Archive for January 16th, 2009
TARP Funds went to offshore tax havens
(RTTNews): A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released Friday revealed that funds from the economic rescue package may have gone to companies using offshore tax havens to conduct business. The report from Senators Brian Dorgan, D-N.D., and Carl Levin D-Mich., estimates that some $100 billion in lost U.S. tax revenue has resulted from the tax-evasion practice, despite the millions in taxpayer dollars received by the companies in bailout funds. Go to article
Drug arrests North Side, West Bay
(CNS): Police arrested three suspected drug sellers this week. One man was arrested in North Side Thursday, 15 January, and approximately 4 pounds of ganja was seized during an operation by Bodden Town Police and the Drugs Task Force (DTF). The 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Old Man Bay on suspicion of possession of ganja with intent to supply. The man remains in police custody at this time.
The arrest comes after a number of others that were made in West Bay earlier this week. Overnight Wednesday into Thursday two people, one man and one woman, were arrested for possession of ganja with intent to supply following an operation at an address on Watercourse Road. They remain in police custody at this time.
On Tuesday January 13, West Bay officers arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of possession of ganja and consumption of a controlled drug. In a separate incident, a 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine and consumption of a controlled drug. Both have been released on bail pending further investigations.
“Tackling drug related crime is one of our top priorities,” said Detective Inspector Livingston Bailey ofthe Drugs Task Force. “We’re working hard to address the use and sale of illegal substances and anticipate more arrests over the coming weeks. In addition, the arrival of more vessels for our Marine Unit will assist greatly in intercepting illegal drugs destined for our country. Those involved in drugs should take this as a warning. If you haven’t been caught yet, it’s only a matter of time.”
Anyone with information about criminal activity should contact their local police station or call Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS) to pass on information. 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.
Cayman Classic this weekend
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre is once again the sole beneficiary of The Residences’ Cayman Classic Charity Tennis Tournament, being held for the 6th year here in Grand Cayman at The Courts at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on 17 and 18 January. As in the past, this year’s tournament will see thrilling tennis action with professional tennis greats and former US, Australian and French Champions and Runners Up. Players such as Jimmy Arias, Johan Kriek, Luke Jensen (left), Murphy Jensen, Ellis Ferreira, Jay Berger, Michael Pernfors and Aaron Krickstein and local amateurs will battle it out on the tennis courts with our chosen charity – The Cayman Crisis Centre – emerging as the clear winner.
Mike Ryan and his partners are, perhaps, some of the most ardent and active supporters of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. “I believe it is essential thatwe have a professional organisation and safe place in our community for women and children in crisis” said Ryan. “The Cayman Island Crisis Centre is filling a critical need and we are constantly looking for ways to support it. My commitment to supporting the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre is matched only, perhaps, by my passion for tennis … and so the Cayman Classic Charity Tennis Tournament allows me to indulge my passion for tennis, while simultaneously raising funds for the Crisis Centre. I truly believe there is no worthier cause and so I encourage you all to come out and see some exciting tennis action in a small and intimate setting … and support the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre at the same time”.
Although specific match schedules are still being developed, it is safe to say that from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday; and 10:00 am (Semi-final action) and 12 noon for the finals on Sunday there will be non-stop, exciting tennis action to enjoy. There will also be the opportunity to see and meet some of the world’s greatest tennis players in the tournament and head-to-head exhibition matches.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site and there will be a Bouncy Castle, Snow Cones and Face Painting to keep the children busy. Tickets are priced so that the whole family can afford to come out for the day, with Adult day passes at only CI$16.00 and Child day passes costing only CI$8.00. There will also be VIP Adult passes – CI$80.00 and VIP Child passes for CI$40.00. VIP passes secure access to the VIP / Players lounge and complimentary food, domestic beer and soft drinks all day. Tickets can be purchased from the Real Estate Office, at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman – just off the Lobby, or from the Tennis Club in South Sound. You can call 815-7777 for further information.
Walk, run to beat cancer
(CNS): Stride Against Cancer, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s annual walk / run fundraising event is just around the corner and walkers, joggers and runners across Grand Cayman are lacing up their shoes for the event on Sunday 25th of January. The “long course” (13.1 miles) begins at 6am and the “short course” (6.5 miles) begins at 7am.
The Stride event will begin and end at the Public Beach on West Bay Road. The turnaround point for the long course is at Caribbean Paradise in South Sound with participants in the short course turning around at The Wharf Restaurant.
According to the Cancer Society, the Stride event is the biggest fun walk / run in the Cayman Islands with over 1200 registrants each year. The event has become a social event on the community calendar in Cayman and families and friends are encouraged to register. Stride is also an opportunity for corporate teambuilding and fellowship so businesses, sporting associations and community organizations are also being urged to support the event by registering for the event.
Residents of the Eastern Districts are being encouraged to participate in the walk/run organized in North Side by residents of that area. The walk will begin at 7am on 25 January from the Boat Launch beside Over The Edge Restaurant and end at the Kaibo. Transportation back to the start line will be provided. For more information call Alexandra at 925-4804.
Fosters Food Fair-IGA and Progressive Distributors in association with Gatorade, Le Bleu, Ocean Spray, Quaker and Tropicana are Platinum Sponsors of the event along with Rooster 101 and Z99. Additionally BB&P, Cayman National Bank, Krys & Associates, Maples and Sagicor are Gold Sponsors.Thanks to the generous support of these sponsors, 100% of all registration fees will be used to support the Cancer Society’s programmes and activities here in the Cayman Islands.
Registration is just $25 and is happening now outside supermarkets and other locations across the island. Registration forms can be collected from the Cayman Islands Cancer Society office which is located in Suite 4 of the MCR Building on Eclipse Drive (off Eastern Avenue) or by going to http://strideagainstcancer.wordpress.com or emailing a request to office@cics.ky
For additional information please call 949-7618 or email chris@cics.ky
Photo: Christine Sanders, of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society (yellow shirt) registers Sandra Blake for the upcoming Stride Against Cancer event.
Tortuga Rum Cakes No. 1
(CNS): Porthole Cruise Magazine, the leading cruise and travel publication in the United States has recognized Tortuga Rum Cakes with a 2009 Editor-In Chief Award, naming them, for the fifth consecutive year, “Best Cruise Souvenir” in the February 2009 issue. Tortuga Rum Cakes are sold in onboard gift shops of more than 100 cruise ships throughout the Caribbean.
A product of the Tortuga Rum Company, headquartered in Grand Cayman, the cakes are baked from a four generations old family recipe and recognized as the number one export of the Cayman Islands.
"Given the consistent quality and great taste of Tortuga Rum Cakes, it was again an easy choice for best cruise souvenir," said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. "I can’t remember a time when I returned from a cruise without one — or several."
Porthole Cruise Magazine’s annual Editor-In Chief Awards are personally selected by Panoff, who each year taps his travel industry expertise to honour cruise lines, island merchants, ports, resorts and others that he sees as being among the best in the business.
“We are proud to again be recognized as ‘best cruise souvenir’,” said Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, president of Tortuga Imports/Tortuga Rum Cake Company, whose family started the business in 1984. “Who would have imagined that a family recipe could create a world-wide gourmet food business, and that so many people would love our rum cakes. We are dedicated to providing quality products that will merit this recognition for many years to come.”
UK tax haven faces Brown, Obama Challenge
(Bloomberg): The three-legged emblem on the red Isle of Man flag in Allan Bell’s office has a motto that the British tax haven’s treasury minister hopes stays true. “Whichever way youthrow me, I stand,” Bell said. That resilience is now being tested. The self-governing island is in a tug-of-war with U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown over deposits in collapsed Icelandic lender Kaupthing Bank Hf and will find out Jan. 29 whether it will have to activate a compensation plan for savers. Go to article
Police to hold crime class
(CNS): With crime still are the forefront of the community’s collective mind and following the success of two free crime awareness seminars held in November, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) has said it is joining forces with the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) to offer members of the Cayman Islands community a second chance to hear how they can help ‘design out crime’.
Two further sessions are planned in Grand Cayman and one session in Cayman Brac which will take place later this month.
Devised by RCIPS Inspector Anthony White, head of the Training Department, the two-hour presentation aims to increase awareness of crime prevention measures, highlight to companies, businesses and home owners what they can do to protect themselves, their customers and their property, and give all Cayman Islands residents some general advice on how to stay safe and protect themselves.
“We had some really positive feedback after the first two sessions so we thought it important that we gave anyone who couldn’t make it the first time around another chance to attend,” said Inspector White, who holds a PhD in Criminal Justice.
The RCIPS said it was delighted that the UCCI management continues to support the initiative by allowing their facilities and services to be used at no cost.
“We’re very happy to support this initiative and encourage anyone who missed the first sessions to come on out,” said UCCI President, Dr. Brian Chapell. “There continues to be a concern within the community about crime which is taking place and learning what small steps can be taken to help prevent crime is one way we can all play our part in addressing the problem.”
The presentation covers many aspects of ‘designing out crime’ including environmental design and situational crime awareness. Grand Cayman residents are encouraged to attend one of two sessions taking place on Saturday, January 24 at the UCCI. In Cayman Brac, residents can attend their session which takes place on Friday, January 30 at the UCCI. There will be no cost to those attending.
To ensure that organisers can accommodate all those wishing to attend, people are asked to register in advance by sending an e-mail to fightcrime@ucci.edu.ky with the words “fight crime” in the subject line and indicating a preference for the lunchtime or evening session or they can call Leigh Smellie on 949-9580.
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.
Apples for the teachers
(CNS): The nomination process for the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Annual Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching is now open. Students, parents and educators can nominate highly-esteemed teachers and principals and, for the first time this year, the Chamber is asking for public nominations for a recipient for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Education.
The Chamber said only students, parents and fellow educators are invited to submit a nomination for this award. There are seven categories for nomination for a Golden Apple Award: Primary School Teacher in a Public School, Primary School Teacher in a Private School, Middle School Teacher in a Public School, Middle School Teacher in a Private School, High School Teacher in a Public School, High School Teacher in a Private School and Principal in a Public or Private School. Please note that the seven previous recipients are not eligible for nomination.
Known as “the Golden Apples”, the awards ceremony and dinner recognizing these talented individuals, will take place at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on Saturday, 20 June. Twenty-one teachers and principals currently in full-time employment will be honoured for their dedication to their students and enthusiasm for learning at the black-tie gala event and seven will become recipients of a Golden Apple Award LIVE on Cayman27.
This year, nominations for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Education are open to the public. Introduced in 2008, the first Lifetime Achievement Award in Education was presented to Islay Conolly MBE, past East End Headmistress and former Chief Education Officer. The selection committee, comprising of the Chamber’s Partners in Education, members of the Chamber Council and representatives from the Department of Education, chose Conolly to be the first recipient for this award in order to set the highest standard of educator to be recognised. Nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award should be living, retired from their work in education or have moved on to another profession after serving a minimum of 25 years in education (of which 15 years must have been served in the Cayman Islands). Reasons for nomination should include a description of a significant contribution to the improvement of the education system and a significant and lasting impact on the local learning environment.
Nomination forms are available from all schools, the Chamber of Commerce office and online nomination forms are also available on the Chamber website. The Chamber advises all students, parents, fellow educators and the public to complete the form carefully, indicating clearly which award the nomination is for. Suitable reasons should be given for the nomination and additional pages are welcomed. The nomination deadline is Friday 27 February. Forms can be delivered to the Chamber office, Macdonald Square, George Town, to the school office or faxed to 949 0220.
Funds raised will go towards a scholarship programme for further education for our educators. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. For more information contact Membership Relations Coordinator Kennedy Powery on 949 8090 ext 124 or email him at kennedy.powery@caymanchamber.ky
Legal expert calls for formal support from governor
(CNS): In the wake of the Governor Stuart Jack’s unannounced appearance on a local radio phone-in show last week, where he offered his support for the Cayman Islands judiciary, Charles Jennings, President of the Cayman Islands Law Society, has said that while the Governor’s comments are very welcome they would be even more effective if they were made in a formal context.
One of a number of leading members of the local legal profession that have voiced their concerns about the Operation Tempura investigation and specifically the unlawful arrest of Justice Alex Henderson, Jennings, the Senior Partner at Maples and Calder, was the first to publically call on the governor to formally reconfirm his confidence in the judges and the administration of justice in the Cayman Islands. He made his request during his presentation, given at the opening of the Grand Court on Wednesday, 7 January, when the issue of the investigation dominated the proceedings.
Jennings told CNS that he welcomed the governor’s remarks as a significant step in the right direction towards maintaining public and international confidence in the courts system here, but he added that those remarks might be even more effective if stressed again by the governor in a formal context.
"No doubt a radio phone-in show is an excellent medium to deliver a message to those who happen to be listening to it at the time," Jennings said, "But after all that has happened, a statement of confidence in a jurisdiction’s judiciary by its head of state, made informally on the radio, must be sufficiently important to merit being repeated by him publicly and formally as well."
Speaking on Rooster 101’s morning talk show, hosted by Austin Harris and Ellio Solomon, the governor told the listeners at the end of the one hour segment that they could have confidence in the local judiciary.
“The question has arisen at the opening of the Grand Court, how far does the governor support the judiciary and, of course, I absolutely support the judiciary. I am pleased and delighted that Justice Henderson is back on bench, as from what I here he is a very capable judge. We have a chiefjustice with an international reputation and we have appointed some really good judges. We have local and regional experience in our judiciary. I think the public and the business community can have every confidence in our judiciary,” he stated on air.
He went on to say that before all this (Operation Tempura ) happened he had advocated an independent well qualified judicial commission to appoint judges and issues a code of conduct for them, and he hoped it would be part of the new constitution. The governor said he thought Cayman has a good judiciar,y but with changes there would be even greater reassurance to the public that it’s good.
In his Grand Court Opening speech, Jennings had not only called on the governor to confirm his support for the legal profession, he had added his voice to that of Chief Justice Anthony Smellie and James Bergstrom, President of the Cayman Bar Association, criticisng Operation Tempura and the Special Police Investigation Team (SPIT), led by SIO Martin Bridger.
“It is hard to know where to begin with this subject,” he said. “The first point is that it has become clear over the past few weeks that the arrest of Justice Henderson should never have occurred in the first place. The fact that it did shows that aspects of the investigation were ill-advised and fundamentally misconceived. The positive point, I suppose, is that the rule of law did at least prevail in time to save the jurisdiction and various individuals any further embarrassment, and I hope we can say, in light of the recent apologies of both the visiting senior investigating officer and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, that that particular aspect of the investigation is at a close.”
Jennings said he did not think the jurisdiction or the court had suffered lasting damage but it would be in the interests of all if the governor were to confirm publicly that he had no further issues outstanding with the judiciary and he announced unequivocally that he continues to have every confidence in the Bench and in the administration of justice in the Cayman Islands.
“We cannot let this matter fester forever. Let’s draw a line beneath it as soon as we can, hopefully reinforced by a statement of confidence in the judiciary by the governor, and move on. We are going to have enough challenges this year not to waste further time and money on distractions like this,” Jennings added.
Kellogg warns not to eat its peanut butter crackers
(CNN): The Kellogg Co. announced Wednesday it is recommending that consumers not eat its peanut butter crackers because they may be tainted with salmonella. The products affected are Austin- and Keebler-branded: Toasted peanut butter sandwich crackers, Peanut butter and jelly sandwich crackers, Cheese and peanut butter sandwich crackers, Peanut butter-chocolate sandwich crackers. The Michigan-based maker of cereals and snacks posted the recommendation in a statement on its Web site. (Left: Salmonella bacteria) Go to article