Archive for November 27th, 2012
List of JPs grows as fifteen more sworn in
(CNS): Another fifteen people were added to Cayman’s already long list of lay magistrates last week. Sworn-in on Tuesday, by Deputy Clerk of Court Cecile Collins, herself a JP, officials said the new group will strengthen the capacity of the local judicial system to provide official services to members of the public. There are now over 150 JPs in the Cayman Islands who will all be subject to mandatory training sessions. JPs are appointed under the Summary Jurisdiction Law, which regulates the operation of the summary or magistrates’ courts, including the appointment of magistrates. Although they have no legal training they have authority to preside over certain criminal cases. They also have powers to issue summonses and warrants.
Magistrates can take affidavits, administer oaths, solemn declarations and affirmations; and admit persons to bail, or remand them. They also possess general judicial and administrative powers in relation to the administration of justice. JPs may also serve, as required, in the Youth Court, or otherwise, in addition to their duties of assisting with passport applications and other documents; and assisting their communities with various initiatives – such as working to divert vulnerable or at-risk youths away from the penal justice system.
During their swearing in ceremony Attorney General Samuel Bulgin said the appointment was prestigious but not meant to be merely symbolic.
“It is meant to be an obligation to further assist your country,” he told the novice JPs, “Your appointment means that even though you have no formal legal training you have been adjudged as having the common sense, intelligence, integrity and capacity to act fairly, and prepared to give freely of your time for no material reward.
“Under no circumstances should you act in matters where you have an obvious or potential conflict of interest, whether the interest is personal, pecuniary or otherwise,” he added.
An orientation session facilitated by Magistrate Grace Donalds, who although retired has recently returned to the summary bench on contract, preceded the swearing-in and all JPs will be subject to on-going training in the future.
Accountants offer training on ethics to government
(CNS): A professional; development conference specifically for finance and audit personnel working in government opened Monday examining governance, performance auditing, ethics and values. Hosted by the Cayman Islands Society of Professional Accountants (CISPA) officials said the event was an opportunity to share best practice. . Keynote speakers will include the Governor, Duncan Taylor, the deputy governor Franz Manderson, the auditor general Alastair Swarbrick, and chair of the CTC Nick Freeland. Manderson encouraged all public sector finance employees to sign up for the training.
“I would also like to encourage managers in all government entities to consider attending the sessions to hear about what is happening in the government today. This is a terrific way to learn about what you need to know and to hear about what challenges lie ahead,” he added.
The training will run until Friday at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Working with the Civil Service College and a planning committee made up of senior accounting and auditing officials, the topics that will be discussed include governance, ethics and values, performance auditing and what is new and challenging with public sector accounting standards.
Sponsored by local accounting firms and associations, participants will pay only $100 per day to attend. Information about the event, speakers and registration is available at www.cispa.ky. For information about the event, please call David Stock at 244-3190.