Archive for April 6th, 2009
Financial services’ PR and lobbying contract renewed
(CNS): Despite the wide criticisms across the community that the Cayman Islands has not been best represented in Washington and in other important centres when it comes to getting across crucial messages regarding the financial services industry, the Central Tenders Committee has renewed the Portfolio of Finance and Economics public relations’ contract with Fleishman Hillard. The portfolio said the contract for global, strategic public and media relations, public affairs and lobbying services in relation to the sector was worth an estimated at US$662,000.
The Central Tenders Committee (CTC) has also awarded contracts for two related projects on the Basel II Framework for the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). The first in the sum of US$965,000 was awarded to Decisionsoft Ltd. (U.K.) for the provision of BaselII Electronic Data Reporting, with the mandate of providing a mechanism to collect Basel II regulatory data from CIMA regulated banks via electronic submission.
The Portfilio of Finance and Economics said that this project, upon completion, will facilitate effective supervision and monitoring of banks by CIMA and will produce an evaluation report based on the data collected.
The second contract was awarded to Celerus Inc. (Canada) in the sum of US$1,077,708 for the Basel II Data Warehousing and Analysis. This project involves the storage of data, data retrieval capabilities, reporting and analytic services. Both projects are expected to be complete by mid 2010.
The purpose of Basel II, initially published in June 2004, is to create an international standard for banking regulators to guarantee that policy and procedure effectively guard against various types of financial and operational banking risks. The framework is designed to ensure that a bank holds capital reserves appropriate to the risk that bank is exposed to (in its lending and investment practices).This functions to protect the international financial system from problems that might arise should a major bank or series of banks collapse.
Awarded contracts can be viewed on the CTC’s website, www.centraltenders.gov.ky. For further information, contact the CTC Secretary, Daun Alleyne on 244-2102 or email daun.alleyne@gov.ky
Elections office aims for efficiency with Voter ID cards
(CNS): The Elections Office has said that the elector’s registration cards programme has resumed and voters can get an ID card at the Elections Office daily between 9-5pm. The office said that although these cards are not compulsory for Election Day it will help speed up the process of identification at the polling stations. Without an Electors ID card voters will have to produce another form of ID or prove they are who they say they are.
In order to get card voters can either take their identification of a driver’s license or passport to either the elections office which is not situated on Smith Road at the Professional Centre or they can obtain a card at one of the mobile units in the districts and supermarkets.
On Saturday April 11th cards will be issued from the following locations between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.Foster’s Food Fair – Savannah; Hurley’s – Grand Harbour; Foster’s Food Fair – The Strand Foster’s Food Fair – Republix; Elections Office – Smith Road Professional Centre.
The schedule for the districts stations which will operate from 5:30 – 9:00pm is as follows: West Bay 30th April, 1st and 2nd May at Foster’s Food Fair (Republix); George Town 23rd, 24th and 25th April at the Mary Miller Hall; Bodden Town 16th, 17th, and 18th April at the civic centre; East End & North Side 13th, 14th, and 15th April at the respective civic centres and on Cayman Brac 17 and 18 April at 9-4 pm at West End Post Office and Heritage House. Anyone on Little Cayman requiring cards should contact the Returning Officer for the Sister Islands, Dave Tatum or the Elections Office at 949-8047.
Forged notes appear on Cayman Brac
(CNS): Police said today (Monday 6 April) that residents and business owners in Cayman Brac need to be on the look out for forged cash as a result of reports made to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service from the island that counterfeit currency has been presented at businesses on the Island. Area Commander, Chief Inspector Malcolm Kay said that the most effected notes appear to be US notes at the moment, but that residents should look out for all kinds of counterfeit currency.
“In the event that you receive a counterfeit note, or suspect one to be counterfeit, we ask that you observe and note the appearance of the person passing the note, as well as that of any companions,” he said. “Do not return the note to the passer. Instead, tag the note with a copy of the transaction receipt and call the police.”
Kay said to keep the suspect note separate from others by placing it in an envelope or small bag and not to deposit it at the bank. The RCIPS form for reporting counterfeit money can be found on the CIMA website www.cimoney.com.ky, under “Currency.”
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.
PPM appeals to its people
(CNS): The People’s Progressive Movement opened its bid for re-election at the country’s historic seat of democracy – Pedro St James, on Saturday when the ten candidates fighting the May 2009 General Election were introduced to the party faithful by Chairman Anton Duckworth. At the party’s National Council meeting, the party slogan of “Don’t stop the progress” was unveiled and the leader of government business told the audience that one good term deserves another, especially when a government has delivered.
Acting as MC, political veteran Anthony Eden, who has served in three cabinets, said that the PPM was beginning its campaign among members, as it was important to ensure the party was in order before taking to the hustings and they would reveal the achievements of the government.
When Kurt Tibbetts, the party leader, delivered his state of the nation address he said the PPM candidates were head and shoulders over the other contenders and the PPM was the better choice as the alternative was going back to the discredited ways of the past represented by the UDP. “A leopard can never change its spots, no matter how hard it may try,” Tibbetts added.
He reminded members that the UDP of today is the same UDP of yesteryear with the same leader whose way of doing things had made people uncomfortable. “I know you do not have short memories,” he said. “Certainly, you have vivid recollections of how the UDP – or more specifically McKeeva Bush – ran the government as a one-man show. It was either McKeeva’s way or the highway.”
He said the people had found McKeeva wanting, and banished him to the opposition and it would be an immense tragedy if the country were to be managed again by Bush and his inexperienced team.
He described the UDP administration between 2001 and 2005 as the most politically unstable period the country has ever known. “Three of five Cabinet ministers were abruptly changed. Scandal followed scandal. The inept and unprincipled government lurched from controversy to crisis. The auditor general felt compelled to investigate no less than five government projects and to write condemnatory reports in every instance,” he recalled. “There was the case of the wasted and missing money and sub-standard houses under the Affordable Housing Scheme, the preferential treatment given to Burns Connolly in the redevelopment of the port, and the Boatswain Beach financing scandal. No less than two of the five projects investigated by the auditor general were referred to the police for possible criminal investigation.”
What happened recently in the Turks and Caicos Islands served as a warning that an inept and corrupt government will bring shame,he said. “We must avoid that happening to us at all costs. Your choice on May 20th is therefore clear. Vote solidly and re-elect the PPM for continued honesty in government and to ensure continued progress.”
Tibbetts said the country had come too far to turn back. “Let’s keep moving forward because there’s no future in the past. Stay with PPM. Don’t stop the progress!” he exclaimed.
He said that after the last election the PPM had embarked on a journey to transform the country which was in deep crisis in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, with the former UDP regime failing the people in their hour of need.
Tibbetts said the journey the PPM had taken was not an easy one as it was faced from the first day in office with various daunting challenges, some of which were without recent precedent, but much had been achieved. “Within the next week or so, the PPM will be distributing a special campaign publication entitled, ‘From promise to performance’. It provides a comprehensive overview of our major accomplishments during the past four years so that you can have all the necessary facts to do your own assessment of our performance,” the LoGB stated.
He said it would take several hours to detail every single achievement of the PPM government over the past four years so it was important people get a copy of the report. “It is our way of accounting on our stewardship so that you can decide if we are truly worthy of your continued trust,” he added. “Making a clean break with dark and dismal days of the UDP regime, the PPM has run the business of government in a very open, transparent and accountable way.”
He said that was why the government had no problem passing a Freedom of Information Law and had introduced the press briefing, as well as never intimidating its critics. “This government has never faced any accusations of corruption,” he said. “Not even by our opponents during the heat of the present election campaign. Yes, they have accused us of various things but …. they can find no grounds on which to accuse us of corruption. The same cannot be said when the UDP held office.”
Tibbetts noted that while the political opponents complain about government spending, the benefits are plainly evident to everyone and people know where the money is going. Moreover, he stated that claims of financial mismanagement could not be substantiated, and despite the challenges the Cayman economy remained strong.
“The PPM government is acting quietly and decisively to promote and safeguard our economy in this most difficult of times,” he said. “It is simply not good enough for the UDP … to merely criticize and tear down the government’s programmes. If they are really serious about being seen as a viable alternative, they must outline their master plan.”
He concluded by telling the audience that the country needs the PPM for honest, trustworthy government. “We have raised the bar on standards of behaviour in public office. Cayman has prospered under our watch,” he said, adding that Cayman was in better shape today than four years ago and that they should not stop the progress.
Man robbed at gun point
The second man wore a black shirt with a gold colored design on it and detectives from George Town CID who are investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the offence who might have important information or anyone who recognizes the description of the offenders.
Police aim to keep the Easter peace
(CNS): A mobile unit at Kiabo, increased road checks and joint patrols on the water are just some of the high visibility efforts police say they will be undertaking this coming weekend to ensure that the Easter vacation goes off peacefully. Urging the community to make safety the top priority, the RCIPS said officers are gearing up for the celebrations which are likely to involve an increase in water activities, family events, camping and road traffic, particularly in the Eastern Districts.
“We have had a number of Easter weekends pass peacefully without major incident and we want this trend to continue,” said Area Commander Chief Inspector Richard Barrow. "We want people to be responsible. We don’t want to stop people having fun; we just want them to do it safely.”
Police said operations will involve stationing the RCIPS’ mobile command unit at Kaibo and high visibility patrols being conducted in popular camping areas such as North Side, West Bay Public Beach and Barkers. The mobile command post will be manned full-time and people in the area are invited to make reports or police related enquiries at the unit.
Officers from the traffic management unit will be assisting with traffic control and checking for drunk drivers and cones will be placed around the North Side area to prevent double parking. Drivers are reminded that they need to obey all speed limits and should never get behind the wheel if they have had an alcoholic drink. “Anyone coming toNorth Side for the Easter celebrations should be mindful of their actions,” stressed CI Barrow. “No-one should trespass on private land, music should be kept to an acceptable level and visitors should park considerately.”
Officers from the joint Customs, Immigration and Police Marine Unit and the Department of Environment will be on hand to ensure safety on the water and reminded residents that lobster season is closed, and while conch is open until 30 April people are limited to five conchs per person or ten per boat, whichever is less. They also said that anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult to operate any powered watercraft whether it is a boat or personal watercraft (wave runner) and no one should operate a boat under the influence of alcohol. Life vests are required to be worn by each person on Wave Runners and any vessel or watercraft must not exceed 5 mph within 200 yards of shore. People snorkeling and swimming are required to display a “divers down” buoy or flag outside of 200 yards from shore.
Campers are advised when cooking outdoors to stay 25 ft away from dry vegetation or flammable materials and ensure that all coals are properly extinguished before discarding by burying them in a deep hole or outing them with a bucket of water. While cooking you should have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water on hand in case of emergencies. Use propane appliances in a well ventilated area and test for gas leaks in hoses or fittings by using soap and water. Residents should also remember to clean up after themselves as littering is dangerous to the environment and punishable by law. Residents are also reminded that when leaving their homes for camping or other Easter activities they should ensure that their property is completely secure. All windows and doors should be kept locked and if alarms are installed, they should be set.
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.
Why we need a good night’s sleep
(The independent): To sleep, perchance to dream, said Hamlet. Now scientists have shown that sleep is more about getting rid of the previous day’s mental rubbish than it is about dreaming. A study into slumber has found that the nerve connections built up in the brain during a busy day are pruned back during the night in an attempt to keep the mind from overloading on junk information. The findings lend support to the idea that a good night’s sleep is essential for consolidating important memories of the previous day and getting rid of things that would otherwise clog up the system.
MACI signs new agreement with French society
(CNS): The top management of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands was recently in France to sign an agreement with Bureau Veritas (BV), the French classification society. “We have official affiliations with seven global Class Societies to ensure our ability to meet the needs of our valued clients on a worldwide basis, and also to keep Cayman at the forefront of the international maritime safety arena,” explains MACI CEO, Joel Walton, head of the Cayman delegation.
The official signing took place at Bureau Veritas headquarters in Paris. Signing on behalf of that organisation was M. Pierre de Livois, Directeur Adjoint de la Division Marine (seated right), witnessed by BV’s M. Charles Delaneau (right), and Emmanuel Scanavino (second right).
At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, M. Livois presented a Bureau Veritas plaque to Mr. Walton.
Photo Joel Walton (seated left), Alfred Powery, Director, Global Commercial Services (standing left), Kenrick Ebanks, Director, Global Operations (second from left), and Greg Evans, Director, Global Safety and Compliance (third from left).
Hundreds out for Irish Jog
(CNS): The 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Irish Jog held on 17th March 2009 attracted over 900 runners, walkers and joggers to the finish line. This was the 3rd largest turn-out in the event’s 17-year history, and all proceeds were donated to the Women’s Resource Centre. The event is co-sponsored each year by Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited and Grand Cayman Beach Suites. “It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic participants partake in Cayman’s most popular fun walk/run for charity,” said Rhonda Serrano of Butterfield.
“We keep the entry feelow at just $10 per person so that we can raise as much money as possible for charity, and we are pleased to be able to support the Women’s Resource Centre this year.”
Participants received a T-shirt and were eligible to win one of several fabulous spot prizes, including Waterford crystal, sunset sails, dinners for two and spa services. There were free hats, face stickers, wigs and other fun wear for everyone. Complimentary food and refreshments were available after the event.
Photo Annual Irish Jog Attracts Hundreds: Marina Flynn of Grand Cayman Beach Suites (left) and Rhonda Serrano and Rebecca Ebanks of Butterfield (right) present the Irish Jog proceeds to Cindy Blekaitis (center left) of the Women’s Resource Centre.
CAACI exhibits at convention in Switzerland
(CNS): The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) will exhibit for the fourth consecutive time at EBACE 2009 (the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition) in Geneva, Switzerland to promote the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry to appropriate audiences. At the CAACI exhibit, May 12-14, senior officials will be on-hand to answer questions in regards to registering a plane on the CI Aircraft Registry. Also joining the CAACI to speak to this highly affluent audience will be experts on registration of shipping vessels and yachts from the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry, and there will be general destination information from the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
According to CAACI, the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry continues to be an increasingly attractive registry of choice for foreign individuals and corporations. With approximately 173 planes registered in the private aircraft category (such as Gulfstream, Boeing Business Jets, Airbus, Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Cessna) aircraft owners and brokers have voiced their pleasure at the process of registration on the CI Aircraft Registry. Functions of the CAACI Air Safety Regulation (ASR) staff who manage the registration process include stringent safety and technical standards with rigid airworthiness inspections and validations of flight personnel licenses. The CAACI ASR staff also liaises with legal and financial professionals in the industry who are familiar with registering mortgages and finding adequate solutions to most clients’ questions and situations.
The CAACI wishes to extend an invitation to all persons seeking information on aircraft registration, existing orpotential clients to visit the booth during EBACE or to logon to their website at www.caacayman.com