Archive for November 2nd, 2011
UK and OTs remain top destinations for dirty money
(EU Observer): EU Member states Cyprus and the UK have been named by the World Bank as two of the world's leading destinations for money launderers. The Washington-based body in a new report noted that out of 150 high-level corruption cases exposed in recent years, the UK and UK overseas territories Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Isle of Man and Jersey hosted 172 companies used in criminal schemes. "Corruption is estimated to be at least a $40 billion dollar a year business. Every day, funds destined for schools, healthcare, and infrastructure in the world's most fragile economies are siphoned off and stashed away in the world's financial centers and tax havens, the author of the study said.
Lions go on road with prevention message
(CNS): Through the month of October, the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens made an outstanding effort to inform the public about the seriousness of breast cancer. The lions held several meetings during the campaign across all three islands designed to educate and inform the public about preventing the disease. At Savannah Primary School on 10 October. Dr Andrew Robinson from Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial hospital and Andrea Hill, a nutritionist at Kirks Supermarket, gave their expert opinion on what to do to prevent breast cancer. Dr Robinson outlined the facts of breast cancer and urged the audience of 60 women and two men to be aware of the risk factors and their health.
Dr Robinson and Hill's speeches both connected when it came to being vigilant about their health and the importance of a nutritious diet and how to maintain it. Hill continued to outline the importance of nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. As she continued to encourage the audience, she also said that choosing healthier foods could minimize the risk of cancer.
In the district of West Bay over 200 people attended the meeting that was held at Sir John Cumber Primary School on13 October when the featured speakers were Dr Meggs and Dr Rado, who gave detailed information on the risk factors of breast cancer and experimental treatments.
Dr Meggs advised the audience to be proactive about breast cancer health and their overall wellbeing. He listed a number a tests that one should take when they become older, such as pap smears, mammograms, DM screen and others.
Dr Rado spoke about the next generation of mammography. He informed the audience that the Chrissie Tomlinson Hospital would be bringing 3T MRI and Tomosynthesis to Cayman by early 2012 because this digital technology will better detect breast cancer and increase the chance of survival.
The information given by both doctors was followed by a session of questions and answers, which ended with a vote of thanks from Lion President Belinda Blessitt to all who came out to support their endeavours. Mammogram vouchers were then given out to those members of the audience who were eligible.
Over 700 hundred walkers and runners attended the 14th annual walk/run in memory of Brenda Tibbetts-Lund, who lost her battle to breast cancer. The event was held at West Bay public beach on the 8 October, and its main goal was to raise funds to fight against breast cancer.
It also celebrated the survivors of breast cancer and other types of cancer. A tent was set up just for survivors and inspiring interaction took place between them and other who attended. Prizes were given out for the different ranks and ages. Lion Wendy Wiltshire gave thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers and the Lions family who helped make this event a big success.
The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens would like to publicly thank the law firm Conyers Dill and Pearlman, a silver sponsor for supporting the Breast Cancer Campaign. Their sponsorship will allow ten women to be given mammogram vouchers who may not be able to afford this crucial breast cancer screening. Tracy Cuff of Conyers Dill Pearman stated, “We are pleased to be a part of this campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer. The firm is pleased to honour and support those who have battled cancer, which is a very real issue in the Cayman Islands.”
The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens stuck to their theme “Education the road to wellness” and gave as much information to the public about breast cancer which made this year’s campaign a rocking success.
Jasmine Jackson is a 16 year-old student with the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre who has opted to join CNS for her business course work-placement.
Clamping ban welcomed
(CNS): Government’s decision to introduce a wheel clamping ban in the new traffic act has been welcomed by the independent member for North Side, who brought a private members motion to the Legislative Assembly more than 18 months ago asking the administration to outlaw the practice. In the long awaited traffic bill, clause 115 introduces a ban on clamping in public places, which Ezzard Miller says is an adequate provision to stop what he has always stated is a borderline illegal act that has caused controversy and added to the inadequate parking problems in George Town. (Photo by Dennie Warren Jr)
With all buildings having to provide a certain number of public parking spaces as part of their planning permission, the ban should put an end to the practice across a large part of the capital. Although the devices may not be entirely outlawed, in private parking lots not connected to specific buildings clamping firms and their agents will be banned from immobilizing cars in many of the spaces where clampers and their agents are currently operating.
The emergence of ‘clampers’ over the last few years has caused considerable controversy as the fee to release a wheel clamp is as much as $85, which is more than three times the cost of a parking fine given to drivers who park on yellow lines. A number of court cases where drivers removed the clamps from vehicles were rejected by local juries.
Miller’s motion was debated in the parliament in March last year and government had stated that it would be examining the issue. He reminded the LA again when the UK had begun outlawing the practice in public places. Following last week’s release of the act, he said he was pleased government had finally addressed it.
With a small number of clamping firms having sprung up over the last few years to profit from the practice, Miller acknowledged that there may be a few job losses. However, he noted that given the number of jobs held by work permit holders, if any Caymanians were to lose their jobs as clampers they should be given access to some of the other 19,000 vacancies.
Miller said that, with the exception of the clamping firms, he believed the clause should come as a welcome relief to most drivers, who are frustrated with the increasingly impossible task of finding somewhere to park in George Town every day.
The new traffic act is expected to come before the Legislative Assembly in the next sitting, which starts on the 16 November. The bill states: “A person who – (a) operates as an agent for the clamping of vehicles in public places; or (b) clamps or tows away a vehicle in a public place, commits an offence.”
Russia and China come bottom of bribe-paying survey
(BBC): Companies from Russia and China are most likely to pay bribes when doing business abroad, a new survey suggests.The two scored worst out of 28 countries in a poll of 3,000 business executives conducted by anti-corruption group Transparency International (TI). The Netherlands and Switzerland came top, while the UK ranked eighth, just ahead of the US and France. Bribery was reportedly most common to win public sector works and construction contracts. "It is of particular concern that China and Russia are at the bottom of the index," said TI in its report. "Given the increasing global presence of businesses from the countries, bribery and corruption are likely to have a substantial impact on societies in which they operate and on the ability of companies to compete fairly in these markets."
Drunk driver in smash with police car
(CNS): One of the new Dodge Chargers recently purchased by the RCIPS was involved in a road smash on Tuesday afternoon when it collided with a Nissan Van in George Town. Police stated that the incident occurred at around 2:08pm when the police car was travelling along Smith Road heading towards Crewe Road and the van was travelling along Bobby Thompson Way. Both vehicles received major damages and the two drivers received slight injuries but declined treatment. A breath test was conducted on both drivers and while the driver of the police vehicle was negative, the Nissan driver failed the test and was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
A police spokesperson said that the matter is under investigation by the traffic department as well as an independent accident re-constructionist.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident can contact PC Chong 946 6254 at the RCIPS Traffic dept.