iNews Briefs & Community Events
African refugee drowns in Venice as tourists film on phones while laughing and making racist remarks
By Samuel Osborne From Independent UK
No one jumped in to help the man
An investigation has been opened after an African refugee drowned in Venice’s Grand Canal as onlookers watched from nearby boats and filmed him with their phones.
Footage shows the man, named as 22-year-old Gambian Pateh Sabally, flailing in the middle of the canal.
At least three life rings were thrown into the water near him, but he did not appear to reach for them, raising speculation he wanted to kill himself.
No one jumped in to help him.
For more and video go to: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/african-man-drowns-venice-grand-canal-video-onlookers-italy-racism-he-is-stupid-migrant-a7546806.html
ONDCP makes $2.37 million drug bust
From Antigua Observer
The Office of National Drug Control and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) said that arrests are pending as “persons of interest are being sought” following the seizure of $2.37M worth of drugs in Urlings on Monday.
According to a release, the law enforcement agency said it confiscated 26 packages of cannabis weighing 147 pounds, nine cannabis plants and 45 bricks of cocaine during an operation carried out in the southern community.
The cocaine carries an estimated wholesale value of $1,786,590 while the estimated wholesale value of the cannabis is $588,000.
The ONDCP continues to demonstrate its diligence and commitment to keeping the streets of Antigua & Barbuda free of illegal narcotics, the release stated.
For more: http://antiguaobserver.com/ondcp-makes-2-37-million-drug-bust/
Steve Harvey Faces $50M Claim Over Stand-Up Comedy Vids
By Jess Krochtengel
Law360, Dallas (January 25, 2017, 9:53 PM EST) — Comedian and television host Steve Harvey asked a Texas federal jury on Wednesday to end a $50 million claim that he had wrongfully blocked the release of videos of his old stand-up comedy routines, with Harvey saying the videographer has attempted to extort him for decades over the tapes.
Harvey is also counterclaiming for invasion of privacy through the misappropriation of his name and likeness, saying videographer Joseph Cooper has attempted to embarrass him and extort money from him.
Walgreens to pay $50M to settle claims
From Herald and News
CHICAGO (TNS) — Walgreens has agreed to pay $50 million to the federal government and states to settle allegations that it illegally gave discounts to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to encourage them to fill their prescriptions at Walgreens.
The federal anti-kickback statute prohibits giving anything of value to people covered by Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare in an effort to gain their business. The government alleged that Walgreens enrolled hundreds of thousands of those consumers into its Prescription Savings Club, which gave members discounts on drugs and rebates on other Walgreens-branded products such as household, baby care and grocery items.
Walgreens, headquartered in suburban Chicago, knew it could not allow beneficiaries of government health insurance programs into the Prescription Savings Club, and it published materials saying they were ineligible, according to the government. Yet Walgreens marketed the program to them and paid employees $1 to $5 for each customer enrolled without checking whether customers were covered by Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, the government alleged. Tricare is the government’s health insurance program for the military.
Walgreens admitted that it enrolled people in government health insurance programs into its discount club as part of the settlement agreement announced Thursday by the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York.
“We entered into this agreement to avoid the delay, expense and uncertainty of litigation, and did so without any admission of legal liability,” Walgreens said in a statement. “We continue to offer discounts on prescriptions through our Prescription Savings Club to eligible patients.”
Walgreens has agreed to pay $46.2 million to the federal government and $3.79 million to states to settle allegations it violated state fraud laws.
Whistleblower Marc Baker, a former Florida Walgreens pharmacy manager, brought the lawsuit against Walgreens in 2012, and the government joined it. Under the federal False Claims Act, whistleblowers are entitled to a portion of whatever money the government is able to recover. Baker will get $9.7 million, according to the settlement agreement.
District Sessions Set This Week for Cayman Islands Culture & Heritage Policy
The Ministry of Health & Culture will hold district informational sessions this week as part of the public consultation continuation phase for the Draft National Culture & Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan for the Cayman Islands 2017-2026.
“We are looking forward to hosting a series of district informational sessions aimed at further informing local residents about the draft policy and strategic plan,” noted Ministerial Councillor for Culture, Roy McTaggart.
“The district meetings will be done on an informal basis because our main focus is engaging with members of the public, answering their questions and listening to their concerns or feedback,” Jennifer Ahearn, Chief Officer of the Ministry added.
The meetings are set to start this Thursday, 26 January 2017 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Teacher Redley Powery Library in West Bay and from 2:30 – 5 p.m. at the East End Library.
Other district meetings will be held this Friday, 27 January 2017 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Vernon L. Jackson Library and Learning Centre in Bodden Town and 2:30 – 5 p.m. at the North Side Library.
Further details for each district meeting:
Teacher Redley Powery Library (West Bay) – Thursday 26th January, 10:00am – 1:00pm
182 Rev Blackman Road
West Bay
345-949-7659
[email protected]
District Librarian Marsena Hydes – [email protected] will be present
East End Library – Thursday 26th January, 2:30pm – 5:00pm
2739 Sea View Road
East End
345-947-7729
[email protected]
Paul Robinson, Deputy Director CIPL will be present
Vernon L. Jackson Library and Learning Centre (Bodden Town) – Friday 27th January, 10:00am – 1:00pm
69 Bodden Town Road
Bodden Town
345-947-0966
[email protected]
District Librarian Jerome Evans – [email protected] will be present
North Side Library – Friday 27th January, 2:30pm – 5:00pm
891 North Side Road
North Side
345-947-9362
[email protected]
Ramona Melody, Director CIPL will be present
Ministry leaders and the steering committee members encourage the public to continue to review the policy and strategic plan, and submit all feedback.
A copy of the draft policy, frequently asked questions form (FAQ), and a feedback form is available at the front desk of the Government Administration Building, online and at all district libraries.
Members of the public can access the feedback form at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/culturepolicy.
For more information and updates please “like” the Ministry of Health & Culture, Cayman Islands Government Facebook page.
Also, visit the website: http://www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky/culture-policy
(GIS)
Mary Tyler Moore, beloved TV actress, dies at 80
By Lisa Respers France, From CNN
(CNN)Actress Mary Tyler Moore, whose eponymous 1970s series helped usher in a new era for women on television, died Wednesday at the age of 80, her longtime representative Mara Buxbaum said.
For more: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/25/entertainment/mary-tyler-moore-death/index.html
Cayman Islands Culture & Heritage Policy Public Consultation Phase Extended
The Ministry of Culture has decided to extend the public consultation phase for the Draft National Culture & Heritage Policy and Strategic Plan for the Cayman Islands 2017-2026 until 31 January 2017.
This week the Ministry will host a series of district meetings aimed at further informing local residents about the draft policy and strategic plan.
The meetings are set to start this Thursday, 26 January 2017 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Teacher Redley Powery Library in West Bay and from 2:30 – 5 p.m. at the East End Library.
Other district meetings will be held this Friday, 27 January 2017 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Vernon L. Jackson Library and Learning Centre in Bodden Town and 2:30 – 5 p.m. at the North Side Library.
Ministry leaders urge the public to continue to review the draft policy and strategic plan, and submit all feedback online or hardcopy.
For more information and updates please “like” Ministry of Health & Culture Facebook page. Also, visit the website: http://www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky/culture-policy
Jamaica: University status approved for Caribbean Maritime Institute
From Jamaica Observer
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The House of Representatives today approved legislation to give the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) university status.
Minister of Transport and Mining Mike Henry piloted the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) Bill 2016, which will repeal the Caribbean Maritime Institute Act under which the institution operates.
The CMI is the only international entity approved for maritime training in Jamaica.
Over the years, the institute has expanded its scope of programmes to include degrees at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.
As a result of this expansion, the CMI has gained national, regional and international recognition by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport of the United Kingdom, the International Maritime Organisation, Caricom, and the World Maritime University.
IMAGE: file photo
For more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Caribbean-Maritime-Institute-granted-university-status
Apple, India reported nearing manufacturing deal
Jan. 25, 2017 9:31 AM ET|About: Apple Inc. (AAPL)|By: Eric McCaffrey, SA News Editor
While Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) requests for concessions primarily regarding tax and tariff exemptions had previously been reported unlikely, many of the incentives Apple’s looking to address are now noted as “workable,” according to Wall Street Journal sources.
Apple is said to have met with Indian government officials in New Delhi on Wednesday to talk over the proposals.
Cayman Islands: Fire Contained in DEH Garbage Truck Load
A fire in a Department of Environmental Health (DEH) garbage collection truck was contained quickly this morning (Tuesday, 24 January 2016) on Commercial Drive in George Town Industrial Estate.
The vehicle’s load was observed to be smouldering and threatening to catch fire at around 7.10 a.m. after the truck inadvertently picked up garbage that included hot materials from a commercial bin in the centre of George Town.
The load was dumped out of the truck in a safe location along the edge of Commercial Drive where it ignited. Firefighters arrived shortly thereafter onto the scene along with a DEH clean-up crew.
Traffic was disrupted temporarily as the small blaze was brought under control by firefighters and the DEH litter crew then cleaned up the mess for disposal.
Nobody was injured in the incident and the truck received a full inspection by Department of Vehicle and Equipment Services mechanics to ensure it was roadworthy before going back into service later this morning.
“I am happy how our quick-thinking personnel worked together to minimise this incident,” said Assistant Director, Solid Waste, Department of Environmental Health, Mark Rowlands. “Their quick reactions helped avoid injury to DEH workers or the public, damage to the truck, and prevented hot materials from entering into the landfill.
“As with any incident of this nature, our management team will now have an internal investigation to review and optimise our operating procedures. DEH requests the public properly ensures that hot materials are extinguished prior to disposal as this is unfortunately one of the ways that can contribute to landfill fires. We apologise for any inconvenience this morning.”
Cayman Brac airport open to full capacity
There are other local media reports that the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport on Cayman Brac is now back to its full capacity.
There are now two fire trucks operating in its Aerodrome Unit, and Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) jet service has returned to its regular schedule since Sunday (22).
The airport was closed and then reopened to limited small traffic after one of its fire trucks overturned on the runway on Thursday, 5 January, during a mandatory speed test.
Extradition request by Turkey granted by Cayman Islands governor
Celal Kildag (58), a German national who arrived in Cayman Islands on a cruise ship and arrested on an Interpol warrant on behalf of the Turkish authorities has been informed the Cayman Islands Governor has certified the request.
His lawyer, Laurence Ailofi of Samson McGrath, said the information from Turkey fell far short of the standard required to charge his client with the alleged offences, and therefore they will be challenging the extradition.
Cayman Islands Businessman’s Breakfast
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday January 28th at 7:30am, at Lola’s (formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay. We will have open sharing.
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
Cayman Islands police special operation targeting reckless riding
Berry Plastics Group enters into agreement with Credit Suisse Ag, Cayman Islands Branch and Citibank
From Reuters
- Entered into incremental assumption agreement with Credit Suisse Ag, Cayman Islands Branch, and CitiBank, N.A. – SEC filing
- Assumption agreement to borrow incremental amounts of $1.9 billion and $500 million under holdings existing term loan credit agreemen
- Proceeds of term J loans, together with existing liquidity, were used to consummate acquisition of AEP Industries,
For more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1FA0T0
Issuance of Cayman Islands Voter IDs Starts 1 April
In response to a number of queries, Elections officials state that they will start issuing Voter ID cards from 1 April 2017.
The revised voters’ list is scheduled to be out on 31 March incorporating all the verified changes and new registrations. This will be formalized in the final list of voters on 1 April. Following this, the new IDs will be issued.
Existing voters will have their verified details and photograph transferred on to their new cards which they will have to pick up at Elections Headquarters on Smith Road.
New registrants will need to have their photos taken by the Elections Office prior to the Electors ID cards being issued to them.
Dominican Republic Popcorn performing Live
NWDA Cayman Brac Visit
NWDA CYB VISIT FLYER JANUARY 2017 
Representatives from the National Workforce Development Agency (NWDA) will be available to meet with the public and assist with online registration for
Employers and Jobseekers.
Wednesday January 25th, 2017 9:00am—5:00pm
Thursday January 26,th 2017 9:00am—5:00pm
Friday, January 27th, 2017 9:00 am— 2:00pm
Workshops
Workplace Ethics
Thursday January 26th 2017 10:00am – 1:00pm
Business Etiquette
Friday January 26th 2017 9:00am – 12:00pm
To register call 945-3114 or email [email protected]
Appointments can be made by calling 945-3114 and walk-ins are welcomed.
Flower arranging course seeks Cayman Islands’ students
Persons who wish to learn the art of floral arrangements have a unique opportunity to enhance and display their talents over the next several weeks. The Floral Supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, with support of other local floral professionals, will lead a course from the end of this month. It will comprise three classes at the University College of the Cayman Islands on Tuesday 31 January , Tuesday 7 February and Tuesday 21 February, from 6-8pm each evening. It will culminate with participants showing off their skills in a new floral arrangement competition at this year’s 50th Annual Agriculture Show on 1 March. Class size is limited to 16 persons. For more details on the course and to register, please contact Gina Bodden or Marjane Ebanks-Fellows at the Department of Agriculture, tel. 947-3090 or 916-1314.
Cayman Islands Smoking Cessation Classes: ‘I Can Quit’
The Public Health Department reminds smokers who wish to quit the habit that there are still some spaces left for the upcoming smoking cessation classes the department is offering. Classes start on 8 February 2017 from 5.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. every Wednesday for seven weeks in the Public Health waiting room.
Registration deadline is 27 January 2017.
For more information or to sign up, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889/244-2621, or email [email protected] or [email protected]
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
JAN 16 – FEB 6
Every Step Counts Pedometer Challenge
The Every Step Counts Pedometer Challenge runs January 16th through February 6th. For more, head to caymanactive.com.
FRI JAN 27
Smoking cessation classes
Garage Sale
SAT JAN 28
Cayman National Charity Walk-Run
The Cayman National Charity Walk-Run 5 & 10K is Saturday (28 Jan) at 630am. For more, head to caymanactive.com.
Taste of Cayman Volunteers
Volunteers are wanted for Taste of Cayman on January 28th. To register, visit tasteofcayman.org/volunteers1.
Black Light Zumba Night
Cayman Islands Businessman’s Breakfast
The Grand Cayman chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is having its monthly breakfast on Saturday January 28th at 7:30am, at Lola’s (formerly The Upper Crust) restaurant in Camana Bay. We will have open sharing.
Come out to hear the how God is making a difference in the life of men like you, right here in Cayman.
SUN JAN 29
Stride Against Cancer
Stride Against Cancer is this month. On Sunday (29 Jan) the event moves to Seven Mile Public Beach with a 13.1 Mile half marathon at 6am or a 6.5 mile run at 7am. Folks can participate in North Side at Kaibo or at the Brac Reef Beach Resort at 7am. For more, head to caymanactive.com
Church of God Prophecy
MON JAN 30
Calling all Food, Craft, Specialty Item Vendors or Artists
Calling all Food, Craft, Specialty Item Vendors or Artists we invite you to display or sell your goods at Red Sky at Night on Saturday 25th February 2017 from 4:00pm until midnight. Red Sky at Night is a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural arts fair which showcases the broad array of talent tin Cayman. The vendor registration deadline is: Monday 30th January 2017.
Register by emailing us your participation details to: [email protected]
Please call if you have any questions and we would be happy to assist: 949-5477.
Grand Court Jurors Notice
TUE JAN 31
Cadet Corps Band Open for Recruiting
The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Band is open for recruitment to young people from the age of 11 – 18 who are enrolled in school. They also welcome adults who play an instrument and would love to work with young people. Please call 946-9810 or email [email protected] for more details
PSPB Certificates
The Public Service Pensions Board would like to remind its pensioners that their Annual Pension Continuation Certificates have been distributed through the mail and are due to be returned to the PSPB no later than January 31st to ensure continuity of benefits. If you have not received your PCCC form please feel free to drop by the PSPB office located on the 1st floor of the Government Administration Building to address this matter. If you are a shut-in or have care or control over a pensioner who is unable to be transported to the PSPB office, please call 945-8175 or 244-7104/7123 for special assistance.
Time Management and Productivity
THU FEB 2
Goal Setting
SAT FEB 4
24th AGM Justices of the Peace
THU FEB 9
Immigration: Work Permits
FRI FEB 10
A Show From The Heart
Golf Tournament
SUN FEB 12
Kiwanis Bike ride
TUE FEB 14
Employment Pensions
THU FEB 16
Exceeding Customer Expectations
FRI FEB 24
Register for Dress For Culture Day
Host a dress down day at your business or school on Friday 24th February (or your preferred date!) and have everyone wear clothing that reflects their culture(s). Whether it be football jerseys or traditional costumes, all forms of cultural dress are welcome! We ask that each participant makes the suggested donation ($3 students or $5 adults) or more, which will directly support youth arts programming in the Cayman Islands.
Friday 24th February 2017
Adults $5 & Students $3
Register your school or business to participate by completing our Registration Form or email your participation details to: [email protected]
Please call if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to assist: 949-5477
SAT FEB 25
Red Sky at Night
Red Sky at Night is a multi-disciplinary arts fair now in it’s 5th year with approximately 2,000+ in attendance each year. If you are engaged in any form of the arts, we invite you to get involved. All special talents are welcome and whether you have been performing for years or you consider yourself an up-and-coming talent, we encourage you to be a part of this year’s festival.
Event: Red Sky at Night
Event Date: Saturday 25th February 2017 – 4:00 p.m. – midnight
SUN FEB 26
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
SAT MAR 18
Girls Brigade 70th Anniversary: Fun Day
