iNews Briefs & Community Events
ST. K-N: ZIZ TV Air Times for Prime Minister Harris’ Christmas Day Message
on Wednesday, December 25th, 2019 – and message in full
12:01am
6:30am (after Christmas Messages by Her Majesty the Queen and His Excellency the Governor-General)
7:15am
10:00am
3:15pm
8:45pm
10:00pm
ZIZ Radio Air Times for Prime Minister Harris’
2019 Christmas Day Message:
12:05am
7:15am
10:00am
12:30pm
4:00pm
8:00pm
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE BY
DR. THE HONOURABLE TIMOTHY HARRIS
PRIME MINISTER OF ST. KITTS & NEVIS
DECEMBER 2019
My Fellow Citizens and Residents,
This Christmas let us reflect on what joys can be achieved when we welcome into our lives the peace that the birth of Jesus Christ brought to the world.
As we go about our busy lives, too often we get distracted, caught up in events and our daily tasks. Christmas allows us to take a step back and find peace with our friends, our families and within ourselves.
The importance of God’s peace in our lives is central to the Christmas story. Angels heralded the birth of our Lord to the frightened shepherds with the words “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
This Christmas let us commit ourselves to finding the Lord’s peace in our own lives.
For when we are at peace, with ourselves and with each other, we become more aware of the community around us. We are more attuned to the relationships we have, and we free ourselves to actively pursue our hopes and dreams for a better life.
Indeed, our lives have been shaped by the dreams and aspirations that our forebears had for our future and those we have for ourselves.
Christmas is an ideal time for us to reflect on the importance of having a strong and peaceful family life and passing along the benefit of our experience and wisdom to those who will carry on our legacy and our good name.
This Christmas let’s examine our lives and our choices to determine if they are in sync with the future we want for our nation’s children.
Are we teaching them – and demonstrating through our words and actions – the values and standards of behaviour that ensure the stability and posterity of the family and society? Values such as caring, citizenship, discipline, faith,family, honesty, industry, responsibility, and service are indeed important.
Are we preparing them to successfully carry out their life’s mission?
The nativity story teaches us that a child’s future success begins with a simple dream. Importantly, our positive influence and involvement in that child’s life can make the difference between success and failure in fulfilling the dream.
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” Those of the words of Langston Hughes writing in his poem, Dreams.
This is why my Team Unity administration is committed to implementing policies designed to give young people and families opportunities to take flight and rise above their circumstances.
We have done this in Housing and with our Small Business Developmentinitiatives like our successful Fresh Start Programme and our Small Business Development Centre managed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
It is not by chance that data provided by the Ministry of Finance indicate that over 600 applications were approved for business licenses as at the end of October 2019. This is the largest number of approvals ever for a single year!
Our supportive policies cut across several ministries, and their demonstrable successes were highlighted during the presentation of our 2020 Budget titled “Let’s Keep Building a Stronger and Safer Future for St. Kitts and Nevis.”
My administration’s Poverty Alleviation Programme is strengthening the financial position of over 4,000 households. They received a total payout of about $22 million for the first 11 months of 2019.
Beneficiaries appreciate this constructive support by my government. I have been moved by stories recounted. I am advised for example that the $500 stipend paid to these low-income families each month helps them to buy food for their children, pay rent and cover other necessities such as transportation costs to and from work. This month, these families can celebrate Christmas with greater dignity and with more food on the table and presents perhaps under the tree for their children.
For the fourth consecutive year my administration has paid an extra month’s salary to civil servants and employees of public entities in both St. Kitts and Nevis.
The double salary provides a comfortable financial cushion for them to do more during the hectic season and purchase Christmas gifts for their families, friends and well-wishers. The tradition of giving is an important part of our Christmas celebrations.
Again, I quote the poet Langston Hughes who asked in another of his poems titled Harlem, “What happens to a dream deferred?” He continued: “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? …Or does it explode?”
For far too long too many of our young men’s dreams had been deferred as a result of juvenile delinquency, gang activity and underemployment, and too many lives had also been cut short by gun violence. The senseless killings happened too frequently and for too long in the absence of a well thought out, holistic plan to contain and curb it.
I am happy to report that major crimes in the Federation have fallen significantly for the year so far when compared to the comparative period in 2018. Indeed, most importantly, homicides have fallen most dramatically by 48%.
With the help of a group of concerned citizens and residents working in collaboration with our security forces and other entities , many of our at-risk young men have now developed their ideas into viable business plans and received seed funding for projects that run the gamut from agriculture to landscaping, nature tours, car rentals and other legitimate entrepreneurial activities.
Helping at-risk youth is high on our list of priorities, and our efforts have helped us to build safer streets and communities.
What’s more, these once marginalized men and their families have found God’s peace in their hearts and minds. The peace initiative gave them a sense of hope that they too can dream about building a brighter future.
To God be the Glory! We, as a people and nation, have a lot to be thankful about. Our economic drivers such as tourism, construction, our CBI Programme and manufacturing are all doing relatively well. Our fiscal house is the best in the region!
I am aware that we are celebrating both Christmas and Carnival seasons. I invite all of us to give our unwavering support to the security forces and other essential workers as they work tirelessly throughout the season to ensure that we have a safe and peaceful time.
As Prime Minister of our beloved Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful Christmas and Carnival season. May it be everything you’ve dreamed of and even more!
God Bless You All and God Bless our beautiful Country of St. Kitts and Nevis!
DVDL opening hours – Crewe Road, West Bay & Breakers Locations
DVDL – Office Hours to 2020
The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) wishes to remind the public of its upcoming opening hours:
Crewe Road Location
- Tuesday, 24 December – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Offices closed at 12:30 p.m. for Christmas Eve
- Tuesday, 31 December – 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. Offices closed at 12:30 p.m. for New Year’s Eve
Breakers and West Bay Locations
- Tuesday, 24 December – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Offices closed at 12:30 p.m. for Christmas Eve
- Tuesday, 31 December – 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. Offices closed at 12:30 p.m. for New Year’s Eve
All DVDL offices will be closed for Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day
Customers are reminded that they can renew their vehicle licence online via DVDL’s website at www.dvdl.gov.kyor through the e-services portal www.eservices.gov.ky.
Customs & Border Control Holiday Hours
WORC Holiday Hours 2019
WORC is announcing its holiday working hours, as well as dates for the remaining board meetings for this year.
WORC at Apollo House West on Mary Street will close to the public at 11:30 am Tuesday, 24 December and will reopen at 9:00 am on Friday, 27 December.
On Monday, 30 December normal hours will resume but will close again to the public at 11:30 am on Tuesday, 31 December and resume at 9:00 am on Thursday, 2 January 2020.
WORC Boards Meeting Dates:
The Work Permit Board (WPB) will have its last meeting for the year on Wednesday, 18th December 2019 and will resume meetings on Wednesday, 8th January 2020.
Cayman Status and Permanent Residency Board (CSPR) will have its last meeting for the year on Thursday, December 12th, 2019 and will resume on Thursday, January 16th, 2020.
Business Staffing Plan Board (BSPB) will have its last meeting for the year on Wednesday, 18th December 2019 and resume meetings on Wednesday, 8th January 2020.
DCI – Office Closures and Board Meeting Dates to 2020
The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) wishes to advise the public of its upcoming office opening hours and board meeting dates in Grand Cayman:
Office Closures:
Friday, 13 December – Offices closed at noon for staff function
Monday, 16 December – Office closed at 3:00pm for a staff function
Thursday, 19 December – Offices closed for Referendum Day
Tuesday, 24 December – Offices closed at noon for Christmas Eve
Tuesday, 31 December – Offices closed at noon for New Year’s Eve
Offices will be closed for Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day
Board Meeting Dates:
Liquor Licensing Board, Monday, 9 December. Next quarterly meeting will be in March 2020.
Trade and Business Licensing Board, last meeting date Tuesday, 10 December. Board reopens 15 January 2020.
Please visit www.dci.gov.ky or email [email protected] for trade and business and other licensing information.
Cayman Islands Public Holidays 2020
All public holidays for 2020, with the exception of the Queen’s Birthday holiday in June, are now confirmed.
· The Queen’s Birthday holiday is anticipated to be on Monday, 15 June but remains subject to confirmation.
· Christmas holidays take place around the weekend next year.
Grand Cayman (GIS) – The Deputy Governor’s Office has confirmed public holidays in the Cayman Islands for 2020, with the exception of the Queen’s Birthday.
The United Kingdom traditionally celebrates Her Majesty’s birthday by holding the Trooping of the Colour ceremony on the second Saturday in June. As such the public holiday in the Cayman Islands is likely to be Monday, 15 June 2020. Confirmation is expected in early 2020.
The 2020 public holidays are:
New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January;
National Heroes Day: Monday, 27 January;
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, 26 February;
Good Friday: Friday, 10 April;
Easter Monday: Monday, 13 April;
Discovery Day: Monday, 18 May;
Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 15 June (UNCONFIRMED);
Constitution Day: Monday, 6 July;
Remembrance Day: Monday, 9 November;
Christmas: Friday, 25 December; and
Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December.
List of Public Holidays for 2019
Christmas: Wednesday, 25 December; and
Boxing Day: Thursday, 26 December
OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS (In Date Order)
SAT DEC 21
12th Annual Mistletoe
12th Annual Mistletoe on Friday, 21 December, 7 p.m.-2 a.m at Abacus
John Gray Memorial Church Meal Deliveries
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 (Dec 21st) by noon.
SUN DEC 22
The Christmas Dream Team Parade
The Church of God Chapel Children’s Choir presents The Christmas Dream Team Parade on Sunday (22 Dec) at 7pm at the Family Life Center.
Stake Bay Baptist Church Christmas Cantata
The Stake Bay Baptist Church Christmas Cantata is December 22nd at 7pm.
Watering Place Church of God Holiness Christmas Program and Cantata
The Watering Place Church of God Holiness Christmas Program and Cantata is December 22nd at 630pm.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
St. George’s Anglican Church is hosting Fourth Sunday of Advent on December 22 with morning prayer at 8am. The Youth Christmas presentation Blue Christmas is at 7pm.
William Pouchie Memorial United Church Christmas Cantata
The William Pouchie Memorial United Church Choir will perform its Christmas Cantata, “Come let us Adore” at 9 a.m., Sunday, 22 December, 2019, at the church. 815 North Side Road, North Side, Grand Cayman.
North Side Wesleyan Holiness Church Christmas Sunday
North Side Wesleyan Holiness Church his hosting Christmas Sunday (22 Dec) at 1030am. There will be no Sunday School that day. Kidz Klubhouse and Souled Out Youth Group Christmas Musical “A Churchmouse Christmas” will be held that night at the Craddock Ebanks Civic Centre in North Side starting at 7pm.
Sunday School Christmas Programme
The Church of God Full Gospel Hall in Savannah invites everyone to their Sunday School Christmas Program on December 22nd at 10am.
Christmas Cantata
The John Gray Memorial Sanctuary Choir presents the Christmas Cantata, “Hallelujah, Jesus is Born!” on Sunday (Dec 22nd) at 10:00 a.m
Christmas Recital
Boatswain Bay Presbyterian Church Choir will be presenting their Christmas Recital on Sunday, 22nd December at 11:00 a.m. the community is invited.
MON 23 DEC
2nd Annual Spot Bay Seniors Gift Distribution and Christmas Caroling service
The 2nd Annual Spot Bay Seniors Gift Distribution and Christmas Caroling service is at 5pm at December 23rd. Call 925.3924 for more information.
Honduras Visa office Closure
The Honduras Visa office will be closed from December 23rd, re-opening on January 3rd for normal business.
TUE 24 DEC
Candlelight carol service
A candlelight carol service will be held on December 24th at 6pm at Bethel Baptist Church.
Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons and Carols
St. Albans Church of England invites all to attend its Christmas Eve Festival of Lessons and Carols on Tuesday 24th December at 7pm at the church on Shedden Road.
St. George’s Anglican Church Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
St. George’s Anglican Church is hosting Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with carols on December 24th at 1045pm.
Water Authority Closure
The Water Authority will close at 1230pm on Tuesday (24 Dec)
Covenant Moravian Church Christmas Eve Service
The Covenant Moravian Church in Prospect invites you to a candlelight service on Tuesday (24 Dec) at 730pm.
Worship by Candlelight
Worship by Candlelight will be held on Christmas Eve) at the John Gray Memorial Church, 7:00 p.m. All are invited.
Christmas Eve Traditional Carols and Lessons
Safe Harbour Lutheran Church invites you and your family to their Christmas Eve Traditional Carols and Lessons on Tuesday 24th December at 6:30pm on the beach at Sunset Cove Condominium
Advent Mass at St. Ignatius
There will be Advent Mass at St. Ignatius at 7am on Christmas Eve. There will be Children’s Mass at 6pm followed by a Carol Service at 11pm and midnight mass.
Christmas Eve Mass Stella Maris
Christmas Eve Mass will be held at Stella Maris on Cayman Brac at 4pm.
Christ the Redeemer Carol Service
There will be a carol service at Christ the Redeemer at 730pm followed by mass at 8 o’clock.
WED 25 DEC (Christmas Day)
Lions Club of Cayman Brac Christmas Day Parade and Gift Giving
The Lions Club of Cayman Brac Christmas Day Parade and Gift Giving event is December 25th. For more information, email [email protected].
St. George’s Anglican Church Christmas Day Mass
St. George’s Anglican Church is hosting Christmas Day Mass at 8am.
Water Authority Deliveries
There will be no water deliveries from the Water Authority on Christmas Day.
William Pouchie Memorial United Church Christmas Day worship services
The William Pouchie Memorial United Church will hold Christmas Day worship services at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, 25 December, 2019, at the church. 815 North Side Road, North Side, Grand Cayman.
North Side Wesleyan Church Christmas Day Service
North Side Wesleyan Church is hosting Christmas Day Service on 25th December, 2019 will be held at the church starting from 6am – 7am.
John Gray Christmas Day Service
All are invited to the Christmas Day Service at the John Gray Memorial Church on Wednesday (Dec 25th) at 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Day Mass at St. Ignatius
There will be Christmas Day Mass at 8am at St. Ignatius, followed by mass at 10am and 12pm.
Christmas Day Mass at Christ the Redeemer
There will be Christmas Day Mass at 945am at Christ the Redeemer
THU 26 DEC (Boxing Day)
Cayman Brac’s Boxing Day Picnic
Cayman Brac’s Boxing Day Picnic is from 1 to 4pm at Spot Bay Park on December 26th. This will be followed by a Children’s Party from 4 to 7pm.
Dashing Thru the Sands
Dashing Thru the Sands is Thursday (26 Dec) at 730am on Seven Mile Public Beach
St. George’s Anglican Church St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr
St. George’s Anglican Church is hosting St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr at 8am on December 26th.
Boxing Day Mass
Boxing Day Mass will be held at 830am at St. Ignatius.
FRI DEC 27
Cayman Brac’s Grand Finale Christmas Event
Cayman Brac’s Grand Finale Christmas Event is December 2th at 9pm at Mrs. Vivia’s Backyard. Call 925.3924 for more information.
Jamaica Visa office Closure
The Jamaica Visa office will be closed the week of Christmas, December 23rd to December 27th, re-opening for normal business on December 30th.
SAT DEC 28
The Holy Innocents Mass
St. George’s Anglican Church is hosting The Holy Innocents Mass at 10am followed by a fun day on December 28th.
SUN DEC 29
St. George’s Anglican Church First Sunday after Christmas service
St. George’s Anglican Church is hosting The First Sunday after Christmas service at 7am and 9am on December 29th.
