Archive for July, 2012
Conservation law gathers dust
(CNS): The minister with responsibility for the environment told CNS recently that he could not say when the national conservation law would be coming before the Legislative Assembly, and although government was still committed to passing the bill, Mark Scotland said he did not know whether there would be further amendments to the proposed bill. As Grand Cayman faces the prospect of another major development in an area of significant natural sensitivity, the director of the Department of Environment said this week that there was an urgent need for legislation to ensure the country’s environment was given as much consideration as other issue when considering future development.
“The DoE maintains the view that it is urgent that legal mechanisms are put in place to ensure that environmental concerns are weighed equally alongside other concerns in national decision-making processes,” DoE Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie told CNS.
The law went through its last period of consultation in the summer of 2010, some two years ago, and there has been no further specific news from the minister about his intentions regarding the law since.
With no sign of the promised legislation, the news of another major development proposal in the eastern district has caused some concerns among local environmental activists that see the advent of the proposed hospital and now a major mixed use project as a further blow to preserving some of Grand Cayman’s last untouched natural habitat.
Both of these proposed developments are in close proximity to the sanctuary that is being established in the district for the famous and iconic blue iguanas and in an area where environmental experts believe the handful of remaining wild iguanas live. The area where both the hospital and what has been termed the Ironwood development are proposed to go is home to many of Cayman’s endangered and indigenous species and the size of such projects would warrant an environmental impact assessment.
Ebanks-Petrie told CNS that so far no one has approached her department to discuss this latest proposed project and the DoE was not yet aware of the proposed components project. Therefore, she could not say with any certainty exactly what was at risk as a result of the proposal.
She confirmed that the under the National Conservation Law, as it is currently drafted, there would be an obligation on Central Planning Authority to consult with the National Conservation Council before making any decisions or authorising any actions that would negatively impact environmental resources, which the DoE is proposing would be the trigger for certain kinds of development an EIA.
“It is possible that the DoE would recommend an EIA even without the NCL if the project was a large one with a variety of components (residential, commercial and golf courses) and/or the habitat and resources being impacted were of special interest or significance,” Ebanks-Petrie stated.
The Ironwood development was first announced in the Legislative Assembly by the premier last month during a debate on government’s motion for an emergency stop gap budget. Last week the developers, Eagle Assets Management, who are believed to be the people involved in MC Restoration, the company contracted to clear Grand Cayman in the wake of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, stated through a local spokesperson that the development would include a town centre and residential community.
Targeting both locals and North American retirees Denise Gower from Fountainhead said the $300 million development will feature a sports village, including a championship PGA Tour winner designed 18-hole golf course, and tennis courts; family entertainment including a movie theatre; convenience and boutique shopping; residences and tourist accommodations.
She said Eagle Assets Management plans to complete the project over six years and will not be asking for credits, import duty waivers or other concessions from the government to initiate and complete the project. They will be using local firms and workers to undertake the development and more details are expected to be released next week.
Related article:
Dart gives out debut science scholarships
(CNS): Dart Cayman Islands has given the first of its Minds Inspired Scholarships to a student from Clifton Hunter and a student from Cayman Prep David Forbes and Ethan Whittaker have been awarded the scholarship which promotes academic excellence in math and science after what Dart officials described as a rigorous testing and interview process. The boys will receive full tuition costs for four years at the high school of their choice in Cayman and the creation of a college fund, a mentoring programme with Dart employees, and enrichment activities to further encourage, support and inspire them to achieve their full potential.
David and Ethan were described as outstanding young scholars who led a field of 25 applicants from seven high schools. To ensure the total integrity of the outcome, the identities of the applicants remained anonymous to the selection committee and were only revealed once the final selections had been made, Dart stated in a release.
Mark VanDevelde, Chief Executive Officer of Dart Enterprises Ltd, said there was an excellent response to the scholarship programme launch. “Just by participating, each student demonstrated an interest in academic achievement and we want to encourage all of them to continue to strive for excellence. I am pleased to congratulate David and Ethan and welcome them to the Minds Inspired Programme,” he said. “The Minds Inspired Scholarship Programme supports Dart’s philosophy of promoting education and fostering academic excellence in math and science. We believe that these two disciplines are fundamental building blocks for academic and career success.”
Three finalists Abbie McMillan, Mina Whorms, and Zarek Deosaran will along with the two scholarship recipients receive a new Apple iPad in recognition of their hard work during the selection process.
Joanne Lawson, Senior Manager of Organisational Development at Dart Enterprises Ltd said there were five assessment rounds to fully evaluate the students’ abilities.
“We established a very thorough and carefully managed process from the start to ensure we were judging these students based on merit and merit alone. We’re very excited about supporting these two scholars in their future career and educational choices,” she said.
The programme also recognisesthe important role played by the students’ schools and a grant of CI$1,000 has therefore been awarded to the math and science departments of Cayman Prep and Clifton Hunter.
Visit www.mindsinspired.ky for details on this year’s scholarships and applications for next year.
Hospital begins upgrade to state of art MRI services
(CNS): The George Town hospital is set to dramatically increase its diagnostic capability for determining the severity of injuries or causes of illnesses. As a result of a public private partnership the hospital’s MRI services have been temporarily upgraded with the installation of a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This is only the first step however, of a two-step process that will place a 3.0 Tesla MRI at the Hospital within one year. The introduction of the technology by the HSA partner 3T Cayman, which successfully responded to tender, is a huge enhancement for the provision of local health care and allow the hospital to provide medical services unavailable elsewhere in the region.
Hospital CEO Lizzette Yearwood said the temporary MRI machine was an important addition to the services at the Cayman Islands Hospital. “The temporary 1.5 Tesla is located on the HSA compound in self-contained housing equipment developed especially for the MRI scanner,” she explained.
“The leap from a .03 to a 1.5 is a huge one for the provision of healthcare for Cayman’s residents. The immediate benefit is that residents who need MRI scans at higher resolution can now remain on island to have their procedures completed, thereby reducing the need for inconvenient travel, as well as the high costs,” Yearwood added.
By the end of the year 3T Cayman and the HSA will move forward further in its aims to provide high quality scanning facilities for its patients, with the installation of an even higher powered 3 tesla MRI scanner.
“The 3-tesla machine possesses a high field strength MRI that can show structures that have not ever been seen before,” said Dr Yaron Rado, spokesperson for 3T Cayman “With this machine blood vessel as small as 200 to 300 microns can be seen; this is an important benefit to doctors…Radiologists who have been testing the high field strength MRI in clinical settings, show results that the 3–tesla machines can do anything a workhorse 1.5–tesla scanner can, but can do it faster and better. It really is about as good as you can get when it comes to MRI scanners.”
Yearwood noted that once installed, the 3-tesla machine will be the only one of that quality available in the region, including South Florida.
The installation of the machine will lead to some services moving and the hospital boss said patients need to look out for future notifications, as there will be some relocation of services once the 3-tesla arrives.
The public-private partnership allows the HSA to provide citizens enhanced and more convenient services while remaining within its budget.. 3T Cayman will assume responsibility for providing and maintaining the equipment, and for providing qualified staff. Officials said that cost savings will be realized because beneficiaries who would have previously needed to go off-Island will now be able to have their required procedures on island.
“With the installation of the 3-tesla MRI scanner at the end of the year we look forward to offering a service that is unprecedented within the region for the benefit of all Cayman residents,” Yearwood added.
Why a dog is a child’s best friend
(Daily Mail): They have long been thought of as man’s best friend. But it seems dogs could also have benefits for babies. Having a pet dog helps keep under-ones free from breathing problems and infections, studies suggest. Researchers found babies who lived with a dog spent fewer weeks with ear infections, coughs or running noses. They were also less likely to need antibiotics. Dogs are thought to prime children's immune system to attack bacteria and viruses. Living with cats could also be good for babies’ health, but to a lesser extent. The finding knits with the hygiene hypothesis – that a certain amount of exposure to dirt and grime helps the immune system mature.
Anti OMOV campaign – who’s footing the bill?
I was very interested to see an ad against the one man, one vote (OMOV) campaign on TV this weekend – even more interested to see the tag line at the end which read: “Paid for by the Office of the Premier”. As this didn’t say “Paid for personally by the Premier”, I would imagine it’s safe to assume that this ad campaign is funded by government, which of course is funded indirectly by us.
I have a problem with this. Specifically, using “our” money (of which we’re all painfully aware there is a shortage) to fund a campaign under the guise of “informing the public” and then taking the easy way out … Why knock on doors or have volunteers set up stalls in the public domain when you can use the public purse to pop an ad on TV, therefore solving the dilemma of reaching maximum people with minimum effort!
Personally it shows the lack of respect for the public that has been evident throughout the current premier’s term of office. That said, it really does go a long way to show thedifference between those campaigning for OMOV and the dedication and commitment those people have had and continue to demonstrate.
Yes, they have an agenda (to educate and therefore encourage the majority to vote for OMOV). But – if you have not had the chance to meet any of those campaigning for our vote for OMOV, I encourage you to get in touch – they are running an honest and educated campaign funded solely by themselves and their supporters, and despite not having the government coffers to dip in to, have managed to raise considerable funds in order to get the maximum information out to the maximum number of people with considerable effort on their part and that of the numerous volunteers they have enlisted over the course of the past few months.
OMOV may not be the be all and end all but the campaign has been transparent, and although supported by many political figures, is also supported by many with no political aspirations but who have finally had enough and realize that writing to the papers and talking endlessly about what terrible times we’re in is not enough.
I applaud the energy of those who have given up their weekends to educate and those who’ve been raising funds behind the scenes and all those who quite simply just want to find a way to a better tomorrow.
I shall see you at the polls on 18th July!
Government road boss fired
(CNS): Government admitted Monday that Brian Tomlinson, the director of the National Roads Authority, is no longer employed by the government company. Officials have not said that he was dismissed but sources have told CNS that Tomlinson was informed that he was being let go as the authority was “downsizing”. It is understood that the former head of the roads authority was, however, paid to the end of his contract. The NRA boss recently ordered the seizure of a controversial shipment of 32 tonnes of dynamite that came into Cayman earlier this year without the correct paperwork, which has triggered a police investigation involving the premier and the private sector firm, Midland Acres.
According to a release from the NRA on Monday, the Board of Directors said Tomlinson's employment with the NRA had ended 29 June and Deputy Managing Director Edward Howard had been appointed acting managing director, with Paul Parchment acting as deputy.
No reason was given in the release as to why Tomlinson, who had been NRA managing director for almost five years, had been let go. Board chair Colford Scott thanked him for representing the NRA at all levels and wished him the best in any future endeavours undertaken.
Sources tell CNS that Scott was the person who wrote to Tomlinson to inform him that he was being let go as a result, allegedly, of downsizing at the government-owned entity and had nothing to do with his performance as the NRA director. However, it is understood that the former director was paid his full contract salary until the end of this year.
Tomlinson’s district MLA, Ezzard Miller, the independent member for North Side, said he was very concerned about how his constituent had been treated and said he hoped that this had nothing to dowith the recent issues regarding the shipment of dynamite.
“If this is not about performance, as I understand was stated in the correspondence my constituent received, and as a result of cuts, it is highly unusual to sack the chief officer when his performance is not in question,” Miller said.
“If government is doing this to save money, one has to question why they would seek to let a senior official go but pay his salary until the end of his contract and not ask him to work it out. I seriously hope this has nothing to do with the fact that Mr Tomlinson enforced the law in relation to the recent illegal shipment of dynamite, which is now the subject of one of three police investigations into the premier,” the MLA added.
CNS has tried to contact Tomlinson and questions have also been sent to the ministry, the board chair and the deputy governor’s office regarding the removal of Tomlinson from his post but so far none of the parties have responded.
Young local sailors to compete in BVI cup
(CISA): Five youth sailors will be representing Cayman in the Premier’s Cup regatta in Tortola, BVI. The regatta runs from 13-15 July. The Premier’s Cup event was started in 1998 and was the first Youth Team Sailing Regatta in the Caribbean. This annual regatta is organised by the joint Rotary Clubs of BVI and “Kids And The Sea” (KATS). The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman has given generous support to our team by covering the cost of their flights to the regatta. The sailors representing Cayman are Pablo Bertran, Florence Allan, Ronan Jennings, Jesse jackson and Justino Rodrigues.
Sebastien Guilbard, incoming President of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman is excited about supporting the youth. “We are pleased to be able to help these youngsters compete in such a prestigious event. They have shown dedication to their sport and to each other and we hope they do well but most of all enjoy the experience of meeting fellow athletes from other countries in our region. We are delighted to send the young kids to perpetuate a long time Cayman Tradition of sailing and boat building, which has recognized many Caymanians and the Cayman Islands for decades.”
The aim of the regatta is to promote friendly competition among young sailors from around the Caribbean. The Cayman Islands Sailing Club first sent a team to the regatta in 2000 and again in 2008. On both occasions the team was generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman and the Olympic Committee. In 2008 the team finished first place in the silver fleet.
Apart from the obvious benefits derived from meeting and developing friendships with other youngsters from our Caribbean region, the regatta offers the chance for our sailors to compete against a variety of other sailors. This is always one of the biggest obstacles when living on a small island. They cannot really benchmark themselves against the best and find positive models for self improvement unless they travel abroad.
The Cayman Sailing club is a non-profit organization promoting sailing to people living in the Cayman Islands. The club has had a lot of success recently in promoting sailing to all youth of the Cayman Islands, regardless of their backgrounds.
“The five members of the team have all come through our schools programme” explained Rick Caley, manager of the Sailing Club. “This regatta allows us to choose a group of young sailors from various backgrounds to represent Cayman at an international event. The regatta will promote teamwork among a diverse group of young people, encourage sportsmanship, and foster positive self development”.
The team is currently training on the clubs J22 keel boats, a similar boat to the IC24s that they will sail in BVI. They have been taking part in the J22 fleet racing against adult teams and have acquitted themselves well. The coaches have given freely of their time to make this happen. Their aim is to finish in the top three of the gold fleet in BVI.
“The team has come together from different sailing backgrounds”, said Coach Kelvin Browne. “The younger members have learned their racing in single handed Optimist dinghies whilst the older kids are presently sailing Laser dinghies. The transition to becoming a team, each person with a specific responsibility on the boat, takes time, but they have been training for several weeks and all show a commitment to each other”
Warnings issued over Cuban cholera outbreak
(CNS): Cayman Islands public health officials are warning people not to travel to Cuba unless their trip is essential following reports of a cholera outbreak in the country. This is the first incidence of the disease in Cuba for more than 130 years but officials say that at least 15 people are dead, and over one thousand people are affected by the disease. Cayman’s Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar issued a travel advisory Monday. “We advise that residents travel to Cuba only when necessary,” he said, adding that the chances of the disease coming to Cayman were limited but if the worst happened the health service was prepared.
To ensure ultimate readiness, the Public Health Department said it is calling a multi-agency preparedness meeting this week. Dr. Kumar said the risk of importation of cholera is low but he backed the pro-active efforts by various local agencies in monitoring the cholera situation in Cuba and taking the necessary steps to prevent , detect and manage any imported cholera cases. “The chances of importation of cholera into Cayman are limited and even if it occurs, our excellent sanitation and safe water will prevent its spread. In addition, we have adequate facilities and drugs to manage any cases should importation occur,” he added.
Dr. Kumar urged travellers returning from Cuba who develop diarrhoea within five days to contact a doctor immediately, and state their travel history so that the right diagnosis can be made. He also told anyone who has to go to Cuba country to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.
“If you have to go, take vital precautions such as ensuring hygienic food preparation, boiling or purifying all water, and washing hands often with soap and clean water,” the senior government doctor stated. He also advised that travellers should also carry an ample supply of oral rehydration salts.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water with cholera bacterium. It can take anywhere from five hours to five days for symptoms to appear after infection, but usually symptoms appear within 24-48 hours. Cholera infection is often mild or without symptoms but can sometimes be severe. Approximately one in 20 (or 5% of) infected persons will have severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours.
According to WHO figures however, up to 80 percent of cases can be treated successfully with oral rehydration salts. Although there is an oral vaccine available for use in endemic countries, it is not available in the US or in Cayman.
Officials said travellers to Cuba can greatly reduce the risk of contracting the disease by following these practices:
Drink only bottled, boiled or chemically-treated water and/or bottled or canned beverages.
Ensure that seals are unbroken when using bottled drinks.
Disinfect your own water: boil for one minute or filter the water and add two drops of household bleach or half an iodine tablet per litre of water.
Use bottled, boiled or chemically-treated water to wash dishes and brush teeth.
Use ice in your drink only if you know it was made from boiled or treated water.
Wash your hands often with soap and clean water.
Clean your hands before you eat or prepare foods, and after using the bathroom.
Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot, or fruit that you have peeled yourself.
Cook all vegetables. Do not eat salads or other raw vegetables.
Do not buy food or beverages from street vendors.
Mobile voting starts as clock ticks to referendum day
(CNS): A total of 344 applications have been received by the elections office for people to use the mobile voting unit for the one man, one vote referendum, officials confirmed on Monday. The advanced mobile voting started on Little Cayman on Friday 6 July and continues this week on Cayman Brac, North Side, East End, Bodden Town, George Town and West Bay. All voters who have applied to vote by this method are being encouraged to take note of the date that polling will be conducted in their respective district, details of which are posted below and on the elections website.
All Cayman voters will be going to the polls to cast their vote on Wednesday 18 July but those who are infirm and confined to their homes or who will be unable to attend the polling station on referendum day itself will have the chance to take advantage of the mobile voting service, which was first introduced in Cayman at the 2009 elections.
Officials are also reminding all licensed establishments that under the Liquor Licensing Law they are forbidden from selling, offering for sale or giving away intoxicating liquor between the opening of the polls at 7:00am on referendum day until one hour after the polls close at 6:00pm. Contravention of this section of the Elections Law carries a fine of $500 or imprisonment for 6 months.
As with general elections, all referendum advertisements must cease at midnight on 17 July and all banners, buntings, and ensigns must be removed from the public domain by that deadline as well. The use of loudspeakers and the wearing of T-shirts, pins or other paraphernalia is also forbidden on polling day supporting either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote.
The magic number to carry the referendum is 7,582 ‘yes’ votes. Anything less will be considered a ‘No’ by government as it requires 50% plus one of the entire electorate and not 50% of the turnout. OMOV campaigners are doing their best to keep the campaign alive by going door to door, but are up against the government machine, which is now campaigning against its own poll.
The UDP is due to hold a series of public meetings this week using public finances to campaign against the question, which will ask voters if they would like to change the country’s voting system from multi-member, multi voting to one man, one vote in single member constituencies.
Although OMOV campaigners and those against the democratic principle will not be able to encourage people to vote one way or the other on the day, they will be able to continue encouraging people to go to the polls.
“Voting is a simple process and polling teams have been trained to poll expeditiously. All registered voters are urged to exercise their franchise to vote on this matter of national importance and with it being a public holiday there really is no excuse not to attend the polls,” the elections office said. “Employers should also be mindful of the Law which allows for them to allow every voter in their employ a reasonable period to attend a polling station to vote. Failing to comply carries a penalty of $500.00 or a term of imprisonment of 6 months.”
They pointed to other offences contained in the Elections Law which will also apply to the referendum, including bribery, treating and undue influence.
“The Police and Elections Office will be monitoring this closely and anyone who has knowledge of any such alleged infraction should contact the Police, Elections Office or the Returning Officer for the district in which the alleged infraction has occurred,” the office confirmed Monday.
Polls will open promptly at 7:00am Wednesday 18 July in all districts at 39 polling stations. Voters in West Bay are reminded that there have been changes to polling venues at 3 locations in that district. For those who previously voted at the Church of Christ the substitute venue will be an air conditioned tent across from Republics (Foster’s Food Fair). For those who previously voted at the New Testament Church of God voting will now take place at the Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church and for those who previously voted at the John Gray United Church voting will take place at the air conditioned tent situated on North West Point Road.
CNS will be offering full coverage of the election all day with details of polling information during the day and counting information as it proceeds during the night. The Elections Office website will also be providing information as it becomes available. The count will be conducted in each district and the final result will be announced by the Supervisor of Elections.
Mobile polling will be conducted in the 6 electoral districts on the following dates and times:
West Bay- 12th July, 2012 at the John A. Cumber School Hall for electors that are unable to go to the polls because of employment/service or occupation commencing at 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. In the case of private residences/hospitals/rest homes or other similar institutions a mobile team will visit between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
George Town- 11th July, 2012 at the Elections Office at 150 Smith Road for electors that are unable to go to the polls because of employment/service or occupation commencing at 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. In the case of private residences/hospitals/rest homes or other similar institutions a mobile team will visit between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Bodden Town- 10th July, 2012 at the James Manoah Bodden Civic Centre for electors that are unable to go to the polls because of employment/service or occupation commencing at 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. In the case of private residences/hospitals/rest homes or other similar institutions a mobile team will visit between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
North Side- 9th July, 2012 at the North Side Primary School for electors that are unable to go to the polls because of employment/service or occupation commencing at 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. In the case of private residences/hospitals/rest homes or other similar institutions a mobile team will visit between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.
East End- 9th July, 2012 at the William Allen McLaughlin Civic Centre for electors that are unable to go to the polls because of employment/service or occupation commencing at 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. In the case of private residences/hospitals/rest homes or other similar institutions a mobile team will visit between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M
Cayman Brac- 9th July, 2012 at the Aston Rutty Centre for electors that are unable to go to the polls because of employment/service or occupation commencing at 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. In the case of private residences/hospitals/rest homes or other similar institutions a mobile team will visit between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M
One Man One Vote
To listen to the opponents of the OMOV proposal try to justify their opposition would be considered funny if the outcome did not have such serious implications for the future of the Cayman Islands. Between leaving the system as is or changing to OMOV there is no justifiable reason for not making the change. The only reason is an attempt to cling to political power.
If McKeeva and his cohorts seriously believed the current system was better for the Cayman Islands and genuinely wanted what was best for Cayman, they would be promoting the logical extension of the current system. They would be promoting a single constituency for the Cayman Islands where every eligible Caymanian would be able to vote for 17 representatives.
This would mean that every Caymanian would have the same number of votes. However, this is not what McKeeva wants as it would mean George Town (most registered voters) would be able to control all representatives to the Legislative Assembly. If George Town voters voted for 17 candidates from George Town, because George Town has the majority registered voters this would mean the 17 candidates from George Town would be elected to the LA, therefore depriving all other constituencies of any representation.
This simply illustrates why the current system is unfair. The same thing is happening on a smaller scale wherever there is more than one representative for a constituency. In West Bay, where McKeeva represents a constituency with the largest number of voters in the district, he and his running mates know they only need cater to that base. As long as they keep their base of voters happy, the other constituents in West Bay have no say and their needs are of no importance in the running of the district. This is what is very unfair to those Caymanians who have no sayin the running of their district and ultimately their country simply because of their area of residence.
The change to One Man One Vote will take a large step towards providing better representation for Caymanians, something that is desperately needed at this time. If the best interests of the Cayman Islands are the guiding force in this issue, there is no question that changing our system to One Man One Vote is the best way to move forward.