Archive for October 31st, 2012
RC Cayman buys Ritz-Carlton at own auction
CNS Business): RC Cayman Holdings LLC secured ownership of the Ritz Carlton-Grand Cayman Resort Wednesday after the highest value real estate auction in the history of the Cayman Islands. The company which had seized ownership of the hotel from developer Michael Ryan bought the hotel at its own auction meeting at the reserve price of US$177.5 million, which it had set reduced from an earlier price of $250 million.The property was sold as a block, including the 136 acre resort with the nine-hole Blue Tip Golf Course and future development land. In a release, the new owners said they were committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the resort as a worldâclass destination. Read more and comment on CNS Business.
Mac signs MOU in Philippines
(CNS Business): During his recent trip to Asia the Cayman Islands premier signed an MOU with a major conglomerate in the Philippines. Although government has not yet released the details of the deal with the San Miguel Corporation (SMC), a food corporation and majority shareholder in Philippine Airlines, it is understood to involve investment into Cayman Airways Limited (CAL). McKeeva Bush signed the deal when he was in Manila, which sources say could involve efforts by the Cayman government to assist the firm’s airline to expand its flights into the United States. However, this may be blocked by the FCO because of problems regarding safety standards in the country. Read more on CNS Business
Cops keep up with community events in West Bay
(CNS): More than 50 young people enjoyed a free night at the movies in West Bay on Saturday night courtesy of the RCIPS who were aiming to keep the youngsters off the streets and away from trouble. Tempted by free hot dogs, popcorn and pizzas the young people hung out with the neighbourhood cops at the Sir John A Cumber School hall for the special screening of Madagascar 3. “It was a great turnout and everyone seemed to have a fantastic time,” said PC Sharon Baillie. “This is just one of many initiatives in the West Bay area to provide our young people with positive choices,’ she added.
“Some of those who came along to see the movie might otherwise have been wandering the streets on Saturday night with nothing to do. It also provided us, in the neighbourhood police department, with yet another golden opportunity to interact on a one-to-one basis with the young people in the West Bay community,” Bailey said.
The food and drinks for the evening were provided by Ginos Pizzeria, Rackhams, Calico Jacks and Pappagallo restaurant. A number of private individuals within the West Bay area also contributed.
The next event in the West Bay neighbourhood calendar is the much anticipated Christmas party. The date of the party is yet to be announced, but any members of the community who wish to become involved should contact West Bay police station on 949-3999.
Charity hopes for successful annual fundraiser
(CNS): The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) will be depending on Caymanians to tune in this Saturday to its 33rd annual telethon on Cayman 27. As its main fundraiser the charity depends on the cash raised during the marathon TV show to run its local programmes. This year the charity is targeting $130,000. Broadcasting live between pm and midnight from the Prospect Playhouse people can also listen to the show on Radio Cayman. Entertainment includes a diverse range of local musicians and other artists who are donating their time.
There will also be an opportunity to win one of over 50 prizes donated by many different companies for those who phone in and pledge on the night.
“The success of our Radio/Telethon is vital to the NCVO’s ability to help the children who benefit from our programmes” said Janice Wilson, CEO. “The community has always been very supportive of the NCVO and given the tough economic times and the increased need for our assistance, we need their support more than ever. We encourage everyone to phone in with their donations, and to joinus for a wonderful night of entertainment. Challenge your friends, co-workers and family members to match or beat your pledge.”
The NCVO is an independent, non-profit, charitable organisation working for the well-being of children and families in need of. Projects funded by the NCVO include: the Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home which houses children in need of care and protection for reasons such as neglect or abuse; “Miss Nadine’s” Pre-School which provides early childhood education for up to seventy 2-5 year olds; Jack & Jill Nursery which cares for up to14 babies, the Caring Cousins Fund which supplies lunches and snacks to school children and the John Gray Fund which assists first degree students with college related expenses.
The pledge line sponsored by LIME is 946-6136 and entertainment will be provided by Gone Country; Sea N’ B; Hi Tide; Barefoot Man; Andy Martin, the Allenger Family, GordonSolomon; Mona Lisa Tatum; Suckerbox; Joan Wilson; I Am; Little Magic Trio; Dry Run & Jeff Alban. For more information or to make a donation to the NCVO prior to the Radio/Telethon, contact the NCVO at 949-2124 or ncvo@candw.ky, or log onto www.ncvo.org.ky
Local phone company offers free calls to the US
(CNS): People with LIME residential landlines will be able to call the United States today for free. The company is offering customers ‘15-family minutes’ free Wednesday (31 October) between mid-day to midnight so that they can call loved ones in the USA who are dealing with the damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Sandy. One of the largest storms to ever strike the east coast of the US, it has disrupted the lives of millions of people. LIME said that it was offering the free 15 minutes talk time as a “humanitarian gesture” for those who have family impacted by the natural disaster.
“We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to call and check with family and friends that they are okay following the dreadful effects of the storm,” said Anthony Ritch, Cayman’s General Manager for LIME.
Superstorm Sandy caused billions of dollars worth of damage when it made landfall on Monday and pummelled the Northeast coast, killing at least 55 people. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said it could take four or five days before the city's subway, which suffered the worst damage in its 108-year history, is running again.
Consolidated Edison, New York's power company, said it would be four days before the last of the 337,000 customers in Manhattan and Brooklyn have electricity again and it could take a week to restore outages in the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and Westchester County. Floodwater led to explosions that disabled a power substation Monday night, contributing to the outages.
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Newark International Airport in New Jersey reopened Wednesday morning with limited service. New York's LaGuardia Airport remains closed.