Archive for January 24th, 2012
CAL plane returned over windshield crack
(CNS): Cayman Airways’ has confirmed that its Miami bound flight KX102 was returned to Owen Roberts International Airport on Tuesday morning after the captain discovered what the airline described as “a discrepancy with one of the aircrafts’ windshields.” The national flag carrier stated that the return was both safe and uneventful but flights to Miami and Havana were delayed as a result. The airline said that the return was not an emergency but the plane was removed from service for maintenance and passengers were transported to another aircraft for their flight to Miami.
“About 20 minutes into the flight, the discrepancy developed on a non-structural outer pane,” the airline stated. “This situation did not constitute an emergency and the aircraft could have safely continued its journey without incident. However, in an abundance of caution, Captain Gary Hydes, assisted by First Officer Perry Watler, chose to return to Grand Cayman. On return to Grand Cayman the aircraft was removed from service for maintenance and the passengers were transferred to another aircraft which departed Grand Cayman for Miami at 10am.”
Local resident dies after weekend dive trip
(CNS): A 68-year-old man from West Bay died on Monday (23 January) officials have confirmed after he collapsed and lost consciousness shortly after diving. The local resident had just returned to a private boat which was making its way back to the Lobster Pot dock after the dive trip with friends, the police, said when the diver became ill at around 10.40a.m. When the boat arrived at the dock in George Town the unconscious man was then taken to the Cayman Islands Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police said Tuesday that an investigation into the man’s death has now been launched.
Cop’s house shot up in WB
(CNS): The West Bay home of a serving police officer was shot up in the early hours of Sunday morning, the RCIPS confirmed Tuesday. An RCIPS spokesperson said that the house in Velma Banks Drive was damaged by gunshots at around 4:30am and an investigation into the incident is now underway. Police said that no one was injured in the incident and security precautions have been put in place with respect to the safety of the officer and his family. Police have not named the officer and have declined to confirm if the officer had given evidence in any of the recent Grand Court trials relating to gang shootings.
A spokesperson said enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers are seeking informaiton from anyone who may be able to assist.
Anyone who was in the area at the relevant time on Sunday morning and saw anyone in or around the area, or heard any gunfire, is asked to contact West Bay CID on 949-3999, the RCIPS Tip-line 949-7777 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS).
British MPs call for Cayman closure
(CNS Business): A group of UK members of parliament has proposed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons in an effort to close down tax havens, including the Cayman Islands. Led by the Labour member for Leyton and Wanstead and former Treasury Select Committee member, John Cryer, the motion calls on the UK government to introduce urgent legislation to help close tax havens and increase transparency “so that the very richest pay their fair share of tax”. In the wake of revelations about US presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's finances, Cryer and his Commons colleagues say they are alarmed by his use of the Cayman Islands, a UK territory, to avoid paying tax. Read more on CNS Business