Archive for April 23rd, 2010
Brackers to get new roads after 30 years
(CNS): It is three decades since the fifty miles of road in Cayman Brac were last resurfaced so the arrival of the government’s new asphalt plant is likely to be welcomed by local drivers. After thirty years of use the roads on both the Sister Islands are in need of some serious attention. Once additional preparatory works are complete and the components assembled and tested, the plant should become operational by late May government officials said.
The plant arrived in Cayman Brac last week as a special shipment. Major components of the Terex Magnum 80 drum-mix asphalt plant were one unit containing the control cabin and raw materials, and another housing the asphalt, fuel tank and heater. Once operational, the facility will be capable of producing 80 tons of hot-mix asphalt per hour.
Partnering the Brac’s Public Works Department on this project is the National Roads Authority which will supply key personnel and special heavy equipment from Grand Cayman. That equipment will include an asphalt paver, three dump trucks, two rollers and laboratory equipment. Colford Scott has been allocated overall project responsibility.
The Brac has just 50 miles of roadways, including main thoroughfares on the north and south coasts, cross-island bypasses, as well as secondary roads.
Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said she welcomed the arrival of the plant which will be critical to both refurbish and create additional roads. “It will also facilitate the continued development of property on the Bluff, and benefit the islands as a whole,” she said.
Finalists selected for local education award
(CNS): Bodden Town Primary School, Cayman Prep and High School, George Town Primary School, John Gray High School and The Wellness Centre have been selected as this year’s five finalists for the Joanna Clarke Excellence in Education Award (JCA) sponsored by dms. The finalist initiatives range from a marine science programme and a film club to an autism programme for school classrooms. The winner of the award will be selected by a committee and they group will receive $12,000 towards their project and it will be announced next month.
Bodden Town Primary School proposed an initiative titled “Beyond School” which seeks to enrich the way students spend their time out of school, as well as in school. It is targeted towards students who have demonstrated challenges in best utilizing their talents, and will serve to ignite a passion for learning, encouraging them to concentrate on their studies through innovative and exciting methods.
Cayman Prep and High School recently introduced a marine science programme as an A-level two-year course of sufficiently high standard which can be used for advanced credit at North American universities. They require funding to continue to offer a host of off-site excursions to that provide invaluable hands-on experience for students.
George Town Primary School applied for the grant to support its Digital Visual Media Club which equips students with necessary skills to integrate literacy with media. This programme teaches students proficiency in various digital, visual, broadcasting and photojournalism applications, as well as the opportunity to explore careers in the relevant industry.
John Gray High School requires funding to purchase dive equipment for the new schools for its John Gray High School Scuba Diving Club. The club seeks to heighten awareness for environmental and marine conservation, and the equipment will assist in making diving more accessible to students after they have completed their open-water dive course.
The Wellness Centre requested funding to assist with a soon-to-be-launched project titled “Autism in the Classroom”, a two-day comprehensive training programme for teachers. It is aimed at increasing awareness and providing teachers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with research-based training through an interactive and supportive learning opportunity
This is the fourth year of the award which the firm said is not limited to mainstream education initiatives, but looks to reward initiatives that enrich the lives of young people through a traditional academic or extracurricular activity. Granting up to KYD $12,000 annually the application process was launched in early February and came to a close on 1 April. The JCA committee comprised of eight reputable members of the local business and education communities selected the five finalists.
Chairperson of the JCA Committee Joanna Clarke said that each year she continues to be impressed with the level of enthusiasm for the betterment of our youth and the innovative and worthy initiatives. “It is challenging when it comes to selecting the finalists and winners alike, but we do our best to ensure that the initiatives selected align with the criteria we have established. I am also impressed with dms’ commitment to investing in our youth – they have demonstrated tremendous corporate responsibility and I hope that other firms continue to provide much-needed private funding to contribute towards the enrichment of our youth,” she added.
The finalists made presentations to the committee on 20 April and the 2010 winner(s) will be announced Saturday, 22 May at LUCA restaurant. If several worthy projects are identified, the committee may provide grants to multiple organizations up to KYD $12,000 in total.
dms Vice President and JCA Committee Member Krista Pell said the committee commended all the applicants on their endeavours. “It is incredibly rewarding to learn just how many dedicated professionals we have in the education community, and we look forward to continuing to do our part to fund as many deserving projects as possible. This award process itself is incredible as it generates public interest in education enabling the potential for alternative funding from other sources,” she said.
For further information contact Tara Tvedt-Pearson, dms Organization Ltd. Project Coordinator, at 749-2407 or ttvedt@dms.com.ky
Louisiana flavour comes to Cayman
(CNS): A local business man is bringing a taste of New Orleans to the Cayman Islands having opened the first Popeyes® in Cayman. The new restaurant familiar to regular visitors to the southern states has opened on Eastern Ave this week and is one of two restaurants the franchise organization plans to build on the island over the next couple years. The holder of this first franchise, Gary Rutty will run the restaurant with his wife Angel said he was looking forward to brining Cayman some Louisiana flavour.
“For more than 35 years, Popeyes has thrilled patrons around the globe with New Orleans-style cuisine hard to find outside of Cajun-country,” said Rutty. “As a sixth generation islander, I have come to love Popeyes through my travels and knew Caymanians would love the bold spicy flavors too.”
Popeyes’ is a fast service restaurant with a variety of menu items with a kick such as spicy and mild chicken, popcorn shrimp, and signature sides including Cajun rice, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy, Cajun Fries, and world-famous Red Beans & Rice.
Rutty said the restaurant design is consistent with that found in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, the brand’s birthplace, with an island feel. The architectural design features bold colours, awnings and gooseneck lighting. Dine-in customers will also be treated to the vibrant sounds of Popeyes in-restaurant entertainment featuring jazz, blues and zydeco.
“We have been working hard to bring Grand Cayman a taste of Louisiana heritage and can’t wait to share the unique Louisiana cuisine and New Orleans atmosphere that really differentiate Popeyes from any other quick service brand,” added Rutty.