Archive for May 19th, 2010
Government aims to improve road safety
(CNS): Government officials are to begin looking at reducing speed limits and introducing pedestrian crossings in an effort to make the West Bay Road safer. According to a government press release the Minister for Works Juliana O’Connor-Connolly has asked the Traffic Advisory Panel (TAP) to review and recommend measures that will make the road safer. Panellist and NRA Director Brian Tomlinson said the committee will consider both long- and short-term measures that may slow traffic but will improve the safety of pedestrians and drivers.
Dr Philip Pedley
(CNS): Dr. Philip Pedley, a longtime civil servant and friend to many, passed away last night (Tuesday, 18 May) in the
Dr. Pedley had a long and distinguished civil service career. He played a pivotal role in the many changes the government made over the past four decades. “Dr. Pedley could not be described as a colleague; he was more of a kindred spirit, and I miss him terribly,” said Strategic Adviser Peter Gough. Archive Director Kimlon Seymour added, “The staff and I will always remember Dr. Pedley, for his dedication to the vision of giving Cayman's history back to its people, and for preserving its heritage for future generations. His contributions will live on, and we too miss him terribly.”
Ebanks, said that the policy advice provided by Dr. Pedley was always sound based on years of experience, extensive research and most importantly, careful reflection on its effect in the context of theCayman Islands. “No matter how brief the contact, Dr. Pedley touched the lives of everyone who met him. He will never be forgotten, nor will we forget his immense contribution to this country in his various roles as a father, husband, church brother, teacher, archivist and policy adviser,” the Deputy governor stated.
Lions press for more trees
(CNS): The Lions Club of Grand Cayman was sending a message to the community about the need to plan more trees last week as a run up to Arbour Day, which officially was observed on Monday, 17 May. President Debbie Ebanks joined Savannah primary school children to plant a mahogany tree. The Environment Minister, Mark Scotland also joined in the gardening session. “Our goal is to ensure that tree-planting exercises are re-established in our schools,” Ebanks said.
Overseas Territories now moved to Tory minister
(CNS): After only two days the Overseas Territories have been moved from the responsibility of Liberal Democrat Jeremy Browne to that of Conservative Henry Bellingham who was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State on 14 May 2010. A Foreign Office spokesperson told CNS on Wednesday that portfolios are constantly under review and some adjustments had been made to the early division of responsibilities between the new FCO ministers. It will now be up to Bellingham to decide if the Cayman Islands’ Government’s three year economic plan will work and allow further borrowing to plug this year’s budget deficit.
Chancellor says London will be hit for Cayman funds
(SKY NEWS): With 80% of Europe’s hedge funds operating out of London, it is the UK that stands to lose the most, Britain’s new Chancellor, George Osborne has said in regard to the European clamp down on Hedge Funds. He explained that the UK would be badly hit because although a fund manager may be sitting inLondon, the fund’s pot of money may be in the Cayman Islands, categorizing it as a "foreign fund" that would have to comply with the new rules. But the plans were already well progressed before the Brussels meeting, giving Osborne little maneuverability. He said: "I was left a difficult negotiating hand by the previous government. I was outnumbered on the hedge fund directive."
Teachers to get special holiday
(CNS): All teachers in the public education system will receive an extra day off – with pay – government has said. The special holiday, which has been dubbed Teacher Appreciation Day will take place on 15 June Education Minister, Rolston Anglin announced during a reception to honour Cayman Brac teachers last week. According to a GIS release the local teachers attending the event appeared stunned at the announcement before applauding the decision. Government education officials will also be holding a thank you for teachers on Grand Cayman next week who are included in the teacher’s holiday.
Clegg risks rift with Tories on tax and human rights
(Times Online): Nick Clegg is promising to make the tax system fairer rather than lower the tax burden as he seeks to imbue the coalition with Liberal Democrat values. The Deputy Prime Minister said he expected government to ease taxes on middle and lower-income families and to press ahead with a rise in capital gains tax. His comments are likely to expose fault-lines with his Tory partners, for whom lowering taxes is an article of faith. Clegg also risked a rift with the Conservatives over the future of the Human Rights Act, which David Cameron pledged to scrap if elected. “Any government would tamper with it at its peril,” Clegg said.
PPM leader defendsFOI
(CNS): The introduction of the Freedom of information Law is one of the most important checks and balances on public service in a democracy, the leader of the opposition told CNS. As the man responsible for ensuring the legislation was eventually passed in the Cayman Islands after years of supporting the principle, Kurt Tibbetts said the opposition would resist any move by the current government to reverse the law. Tibbetts noted that the law was designed to enable the people to take part in the democratic process and ensure both the official and elected arms of government were accountable and transparent.