Miss Teen Cayman  – Sat (26) Night!

Six beautiful and talented young ladies will vie for the Miss Teen Cayman Islands title tomorrow evening (Sat. 6 Aug, 2017 – at 7pm) at the Lions Centre.

Some contestants and Lions Club members sold tickets to civil servants at the Government Administration Building today.

Pictured from left: Lions President Ian Yearwood, Miss Layah Ebanks, Miss Arleny Connor, and at right, Lion Monique Burton – a member of the Miss Teen Cayman Islands organizing committee.

Cayman Drama Society: Come see me roar!!!

By Juliet.Garricks

…or whimper slightly…

Three totally different pieces – two for Scene Stealers, which literally is 9 of us doing two scenes each (in one I am a complete b*t@h, and in the other I smile a lot); and Sistahs, a full length play (drama) about friends, family and relationships (and sex) – “you will laugh til you cry” (bring tissues J… )

Hugs

Juliet

WASH.US: Couple kidnapped, held hostage, and robbed

By Marie Schurk From KIMA TV

Couple kidnapped, held hostage, and robbed

YAKIMA, Wash. – Police are searching for two involved in the kidnapping of a couple.

Surveillance from the Casino Caribbean picked up three holding the couple at gunpoint Tuesday on a street located behind the casino, and forcing them into the backseat of the victims’ car.

Police said at one point the criminals stopped, tied up the couple and assaulted them before driving to the couples’ home.

The three stole things from the couples’ home and then fled the scene in their car before leaving it empty at the casino parking lot, according to reports.

Reports said the couple suffered minor injuries.

Yakima police arrested a man and have identified a second suspect.

Police are searching for a third, unidentified suspect.

For more: http://kimatv.com/news/local/couple-kidnapped-held-hostage-and-robbed

Cayman Islands MLAs begin with morning devotional service

Members of the Legislative Assembly began their work at the start of the first meeting of the 2017-2018 session of the House with a morning devotional service at the LA this morning (Wednesday, 23 August 2017).

Under the theme “Your Work Matters – Finding Purpose in the Workplace” taken from Colossians 3-23-24, the programme began with a welcome by the Speaker, the Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, an opening prayer by the LA studio in-charge Mr. Locksley Gould and Scripture Reading by Serjeant-at-Arms, Pastor Kim Evans.

The programme also included hymns, a closing prayer by Pastor Evans and a benediction, which was also attended by the LA Office staff.

Belize-National Evangelic Asso. Against Marijuana Legalization

Belmopan, Aug 21 (Prensa Latina)The National Evangelic Association of Belize (NEAB) criticized today the draft bill project of the Belizean government to decriminalize the possession of cannabis or marijuana.

The fact occurred 72 hours after the Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow would send the Committee on Health and Human Development, the currently criticized draft.

In the case of being passed the document, this country would allow to consume or possess marijuana in quantities which not exceed 10 grams or less than a half of an ounce. Similar experiments to decriminalize marijuana in the US failed, remembered the leader of NEAB, Louis Wade.

NEAB’s opinion is argued on the Drug Control Council that a couple of years ago they were against the idea because structures to control the measure were not in place in the country yet.

Barrow recognizes that the document given to the legislative is controversial but he trusts that it will be passed in spite of churches’ opposition, according to the website Caribbean News Service.

For more: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=17155&SEO=belize-national-evangelic-asso.-against-marijuana-legalization

1st Sitting of 1st Meeting of Cayman Islands LA 2017/2018 Session begins Wed 23

The House will commence tomorrow (Wednesday, 23 August 2017 at 10:00am).

This is the first sitting of the first meeting of the 2017/2018 session of the Legislative Assembly.

The Premier will deliver Government’s Strategy Policy Statement (SPS).

Bahamas PM opens Caribbean Broadcasters Union meetings

By Deandrea Hamilton From Magnetic Media

Bahamas, August 22, 2017 – Nassau – Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis last night opened the 48th General Assembly of the Caribbean Broadcasters Union begin staged in Nassau. A main focus of the three day, annually held sessions will be digital developments in broadcasting.

The CBU meetings and exhibitions are set at the British Colonial Hilton and an awards gala will happen at the Atlantis Resort.

For more: http://magneticmediatv.com/2017/08/bahamas-pm-opens-caribbean-broadcasters-union-meetings/

Statement on Cayman Islands Government Network Outage

The Cayman Islands Government experienced a network outage due to CIG’s fibre line being cut during excavation work by CUC on Sunday, 20 August 2017.

The Computer Services Department has been working diligently with various partners to restore all services.

Internet and email were restored for most users just after 9:00AM today (Monday, 21 August 2017). All other services, including applications, were restored just after 12:00PM today.

Successful Joint Operation with Cayman Islands immigration, customs and police officers

From RCIPS

On Friday, 21 August 2017 a successful joint tactical operation was initiated by immigration, customs and police officers resulting in a drug bust and an arrest.

In the early afternoon officers with the Immigration Enforcement Division discovered that illegal persons were residing and concealing drugs in the Windsor Park area.

Immigration officers then contacted Her Majesty’s Customs and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Drugs and Serious Crime Task Force and Tactical Firearms Unit to assist in the planned operation. Within two hours the joint operation was developed and conducted by all three agencies.

Search warrants were executed during the joint operation, which led to the recovery of several packages of marijuana concealed in various locations and the arrest of one male Jamaican national on suspicion of illegal landing and possession of marijuana.

Leaders with the Department of Immigration commend HM Customs and RCIPS Officers on their rapid response time and their professionalism throughout the evening.

“I would like to thank the HM Customs and RCIPS Officers for their commitment to this operation, which ultimately has made the community safer both through the removal of these drugs and the arrest of the individual,” Deputy Chief Immigration Officer of Enforcement, Mr. Garfield Wong said. “It is important that Cayman Islands law enforcement agencies continue to work together and share intelligence to disrupt and dismantle crime.”

Anyone with information about immigration related offences are urged to contact the confidential information hotline at 1-800-LegalIm (1-800-534-2546), or email [email protected].

CAYMAN ISLANDS: Savannah After School Enrichment Programme (SASEP)

The Savannah After School Enrichment Programme (SASEP) is an outreach mission of the Savannah United Church designed to engage children from the Primary school level in wholesome after school activities. The programme is delivered by caring, qualified and experienced teachers who provide attractive and meaningful learning experiences. The programme attracts primary students from Savannah, Prospect and Bodden Town areas mainly.

SASEP provides an all-round programme having educational, physical and spiritual components.

These includes Home Work, Literacy, Numeracy, Computer, Art & Craft, Music, Drama, Games, Cultural Activities, e.g. cooking & dancing, Devotions and quiet time. Each year the students participate in concerts and outings.

The programme runs from 3:00 pm until 5:30 pm according to the Government’s school calendar. Students are supervised by responsible adults until 6:00 pm, by which time all students should be picked up.

Registration for new students starts Thursday August 24th, 4:30 – 6 pm and continues on Fridays and Mondays while space is available. After School classes begin on Monday August 28th.

For more information please call 925-6078 or 947-6071, or email [email protected]

SASEP! A fabulous experience your children don’t want to miss.

Great American Eclipse – Live from Oasis of the Seas

From Royal Caribbean

Hi ieyenews

Good morning, we’re onboard Oasis of the Seas sailing towards the path of totality and getting ready for the Great American Eclipse viewing party! We have an exciting new video for you this morning, “Steering Toward Totality – Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist & Captain Align for the Great American Eclipse.” Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet and Oasis of the Seas Captain Per Kristoffersen collaborate to navigate toward the path of totality for the Great American Eclipse – a celestial phenomenon 99 years in the making.

View Video Here: https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/929/steering-toward-totality-ndash-royal-caribbeans-chief-meteorologist-captain-align-for-the-great-american-eclipse/

Bermuda: Island passes crucial Global Forum test

From The Royal Gazette

Welcomed rating: Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt

Bermuda has passed a crucial test in winning international approval of its tax information exchange practices with other jurisdictions.

The island was rated by The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes as “largely compliant” — maintaining the level of compliance it achieved during a previous assessment in 2013.

The enhanced assessment focused on “the availability of and access by tax authorities to beneficial ownership information of all legal entities and arrangements”, according to the Global Forum website.

Bermuda’s largely compliant status was also achieved by Canada, Australia, Cayman Islands, Germany and Qatar, while three jurisdictions — Ireland, Mauritius and Norway — were “compliant”.

David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, praised the work of government officials in achieving the standard.

“This is tremendous news and excellent for Bermuda,” Mr Burt said. “My thanks to all involved in securing this important outcome.

“This result is a testament to the hard work of the team in the Ministry of Finance.

“With an impending European Union blacklist on the horizon, this was one of the important tests that Bermuda had to pass.

“It is good news for local industry, boosting confidence in Bermuda as an international business centre. A bad rating would have most certainly guaranteed Bermuda to be blacklisted by the EU, and it is through Bermuda’s commitment to compliance that we can avoid such a result.”

The new round of peer reviews — launched in mid-2016 — followed a six-year process during which the Global Forum assessed the legal and regulatory framework for information exchange (Phase 1) as well as the actual practices and procedures (Phase 2) in 119 jurisdictions worldwide.

The Global Forum is the continuation of a forum which was created in the early 2000s in the context of the OECD’s work to address the risks to tax compliance posed by non-co-operative jurisdictions.

The original members of the Global Forum consisted of OECD countries and jurisdictions that had agreed to implement transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes. The Global Forum was restructured in September 2009 in response to the G20 call to strengthen implementation of these standards.

IMAGE: Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt

For more: http://www.royalgazette.com/business/article/20170821/island-passes-crucial-global-forum-test

CAYMAN ISLANDS: Former President of UCCI jailed for 8 years

Hassan Syed, the former president of the University College of the Cayman Islands was sentenced to eight years behind bars last Friday (18) for defrauding the college of more than CI $700,000.

Cayman Islands Elections Office Open Monday to Friday

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

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

Caribbean Netball Championships to resume

From CVTVTT

Good news for the region and Trinidad and Tobago in particular, as the Caribbean Netball Championships are back on.

The Championships were postponed indefinitely last week, leaving a country like T&T without any chance of improving on their international rankings.

For more and video: http://ctvtt.com/ctv/index.php/c-news/sports/item/50712-caribbean-netball-championships-to-resume

Port Tampa Bay announces 5 additional cruises to Havana in 2018

From WFLA

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Carnival Cruise Line has added five more voyages from Port Tampa Bay to Havana, Cuba in 2018.

The voyages include three, five-day cruises to Havana and Cozumel or Key West..

The cruises will depart February 17, July 2 and September 5.

A six-day sailing featuring Havana and Grand Cayman will depart August 26.

An eight-day voyage with stops in Havana, Grand Cayman and Cozumel will depart Aug. 18.

Carnival announced a series of four and five-day cruises to Havana earlier this year.

The visits to Havana comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury that permit travel operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control.

For more: http://wfla.com/2017/08/17/port-tampa-bay-announces-5-additional-cruises-to-havana-in-2018/

Jamaica: Ten injured in lightning strike at Mystic Mountain attraction

From Jamaica Gleaner

Six of the injured were tour guides and four were tourists.

Ten persons are now being treated at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital after they were stuck by lightning at the Mystic Mountain tourist attraction in St Ann on Friday afternoon.

Managing Director of the attraction, Mike Drakulich, says the incident happened about 4:30 p.m.

Six of the injured were tour guides and four were tourists.

According to Drakulich, the affected persons were on a zip line tour when the lightning stuck.

For more: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170818/ten-injured-lightning-strike-mystic-mountain-attraction

Cayman Islands: Runner Assaulted in Barkers, West Bay, 18 August

From RCIPS

ust after 6:30AM, this morning 18 August, the police responded to a call issued by the 9-1-1 Communication Centre of a woman who has been attacked and assaulted in the area of the Barkers National Park, a mangrove trail, commonly known as the dikes.

The woman, who was running in the area, was attacked from behind by a man that was wearing a blue t-shirt on his face and beige coloured shorts. The man was described him as being about 5ft 6in tall, of brown complexion and possibly in his 20’s. The man ran away from the scene of the incident, into the dikes where he disappeared. The victim received some minor scratches, but did not require medical attention.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter and have issued this release in order to ensure that the public is aware of this incident and they are asking that persons, especially women, take extra precautions to ensure their personal safety, such as:

– Select areas that are well lit and areas that are not too overgrown to walk or run, as well as walking routes that are popular to other walkers and runners.
– Do not walk alone, especially in the early morning and late evenings when it’s still dark.
– Have a cell phone with you when you are out so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
– Be vigilant when walking and running and ensure that you can hear and see what is happening around you.
– Let someone know where you’re going and an estimate time of how long you will be gone.
– If you feel like you are being followed, change your path and stay in lit areas, call 9-1-1 if it persists.

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

2018 Cayman Islands National Heroes Day date corrected

From GIS

Please note that 2018 National Heroes Day will be held on Monday, 22 January 2018 and not Monday, 29 2018 as previously indicated.

Medical Products Recalled in Cayman Islands

As a precautionary measure, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has issued a worldwide recall of all liquid products under the brand names Major®, Rugby® and Leader®, due to possible bacterial contamination of these products.

If you are in possession of any of these liquid products from any of these brands obtained from any facility, including hospitals and pharmacies in the Cayman Islands, please stop using them immediately.

Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez encourages all patients who may have obtained any of these products to contact their physician or local pharmacy for more information.

A list of all affected products and their batch numbers can be viewed on the FDA’s website at https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm571001.htm

Cayman Islands School Orientation 2017 Date Clarification

Recently, the Department of Education released the orientation schedule for 2017-2018 School year. There has been a request for clarification of which high school students are expected to attend the various dates in the schedule.

The orientation/induction time and who is to be present is dependent on the high school the student will attend.

If the student will be attending Clifton Hunter High school (CHHS):

23 August: Only newly registered students in Years 7 through 11 are to attend from 9:00am-12:00 pm. Please Note: CHHS orientation does not include Year 7 students that are transitioning from their primary school.

If the student will be attending John Gray High School (JGHS):

23 August: Induction for all Year 7 students and orientation for all newly registered students in Years 8-11 is from 8:00am-1:30 pm.

A reminder for all high school students:

24 August: All students in Year 7 & Year 11 are to attend from 8:00am-2:50 pm.

25 August: School resumes for all high school students at 8:00 am.

Please do not hesitate to contact Department of Education Services at 945-1199 for more information.

Gamebird Season Reminder for Cayman Islands

The Department of Environment reminds hunters that the open season for blue-winged teal opens in September (three bird bag & possession limit) and for white-winged doves the season opens in October (12 bird bag and possession limit).

Miami (Friday, August 11, 2017) – The Scotiabank CONCACAF League, the newest addition to the club competitions platform of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), reached the quarterfinal stage Thursday evening as initial Round of 16 matchups concluded across the region. Home-and-away quarterfinal matches begin next week, with the field set to be reduced to four semifinalists by the end of August.

Starring top veterans and emerging talent from Central America and the Caribbean, the Scotiabank CONCACAF League has roused the passions of fans across the region over the last two weeks as 16 clubs began the quest for an international club competition title in front of their home crowds, in quickfire knockout round format.

Following thrilling action across eight CONCACAF nations in the span of just ten days, the field is down to eight for next week’s quarterfinals. The remaining clubs include three from Panama, two from El Salvador, and one each from Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua, all set to resume do-or-die knockout round action next Tuesday, August 15.

Scotiabank CONCACAF League 2017 Quarterfinal Schedule
*ET (local time) & home team listed first

Return Legs
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
22:00 ET (20:00) AD Santos de Guapiles (CRC) vs.  Chorrillo FC (PAN)

Wednesday, August 23, 2017
22:00 ET (21:00) Deportivo Arabe Unido (PAN) vs. CD Aguila (SLV)

Thursday, August 24, 2017
20:00 ET (19:00)  CD Plaza Amador (PAN)  vs.  CD Walter Ferretti (NCA)
22:00 ET (20:00) LD Alajuelense (CRC) v CD Olimpia (HON) vs. Alianza FC (SLV)

Click here to see the bracket.

Semifinal playoffs among the quarterfinal winners are scheduled for September. The championship home-and-away final of the Scotiabank CONCACAF League is scheduled for October.

In addition to raising the inaugural SCL trophy, the tournament champion earns a ticket to join 15 additional club qualifiers from across the region – including Canada, Mexico and the United States, in the revamped Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

The 2018 edition of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League kicks off in February of next year, featuring the winner of the 2017 Scotiabank CONCACAF League and 15 more of the best clubs from the entire CONCACAF region, including the Caribbean and Central America, plus Mexico, the United States and Canada. The champion of that competition will represent the region in the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup.

2017 Orientation Dates for Cayman Islands Government Schools

Cayman Drama Society presents SISTAHS

SISTAHS TICKETS NOW ON SALE

You’ll laugh until you cry!

Cayman Drama Society is excited to announce that tickets to “Sistahs” (written by maxine bailey and Sharon M Lewis) go on sale today. This is a heart-warming, funny, and moving play about Caribbean family, history, friendship and relationships.

Directed by Paul and produced by Fay Anne de Freitas, this show is a new approach to the very successful Toronto production.

Performances are at the Prospect Playhouse on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7th September to 23rd September, doors open at 6.30pm with Curtain at 7.30pm.

Tickets for all performances are CI$25 for Adults and CI$15 for Students/Children. *This show has a PG-13 rating*

Go to http://www.cds.ky to book your tickets on their new website.

Cayman Islands: Garbage fees reminder

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is urging business operators, owners and strata to pay their outstanding garbage fees and to ensure their properties meet DEH’s standards.

Businesses or properties (including plazas and strata with a central waste-management container) with accounts still in arrears, or that do not otherwise meet the DEH’s requirements, will not be recommended by the DEH for approval to either the Trades and Businesses Licensing Board, the Hotels Licensing Board, or the Liquor Licensing Board, during the upcoming scheduled board meetings, unless all fees and other DEH requirements are in compliance.

All other non-licensing properties/strata with outstanding garbage fees should also promptly settle these arrears to avoid disruption of waste collection services and the implementation of other actions.

Payments can be made at any of the local post offices or at the DEH’s main office at 580 North Sound Road from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. In the Sister Islands, payments can only be made at the District Administration office.

To query account balances, please contact DEH on 949-6696 or by email at[email protected]

Domestic Violence Intervention Workshop on Brac Next Month
The Family Resource Centre (FRC), in continuing its outreach to the Sister Islands, can confirm that next month’s three-day domestic violence intervention workshop will take place at the Brac Reef hotel.
The free training will take place in the hotel’s conference room on 29 to 31 August, from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The workshop is for front line professionals who interface with domestic violence victims and their families.
For further information and to register contact the FRC at 949-0006 or email [email protected] to register.
(GIS)

Cayman Islands FATCA and CRS reporting deadline extended
The Cayman Islands have announced a final extension of the 2017 deadline for US FATCA and Common Reporting Standard (CRS) reporting to 31 August 2017.
Contact Hatice Ismail, Martin Shah From Simmons & Simmons
The Cayman Islands Ministry of Financial Services and Home Affairs has announced a further and final extension to the deadline for reporting under US FATCA and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) in relation to the calendar year 2016. All such reports must be made via the Cayman Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Portal by 4pm on 31 August 2017 (extended from the previous deadline of 31 July 2017).
The announcement stresses that this is a “final extension and no further extensions will be given”. As a result Cayman Financial Institutions (FIs) with reporting obligations should now consider submitting their reports as soon as possible. All reporting Cayman FIs must submit a report, even if they have no reportable accounts. Failure to comply with the Cayman reporting obligations is an offence under Cayman law and may result in a fine of up to KYD50,000.
The deadline for Cayman Financial Institutions (FIs) to register and notify their status to the Cayman Islands Tax Information Authority (Cayman TIA) via the Cayman AEOI Portal remains 31 July 2017. For further details, see “Cayman Islands extends CRS and FATCA registration dates”.
For more: http://www.simmons-simmons.com/en/legal-topics/tax/240717-cayman-islands-fatca-and-crs-reporting-deadline

Cayman Islands Water Authority to install new pipeline in Bodden Town

From Water Authority – Cayman

Water Authority – Cayman began installing a new pipeline along Condor Road in Bodden Town last Thursday (20) and the work is expected to continue for six weeks. The anticipated end date is Friday, Sept. 1.

The new pipeline is essential to improve the operational flexibility of the water distribution system.

The project will affect the portion of Condor Road between the intersection with Shamrock Road and the intersection with Anton Bodden Drive.

Pipe-laying works will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and trenches will be backfilled at the end of each working day for safety purposes.

Traffic signs will be erected at the work site, and drivers are urged to exercise caution in the area.

Affected customers of any water service interruptions will be notified three working days in advance of the planned service interruption, via hand-delivered notices.

The Water Authority apologises for any inconvenience.

Hello Fellow Writers,

We are resurrecting Cayman Writers’ Circle! You are invited to attend every Monday from 6.30-8.00pm.

To make it accessible to everyone, we will meet at alternating locations – 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at St Alban’s Church Hall, 461 Shedden Road, in George Town, and 2nd and 4th Mondays at Sea Orchard Retreat in West Bay.

Bring your ideas and your friends! Please pass this on to everyone you know. Cayman Writers’ Circle Facilitators