Archive for June, 2013
Moses commits to piers alone
(CNS): The new tourism minister has committed to ensuring that both the cruise port facility and the redevelopment of the airport will happen under his watch and will follow process. Moses Kirkconnell said there were some major challenges facing the tourism industry but the Progressives would bring “an holistic approach” to the sector, noting that tourism is everybody's business. He pointed to the need to develop a cruise facility in George Town, which would be the piers only and no upland development as the government wanted to rebuild George Town. The new minister committed to getting the airport redevelopment underway as well. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)
Deputy Premier Kirkconnell told the press on Tuesday that he was going into a meeting that afternoon regarding the business case model for the cruise berthing facility. He pointed to the need for government to set out its needs for this project and not have the developer tell government what it would do. He said he was picking up the formal process that began under the minority short term PNA administration earlier this year, and that business model, when complete, would form the basis for the project.
Kirkconnell also confirmed that the new government was committed to the redevelopment of the airport, as he spoke about the whole tourism product, starting when we bring people to the islands. He said it was important to understand the market and give tourists a reason to come and something special when they get here.
The need to improve the ports and to recruit more local people into the industry were critical elements, Kirkconnell said, but he also spoke about the need to support the dive sector, which remains a significant part of Cayman’s tourism product — one which is believed to be recession proof. Even when general visitor numbers declined because of the global recession, the number of divers coming to Cayman remained steady, the new minister said, adding that there was a need for more research to understand the numbers of divers coming here.
“We must embrace dive-tourism,” he said, adding that the infrastructure they want needed to be built upon, as he welcomed the success of the artificial reef created by the sinking of the wreck of the Kittiwake off Seven Mile Beach. He said he would be talking with tourism stakeholders in the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) and the dive sector, who have spoken about the possibility of another boat being sunk in local waters to create an additional artificial reef.
There were no surprises when Kirkconnell was confirmed as tourism and transport minister with responsibility for district administration after the PPM won the general election last month. As the first elected member for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman and having been immersed in the tourism industry for most of his career, he was the obvious choice.
Supported by Joey Hew as his councillor, a concept created by former premier McKeeva Bush and embraced by the new premier, Alden McLaughlin, Kirkconnell is facing a heavy workload, which will be the primary source of the anticipated local economic boost.
If the PPM is to have a successful term in office and meet its campaign promises, the cruise port and the airport are key components in the plan to kick start the economy. While these projects were also the cornerstones of the previous UDP administration, as a result of Bush’s refusal to follow due process in regard to both the development of the cruise berthing facility and the airport refurbishment, he failed to start either project.
Keenly aware of those failures, Kirkconnell is determined to ensure that both projects follow the letter as well as the spirit of the law and that they benefit all of Cayman and do not compete with local business but instead boost the still faltering domestic economy.
Suspected jewel thief stands trial before jury
(CNS): A 35-year-old George Town man charged with robbery and various other crimes in connection with a jewellery heist during the Christmas holidays of 2011 began his trial Tuesday before a six man, one woman jury panel. The robbery took place at 11:20am on 22 December during broad daylight in downtown George Town when the capital was packed with cruise ship visitors and shoppers. The crown alleges that Julio Newball and two other armed but unknown accomplices entered the store with an axe and proceeded to smash into display cases positioned to the front of the store in Cardinal Avenue and made off with a selection of valuable jewellery.
The men had arrived and escaped in a Toyota Rav4 vehicle, which had been stolen from Bodden Town and was found burnt out hours after the daylight robbery.
Newball, who has denied the charges, has had several previous trial dates, which have been postponed due to legal arguments and representation issues. He is faced with a considerable number of crimes, including robbery, handling stolen property and possession of criminal property. He is also alleged to have stolen the Rav 4 a day prior to the robbery, and is charged with driving whilst disqualified and arson. Newball is accused of stealing a total of 36 rings that were reported stolen during the jewel heist, which were valued in thousands of dollars.
The getaway vehicle was stolen from Bodden Town and was found burnt out by police on Wahoo Close in George Town shortly after the crime but police were unable to identify any other suspects or make further arrests in connection with the robbery, which the prosecution said involved at least two other men.
Newball was arrested at his home in Windsor Park a few weeks after the crime in January of last year with proceeds from the crime in his possession and has been in custody ever since.
The Grand Court jury trial continues in front of Justice AlexHenderson.
New deadly Middle East sickness under watch
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CNS): A new strain of coronavirus previously unidentified in humans is causing respiratory illness in the Middle East and Europe. The World Health Organization states that there are 54 laboratory-confirmed cases of the infection, including 30 deaths, from September last year to date. Middle East countries with MERS-CoV include Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom also reported confirmed cases. While there have been no cases so far in our region, local health officials are now monitoring the situation.
According to local officials, the chances of contracting the virus here are very small. However, Cayman health officials continue to monitor the situation and travellers returning from the Middle East who develop breathing difficulties that are unexplained by any other illness or virus should contact a doctor as soon as possible and state their travel history so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which includes viruses that may cause illnesses in humans, ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
With only a small number of cases reported so far, there is very limited information on transmission, severity and clinical impact. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the virus, the types of exposure that lead to the infection, the mode of transmission, and the clinical pattern and course of disease.
In France, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory-confirmed or probable cases.
MERS-CoV is an acute, serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Most patients have had pneumonia. Many have also had gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea. Some patients have had kidney failure. For people with immune deficiencies, the disease may have an atypical presentation. It is important to note that the current understanding of illness caused by this infection is based on only a few cases and may change as more is learned about this virus.
Cops round up nine in GT bar raid
(CNS): Nine people have been were arrested for various offences under the Misuse of Drugs Law, the Gambling Law and the Immigration Law following a major police and immigration operation which took place in George Town on Thursday morning. Police said that the arrests were made in the intelligence-led raid at 10:35am on 6 June at a local licensed premises. Police did not confirm the exact location, however officers and vehicles were seen at Archie's Bar on Shedden Road rounding up suspects. During the raid several items were also seized as evidence, including a number of vehicles and a substantial quantity of cash.
An RCIPS spokesperson said the multi-departmental operation included Drugs & Serious Crime Task Force, K-9, Air Support Unit, Uniform Support Group, the Operational Support Unit and the Immigration Department.
Anyone who has information in relation to this or any other crime is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department on 949-4222, the RCIPS Tip-line 949-7777 or Cayman Crime Stoppers on 800-8477(TIPS).
Lionfish found in Mediterranean signal alarm
(CNS): The invasive lionfish, which has become a serious threat to the marine life in the Caribbean, has now found its way into the waters of Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, scientists believe. According to research undertaken by scientists from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon and the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research in Italy, published this week, the discovery of two lionfish at the end of 2012, more than two decades after the one and only species recorded there was captured, indicates a future potential invasion of the sea. As a result, the researchers have raised the alarm to begin an awareness campaign before it is too late.
The research paper by M. Bariche, M.Torres and E.Azzurro states that the two lionfish were captured separately off the village of Al Minie in the northern part of Lebanon and identified as the invasive species in October and December last year. In addition, the researchers believe that two more lionfish were caught earlier this year off the coast of Cyprus.
According to the paper, the scientists say the only previously recorded catch of a lionfish in 1991 had probably been released from captivity or entered through the Suez Canal, like other hundreds of marine organisms, which is how they think the latest fish arrived.
The recent records from Lebanon, which occurred more than two decades later, provide evidence, they now believe, of the arrival of the new fish in the Mediterranean Sea. Lionfish are now common in the Red Sea and the proximity of the Suez Canal to the recent sightings seems to be the most likely pathway for the introduction of the species into the Mediterranean Sea, the scientists stated.
Lionfishes can potentially spread and survive in a large part of the Mediterranean Sea because they have shown extensive dispersal capabilities and can survive to a minimum temperature of 10°C, the experts stated. Their highly venomous needle-sharp dorsal, anal and pectoral fin spines offer protection and significantly reduce predation. However, a natural predator already exists in the Mediterranean.
In the northern Red Sea, a juvenile lionfish was discovered in the stomach of the blue spotted cornetfish, which has invaded the Mediterranean Sea within the last decade and established large populations in the eastern part, which could act as a biological control of a possible invasion. Other possible predators could be native Mediterranean groupers, which have been pointed to as possible predators here in the Caribbean.
The recent findings of lionfish may be an indication of a new wave of arrivals, raising “justifiable concerns of a possible onset of a new invasion in the Mediterranean Sea,” the scientists wrote.
“Many Caribbean countries have instituted Lionfish eradication programs. These actions include initiatives that involve the general public in removal efforts, such as engaging recreational divers to capture Lionfish and using commercial divers and fishers to target this species as a source of food,” they wrote in the paper.
The marine biologists warn that the lionfish is amongst the most successful marine invaders in the history of aquatic invasions and note that once it has established a permanent population, its complete eradication seems to be unrealistic. As a result, they urge the authorities to learn the lessons from elsewhere andbegin an awareness campaign to implement monitoring efforts during the early stages of colonization, when control measures could still be effective.
New film examines tax avoidance from UK to Cayman
(CNS): As the backlash against international corporations and what many believe is their manipulation of the tax system to avoid paying their fair share continues, a new documentary film is set to premier in the UK later this month. UK Gold is narrated by Dominic West and follows a UK vicar, Father William Taylor, as he sets out to shed light on Britain's offshore tax havens, including the Cayman Islands. Filmed during the London 2012 Olympics, the feature-length documentary written and directed by Mark Donne reveals a modern Britain dominated by a financial sector that relies on what the film concludes is unfair play for profit.
The premiere will form part of London's East End film festival on 25 June, and according to the promoters, the film, produced by Brass Moustache, documents the “dramatic battle” of a vicar from a small north London parish in the borough of Hackney as he goes head-to-head with the City of London, revealing the Square Mile’s role as “thetax-haven nerve centre of the world”.
“From the Cayman Islands to Clapton, a huge, untold story unfurls which shakes our notions of nationhood and empire; a story seismic enough to shift perceptions of finance and flag forever,” the film makers say in promotional material.
"This is a political documentary, but more than anything else it is an extraordinary story,” Donne said about his movie. “To have a quintessentially English figure embarking on an odyssey to understand how London remains the financial capital of the world is in itself a fascinating narrative. To have this journey unfurling at the exact time that the eyes of the world were on this country, during the Jubilee and the Olympics, gives the story a powerful twist.”
See trailer here.
Customs reveals gun seizure
(CNS): Government officials have now revealed, two weeks after the incident, that customs officers discovered an unlicensed handgun in a woman’s baggage as she entered the Cayman Islands last month. HM Customs is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the recovery after the weapon was discovered on 20 May. The 23-year-old female passenger was arrested by Customs Officers on arrival at the Owen Roberts International Airport from Miami for the importation and possession of an unlicensed firearm and accessories. The woman had been selected for her baggage to be x-rayed, and during the x-ray an object that appeared to be a firearm part was detected.
Following a physical search of her bag, officers found various firearm parts, which when assembled revealed a completed .45 calibre handgun. The firearm accessories that were discovered included a gun holster, rifle scope and a firearm cleaning kit.
Aside from the late revelation, officials offered no further details relating to the woman’s nationality, her place of residence if it was not Cayman, or if she is currently in custody or has been released on bail.
Police confirm on-going major operation
(CNS): A police spokesperson has confirmed that the RCIPS is currently carrying out a major operation in the George Town area that includes a number of arrests. However, the authorities are not yet able to disclose the details. The RCIPS spokesperson told CNS that details would be released later today but at present they were unable to comment further while the operation remained underway. Police were seen by numerous witnesses on Shedden Road making arrests at Archie's Bar, among other places. Check back to CNS for more on this breaking story later.
McTaggart joins government
(CNS): In a surprise turn of events, C4C MLA Roy McTaggart has had a change of heart and is joining the PPM government. Premier Alden McLaughlin announced Thursday lunchtime that McTaggart has been appointed as a government councillor and will be working with Wayne Panton and Marco Archer in both the financial services and finance ministries. The U-turn on McTaggart's part, after he had elected to join the opposition, came after “careful consideration” in the face of the threats to Cayman's financial stability. McTaggart beleived his experience would be better used from the government benches, according to the Premier's Office. The premier confirmed that the former auditor would remain as chair of PAC but a PPM member of that committee would be resigning to pave the way to re-balance the committee. (Photo by Dennie Warren Jr)
Despite stating before the election that he was not prepared to work with McLaughlin, when McTaggart returns to the LA he will now join his C4C colleague Winston Connolly on the Progressive government's backbenches behind Tara Rivers, the C4C's Cabinet member.
In his announcement about the George Town C4C MLA's change of heart, McLaughlin said McTaggart had indicated his willingness to serve the country and his constituents as a member of the government and, in the spirit of inclusion that has characterized the new Progressive administration, the premier welcomed him to the team.
“We are confident that his experience in the financial services industry will provide additional support to Ministers Marco Archer and Wayne Panton at this critical juncture,” McLaughlin stated.
“Mr McTaggart has said that after careful consideration, in the face of the threats to the Cayman Islands’ financial stability from a new round of tax compliance regulations and the challenges which the country faces with respect to its finances, he believed his professional experience would be better employed in a proactive way from the government benches. He looks forward to serving the country and his constituents in this new capacity and remains committed to the role of independents within the government,” the premier added.
As McTaggart will now be on what has become a crowded government bench, the composition of the Public Accounts Committee will need to be changed to ensure proper balance.
The premier confirmed that McTaggart would retain the chairmanship but one other member of the government benches will resign to pave the way for another member of the non-government benches to sit on that committee at the next Legislative Assembly meeting.
With all three C4C members now in the PPM government, there will be 12 elected members on the government benches, giving McLaughlin an overwhelming majority over the fractured opposition of three UDP members and two independents.
Competition winners get up close with marine life
(CNS): As winners of the marine education competition One Ocean One Planet, developed by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), kids from George Town Primary School enjoyed a two-day stay at the Little Cayman Research Centre. The students snorkelled in the pristine seagrass beds and coral reefs around Little Cayman, where they had the opportunity to use their newly acquired skills learned during the contest to identify native fish and coral species. For many, this was the first time they had been snorkelling, which opened up a whole new underwater world. They also learned about Cayman cultural history and terrestrial conservation at the National Trust, located at the Booby Pond Reserve, one of the last nesting grounds for the red footed booby.
The students also had a close encounter with the Sister Islands’ biggest and rarest land creature, the rock iguana, and local guides explained about the threats to these gentle giants and ways to help protect them.
One of the main benefits of staying at the LCRC is that students have the opportunity to see the scientists in action and interact with them throughout the day. CCMI says that lionfish dissections are always popular with visiting students, who observe CCMI researchers as they examine the lionfish’ stomach contents to learn more about which native fish they consume on Cayman reefs.
The students also played their part by removing 244 pounds of garbage from the coast and participated in ‘paint a fish’, which is a petition to protect fish stocks.
Red Bay Primary School placed second in the One Ocean One Planet competition and won a tour on the Nautilus submarine with CCMI staff. Student were captivated by the shipwrecks and the different marine species, including fish, stingrays, jellyfish and a hawksbill turtle, as well as the corals found on Cayman’s reefs.
Both prizes were designed to teach the young Caymanian students about the local oceans and their value to the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands, as well as ways in which the community can work to protect the environment for future generations.
The One Ocean One Planet Competition is sponsored by KMPG with CNB and DOT partners, allowing CCMI to provide young students exciting ways to learn about marine conservaiton. Over fifty Ocean Literacy Scholarships have also been awarded to winning students.
Founded in 1998, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is guided by its mission to conduct and facilitate research, education, conservation and outreach that will sustain marine diversity for future generations. The Little Cayman Research Centre was opened in 2006. The multi-million dollar tropical biological research facility has become home to a number of research programs at top universities, and to scientists focused on important topics relevant to coral reef sustainability.