iNews Briefs, More & Community Events
Community Events
WED AUG 12
NWDA in West Bay
The National Workforce Development Agency will be at the West Bay Library on Wednesday (12 Aug) from 10am until 1pm.
National Pensions Bill West Bay
The next public consultation meeting for the National Pensions Bill is Wednesday (12 Aug) at the Sir John A Cumber at 730pm.
THU AUG 13
National Gallery Summer Arts Drop Ins
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is thrilled to be hosting a Summer of Art, free programming that allows kids to utilise their creativity by participating in a range of imaginative activities. Drop-in sessions will take place in the National Gallery Education Centre every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 PM — 4:00 PM Each Summer Camp Drop-in session is different and gives kids ages 6 to 14 multiple opportunities to take part in a range of art-related activities including stenciling, creative group activities, painting, drawing and more.
Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp
Register now thru Friday (3 Jul) for the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s Summer Arts Camp program for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The program runs from 13 — 21 August from 9am until 3pm. Visit artscayman.org for more.
Cayman National Cultural Foundation Summer Arts Camp
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation is hosting a Summer Arts Camp from August 13 — 21st under the theme Founded Upon the Seas. For more information log on to artscayman.org/summer-arts-camp
CARE announces Cayman Islands 5th Annual Paws for wine
Sat Sept 26th Ristorante Pappagallo
2015 Orientation Dates for Cayman Islands Government Schools
Released on behalf of the Education Ministry.
Cayman Islands family receive help after losing fire from fire
Because their 100 old year home in Bodden Town, Grand Cayman that was destroyed by fire on July 4th was determined by the Fire Department as “Undetermined” Lisa Anglin and her 2 sons were without any help.
At last the Planning Department has given permission for the remains of the home to be demolished and removed and Cayman’s community came out to help.
The organiser of the demolition work was businessman Matther Leslie. He paid tribute also to the Buttrum family, who also recently suffered a fire to their George Town home,, for their help and the Bodden Town MLA’s. Government have helped by waiving fees, donating equipment and time.
Frank Hall Homes donated the house plans and construction company Arch and Godfrey are offering to manage the rebuild project that is hoped to be completed by Christmas.
Len Berman and Todd Schnitt in the Morning
From WOR 710 New York
WATCH: Todd Schnitt Swimming with the Sharks In Little Cayman
Monday, August 10th 2015 @ 7am
All morning long we have been asking Todd what he did on his vacation. Instead of tell us he decided to show us with this video. Now we wonder should we get him checked out because he must be crazy. Swimming with sharks, really Todd?
For more and video: http://www.wor710.com/onair/len-berman-and-todd-schnitt-in-the-morning-55864/watch-todd-schnitt-swimming-with-the-13839041#ixzz3iShU6LDv
Former CEO of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority cleared
Jeremy Jackson, former CEO of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, until his termination by the Authority’s Board of Directors on 28 February 2013, advises that by letter of 7 August 2015 he was formally informed by the RCIPS Financial Crime Unit that the investigation of allegations against him surrounding his termination is closed and that no action is to be taken against him.
Mr. Jackson, who underscores that he was never arrested or charged with any offence, is pleased that he has been finally cleared of any suspicion of impropriety in his role as CEO of the Airports Authority, and looks forward to resuming a career in aviation.
Playoff Match between USA and Mexico for FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 Berth to Be Played on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Rose Bowl
CONCACAF announced that the playoff match between the United States and Mexico for a berth in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, is now confirmed for Saturday, October 10, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA at 6:00 p.m. PT. The play-in match will determine the nation that will represent the CONCACAF region in the prestigious FIFA tournament, to be played in Russia in 2017.
UCC names scholarship in honour of slain police woman
By Paul Henry From Jamaica Observer
THE University College of the Caribbean (UCC) yesterday announced a scholarship in honour of slain police officer Crystal Thomas.
The announcement was made by Deputy President of UCC Dameon Black during the memorial service for Thomas held at the Ebenezer Fellowship Church of God Seventh-day in Spanish Town.
The scholarship will benefit two members of the Jamaica Police Federation each year.
“Whatever it takes to help the police. We will do it,” Black said.
He later told the Jamaica Observer that the scholarship for studies at the undergraduate level will be 50 per cent of tuition for the four-year programme. The scholarship for the two-year master’s programme will be $500,000.
Thomas, who was gunned down on a public passenger bus while going home from work on July 14, had just completed her studies at UCC at the time of the tragedy.
For more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/UCC-names-scholarship-in-honour-of-slain-police-woman_19222986
Cayman Islands Government’s nominees as CIMA directors prevented from serving
Both employers of the Cayman Islands Government recent appointees to serve as directors of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority have refused their permissions,
Brian Murphy nor Patricia Estwick can now serve and Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton registered his disappointment.
Estwick is the Chief Financial Officer at Cayman National Corporation and Murphy is a director of Greenlight Re.
Ill passenger airlifted from Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas
From Patrick Clarke From Travel Pulse
Ill Passenger Airlifted from Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas
A passenger aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas was airlifted to a nearby hospital Friday after experiencing a medical emergency requiring urgent care, DelmarvaNow.com reported over the weekend.
A Maryland State Police helicopter responded to the emergency shortly before 9:30 p.m. local time Friday, hoisting the adult male passenger from the vessel and transporting him to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland.
The crew aboard the Grandeur of the Seas alerted the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to the situation after it was determined the passenger required immediate cardiac care, state police said. The helicopter was then dispatched to the southern part of the Chesapeake Bay, roughly 10 miles southwest of Tangier Island.
Despite having performed several aerial hoists off of cargo ships, state police told DelmarvaNow.com that Friday’s rescue was the first involving a cruise ship.
Grandeur of the Seas is one of six ships that comprise Royal Caribbean’s Vision class. The ship sails the Chesapeake Bay often, as its homeport is located in Baltimore.
The 2,446-passenger cruise ship is scheduled to depart Baltimore Friday for a seven-night cruise to Bermuda.
Seeing through bionic eyes for the first time
IMAGE: COLIN ANDERSON/CORBIS
By Mike Orcutt for MIT Technology Review From Mashable
The world’s first bionic eyes have now been attached to the retinas of dozens of blind or nearly blind people, and we are just now beginning to get a sense of what those patients see.
People with these implants have the ability to distinguish light from dark, and they can recognize the outlines of objects in their view. However, the artificially created vision is also distorted in certain characteristic ways artificially created vision is also distorted in certain characteristic ways, says Geoffrey Boynton, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington. New computer-simulated images, based on reports from people with retinal implants as well as fairly well-established knowledge of how cells in the retina respond to electrical signals, can help illustrate these distortions, says Boynton, who conducted the research along with a fellow University of Washington psychology professor, Ione Fine. This information can serve as the basis of future, more advanced models that might help technologists develop next-generation devices with a better chance at re-creating real vision.
The only clinically approved retinal implant is a device called the Argus II, made by the company Second Sight (see “Bionic Eye Implant Approved for U.S. Patients”). It has been used to treat patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a disease characterized by degeneration of photoreceptors, the cells in the retina that are sensitive to light. A camera captures images and converts them into electrical pulse patterns, which are then delivered to the retina via an implanted electrode array.
One challenge to achieving better vision with today’s prosthetics is that because of the retina’s anatomy, the electrode arrays tend to stimulate more cells than the ones they are targeting. This is why patients report seeing streaks, says Boynton. Another difficulty is that today’s implants don’t account for the wide range of cell types in the retina. As a consequence, certain cells fire together that would not do so in a normal eye, making the resulting images difficult to comprehend.
Many efforts to improve the capacity of retinal prosthetics have focused on increasing the resolution of the electrode array (see “Vision-Restoring Implants That Fit Inside the Eye”). But Fine and Boynton’s simulations assume that that the array they are modeling has significantly higher resolution than the Argus II, and the resulting images suggest that other approaches are needed to create more comprehensible perceptual experiences.
3 winning reasons to make the switch to digital signage
By Pavel Vondra From Massive Media Ltd
In any customer-facing business, there’s one cost driver that no one likes to deal with:
UPDATING SIGNAGE.
Anyone with experience in retail and foodservice will tell you that handling large sign boards and keeping everything up-to-date can be a pain, and often overlooked. That’s why experienced and savvy restaurant owners and retailers in the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean, and across North America are making the switch to a digital signage and digital menu boards.
Electronic signage and electronic menu boards combine the best of modern technology to give your business a heaped helping of benefits. At Massive Media we have developed an industry leading solution for clients – here are 3 ways it can boost your business.
- THE BEST PRICING IN THE INDUSTRY
Most digital signage or electronic menu board companies charge recurring fees to their clients, just to keep signs updated and operating every month. Massive Media offers full, independent control to business owners, complete with installation, for no ongoing charges. That’s something no competitor can match.
- MANAGE ALL MENUS FROM ONE PLACE
Massive Media empowers business owners to design their signs and menus just right. Clients can take advantage of flexible layouts; timed changes for different messages; live updates to any number of screens from one central location; and more. No matter how many locations you run, a single click can revise all your digital signage or digital menu boards.
- BUILT TO SURVIVE INTERNET & POWER OUTAGES
For better or worse, the Caribbean and the Cayman Islands are set a little off the beaten path. Reliable power isn’t always an option. At Massive Media, we understand this struggle, and we’ve designed a solution to accommodate businesses in all locations. After a power outage, digital signs come back online with no information loss. If the internet goes down, then digital menu boards keep working as normal. In fact, our digital signage only requires an internet connection when you’re updating a menu or scheduling displays.
With some initial up-front equipment costs it can be tough to decide whether to migrate to digital signage, but the benefits are huge. Eliminate printing costs and management time, and upgrade to a modern and attractive signage solution that can be updated remotely with the click of a button. Talk to Massive Media about digital signage, just one of the ways we can take your business to the next level.
SOURCE: http://www.massivemedialtd.com/blog/3-winning-reasons-make-switch-digital-signage-1106/
US Customer turned down for loan, threatens KIA dealership with handgun
By Laura Northrup August 10, 2015
There are many ways to deal with the situation when you’re turned down for a car loan. You could, for example, try a different dealership, or apply for financing through your own bank or credit union first. We do not recommend the tactic that one man in Kansas took last week, which was to pull out a handgun and threaten Kia dealership employees with it.
According to the police in Wichita, KS, dealership employees called the cops on Friday morning after a customer threatened three employees with a handgun. Police said that the man was part of a young couple who were turned down for a car loan.
His girlfriend, who was also arrested, contacted a local TV station to clarify some things. She told KAKE that the gun was unloaded, and that the real reason why he pulled the weapon was that he “felt threatened” while they were leaving the dealership, and decided to defend himself in the parking lot.
Whatever the case, both members of the couple were arrested for suspicion of aggravated assault and other “minor offenses,” police said, and they were put in jail.
Hackers prove how hard it is to hack a Tesla
By Chris Perkins From Mashable
Car hacking has been the story of the moment, with a lack of cybersecurity understanding evident among large automakers. Tesla, however, is a different case.
Security researchers Kevin Mahaffey and Marc Rogers gave a presentation at this year’s Def Con hacking conference on how they were able to hack into a Tesla Model S and control its various functions, reports CNET. Their work proves how secure the Model S is compared with many other modern cars.
Mahaffey and Rogers purchased a Model S for their research and began tearing apart its dashboard and centre console to find vulnerabilities. The first breakthrough came in the form of a file called carKeys.tar found on an SD card that housed the file system.
They hit many dead ends — the report notes 90% of their presentation was dedicated to the walls they ran into — until finding a mysterious Ethernet port that they used to access the car’s network which allowed them to connect to Tesla’s virtual private network (VPN).
With physical VPN access, the hackers downloaded and decompiled the car’s firmware, pointing them in the direction of an insecure folder of passwords. The hackers then spoofed the Wi-Fi network at Tesla service centers (which the car is automatically designed to connect), giving them access to a piece of software called QtCarVehicle, which controls all the vehicle’s functions.
To demonstrate, the hackers shut down a moving Model S at low speed.
Even if you’re a Model S owner with extremely tech-savvy enemies, there’s no need to be alarmed. Tesla was extremely quick in patching the vulnerability, and the hack requires taking a Model S apart and maintaining a physical connection with the ethernet port.
Mahaffey and Rogers of course proved a Model S is hackable, but they also proved how secure it is. Mahaffey and Rogers of course proved a Model S is hackable, but they also proved how secure it is. Indeed, Mahaffey told Wired the Model S was “the most secure car that we’ve ever seen.”
It’s a great example of how different Tesla approaches car making to its traditional counterparts. The much-publicized hacks of Fiat Chrysler and GM vehicles pointed to a fundamental lack of cybersecurity understanding from automakers.
Fiat Chrysler knew about a major vulnerability for 18 months before notifying regulators and issuing a patch via mailed USB stick. Tesla issued an over-the-air update to Model S owners after working with the hackers for a few weeks, reports Wired.
What’s more alarming is that traditional automakers are pushing to have the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) laws apply to their vehicles, effectively outlawing the work of independent hacking researchers like Mahaffey and Rogers.
Tesla, by contrast, is not part of the consortium of automakers pushing for the DMCA. In addition, Telsa recently began a bug bounty program, which rewards independent hackers anywhere from $25-$10,000 for bringing a vulnerability to the company’s attention.
As far as cybersecurity is concerned, Tesla seems to be leading the way among automakers. Of course, nothing is 100% secure and the Model S proves this, but cybersecurity is clearly a larger concern at Tesla than it is elsewhere.
US Government details why it wants Armstrong medical records
From Herald Courier
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The federal government says it wants Lance Armstrong’s medical records from his 1996 cancer treatments because they could prove just how far he was willing to go to conceal performance-enhancing drug use from the public and his sponsors.
The former cyclist is vigorously fighting release of his medical records from the Indiana University School of Medicine as part of a whistleblower lawsuit in which the government wants to recover more than $30 million in sponsorship the U.S. Postal Service paid Armstrong and his teams. Penalties could reach as high as $100 million.
Despite his admissions publicly and under oath to using steroids and other drugs as far back as 1993, the government is still pursuing a key allegations that had dogged Armstrong for years: whether he told doctors in 1996 he was using a host of performance-enhancing drugs and later sought to bury any evidence of the conversation through lawsuits, threats and charitable donations.
Armstrong’s efforts to “blunt this allegation … were critical to hiding the truth of his doping from, among others, the United States Postal Service,” the government said in documents filed last week in a Washington, D.C., court.
Armstrong’s lawyers have asked Judge Christopher Cooper to dismiss a subpoena for records, calling it “harassment” and an invasion of privacy because Armstrong admits to doping to win the Tour de France seven times. Cooper could rule on the records this week.
In its arguments to get the hospital records, the government questions whether they could contradict a 2005 sworn statement from Dr. Craig Nichols, one of Armstrong’s physicians, who said there was no record of performance-enhancing drug use.
The government notes the doctor’s affidavit contradicts sworn statements from Armstrong’s former teammate, Frankie Andreu, and his wife, Betsy Andreu, who said they were in Armstrong’s hospital room and heard him admit drug use.
The doctor’s statement said he monitored Armstrong’s blood levels from 1997 to 2001 and found “nothing irregular,” specifically no use of the blood booster EPO. As an expert in using EPO to treat cancer patients, Nichols said he would likely have noticed it in his system.
But Armstrong admitted under oath last month that he used EPO during that time.
Armstrong for years denied the hospital room conversation took place. He now says he doesn’t recall because it was two days after surgery to remove tumors from his brain.
The latest in Texas deaths: DA: Woman texted mom from house
Associated Press From Business Insider
IMAGE: Harris County Chief Deputy Tim Cannon speaks during a news conference in the case of David Conley Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, in Houston. Eight people were found dead inside a Houston-area home following the arrest of Conley, who exchanged gunfire with police, Texas authorities said Sunday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Harris County Chief Deputy Tim Cannon speaks during a news conference in the case of David Conley Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, in Houston. Eight people were found dead inside a Houston-area home following the arrest of Conley, who exchanged gunfire with police, Texas authorities said Sunday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A district attorney says a woman who was among eight people fatally shot at a Texas home had sent a text to her mother that she was being held at gunpoint.
Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson told reporters Monday after a court hearing that authorities were alerted of problems at the home by the mother of victim Valerie Jackson. Anderson said Jackson’s mother, in another state, called 911.
The man charged with capital murder in the deaths made a brief court appearance Monday. David Conley spoke only to acknowledge his name when asked by the judge. There was no mention of a lawyer either hired or appointed for him.
Anderson said it would be three to four months before authorities decide whether to seek the death penalty.
All that glitters
From Offshore Bankers
Ogier has acted for Golden Star Resources in connection with its $150,000,000 financing obtained from Royal Gold.
The $150,000,000 financing consists of a $20,000,000 term loan from Royal Gold, Inc. and a $130,000,000 stream transaction with Royal Gold, Inc.’s wholly-owned subsidiary, RGLD Gold AG.
Golden Star Resources Ltd. is an international gold mining and exploration company producing gold in Ghana, West Africa. The financing will facilitate the development of the company’s Wassa and Prestea underground mines located in Ghana.
Ogier worked with Fasken Martineau, Canadian counsel to Golden Star Resources. Managing associate James Heinicke, partner Bradley Kruger and associate Ridhiima Kapoor provided Cayman Islands advice on the financing.
Bradley Kruger said: “I think we will continue to see a number of non-traditional funding transactions in the mining sector. We have the experience and expertise to assist our clients in these types of deals, in addition to capital market transactions.”
For more: http://www.offshore-bankers.net/article/21591/all-that-glitters
Netball World Cup: T&T win Caribbean clash
From Barbados Today
SYDNEY, Australia –– Trinidad & Tobago won the clash of the Caribbean on Day Three with the world number 10 side overcoming the ninth ranked Barbados at Allphones Arena in Sydney yesterday.
Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Girls defeated the Bajan Gems twice in their previous three encounters in World Cup history and managed to extend their lead in head-to-head battles with their rivals by one more, prevailing 55-39.
IMAGE: Barbados started positively against Trinidad and Tobago but went to pieces in the final quarter. At right is Barbados’ captain Rhe-Ann Niles and Shonette Bruce (third right).
Allphones Arena was treated to a feast of Caribbean style netball with physical challenges, clashes, deflections, and interceptions. The match-up between Calypso Girls’ shooter Samantha Wallace and the Bajan Gems’ goal keeper Shonette Bruce was crucial as Barbados were able to capitalise on errors from Trinidad & Tobago to lead 13-10 at quarter time despite two stunning intercepts from Trinidad & Tobago’s Onella Jack.
Both teams were unchanged heading into the second quarter as the Bajan Gems’ goal shooter Shonica Wharton proved an essential target for Barbados in the goal circle.
Trinidad & Tobago’s shooter Wallace steadied as her side levelled the score early in the quarter and from there it was a goal for goal battle as neither side could establish dominance with the half-time score 23-21 in the Calypso Girls’ favour.
Barbados’ Sheniqua Thomas was introduced into goal attack at the start of the second half as the Calypso Girls established a break of seven goals early in the quarter with goal attack Joelisa Cooper making her presence felt, but pressure from Barbados meant the margin was reduced to five with Trinidad and Tobago leading 38-33 at three quarter time.
The Bajan Gem’s Faye Sealy was substituted on for injured Wharton late in the final term but the Calypso Girls’ were able to punish Barbados for errors, converting on the scoreboard and winning the fourth quarter 17-6 to run out 55-39 winners.
For more: http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2015/08/10/tt-win-caribbean-clash/
Venezuelan visitors to Curacao don’t want to leave
By Curacao Chronicle From Caribbean News Now
Venezuelans visiting Curacao do not want to go back to lines to buy basic necessities in their own country
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — According to the minister of justice, Nelson Navarro, he has observed that there is an increase in the number of Venezuelans who come to Curacao on vacation, but are not traveling back to their country. The minister stressed, however, that there is currently no increase in the migratory flow to the island because of the precarious situation in Venezuela.
“Hard figures are not there, but we always address the number of illegal immigrants on the island,” said the minister during a press conference.
“Some Venezuelans, who enter our country, do not want to return and choose to stay illegally on the island. This is not acceptable and is therefore strictly monitored by the police,” said Navarro.
Undocumented migrants are arrested and detained pending deportation, which is the normal procedure used on the island.
As is already known, Venezuela is in crisis. There is a shortage of funds and a shortage of many consumer goods, such as food and medicine, and the poor economic situation has led to an unfavorable business environment. This with all the negative consequences.
This fear has arisen for Venezuelan asylum seekers coming by boats to the Caribbean in general and to Curacao in particular. That fear has not materialized, stressed the minister. At least, not according to the Coast Guard. They have been patrolling the coast and keeping a watchful eye on these migrants.
Inside Kate and William’s Caribbean getaway
From Women’s Weekly
“His mother would be so proud of him, he’s such a gent and Kate’s just beautiful.”
What happens on the ultra-private island of Mustique usually stays there, but one traveller has spilled the beans on one of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s frequent visits.
Jeweller to the stars Martin Katz and his wife Kelly were staying at the island’s exclusive Cotton House hotel when the royal couple came to stay in January 2008 and say the young couple – who were not yet married – could not have been more “normal”.
“We went to a cocktail party at the Cotton House and William and Kate were there,” Martin told HELLO! magazine. “I was at the bar ordering drinks and Kate came over and chatted for a bit. I told Kelly, ‘Kate’s been chatting me up, you have to be careful!’ Then she invited us to come and meet William.”
Kelly added: “Martin went to shake William’s hand and dropped his glass of pink punch at his feet. It splattered all the way up William’s white outfit, splashing him in the face. He said, ‘Oh my, that was quite refreshing.’
“His mother would be so proud of him, he’s such a gent. Kate’s just beautiful. “
Martin said Kate – who was dressed casually and wearing no makeup – was very “gracious”, “lovely” and above all “completely human”.
William and Kate travel to Mustique at least one a year, with their most recent visit being in January, four months prior to the birth of Princess Charlotte.
The island is a favourite of the royal family due to its exclusivity and complete paparazzi ban.
For more: http://www.aww.com.au/royals/british-royal-family/inside-kate-and-williams-caribbean-getaway-21768
Caribbean Airlines to drop London route
From CNC3
There is confirmation that Caribbean Airlines will axe its London route again.
For more: http://www.cnc3.co.tt/news/caribbean-airlines-drop-london-route
