Archive for August, 2012
Mac hopes for UK approval
(CNS): Although the UK has not yet given the Cayman government the go-ahead for the latest budget submission, the premier has called a meeting of the Legislative Assembly for Friday afternoon. McKeeva Bush, who is also the finance minister, plans to present his delayed budget statement on government spending for 2013/13 following the Throne Speech, which will be delivered by the deputy governor. However, the premier will still need to wait on the UK’s approval to pass the appropriations law, otherwise the governor will not assent to the bill. On Thursday afternoon there was still no word from the UK, which had asked on Monday evening for more cuts on the CIG’s latest budget proposal — a request the premier refused.
Members of the Business Committee met at the Legislative Assembly on Thursday morning and the premier confirmed that he intended to present the budget on Friday afternoon.
The delivery of government’s spending plans is already almost two months overdue after Bush was forced to bring an emergency motion to the LA in June after his government was unable to put together a budget that met with the Foreign and Commonwealth’s approval. Aside from breaking its own guidelines regarding the Public Management and Finance Law, the Framework for Fiscal Responsibility that he signed with OT minister Henry Bellingham last November requires that Cayman’s budgets have UK approval.
In the last few months the government’s financial crisis has reached unprecedented heights with the premier going to the brink of implementing direct taxation on the earnings of ex-pat workers. That controversial plan was averted at the eleventh hour when the private sector, and in particular the financial services industry, offered to shoulder more fee increases on directors, hedge funds and other areas as well as increases in work permit costs.
The new package of revenue raising measures was presented to the FCO at the end of last week and the UK's economic advisor responded to the CIG verbally Monday night asking for further cuts. Public spending for 2012/13 is believed to be in the region of $580 milllion, the largest ever core government spending billin the islands’ history. Bush plans on raising $650 million in revenue to cover the spending and produce a $70 million surplus — some $6 million short of the target set by the UK of $76 million.
It is understood that the UK continues to exert pressure on the CIG to cut costs further as they still have concerns about the credibility of the projected revenue. Sources say that the FCO wants to ensure that Cayman does not fall into deficit in the forthcoming financial year and instead begins to get back on the track of fiscal responsibility.
Police seek owners of stolen items
(CNS): Police at the George Town station are looking for the owners of a number of items, mostly jewelry, that have been recovered by the CID and are believed to be the spoils of burglaries and thefts that occurred between May 2011 and June 2012. The RCIPS is hoping to identify the owners, whether the thefts were reported to the police or not. Anyone with information regarding the jewelry is urged to contact DC Ian Wade at 949-4222 or 325-6566 or at ian.wade@rcips.ky. See below for pictures of all the jewelry items.
Police bust Bodden Town man for growing ganja
(CNS): A 32-year-old man has been arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Law for cultivation and possession of ganja as well as suspicion of consuming a controlled drug, following a drug bust in the Spotts-Newlands area on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the RCIPS said that officers from Bodden Town Police Station, OSU and X-Ray 1 carried out an operation in the afternoon of 14 August as part of the ongoing police operation's island wide focusing on proactively tackling criminal and traffic related offences. Acting Chief Inspector Brad Ebanks, OiC of the Eastern Districts, warned that the RCIPS was watching those involved in crime.
“We will be paying close attention to persons who commit these and other offences. At any given day persons involved in illegal activities could get an unexpected visit from the police,” he stated.
Anyone with information about crime in the Cayman Islands is asked to contact their local police station or the RCIPS hotline on 949 7777. Alternatively people can also call CrimeStoppers at 800 (TIPS) 8477
Panama flight cut three months after $71,000 launch
(CNS Business): The much heralded Cayman Airways direct flight to Panama will end in less than three weeks, according to the airline’s website. Booking staff said they did not know when, or if, the flight would return to the schedule next year. After government spent more than $71,000 on a two-day promotional event and party in Panama City at the end of May, the flight is being axed from the schedule on 3 September after only three months. An official from CAL told CNS Business that this was always the plan, despite the money spent on promoting Cayman in Panama, while a number of customers told CNS they were surprised by what appeared to be the sudden axing of the short-lived route. Read More on CNS Business
Should extremely obese children be taken into care?
(BBC): Does allowing a child to become morbidly obese qualify as child abuse? Some health and social care professionals believe it is a question that needs to be considered more seriously. Just a few months ago, the town of Aberdare in South Wales, was the scene of a dramatic rescue. A 19-year-old girl was pulled from her house by a crew of fire fighters – not because of a fire, but because she weighed more than 50 stone (318kg). The girl needed urgent medical treatment but could not fit through the front door of her house and so a wall was knocked down so she could be taken to hospital.
Medics and social workers were on standby to give the girl much needed support, but the question some people have asked is why social workers did not take preventative measures – such as taking the girl into care when she was younger – before such extreme action was needed?
The question of whether extreme obesity is a child protection issue is a sensitive subject, but one which is gaining traction with some health and social care professionals.
"It is my view that child obesity should be treated as a form of child mistreatment, as any type of under-feeding is," says Joanna Nicholas, a child protection consultant who has been a social worker for 17 years.
Independent MLAs call for deferral of new seats
(CNS): A motion to defer the introduction of three new members to the Legislative Assembly at the next election will be filed by the Independent member for North Side when the country’s parliament resumes for the next sitting. Given the current financial difficulties facing the Cayman Islands government, Ezzard Miller believes that there is no need to increase the size of the legislature in May 2013 and that the additional seats can wait until the 2017 election, when hopefully the public purse will be in better shape. The motion is being supported by Arden McLean, the member for East End who recently resigned from the opposition People’s Progressive Movement.
Miller, in partnership with the newly independent McLean, said he hopes to garner support for his motion, which he believes could save government a considerable amount of money over the next four budget years, not just on the three salaries and benefits but by avoiding the creation of a new ministry.
“The constitution says ‘may’ and not ‘shall’, so there is no legal requirement that forces government’s hand,” Miller said. “We simply cannot afford the extra politicians at the moment and it seems sensible to both myself and Mr McLean that the government could reconsider installing the three extra seats and save some money.”
The proposal is certainly likely to gather support from those in the wider community who believe that Cayman’s parliament is already too big for the size of the country. However, both the premier and the deputy premier have ministries which have been described by officials as "super ministries" because of the number of departments falling under their care.
The plan to grow the country’s parliament by three new MLAs, one of which would also be a Cabinet member, is set out in the constitution and is driven mostly by the change in the constitutional position of the financial secretary, who is no longer a Cabinet minister. The 2009 constitution took the responsibility for financial matters from the administrative arm of government and placed it in the hands of elected members, creating a minister of finance, a post taken up during this administration by McKeeva Bush.
The added ministry, coupled with the belief that the workload in the country’s public sector was too small for five elected officials to handle, resulted in the need for a sixth ministerial Cabinet post. As a result, the parliament needs to be increased by three members in order to retain the important democratic balance between Cabinet and backbench MLAs on both government and the opposition sides of the Legislative Assembly.
The purpose of that is to ensure that the people’s representatives on the backbenches could, if they were so inclined, work together to oust an unpopular government. However, in practice, where the government has a majority its own backbench MLAs have proved very reluctant to utilize that parliamentary power.
Although the proposal was written into the constitution to add the three MLAS at the general election in 2013, Miller believes that it is not a compulsory requirement and government can seize the opportunity to defer the growth of the Cayman Legislative Assembly for another four years
The move to add the three seats and increase the size of Cabinet will add to government expenditures from 2013. It has also already caused considerable controversy over how the seats can be absorbed into Cayman’s electoral system, more so since the premier rejected the results of the referendum on one man, one vote, leaving the continued likelihood that two of the seats will be added in George Town and a third in Bodden Town.
Jamaican MP faces enquiry over public contract
(CNS): The contractor general in Jamaica has opened an investigation into public contracts awarded to a company owned by a family member of one of the country's MPs. The office will be examining the circumstances surrounding the award of a National Works Agency (NWA) job to contractors that were allegedly selected by Derrick Kellier, MP, one of which is a company that is owned by his brother. Greg Christie says documents now held by his office indicate at least one of the alleged contracts, in the sum of $270,000, was awarded by the NWA on the written instructions of the MP for South St. James to M & K Heavy Equipment Hireage, his brother’s firm.
M & K Heavy Equipment Hireage Co Ltd. is listed by the Registrar of Companies as a company that is 80% owned and controlled by Martin Kellier, who sits as the Peoples National Party (PNP) Councillor for the Welcome Hall Division of the St. James Southern Constituency. The Constituency is represented by his brother, Derrick Kellier, who is a PNP Member of Parliament and the government minister for labour.
According to a release from Christie’s office, staff from the NWA’s St. James office have also alleged that contractors were selected by the MP, who had provided the names of the contractors on the work programme which was sent to the implementing agency. The preliminary enquiry into the issue was triggered by a written complaint and allegation sent to Christie’s office in July 20 from a concerned citizen.
The OCG said itis also in possession of other official documents which establish that another government contract for $840,000 was awarded last year to the same firm, which matched a request by Kellier MP for $840,000 from his Constituency Development Fund to carry out local emergency road works.
Christie said this week that his office’s investigation will seek to examine the particulars of the contracts that have been subjected to the alleged arrangement, whether government procurement procedures were followed and whether the contracts were awarded impartially and on merit, without impropriety or irregularity and if any other laws or regulations were contravened.
CNB suspect netted in Jam
(CNS): The RCIPS is seeking the extradition of a Jamaican national from Jamaica after his arrest by police there in connection with the robbery at the Buckingham Square branch of Cayman National Bank on 28 June this year. Four other men have already been charged in Cayman in connection with the daylight heist, in which the robbers stole more than half a million dollars. Three of the men are set to stand trial next year and a fourth man has yet to have his trial set as he will be facing separate charges. According tothe Jamaican press, the 36-year old man arrested there is Ryan Edwards, of Seaforth in St Thomas.
RJR News reports that when police in Jamaica arrested Edwards some US$5000 and CI$35,000 was found in the car he was driving. The police were able to match the notes to those stolen during the CNB robbery and discovered that Edwards, who is believed to have left Cayman by boat, was wanted by the RCIPS.
The man is currently in Jamaican police custody awaiting extradition.
Resource centre seeks support for clothing drive
The department of counselling services’ Family Resource Centre (FRC) is calling on people in the community to donate baby items, maternity and professional clothes for the Young Parent group where the gifts will be put to good use. The items are used as part of an incentive programme that officials say keeps the young adults motivated and focused on becoming better parents for their little ones. The clothing drive is to collect things on which the young parents can spend the reward tokens that they have earned. Meanwhile, the resource centre is also starting a programme aimed at fathers to help them deal with their children’s behaviour, manage conflict and anger, communicate and cope as single parents.
“Many of our young parents are making big changes in their lives and parenting philosophies,” FRC Programme Coordinator, Miriam Foster said. “Change in any form comes with some frustration. Being rewarded for a job well done with albeit ‘pretend’ money, gives clients the satisfaction of knowing how it feels to earn money and be able to purchase items for themselves and their babies,” she said in relation to the clothing drive and the appeal for donations.
Held at the centre, the YPS is a special programme dedicated to young moms and dads working on parenting and employability skills. The programme helps build positive parenting skills, attitudes and behaviour so kids can get a head start in life.
Speaking about the six sessions specially for fathers, of any age, Foster said the initiative would focus on the responsibilities of fatherhood. “The meetings will be down-to-earth and practical as we help these men fulfill their roles as effective parents, partners and workers.”
The new programme starting on Monday 20 August will also empower fathers and provide them with the tools necessary to build healthy relationships as they make positive contributions in their children’s lives, she added.
The minister responsible for community affairs Mike Adam said it was important that fathers secure loving relationships with their children. “Spending quality time and expressing unconditional love will strengthen the individual and the family,” he said.
For six weeks, starting Monday, August 20, fathers will get a chance to rediscover their roles and work toward enhancing the relationships they have with their children.
For more information about Fathers First, helping young parents or any of FRC’s services, call 946-0006 or email frc@gov.ky.
Cheetahs prey on Warriors
(GCFFA): Upsets, ties and stiffening competition from the underdogs best describes the current state of the Dart Women’s League under the Grand Cayman Flag Football Association. It began with a 6-6 tie after overtime between the number one ranked team, Hammerheads Lady Sharks and the seventh place team Lone Star JagerMonsters at the Camana Bay Field last Friday night. Defending champions, Lady Sharks found themselves in trouble on offense as quarterback Hong Nguyen managed completing only nine of 19 pass attempts, while getting sacked a total of nine times. Serena Yates, known mostly for her defensive ability with Lady Sharks, proved herself as an offensive player as well, leading her team with four catches including one in the end-zone gaining the lone score for Hammerheads.
Yates also saw some glory on defense as she sacked Lone Star’s quarterback one time. Meghan Boccaccio read JagerMonsters’ quarterback well, gaining three interceptions, and Judy Rivers followed with two interceptions. It was a quiet defensive game for Lady Sharks as Rivers led in tackles with a mere two.
Lone Star JagerMonsters nearly tasted victory against the top-rated team after struggling to win in recent games. Changing their game plan, Lone Star had Erica Bosch play quarterback for the entire game, and Bosch was able to complete seven of 17 passes, with five interceptions thrown.
Bosch’s favorite look on offense was Monique Roberts with five receptions. Her only pass to Nickey Martinich in the end-zone secured the one touchdown for the team. Roberts excelled in defense as well, sacking the Lady Sharks’ quarterback five times, followed by Marline Williams with three sacks and Laura Watler with one. Renee Thompson and Tricia Miller had three tackles each, and Roberts and Williams each added two tackles to their defense.
On the next field, Androgroup Killa Panthers slipped by with a 19-12 win over Subway Stingers. Easing back into her regular quarterback position, Lisa Malice had a great game, completing 17 of 28 pass attempts. Alicia Dixon led the offense with six receptions, including one in the end-zone for a touchdown. Cassandra Bodden followed with five receptions including catches in the end-zone for a touchdown and extra points. Gillian Roffey slipped by two defensive players for a 50yard run to bring in the third touchdown for Androgroup Killa Panthers.
On defense, Suyen Coe and Jennifer Allen led with three tackles each. Stephanie Watler came through with one sack to Subway’s quarterback and Roffey added an interception to the game.
Subway Stingers stepped up their game this week, as quarterback Christina Pineda completed 14 of 23 pass attempts, and one interception thrown. Pineda spread the ball around but saw Joanne Remillard for four passes including one that was sprinted in 30 yards for a touchdown. Dionne Anglin was instrumental in bringing the ball up with three big catches down the middle and Keisha Anglin secured the second touchdown for Stingers with an easy dash into the end-zone.
It was a team effort on defense with Anna Nyaundi, Timisha Edwards, Keisha Anglin and Latoya Cover each getting three tackles. Nikki Ebanks also managed to sack Androgroup’s quarterback one time.
Saturday morning’s game started off with underdogs Hot 104.1FM Cheetah’s shutting down Zulu Warriors 6-0. Quarterback for the Cheetahs, Jamesette Anglin, completed 11 of 21 pass attempts and ran in the ball to secure the only touchdown for the Cheetahs. Leading the Cheetahs offense in receptions was Tonia Ebanks-McLaughlin with four catches, followed by Jessica Richards and Sophia Dilbert each with three catches. Ebanks-McLaughlin also took a turn at quarterback, completing one of three pass attempts.
Tracey Seymour was smoking on defense withten tackles and one interception. Anglin, Amanda Nelson and Ebanks-McLaughlin each had four tackles on defense, and Nelson came up with one interception and Anglin had two. Kara Rankine came up with two sacks to add to the team’s strong defense.
For the Zulu Warriors, quarterback Jessica Pawlik was able to connect with her receivers, but some mis-calculated throws that resulted in a series of interceptions halted any progress for the team. Pawlik managed to complete 19 of 32 pass attempts, with four interceptions thrown.
Leading the offense for Zulu was Shamar Ennis who had six catches, followed by Dionne Whittaker and Emily Vakauta with four receptions each. In the last few minutes of the game Zulu had a chance to score as they reached their opponents end-zone but Cheetahs’ defense was too strong to allow any touchdowns.
Adrianna Christian had her first stand-out game on defense, sacking the Cheetahs’ quarterback five times. Whittaker also stood out on defense with three tackles, followed by Hortencia Jackson, Janycee Parchment and Bianca Johnson with two tackles each. Johnson also sacked the quarterback two times, and Parchment came through with an interception.
The last game on Saturday morning saw the Burger King Wolverines continue their winning record after defeating Maples Bliss 12-0. Quarterback for the Wolverines, Antoinette Lewis, completed just eight of 17 pass attempts with two interceptions thrown. Jessica Ebanks also stepped up as quarterback with two unsuccessful pass attempts.
Benecia Thompson had the most looks on offense with four catches, followed by Alex Terry with two. Both players caught balls in the end-zone to contribute to the team’s score.
The Wolverines had a quiet game on defense as Maples didn’t do much to move the ball. Thompson, Saneata Smith and Carrie Barnett each had two tackles on defense, and Ebanks had one interception.
Not all the stats were recorded for Maples Bliss, but the team struggled against the Wolverines, with quarterback Ellenor Berry noted as completing just four of eight pass attempts with one interception thrown. Jessica Maxwell, Catherine Hines, Amber Watson and Marleena Smith each had a catch on offense.
On defense, Malaqui Awe and Dianerra Whittaker had two tackles each. Loletta Hanna and Somali Small each had an interception, but Maples weren’t able to stop the Burger King Wolverines from scoring.
This Friday night’s games start off with the Hot 104.1FM Cheetahs trying to keep their winning momentum as they face Maples Bliss at 8pm at the Camana Bay Field. On field 2 will be Zulu Warriors against Burger King Wolverines; the Warriors did beat the Wolverines earlier in the season and Friday night is the second time the teams face each other before playoffs. Saturday morning starts with the Lone Star JagerMonsters versus Androgroup Killa Panthers at 10am, followed by Hammerheads Lady Sharks against Subway Stingers.