Advent Season Events at Savannah United Church

9 Dec. – Saturday Christmas Cantata

“Under a Starry Sky” @ 6:30pm

10 Dec. – 2nd Sunday in Advent 

Cantata “Under a Starry Sky” 10am

Lighting the Candle of PEACE

17 Dec. – 3rd Sunday in Advent 

Youth Christmas Programme 10am

Lighting the Candle of JOY

17 Dec. “Carols under the Stars” 

SAVANNAH UNITED CHURCH CHOIR

at the Crighton’s Christmas Gardens 7pm

24 Dec. – 4th Sunday in Advent

Lighting of the Candle of LOVE 10am

* * * * * *

Joint Services with Robert Young Memorial Church at Savannah United Church:

25 Dec. – Christmas Morning Service

Lighting of the CHRIST Candle 10am

31 Dec. – Sunday Monday Service @ 10am

Watchnight Service @ 10:30pm

5 dead in plane crash at St. Croix airport

By Ernice Gilbert, VI Consortium From St Lucia News Online

Police blocked the east entrance of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport road on Thursday night, allowing first responders and investigators to respond to the site of a plane crash. The incident left all five occupants of the aircraft dead.

(VI CONSORTIUM) — A plane crash near the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on Thursday night left all five occupants of the aircraft dead, The Consortium can confirm.

Police Commissioner Delroy Richards told The Consortium that the aircraft, a private chartered plane, took off from the St. Croix airport and soon after starting experiencing engine problems, with flames coming from one of its two engines. The pilot circled back and attempted to land at the airport, but the plane crashed in a field area near the runway, leaving all occupants, including the pilot, dead, Mr. Richards said.

The commissioner said the plane was a Baron-branded aircraft.

David Goodrich, commander of St. Croix Rescue’s extrication team, who was on the scene of the incident, told The Consortium that by the time they arrived on the scene, there was nothing they could do.

The plane included one member of the Stylee Band, however The Consortium will withhold the member’s name because next of kin notification still needs to occur.

The V.I.P.D. cordoned off the east and west entrances of the airport, only allowing in first responders. A medical examiner vehicle was spotted making its way to the scene, and a first responder at the crash site told this publication that emergency personnel were still investigating the incident at about 11:06 p.m. on Thursday.

The tragedy has cast a cloud of sadness over the territory, as the Stylee Band, currently one of the territory’s premier groups, is known to help carry the festival season, especially their performances during the Festival Village, j’ouvert morning and the parades.

And the news of the crash and the plane’s high-profile occupant sent a shock through social media, with thousands already mourning the unfortunate occurrence.

SOURCE: https://www.stlucianewsonline.com/5-dead-in-plane-crash-at-st-croix-airport/

Cayman Islands Boxing Day Christmas Party for Senior Citizens

Another Cocaine Arrest at Cayman Islands Airport

The Collector of Customs Charles Clifford has announced the arrest of a 30 year old Caymanian male from the district of Bodden Town for Possession of almost two (2) pounds of Cocaine at the Owen Roberts International Airport. The male passenger was arrested following his arrival on a domestic flight from Cayman Brac on the morning on 5^th December 2017.

Mr. Clifford said that this arrest was the result of a joint Customs and Royal Cayman Police Service operation. He said, “We have once again seen the advantage of our strategy to significantly increase joint operations with our partner law enforcement agencies such as the RCIPS and Immigration Department. On this occasion I wish to thank the RCIPS for their invaluable assistance with this operation and our dedicated Customs Officers for their professionalism, determination and focus.”

Assistant Collector of Customs Tina Campbell, who has responsibility for the Customs Narcotic Enforcement Team, said, “This is another fine result from the progress which is achieved when we work together. We expect more results such as this as we continue to strengthen our alliance to enhance border security efforts.”

Commenting on behalf of the RCIPS, Commissioner of Police, Derek Byrne, said, “Results like this only serve to strengthen the RCIPS’ commitment to working closely with our partner law enforcement agencies in order to increase the safety of these Islands. We are extremely proud of the role our officers played in ensuring the success of this operation.”

The investigation associated with this recent arrest is ongoing.

Cayman Islands DVDL Holiday Season Closures

Customers of the Department of Vehicle and Drivers Licensing are asked to noted that the department will be closed Friday, 15 December 2017 all day at all locations to facilitate a staff function and meeting.

Additionally, customers are asked to note the other closures during the rest of December 2017 and for New Year’s Day as follows:

December 2017:

Friday, 22 December – Closing at 12.30pm – all locations;

Saturday, 23 December – West Bay and Breakers locations will be closed – all day;

Monday, 25 December – Christmas Day – all locations will be closed;

Tuesday, 26 December – Boxing Day – all locations will be closed;

Friday, 29 December – Closing at 12.30pm, all locations;

Saturday, 30 December – West Bay and Breakers locations will be closed – all day;

January 2018:

Monday, 1 January – New Year’s Day – all locations will be closed.

Cayman Islands DEH Bulk Waste Removal Campaign Begins

 The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) will commence its annual bulk waste removal activity on Wednesday, 6 December 2017 and conclude on Wednesday, 20 December 2017.

Residents are asked to place their bulk waste on the kerbside during the dates specified. Collection will commence immediately thereafter.

• Bodden Town, North Side, East End-        December 6-11
• George Town/West Bay District-                December 11-18
• Cayman Brac East-                                         December 13 only
• Cayman Brac West-                                        December 18 only
• Cayman Brac South-                                       December 20 only

Bulk waste must be placed on the kerbside where it is easily accessible to DEH collection crews but will not obstruct the roadway. Bulk items that are put out after scheduled dates will not be collected.

Metals and vegetative waste must be separated from other bulk waste items. Metal waste includes items such as old appliances, metal furniture and metal roofing while vegetative waste includes plant trimmings and tree branches.

Bulk waste refers to large items such as old furniture, household appliances and vegetative waste that are not collected as part of the DEH’s weekly residential pick-up services. Construction and demolition debris are not considered bulk waste and will not be collected during the bulk waste removal activity.

For addition information about DEH bulk waste removal, please visit our website at www.deh.gov.ky. Queries or concerns may also be directed to DEH Solid Waste Unit (Grand Cayman) by telephone on 949-8793, or 948-2321 for persons located in   Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Cayman Islands: HMCIPS Interim Director Decision

Following the resignation of Neil Lavis as Director of Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS), the Ministry of Financial Services and Home Affairs has appointed Deputy Director Operations, Daniel Greaves, to act with effect from 16 December thru 31 December 2017.

Further, in consultation with the Head of the Civil Service the Ministry has enlisted the assistance of the Governor’s Office to request expressions of interest via the Association of Prison Governors in the United Kingdom (UK).

Through this process the Ministry hopes to select a qualified individual to undertake the role in an interim capacity on secondment. This will support business continuity in the Prison and enable the Ministry to conduct the recruitment exercise for a full-time Prison Director.

Mr. Lavis will conclude his time as director on 15 December 2017.

Bullets Recovered at Cayman Brac School

Shortly before 5:00PM on Monday, 4 December, police in Cayman Brac received a report that a small quantity of bullets had been found in a bathroom at a local high school. The bullets were recovered by police.

Police are conducting inquiries into the matter and are asking anyone with information to contact 9-1-1 or the Cayman Brac Police Station at 948-0331.  Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the Miami-based call centre of Crime Stoppers at 800-8477(TIPS), or online at the link:https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=681

Cayman Islands: Honda Civic Reported Stolen, 4 December

Shortly before 9:00AM yesterday, 4 December, police received a report of a stolen vehicle in West Bay. The vehicle, a silver Honda Civic, was taken sometime between 10:00PM on Sunday, 3 December, and 8:30AM on Monday, 4 December. A picture of a similar vehicle is attached.

Vehicle:

Make: Honda

Model: Civic

Year: 1995

Colour: Silver

Registration: 147 910

The matter is currently being investigated by officers in West Bay.

Anyone with information regarding this stolen vehicle is asked to call 9-1-1 or the West Bay Police Station at 949-3999. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the Miami-based call centre of Crime Stoppers at 800-8477(TIPS), or online at the link: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=681

Cayman Islands Immigration Holiday Hours 2017

The Department of Immigration has announced its holiday working hours, as well as dates for the remaining board meetings of 2017.

The Immigration headquarters, including public counters and the Passport and Visa offices, will close to the public at on Friday, 22 December 2017 at 11:30 a.m. and will reopen on Wednesday, 27

December 2017 at 8:30 a.m.

These offices will close again to the public on Friday, 29 December at 11:30 a.m. and resume on Tuesday, 2 January 2018 at 8:30 a.m.

Meeting dates for the Cayman Islands Immigration Boards announced Dec – Jan

The Work Permit Board’s final meeting date will be Monday, 18 December 2017 and will resume meetings on Wednesday, 3 January, 2018.

The Business Staffing Plan Board’s final meeting date will be Wednesday, 13 December 2017 and will resume meetings on Wednesday, 17 January 2018.

The Caymanian Status & Permanent Residency (CSPR) Board’s final meeting will be Thursday, 14 December 2017 and will resume meetings on Thursday, 11 January 2018.

The Administration, Border Control and Enforcement sections of Immigration will continue functioning as usual while the boards are on leave.

Cayman Islands: Honda Civic Reported Stolen

Shortly after 10AM on Sunday, 3 December, police received a report of a vehicle being stolen from a parking lot on Orange Drive, Prospect.

The vehicle, a blue Honda Civic, was stolen sometime between 10:30PM Saturday, 2 December, and 9:15AM Sunday, 3 December. The vehicle is described as having a circular brown fiberglass spot on the right front bumper, and burnt-out paint on the hood and roof. A picture of the vehicle is attached.

Vehicle:

Make: Honda

Model: Civic

Year: 2000

Colour: Blue

Registration: 147 805

The matter is currently being investigated by officers in George Town.

Anyone with information regarding this stolen vehicle is asked to call 9-1-1 or the George Town Police Station at 949-4222. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or via the Miami-based call centre of Crime Stoppers at 800-8477(TIPS), or online at the link: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=681

Clifton Hunter High School parents meeting

ALL Clifton Hunter High School parents are encouraged to attend an important PTA Meeting –

at the school, at 6:30pm THIS Wednesday, 6th December.

Also, Clifton Hunter’s Year-7 Parents should attend the Reporting Evening this Thursday, 7th December, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Cayman Islands Needs Assessment Unit: Christmas Closures

The Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) office, 2^nd Floor Aqua Mall, 55 South Church Street, George Town will close for the following days over the holiday season:

▪ Friday, 15 December – 8.30 a.m. to Noon

▪ Friday, 22 December –  8.30 a.m. to Noon

▪ Monday, 25 December – Closed for Christmas Day

▪ Tuesday, 26 December – Closed for Boxing Day

▪ Wednesday, 27 – 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

▪ Thursday, 28 December – 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

▪ Friday, 29 December – 8.30 a.m. to Noon

▪ Monday, 1 January – Closed for New Year’s Day

The NAU office will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, 2 January 2018.

Cayman Islands DCI to Close Early on 15 December

The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) in Grand Cayman, including its Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close on Friday, 15 December 2017 at 12 noon, for a staff function.

DCI’s main office will reopen on Monday, 18 December 2017 at 8.30am, and the counter will reopen at 9am.

DCI staff apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information, please call 945-0943 or email [email protected].

Post Offices on Grand Cayman Close Early on 7 December

The Postal Service on Grand Cayman only will close at 12 noon on Thursday, 7 December 2017 for a staff function.

All the post offices will re-open for business as normal on Friday, 8 December 2017.

The Postal Service apologises for any inconvenience this might cause.

New Royal Caribbean Video

Royal Caribbean launched a major announcement video last Friday (1), “The Absolute Best Way to Visit Cuba.”

Royal Caribbean now is sailing to two exciting new ports, in addition to visiting the nations’s capital of Havana, guests can now explore Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos on the southeast coast of the island.

View Video Here: https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/953/the-absolute-best-way-to-visit-cuba/

Cayman Islands Winter Carnival Traffic Advisory, 1 December to 7 January

The Cayman Islands Winter Carnival begins Friday, 1 December and continues daily through Sunday, 7 January, and is located just north of Cost-U-Less, off the Esterley Tibbets Highway. Parking for the event will be available on either side of Pinehurst Road (off Esterley Tibbets), at Governors Public Beach, and on West Bay Road from just north of Governors Square (The Pinnacle) up to The Avalon. Shuttle buses will provide transportation to the venue from Governors Beach and from the lots off Pinehurst Road.

The RCIPS is advising motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution in these areas during the event times, between 6PM and 12AM. In addition, we are reminding the public that no parking will be permitted along the Esterley Tibbets Highway.

Cayman Islands Port Authority Timely Cargo Collection Urged Over the Holidays

Cayman Port would like to remind their valued customers that during the busy holiday season all cargo collections from the warehouse must be done in a timely manner, so as to not impact safe and efficient operations.

Cayman Port would like to especially highlight those persons importing vehicles to the Cayman Islands, and requests that all importers collect their vehicles without delay.

Please note that additional storage charges will be applied to all cargo not collected within 5 working days.

Thank you for your co-operation. Further shipping inquiries can be made to the Port on 949-2055 or by visiting www.caymanport.com.

Final Extension for all Cayman Islands Contractors to Register

The Builders Board has again extended, for the final time, the deadline for all local contractors to register with the board. The contractors’ deadline has been moved a full four-months from Thu (30 November 2017) to 31 March 2018.

All contractors will have to register to be able to seek permits or request inspections from the Planning Department after 31 March next year.

This registration requirement is for general and civil contractors, residential and building contractors as well as trade contractors.

For fees and registration forms, contractors should visit www.planning.ky/boards-all/builders-board.

Cayman Islands DVDL Crewe Road Open Extra Hours in December

The Department of Vehicles and Drivers Licensing (DVDL) Crewe Road office will open longer for two days every week during December 2017.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, the office will open as normal at 8:30 am but close later at 7pm.

All other days – Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays – the office will operate as usual from 8.30am to 4pm.

New to You Cayman Islands NCVO Bargain Shop now open

THe NCVO are hosting a $5 Bag Sale inside the store from now through the end of the school year culminating in the Christmas Sale on Saturday 16th December

The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman – 3 Christmas Events 

1. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Monday, 4 December 2017 at 6:30 pm

Heroes Square, George Town

2. Annual Christmas Giving Family Fun Day

(Only for the students of the Lighthouse School)

Saturday, 9 December 2017

For the past few years, Rotarians have been giving the gift of joy to the students of the Lighthouse School. Our club hosts a family fun day at the Dart Community Park with snow cones, cotton candy, balloon art, face painting and a special visit from Santa himself bringing gifts for all the children. It is truly a magical event, one the children look forward to, and so do we.

3. Annual Senior Citizens’ Boxing Day Christmas Party

What: Rotary Annual Boxing Day Christmas Party for Senior Citizens

When: Tuesday, 26th December, 2017, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Where: The First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman, 920 Crew Road

The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman will again be hosting its annual Boxing Day Christmas Party for Senior Citizens at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, 26th December at the First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman, 920 Crew Road. Hundreds of attending Seniors will be provided with a hot holiday meal, receive gift bags, dance and sing Christmas Carols.

This year we are expecting 300+ Seniors. As always, there will be free public transportation from East End, North Side, Bodden Town, West Bay and George Town arranged. (The Party is an annual event and each year we have more and more people attending.) Free admission, prizes and surprises!

Confirmed food donations to date:

The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

Cimboco Restaurant

Hurley’s

Marriott Resort

Blackbeard’s

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

Grand Old House Restaurant

Blue Cilantro Restaurant

Foster’s Food Fair

Kirk Market

Tortuga Rum Cakes

The Commodore Restaurant

Sunshine Grill Restaurant

Casanova Restaurant Coconut Joe’s Restaurant

Calypso Grill Restaurant

Aqua Restaurant

Confirmed Gift certificates to date:

Luca Restaurant

The Brasserie Restaurant

Wharf RestaurantCasanova Restaurant

Gelato & Co

Auto King Service Centre

Confirmed Gift Baskets to date:

Jaques Scott Group

Confirmed entertainment to date:

– Poetry readings by Ms. Joan Wilson (nee Watler)

https://www.ecayonline.com/joan-e-watler-wilson-grand-cayman-islands_company4767.html

– Vocal performance – Mr. Colin Wilson – “The Words I Love You”

– Musical performance by Sea N’ B

http://www.sea-n-b-band.com/sea-about.html

Confirmed bus transportation to date:

Webster’s Tours

Majestic Tours

This is a truly Caymanian event honouring our Seniors. Lots of food, gift bags, entertainment and prizes will make this day special for them.

Cayman Islands DEH Temporarily reduces intake of scrap metals and derelict vehicles

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) wishes to advise the public that the George Town landfill is temporarily operating at a reduced frequency for the acceptance of scrap metals and derelict vehicles.

The DEH urges residents to refrain from abandoning vehicles on private property, along the road way and in other public spaces during this time. The DEH is also asking members of the public not to bring in scrap metals until further notice.

“We have not completely stopped the collection of scrap metals and derelict vehicles but have reduced the quantities going to the landfill until we can safely stack the metals and prepare another area for the safe storage of the derelict vehicles,” said DEH Director Roydell Carter.

The DEH apologises to the public for any inconvenience caused by this temporary delay and will update members of the public as soon as it is able to resume complete collection of derelict vehicles/scrap metals.

For additional information, please contact DEH’s main office by telephone at 949-6696 or by email at[email protected].

Cayman Islands Public Holidays for 2018 Confirmed

The list of Cayman Islands Public Holidays for 2018 is now officially confirmed and released by the Deputy Governor’s Office.

The list is as follows:

New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January 2018;

National Heroes Day: Monday, 22 January 2018;

Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, 14 February 2018;

Good Friday: Friday, 30 March 2018;

Easter Monday: Monday, 2 April 2018;

Discovery Day: Monday, 21 May 2018;

Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 11 June 2018;

Constitution Day: Monday, 2 July 2018;

Remembrance Day: Monday, 12 November 2018;

Christmas: Tuesday, 25 December 2018; and

Boxing Day: Wednesday, 26 December 2018.

Cayman Islands’ Green Iguana Cull extended

The Department of Environment wishes to announce that this year’s green iguana cull is to be extended until the end of November 2017.

Although contracts to cullers were issued with a provisional end date of 31 August 2017, availability of funds is sufficient to allow current culling contractors to continue until the end of November. Terms of contracts and payment rates will remain unchanged.

Culling contractors and other interested parties are asked to carefully note the following deadlines and arrangements:

1. No new contractors will be signed up after 5 p.m. on 31 August, 2017.

2. The green iguana raffle will close on 31 August 2017. Participants will be invited to attend the closing draw.

3. No contractor reports of culled iguanas will be accepted for payment after 5 p.m. on 30 November, 2017.

Cayman Islands Elections Office Open Monday to Friday

The issuing of Voter ID Card’s and Registration to become a voter are part of an ongoing process at the Elections Office even after elections.

If you wish to collect your Voter ID Card or you are eligible and wish to register to become a voter, please visit the Elections Office at 150 Smith Road Centre, 2nd floor, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Christmas dinner

SUN DEC 17

Feast of Nine Lessons and Carols

St George’s Anglican Church, Courts Rd, Eastern Av, GT. 6PM

Festival of Christmas Praise

The First Baptist Church presents the 2017 Festival of Christmas Praise on Sunday (17 Dec) at 7pm.

Stake Bay Baptist Church Christmas Programme

The Stake Bay Baptist Church Christmas Programme is December 17th at 7pm

Spot Bay Church of God Holiness Christmas Programme

The Spot Bay Church of God Holiness Christmas Programme is December 17th at 715pm.

MON DEC 18

National Heroes Day Vendors

National Heroes Day organisers are seeking independent “small-man” food vendors from across the Cayman Islands to provide samples of Caymanian food items at the ceremony in Heroes Square, George Town, on Monday, 22 January 2018.
Interested vendors have until Monday, 18 December 2017 to submit a proposal and completed menu form to the Protocol Office by delivery to the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue. Vendors can provide quotes on any menu item. Copies of the bidding instructions and menu form can be obtained from the first floor of the Government Administration Building or by emailing [email protected]. For more information, please call 916-2913.

WED DEC 20

Youth to Youth Christmas Caroling For Elders

THU DEC 21

Blue Christmas

St George’s Anglican Church, Courts Rd, Eastern Av, GT. A service for those where there seems to be no joy. 6PM

SUN DEC 24