Archive for October, 2014
CIG has ‘plan’ for accounts
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government has worked out a plan to produce its first set of Entire Public Sector statements (EPS) in more than a decade but it is not clear when any consolidated accounts will be made public. The auditor general has stated that he will be commenting soon on how close government is to producing a full set of accounts and a report on those accounts that would give the public a true picture of how government spends the fees and taxes it collects from people and businesses. Alastair Swarbrick said that while there was no certainty there would be a report that the public could see, government had, for the first time since the Public Management and Finance Law was passed, set out “a plan” to get there.
Although government has been making claims for several years that it was in a position to produce a full set of consolidated accounts, so far what it has presented has been unauditable, falling far short ofwhat is required for an entire public sector statement. Swarbrick said at a press conference this week that his office has signed off on the financial statements for the years 2008-2011 and the last of those has some form of report, but he said he did not want to comment on the quality of those reports yet.
The auditor was, however, hopeful of future change.
“For the first time we’ve got a plan from the Ministry of Finance on how they are going to address the EPS and drive it forward, which is a significant first step and something we have been calling for for at least four years,” he said.
In his latest damming report about the ongoing failure by CIG to account for the three quarters of a billion dollars of public money it spends each year, Swarbrick was more direct than he has ever been about the situation. He pointed fingers at chief officers for their failings in ensuring that their staff comply with the law to produce transparent and accurate accounts for the cash their public government departments spend. Despite being this direct about the root of the problem, Swarbrick said he would have to wait and see if any action was taken to move people out of jobs that they cannot do or that changes that have been made will have any positive impact
Since his comments, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Financial Secretary Ken Jefferson, who are now ultimately responsible for this issue, have remained silent about the core problems that are preventing the various entities that are required to produce accounts from doing so in line with the law.
Although Swarbrick has seen an improvement in the number of entities that produce and submit accounts for audit, in the end there are still myriad problems across core government and its authorities and companies, in particular with the quality of information.
Since Dan Duguay first raised his concerns about the mounting problems government was having producing its accounts back in 2008, more than six years ago, government has continued to struggle to address what Duguay said then was a national crisis.
Despite the investment in accountancy SWOT teams, consultants, assistance from the UK, the establishment of committees, a constant public spotlight on the issue, pressure from the Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee and statement after statement from the public sector leadership about its efforts to improve, the fundamental question of when the people of the Cayman Islands will have a true and accurate picture of how their money is being spent remains unanswered.
CNS posed this question to the auditor general at a press briefing on Monday, and although Swarbrick said he was hoping there might be something the public could see next year, he directed the question to the civil service bosses responsible. CNS submitted the question to Kenneth Jefferson and Franz Manderson on Monday afternoon and we are still awaiting a response.
The last set of consolidate government statements produced reflected the year ending 30 June 2004. But since Hurricane Ivan and, more importantly, since the implementation of the PMFL, the government has failed to account for tax payers' money.
Swarbrick pointed out that although government is perfectly able to produce the budget statements it needs each year to appropriate the money from the people to allocate it to public sector services, CIG has proved entirely incapable of accounting for it afterwards.
The auditor general said he is seeing the political will now in the Finance Ministry to address the real problems, but in many instances the issue is directly related to personnel matters and the competency levels of people keeping government’s books.
“There have been efforts made to move things forward but my concern is there has to be more done to address the control environments,” Swarbrick said Monday. He explained that because proper processes are not followed or becausegovernment departments do not manage their spending properly, it is not possible to then produce the information required for the year end accounts.
“I am hopeful that we will see some action from the PAC to keep reviewing their progress,” he said, as he urged legislators to put on more pressure on government to be transparent and accountable for the use of public cash.
Man admits careless driving in fatal smash
(CNS): A Bodden Town man has pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving after his younger brother Egbert Robinson (24) was killed in a car smash two years ago. Eduardo Robinson (27) admitted driving about 14 mph over the speed limit on a chip and spray road in Prospect on 29 October 2012. Robinson who, is hearing impaired, suffered serious injuries himself in the car smash after the Nissan Sunny he was driving hit a wall on Mangrove Avenue. His brother was pronounced dead at the hospital following the early morning single vehicle collision. The court accepted Robinson’s plea and set a sentencing hearing for January next year.
As Justice Charles Quin adjourned the hearing he noted that while the court hears many sad cases this was a particularly tragic case. The court heard how Robinson and his family had suffered significant genuine remorse as a resultof the crash in which he had killed his younger brother.
A social enquiry report was ordered in the case and Robinson was bailed to appear on 22 January 2015 for sentencing.
Fisherman camp stirs up Marina Drive
(CNS): A small private plot in a residential suburb of George Town appears to have become a home away from home for Honduran fisherman and an unofficial fish market, according to neighbours who have complained to officials at the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). A dock and empty plot on Marina Drive sandwiched between canal front condos and stand-alone family homes is being used by the men, who are docking several fishing boats there, selling their catch and using the location as a camp in between trips. But neighbours say fish is being processed on an industrial scale and the men are holding drunken sessions late into the night, as well as using the canal as a toilet.
A group of Marina Drive residents has written to Roydell Carter, the DEH director, complaining that the men using the unofficial camp are dumping fish guts and garbage and even defecating into the canal. They also complain of “other anti-social actions and behaviour” and say their rights as property owners are being disturbed by the increasingly unorthodox activity.
One of the fishermen spoke to CNS this week and said that although they do sell their catch when they come into port, there is no major processing at the site and the only things that go in the canal are the fish scales.
The man, who said his name was Anthony, said that the fishermen are mostly Honduran and all of them have visas. They spend much of their time at sea or back home and only use the dock on occasions but no one was living there, he said, adding that “about eight or more people came” from government agencies on Tuesday to look at the dock but he said they did not say much or do anything.
Carter confirmed that his department had received the complaint about the camp last Friday from some residents in the area concerning various activities taking place on the property.
"The matter is currently under investigation by DEH and several other agencies to determine any violations and the required remedial actions, as necessary,” he told CNS.
Residents, however, are hoping for some quick action as they say things have come to a head with the activities there and those adjacent to the plot are feeling the brunt of it.
Garbage is piling up around the lot, they said, and empty beer cans are being thrown into the canal, along with the processing of fish, which the residents say is increasingly smelly. The men are partying and drinking at the site with others who visit the location and sleep all around the property, with loud music being played day and night.
“The location was never designed for such an operation, as we see it, a commercial fish operation cannot exist alongside households comprising young kids and families,” the residents state in their letter of complaint. .
The dock was erected some five years ago by the owner of the land, and although residents were unhappy the situation was bearable. At first the fishing vessels were very transient, the residents state, and normally stopped in port to sell their catch and to re-supply their boats.
When CNS visited, around five boats were tied up and a handful of men were on the boats and the dock. Washing lines of clothes were hanging up and various bits of machinery were strung about, as well as chairs, benches, tables and tarpaulin that could have been used as shelter.
Residents say that not only are more men now spending much more time at the site, health issues have arisen because there are no permanent facilities for dealing with human waste, with the exception of two portable toilets, inadequate they say for the number of fishermen and the people that are visiting the site. And with no shower stalls, the men are also bathing outside, they said, as they urged the authorities to address the issue.
Local weather still unsettled as TD9 fades away
(CNS): A tropical depression that was expected to strengthen into a tropical storm weakened Wednesday evening as it passed over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. But local weather remains inclement with heavy showers and cooler conditions expected around Cayman, as a result of another weather system in our area which will bring more unsettled conditions for the next few days. Local weather experts predict possible flooding in low lying areas at the weekend. Forecasters state that the remnants of TD9 may still become an organized tropical system again once it reaches the Caribbean Sea which could also impact Cayman.
Cadets hold garage sale to boost dwindling funds
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps' new detachment Section 9, will be having a garage sale this Saturday, October 25th from 5am – 8am at the First Assembly Church (195 Old Crewe Rd.) The Section 9 was created to enhance the development of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps. It is designed to promote good citizenship, leadership, and spirit of service in young Caymanians by a regimen of high military principles, discipline, and standards. As a result of the funding budget cuts over the years, members of the section, said they feel that raising their own funds is the best way to enhance development and achieve the goal of getting much needed equipment.
This garage sale will be the first of many events planned by the section in the upcoming months.
“The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps is important to the island because it brings about discipline, ambition and ethics to Cayman's young people,” a spokesperson said.
Clothes (baby, young adult, adult etc.) Electronics, (Televisions and DVD players) footwear, games, and house supplies are a few of the items being sold.
Port struggles with debt
(CNS): Although the Port Authority, one of Cayman’s most important statutory authorities, has increased its revenue and cut expenses, it struggles with long term debt and funds for capital investment. Moving from a loss of $1.8 million in 2010, according to a report from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), the authority cleared over half a million dollars at the end of the 2012 fiscal year but its debt liabilities and a need to replace and repair equipment is causing the port problems. The auditor also noted some concerns about the management at the port that is making matters worse, such as mounting legal fees to fight FOI requests at the direction of the board and the mismanagement of crane repairs.
The port is making annual debt payments of some $2 million and spent $1.2 million during 2012 as a result of poor project management and assessment of damaged equipment.
The OAG also reported that at the end of June 2012, the port’s liabilities exceeded its assets by more than $3.5 million. In light of this as well as debt payments, a reduced volume of business and limited room for fee increases, Alastair Swarbrick has raised concerns about the port being able to continue operating without financial support from government in the future.
In addition to the port’s financial troubles, there were also a number of governance problems, and Swarbrick qualified his opinion on the port’s 2012 accounts. He said this was because of a number of problems over conflicts and related party transactions. Swarbrick’s team found that the authority did not have the systems and practices in place for senior management and board director to comply with good governance principles.
He raised a number of other concerns, including the port’s failure to comply with its own regulations because of a deal with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s regulations preventing fee increases.
The report pointed to failures in the project management of the refurbishment of cranes. A failure to properly analyze the situation relating to problems with two cranes led to costly mistakes. Another $500,000 spent on consultants relating to the port development, which the port had recorded as an asset, were reclassified as an expense, the auditor explained. The money was wasted after the government was forced by the UK to abandon previous attempts at finding a developer in less orthodox ways and follow the process set out in the law, and so could not be claimed by the port as an asset.
On top of the various other governance issues he noted, such as ineffective inventory management practices leading to risks of loss or fraud, a lack of sound monthly financial analysis, the writing off of some assets without board approval and a failure to monitor employee time, Swarbrick also highlighted the port’s bill for lawyers.
The authority spent over $100k in 2012 and was at the time planning to spend even more in the 2013 fiscal year on legal advice, compared to just $27,000 in 2011. The auditors found that with the exception of a claim for damages, the money was going on lawyers to stop documents being released under the freedom of information law at the direction of the port’s board. Swarbrick said he was taking a closer look at that during the auditing of the port’s accounts for 2013 because much of the issue would impact that year, but he warned that undertaking such action given the state of the port’s finance was a concern.
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Clock ticking on daylight saving discussion
(CNS): The Department of Commerce and Investment is making a final appeal to the public to complete the government’s survey on the introduction of daylight saving time in the Cayman Islands. The on-line questionnaire will close at the end of this month and people are being urged to express their opinion on whether Cayman should adopt the practice of adjusting clocks one hour forward during the summer and back again in the fall in order to keep Cayman in time step with Miami and New York year-round. It is believed that by keeping in time with the US east coast there will be benefits for the cruise and overnight tourist industry, as well as the offshore financial services sector. The survey takes about three minutes to complete.
HSA to get $800k Ebola unit
(CNS): In an effort to keep the country free of the deadly Ebola virus the Cayman government has made a decision to ban anyone from, or who has visited, Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, or Congo within the past 21 days from the Cayman Islands. But in case the virus is brought here, Cabinet has agreed to allocate the necessary $800,000 to buy a purpose-built isolation unit, or field hospital and personal protective equipment that officials will need to isolate or quarantine individuals. The health minister announced that alongside the travel ban officials are actively reviewing and considering options to further enhance the islands’ state of readiness.
“Staff will receive specialized training to ensure the correct use of this PPE. At today’s meeting, my colleagues and I were reassured by the clear evidence of inter-agency collaboration and cooperation, and we are confident that as a country we are on the right path in our approach,” Osbourne Bodden said following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
“While I do not believe there is cause for alarm, we simply cannot afford to be complacent. As the Minister of Health, I am committed to keeping the governor, the premier and my Cabinet colleagues informed of any new developments on this front. My ministry is also committed to providing the public with regular updates concerning our efforts. I want to assure the public that we will keep them informed of our progress including weekly updates,” he said.
Concern had increased locally after the deadly virus reached the shore of the US and those concerns were heightened when a lab technician who had handled samples of the virus in Texas was discovered to be travelling on a cruise ship in the region last week. Although that health worker tested negative for Ebola and the ship cleared by the CDC this weekend the opportunity for the virus to move from place to place unchecked raised the alarm.
Bodden said Wednesday that officials, from 13 agencies have been working together for several weeks now, to prevent the Ebola virus from entering Cayman and are in regular communication about plans and procedures, to satisfy the protocols necessary to contain the virus.
“This committee has considered a range of matters to date, including entry screening protocols, contact tracing, and contingency plans that cover issues such as: transportation, isolation and quarantine, case management and infection control measures,” the minister added. “Government is also monitoring the situation in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia—the three remaining African countries with outbreaks, now that Nigeria has been declared Ebola free. We have also been monitoring the situation in the United States, where they had their first cases, as well as the emerging situation in Congo.”
The Immigration Department and Public Health department have created a health questionnaire to address passengers’ travel patterns for the four weeks before their arrival in the Cayman Islands. The cruise lines have also distributed similar health questionnaires to passengers before they embark, and there are established procedures and protocols whereby a passenger who becomes unwell is not permitted to disembark.
“If a passenger has a travel history to one of the affected countries and appears well, the person will be placed in the Public Health office in the airport arrival hall, and the HSA team will be contacted. If the person is unwell, staff will call 911. An emergency medical services (EMS) team will assess the passenger through a Health Screening questionnaire that will elicit exposure history. They will also take that person’s temperature. A passenger who does not have any fever or other symptoms, and is a visitor, will be denied entry and quarantined until departure,” Bodden said as he explained the now defined procedure for handling Ebola should the need arise.
He said residents will have an option to be quarantined in a designated place at the Cayman Islands Hospital, or in their own home supervised by security guards, if all household members were also passengers, or if living alone.
“If quarantined in the Hospital – the individual will also be watched by a security guard, and arrangements made for daily needs to be met in a manner similar to any inpatient of the Hospital. Similar arrangements will assist the daily needs of persons quarantined at home.”
Quarantine notices will be served by the Medical Officer of Health and passengers will also receive information about the Ebola quarantine and how to self-monitor for signs of the illness. Quarantined persons will be instructed to inform their security guard, or contact the telephone number on the quarantine notice, if they become unwell at any time, or for any concern or need. During quarantine period, the Public Health team will monitor the person’s temperature twice a day. If at any time the person has a temperature of 101˚F, they will be moved to an isolation room and managed as a suspect case.
The HSA has adequate protective gear for Hospital staff, should a suspect case arise, and is procuring additional supplies. It is also organizing training through an overseas facility and webinars in all aspects of managing the virus.
Hospital boss, Lizette Yearwood, will also be appearing on Cayman 27 this evening to talk about the field hospital that the government will be buying. The HSA already has 500 protective suits, and extra hoods and head shields have been ordered. Facing the worst case scenario an Ebola care team of volunteers is also being trained. The field hospital will be able to house up to eight patients in isolation and the unit will be able to quarantine patients who had been exposed to the disease but not necessarily sick
See health minister's full VT Ebola message here
Entertainer’s line up for NCVO fundraiser
(CNS): In desperate need to raise around $140k to keep its projects going the NCVO is hoping the community will dig deep this week as it broadcasts its annual fundraiser live from the Prospect Playhouse. Terri Quappe, Gone Country, Barefoot Man, Andy Martin, Trinity, Gordon Solomon, Quincy Brown, J.R. Douglas, Swanky, Cook Skool Jazz, David Verhoeven, Heat, Sea N’ B, and Funk Republic are just some of the entertainers who are performing free throughout the radio/telethon on Saturday night. Viewers can phone in with their donations/pledges on the night to the dedicated phone line for the event; all money raised helps children on island through the NCVO’s Children’s programmes.
There is a variety of fabulous musical entertainment with something to please everyone, the amazing line up of entertainers includes: Terri Quappe; Gone Country; Barefoot Man; Andy Martin; Trinity; Gordon Solomon; Quincy Brown; J.R. Douglas; Swanky; Cook Skool Jazz; David Verhoeven; Heat; Sea N’ B, Funk Republic and more.
Viewers who make a pledge have a chance to win one or more of over 50 prizes donated by many different companies. Prizes this year include tickets from Cayman Airways to New York and Tampa, a Blackberry Q5 from LIME, spa treatments, meals at some of Cayman’s best restaurants, cinema tickets, staycations and numerous other gift certificates from popular stores, hotels and restaurants around the Island.
The NCVO is a non-profit, charitable organisation that is dedicated to the care, education and well-being of children and families in need of support in the Cayman Islands.
Projects run by the NCVO include: The Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home, “Miss Nadine’s” Pre-School, Jack & Jill Nursery, The Caring Cousins Welfare Fund and The John Gray Fund.
While the event will be live on Cayamn27 and Radio Cayman Everyone is invited to come out and watch the live entertainment free of charge at the Prospect Playhouse. For more information or to make a donation to the NCVO prior to the Radio/Telethon, contact the Janice Wilson at the NCVO on 949-2124, 525-3976 or ncvo@ncvo.org.ky
CIrider clinches 2nd in Puerto Rican contest
(CNS): Phoebe Serpell, one of two Cayman riders who entered the Federacion Puertorriquena de Deportes Ecuestres (FPDE) came away with the reserve trophy after two days of jumping competition. Hannah Fowler, came in fourth. Normally a local contest to allow riders to compete on their own horses, the Cayman Islands Equestrian Federation plans to host the competition for the first time next year but as Serpell and Fowler will be too old then the girls decided to gain overseas competition experience by borrowing local Puerto Rican horses for the San Juan competition.
Fowler and Serpell chose to enter the Bronze Tour and jumped four different courses over two days, with fence heights set at 1m. Both riders were delighted to jump a clear round on the first course, despite wet and soggy conditions. In the second round, both collected four faults. Fowler for a knock down and Serpell for a refusal. At the awards ceremony, Sophie Uldry of Puerto Rico took first place with two clear rounds, Fowler placed second, Daniela Vargas of Puerto Rico third and Serpell came in fourth.
On the second day, Fowler was first into the arena in brighter conditions but caught two fences leaving her with eight faults. Serpell posted a clear round putting pressure on the local talent. In the final round, both Fowler and Serpell went clear. For the day this placed Serpell first, with locals Uldry and Vargas second and third, respectively, and Fowler in fourth.
As the results were calculated for overall positions, Uldry was named overall Champion with Serpell winning the overall Reserve Champion trophy, Vargas was placed third and Fowler fourth, who also won the Best Presented Horse award in the Vet Jog.
Secretary-General of CIEF, Pamela Fowler, who attended the competition with the riders, said they were competing against riders riding their own horses and so both did really well.
“As a Federation, we hope to be able to organize this competition in Cayman in 2015 so our riders can ride their own horses at home. It will be another welcome milestone in our development as a Federation; hard work, but worth it for the opportunity it affords our pool of young riding talent. Having said that, it is always great for development when our riders can gain overseas experience on borrowed horses, and we know both girls really enjoyed the experience and are eagerly looking for their next opportunity to compete overseas,” she added.