Archive for October, 2008
Tea and memories at Government House
(CNS): Described as an opportunity to show how much we value and respect our senior citizens, seventy of Cayman’s older residents journeyed down memory lane and reflected on times gone by with H.E the Governor Stuart Jack last week at Government House during a tea party held in their honour which included a performance by Olive Miller (left).
The Governor welcomed each of his guests, thanking them for attending despite the rainy weather. Olive Miller, who represents the elderly on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons Planning Committee, explained that the guest list changes each year.
“We want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to come,” she said. “Some are from Cayman Brac and in those cases, relatives who may not have seen them for years also get a chance to catch up.”
In true tea party tradition, attendees participated in a theme song, written annually by Miller, before the feasting and socialising began. This year’s song, set to the tune of Jingle Bells, reflected on “things now rare”, “happy days”, and “some things we don’t miss.”
The Governor’s Tea Party is one of the many activities scheduled in observance of Older Persons Month. Also on hand to share in the festivities were Ministry of Health and Human Services Chief Officer Diane Montoya, and Department of Children and Family Services Director Deanna Lookloy.
Cayman Protector rescues sick seaman
(CNS): Acting on information received from the United States Coastguard the joint Customs and Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Marine Unit assisted with the transfer of a sick seaman to the George Town Hospital Friday morning (17 October). Marine officers responded to a request for assistance with a sick crew member onboard the ‘Tonya Jane’, a 75-foot shrimp trawler that was located 10 miles north west of Grand Cayman.
The Cayman Protector left the Cayman Islands Yacht Club at 9:30am with a doctor and an emergency services staff member from George Town Hospital.
Police said that at 9:57am Protector came alongside the vessel, which had three crew members, one of which appeared to be critically ill due to dehydration. The man had reportedly been unable to keep down any food and had not eaten in 4 to 5 days. The 28-year-old man from Florida was transported to the George Town harbour where he was met by ambulance and taken to the George Town Hospital. He was discharged later that day following assessment.
Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling crime stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.
CAL cuts Tampa jobs
(CNS): The National Flag Carrier, Cayman Airways, is cutting jobs in Tampa, Florida, and outsourcing the passenger service function. The Cayman Islands and Miami are now the only gateways employing CAL desk staff. From 1 November passenger service at Tampa will be handled by Airport Services International Group (ASIG).
According to the airline, this will bring Tampa in line with the operational models of other CAL gateways where the passenger service function is outsourced. Currently, the Cayman Airways passenger functions in Jamaica, New York, and Havana are outsourced, with one full time CAL employee serving as station manager.
Cayman Airways CEO Designate Olson Anderson said that outsourcing the passenger service function at the Tampa station makes good business sense at this particular time. He said the Cayman and Miami stations would continue to have full time Cayman Airways staff because of the frequency of flights.
Anderson added that ASIG would become the service provider for Cayman Airways in Tampa, and has offered employment opportunities to the current Tampa employees. A meeting was held recently with all Tampa employees.
“Cayman Airways has had a strong relationship with ASIG in Tampa since the start of service to that gateway in the 1980’s, and we assure staff and customers that the same look and feel of the Cayman Airways brand will be maintained in Tampa, as well as our commitment to superior customer service, during and after the seamless transition,” said Anderson.
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.
Reward now at $125,000
(CNS): A community effort spearheaded by Cayman Crime Stoppers with assistance from the Chamber of Commerce has resulted in a US$125,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the murder of Estella Scott-Roberts. The money is being administered by the Chamber but is made up of donations from the wider local community.
Stuart Bostock, Chairman of Crime Stoppers, explained that under the crime fighting organization’s own rules rewards are limited to a $1,000. However, it can facilitate external rewards.
“Cayman Crime Stoppers is affiliated with Crime Stoppers International, which limits a reward to a maximum sum of $1,000, the reason for which should be obvious,” said Bostock. “We do however have the ability to partner with organizations that come forward to offer additional rewards, what we refer to as an external reward.”
He explained that the Chamber of Commerce has offered to administer the reward of US$125,000 which has been donated by a number of community members. “A reward of this magnitude clearly demonstrates the public’s response to the horrific crime and I hope that announcing this reward will assist with bringing the suspect or suspects to justice,” said Bostock.
Wil Pineau, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce said his organization wanted to do all it could to help. “We received several requests for the Chamber to assist with this matter and act as an intermediary between the community and Cayman Crime Stoppers, which we are most certainly willing to do.”
Those with information are asked to call the crime stoppers tips-line the number is 800 TIPS (8477) and the online portal can be found at www.crimestoppers.ky under the ‘report a crime’ link.
“The disturbing news of Estella’s gruesome murder has stirred much emotion among the community,” added Bostock. “This is a matter of grave concern for everyone and it is vital at this point that anybody who may have seen or heard anything which could help solve this case come forward without delay.”
A poster depicting Scott-Roberts on the night of her murder and her car is now in circulation. Police are still piecing together the movements of Scott-Roberts that night Friday, 10 October. She left Decker’s restaurant around 11:15 pm, her discarded shoes were found in an adjacent car park and her burned out car and remains were found the next day in the Barkers area of West Bay. Witnesses who recall hearing what they thought were gun shots were the exploding airbags in Scott-Roberts’ car, police say, which has helped them fix the time to around midnight,when the vehicle was set ablaze.
5-day fundraiser for CCMI
(CNS): A popular annual fundraiser for the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is now an activity-packed, five-day festival for the entire family to enjoy. All proceeds of ticket sales and various auctions during the Festival of Trees will benefit the CCMI and their efforts to sustain the biodiversity of our incredible coral reefs through research, education, public awareness and conservation.
The Festival of Trees will start at Camana Bay on Monday, 17 November and continue everyday until the dinner and live auction at Ristorante Pappagallo on Friday, 21 November. According to a release from CCMI, a detailed schedule of events will be announced in the coming weeks.
We have so many new partners on board to make sure this festival is entertaining for the public as well as raising funds for the various initiatives that CCMI is spearheading for the 2009 season,” said Chair of the Fundraising Committee, Leslie Bergstrom.
Joining long time major sponsor, Ristorante Pappagallo will be new sponsors Camana Bay, Uncle Bill’s, Celebrations and Abacus restaurant. Camana Bay will be hosting many of the community events prior to the dinner and live auction; Uncle Bill’s will be donating the majority of the trees that will be decorated by volunteers; Celebrations will be hosting ‘The Art of Stylish Christmas Décor’ – a decorating showcase, and Abacus restaurant will be hosting the VIP PreVue party to kick of the 2008 Festival of Trees.
“We are very pleased to help CCMI bring their concept to the general public and share this wonderful event with the entire community,” said Communications Manager from Camana Bay, Susanna de Saram. “Christmas is a very special time of year and we are keen to help showcase the beautifully decorated trees to all interested in stopping by.”
The planning committee, now consisting in excess of twenty volunteers, are enthusiastically collecting donations, gift certificates, prizes and other contributions that will help make the 2008 Festival of Trees an annual event that the entire community will look forward to from year to year.
Companies and individuals are encouraged to show their spirit of giving by contacting members@reefresearch.org and donating a gift or service to help raise money at the 2008 Festival of Trees.
“One way anyone can participate is to donate any number of items to Dicken’s General Store. The store will be selling mini Christmas stockings with your lucky number inside, which can be traded in for a gift at the Dicken’s General Store,” added Leslie Bergstrom
The 21 November dinner at Ristorante Pappagallo will continue to be the grand finale of the five-day event and all trees and wreaths will be sold in an exciting live auction to those in attendance. As with previous years, the auction items include a varied display of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Wreaths adorned with exciting gift packages.
Annually, the dinner and auction for Festival of Trees is a sell-out event that receives rave reviews by attendees. Individuals or companies interested in purchasing tickets for the auction at Ristorante Pappagallo can contact members@reefresearch.org
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit 501c3 organization. CCMI was established as an international charitable organization after becoming incorporated in the Cayman Islands (2002) and in the UK in 2004.
Since its first years, CCMI has proven a valuable asset to the effort of understanding changing coral reef and tropical marine environments, and its research and education programs have established a solid foundation for future reef education and awareness in the Caribbean and for students and researchers from around the world.
From CUC to CIAA
(CNS): The new Communications and Marketing Manager of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) is Caren Thompson-Palacio, who took up the position last August. She will be responsible for developing the Authority’s communications and marketing plan that will seek to identify additional strategic alliances and enhance existing commercial relationships with Airport partners on all three islands aimed at maximising revenue potential of the Authority.
Previously employed for 18 years by Grand Cayman’s power supplier Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC), Thompson-Palacio, in her capacity as Manager of Corporate Communications, was primarily responsible forserving as company spokesperson and coordinating the organisation’s community involvement programme, says a release from CIAA.
In conjunction with the Authority’s Operations Department, external consultants and airport specialists, she will promote the development of retail concessions, leasing of terminal space and advertising, as well as other airport buildings and properties to enhance revenue streams. She will liaise with Government departments, the media, and other stakeholders including international audiences, to proactively seek to enhance their awareness of the objectives and functions of the CIAA.
These activities will include distributing press releases regarding the upcoming redevelopment project, airport crises and aircraft incidents, mass evacuations, airport closures and other related news. She will also be responsible for developing the Authority’s website and other promotional literature as well as coordinating special events and promotions to keep aviation partners and the public informed of the CIAA’s activities.
Additionally, she will serve as the CIAA’s Information Manager thereby fulfilling one of the Authority’s requirements in preparation for the Freedom of Information Act, which will be implemented in January 2009. The Act will require all public authorities to develop and maintain efficient records management and facilitate access to information by receiving, processing and responding to queries from members of the public.
Commenting on her appointment, Fred Sambula, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the CIAA, said, “We are delighted to have Mrs Thompson-Palacio join our management team as the Authority embarks on the next phase of major redevelopment of Owen Roberts International Airport as there will definitely be a need for proactive communications to ensure that we keep the public abreast of the Authority’s activities during this process. Her experience in the communications and public relations fields should prove invaluable to our organization as we maneuver through this period of major change and its associated challenges.”
Thompson-Palacio indicated her great excitement at being involved in the aviation industry, and looks forward to the challenges that will certainly arise in the future. “I am eager to contribute to the efforts of the CIAA Team to enhance the experience of the travelling public and visitors. Our airports offer a first impression of the Cayman Islands’ experience and a good first impression is critical to ensuring the stability of the Islands’ tourism product. I am especially honoured and humbled to have been once again given the opportunity to continue to be of service to my country through such an important national agency as the Cayman Islands Airports Authority,” she remarked.
JGHS students wins FOI essay competition
(CNS): “The Freedom of Information Law benefits the Caymanian people as it gives them the freedom to access information and have their say in their own way, in order to ensure accountability, transparency and public participation.” This was the closing statement of an essay by Renita Barnes (right) that won the Freedom of Information Unit’s Sunshine Week 2008 essay competition.
Renita, who won two Cayman Airways tickets to Miami for her essay, is a Year 10 John Gray High School student who said she loves to write and has found FOI to be a fascinating subject. Entitled “How will the Freedom of Information Law benefit the Cayman Islands?”, the contest encouraged students to think about the new law and how it will impact their future.
The runner-up was Josani Schneider (left) from St Ignatius Catholic School. An excerpt from her essay reads: “I feel that this law will be of such a benefit to us because our country and our people will be better educated of what is going on around us, and what we need to do in order to keep going in the right direction.”
His Excellency the Governor Stuart Jack congratulated both students personally and treated them and their families to afternoon tea at Government House this week (Monday, 13 October).
IDs required for collection of police reports
(CNS): Some form of identification must be produced when collecting police reports, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) have said. Assistant Crime and Criminal Records Manager, Senior Police Constable Christina Jackson said: “People’s personal details are contained in some of these reports and we want to ensure that we are placing them in the right hands.”
She added, “The contents of reports have the potential to do harm if released to the wrong person and into the public domain.” Applications for police reports should be made through the Crime Desk. The Criminal Records Office processes requests for police clearance, while the Scenes of Crime Office deals with requests for fingerprints. All these services cost $10 each.
Application forms are available from the front desk at George Town Police Station. Reports normally take two days to process and can be collected from the same location Mondays through Sundays, between 7am and 10 pm.
Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling crime stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.
