iNews Briefs, More & Community Events
Community Events
RENT: The Musical
Opened Thursday September 10th, 2015
Runs to October 3rd, 2015
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Doors open at 6:30 PM for Happy Hour
try our special Tom Collins cocktail!
at The Prospect Playhouse
Do not miss out on the musical event of the year!
No Day but Today!
Click here for tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/rent-the-musical-all-ticket-prices-in-us-tickets-17993960420?aff=ehomecard
Please join the Cayman Jewish Community for the following programmes:
Sunday September 27th
6:30 pm Sukkot Under the Stars
Tuesday, September 29th
4:00pm Sukkot Children’s Party
Monday, October 26th
Mark Halawa: From Kuwait to Jerusalem
Wednesday, December 9th
4:00 pm Pardes Rock Chanukah Concert
Wednesday, January 6th 2016
Jerusalem Uncovered: Rabbi Avraham Stolik
8th Annual CISPA Gala “Back to the Future-Celebrating 45 years of excellence”
Date: 10/10/2015
Time: 6:30 PM
Ritz Carlton Seven Mile Beach
Phone: 749 3360
Register
Event Description: The 8th Annual CISPA Gala “Back to the Future-Celebrating 45 years of excellence” is a time to celebrate Caymanians who recently attained their professional accounting designations as well as a chance to celebrate the past and look to the future
Directions: The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman
Annual Meals on Wheels Dress Down Day
SAVE THE DATE
Dress Down Day Friday, 20th November, 2015
Help feed our Seniors we believe no-one in Cayman should go hungry.
Individuals can help by purchasing an orange ribbon for $5.00 or a tee shirt for $15.00 and wearing them on Dress Down Day, we are encouraging companies to match employee donations.
For more information or to sign up to participate please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or via telephone at 949-3905.
Lions Club of Tropical Gardens Brenda Tibbetts-Lund Memorial 5K Walk/Run5K
Sunday October 3, 2015 in North Side at 6am
Public Consultation Meetings Begin for Marine Parks
Public meetings on the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System are being held this month in all districts on Grand Cayman. The schedule is as follows:
* George Town: Town Hall, Wednesday, 16 September, at 7pm.
* Bodden Town Primary School Hall on Wednesday, 23 September, at 7pm
* North Side Civic Centre on Thursday, 24 September, from 8pm
* East End Civic Centre serves on Monday, 21 September, at 8pm
Details of meetings for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will be announced soon.
For more information of the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System, visit http://www.doe.ky/marine/marine-parks-review/.
To submit an opinion about the proposals, email [email protected]
General queries can be directed to [email protected]
The deadline for submissions is Friday, 4 December.
Grand Court Jurors Report Date Changed
The Grand Court jury report date has been changed.
For Grand Court Jurors who are in the 1 July – 6 October 2015 session, the report date has been changed to Monday, 21st September 2015 at 9:45 a.m.
Please call the Jury Information line at 945-5072 for the most up to date information.
AIMA – CAYMAN ISLANDS CHAPTER MEETING
Ron S. Geffner, Partner and Head of the Financial Services Practice will speak at the AIMA Cayman Chapter Meeting on US Regulatory Developments and the outlook for the US and Cayman investment funds industry on November 24th at 12:00 noon.
Speaker: Ron S. Geffner
Start Date: 11/24/2009
End Date: 11/24/2009
Location: The Wharf Restaurant, Cayman Islands
Associated: Ron S. Geffner
THU SEP 17
Layman E. Scott Sr High School
The Layman E. Scott Sr High School is hosting a P-T-A meeting on Thursday (17 Sept) in the school hall at 7pm.
Cardinal Avenue Street Fair
The Cardinal Avenue Street Fair is Thursday (17 Sept) from 9 — 3pm. The street will be closed from 7.00 am to 4:00 pm starting from the Harbor Drive entrance to Albert Panton exit.
Humorous Speech Contest
The Toastmasters of Grand Cayman will be hosting their annual Humorous Speech Contest on Thursday (17 Sept) at the 3rd Floor George Town Public Library at 6:00 pm.
Cayman Islands Humane Society Pub Quiz
The Cayman Islands Humane Society is hosting a pub quiz on Thursday (17 Sept) at 7pm at Fidel Murphy’s.
Cayman Islands Small Business Association’s General Meeting
The Cayman Islands Small Business Association’s Annual General Meeting is Thursday (17 Sept) at 530pm at the George Town Town Hall.
Sunrise Art Club
The National Gallery’s Sunrise Art Club is Thursday (17 Sept) at 9am.
EY’s Art for the Elderly for Cayman Brac
EY’s Art for the Elderly for Cayman Brac hosted by the National Gallery is Thursday (17 Sept) from 1130am until 12:30pm.
Continuing Medical Education seminar
Continuing Medical Education seminar at St Mathews University for all allied medical professionals on Thursday Sept 17, 5:30pm — 9:00pm
FRI SEP 18
Lighthouse School Celebrations
Lighthouse School will be celebrating Special Olympics athletes for their achievements in the world games on Friday (18 Sept) at 1:45pm.
John Gray Mentoring Program Training
The John Gray High School Mentoring Program is hosting a training session for mentors on Friday from 530 — 830pm and on Saturday (19 Sept) from 9am until 1pm.
SAT SEP 19
The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens Fish Fry
The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens will be having a fundraising fish fry on Saturday (19 Sept) from 12-5pm at the Smith Road Oval Cricket Field. Tickets cost $10.00. Contact any member for a ticket.
Alzheimers Annual Caregivers’ Dinner
All family members and caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s are invited to the Annual Caregivers’ Dinner on Saturday (19 Sept) at the South Sound Community Centre starting at 7:00pm. Please call 924-4170 to RSVP.
Black Tie Garage Sale
19 September , 2015
The Stingray Swim Club invites you to a Black Tie Garage Sale at the Lions Pool Parking Lot on Saturday (19 Sept) from 7 until 10am.
Collection drive for the Dominica tropical storm Erika relief effort
There will be a collection drive for the Dominica tropical storm Erika relief effort on Saturday (19 Sept) at local supermarkets.
Cayman Islands Humane Society Book Sale
The Cayman Islands Humane Society is hosting a bargain blow out book sale on Saturday (19 Sept) from 9am until 4pm outside AL Thompson’s main entrance.
Fry Jack Bonanza
Rotary Cayman Brac is hosting a Fry Jack Bonanza on Saturday (19 Sept) with fresh catch and fritters for sale. Register for the event on Friday (18 Sept) at the Museum from 630 to 930pm.
Cayman Islands Hot Rod Association Fish Fry
The Cayman Islands Hot Rod Association is hosting a fish fry fundraiser on Saturday (19 Sept) from noon until 5pm at the ALT Home Depot parking lot.
Community Green Team Beach Clean
There will be a Community Green Team Beach Clean up on Saturday (19 Sept) from 7-830am at the South Side Boat Ramp.
Public Health Fair
Free Public Health Fair at the Marriott Sat Sept 19, 8am-2pm
SUN SEP 20
Grand Cayman Awakening
Grand Cayman Awakening will be held at the 1st Assembly of God in George Town Sunday — Wednesday (20 — 23 Sept) at 10am and 6pm on Sunday and 730pm Monday — Wednesday. The program moves to West Bay Assembly of God Sept 24th, 25th and 27th.
MON SEP 21
Peace Building workshops
There are several Peace Building workshops hosted by the Family Resource Center on Peace Day (21 Sept). Meetings are scheduled at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, the Family Resource Center and Savannah Primary School at 6pm, at Bodden Town Civic Center at 7pm and at the East End Primary School at 630pm.
Grand Court Jurors Notice
Grand Court jurors in the current session must now report on Monday (21 Sept) at 945am.
Enhanced Marine Parks System
Public meetings on the proposed Enhanced Marine Parks System are being held this month in all districts on Grand Cayman. The next is at East End Civic Center on Monday (21 Sept) at 8pm
WED SEP 23
Conservation Council Meeting announced for Cayman Islands
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday September 23rd, 2015, from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room (1038) of the Government Administration Building (Grand Cayman). This meeting is open to observers from the public and the press. The Agenda of the meeting is available on the Department of Environment’s website, www.DoE.ky
SAT SEP 26
Men’s Breakfast Meeting
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday September 26th at 7:30am, at The Upper Crust restaurant in Camana Bay. Dr. Curtis Barnett to be our guest speaker.
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
CIBC FirstCaribbean Auto Fair
100% Auto Financing, Fast Approval, Low Interest Rates, * at:
CIBC FirstCaribbean Auto Fair
Saturday, 26th September 2015
10:00am – 4:00pm
25 Main Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
CARE announces Cayman Islands 5th Annual Paws for wine
Sat Sept 26th Ristorante Pappagallo
Cayman Islands Strand Shopping Centre is up for sale
The Strand shopping complex along the West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, is on the market for a cool US$15 plus and it does not include Foster’s Food Fair nor Kirk Freeport. These are independently owned.
The shopping centre, comprising 79,758 square feet of owner and tenant space on a 6-acre site has 24 units including the long established Canton Chines Restaurant.
Disney adds muscle to ‘no-poach’ defense
By Patience Haggin, The Recorder
SAN FRANCISCO—The Walt Disney Co. is bringing on two veteran trial lawyers to fight an antitrust suit that accuses major California animation studios of conspiring to suppress wages for artists and engineers.
John Keker and Robert Van Nest of Keker & Van Nest entered appearances Monday for Disney and subsidiaries Pixar, Lucasfilm Ltd. and ImageMovers Digital. They join attorneys from Covington & Burling on the studios’ defense team.
Plaintiffs attorneys with Susman Godfrey, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll accuse the animation studios of agreeing not to recruit each other’s employees and of meeting over dinner and drinks to illegally set caps on industry salaries.
U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh preliminarily rejected the studios’ statute of limitations defense in August, allowing the case to proceed. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe represents Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks. Williams & Connolly represents Blue Sky Studios.
The suit against the studios follows a similar “no-poach” action against several major Silicon Valley tech companies that settled earlier this year. Google Inc., Apple Inc., Adobe Systems Inc. and Intel Corp. paid $415 million to settle charges they had suppressed wages for technology workers by agreeing not to recruit each other’s employees. Keker & Van Nest represented Google.
for more: http://www.therecorder.com/id=1202737413267/Disney-Adds-Muscle-to-NoPoach-Defense#ixzz3m0J2SZ3r
2015 Annual General Meeting Notice for Cayman Islands Tortuga
The 2015 Annual General Meeting for Morritt’s Tortuga Club, Ltd and Morritt’s Grand Resort, Ltd has been scheduled for Wednesday October 21st 2015 in the main lobby building at Morritt’s Resort in Grand Cayman.
We have a morning presentation for resort owners (Tortuga and Grand) followed by each resort Association’s Annual General Meeting. The morning presentation will cover a general overview of resort operations and updates followed by a questions and answer period. The afternoon Annual General Meeting will be for the purpose of electing Directors for the next term.
The scheduled timeline is as follows:
Joint Association Presentation:
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Owner sign in / registration
10:00AM – 12:00PM – Presentation for both Associations
Morritt’s Tortuga Club, Ltd – Annual General Meeting and Director Elections
1:45PM – 2:45PM
Morritt’s Grand Resort, Ltd – Annual General Meeting and Director Elections
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Owners and individuals entitled to attend all of the above programming are only those owners in good standing and/or owner representative(s) with a valid executed proxy (and the owner is in good standing) for each respective association. Good standing means all assessments then due and payable by him/her have been paid on or before the date of the Annual General Meeting, inclusive of special assessments, if and when applicable. In addition, owners and individuals who are entitled to attend will be entitled to discuss issues when such action is available.
Candidates for the Board of Directors
The following owners (in alphabetical order) have expressed their desire to become an owner elected board member for the 2016 term and have sent in their bio information.
Morritt’s Tortuga Club Ltd Candidates
- Manfred Lissinna – Incumbent
- Myron Holtz – Incumbent
- Philip Estes
Morritt’s Grand Resort Ltd Candidates
- Alexis Smollock
- Daryl Thompson – Incumbent
- Jan Gessel
- Jim Kubal – Incumbent
For more and to read bios: http://morritts.com/2015-annual-general-meeting-notice-2/
BVI signs MoU with Gibraltar
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION SIGNS MOU WITH GIBRALTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION
Tortola, British Virgin Islands – 1 September, 2015 – The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) has today confirmed that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission in relation to the supervision of Managers of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFMs) that would allow BVI regulated funds and Gibraltar regulated funds to do business in both jurisdictions.
The MoU, which was signed by Managing Director/CEO of the FSC, Robert Mathavious and CEO of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, Samantha Barrass on 13 July, allows for the exchange of information between the BVI and Gibraltar on matters related to the supervision and oversight of AIFMs, their delegates and depositaries that operate in both jurisdictions.
The MoU clearly outlines the scope of cooperation and how information will be exchanged between the regulators and details how requests for assistance will be executed, how the information can be used, confidentiality, further sharing of information and provisions for cross-border on-site visits.
For more information on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with Gibraltar or the supervision of Alternate Investment Funds, please contact the Acting Director, Investment Business, Mr. Glenford Malone via email [email protected] or by telephone 494-4190.
Ramdin axed as West Indies Test captain
By Azad Ali From Caribbean Life
West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been axed as Test captain after just 15 months in the position and was replaced by Barbadian One-Day skipper Jason Holder, for the tour of Sri Lanka next month.
Holder, 23, who has played eight Tests and 33 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), will lead a 15-man squad for the Oct. 14 to Nov. 12 series which comprises two Tests, the ODIs and two T20s.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said the recommendation by the Clive Lloyd-chaired selection panel to make him Test captain had been “endorsed unanimously” by directors, during a recent teleconference.
“The directors discussed the recommendation put forward by the selectors. We have all seen Jason’s clear leadership potential and believe he can perform an excellent job for West Indies cricket over many years. We congratulate him on his appointment,” WICB President Dave Cameron said.
“We would like to thank Denesh for taking on the responsibility of leading the Test side over the last 15 months. He remains and integral part of West Indies cricket and will continue to have a vital role in our Test side,” he said.
Ramhin, 30, was appointed captain in May last year, replacing the long-serving Darren Sammy. He led West Indies in 13 Tests- winning four, losing seven and drawing two.
As captain he managed 472 runs at an average of 22, and a highest score of 57.
Lloyd said the decision to remove Ramdin was with the view of getting more from the player with the bat, and said he had spoken to the veteran of 69 Tests about his new role in the side.
Barbados-left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican is the only new face in the team, with uncapped all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite also included. Warrican, 23, took 49 wickets at nearly 15 runs apiece during the first class season.
The squad will undergo a preparation camp in Barbados from Sept. 20 before departing for Sri Lanka a week later.
IMAGE: West Indies’ Jason Holder bowls against England during day one of their third Test match at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, Friday, May 1, 2015.
For more: http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2015/9/2015-09-18-azad-cricket-cl.html
National bipartite workshops for CARIFORUM member States
ILO News |17 Sep 2015 – A series of national bipartite workshops organized by the ILO in conjunction with the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) and the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), will conclude over the coming weeks in the CARIFORUM member States of Barbados; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Guyana; Suriname; and Trinidad and Tobago.
A three-year project* funded by the European Union (EU) and executed by the ILO, seeks to build capacity of Caribbean regional workers’ and employers’ organizations so that they can make substantive contributions to policy-setting aimed at regional development and the integration process, and thus fulfil their obligations under the Social Aspects Chapter of the Economic Partnership Agreement. The workshops will provide a forum for employers’ and workers’ organizations to understand their role in the project, to air their concerns on national social and economic issues, and set a common agenda for collaboration between the social partners at the national level.
The previous nine national bipartite meetings were held in July and August this year in the member States of St Lucia; Grenada; Dominica; Antigua and Barbuda; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Haiti; Jamaica; Belize; and Bahamas. Speaking after the Bahamas workshop, Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, General Secretary of The National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas (NCTUB) stated, “I commend the EU for its financial support and the ILO for its coordination of this project. This workshop explained the EU-funded project in support of the CCL and the CEC in detail. It explained the role both organizations must play in ensuring that this project is successful. All who attended the bipartite workshop understand that we all share the same issues and only through constructive social dialogue, at the bipartite level and at the National Tripartite Council level, will we be able to come closer together to solve our problems.”
The timetable for upcoming workshops is as follows:
21 September 2015 – Barbados – National Union of Public Workers, Bridgetown
23 September 2015 – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown
28 September 2015 – Suriname – (venue tbc)
30 September 2015 – Guyana – (venue tbc)
2 October 2015 – Trinidad and Tobago – (venue tbc)
For further information on the project please visit:
www.ilo.org/caribbean/projects/WCMS_357992
New law strengthens Cayman Islands’ business environment
From department of Commerce & Investment
The commerce environment in Cayman will become better licensed and regulated with the implementation of the new Trade and Business Law.
The law, which is scheduled to take effect this fall, focuses on creating a level local playing field for businesses, explained Minister of Commerce Wayne Panton.
‘TBL’s framework is intended to lead to greater efficiencies in the overall business licensing system’, he said.
‘For example, it improves the governance structure and processes for the TBL Board, and allows them to delegate certain functions to the Department of Commerce and Investment. This will reduce TBL approval times, which goes a far way to support business across the board, from micro to larger, international firms’.
Minister Panton also said the TBL clarifies business licensing categories, creates an appeals tribunal, improves DCI’s enforcement powers, and allows Cabinet to provide business incentives, such as the micro- and small-business incentives that have been extended until 30 June 2016.
The Department of Commerce and Investment is responsible for enforcing the law, CI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh said.
‘We have been working steadily on our internal processes, in order to implement the law this fall’, he said. ‘Our staff has undergone a number of training sessions to become familiar with the legislation and capable of offering quick and accurate licensing advice. We have also met with various government agencies to encourage more collaboration and efficiency in handling public queries’.
More information about the new TBL is available on www.dci.gov.ky.
Seminar: Public sector debt in the Caribbean: An agenda for reduction and sustainability
Presentation of the main findings of a major debt study which was commissioned by CDB.
Panellists will comment on the implications of these findings and presenters from the development community, multilateral organisations and countries will be invited to share success stories and experiences with debt management.
Participants
Chairperson: Mr. Carl Howell
Chief Economist (Ag.)
Caribbean Development Bank
Biography
Presentation: Public Debt in the Caribbean: An Agenda for Reduction and Sustainability
Panellist: Mr. Travis Mitchell
Economic Adviser
Commonwealth Secretariat
Biography
Presentation: Debt Issues in Commonwealth Small States: Implications and Possible Solutions
Panellist: Ms. Michele Robinson
Debt Management Consultant
Debt Watch- Caribbean
Biography
Presentation: Debt Management as a Safeguard for Debt Sustainability in the Caribbean
Panellist: Mr. Ian Durant
Economist
Caribbean Development Bank
Biography
Presentation: Recent Sovereign Debt Restructuring in the Caribbean: Outcomes, Lessons and Issues
Panellist: Dr. Sona Varma
Senior Economist, LCSPE
The World Bank
Biography
Presentation: Debt Issues in the Caribbean: What Do We Need To Focus On?
UN body proposes Guyana as site for regional anti-corruption academy
From Stabroek News
Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, today met with a visiting team from the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment’s Boardroom and heard a proposal for Guyana to be considered as the host of a regional anti-corruption academy.
A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said that the UN team was headed by Regional Representative of the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean for the UNODC, Amado Philip de Andres. He was accompanied by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Khadija Musa and Programme Coordinator- Operations and Programmes for the UNODC, Olivier Inizan.
Musa, the release said, told Trotman that the UN has recognised the new government’s interest in fighting corruption and crime and as such, the meeting was organised to see how best those efforts can be aided.
“Since we know that there is a government which is interested in the fight against crime and drugs, and all those issues are paramount here and on the international front, we felt since you are now establishing your framework and structure, that it was important that UNODC come and share what they can do or in what areas they can assist so we initiated the visit,” Musa said.
Regional Representative of the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean for the UNODC, Amado Philip de Andres (centre) makes a point to Minister Raphael Trotman at the meeting, earlier today. UN Resident Representative Khadija Musa is at left. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
Regional Representative of the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean for the UNODC, Amado Philip de Andres (centre) makes a point to Minister Raphael Trotman at the meeting, earlier today. UN Resident Representative Khadija Musa is at left. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
de Andres, proposed to the Minister, the setting up of a Regional Anti- Corruption Academy, which will target transparency and accountability in the Caribbean. “We were discussing options to help Guyana and one of the options was to establish a Regional Anti-Corruption Academy for the Caribbean and Central America. It is a carbon copy of the International Anti- Corruption Academy, located in Vienna. We want to set up a pilot country and that can be possibly be Guyana,” de Andres related.
He also said that the UNODC is working on an Anti -Corruption and Transparency Diploma course for civil servants, which will be tailor-made to suit each other on board the initiative. The release said that he also expressed the world body’s support in tackling and addressing environmental crimes.
Trotman, on behalf of the Government, welcomed these proposals, noting that they will be considered for the good governing of the country.
“These are very good proposals, especially an institute where we can train multiple compliance officers, to sensitize them to identify and eradicate corruption. We welcome your support and pledge the Government’s willingness to explore these going forward,” Trotman told the team, the release said.
Will Pope Francis see the real Cuba?
From South Florida Caribbean News
IMAGE: (file photo) 2014 Pastoral Visit of Pope Francis to Korea Closing Mass for Asian Youth Day August 17, 2014 Haemi Castle, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Korean Culture and Information Service Korea.net (www.korea.net) Official Photographer : Jeon Han This official Republic of Korea photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal printing by the subject(s) of the photograph.
MIAMI – As His Holiness Pope Francis prepares to embark on his first official papal visit to Cuba this coming weekend, the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) and the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FHRC) feel obliged to provide a glimpse into a Cuba His Holiness will not be exposed to, willingly, by Cuba’s current regime.
This Cuba includes the Ladies in White, who conduct their weekly nonviolent protests to demand the release of Cuba’s political prisoners, and for the respect of basic human rights in their own country. Many activists from around Cuba, including José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Cuba’s Patriotic Union (UNPACU) have come together to show solidarity in a growing display of support for the same cause.
It should be noted that the Ladies in White, along with other human rights and pro-democracy activists, have been physically harassed, beaten, and detained by Cuba’s state security apparatus, for the past twenty two consecutive weeks. Just last weekend, almost 50 members of the Ladies in White were violently arrested, some of them dragged forcefully through the streets of Havana. Last night in Holguin, members of the same group were accosted and forcefully detained for several hours.
During previous papal visits, these activist groups have been physically impeded, detained, had their cell phones cut-off, and experienced other forms of harassment and oppression by the communist government. FHRC and CANF expect these nonviolent activists to receive similar treatment during the visit of Pope Francis as well.
In addition, although Pope Francis may be exposed to some of the 3,522 prisoners who were pardoned in anticipation of the Pope’s upcoming visit, His Holiness will be shielded from seeing Cuba’s remaining political prisoners, the vast majority of whom did not receive pardon by the Cuban regime last week. These political prisoners include Vaclev Havel Award winning graffiti artist, Danilo Maldonado Machado “El Sexto,” who has been unjustly imprisoned, without trial, since last December for little more than attempting an artistic performance. Since beginning a hunger strike for his release, Maldonado has been isolated and denied visitation rights. A list of political prisoners supported by FHRC and CANF can be found at www.fhrcuba.org.
As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis once said, “it is necessary for Cuba and other nations, to undertake a plan to transform some structures and in particular their political institutions, to replace regimes which are corrupt, dictatorial or authoritarian, for governments which are democratic and participatory. That there be free participation of citizens in governance, security of law, and the respect and promotion of human rights, stand as imperative requirements and necessary to tend to the development of man, of all mankind.”
CANF and FHRC urge Pope Francis to pay special attention in his visit to today’s Cuba, whose authoritarian regime still exclude the important tenants he once professed for the betterment of the Cuban people, and all mankind.
For more: http://sflcn.com/will-pope-francis-see-the-real-cuba/
NFL rights sold in the Caribbean and New Zealand
By Michael Long From SportsPro
The National Football League (NFL) has penned new broadcast deals with Flow in the Caribbean and TVNZ in New Zealand.
Flow, a telecoms company formerly known as Lime, will broadcast the league for the next five years, offering NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL Network and NFL RedZone programming on cable TV across the Caribbean region.
As part of the deal, Flow TV will show live regular season games alongside other NFL programmes including NFL Hard Knocks, America’s Game, Road to the Playoffs and Road to the Super Bowl.
The territories included in the deal are: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and the Turks & Caicos.
Meanwhile, the NFL has also awarded a rights package to Kiwi network TVNZ. According to local press reports, the broadcaster will show multiple live games on free-to-air TV and online.
Financial terms and the duration of the deal have not been released.
The 2015 NFL season got underway last week. Week two fixtures begin later on Thursday, with the Denver Broncos taking on the Kansas City Chiefs.
For more: http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nfl_rights_sold_in_the_caribbean_and_new_zealand
St Maarten delegation meets CARICOM SG on Associate Membership
From Caribbean News Service
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sep 16 2015 – The Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, met with a delegation from St Maarten – one of five Caribbean countries seeking Associate Membership in CARICOM – on Monday 14th September 2015 at CARICOM Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.
In addition to discussions on the terms and conditions of Associate Membership, the delegation received information on the structure and work of CARICOM and the ongoing reform of the Community and the Secretariat.
St Maarten already enjoys a good relationship with CARICOM, as it has attended meetings of the COHSOD (Council for Human and Social Development) as an Observer, it participates in the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and offers the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) curricula and examinations in its schools. The delegation also met with the technical directorates of the CARICOM Secretariat and representatives of CARIFORUM.
The Secretary-General previously met with delegations from French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Curacao. The delegation from St Maarten was led by Mr Henlsey Plantijn, Secretary General of the Ministry of General Affairs and included Mrs. Jule Panneflek-Vrutaal, Legal Advisor at the Central Bank of Curacao and St Maarten, and Mr Patrice T. Gumbs, Jr., Senior Policy Advisor, Directorate of Foreign Relations, Ministry of General Affairs.
Photo: : (l-r) Mr. Neville Bissember, Advisor to the CARICOM Secretary-General; Ms. Safiya Ali, General Counsel, CARICOM Secretariat; Mr. Henlsey Plantijn, Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Sint Maarten; Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM Secretary-General; Ms. Jule Panneflek-Vrutaal, Legal Advisor, Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten; Mr. Patrice Gumbs, Senior Policy Advisor, Directorate of Foreign Relations, Ministry of General Affairs, Sint Maarten; Ambassador Colin Granderson, Assistant Secretary-General, Foreign and Community Relations, CARICOM Secretariat
For more: http://caribbeannewsservice.com/now/st-maarten-delegation-meets-caricom-sg-on-associate-membership/
Caribbean and Mexican Hotel Development Pipeline for August 2015 up 2.9% over 2014
From Hotel News Resource
Among the region’s key markets, Central Mexico (3,408 rooms) reported the largest number of rooms under construction, followed by Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico (2,701 rooms).
STR Global There are 163 hotels totaling 28,431 rooms Under Contract in the Caribbean/Mexico region, according to the August 2015 STR Construction Pipeline Report. This represents a 2.9% increase in rooms Under Contract compared with August 2014 and a 1.9% year-over-year increase in rooms under construction. The Under Contract data includes projects in the In Construction, Final Planning and Planning stages but does not include projects in the Unconfirmed stage.
The region reported 67 hotels totaling 12,987 rooms under construction for the month.
Among the region’s key markets, Central Mexico (3,408 rooms) reported the largest number of rooms under construction, followed by Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico (2,701 rooms).
About STR Global:
STR Global provides clients – including hotel operators, developers, financiers, analysts and suppliers to the hotel industry – access to hotel research with regular and custom reports covering Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and South America. STR Global provides a single source of global hotel data covering daily and monthly performance data, forecasts, annual profitability, pipeline and census information. STR Global is part of the STR family of companies and is proudly associated with STR, STR Analytics and Hotel News Now. For more information, please visit www.strglobal.com.
For more: http://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article85647.html
URISA Caribbean GIS Conference Calls For Presentation Proposals
Presentation proposals for the 2016 conference are due Dec. 1, 2015
URISA is pleased to announce the call for presentations for the eighth URISA Caribbean GIS Conference, taking place in Barbados, Sept, 5-8, 2016. Presentation proposals are due by Dec. 1, 2015.
Since 2001, URISA has hosted several conferences focused on the effective application and management of GIS and other information technologies within the Caribbean. Previous events have taken place in Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Curacao.
The conference is organized by a committee of Caribbean GIS professionals, who dedicate considerable time and energy to developing an educational program. The committee welcomes the submission of individual papers, complete sessions, panel discussions and lightning talks.
The following list of includes suggested topics for consideration. However, all submissions received will be reviewed and considered for the conference program regardless of the list below.
National SDI implementation
Mobile technology and field data collection
Climate change
Collaboration, coordination and cooperation across departments, agencies, ministries, regions
GIS management challenges and best practices
Sustainable capacity building
Water resources
Standards, Policy
Modern Geodetic Framework
Big data to support planning and development
Web solutions
Business intelligence and analytics
GIS in support of economic development
GIS in public safety, emergency response and disaster management
Improving addressing
Landuse planning
Coastal and marine spatial planning
Environmental monitoring and analysis
Commercial applications including retail, insurance, manufacturing, financial services
The use of location technology
Land/Parcel management
GIS in the ‘Cloud’
How to prepare/use Census GIS
Citizen’s use of GIS – web access
Aerial imagery and LiDAR
Use of drones/UAVs for collecting imagery
Innovative health GIS applications
Crowdsourcing
Oil and gas
Enterprise GIS trends
Open Source GIS
PPGIS – community participation
Developing GIS leaders in your organization
Data management challenges
Standards implementation issues and experiences
Data sharing, open data
Creative funding solutions
Other topics
Abstract submissions are due no later than Dec. 1, 2015. For details and an online submission form, click here.
About URISA
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) is an international geospatial organization that provides professional education and training, advocacy for the profession, and essential resources to foster excellence in GIS. URISA’s Caribbean Chapter strives to be the leading medium of the Caribbean Geospatial Community providing geospatial professionals with opportunities for educational development, networking, leadership, coordination and representation.
Pennsylvania “Gentleman’s” barber shop fined for refusing to cut woman’s hair
By Mary Beth Quirk From Consumerist
It’s perfectly legal to advertise your establishment as a place where “gentlemen” might like to go, but one Pennsylvania barber shop found itself in hot shaving water when a woman claimed she was turned away for a haircut.
The business, which is described as a “high end Gentleman’s Barber Shop” on its website, will have to pay a $750 fine after a woman said she was turned away upon arriving for an appointment she’d booked online in March for herself and her boyfriend, reports the Washington Observer-Reporter. She reportedly wanted to get a fade, a short style often sported by men.
But a female barber who works at the shop said she explained to the woman that the staff sticks exclusively to men’s haircuts.
“I’m a barber, that is what I specialize in,” she told the newspaper. “That’s why I work here. I don’t cut women’s hair.”
The state’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs and the state’s Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation researched the complaint, ultimately fining the shop $750 for gender discrimination.
The shop’s owner said they recommended salons and offered to pay for the woman’s haircut elsewhere to make up for the inconvenience. He won’t contest the fine but said he doesn’t agree with it, either.
“It’s infringing on our environment. Guys come here as a kind of a little getaway, to be around other guys,” he said. “My hands are tied. They are forcing me to do this and telling me how to do my business.”
Though there are businesses that may cater to a specific gender, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibits public accommodations (including barber shops) from discriminating because of sex, among other things.
As the manager of a nearby Curves gym — a female-centric business — points out: men can be customers if they want to be around mostly women, but it’s up to them.
“We don’t discriminate against men here, we don’t stop them from joining,” she explains. “We tell them there’s only women here and most of them don’t join. I’m not sure why they might want to join here, but we wouldn’t stop them.”
For more on this story go to: http://consumerist.com/2015/09/08/pennsylvania-gentlemans-barbershop-fined-for-refusing-to-cut-womans-hair/
