Archive for December, 2009
Airport tightens security
(CNS): Air travel is set to be even more stressful this week as security is beefed up around the world following the Christmas Day terrorist alert. In response to the heightened security requirements from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in the US the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) has also warned of increased security measures and is asking passengers to arrive at Owen Roberts International Airport at least three hours before the departure time of their US flight in order to undergo extra security searches before boarding.
“Airlines at the Owen Roberts International Airport have implemented increased security checks which will require that passengers, on flights to the USA, be hand searched at the boarding gates prior to boarding,” the CIAA said in a statement. “In order to accommodate these additional measures and to avoid delays, passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport and commence their check-in processes earlier than usual. A minimum of three hours before flight departure time is recommended.”
CIAA explained that the additional security measure will not apply to passengers on flights bound for the Sister Islands, Kingston, Montego Bay, Cuba, the UK and Honduras. “The additional security measure that has been implemented is in respect to the security check to be conducted by individual USA bound carriers and will impact passengers as they prepare to leave the departure hall for boarding” CIAA stated.
Once passengers have been checked in they will be encouraged to proceed to the security check point immediately after check-in to allow for the extra time that will be required for boarding. It is expected that this TSA directive will remain in place until at least Wednesday, 30 December.
The botched attempt by a 23 year old Nigerian student to ignite explosives on a Northwest Airlines plane carrying 290 people to Detroit from Amsterdam has reportedly caused travel chaos around the world. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab who was overpowered by a passenger has been charged with attempting to blow up and a second Nigerian man was arrested for “suspicious activity.”
Airlines are undertaking individual body searches and passengers are being restricted to just one item of hand luggage and are being limited in their ability to move about a plane. US authorities said passengers should not be allowed to stand up or even go to the toilet an hour before landing. The crackdown could also signal the widespread use of in-flight air marshals on transatlantic routes to counter the terrorist threat.
No free bus for drinkers on New Year’s Eve
(CNS): Owing to a lack of funding the National Drug Council (NDC) will not be providing its free bus service on New Year’s Eve to help people who are drinking during the celebrations get home safely. Over the past few years the NDC has provided the Purple Ribbon Bus but the Executive Director, Joan West-Dacres, told News 27 that there will not be a service this year. Some bars are however, participating in the designated driver programme and will give free soft drinks to those who are driving groups of friends home. Drinkers who are not part of a group with a designated driver will need to find a taxi to avoid getting netted in the police road blocks.
Leaders offer their Christmas wishes to the people
(CNS): The Premier & Leader of the Opposition have both acknowledged that 2009 has been a difficult and challenging year for many in the Cayman Islands in their respective Christmas messages. “Even here on our small islands, there are people who are not sure where their next meal is coming from,” said McKeeva Bush who called upon the people to do something for others. Meanwhile, Kurt Tibbetts said that while it is only natural to feel apprehension the festive period was a time to a reflect on things that did go our way. Messages below.
Message from Premier McKeeva Bush: My fellow Caymanians, our guest workers, and those visitors to our warm and beautiful Islands: it is indeed a great pleasure to bring Season’s Greetings, at this most joyous time of the year.
I am indeed humbled when I reflect on the many blessings that God has bestowed on us all and – personally speaking – on my own family. As believers know, our Lord Jesus Christ came to us through miraculous and divine birth by the Virgin Mary.
From that time until today, the Year of Our Lord 2009, He demonstrated, in person and in writings, how to live an exemplary life; a life which everyone should strive to emulate. Lest we forget, I will mention the Biblical scripture: “The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.”
The earthly life that Jesus endured, the Faith He promoted, and the Grace He still offers, all serve to assure us of the promise of personal salvation. The Good Book also assures us of harmony and of the possibility of a good life upon Earth – if we so choose, individually and collectively. During this Season of Seasons, the beauty of life, and also its harsh realities, are remembered as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Personally, as this is my first Christmas to greet the country as Premier, I am humbled at the confidencethat you, the people of this country, have placed in me. But who am I, but a fallible, mortal man?
As leader, I know full well the challenges we have faced over the past year. Some people have suffered losses in the workplace; others have felt the harsh blow of the global economic crisis; and, most regrettable, many children and young people feel displaced and unloved. Yes, even here on our small islands, there are people who are not sure where their next meal is coming from.
In all this, God has continued to be merciful and ever-present in our lives, and in the affairs of our country. Furthermore, He has granted to some of us the strength and ability to help others in need. Therefore, for those of us who are more fortunate, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to assist however we can. So, find a friend. Please, share your time, donate money, or provide a festive meal for a family in need. One of my favourite songs expresses an important message:
“No man is an island, no man stands alone
Each man’s joy is joy to me
Each man’s grief is my own
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother
Each man as my friend.”
As we go about our customary Christmas duties of buying gifts, decorating trees and preparing elaborate meals, let us each pursue and appreciate the beauty of this holiday, and the love of family and friends. Let us consider the ‘Reason for the Season’, this Season of Seasons, and seek out less-fortunate neighbours and find ways to uplift our community and our country. Most importantly, let us stay safe and commit to spreading the gifts of love and unity this Christmas, as we strive to live, grow and prosper together.
This is my advice: Find a new friend; and, be a new friend… this is my theme for Christmas.
May the Good Lord bless you this Christmas, and may you have a joyous holiday time with your families, and may He give us health and strength for the year ahead. God Bless.
Message from Leader of Opposition Kurt Tibbetts: As we come together to celebrate Christmas, all of us will no doubt reflect on what has been a difficult and tumultuous year. Many of us faced personal challenges. Some found themselves out of work, while others experienced the devastating loss of a loved one. We were also challenged as a nation when world events forced us to face the reality that we are not immune to global uncertainty, financial or viral.
And while it is only natural to regard all of this with apprehension, this festive season we should adjust our focus, and reflect instead on those things that did go our way. For one, we had a peaceful hurricane season. Spared from storms we were able to focus on rebuilding Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. And we thank the Lord for that.
Moreover, our people remain hopeful, our traditions are strong, and we have a great love for these Cayman Islands. Most importantly though – all challenges remind us that earthly successes are indeed transient, and that there is more to life. And so, let us celebrate what Christmas is truly about: The birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
For the real joy of the season comes not in the hurrying to get more done, or in buying the perfect gift, but instead, it is found in love and compassion. Because when people look only to their own interests, our world crumbles. The best gift to receive this Christmas is indeed the love and support of neighbours, family and friends. And so, let us take this time to draw closer to God, and those we love.
Have a happy Christmas and may the New Year be filled with God’s blessings.
Med student fined & deported over prescription fraud
(CNS): John Michael Peirmatti, a 23-year-old medical student from the United States, was fined over three thousand dollars and was ordered to be deported from the Cayman Islands after he was found guilty of several offences relating to a prescription fraud investigation in Summary Court on Wednesday. Police from the financial crime unit said that prosecution came as a result of an investigation which began in October when police received reports of forged prescriptions being presented to pharmacists on the island.
The RCIPS said that extensive police enquiries were carried out and within a matter of days Peirmatti was arrested. He appeared in summary court yesterday, on three counts of making a document without authority and two counts of uttering a false document for which he received the fine of CI$3,250 and the deportation order.
Detective Inspector Betty Ebanks of the RCIPS Financial Crime Unit said the unit was pleased with the result. “This conviction came about as a result of a co-ordinated effort between the uniform section and the Financial Crimes Unit,” she said. “The commission of fraud on these islands will not be tolerated and we will pursue offenders vigorously. That’s what happened in this case and we are delighted to see that this investigation has led to a successful result at court. The message this sends out is clear offenders will be brought before the courts in Cayman and will be dealt with appropriately.”
Man bitten in mugging
(CNS): The RCIPS said that George Town detectives are now appealing for witnesses after a 37-year-old woman and her male friend were assaulted and robbed early this morning in West Bay Road. At about 2.45am (Thursday 24 December) the couple were walking close to Crescent Point Village when they were suddenly confronted by three men. One of the men punched the woman in the face and pushed her to the ground before grabbing her purse. The man tried to stop the men running off but in the struggle he was bitten on the chest and sustained a finger injury.
Police said that the suspects reportedly ran off into Crescent Point Village and a short time later they were seen within the grounds of Treasure Island Resort. The resort security staff and Police gave chase but the men evaded capture and were last seen near to the Pistol Bar on Eastern Avenue. The woman was shaken but did not require medical attention following the attack. The man was taken to George Town Hospital and released following treatment.
One of the men responsible is described as being 5’10” in height with a dark complexion. He was wearing a blue striped short. No descriptions are available for the other two men involved. The stolen purse is described as being white with silver hoops. The purse contained a pair of shoes, a small amount of cash and some cosmetics.
DC Ronald Francis of George Town CID appealed for witnesses to the incident or the perpetrators. “I would ask anyone with information about the robbery, or anyone who may have seen the men running away from the scene to come forward. I would also be keen to speak to anyone who might know the whereabouts of the stolen property. Information can be passed to George Town CID on 949-4222 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS),” he said.
Elusive flu vaccine promised by year end
(CNS): Following the continued delay in the arrival of the Swine Flu vaccine in the Cayman Islands, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar has said, that based on assurances from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) the H1N1 10,000 does of the vaccine are expected here by the end of this month and will be available to the public in early January. Dr Kumar also sought to allay fears over recalls of the vaccine as he said it was made the same way as the seasonal vaccine but officials would be keeping an eye out for any adverse reactions.
The vaccine supply for the Cayman Islands is produced by Sanofi Pasteur in France, approved by WHO and European Union.
“We will receive 10,000 doses initially and we will have enough quantities to vaccinate everyone who wishes to have it as the demand will be monitored and additional supplies will be procured as needed” said Dr Kumar.
In keeping with international guidelines, the initial doses of the vaccine will be offered first to designated priority groups: health care workers and support staff to ensure there is no disruption to health care services; pregnant women in any trimester and those who are most at risk of severe disease i.e. diabetes, those with chronic respiratory, cardiac (excluding hypertension) renal, liver and neurological disease. Later, essential workers and all others will be offered the vaccine.
In response to concerns about international media reports of recalls of certain lots of the vaccine Dr. Kumar explained that the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is made the same way as seasonal flu vaccines, which have very good safety track records. “Any side effects that have occurred since people started receiving the 2009 H1N1 vaccine have been similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine., However the Public Health Department will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events and will be guided by recommendations from the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization,” he added.
Kumar said the main objective of the pandemic Influenza A H1N1 2009 vaccination campaign in the Cayman Islands is to save lives and protect those most at risk of serious infection with this new virus: the next objective is to minimize transmission by protecting as many individuals as possible.
Mini bus driver critical
(CNS): Updated Thursday noon: Police are still appealing for witnesses
The driver of the cherry picker (51) – who had been within the bucket section of the vehicle at the time of impact – sustained slight injuries as well as a female passenger in the minibus. (Photo by News 27)
Both men have been conveyed to George Town Hospital where they are currently being treated.
Police enquiries are ongoing and Inspector Adrian Barnett of the RCIPS Traffic department is appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact him on 946-6254. Following the collision West Bay Road was closed for just over three hours to allow accident investigations and the removal of the vehicles to take place. The road is now reopened to traffic.
Teenager arrested after drunken car smash
(CNS): A sixteen year old boy has been arrested on suspicion of DUI after the car he was driving hit a concrete pillar last night, Tuesday 22 December 2009 on the West Bay Road. The incident which is one of a flurry of car smashes in the last few days occurred at about 10.10 pm when the young man was driving a Honda Civic south along the road. Police say that when the teen driver tried to negotiate a left turn into Camana Bay he appears to have lost control of the vehicle and struck a concrete pillar. All five male occupants of the vehicle sustained slight injuries.
The 16-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and driving without a license and insurance. No other vehicles were involved and police enquiries are ongoing. Inspector Adrian Barnett, head of the RCIPS Traffic department is once again warning people about the dangers of driving without being qualified and of the obvious consequences of drink driving.
“I cannot stress this strongly enough – do not get behind the wheel of a car unless you are qualified. Driving tests are in place for a very good reason – to make sure that you have the skills to be able to drive,” said the senior traffic cop. “These five lads were very lucky to have escaped with relatively minor injuries. Drinking and driving is a lethal enough combination on its own – but when you mix that with inexperience and a complete disregard for the laws of the road the results could potentially be fatal.”
In the wake of criticisms that the RCIPS has been paying too much attention to traffic incidents while appearing to ignore what people see as more serious crime such as the armed robberies and shootings, Inspector Adrian Barnett explained that this type of incident is why the police were pursuing the festive clamp down.
“We will have officers out in force throughout the holiday period to drive home the message that drink driving and other actions which impact on road safety in the Cayman Islands are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We want this to be safe and happy Christmas for everyone on the islands – and we will not allow those who show disregard for the law to spoil it for others,” he added.
New Year tobacco ban to provide smoke free air
(CNS): It may have been almost a decade in the making but at long last government is enforcing legislation which stops the use of tobacco in enclosed public areas and creates smoke free air in enclosed public areas. One of the key provisions of the Cayman Islands’ Tobacco Law, 2008 is that all public places will be smoke-free from 31 December 2009. Legislated smoke-free areas include enclosed bars, restaurants and pool halls, parks, any commercial transport, public toilets and public transportation terminals (e.g. the cruise terminals) and all shops and shopping centres.
A disappointment to anti-tobacco activists and health campaigners, however, the law does allow for designated smoking areas in open air bars and restaurants.
This designated areas are faced with certain restrictions and they must be clearly marked They must be at least 10ft away from the non-smoking areas and they cannot be in, or within 10ft of, any entrance, exit or any other openings of the enclosed section. The Law defines ‘enclosed’ as a place which has a full or partial roof and where the sides are at least 50% covered with walls, windows, blinds or curtains.
Despite the fact that the legislation has been in place for well over a year business owners are still being given time to comply with the Law. The Public Health Department, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, Cancer Society and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA), has developed sample signs for tobacco dealers and restaurants and bars. Officials have also met with members from the business community to explain the new legislation and its impact on businesses.
“We are all working together to ensure compliance, and although we urge business owners to have the necessary provisions in place by the end of this year, we are also realistic. As such, we will give business owners until 30 April 2010 to have the necessary, permanent signs in place,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar said.
Similarly, tobacco dealers – retailers and wholesale distributors – have until 30 April 2010 to register with the Medical Officer of Health (Public Health Department). This will be an annual registration and dealers must display their Certificate of Registration (similar to a Trade and Business License). There is a once-off non-refundable application fee of $100, and the annual registration fees are as follows: CI$500 for a retailer; CI$750 for a cigar bar; and CI$5,000 for a wholesale distributor.
Those whose primary customers are minors (children under 18 years), for example indoor play areas; recreational facilities such as gyms, cinemas, parks (e.g. Botanic Park) or games rooms, and vendors inside health care, educational and cultural facilities (e.g. the Harquail Theatre) will not be able to apply for a tobacco registration.
For many people the legislation did not go far enough and ban smoking in other public places that are outside such as the beaches and parks. However, even in what is considered a diluted form the legislation is expected to save lives. Research in other jurisdictions has revealed that smoking bans can reduce deaths from heart related diseases by as much as 35%.
Application forms for the tobacco registry are available from the Public Health Department at the Cayman Islands Hospital in the New Year. For more information on the Tobacco Law and Regulations, business owners can contact the Public Health Department at 244-2621.
Government confirms Monday as a public holiday
(CNS): The Christmas festivities will include Monday 28 December for some people as government has declared that date a public holiday. A release from Government Information Services stated that the move to confirm the holiday was prompted by wording in the Public Holidays Law (2007 Revision) schedule, which states that the “day after Christmas Day” is a holiday. But this year, Christmas falls on a Friday – meaning that according to law, the “day after Christmas” holiday, which we call Boxing Day, would be observed on Saturday, 26 December.
However, the Public Holidays Law also allows the governor to amend, by Order, the schedule to the law and it has now been amended. So Monday, 28 December 2009, is now an official public holiday and Saturday, 26 December 2009, is no longer a public holiday. The Order to amend the law will be published today (23 December), in an extraordinary edition of The Cayman Islands Gazette.