Archive for September, 2013
Young Brackers enjoy FC International Camp
(CBFC): FC International of Grand Cayman hosted a one-day football camp on Cayman Brac on Saturday, 21 September, at the football field on the Bluff. Technical Director Elbert McLean led the camp with 43 children in attendance, ranging from ages 4-16 years old. Brac Sports Instructor Mitchum Sanford introduced the FC International coaching staff, which consisted of Coach Elbert McLean and his son, Carlo McLean. Coach Elbert is also the head coach of Bodden Town FC and the Bodden Town Primary School. Carlo is following in his father’s footsteps and assisting him in coaching duties at football camps across the islands. The camp got underway at 9am with the McLean duo leading the children in a dynamic warm-up routine followed by stretching.
Camp participants were treated to an assortment of drills, games, laws of the game and knowledge of the field markings. Cayman Brac FC Grassroots coach, Ashton Ferguson, assisted with leading the 4-6 years division, while the McLean duo took the 7-16 age groups.
Camp participants were each treated to a free lunch, plus a t-shirt and a football at the conclusion of the camp. Much thanks to FC International for their continued dedication in providing football camps to communities in the Cayman Islands.
FC International President Kennedy Ebanks was on hand throughout the day to speak with parents and participants. He also presented the participants, coaches and parents with camp t-shirts. Thanks to Zoe Vassel for management of the refreshments and lunch, to Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell for providing the accommodations for the two visiting coaches, and the PWD for providing a tent, which helped provide shade for participants and parents. Thanks to the parents and guardians for making sure the children attended the camp, and the participants themselves for their attendance.
Bush comes face to face with the new governor
(CNS): What could have been a sticky moment went off without a hitch, according to government sources, when Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush formally met the new governor Monday. Although Bush has met the Helen Kilpatrick before, he was in South Africa at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting when she arrived in Cayman, so the former premier missed the first round of official meeting and greeting with the UK’s latest representative in Cayman. After an extremely prickly relationship with her predecessor, Duncan Taylor, whom Bush accused of trying to undermine the economy and advancement of the Cayman Islands and of conspiring against him, it is understood that the opposition leader had a cordial first official meeting with Kilpatrick.
Now in opposition, the UDP leader will not be working as closely with Kilpatrick as he was forced to do with Taylor, when Bush held the political reins of power. However, as leader of the opposition, father of the house, a member of the National Security Council and a leading political figure in Cayman, Bush will still interact with the governor.
Bush formally met Kilpatrick at her offices in the Government Administration Building.
Governor starts new J22 season in style
(CISC): Governor, Helen Kilpatrick, was at the Cayman Islands Sailing Club at the weekend to meet sailors before heading out onto North Sound to start the first race of the 23rd annual J22 Governor’s Cup regatta. The two day regatta is the traditional start of the J22 season and is always closely competed. “I am not a sailor myself," said Mrs Kilpatrick, “but I have learned a lot today from Peta Adams and her Race Committee and am delighted to be part of it. It was especially pleasing to meet the youth sailors”.The light winds were unusual for this event and added a different flavour to the racing as strategy became all important.
Mike Farrington, who has won the last four Governor’s Cup regattas, was out in front early but did not enjoy the dominancethat they have become used to. Simon Farrington, skippering “Sunshine” was close behind with his awesome Stingray spinnaker close on his brother’s stern serving as a warning that this year would not be a runaway event. Tomeaka McTaggart was also challenging hard and the Youth Team aboard “DMS”, who had very little spinnaker experience were sailing well enough to mix it up with the best.
On the second day of racing the winds started out too light to race and after a two hour delay the fleet ventured out onto glassy seas. Race Committee had however got it right and the breeze picked up enough to run two more races. Pablo Bertran and the youth team showed they had learned quickly the mysteries of the big baggy sail and led for most of the first race being just beaten by one second at the finish line by Mark Edmunds. They were at it again in the second race showing no fear of their adult competitors but could not quite beat off Mike Farrington who finished comfortably in first place ahead of Simon and Tomeaka.
Commodore Farrington was quick to praise the youth team. “The light conditions favoured the lighter crews and the youth took full advantage showing that under the coaching of Raph Harvey they have really upped their sailing skills across the board. We hope they will now challenge us at every J22 event if they can find the time away from their Youth Olympic campaign”.
Kidney disease increase alarming as new unit opens
(CNS):A modern, purpose-built dialysis unit near the entrance to the Cayman Islands Hospital was formally opened last week. The service provided by the haemodialysis unit is crucial to those suffering kidney problems and this new facility is fully equipped to meet the specific needs of up to 11 patients at a time. According to health officials, the number of patients with kidney disease in Cayman has leapt over 400% in less than 15 years. With diabetes and hypertension a major factor in the increase, the HSA said the new unit would provide a comfortable and convenient treatment centre for those battling kidney problems as medical staff tackle the burgeoning and worrying problem of non-communicable diseases here.
“For the patients that are currently undergoing dialysis, this unit plays an integral role in their everyday lives,” said Health Minister Osbourne Bodden when the unit was formally opened. “With the new advancements to the facility and scheduling, those patients will be able to accommodate dialysis treatments into their personal schedules.”
The Dialysis Unit serves local outpatients and inpatients, visitors and in-transit cruise ship passengers six days a week, Monday to Saturday, and a dialysis nurse is on call for emergencies.
“As comfortable and beautiful as the unit may be, I want to assure everyone that our long-term goal has been and will always be to reduce the patient load in the unit by confronting squarely the menacing epidemic of chronic kidney disease,” said Dr Nelson Iheonunekwu.
In 1998 there were only 10 dialysis patients in the Cayman Islands but by 2012 there were 52 patients on dialysis, representing a 420% jump over a period of 15 years. Dr Iheonunekwu said diabetes and hypertension were the major drivers of chronic kidney disease in the Cayman Islands and had serious morbidity and mortality implications.
“They impose serious financial burdens on the individual and government as treatment of CKD, including dialysis and transplant, is prohibitively costly. Fighting this disease should therefore be a priority,” he said.
Last year the Cayman Islands unveiled its National Health Policy and Strategic Plan for the Cayman Islands 2012-2017, which this government and new minister fully support. One of the strategies under the policy is to educate and empower residents to ensure the Cayman Islands has a health conscious population. To achieve this, the ministry is committed to a comprehensive programme of life-long learning to educate the public on health and wellness.
Another strategy is to promote increased research for the production, dissemination and use of health relevant information, knowledge and scientific evidence for decision making. The objectives of this strategy are to develop a national research policy and establish a regulatory mechanism to conduct research.
“This second strategy will assist us to fulfil the objectives of the first. With research we will have the necessary data to develop education programmes to help people stay fit and healthy,” Bodden said.
The new Dialysis Unit has been in use since 12 August and patients were able to transition from the previous location at the side entrance to the hospital to the Atrium without interruption. The ribbon cutting of the unit was the first official act for Albert Anderson in his new role of Chairman of the HSA Board of Directors.
“At the Health Services Authority we are committed to ensuring that all our patients receive a fully rounded service while striving to provide excellence in every area of service that we deliver. Because of this commitment, we continue to look at ways that we can improve how we deliver care to meet the needs of our patients,” said Anderson. “I believe that this new Dialysis Unit is a great example of how we have been able to improve the service to our patients.”
HSA has also recently started a home based dialysis programme in the form of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, which offers the patient the chance to take control of his or her treatment, flexibility and independence and obviates the need to go for treatment three times a week.
Community beat officer meets with residents
(CNS): Police Constable Cornelius Pompey, who walks the beat in the George Town area of Scranton, listened to the concerns of the residents in that area recently at an RCIPS community meeting held on 17 September. About 20 people attended the meeting, including George Town MLA Joey Hew, Community Development Officer Dorline Welcome, and Martin Drive community activist Dale Ramoon. Residents were keen to engage in discussion with the police about their plans and areas of concern, such as speeding, drugs activity and loud music. Chief Inspector Angelique Howell expressed her disappointment at the meeting that younger members of the community were missing.
The George Town cop shop boss was able to reassure those present that patrol officers will continue to have a visible presence in the area. Impressed with the passion displayed by the residents, nevertheless, Howell said she hoped to see younger people in the neighbourhood taking part in the discussions about crime prevention.
“They have a great dealof pride in their Martin Drive community and expressed a desire to work with the police and other agencies to improve the area,” she said. “It would have been great to see some of the younger residents at the meeting as they have a pivotal role to play in developing and enhancing the community. One of PC Pompey’s aims is to engage with the young residents and involve them in the community enhancement programmes.”
PC Pompey, who served in two police forces before joining the RCIPS ten years ago, will work with community leaders to develop programs that will benefit the area. Addressing the meeting, PC Pompey pledged that he would do his best to address any concerns they had about crime and community safety, and that he would work diligently with them to come up with solutions to their issues. He asked for the support of the residents and stressed that it was important for them and the police to work together.
The next George Town community meeting will be held at the All Nations Pentecostal Church in Washington Blvd tonight Wednesday 25 September at 7.00pm
US ambassador opens agent’s office in Cayman
(CNS): The United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Pamela Bridgewater, visited Cayman last week to officially open that country’s consular agent’s new office in Grand Cayman. The new better equipped and secured facility, which is located in the Cayman Centre on Smith Road, is expected to enhance how the local consular agency engages and works with US citizens. Matters include passports, registration of births, as well as services for US citizens who break local laws,and are imprisoned. Consul General Michael Schimmel explained the various features, including a vault to secure the local assets of intestate US citizens who pass away in the Cayman Islands on behalf of families.
Last year, there were 17 deaths and 70 births of US citizens in the Cayman Islands, she reported. There is also a facility to better cater to emotionally distraught US citizens seeking the consular agency’s services.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Bridgewater highlighted the close cooperation between her country and the Cayman Islands on several matters, notably law enforcement, security and legal jurisdiction of children. The ambassador also pointed to the “enduring friendship between the people and government of the United States and the people and government of the Cayman Islands” as she and Franz Manderson the deputy governor snipped a ribbon to open the new office Thursday.
Expressing his delight at the consular agency’s expanded operations the Deputy Governor said that the humanitarian assistance provided by the US authorities for those wishing to leave the Islands during Hurricane Ivan’s aftermath helped further cement the Cayman Islands’ relationship with the US. This relationship, he went on to say, has moved “from strength to strength”. “The Cayman Islands Government (CIG) looks forward to a continued working relationship with the Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands,” he added.
While here, the ambassador also had her first meeting with the new governor, Helen Kilpatrick and later that evening, the Deputy Governor led government attendees at a reception for invited guests hosted by the Ambassador at the Wharf.
The office’s new location is Unit B1, Cayman Centre, Smith Road. The mailing address is PO Box 12204, Grand Cayman KY1-1010. The office phone is (345) 747-8172 and fax is (345) 945-8192. The web address is: http://kingston.usembassy.gov
World Cup to pass through Cayman on promo tour
(CNS): Having a local at the top of the football world appears to have a number of perks and one of them is the arrival of the world’s most famous sporting trophy on Cayma soil next month. The 2014 FIFA World Cup Trophy will arrive in the Cayman Islands on the specially outfitted Coca-Cola–FIFA Tour airplane on 7 October. The solid gold trophy is the most coveted prize in football and as part of the promotional events for the competition, which will take place in Brazil in 2014, it will visit 88 countries during the run up to the world’s biggest sporting event and Jeffery Webb, FIFA vice president, managed to pull some strings to make Cayman one of this destinations.
The cup is expected to be on show somewhere near Owen Roberts for the day, where fans will be able to see the trophy.
The trophy will be in Jamaica before coming to Cayman and then on to the Bahamas in a tour covering some 92,000 miles. The global FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour started earlier this month at the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and organizers expect more than one million people around the world will see the cup in all its glory.
Gaelic football swaps telecoms sponsor
(CNS): The Gaelic football League is to be renamed LIME LTE League following the change of sponsor for the sport from one telecom company to another. LIME has replaced Digicel as the sponsor of this popular sport giving a new three year commitment to the local league renamed as the LIME LTE league, after the operator’s new ultra-fast mobile data service. LIME will be launching nationwide Long Term Evolution (LTE) services – the world’s fastest mobile data technology – later this year in the Cayman Islands. LIME will be the exclusive telecoms sponsor for the next three years with its logo on all uniforms and branding at CIGFC events.
Martin Roos, Acting Chief Executive Officer said the firm was delighted to be supporting a great sporting competition in Cayman.
“The competition is a real community event in Cayman, and we are proud to be able to help the league flourish,’ he said. “We are also pleased to be promoting our new LTE service, which will be the best available in Cayman, as the only service available on the 700Mhz frequency used by the major operators in the US, thereby allowing existing iPhone5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 customers to upgrade LTE service without having to change phone.”
As part of the sponsorship LIME will also deliver: Annual funding for the Cayman Islands Gaelic Football Club (CIGFC); Additional funding for the club’s international tournament; Prizes including top of the range LTE-compatible smartphones LIME TV packages; Giveaways such as water bottles, towels and bags; Promotion of the sport on LIME social media sites, by text message, on radio shows sponsored by the operator and on LIME TV
Eamon Wilson, Head of Operations Improvement for LIME, who plays in the CIGFC described it as a fantastic sport which involves men, women and children from across the islands and brings the community together.
“It’s great that LIME has stepped into the breach to sponsor the CIGFC. The funding and support from LIME will help promote and develop this great game within our community here in Cayman and allow the Club to compete in tournaments abroad,” he added.
David O’Connell, Chairman of the Cayman islands Gaelic Football Club said it was very happy to welcome LIME looked forward to a building a solid relationship.
“With LIME’s sponsorship and local media support we believe we can develop even further as a club and grow our club members to an all-time high. Over the last few years we have had huge interest from all sports fanatics on island and have also been invited to play in numerous international tournaments in the US, which has been wonderful for the club.
With LIME's help we hope to continue this prosperous era and ensure that we are a well-publicized team throughout the Caribbean and the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) for years to come. Let’s hope this is the start of a great relationship. Thank you LIME and welcome,” he said.
Gaelic football has been played in the Cayman Islands for over a quarter of a century. The CIGFC is now the governing body and organiser of Gaelic football activities locally.
Young players return to pitch for PFL season opener
(CUC-PFL): On Saturday, September 28, Sir John A. Cumber Primary defends its 2012/2013 Opening Rally title as the popular 2013/2014 CUC Primary Football League (PFL) season kicks-off with the always entertaining Opening Rally at the traditional “home of local football”, the T.E. McField Sports Field (Annex Field), beginning at 9:00 a.m. It was only a short 11 months ago that Sir John A. Cumber Primary edged Cayman Prep 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim the 2012/2013 Opening Rally title, which marked the only trophy the boys from the West would claim last season.
In contrast, Cayman Prep used this early loss to go on and win the prestigious Under 11 Champions Cup and a second-place finish in the Under 9 Champions Cup.
The Opening Rally has always been highly entertaining and very competitive with 13 schools competing this year including defending champions Sir John A. Cumber Primary, runners-up Cayman Prep and fourth-placed St. Ignatius Prep. Other schools competing include Bodden Town Primary, George Town Primary, Savannah Primary, Prospect Primary, Red Bay Primary, North East Schools (a combined team from North Side and East End Primary schools), Cayman International School, South Sound Schools (a combined team from Montessori by the Seas and First Baptist), St. Ignatius Prep and Triple C.
An exciting, fast-paced one-day tournament, the opening rally consists of short games of 10 minutes per half with no off-sides. Games must end with a winner. If games are tied at the end of the 20 minutes, penalties will decide the victor. The firstround of play is the group stage with schools being divided into three groups of three teams and one group of four. Schools play each other once in their respective group with the two top teams from each group advancing to the second round – the knockout stage. From the quarter finals, the semi-finalists are decided with the resulting two winners advancing to the final and the two losers playing for third and fourth place.
The three groups of three teams include Zone A with Red Bay Primary, South Sound Schools and St.Ignatius Prep; Zone B with Bodden Town Primary, Cayman Prep and Prospect Primary; and Zone C with Cayman International School, North East Schools and Sir John A. Cumber Primary. The only four team group is Zone D with George Town Primary, Savannah Primary, Truth For Youth and Triple C battling for the top two spots.
The PFL Committee encourages fans of “the powerful game” and youth sports in general to make their way to the T.E. McField Sports Field (Annex Field) this Saturday and cheer on our future National Team players. Special thanks to contributing sponsors Progressive Distributors, the CUC Primary Football League’s exclusive supplier of Gatorade. We’ll see you at the field.
Water sports operator gives up boat for fundraising
(CNS): Starting in October the Special Olympics Cayman Islands will have the use of a Red Sail Sports luxury catamaran and crew to use as a fundraising tool or place for social events. The monthly date is a donation from the Red Sail Group in addition to the firm’s $15,000 financial contribution made earlier this year. “A financial donation only goes so far and we want to empower the Special Olympics Cayman Islands to help itself and its athletes by other means,” said Rod McDowall, General Manager of Red Sail Sports. “Our catamarans are very, very popular and it’s up to the organization to take this opportunity and run with it − the sky’s the limit,” he added.
McDowall says a catamaran sail can bring in up to $2000, so the Special Olympics Cayman Islands can tap into a revenue stream that would add up to $24,000 a year to their coffers. For a non-profit organization that relies completely on volunteers and contributions, the regular use of a luxury catamaran also adds a venue for social events, opening up many possibilities.
“It’s tremendous” said Nick Freeland, chairman of the SOCI Board. “Clearly it is a potential revenue-stream for us, but I see that as secondary, because it’s important for us to maximize and strengthen our existing relationships with sponsors.”
Special Olympics Cayman Islands enjoys the support of several loyal corporate benefactors who sponsor athletes attending competitions and fund the costs of the SOCI’s annual fundraiser, the Eric Crutchley Memorial Golf Tournament.
“Most nonprofits don’t have the opportunity to give something back,” added coach and volunteer Stuart Knox who will be responsible for making the most of the catamaran partnership. “We have had years of continued support from our corporate sponsors and this is a huge opportunity to thank them with a gift in return.”
Knox already has creative ideas on how to have fun onboard the catamaran which holds up to 70 people: Murder Mystery on the Sea, ‘Mask Night’ on board, karaoke, and other activities. Or he says sponsors and their staff can simply enjoy a relaxing sunset sail.
“We can promote the programs and the needs of SOCI to a captive audience and hopefully recruit volunteers to help, so this will be a great awareness builder,” Freeland said “At the end of the day we want to expand our programmes and we need volunteers to do that. We don’t just want to write checks, we want our staffs to get involved because it's a hugely worthwhile organization.”
As well as adding programme Freeland said the sports charity wants to bring in younger children who can benefit, but they can only do it if they have more certified coaches and volunteers. “It takes a lot of work to make the Special Olympics Cayman Islands successful, we need a lot of bodies to do the work,” he said.
For more information on the Special Olympics of the Cayman Islands, (345) 946-7624 or e-mail soci@candw.ky.