Archive for February, 2013
Tourist hit by car dies in Canadian hospital
(CNS): Updated — The woman arrested on suspicion of DUI after hitting a pedestiran, who has since died as a result of his injuries, answered her bail and was questioned in connection with the matter but has not yet been charged, police have confirmed. At around 10:30pm on Friday, 8 February, the female driver of a white Toyota, hit a 66-year-old Canadian man, who was visiting Cayman with his family, as he tried to cross the West Bay Road by the Lone Star restaurant. According to the local press in the town of Regina in Canada, Dan Marce, who suffered multiple serious injuries when he was run down, had been transferred from Miami to the hospital in his home town, where he passed away on Wednesday.
Police confirmed Thursday following the announcement of Marce's death that the woman remained on bail as investigations into the accident continued. An RCIPS spokesperson added that she had been interviewed and, pending completion of the investigation, a file would be submitted to the legal department for a ruling.
"Once the legal department has reviewed the file and the evidence gathered, they will advise on what, if any, charges should be laid against the driver," the RCIPS stated.
Mac backs party system
(CNS): The former premier made a staunch defence of the party system when he hit the West Bay campaign trail on Tuesday night. McKeeva Bush, the leader of what he described as the National United Democratic Party, said that no politician could achieve anything by themselves and that Cabinet-style government cannot run properly with independents. He said that whatever the independents put forward on their manifestos, none of them would be able to fulfill those promises without the support of a group or party. Bush said there was a lot of misinformation about parties but getting things done required like-minded people to work together.
Bush was speaking at his first public political meeting in his own constituency of West Bay since he was arrested in December and then ousted from office after his former party colleagues supported the opposition leader’s no confidence motion, but the betrayal had not dampened his enthusiasm for the principle of the political party.
Described again as the “People’s Premier” by the new YUDP president, Miguel Barcelo, Bush explained that party politics was not at fault because governments needed like-minded people with the same goals and objectives to be elected in order to succeed. He added that parties with a cohesive plan acted together and worked together to implement their specific policies and ideas.
“If one member puts forward a manifesto, there is no way to carry out that promise if the member is elected alone,” Bush said. “It takes ten people to come together to make a government and true independent candidates are not bound by a collective plan.”
He said there was no reason for parties to have animosity all the time and the groups could be friendly, as he criticised the opposition leader, Alden McLaughlin, for always trying to knock down government. But, he said, he still had friends in the PPM and he acknowledged that debate on opposing views was healthy and democratic.
The former premier said that once a government was elected, it had to work together as a group to follow through on the planned and promised policies. “Cabinet government can’t be run by independents who don’t know if they have the support for their policies,” he added, explaining that a Cabinet of independents with opposing views could not act as a unit and do the best for the country.
Pointing to the number of independents that are running for office in May, Bush said there was nothing wrong with that but each wouldl have their different views and he remarked, pointedly, that some independent candidates would have more to spend on their campaigns than others. But even if any of them were elected, he said, it would be difficult for any of them to achieve their vision without joining a group or party.
Whether party, group, or team, the former premier, who is a political veteran of almost thirty years, said it was about working together on the same plan. The constant reference by some of the independents who are running or planning to run in the 2013 election to better days when the Legislative Assembly was made up of independents was misguided, he said.
The LA did not function any better because they were no political parties, Bush said, noting that there had been significant bitterness. But enough people had worked hard to achieve the goals despite the situation, not because of it. In addition, the politicians of the past had far less bureaucracy to contend with and government had good administrators who worked for the country instead of trying to block things, he said. The lack of parties was not the reason why the government appeared to be more successful then but because people worked hard with fewer stumbling blocks.
During the meeting, which was held at the Four Way stop in West Bay, Bush announced that Tessa Johnson Bodden would be installed as the new party chair at the forthcoming UDP conference. He did not offer anynames of potential candidates who would be running with him in West Bay. However, Chris Saunders, who has been tipped to run in Bodden Town for the UDP, spoke at the rally. Meanwhile, Renard Moxam was present on the platform with Ellio Solomon and Mike Adam, three of the George Town team, along with Kenny Rankin, the district chairman for the capital.
Close to 300 people gathered at the meeting to hear Bush, who MC’d the event himself and delivered the final speech, in which he referred only briefly to his legal difficulties. However, he pointed to the bureaucracy and those working behind the scenes who he believed had deliberately tried to stop him from accomplishing anything good and prevented him from achieving many of his goals while he was Cayman’s first premier.
Although he said he was not yet launching the campaign officially, he spoke about a few broad issues before he told the people he would be vindicated as he had done nothing wrong. He said he would fight the election witha new group of “National United Democratic Party” members, implying something of a party re-launch before he asked the people to vote straight for the UDP.
Cops engage kindergarten kids on safety
(CNS): George Town neighbourhood cop, PC Emrol Smith, delivered a school safety presentation last week with kids in pre-school section of the Cayman International School in Camana Bay. The office spoke about road safety and safety at home. Not only that PC Smith’s colleague SPC Tim Balls talked to the youngsters about police patrol cars and motorcycles. School staff were said to be delighted with the visit and said that it was a valuable lesson for the youngsters who all had a great time. If you want to find out more about neighbourhood policing in your area contact your local police station.
Air gun recovered near new school campus
(CNS): Police are now investigating the discovery of what turned out to be a BB gun close to the Clifton Hunter School in Frank Sound on Friday following a report by a member of the public to school security. Disciplinary action has reportedly been taken by the school regarding the students involved but police enquiries are ongoing regarding the recovery of the gun. At the start of the school day on Friday, the education ministry said, a report was made by a member of the public to school security that a student was seen just outside the school campus, hiding a suspicious object.
The principal and a security guard immediately investigated the report and discovered what appeared to be an air gun, which they took action to secure before calling the police.
The school’s community police officer was contacted, who arranged for the appropriate RCIPS units to respond to the incident. The RCIPS then took possession of the BB gun.
Following the school’s internal investigation, parents of the students involved were contacted and disciplinary action taken in accordance with the school’s policy, the ministry stated in a release on Tuesday.
“The Ministry of Education and Department of Education Services treats the safety of students as a top priority,” officials said. “Through the Safer Schools initiative we have been working to build stronger partnerships with the police and other key stakeholders to ensure that schools are safe, caring and welcoming places for students to learn. We commend the swift and thorough response by the school, the vigilance of the individual who made the initial report and the prompt support of the RCIPS.”
Burglary suspect faces police grilling over crime
(CNS): A 22-year-old man was charged in summary court with burglary Tuesday morning and was remanded back in police custody to face further questioning regarding other crimes. The man was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning after police had received a report at about 1.25am of an attempted break-in at the Bottle Stop liquor store on Walkers Road. When police arrived near the location officers spotted a dark coloured car driving away from the scene. The cops followed the car and stopped it a short distance away when the driver was arrested on suspicion of burglary.
A search of the car had revealed several items of what is believed to be stolen property and the man was charged with one count of attempted burglary. Since his court appearance he has been remanded back into police custody to allow further enquiries to be made into other suspected crimes and the recovered property.
CS bosses look for cuts via consolidation
(CNS): With pressure mounting for government to cut its operational budget, civil service management is looking for more ways to cut the headcount. According to the latest minutes released by the deputy governor’s office from the public servant heads’ weekly meeting with Franz Manderson, the next cuts could come through a process of consolidation. With 13 ministries and portfolios, over 70 departments, 25 statutory authorities and government companies as well as numerous boards, committees and commissions, public sector management believes some functions and responsibilities of these entities may be duplicated, obsolete or misplaced.
Project 1 is part of phase IV of the ongoing Public Service Review, which was described at the meeting by the deputy governor’s strategic advisor, Peter Gough, as a rationalization exercise.
A team made up of Eric Bush, Dax Basdeo and Alan Jones, with support staff, has now been appointed to strategically review the make-up of the public sector and see where structural adjustments can be made to better serve the needs of the country and reduce public sector costs.
A report on the consolidation exercise will be delivered in April, which will contain a draft organizational structure, taking into account the two extra ministries that will be created after the May general election, which will help the governor in the allocation of responsibilities to the new government once it is elected.
While the civil service is under pressure to cut cost, the enlarged cabinet with seven elected members, as well as growing expectations for more due diligence in government reducing the operational budget, continues to prove elusive. In order to assist the project team in the consolidation, a request has been made to the Cabinet Office in the UK for an expert in field to help.
Despite claims to reduce the civil service, the UDP administration increased public spending every budget since in took office last May and the former premier indicated his position that it was up to the governor’s office and the portfolio to make job cuts in the civil service, not the politicians. However, the civil service has always claimed that it needs political direction on what services to cut before it can reduce head count.
Facing the impasse, Franz Manderson has nevertheless pressed on with efforts to seriously address staff number, which, when government companies are included, still sits at around 5,000. Manderson has revealed his intention to cut at least 360 over the next five years through attrition. On top of the pay freeze and a halt on recruiting civil servants, government is beginning to examine the possible privatization of some government service.
Balancing Cayman’s budget will be a major issue for candidates running in the May General Election and so far most candidates feel they can succeed where this current administration has failed to cut costs. However, the cuts required are far deeper than a few savings here and there as cuts need to be made to such a level that Cayman can return a surplus in its budget without increases or creating new taxes. This is likely to prove considerably more difficult for them once in office than it appearsnow on the campaign trail.
See the latest minutes from the deputy governor meeting below.
Savannah Primary grab Under 9 title
(CUC-PFL): Savannah Primary was the day’s biggest winner this past Saturday as they took home the coveted Under 9 Champions Cup and Under 11 Consolation Cup as well as the Most Valuable Player Award for the Under 9s at the 2012/2013 CUC Primary Football League (PFL) finals at the Annex Field. With four finals and two third-placed games being contested, fans were in for a special treat. In the Under 9 Consolation Cup, Bodden Town Primary defeated Prospect Primary 1-0 with Jacoby Tugman scoring the winner. In the Under 9 Champions Cup Third-Placed game, South Sound Schools redeemed themselves with a 1-0 victory over St. Ignatius Prep following a disappointing semi final loss the week before. Aiden Hew grabbed the winner.
In the Under 9 Champions Cup Final, Savannah Primary was out for revenge against an undefeated Cayman Prep squad. Earlier in the Playoffs, the boys from Savannah were soundly beaten 6-1 by a rampaging Cayman Prep team. With that defeat etched in their minds, Savannah Primary was determined to not let history repeat itself.
Following a scoreless first half, Jawan Wray opened the scoring for Savannah in the 38th minute but almost immediately, Cayman Prep was back on level terms as Joshua Small found the back of the net in the 40th minute. With the score locked at one-a-piece at the full time whistle, both teams prepared themselves for extra time and possible penalties.
Savannah’s Jeremy Scott made sure that penalties would not decide this final as he slotted home the winner in the 53rd minute much to the delight of the Savannah faithful. At the sound of the final whistle to end extra time, the Savannah contingent went wild and ran to embrace their young heroes and heroine. They had done the impossible.
To add to their trophy haul, Savannah’s substitute goalkeeper Nicholas Franca was awarded the Gerome Graham Memorial Award as the game’s Most Valuable Player for his heroics between the posts. Young Mr. Franca was exceptional making some key, instinctive saves throughout the game.
In the Under 11 Consolation Cup Final, it was Savannah Primary’s second opportunity to grab a title as they faced Cayman International School. With the score locked at 1-1 following extra time, with Jawan Wray grabbing the lone goal forSavannah and Francisco Magno responding for Cayman International School, it was on to penalties.
Savannah’s penalty takers were precise as Jawan Wray, Arnold Berry and Jeremy Scott buried their respective penalties. Cayman International was not so fortunate as only Jonathan Rado was able to find the back of the net as Savannah Primary ran out 4-2 winners.
In the Under 11 Champions Cup Third-Placed game, Sir John A. Cumber Primary defeated St. Ignatius Prep 3-0 thanks to goals from Demonte Seymour, Barry Dre Tibbetts and Marc Parchman. In the Under 11 Champions Cup Final, it was up to Cayman Prep’s seniors to grab a piece of glory and the last silverware of the day and they did not disappoint. A goal just before halftime from Aaron Jarvis and a ‘rocket’ from David Pitcairn in the second half was enough to see off Red Bay Primary.
For his excellent play, young Mr. Pitcairn was awarded the Justin Henry Memorial Award as the game’s Most Valuable Player.
It was certainly a day for the history books. Savannah’s double victory in the Under 9 and Under 11 divisions was the first silverware in football for the school in a very long time. Cayman Prep’s Under 11 undefeated season was exceptional, considering the high quality of opposition they faced throughout the regular season and the Playoffs.
The PFL Committee thanks Progressive Distributors and Gatorade for their continued support of the PFL as well as the many teachers, parents and spectators who cheer on their players week in and week out. Thanks to all the volunteer referees including Lovine “Pillo” Jovan and Gonzalo McLaughlin. Special thanks to Dwayne Ebanks whose persistence in ensuring games during the regular season and Playoffs were properly officiated significantly added to the success of this PFL season. In addition, he spent many Playoff days organizing and guiding the young trainee referees and assistant referees.
Pigs go top at halfway stage
(CRFU): The Queensgate Pigs Trotters are top of the league at the halfway stage of the 2013 DART Alex Alexander Memorial Championship, following Saturday's hard fought 17-0 victory over the John Doak Iguanas. However, the Advance Fire Buccaneers have now also played themselves into championship contention after smashing the Century 21 Storm 55-6. Storm have suffered a nightmare campaign so far, with three league defeats in a row in addition to their defeat in the Heineken Charity Shield. They are missing key players through injury and there was more bad news for them on Saturday when Howard McLaughlin, celebrating his 40th birthday on the day, was ruled out with a knee injury sustained in the warm up.
Nevertheless, the Storm made an encouraging start to the 2pm game. Despite problems elsewhere on the pitch, their pack remains a formidable force. The rucking of barrel-chested captain Jacob MacAdam, ably assisted by the feisty Allain Forget, produced a penalty which was expertly despatched by Josh Brown. However, after that it was one-way traffic as the Buccaneers took control and blew the Storm away. With Jon and Paul Murphy showing such telepathic understanding that one thought that they might be twins, not just brothers, the Buccaneers ran in try after try. Captain Dan Bond led his troops forward and was ably assisted in the task by the lithe Richard Adams and the youthful exuberance of Ron Arscott.
The Storm's injury problems mounted when Keswick Wright left the field with a strained finger. The final score of 55-6 reflected the Buccaneers' dominance and they will go into the second half of the season buoyed by this thumping win.
The top of the table clash between the Pigs and the Iguanas kicked off at 4pm. With flaxen-haired captain Doug Anderson and flanker and ex-professional boxer John Killian returning after rib injuries, and veteran Paul "No knees" Parker back on the bench, the Pigs pack had an energetic feel about it. This was reflected in a penalty won through good work by the little and large combination of the slimline Dan Florek and the gargantuan Connan Hill. The Pigs' Number 10 Marco du Plessis brought his shooting boots along this week, unlike previous weeks, and he converted the penalty for a 3-0 lead. As the half drew to a close, led by the kicking of Chris Bunce and the driving runs of Marcus Cumber the Iguanas exerted sustained pressure on the Pigs try line.
However, the Pigs defence was fanatical, with players such as Paul Westin, David Acutt and Alistair Lum recklessly throwing their bodies into danger in the manner of crazed Japanese kamikaze pilots. This ensured that the half-time score remained 3-0 to the Pigs. The second half was another war of attrition, but as the Iguanas tired, the Pigs backs showcased their attacking rhythm. James Waters used his height and size advantage to break through and set up a try for Iain Currie to finish in the corner.
Again, the Iguanas pushed for a try and spent a sustained period of time near the Pigs try line. However, again the determined defensive work of players such as the tenacious Neil Montgomery and the irrepressible Sam Anderson ensured that the Pigs achieved a rare shut out. Du Plessis kicked three more penalties in the second half, veteran Graham Thomson displayed his renowned turn of pace and the match ended in a 17-0 win for the jubilant Pigs players.
Whilst games are televised online on www.caymanrugbytv.com games can bewatched (at no charge) in South Sound at the Cayman Rugby Football Club and spectators will not be disappointed with ample fast, hard hitting action!
Next games:
16th February 2013
2pm Century 21 Cayman Storm (Home) vs. John Doak Iguanas (Away)
4pm Queensgate Pigs Trotters (Home) vs. Advance Fire & Plumbing Buccaneers (Away)
Follow Cayman Rugby on Facebook and Twitter @caymanrugby
See standings below
UK cops must declare gifts and 2nd jobs
(BBC): Chief constables in England and Wales will have to declare all gifts and hospitality on a public register under new anti-corruption measures. The move is part of a package of measures aimed at rooting out police corruption and misconduct announced by Home Secretary Theresa May. All officers will have to declare any second jobs they do. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will also be expanded to investigate all serious complaints. And there will also be a national register of officers who have been struck off in a bid to stop dismissed officers being recruited by other forces.
The move came on the day officers from Operation Elveden – the Metropolitan Police investigation into alleged corrupt payments to public officials – made their 60th arrest.
Child drowns in pool
(CNS): A 9-year-old boy died in hospital yesterday after being found unconscious in a swimming pool in George Town on Sunday 10 February, police have confirmed. The child, who is believed to have drowned, was taken to the Cayman Islands Hospital on Sunday afternoon at around 3:15pm after he was found in the pool at an apartment complex off Walkers Road. He was treated at the hospital but he passed away on Monday 11 February, a spokesperson for the RCIPS said Tuesday afternoon. The police are Investigating the incident but the police spokesperson added that, at this stage, there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the child’s death.