luxury Vista del Mar home, you can contact us at: 345-916-5308 or 345-946-7312
SOURCE: http://www.caymanstructuralgroup.ky/vista-del-mar-home/
Quake jolts Trinidad 2nd time this week; also felt in Grenada
From The Daily Herald
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad–A second earthquake in three days jolted Trinidad and Tobago Thursday.
The quake, which occurred north of the Paria Peninsula, was reportedly felt in Trinidad, its sister isle Tobago, as well as Grenada.
According to University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre, the 4.6-magnitude quake occurred about 71 kilometres (km) northwest of Port of Spain, 89km northwest of Arima and 95km south of Grenada’s capital St. George’s.
It occurred at a depth of 44km.
The tremor was felt around 9:25am.
On Monday, another quake occurred in Trinidad’s Gulf of Paria. That was felt in Maraval, Petit Valley and St. Augustine. While the preliminary computer-generated information put that at a 3.1-magnitude earthquake occurring at a depth of 38km, the Seismic Research Centre later revised that to a magnitude of 3.4 and a depth of 53km. ~ Caribbean360 ~
Cayman Islands: RCIPS completes stage two of Police Constable Recruitment Drive
From Loop Cayman
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) has completed stage two of its recruitment drive for police constables.
Out of the 166 candidates invited to pass the written examination, the RCIPS welcomed a total of 143 candidates over two different sessions.
The Recruitment Team have been working hard in correcting and grading the tests which included a question and answer section (1 hour) plus an essay section (1 hour). As a result, a total 48 candidates received a passing mark of 60 per cent and were successful in Stage 2 (i.e. the written examination) of the recruitment process.
These successful candidates have already been invented to attend Stage 3 of the process; the fitness test which consist of a “bleep test to level 5.4”. We are hopeful that by end of May the results will be tabulated so we can invite those successful candidates to Stage 4; the Interviews.
“We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all the candidates that has shown interest in joining the RCIPS and taking the time to sit the Police Constable Entrance Exam,” RCIPS said on Facebook.”The RCIPS wishes continued success to the remaining candidates that are expected to pass the Fitness test.”
Team Jamaica might not compete at Taste of the Caribbean
From Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica National Culinary Team might not be able to make it to Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida, to compete in this year’s Taste of the Caribbean.
This was revealed in a letter from the Culinary Federation of Jamaica late Thursday, after the Jamaica Tourist Board confirmed that it would not be sponsoring the team’s participation in this year’s competition, “as it does not satisfy the mandate of the board”.
According to the letter, the national team is slated to compete against nine other Caribbean teams and is to be in Miami from June 10-15.
“In the past the major sponsor of accommodation, airfare, entry fees, food, and transportation was the TEF (Tourism Enhancement Fund),” the letter read. “You can appreciate that the loss of this major sponsor has made it impossible at this stage to continue.
“As a non-profit organisation, the federation is not in a position to fund these individuals,” the letter continued.
It will cost each of the 15 team members J$282,309.93 to make the journey.
The Culinary Federation of Jamaica said some organisations have already come forward to sponsor individuals, however, because it is a team competition, all members have to participate.
The federation late Thursday appealed to other sponsors to assist if they can.
Last year, the Jamaican contingent that participated in Taste of the Caribbean copped eight awards: four gold medals, two silver and two bronze medals.
For more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Team-Jamaica-might-not-compete-at-Taste-of-the-Caribbean
Need for major rethink of Caribbean aviation
By Peter Richards From CANA NEWS
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 21, CMC – A study on air transportation in the Caribbean is recommending a major re-think of the regional airline industry and the establishment of a CARICOM Airlines Association to identify opportunities to reduce costs, create greater synergies and earn more revenue.
The study, commissioned by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is also proposing the creation of an Air Transport Reform Authority to address longer-term strategic issues at the regional level.
For more: http://cananewsonline.com/news/108365-need-for-major-rethink-of-caribbean-aviation.html
Decades of Rock and Roll Oldies Cruise, Western Caribbean
From Hadden Sayers
Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Cruise the western Caribbean with the Hadden Sayers Band, Phil Dirt and the Dozers, McGuffey Lane, the Mad Mad Men, and the John Schwab Party Band! Ports of call include: Grand Caymans; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Labadee, Haiti.
For more: http://haddensayers.com/en/events/71943/
Canadian Consulate urges Canadians in Cayman Islands to register
Senior Consulate Affairs Officer Guylaine Pomerleau has urged Canadians living in the Cayman Islands to register with them. Officials say with the start of the Hurricane Season on June 1 being registered can help get information to family back home if a hurricane or another disaster strikes the Cayman Islands.
Ms. Pomerleau stressed the importance of keeping documents like passports safe and handy, just in case there’s a need to evacuate quickly.
Dot .KY : Uniregistry preparing for worldwide availability of Cayman domain names
From Domain Gang
Uniregistry announced its direct managing of dot .KY domains in March; the ccTLD for the Cayman Islands will soon be available for anyone to register.
About 4,000 individuals and businesses have signed up for the Sunrise period registrations, which gives local businesses ‘first dibs’ to domains.
Current domain registrants also have until September 2nd to confirm their current registrations of .KY domains.
The Information and Communications Technology Authority of the Cayman Islands, stated that around 40% of the 10,000 local businesses and Internet sites that had dot .KY addresses have registered and paid their annual $40 USD subscription fee.
After September 2nd, people all over the world will be able to buy and sell dot .KY domain names.
Michael Ward, director of registrar operations for Uniregistry, said there would also be a secondary market, with companies buying up names they believe will be popular and attempting to sell them on at higher prices.
Infographic: Why the Cayman Islands are better for business
By Jeff Desjardins From Visual Capitalist
Go to: http://www.visualcapitalist.com/why-the-cayman-islands-are-better-for-business/
