Archive for March 5th, 2014
Only 2 pension cases closed
CNS): Even though hundreds of employers are believed to be non-compliant when it comes to employee pensions, the National Pensions Office has managed to close just two of the cases which it has taken through the courts, with employers making good on their pension debts to the tune of almost $150,000. However, from the list of named and shamed delinquent employers, many more cases remained unresolved with warrants out for the arrest of at least three bosses who failed to show up to court. Nevertheless, the office said that as a result of the hard work of the senior pensions officers, led by case file administrator Charles Best, and with the support of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), cases were remaining under close scrutiny.
Officials from the NPO said court date appearances were being monitored and there were hopes for the representatives.
“It is hoped that the current caseload will be satisfactorily resolved and closed in the near term,” said Mario Ebanks, the Director of the Department of Labour & Pensions (DLP), who is currently also acting as the Superintendent of Pensions. “Simultaneously, the NPO is progressing other cases for possible prosecution, subject to the support of the evidentiary material by the ODPP. Those cases that are not candidates for prosecution are nevertheless being pursued for resolution, using various options available to the DLP.”
The pensions website has also been updated as the department continues the process of naming and shaming. However, two employers have now cleared their names as between them they paid in CI$148,586.51 of arrears to their employees’ funds.
.
The charges against Donovan ("Donnie") Smith of Cayman Fidelity Real Estate Services Ltd have all been withdrawn and dismissed following the resolution to the matters with full payment of around $10,000 being made. While Andrew Scott and Diana Escalante of Professional Security Management paid a whopping $138,861.51 to pay off arrears and resolve their matters
However, several cases continue through the courts and warrants have been issued for the arrest of the Crewe Road Esso Manager Liza Kandler; Ray Bowen, the owner of Cayman Repairs and Construction Ltd; as well as Antonio Lum-Watler the owner of Unique Imports Co, none of whom have been arrested yet, according to the NPO.
For full details of the pension cases which are being prosecuted visit the NPO website
Cases before summary court
Reports on cases
Doors open an annual farmer’s show
(CNS): Visitors to the 47th annual Agricultural Show can look forward to a jam-packed, family-oriented programme, filled with the traditional sights and sounds of Grand Cayman’s farming community, said officials. The show which opened at 7-30am this morning, Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for local farmers and crafters to show off their wares and produce as they battle for the prizes in numerous categories for their efforts. Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Agriculture Minister Kurt Tibbetts, and MLA Joey Hew are set to join crowds for the colourful opening ceremony. A parade of flags on horseback and a livestock show are just some of the items that organisers have planned, before Kilpatrick rings a cowbell to declare the fair open.
Once the ceremony has ended Agricultural Society President Justin Wood and Department of Agriculture Director Adrian Estwick will lead the Governor on a tour of the many stalls, displays and exhibits that will be sprawled across the grounds.
Stops will include a live-cooking competition between two VIPs, visits to exhibitions organized by each district on Grand Cayman, as well as to livestock displays, the Farmers’ Interactive tent and the Agro-Industrial display.
Younger fair-goers can also look forward to a K9 Protection demonstration, a pig race, a tug of war, pony rides and a petting zoo, in addition to storytelling in the Children’s Play Area.
Meanwhile in the afternoon budding chefs from the National Youth Culinary Programme will face off against the Tourism Apprenticeship programme participants as part of a ‘Chopped’-style competition.
The show has also scheduled a number of live performances throughout the day including the Pathfinders drill team, the Kri Dancers, the Cayman Marching Band, and a display by the Purple Dragon Karate School.
General admission tickets cost $10 and raffle tickets cost $25. Organisers have promised expanded parking at the Grounds and surrounding lots. Bus service will also be available.