Archive for August 7th, 2013
Sir Viv praises new West Indies cricket league
(CNS): Legendary West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards has offered his support to the newly established Limacol Caribbean Premier Cricket League. Sir Vivian said he expected it to be a resounding success following the response to the Barbados and Guyana legs of the inaugural tournament. His statement came even before his team, the Antigua Hawksbills, convincingly beat the St Lucia Zouks by 33 runs in front of a sold out crowd at Beausejour. Three games took place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados last week and Sir Viv the head coach of the Hawksbills said the crowd support was a good sign. “I believe this tournament is a great tournament, said the cricketing legend who dominated the 1970s and 1980s era in 121 Tests and 187 One-Day Internationals.
“The crowds we have seen will have given some indication as to where we are going and what we would like to achieve, and as the tournament goes on and I guess it’s going to get better," Sir Viv said. “What we have seen showcased indicates to me that it could get better. To have such a great start to the tournament and to have the Barbados team winning at home was also a plus," he added in a release from the turnament organisers.
The Limacol CPL bowled off in Barbados on 30 July when the Barbados Tridents defeated St Lucia Zouks by 17 runs. Two days later, the Tridents repeated their success with a 12-run triumph over the Hawksbills before capping the tripleheader on Sunday with a four-wicket verdict over Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in a low-scoring encounter.
Overall, 24 matches will be played across six venues – Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and St Lucia – with the semi-finals scheduled forQueen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on 22nd and 23rd August, and the final carded for 24th August at the same venue.
Sir Viv, long regarded as one of the finest batsmen to have played the game, said the Limacol CPL would definitely take West Indies cricket to another level.
“It is a great relief for us in this part of the world to have the CPL established, and to have Digicel being part of this. They play a big part in what we do here in the Caribbean,” Sir Viv stressed. “I just think it is a great opportunity for some of our young professionals to be involved in a professional tournament starting in the Caribbean. With the other events being staged around the world, this is a platform for these kids to also travel further afield.”
Sir Viv, who mastered the limited over game but whose career ended before the onset of Twenty20 cricket, said what was needed to succeed in this format was ingenuity and quick thinking.
“It is all about game situation. You can’t afford to be one-dimensional, you have to make changes where it is necessary,” Sir Viv pointed out. “This is what I think T20 does. You do not go out with any fixed plan but you have to do some thinking on your feet.”
Six franchises – Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel – are contesting the Limacol CPL with 15 players representing each side.
Teens use film to educate peers on bullying
(CNS): A number of public service announcements produced by a group of local teens this week during a summer film project will be used to educated their peers and raise awareness on the problems related to bullying in local schools next term. The camp was hosted by the Family Resource Centre and the students wrote, filmed and produced the PSAs with the help of a CITN reporter who instructed them on the basics and a private producer who share tips on filming and editing. The teens also promoted their work during appearances on CITN’s Parenting Plus show, and on Z99 and Radio Cayman.
This specialized camp helps teens to build empathy for those affected by social issues. As part of the WRC’s Stood-Up campaign, the Cyber Bullying film was screened earlier this year. The summer camp activities allowed teens to interact with the themes of that film.
Key murder witness falters
(CNS): One of the crown’s key witnesses delivered conflicting testimony when she appeared in the witness stand this week to give evidence against her ex-lover, who is accused of murdering Jackson Rainford in December last year. Terina Tomlinson, the former girlfriend of the defendant, Tareek Ricketts, had identified him as the man who gunned down her new friend, Rainford, as he sat in a car in Printers Way in George Town on the night of Sunday 16 December. However, the jury heard Tomlinson admit to having doubts about that identification as she gave conflicting accounts of the events on the night in question. Tomlinson, who is the mother of Ricketts' children, and the victim’s brother are the main witnesses in the crown’s case. (Photo courtesy of Cayman27)
In addition to the identification of the shooter by Rainford’s brother and Rickett’s ex-girlfriend, the crown is also relying on CCTV and telephone records as corroborating evidence in a killing they say was motivated by jealousy. Ricketts has denied that he was the killer who shot the 23-year-old in the head and chest and claims this is a case of mistaken identity. His claims were bolstered during the dramatic trial this week, when the crown witness made an about-face as she took the stand.
When she was being questioned by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryll Richards, QC, Tomlinson gave a description of what she saw on the night of the shooting. She indicated that she had a disagreement with Ricketts about her not being at her home with their children, knowing that they needed to prepare for school the next morning. Later that evening, the Rainford brothers had driven to her home along Shedden Road to drop off Tomlinson and her children, just before Jackson Rainford was killed.
Tomlinson told the jury that when she returned home, she was able to identify a man walking towards the car in what appeared to be an upset manner and she became instantly fearful that the man she saw was Ricketts. The witness said she then asked Rainford’s brother to drive away, hoping to avoid a confrontation with her babies’ father, as Ricketts was also believed to be dating the wife of Rainford at the time, further adding to what the crown claims was the mix of anger and jealousy that fuelled the murder.
However, during cross examination by Ricketts’ defence team, led by John Ryder, QC, and junior Prathna Bodden, Tomlinson admitted that she had a good relationship with the defendant's mother and had been in correspondence with her regarding the incident.
Counsel recited messages that she was alleged to have sent to his mother, including one in which she said that she "didn't feel like Tareek really shot that boy that night" becauseshe was unable to see the full features of the gunman and was unsure, but did not think people would believe her.
Ricketts' ex-girlfriend elaborated on her doubts on the stand and admitted that she would not be able face her children and tell them the truth should the defendant be sent to jail because of her lies. She told the court that she had neglected to make changes to her statement simply because she thought people would assume she was trying to cover up for the man standing trial.
The witness became increasingly distraught over the course of the proceedings and was later arrested because she refused to return to the courtroom after an emotional recollection of the incident.
The case continues in Grand Court One, this week, overseen by Justice Alex Henderson. But Ricketts’ fate will lie in the hands of the eight women and four men who make up the jury panel.
GT cops begin outreach with local meetings
(CNS): Pointing to the importance of involving the community in policing, the George Town’s top cop will be hosting a series of crime and community safety meetings over the next few weeks. George Town Commander Chief Inspector Angelique Howell said the goal was to give residents, Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, businesses owners and managers in the area a chance to have their say about policing and discuss crime prevention issues. Encouraging as many people as possible to come along and share their views, Howell said the RCIPS needed support from across the community in order to police effectively.
“It’s important for me to meet as many people as possible to share information about what we are doing, and to hear about the issues that impact the lives of those who live and work in George Town the most,” she said.
“We do not police in isolation; we need and encourage the support of the community. Residents and business owners will be aware that while overall crime is consistently falling, burglaries are a continuous concern for the RCIPS and the community. We hope that all of our Neighbourhood Watch coordinators will come along and that people who are not yet members of the scheme will either join a group or consider introducing it into their areas,” the senior officer added.
The first meeting is set for Saturday 10 August at the Family Life Centre on Walkers Road at 10:00am. The second is on Tuesday 13 August in the park in Martin Drive off Shedden Road at 7:30pm.
The RCIPS press office said that further dates would be announced shortly, but in the meantime, anyone who wishes to discuss any matters regarding community policing in the George Town area should contact SPC Fran General at Fran.General@rcips.ky or CI Howell at Angelique.Howell@rcips.ky.
FCO gives nod to four new Cayman silks
(CNS): Four local attorneys have been appointed as Queen’s Counsel following recommendations from the local judiciary that were approved by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The UK’s secretary of state for foreign affairs, William Hague, and Governor Duncan Taylor confirmed Colin McKie, a partner at Maples and Calder; Ian Paget-Brown, a senior attorney and chairman of the Law Reform Commission; Eileen Nervik, a senior attorney from Nervick & Company; and Deputy Director of the public prosecution’s office, Trevor Ward (left). These are the first appointments of new QCs in the Cayman Islands since 2010, officials saidWednesday.
In each of the Overseas Territories, the rank of Queen's Counsel may be granted to a very limited number of senior legal practitioners. The formal admissions to the Inner Bar will take place in open court before Chief Justice Anthonie Smellei and judges of the Grand Court on a date to be announced.
The four attorneys will now be able to add QC to their moniker and, if they choose, wear black silk gowns in court, hence the informal term of ‘taking silk’. Appointments are made on the basis of merit and not necessarily on experience but most QC’s have at least fifteen years experience at the bar.
Yoga brings in $1000 to help protect local coastline
(CNS): Local activists campaigning against two developments that threaten the costal environment in their community raised over $1000 on Sunday with a special yoga session. More than 40 people attended the morning yoga class on the beach in South Sound in the heart of the area that the group is hoping to preserve and donated cash to the cause. Protect South Sound has appealed two Central Planning Authority decisions and is awaiting a date for the Planning Appeals Tribunal hearing for the first of two appeals regarding the removal of a 50ft mangrove buffer designation along 2,000 feet of coastline, filling of the buffer area, and construction of a 9ft high seawall.
Following the change of government, the group has been told that the Planning Appeals Tribunal board is currently being re-appointed and once that is done, the hearing will be scheduled.
“We wish to thank Bliss Yoga and the community for your continued generous support of Protect South Sound," said Berna Cummins of Protect South Sound. “The funds raised will support the work that Protect South Sound has been undertaking to protect the coastline in South Sound from irresponsible developments.”
The group of concerned local residents have been attempting to stop environmentally destructive coastal developments in South Sound for several years in an effort to preserve the much loved recreational and residential area it is today. The group was formed in 2010 in opposition to the CPA approved Emerald Sound development which included the creation of an inland marina, dredging of South Sound, canals cut through South Sound Road and a 1,000 foot long 20 foot high bridge.
In addition to being a recreational area that is treasured by people island-wide for its rustic charm and natural beauty, South Sound is a Marine Replenishment Zone, and designated Scenic Coastline by the Development Plan. The Marine Replenishment Zone was established 27 years ago to support the regeneration of the delicate marine ecosystem which has given rise to a once again vibrant marine environment.
However, the area has been under continual threat from what the activists state is “irresponsible coastal developments” that threaten to profoundly affect both the delicate natural environment, the safety of area residents and the public’s ability to enjoy this much beloved area.
“The precedent that would be set by these developments will have significant implications for not only South Sound but for future coastal development island wide. If the developments are allowed to proceed this would open the door for a new era of highly detrimental coastal development in the Cayman Islands,” the activists warned.
Meanwhile, in South Sound blasting for the Adagio Community Development lakes is on-going and the fill from the holes is being trucked off site to the separate seaside development.
For more information about Protect South Sound email protectsouthsound@gmail.com or join our Facebook page www.facebook.com/SaveSouthSound
Kids from ‘Big Apple’ to get breath of Cayman air
(CNS): Ten children from New York City will enjoy a holiday of a lifetime when they arrive in the Cayman Islands tomorrow for a free vacation as part of the annual Fresh Air Fund programme sponsored by Department of Tourism and Cayman Airways. The youngsters, who come from tough inner city neighbourhoods, will be visiting a number of local attractions, such as Stingray City, and the Botanic Park, as well as plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and ocean. Cayman is the only destination outside of the USA that the fund partners with and the goal is to provide a life-changing experience for children, opening their horizons and enabling them to experience new environments and cultures.
An independent not-for-profit organization located in New York City, it was established in1877 to provide free summer vacations to thousands of New York City children. The children who will visit Cayman will stay with eight local host families, four of which are new hosts and four who have participated before, and the escorts will be staying at the Westin Hotel.
The Department of Tourism, Cayman Airways and The Fresh Air Fund have been partners since 2007 to provide kids from NYC with an unforgettable vacation in the Cayman Islands. Officials said the partnership began as a means to commemorate the launch of CAL’s direct service from Grand Cayman to New York’s JFK Airport.
One trip was initially offered to a group of inner city kids to vacation in the Cayman Islands. The programme flourished from there and has been held annually ever since. Over the past three years, several kids from Grand Cayman have also had the opportunity to attend Summer Camp in New York through the Fresh Air Fund.
DoT’s association with the Fresh Air Fund also generates positive media coverage for the Cayman Islands in US media and is also a channel to highlight the destination to international audiences, the DoT said.
OAG still seeking public input
(CNS): With less than four weeks to go before the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) closes the public consultation period on its proposed three year audit plan,the auditor general has urged the Cayman people to offer their input before the 31 August deadline and help shape the government watchdog’s agenda. The office has listed a number of subject areas it proposes to address, from broad subjects such as how government manages human resources, to the collection of fees and taxes, as well as more specific areas such as whether or not the ForCayman Investment Alliance, a proposed deal with the Dart Group, offers value for money.
The OAG said it was keen to hear more from members of the public as soon as possible about what they believe are the priorities and whether the office has neglected particular areas of public interest.
"I am pleased with the input we have received so far from the public and members of the Cayman Islands public service,” said Auditor General Alastair Swarbrick. “I continue to encourage everyone to come forth with their ideas for audits based on their personal experience with the government operations. With limited resources available to my Office, it is critical we focus our audit efforts on those areas that will provide the greatest benefit to our Legislators."
He explained that the public’s views will help ensure that the OAG’s work is broad and balanced, focuses on where it can have the most impact and is responsive to the concerns of stakeholders.
“Our focus continues to be on value for money — economy, efficiency, effectiveness — and on governance and accountability,” he added.
The topics that the office has suggested are based on the OAG’s preliminary assessment of significance and risk across government operations, and consideration of those areas where it believes the office could have the greatest impact and added value.
“Your views on the topics and their priority are important to ensure these are the right areas that we should be concentrating on or if there are others in which we could have greater impact and added value,” Swarbrick said, as he appealed to the wider public to come forward before the end of the month.
Theconsultation will run until 31 August 2013 and feedback can be provided by either emailing auditorgeneral@oag.gov.ky or writing to the Auditor General at PO Box 2583, Grand Cayman KY1-1103, CAYMAN ISLANDS.
The paper is available in PDF format at www.auditorgeneral.gov.ky. More information can be obtained by contacting Martin Ruben at the OAG at (345)244-3206.