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 at 12.30 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 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 close 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 – that is, 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 at12.30p.m. on Friday, 23 December, and again at 12.30p.m. on Friday, 30 December.
However, the West Bay and Breakers offices will be open at the usual time (9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m.) on Saturday, 24 December.

 

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.

National Tourism Plan- Workshops Continue in the Sister Islands

This week, workshops and town hall meetings will be held to garner input from tourism stakeholders and the general public for inclusion in the National Tourism Plan (NTP). This is the second round of meetings for the new five year plan that will be implemented from 2017 – 2021.

(L-R) Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Hon Moses Kirkconnell speaks with Rochelle Dilbert of La Esperanza at the inaugural NTP workshop held in Cayman Brac on Monday, 5 December 2016.

 

CAYMAN ISLANDS: Agriculture & Craft Bazaar this Saturday at Town Market

Everyone is invited to a celebration of tastes, music, craft and fresh local fruit and vegetables, during the first “Cayman Christmas Bazaar” at the Market at the Cricket Grounds – this Saturday, 10 December, 2016.

Beginning at 9:00a.m., the day will include a visit by Santa from 9a.m. to 10a.m., a bouncing castle, music and raffles of Caymanite jewellery and gift baskets full of fresh produce, local fruit, sweet treats, desserts and refreshing smoothies.

The market vendors also look forward to a “meet and greet” session into the afternoon hours.

Located in George Town, across from the Red Cross building, this popular new market venue allows local farmers and artisans to showcase their goods year-round; and for the festive season.

 

5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Trinidad and Tobago, Southern Caribbean

From Caribbean Journal

The biggest earthquake in the Caribbean in several years caused shaking across the Southern Caribbean on Tuesday evening.

The 5.8-magnitude quake’s epicenter was about 25 miles southwest of Scarborough, Tobago; it struck at about 5:42 PM local time at a depth of 35km.

Shaking was felt across much of the southern Caribbean, including in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada (there were also reports of shaking in Venezuela.

The strongest reports of shaking were in Trinidad, including in Port of Spain, with “moderate” strength, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The Caribbean region is seismically active, although the most frequent earthquakes tend to fall in the 3.0-4.0 range on the Richter scale.

There were not yet reports of damage or injuries resulting from the quake.

For more: http://www.caribjournal.com/2016/12/06/5-8-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-trinidad-tobago-southern-caribbean/

 

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)

 

This newly-found marine life has scientists baffled as to what it is

By Kevin Reilly From Business Insideer

Scientists from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) have found an organism that they can’t explain. The moss-like thing was found more than 1,700 feet underwater.

For more and video: http://www.businessinsider.com/noaa-new-found-marine-life-scientists-baffled-2016-11?utm_source=feedburner&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+businessinsider+%28Business+Insider%29

 

Cargo vessel owners admit damage to Cayman Islands coral reef

Last month as has been widely reported in Cayman’s media, Saga, a 100 metre cargo vessel ran aground in George Town Harbour off Eden Rock. The ship caused considerable damage to the reef and the owners of Saga have admitted to being responsible for it.

The owners have engaged marine experts to assess the damage and remove the rubble and coral that cannot be reattached.

Cayman Islands Wayne Panton has confirmed the company had “stepped up and taken responsibility”. He said the priority was assessing the extent of the damage.

 

Surround sound

By Paul McGowan From PS Audio

One of the joys of the upcoming holiday season for me is music. The best venue is right around the corner.

The University of Colorado is within walking distance of our home and each year the college of music puts on a sold out spectacular in the university’s Macky auditorium—one of the better sounding venues I have attended. Just take a look at this gorgeous architecture, including the horn loaded stage.

Two of the more remarkable highlights of the Christmas show: real, traditional Christmas songs + Santa, and surround sound.

Indeed, surround sound. Terri scored for us orchestra seating and midway through the event the balcony pews are filled with choral singers. Voices surround you while the orchestra croons. Amazing.

The finale is Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from his masterpiece The Messiah. Closing my eyes for the sound to wash over me in full 360˚ is Christmas present enough.

Of course I cannot listen to the hifi for some time after an event like this.

IMAGE: Macky Auditorium

For more: http://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/surround-sound/

 

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.

 

Cayman Islands Police Appeal for Public Assistance to Locate Missing Boat

On Saturday morning, 3 December, officers responded to a report of a theft of a boat from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Hotel staff informed officers that just after 8AM that morning they learned that one of the hotel’s boats, a 2011 Zodiac Bayrunner PRO 550, was missing from where it had been anchored the night before, approximately 170 yards from shore on the beach side of the Ritz Carlton property.

The boat is grey in colour, 17.2’ in length, and seats between 7-9 people. Pictures of similar boats (but not the missing boat itself) are attached.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call George Town CID 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.

 

Cayman 27’s Parade of Lights entertains thousands

Last Saturday (3) thousands of people flocked to Camana bay to watch the Annual Caymn27 Parade of Lights. This was the brain child of WestStar TV’s first manager Mike Martin and has grown over its many years that started in Hogsty Bay, George Town before moving to its present home Camana Bay

After the excellent singing from The First Cayman Baptist Choir, who were also there from the very first event, spectators saw thirteen brilliantly decorated boats show off their hard work by sailing around twice. This was followed by a fireworks display.

Unfortunately one of the boats did not show off its full potential of lights due to generator malfunction.

The theme of this year was Christmas stories.

Red Sail Sports with its underwater theme that featured creatures of the deep, such as stingrays and seahorses won the “Big Boat” award, and Beachcomber won the “Small Boat” award, with its theme of a Christmas castaway tropical island.

 

Cayman Islands Information Commissioner threatens to take Premier’s office to court

The Information Commissioner Jan Liebaers is reported as saying he will take the Premier’s office to court for contempt if they do not respond to his order to turn over the Ritch immigration report by Monday (5).

UPDATE: Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin’s  on Monday to issued a certificate of exemption blocking the ICO from viewing the Ritch immigration report. McLaughlin has certified the report as legal advice and it’s not in the public’s interest to disclose the report.

Watch this space.

 

Cayman Poetry Festival

Opening ceremony at Cayman Islands National Gallery Mon 7pm. See attached flyers for all details

 

Savannah United Church Advent Season Events

17 Astral Way

Savannah

• 10 December @6:30pm Cantata: “He shall be Called”

• 11 December @ 10am Cantata: “He Shall be Called” Lighting of the Candle of JOY

• 11 December @ 7:30pm Our Choir will be performing at the Crighton Property

• 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: Agriculture Event – Monday Morning Dec 5th 2016

WHO: Agriculture Minister – Hon. D Kurt Tibbetts

& Senior Officers from Ministry & Dept of Agriculture.

Ansari Hosein – CARDI Representative, Cayman

WHAT: Invitation to CARDI Day 2016 Event

The CARDI Country Office in the Cayman Islands will be celebrating CARDI Day, with the theme “Improving Lives Through Agricultural Research”

Opening is to be followed by poster exhibition showcasing research for development achievements, as well as a tour of field operations.

(This year’s focus on Agriculture has included the Heroes Day Celebrations, and the recent Caribbean Week of Agriculture, hosted by the Cayman Islands).

WHEN: Monday, Dec 5th, 2016 – at 10:00a.m.

WHERE: Department of Agriculture, 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley, Bodden Town.

BACKGROUND: The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure invite you to CARDI Day.

The CARDI Day is an outreach mechanism which affords the public, stakeholders, partners,

collaborators and the private sector across the region the opportunity to learn more about the Institute and the work we are doing.

December 5th is symbolic, as on this day in 1974, Government representatives from across our region signed the Agreement Establishing CARDI.

(GIS)

 

Cayman Islands police Joint Marine Unit advisory to boat owners: Secure Your Vessels

The Joint Marine Unit is urging boat owners to be vigilant in securing their vessels from opportunistic thefts. Aside from locking their vessels, further security measures, such as GPS tracking or systems that can remotely disable boats, should be strongly considered.

“In addition to added security features, one simple tip is to limit the amount of fuel in a vessel,” says Inspector Leo Anglin, Marine Commander, “with only fifty miles worth of fuel a thief cannot get very far. Full fuel tanks, however, can make a boat a more attractive target.”

For further information, or to report any suspicious activity around boats, call the Joint Marine Unit at 649-7710 or George Town Police Station at 949-4222.

 

Cayman Airways adds first B737-800

By Andrea G From The World of Aviation

Cayman Airways has taken delivery of its first B737-800, VP-CNG (MSN 30289).

The aircraft, formerly LN-NOO with Norwegian, has been leased from Air Lease Corporation on a twenty-five month contract.

The move comes as the Caymanian carrier will have to wait for the fourth quarter of 2018 for the delivery of the first of the four B737 MAX 8s it will lease from ALC.

All the four B737 MAXs will be delivered by the third quarter of 2020.

Cayman Airways is using the new jets to replace its existing fleet of four B737-300s which will be gone by 2020.

IMAGE: A Cayman Airways B737-300. Copyright: Caribbean Journal

For more: https://theworldofaviationblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/cayman-airways-adds-first-b737-800/

 

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:

Thursday, 8 December from noon onwards for staff function

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.

 

 

 

WED & THU DEC 7  & 8

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting Basic Grammar and Writing Skills Part 2 on Thursday (8 Dec) from 9am until 430pm at their offices in Governor’s Square.

 

SAT DEC 9

Festival of Praise

First Baptist Church’s Festival of Praise is Saturday (9 Dec) at 7pm.

A Choir & Orchestra Concert

Sat 10th December 7pm The Crescent Camana Bay FREE

Christmas Arts and Craft Bazaar

George Town Bulk Waste Clean Up

Christmas dinner

Junior Achievement Market

Christmas Tea Party

Caribbean Santa Photos

 

SAT DEC 10 & SUN DEC 11

Savannah United Church Cantata

SUN DEC 11

Savannah United Church

11 December @ 7:30pm Our Choir will be performing at the Crighton Property

Festival of Praise

Church of God Full Gospel Hall All Day Meeting

Third Sunday of Advent

 

MON DEC 12

West Bay Bulk Waste Clean Up

Sav-New Senior Citizens Christmas Party

 

TUE DEC 13

Cookie Baking workshop

 

WED DEC 14

Bookends Club

Festival of Praise

 

THU DEC 15

Sister Islands Bulk Waste Clean Up

Traditional Santa photos

Pre-School Concert

 

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

 

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

Miss Jackie’s Christmas Recital

 

THU DEC 22

Traditional Santa photos

 

FRI DEC 23

Immigration Department Closure

NAU Closure

 

SAT DEC 24

Christmas Eve Carols & Midnight Mass

 

SUN DEC 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

Lighting of the Christ Candle

Christmas Day Service

 

MON DEC 26

St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr service

 

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

 

November Events at Camana Bay

Good afternoon,

This month you can look forward to beloved rituals and the start of our holiday events. If you look closely in the Town Centre, you can see light bulbs sprinkled throughout, but they won’t be turned on until Santa comes to flick the magical switch at our annual Tree Lighting ceremony.

There’s a lot more to come…keep your elf ears to the ground for our Holiday Events Press Release coming in a couple of weeks, which will include a full details on how everyone can have the most wonderful time at Camana Bay this holiday season.

Warm regards,
Alyson Hay

Here is a quick look at our special events:

Moonlight & Movies: Christmas Series
Tuesdays; 22 November through 20 December

7pm
Gardenia Court

Holiday Market
Wednesdays; 23 November through 21 December
12-7pm
The Paseo

Traditional Santa Photos
Thursdays; 24 November through 22 December
5-7pm
Gardenia Court

Santa Paws

Saturday 26 November
10am-12pm
Gardenia Court

VAS Craft Market
Saturday 26 November
10am-5pm
The Paseo

Caribbean Santa Photos
Saturdays; 26 November through 17 December
3-5pm
The Island