Archive for October 18th, 2010

Dart buys family liquor stores

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 78 Comments

(CNS): Cayman Distributors Group, which is turned owned by Dart, has confirmed that the company has bought the local familyowned liquor chain, Big Daddy’s. The acquisition of the five stores was finalised last week CDG confirmed Monday. Despite some concerns in the community that the sale represents the loss of another local small business into the hands of a large conglomerate, Mat Bishop, General Manager of Cayman Distributors, said it was a positive move for all parties and would bring stability for the staff, brand partners and customers. The former owner, Cleveland Dilbert, who is now 66, said that the decision to sell his stores was not an easy one after 28 years but with his son staying on he was confident that CDG would continue the family business’ successful legacy.

Bishop said he was delighted that Damien Dilbert was continuing on with the firm. “He has an excellent reputation in the market and will ensure that the legacy his father built up over many years is continued," Bishop said.

Damien Dilbert, who is the eldest son of Cleveland Dilbert, said the family was very excited about the deal and the possibilities it presents for Big Daddy’s and its customers. “We were always confident that the Cayman Distributors Group is a good strategic and cultural fit for Big Daddy’s because we share similar values and a commitment to preserving the company’s local heritage and loyal customer base,” he added.

Dilbert will become the Retail Manager of the Big Daddy’s stores, which will retain the same name. He said he was honoured that CDC had asked him to stay on with the company, adding that customers could continue to expect the same high levels of customer service they have become accustomed to. “This new deal provides us with the opportunity to further enhance our service and product offerings and provide increased benefits to our customers,” he revealed.

Cayman Distributors was bought by the Dart Group some two years ago after the firm purchased Black Beards, which was another independent liquor chain. The firm merged the two companies under the umbrella of CDG, which Big Daddy’s will now join.

Government offers second chance at learning

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 0 Comments

(CNS): Adult education classes, leading to external examinations in a range of subjects, are now being offered by the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC) in the afternoons and evenings. Commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment, and developed with input from the University College of the Cayman Islands, the classes are open to all adult and young adult learners. Minister for Education, Rolston Anglin, said some recent graduates would have already realised the serious implications of not having a number of quality passes in their secondary examinations and this offered a vital second chance for students who have fallen short for whatever reason to continue their academic journey.

The programme was established in response to public demand Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler noted and is ideally suited for individuals who need to re-sit specific CXC and GCSE examinations in May/June 2011. Courses include English; mathematics; human and social biology; child development; Spanish; social studies; business studies; and electronic document preparation and management.

The Minister encouraged potential students to take advantage of this opportunity to improve their qualifications and strengthen their ability to compete in both the academic arena and the job market.

“While the program primarily targets recent graduates it also gives persons who have already joined the working world the chance to strengthen their foundational skills so that they can open up opportunities for higher education and job advancement,” he said.

Classes will begin the week of 1 November and end in June, totalling about 22 weeks. Students will have two two-hour classes per week. The cost for each course is CI$300, which includes the examination fee and course resource materials. All courses will be taught by qualified and experienced subject teachers.

Application forms are available atthe DES, on Thomas Russell Way; the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment, in Royal Plaza on Cardinall Avenue; local libraries; UCCI, on Olympic Way (next to the Truman Bodden Sports Complex); and www.education.gov.ky.

Registration is scheduled for Monday, 25 October from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Clifton Hunter High School (formerly George Hicks High School). Applications may be submitted and fees paid, at that time. Applications also can be submitted Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Department of Education Services. For more information, prospective students can call DES at 945-1199.

UCCI to offer wealth management qualification

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 0 Comments

(CNS): The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) has confirmed that the University College Cayman Islands (UCCI ) will be the primary training provider for its qualifications in Cayman. From January next year the college will offer the CISI’s core global qualifications including the International Introduction to Investment, Risk in Financial Services, International Certificate in Wealth Management and the CISI Certificates programme. UCCI President Roy Bodden said he was delighted with the alliance which demonstrates the college’s commitment to the educational and training needs of the Cayman Islands and hoped local employers will make use of it.

The qualifications will support the ongoing development and professionalism of the Cayman Islands’ wealth management industry. “It is our hope that the entities which operate in the jurisdiction avail themselves of this opportunity to improve the professionalism of their staff,” Bodden said in the wake of the announced at a launch in Grand Cayman on 11 October.

“Having such training available at UCCI will allow practitioners to obtain first-hand education through qualified personnel,” Bodden said. “ It carries the added advantage of face to face contact with instructors, thus guaranteeing personalized learning and the immediate access to instructors. Once again, UCCI is responding to the educational and training needs of the Cayman Islands, as a leading international financial centre.”

Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI, CISI CEO, said the training and qualifications programme will allow Caymanians to gain skills which will enable them to pursue a career in the securities and investment industry and contribute to the islands’ economy.

The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) is an institution of higher learning that contributes to Caymanian society by advancing knowledge and developing creative graduates through its cultural, social, economic and environmental activities. UCCI offers a number of certificate programmes, associate and degree courses as well as graduate programmes and professional training.

Based in the City of London, CISI is a global organisation with representative offices in financial centres such as Dublin, Singapore, Dubai and Mumbai. It works closely in cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies worldwide. The Institute was granted a Royal Charter in 2009.

Cayman to host its first ever fashion extravaganza

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 6 Comments

(CNS): Grand Cayman is heading for a place in the fashion magazines with the launch of its first ever international fashion event. Following in the footsteps of London, Paris, Milan and New York, which all have their own fashion weeks, Cayman will have its own fashion weekend. Cayman Fashion Solstice is scheduled for the first weekend of November at the Ritz-Carlton and will be hosted by Cayman’s very own Supermodel, Selita Ebanks, and International Super Male Model, Tyson Beckford. Aside from showing off some of the collections from some of the world’s top designers, it will also be an opportunity for aspiring local models to take to the catwalk in front of the world’s fashionistas and alongside professional models from around the world.

With the goal of making fashion solstice an annual event, Cindy Rosan-Jones, managing director of Guavaberry Marketing, said the firm was delighted to be holding the show at the Ritz-Carlton. “We are beyond words that both Selita and Tyson have graciously accepted our offer to host our premier event. We plan to make this event a resounding success, something that the Cayman Islands will be proud of and at the same time speak volumes for the tourism product,” she said.

As no fashion show is complete without the models, there will be a casting call on Friday 22 October at Brick House, Grand Harbour, from 3pm to 6pm for both females and males interested in modelling for Cayman Fashion Solstice, which will take place on 6 November

“Cayman Fashion Solstice Fashion Show is an ideal avenue for aspiring Cayman models to gain exposure in front of the industry’s most prominent agents and fashion executives, and it will feature collections from some of the world’s top fashion designers and clothing brands on the market,” said Rosan-Jones.

To be eligible, those auditioning must meet all of the following criteria:

Females are required to be age 16 to 25 on the date of entry; they must be 5’8” or taller without heels; sized 2 to 6 (swimsuit ready). Males are required to be age 17 to 28 on the date of entry; they must be 5’11” to 6’2”; their waists 30 to 32. All applicants must have healthy, unblemished skin. All applicants must be able to participate in Cayman Fashion Solstice’s Event from 4-7 November , and any applicant under 18 must have their parents’ or guardians’ consent.

To audition, female models must bring three or four inch heels along with a swimsuit, and should wear minimal make-up with their hair pulled away from the face into a ponytail. Females with short hair should have their hair secured from around their face. Male models must also bring a swimsuit.

Casting during the initial screening will occur in three stages: models will be viewed by the executive producer, they will be asked to demonstrate their best model walk in their swimwear and high heels (males will also be required to walk in swimwear), and they will be interviewed by the executive producer. Models will also be videotaped and photographed for a headshot and full body shot.

For more details click here

Police release CCTV of gas station stick-up

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 26 Comments

(CNS): Ten days after the crime took place, detectives investigating the robbery at the Esso Four Winds gas station in West Bay have released CCTV footage and stills of the incident. The footage and stills show a man wearing a bandanna over his face and a baseball cap entering the store, going outside to look for staff, putting a gun to the pump attendant’s head and forcing him inside to get the contents of the till. DC Nathan Turner, the officer leading the enquiry, said he hoped the release of the pictures would help someone recall something and made a specific appeal for the occupants of a dark coloured vehicle which was in the forecourt of the gas station at the time to come forward.

The robbery occurred on Thursday, 7 October, at around 9pm, and while no shots were fired and no one was injured in the incident,u it was a harrowing ordeal for the attendant. “The footage and stills clearly show the suspect walk across the forecourt and enter the gas station to commit the robbery. He cannot see anyone within the premises so he goes outside and forces the pump attendant back into the store at gunpoint. He then threatens the attendant and a female worker within the gas station before making off with a sum of cash,” DC Turner said.

“We hope the release of the CCTV footage will jog people’s memories. Did you see this man approach the gas station or make off from the scene? Do you recognise any of the clothing he’s wearing?” he asked.

DC Turner also made a specific appeal for a couple who were in a dark coloured vehicle parked in the forecourt of the gas station to come forward. “There was a man and a woman in the

car and I would ask them to call me at West Bay police station. They may have information

which would be vital to the enquiry,” he added.

The suspect is described as being medium to dark skinned, slim build, approximately 5’10” in

height; his head was either shaved or bald at the back. He was wearing light blue calf length

jeans, white trainers, a grey sweatshirt and a black ‘NY’ baseball cap. His lower face was

covered with a dark blue bandanna.

Anyone with any information at all is being asked to call West Bay CID on 949-3999, or Crime Stoppers 800-8477 (TIPS).

Cops recover ammunition in George Town arrest

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 1 Comment

(CNS): Two men have been arrested on suspicion of possession of an unlicensed firearm following the discovery of ammunition in the early hours of Saturday morning in George Town. Although police did not say they had recovered a firearm officers involved in the operation did find a number of rounds of ammunition. The two men aged 26 and 39 have been detained and remain in police custody. The operation took place at around 1.15 am near Meringue Town, Boilers Road, George Town after police received a report of that two men were acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the bar. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)

Officers attended the scene and saw the men enter a car which the police stopped as it attempted to drive off from the area. A search of the occupants, the car and the area surrounding Meringue Town resulted in the recovery of a number of rounds of ammunition and the men were arrested on suspicion of possession of an unlicensed

Anyone who has any information about the crime, or who saw the men outside the premises in

Boilers Road on Saturday morning, is asked to contact George Town CID on 949-4222 or the

confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477 (TIPS).

Sailor killed by tug propeller

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 17 Comments

(CNS): After mounting speculation this weekend over a serious accident in George Town Harbour that CNS was unable to confirm via the port or Thompson Shipping, police have now stated that a man was killed in an industrial accident on Saturday. A 59-year-old Cuban sailor aboard a tug boat was fatally injured after he dived into the water to untangle ropes then on returning to the boat was struck by the propeller of the tug. His crew mates dived into the water to bring him to the surface and found that he had sustained serious lacerations to his neck and body. The accident occurred on 16 October when the sailor was working on a tug boat which was tied to a Port Authority buoy, police stated. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)

The man was transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital, George Town, but was found to be dead on arrival. A joint investigation involving the RCIPS CID and Marine Unit has been launched but officials said there would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Police stated that the accident happened shortly after the crew received clearance to come ashore to unload. When they tried to release the boat from the mooring they realised that the rope was tangled. The sailor dived into the water to release it. It appears that on his way back to the boat he disappeared underwater and was struck by the propeller of the tug boat.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the post mortem examination is expected to take place this afternoon.

Windies replace Gayle with new captain Sammy

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 0 Comments

(BBC): There has been a shake-up at the top of West Indies cricket team. Chris Gayle has been sacked as West Indies captain and replaced by St Lucian all-rounder Darren Sammy. Brendon Nash has also been appointed vice-captain. Jamaican batsman Gayle, 31, had been in charge of the side since 2007. But his future as skipper was in doubt after he turned down the offer of a central contract with the board. The West Indies Cricket Board may also have decided it was time for a change as the side languishes at seventh in the international Test rankings table and eighth in the one-day ladder the West Indies Cricket Board has made a change.

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New gizmo takes eye testing to community

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 0 Comments

(CNS): Work at the Lion’s Eye Clinic has recently been enhanced with the donation of a Retinomax, a new generation wireless, handheld auto-refractor, that identifies refractive errors and helps doctors determine whether or not prescription glasses are needed. The clinic said the equipment opens new testing possibilities for ophthalmologists at the clinic. It will allow the clinic’s doctors increased mobility and will enable them to offer services at their mobile clinics and in the community at large. For the first time the eye clinic will also be able to offer these services on Cayman Brac.

“We are truly thankful for the latest donation from our patron, the Lion’s Club of Grand Cayman. This is a piece of equipment that drastically expands our testing capabilities,” said Lion’s Eye Clinic Head Ophthalmologist Dr. Jyotin Pandit. “Because the Retinomax is portable, we can now conduct preliminary eye examinations on patients who cannot get into the office. And it will certainly simplify our mobile clinics such as the annual Lion’s school screenings when we test the eyes of local primary school students.”

Dr Pandit explained that the clinic will now be able to offer Cayman Brac patients state-of-the-art testing since the ophthalmologists can take easily take the Retinomax with them on their monthly Faith Hospital visits. “Due to the size and cost of a traditional auto-refractor, this kind of testing hasn’t been available on the Brac before,” the ophthalmologist explained.

The new auto-refractor also makes eye examinations a lot easier, especially for the very young and those with disabilities:

“A traditional auto-refractor examination can be a bit challenging for some. Young children find it hard to stay still and it is less than ideal for wheelchair patients too,” he added.

Second Vice President Ian Callow from Lion’s who donated the equipment said good eye sight is a wonderful gift and we should not take it for granted. “For this reason our club continues to support the Eye Clinic’s work,” he said. “Every year we liaise with staff to determine what is needed most. The versatility of the handheld, wireless Retinomax makes it a fantastic addition to the Lion’s Eye Clinic equipment as it allows for better screening – always important, especially in young children.”

Campbells quick off the ‘e-mark’ with new fund

Cayman News | 18/10/2010 | 0 Comments

(CNS): Local independent law firm, Campbells, became the first company to use the live version of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority’s new e-business portal CIMAConnect last week to register a new mutual fund. CIMA launched the new service on 4 October, seeking it said to further streamline business transactions between the authority and regulated entities. Campbells partner Robert Searle (left) said the filing with CIMAConnect had been quick and easy as he completed it from his desk, saving time and easing administrative tasks.

His colleague and new Campbells partner, Ian Dillon said the firm works very hard to stay in the vanguard of developments in the financial-services industry. “We believe that the fact that we were the first to use CIMAConnect demonstrates that ongoing leadership. The launch of CIMAConnect enables us to focus more productively on each particular client and his needs,” said new Campbells partner, Ian Dillon.

Searle who was the first lawyer on island to use it pointed out that Campbells had long experience in the fund industry. "Campbells has long been a leading legal adviser to investment funds and other entities in the Cayman Islands. We have recently celebrated our 40^th anniversary and just on 8 October sponsored our eighth annual investment funds conference on the latest legal, political and economic developments in a fast-paced, dynamic industry,” Searle said.

CIMAConnect will initially target new fund authorisations. Authorised service providers sign on to the system, submitting online registration or licensing requests, then track them through the review process to approval. The portal’s secure automated data-management system eliminates most traditional manual processing, dramatically reducing the turn-around time for decisions.

Following the roll-out of the fund-registration and licensing services, CIMA will expand the online system to encompass a range of requests such as changes to an entity’s name or beneficial ownership, amendments to its business plan, appointment of new directors/senior officers and the issue of letters to certify entities in good regulatory standing.

Expansion of services will be accompanied by new access for insurance, banking, trust and various corporate-service entities.

“We believe that CIMAConnect is the way forward for the future of financial services and CIMA itself,” said Cindy Scotland, CIMA Managing Director. “We welcome Campbells and others and look forward to a growing volume of online transactions.”

She said CIMA had rolled out its electronic reporting service in 2007; CIMAConnect was a natural extension of that service.

“It is important to keep pace with the demands of regulating Cayman’s financial services, to innovate and to grow, and capitalising on technological development enables everyone to be more efficient and more responsive,” Scotland said. “CIMAConnect is convenient, secure and reliable; it eliminates delays and ensures information is easily recovered in the face of a natural disaster. CIMAConnect is a landmark development for the authority and for the Cayman Islands.”

Archive for October 18th, 2010

Dart buys family liquor stores

Government offers second chance at learning

UCCI to offer wealth management qualification

Cayman to host its first ever fashion extravaganza

Police release CCTV of gas station stick-up

Cops recover ammunition in George Town arrest

Sailor killed by tug propeller

Windies replace Gayle with new captain Sammy

New gizmo takes eye testing to community

Campbells quick off the ‘e-mark’ with new fund

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