iNews Briefs
Cayman Islands: Directors need to register
From IFC Review
Companies have one month to ensure their directors have registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) under new legislation.
The Directors Registration and Licensing Law came into effect on 4 June, meaning anyone new to Cayman entities or who have been appointed to boards prior to that date must now register with the authority under the two regimes.
“For those holding 19 or less directorships they have to register with the authority and they pay a fee or CI$700/US$850. For those who hold more 20 or more directorships; and we call those professional directors, they then have to be licensed with CIMA and they pay a fee of CI$3,000 or US$3,650,” said Cindy Scotland, CIMA’s Managing Director.
The deadline for registration is Thursday 4 September.
For more: http://www.ifcreview.com/viewnews.aspx?articleId=8153
Shippers wary of Ebola virus
By Jensen Werley From Jacksonville Business Journal
Members of the shipping industry were warned to be wary of the spread of Ebola virus, if they’re making calls in West Africa, according to an article from gCaptain, a maritime publication.
Three global shipping organizations — the International Chamber of Shipping, International Maritime Employers’ Council and the ITF International Transport Workers’ Federation — have all called for shippers to be aware if they are sailing into Sierra Leone, Guinea or Liberia.
The groups call for ship captains to educate the crew on how the virus is spread, how to reduce risk, to not allow unauthorized personnel on board and to give extra consideration to granting shore leave.
Finally, crewmembers are encouraged to immediately report any symptoms that are related to Ebola virus to medical personnel
For more: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/08/05/shippers-wary-of-ebola-virus.html
Cayman finishes with equal points in U-20’s but doesn’t go forward
Sadly, even though winning 2 and losing only 1, exactly the same as the other two teams in the group Curacao and St Kitts & Nevis, Cayman islands finished third and failed to go forward. Cayman trailed the other teams on goal difference.
In Cayman’s last game they beat Anguilla 5-0.
Cayman’s goal scorers were David Connelly, Matthew Suberan, Jermaine Wilson, Martin Webb and Anthony Nelson.
LatAm and Caribbean Congress on food to be held in Cuba
(Prensa Latina) The Association for Science and Technology of Food in Cuba and other related institutions will hold from September 15 to 19 the 6th Latin American and Caribbean Congress on Quality and Safety of Food.
According to the organizers, the event will take place in the Palace of Conventions in Havana under the motto “Food Culture in the Science of Food, Gastronomy, and Audiovisual Mass Media”.
As part of the program there will be an expoferia of food and drinks, involving national and foreign companies which manufacture products and equipments, hotels and chains of restaurants with professional cuisine.
One of the associated events will be Cubalumieregourmet 2014, which will bring together actors, film directors, film lovers, gourmet, plastic artists, musicians, food journalists, researchers, technologists, specialists in food production and services, chefs, sommeliers, bartenders and maitre to facilitate the union of the science and technology sectors, gastronomic tourism and culture.
For more: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2969311&Itemid=1
Bolt adds 1st Commonwealth gold to 6 Olympic wins
By Rob Harris From Caribbean Life
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — On a wet track following torrential rain, Usain Bolt gave the Commonwealth Games a display of showmanship and speed as he anchored Jamaica’s 4×100-meter relay team to gold and glory on Saturday.
Jamaica raced ahead of England in a games-record 37.58 seconds as the six-time Olympic gold medalist became a Commonwealth champion for the first time, enhancing the status of an event that can appear an anachronism in the modern world.
“Even though it was cold, the energy was warm,” Bolt said.
Many doubted whether Bolt would turn up in Glasgow, having skipped the last two editions and being sidelined with a left foot injury earlier in 2014. The individual sprints were avoided, but the world’s fastest man made it clear that he craved a Commonwealth gold in his already illustrious medal haul.
Now Bolt has that gold from a Hampden Park experience he undoubtedly savored following a week when he was forced to deny making disparaging comments about Glasgow.
“The only bad thing about this place is the weather,” Bolt said. “But I expected it.”
There was, however, a pause in the showers when the biggest star of these games appeared on a track scattered with puddles and produced theatrics even more exuberant than usual. Before running 100 meters, Bolt danced along to the lyrics of Scottish pop anthem “500 Miles.”
“It kind of helped me keep hyped up for the race,” Bolt said.
For more: http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2014/8/2014-08-04-ap-bolt-cl_2014_8.html
Cayman Humane Society shelter full up but still deals with extreme cases
Even though the Cayman Islands Humane Society’s (CIHS) shelter by A. L. Thomson’s Hardware Store, George Town, on Grand Cayman is too full to accept any more animals, it is still helping dogs and cats who are suffering.
The society said they cannot leave animals like that without treatment.
The Society is in desperate need for foster homes for dogs, especially ones who are suffering from abuse.
The Humane Society can be reached at 345-949-1461.
Delta: Caracas flight reductions due to government currency controls
From Caribbean Journal
Delta’s recently-announced reductions in flights to Caracas, Venezuela were due to circumstances relating to the “the government’s foreign currency control requirements,” the carrier said in a release.
The company announced at the beginning of last month that it would be reducing its flights to Caracas, reducing flights from daily to weekly service between Atlanta and Caracas.
“While Delta continues to work diligently and in good faith with the Venezuelan government to find an expedient resolution to the issue, the matter remains unresolved with more than USD $169.4 million in revenue awaiting approval for repatriation,” the carrier said. “This has left the airline no option but to limit its financial risk by reducing operations in Venezuela.”
Delta said it was offering its assistance to those passengers “who already have commenced their travels to ensure they have options for their return to Caracas and will operate additional flights as needed.”
Delta has been operating to Caracas for 15 years and said it “values its longstanding commercial relationship with the Venezuelan government.”
“Delta remains committed to the Venezuelan market and its loyal Venezuelan customers,” it said. “The airline does not intend to leave the market at this time.”
“Delta remains hopeful that the repatriation issues can be resolved with the government and we can return to regular service,” it said.
Three Test Cricket grounds named for England tour of West Indies
Antigua, Grenada and Barbados are the three countries that will host England’s three test series tour of the West Indies.
The schedule is:
13-17 April, 1st Test, Antigua
21-25 April, 2nd Test, Grenada
1-5 May, 3rd Test, Barbados
Cayman’s acting fire chief was forced to retire and wants to challenge it in court
Even though Cayman Islands acting fire chief, Rosworth McLaughlin has been officially retired from his post at the ripe old age of 55, it wasn’t his doing. He claims he was forced to retire from the service earlier this year and he was never allowed to contest it.
According to court records, the retirement was ordered to “improve the efficiency of the Cayman Islands Fire Service.”
Now McLaughlin is asking for a judicial review hearing seeking to quash an April 29 decision by Ministry of Home Affairs chief officer Eric Bush to retire McLaughlin.
However, the Cayman Compass has said they have received a statement (Tuesday) denying Mclaughlin had been “terminated from his post and confirmed he is still receiving a government salary”.
McLaughlin has also claimed the Civil Service Appeals Commission refused to hear his appeal against the April 29th decision by Bush to retire him.
Bush in a statement said McLaughlin had prematurely lodged an appeal with the Civil Service Appeals Commission, although government in relation to his employment made no final decision.
Things are really getting fired up now.
HNLMS Holland departs for the Caribbean
The ocean-going patrol vessel HNLMS Holland set sail for the Caribbean on August 3.
The navy ship, with a 50-strong crew, is scheduled to arrive in the area on 18 August, where it will be deployed to counterdrugs operations and coastguard duties for a period of 4 months.
The Holland will relieve the HNLMS Groningen, a ship from the same class.
The patrol ship will be deployed to fight criminal activities, but also to ensure a maritime presence. In addition, it will carry out a number of tasks in close cooperation with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The crew will also be made ready to provide emergency relief in the event of a hurricane.
Butterfield Bank announce rise in earnings
Butterfield Bank’s earnings in the second quarter and for the first six months of the year have risen. Although their second quarter net income of $27.5 million was down $5.4 million compared to the same quarter last year, core earnings, which exclude transactions that are unusual or considered to be outside the normal course of business under U.S. accounting rules, were up $5.8 million, or 28.7 percent, at $26 million.
Year-to-date core earnings for the six months at $49.1 million were up $13.6 million on the same period in 2013, whereas net income for the first six months increased $4.5 million to $50.7 million year-on-year.
Haiti’s wins against Suriname and now advances to Caribbean Final Rounds
By Enock Nere, Le Nouvelliste From Haitian Times
On, July 22nd the Haitian national football team U-20 won 2-1 against the Surinamese team to earn the group 3 qualifying ticket and advance to the Caribbean Final Round. 10, 000 spectators followed the game refereed by Jamaican Kevin Morrison.
About 10,000 spectators gathered at the Sylvio Cator stadium to support the
national team and enjoy a good game. From the second minute of the game, Giovanni Asoman kicked the ball into the goal guarded by Charles Guito. Suriname then led 1-0. Seven minutes later,Junior Joseph scored a penalty shot, tying the score. A loud cheer was the response of the 10,000 spectators while singing “Yo mele”. (They’re in trouble).
At the end of the first half, the score was still 1-1. In the second period, the Haitian technical staff choose to replace Junior Joseph with Nerlin St-Vil, and Hérivaux by Arcus Carlens. Alexandre Campoy scores a goal giving the advantage to Haiti. Defensively controlling the game, Haiti held on to its victory until the final whistle was blown, earning the group 3 qualifying ticket for the Caribbean Final Rounds.
“This team only needs a few alterations. With work, it can do something,” observed several spectators at the end of the game. Haiti won group 3 with 3 wins in 3 games, however Sainte Lucia finished with the best score after its 17-0 win over Turks and Caicos. Turks and Caicos, finished last conceding 34 goals in three games. Haiti, with 16 goals, advances to Caribbean Final Rounds.
For more: http://haitiantimes.com/haitis-wins-against-suriname-and-now-advances-to-caribbean-final-rounds/
Quinn camp explains the ‘Cayman Menace’ in new video
By Natasha Korecki From Politics Suntimes
Gov. Pat Quinn’s campaign has turned to Squeezy the Python tactics to explain the impact of investments in the Cayman Islands, in the hopes to keep the focus on his gubernatorial Republican opponent Bruce Rauner.
Using an Austin-based animator Kristen Maxwell and Michael Brandl, an economist at the Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, the camp is releasing the video on Wednesday in an effort to hit home that financial actions in the Caymans have an effect on the local economy.
The gist of the video: that Rauner’s investments in the Cayman Islands have a “direct impact on taxes, services and economic growth right here in Illinois.” For his part, Rauner has said he’s met all his tax obligations and while he hasn’t yet released his 2013 taxes, he will by October 15. The venture capitalist hasn’t said whether he would release his full tax schedules, which would provide clarity on what kind of accounting loopholes he may have used.
In his push to pass a pension reform bill in 2013, Quinn used an animated Squeezy the Python cartoon as an explainer on how pensions put the squeeze on the rest of the state budget.
For more and to see video go to: http://politics.suntimes.com/article/springfield/quinn-camp-explains-cayman-menace-new-video/wed-08062014-927am
See iNews Cayman story “Super-Rich Gubernatorial Candidate used controversial Cayman tax gimmick to maximize his fortune” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/super-rich-gubernatorial-candidate-used-controversial-cayman-tax-gimmick-to-maximize-his-fortune/
See also iNews story today “Bruce Rauner changes tune on secret Cayman Islands accounts” Note: Cayman is ‘notorious’ says Governor Quinn!
Drunk woman with stolen snake around her neck crashes into Long Island Firehouse
By Joe Coscarelli From New York mag
Sarah Espinosa, a 22-year-old from Albany, was just taking a little joyride last night with the ball python she’d recently stolen from a Petco on Long Island when she crashed her car. Over the center median and into two firetrucks. While drunk. With the snake around her neck. And a little marijuana in the car. Don’t drink and drive and smoke and play with your new stolen pet snake. Very dangerous. (The snake is fine.)
Suriname intercepts 50 kilos of cocaine, largest shipment “so far this year”
From Caribbean360
PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Wednesday August 6, 2014, CMC – Police have detained one man after “the largest catch” of cocaine was intercepted at the Johan Pengel International Airport.
Police said that this is not the first time they have detained the un-named man in relation to the illegal shipment of drugs.
Head of the Customs Department, Glenn Cruickshank has described the shipment “as the largest catch we have done this year”.
The authorities said the 50 kilogrammes of cocaine was hidden in a refrigerated container with ground cassava, destined for the Netherlands. It has a street value of two million Euros (One Euro =US$1.29 cents).
Fiber optics growth in the Caribbean
By GeoTel Communications
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean. It has a reputation for being an excellent investment location with one of the highest growing per capita incomes in all of Latin America, so it is no wonder that Trinidad and Tobago is also experiencing a fiber optic boom.
Fiber Optics Growth in the CaribbeanThe Mahogany Fiber to the Home Project, operated by blink | bmobile, aims to now make Trinidad and Tobago the best-connected country in the area. By laying fiber optic cables, Trinidad and Tobago businesses and residents will now have reliable access to high-speed Internet, which should further increase the country’s potential for investments.
“Internationally, broadband access is one of the key factors for gauging national competitiveness, social advancement, innovation and development,” Acting CEO of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited George Hill said on Trinidad and Tobago’s NewsDay.
Currently, Trinidad and Tobago is ranked 71st out of 192 countries in regards to broadband speeds. By the end of the year, predictions show that 44 percent of all homes globally will have broadband; Trinidad and Tobago is looking to exceed those expectations and increase its global ranking.
“Trinidad and Tobago is well above global average at 55 percent. These projects have the goal of achieving 95 percent coverage of the country,” Hill said. “This nationwide project will initially see an investment of more than $15million to bring fiber optics to thousands more homes.”
The United States currently ranks 24th globally on Ookla’s rolling Net Index. As more and more countries invest in fiber optics, the United States will have to follow suit. For investors and urban planners interested in develop the Unites States’ fiber optic landscape, GeoTel Communications’ fiber optic network maps and broadband maps can be used to analyze existing infrastructure and build out fiber optic networks. If you are interested in obtaining telecom GIS data sets for a particular city or metro area, contact GeoTel Communications at 800-277-2172.
For more: http://www.geo-tel.com/2014/fiber-optics-growth-caribbean/
BlackBerry’s rebirth: how a fallen smartphone giant plans to remake itself
By Jon Fingas From engadget
BlackBerry has stopped bleeding — officially, at least. In a memo leaked to Reuters, CEO John Chen tells staff that three years of job cuts are over, and that the former mobile legend can start building itself back up rather than salvaging what’s left of its smartphone empire. But how did it get to this point? And more importantly, how does it plan to bounce back in an era when even many of its corporate customers have moved on to Android and iOS? As you’ll see in our gallery below, BlackBerry is only getting to this point after some grave errors and painful decisions — but it at last appears to have a strategy that, while imperfect, at least acknowledges a difficult reality.
For more: http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/05/blackberry-rebirth/?ncid=rss_truncated
