iNews Briefs & Community Events
Not perfect but Cayman Islands National Pensions Amendment Bill approved
Cayman Islands Minister Tara Rivers admitted the amendments to the National Pensions Bill comprising 51 clauses was not perfect but the best compromise in the circumstances considering the original Bill was 20 years old.
The Amendments were passed in the Legislative Assembly last Wednesday (4) by all members present. There were four members absent.
The biggest changes was the increase of the pensionable age from 60 to 65 and increasing penalties for non-compliance.
No British overseas tax havens confirmed for anti-corruption summit in London*
By Charlie Cooper From Independent UK
Government reportedly struggling to persuade leaders to the summit
David Cameron has not yet persuaded British overseas territories that operate as tax havens to send representatives to his international anti-corruption summit in London this week.
With only days to go before the meeting, Downing Street said it was still “in discussions” with overseas territories and UK crown dependencies about their attendance.
UK overseas territories, including the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands**, were at the centre of the shadowy tax avoidance networks uncovered by the Panama Papers.
The Prime Minister has been already criticised by tax campaigners over the Government’s failure to secure agreements from UK territories requiring them to create public registers of company owners – a move that would bring transparency and allow scrutiny of the kind of shell operations used by tax avoiders, and has been brought in the UK itself.
Thursday’s summit, which was organised before the Panama Papers leaks, will be attended by world leaders including the presidents of Afghanistan, Colombia and Nigeria, and the Prime Minister of Norway, Downing Street said today.
The Government was reported to be struggling to persuade other leaders to attend the summit, and has also faced accusations that key pledges – including an international call for fully public registers of beneficial ownership, had been watered down. The Times reported that successive drafts of the summit communiqué seen by the newspaper had key passages cut from the text, including one supporting the work of the media in exposing tax avoidance.
The discouraging signs will be a disappointment for Mr Cameron, who may have harboured hopes that the summit would showcase his commitment to tackling tax avoidance, following revelations about how he benefitted in the past from an offshore company established by his father in the Bahamas.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Prime Minister said: “Corruption is an enemy of progress and the root of so many of the world’s problems. It destroys jobs and holds back economic growth, traps the poorest in desperate poverty, and undermines our security by pushing people towards extremist groups.
“The battle against corruption will not be won overnight. It will take time, courage and determination to deliver the reforms that are necessary. But we cannot hope to solve the major global challenges we face without tackling the exploitation, fraud and dishonesty at their heart.
“For too long there has been a taboo about tackling this issue head on. The Summit will change that. Together we will push the fight against corruption to the top of the international agenda where it belongs.”
For more on this story go to: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/no-british-overseas-tax-havens-confirmed-for-anti-corruption-summit-in-london-a7018386.html
EDITOR: The inaccuracies in the above story is amazing:
* Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin, Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton and George Town MLA Roy McTaggart are travelling to the U.K. for next week’s Anti-Corruption Summit hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron.
** The Cayman Islands are NOT named in the Panama Papers.
Kaisa Group Holdings Chapter 15 Petition Filed
By Brandy Chetsason From Bankrupt Company News
According to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court docket, Hong Kong, PRC-based Kaisa Group Holdings filed for Chapter 15 protection in Manhattan. The Company is also a debtor in foreign proceedings pending both in Hong Kong (under the Companies Ordinance pending before the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) and the Cayman Islands (Petition for Scheme of Arrangement with the Cayman Islands Grand Court).
The Company explains, “Absent recognition, Kaisa’s ability to administer its assets pursuant to an orderly arrangement may be materially compromised. Among other things, a denial of recognition may permit parties to disrupt the Restructuring….The Restructuring of Kaisa has been a lengthy, but collaborative, process….Kaisa is confident that the requisite majorities of Scheme Creditors will vote in favor of the Hong Kong Scheme and that the Hong Kong Court will find that the Hong Kong Scheme should be sanctioned.”
The Company, which is primarily engaged in largescale property development in the People’s Republic of China, is represented by Mark I. Bane of Ropes & Gray. Read more international bankruptcy news.
For more: http://bankruptcompanynews.com/kaisa-international-bankruptcy-5-6-16/
16-y-o bar robber beaten to death by owner, patrons in Trinidad
By Trinidad Express From St Lucia News Online
TRINIDAD EXPRESS – A 16-YEAR-OLD boy who was allegedly beaten by patrons and the owner of a Claxton Bay bar that was robbed last week has died at hospital.
Curtis Pierre, of Union Village, died in the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH).
Homicide detectives said hospital authorities told them that Pierre had been considered medically brain damaged two days before he died.
According to police, on April 26 Pierre and another man allegedly robbed PJ’s Recreation Club along Mount Pleasant Road.
Police said around 2.40 p.m. two thieves clad in coveralls announced a hold-up at the bar as one of them pointed a firearm.
Chinese national Lui Luo, who operated roulette gaming machines inside the club was hit at the back of his head and was robbed of almost $2,000.
Cuba to host Summit of Association of Caribbean States
From Radio Cadena Agramonte
Havana, Cuba, May 6.- Representatives of all 25 nations making up the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) will hold the 7th Summit of the regional organization June 2-4 at Havana’s Conventions Center.
The announcement, which was posted on the webpage of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, reads that seven associated nations and eight observer organizations, along with guests will also attend the summit.
The forum will adopt a declaration and a plan of action as it will contribute to consolidate the bloc´s renovation process that kicked off in 2013, the announcement explains.
ACS general secretary Alfonso Munera met in Havana with first deputy foreign minister Marcelino Medina last April 13 to address preparations for the summit.
They also considered the preparation of the documents to be considered at the event as well as the performance of the organization and Cuba’s role while chairing its Council of Ministers until 2017.
The founding documents of the ACS were signed July 24, 1994 in Cartagenas de Indias, Colombia, with the aim of promoting consultation, cooperation and joint actions by all Caribbean countries.(acn)
British Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, attended the 9TH UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum in the Bahamas for talks on trade and investment
By: hotfm
British Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, attended the 9th UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum in The Bahamas for talks on trade and investment, security and justice reform and global challenges like climate change. He was accompanied by Minister for the Caribbean, James Duddridge.
Taking place every two years, the Forum is a high-level dialogue on bilateral, regional and international issues between the UK and the Caribbean community.
At the talks, the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Caribbean reaffirmed the special relationship that exists between them. The visit follows on from a series of activities recently carried out by the UK to support the Caribbean, including: supporting a conference in the Caribbean last month with representatives from the OECS on how to harness the economic opportunities presented by the recent influx of sargassum seaweed in the region. providing a £5.6 million package to enable sustainable “blue” (maritime related) growth in Commonwealth Small Island
Developing States, including the Caribbean, during 2016-17.
The British Minister Committed to supporting the Caribbean in facing the global health challenge of Zika virus, by first establishing a project team of UK public health experts to work with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). The visit is part of the Foreign Secretary’s Latin America tour, which has included stops in Colombia and Cuba, and concluded in Mexico.
For more: http://www.caribbeanhotfm.com/?p=8017
Cayman Islands: Conservation Council Meeting 18 May 2016
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday May 18th, 2016, from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room (1038) of the Government Administration Building (Grand Cayman). This meeting is open to observers from the public. The Agenda of the meeting will be available at the DoE website (www.DoE.ky<http://www.DoE.ky>).
Cayman Islands: Child Month Games Night
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is inviting families for an evening of board games at the Book Nook in Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road and at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre in Cayman Brac.
The game night is an annual event on the Child Month calendar and will be held at both locations on Thursday 12 May, 2016 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
The Book Nook offers discount coupons as winning prizes. Dinner is provided by Papa John’s Pizza.
For more information contact the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 and [email protected]
Inspired Lifestyles with Donna – Summer Programmes
See us at the upcoming HR Conference at the Ritz Carlton, May 26th.
Cayman Islands Skateboard Assoc to promote family interaction
On May 16, Discovery Day, Calvary Chapel and Mountain Dew are partnering with the CI Skateboard Association to promote family interaction. It’s during these times that many children become involved in crime or anti-social behavior.
Queen’s New Year Honours 2017
Members of the public have until Friday 6 May 2016 to recommend Royal Honours for persons who have made outstanding contributions to Caymanian society.
Her Excellency the Governor Helen Kilpatrick invites members of the public to put forward names for Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year Honours 2017.
Nominations must include a persuasive account of nominees’ outstanding, innovative, or self-sacrificing achievements, as well as a description of what makes them exceptional. Contributions may be paid or unpaid, in one field or several.
Final recommendations for OBEs and MBEs are considered in the United Kingdom. Recommendations for the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour are considered locally.
Honours nomination forms can be found on the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/honours/overview
Completed nomination forms should be returned, under confidential cover, to the Governor’s Office, at the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue, or to the above email by no later than Friday 6 May 2016. While all recommendations will be acknowledged, the Governor’s Office does not provide details of any actions that it may take on them.
For any further information please contact the Governor’s Office on 244-2434.
End of May Deadline for Seafarers’/Veterans’ Updates
Seafarers, Veterans and their spouses have until 31 May 2016 to provide their current information to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
The Ministry is in the process of updating its health insurance database and has already distributed the relevant forms.
Any seafarer, veteran or spouse who has yet to receive such a document may provide a postal address to the Ministry so that the form can be mailed to them. Once completed, forms may be dropped off or mailed to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, 3rd Floor Government Administration Building, Elgin Avenue, Grand Cayman, PO Box 131, KY1-9000.
This request was initially made in July 2015 and those Seafarers, Veterans and their spouse who have responded to the initial request need not do so again.
Individuals seeking assistance may contact the Ministry at email:
[email protected] or phone: 244-2224.
Failure to respond may result in the discontinuation of health insurance benefits.
Cayman Islands: Call for Hurricane Shelter Volunteers
The Department of Children and Family Services is inviting individuals to sign up as shelter volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season.
The Shelter Operations 2016 Hurricane Training for Shelter Managers & District Representatives Volunteers for this year’s Hurricane Season will be held over two days on Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May at the Prospect Primary School Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Registration begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.
All volunteers MUST complete both days of training.
For more information contact Ernesto Carter at the Department of Children and Family Services on 949-0290 or
email [email protected] (GIS)
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
MON MAY 9
Child Month Talk Today
As part of Child Month, make sure to tune in to Radio Cayman for discussions on Talk Today from 1215 — 1pm on Monday (9 May)
TUE MAY 10
Basic Grammar & Writing Skills Part 2
The Chamber of Commerce presents Basic Grammar & Writing Skills Part 2 by Catherine Tyson on Tuesday (10 May) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
WED MAY 11
Revelations Explained
Expires 15 May
The Countryside Church of God in East End presents: “Revelations Explained”.. Services will be held May 11-15, Wednesday through Saturday at 7:15 p.m, Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Bookends Club
The Bookends Club is meeting on Wednesday (11 May) at 630pm at Books and Books.
THU MAY 12
Legal Bootcamp Series: Immigration: Caymanian Status & Naturalisation
The Chamber of Commerce presents its Legal Bootcamp Series: Immigration: Caymanian Status & Naturalisation by Nick Joseph on Thursday (12 May) from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
FREE SME Workshop: Tips for Developing and Running a Website
The Chamber of Commerce presents a FREE SME Workshop: Tips for Developing and Running a Website by Rasheed Girvan of Jamaica Yellow Pages on Thursday (12 May) from 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Child Month Boards Games Evening
As part of Child Month, you’re invited to a Boards Games Evening at the Book Nook and the Aston Rutty Civil Center in Cayman Brac on Thursday (12 May) from 6 — 8pm
FRI MAY 13
All Nations United Pentecostal Church Week of Service
The All Nations United Pentecostal Church is hosting one week of services on Sunday (8 May) at 11am and 7pm as well as Monday — Friday (9 — 13 May) at 730pm nightly.
Be Informed ESO Business Survey Workshop
The Chamber of Commerce presents a free BE INFORMED ESO Business Survey Workshop on Friday (13 May) from 9:30 am — 11:30 am at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
SAT MAY 14
Tiny Tots Open house
Tiny Tots is having its Annual Open house on Saturday (14 May) from 10am until 2pm. The theme for the event is “A Day on the Farm” and activities will include face painting, rides on the horses, games and other craft activities. Food & refreshments will also be available.
Cayman Invitational
The Cayman Invitational is Saturday (14 May) at 4pm at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.
Flow 800M Sea Swim
The Flow 800M Sea Swim is Saturday (14 May) at Governor’s Beach. Log on to caymanactive.com to register.
Child Month Little Cayman Family Fun Day
As part of Child Month, you’re invited to a Family Fun Day at Blossom Village Park in Little Cayman from 10am until 4pm on Saturday (14 May)
SUN MAY 15
Way of the Cross Gospel Series
The Creek Seventh-day Adventist church on Cayman Brac invites you to the “Way of the Cross Gospel Series” which runs May 15th to June 4th. Services are held at 7:15 nightly and at 9:15am on Sabbaths.
DEW Cycling Classics Circuit Race 1
The DEW Cycling Classics Circuit Race 1 is Sunday (15 May) at 7am. This week’s circuit will be road race at Batabano. Log on to caymanactive.com to register.
Child Month Little Cayman Church Service
As part of Child Month, you’re invited to a Church Service and Lunch at the Little Cayman Baptist Church from 11am until 2pm on Sunday (15 May)
2nd Annual Pines 5K Walk/Run
The 2nd Annual Pines 5K Walk/Run is Sunday (15 May) with walkers starting at 630am and Runners at 7 at the Holiday-Inn. Registration is $15 and you can register online at caymanactive.com.
MON MAY 16
Ignite Youth Congress
The All Nations UPC Youth Department presents Ignite Youth Congress on Monday (16 May) from 9am until 4pm
Discovery Day Jam family Fun Day
You’re invited to a Discovery Day Jam family Fun Day on Monday (16 May) at the Black Pearl Skate Park at Grand Harbor from 3 — 7pm.
9th Annual Discovery Day 5K
The 9th Annual Discovery Day 5K is Monday (16 May) at 630pm at Nexus Way.
Family Fun Day
The George Town Adventist Church Community Services Department presents Family Fun Day –touching lives through Christian Services. It’s a Big Fish Fry Fundraiser in aid of the Children Back to School Assistance Fund on Discovery Day (16 May) from 9 am until 3pm at the George Town SDA Church Parking lot.
TUE MAY 17
Superior Business Writing
The Chamber of Commerce presents Superior Business Writing by Catherine Tyson on Tuesday (17 May) from 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. at their office in Governors Square. Register online at www.caymanchamber.ky
Child Month Child Protection Presentation
As part of Child Month, there will be a child protection presentation for preschool owners at the South Sound Community Center at 630pm on Tuesday (17 May)
WED MAY 18
Sunrise Spring Concert
The Sunrise Adult Training Centre invites the public to its annual Spring Concert at the Harquail Theatre on Wednesday (18 May) at 7pm. Come and experience the Sunrise Centre’s version of the Broadway musical Mamma Mia!
Cayman Islands: Conservation Council Meeting 18 May 2016
The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday May 18th, 2016, from 2pm to 5pm in the ground floor meeting room (1038) of the Government Administration Building (Grand Cayman). This meeting is open to observers from the public. The Agenda of the meeting will be available at the DoE website (www.DoE.ky<http://www.DoE.ky>).
Floetry
Floetry is Wednesday (18 May) at 630pm at Books & Books.
THU MAY 19
Child Month Snuggle and Read
As part of Child Month, you’re invited to Snuggle and Read at Cayman Academy from 6 — 8pm on Thursday (19 May)
FRI MAY 20
SharKY poster competition
The Department of Environment and Marine Conservation International invite primary and high school students to participate in our SharKY poster competition as part of the SharKY Fest to help raise awareness about Cayman’s sharks and the shark conservation law. To enter, students should create a poster on the importance of sharks to our coasts and reefs. Submit posters by mail or in person to Dept. of Environment by 4PM on Friday (20 May.) Log on to doe.ky for more information.
SAT MAY 21
Gospel Explosion
Eastern Apostolic Church presents Gospel Explosion on Saturday (21 May) at 7pm at Mary Miller Hall. Food will be on sale.
Rotaract Blue Fred Speirs VG 5K
The Rotaract Blue Fred Speirs VG 5K is Saturday (21 May). Log on to caymanactive.com to register.
Rugby Big Game 6: Cayman Vs. Bahamas
You’re invited to watch Rugby Big Game 6: Cayman Vs. Bahamas on Saturday (21 May). Log on to caymanrubgy.com for more.
Child Month Prayer Breakfast and Brac Family Day
As part of Child Month, you’re invited to a Circle of Love Prayer Breakfast at the Mariott Hotel on Saturday (21 May) from 830am. This will be followed by a Family Fun Day at South Side public beach in Cayman Brac from 10am until 2.
SUN MAY 22
Marriage and Family Enrichment Series
The West Bay Church of Christ presents its annual Marriage and Family Enrichment Series under the theme Fireproof my Marriage. The event is Sunday — Friday (22 — 27 May) at 10am, 11am and 7pm on Sunday and weekdays at 7 o’clock.
DEW Cycling Classics 19/38 and 57 Mile Road Race
The DEW Cycling Classics 19/38 and 57 Mile Road Race is Sunday (22 May) at 7am at Clifton Hunter. Log on to caymanactive.com to register.
Sneakers and Tiaras 5K Fun Run
The Sneakers and Tiaras 5K Fun Run is Sunday (22 May) at 6am at Holiday Inn. Log on to caymanactive.com to register.
May Events at Camana Bay
This is the month to celebrate Mom and we have a number of festivities, including a family portrait session, Mom & Me cooking classes, brunches and Mats & Mimosas – a free morning class that encourages moms and children to stay well together through a relaxing and invigorating yoga session. Runners and walkers, get your gear ready for the 9th Annual Discovery Day 5K on Monday, 16 April. Budding chefs can also get ready to celebrate Food Revolution Day on Saturday, 21 May with a special cooking class.
Wednesday 11 May
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
9th Annual Discovery Day 5K
Monday 16 May
6:30am
Nexus Way
Floetry
Wednesday 18 May
6:30-7:30pm
Books & Books
Food Revolution Day Kids’ Cooking Class
Saturday 21 May
12-1pm
Gardenia Court
Easy Entertaining Cooking Class
Tuesday 24 May
6-8pm
Cuisine of the Sun Dinner
Thursday 26 May
7pm
Ortanique
Vegan Essentials Cooking Class
Tuesday 31 May
6-8pm
