Archive for November 6th, 2008
Bridger must go says Tibbetts
(CNS): In an emphatic announcement at this morning’s post Cabinet press briefing, the Leader of Government Business said government had asked the Governor to close down Operation Tempura and send SIO Martin Bridger and his team back to the United Kingdom as soon as possible. “We must shut this down and take whatever steps necessary to bring closure to this disgraceful and terribly damaging episode in Cayman’s history,” Kurt Tibbetts said.
Following meetings in the United Kingdom with leading players in London’s Financial Sector, where serious concerns were raised about the Special Police Investigation Team (SPIT) and the subsequent ruling by Sir Peter Cresswell quashing the warrants against Justice Alex Henderson, Tibbetts said Thursday morning that the elected members of government have told the Governor to bring the investigations to a close and to dispatch Bridger and his team from these Islands forthwith. It was also revealed that so far the investigation has cost more than $4 million.
“We must take whatever steps necessary to restore public trust in our judicial and police systems both locally and internationally,” Tibbetts added. The case had raised a number of serious questions about the manner in which Bridger has gone about the task assigned to him," the LoGB noted.
“There seems to have been almost total disregard for the rule of law and the constitution. I refer in particular to the circumventing of the Attorney General and his constitutional function and Mr. Bridger’s apparent lack of respect for our courts system and our judiciary. Furthermore, after nine months of investigating, he is yet to produce concrete evidence to justify various actions taken, including the suspension of the top leadership of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.
“As we have said previously, the elected government is gravely concerned about the conduct of the various investigations that are underway by Mr Bridger and his team of a dozen UK police officers. We conveyed these concerns to the Minister with responsibility for the Overseas Territories, Ms Gillian Merron during our private discussions with her last week.”
Tibbetts explained that having asked the Governor to close down Operation Tempura as quickly as possible, the elected government also conveyed to the Governor its dissatisfaction with the appointment of yet another temporary Commissionerof Police. “It is past time for the whole Kernohan affair to be brought to a close and a new permanent commissioner appointed,” he said. “The present state of uncertainty which has existed for the past nine months is unsatisfactory, is adversely affecting morale within the police and we believe compromising the effectiveness of the Service.”
Tibbetts did not reveal exactly what the Governor’s response to the request had been but he said that the Governor seemed to understand the government’s position and wantedwhat was best for the Cayman Islands. “I am confident that all of right things that need to happen as fast as possible will do so,” Tibbetts added, saying that given all the individuals and situations involved the investigation would not be closed down overnight but all parties will be doing what they can do to bring this to closure.
Asked about how any potential damages that could be awarded to Henderson, Kernohan and Jones if they were to take legal action would be paid, Tibbetts said it was too early to speculate whether the Cayman Islands government could ask the UK to foot the bill. Once the investigation is closed down and the matter put to rest so life can go on for everyone, he said the government may then be in a position to speak to London. “At the moment that question is premature,” he said.
Minister Alden McLaughlin doubted, given the constitutional arrangements, that anyone other than the Cayman Islands Government would be picking up the tab for any damages awarded to anyone against anyone else. He said once again it illustrated the desperate need for change in Cayman’s constitution. He said that had Cayman had the proposed judicial and legal services commission in place along with the national securities council none of this would have happened.
“I don’t think we can ask for a better example of what can go terribly wrong,” McLaughlin said. “If we do not now see the huge problems with the present constitutional construct staring us in the face as a result of this exercise that has gone so badly wrong, I do not know what will ever teach us.”
He said it was absurd to believe that because someone was appointed by the UK they were automatically conferred with the Wisdom of Solomon. He said the government faced a perfect opportunity to persuade whoever needed to be persuaded of the necessity of bolstering various organs of government so decisions which could result in disaster such as this investigation would not be allowed to happen.
“Aside from the obvious financial consequences, it is the reputational issues that are even more important. A country that hitherto had an impeccable reputation for justice and a solid system of security now has to do repair work,” McLaughlin said noting that although Cayman’s reputation was not destroyed it was badly damaged.
Given that there may still be genuine issues regarding possible misconduct of Rudolph Dixon, the elected minister said those would still be addressed. But with regard the investigations surrounding Kernohan, that whole issue should be finished and there was no reason to send another independent team.
“They are chasing ghosts. Nothing has turned up of any substance and I would not be in favour of pursuing these ethereal investigations,” said McLaughlin, accusing Bridger of searching for evidence and casting about to find some justification for him being here. “We are passed $4 million,” he declared, adding that enough was enough.
Farmers and pet owners urged to prepare
(CNS): With the threat of the approach of tropical storm Paloma and the likelihood of its intensification to hurricane strength before it reaches the Cayman Islands, the Director of Agriculture (DoA) Adrian Estwick is reminding farmers and pet owners to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to protect their farms, livestock and pets.
“All farmers need to make their preparations now, following the guidelines recommended by the Department of Agriculture,” stated Estwick. “In particular I would like to emphasize to livestock owners to make arrangements to purchase their feed supplies as soon as possible, particularly during this hurricane watch phase. Although the Department of Agriculture will remain open as long as possible to service their clients, it is difficult to predict when the department will be forced to close as the situation changes.”
To help prepare, the DoA is again providing the following tips and preparation guidelines as a reminder to members of the farming community to assist with their preparation activities.
Livestock owners should be aware that adult livestock (cattle, goats & horses) have instincts that will enable them to survive a hurricane provided that their movement is not physically restrained.
Move animals to high ground and turn them loose in pastures that are not affected by flooding or storm surge. This is particularly important for goats; the islands’ goat population suffered the heaviest losses due to drowning during hurricane Ivan.
Where possible, young livestock (two months old or less) should be securely penned with their mother, or otherwise turned loose in a safe and sheltered area that is not prone to flooding or storm surge.
Chickens and other domestic livestock should be placed in a safe cage, box or pen that is above possible flood level. Baby chicks, however, should be kept indoors in a warm dry place.
Adult pigs are best kept in their pens. Pigpens are never totally enclosed and therefore are of minimal resistance to high winds. However piglets that are under five weeks old should be protected from driving, cold rain. Where possible, piglets should be confined to a dry and secured area.
All livestock owners need to make plans now. Stock up on feed; make sure it is stored in a safe dry place for use after the hurricane. Ensure you have an adequate supply of drinking water. Ponds, watering holes and wells may become contaminated by salt water during a hurricane, and may remain so for a considerable period thereafter. When a storm is approaching, fill feed and watering troughs with water to prevent them from blowing away and provide water after the storm. Have on hand halters, leads, tape, ropes, tarps and plastic, fly spray and animal medical supplies..
Contact fellow farmers and landowners to arrange a secure and safe place for your animals during a storm if you are in an area prone to flooding or storm surge. Inspect fence posts to ensure that they are properly anchored in the ground and not rotted. Loose fence posts can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane.
Most animals and birds have an instinct for sensing the approach of a natural phenomenon such as a hurricane. If restrained, animals will exhibit a restless or nervous behaviour. Do not further agitate animals by rough handling, but rather handle in a calm, firm, and gentle manner. Do not tether animals; turn them out onto pastures that are not prone to flooding or storm surge and give them a chance to fend for themselves. If possible, chose pastures with woven wire for fencing; it is more flexible and better at withstanding debris than board fencing and safer than barbed wire which can be torn down by flying, becoming an additional danger to nearby animals.
On the crop side, fruit trees and shade trees should pruned. Cut off all low hanging, dead, and unproductive limbs and branches. The greater the resistance of a tree to high winds, the easier it is for that tree to be uprooted. The rainy season is the best time of the year for the pruning of fruit trees.
Once a hurricane warning has been issued, farmers may also wish to consider chopping down banana and plantain plants (main stem and suckers) as near to ground level as possible. Plants that are cutdown will shoot again and be back in production sooner than those uprooted by hurricane force winds.
Farmers should ensure that all fertilizers, pesticides and equipment are stored in safe, secure and dry location. With the approach of a storm, if possible, remove and securely store irrigation lines, pumps and other equipment that might be damaged by the wind or flooding.
As with homes and businesses, it is always important to secure farm buildings during hurricane season. Secure loose boards and roofing sheets which can become dangerous missiles during a hurricane. Take down, tie down and secure everything you can and cut off dead limbs and/or trim trees back to safeguard property.
Pet owners are also reminded to make sure all preparations are in place for their pets including having necessary supplies of food and medicines on hand and ensuring arrangements are in place as to where their pets will be during the storm, as pets are not allowed in hurricane shelters. Owners planning to take their pets off the island need to first make their flight arrangements and confirm with the airline that their pet can travel with them.
Once this has been done, then owners must to go their local veterinarian to get an export health certificate. This certificate should then be brought or faxed to the Department of Agriculture as early as possible to obtain the export/re-import permits for their pets. Please remember to travel with all necessary documentation to ensure your pet will be allowed to leave and return to the island in a timely manner.
For more information on securing your farm and/or livestock, or exporting your pet, please contact the Department of Agriculture at 947-3090.
Weekend Pirates’ Week activities postponed
(CNS): Due to inclement weather conditions, this weekend’s events in Pirates Week have been re-scheduled into next weekend. The Festival will now run officially from Monday 10 November, through Sunday 16 November. According to the RCIPS, the road closures issued will not take place this weekend, but will remain the same for the following week.
The Pirates’ Week Committee has released the following revised schedule:
6th November – 16th November 2008
THURSDAY, 6th November 9.00 pm Pirate Party at the Wharf
(Kick-Off Party revised time to be announced)
MONDAY, 10th November 11.00 a.m. – 2.00 a.m. West Bay Heritage Day, Boatswains Beach
TUESDAY, 11th November 11.00 a.m. – 2.00 a.m. North Side Heritage Day
WEDNESDAY, 12th November 11.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. Bodden Town Heritage Day
3.30 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. Mike Lockwood Memorial International Swim Meet – Lions Pool
THURSDAY, 13th November 11:00 a.m. – 2.00 a.m. George Town Heritage Day, Cardinall Avenue
FRIDAY, 14th November 11.00 a.m. – 2.00 a.m. East End Heritage Day
4.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. Mike Lockwood Memorial International Swim Meet – Lions Pool
4.30 pm Late Registration 5K Run
5.00 pm 5K run sponsored by Ministry of Sports & Gatorade
SATURDAY, 15th November 8.00 a.m. -5.00 p.m. Mike Lockwood Memorial International Swim Meet – Lions Pool
12.30 p.m. 2.00 p.m. Cardboard Boat Race sponsored by Caybrew
2.00 p.m 3.00 p.m. Pre-Landing Entertainment sponsored by Ministry of Culture
3.00 p.m. 4.00 p.m. Landing Pageant
4.00 p.m. 5.30 p.m. Float Parade
5.30 p.m. Pirate Costume Competition sponsored by Home Gas
6.15 p.m. Miss Festival Queen Competition sponsored by Ministry of Culture
6.45 p.m. Pirates Week songfest sponsored by Digicel
7.30 p.m. Trial of the Pirates
7.45 Fireworks sponsored by Atlantic Star & Department of Tourism
8.00 p.m. -midnight Teen Up. Teens Own Disco – Craft Market
8.05 p.m. midnight Street Dance & Food Festival
SUNDAY, 16th November 7.00 a.m. Pirates Week 10K Run sponsored by Krys & Associates
8.00 a.m. Mike Lockwood Memorial International Swim Meet Cont’d.
1.00 p.m. Mickey Mouse Darts Tournament – Jillian’s Billiard Lounge,
sponsored by Red Stripe
1.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Children’s Fund Fair Day at St Ignatius Playing Field sponsored
by Progressive Distributors & CITN
28th – 29th November Cayman Brac Weekend, Watering PlaceFor information: 949-5859
CAL prepares for Paloma
(CNS): Cayman Airways has announced that change fees/penalties are being waived for all passengers ticketed on or before 5 November for travel 6 through 12 November to or from any Cayman Airways gateway. However, only one change per ticket is permitted. For passengers who decide to cancel their reservations, a credit voucher for the full value of the ticket may be issued.
This must be issued before departure of original travel date and is valid for travel on Cayman Airways only for a year from the date of issuance. Passengers are asked to ensure that all travel documents are in order, which include: visas, re-entry stamps and all other immigration requirements.
For regular updates the public should stay tuned to local media, visit www.caymanairways.com or call the Cayman Airways Reservations Department at 949-2311.
Collect mail and cargo now
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Postal Service says that now the Cayman Islands Hazard Management Committee has declared a hurricane watch, it is the time to collect mail and parcels. And the Port Authority advises members of the public who have cargo and vehicles at the distribution centre, dock facility or warehouse, to collect their items.
The Postal Service says that since it has to secure every piece of mail, letters and parcels are put away in a safe location once Government Offices are given permission to close and it is too late then to collect your mail or parcels.
Once government offices close, Postal Service employees are putting away the mail for safekeeping and it is too late to collect your mail or parcels. However, customers are asked to note that all post offices will keep regular operating hours until the Chief Secretary gives permission for Government Offices to close.
And don’t forget to put your post office box key somewhere safe, the Postal Service says.
The Port Authority, meanwhile, reminds the public that it is not responsible for loss or damage to freight on or in its facilities.
All Port Authority locations will close at 2:30 pm today (Thursday). Normal night operations will resume at 6:00 pm. The Cargo Distribution Centre will open tomorrow at 8:00 am. Any early closures will be advised later.
For more information contact Cayman Islands Port Authority Operations Manager Willem Jacobs on 949-2055 (main), 914-3755 (direct) or wjacobs@caymanport.com.
Protection of Minors needed
A casual search on the worldwide web confirms that most developed countries require certain basic travel documents for travel with minors.
In each of these countries (the United States, Canada, all Central and South American countries, indeed in the global majority!) any child under the age of 18 departing from those countries with only one parent, a guardian, grandparents or other adults, must have written and notarized permission from both birth parents or legal guardians to be able to pass through their home country’s´ immigration controls and most certainly do require such written and notarized permission to enter many countries. These conditions have now also been extended even on cruise ships’ shore excursions.
In the Caymanian context, with a mostly trustworthy population, one might possibly ask out loud, “Why should this be necessary?” Good question. My answer, as is the answer accepted worldwide and on which foundation these rules and regulations are in force, is simply to halt international child abduction, runaways and the transport of children involved in child-custody disputes.
It is worthy of note that the Hague Convention on children’s rights has been receiving enhanced awareness in recent times due to an increase in child abductions and child- custody disputes, and as of July 2001, the Hague treaty is in force between the United States and 50 other countries. Indeed, in Mexico (sadly a country well known for child abductions and child flight) Mexican law is very strict and requires that if only one parent or non-custodial adult(s) is accompanying a minor under the age of 18 into Mexico, he/she must bear a notarized “Permission to Travel Letter” from the child’s other parent(s) or guardian(s) granting permission to enter Mexico with the child, including the dates of travel, the accompanying adult’s name, contact information, and a notarized signature. In Brazil, the requirement is even stiffer. They require a notarized original copy of the “Permission to Travel Letter” before even accepting a visa application for minors.
Most airlines also now follow this protocol. The US Airways website for example confirms that they enforce this during the check-in process with the posted rule: “If adult passengers do not have the proper documents, as defined by the US Department of State guidelines, boarding is denied in order to comply with international regulations and the foreign immigration process.”
Sadly, there are too many horror stories of marriages gone wrong where one spouse feels somehow obligated to use the children of the marriage as pure “pawns”. One does not have to look too far to discover these types of sad cases. In 2006, a mother kidnapped a 3-year-old girl and illegally took her via plane to Mexico. The father has yet to see his daughter since! The father exercised his legal rights to the extent of filing a lawsuit in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, against Continental Airlines for negligence, breach of contract and interference with custodian rights. The child’s mother, who remains at large in Mexico, has even been charged in the US with a felony kidnapping.
But has that ensured that the mother returns? No, it has not.
But has the father been able to enjoy a normal and meaningful relationship with his legitimate child? No, he cannot!
I write this letter, because sadly the laws in the Cayman Islands are very lax in regards to the transit of minors in the care of a single parent. I am of the firm belief that the laws need immediate strengthening so as to be in full compliance with the Hague Convention on the Rights of Children. And, it would be an easy task to implement and ensure its strict compliance by authorities at our own Owen Roberts International Airport.
Many questions arise then. Are we going to wait yet again until we have an international incident in our faces before acting? Are we going to wait until an incident happens involving child abduction and illegal transport of minor children out of these Islands by one uncaring parent, whose sole purpose is to use the children of the marriage as “pawns” before we act? Sadly, child custody disputes do occur and it is only just and proper that the due protection is given to minors not to allow one single parent the possibility of surreptitiously taking minor children, under the age of 18, out of the home countries jurisdiction unless such movement is known by, agreed to, and a signed and notarized original letter is able to be produced at the airline counters here in Grand Cayman (and as is required in most other countries) signed by the other parent not accompanying the minor or the family.
I am therefore appealing, as a matter of national importance and as a matter of being pro-active in our actions towards the compliance with the Hague Convention for the protection of minors that we institute with immediate effect rules and regulations which would at a minimum require any parent, legal guardian or other traveling adult that is departing the Cayman Islands with a minor child (i.e. any child under the age of 18 years) to have in their possession a signed, original and notarized letter of permission before being allowed to depart our island or be processed through Immigration. Any breach would result in the airline involved being liable for negligence and child endangerment.
Caymanians welcome Obama
(CNS): Despite an element of uncertainty about how President-elect Barack Obama’s policies will impact offshore financial service centres such as the Cayman Islands, many people here were still openly delighted at his historic win. CNS asked a few well-known locals for their reaction and most agreed that it certainly was a significant moment in the history of American politics and a tribute to real democracy.
Rolston Anglin, opposition MLA for West Bay, said that we have all lived to see a monumental event. “The election of Barack Obama is a real marker for our lifetime and a truly significant event for our generation and I am not going to taint that with issues relating to our local politics,” he said. “This was the essence of democracy and an incredible transformationin the last forty years of American history. I sincerely doubt we would have seen this happen anytime soon in any of the other G8 countries.”
Aware of the issues that have been raised about how an Obama administration could undermine Cayman’s position, Anglin said that discussion was for another time, but in any eventuality it is the duty of the Cayman government to properly engage whoever is in the White House to make Cayman’s case.
Osborne Bodden, MLA for Bodden Town, speaking from a personal perspective and not for the PPM described Obama as a class act who preaches a great message of hope and is very inspirational.
“Obama has the US people believing they can achieve whatever they want as long as they work hard and together,” he said. “It’s also a great day for minorities and a historical moment for the world. It has blurred the difference between black and white forever. When you’re good, you’re just good, regardless of race or origin. He will surround himself with good smart people and he will be a great president!”
Bodden added that he hoped he would get the message that Cayman can be an asset to the US rather than a hindrance, and that we adhere to our international obligations and treaties.
Local political activist Sandra Catron said she was absolutely delighted with the news and told CNS that even though she is not American she still felt privileged to be living at this time and seeing a black man elected to the presidency. “I think it is fantastic, and while it is the first time that someone from a minority group in the US has made it to the White House, it goes way beyond minority issues, it goes to the heart of democracy. While the US has been trying to push democracy all over the world, here we are seeing it actually happening in America itself.”
Former chair of the Cayman Island Monetary Authority (CIMA) and offshore finance expert Tim Ridley said it was still early days to identify the implications for Cayman of Obama’s victory, but with Cayman entering another round of troubled waters with threats from theUK, the EU and the USA, it was a fact that Obama has supported legislation that will, if enacted, seriously and adversely impact the legitimate use of offshore centres such as Cayman by US corporations, citizens and residents.
Ridley however, said that Cayman’s troubles were not necessarily related in particular to Obama and he raised concerns that our own government needed to enter into the right agreements with the OECD countries and enact the necessary legislation locally as well as engage lobbyists in Washington, London and Brussels to help them get the message out. “The government also needs as a matter of urgency to work with the private sector to agree changes to our domestic legislation to significantly expand the transparency with respect to Cayman vehicles. And the two need to start thinking about the implications of the expanded EUSD for Cayman,” Ridley noted.
He also suggested that Obama may well be sympathetic to arguments that US policy should not be to bully small Caribbean countries such as Cayman and to deprive them of the right to a livelihood. “Consigning Cayman and other small countries to poverty once again is not something he should support. But the argument needs to be made to him forcibly,” Ridley added.
CNS also made attempts to solicit an opinion from the Cayman Island government on the election result however, so far no one has responded to the requests.
Henderson not under arrest
(CNS): Literally hours before he was due to report to police since his arrest on 24 September, Justice Alex Henderson was informed that he is no longer under arrest, that all bail conditions have been lifted and that he is not required to attend the police station today (Thursday, 6 November). The news was delivered to Campbells, Henderson’s Attorneys, yesterday afternoon by Acting Commissioner David George and not Martin Bridger the SIO of Operation Tempura.
The news comes in the wake of Sir Peter Cresswell’s ruling on 29 October which unequivocally quashed the search warrants issued to the Special Police Investigation Team (SPIT) to search the justice’s home and office, following the judicial review, which also ordered an enquiry into damages. First cited yesterday afternoon as the number 1 scoop on the Legge Report, the unconditional release of Henderson leaves a number of questions unanswered regarding Operation Tempura.
Given the fact that the integrity of the office of the Grand Court and the professional reputation of the judge himself was brought into question by the actions of SPIT, coupled with Cresswell’s ruling on the search warrants, speculation in the local legal community has suggested that Henderson’s attorneys are likely to be giving strong consideration to launching a fresh legal action in Grand Court. Late Wednesday afternoon, CNS contacted Shaun McCann at Campbells, who said he could neither confirm nor deny whether this would be the case.
Henderson was arrested in front of his wife and child in September outside his home at 7:00 am as he set off for work. He was taken to the police station and deprived of his liberty for two days, while undergoing questioning by SPIT regarding the mysterious investigation (aka Operation Tempura) into alleged corruption in the RCIPS and the judiciary.
The arrest of Henderson was based on allegations that he had misconducted himself in a public office when he asked a local sports journalist, John Evans, if he knew anything about a letter campaign in the Cayman Net News undermining the judiciary that were written under assumed names.
Since Cresswell’s ruling, Henderson’s legal team has said that the first step following that favourable result would be to have the arrest overturned, then the team would deal with the damages enquiry provided for in Cresswell’s ruling which could also be followed by a potential civil case.
Meanwhile, since the message that Henderson was no longer under arrest was delivered by Acting Commissioner George, there has been no word from the Senior Investigating Officer of SPIT, Martin Bridger, as to whether Henderson is still considered to be part of his mysterious investigation or if indeed Bridger is still at the helm of Operation Tempura.
Currently the Police Commissioner Stuart Kernohan, who is believed to be in Scotland, and Chief Superintendent John Jones remain on full pay and required leave. Both are said by Bridger to be the centre of the mystery investigation regarding Lyndon Martin’s allegations of corruption levelled against Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ennis and Net News publisher Desmond Seales, which Bridger has said were unfounded. The two senior officers are under investigation with regards their role in Martin’s accusations
Confidence booster for West Bay women
(CNS): With concerns about violent crime at an all time high women in the district of West Bay are being invited to a special one off self defence session being offered by the Cayman Islands Shotokan Karate Federation in conjunction with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). Offering women some basic techniques should they ever face an attacker the class is intended to build confidence as well as some form of basic protection.
The session has been organised in response to an increased fear of crime, particularly among the female population. The hour long class will give those attending the opportunity to learn a few self defence moves. “We know there is an increased fear of crime and this is just one of the ways that we are hoping to address it,” said Area Commander Chief Inspector Angelique Howell. “We hope that those attending will never have to use the moves they learn, however, if it helps to increase just one persons confidence it will be well worth it.”
The one off class will be held at John A Cumber Primary School on 12 November at 7:00pm
Suspected dealer arrested in West Bay
(CNS): A 28-year-old woman has been arrested, during a joint operation, for various drugs offences including suspicion of possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, consumption of cocaine, possession of ganja, possession of ganja with intent to supply and consumption of ganja.
The woman who was arrested as a result of a joint operation between the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Drugs Task Force and HM Customs Department is currently in police custody. The operation which involved officers from both agencies was conducted in the Bonaventure Road area of West Bay on Tuesday afternoon, 4 November and police said that an unspecified quantity of cocaine and ganja was also seized.
“This is a good example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work in partnership,” said Superintendent Kurt Walton, head of the Drugs TaskForce.
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.