REVISED: Cayman Islands Vehicle Licensing Offices’ December Closures

The public is informed that all three offices at the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing will close early on Friday, 16 December, 2016, for a staff function.  The West Bay and Breakers offices will open at 8.30am, and close at 11.30a.m., while the Crewe Road Office will close at 12 noon.

Normal operating hours will resume on Saturday, 17 December for the West Bay and Breakers offices – 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m.; and the Crewe Road location reopens on Monday, 19 December, from 8.30a.m. to 4.00p.m.

For the Christmas and New Year holidays, all three DVDL locations will close at 12.30p.m. on Friday, 23 December, and again at 12.30p.m. on Friday, 30 December.

The West Bay and Breakers offices will remain closed to the public from Saturday, 24 December, 2016 to Tuesday, 27 December, 2016. All three locations will open on Wednesday, 28 December, (the Crewe Road location from 8.30a.m. to 4.00p.m., and the West Bay and Breakers offices from 10.00a.m. to 6.00p.m.).

 

Former pro wrestler thwarted a robbery in Florida

AP From wtnh NEWS8

IMAGE: Shad Gaspard as part of the WWE Wrestling Duo Cryme Tyme (Photo: Wikimedia.org)

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) — Police say a robber looking for someone to buy him a beer picked the wrong man to mess with.

Instead of getting his beer, he ended up getting body-slammed by a former WWE pro wrestler.

The Miami Herald reports (http://hrld.us/2gFTPCB) Shad Gaspard — who once portrayed a criminal as half of the tag team Cryme Tyme — was at the drink cooler at a convenience store Saturday when Jason Felix approached.

Felix brandished what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. Store surveillance video showed Gaspard making quick work of disarming Felix.

The 6 foot, 7 inch-tall former wrestler then “escorted” Felix out of the gas station and through him to ground and detained him until police got there.

Officers charged Felix with robbery.

For more: http://wtnh.com/2016/12/14/former-pro-wrestler-thwarted-a-robbery-in-florida

 

Cayman Islands: Butterfield adjusts loan rates in response to Fed Funds increase, holds monthly loan payments steady

George Town, Grand Cayman—14 December 2016: Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited (“Butterfield” or the “Bank”) announced that, in step with today’s 25 basis point increase in the US Federal Funds Rate, the Bank has adjusted its KYD and USD Prime rates.

The KYD and USD Prime rates for residential mortgages, consumer loans and commercial loans will increase from 3.50% to 3.75%.

The rate increase will take effect on 16 December 2016.

The dollar amount of borrowers’ monthly loan and mortgage payments will not increase, as Butterfield is automatically extending the terms of loans and mortgages to assist customers with the rate adjustment.

Customers who wish to increase monthly payments to maintain the current term of their loans or mortgages should contact the Bank. Personal/Premium Banking customers should contact Personal Lending on 949 7055. Corporate Banking and Private Banking customers should contact their relationship managers.

Butterfield is not adjusting deposit rates at this time.

St Alban’s (Grand Cayman) & St Mary’s (Cayman Brac)

Citigroup just boosted its share buyback program by up to $1.75 billion

Reuters From Business Insider

IMAGE: Michael Corbat

Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat.Larry French/AP

Citigroup Inc said that it would increase its common stock repurchase program by up to $1.75 billion.

The amount is in addition to the $10.4 billion in planned capital actions announced earlier this year, Citigroup said in a statement.

Citigroup sad it had reduced the number of its outstanding common shares by 180 million, or 6 percent, in the past two years.

The company’s shares were up 0.7 percent in premarket trading.

(Reporting by Richa Naidu in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D’Souza)

Read the original article on Reuters. Copyright 2016. Follow Reuters on Twitter.

For more: http://www.businessinsider.com/r-citigroup-raises-share-buyback-program-by-up-to-175-bln-2016-11

 

LIAT discontinues service to Anguilla and Nevis

From Jamaica Observer

LIAT (file photo)

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Regional carrier LIAT, has opted not to continue service to the islands of Anguilla and Nevis, following the expiration of a short tern arrangement with Caribbean Helicopters of Antigua.

LIAT says it opted not to renew an agreement with Caribbean Helicopters of Antigua to facilitate limited airlift to the islands.

The agreement officially ended on Saturday.

“As we continue to pursue our relentless pursuit of operational efficiency and profitability, both us and our partner, Caribbean Helicopters, have decided not to extend the arrangement,” LIAT’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lloyd Carswell said.

Airline officials have noted that in 2017, “some route rationalisation is likely to continue” but they will continue to explore the best possible ways to improve the carriers bottom line.

“LIAT is honoured to have been able to assist the islands of Anguilla and Nevis in the augmentation of their airlift for 2016, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish them the very best in the development of their tourism product for the future,” the airline noted in a release on the weekend.

For more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/LIAT-discontinues-service-to-Anguilla-and-Nevis

 

Disaster officials monitoring increase in activity at Dominica’s Boiling Lake

From St Lucia Online

IMAGE: boilinglake

CMC – Visitors to the Boiling Lake – a volcano-Hydrothermal feature located in the southern end of the island, have been urged to avoid visiting the area due to a change in water levels.

The warning was issued by Office of Disaster Management and the Trinidad and Tobago based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus.

It’s reported that water levels have been changing in recent days, a phenomenon that has occurred several times since 1876.

The Boiling Lake is located in an area next to the Valley of Desolation – the lake levels have dropped significantly and been restored at least seven times in the recorded history – 1876, 1900, 1901, 1971, 1988 and 2004.

Earlier this month, visitors to the Boiling Lake reported a significant decrease in water levels, a situation that was confirmed by UWI scientists.

The scientists, however noted that changes in water levels at the Boiling Lake are not necessarily related to increased volcanic activity in the area or to geothermal exploration.

However, during these episodes, harmful gases such as Carbon Dioxide, can be released and small steam explosions may also occur.

The last such occurrence was December 2004 to April 2005.

In the wake of this latest development, the disaster officials report that people are swimming in the lake as the water is now cold, however they have been warned leave the area immediately as the water can return to its original boiling state with little or no warning.

The general public has also been told to avoid the area until the activity has subsided and only officials involved in the monitoring of the Boiling Lake should venture in that area.

For more: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-disaster-officials-monitoring-increase-in-activity-at-dominicas-boiling-lake/

 

George Ramocan is new high commissioner to London

BY: LOOP NEWS

Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith has announced the appointment of George Ramocan as high commissioner-designate for Jamaica to the United Kingdom.

Ramocan is expected to take up his duties in London in early December.

Ramocan, who is a former government senator and former parish councillor, served as Jamaica’s consul in Toronto from 2009 to 2014.

He also served as vice-chairman and interim executive director of the HEART Trust/NTA, executive director for the Jamaica Institute for Political Education, and is a founding member of the Eastern Caribbean Institute for Democracy and the Caribbean Youth Conference.

Ramocan has a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with special focus on counselling psychology; and an Associate of Science in Business Administration.

He wss also a recipient of several international scholarships, which fostered further studies in politics and international relations.

He authored and published the Teacher’s Diary, a lesson plan book that has been used by over 20,000 teachers in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Ramocan is married to educator Lola Bonita. They have four children.

FEATURED IMAGE: George Ramocan

For more: http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/george-ramocan-new-high-commissioner-london

 

UK High Court approves SFO investigation into Soma Oil

Contributed by Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP FROM ILO

In a recent case, Soma Oil unsuccessfully sought to have the Serious Fraud Office’s approach to the investigation into its activities judicially reviewed. Specifically, Soma Oil contested the office’s continued investigation despite representations being made regarding the effect that this would have.(1) Soma Oil argued that the investigation would lead to its ruin and would not, in any event, reveal criminal conduct.

The case does nothing to diminish the long-held view of criminal practitioners that the High Court seldom intervenes to prevent law enforcement bodies exhaustively pursuing their suspicions of criminal conduct. Nonetheless, Soma Oil appears to have cooperated fully with the investigation.

For further information on this topic please contact Kathleen Harris, Stuart Baker, Michael J Atkinson or James McSweeney at Arnold & Porter LLP by telephone (+44 20 7786 6100) or email ([email protected], [email protected],[email protected] or [email protected]). The Arnold & Porter website can be accessed at www.arnoldporter.com.

For more: http://www.internationallawoffice.com/Newsletters/White-Collar-Crime/United-Kingdom/Arnold-Porter-UK-LLP/High-Court-approves-SFO-investigation-into-Soma-Oil?

 

Family-Friendly Fun with the Camana Bay Countdown This New Year’s Eve

Annual New Year’s Eve event offers two fireworks shows at no cover charge.
Have the most wonderful time with Camana Bay as we say farewell to 2016 and welcome in the New Year. Every New Year’s Eve, thousands choose Camana Bay to see in the New Year – with two fireworks shows, outdoor dance floor and no cover charge, it’s easy to see why.

This year’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve party, the Camana Bay Countdown, is presented by the restaurants of the Town Centre. The early entertainment allows little ones to celebrate the New Year without sacrificing their bedtime, enjoying an alfresco dinner with music spun by DJ Lin and a fireworks show at 7pm. For those able to make it to midnight, have no fear – 2017 will be rung in in style with a second fabulous fireworks display. Reserving a table as early as possible is recommended at any of the Town Centre’s signature restaurants – Abacus, The Brooklyn Pizza + Pasta, KARoo, Lola, Mizu Asian Bistro + Bar and The Waterfront Urban Diner.

Supporting all efforts to party responsibly this holiday season, Camana Bay will be a location for the Purple Ribbon Bus to drop off and pick up those celebrating so as to minimise the dangers of drunk driving. Run by the National Drug Council, this free bus service often transports over 1,000 people on an average New Year’s Eve and last year the bus stopped at 26 local bars and restaurants. For those with a designated driver in their party, the Camana Bay valet service will be available on New Year’s Eve, allowing guests to park with ease. This complimentary service will be available in the surface parking lot by Regal Cinemas from 5:30pm.

For more, visit camanabay.com/holidays and to keep up to date with the latest happenings at Camana Bay, like us on Facebook and follow @CamanaBay on Twitter and @Camana_Bay on Instagram.

Camana Bay Countdown: Experience not one but two fireworks shows at the Camana Bay Countdown this New Year’s Eve.

 

Cayman Islands: Road Closure – Cardinal Avenue this Wednesday, 14 December

Please note that this Wednesday, 14 December, Cardinal Avenue will be closed at the junction with Harbour Drive in central George Town from 3-9PM for the KPMG Christmas charity event. Harbour Drive will still be unobstructed and open to traffic.

 

Harneys wins two awards for investment funds work in Africa

Harneys has been named Best Offshore Law Firm and Best Offshore Law Firm – Client Service in a double win at the Africa Global Funds Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa.

The awards recognize the efforts and accomplishments of fund service providers focused on Africa.

Harneys Partner Patrick Colegrave said the firm’s Africa practice has continued to make headway and grow in reputation, in spite of subdued market conditions. “I am pleased to receive this recognition from industry peers and participants as we continue to build our offering.”

Harneys advises on the laws of Bermuda, BVI, Cayman, Cyprus and Mauritius.

 

Mourant Ozannes sponsors anti-drink driving campaign in Cayman Islands

Law firm, Mourant Ozannes has joined forces with the National Drug Council (NDC) and the Royal Cayman Islands Police (RCIP), ecaytrade.com and Radio Cayman to help launch an enormous and proactive anti drink-driving campaign this holiday season. The message is clear – Don’t Drink and Drive – designate a driver.

The programme is simple; anyone who identifies themselves as a Designated Driver to their server at participating restaurants receives free non-alcoholic beverages all evening. Designated drivers will be given a wristband identifying them as the designated driver for the night.

Cayman Office Managing Partner, Peter Hayden, said: “This is such a great initiative and we are very happy to be involved in supporting the NDC in this way. We hope that it will highlight the importance of having a Designated Driver during the festive season and help to reduce the number of drink driving incidents.”

Forty-seven local restaurants, bars and clubs are participating in the Designated Driver Programme this year. A full list can be found on the NDC website: www.ndc.ky/media

END

IMAGE: Uncensored

Biggest Shareholder Pulls Support For CBS, Viacom Deal

Sumner Redstone-owned movie theater company National Amusements, which owns a majority of CBS’ and Viacom’s voting stock, on Monday said it is “not the right time” for the companies to explore a merger and asked their boards to call off the deal talks it set into motion earlier this year.

SOURCE: LAW360

 

Caribbean bikers want red tape ease

By KERRI GOODING From Loop News Barbados

Motorcyclists would like to see an ease on inter-regional movement in the travel sector.

Following the challenges faced by some bikers who travelled to Barbados for the 2016 Caribbean Bike Week and Independence Ride, this was expressed by the President of Black Knight Bikers, Fabian Reeves.

Reeves lamented to Loop News:

“Everybody didn’t get to come because of the stipulations that we have to go through.

“The Grenadians were really upset because of the treatment they got on the boat and while getting off as they moved through the Port. The red tape and stuff that we here have to deal with is not the same when we go to these countries. It is very difficult here.”

Furthermore, he explained, “It took us basically two days to get the bikes out of the Bridgetown Port as well and it took us nearly half of a day to get them [the bikers] off the boat to get into Barbados.”

Forty-two bikers came to Barbados to participate in the inaugural Caribbean Bike Week. There were 15 bikers from St. Vincent, 10 from St. Lucia and 17 bikers from Grenada.

Reeves was pleased that the Independence Ride was incident-free and that the Week was a success of sorts, but he wants changes made to allow next year to be bigger and better.

He said small changes could mean a greater involvement from foreign bikers next year and moving forward, which he posits would only augur well for Barbados’ tourism industry in the end.

For more: http://www.loopnewsbarbados.com/content/caribbean-bikers-want-red-tape-ease

 

 

Free Vegetable Seedlings Offered to Cayman Islands residents

Residents with green thumbs are invited to obtain free seedlings, as a limited stock of cabbage, cucumber, bok choy (Chinese cabbage), cauliflower, broccoli and other plants are offered to the public by the Department of Agriculture (DoA).

This initiative seeks to stimulate interest amongst backyard gardeners in growing quality produce, and ideally will lead to more entries and participation in the Cayman Islands Agriculture Society 50th Agriculture Show next year.
There are twelve types of these vegetable seedlings available, and they may be collected from the DoA Nursery, at 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley.

 

Cayman Islands Holiday Hours Immigration Appeals Tribunal

The Immigration Appeals Tribunal advises the public of its holiday hours. The final meeting for the Tribunal takes place on Thursday 15 December 2016. The administrative arm of the IAT will close at12.30 p.m. on Friday, 23 December, and reopen at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 December. It will close again at 12.30 p.m. on Friday, 30 December and reopen at 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday 3 January 2017. Members will hold their first meeting of the year on 12 January.

One More Cayman Islands Public Holiday for 2017

With the Elections Office’s schedule for the General Elections formally approved by the Governor this morning (Friday, 9 December 2016), one more public holiday has been officially declared for the Cayman Islands in 2017.

General Elections Day on Wednesday, 24 May 2017 will be a public holiday, bringing the number of public holidays for next year to 12 days.

The full list of public holidays for 2017 now is:

Monday, 2 January – New Year’s Day (observed)

Monday, 23 January – National Heroes Day

Wednesday, 1 March – Ash Wednesday

Friday, 14 April – Good Friday

Monday, 17 April – Easter Monday

Monday, 15 May – Discovery Day

Wednesday, 24 May – General Elections Day

Monday, 19 June – Queen’s Birthday

Monday, 3 July – Constitution Day

Monday, 13 November – Remembrance Day

Monday, 25 December – Christmas Day

Tuesday, 26 December – Boxing Day.

 

Cayman Islands liquor license holders receive New Year’s extension

Liquor licence holders will get an extension beyond regular closing times on New Year’s Eve.

The Liquor Licensing Board made the decision on Monday, 5 December, that bars, restaurants and hotels are permitted to sell liquor until 1:30 am and play music until 2:00 am, the morning of Sunday, 1 January 2017. Nightclubs are permitted to sell liquor until 3:30 am. Music and dancing must end at 4:00 am.

All other licensing stipulations will remain in effect, such as liquor sales and the playing of music ceasing during the last ten minutes of permitted opening hours.

For more information, contact the Department of Commerce and Investment on 945-0943 or email[email protected] 

 

CUC’s Second IRP Study Presentation : Wed., December 14, 2016

CUC will be hosting the second Integrated Resource Programme (IRP) Study Presentation on Wednesday, December 14 at noon and 6:00 p.m. (2 sessions, same presentation) at the Marriott Resort on West Bay Road.

This presentation follows on from the initial IRP Study Presentation that took place on August 24, 2016 at the Marriott.

Attached is a copy of the invitation.

The presentation is open to the public and interested persons are encouraged to attend.

 

 

Night In Bethlehem in Cayman Islands

When: December 17th (Saturday)

Where: St. George’s Anglican Church Hall (off Courts Road)

Time: anytime between 4:00 pm & 9:00 pm

Cost: CI$5 per person (Children under 12 free)

 

Cayman Islands Department of Counselling Services – Holiday Closures

The Department of Counselling Services announces the following holiday closing times and dates:

The Family Resource Centre will close from 12.30 p.m. on Friday, 16 December 2016 for its Christmas staff function.

In addition to this, in line with other Government offices (non-essential services), both the Department of Counselling Services and the Family Resource Centre, will close at 12:30pm on Friday, 23 December and on Friday, 30 December, 2016.

 

Savannah United Church Advent Season Events

17 Astral Way

Savannah

• 12 December @5:30pm SASEP (Savannah After School Enrichment Programme) Christmas Concert

• 18 December @ 10am Youth Christmas Programme Lighting of the Candle of LOVE

• 25 December @ Christmas Sunday Service

Lighting of the Christ Candle

• 31 December Watchnight Service for Youth and Adults @ 7pm

For more information, please call 947-6071

 

Cayman Islands Immigration Holiday Hours 2016

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

The Immigration headquarters (including public counters, and the Passport and Visa offices) will close to the public at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 23 December, and reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 December.

These offices again close to the public at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 30 December and resume at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 3 January 2017.

The meeting dates for the Immigration Boards are as follows:

The Work Permit Board’s final meeting date will be 12th December, and resumes on 9th January, 2017.

The Business Staffing Plan Board’s final meeting date will be 14th December, and resumes 11 January, 2017.

The Cayman Status and Permanent Residents Board’s final meeting will be 8 December, and resumes on 12 January, 2017.

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

 

Cayman Islands Spelling Bees Competitions

The 2016 Spelling Bees competitions take place for secondary school children on Wednesday, 7 December and for primary-aged children on Thursday. 8 December.

The events are open to the public and will be held in the morning, starting at 9.30 a.m., followed immediately by the prize-giving. Both events will be at Red Bay Church of God on Selkirk Drive.

CI Government Department of Environmental Health (DEH)

2016 Annual Bulk Waste Clean-up

The schedule for each district is as follows:

EAST END / NORTH SIDE DISTRICTS

November 21^st to November 26^th – bulk items will be collected

BODDEN TOWN DISTRICT

November 28^th to December 3^rd – bulk items will be collected.

GEORGE TOWN DISTRICT

December 5^th to December 10^th – bulk items will be collected.

WEST BAY DISTRICT

December 12^th to December 17^th – bulk items will be collected.

CAYMAN BRAC and LITTLE CAYMAN

November 28^th to December 15^th – bulk items will be collected.

Bulk waste should be placed on the curbside where they can be accessed by DEH trucks but not an obstruction to traffic.

Bulk waste includes the following items: Household appliances, furniture, and yard waste.

(Items not handled by normal DEH residential garbage weekly collection)

Construction and demolition debris WILL NOT BE COLLECTED.

(Construction and demolition debris is NOT considered residential bulk waste and is therefore not part of this campaign).

The public should separate the following waste items from the rest of bulk waste:

• METALS – including old appliances, metal furniture, metal roofing etc…

• VEGETATION – All yard & plant trimmings etc.

• OTHER RECYCLABLES –old tyres, scrap aluminium, batteries, and e-waste (old computers, TV, printers, etc.)

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT ITEMS SHOULD NOT BE PUT OUT AFTER THE ABOVE DATES AS DEH CREWS WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO AN AREA ONCE IT HAS BEEN CLEANED.

For further information, in Grand Cayman contact the DEH solid waste dispatch unit at 949-8793; in the Little Cayman & Cayman Brac, contact DEH Cayman Brac office at 948-2321.

 

Cayman Islands: Looking for FOI research study participants!

I [Barrie Quappe] am looking for participants in my research project for my Master’s study programme. Please read the attached ad and feel free to forward to anyone you may think has filed an FOI request and would be a willing participant.

Your help in this recruitment is greatly appreciated.

Best,

Barrie Quappe

916-9800

Christmas Meat – Cayman Islands  Abattoir Services Advisory

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) reminds farmers of the process for using its abattoir services – especially before the Christmas rush.

Animal-owners should follow the appropriate protocols for butchering meat, which is done free of cost, inclusive of delivery to the specified supermarkets or butcher shops.

Call 947-3090 to use the DoA’s abattoir service during November. Farmers must provide details of the livestock, and the dates and locations for the delivery of their meat.

 

Education begins on Cayman Islands Single Member Constituencies

Cayman Islands Needs Assessment Unit Office closure for the Holidays

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 2016:

Friday, 23 to Wednesday, 28 December inclusive for the Christmas Holidays, and

Friday, 30 December.

The NAU office will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, 3 January 2017.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)

 

FRI DEC 16

Jingle Bell Rock Disco

Festival of Praise

 

SAT DEC 17

Community Christmas Meal

Community Christmas Meal: John Gray Memorial Church would like their friends in West Bay to whom they normally deliver meals at Christmas time, to know that this year they will be delivering on Saturday, December 17th by noon.

Cayman Artisans Market

Junior Achievement Market

Caribbean Santa Photos

Festival of Praise

A Night in Bethlehem

West Bay Senior Citizens Annual Christmas Social

 

SUN DEC 18

Choir Cantata “Heaven on Earth”

Choir Cantata “Heaven on Earth”: John Gray Memorial Church, 10:00 a.m.

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

 

WED DEC 21

Floetry

 

 

THU DEC 22

Traditional Santa photos

Miss Jackie’s Christmas Recital

Customs Extended Hours

 

FRI DEC 23

Immigration Department Closure

NAU Closure

 

SAT DEC 24

Christmas Eve Carols & Midnight Mass

Service of Lessons and Carols

 

SUN DEC 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

Lighting of the Christ Candle

Christmas Day Service

 

MON DEC 26

St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr service

Garden Party

William Pouchie Memorial United Church in North Side will host its annual Garden Party on Monday, 26 December, 2016. On sale will be seafood, beef, chicken, sides and deserts. There will also be live music and fun and games for children. Time is from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

 

TUE DEC 27

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist service

 

WED DEC 28

Immigration Department Closure

Holy Innocent Mass & Fun Day

 

SAT DEC 31

Watch Night Service

 

SUNDAY JAN 1

SUN FEB 26 (2017)

Cayman Islands Lion’s – Cycle For Sight

Cayman Islands Cycling Association

Sunday 26th Feb 2017 6:00AM – 9:00AM

Event Description:

Lion’s Cycle For Sight – Change the way we see the world Start: East End Public Beach | Finish: Lions Community Center – 24 Miles