News Briefs & Community Events
Cayman Islands: PUBLIC NOTICE – Foreign Bank Accounts
It has come to the attention of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”) that there are fraudulent emails circulating to clients of certain Cayman Islands Banking purporting to be following an “edict” from CIMA with respect to “registration” of their accounts.
CIMA wishes to inform the public that it has not issued any edict that all foreign bank accounts should be fully registered with CIMA on or before the 20th of September 2016, or any other specific date.
The Authority reminds the public that, as clients of banks licensed and registered in the Cayman Islands, they should exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any correspondence purporting to come from their bank.
Chile debunks solar cost myth
From The Carbon Wars
Just five years ago, Chile’s energy prices were among the highest in Latin America. A few monopolistic utility companies dominated the sector, and Argentina had stopped selling natural gas to its neighbor. Facing the risk of blackouts, the private sector planned to open more coal-burning power plants and build hydroelectric dams that would have flooded Patagonia.
But mass protests soon followed. In 2010, the movement became so powerful that then-president Sebastián Piñera shut down the coal project Barrancones, even though its developer, GDF Suez, was following the law. While it was a win for the environment, the decision seriously harmed Chile’s business reputation.
Today, renewable power is on the rise, with energy investment surpassing mining investment in a nation that’s the largest copper producer in the world. Chile even started exporting electricity and natural gas to Argentina earlier this year.
So what brought on such a rapid change? In a word: competition. There were 84 bids during this month’s power auction, with the winners signing 20-year power purchase agreements. And in a surprising turn, three of Chile’s four largest generators failed to win a supply contract.
The biggest win went to Granja Solar, Solarpack’s project, a near impossible feat a few years earlier. Until recently, solar power couldn’t compete without subsidies, but the falling price of solar panels has made this form of energy more appealing. The average price has declined to a record low of 44.7 cents a watt for standard polysilicon panels.
The new plant will break ground in Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert, an ideal location given its position high in the Andes near the equator. It’s one of the sunniest and driest places in the world, making it a rich option when it comes to solar power.
The Chilean government is also on board. It plans to complete transmission lines that will deliver Granja Solar’s power to the entire country, which is why Solarpack bid so low, Molina told Bloomberg.
Solar power wasn’t the only success, either. Renewable-energy companies won more than half the contracts this time around. The lowest price for wind power was $31 per megawatt-hour, natural gas sold for $47, hydroelectricity for $60, and geothermal for $66, according to Bloomberg.
The triumph of renewable energy at Chile’s recent auction is a strong indicator that the energy sector is in transition. Companies looking to compete will need to adapt quickly if they want to remain competitive, which is a major win for both consumers and the environment.
For more: http://www.thecarbonwars.com/chile-debunks-solar-cost-myth/
1 killed, 4 wounded in cruise ship lifeboat plunge
BY DAVID J. NEAL From Miami Herald
A lifeboat falling from the world’s largest ship, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, killed one crew member and injuring four others on Tuesday.
A statement from Royal Caribbean e-mailed to The Herald Tuesday morning stated, “We are sorry to share the sad news that a crew member aboard Harmony of the Seas has died of injuries suffered during a lifeboat drill conducted while docked at the port of Marseille, France. Four other crew members received medical treatment in the same incident. We are keeping our colleagues and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”
According to The Telegraph’s report, Marseille Marine Services Julien Raas said the boat fell about 32 feet with the five people inside. A 42-year-old Philippines native died and two of the four others were critically injured.
For more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article101519647.html#storylink=cpy
China on track to become renewable leader
From The Carbon Wars
China has long been known for its consumption of coal — with photos of smoggy cities making headlines numerous times in recent memory. However, it appears the world’s top fossil fuel emitter is getting ready to clean up its act as it formally joined the Paris climate agreement along with the USA yesterday.
In spite of its reputation for air pollution, and late ratification of the COP21 agreement, China is ostensibly on its way to becoming a global leader in renewable energy. In 2015, the country’s solar energy capacity increased by 74 percent and its wind energy capacity was upped 34 percent. It’s worth noting that coal consumption also dropped by 3.7 percent in the same year.
Earlier this year, Nick Mabey, the CEO of climate change think tank E3G, noted: ““Twenty years ago Europeans were still teaching China how to draft environmental law.” And while that may be the case, China is now putting showing its green-energy forebears how it’s done. Last year, sales of electric vehicles in Asia’s largest country were 50 percent higher than in the EU, and in 2014 China spent more on renewable research and development than Europe did.
It has been estimated that by the end of the decade, over 15 percent of China’s energy capacity will come from sources that don’t emit greenhouse gases. Admittedly, that’s no measly number — but the reality is coal will still remain in use for decades.
China may be “cleaning up” its coal-fired capacity in order to make power plants more efficient, though this isn’t sounding the death knells for greenhouse gases like some environmentalists have hoped for. Ultimately, the country has limited oil and gas reserves, and is thus reliant on coal to meet its energy needs. Emissions are predicted to peak in 2030, but until then, coal is likely to remain king.
For more: http://www.thecarbonwars.com/china-on-track-to-become-renewable-leader/
Increased Internet Access in Latin America and Caribbean, Says CEPAL
San Jose, Sep 13 (Prensa Latina) The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) confirmed here today that Internet users compared to the total population of the region grew 10.6 percent annually between 2000 and 2015.
As a result, it went from 37.2 percent in 2010 to 25.2 percent last year among Latin American and the Caribbean countries and members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, said a statement by CEPAL that will be followed by a Report on the Situation of Broadband 2016, to be presented here.
The report, that will be issued at the 2nd meeting of the Conference of Science, Innovation and ICT, to be opened this afternoon at the Hotel Aurola Holiday Inn, said that the number of households connected to the Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean grew 14.1 percent as annual average over the last five years.
Hence, 43.4 percent of all households in the region was connected in 2015, an amount that almost doubled the total in 2010, nevertheless, despite these advances, there are problems linked to quality (connection speed) and equal access (differences by location and socioeconomic situation of the population), said the document.
There is also a huge difference in the range of access amid countries in the region: out of the 24 ones researched in 2015, three countries had less than 15 percent of Internet access in homes; 15 countries were between 15 percent and 45 percent; three countries between 45 percent and 56 percent, and only Chile, Costa Rica and Uruguay reached 60 percent.
CARISCC Artwork Competition
CARISCC Artwork Competition – Call for Submissions
The CARISCC network of universities are running an artwork competition, which seeks to elicit creative responses to the theme of Caribbean In/Securities. The network are interested in receiving artwork submissions that address how the negotiation of in/security is experienced and lived in everyday embodied, creative practice in the Caribbean. We welcome submissions from across the world and which have been produced using any media. Submission deadline: Friday, 3rd March, 2017.
For additional information and full call, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/cariscc/news/2016/CARISCC-Artwork-Competition-Call-for-Submissions.aspx
Cayman Islands National Heroes Day tourism nominations needed
Leaders from the Ministries of Culture and Tourism officially launched the nomination period for pioneering and long service individuals to be recognise at the National Heroes Day 2017 during a press conference on Wednesday (31 August 2016).
Next year’s annual event, on 23 January 2017, will pay tribute to pioneers in tourism and honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the past and on-going development of tourism in the Cayman Islands.
The nomination period begins 1 September 2016 and will run until the end of the month.
Urging individuals to take advantage of this opportunity, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell said, “over the next 30 days I strongly encourage everyone to get involved with this process, and fill out a nomination form for someone you think is worthy of this recognition.”
Ministerial Councillor for Culture Roy McTaggart, speaking on behalf of the Premier and Minister for Culture Hon. Alden McLaughlin at the press conference, said: “We are proud to recognise those who have given themselves to make the Cayman Islands a better place, not only for those who call this country home, but for the people who come to enjoy our piece of paradise, and arrive and depart feeling and knowing the true meaning of Caymankind.”
During the press conference Councillor McTaggart also announced new details regarding the nomination categories.
“The recipients of the ‘Emerging Pioneer’ category will now receive a commemorative insignia along with their certificates at the ceremony next January,” he explained. “This is a special memento that has previously only been given to the ‘Early Pioneer’ and ‘Pioneer’ categories.”
Chief Officer for the Ministry of Culture Jennifer Ahearn added that the National Heroes Day Committee has decided to increase the quota for all three “Pioneer” categories to 75 honourees total.
The National Heroes Day Committee will accept nomination forms throughout September, and aims to recognise deserving individuals who have made significant contributions to the tourism sector throughout the Cayman Islands. Nominations can be made in five different categories: Early Pioneer, Pioneer, Emerging Pioneer, Memorial Scroll and Long Service Award.
Nomination forms for the 2017 National Heroes Day awards are available at the reception desk of the Government Administration Building and also online at www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky. Completed nomination forms or inquires can be sent to [email protected].
“I look forward to another successful nomination period as we prepare to honour the achievements, traditions and people of the Cayman Islands,” Councillor McTaggart added. “Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this historic event. Nominate that person who you believe has truly made a difference, so they can get the credit they so rightfully deserve.”
The committee has chosen to define tourism as:
“Tourism is travel for holiday, leisure and recreation, business, health, education, sports and other purposes. Tourism services and products include the business of attracting, accommodating, transporting, entertaining and operating tours for visitors with the support of allied services. Tourism may be international or domestic.”
(GIS)
Photo captions: Photo by Jamie Hicks, GIS:
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell (center), Ministerial Councillor for Culture Roy McTaggart (left), Chief Officer for the Ministry of Culture Jennifer Ahearn (right).
Cayman Drama Society
2016 is proving to be amazing around the Prospect Playhouse! We have been busy renovating the auditorium this summer and getting ready for a smashing end to 2016!
And Yes! Its election season and what greater way to lighten the mood than coming to see the very funny, Yes Minister!
September 15,16,17,22,23,24,29,30, October 1
Yes Minister is a satirical look at the early career of Jim Hacker MP; a newly appointed cabinet minister in the fictional Department of Administrative Affairs at Whitehall. Hacker goes through various struggles to formulate and enact legislation or effect departmental changes that are continually opposed by the British Civil Service in particular his Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby. His Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley, is usually caught between the two. The British comedy, written by Sir Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, was fist broadcast by BBC Television in the 1980s has now been adapted to the Cayman stage by Chuck and Barrie Quappe. As the Cayman Parliamentary system is based on Whitehall, any of the situations will be undeniably familiar to all that live in Cayman!
Cayman Islands Pirates Week calls for food vendors
The Pirates Week Festival Office is inviting participants for the annual Food Festival to submit their vendor applications for the below dates/times:
| Friday 11th November | George Town | 6:00pm to 2:00am |
| Saturday 12th November | George Town | 1:00pm to midnight |
| Saturday 19th November | George Town | 2:00pm to midnight |
Vendor applications must be submitted beginning on Monday 1st August, 2016 to the Pirates Week Office on Shedden Road, George Town (upstairs next to KFC). Vendor space is limited therefore applications must be submitted as soon as possible after the opening date above. Deadline for submission is Monday 31st October.
All vendors must comply with the rules and regulations set by the Pirates Week Festival Office and must present a valid Food Handling Certificate for all persons handing food by the 31st October. Food handling certificates can be obtained from the Department of Environmental Health by contacting Mr. Gideon Simms on 949-6696 or email [email protected] .
For application forms and more details please contact the Pirates Week Festival Office at 949-5078 or [email protected].
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
WED SEP 14
Bookends Club
The Bookends Club will meet at Books & Books on Wednesday (14 Sept) at 630pm.
Revival Services
The Wesleyan Holiness Church at West Bay is hosting Revival Services Wednesday through Sunday (14 — 18 Sept) at 730pm through Friday with Sunday services at 11am and 6pm.
Cayman Islands DCI to Close Early on Wednesday Sept 14
The Department of Commerce and Investment’s main office and Business Licensing Counter, both in Grand Cayman; as well as its Cayman Brac office, will close early on Wednesday, 14 September, for a staff meeting.
The Grand Cayman office and counter will close at 3:00pm on Wednesday; and the Cayman Brac office will close for the full day.
On Thursday, 15 September, the Grand Cayman office will reopen at 8:30am; the Business Licensing Counter, at 9:00am; and the Cayman Brac office, at 8:30am.
DCI staff apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information please call 945-0943 or email i[email protected]
THU SEP 15
Alzheimer’s and Dementia awareness meeting
The Alzheimer’s and Dementia awareness meeting for North Side takes place on Thursday (15 Sept) at the William Pouchie Memorial Church Hall
SAT SEP 17
Fidelity Fun Run Series 2
The Fidelity Fun Run Series – An annual series of 2 mile fun runs held on the first 3 Saturdays in September -continues on Saturday (17 Sept) at 7:30am on Walkers Road. Log on to caymanactive.com for registration information.
Cadet Corps Recruitment
Are you or someone you know looking for a wholesome program for your child between the ages 11 — 19 year old? The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps is now open for cadet recruitment through September 17th. For more information call 946-9810 (Grand Cayman), 948-8824 (Cayman Brac) or email [email protected]
4th Annual Coastal Beach Cleanup
Dolphin Discovery & Dolphin Cove Grand Cayman are hosting the 4th Annual Coastal Beach Cleanup on Saturday (17 Sept) at Barkers Beach and Bodden Town Beach from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
SAT & SUN SEP 17 & 18
British Schools Fair Cayman Islands
Street: Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
District: Seven Mile Beach
Island: Grand Cayman
Country: Cayman Islands
Description
Ritz-Carlton
Sat 17 Sep & Sun 18 Sep
2.00-6.00 p.m.
A chance for Cayman families to meet leading UK boarding schools. If you are considering the possibility of your children having the opportunities afforded by an overseas education, this is your chance to speak to some of the top schools.
Free entry
For more information contact [email protected]
SUN SEP 18
2016 CITA Duathlon
The 2016 CITA Duathlon is Sunday (18 Sept) at 7am. Log on to caymanactive.com for registration information.
MON SEP 19
Roald Dahl-themed Story times: The Witches (Tue, Thu & Sat)
As part of a five week series of Roald Dahl-themed Story times and Saturday morning matinee’s, children are invited to hear The Witches this week on Tuesdays at a11am at Regal Cinema for 4 and under; Thursdays at 3pm at Books and Books for 3 and under and Saturdays at 1030am at Books and Books for ages 2 — 7. The matinee is at 10am at Regal Cinemas on Saturday for $5
TUE SEP 20
Moving Into Management
The Chamber of Commerce presents Moving Into Management on Tuesday (20 Sept) from 9 — 430pm at Governor’s Square. Log on to caymanchamber.ky for more.
Immigration Closes Early Tuesday, September 20th, 2016
The Department of Immigration public counters in the following sections will close at 12 noon on Tuesday, 20th September 2016, to facilitate staff training:
* HQ main public counter
* Visa
* Enforcement
* Passport and Corporate Services.
All the other sections will operate as usual.
Normal office hours will resume on Wednesday, 21st September 2016. The extended services at the main reception counter will be operational until the usual 7:00pm on Wednesday.
Immigration officials apologise for any inconvenience resulting from this closure.
WED SEP 21
Alzheimer’s and Dementia awareness meeting
The Alzheimer’s and Dementia awareness meeting for George Town takes place on Wednesday (21 Sept) at the Town Hall.
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (21 Sept) from 630 — 730pm at Books & Books.
THU SEP 22
Pensions Masterclass
The Chamber of Commerce presents a Pensions Masterclass on Thursday (22 Sept) from 9 — 11am at Governor’s Square. Log on to caymanchamber.ky for more.
Cayman Islands Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing Closed on Sept 22nd
The Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing would like to inform the public that it will be closed on Thursday, September 22nd, 2016.
Normal hours of operation will resume at both locations on Friday, September 23rd, 2016.
The Crewe Road office (8:30am to 4:00pm), and for the West Bay Office (10:00am to 6:00 pm).
This necessary closure is to facilitate staff training.
FRI SEP 23
Cayman Islands: St Baldrick’s Hannah’s Heroes Shave
The 4th Annual St Baldrick’s Hannah’s Heroes Shave takes place on Friday 23rd September at The Wicket in Cricket Square as we unite to conquer childhood cancer during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
In just three years our community has raised over US $1,000,000 to fund the most promising childhood cancer research. Your efforts have resulted in the funding of two scholar’s grants to support vital research, both named in Hannah’s honour. However, the fight goes on.
There are a number of ways you can show your support and get involved;
Register to shave NOW and start growing your hair! Registering and collecting donations couldn’t be easier but we’re standing by to help you register if you need our help.
If shaving is not for you please consider simply making a donation to support a friend braving the shave. Donate NOW – every dollar pledged makes a difference.
Join us on 23rd September for a fantastic silent auction, prize balloon raffle and delicious food and drinks specials from the Brasserie.
Kids with cancer need your help. The money that YOU help raise will change the lives of all children fighting cancer. Thank you for joining us and St Baldrick’s in the fight to conquer childhood cancers.
SAT SEP 24
Save the date for our 6th Annual “Paws for Wine” Fundraiser!
Sat 24th September 2016
From CARE Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
Please save the date for our 6th annual “Paws for Wine” event. We are currently seeking corporate sponsorship for this event so we can raise more funds to continue on with our worthy cause. If you would like to help with volunteering or donate auction items we would love to hear from you. [email protected] or 938 2273.
So please pop this date in your diary and join us for an evening filled with fun, laughter, dancing, fabulous food and great wine.
Fitness PaLooza
ADACI will be holding its first Fitness PaLooza during World Alzheimer’s Month on Saturday (24 Sept) from 9am to 12noon at the ARC at Camana Bay.
Fidelity Fun Run Series 3
The Fidelity Fun Run Series – An annual series of 2 mile fun runs held on the first 3 Saturdays in September –wraps up on Saturday (24 Sept) at 7:30am on Walkers Road. Log on to caymanactive.com for registration information.
Revival Services
The Church of God at West Bay invites you to Revival Services Monday — Saturday (12 — 24 Sept) at 730pm, nightly. The All Day Meeting is Sunday (18 Sept) with morning worship at 11am, afternoon service at 2 and Evangelistic Service at 5pm. For transportation, call 916.1345.
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Auto Fair, Saturday, 24th September 2016, 10:am -4:pm, Main Street Branch.
100% Auto Financing
Lower Interest Rates
*Apply on the day of the fair for a chance to win
*conditions apply
SUN SEP 25
25 mile bicycle race
There will be a 25 mile bicycle race on Sunday (25 Sept) starting at the Bodden Town Police Station at 7am. Log on to Caymanactive.com for registration information.
Cayman First Triathlon Training Series
The Cayman First Triathlon Training Series will continue Sunday (25 Sept) from Public Beach. The session will open at 6am, with the ‘race’ starting at 6.45am. Log on to caymanactive.com for registration information.
4th Annual Hope Foundation Walk/Run for Recovery
The 4th Annual Hope Foundation Walk/Run for Recovery is Sunday (25 Sept) at 6am. Log on to caymanactive.com for registration information.
MON SEP 26
Roald Dahl-themed Story times: The BFG
As part of a five week series of Roald Dahl-themed Story times and Saturday morning matinee’s, children are invited to hear The BFG this week on Tuesdays at a11am at Regal Cinema for 4 and under; Thursdays at 3pm at Books and Books for 3 and under and Saturdays at 1030am at Books and Books for ages 2 — 7. The matinee is at 10am at Regal Cinemas on Saturday for $5
TUE SEP 27
How to Run a Successful Business
The Chamber of Commerce presents How to Run a Successful Business on Tuesday (27 Sept) from 230 — 430pm at Governor’s Square. Log on to caymanchamber.ky for more.
WED SEP 28
Building Trust
The Chamber of Commerce presents Building Trust on Wednesday (28 Sept) from 9 — 430pm at Governor’s Square. Log on to caymanchamber.ky for more.
THU SEP 29
Service Matters
The Chamber of Commerce presents Service Matters on Thursday (29 Sept) from 9 — 430pm at Governor’s Square. Log on to caymanchamber.ky for more.
FRI SEP 30
International College of the Cayman Enrollment
The fall quarter at the International College of the Cayman begins October 3rd. The deadline to register is Sept 30th. Call 947-1100 or email [email protected] for details.
Lord Transform Me: The Woman in the Mirror Women’s Retreat
The Cayman Islands Conference Women’s Ministries Department is inviting you to attend our “Lord Transform Me: The Woman in the Mirror” Women’s Retreat at the UCCI Hall Friday — Sunday (30 Sept — 1 Oct). Registration is $30 per person. Each registrant will receive breakfast on Sunday morning and a tote bag with memorabilia. Hotel & Sabbath lunch is available at an additional cost. Space is limited, so register early. For more information, contact the Women’s Ministries Leader in any of our churches or call 916 1576.
Basic Grammar and Writing Skills Part 2
The Chamber of Commerce presents Basic Grammar and Writing Skills Part 2 on Friday (30 Sept) from 9 — 430pm at Governor’s Square. Log on to caymanchamber.ky for more.
September Events at Camana Bay
“Did you hear that, Mr Fox!” Bibliophiles are in for a real treat as Camana Bay celebrates Literacy Month in conjunction with Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday. Join us for an exciting month of family-friendly events, activities, special offers and community initiatives. Visit CamanaBay.com for more details on our literacy festivities.
Other events to look forward to include a new type of 5K, which encourages seven different ways to participate in honour of Cayman Rugby 7s. Visitors can also enjoy a free, gentle exercise class with Tai Chi and watch a new ballet performance on the big screen.
Warm regards,
Alyson Hay
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Roald Dahl Story Times (Ages 0-4)
Tuesdays until 27 September
11am
Regal Cinemas
Roald Dahl Story Times (Ages 0-3)
Thursdays until 29 September
3pm
Books & Books
Roald Dahl Movies
Saturdays until 1 October
10am
Regal Cinemas
Roald Dahl Story Times (Ages 2-7)
Saturdays until 1 October
10:30am
Books & Books
Budding Chef Tween Afterschool Programme
Tuesdays; 13 September through 18 October
3:45-4:45pm
The Bookends Club
Wednesday 14 September
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Budding Chef Cooking Class: Chocolate Factory
Saturday 17 September
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Culture at the Cinema: A View from the Bridge
Saturday 17 September
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Floetry
Wednesday 21 September
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Budding Chef Cooking Class: Giant Peach Pie
Saturday 24 September
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Marvellous Mixology Class
Thursday 29 September
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
