Archive for April, 2013
Pension thief gets sentence cut by one year
(CNS): A 41-year-old US national who stole almost three hundred thousand dollars from the Chamber of Commerce Pension Fund has had his sentence marginally reduced after a successful appeal. Robert Schultz was given a five year sentence last year following his admission that he stole US$289,660 over a two year period to fund an uncontrollable cocaine habit when he was the fund’s manager and sole employee. Justice Charles Quin had handed down a five year term, which was cut by the Court of Appeal last week to four when the three judges found that the judge had begun his calculations at too high a point as he had not considered the conversion of the currency or inflation.
As the sum was in US dollars and not CI and using guidelines based on case law from a theft which occurred more than fifteen years ago, the appeals court agreed with Ben Tonner, Schultz’s defence attorney, that the judge had used too high a guideline and had not taken inflation into account. The three judge panel re-started the calculations in a lower band, but because of the circumstances of the case they too found few mitigating circumstances and arrived at four years, cutting the jail term by only 20%.
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Premier names radar after former ministry boss
(CNS): The new Doppler Weather Radar, which was officially opened on Thursday morning, will be named after the former chief officer in the ministry responsible for weather, Kearney Gomez. The radar in high rock East End was formally commissioned on Thursday and is scheduled to become operational ahead of the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season once the final testing is completed. This radar will fill a gap in the existing regional network, allowing for a more complete early warning system across the Caribbean. The radar was funded with a €4.16 million grant from the European Union.
The 49-foot Doppler Weather Radar Tower was constructed by Island Builders Company, Ltd, a local construction company which won the contract valued at CI$1.448 million. German radar company SELEX System Integration won the tender to manufacture, supply and install the radar, antenna and a 35-foot dome at a cost of €1.427 million. A further €135,690 was paid to SELEX for an extensive stock of spare parts. Technical support to the project was tendered and won by ICON Institute, a German consultancy company.
With a range of 250 miles, the Doppler Radar will provide weather surveillance for all three Cayman Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. This technology is expected to enhance weather forecasting, allowing local and regional meteorologists to accurately observe, track and study heavy rainfall events, waterspouts and other unusual weather activity.
Once operational, it will link with weather stations across the region and issue real-time weather data to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami. The NHC will create a composite of radar information for the region whenever there are severe weather threats and will facilitate a greater degree of preparedness. Meteorologists will have the ability to be more precise when issuing aviation forecasts as they will be able to provide enhanced reporting of wind shear hazards to pilots prior to landing and takeoff, officials said in a release about the new radar.
The Cayman Islands National Weather Service will also share its interpretation of the data from the feed with the relevant emergency response agencies including Hazard Management of the Cayman Islands (HMCI) and will also disseminate the information to other stakeholders in the regional as well as the community. This data will be extremely beneficial to HMCI and the aviation and cruise industry, as well as the boating fraternity, fishermen and farmers as the feed will be accessible in real time via the internet.
Ambassador, Paola Amadei, head of the EU delegation for the region who came to Cayman for the official ceremony, said the grant demonstrated the EU’s commitment to partnering with the people of the Caribbean to address disaster related challenges.
“The work that has been done and for which we have all gathered here today, demonstrates the commitment of the Government of the Cayman Islands and its partners to putting in place appropriate systems that reduces risks and limits theimpacts of disasters on its people,” she said.
Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, the premier and minister with responsibility, said the Early Warning Station will boost the region’s ability to prepare for natural disasters and adverse weather. “It will help minimize loss of life and damage to property and by extension will promote the social welfare of the people of the region. The Cayman Islands Government is indeed indebted to the European Union for this generous grant and on behalf of our people I extend our sincere appreciation for this gesture,” she said.
Kerith McCoy, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Airport Authority, which over saw the project, said it was a most welcome addition to the resources of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service. “Its service to the aviation industry and will be immensely beneficial during times of severe weather which may impact the operations of our airports.”
Meanwhile, Fred Sambula, Director General of the Weather Service explained it would be operated by in-house meteorological technicians who will ensure that it remains functional at all times.
“A powerful, dual-precision Doppler Weather Radar is particularly suited to the extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the tropical oceanic regions and we are excited that it will be in service by the start of the Hurricane Season on June 1, 2013,” he said.
Second fire burns house in Newlands
(CNS): The fire department put out a house fire in North Sound Estate in Newlands early Saturday morning (April 27) when Emergency Services were called to Sunrose Street for what turned out to be the second fire at the property. A police spokesperson said that the occupants of the house were asleep after having a party at the house last night and were woken by smoke coming from a first floor bathroom. One of the occupants of the house put out the fire and went back to bed. However at around 6am he was woken by neighbours and fire officers as the house was on fire.
The RCIPS said no one was injured and the fire was put out by the Cayman Islands Fire Service and police officers from scenes of crime as well as fire investigators attended the scene and further enquires are now underway.
Anyone with information as to how this fire may have started is asked to call Detective Sergeant Berry at the BTPS on 9472220 or Crime Stoppers on 800(TIPS)8477.Second fire burns house in Newlands
Health screening required for reception students
(CNS): The Public Health Department is advising parents and guardians that all reception students who entered the school system in September 2012, are required to have health screenings to continue to year one of primary education. “Since 2012, the reception program was extended to several primary schools, however School Entry Screening (SES) was not customarily done for children entering reception, due to their age,” explains School Health Coordinator, Joanna Rose-Wright. She adds, “For the convenience of parents, health screenings will be conducted duringthe month of May for these students, at the school in which they are enrolled.”
The screening will comprise a growth and development assessment, screening for vision and hearing, and a dental assessment. Public Health staff will also seek to obtain a personal medical history for each child. A review for any necessary immunisations will also be conducted and parents will be advised to have this done at the health centre, or by the child’s paediatrician. No immunisation will be given at the time of screening.
Parents will be advised of the date for screening by the school and will be asked if they wish to be present. If a parent does not wish to have their child screened at school, parents will be required to make their own arrangements.
In Cayman Brac, appointments for reception school entry screening can be made by contacting Public Health Nurse Nelsie Jones at Faith Hospital on 948-2243.
Further information can be obtained from the School Health Coordinator, Joanna Rose-Wright. on 244-2734.
Cops arrest couple for plans to sell cocaine
(CNS): A 25-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested by police in the early hours of Saturday morning after a routine stop uncovered illegal drugs. During routine police patrol by the RCIP, Operational Support Unit officers stopped a black Pontiac motor car at around 1:30am (27 April) along Shamrock Road in Red Bay George Town. Officers searched the car and discovered white substances resembling cocaine in powder and rock form. Both suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and suspicion of consumption of control drugs.
A police spokesperson said that the couple and the vehicle were transported to George Town Police Station where they remained in police custody Saturday. The RCIP stated that it will ensure that people involve in the drug trade and committing drug offences will be targeted and put before the court.
Anyone who may have information on crime taking place in the Cayman Islands are urged to report these crimes to any local police station or call RCIP hotline at 949-7777 or Crime Stoppers on 800(TIPS)8477.
Prisoners post on Facebook
(CNS): Updated Monday — At least two prisoners currently serving time in HMP Northward, one of whom cannot be named because of an unrelated court order restricting media coverage on him, have managed to get access to a smartphone and the internet to post pictures on Facebook of themselves and fellow inmates in their jail cells. The pictures taken at HMP Northward on what is thought to be smartphone devices have been uploaded to the social media site this month, along with comments and general posts made by the prisoners within the last few weeks. One of the prisoners is showing a gang sign, while another appears to smoking a spliff (below). Local authorities admitted Friday that the pictures represent a systemic failure of security.
CNS cannot name one of the inmates or detail the serious offences which have landed him in jail because of the court order surrounding the prisoner. At this point we are also unable to link the Facebook page in question or show the incriminating pictures, as that could land this reporter in jail. However, there are several pictures on the page of the prisoner and his cell mate showing gang signs and tattoos and other pictures of semi-automatic weapons that have been photographed at some other location. A local television remote control in the picture indicates that they were taken in Cayman.
The first pictures emerged in the public domain on Friday afternoon but since then more pictures have come to light and there are indications that several inmates, both remand and serving prisoners, appear to be using the social media pages regularly. John Miller, who is already convicted of a number of offences, posted a new profile picture on Thursday in his cell at Northward.
The Portfolio of Internal Affairs was quick to respond to the issue and the serious implications.
Eric Bush, the chief officer in the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs, stated that cellular smartphone devises were not allowed in the secured areas of the prison but, as was highlighted in the recent report on the prison, there were a number of serious weaknesses in the local prison system, especially security.
“I can confirm that cellular phones and smartphone devises have been discovered and confiscated in the prison system over the last 18 months,” said Bush, who stated that he would be supply the exact figures in the near future.
“The picture in question shows a systemic failure of proper security measures but also a failure in adequate rehabilitation,” Bush added. “We have had a recent inspection by a prison security expert and he has identified a number of areas to improve on.”
The senior public servant explained that, in the wake of the inspection, which was funded by the Governor's Office, plans were in progress to implement the recommendations. “These are all matters we are looking to address and will be the priority for the new prison director, who will be taking up post in early June,” Bush stated.
Other sources close to the prison told CNS that the prison system is currently seriously underfunded and the pressing need for prison reform in Cayman has been persistently neglected by local politicians. The problems facing the prison system, despite its best efforts to begin serious rehabilitation and the professionalization of the staff, is rarely spoken about by politicians. It has not featured at all on the campaign trail but will be an important issue for the next government to tackle.
Once the court order has been lifted following court hearings, which are expected to be dealt with in the coming weeks, CNS will post the other pictures in question, name the prisoner and the related offences.
Candidate forums return but Bush absent from list
(CNS): Following a week’s break Cayman’s Chamber of Commerce will resume its district candidate forums on Monday night in the capital. Jonathan Piercy and Rayal Bodden from the UDP will be facing off against PPM candidates Marco Archer and Joseph Hew along with C4C4 candidate Jacqueline Haynes and independent candidate Dr Frank McField. Although the Progressive’s leader, Alden McLaughlin will be making an appearance on the Chamber platform on Tuesday night when the forum will be in George Town for the second night running the UDP leader McKeeva Bush is absent from the West Bay list for the final forum on Thursday night.
With Cline Glidden who is running on the PNA ticket, PPM candidates Ray Farrington and Capt. Bryan Ebanks as well as C4C candidate Tara Rivers in attendance the appearance of Bush could have made for a lively forum. However, the UDP leader will be one of just a handful of candidates that have not appeared on the forum platform.
For more details and to listen to previous forums visit the Chamber web site here:
http://www.caymanchamber.ky/events/forum2013website/elections2013.html
Football body in talks to locate HQ in Cayman
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government has signed an MOU with the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to give formal approval to discussions between the two parties over the possible re-location of the HQ to Cayman. With local Jeff Webb currently president of the body government hopes that if can attract the confederation to set up shop in this jurisdiction which will, the sports minister said, offer tremendous opportunities for Cayman. This could also see the Cayman Islands host some of CONCACAF’s conferences and congresses and even some sports tournaments with the potential to attract hundreds of delegates and competitors.
Cayman will also get international media exposure and hopefully more access to football scholarships for young local players boosting the domestic game.
Mark Scotland said that there are already some Caymanians now employed here by the confederation working with Webb and here would be more if the body was to set up shop here. He said the MOU will present an excellent opportunity for Cayman to try and capitalize on the connection with the regional sports body.
Scotland said that government did not really have to offer any major concessions to the confederation but some security regarding staff and flexibility with work-permits for international staff that need to come and go as a result of the nature of the organisation.
Scotland said CONCACAF wasn’t asking for much and it was Cayman that was keen to persuade them that this is the right location for the HQ which is currently in New York. The minister explained government intended to encourage the move as much as possible and the MOU mostly related to the actual establishment of the federation here, adding that it was an agreement to begin talks but to have the headquarters here would be a tremendous boost for sports tourism and Cayman in general.
UDP candidate forgot to pay fine for jury no-show
(CNS): George Town United Democratic Party candidate and local business man, Renard Moxam, was ordered to pay a $500 fine in full this morning by the acting justice, Nova Hall. Moxam had been summoned to appear in the Grand Court on Friday morning after he failed to pay a fine handed down to him for not appearing for jury duty during the current session. Moxam, who entered the Grand Court dock after his party's leader, McKeeva Bush, following the adjournment of his theft case, was represented by Steve McField. The attorney apologised on behalf of his client and told the court that Moxam’s failure to pay was an oversight.
The attorney said that his client had been engaged in campaigning for the 22 May general election and he had simply forgotten to pay the outstanding $500 fine handed down by Justice Charles Quin, which is standard procedure when jurors don’t turn up to fulfill their civic duty without a lawful excuse.
Justice Nova Hall said she was willing to set aside the matter with no further action provided Moxam paid the court immediately in full.
Mac case adjourns till June
(CNS): The case against McKeeva Bush, the former Cayman Islands premier, was adjourned Friday morning until 28 June, clearing the way for the UDP leader to concentrate on the election campaign and his bid to return to office. Bush made his first appearance in the Grand Court in relation to the 11 counts of theft and abuse of office charges against him. But his time in the dock was fleeting as his attorney, Michael Alberga, had arranged with the crown for the adjournment, when he is expected to enter pleas. Bush was accompanied by several UDP supporters in the court as well as Steve McField, who is part of the UDP leader’s team.
Although the veteran politician is facing a list of serious charges, which relate to the alleged theft of around $50,000 of public money, much of which was withdrawn on a government credit card from ATMs in a United States casino, he has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He remains at the helm of the UDP and is hoping to be returned on 23 May as premier of the Cayman Islands once again.
If Bush is able to win at least ten seats, he will resume the job of premier, despite being ousted from office last December after his former UDP colleagues supported a no confidence motion brought by Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin.
However, even if the UDP does not secure ten seats, Bush could still regain his former job if his party secures the largest number of seats of any one group and he can persuade any of the former UDP members, several of whom are running as independents or with the newly formed People’s National Alliance, to support him.
Although Bush is facing criminal charges, there are no legal impediments to any candidate who has not been convicted to stand for office. Therefore, because Bush has not been found guilty of any crimes, he can continue to run and could be returned as either a back bench MLA or to high office once again.
The current judicial backlog will mean that Bush is unlikely to go on trial for the offences he is charged, if it gets that far, until at the earliest the summer of 2014 and will only be required to step down if he is found guilty.