Archive for August, 2012
OMOV campaigners spent only $33,000
(CNS): Activists in favour of one man, one vote in the recent referendum spent only a fraction on campaigning to win the vote compared to government who spent over $100,000 of public funds. The OMOV group collected $29, 483.30 from private donors and spent $33,816.26 on advertising t-shirts, brochures, and meeting room rental, according to financial statements released on Wednesday. The deficit of $4,334.96 was made up by committee members from their own pockets for the referendum that returned a vote more than two to one in favour, in most districts, of the democratic principle.
Despite winning the referendum with 5,631 ‘yes’ representing some 65 per cent of the 8,676 persons who voted. With only 57.23 per cent of registered electorate actually voting, the referendum fell short of the high 50 per cent plus one bar, of registered voters, set by government, for single member constituencies to be implemented.
The release of the financial documents (posted below) is in keeping with the committee’s promise to be transparent with the public about its funding. The statement, as at 24 July, shows that the campaign received a total income of $29, 483.30, with the majority of that — $21,683.30 — coming from individual contributions. Expenses totalled $33,816.26, leaving a deficit of $4,334.96. The bulk of expenses represented direct advertising to the tune of $25,299.50, with the rest covering items such as t-shirts, brochures, and meeting room rental.
Although the referendum returned a ‘yes’ majority the government has also refused to accept the result as advisory but the premier recently announced that a bi-partisan group was to be established to look at Cayman’s voting system and announced the possibility of changing it to ‘two men, two votes’ with the introduction of nine double member constituencies in order to accommodate the three new seats which are required in order for government to implement the constitutional provision of a sixth minister in Cabinet.
See financials below
Activists confident over cops
(CNS): Local activist groups campaigning against various government policies, in particular relating to the Dart deal, are calling on everyone, including the newly formed Facebook group Caymanians and Expats United Against Taxation, to attend the premier’s public meeting tonight and not to be intimidated. The veterans of protest said that they were confident that the RCIPS would protect their right to assemble as they had done in the past and the premier could not intimidate everyone. McKeeva Bush will be hosting the first public meeting on his proposed 10% expat tax on Wednesday in his own constituency of West Bay, where he is expected to give more details on the controversial plan to balance the budget.
The founder of the social network group Nick Pitman announced yesterday that the planned protest by the group against the proposed tax would be held next Monday evening on the more neutral ground in George Town. However he too encouraged everyone to still go to West Bay to hear what the premier and to say and ask questions before joining the rally next week.
“Although we made a decision to postpone the protest itself because of the intimidation members were facing and the concerns raised by some of our members we are still keen to see as many people in our group as possible attend this critically important meeting this evening where hopefully we can be more accurately informed about the precise nature of this discriminatory tax the premier intends to impose,” Pitman told CNS.
“We are aiming for a full scale peaceful protest next Monday in front of the Legislative Assembly in which we have also asked other concerned groups to join as well as members of the LA when all of us will hopefully be better informed about the Mr Bush’s plans.”
The Truly4Cayman group which includes the Concerned Citizens Group, West Bay Action Committee, Keep Bodden Town Dump Free and the Save Cayman Group called on the Facebook group to join them tonight as well before the meeting starts at 6:30pm outside John A Cumber primary school.
“Mr Premier, you may be able to scare some of the people, some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time,” truly4cayman said in a statement released on Wednesday morning. “We are confident that as the RCIPS protected our right to assemble before, they will do so again in West Bay.
Referring to the intimidation suffered by the coalition of groups over its objections to the ForCayman Alliance Truly4Cayman said it too had been disparagingly labelled disruptive and even destructive despite being quite the opposite and dedicated to preservation – not least the preservation of the West Bay Road and other areas of Grand Cayman for the long-term benefit all people. The group called on Bush to fulfil his pledge to protect and defend the best interests of all of Cayman, which could not be achieved while his government focused special interests groups.
Expat tax flawed say local lawyers
(CNS Business): The Cayman Islands Law Society is the latest private sector group to oppose the premier’s idea of a 10% payroll tax on expatriate workers, describing the idea as "flawed". The group, which represents those that sustain the country’s so-called ‘golden goose’ of offshore finance, say the proposal will cause long term damage to Cayman’s entire economy without addressing the fundamental problems of public spending. Government needed to understand that the group it proposed to tax was mobile and a tax on people that can leave was not sustainable, the society said. It also criticized government’s failure to understand the economic principles that had sustained Cayman the last 30 years. (Read more on CNSBusiness)
Inmates pass through rehab programmes
(CNS): As part of the goal to improve prison rehab service a number of inmates recently completed a number of behaviour modification and drug-education programmes government officials have said. Described as self-enhancement opportunities these programmes are said to be offered on an on-going basis at HMP Northward in areas such as education, technical-vocational training, as well as stress- and anger-management. The intervention groups involve prison staff as well as external agencies such as Cayman Against Substance Abuse (CASA) and the Department of Community Rehabilitation (DCR).
Other services include twice-weekly Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Job-placement and rehabilitative programmes are also available at the female prison, HM Prison Fairbanks.
Deterrent measures also underway include making presentations to local high school students. In addition inmates completed the Interpersonal Relationship Enhancement and Awareness Programme and the Stress Management Programme a 12-15 week initiative allowing participants to explore their personal experiences of stress, then identify and develop sustainable coping strategies and action plans.
The Interpersonal Relationship Enhancement and Awareness Programme is comprised of 14 psycho-educational sessions which help participants to explore themselves, improve communication and relationship skills, while enhancing their understanding of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Speaking at a recent informal ceremony at the prison the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs’ Acting Chief Officer Kathryn Dinspel-Powell said: “To see you functioning well in society would be the best indicator that we’re doing our job successfully. We have a responsibility to prepare you for the way forward, so you don’t come back here,” GIS reported in a release.
Prison Director Dwight Scott described the programmes as a “restructuring process” to help the inmates reflect on how they ended up in prison where they are going and how to change course.
The prison’s Forensic Psychologist Davina Aidoo said that rehabilitation is dependent on the interest and involvement of each inmate: “The objective is reducing recidivism, by addressing interpersonal-issues which need attention,” the expert stated.
Community enhancement or division?
Handing over more money (in the form of tax dollars) to this government feels a little like asking a crack addict to mind your money and expecting it to be put to good use. This may sound a little dramatic but until we are told what the government proposes to do in order to tighten their belts and curb their spending, the people have to be opposed to handing over any more money — all people, expats and Caymanians.
As much as we can all agree that the premier’s proposal is constitutional in that there is a provision to allow discrimination in the matters of immigration and taxation, we all have to ask ourselves is this really the most sensible solution.
Sadly, whether this goes ahead or not, what’s been said cannot be unsaid and this has become a very divisive issue — interesting therefore that the proposed tax is to be called “Community Enhancement”.
There are many people, expatriates and Caymanians, who would welcome the opportunity to provide positive ideas in an attempt at finding solutions to the predicament we find ourselves in. Many people (myself included) are angry because there really is no good reason that we find ourselves in the position we’re in — we got here only because of ‘our’ greed, arrogance and perhaps ignorance. We had rainy day money that we spent on sunny days and here we are.
And yet, despite feeling that I had no say in how we ended up in this position of poverty, I am absolutely prepared to tighten my own belt in order to help us get out of this but I want to see our leaders leading by example; it’s simply not right to expect everyone else to tighten their belts with no intention of doing the same.
I saw a bumper sticker once that said, “How can I be broke when I still have cheques left?” and I believe it’s time to take the cheque book away and get ourselves educated as to the actual position we’re in — no more clever accounting, just the facts.
We have some brilliant minds here and it’s time the government acknowledged the expertise of these brilliant minds and formed a sensible group of people who might actually have some ideas to get us through this without the need for direct taxation and without the divisiveness that we’re currently witnessing.
Agency steps in to help young parents
(CNS): The Family Resource Centre (FRC) is providing local young parents with training to get them into work and help with their parenting skills. The youngsters have been working towards gaining computer certifications, engaging in character development sessions, as well as receiving individual psychological and emotional support from the centre’s facilitators and counsellors. The programme works at addressing potential risk for child abuse and neglect, while boosting other facets of the parent’s life. HSA and other partners provide additional educational elements and once certain criterion is achieved, the young people become eligible for work experience.
“It has been wonderful to see our young mothers blossom and make positive steps at becoming more competent mothers,” FRC Programme Coordinator Miriam Foster said.
Realizing the importance of acquiring both theoretical and practical skills, minister responsible for community affairs, Mike Adam, said, “These fundamentals are crucial for any society and will help motivate our young people to become productive citizens.”
He expressed his appreciation to allcompanies who have opened their doors to train these young women.
Under the programme, the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, has paired up with FRC to allow participants an opportunity to gain work experience throughout various departments.
“Through monetary and food donations, the Ritz has always been there to assist in minimizing the costs of our events,” said Foster. “Private sector stepping in and providing clients with an opportunity to gain confidence and self-worth through work experience or providing families with a meal not often shared allows us to enhance the services FRC can provide.”
To become a sponsor of any of the programmes and services offered at FRC, companies are encouraged to contact Miriam Foster at 949-0006 or email frc@gov.ky.
Triathlon Association gears up for race series
(Ogier): The 2012 Ogier Stroke & Stride is quickly approaching and sports enthusiasts are being encouraged to take part in what promises to be another great race series. Now in its 14th year, this highly anticipated event which is organised by the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association and sponsored by award winning offshore law and fiduciary services firm, Ogier, will give runners and swimmers the chance to participate in an exhilarating three-race series.
Nick Rogers, Ogier’s Managing Partner said: “We are delighted to once again support the Ogier Stroke and Stride event. We hope that many of Cayman's athletes and athletes at heart will come out and participate in this fun and hugely beneficial race. The proceeds will be donated to the Family Resource Centre for their Young Parenting Programme. I am grateful to all participants from the local community for supporting in past years and look forward to continued support for what has become a high profile event in Cayman’s sporting calendar.”
Taking place on Wednesday 8, 15, 22 August and starting at 5:45 pm, each race is a swim and run, with the swim building up from a 400 metre to an 800 metre length over the three weeks – each being followed by a two mile run. The entry fee for individuals is CI$15 per race, or CI$35 for all three and for team entry, CI$25 per race or CI$60 for all three. General registration is available on Tuesday, 7th August from 5.30 – 7.00 pm at My Bar – Sunset House. Online registration and additional information is also available by visiting www.triathlon.ky
The event attracts a wide range of abilities ranging from the die-hard swimming and running enthusiasts, to those who simply want to get out for some fun and exercise. It is not compulsory to participate in all three races and entrants can compete in whichever race they like. A range of varying prizes will be up for grabs following the final race, adding an extra incentive for people to come out and join in the fun.
Dedicated race organisers are committed to running a fun and safe event. The minimum age for entry is 13 and for anyone under the age of 18, entry must be made by an adult.
For more information, visit www.triathlon.ky or email info@triathlon.ky
PoCs slammed by info boss
(CNS): The government body responsible for managing the recruitment process of public sector workers failed to follow its own rules during the recent appointment of three top jobs. The revelation comes from the information commissioner, whose office uncovered the failure during a hearing after a records request was refused by the Portfolio of the Civil Service. Jennifer Dilbert ordered records to be disclosed in connection with the recent recruitment process of three chief officers but also made damning criticisms of the record keeping and handling of the request by the authority. She also expressed her concerns that important records that should have been available simply didn’t even exist.
“It is extraordinary that best practices in recruitment have not been followed in this case, by the very public authority that is responsible for enforcing these practices in other public authorities, and in relation to the recruitment of three very senior public officers,” the information boss said.
In January an applicant applied to the portfolio for records relating to the recruitment of Stran Bodden, Eric Bush and Alan Jones as chief officers, including the criteria used to select the shortlist, the score sheets of the various assessments, interview notes, thepanel report, the resumes of the candidates and other relevant information from the interview process.
Although some records were released when the applicant appealed, numerous problems were uncovered as well as many more documents, according to Dilbert’s report.
“There were numerous problems with the handling of this request,” she wrote in her 21st decision. “While PoCS initially insisted that the seven pages of records supplied to the Applicant in the first instance constituted a full response, this is negated by the fact that numerous other responsive records were subsequently identified.”
Dilbert found that the information manager didn’t advise the applicant of their right to an internal review or their right to appeal, among many other problems with the request, in particular the record keeping issues. She pointed out that every public body is required to maintain its records in a manner which facilitates access.
“It is evident that the record keeping relating to the responsive records in this case was deficient, and that the identification of records responsive to this FOI request suffered as a result," Dilbert found, adding that there was a lack of coordination in the identification and location of records with many being uncovered at the last minute.
A panel report from the interview process was not finalized and signed, which Dilbert said was “extraordinary” as best practices in recruitment had not been followed by the very authority responsible for enforcing such practices and in relation to the recruitment of three very senior public officers.
“This is even more disturbing as in this instance PoCS was charged with the responsibility of providing logistical support for the Deputy Governor’s Office for this very important interview process, and for retaining records arising from the process.”
She said it would be expected “that record keeping and indeed responses to FOI requests with respect to HR matters would be exemplary in this Portfolio, and would set the standard for other public authorities,” but this was definitely not the case.
Dilbert added that Peter Gough’s comments that key records “came to light” during the hearing served to heighten her concerns over the obvious anomalies which obviously occurred during the recruitment exercise and “lack of respect for” the FOI Law.
“Responsive records which have been promised seemed to have vanished, and others which were purported not to exist pop up unexpectedly, all of which makes a mockery of transparency and accountability and reflects very badly on the civil service, which already has serious credibility issues,’” she added in her report.
She criticised the handling of the request, which she said was “passed from pillar to post” further delaying the process, which also led to the applicant questioning whether records were deliberately being withheld.
“The concerns of the Applicant were further elevated in the light of the fact that from records received it was determined that one of the successful candidates scored only 1.05 points more than the unsuccessful candidate rated fourth in the exercise (133.965 vs 132.915),” Dilbert wrote. “Accurate record keeping is therefore all the more essential to support the final choice of candidate, and to endorse the validity of the recorded information.”
She added that the poor handling of the records relating to a crucial recruitment exercise, and the poor handling of the request, had the potential to reflect badly on the exercise itself.
‘The lesson to be learned here is that not only must public authorities act properly, they must also record their actions properly, and promote the disclosure of these records as much as possible,” the information commissioner noted. “The time and effort spent dealing with this FOI request could have been avoided with better record keeping and a culture of openness.”
Although the PoCS claimed to have acted in good faith during the process of the request and hearing, Dilbert said she could not agree with that claim.
“The experience of the Applicant and of this Office in dealing with the appeal does not reflect an acceptable approach to disclosure," she said as she slammed one of government’s key authorities. “I find it interesting that Mr (Ian) Fenton can speak so strongly about the open and fair manner in which the Portfolio has operated, when in fact, at the outset, the minimum response was offered and it was only after the intervention of the ICO via mediation that additional records were forthcoming.”
In her final decision Dilbert upheld the redaction of some information but overturned the Portfolio’s decision to withhold the resumes and proof of education of the three successful candidates and reversed the decision of the Office of the Deputy Governor to redact some information from the unfinished interview panel report.
The authority still has 45 calendar days to appeal Dilbert’s decision to the Grand Court and can keep the documents under wraps during that time, stretching the 30 day request, as is becoming increasingly common, into more than 8 months.