iNews Briefs, More & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
Government Offices Close Half-Day for Holidays
All non-essential government offices will close at 12.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Thursday 24th December 2015) and New Year’s Eve (Thursday 31st December). The first day back to work after the Christmas closure will be Tuesday 29th December. Following the New Year’s closure staff will return on Monday 4th January. The entire civil service wishes the people of the Cayman Islands a merry Christmas and all the best in 2016.
Christmas Heritage Display Open
Members of the public are invited to attend the Collections, Recollections and Christmas Too heritage display on now at the James Manoah Civic Centre in Bodden Town. The display put on by the Bodden Town Heritage Committee, blends the past with the present and includes treasured family heirlooms and antiques dating back as far as 100 years. Many of the items are on loan by well-known members of the Bodden Town community.
Families can also experience a traditionally decorated Cayman Christmas pine tree and nativity scenes in celebration of the season.
Collections, Recollections and Christmas Too is open to the public today (Monday 21st December) through Wednesday 23rd December from 6.00p.m. to 9.00pm. Admission is free.
Garbage Collection Holiday Schedule
Department of Environmental Health (DEH) officials advise the public of changes in the garbage collection schedule for Christmas Day (Friday, 25th December).
For all Cayman Islands residents:
- All landfills in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will be closed to the public on Christmas Day.
- All landfills will reopen on Saturday, 26th December. (The 24-hour drop-off site at the George Town landfill will remain open throughout the holidays).
For East End District residents (From Will T Drive, Lower Valley to East End and North Side:
- Garbage will not be collected on Christmas Day. Collection will resume on Saturday, 26th December.
For Cayman Brac and Little Cayman:
- Garbage will not be collected on Christmas Day. Collection will resume on Saturday, December 26th.
For commercial collection, island-wide:
- Commercial collection will be suspended on Christmas Day. However, collection typically scheduled for Friday 25th December will receive priority – the following day – on Saturday, 26th December.
For New Year’s Day, there are no changes to residential and commercial collection, or to landfill access. DEH officials wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. For more information contact the DEH Solid Waste Unit on 949-6696.
Closure of George Town General Practice Clinic and District Health Centres
The Acting Medical Officer of Health and Director of Primary Health Care Services Dr. Joy Wallace Grant has issued a public advisory regarding closure of the George Town General Practice Clinic and the District Health Centres during the upcoming holiday season.
- All District Heath Centres and the George Town General Practice Clinic will be closed for Christmas on December 25 and 28. Clinic will be open as usual on Saturday December 26.
- Clinic will also be closed for the New Year on January 1, 2016.
The George Town General Practice Clinic will close at 4:00 p.m. on December 24 and December 31.
The District Health Centres will close at 2:00 p.m. on December 24 and 31
Patients are reminded to ensure that they have adequate supplies of prescription medication(s) to cover for the upcoming holidays.
The 24 hour Accident & Emergency Unit at the Cayman Islands Hospital will remain open during the holiday season.
Wishing for all, a safe and happy festive season.
Cultural Foundation Christmas holiday closure
The offices of the Cayman Islands National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) will be closed from 12noon today (Friday 18th December) in observance of the Christmas holidays.
The CNCF will reopen on Monday, January 4th at 9am.
To reach someone over the holidays, please email [email protected] or leave a message on the CNCF voicemail, which will be checked periodically: 949-5477.
Cayman Islands Immigration Holiday Hours
The Department of Immigration has announced its holiday working hours, as well as dates for the remaining board meetings for this year.
The Immigration headquarters (including public counters, and the Passport and Visa offices) will close to the public at 11:30a.m. on Thursday, 24 December, and reopen at 8:30a.m. on Tuesday, 29 December.
These offices again close to the public at 11:30a.m. on Thursday, 31 December, and resume at 8:30a.m. on Monday, 4 January 2016.
The meeting dates for the Immigration Boards are as follows:
The Work Permit Board’s final meeting date will be 7 December, and resumes on 11 January, 2016.
The Business Staffing Plan Board’s final meeting date will be 10 December, and resumes 6 January, 2016.
The Cayman Status and Permanent Residents Board’s final meeting will be 10 December, and resumes on 14 January, 2016.
While the boards are on leave, the work of the Administration, Border Control and Enforcement sections of Immigration will continue.
Happy Holidays
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) management and staff would like to thank our customers and the public for their support throughout the year.
In addition, the department expresses its appreciation to the many organizations and citizens that continue to support recycling and to voluntarily organize clean-up campaigns around the islands. We look forward to your future commitment.
The DEH wishes everyone a joyful holiday season, and a safe and healthy 2016.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
24 & 31 Dec. DEH offices close at 12:30pm.
25 Dec. Christmas Day (Public Holiday)
All DEH offices and landfills will be closed.
No waste collection services.
28 Dec & 1 January (Public Holiday)
All DEH offices will be closed.
4th January 2016
All DEH offices, landfills and waste collection services resume normal operations.
For Further information: Department of Environmental Health
Grand Cayman | P.O. Box 1820 | Grand Cayman, KY 1-1109 | Tel: 345-949-6696 | Fax: 345-949-4503
Cayman Brac & Little Cayman | P.O. Box 212 | Cayman Brac, KY2-2101 | Tel: 345-948-2321 | Fax: 345-948-2543
Cayman Islands Public Holidays 2016
Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman Airport Post Office – Christmas Hours
While all Post Offices, like other Government offices, will close at 12.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Thursday, 24 December 2015), the airport branch of the Post Office will remain open until 3.00 p.m., as it has in previous years, in order to accommodate the collection of Christmas parcels.
British Airways Nassau / Grand Cayman Aircraft Changes from July 2016
by JL From Airline Route
British Airways starting 01JUL16 is increasing capacity on London Heathrow – Nassau – Grand Cayman route, as the airline plans to operate 3-class Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, instead of 767-300ER.
The airline operates this route 4 times a week.
BA253 LHR1030 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 57
BA253 LHR1035 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 1
BA253 LHR1045 – 1505NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 3
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2225 – 1200+1LHR 777 57
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2230 – 1205+1LHR 777 13
For more: http://airlineroute.net/2015/11/23/ba-nasgcm-jul16/
Community Events
ST ALBAN’S (GRAND CAYMAN) & ST MARY’S (CAYMAN BRAC)
4th Annual Arbitration and Investment Summit – Caribbean, Latin America and Other Emerging Markets
Cutting Edge, Local, Regional and International Speakers.
January 22nd – 23rd, 2016 8:00AM – 1:00PM
Auditorium of The Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre College of the Bahamas Nassau, Bahamas
Early Bird Registration Ends January 8th, 2016
International – $350.00 Local – Adults $100, One Day – $60, Students – $25
At the door – Adults – $150, One Day – $75, Students – $30
THU DEC 31
Watch Night Service
John Gray Memorial Church, 11:00 p.m.
Watch Night Services
The Church of God Full Gospel Hall invites everyone to their Watchnight Services in George Town, Savannah, West Bay and North Side at 1030pm on Thursday
St. George’s Anglican Church Watch Night Service
St. George’s Anglican Church Watch Night Service and Feast of the Holy Name is at 11pm.
SUN JAN 3 2016
Choir Cantata “Glory in the Highest”
(Repeat Presentation): John Gray Memorial Church, 6:30 p.m.
Holiday Events at Camana Bay
|
New Year’s Eve Celebration Thursday 31 December 7pm & 12am Fireworks; 6pm-1:30am No Resolutions Party The Crescent |
Introduction to Cayman Islands Business Environment
When
14 Jan 2016
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location
To Be Determined
Spaces left
40
Registration
CISPA Member – CI$100.00 (KYD)
Non-Member – CI$125.00 (KYD)
Develop knowledge, skill and understanding of the general legal framework and of specific legal areas relating to business. This an entry-level course is for persons who are new to financial services in the Cayman Islands, and covers a range of specific legal areas relating to various aspects of business of most concern to accounting and finance professionals.
Participants will learn to:
Describe and explain how companies are managed, administered and regulated
Recognise the legal implications relating to companies in difficulty or in crisis
Demonstrate an understanding of governance and ethical issues relating to business
Programme level: Introductory
Delivery method: Group-Live
Morning and afternoon snacks included.
Earthquake rocks three Eastern Caribbean islands
From RJR News
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 rocked the islands of Martinique, St Lucia and Dominica early Monday morning.
The Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies reported that the quake that occurred at a 2:55 am, had a depth of 147 kilometres. It was located nine kilometres northwest of Fort de France, Martinique.
There was no report of damage or injuries.
For more: http://rjrnewsonline.com/regional/earthquake-rocks-three-eastern-caribbean-islands
British Airways cancels Cayman flight to UK via Bahamas
British Airways flight out of Grand Cayman was canceled Tuesday (15) due to “technical reasons”.
Both legs of the flight, BA 0252 to the Bahamas, and from the Bahamas to London’s Heathrow Airport, were canceled.
Hawksford makes trust licence move in Cayman
From Jersey Evening Post
IMAGE; Director Steve Robinson: ‘This is a significant development for the company’
JERSEY-based corporate, private client and funds business Hawksford has secured a trust licence in the Cayman Islands.
The licence issued by the regulator, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, grants permission to provide a full range of trust services in the jurisdiction to clients from Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
The new licence has been described as a milestone by director Steve Robinson, who will be helping to build the business in the Cayman market.
As well as the Jersey office on the Esplanade, the group has a presence in the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.
Hawksford, which is backed by UK mid-market private equity firm Dunedin, offers services to trusts, companies, foundations, partnerships, family offices and investment funds.
For more: http://jerseyeveningpost.com/business/2015/12/17/hawksford-makes-trust-licence-move-in-cayman/
Trinidadian woman murdered after failing to heed parents’ warnings
By iNews Guyana From St Lucia News
NEWS GUYANA – A teenager who refused to heed her parents’ advice to change her lifestyle, was found burnt, along with a friend, in the back seat of a car in Chaguanas on Monday night.
The remains of Gabriella Sohan, 18, and her friend, 27-year-old Christopher Ramsawak, were found in the back seat of Ramsawak’s Honda Civic car around 10.42 p.m.
Sohan’s death came months after she confided in relatives that she was a target for murder.
Homicide detectives are pursuing information that Sohan recently ended a relationship with a “known criminal element” from central Trinidad.
Her relatives confirmed she was involved in a two-year relationship with the man.
IMF chief Lagarde ‘to stand trial in France’
From BBC
IMF chief Christine Lagarde is to stand trial in France for alleged negligence over a €400m (£291m; $434m) payment to a businessman in 2008, local media say.
Ms Lagarde, 59, was finance minister in President Nicolas Sarkozy’s government at the time of the compensation award to businessman Bernard Tapie.
Mr Tapie supported Mr Sarkozy in the 2007 presidential election.
Mr Tapie was once a majority shareholder in Adidas but sold it in 1993 to become a cabinet minister.
He sued the Credit Lyonnais bank over its handling of the sale, alleging the partly state-owned bank had defrauded him by deliberately undervaluing the company.
For more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35121022
Julius Baer to buy Commerzbank’s Luxembourg unit
From Market Watch
ZURICH–Julius Baer Group AG (BAER.VX) on Wednesday said it has agreed to buy Commerzbank International SA Luxembourg, a private bank with nearly 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in assets under management.
Zurich-based Julius Baer said the deal would strengthen its presence in Luxembourg and give greater flexibility to its European business.
Julius Baer said it was paying EUR68 million to buy the operations from Germany’s Commerzbank AG (CBK.XE), assuming EUR25 million of regulatory capital is transferred as part of the transaction. It said the deal would be accretive to adjusted earnings immediately following closing, which is expected in the summer of 2016.
After completion, Julius Baer’s business in Luxembourg will manage assets of around 5 billion Swiss francs. In November Julius Baer said its assets under management grew by 2% in the first 10 months of 2015 to 297 billion Swiss francs ($300 billion).
For more: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/julius-baer-to-buy-commerzbanks-luxembourg-unit-2015-12-16
Extra hour for Cayman Islands licensed premises on New Year’s Eve
Businesses with liquor licenses will be allowed one additional business hour beyond regular closing times on New Year’s Eve, the Liquor Licensing Board has ruled.
Cummins to replace Gabriel on West Indies tour of Australia
From Caribbean News Now
IMAGE
Miguel Cummins
MELBOURNE, Australia — The West Indies Cricket Board’s Selection Panel on Tuesday named fast bowler Miguel Cummins as the replacement for pacer Shannon Gabriel on the ongoing Test Series against Australia in Australia.
Cummins, 25, has taken 99 wickets at an average of 22.83 in 36 first-class matches. He has made one international appearance for West Indies – in an ODI against Ireland at Sabina Park, Jamaica in February, 2014.
The 27-year-old Gabriel suffered a stress reaction in left ankle bone while bowling in the first innings of the first Test match at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart.
He will return to Trinidad in the coming days to continue his rehabilitation.
US tug Spence sinking in Caribbean Sea
From Maritime News
The US towing tug Spence is sinking in Caribbean sea. The ship lost propulsion power and went adrift on 85 nautical miles off Barranquilla, Colombia, getting water ingress with big danger of sinking. The US towing tug was en route from Cartagena, Colombia to Guantanamo, Cuba and started getting water ingress in engine room. The engine blocked and ship lost propulsion power. The crew dragged the engine compartment, which was totally flooded. The ship requested assistance from the local authorities and one towing tug with rescue boat arrived at the scene of the accident. The salvage operation is on way, towing the tug Spence to Colombia with dead slow ahead speed, trying to keep the ship afloat.
The local authorities started investigation for the root cause of the accident. The crew of the US towing tug Spence is safe in good health and without injuries. The further information about the salvage operation is still unknown. The weather in vicinity is moderate with winds and swell, which additionally worsen the situation with the US tug.
The US towing tug Spence (IMO: 7506780) has overall length of 27.78 m, moulded beam of 7.93 m and maximum draft of 1.60 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 129 DWT and the gross tonnage is 189 GRT. The towing tug was built in 1974 and operating under the flag of USA.
For more: http://www.newsmaritime.com/2015/us-tug-spence-sinking-in-caribbean-sea/
Sister Islands Police Donation to the CKCC
The RCIPS would like to thank the community of the Sister Islands who donated to its fundraising efforts for the Charles Kirkconnell Community Centre, a retirement home on Cayman Brac. PC Rosa Hernandez collected $225 CI for the Centre and presented the check to a representative of the CKCC (picture attached).
CARIBBEAN: Trinidadian Coast Guard seaman charged with manslaughter after attempting to revive child with electric shock
By iNews Guyana
A 33-year-old able-bodied seaman with the T&T Coast Guard has been charged with the death of 23-month-old Kristha Knutt.
Emile Garraway, of Erica Street, Rock City, Laventille, was charged on Friday night with manslaughter by officers of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations.
Garraway is expected to appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate tomorrow.
Baby Knutt was pronounced dead at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital on December 7 after being brought in unconscious by a relative.
Doctors observed marks on the baby’s body and an autopsy later revealed that Knutt died of blunt craniocerebral trauma, aspiration pneumonia and electrocution. It was revealed that a male relative attempted to use live wires from a fan on the child in a botched attempt to revive her.
14-y-o boy charged with father’s murder in Jamaica
By Jamaica Observer From St Lucia News Online
JAMAICA OBSERVER – A 14-year-old boy is to appear in court next week to answer to murder charges.
The victim: his father – 37-year-old Dwight McKenzie of Cambridge Street in Franklyn Town, St Andrew.
The police say another person is also to be charged in connection with McKenzie’s murder.
Reports from the police are that while McKenzie was scolding his son on Monday, December 7, a knife was brought into play and he was stabbed.
McKenzie succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. His son was then arrested and charged with murder on Friday.
For more: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-14-y-o-boy-charged-with-fathers-murder-in-jamaica/
Outspoken Anglican Bishop Neville DeSouza is dead
IMAGE: Rt Reverend Neville Wordsworth deSouza, the 12th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
The Rt Reverend Neville Wordsworth deSouza, the 12th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, passed on at earlier today at his home in Mandeville, where he resided subsequent to his retirement in 2000.
Bishop deSouza, who was born in Jackson Town, Trelawny, in 1928, was noted not only for his mission in the Diocese which he headed, but for his ecumenical service which led his election to leadership positions in other denominations and organizations locally and overseas.
He was elected Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay in 1973 and Lord Bishop in 1979.
He served not only his own denomination, but was chairman of the Caribbean Conference of Churches 1972-81.
For more: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20151212/outspoken-anglican-bishop-neville-desouza-dead
Thank you for supporting the UCCI Fall Concert!
The organizers use this medium to thank and record our gratitude to everyone who supported the UCCI Fall Concert 2015. Special thanks go out to our sponsors, whose generosity motivate our students to overcome challenges and reach for the stars. A huge thank you as well to our media friends for allowing us to reach out to their viewers and readers.
We thank all the members of staff and faculty who give of their time and expertise to assist with the event. We acknowledge that this was a group effort and it could not have happened without the support that we received from everyone.
We record also our heartfelt thanks to President Roy Bodden and Dean Allan Young for their continued support of the performing arts and their efforts, over the years, to help us to accommodate and enable our students in their quest to develop and hone their talents as they serve UCCI and the wider Caymanian community.
Last but certainly not the least, we thank members of the UCCI community and the general public, who chose to support the Fall Concert over the plethora of other events that weekend. Your cheers and applause made it an unforgettable night for our students. We hope you enjoyed the event and look forward to seeing you all again next year
HBO RECEIVES MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2016 GOLDEN GLOBE® AWARDS
Game of Thrones will compete in the Best Drama Series Category
Silicon Valley and Veep were nominated for Best Comedy Series
MIAMI, FL., December 10, 2015 – HBO has been nominated in multiple categories for the 73rd annual Golden Globe® Awards, receiving 7 nominations for its exclusive original content. The announcement was made today in Los Angeles, California, USA.
The original series that has become a global phenomenon, Game of Thrones, was nominated for Best Drama Series, whereas HBO’s original comedies, Silicon Valley and Veep were both recognized in the category for Best Comedy Series. Additionally, Veep received a nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).
Show Me a Hero, the original mini-series directed by David Simon (creator of HBO’s The Wire), was nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie (Oscar Isaac).
HBO’s original films were also recognized during today’s announcement. Nightingale received a nomination for Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie (David Oyelowo), as did Bessie for Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie (Queen Latifah).
Additionally, as part of HBO Latin America’s acquired programming for the region, Mad Men and Ray Donovan received nominations for Best Actor in a Drama Series (Jon Hamm and Liev Schreiber, respectively) and Penny Dreadful was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Eva Green), summing up to a total of 10 nominations for HBO Latin America’s exclusive content.
These nominations were announced shortly after the nominees for the Screen Actors Guild Awards were released, where HBO was also nominated in several categories for its exclusive content, including Game of Thrones, Veep, Bessie and Mad Men.
The Golden Globe® winners will be announced on January 10, 2016.
The best thing since sliced bread: Japan’s new chocolate slices
From The Kitchn
We’d love to meet the genius who came up with the chocolate equivalent of Kraft Singles. The new product has just recently been released in Japan, and the ways to use it are seemingly endless.
The chocolate is a type called nama chocolate, which Mental Floss describes as “richer than milk chocolate, but not as sweet as fudge.” The chocolate is available in Japanese stores and can be ordered online in packs of five individually wrapped slices.
From layering it in s’mores to wrapping it in a bûche de Noël cake, there are tons of applications for these chocolate slices — but our favorite idea we’ve seen is layering them in between pancakes.
How would you use these chocolate singles?
Criminal charge against former Guyanese president dismissed
By iNews Guyana From St Lucia News Online
December 12, 2015
Jagdeo-at-whim-21INEWS GUYANA – High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh has dismissed a private criminal charge against former President and now Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.
Jagdeo was accused of uttering racially divisive remarks by Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram. The ruling revealed that Magistrate Charlyn Artiga has no jurisdiction to hear the case.
The charge against Jagdeo stemmed from remarks he made at Babu John, Port Mourant in March 2015 at the commemorative event for late Presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan.
The former President had said, “The opposition consistently shout about the racism of the PPP but they practise racism. The opposition beat drums at six in the morning and say let us throw out those coolie people.”
Guyanese sisters charged with possession of AK 47, ammo in BVI
From iNews Guyana
[British Virgin Islands Platinum News] – The two sisters, Sonja Williams, 29 and Sandrine Williams, 25, will have to wait until next year to have the gun charges matter against them heard.
The Williams sisters, natives of Guyana, recently reappeared in court in Tortola, BVI where the court apologized for the delay and indicated that the trial will now start on January 21, 2016. The adjournment was due to the prosecutor in the case being ill.
Sonja is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition and one count of unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm (AK 47-Rifle). Sandrine is charged with two counts of possession of explosives and one count of possession of a prohibited firearm.
Businessman Orlando Bonnick, a native of Jamaica, who is the boyfriend of Sandrine, previously pleaded guilty to the charges of keeping an unlicensed firearm, two counts of possession of explosives and keeping a prohibited firearm.
In February 2014, the items were found at Bonnick’s Butu Mountain residence which is occupied by the three.
The sisters are represented by Attorney-At-Law Stephen Daniels. The lawyer commented that it’s unfortunate that the sisters will have to go through the Christmas season with the charges hanging over their heads.
For more: http://www.inewsguyana.com/guyanese-sisters-charged-with-possession-of-ak-47-ammo-in-bvi/
GraceKennedy Group CEO is Honorary Consul to New Zealand
From South Florida Caribbean News
Kingston, Jamaica – GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby was appointed as New Zealand’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica by the New Zealand High Commission on Friday, December 4.
“I am really honoured to have been asked to serve in this role, which seeks to forge stronger ties between Jamaica and New Zealand,” Mr Wehby said.
He spoke to the relationship which already exists between the two countries in areas such as sports, trade, education, arts and culture. “Many people are not aware that a number of Jamaican post-graduate students are currently in New Zealand on full scholarships from the government of New Zealand, covering transportation, tuition and cost of living.
New Zealand also contributes to community development programmes in areas of renewable energy, disaster mitigation and livestock breeding. I want to get the word out on how well we are collaborating and the positive effect it has been having on both countries,” he said.
GraceKennedy Has Strong Relationship With New Zealand
The Group CEO spoke to GraceKennedy’s relationship with New Zealand entity, Fonterra, with whom they have had a joint venture – Dairy Industries Limited (DIJL) – since 1967. He said the partnership with the New Zealand entity has been a fruitful one, and served as a blueprint for how well the two nations could work together. “I am hoping that we can build on the commerce and trade relationship and increase business between both nations in a mutually beneficial way,” he added.
Mr Wehby takes up his appointment as outgoing non-resident High Commissioner of New Zealand to Jamaica, Simon Tucker, bids Jamaica farewell. “I want to thank High Commissioner Tucker for his contribution. I look forward to building on the work he has done,” said Mr Wehby.
Mr Wehby’s appointment will be for a period of three years.
IMAGE: GraceKennedy’s CEO Don Wehby
For more: http://sflcn.com/gracekennedy-group-ceo-is-honorary-consul-to-new-zealand/
Sandals seeking to expand in Mexico
By Jamaica Observer From St Lucia News Online
JAMAICA OBSERVER – Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SIR) Gordon “Butch” Stewart yesterday announced that discussions were far advanced with business interests in Mexico to open two resort hotels in that country.
“We are in final negotiations to construct two resorts in Mexico… so that will be our next stop,” Stewart told almost 300 travel agents mainly from the Unites States, Latin America and Canada, ahead of last night’s STAR Awards and Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa in Westmoreland.
IMAGE: Jamaican businessman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart is the owner of Sandals chain and other hotel chains.
For more: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-sandals-seeking-to-expand-in-mexico/#sthash.eBlrOdRv.dpuf
Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman Host Retirement Home November Bash
From Sugalifestyle
A few weeks ago, Earlyactors (Young volunteers in service in the Rotary family), members of the Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman (RCGC) and Rotary Sunrise held a party at a Retirement home to uplift the spirits of the residents.
Kudos to them for having a great time while demonstrating their motto, Service above Self. For more: http://sugalifestyle.com/2015/12/01/rotaract-club-of-grand-cayman-host-retirement-home-november-bash/
IADB meeting with Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)
From Inter-American Defense Board
The President of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB), Vice Admiral Gonzalo Rios Polastri, met with the Executive Director of Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Mr. Ronald Jackson, and Staff, on the 25th November 15 in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The meeting was organized to examine the potential for collaboration between CDEMA and the IADB. After a brief description of the respective organizations, mandate and associated functions, and existing relationships with organizations at the hemispheric, regional and sub-regional levels that are involved in emergency and disaster management, both parties quickly identified areas of mutual interest. Of particular importance:
- the inter-workings of inter-agency organizations and civil-military relations;
- natural disasters response:
- requirements for improved collaboration and coordination among key organizations;
- importance to facilitate information exchanges and to build capacity; and
5. participation in exercises and seminars.
6. search and rescue; and
7. legislation regarding the employment of the armed forces in non-traditional duties.
All concluded that the identification of these themes of common interest warranted the investigation of the potential for collaboration between the IADB and the CDEMA.
Mr. Jackson and staff were very appreciative for this visit of the IADB and were very enthusiastic regarding the potential that exists to strengthen their relationship with the IADB and as a result better support the region.
For more: http://iadb.jid.org/news/iadbmeetingwithcaribbeandisasteremergencymanagementagencycdema
Cayman Islands National Community Enhancement Application Process is Closed
Signup for the National Community Enhancement Project (NiCE) project closed on Thursday afternoon (3rd December, 2015). The hundreds of applicants must now check the final work-list to see if they have been selected.
This list of successful persons may be seen at all Grand Cayman public libraries (except in North Side) this Saturday, 5th December, from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. Applicants may also find out if they are selected by calling the NiCE Hotline (917 0153) from 9:00a.m.to 5:00p.m on Saturday or Sunday.
All successful persons must then attend a mandatory orientation session at 9:00a.m. on Monday morning, 7th December. There, they will sign contracts, receive safety instruction, and learn to which work teams they will be assigned.
The NiCE initiative will provide work opportunities for unemployed men and women before Christmas and early in the New Year, while enhancing the physical environment for the benefit of the community. Similar initiatives have taken place in recent years.
This project will cover repairs and maintenance, gardening, cleaning parks, beaches and roadside verges. A similar project has already commenced on the Sister Islands under the supervision of District Administration.
A cross-ministerial team is leading this initiative, and Government Ministers and elected Members of the Legislative Assembly have been informed and engaged in the process. The Office of the Deputy Governor is providing administrative coordination.
Government agencies involved include the National Roads Authority, the Department of Environmental Health, and the Public Works Department – in particular its Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Section (RPCS).
The three-week project will run from December 7th to18th; and continue during January 11th to 15th 2016. Participants in the project will be expected to work from 7:00a.m. to 3:00p.m., Monday to Friday.
For further information, please contact the Hotline (917-0153), or email [email protected]
Cayman Islands NiCE Clean-Up: Note that West Bay’s PUBLIC LIBRARY is the location in that district.
(People are NOT bringing their Documents).
The National Community Enhancement Project (NiCE), announced by Minister of Community Affairs Hon. Osbourne Bodden in the Legislative Assembly in late October, provides opportunities for unemployed Caymanians to work for up to three weeks (two weeks before Christmas and one week in the New Year), as well as enhancing the physical environment for the benefit of the community.
Registration for the three-week initiative on Grand Cayman takes place today, Tuesday December 1, to Thursday, December 3, 2015.
Work will only be offered to unemployed Caymanians ages 18 and older, as well as unemployed spouses of Caymanians, and unemployed permanent residents who have the right to work. Supporting documentation to prove immigration status is required at registration.
The Project will cover repairs and maintenance, gardening, cleaning parks, beaches and roadside verges. A similar project has already commenced on the Sister Islands under the supervision of District Administration.
The NiCE initiative is led by a cross-Ministerial team. The Office of the Deputy Governor is providing administrative coordination. Other Government agencies involved include: the National Roads Authority, the Department of Environmental Health, and the Public Works Department – in particular its Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Section.
Similar initiatives have taken place in recent years.
The three-week project will run from December 7-18; and continue January 11-15, 2016. Participants in the project will be expected to work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Operational Project Manager is Mr. Mark Bothwell, who is also Manager of PWD’s Recreation, Parks and Cemeteries Section. He notes that people may sign-up and complete registration forms at the following places and times during Tuesday to Thursday (December 1-3):
* National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA) – (upstairs, Midtown Plaza) – December 1 & 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and December 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* George Town, Bodden Town and East End Public Libraries –
December 1 & 2 from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.; and December 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* West Bay Public Library – December 1 & 2 from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.; and December 3 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
* North Side Public Library – December 1 ONLY, from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Interested persons should note that general employment registration with NWDA is NOT registration for the temporary NiCE employment initiative. Similarly, persons who submit their names to their MLAs, or at MLA offices, are NOTt automatically placed on the NiCE list. Instead, they must apply at one of the registration locations listed above.
All persons must attend a mandatory orientation day at 9 a.m. next Monday, December 7, when contracts will be signed by those who meet the criteria and are accepted.
For further information, please contact the Hotline (917-0153), or email [email protected]
US: Miramar to break ground on new amphitheater
From South Florida Caribbean News
South Florida’s newest entertainment destination — The Miramar Amphitheater at Regional Park — set for groundbreaking Wednesday, December 9 at 10am
MIRAMAR – Miramar residents — South Florida and beyond — will now have an exciting new facility to host entertainment, sporting and cultural events now that The Miramar Amphitheater at Regional Park has been approved for start of construction!
The Department of Parks & Recreation, in conjunction with the Department of Construction & Facilities Management, will officially mark the groundbreaking of The Amphitheater at Regional Park, Wednesday, December 9, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the Amphitheater’s proposed site in Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33027.
Nikki Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Mike Kaufman, Chief Executive Officer from Kaufman Lynn Construction, the company who won the bid to build the amphitheater, are both scheduled to speak.
This venue marks the first construction project green-lighted to attract tourists, corporations, promoters and organizations to visit the City and bring their businesses—and tourist dollars–to the City of Beauty and Progress.
The Amphitheater at the Regional Park will have a seating capacity of 3,000 under the cover of a 28-thousand-square-foot canopy with additional lawn seating on the promenades.
Once completed, the amphitheater at Regional Park will be set to host events such as live music concerts, corporate retreats, art and book fairs, festivals, fundraising/ charity events, outdoor plays—the list goes on and on!
The Amphitheater at Regional Park will have everyone truly saying, “It’s Right Here in Miramar!”
For more: http://sflcn.com/miramar-to-break-ground-on-new-amphitheater/
St Lucia: Negotiations completed with CIBC First Caribbean Bank
By National Workers Union
PRESS RELEASE – The Management of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank and officials from the National Workers Union (NWU) have completed industrial negotiations.
Clerical, technical and sales representatives from the company’s four (4) operational units on the island will benefit from the new industrial package.
The workers will receive a seven (7%) general wage increase spread over three (3) years: 2% in Year 1, 2% in Year 2 and an additional 3% in Year 3.
Arrangements are being made to implement the general wage increase within the shortest period of time while retroactive payments will be paid out in January 2016.
The parties are to meet shortly to affix signatures to the new industrial accord.
New Commonwealth secretary-general pledges to promote LGBT agenda
From Caribbean News Now
LONDON, England — The Commonwealth secretary general designate, British Baroness Patricia Scotland, will spend the first two years of her tenure promoting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) agenda, The Independent newspaper reported.
IMAGE
Baroness Patricia Scotland speaking at the pre-launch of LGBT History Month 08 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 26 November 2007. Photo: Wikimedia/CC
Apparently, LGBT groups were furious that the issue was not on the agenda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta, even though consensual homosexual activity is still only legal in 13 of the 53 countries who were taking part.
A report this month by the Kaleidoscope Trust shows that more than 90 per cent of LGBT Commonwealth citizens live in jurisdictions where they are treated as criminals or suffer discrimination.
Testimony from LGBT people in that report included being pelted with stones in unprovoked attacks in Dominica, Baroness Scotland’s country of birth.
Scotland told The Independent on Sunday that she would “absolutely” be talking to member states about LGBT rights.
West Indies off-spinner Narine’s bowling action found to be illegal
From Caribbean News Now
DUBAI, UAE — The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Sunday that an independent assessment has found the bowling action of West Indies’ Sunil Narine to be illegal and, as such, the off-spinner has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.
In accordance with Article 6.1 of the regulations, Narine’s international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations within domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction, save that, with the consent of the West Indies Cricket Board, Narine may be able to play in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the West Indies Cricket Board.
The assessment revealed that all variations of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.
Narine was reported after the third ODI match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele in November.
The player can apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action in accordance with clause 2.4 of the Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions.
The test was performed on Tuesday, 17 November at the ICC’s accredited testing centre in Loughborough University.
For more on this story go to: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-West-Indies-off-spinner-Narine’s-bowling-action-found-to-be-illegal-28515.html
New Home Construction Continues In Vista del Mar, Cayman Islands
As the new Luxury Home Construction continues to progress, Cayman Structural Group finalizes the foundation work on the property. Block work has already began on the 8,597 sq. ft. Vista del Mar residential waterfront home. This property will feature canal access to North Sound for direct access the open ocean off of the Cayman Islands. Premier fishing, snorkeling, and adventure await. Contact us today to customize the project to your desires, and treat yourself to a waterfront home on Grand Cayman like no other. Professional concrete foundation work was provided by Cayman Concrete Pumping, with construction and project management by Cayman Structural Group, LTD who has long standing experience with both luxury home and commercial construction projects on the islands.
321 at Vista del Mar, waterfront home in Grand Cayman Islands for sale.
8,597 sq. ft Luxury Home with Guest House, Garage and Outdoor Entertainment, KYD $3,300,000.00
Luxury Property is co-developed by home builder Cayman Structural Group, and ARCO Architectural Services Ltd. Download project specifications sheet, and contact us today for details. Please visit www.321vistadelmar.com for more details.
SOURCE: http://www.caymanstructuralgroup.ky/new-home-construction-continues-in-vista-del-mar-cayman-islands/
A corgi on the wrong flight ended up in Hawaii instead of Mississippi
By Max Knoblauch From Mashable
A corgi named Bethany had quite the day on Saturday after an airline mixup put her on a flight to Honolulu, Hawaii, instead of Mississippi.
Bethany was scheduled to fly from Seattle to her new home in Mississippi, with a connecting flight in Dallas. However, in Dallas, American Airlines accidentally placed Bethany on the wrong flight, causing her to end up in a sunny tropical paradise.
When Bethany didn’t show up in Mississippi, professional breeder Paul Chen assumed she was lost or had been stolen. He had already offered a $1,000 reward when American Airlines realized its mistake.
Bethany was held in Honolulu under the care of a veterinarian until Monday when she was slated to fly back to Dallas, according to Hawaii News Now.
We can only hope that she was also given a lei and a refreshing cocktail served in a coconut. She deserves it.
For more on this story go to: http://mashable.com/2015/12/01/corgi-honolulu-flight/?utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-All-Partial&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher#OUmEEULdIPqa
SPI, SPI Energy announce approval of merger to reorganize SPI as a Cayman Islands company
Solar Power, Inc. (SPI, Shanghai, China), a vertically-integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) developer, and SPI Energy Co., Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on November 30th, 2015 announced that the proposed merger to reorganize the Company as a Cayman Islands company has been approved by the stockholders of SPI.
SPI expects the merger to become effective on December 31st, 2015.
As a result of the merger, SPI Energy, currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPI, will become the parent company of the SPI group of companies.
It is anticipated that the SPI Energy ADSs will be quoted on the OTC Markets on January 4th, 2016 and that it will qualify as a “foreign private issuer” under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SPI and SPI Energy are in the process of applying for listing of the ADSs with the Nasdaq Capital Market and expect to complete that process in early 2016.
CNCF’S 3 for 30 celebratory series ends
This weekend’s production of “Fallen Angel and the Devil Concubine” (by Ground Work Theatre Company) is the last of three classic plays highlighting the start of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.
Local actors, Rita Estevanovich and Leslie-ann Bernard are cast as the main characters; the play is designed and directed by Henry Muttoo.
The public is invited to attend one of three showings at 8.00pm on both Friday and Saturday (4, 5 December) and at 6.00pm on Sunday (6 December).
For more tickets and information call the CNCF on 949-5477 or email [email protected].
Call in Cayman Islands for Marine Parks opinions
From ENV Conservation Council
The current consultation on an enhanced Marine Parks system for the Cayman Islands is set to end soon. The National Conservation Council reminds anyone interested in the shape of Cayman’s future Marine Parks System that their comments should be received by 4 December 2015 to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>, or delivered by hand or mail care of Department of Environment, 580 North Sound Road, P.O. Box 10202, KY1-1002, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
Copies of the proposal and maps are available at www.doe.ky/marine/marine-parks-review/<http://www.doe.ky/marine/marine-parks-review/> or via email to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Hard copies of the proposals are also available for inspection at the DoE office, all district libraries and the Little Cayman District Office. You may also request meetings for individuals or groups to discuss the proposals by contacting [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; questions regarding the proposals may also be sent to this address.
All written submissions received will be included in the review by the Conservation Council. The Council’s role in the process is to evaluate the proposal taking into account the extensive scientific research available and public input, particularly that received in writing, in order to advise the Cabinet which makes the final decision on designation of protected areas.
Many people have spoken to us already at the district meetings. We want to ensure that everyone understands that even if they do not have a direct relationship with the health of our marine environment, say through fishing or diving, that Marine Parks provide them with many indirect benefits, including economically and socially. The Conservation Council invites the schools and colleges, the Tourism Association, Chamber of Commerce, sports and outdoor users groups, those interested in sustainable development, climate change adaptation, in other words, all concerned citizens to examine the proposals if they have not yet done so, and write to the Council with their personal answer to this fundamental question: “Sustainable management and use of Cayman’s marine resources are important to me because ….
The National Conservation Council encourages everyone with an interest in marine conservation, that is, everyone in the Cayman Islands, for we are all blessed by and founded upon our seas, to respond by December 4th to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.
Cayman Islands October 2015 Funerals
Anthony McNeil Christian 11 Oct 1969 – 29 Sep 2015
Marjorie Louise (Thompson) Hurlston 15 Feb 1922 – 19 Oct 2015 Watler family
Rhonda Maureen (Ebanks) Azan 28 Jan 1954 – 2 Oct 2015 Savannah
Eric Keith (Peter) Burke 16 Nov 1945 – 9 Oct 2015 Prospect
Derrick Neville Campbell 2 Jan 1962 – 11 Oct 2015 Prospect
Laurel Lena Dawn Mellad 25 Jul 1956 – 15 Oct 2015 Prospect
Edward Winston Myles 28 Jun 1951 – 17 Oct 2015 Prospect
Dennis Aguirre Javier 10 Sep 1960 – 17 Oct 2015 Philippines
Oswald Eden Ebanks 15 Jan 1952 – 21 Oct 2015 Northwest point
Phebe Maria Ebanks 9 Sep 1931 – 24 Oct 2015 Boatswain Bay
Trevor Weston Scott 8 Nov 1943 – 29 October 2015 Watering Place
Cayman Islands Deputy Governor supports Meals on Wheels
The head of the Civil Service, Deputy Governor the Hon. Franz Manderson is joined by government employees in Dressing Down for A Cause.
Decked out in orange, staff at the Government Administration Building showed their support for the Meals on Wheels (MOW) organization.
Civil servants raised more than $750 through the purchase of t-shirts for the MOW annual Dress Down Day on Friday 20 November 2015.
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.
Website: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/135818/309496/?utm_source=LAWAALMEVENTSweb&utm_medium=300×100&utm_campaign=CS15
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.
Cayman Islands: CIVF National Indoor Volleyball League
The CIVF National Indoor Volleyball League commenced Tuesday October 27th and will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday until December 5th with the awards and closing ceremony. There are 10 teams, 5 male and 5 female teams. Games are played at First Baptist and the Arc at Camana Bay.
Sponsorship of The Cayman Arts Festival is available at various levels of financial support including corporate, in-kind and friends & families packages with a choice of options and benefits. Sponsorship packages are flexible and developed with the sponsor to achieve their desired outcomes.
POPULAR ELEMENTS INCLUDE
- Exclusive presentation rights to the sponsored event
- Logo on website and link to sponsor’s website
- Marketing opportunities at the venue
- Complimentary tickets to the sponsored event
- Opportunities for corporate and/or staff hospitality
- Profile in relevant event media releases
- Logo placement on specific print ads
- Sponsor’s logo & link on the Festival website
Detail Text End Share Post Start
Co to: http://caymanartsfestival.com/events/become-a-sponsor/
Caribbean Airport of the Year – VC Bird International Airport
From Caribbean Times
There are so many airports in the Caribbean, big and small. And too often, the experience is less than satisfactory, from an unpleasant immigration team to simply bad design. That’s why the new VC Bird International Airport in Antigua is so refreshing — this was an attempt to create the clean, high-design airport you find in a European city, and they pulled it off. This is a great new Caribbean airport, and a message to the rest of the region, too. (Caribbean Journal).
For more: http://www.caribbeantimes.ag/?p=8388
The secret bribes of big tobacco
By Richard Bilton From BBC Panorama
IMAGE: Paul Hopkins: “My job was to make sure the competition never got a breathing space”
A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence of bribery at one of the UK’s biggest companies.
Panorama found British American Tobacco illegally paid politicians and civil servants in countries in East Africa.
The payments were revealed when a whistleblower shared hundreds of secret documents.
BAT told the BBC: “The truth is that we do not and will not tolerate corruption, no matter where it takes place.”
Paul Hopkins, who worked for BAT, a British company, in Kenya for 13 years, said he had begun paying bribes after being told it was the cost of doing business in Africa.
“BAT is bribing people, and I’m facilitating it,” he said.
“The reality is if… they have to break the rules, they will break the rules.”
For more: http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34964603
West Indies off-spinner Narine reported for suspect bowling action
From Caribbean News Now
KANDY, Sri Lanka — West Indies bowler Sunil Narine has been reported with a suspect bowling action during the third ODI against Sri Lanka, which the home side won by 19 runs in Pallekele on Saturday.
IMAGE: Sunil Narine
The match officials’ report, which was handed over to the West Indies team management after the match, cited concerns about the legality of the 27-year-old’s deliveries.
Narine’s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and, during this period, Narine is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.
Mexican governor promises to solve recent killings of 3 women in Caribbean resort of Cancun
Associated Press From FOX NEWS
MEXICO CITY – The governor of Mexico’s Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo says his administration will solve the killings of three women in the resort city of Cancun over the last few days.
Gov. Roberto Borge says suspects have been identified in two of the killings. One was arrested for the killing of a woman whose body was found in Cancun’s hotel zone.
Borge’s office said Wednesday the other suspect may have fled to the nearby city of Merida.
The killing of a third woman last week remains unsolved. She was a university student whose body bore apparent signs of sexual abuse. Her killing sparked a protest march by thousands of people in Cancun on Sunday.
To date, the resort has largely been spared the violence affecting other parts of Mexico.
The Pacific connects with the Caribbean on the issue of food security
By Catherine Graue From ABC Mews Au.
With the drought reaching ever further throughout the Pacific, the issue of food security is at the forefront of many minds because small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change.
This week a Pacific delegation has travelled all the way to Barbados to take part in the first Pacific Caribbean AgriFood Forum, where the aim is to link farmers from the Caribbean and the Pacific, allowing them to share their experiences and learn from each other.
Ni-Vanuatu Samson Vilvil Fare looks after the Intra-ACP Agricultural Policy Programme at the Technical Centre of Agricultural and Rural Development (CTA) in the Netherlands.
He says it’s been valuable to hear about the experiences of countries with similar vulnerabilities to those in the Pacific.
For more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-05/the-pacific-connects-with-the-caribbean-on-the/6914438
Colombia court lets same-sex couples adopt children
AFP From Business Insider
Colombia’s Constitutional Court ruled on November 4, 2015, that same-sex couples can adopt children
Bogota (AFP) – Colombia’s highest court ruled that same-sex couples can adopt children.
“A person’s sexual orientation or gender are not in and of themselves indicative of a lack of moral, physical or mental suitability to adopt,” Maria Victoria Calle Correa, chief justice of the Constitutional Court, said on Wednesday.
HBO launches teaser art for 6th season of “Game of Thrones”
On Monday (23), HBO released the teaser art for the sixth season of the worldwide phenomenon Game of Thrones!
Remember…winter is coming.
No 2015 Cricket Challenge Trophy in Cayman Islands
Because of the excessive rains on Grand Cayman over the past two weeks the annual cricket Challenge Trophy event will not take place this year. The trophy went to the winner of a T20 tournament where players represent their home countries.
Cayman students kept Walkers busy in summer
Law firm Walkers hosted 19 students in various summer work experience schemes, including the annual legal and summer internships and the work experience pilot for the Cayman Finance Student Education Program.
Internships are also offered to Caymanian students not sponsored by Walkers.
Leading up to the work experience portion of the program, Cayman Finance Programme students came to Walkers to be mentored over the course of six weeks. Four students were then placed with Walkers in July. Two of the students, Brittany Cousins and Matthew Welds, are now part-time employees with Walkers Professional Services while they study for their associate degrees at the University College of the Cayman Islands.
Five Foreign Nationals Charged in Fraud-related Offences
From RCIPS: Wed, Nov 11, 2015 at 4:53 PM
Five foreign nationals arrested on 3 November in connection with fraudulent activity at local ATMs were charged with fraud-related offences and money laundering related offences on Sunday, 8 November. All five were charged with Conspiracy to Defraud, Possession of Criminal Property and Theft. In addition, one male UK national, age 22, and one female US national, age 26, were charged with Attempted Theft. One Romanian national, age 42, was also charged with Money Laundering. They appeared in Summary Court yesterday, Tuesday, 10 November, and were remanded to custody. The four men were remanded to HMP Northward, while the woman was remanded to HMP Fairbanks. All five accused persons are scheduled to return to Court on Wednesday, 25 November 2015.
2015-16 CIFA CPL UPDATE WEEK 2
Cayman Islands top football administrator out of job
More trouble within the top echelon of the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA). Renard Moxam, who a few months ago battled hard to become a member of the Executive Committee, is no longer the Director of the National Team.
CIFA Acting President Bruce Blake found Moxam and his partner Sharon Roulstone were not eligible to run in the election due to obscure technicalities he had discovered.
Now Moxam has gone Blake now rules with a tight fist. Martin Cooke takes over as Acting Director of National Teams.
Cayman Islands former housing trust director loses appeal and goes to prison
Edlin Myles, former deputy chair of the National Housing and Development Trust Board (NHDT), lost his appeal against a six month jail sentence handed down by Justice Alex Henderson for a housing trust insurance fraud and immediately went to incarceration at HMP Northward.
Myles had been found guilty of using his position on the NHDT to get prospective clients to take out life insurance policies with him. The crime took place in 2011 and Myles was convicted in June 2014.
Myles was represented by Michael Duck QC.
CONCACAF and CONMEBOL Release Joint RFP for Copa América Centenario 2016 Commercial Rights
Miami (Monday, October 26, 2015) – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL) today released a joint Request for Proposals (RFP) to evaluate and select one or more organizations to represent the commercial rights of the Copa América Centenario 2016 tournament.
The Proposing Organizations will be able to submit relevant credentials, strategic recommendations, and financial considerations, among other criteria, for the opportunity to market and service the worldwide commercial rights for the Copa América Centenario 2016 tournament. The worldwide commercial rights include sponsorship (rights and services), broadcast rights, broadcast services and limited digital rights.
RFP responses will be evaluated by the Copa América Centenario Organizers: CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and the Local Organizing Committee. The Local Organizing Committee, a separate entity created by the U.S. Soccer Federation, will host and execute the tournament in the United States.
All Proposing Organizations will be responsible for full compliance with CONCACAF’s recently implemented Partner Code of Conduct.
Cayman Islands MLA’s vote to remove Leader of the Opposition from PAC
The majority of Members of the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly voted in favour to remove Opposition leader McKeeva Bush from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Former PAC chairman Roy said Bush’s criticisms of the auditor general’s office amounted to “slander” thus making his position on the committee “untenable.”
Premier, Alden McLaughlin said Bush had consistently over the past year “made derogatory statements regarding the integrity and professionalism of the former auditor general and his office. Our concern is that those statements demonstrate the inability of the Leader of the Opposition to consider the reports and oversight of the Office of the Auditor General with any sense of objectivity.” He added the leader of the opposition had a history of “bad blood with the Office of the Auditor General and the contention is not limited to the one who has just recently left Cayman.”
Bush said he “don’t hate nobody – not even the premier”. And he doesn’t “need the PAC committee to deal with him. [the premier]”.
Cayman Islands Deputy Governor will not be managing LA
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson’s office will not be managing the day-to-day operations within the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly (LA).
At present Manderson oversees all the LA staff. Hiring and other human resources matters for the office are handled by the Portfolio of the Civil Service chief officer.
East End MLA Arden McLean said this management by the civil service represents an intrusion by the government “executive” into the realm of the elected officials. Other MLA’s supported him.
A motion is to be brought to the LA to place staff members, including chief clerk Zena Merren-Chin, under the direction of the Speaker of the House.
Manderson said he supports the change.
Comfort Suites Cayman Islands success for the Seven Mile Beach Hotel
When visitors keep returning year after year, that’s a sure sign you’re doing something right, says Thomas Mason, general manager of the Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach hotel.
The hotel has been recognized by its parent company as the top performer in the Caribbean based on customer reviews, citing their willingness or desire to stay there again.
The Choice Hotel chain has eight properties in the Caribbean and slightly more than 4,400 worldwide. Mr. Mason said Comfort Suites was rated in the top 10 percent internationally.
“We’re aiming to be in the top 100. This is a great tribute to our staff because if customers want to come back, it’s a great indication that they enjoyed their stay.
“Everyone has worked hard and the staff commitment to our guests is second to none. It is really a case of the little engine that could. Our staff are 90 percent local employees, and they have shown that not only can they outperform other Caribbean Islands with service, but that we can do it and also match and exceed service levels in comparable hotels in both the USA and Europe.”
Bill Clegg, regional vice president for franchise development at Choice Hotels, presented Comfort Suites with the Caribbean Star Award of Excellence for achieving the highest guest willingness-to-return scores in the Caribbean region, at an event in Rockville, Maryland, last month.
The “willingness to return” scores are tabulated from guest reviews and surveys and convey a strong level of satisfaction and service received by the consumer.
“The owners of the hotel could not be more proud,” said Gary Rutty, managing director. “This is a great achievement and performance by our managers and staff. Our recent $2.5 million renovation and commitment to our business in Cayman is really paying off.”
American Airlines is closing its only Admirals Club in the Caribbean
From Caribbean Journal staff
American Airlines is permanently closing its Admirals Club lounge at San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport.
The lounge will permanently close “toward the end of 2015,” the carrier said in a statement.
“With more than 50 Admirals Club lounges around the world, we know the Admirals Club experience makes American unique, and we’re constantly looking at which lounges best serve our customers based on attendance, frequency of flights and customer demand,” the company said.
The company did not elaborate on the reasons for the closure, which will surely upset a number of travelers given that airport’s role as a hub for Caribbean travel.
Create Caribbean says one tablet per child initiative useful
From Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica
On Tuesday October 14th the Division of Culture in collaboration with the Create Caribbean Inc. Research Institute of the Dominica State College launched a digital research resource titled ‘The Road to Independence: A Virtual Journey’ forming part of this year’s History Week.
This was the signature event for History Week and included the launch of an interactive website, www.dominicahistory.org.
Director of Create Caribbean Inc., Dr Schuyler Esprit believes the One Tablet per Child Initiative could not have come at a better time as students can use the technology combined with the website to make history come alive.
“I think the tablet dissemination is a really appropriate time for us to have the conversation because one of the things which came up on the news is the question of when you give students technology, for what will they use it.
“History Week is an educational week and we want the entire public involved but we also want to specifically target students.”
She notes that at this point in time the site can be seen as a ‘living document’, a combination of data collection of primary sources, some analysis and the use of technology to display said information.
There will also be a contribution page on the website where the general public can submit pertinent information to the site.
Cayman Islands to introduce multi-year budgeting
In what would seem to most commentators to be a retrograde step the Cayman Islands have introduced multi-year budgeting.
It will cut the annual Finance Committee meetings and thus the scrutiny and transparency on government spending.
According to Finance Minister Marco Archer the annual reports and audits would provide the opportunity for scrutiny and political debate.
North Side MLA Ezzard Miller said, “I have serious concerns about the change to the appropriation law as it will reduce the opportunity to scrutinize government budgets. If we are going to reduce that to just twice during a four year parliament, that reduces the non-government members’ opportunity to influence public spending.”
Cruising the Caribbean: Free cruising guides unveils new website
By Free Cruising Guides
Free Cruising Guides has announced the launch of their new website, where cruising guides to many countries in the Caribbean can be downloaded absolutely free and without registration.
Published: 2015-10-16 00:00:00
Topics: Books,Charts and DVDs , Cruising Information
Countries: Anguilla , Antigua & Barbuda , Aruba , Bonaire , British Virgin Islands , Cayman Islands , Dominica , Dominican Republic , Grenada , Haiti , Jamaica , Martinique , Montserrat , Puerto Rico , Saba , Sint Maarten , Spanish Virgin Islands , St Kitts & Nevis , St Lucia , St Martin , St Vincent & the Grenadines , Statia , Trinidad & Tobago , US Virgin Islands
Cruising the Caribbean: Free Cruising Guides Unveils New Website
The website has been simplified to give users a one page location where they can process all of their requests.
Frank Virgintino, Author and Founder of Free Cruising Guides, has spent over twenty years living and cruising in the Dominican Republic. His sailing background of over forty years covers the Canadian Maritimes, all of the eastern seaboard of the United States and the entire Caribbean. Aside from cruising, he has spent the better part of his career designing and building marinas. All of the information in the guides is a result of personal research and knowledge of the subject countries.
The range of cruising guides include ABC Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico and Trinidad & Tobago.
The Caribbean Security Index (CSI), a probability analysis of crime in the Caribbean, can also be found on the home page.
Go to www.FreeCruisingGuides.com
Cuba: Release Danilo Maldonado Machado (UA 214/15)
Urgent Action From Amnesty International
Cuban graffiti artist Danilo Maldonado Machado remains in prison after the authorities failed to uphold their promise to release him by 15 October. He is a prisoner of conscience and must be released immediately and unconditionally.
1) Please write immediately in Spanish or your own language:
Calling on the authorities to release Danilo Maldonado Machado immediately and unconditionally, as he is a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression;
Calling on them to repeal all legislation which unduly limits freedom of expression, assembly and association;
Urging them to ensure that, pending his release, he is provided with any medical care which he may require; not tortured or otherwise ill-treated; and that he is granted regular access to family and lawyers of his choosing.
2) For the full Urgent Action, including appeal addresses and further information, please click on the Word or PDF version below.
3) Please let us know if you took action so that we can track our impact!
EITHER send a short email to [email protected] with “UA 214/15” in the subject line, and include in the body of the email the number of letters and/or emails you sent,
OR fill out the short online form to let us know how you took action on the website source link below.
Black & Veatch to advise NiQuan Energy on Caribbean GTL facility
Black & Veatch has announced it has been selected by NiQuan Energy to assess the cost, scope and schedule for completion of its Petrotrin gas to liquids (GTL) facility in Pointe-à-Pierre, Trinidad and Tobago.
The GTL process converts natural gas to longer-chain hydrocarbons that can be used for transportation or other liquid fuels. GTL is a leading refining process for the production of low-emission fuels.
“Our review will provide NiQuan with an analysis of Petrotrin’s assets. We will know what it will take to bring the facility online and help realise the potential for GTL-derived fuels,” said Doug Miller, Vice President of Black & Veatch’s oil and gas business. “GTL fuels will provide low emissions and improve the resiliency of the fuel supply in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Petrotrin was about 85% completed before it was placed in receivership in 2009 and later acquired by NiQuan. Black & Veatch will perform a detailed review of plant engineering design and specifications, its structural and mechanical integrity and adherence to applicable codes. The company will provide design specification for completion of the facility, a project schedule and an overall cost estimate.
The review will involve the use of Black & Veatch alliance partner Emerging Fuels Technology Inc.’s (EFT) proprietary Advanced Fixed Bed Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. The synthesis catalyst maximises production of transportation fuels and other high value products from natural gas in the GTL process. As alliance partners, Black & Veatch and EFT provide a comprehensive EPC solution for projects using the Fischer-Tropsch system.
Caribbean Association of Banks Conference
From Fiserve
The Caribbean Association of Banks Conference brings together financial representatives from the Commonwealth Caribbean. The annual event provides a platform for representatives to discuss issues impacting the region’s banking and financial services community and gain insight into the state of the industry and what it means for the future. Through our sponsorship, Fiserv is presenting and providing insight into our mobile payments, digital channels and financial risk and compliance solutions.
Fiserv experts will be in attendance representing:
Payments, including Electronic Billing and Payment Solutions, Payment Switch and Card Management Risk & Compliance, including Compliance & Fraud Management, Financial Control Solutions and Financial Risk Management
For more: https://www.fiserv.com/events/caribbean-association-banks-conference.aspx
Deported Jamaicans get pro bono legal counsel
From South Florida Caribbean News
ORLANDO – Deported Jamaicans who were involuntarily returned will again benefit from the expertise of renowned Jamaican Attorneys Wayne C. Golding Sr. Esq, and Joan O. Pinnock Esq.
Attorneys Wayne C. Golding Sr. Esq, and Joan O. Pinnock Esq. will be offering pro bono legal counsel for the third time at the Jamaica Theological Seminary at 14-16 West Avenue, Constant Spring, Kingston 8, Jamaica on Friday – October 23, 2015 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Interested Jamaicans must call 973-623-8333 to register prior to Thursday – October 22, 2015.
With enviable track records of successes in immigration and deportation cases, on September 20, 2015, both attorneys returned 2 deportees to United States as US citizens.
Currently both attorneys are private practitioners in Orlando, Florida and Newark, New Jersey respectively. In addition, both were appointed Advisory Board Members to the Southeast and Northeast United States by Honourable Minister Arnaldo Brown, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
Following the Sixth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in June 2015, Golding and Pinnock initiated a project appropriately titled Immigration Assistance for Jamaicans. It must be noted that both attorneys partnered with FURI (Family Unification Resettlement Initiative) headed by Carmeta Lindo, MSC.
Since Jamaicans are amongst the highest number of immigrants deported from the United States, Golding and Pinnock felt the need to help eligible Jamaicans return to their family members.
Attorney Golding will meet with deported Jamaicans that were involuntarily returned from the Southern and Midwestern United States, while Attorney Pinnock will handle deportees from the NE United States.
For more: http://sflcn.com/deported-jamaicans-get-pro-bono-legal-counsel/
US Coast Guard repatriates 57 Cuban migrants
From Caribbean News Now
MIAMI, USA — The crew of the US Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo repatriated 57 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, on Friday.
This repatriation is a result of three separate interdictions at sea in the south Florida Straits. These events consisted of Cubans attempting to illegally enter the United States on unseaworthy vessels commonly referred to as “rustics” or “chugs.” In these instances, the Coast Guard not only helped secure the US border, but they also prevented these perilous sea voyages from ending in tragedy.
The Isaac Mayo, along with numerous other Coast Guard patrol boats and aircraft, aggressively patrol the Florida Straits to detect and deter illegal and unsafe maritime migration. Safety of life at sea is always the Coast Guard’s top priority.
“We recognize that smugglers are perpetuating rumors of changes to our immigration policy and some people may believe it. They may get desperate and take to the ocean in very unseaworthy vessels which creates a dangerous situation,” said Capt. Mark Fedor, the chief of response for the Coast Guard’s 7th District. “Everyone needs to understand the Coast Guard’s missions have not changed so if migrants are interdicted at sea, then they will be returned to their country of origin.”
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.
In fiscal year 2015, 4,462 Cuban migrants attempted to illegally migrate to the US via the sea. These numbers represent the total amount of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic.
For more: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-US-Coast-Guard-repatriates-57-Cuban-migrants-27950.html
