Archive for October 19th, 2008
Fundraising at Tiffany’s
(CNS): Set against the gorgeous and glamorous backdrop of Tiffany’s, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s latest fundraiser will be on Sunday, 7 December, when the charity will get together with sponsors for ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, promising the elegance, excitement and intrigue of the classic movie that is its inspiration.
The Society said the ‘Breakfast’ will begin at 9:30 am on the Great Lawn of the Ritz-Carlton, and will be a morning of health, education, fashion, food and fun. An opportunity for friends to rest, relax and socialize and for mothers and daughters to have special time together before the rush of the Christmas season begins.
As well as a champagne breakfast, there will be a fashion show produced by Silhouette Boutique featuring a collection of day and evening gowns from Europe, accompanied by stunning jewelry from Tiffany & Co. Little Darlings will also present a selection of the latest children’s fashions for the holiday season. The fashion show will provide gentlemen with inspiration for Christmas presents for the special ladies in their life. The entire affair will be accented with décor by Celebrations with a “Tiffany” theme.
“We are aware of the outstanding work that our friends at the Cayman Cancer Society do all year round,” said Lisa McGinty, on behalf of Celebrations. ”We alwaysendeavor to help them wherever possible and to support them with their fundraisingevents throughout the year.”
Dr Michael Ozner, the author of the Miami Mediterranean Diet, is the keynote speaker and he will be the guest of Baptist Health South Florida. The diet, which is characterized by whole grains and legumes, lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables and olive oil, has been proven to help stop the degenerative factors that lead to many lethal diseases including cancer. Scientists believe that replacing the “western” style diet with the Mediterranean diet can prevent the incidence of breast, colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic and prostate cancer. Ozner’s book is a “must-have” in any kitchen and he will be signing copies of it at the event.
“Baptist Health maintains its commitment to the local and international community through educational programs and information on good health and prevention,” said Ana Bassil of Baptist Health. “Because of our very long relationship with the Cayman Islands, it’s especially important to us at Baptist Health to extend to our friends there our ongoing support and commitment in every aspect of health care.
Sarah Medlicott, Store Manager of Tiffany & Co, in explaining the store’s involvement in the event said the mission statement of the company is to ‘value our host community and operate responsibly as an involved corporate citizen’. “As such, we here at Tiffany will continue to support worthy causes such as the Cancer Society. Cancer is a disease that unfortunately has touched us all in some shape or form, be it through a family member, friend, colleague, child or a personal battle. It is important to continue to spread information and give support to others in their fight against this horrendous disease,” she added.
There will be a live auction of three unique items – a designer “signature” black dress, a timeless piece of jewelry from Tiffany & Co, and an original piece of artwork by renowned artist John Broad. Additionally Tiffany & Co will be donating a portion of all proceeds from items sold in their Ritz-Carlton shop on that day to the Society.
Underlying all the fun, glitz and glamour will be a serious message, that we must look after our health and that we don’t want to lose anyone who is precious and dear to us to cancer. Chris Sariego, Resort Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, said: “We firmly believe it is a social responsibility to assist in increasing local awareness among the people of the Cayman Islands of cancer as a major health condition. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is delighted to be involved in an event that provides an opportunity for members of the community to raise vital funds and at the same time creating a memorable experience for guests.”
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available to corporations wishing to be involved with the event. For information on these sponsorship opportunities, ticket reservations or the Cayman Islands Cancer Society please contact Christine Sanders at 949-7618 or by email chris@cics.ky
Cayman needs Minister of Financial Services
The global financial crisis is potentially a perfect storm brewing that will be used to punish jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands, even though we are innocent bystanders in the recent global financial crisis that was principally caused by irresponsible public and private sector actions in major economies (principally the USA and the UK, encouraged by the politicians in both countries.
There are now calls from the IMF, the French (who have taken over the presidency of the EU for the moment) and a broad range of politicians and agencies looking for someone else to blame (preferably someone who has no vote and no place at the negotiating table) and for the opportunity to expand their particular empire of control and influence. And riding with this army are those with agendas that are extreme and in no one’s long term interest. The most obvious and disastrous calls are for a single global regulator and a single global tax collector run by unaccountable bureaucrats on tax free remuneration packages.
Of particular immediate significance to Cayman is a little known discussion paper released by the EU this summer that proposes the EU examine and perhaps change its relationship with Members’ Territories. This obviously includes the Cayman Islands. This may be benign of course, but I rather doubt it. There is a serious risk the outcome will be increased intrusion in and regulation of Cayman’s financial services by the EU, through a willing UK.
It is imperative Cayman prepare its defences, line up its friends and supporters, redouble its promotion of our strengths and more aggressively pursue the negotiation and closing of bilateral agreements with key jurisdictions. To make this happen effectively, Cayman must have a politically elected Minister of Financial Services to lead the charge. This does not necessarily require a constitutional change now; it simply requires a reallocation of portfolios. The current allocation between the Financial Secretary and the Minister of Education does not work and is failing the Islands.