Archive for February, 2009
Choppy cuts in on West Bay election field
(CNS): Although the West Bay political arena has been dominated in recent years by the United Democratic Party candidates, it is not stopping local businessman and community leader Reginald ‘Choppy’ Delapenha from entering the fray to stand for election in the districts on a number of issues. Not least of these is the idea that government needs to be run more like a business, managed by responsible individuals who provide owners and shareholders with the best possible return on their investment, if Cayman’s economy is to continue growing.
“The Caymanian people have continued to make the ultimate investment by placing their trust and confidence, their hopes and dreams, their livelihood, and even the country’s future, into the hands of their elected officials,” he said. “Therefore, anything less than responsible leadership and prudent management of the investment made by our people is a gross dereliction of duty on the part of those elected to this high office.”
Recognising that all governments need to raise revenue and manage spending, Delapenha says one of the first things he would want to do if elected to government would be to evaluate the main existing revenue streams to ensure they are being maximized without imposing new, undue stress to an already troubled economy.
‘However, there are two areas where there could be considerable improvement in our base revenues,” he said, pointing to tourism and a re-zoning and development plan as ways of adding to the government’s coffers. Delapenha explained that a total re-marketing of our tourism product was required as the 1.6% we got from the more than 19 million tourists to the Caribbean last year is certainly not a fair share for a destination like Cayman — merely one hour from the US which is considered our main market.
He explained that, given the current economic situation, any government would need to cut spending to the bear necessities and that realistically any capital wish-list projects for government departments and statutory authorities needed to be frozen. He said a re-examination of departmental budgets was also necessary as he believes there is usually a lot of fat in most governmental operations. He also raised the point that there could be the potential for damages where breeches in government contracts have occurred.
Appreciating that managing the budget is a key element of government, Delapenha also stated that there are other issues driving him to stand as a candidate, not least because of how much he cares about the cultural future of Cayman.
“Over the past 40 years, Cayman has become a ‘machine’ of constant development and consumption of our resources, but without a clear, planned development model. There seems to be little thought given to the preservation of our culture, the maintenance of our limited resources and the fast pace at which our Caymanian way of life is diminishing,” he said. “My main principle has to do with change. Effective, beneficial change. Not empty promises and vain rhetoric, but change which has substance and definite plans for the future. To this end, I hope to bring out the beauty of our history, cultural heritage and way of life. To enhance and revitalize that special something we once enjoyed – the collective soul of the Cayman Islands.”
After leaving the Cayman Islands High School in 1977, Delapenha began his working life with Barclays Bank. He remained in the banking sector until 1986 before striving out with his own business interests, which over the years have included a successful fuel retail franchise, a construction and property development company, as well as, a consulting and management company. He credits his early banking career as an important element in shaping his character and believes 30 years of working and successfully managing businesses in Cayman, together with other life experiences, have helped to shape him into a very strong, steady and deep-thinking individual
“I am married and have three wonderful daughters. I hold family values in high regard, realizing that these contribute greatly to the necessary fabric of any community. To this end, I continue to serve in the support of civic organization, the church and youth groups. I am passionate about helping young people realize their full potential,” he added.
Political hopeful offers practical help to jobseekers
(CNS): Bodden Town candidate Sandra Catron is taking direct action to help her would-be constituents who are out of work reverse that situation. Catron’s electoral committee announced that the candidate has added a job seekers’ page to her website www.sandracatron.com where Caymanians looking for work can post their CV’s. Catron explained that the idea was a direct result of the number of requests that she receives from local people seeking employment.
“On average I have about two persons per week that approach me about assisting them in finding a job. I am now using the available technology to market these persons and the skills that they have, ”she said.
Catron feels passionately about the fact that qualified and hardworking Caymanians should have job opportunities in their own country that boosts about 30,000 work permit holders. She noted that was a substantial amount and indicates that unemployment should almost be nil. However, she said that at least her website could help some people with better exposure.
Using her existing website and extensive email database as additional tools for candidates has already proven successful for job seekers.
“The formula here is simple – we have Caymanians seeking employment and it occurred to me some time ago to setup an entire website that would be an Employment Center dedicated to bringing together employers and employees,” she added.
However, given her focus on the campaign this will serve as an initial launch with a view to expanding the site later on. Job seekers can send their resume and photo directly to Sandra for posting on the website’s jobseekers page or call 324-1612 for more information.
Hot spot cop team tackles crime in capital
(CNS): The Police said yesterday that officers from George Town’s ‘Hot Spot’ team have been keeping up the pressure on criminals with a number of arrests made last weekend, for offences including drugs violations, disorder and breach of bail. The team is made up of Special and regular police officers and is tasked with tackling crime and disorder in and around the capital.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service explained that the team works with a strong focus on addressing drug related crime and offences that take place in and around licensed premises. “This team works extremely hard to put pressure on those involved in criminal activity,” said Area Commander, Chief Inspector Harlan Powery. “Crimes which are related to drugs and alcohol can have a huge impact on the community and we’re doing everything we can to prevent and detect offences.”
Arrests from the weekend includea 45-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, consuming a controlled drug and possession of a prohibited weapon and a 25 year old man who was arrested on suspicion of possession of ganja with intent to supply, possession of ganja andbeing concerned in the possessionof ganja.
Police said two men, aged 26 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of possession of ganja, consumption of a controlled drug and being concerned in the possession of ganja while another 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of ganja with intent to supply, possession of ganja and consumption of a controlled drug. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and another teenager an 18-year-old man was arrested for breach of bail.
Anyone with information about crime taking place in George Town should contact the police on 949-4222 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.
US Senator says Cuba embargo doesn’t work
(AP): The US policy of shunning communist Cuba by imposing a strict trade embargo has failed to prod the island nation toward democracy and should be re-evaluated, according to the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "We must recognize the ineffectiveness of our current policy and deal with the Cuban regime in a way that enhances U.S. interests," wrote Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., in a report dated Monday. The report lends new weight to a bipartisan view in Congress that Raul Castro’s rise to power has opened a window for U.S.-Cuban relations.
US budget hits tax havens
(Huffington Post): As part of the budget that he will introduce this Thursday, President Barack Obama will call for the closure of tax havens that allow companies to pay greatly reduced tax rates, an administration official tells the Huffington Post. The inclusion of "funding for a robust portfolio of IRS international tax compliance initiatives" could help Congress make up an estimated $100 billion of revenue that is lost when companies set up what are often PO box addresses in locales like the Cayman Islands. Go to article
Another assault at Next Level
(CNS): A visitor from Switzerland was attacked outside Next Level nightclub by two men with a baseball bat and is currently being treated for two broken arms and injuries to his body. Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 24 February, in the car park next to Next Level and behind Triple Crown. This incident happened just 10 days after a security guard was stabbed in his chest and hand at the same nightclub, though police say they are treating the two assaults as isolated incidents.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) was alerted to Tuesday morning’s attack at around 1:40 am after the 24-year-old victim was taken to hospital by private car. Detectives have learnt that the victim, who is visiting friends in Grand Cayman, had been in the Next Level nightclub. His girlfriend, who realized he had not been seen for some time, went looking for him outside and found him injured in the car park.
“We’d like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who might have seen what took place,” said Detective Sergeant Winsome Prendergast. “That area can be busy at this time of night with people from the nightclub and surrounding bars. Anyone who was in the area that saw something that can help should contact us as soon as possible.”
The attack on the Swiss visitor follows another serious incident at Next Level that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, 14 February, when a 30-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of wounding the security guard and also for two counts of assaulting police officers who attended the scene. According to the RCIPS, the 911 Emergency Communications Centre received a call at approximately 1:25 am from a staff member of the nightclub reporting that a man had been injured. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and a knife was recovered. The suspect is currently on police bail, pending further investigations.
Anyone with information about this latest incident is asked to contact DS Prendergast on 949-4222 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.
Agriculture on centre stage
(CNS): Cayman’s 42nd Annual Agriculture Show takes place Wednesday 25 February at the Stacey Watler Pavilion in Lower Valley. The traditional Ash Wednesday event offers a cultural experience with local food, family-oriented entertainment, arts and crafts displays and offers Cayman’s farmers the chance to show off their life stock and produce. The event starts at 8:00 am and last until 8:00 pm and visitors are being encouraged to car pool.
“I’m proud to be part of this annual showcase of the best of Cayman’s farmers, plant nurseries, backyard gardeners, and traditional artisans,” Minister for Agriculture, Kurt Tibbetts said. “Not only is it an opportunity for camaraderie, but it’s also a chance for families to spend wholesome time together while learning a few gardening tips, and enjoying some of the more traditional aspects of our Islands.”
Accoding to the ministry visitors can look forward to the ever-popular Department of Agriculture (DoA) plant sale; beautiful baby, and tug-of-war, competitions; an old-time fashion show; equestrian performances; and a talent show and gospel concert. Just for the little ones, a special Buttonwood maze, complete with a thatch-roofed playhouse, has also been added, courtesy of the Dart Foundation.
With the focus on backyard and patio gardening this year, attendees can get insightful tips from the DoA, Garden Club, and National Trust on topics such as grow boxes, grafting, and the beneficial properties of traditional teas.
Other interactive seminars will be presented by the Orchid Society, Health Services Authority, and the Cayman National Cultural Foundation. These will be held under the pavilion, which has been rearranged this year to offer an additional rest area for residents.
General admission tickets to the event are CI$10 for adults, and $5 for children from 2-12 years. Infants enter free. Raffle tickets, which offer attendees a chance to win CI$20,000; a yard package from AL Thompson; or a getaway for two to Escape Villas in Jamaica, are CI$25. Ticket proceeds will be added to the Agricultural Society’s scholarship fun.
New technology helps Cayman business stay on track
(CNS): One local firm in Cayman says it is working hard to help other businesses keep track of their valuable resources through the use of modern technology. Sat-Trak has been successfully providing satellite tracking services to Cayman’s businesses for about a year, but has now expanded its team to include a young Caymanian sales person and launched a new website.
Described as a cost-saving tool for businesses and the only one of its kind in the Cayman Islands, manager Derek Larner said it gives fleet Managers and business owners the ability to monitor the movements of their assets – usually vehicles – in real-time from any Internet enabled PC via a secure online portal. It gives them access to valuable information and data like current location, vehicle speed and engine idling time, so managers can really make sure their fleets are running at optimum efficiency levels.
“Sat-Trak is a must-have for any organization with a fleet of vehicles”, Larner said. “It’s the only effective way of keeping track of where drivers are, who is closest to pick-ups and whether valuable time is being spent in the most efficient way. This technology can save a business thousands of dollars over the course of any year by minimizing fuel consumption and idling times, and speeding up pick-up and delivery times. Knowing where their vehicles are at any given time helps companies better manage their employees’ activities. Sat-Trak is also totally affordable and easy to use.”
Many of Cayman’s businesses have now embraced the new technology and Melissa Ebanks has come on board to spearhead the company’s expanding sales efforts. “This is a great opportunity for me to help grow Sat-Trak because its business benefits speak for themselves,” she said. “I can’t wait to get out there and start spreading the word.”
Sat-Trak also recently launched its new website, at www.sat-trak.com.ky. To monitor their assets, Sat-Trak’s customers log-in to their own personal account from any Internet enabled PC. From there they can view the location of their vehicles, assets and people, as well as information about their movements. For prospective customers, the new Sat-Trak website lists the company’s products with all their features and benefits, as well as the various applications for the technology, such as delivery and service vehicles, transport operations, construction fleets, public transport (buses and taxis), boats, car dealerships, equipment rental companies, emergency vehicle fleets and teen driver monitoring. Users will also find the site’s savings calculator handy when working out the business benefits and its copious FAQ’s section tells them just about everything they could need to know before buying.
Ebanks explains that currently Sat-Trak provides three products. However there are plans to expand the range with some exciting new offerings later in the year, details of which will soon be up on the website. Larner and Ebanks are encouraging their existing customers and Cayman’s fleet managers to come out and meet them, as well as learn more about Sat-Trak’s technology and their new products, at this year’s Car and Boat show at Camana Bay on 27/28 February.
Senior dies snorkelling off Seven Mile Beach
(CNS): Police said this morning that an investigation is now underway following the death of a 76-year-old man who passed away on Monday, 23 February while snorkelling in the area around at London House off Seven Mile Beach. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service said the 911 Emergency Communications Centre received a call at approximately 1.10pm from a staff member at London House reporting that two guests were in the sea and appeared in be in difficulty.
Police and medics responded to the scene and found that the man had been brought to shore unconscious. The man was taken to hospital but unfortunately was pronounced dead. The victim, who was from the United States, had been visiting Grand Cayman with relatives. The RCIPS sends its condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
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.
Referendum bill passes
(CNS): Staying late into the night legislators have now passed the referendum bill in the Legislative Assembly facilitating the country’s first ever referendum. On Monday 23rdd February following the day’s debate, the new bill was passed which will enable the country to decide if it wants to adopt the proposed constitution in a nationwide vote on 20 May, the same day as the General Election.
In keeping with section 29 (2) of the present Constitution, the Referendum (Constitutional Modernisation) Bill 2009 states that for the referendum to pass and the final constitution draft to be accepted, more than 50 percent of the voters taking part in the referendum should vote “yes.”
The referendum question stated in the bill requires a simple yes or no vote, and reads, “Do you approve the Draft Constitution, which was agreed by the Cayman Islands Constitution Delegation and the Government of the United Kingdom on 5 February 2009, and tabled in the Legislative Assembly of the Cayman Islands on 11 February 2009?”
The bill provides for the manner and procedures of conducting the referendum, including regulations by Cabinet. Under the present constitutional provisions, referenda can take place only for questions of national importance, which have to be brought to the House and accepted by the majority of Members.