Archive for May, 2011
‘Godzilla’ lionfish threatening Cayman paradise
(BBC): An explosion in the population of the predatory lionfish in Caribbean waters, where it has no natural predators, is posing a widespread threat to marine wildlife. Just off the north shore of Little Cayman, I sink into the blue abyss. I am descending the vertical coral wall at Bloody Bay Marine Park. Straight ahead and straight down there is nothing but blue – a dizzying empty space where sunlight streams down and down into darker places well beyond my reach. But up close, the wall of coral is covered in giant barrel sponges as tall as a man, bright purple vase sponges, green and red corals and creatures that creep, crawl and swim within and among them.
I spot a seahorse, clinging to a whip coral by its tail, a spider crab with legs almost 3ft (1m) wide and a baby hawksbill turtle rocketing to the surface for a breath of air. And there, spiralling up from the depths come three graceful Caribbean reef sharks, curious and skittish. Suddenly, I notice Peter Hillenbrand, my diving buddy, gesticulating angrily – he points with one hand and pulls the trigger on an imaginary gun.
It is not the sharks he is angry at, but a brightly coloured fish covered in feathery spines.
Teen robbers pulled shotgun trigger, says crown
(CNS):Two teenage would-be robbers were officially charged with attempted murder Friday, along with a number of other offences when they made their first appearance in court. Jonathan Welcome (17) and Jordon Powell (18) failed to rob Blackbeard’s liquor store in Grand Harbour on Monday 2 May when the staff refused to give them money from the cash register and three members of the public apprehended the suspects as they tried to flee the scene. Laying out the particulars of the offence the prosecution revealed that one of the boys had pulled the trigger on the gun, which luckily for the men who struggled with the teens, did not go off.
The gun which the accused men took to the scene of the attempted robbery was loaded the court heard, and during the struggle outside theliquor shop, despite the attempt by the suspects to fire the shotgun, it did not discharge. According to the crown’s case the young robbers were seen by a number of witnesses at the scene and they were then chased and apprehended by some of those witnesses who were armed with a knife and a machete, before the police arrived.
During Friday’s court room hearing the two young men were charged with attempted murder, two counts of attempted robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of a prohibited weapon, before being remanded in custody for another two weeks when their case is expected to be transmitted to the grand court.
Powell, who was carrying pepper spray, is also facing an additional charge of assault which will be handled in the summary court.
Gallery boss takes leadership prize
(CNS): After several years of men dominating the awards, a woman finally took away the Young Cayman Leadership title for 2011. On Friday evening Natalie Urquhart, the Cayman National Gallery director, beat out Richard Christian, Ventisha Conolly, Shari Whittaker and Chantal Whittaker to take the award at a glitzy event at the Ritz Carlton. Urquhart accepted the award from last year’s recipient, Collin Anglin, as she paid tribute to her fellow finalists. Urquhart began her career with the gallery as a volunteer before joining full time as an education officer. After spending time out doing her Master’s degree in London and working at the Tate Gallery, she returned to Cayman and took the gallery’s top job in 2009.
A passionate promoter of the arts, Urquhart, who turns 35 this month, has already created a number of projects aimed at encouraging young people into the sector. Her latest venture is the creation of a specialised mentorship programme for young artists and performers with like-minded adults, giving young talent the opportunity to take advice from those who have been before. The programme is scheduled to be launched in September.
This year’s theme was "Family – Building the Foundation". This year’s key note speakers for the evening were Mark and Susan Merrill, founders of the Family First charity, who say their passion is placing the role of the family back in everyone’s lives.
The annual award was started in 2000 and recognizes young Caymanians who are making a significant contribution to society and are role models to other young Caymanians.
Man denies shooting East End house
(CNS): Cody Miller (18) pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in the Grand Court on Friday in connection with a shooting in East End in February. Miller also pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm. Accused of firing shots at a house in Sea View Road in the early hours of Saturday 12 February, Miller denied attempting to cause the death of another. A police report at the time revealed no one was injured in the incident when several shots were fired at the house and through the window. A trial was fixed for 21 November this year and Miller, who lives in East End, was released on bail until his next appearance. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)
The father of Jeremiah Barnes, the four-year-old child shotand killed in February last year at a West Bay gas station, also appeared in court Friday to answer charges regarding an alleged incident just before the killing of his son in January 2010, which took place on Capt Joe and Osbert Road. Andy Barnes pleaded not guilty to possession of an imitation firearm and threatening violence. His trial is set for 5 December and Barnes was released on bail.
Meanwhile, Tyrone Ebanks pleaded not guilty to rape and defilement in connection with an incident that took place on 27 December in West Bay. Ebanks denied having unlawful intercourse with an underage girl and was remanded in custody until the trial date set for 20 June.
Local finance firm creates conference scholarship
(CNS): At over $4000 a ticket not many ambitions young Caymanians interested in the sector were able to attend the recent GAIM conference at the Ritz Carlton, despite it being one of the major events for the fund industry. As a result dms Management Ltd. (DMS), partnered with South Street Capital Management LP and GAIM to introduce the GAIM Ops Scholar Award. Ralston Thorpe, was the first ambitious young Cayman that got the chance to go to the event which is described as strengthening operational due diligence in response to game-changing hedge fund industry trends.
The conference served as a platform to educate and inform industry professionals on critical issues and provided the opportunity to discuss possible changes to due diligence and compliance processes moving forward, DMS said.
Don Seymour, founder of DMS and a Managing Director, said, “The hedge fund industry is the most important industry in the Cayman Islands, however the GAIM Ops conference had not been accessible to many young Caymanians due to the steep ticket price of $4,100. This year, DMS introduced our GAIM Ops Scholar Award to share the incredible learning experiences of GAIM Ops with deserving young Caymanians. We are grateful to GAIM and South Street Capital Management LP for their assistance in implementing the award and for caring about the Cayman Islands community.”
He explained that he guided Thorpe, the award recipient, throughout the conference, helping him to network and understand the issues being discussed. “The feedback on him was excellent, and DMS looks forward to offering the same opportunity to another bright and ambitious young Caymanian next year,” Seymour added.
Cyclists take on the bluff in Brac challenge
(Crankers): The second instalment of the Cayman Challenge Cycle Series saw cycle wheels scorching the roads of Cayman Brac in the Estella Scott-Roberts Memorial Bluff Challenge recently By far the hardest races in the whole series, the 60 mile or so road race with six ascents of the bluff and rolling terrain on the higher elevations and 13.5 mile Time Trial whichalso ascended the Bluff was well liked by those who took part. Race organizer and founder of 53//11 Crankers Cycling Club, Barry Jones said it was the most “beautiful and most challenging” course in all the Cayman Islands and that’s “before you add the windy conditions.”
He explained that the cycling club plans to make races on the Brac a regular part of its racing schedule. “Bicycle racing has not been on the Brac in 20 years and that has all changed now with this event. Before going to the Brac I had only seen the course from aerial photography and even then I was excited about the possibility of racing over it. These two courses represent the ‘Challenge’ in Cayman Challenge Cycle Series.”
This series saw the return of Endurance Cycle Club out of Port Moore Jamaica back to improve on their previous successes in the Hero’s Day Ten Sails Cycle Challenge. The team which included former participants Mavin Anderson (President/Team Manager), Tyrone Edwards and Shacquille Sinclair had two new participants in Kevin Lyons and Karl Douglas.
Like the first event in the series the Brac leg also saw the return of the heavy wind blowing out of the east which meant that the out leg on each of the three laps was a challenge even before the ascent of the Bluff. Riders also had to contend with the well document boiling heat on the Brac. None the less the racing was top class.
With the help of Barry Jones 53//11 Crankers Team put in some big early attacks the first of which came after the five mile rolling start miles on the ascent of the bluff. With his attack he succeeded in shedding a lot of the field which also included the two new members of the
Endurance team. With huge gaps in the field he quickly went back to work in softening up the leading group which included the other three members of the Endurance. This however was no easy task and he had to be very watchful of a counter attack.
“I wanted to test the caliber of the field as well as the new participants from Endurance. With the lack of team mates I decided that the best form of defense was to go on the offense as Endurance would be lining up to attack me to claim the team honors,” Jones said.
On the second lap of three times 20 mile course, Sinclair of Endurance went off the front to open a huge gap on the pack and it was up to the other riders to bring him back to the field. Sensing the reluctance of the rest of the group, and with the Endurance team not having to contribute to the chase with a team member out front, Jones took it on his shoulders to carry the burden of closing the gap and not allowing young Sinclair to run away with the victory.
However Jones got caught in two minds as he wanted to conserve some energy before the next climb but also stay away from the chasing riders which included Lyons form Endurance which would swing the balance even more in their favor. Jones was now the preverbal meat in an Endurance sandwich.
Up the fourth ascent of the Bluff, Mavin Anderson of Endurance leapt out of the pack and Jones, with Edwards (Endurance) in tow, responded instinctively to try and close the gap but could only come within ten meters of the catch before he had to surrender his effort. Edwards sensing a weakening Jones also used the opportunity to put in an attack of his own and being Endurance best climber quickly ate up the gap to his team mates while Jones could only watch as the three riders steadily pulled away.
With three members in the brake and no one in the trailing group up to the task of chasing Endurance was on course for a podium sweep across the finish line. With the overall weekend being decided on time difference they set about opening as much time between them and the field knowing that Jones was a much better time trialist while also trying to wrest the team competition from Crankers grasp.
Jones for his part went about the task of limiting his loses in hopes that fortune would favor the chasers and that somehow the gap to the leaders would close. “With the Cayman Classic only a week away I also wanted to fine tune my form so I did the lion share of the work,” he added.
Reaching the finish line with a healthy lead, the three Endurance members then shifted focus on who would take top honors for the day. This fell to Anderson, who is the established sprinter of the club, with Edwards and Sinclair finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. Finishing almost 8 minutes clear of the chasing pack Endurance also wrested the team title form Crankers for the series even with the next day’s time trial and two more races in the series still to come. Despite extending himself Jones still had enough to take fourth over the line in a bunch sprint.
Road Race Results
Mavin Anderson (Endur) 2:49:33
Tyrone Edwards (Endur) s.t.
Shacquille Sinclair (Endur) s.t.
Barry Jones (53//11) + 0:8:00
The next day at the Estella Scott-Roberts Bluff Time Trial facing the same winds and heat the cyclist set out in reverse order of the previous days standings at two minute intervals to try and conquer this challenging 13.6 mile course.
The lead changed several times between the early starters but settled when Kevin Lyons (Endurance) finished hi run in a time of 00:37:00. With the marker set, Jones who set out fourth from last knowing that the day would be won by gains made in the first five miles into the headwind and wanting to show that the previous days result did not reflect his abilities, had the quickest time at the first check point with Sinclair, who trailed him on the course, coming through in second place +0:01:25 slower. Lyon who was now leading the race had posted the third best time with Edwards fourth and Anderson fifth well off the pace.
The second check point which included the ascent a descent of the bluff saw Sinclair post the fastest time for the sector and reduce a bit of Jones’s lead but once on the flat Jones quickly put his more muscular frame into the task and with the headwind now switched to a strong tail wind, summoned a monster gear which he cranked up to in excess of 30 mph over certain section of the leg.
At the finish Jones posted the fastest time of the day 0:33:18 and waited anxiously to see if the three Endurance riders, still out on course, would challenge his time. One by one they crossed the line unable to match Jones’stimes with Sinclair who not only retained his healthy lead over his team mates but also ran out the top junior for the second day running and the whole series to date with absolutely no chance of him losing his grip in this competition. Lyons who entered the first checkpoint in third place also finished the day in third place by a mere12 seconds over Edwards who had closed most of the gap on the return section of the course.
Karl Douglas of Endurance took the top honors in the Masters.
Time Trial Results
Barry Jones (53//11) 0:32:10
Shacquille Sinclair (Endur) 0:35:46
Kevin Lyons (Endur) 0:37:00
Tyrone Edwards (Endur) 0:37:12
Weekend Standings
Shacquille Sinclair (End) 3:25:19
Tyrone Edwards (End) + 0:01:26
Mavin Anderson (End) + 0:02:22
Barry Jones (53//11) + 0:04:24
Overall Series Standings
Shacquille Sinclair (End) 13:16:41
Tyrone Edwards (End) 13:25:37
Mavin Anderson (End) 13:26:58
Barry Jones (53//11) 13:28:01
Team Standings
Endurance Cycling Club
53//11 Crankers Cycling Club
“The turnout wasn’t what we expected but under the circumstances we had to perform well and ensure that we achieved our target in taking over the top spots in all the categories and the individual standings,” said Mavin Anderson president of Endurance Cycling Club after the race.
“Due to the fact that it was a completely new terrain for the team, we had to make do with the little information gathered upon reaching the Brac. That said we have to say a huge thank you to the 53//11 Crankers Cycling Club and their sponsors for making all this possible. Special thanks also goes to Barry Jones and his family this has been a huge under taking and a well put together series so far. Keep up the good work, looking forward to see you all in June.”
Jones organiser of the event reflected on the series which thus far has been a resounding success and was grateful to the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation for accepting his offer to host a race in honour of Estella who hails from the Brac.
He was also gracious to Beacon Furniture, Guavaberry Marketing, Cayman Airways, Cayman Physiotherapy, Pappagallo Restaurant, A.L. Thompson’s, Orchid Development Ltd, Anchor Construction, Fluff‘n’Fold, The Alexander Hotel and many others for their support of the series.
He was also quick to note that the Cayman Islands consists of three islands and “we will be looking to host event on all three…yes that means Little Cayman as well which will force us to be a bit more creative,” Jones added.
The next race in the series will be held on the Queen’s Birthday holiday weekend June 12 -13 with more details to follow shortly.
Swiss bank client files human rights complaint
(Swissinfo): An American client of Swiss bank UBS has lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights. He objects to having his account information revealed to the American tax authorities under the administrative assistance agreement between Switzerland and the United States. More specifically he cites violations of his right to privacy and of the principle of equal treatment. In early March, he was among a number of clients whose appeals were rejected by the Federal Administrative Court – which is why he has turned to the European court. While the Strasbourg-based court cannot prevent Switzerland from sharing data with the US, it can reprimand Switzerland.
Mac faces $4.6m shortfall
(CNS): The government may not finish this financial year in the black, despite recent claims by the premier that public finances were back on track and there would be a surplus. On a number of occasions over the last few weeks McKeeva Bush, who is the finance minister, has pointed to government’s success in stabilizing the country’s cash as one of the main achievements of his administration so far. However, the surplus that he was hoping for has not yet materialised as the governments books are now expected to show a $4.6 million shortfall. As a result, the premier has ordered a further tightening of public belts to turn the figure into a $15 million surplus before 30 June.
Government bosses will now have to find savings of more than $20 million in just eight weeks to enable the premier to predict a surplus for this financial year when he brings the budget later this month for the new fiscal year 2011/12.
In a memo (posted below) circulated on Thursday to chief officers and chief financial officers and copied to the governor the premier said that forecasts made last month were pointing to a deficit of around $4.6 million for core government spending, which he said was “unacceptable” and that the “elected government requires a surplus of $15 million” for this fiscal year end.
Bush said that he wanted $5 million to pay into the government’s general reserve fund, another $5 million to pay into the public service pension past service liabilities and then the last $5 million could be carried over to assist with the forthcoming budget.
The memo instructed civil service management not to hire any more personnel between now and 30 June and to stop spending money unnecessarily, even if it appeared that they had the budget capacity. He told the chief officers to “practice expenditure restraint”.
Bush did not spell out how the civil service would make the $20 million spending cuts in the next eight weeks but said that his ministry would shortly issue reduced budget limits for all ministries and portfolios.
Despite the premier’s wish to finish this financial year with some cash left over, the budget prediction for the 2010/11 financial year made in June last year was for a deficit of over $30 million. However, at the beginning of this year the premier began to state that government hadmanaged to keep spending in check and as a result was on track for a surplus.
Over the last four months the premier has persistently stated that he believed that as a result of the work of his government the public finances had stabilized and said only last month that there would be a surplus of around $13-14 million.
CS needs clarity on petitions
(CNS):The constitutional commissioners called on government on Friday to clarify the position of civil servants when it comes to signing petitions and engaging generally in political activity. With the introduction of people initiated referendum in the new constitution, which requires the signatures of 25% of the electorate, it is still not clear whether civil servants are allowed to sign petitions that may be used to trigger national polls. Although the Public Service Management Law says civil servants are expected to remain politically neutral in terms of their work, it doesn’t provide any real details defining political activity, or policies offering clear directions on the limits of participation.
The issue is gathering increased attention as a number of petitions are currently circulating in Cayman that could eventually be used to trigger a referendum. The question of the participation of public sector workers has been raised because of the significant number of voters that work directly for government or for public authorities.
Before the implementation of the PMSL (the new law that now governs public sector workers) and before the advancement of the constitution, the General Orders governed their conduct and that did prohibit civil servants from signing petitions.
In response to a Civil Service Association request in April 2008 the Chief Secretary’s Office issued orders saying civil servants could not take part in “any public demonstration or event that can be construed as objecting to any actions or proposals by the government of the day,” but this response did not refer to any particular statutory provisions.
“The Cayman Islands Civil Service deserves to be provided with clearly defined policies detailing any limitations or restrictions on their rights to freedom of expression and the freedom to be politically informed,” the constitutional commissioners have said with regards to their recent examination of the issue. “The commission recommends that the Head of the Civil Service meet with the Civil Service Association to formulate appropriate guidelines regarding involvement in political activities.”
The commissioners have called for details specifying the existing limitations, such as the prohibition on running for public office, as well as defining the nature of political activities contemplated by the PSML and addressing the current ambiguities.
In its latest findings the commission has pointed out that there is a balance to be found between the exercise of democratic values, such as freedom of expression, with the professional neutrality of a civil servant. However, the commissioners also note that restrictions on civil servants when it comes to participating in issues of national importance could undermine their democratic rights and freedom of expression which is held by all regardless of whether one works for government or not.
The commissioners also pointed out the potential different circumstances of the several thousand workers that had to be considered and the modernization of government, which is moving away from the past secretive method of governance.
“In practice, the relative power and influence of senior officials varies from government to government, and with the character and experience of the officials and their ministers,” the commissioners stated. “Modern developments, including freedom of information, less deferential media and more assertive citizens, are making the workings of government more open and transparent, moving away from the ethos of secrecy previously nurtured by the Official Secrets Act and General Orders. Other jurisdictions are actively promoting a more open sharing of governance issues and allowing more freedom for civil servants.”
The constitutional guardians also raised the issue of what type of public sector worker needs to be restricted from political activism as in some jurisdictions none of the restrictions on civil service political activism apply to workers lower down the pay grade.
Although more senior officers in the UK are restricted from holding office in a political party or making public speeches on matters of political controversy articles, canvassing for candidates or running for office, civil servants in the industrial and non-office grades are known as the “politically free” category and they can take part in all political activities.
The commissioners also found that in the UK there is discretion to permit other staff to take part in local or national political activities in accordance with prescribed guidelines. When the commissioners contacted the Scottish Parliament it confirmed that anyone, including civil servants, can both present and sign petitions.
“Having regard to the advancements made for more openness and transparency in a democratic society, it is now timely that the question of the level of involvement in political activity afforded to civil servants is clarified,” the commission stated, adding that the local context for Cayman was important but the size of the jurisdiction shouldn’t undermine the rights of civil servants to know where they stand.
“While it may be argued that the size of the jurisdiction is an important factor to be considered, it can also be argued that providing clear procedure and processes and promoting open, respectful communication is essential in establishing good governance no matter how large or small the populace is,” the commission stated.
Ahmadinejad allies charged with sorcery
(The Guardian): Close allies of Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, have been accused of using supernatural powers to further his policies amid an increasingly bitter power struggle between him and the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Several people said to be close to the president and his chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, have been arrested in recent days and charged with being "magicians" and invoking djinns (spirits). Ayandeh, an Iranian news website, described one of the arrested men, Abbas Ghaffari, as "a man with special skills in metaphysics and connections with the unknown worlds". The arrests come amid a growing rift between Ahmadinejad and Khamenei.