iNews Briefs, More & Community Events
Community Events
NWDA Community Outreach
The National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA), in an effort to provide improved customer service to its clients in their job seeking efforts, will have a representative at the district libraries to provide:
Opportunities to register online with the NWDA.
Opportunities to search the online job portal and self-referring for jobs.
Assistance with preparing resumes.
Assistance with preparing for an interview
Career Exploration: Interest Profiler
Dates, Hours and Locations:
North Side Library Branch: Monday 12th, Oct..-10:00am-1:00pm
*Customer Service Workshop offered
West Bay Library Branch: Wednesday 14th Oct.– 10:00am-1:00pm
*Communication Skills Workshop offered
For more information please call 945-3114
Apostle 13 & the Disciple of Demons
Play with music & dance
FOUR performances only
Opens Thu Oct 22- Sat Oct 24 7:30pm & Sun Oct 25 3:00pm
St George’s Anglican Church Hall
Tickets $15 (A) $5 (C) [Discounts for groups 10 or more]
Tel: 949 5583 or 916 4594 or at the door
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
TUE OCT 13
Cimpa 3rd Annual Marketing Conference
25th Annual Culinary Awards of Excellent Competition & Trade Show
THU OCT 15
Caribbean Statistics Day
On the 15th October 2015 the Caricom Community (CARICOM) marks the seventh observance of the Caribbean Statistics Day.
FRI OCT 16
NGCI tIDal shift
Mark your Calendar!
You’re invited to a special Young Patrons’ Circle late night event in conjunction with NGCI’s newest exhibition…
Friday, 16 October 2015, 5pm – 10pm
Join us at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands for a late night of entertainment, live music, performance art, canapes, and fun! More details to follow – SAVE THE DATE and forward this to your friends.
SAT OCT 17
CDS – A (Trapp) family Affair
Come Down and release your inner Maria/Nun/Goatherd!
Saturday 17th October – Two sing-along shows
Doors open 3:30pm, show starts at 4pm, or
Doors open 7:30pm and show starts at 8:30pm
Prize for the Best Costume
Magic Moments Prop Bags available by donation
THU OCT 22
Triple C School Music Department will be having a POP Concert featuring Erica Assai and Yung
Fusion. The public is invited to attend. The event will be taking place:
When: Thursday, October 22, 2015
Where: Triple C School Multi-Purpose Hall
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Refreshments will be on sale.
For more information please contact the school office at 949-6022.
THU OCT 22 – SUN OCT 25
Apostle 13 & the Disciple of Demons
Play with music & dance
FOUR performances only
Opens Thu Oct 22- Sat Oct 24 7:30pm & Sun Oct 25 3:00pm
St George’s Anglican Church Hall
Tickets $15 (A) $5 (C) [Discounts for groups 10 or more]
Tel: 949 5583 or 916 4594 or at the door
FRI OCT 23
Dan Marino – Leadership in SPORTS
T H R I V E by Gamut Global Events
Friday, October 23, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EST)
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. To attend – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dan-marino-leadership-in-sports-tickets-18941278875?ref=enivtefor001&invite=ODUzMTUzOS93aWxjb2JiQGdtYWlsLmNvbS8w&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&ref=enivtefor001&utm_term=attend
SAT OCT 24
36th Annual NCVO Radio/Telethon
NCVO Telethon
October 24th 2015
7pm to Midnight
Admission is free – but make a donation to see and hear Cayman’s top talent live, all in one place on one night!
MON OCT 26
Please join the Cayman Jewish Community for the following programme
Mark Halawa: From Kuwait to Jerusalem
Oct 26 – 30 Half -term Football Camp
THU OCT 29
UCCI 2015 Commencement Ceremony
Celebrate an important milestone in our students’ academic journeys
Join the UCCI community as we recognize the achievements and share in the triumphs of the University College of the Cayman Islands’ Graduating Class of 2015.
FRI & SAT OCT 30 & 31 SUN NOV 1
Derek Walcott’s PANTOMIME
Harry Trewe was a British song-and-dance man, now down on his luck and running a dilapidated guest house in Tobago. To try to lure tourists, he decides to tempt Jackson, a servant, to perform a Christmas panto featuring Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday.
Directed by Henry Mutoo, PANTOMIME is a CNCF production in association with the University of South Florida.
Harquail – October 30th/31st 2015
Prospect Playhouse Sunday November 1st 2015 – 125 seats only.
Proceeds of the Prospect Playhouse performance will in part go to the CDS Educational Scholarship Fund.
MON NOV 9
13th APOSTLE – Disciple of Demons
By Colin Wilson
Monday 9th November – one night only Prospect Playhouse
– proceeds to The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI)
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.
Public Consultation for Marine Parks
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.
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
Please join the Cayman Jewish Community for the following programmes:
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
REDUCE RISK. ADD BUSINESS VALUE
Transforming your Risk Management Preparedness and Response Strategy into a Competitive Advantage.
ALM’s cyberSecure is a two-day event designed to unite business leaders and the entire risk management team. Keynote presentations, tracked sessions and hands-on workshops will provide attendees with powerful insights and essential connections necessary to implement a preparedness and response strategy that changes the conversation from financial risk to competitive advantage.
The event will kick off at 9:00 am on December 15 with an opening keynote presentation that will show you how to proactively monitor for, assess, and counter information security threats without going dark yourself. This opening keynote will prime you for the event by leading you through the landscape on:
How to safely pursue an offensive strategy
Examples from the health care and financial services industries
The latest ISP (Information Security Program) approaches and compliance initiatives
Upgrading of IT Systems and New Continuous Monitoring platforms in IT
Keynote Speakers:
Mauricio Paez Partner Jones Day
Bill Sieglein Founder CISO Executive Network
Visit the website to view the complete agenda. Take advantage of our early registration rates – Register by September 30 and save up to $400.
ROWING FOR CANCER
Starting November 14, 2015
Craig Noble Attempting to Break Rowing Record to Raise funds for CICS
Cayman Charity Row – Spectators Welcome!
Date: 14th November 2015
Time: 0700hrs
Event: Cayman Charity Row – British Concept 2 Rowing machine 100,000 metres age group record attempt, currently 7 hours 11 minutes.
Location: Anytime fitness gym, Camana Bay
Open to all public who want to view and offer support
Visit the Cayman Charity Row webpage for more information: www.caymancharityrow.splashthat.com
Craig has set a Noble goal of raising $50,000 for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society as well as another $50,000 for the Children’s Tumor Foundation so please DONATE NOW at: http://www.active.com/donate/cancersociety
Cayman Islands Subway’s FOOD DRIVE to help Meals on Wheels
Now through Dec 6, 2015
Help us feed those in need this Thanksgiving.
Bring in any canned goods or non-perishable items to any Subway location before December 6th.
All proceeds to benefit Feed our Future, Meals on Wheels and a few other organizations dedicated to providing nourishment to the less fortunate.
Older Persons’ Month Starts with a Bash
Seniors in the Cayman Islands are invited to a number of events throughout October that celebrate older persons.
On Grand Cayman these include;
Eastern District Day takes place at the Bodden Town Civic Centre on Tuesday, 20th Oct 2015, 5.30pm-8.30pm.
The Circle of Love Prayer Tea is scheduled for Saturday, 24th October, 2.00 pm to 5pm, venue to be confirmed.
The Seniors’ Bash takes place at the Westin Casuarina Resort on Thursday, 29th October, 6:30 to 10.00 pm.
To wrap up the month Cayman National Cultural Foundation has invited seniors to a special performance on Friday, 30th October, 8.00pm at the Harquail Theatre. Limited spaces available. For more information contact 949-0290.
Meanwhile on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman,
A Seniors’ Island Tour takes place on Tuesday, October 13th and Tuesday, October 27th, 8:30am to 2.00pm
The Cayman Brac Seniors’ Social will be at the Aston Rutty Civic Center on Wednesday, 28th October 10.00am-2.00pm.
On Little Cayman a church service and luncheon takes place on Sunday, 25th October at the Little Cayman Baptist Church at 11.00 am.
Cayman Islands Hospice Care has a clinical volunteer programme
Our clinical volunteers are trained to provide assistance and support in many ways, from companionship to transportation and running errands. Their roles are guided by a patient’s needs. They are recruited, screened/ trained and are obligated to maintain privacy/ confidentiality and to respect patients/ family members choices.
Care is taken to match patients with volunteers who have similar interest, or speak the same language, have similar personalities live nearby or are otherwise deemed a good fit.
Upcoming Events
October 29, 2015
Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference
For more: http://www.caymanhospicecare.ky/services/clinical-volunteer-program/
Cayman Islands: New Geology Textbook to be Presented
WHAT: A “Origin of Carbonate Sedimentary Rocks” textbook will be presented to Councillor Winston Connolly.This book will also be presented to all high schools taking part in Geology Week 2015 (Oct. 12-16).
WHO: Councillor Winston Connolly.
Water Authority Officials
WHEN: Monday, 12th October, 9.00 am
WHERE: The Water Authority Building, off Red Gate Road (going to
CUC).
BACKGROUND: During the week of Monday, 12 to Friday, 16 October the Water Authority will organise “Geology Education Week” for the third consecutive year. Councillor Connolly will start the week by accepting a copy of the textbook “Origin of Carbonate Sedimentary Rocks”. Dr. Brian Jones, professor of geology at the University of Alberta, Canada, and his colleague Dr. Noel James, geology professor at Queen’s University, also in Canada published the text book through Wiley Press in August 2015. The Water Authority has a long and mutually beneficial working relationship with Dr. Jones. As part of Geology Week there will also be specific courses for high school teachers to teach them about the geology of the Cayman Islands. In addition Dr. Jones will give geology lessons to high school students. He will also present a public lecture organized through the National Trust. This book will be presented to all high schools that take part in Geology Week. It targets upper-level undergraduates but is a very useful reference for professionals. The book does not specifically target the geology of the Cayman Islands, but the extensive research that Dr. Jones has done in the Cayman Islands over the last 30 years, has contributed to the book. The book is a good reference on the geology of the Cayman Islands. http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118652703.html
BRIGHTON SPC (in Official Liquidation)
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“the Authority”) wishes to advise the public that on 6th October 2015 Brighton SPC (“Brighton”) was placed into official liquidation with Messrs. Simon Conway and David Walker of PwC Corporate Finance & Recovery (Cayman) Limited appointed as Joint Official Liquidators.
Messrs. Conway and Walker were the Joint Controllers of Brighton as appointed by the Authority on 1st June 2015.
Effective 6th October 2015 the Authority also cancelled Brighton’s mutual fund registration pursuant to Section 30(3)(a) of the Mutual Funds Law (2015 Revision).
Written enquiries to the JOLs should be forwarded to Ben Henshilwood by email at [email protected]
CONCACAF announces final injury-related changes to official rosters for CONCACAF Cup 2015
MIAMI (Saturday, October 10, 2015) – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) today announced an injury-related roster change for the United States for the 2015 CONCACAF Cup.
In line with CONCACAF Cup Regulations, teams are have until 24 hours before the match to replace players who sustain a documented injury or illness after being named to the final 23-player roster. The following changes have been approved for the United States:
UNITED STATES
Player Out: Alejandro BEDOYA (Nantes/FRA)
Player In: Bobby WOOD (Union Berlin/GER)
Per regulation, the replacement player comes from the provisional list of 35 players released last month.
In 2013, CONCACAF announced the split of the region’s berth to the FIFA Confederations Cup between two editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, assuring that both editions of the Gold Cup in each four-year cycle have the same importance from a competitive perspective. By winning the recent 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mexico qualified for the CONCACAF Cup against the 2013 Gold Cup champion, the United States.
The CONCACAF Cup, presented by Scotiabank, between the United States and Mexico is sold out, with over 90,000 fans expected at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
The winner of the match, which will be televised in the U.S. by Univision/UDN in Spanish and FS1 in English, will earn a berth in the prestigious FIFA Confederations Cup, to be played in Russia in 2017.
Caribbean maritime conference, ‘Homeland Security Outlook,’ to be held in San Juan
From Caribbean Business
The Maritime Security 2015 Caribbean conference, “Homeland Security Outlook,” will be held in Puerto Rico Oct. 27-28 at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.
The conference will be attended by maritime security stakeholders representing private companies, port authorities, law enforcement and military agencies, and the recreational boating/tourism industry.
The event will be the third installment of the Maritime Security Caribbean program series. Last year’s event was held in Nassau, Bahamas.
According to its organizers, the panels will comprise a “mix of experts/policymakers of Caribbean maritime security and boots-on-the-ground practitioners that personally deal with the maritime security challenges daily.”
Speaking at the event will be Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), U.S. Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Ports Authority, Federal Emergency Management Agency, UK Home Office, and Caribbean Shipping Association representatives.
Some of the topics to be discussed are the preparation of ports and shipping for LNG use and transportation; smuggling on ferries after U.S. and Cuba relations normalize; the port’s role in the economy and security of Puerto Rico; engaging commercial entities to combat maritime threats; cargo security resources and best practices; as well as recreational boating security and protection of cruise ports and marinas.
The conference is designed for a wide audience, and “government, military and police leaders, to security operations personnel, to port authority and critical infrastructure associates, all are welcome in the conversation,” organizers stated.
IC packaging, testing firm seeks primary listing on TWSE
From Focus Taiwan
Taipei, Oct. 10 (CNA) GEM Services Inc. (捷敏), a Cayman Island incorporated integrated circuit packaging and testing services provider, is seeking a primary listing in Taiwan, the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) said Saturday.
The TWSE said GEM is the eighth foreign-registered company to file an application for a listing on the exchange.
While GEM is a Cayman Island incorporated firm, its chairman, Cheng Chu-liang (鄭祝良), and president, Tang Yen-chiang (湯彥鏘), are Taiwanese nationals.
According to a prospectus GEM filed with the exchange, the company is planning to issue 12.548 million new shares in the listing and hopes to raise about NT$451.73 million (US$13.73 million) based on a tentatively set issue price of NT$36.
GEM said it expects the fundraising activity will be completed by the end of the first quarter of next year, with the funds expected to be used to help finance future expansion and to repay debt to improve its financial structure.
According to the company, its debt to asset ratio as of the end of June stood at 29.52 percent, down from 34.61 percent seen at the end of 2014.
Yuanta Securities (元大證券) and E. Sun Securities (玉山證券) are serving as the underwriters of GEM’s listing.
GEM currently operates production lines in Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Shanghai and Hefei (合肥) in China, and its customers include IC designers and integrated device manufactures from the United States, Japan and Taiwan.
These clients use their chips in a wide range of devices such as motherboards, notebook computers, servers and power supply devices, GEM said.
The IC designer has devoted considerable resources to research and development to upgrade its technology and eventually boost profitability, it said, and its gross margin improved to 27.26 percent in 2014 from 21.02 percent in 2013.
Last year, GEM posted NT$5.15 in earnings per share, up from NT$2.45 in EPS a year earlier. In the first half of 2015, the IC designer’s EPS stood at NT$2.33, but it did not provide a comparison with the same period of last year.
(By Tien Yu-pin and Frances Huang)
For more: http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aeco/201510100015.aspx
Steven Riely joins Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina as General Manager
By John Bell From The Bahamas Weekly
ALICE TOWN, BIMINI, The Bahamas — Steven Riely, a Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry veteran, has been named General Manager at the world renowned Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina.
James Gould, president of the Horizon Hotel Group, which manages the resort, made the announcement. Riely replaces Dafna Ronis, who has left the resort on medical leave.
Riely most recently served as President/CEO for Compass Resort Solutions, a hospitality consulting company. Prior resort management assignments for Riely included Bluff House Resort & Marina on Green Turtle Cay in Abaco, Bahmas; Red Frog Beach Resort & Marina in Bocas del Toro, Panama; Brac Reef Beach Resort in the Cayman Islands and Club Med Worldwide on Paradise Island, Bahamas.
Riely’s dive management experience includes UNEXSO on Grand Bahama, and resorts in Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands and throughout the Caribbean. His management has resulted in numerous awards including #4 Dive Resort in the World at Brac Reef Beach Resort and a Conde Nast Top 50 Small Hotels Award at Hotel Havana.
“Though we are saddened by Ms. Ronis’ departure from Big Game and Bimini we are very excited to have someone with Steve’s expertise and knowledge of the Bahamas, hotels and dive operations,” said Gould. “We look forwarded to Steve integrating himself into Big Game and the community of Bimini.”
The Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina has long been a Bimini destination favorite, drawing heavily from South Florida (just 50 miles away) as well as being a regional, national and international draw for those looking to experience Bimini’s True Island Feel that has appealed to thousands of visitors, including author Ernest Hemingway.
Resort owner Southern California-based Hankey Group of Companies has funded a $6 million renovation of the property, including a new, larger freshwater pool; new docks at the 75-slip full service marina and several capital improvements to the
property, including landscaping for the entire resort, painting exteriors and interiors, and new windows, sliding glass doors, new furniture for guest rooms and renovation of the Big Game Bar and Grill.
Consolidated Water Co. Upgraded at Zacks (CWCO)
Zacks upgraded shares of Consolidated Water Co. (NASDAQ:CWCO) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report released on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports.
According to Zacks, “Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. intends to develop and operate seawater conversion plants and water distribution systems in areas of the world where naturally-occurring supplies of potable water are scarce or nonexistent. It currently operates a public water utility in certain areas of the Cayman Islands under a 20-year exclusive license from the Government of the Cayman Islands. The company has signed contracts for its first overseas operations in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. (PRESS RELEASE) “
Separately, Roth Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Consolidated Water Co. in a research report on Wednesday, August 12th.
Shares of Consolidated Water Co. (NASDAQ:CWCO) traded down 3.63% during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $11.67. The company had a trading volume of 40,808 shares. Consolidated Water Co. has a one year low of $8.41 and a one year high of $13.75. The company has a market capitalization of $172.13 million and a PE ratio of 24.83. The company has a 50 day moving average of $11.11 and a 200 day moving average of $11.89.
Consolidated Water Co. (NASDAQ:CWCO) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 11th. The company reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.16 by $0.01. The business earned $14.50 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.40 million. Analysts predict that Consolidated Water Co. will post $0.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.
The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, October 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, October 1st will be paid a $0.075 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 29th. This represents a $0.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.57%.
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. develops and operates seawater desalination plants (NASDAQ:CWCO) and water distribution systems in areas where naturally occurring supplies of potable water are scarce or non-existent. The Company operates in three segments: retail water operations, bulk water operations and services operations. The Company’s retail water operations supply water to end users, including residential, commercial and government customers. Its bulk water operations supply water to government-owned distributors. The Company’s retail and bulk operations serve customers in the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Belize, the British Virgin Islands and Indonesia. Its services operations provide engineering and management services, which include the design and construction of desalination plants and the management and operation of desalination plants owned by affiliated companies.
To get a free copy of the research report on Consolidated Water Co. (CWCO), click here. For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit www.Zacks.com
St Lucia latest Caribbean isles to offer citizenship for cash
From The Rakyat Post
IMAGE: St Lucia-Google-map Source: AP Source:
CASTRIES, St Lucia, Oct 10, 2015:
St. Lucia will soon become the latest Caribbean country to allow far-flung investors to buy local citizenship.
Prime Minister Kenny Anthony has told a “global citizens forum” in the wealthy principality of Monaco that St. Lucia will start accepting applications for a citizenship-by-investment programme in January.
A government statement yesterday said Anthony made the announcement at a gathering of investors, wealth managers and citizenship lawyers.
It’s part of a trend in the Caribbean to boost revenue on islands struggling with oversized debt.
The nearby islands of Dominica, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada allow global investors to secure local citizenship in return for a donation or investment.
The islands offer a much faster, easier and cheaper path to citizenship than countries with “investor visas” like the US.
Incident: Caribbean AT72 near Port of Spain on Oct 10th 2015, engine fire indication
By Simon Hradecky, From The Aviation Herald
A Caribbean Airlines Avion de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration 9Y-TTA performing flight BW-1511 from Tobago to Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), was on approach to Port of Spain when the crew reported a right hand engine (PW127) fire indication, shut the engine down and activated the fire suppression. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 10 a few minutes later. Emergency services did not find any evidence of an engine fire.
The airline confirmed a technical problem which required an inspection by airport services after landing and to shut both engines down on the runway, the air conditioning ceased causing discomfort to the passengers, five of whom needed medical attention upon disembarkation due to the heat.
A listener on frequency reported the crew declared emergency reporting an engine fire, the right hand engine was shut down and the aircraft landed safely a short time later.
For more: http://avherald.com/h?article=48d9a49d&opt=0
Strategic response necessary for AIDS in the Caribbean to end by 2030
Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 07, 2015 (SKNIS): A strategic response to HIV/AIDS is necessary in order for St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean to end AIDS by 2030.
National AIDS Programme Coordinator, Gardenia Destang-Richardson, informed that this goal is indeed possible and reiterated the need for a strategic national response to the disease, which includes both testing and treatment. She explained that there can be the application of the UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS) 90-90-90 strategy which proposes that: by 2020, 90 percent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status; by 2020, 90 percent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy; and by 2020, 90 percent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
“For the 2030 goal to be achieved, there would have to be much need resources to scale up testing, so that would mean more test kits as well as an increase in human resources,” Mrs. Destang-Richardson said, noting that this would meet the first phase of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 plan. “We would have to ensure that the medicinal needs of the persons who are HIV positive are met and that we can provide them the requisite follow-up tests. Once they have the appropriate antiretrovirals and are following their medication schedule, viral suppression can be attained reducing further transmission of the virus.”
Pertaining to the aspect of zero mother-to-child HIV transmission by the end of 2015, Mrs. Richardson noted that data collected by the Ministry of Health had revealed that there had been 95 percent coverage and above in testing of pregnant mothers and there had been zero positive HIV and syphilis transmissions from mother-to-child for 2012, 2013 and 2014. She explained that there are two specific tests that the Ministry of Health requires antenatal clinicians to encourage their pregnant patients to take: these are a syphilis test (Rapid Plasma Reagin or RPR) and an HIV test.
“Now that we have achieved this impressive goal, we have to continue to be focused and work diligently to sustain this and not become complacent,” the National AIDS Coordinator said.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris corroborated this in his remarks to the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday October 02.
“Indeed my country is on track to achieve zero mother-to-child transmission by the end of 2015 and we are committed to the CARICOM region becoming the first in the world to end HIV/AIDS by 2030,” Dr. Harris said.
Premier League rights sold in the Caribbean
The Premier League has continued its latest round of international broadcast rights sales, agreeing a three-season deal with Cable & Wireless Communications Plc (CWC) in the Caribbean.
The deal will see CWC show Premier League action on its new Flow Sports network from August 2016 across 32 Caribbean countries.
CWC has also been awarded mobile clip rights as part of the agreement, financial terms of which are not available.
“We are very pleased that Cable & Wireless Communications has chosen to invest in Premier League broadcasting rights in the Caribbean,” said Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore.
“We look forward to welcoming them as a new partner and are sure they will do an excellent job making the competition available to fans across the region.”
CWC will replace International Media Content Ltd (IMC), the parent company of SportsMax Limited, as the Premier League’s broadcast partner in the Caribbean.
International Tech experts head to Belize for Caribbean Tech Conference
BELIZE – The upcoming Caribbean Tech Conference will feature a full line-up of international tech experts who will gather in Belize from November 2 to 6, when the capital city plays host to a historic regional ICT development conference.
Among the expert facilitators is Bevil Wooding, a Founder and a Director of the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG); Guillermo Cicileo, the Security, Stability and Resiliency Coordinator at the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC); and Shernon Osepa, the Manager of Regional Affairs for Latin America and The Caribbean at the Internet Society (ISOC).
Held jointly by LACNIC and CaribNOG, the Caribbean tech conference will provide a space for various key actors in the Latin American and Caribbean Internet to network together and strengthen relationships.
The weeklong Caribbean tech conference will address topics ranging from cloud computing, Internet peering, IPv6, DNSSEC, RPKI, and cybersecurity.
“The growing importance of computer networks to Caribbean enterprise cannot be separated from the costly impact of the cyber attacks these networks constantly face. Caribbean Cybersecurity needs Caribbean cyber-defenders,” said Wooding.
“The Caribbean has to invest in development of indigenous human capacity to defend its networks and manage its critical telecommunications and networking infrastructure. Through CaribNOG we are raising a cadre of Caribbean experts to do just that.”
Wooding will deliver the keynote on the opening day, when the event kicks off at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City.
The meeting is hosted by the Belize Public Utilities Commission, and supported by an impressive list of high-profile international organisations including Google, the American Registry for Internet Numbers, Packet Clearing House, BrightPath Foundation, the Internet Cooperation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the Internet Society, the Amsterdam Internet Exchange Caribbean and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union.
The conference is actually two events in one: a joint meeting of LACNIC Caribbean on the Move, and the highly anticipated tenth installment of CaribNOG’s regional gatherings.
CaribNOG10, which takes place from November 3 to 6, will draw industry experts from across the region and around the world. CaribNOG’s regional meetings have developed a well-earned reputation as a critical forum for rich discussions on the region’s technology landscape.
“CaribNOG is always seeking to better position the Caribbean to address critical technology challenges and issues and to navigate our way collective to relevant solutions,” said Stephen Lee, CaribNOG’s Program Coordinator.
The opening day of the weeklong event is dedicated to LACNIC Caribbean on the Move. This fairly fresh addition to the regional tech community’s calendar targets senior policy makers, government officials, regulators, IT professionals, university students, and technology journalists and bloggers.
“Through LACNIC Caribbean on the Move, we’ll be raising awareness of prime Internet issues, and we’ll also be listening to the community’s experiences in fostering open, stable and secure Internet development,” said Kevon Swift, LACNIC’s External Relations Officer for the Caribbean.
Registration is absolutely free, and live-streaming will be available for unregistered remote participants.
A.M. Best briefing: Caribbean insurers in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At this time, A.M. Best does not anticipate any rating actions on rated insurance companies conducting business in the Bahamas as a result of Hurricane Joaquin, according to a new A.M. Best briefing. However, the briefing, titled, “Caribbean Insurers In The Aftermath Of Hurricane Joaquin,” notes that Caribbean insurance companies with policyholders in the Bahamas may need a fair share of time to assess claims stemming from the property damage caused by the hurricane.
“Caribbean Insurers In The Aftermath Of Hurricane Joaquin”
A.M. Best currently maintains ratings on three of the top five companies conducting business in the Bahamas. Over the next couple of weeks, A.M. Best will collaborate with the management of these rated entities in order to assess their potential loss exposure to Hurricane Joaquin. As information becomes available, A.M. Best will then determine if there are any potential rating implications.
Hurricane Joaquin, which struck the islands on Oct. 1, 2015, with wind speeds of up to 130 mph, is noted to be one of the few Category 4 hurricanes to track through the Bahamas since 1866. Home and roof damages are likely to be heavy in those areas affected by the storm. Given the torrential rains and sustained winds that hovered over the islands, downed wires and damaged electrical grids are likely as well. As a consequence, there may also be some commercial insureds with property losses and business interruption claims. Physical damage losses to automobiles caused by wind-swept debris and flooding also will also be a factor. No doubt, the extent of the damages and the extraordinary flooding in the region will make it extremely difficult for officials to get to these affected areas and will delay loss estimates.
For the full copy of this briefing, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=242371
A.M. Best Company is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
Finance ministers from the Americas and the Caribbean discuss challenges amid global slowdown
Lima, October 8, 2015– Finance Ministers from the Americas and the Caribbean met today to exchange ideas on the challenges that the region faces amid an uncertain macroeconomic context, and to assess prospects for encouraging greater economic integration and regional cooperation.
The meeting took place at the start of the 2015 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, held on October 9 -11, for the first time in a Latin American country since 1967, when they took place in Rio de Janeiro.
Delegates from 21 countries were joined at the meeting by senior officials from multilateral organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), CAF-Development Bank of Latin America, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
The IDB acts as technical secretariat by supporting the preparation and overall coordination of the meetings. This Seventh Meeting of Finance Ministers from the Americas and the Caribbean was chaired by the Minister of Economy and Finance of Peru, Alonso Segura.
At the press conference, Minister Segura, the President of the IDB, Luis Alberto Moreno as well as the World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jorge Familiar, stressed the need to make adjustments now that prices of raw materials have fallen, and growth in China is decelerating.“We discussed important issues to boost productivity such as investment in infrastructure through public private partnerships”, Segura said.
He also stressed the importance to take actions against labor informality, including adopting measures related to the labor market, and highlighted Peru’s progress in reducing poverty and inequality in recent years and increasing the ranks of the middle class.But he warned that in more complex times like these it is important to focus on social programs to “protect the most vulnerable.”
“We know that strengthening our macroeconomic position is essential to getting back on the path to growth. That is why we need to make a socially intelligent adjustment, one that raises the quality of public spending and promotes social inclusion,” said Moreno.
World Bank Vice President Familiar said, “It is necessary that countries in the region adapt to the current economic environment,” adding that the ministers recognized that “this needs to be done in a way that lays the foundations for future growth and protects the most vulnerable.”
Topics discussed included fiscal consolidation and long-term growth and global issues in growth and development. While developing countries contribute today almost 40 percent of global GDP, back in 1967 their contribution was only around a fourth of that. However, the deceleration in China and the fall of commodity prices have had an impact on the global outlook. Latin America and the Caribbean region, in particular, is experiencing an economic slowdown that is expected to result in near-zero growth this year.
Speakers at the gathering also included World Bank Group President, Jim Yong Kim, IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director, David Lipton, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew. In addition, the President of the CAF Enrique García and the Executive Secretary of ECLAC Alicia Bárcena, participated in the meeting, along with other senior officials.
Dutch MPs clash over Dutch Caribbean islands
From Curacao Journal
PVVTHE HAGUE – The Dutch political parties PVV and SP flew at each other’s throats over the future of the former islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The radical PVV party wants to get rid of the islands in the Kingdom and blamed the House of Representatives for not listening to the citizens of the Netherlands and not presenting any proposal for the future of the islands. “That’s not true. Where have you been all this time?” asked Ronald van Raak, MP for the socialist party SP.
The Socialist MP pointed out that he has just made proposals with the VVD to change the ties between the Netherlands and the islands dramatically. “The Kingdom is not working. We need to move towards a commonwealth,” said Van Raak. In such a structure, each country is independent and cooperation is the starting point. The House is divided on this idea.
Other parties insist on a good arbitration to resolve conflicts better. Now there is often fuss about (financial) problems on the islands, and it is difficult to address the problems. The Netherlands has a duty of care for the Antilles.
Most of the Dutch people would, according to the PVV, get rid of Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Aruba, which are autonomous countries in the Kingdom. The MP for PVV, Sietse Fritsma referred to a study that the PVV had commissioned which showed that more than 60 percent behind is behind this idea. The inhabitants of these islands will no longer have the Dutch nationality, said the PVV MP.
The labor party PvdA makes emphasis on promoting better relations. Roelof van Laar of the PvdA said that the political relations are sometimes worrisome. “Sometimes it can just wear us out, but we also see a lot of positive energy. We must never give up hope. It can be real.”
For more: http://curacaochronicle.com/main/dutch-mps-clash-over-dutch-caribbean-islands/
CARIFESTA XII 2015 – Welcoming Celebration
From South Florida Caribbean News
Haiti hosted a welcoming celebration for the various delegations coming in for CARIFESTA XII 2015. CARIFESTA XII 2015, the Caribbean Festival of Arts was held
The celebration featured:
Stephen Lashley
Dr. Smith Joseph
Jean Jean Roosevelt
Elsa Baussan
Dithny Joan Raton
Evans Paul
Christalie Parisot
and more…
CARIFESTA, is the largest cultural and artistic event in the Caribbean and has fused all forms of expression of Latin America and the Caribbean since 1972. It has become a major multicultural and international event that increasingly attracts countries from other continents.
CARIFESTA celebrates diversity and similarity; talent and brotherhood. It gives artists the opportunity to discuss, share experiences, and learn from one another and to the people of the Caribbean, Latin America and the world the opportunity to share their knowledge and traditions.
For more & video: http://sflcn.com/carifesta-xii-2015-welcoming-celebration/
Caribbean tourism conference to take centre stage in Curacao
By Josefina Josepha From Caribbean News Now
PISCADERA BAY, Curacao — The State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2015 organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will take centre stage on October 21 to 23, 2015 at The World Trade Centre (WTC) in Curacao.
The recent development of Curacao’s tourism master plan and the convergence of the region’s top tourism organisation think tank and stakeholders in Curacao promise an exciting and meaningful event.
Caribbean News Now was able to obtain an interview with Johnson Johnrose, CTO communications specialist and will be covering the three-day event with a new perspective.
When asked about the venue for the event, Johnrose explained that “because of the nature of the event, we will use different rooms at the WTC, but the main conference sessions will be in the Mail Hall of WTC”.
CTO secretary general Hugh Riley has agreed to an interview at a later time since he was travelling and away from his office.
Vanishing Sail – The story of a Caribbean tradition
From Caribbean Sailing Association
Director Alexis Andrews presents Vanishing Sail at the 5th Aruba International Film Festival in competition within the Caribbean Spotlight Series.
There is a small group of islands in the Lesser Antilles where the traditions of boatbuilding were once crucial to the survival of local communities skimming a living from the sea. Hundreds of sailing vessels were once launched here, more than anywhere in the West Indies.
“If this thing gone from here, everything gone you know…”
Alwyn Enoe is one of the last boatbuilders practicing a trade passed down the generations from the original Scottish settlers that arrived in Carriacou in the 19th century. He is approaching his 70s and with no more orders coming in, he decides to build one last sailing sloop with the hope that his sons will continue the trade. The film follows Alwyn’s progress and despair over three years – from hauling his trees out of the forest to a final traditional launching ceremony on the bayside. Stories of trading by sail and smuggling contraband from the freeport of St. Barthelemy weave through the film like the currents of the Grenadines, told by some of the last old Caribbean sea characters.
With all the family’s hope & resources now in the wooden vessel, Alwyn decides to try and complete her in time to race in the Antigua Classics – five weeks & three hundred miles away – here traditional West Indian and metropolitan elements fuse to create the final resolution of the film…
Vanishing Sail had its world premiere at the 20th Anniversary St. Barth Film Festival and has since been honored with the following awards: Directorial Discovery Award at Rhode Island International Film Festival, USA, Caribbean Spirit Award for Best Overall Feature Film in Toronto at the Caribbean Tales International Film Festival and the coveted People’s Choice Award for Best Feature Documentary at Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival.
This film part of a transmedia project representing 15 years of research that includes a printed book, a unique archive of interviews with some of the greatest names in West Indies sailing, a curated library of footage and stills images, the building of five 42 ft traditional sailing of vessels in Carriacou and an annual regatta on the island of St. Barthelemy sponsored by Unesco.
October 9th, 16:30 followed by Q&A with director and October 10, 19:30 Caribbean Cinemas, Palm Beach, Aruba. Limited tickets available.
Please visit our website and social media for news & updates: www.vanishingsail.com
Defining Lines
By Paul McGowan From PS Audio
When is it enough? Where does one draw the line? I suspect it’s a different point for each of us. And perhaps it’s those lines that defines who we are more than we would like to believe.
There has never been a product we’ve designed that couldn’t be better than it is. You spend upwards of a year refining and polishing the idea you started with: a new preamp, DAC, cable, tchotchke of some kind. And when it is finally done, you stand back and admire your work, enjoy the fruits of your labor, blood sweat and tears to get there–and you know you could do better–you could scrap all you have done and start over–or maybe just redo this one little bit…
Last night, as I cleaned up from dinner, I started the dishwasher, and wiped down the counters, and I felt satisfaction for a job well done. But then I noticed the floor. Damn! Prepping fresh tomatoes from the garden left shard of skins and a few green tops that had fallen, and as I looked closer, crumbs from that morning’s breakfast remained as well. As I swept I suddenly noticed the cabinets–fingerprints and stains–that could use a cleaning as well. But it was late. I drew the line. It was good enough. The rest could wait.
The work you’re doing, the book you’re writing, the product you’re designing, the house you’re cleaning, the lawn you’re mowing, could all benefit from more attention.
Perhaps it’s instructive to note it is the lines we draw, not the work we do, that better define who we are.
For more: http://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/defining-lines/
