Archive for June, 2009
Students graduate from police drug programme
(CNS): Some 581 primary school studentsfrom across Grand Cayman graduated from the police anti-drug programme DARE this weekend. In its 9th year in Cayman the programme is taught to children in school between the ages 10-11 by police officers and although it has received considerable international criticism it is currently the only formal anti-drug and alcohol programme taught in Cayman schools.
Scientific evaluation studies have consistently shown that DARE is ineffective in reducing the use of alcohol and drugs and is sometimes even counterproductive. The U.S. General Accounting Office, the U.S. Surgeon General, the National Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Education, among many others have all criticised the programme.
The programme has however been praised by the United States Department of Justice for "humanizing" the police, placing officers in a helping role, not just an enforcement one, opening lines of communication between law enforcement and youth and for opening dialogue between the school, police, and parents to deal with other issues.
The DARE curriculum is designed to be taught by police officers whose training and experience gives them the background needed to answer the often sophisticated questions posed by young students about drugs and crime. The programme is however intended to teach children not just about the dangers of drugs, tobacco and alcohol but also about violence and aims to provide participants with the skills needed to avoid and deal with situations involving any of these societal issues.
Cayman students who had worked hard to graduate from the programme this weekend all received certificates of achievement and a t-shirt. Those who won the essay competitions were also presented with their awards. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Beach Resort where friends family the Governor Stuart and the new Commissioner of Police, David Baines among others.
Sickle cell day of recognition
(CNS): With 33 people in the Cayman Islands suffering from sickle cell disease the jurisdiction is joining the United Nations in observing the first annual Sickle Cell Disease World Day on Thursday, 19 June. The worldwide event is intended to raise awareness of the disease, and follows a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2008 that recognizes sickle cell disease as a public health problem. Health Services Authority Genetics Coordinator Joy Merren explained that Cayman is lucky to be able to both diagnose and manage the disease for patients here.
“We are fortunate to have facilities to diagnose sickle cell disease and to manage it,” said Merren. “These patients do sometimes get painful crises because of damage to the bone marrow. It is a chronic disease, and management of sickle cell disease is treatment of symptoms and learning to live or cope with the help of health care professionals. Sickle cell testing is offered to all newborns in the Cayman Islands.
“If someone has sickle cell trait, it is important to know if one’s partner is also a carrier. If both parents are sickle cell carriers, then with each pregnancy, there is a 25% risk of having a child with sickle cell disease,” Merren explained. “ Knowing ahead of time can help couples make informed reproductive choices. While sickle cell trait is mild, sickle cell disease is serious and can potentially affect every organ of the body.”
Patients with sickle cell disease can live lives optimally as they work together with family and health care workers in managing this disorder.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited chronic disorder that affects red blood cells and is one of the most common genetic disorders. All persons have two genes that make haemoglobin. Normal red blood cells contain haemoglobin A, a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. With sickle cell there is a different form of protein, haemoglobin S. With sickle cell disease, both genes are affected, causing severe symptoms.
Normal red blood cells are round, flat and very flexible. However, when the oxygen comes out of the red blood cells of sickle cell disease, the cell becomes stiff and takes on the shape of a sickle – hence, the name. The sickle cells clump together and are not able to squeeze through the small blood vessels, so the cells get destroyed more quickly. A normal red blood cell lives approximately 120 days but a sickle cell may only live 11 or 12 days.
When only one gene is affected, it is called sickle cell trait, or persons are called sickle cell carriers. Having sickle cell trait means that the person stays healthy under normal circumstances, and the main significance is that it can be passed on to one’s children. Persons with just the trait don’t develop the disease but a blood test can be done to determine if a person has the trait. If a man and a woman are both sickle cell carriers, with each pregnancy, there is a
25% chance of the child having the disease; 25% chance of the child being completely free from sickle cell; and 50% chance of the child being a carrier. If oly one parent is a carrier, then there is a 50% chance of the child having the trait 50% chance of the child being completely free of sickle but no chance of the child having the disease.
UK Court quashes murder conviction
(BBC): A man who has spent eight years in prison for murder has won an appeal against his conviction. Ian Lawless, 47, was jailed for life in 2002 after confessing to the murder of retired sea captain Alf Wilkins on the Yarborough estate in Grimsby. Judges at the Court of Appeal ruled that his conviction was unsafe after hearing fresh medical evidence about his mental condition at the time. Mr Lawless said he felt "ecstatic" after he was released. His solicitor, Mark Newby said the case highlighted the dangers of vulnerable people being pushed through the court process "without putting the necessary safeguards in place".
Hydrogen car unveiled
(BBC): The manufacturer of a hydrogen car unveiled in London on Tuesday will make its designs available online so the cars can be built and improved locally. The Riversimple car can go 80km/hr (50mph) and travels 322km (200mi) per re-fuelling, with an efficiency equivalent to 300 miles to the gallon. The cars will be leased with fuel and repair costs included, at an estimated £200 ($315) per month. The company hopes to have the vehicles in production by 2013. Next year, it aims to release 10 prototypes in a UK city which has yet to be confirmed.
Commissioner Epp leaves strong office
(CNS): Having blazed a trail for the last five years to establish the Office of the Complaints Commissioner, Dr. John Epp is moving on to pastures new and leaving behind a strong and independent office for his successor. As the Cayman Islands’ first ever ombudsman, Dr. Epp says that his time in office has been exceptionally challenging but many important goals have been achieved. Prior to his appointment, there was no independent body investigating government administration, and while the Legislative Assembly was responsible for the establishment of the office, it was up to Dr. Epp to establish both the tone of the office and the vigour with which complaints would be investigated.
“As we gained our footing we took a robust approach to investigations and the formulation of recommendations in the wake of valid complaints,” he said. “We established a strong commitment to monitoring compliance with our recommendations and there is undoubtedly greater accountability as a result of the OCC.”
Since the office was established, it carried out an initiative to create an internal complaints process in every government entity, and three years down the line a recent audit revealed good results.
Dr. Epp and his team have worked diligently in educating civil servants about the independence of the office and in particular that the Complaints Commissioner’s role is one of an entirely independent investigator as oppose to an advocate for every complainant.
The fight to establish independence has been fought vigorously and won on a number of fronts. Dr. Epp explained that the OCC reports directly to the Legislative Assembly through the Speaker of the House and the Committee with responsibility for the OCC, and not to any one Minister or the Governor. The successful application to the Grand Court in September 2008 for a declaration of the extent of the office’s powers underscored that independence. “The court gave a purposive interpretation of some straightforward provisions which settled the fact that the OCC had the power to gather evidence from any source,” he said.
Another important victory for the independence of the office was when the attempt to unilaterally cut the OCC budget (FY 08-09) by 15% was successfully halted. “The point was made to the budget management unit and then to Cabinet that the OCC’s budget was set through the bi-partisan oversight committee and that it could not be altered without the approval of that committee,” Dr. Epp added.
Creating working partnerships has been a long but worthwhile fight. In the beginning, the OCC was welcomed by public servants so long as they weren’t the servants being investigated, Dr. Epp noted. “Some spent a lot of time trying to obstruct the process,” he added. “When request for documents or information are not met in a timely manner it not only frustrates the OCC and the complainants, who are anxious for a ruling, but it undermines the credibility of the government department. However, over time the general lack of urgency has been overcome and departments have begun to tolerate our investigations and even cooperate.”
He explained that many departments are becoming increasingly compliant with recommendations and are working more with the office to address the areas that give rise to complaints. Dr. Epp also says he understands why his office has faced some obstruction given the change fatigue in the civil service over reform in recent times, such as the implementation of the Public Management and Finance Law, the Freedom of Information bill and the establishment of his own office. “This has seen senior and mid level management within the service trying to establish change, keep up with training and still get the basic work of their departments done each day with limited resources,” he added.
While Dr. Epp and his team have won many battles and established a robust approach to investigations there are still more to fight not least engaging the Legislative Assembly with their work. The OCC has the power to instigate investigations where appropriate, and while the office has submitted 10 Own Motion Reports and 8 Special Reports since it opened, he is disappointed with the response.
“The Legislative Assembly has received the reports of investigations completed on my own initiative, which have resulted in some important changes within the relevant departments, but almost no debate has taken place about any of them,” he said. “I am disappointed and I encourage members of both sides of the House to debate the issues and points raised in the reports.” However, Dr Epp noted that, unfortunately, ombudsmen in other jurisdictions share in the frustration arising from limited or no debate of reports tabled.
Looking back Dr. Epp says that if he were given the opportunity to redo his five years there are only one or two things he would change. “I believe we should have delayed the opening of the office for a few months to allow OCC staff to intern in government departments and allowtime to get our internal systems prepared. When we opened we were literally overrun with people seeking assistance and we were forced to play catch-up on our own work while conducting casework, as well as building our confidence.”
The biggest battles have now been won, however, and Dr. Epp says his successor , Commissioner Designate Nicola Williams, should be able to pick up the OCC ball and run, although he laments the lack of opportunity for a handover period. With his departure in July and the new Commissioner staring in August the time allowed to give the newcomer an understanding of the sensitivities of the office has been limited to one week of specially organised meetings.
Nevertheless, he says the new Commissioner comes to the job with a well established, trained and welcoming team in place, and a greater understanding in the public sector of the role and relevance in the value of the office. During his five years Dr. Epp says he has probably taken on the number and kind of challenges an ombudsman would normally face in a decade because he has had to lay the groundwork for what is an entirely new area of public accountability.
“It is not unusual for ombudsmen who serve first to step down after just one term,” he explained. “Not least because establishing a new office involves being in some really tough quasi-political battles, and we have had our fair share with some good fighters. After a series of so many political prize fights, it’s time to hand things on to the next person who will come into this ring renewed.”
Dr. Epp himself will be returning to the private sector and his first love, the practice of law, with the firm of Conyers, Dill and Pearman.
The OCC is located on the 2nd floor, 202 Piccadilly Centre, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, phone number (345) 943 2220. The website is www.occ.gov.ky.
Protest rally planned in Iran
(BBC): Iranian opposition supporters are staging a mass rally in northern Tehran, witnesses have told the BBC. It comes despite presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi urging supporters not to risk clashes with demonstrators backing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (left). Hundreds of thousands turned up on Monday alleging fraud in the poll which returned Mr Ahmadinejad to office. Tough new restrictions on the foreign media mean the BBC is unable to confirm reports of Tuesday’s opposition rally. The new restrictions have been imposed amid apparent surprise and concern amongauthorities at the scale of popular defiance over Friday’s official election results.
Voluntary donors give safest blood
(CNS): The introduction of World Blood donor day which was celebrated around the world on Sunday (14 June the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel prize winner who discovered the ABO blood group system) was designed to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood. Evidence from around the world demonstrates that voluntary unpaid donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are least likely to transmit potentially life-threatening infections, such as HIV and hepatitis viruses, to the recipients of their blood.
Millions of people owe their lives to people they will never meet as a result of blood donation but the overwhelming majority of the world’s population still do not have access to safe blood according to the World Blood Donor Organisaiton.
Anyone wishing to donate blood in Cayman can do so at the blood bank at the Cayman I/slands Hospital during working hours. Setting an example last Friday (12 June) the Minister for Health Mark Scotland gave a pint of his own. “At any time, anyone of us could need blood. It is important that we sign up for this civic duty. I came here today to set an example and to show that it is nothing to be afraid of. So be a hero and donate blood,” Scotland said.
World Blood Donor Day is focused on the encouragement of more people to become regular blood donors as oppose to a surge of one day donors
Netherlands Antilles’ aims for 16 tax treaties
(Tax News): The State Secretary of Finance in Netherlands Antilles Alex Rosaria has announced that by September 2009 the jurisdiction will have concluded nine new tax agreements bringing its total of such agreements to sixteen. Of these agreements, a total of fourteen will have been concluded with OECD countries. Scheduled to be signed are tax information exchange agreements with Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Finland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Sweden, and Iceland.
Cayman pulls cash from UK
(Guardian): Hedge funds and financial institutions based in the Cayman Islands have been pulling their money out of Britain as they are hit by the credit crunch, according to figures from the Bank of England. The low-tax regime and limited regulation of the Cayman Islands – with a population of 52,000 – has attracted 80% of the world’s $1.3tn (£790bn) hedge fund industry. Those institutions have almost halved their deposits in UK banks over the past 12 months, from $356bn at the end of the first quarter in 2008, to $173bn at the end of March.
Financial forecasts way off
(CNS): Falling revenue and increased running cost have dramatically altered the predictions regarding government finances in a matter of only two months, changing the forecasted government deficit for the end of this financial year from just under $29 million to a record $74 million. On 23 March, MLAs voted on the necessary appropriations and changes to the 2008/09 budget to see government through to the end of this financial year. However, in just a few weeks since that vote government earnings appear to have spiralled down and costs spiralled up, dramatically altering the year-end financial forecast.
On Friday afternoon Leader of Government Business McKeeva Bush issued a statement saying that there was a record government deficit of CI$74 million, a record-high level of public sector debt CI$590 million, minimal cash balances of CI$17 million to continue the daily operations of government, and a net debt ratio of 86%, which does not comply with the Public Management and Finance Law. The figures were, the LoGB said, based on requests made by his government immediately following the General Elections for summary financial information about the state of government’s financial results and position, which was provided by Financial Secretary Kenneth Jefferson.
The reason for the dramatic change to the forecast in just a few short weeks stems from a number of sources; the first is a decrease in projected earnings of some CI$17 million. In March Jefferson said the forecasted revenue for the year to 30 June 2009 was CI$507 million but the latest information from ministries and portfolios have downgraded the expected earnings to CI$490 million. This decrease in forecast revenue (since the March forecast by the same people) of CI$17 million caused the Net Debt Ratio, which had been expected to be at 74%, to increase to 86%.
Alongside the reduced earnings of government itself, the statutory authorities and government companies are now predicted to run at losses of $19 million, compared to the $10 million predicted in March. The Cayman Turtle Farm alone is predicted to lose $10 million before the year end, while the HSA has lost $12 million and Cayman Airways is expected to lose CI$3 million. In addition, the airline will owe approximately CI$16 million in payables at the end of June.
Since the March appropriations there has also been an upward revision of expenditures of around CI$19 million by ministries and portfolios. It was not clear, however, whether this was after the 6% reductions ministries had been asked to make by the previous administration.
Altogether, the operating losses, the fall in revenue and the increase in government running costs have combined to add some CI$45 million to the previously predicted government’s budget deficit.
Bush said that all of these issues would require the government’s urgent attention to improve the overall efficiency in the way that the government operates and to improve the financial viability of the public sector as a whole. “Clearly, the country is now faced with this great challenge of working hard together to resolve these issues,” the LoGB said.
He saidthings were worsened by the current economic climate, which is expected to have a negative impact on government revenues over the next 6 to 12 months. “In the absence of funds to stimulate the economy, the administration is committed to ensure that the policy framework is as supportive to the economy as possible to minimise the negative impact.”
He also explained that although there are plans to execute Cayman’s first-ever public Note (or Bond) Issue in the US in July 2009, the funds would be used to repay a loan of US$185 million made by the former government against the note issue.
“Based on a cash flow forecast from the Treasury Department, which indicates the cash receipts and cash outlays over the period July to December 2009, the government will require cash injections on a monthly basis to meet its operational requirements,” he said. “These shortfalls indicate that the government will need at least a further CI$140 million.”
Bush explained that government will have to increase its borrowing, and when taking into account the liabilities of some of the major authorities and government companies, it may require a further CI$50 million before the end of 2009. As a result the government will now fail to comply with three of the key principles of responsible financial management.
He confirmed the net debt to revenue ratio is forecast to be 86% exceeding the 80% limit set by the UK and that the government is running an operational deficit, which fails to comply with the principle that we should always have an operational surplus. Bush also stated that government is forecast to have only 65 days in cash reserves, unlike the 91 days predicted in June. It is understood however that this 65 day prediction does not count reserves, which stand around CI$74 million and which can be access if approved by the LA.
Bush blamed the pervious government for the dire financial predictions. “As a result of the former administration’s failure to comply with the Principles of Responsible Financial Management that are stipulated in the PMFL, the Cayman Islands Government must now seek the explicit approval of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom Government before incurring further borrowings,” Bush said. “This position will continue to be the case until compliance with the Principles is achieved. Nonetheless, the new administration wishes to make it abundantly clear that it
He added that despite difficult times ahead the new administration was determined to improve the state of government’s finances and the Islands’ economy. Bush said government would minimise the amount that it borrows and would carry out an urgent assessment of the situation in order to find solutions to this financial crisis. “The short term goal must be to place the government’s financial status back on a stable footing. The long term goal must be to secure continued economic success and sustainable financial viability of the government,” Bush said.
He said it would not be easy and the necessary sacrifices would have to be made, but in the coming weeks some short term solutions would be put in place for both the government’s financial challenges as well as the economic woes facing the country. Bush said the government would concentrate on bringing new business activity to Cayman, which would require an improvement in various approval processes across government. It will also require a more open and welcoming approach to inward investment. He added that there would be an examination of the performance of its statutory authorities and government and a much needed cost review exercise within central government.
Bush promised not to further impact the current state of the economy with any serious system of major taxes, but government would honour all its financial obligations and act in a responsible and fair manner at all times. He said that the administration had decided to significantly reduce the costs associated with attending the annual CTO event held in New York by restricting the delegation to officials only and had saved more than $100,000.
“The country is faced with enormous challenges but, by working together, it is the belief and hope that the government will be able to address these very serious issues in the short term as well as put in place long term solutions to secure the continued success of these blessed Islands,” the LoGB stated.