Archive for January, 2013
Jurors to judge attempted murder case
(CNS): Following a preference in recent years for defendants to elect a judge-alone trial when facing serious charges, a 21-year-old man from George Town has bucked the trend and opted for a jury trial. Justin Ramoon is facing an attempted murder charge and an alternative count of wounding with intent in connection with an incident outside Archie’s Bar on Sheddon Road last August. Ramoon, whose trial started last week, has denied trying to kill or deliberately wound Andrew Lopez and a jury of three men and four women will decide his fate.
Setting out the crown’s case against Ramoon and a motive for the crime, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Trevor Ward said the two men had been involved in a dispute the week before the alleged stabbing after a session at Jahti’s in the heart of central George Town.
The crown said Ramoon approached Lopez and asked if he had taken a scooter away from a couple of youngsters who happened to be relatives of the defendant. Lopez maintained that he had because he had assumed the youngsters had stolen the scooter, so he put it in the bush. An altercation then occurred between the two men, and as Ramoon grabbed at his waist, Lopez said, “if you got it, use it” as Ramoon told his friend to “move that boy away before we kill him.”
The following week Lopez was by his car outside the George Town bar when he was stabbed in his back. The crown claimed that Ramoon was the perpetrator, who had asked his victim, “Where all ya mouth is now?” before continuing to stab him in his back, arm and chest. The jury heard that Ramoon had reportedly fled the scene in the direction of Sea Inn Bar.
The prosecution claims the identification of Ramoon is solid and the witness is positive that Ramoon was his assailant because he has known him for years and sees him frequently. The area was well lit and there was a close encounter and struggle.
Suffering from several stab wounds, Lopez got into his car and drove to his brother’s house before going home. He had not intended to go to the hospital until he arrived home and felt increasing pain and difficulty breathing. Once at the hospital, medical staff discovered he had a punctured lung. He attended Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital for a chest tube and remained there for several days. Lopez spoke to two police officers while at the hospital and Ramoon was arrested shortly after.
The crown said the attack was persistent and during the struggle Ramoon had restrained Lopez on purpose in order to continue stabbing him.
Ramoon denies the charges and the case continues in Grand Court One.
Voters have one last chance
(CNS): The largest campaign that Cayman has ever seen to get people onto the voters' register in time for the next general election will end at midnight tonight, when the re-opened window of opportunity closes for the final time. Election officials said this is the last chance because the need to verify new voters before polling day will not allow for any further extensions. Anyone who is qualified to vote but who has not yet registered has until midnight to go the office on Smith Road and add their name to the list. New voters on the Brac should go to Brac Executive Services, where Ellen Lazzari, the registering officer for the district, will also be registering voters until midnight.
Although the register had closed on 2 January, the governor agreed to a request by the premier, supported by the other MLAs, for an extension until tonight.
With the Christmas and New Year holidays falling close to the end of the official registration period for this quarter, several eligible voters were unable to collect the necessary documents and make it to the office before the deadline. The extended window of opportunity means that any voter who registered after 2 January will now be added to the election list. Anyone who has moved districts must also let the office know before the midnight deadline which district they now reside in if they wish to vote in what is likely to be one of the islands’ most historic elections.
During the final surge on 2 January several hundred people registered and pushed the list to well over 18,000 names. Officials hope that the extra time will see a few more hundred names added to the list, which already represents the largest percentage of voters to population for many years.
As Caymanians no longer need to be naturalized British citizens before they can register to vote, a major barrier was removed and has enfranchised a significant number of people for the forthcoming election. Despite this, it is believed that there are still several thousand people who are entitled to become electors that have still chosen note to register.
A significant number of people and local activists across the political spectrum, as well as the Elections Office itself, have been engaged in a full scale campaign to try and encourage as many of those people as possible to place themselves in a position to vote on election day. Even if they exercise their democratic right not to vote on the day of the poll, the goal has beento ensure all those that are qualified have a choice.
With six seats now available in George Town, for the first time voters in the capital will have more votes than electors in the district of West Bay, which still has four seats, as does with the expanding district of Bodden Town, which now has one more seat than in previous elections.
In light of events in December, which saw the former premier, McKeeva Bush, ousted from office by five of his former UDP colleagues in collaboration with the opposition, and in the wake of Bush’s arrest on suspicion of theft and offences under the anti-corruption law, the political landscape for this election has changed significantly.
While George Town and Bodden Town will remain the key areas where the election is likely to be won and lost, the split between Bush, who remains the leader of the now divided UDP, and the current minority Cabinet has also thrown the district of West Bay open to question.
Despite his circumstances, Bush still commands significant support in his home district but it remains to be seen whether he can continue to carry all three candidates running with him to the LA while two of his his former district colleagues, Rolston Anglin and Cline Glidden, now plan to run against him. The split in the formerly solid UDP vote in the district has created the most significant opportunity for several elections for an opposition or independent candidate to pick up at least one of the four seats in Bush’s own constituency.
Once the register closes this evening, there are just two months to go until the current Legislative Assembly is prorogued on 26 March. Nomination day on 27 March, when the field of candidates across all six districts will declare their hands in what is likely to be a tough campaign with an anticipated record number of people battling it out for the 18 legislative seats in perhaps the last election in which some voters have multiple votes.
Visit the Elections Office website to find out more about the registration process.
CIMA releases new silver coin for collectors
(CNS): Local and international numismatics have something new to look forward to with the production of a new Cayman Islands commemorative coin. The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) has released the coin to mark the 10th anniversary of Heroes Day this month. Although the coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation. Each commemorative coin is produced in limited quantity and is only available for a limited time. The Heroes Day coin has a limited mintage of 200 and no additional coins will be minted. With a face value of $5, the limited edition, silver coin captures some of the National Heroes Day themes celebrated over the years.
The coat of arms depicted in gold appears on the obverse side. On the reverse side, it bears images of several of Cayman’s magnificent Frigate birds. Known locally as the Man O’ War, these birds are inextricably linked to local fishermen. Three catboats are strategically positioned to represent the three islands. These boats, which were referred to as the pick-up trucks of the Cayman Islands in the days predating the automobile, also represent our heritage of seamanship.
The two statues – a father and son sitting on a ship’s deck and a woman holding the Earth in her hands – represent youth and gender equality. This combination also celebrates family. To tie all the elements together, the coin is wrapped in thatch rope made from the Silver Thatch palm, our national tree. This unique design was created by Kara Coe of Savannah, a young graphic artist attached to the Government Information Services.
The Cayman Islands National Heroes Day is the national celebration of the heritage and culture of the Islands. Over the past ten years, the events and activities surrounding the day have been used to celebrate a number of core themes. These have ranged from a commemoration of Cayman’s maritime past, our history in aviation and the development of our education system, to the significant milestones achieved by Caymanian women.
The Heroes Day coin will go on sale on Tuesday 22 January on a firstcome first serve basis. The sale price will be US$115.00 or KYD$93.72. It can be purchased from the Currency Division at the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue.
Political coalition wants OMOV for May election
(CNS): The group of political activists, the Coalition for Cayman (C4C), has called on members of the Legislative Assembly to honour the results of last summer’s national referendum and implement one man, one vote for the next election. However, the new minority government is unlikely to support the call as the deputy premier said last week that election preparations were already underway and it would not be possible to amend the election law in time for the national vote. Although at least four of the new minority government may privately now feel that one man, one vote in single member constituencies looks far more attractive to them than it did last July, it appears to be too late for a full scale change.
While there is probably not enough time to implement an education campaign for the change to single member constituencies, there may be time to change the law to provide for voters to have just on vote in all districts and allow the returning officers in multiple member constituencies to put through the top six candidates as being elected.
C4C has note spelt out if it supports that position but has said that, since the majority of the voters who participated in the democratic process on 18 July last year voted in favour of the referendum question, with five out of six districts voting for one man, one vote, the new government should honour that result.
“Caymanian voters have done their part by approving One Man, One Vote by an overwhelming 65%. We urge the MLA’s to honour our democracy, respect the will of our citizens and put country first by immediately implementing this mandate by Caymanian voters,” a spokesperson for C4C said.
The group which is still not calling itself a political party asked each and every MLA to publicly state their position on OMOV. With the opposition already committed to implementing the system if they are elected and the two independent members clearly in favour of OMOV, having initiated the people’s referendum before it was hi-jacked by the former premier, the question appears to be aimed at the five former members of the UDP who now hold the minority government.
McKeeva Bush has stated his opposition to both one man, one vote and single member constituencies, while Ellio Solomon has said he is in favour of a national vote, indicating that the UDP members now sitting on the opposition benches are unlikely to support the OMOV.
However, it is clear that the C4C hopes that the UDP split may allow those former members of the UDP who may now privately support the concept of a more fair and equitable voting system to speak out.
“The question is clear,” the coalition said. “Will you respect the overwhelming approval of this measure by Caymanian voters? If not, you have an obligation to our citizens to come clean and explain your decision.”
The referendum was carried by the majority last summer and was, in the end, a government and not a people's referendum, which constitutionally requires a higherthreshold. However, Bush ruled that the vote still had to be carried by a majority of the entire electorate and not the numbers who came out to vote. As a result the poll fell short of the high bar set by the premier after he called the snap referendum, which helped ensure its defeat, despite the widespread support for the introduction of one man, one vote for the next election.
CAL passengers stranded in Honduras
(CNS): A number of Cayman Airways passengers have been stranded in Honduras after the Goloson International Airport (LCE) in La Ceiba closed on Friday due to the runway being partially flooded from heavy rain. Officials from Cayman Airways confirmed today that flight KX 882 from Grand Cayman to La Ceiba and KX 883 La Ceiba to Grand Cayman were also cancelled on Monday as the runway conditions still did not meet Cayman Airways safety regulations. Although a CAL flight left Friday, it was unable to land and collect the passengers waiting to return to Cayman. The plan had been for those passengers to return today, but conditions in La Ceiba have not improved, so the passengers are still there.
“We are doing our best to accommodate our passengers by scheduling an additional flight tomorrow on the premise that the committed weather will be better, passengers are being re-booked and the change fees are being waived for the additional flight. Cayman Airways is to the safety and security of its operations, passengers and crew, and apologizes to all passengers for any inconvenience caused from today’s flight cancellation,” a spokesperson for the airline stated.
The extra flight KX 882 scheduled for Tuesday, 22 January, weather permitting, is expected to depart Grand Cayman at 10:45am arriving in Honduras at 11:05am and KX 883 is scheduled to depart at 12:05pm, arriving in Grand Cayman at 2:25pm. All affected passengers from today’s cancelled flight will be re-protected with that service as they were for Friday’s cancellation.
The regular weekly flights to La Ceiba will be operated as scheduled thereafter.
Passengers requiring more information are asked to call Cayman Airways reservations on 949-2311, your travel agent, or visit www.caymanairways.com
Students cool down as air con problems fixed
(CNS): Officials from ministry of education have confirmed that problems with the air-conditioning system at the new Clifton Hunter High School have now been resolved. The ministry said that all buildings on the school campus are now being cooled and all services have returned to normal. Prior to the notice that the system is now in working order the education minister had stated last week that fans had been provided during the time that the systems were down and although the windows at the school cannot be opened teachers were still able to carry on lessons. However, Rolston Anglin said that there were many design problems with the school which he had talked about at length in the past.
Anglin said that the buildings were substantially complete when he took office and there had only been scope for limited adaptations and having windows that open was not one of them. He said however, that having portable fans available was one thing the ministry could and despite reports to the contrary did do.
Mac’s travel bill revealed
(CNS):Updated 3:45pm –Over the last twelve months that McKeeva Bush held office as premier of the Cayman Islands he spent more than $350,000 travelling overseas and, combined with information from previous years, Bush spent almost $1 million on overseas travel while in office. Despite originally refusing part of a records request made by CNS regarding the former premier’s travel expenses because of the on-going police investigation, an internal review has successfully resulted in the costs being released. In a letter to CNS the chief officer in the ministry said he had reconsidered the situation and, taking into account the fact that the documents would have been released were it not for the police investigation, the ministry forwarded the documents to CNS Monday.
The spreadsheet reveals the costs for all airfares, accommodation and subsistence allowances for all trips taken by the then premier and his support during 2012, with the exception of his final trip to Jamaica after his arrest.
In the previous release of documents relating to a freedom of information request it was revealed that the then premier Bush had travelled to more than 34 nations. The request revealed that between June 2009, a week after taking up office, when he visited Paris, London Washington and New York, until 15 October 2010, Bush had racked up a travel bill of over four hundred thousand dollars. But from January 2012 until November 2012 he added a further CI$350,091.89 travelling in the region and around the world.
A request which was released later on Monday filled in the missing years revealed that Bush has spent close to one million on travel throughout his period in office from the public purse.
The current premier and former deputy premier, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, has also been severely criticised for her travelling and the $200,000 she spent over the first three and a half years after she took office in 2009 as DP and minister for district admin, agriculture and works. However, McKeeva Bush spent more money on travel in one year alone than O’Connor-Connolly has since the last elections.
The former premier also criticised his predecessor at the tourism ministry, Charles Clifford, for racking up a $200K bill at the ministry, though it is understood that figure covered travelling expenses for all tourism ministry staff over the full four year term.
Bush’s travel expense spreadsheet reveals that many thousands of dollars have been spent from the public purse on airfares and accommodation for himself and the accompanying delegates on the 18 trips he took during 2012. The document also reveals several significant cash transfers on to Bush’s government credit card without explanation. Although a payment for some $17,000 paid to the card was debited, several more transfers to the credit card, totalling around $70,000, have been made and remain unexplained.
The alleged misuse of his government credit card is believed to be at the heart of one of the investigations currently being undertaken by the RCIPS in connection with Bush’s arrest in December. Although this was cited as the reason why the FOI request was first refused, the ministry confirmed Monday that the police did not believe the release of the spending details would hinder their enquiry.
Bush is expected to return to police custody for further questioning next month, having been was bailed in December, but the police have not yet revealed the actual day that the former premier will be back to face a further grilling in connection with his arrest for theft and offences under the anti-corruption law.
See details of Bush’s travel expense for 2012 below and see additional document covering 2009-2011.
Related articles on CNS:
Jamaican court overturns decision against Howell
(CNS): The Jamaican court of appeal has overturned a decision by a summary court judge in a civil dispute in which Delroy Howell and his business partner Kenarthur Mitchell were ordered to pay millions of dollars to the owners of a company he formally owned. Howell who also was the former owner of the local Quik-Cash stores here in Cayman had appealed the decision handed down by Justice Brooks and he was granted that appeal on Friday. The order, which has now been set aside related to First Financial Caribbean Trust Company Limited. According to a release from Howell on Monday, the appeal court will be giving the reasons for its decision at a later date.
Howell’s successful appeal comes just days after Jamaica's Supreme Court had re-imposed limits on four of his companies. The Jamaican Gleaner reported that an order restraining the transfer or disposal of assets valued up to US$3.4 million that formed part of the contested lawsuit was made last week after hearings lasting 10 days.
On Wednesday, lawyers had asked for Howell to be excluded from the freezing order but the request was denied. The current US$3.4 million freeze, affects the proceeds of a transaction between First Financial and JN Money Services regarding the sale of Howell's QuikCash business in Cayman.
The first injunction had frozen assets of close to US$14 million, but the defendants' attorneys wrestled the figure down to around a quarter of the original sum in several court appearances. The defendants deny any wrongdoing and are also fighting a related court case in the Turks and Caicos Islands over control of First Financial Trust, with director of the trust company Judith Wilchombe.
Red Bay’s U9s record first win in Playoffs
(CUC-PFL): Among the top stories emerging from the third day of playoff games in the 2012/2013 CUC Primary Football League (PFL) this past Saturday were Red Bay’s Under 9 team recording their first win and South Sound Schools continuing their unbeaten streak. In the Under 11 competition, Cayman Prep came out on top once again and “giant-killers” from last week NorthEast Schools, taste defeat at the hands of St. Ignatius Prep. In the Under 9 Consolation Cup, Truth For Youth triumphed over Triple C 2-0 and Prospect Primary squeezed past George Town Primary 2-1.
In the Under 9 Champions Cup, Cayman Prep defeated Savannah Primary 6-1 compliments of a hattrick from Joshua Small, an own goal and a goal each from Gabriel Todd and Pierce Terry with Adrian Godfrey scoring the lone goal for Savannah Primary; South Sound Schools held out against St.Ignatius Prep 4-3 thanks to goals from Lucas Carter, William Dyer, Aidan Hew and Diondre Wright with Liam Walton, Nathan Trickett and Jonah Sigsworth replying for St. Ignatius; Cayman International Schools came back from being a goal down to beat NorthEast Schools 3-2; and Red Bay Primary secured their first victory in the Playoffs after defeating Sir John A. Cumber Primary 1-0 with Noel Squire scoring the winner.
It was goals galore in the Under 11 Consolation Cup as Savannah Primary and Prospect Primary drew 3-3 and Cayman International School and South Sound Schools drew 3-3. In the Under 11 Champions Cup, St. Ignatius Prep got back to winning ways with a 5-0 demolition of NorthEast Schools, Sir John A. Cumber were awarded full points after Bodden Town Primary could not field a full team, Grace Academy drew 1-1 with Red Bay Primary thanks to a Gunnar Studenhofft equalizer after Red Bay had taken the lead through Jeremiah Solomon and Cayman Prep edged out George Town Primary to keep their unbeaten streak alive with goals from David Pitcairn and Aaron Jarvis after going behind to Joshua O’Garro’s superb opener.
The final group games in the 2012/2013 PFL Playoffs continue this Saturday, January 26 at the TEMcField Sports Field with some key matchups as schools jostle for position in their quest to finish in the top four in each competition and move on the semi-finals on Saturday, February 2.
In the Under 9 Consolation Cup, George Town Primary play Triple C (9:00 am) and Truth For Youth go up against Bodden Town Primary (10:00 am). In the Under 9 Champions Cup, Cayman International School face Red Bay Primary (9:00 am), Savannah Primary meet South Sound Schools (10:00 am), St. Ignatius Prep play NorthEast Schools (11:00 am) and Sir John A. Cumber Primary play Cayman Prep (11:00 am).
In the Under 11 Consolation Cup, Truth For Youth play Prospect Primary (Noon) and Savannah Primary meet South Sound Schools (1:15 pm). In the under 11 Champions Cup, its George Town Primary versus NorthEast Schools (Noon), Sir John A. Cumber Primary versus Red Bay Primary (1:15 pm), St. Ignatius Prep play Cayman Prep (2:30 pm) and Grace Academy play Bodden Town Primary (2:30 pm).
Local doctor finally gets top health job
(CNS): Dr Delroy Jefferson has become the first Caymanian to hold the post of Medical Director within the Health Services Authority (HSA). Jefferson was acting in the post before being formally awarded the post at the end of 2012, according to a release from the HSA. He joined Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac in October 1998 as an anaesthetist and was subsequently appointed as Medical Officer in Charge and Deputy Chair of the HSA Board of Directors. In 2005 he left Cayman Brac to undertake his residency training at the University Hospital of the West Indies, with fellowships in anaesthesia, critical care and pain at McGill University, University of Cambridge and University of London.
He rejoined the HSA in July 2008 as a Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Intensive Care Specialist, while establishing the HSA’s first pain clinic in August 2008.
Dr Jefferson said he was excited to take up the job when many positive changes were being undertaken within Cayman’s healthcare system.
“How to provide top quality affordable healthcare for all is one of the biggest challenges any country faces,” he said. “I am therefore delighted to be part of such a dynamic organisation as the Health Services Authority at a time when the Authority is so geared to further improving services and the quality of its healthcare provision. I am sure the position will not be without its challenges but I look forward to working with the excellent team of professionals at the HSA to ensure we continue to improve our service offering.”
HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood said Dr Jefferson has been an invaluable part of the HSA team since he first joined the Authority.
“We are extremely pleased that a doctor of his calibre has agreed to take on the role of Medical Director. We are also delighted that we have been able to offer the position to a Caymanian who has dedicated his training and practice to the field of medicine,” she said. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Dr Jefferson as we strive to enhance our services at the HSA.”
Dr Jefferson has experience in public sector management and policy as well as strategic and board development and has served on several boards and committees regionally and internationally. He has lectured in numerous courses internationally and has authored peer reviewed publications. He obtained a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of London and is now concluding studies leading to the Doctorate of Business Administration from the Swiss Management Institute.
He is also a member of the European Society of Anaesthesia, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the International Association for the Study of Pain, the National Association of EMS Educators, the American College of Physician Executives and the International Policy Governance Association.
He is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Cayman, Sunrise. Dr Jefferson is a Past President and Director of International Service of the Rotary Club of Cayman Brac and has obtained several leadership awards including one for strategic leadership.