Archive for February, 2010
Police appeal for two drivers and release two suspects
(CNS): The senior investigating officer in the murder enquiry of four-year-old Jeremiah Barnes is appealing for witnesses from two different cars that police believe were in the vicinity of Hell Gas Station seconds after the shooting. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Kennett is looking for the drivers of a 7-8 seater people carrier that was being driven west on Hell Road approaching the gas station which was forced to brake sharply, and a white saloon car waiting in Fountain Road to turn onto Hell Road. Kennett has also confirmed that two of the four men in custody have been released.
Police said that detectives in the major incident room at West Bay police station are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry. SIO Kennett said over 50 statements have now been collected from various witnesses. “Clearly this tragic event has deeply affected the public, who are only too willing to help. As was so eloquently put by a number of speakers at the candlelit vigil for Jeremiah on Monday, it is time for people to stand up against the violence in Cayman. Clearly, people have taken this message to heart,” he said.
Today, police are focusing on finding the drivers and possible passengers of specific vehicles that were in the area of the Hell Gas Station, Hell Road West Bay at exactly 8pm on Monday the 15 February, just seconds after the murder was committed and may be able to assist with the enquiry.
The first was a 7-8 seater people carrier that was being driven west in Hell Road approaching the gas station. This vehicle was forced to brake sharply to avoid a dark grey saloon car that was exiting through the eastern entranceof the gas station turning right onto Hell Road. Had the driver not braked hard there would have been an accident. This dark grey vehicle was being driven at a very fast speed and had come from behind the station. It turned right and east into Hell Road and sped off.
There was also a fairly poor condition white saloon car waiting in Fountain Road to turn onto Hell Road and the driver would have seen this dark grey car.
“We urgently need to speak to these drivers” said DCI Kennett. “They may have valuable information that can assist the enquiry. If you were nearly involved in that accident by Hell service station please get in touch now.”
Anyone who has any information which could assist the enquiry team should contact the murder incident room at West Bay police station either by calling the team direct on 926-1773, or by calling the station on 949-3999 and asking to be transferred to the enquiry team.
Alternatively call Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS).
Restaurant armed robbery
(CNS): Police say that two robbers, one of them armed with what appeared to be a handgun, held up a restaurant in George Town last night, Tuesday 23 February, and made off with a small sum of cash. About 9.00 pm two men, dressed in dark clothing, entered the Corner Restaurant in Eastern Avenue. The armed robber threatened staff before making off from the scene with the cash. No shots were fired and no-one was injured as a result of the incident. Detective Constable Richard Scott, of George Town CID, is appealing for anyone who has information regarding this crime to come forward.
“The restaurant was very quiet at the time of the robbery. The suspects were wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered,” he said. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and ask anyone in the area of the restaurant who saw anything suspicious to contact George Town police station on 949-4222.
Cayman Finance report calls for cuts in public sector
The report highlights the fact that government spending in the Cayman Islands is “totally out of line with its peers, having far higher levels of public spending than any other comparable jurisdiction.”
The report, commissioned by Cayman Finance (formerly The Cayman Islands Financial Services Association), unequivocally rules out the introduction of direct taxation without first ensuring public sector expenditure is balanced in relation to the islands’ population of around 50,000. The financial organisation says it intends that the report will assist the deliberations of The Miller Commission, which is scheduled to be published in the near future. The premier confirmed recently that the Miller report is already completed and he would be travelling to the UK to discuss its findings with the OT minister next month.
Commenting on the report and the growth of the local civil service, Anthony Travers, chair of Cayman Finance, said that the Cayman Islands premier was well aware that public sector expenditure presents the gravest financial problem facing the islands. “This is not a problem of Mr McKeeva Bush’s making. Many must shoulder the responsibility, but it is something he must address without further delay,” Travers stated.
Speaking at a public meeting in front of the courthouse last night, Bush vowed that he would not reduce the civil service and lay off Caymanians and that he would find other solutions. He said that if he reduced the civil service by 1000 people, that would see at least seven to eight hundred local people lose their jobs and he was not prepared to do that.
Travers, however, said he believed that the current CI government has realised the scale of the problem, unlike the UK Government which has not.
“The UK trillion pound public sector obligations are not even on the balance sheet. Despite the talk of regulation and prudent fiscal management, the accounting treatment shows that little has been learned in the UK from thefinancial crisis,” the CIFSA chair observed. “Now that the true nature of the problem has been identified in Cayman we encourage and support government undertaking immediate remedial action and in good time.”
The Teather report suggests that the alternative to cutting spending — increasing taxes — hurts workers and does not increase private sector jobs but does increase public sector jobs. He says that if a business’s taxes are raised there are only three options for whom to pass the cost on to: owners and investors through lower profits and lower dividends; customers through higher prices; or employees through lower wages or redundancies
“The pain of tax rises on business therefore ends up falling on the workers,” Teather states and adds that institutional and private client funds pooling in a tax neutral environment have been an important element in the development of the financial services industry and notes the success of the indirect taxation method that has been used in Cayman to date.
Mac: Asset sale only choice
(CNS): The mounting opposition to government’s decision to sell public assets to balance this year’s budget brought McKeeva Bush back to the hustings this week to defend government policies, despite the fact that the election is over three years away. The premier said that selling assets was a better choice than laying off thousands of civil servants or introducing direct taxation. He said these were the only other choices the UK government would allow in order for the local government to borrow funds to pay off last year’s deficit, left by what he said was the PPM’s financial incompetence. Bush has also now stated that the government building will eventually be bought back, despite indications in the offering that it is a freehold sale. (Photo by Dennie Warren Jr)
The sale of the new government office accommodation building on Elgin Avenue has been met with considerable opposition, not just from the People’s Progress Movement but the wider community. Bush has, however, defended the move and also questioned why, when the sale of the building was openly indicated in the 2009/10 budget document back in October, there was now a rising against it and suggested it was political exploitation by the opposition party, who felt to oppose the move then was risky as the UDP government was still popular.
Following the PPM’s gathering at South Sound on Monday evening, the front and back bench members, as well as UDP party representative, gathered outside the Courthouse on Tuesday evening. Following short presentations from other party members, Bush took to the podium to defend his policies and take the opportunity to point the finger squarely at the previous administration for the financial struggles faced by the country.
Focusing on the sale of the new office accommodation building, Bush stated that government would not sell the building unless they were able to find a financial package or structure that would enable the government to still own the property in the future. He indicated that this would mean government was effectively buying back the building during the time it is renting the accommodation from the new owner. The goal, he added, was that the civil service pension board would still purchase the property, but whoever did, eventually government would still own it.
However, the invitation document clearly states that government is looking for “expressions of interest from investors wishing to acquire the freehold interest in the new Government Office Administration Building”, and although the terms include government being the tenant, it does not indicate how the government intends to buy back the freehold.
Nevertheless, Bush vowed to find a way and admitted that he did not want to sell the building but was forced to do so because, when in office, the PPM government had broken the rules on good fiscal management, placing the Cayman government at the mercy of the UK government for permission to borrow. He said that the UK gave no indication that they would allow, as the PPM have suggested, the CI government to spread the deficit over a longer period. Bush also insisted that the cash government would gain from the sale of the building would be placed into reserves and not absorbed by operational costs, as suggested by the PPM.
“We have had to make tough decisions in order to keep government operational,” he said, adding that he was not prepared to lay off thousands of civil servants and see Caymanians lose their jobs or introduce taxation. But if the budget was to go “belly up” that would spell certain disaster for the country and hopes for future investment.
“Is that what Kurt Tibbetts wants me to do?” he asked. Bush suggested that if the PPM did not support the sale of the new office building he must be in favour of laying off Caymanians or direct taxation.
Bush vowed to do everything possible to avoid the introduction of direct taxation as he said it would dramatically change the landscape of the Cayman Islands. “This budget does not include taxation and I truly want to keep it that way,” Bush told the public who had come to hear his position. “As sure as night follows day, once you put tax on one it will soon fall on the poor man who can’t even pay his electricity bill.”
The need to sell the building was pivotal to the current budget, he said, and if we did not then the only other choice for this budget would be reducing the civil service, which would see hundreds of Caymanians lose their jobs. “I will not lay off civil servants,” he added.
The premier admitted that new revenue resources would still have to be found in the future. He said he would be going to the UK next month to discuss the Miller Report (the independent review conducted as a condition of the permission to borrow from the UK), which has assessed potential new revenue sources for the islands, the content of which has not yet been revealed. CNS asked the premier what recommendations had been made in the report at the last press briefing but the premier said at the time that he was unable to discuss its content.
Bush also denied that his government had dismissed the idea of extending thecountry’s net-debt ratio and that the discussions with the UK over that strategy, which would give government access to more borrowing power over the next few years, were ongoing, but there was no certainty that the UK would ever agree. He said that the OT minister, Chris Bryant, would only have allowed the CI government to spread the deficit through borrowing if the country had introduced some form of property, income or payroll tax to balance the 2009/10 budget.
He said that the PPM’s opposition to the sale of assets and plans to march on the Glass House were disruptive and mere political opportunism as they had yet to offer any concrete solutions. “If they have a sound proposal bring it to us,” he invited. “But it’s not solution they are after, it’s winning elections.”
Bush also spoke about immigration, crime and the planned march by the PPM. He lamented the opposition to his policies on the radio talk shows and what he called the ‘blogs’. He said that the blogs opposing government were written by the same person over and over again and that the public should not take any notice of them or the callers to the talk shows.
Roberts reveals ordeal of murder trial
(CNS): In an interview with News 27, Rayle Roberts, the husband of Estella Scott-Roberts talks about the trial in which the two men who murdered his wife were found guilty. Roberts reveals his emotions when he first caught a glimpse of Kirkland Henry and Larry Ricketts, the men who have been found guilty of abducting, raping, robbing and murdering Estella, during their first court appearance as well as the hurtful rumours that circulated about him. “We have to be aware of the collateral damage of our tongue,” he said, explaining how people don’t understand when they spread malicious gossip how it really affects that person.
Bush defends $1million PR
(CNS): Following a considerable amount of opposition to the government’s proposal to sell Permanent Residency to wealthy individuals for $1 million, the premier has defended the policy and said it was a special grant for a limited number of rich retirees that require a second jurisdiction for “their own purposes". Mckeeva Bush said it would enable government to earn money for what it has been giving away for years. “It is not a grant of citizenship or Caymanians status,” he said. The opposition, however, have said the proposal would allow foreigners to set up local businesses without a Caymanian partner.
“For years we have been giving away permanent residency for as little as $400 in some instances,” Bush said in an audiostatement released on Monday prior to the PPM public meeting where they had said they would be discussing the proposal.
“So in these times of crisis and insecurity we felt it was prudent to establish a new category or PR that would attract a limited number of wealthy retirees that want a second jurisdiction for their own purposes. We would be foolish not to finally gain more economic benefit from people wishing to have a presence in our islands.”
He denied that the grant would allow people to open competitive businesses in Cayman. “It will not entitle the person to work or own a business,” he said, accusing the PPM of misleading the public about the purpose of the grant.
However, in an Associated Press article which appeared in USA Today last week, Charles Glidden, the premier’s new press secretary, said exactly the opposite and indicated that not only would the grant simplify business transactions for those who travel often to Cayman, “it could eliminate the need to obtain a Caymanian business partner". Glidden added that those granted the new PR “can come and go as they like. They would not have to be on a work permit."
Alden McLaughlin told CNS in a recent interview that, as there already was a route by which wealthy people could gain PR through investing $¾ million in the island in property or businesses, this sale of residency seemed an odd proposal and must have an ulterior motive. He explained that in return for that investment people could apply for a 25 year permanent residency certificate for $20,000. This, he explained, could achieve exactly the same goal as that offered in the new million dollar PR, but for less.
Speaking at the PPM meeting in South Sound on Monday evening (22 February), McLaughlin latched on to the comment by Glidden and noted that this would explain the motivation behind this new special category. He warned that if those granted the million dollar PR were allowed to operate businesses in the jurisdiction then they would have considerably more resources with which to compete against local businesses.
“There will be no control over what these people can do once they are granted PR,” McLaughlin said. “And these significant changes are being made without any discussion.”
St George revived for charity
(CNS): After almost three decades a group of English residents in the Cayman Islands are hoping to revive the St. George’s Day celebrations on 23 April this year. The goal is to raise money for Positive Intervention Now (PIN), an afterschool intervention programme for at-risk adolescents in central George Town that is operated by St. George’s Anglican Church. Colin Wilson one of the organizers said the idea of bringing back the English national celebration seemed a good way to drum up some much needed funds for the worthy cause.
St. George’s Day honours the patron saint of England, who was allegedly a roman priest and soldier who saved Christians and died a martyr. He is most famous for suppoedly killing a dragon and while the Cathloic church takes the position that he did exists it admists there are grounds for doubt concerning this legend.
Travers carves past his start number in Olympic race
(CNS): Updated 6:00pm.
Travers improved his standing by 8 slots from the first round, which he completed in 1:29.39 to be in 78th place going into the second round.
The race, over the two gruelling and long courses, was dominated by the northern European racers with Norwegians Kjetil Jansrud and Askel Svindal taking silver and bronze. Austrian Marcel Hirscher just missed the podium by .08 of a second. Canada’s best showing was from Eric Guay who made 16th and Jamyang Nangial from India finished last, some 57 seconds off the pace.
Cops aim to give advice at local shops
(CNS): Police officers and staff from local security companies will be manning information booths outside supermarkets throughout the Cayman Islands force area on Saturday, 27 February 2010, to provide shoppers with crime prevention information and advice. Tips on personal safety as well as how to make life more difficult for would-be burglars and other criminals will be top of the agenda, a police spokesperson said. The booths will operate from 9.00 am until 3.00 pm on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, and between 10.00 am until noon on Little Cayman.
The roadshow is one of many events planned throughout the islands in the coming weeks and months the RCIPS stated. Future activities include local meetings involving neighbourhood police officers and one-to-one sessions with condominium owners and managers to discuss lighting and security in their respective complexes.
Chief Inspector Angelique Howell, the officer in charge of co-ordinating the roadshow, said the purpose was to encourage the public to think more about their own personal safety and how they secure their property against would-be thieves.
“This joint approach to security will mean that our communities will have access to the best information available. No-one wants to become a victim of crime and sometimes all it takes is for people to make a few simple changes to their routine and their security at home to vastly reduce the chances of becoming a victim,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to talk to officers and security staff on a one-to-one basis, and pick up all the tips you need to make you, your family and your home much safer.”
The locations are as follows;
Grand Cayman – Fosters, Hurleys and Kirks supermarkets.
Cayman Brac – Kirkconnell supermarket
Little Cayman – Village Square
The security companies involved are Eagle Eye, National Security, Marksman, Caribbean Security, Island Electronics and House Smart.
Coffee, Cake & Careers and higher education
(CNS): The recruitment professionals at CML say they are seeing a trend amongst the candidates that have applied in the first month of 2010 – a keen interest in evaluating how education can improve their situation. Several individuals have sought advice regarding the best educational opportunities to assist them on their career path. Therefore, CML’s next ‘Coffee, Cake & Careers’ evening, which takes place tonight, Tuesday 23 February, will focus on further education.
“Further education is essential to move forward with your career, to help put you past the post,” explained CML CEO Steve McIntosh. “Most of today’s CEOs have been studying for years, with several degrees and qualifications under their belt. I’m a perfect example – I’m currently studying for my MBA! We’ve invited UCCI to join us for our first Coffee, Cake & Careers evening of 2010 to discuss available courses and potential career paths with our candidates.”
UCCI representative Mitch Ebanks, Coordinator of Special Services will join the consultants in meeting and advising job-seekers and those looking to advance their careers in an informal setting. This will be CML’s fifth Coffee, Cake & Careers evening. These events focus on providing feedback and advice on resumes and interview skills for job seekers, as well as assisting in finding employment. Previous evenings have also highlighted the value of training and development, and provided tips to impress an HR Manager. Attendees are asked to bring a copy of their resume to CML’s office in the Grand Pavilion Commercial Centre on West Bay Road between 5 pm and 6 pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
CML Offshore Recruitment is the world’s largest offshore recruitment specialist with professional consultants recruiting for all areas including legal, accounting, IT and administrative fields. For more information contact CML Offshore Recruitment on 949 1345 or email info@cmlor.com