iNews Briefs & Community Events (From BIG FISH 95.5)
ICTA Facebook Page gives reasons for Cayman Islands telecommunications problems on Tuesday (16)
NEW UPDATE: C&W reports that the problem in Miami is fixed and initial test calls are ok. Now analysing what went wrong in order to improve network resilience.
ICTA Cayman Islands
UPDATE: C&W has advised that a lightening strike at MAYA1 cable terminal in Florida today is linked to hardware failure which is affecting the ability of Cayman telecoms providers to interconnect. C&W is working with AT&T to resolve.
ICTA Cayman Islands
Major outage affecting local telecoms ability to connect calls to each other. ICTA working with the telecoms providers to resolve the issue. Some mobile customers may not be able to reach 911 also due to the outage.
So now we know! Unfortunately as our Internet was down all this was of no use!!
Zika in the Caribbean: Bonaire reports first case/No reported cases in Cayman Islands
Bonaire reports first case
Posted by Robert Herriman From Outbreak News Today
The Caribbean island just off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire, reported their first case of Zika virus infection, according to a Dutch news source Tuesday (computer translated).
The Department of Public Health of the Public Body reports one confirmed case, which they say is likely a locally transmitted.
Health officials advise to remove potential mosquito breeding grounds, wear protective clothing and use mosquito spray, especially pregnant women due to the risk to the unborn child.
Bonaire is an island in the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. Together with Aruba and Curaçao, it forms the group known as the ABC islands, located off the north coast of South America near the western part of Venezuela.
Curaçao reported their first autochthonous Zika virus case in January.
Other islands in the Caribbean with confirmed Zika include Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Saint Martin, Guadelope, Martinique, Barbados and Puerto Rico.
For more: http://outbreaknewstoday.com/zika-in-the-caribbean-bonaire-reports-first-case-73265/
No reported cases in Cayman Islands
Zika Virus Update as of 16 February, 2016
The Acting Medical Officer of Health wishes to advise that as of Tuesday, 16 February, 2016 there are no reported or confirmed cases of Zika virus in the Cayman Islands.
Currently, there are 34 countries worldwide which have reported autochthonous (local) transmission of the virus. These include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Venezuela, Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, US Virgin Islands, Maldives, Thailand, American Samoa, Samoa, Solomon Island, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Cape Verde.
There are also confirmed cases in the United States of America.
While there are no confirmed cases of the Zika virus in the Cayman Islands, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez is using this opportunity to remind residents and visitors alike that the dengue and chikungunya viruses are still circulating within the Caribbean region.
“The public can be assured that the Public Health Department is maintaining a high level of surveillance and our partners at the Mosquito and Research and Control Unit (MRCU) have already begun intensifying integrated vector management strategies for control of vector borne diseases,” said Dr Williams. “We continue with health education, and reminding the public of the importance of the avoidance of mosquito bites and the elimination of breeding sites.”
MRCU Director, Dr William Petrie outlined his department’s commitment to the effort, “MRCU’s Zika Contingency Plan is well underway in an effort to reduce the risk of transmission should the virus reach Cayman. We are now in the third week of our Action Plan – Phase 1, to reduce the numbers of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for transmission,” he commented. “While recent weather conditions have precluded some spraying operations, we have taken the opportunity to conduct comprehensive house-to-house treatments and, in particular, wide-spread surveys in order to better guide future operations. Management and staff at MRCU remain vigilant in these efforts to combat the Zika virus, and operations are on-going to protect residents and visitors to the Cayman Islands.”
For further information contact the Public Health Department on 244-2621 or the MRCU on 949-2557.
-END-
Side Bar:
Symptoms of the Zika Virus
The symptoms of the Zika Virus are very similar to that of dengue and chikungunya; they include fever, muscle and joint pain, conjunctivitis (pink eye), headache, nausea, and rash. There is no vaccine or treatment; however, symptoms (which last approximately four to seven days) are treatable.
To relieve fever and pain associated with the virus, it is recommended that persons drink a lot of fluids and take pain relievers such as Paracetamol.
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided to reduce the risk of haemorrhage.
Residents are also reminded that the infection may present itself as asymptomatic (showing no symptoms).
Symptoms usually appear following an incubation period of three to 12 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, lasting between four to seven days, and are self-limiting.
Complications of the infection requiring hospitalisation are rare. However, three fatal cases have been detected to date in Brazil.
Source: Public Health Department.
CONCACAF drops suit against hospitality companies involving Jeffry Webb
CONCACAF have dropped their legal action of $50M dollars against a group of hospitality companies they had accused of providing kickbacks to corrupt CONCACAF officials that included Jeffrey Webb.
CONCACAF and Cartan Tours filed a motion Monday (15) to dismiss the case that had been filed in California.
Cayman Islands Public Holidays in 2016 Confirmed
The full list of public holidays in 2016 is now released, with the Queen’s Birthday holiday confirmed for Monday, 13 June 2016.
The complete list is appended below.
Cayman Islands: Roadworks Red Bay area Feb 4 – 19
Drivers and pedestrians may have noticed that some road work projects are underway, and the National Roads Authority (NRA) advises that these will continue for some time.
Along the east-west arterial road in the Red Bay area, workers have begun preliminary work for the eventual installation of concrete barriers in the centre median. This stretch of road is between the Red Bay roundabout and the Dr. Tomlinson roundabout.
That project started Thursday 4 February, 2016, beginning with work on the east-bound lane. While work will take place from 7.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. weekdays (and possibly on weekends), little disruption of the traffic flow is expected. The project is expected to continue through 19 February.
Staff have already coned off the inside lane (the safety work-zone area) from traffic, with relevant roadway signs. Motorists are asked to use that road with caution, as the road enhancements proceed.
Following this project, there will be works to enhance Bobby Thompson Way.
Also underway is initial work to prepare for the conversion of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway into four-lanes.
PS: Please see contact info if you need..
National Roads Authority
Office: 946-7780 ext. 4008
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.caymanroads.com/
Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Annual Coin Collection Drive
Please note that the Meals on wheels Coin Collection drive will be held this year a little later on May 27th and 28th. volunteers will be outside all supermarkets on the island as well as Kirks Home Centre and AL Thompsons hardware. for those companies that see heavy traffic i.e. banks, collection boxes will be available for that week.
For more information please don’t hesitate to call
Pat Bazell-Taylor
916-6249
British Airways Nassau / Grand Cayman Aircraft Changes from July 2016
By JL From Airline Route
British Airways starting 01JUL16 is increasing capacity on London Heathrow – Nassau – Grand Cayman route, as the airline plans to operate 3-class Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, instead of 767-300ER.
The airline operates this route 4 times a week.
BA253 LHR1030 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 57
BA253 LHR1035 – 1450NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 1
BA253 LHR1045 – 1505NAS1605 – 1640GCM 777 3
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2225 – 1200+1LHR 777 57
BA252 GCM1830 – 2100NAS2230 – 1205+1LHR 777 13
For more: http://airlineroute.net/2015/11/23/ba-nasgcm-jul16/
Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels Orange you Glad annual Gala
19th March
“Orange you Glad” will be held this year on the 19th March, 2016 at the Marriott. This Gala includes a sumptuous dinner, a Live and Silent auction, live music. We will be sending out full details in the next few days.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THU FEB 18
John Gray High School Career Day
Thursday, 18th February, 8.40am-11.30am, Minister of Education, Hon. Tara Rivers and Chief Officer Christen Suckoo will be in attendance at 9.15am. WHERE: John Gray High School, George Town. Participants: John Gray High School. A range of local businesses will be showcasing their companies and will be engaging with Year 11 and Year 9 students on what it takes to achieve a career in their company.
Basics of Budgeting
The Chamber of Commerce presents a workshop on the Basics of Budgeting by Terry Carson on Thursday & Friday (18 & 19 Feb) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Employment: The Hiring Process
The Chamber of Commerce presents a workshop on Employment: The Hiring Process by Huw Moses on Thursday (18 Feb) from 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Cardinal Avenue Street Fair
The Cardinal Avenue Street Fair is Thursday (18 Feb) from 9am until 4pm.
Soloists of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cayman National Choir
By Cayman Arts Festival
WHEN Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (EST)
WHERE First Baptist Church – 920 Crewe Road. (across from the Lions’ Centre). George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1002 KY
TICKETS $11.54–$38.97
Humane Society Pub Quiz
The Humane Society Pub Quiz is Thursday (18 Feb) at 7pm at Fidel Murphy’s.
THU & FRI FEB 18 &19
Graphics of the Americas FEB 18-20
FRI FEB 19
The Red Violin
As part of Cayman Arts Festival, you’re invited to a screening of The Red Violin on Friday (19 Feb) with a meet and greet at 6pm in Cassia Court followed by the movie at 730pm in Regal Cinemas.
SAT FEB 20
Guiding the Way 5 and 10K Family Fun Walk/Run
Guiding the Way 5 and 10K Family Fun Walk/Run is Saturday (20 Feb) starting at 630am for walkers and 645am for runners at Safe Haven. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Register online at caymanactive.com.
CoCo Fest
“Coco Fest is really about celebrating the Cayman Coconut – a bountiful food source with legendary properties, and a traditional staple in the Caymanian diet” – Tamer Soliman, Nutritionist and Film-Maker Coco Fest will take place at Pedro Castle in Savannah on February 20 from 12PM to 4PM. Admission for adults is $5 CI and kids under 12 go free.
Cayman Outreach Association Dinner Meeting
The next Cayman Outreach Association Dinner Meeting is Saturday (20 Feb) at 715pm at Triple C School Auditorium. Call 925.7798 for details.
SUN FEB 21
Tent Crusade
The West Bay New Testament Church will be having their annual tent crusade Sunday — Friday (21 Feb — 4 Mar) under the big white tent beside the Ed Bush Football Field, West Bay. There will also be nightly blood sugar and pressure checks.
Push Across Cayman
Push Across Cayman is Sunday (21 Feb) at 6am starting at Market Street in Camana Bay.
MON FEB 22
Visual Arts Society’s Annual Art Show
The Visual Arts Society’s Annual Art Show is part of the Cayman Arts Festival and this year, its theme is a Celebration of Music and Art by the Sea. The reception event is Monday (22 Feb) from 530 — 830pm. The art exhibition opens on February 20th.
TUE & WED FEB 23 & 24
DLP Brac Office Opening for Two Days
The Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP) office will open on Cayman Brac on Tuesday, 23rd February and Wednesday, 24th February, to assist with inquiries from employees and employers.
Representative from the DLP will be meeting with employees and employers, answering queries in regards to the Labour and Pensions Laws as well as any queries relating to Occupational Safety and Health.
They will also be on hand to assist with inquiries about the recently announced minimum wage which will come into effect on March 1st 2016.
The DLP office at 256 Creek Road will be open from 9am to 4pm and appointments can be made by calling 244-4008 or by emailing [email protected]. Walk-in inquiries are also welcomed.
WED FEB 24
Conservation Council Meeting 24 February 2016
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday February 24th, 2016, from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room (1038) of the Government Administration Building (Grand Cayman). This meeting is open to observers from the public. The Agenda of the meeting will be available at the DoE website (www.DoE.ky
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support meeting
The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support meeting will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday (24 Feb) at the Hibiscus Room in George Town Hospital. For more information call 924-4170
Cayman Arts Festival Musical Performance
Celebrate the sounds of African and Caribbean music as the Cayman Arts Festival showcases the musical talents of Woz Kaly, member of the Mokhtar Samba Band, and local artist Beneil Miller. Gallery doors open at 5:00 PM at the National Gallery.
February Events at Camana Bay
All you need is love at Camana Bay in February. Celebrate your love of sports with Legends tennis exhibitions, get inspiration in the areas you’re passionate about with motivational presentations, treat your loved one to a special dinner or watch movies together on a giant outdoor screen under the stars. Kids can also feel the love with a chocolate-themed cooking class or boogie the night away at a special disco.
Here is a quick look at our special events:
Valentine’s Kids’ Disco
Friday 12 February
6-8pm
Starfish Village
Me & My Love Duo Cooking Class
Saturday 13 February
12-1pm
Bon Vivant
Culture at the Cinema: Taming of the Shrew
Saturday 13 February
7pm
Regal Cinemas
Cooking at Home with Gina Connolly
Wednesday 17 February
6-8pm
Bon Vivant
Floetry
Wednesday 17 February
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
A Walk in Her Shoes
Thursday 18 February
5:30pm
Market Street
The Red Violin Screening
Friday 19 February
6-7pm (meet and greet) and 7:30pm (movie screening)
Cassia Court and Regal Cinemas
Sunday 21 February
6am (start) and 12pm (finish)
Market Street
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 25 February
7pm
Ortanique
Pulse Concert
Friday 26 February
8pm
The Festival Green
Chopped: The Teen Edition
Saturday 27 February
2-3:15pm
Bon Vivant
Cayman Islands National Gallery Weekly News
Curator Claire Tancons will lead a walkthrough of EN MAS’ and speak about her vision in conceptualizing and curating the international exhibition. The tour talk takes place at NGCI 12:30 PM Monday, 15 February 2016. Admission is free and all are welcome!
Learn more about Claire and her work here.
Garden Lunch & Lecture
Join us on Thursday, 18 February for a Garden Lunch and lecture of EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean. Lunch has been inspired by the exhibition and its New Orleans roots. The complimentary lecture begins at 12:00 PM and lunch is served until 2:00 PM.
Check out the delicious lunch menu here!
Curator’s Spotlight
Position & Powerby Marlon Griffith
Inspired by Japanese aestheticism and the looming police ‘watch towers’ that have become integral to Trinidad carnival, POSITIONS+POWER highlights the uneasiness of ever increasing police surveillance. This work skilfully brings urban performance art on to the walls of the institution.
Learn more here.
The Art of Love
“Cayman’s hottest new wedding venue is the National Gallery.The contemporary cultural institution has a lot to offer: stunning architecture, cultural cachet, gorgeous sculpture gardens and galleries highlighting work by Cayman’s most recognizable artists.”
Read more about it here!
Cayman Brac Classes
Did you know that the National Gallery offers six art classes in Cayman Brac! For more information about art classes and happenings on our Sister Islands get in touch with the NGCI Education Department.
Send us an email.
Hamlet on the Big Screen
Especially for Valentine’s Day, Culture at the Cinema presents the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of The Taming of the Shrewon Saturday 13th February. Doors open at 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM.
Shakespeare and bubbles at the cinema.
Bringing Learning to Life
NGCI’s Minds Inspired Active Learning Series bring students outside of the classroom and into an environment where fun creative learning thrives. Students explore links to literacy, numeracy, science and social studies.Tours run throughout the year and can be booked through the NGCI Education Department.
Bring a Date!
The National Gallery is a great spot to bring a date. Peaceful gardens, inspiring exhibitions, fantastic shopping and more! You can even get in touch with our team to book private curator led tours. Happy Valentine’s!
Book a private tour.
@NatGalCayman | www.nationalgallery.org.ky | (345) 945 8111 | [email protected]
Community Calendar
(non-NGCI events)
The National Gallery seeks to promote visual arts in and of the Cayman Islands. Through this e-bulletin you can learn about other arts-related happenings in our community.
What’s Happening
VAS (Visual Art Society)
Life Drawing Tonight with Model Drop-in Workshops
Watler House Studio- Pedro’s Castle
Tuesday 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM / Saturday 10:00 AM – noon
Email [email protected]
Cayman Arts Festival
Tickets on sale now for Troubadours & Steel
Email [email protected]
Social Clubs, Groups & Associations
VAS (Visual Art Society)
Drop-in OPEN STUDIOS
Monday morning Paintings: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
First Sunday of each month Ceramics: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Watler House Studio, Pedro’s Castle
Email [email protected]
Cayman Islands Astronomical Society
Meets three days after the new moon at Pedro’s Castle
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Contact Chris Cooke on (345) 925 7657
Email [email protected]
Grand Cayman Toastmasters Club (Public Speaking)
Meets every Thursday at George Town Public Library,
3rd Floor, 68 Edward Street
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Email [email protected] or [email protected].
Cayman Islands Photography Club
Meets on 1st Thursday of the month at Breezes Restaurant (3rd floor)
5:00 PM
Contact Mike Whiteman on (345) 925 2161
Opportunities
Camana Bay Artisian Market
Every Wednesday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
VAS tents located by Karoo along the Paseo
Display artwork for sale
Contact [email protected].
Open Canvas VAS (Visual Art Society)
Every Wednesday 7 pm to Midnight
At Karoo Restaurant Terrace at Camana Bay
Easels provided – no fee required
Participating artist receive 2 tickets for house wine or beer compliments of Karoo
For more info contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Various events at the Visual Arts Society
Visual Arts Society of the Cayman Islands
Contact Mary McCallum
[email protected] or [email protected].
(345) 546-9422
Website www.visualartcayman.com or www.facebook.com/visualartcayman.
The Grand Cayman Beach Suites
Opportunity for artists to display their artwork in the
Royal Crown Ballroom free of charge.
For more information contact Marco Mauthner
Cayman Islands Craft Market (waterfront)
Come out and support our local artists.
Items on sale include prints and original pieces.
Please contact Cira Bush on (345) 929 4777.
‘Big Ole Looky Ya’ cultural festival
National Museum of the Cayman Islands
National Museum, George Town
(345) 949 8368
Website: www.museum.ky.
