Archive for September 4th, 2010

Gaston remnants remain, Hermine threatens Mexico

Cayman News | 04/09/2010 | 0 Comments

(CNS): The eighth named storm of the AtlanticHurricane season formed off the coast of Mexico early this morning. Hermine is 185 Miles east south east of Tampico Mexico and predicted to head inland early tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, the remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston remain and forecasters predict the weather system has a 70% chance of reforming. The NHC said showers and thunderstorms associated with it have become less organized during the past few hours. Located about 400 miles east of the Northern Leeward islands forecasters say environmental conditions are expected to become more conducive for development over the next day or so as the system moves westward at about 15mph.

Hermine is moving toward the north near 10 mph and a turn toward the northwest with an increase in forward speed is expected. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is forecast prior to landfall and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles to the east of the centre.

The NHC warned that Hermine could produce as much as a foot of rainfall in some areas which could cause life-threatening flash flood and mudslides especially over the higher terrain of northeastern Mexico.

Go to NHC website for weather updates

Immigration nets 45 offenders

Cayman News | 04/09/2010 | 74 Comments

(CNS): Immigration officials said on Friday that they have arrested 45 people for more than 50 immigration offences since the amnesty ended. Although the number of cases it is bringing to court was not revealed, the immigration department said it has already collected fines amounting to $24,650 from offenders and their employers. One person was arrested for overstaying for almost two years, 16 others for shorter periods of overstaying and the remaining 28 were arrested for offences such as making false representations, causing another person to overstay, having an altered passport, and obstruction. In the wake of the amnesty the department warned it would now be cracking down on offenders.

“Since the amnesty ended, enforcement officers have been busy conducting operations to detect over-stayers and illegal workers, and carrying out investigations into reports the department has received of suspected immigration crime,” said Chief Immigration Officer Linda Evans.

As only one employer took the opportunity during the amnesty to cancel a work permit for a worker who was unemployed or underemployed, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer for Enforcement Gary Wong said officials were now looking at business owners and residents that may be committing this type of offence.

He said the immigration department, together with other law enforcements agencies, would continue to actively pursue employers and others who were committing immigration offences, and they would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and deportation would be recommended where appropriate. The maximum penalty for overstaying is a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of up to five years. The penalties for work permit offences range from CI$5,000 to $15,000, and imprisonment of up to one year.

The recently arrested offenders came from a diverse range of countries, including Jamaica, Honduras, Cayman, Canada, America, Britain, the Philippines, India, Holland and South Africa.

Prior to the clamp down the department had offered a month long amnesty, which was used by 87 persons who took advantage of the opportunity to leave the Cayman Islands during July without any repercussions. During the month 67 male and 20 female overstayers departed without prosecution.

By nationality, 50 were from Jamaica, 10 were from the United States, four from Canada, and three or fewer overstayers were from Honduras, Nicaragua, India, South Africa, Colombia, Cuba, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Guyana, Panama, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United Kingdom. Evans commended all who contributed to the success of the amnesty, and thanked the public for its cooperation.

People who are overstaying or committing other immigration offences should contact the Immigration Enforcement Section, or they will be arrested when they attempt to depart.

Immigration crackdown nets 45

Cayman News | 04/09/2010 | 0 Comments

(CNS): Immigration officials said on Friday that they have arrested 45 people for more than 50 immigration offences since the amnesty ended in July. Although, the number of prosecutions ahs not yet been revealed the Immigration Department said it has already collected fines amounting to $24,650 from offenders and their employers. One person was arrested for overstaying for almost two years others, 16 others for shorter periods of overstaying and the others were arrested from offences such as making false representations, causing another person to overstay, having an altered passport and obstruction. In the wake of the amnesty the department warned it would be cracking down on offenders once it was over.

“Since the amnesty ended, enforcement officers have been busy conducting operations to detect over-stayers and illegal workers, and carrying out investigations into reports the department has received of suspected Immigration crime,” said Linda Evans Chief Immigration Officer

He said the Immigration Department, together with other law enforcements agencies, will continue to actively pursing employers and others who are committing immigration offences and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and deportation will be recommended where appropriate. The maximum penalty for overstaying is a fine of $20,000 and imprisonment of up to five years. The penalties for work permit offences range from CI$5,000 to $15,000, and imprisonment of up to one year.

The recently arrested offenders cam from a diverse range of countries including Jamaica, Honduras, Cayman, Canada, America, Britain, the Fillipines, India, Holland and South African.

Prior tot he clamp down the department had offered a month long amnesty which was used by 87 persons, who took advantage of the opportunity to leave the Cayman Islands during July without any repercussions. During the month 67 male and 20 female overstayers departed without prosecution.

By nationality, 50 were from Jamaica; 10 were from the United States; four, Canada; and three or fewer overstayers were from Honduras, Nicaragua, India, South Africa, Colombia, Cuba, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Guyana, Panama, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United Kingdom. Evans commended all who contributed to the success of the amnesty, and thanked the public for its cooperation.

People who are overstaying or committing other immigration offences should contact the Immigration Enforcement Section, or they will be arrested when they attempt to depart.

Man stabbed in head

Cayman News | 04/09/2010 | 50 Comments

(CNS): One man was stabbed in the head and another in the back last night (Friday/Saturday) during a fight outside a West Bay Road nightclub. A fight which started at the JET nightclub resulted with two men being wounded as they left the club. It was not clear if the two men were fighting with assailants or if they had stabbed each other. The men, who are aged 30 and 31years old, were both taken to the George Town hospital later, where they were treated for stab wounds to the back and head. One of the men was subsequently discharged but the other remains in the hospital for observation. Police who attended the seen did not state if any arrests had been made or the cause of the disturbance. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)

Investigations into the incident are continuing and anyone with information can contact the investigating officer DC Mitchell of the Criminal Investigations Department, he can be reached at 325 8223, the George Town Police Station at 949-4222 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800 8477.

Man escapes serious injury after major smash

Cayman News | 04/09/2010 | 16 Comments

(CNS): Police were forced to close the Esterley Tibbetts Highway last night (Saturday 3 September) after a one vehicle accident at about 11.46pm. A 38-year-old male was travelling south along the highway towards the Bank of Butterfield roundabout when he lost control of his vehicle, which collided with and knocked down two light poles before the vehicle overturned and came to rest on its top, just adjacent to the cement factory. Police said the driver of the vehicle, who was wearing his seat belt, escaped serious injury but he was trapped in the car and had to be removed by fire and medical staff. (Photos Dennie Warren Jr)

He was subsequently transported to the hospital. The road was closed to traffic for about 45 minutes due to the accident and police are now investigating the smash.