Harrison's new book challenges popular beliefs (CNS): Author Guy P. Harrison, a former Grand Cayman resident now living in southern California, has written a new book that is attracting high praise. 50 Popular Beliefs That People Think are True is a skeptical grand tour of extraordinary claims and unusual beliefs, including UFOs, psychics, near-death-experiences, ghosts, intelligent design, alternative medicine, alien abductions, conspiracy theories, faith healing, astrology, doomsday predictions, Atlantis and more. “Rather than just explain away beliefs that are unlikely to be true and leave it at that, this book also attempts to enlighten people about how our brains work and how they set us up to fall for false claims and irrational beliefs,” explained Harrison. read more
TCI to amend laws for “good governance” (CNS): Officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands said that the interim government has launched a new white paper summarizing proposed new and amended pieces of legislation to guide the future governance in the islands for public review. The document circulated on Monday was prepared by the EU funded Legislative Review project team  and is about addressing  “deficiencies and gaps in laws which are key to the governance process in the TCI,” the governor’s office spokesperson said and develop more efficient and transparent modes of operation for the public sector. read more
Mac to hit back with public meeting about port (CNS): In the wake of a public rally in opposition to government’s proposed Dart deal, the premier will be hitting back by hosting his own public meeting this evening (Tuesday 21 February) in George Town on the same spot. McKeeva Bush says he will be updating the public on the cruise ship dock and “other matters”. Following the meeting hosted by local activists against the ForCayman Alliance, the premier will be emphasising the need to get projects going to create jobs and generate business to kick start the still flagging economy. The meeting, which will be broadcast live on Radio Cayman, will be held at Celebration Park Next to the Courthouse at 7:30pm. read more
Immigration launches ‘virtual' office (CNS Business): The Cayman Islands immigration department is launching a brand new online service tomorrow and local business owners and human-resource professionals are urged to attend the launch of Immigration On-Line (IOL) on Tuesday afternoon in order to learn how to use the new virtual service. “While our customers have had access to see their data for several years, the previous system provided very limited information,” said Chief Immigration Officer Linda Evans. “That system will be terminated in May and be replaced by IOL, so all of our customers should make an effort to get enrolled as soon as possible.” Read more on CNS Business
Cayman v Bermuda: Cox responds to Bush taunts (CNS Business): Following taunting remarks by Premier McKeeva Bush last week that the Cayman Islands would win Bermuda’s insurance market, Bermuda’s Premier Paula Cox has punched back, saying, “Only the naive would be foolish enough to count Bermuda out,” and it was unlikely that Cayman’s initiative would represent a serious threat to Bermuda’s existing reinsurance market in the short term. She maintained that Bermuda was known as the risk capital of the world and was working to extend its lead while Cayman was trying to close the gap. The island also took measures to include Bermudians in its economic success, she said. Read more on CNS Business
Human rights review for Cuban policy Cayman's human rights group may take another look at 'the Cuban problem'.
Students help clear reef St Matthews students and faculty helped clean Cayman's Cheeseburger Reef.
Statistician: Tourism is holding steady The Caribbean region is holding its own in the tourism industry, but cruise is lagging.
Appleby expands into mainland China Offshore law firm and fiduciary services provider Appleby will open a new representative office in Shanghai on 2 April 2012.
Training benefits businesses Kenneth Harvey, Investment Officer in charge of Technical Assistance with the Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) unit of the Caribbean Development Bank will be in the Cayman Islands from 19-25 February for a series of meetings with various government agencies to discuss the training needs of small and medium sized entities. During his stay in Cayman, he will also conduct private consultations with businesses.
March ground breaking set for Cayman youth remand facility A mid-March ground breaking has been scheduled for the Cayman Islands Youth Centre, the long-discussed youth remand facility to be located adjacent to the Fairbanks prison for women.

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Cayman Islands News Archives

2010 - Year in review

Inactive Children
In early April a study published by the World Health Organization demonstrated that Cayman Islands young teens were the most inactive among 34 countries in the world. The study showed that fifty eight percent of boys and 64 percent of girls ages 13 to 15 in Cayman spent more than three hours a day watching TV, on computers or chatting with friends outside school hours. Researchers studied questionnaires from 70,000 young teens in schools in 34 countries and published their findings in The Journal of Paediatrics. Regina Guthold of the World Health Organ is at ion in Geneva and her colleagues found that most of the children they surveyed worldwide were not getting enough exercise and that nearly a third of the kids were sedentary. The research team looked at questionnaires answers from 72,845 13- to 15-year-old schoolchildren from North and South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East between 2003 and 2007. The survey did not include the United States and most European countries. The data was gleaned from the WHO's Global School-based Student Health Survey, a collaborative surveillance project designed to help countries measure and assess the behavioral risk factors and protective factors in 10 key areas among young people aged 13 to 15 years. The WHO researchers defined adequate physical activity as at least one hour of exercise outside of school gym class, at least five days a week. Children who spent three or more hours a day being inactive were classified as sedentary. Cayman has established a Children's Health Task Force to try to combat the increasing problem of childhood obesity.

Residents respond to call for prayer
Residents from all parts of Grand Cayman gathered in Heroes Square to answer the national call to prayer that Premier McKeeva Bush had issued just one week earlier. The premier's concerns about the economic recession and rising crime became the themes of prayers offered by various church pastors through the Cayman Ministers Association. Several hundred people packed downtown George Town for the prayers while thousands more had access to the event through live radio broadcasts.

Auditor General's contract not renewed
April saw the appointment of a new Auditor General, Alistair Swarbick. Dan Dugay who had held the government watchdog post for the past six years, admitted he was disappointed at his contract not being renewed, but that he wished the new auditor general well. The outgoing auditor however, expressed concern that his work in the past six years was apparently not considered in the hiring process as he noted that, "According to the Governor's press release, the only consideration was the interview itself." Of the 58 applications that were received for the position only two of the applicants were Caymanian. The auditor general reports to the Legislative Assembly on the performance of various government agencies and also does routine financial audits of all government departments. Since the previous year, Mr. Duguay and members of the House's Public Accounts Committee had sparred publicly over issues regarding how and when the auditor's reports should be released to the public. Typically, Cayman's auditor general is given a three-year contract. That is a shorter contract than the complaints commissioner or the information commissioner – both are independently appointed government oversight offices. Mr Dugay had indicated in the past, that having competition for the auditor general's post could have an effect on future auditors' performance. "If the auditor general has to go every three years and fight for his job, he might have that in the back of his mind when deciding what audits to do and what to say," said Mr. Dugay.

North Sound pollution
Photos circulated around the Island by email depicting what was described as raw sewage floating in the sound initiated a denial from The Water Authority Cayman into claims from private citizens that its sewage treatment plant was leaking waste into the North Sound. Water Authority Director Gelia Frederick van Genderen said claims made in that e-mail were incorrect. However, both the authority and Department of Environment officials said that pollution was occurring and it was showing up in the form of little green and brown colored plants growing in the water. According to Department of Environment Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie marine plants tend to proliferate in tropical waters where higher levels of nutrients are available. Waste is one of those nutrients that can cause plant life to flourish. A department study conducted since 2003 revealed that marine plant growth is occurring along some areas of the North Sound shoreline though the reason why it was happening was not known. According to a statement issued by the Water Authority and the Department of Environment Possible contributing factors included "leachate (liquid that drains) from the unlined George Town landfill, our current methods for on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, poorly planned canal developments, fertiliser-enriched run-off from golf courses and other landscaping, and inputs from recreational use of the marine environment." The Department of Environment also noted that large-scale removal of coastal mangrove wetlands to accommodate development, particularly on the western side of the North Sound, had reduced the ability of the environment to make up for the effects of pollution. Growth of algae and other marine plants can cause the water to turn green and cloudy. They can also cause a reduction in oxygen levels in the water at night and reduced sunlight exposure to plants like turtle grass. Lack of oxygen in the water can also kill the local fish population, or drive it away. In their joint statement the Water Authority and Department of Environment stated that it was not possible to turn back the clock but that changes and improvements needed to be made in the ways in which future developments were planned and existing developments managed.

Governor signs pension
holiday Pensions were a big topic of discussion in April when Cayman Islands Governor Duncan Taylor signed legislation that allowed private sector companies to suspend statutorily required pension payments for both Caymanian and non-Caymanian employees. The signing was the last major step required to make the National Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2010 the law. Lawmakers had unanimously approved the pension changes in March. Under the law, any suspension of pension payments was to be mutually agreed between a company and its employee. If a suspension period was then agreed upon, the employee could still pay their five per cent salary contribution into the pension system or alternatively choose to receive that five per cent contribution in their pay cheque instead. Employers were exempted from paying their matching five per cent pension contribution for the suspension period. Despite garnering "yes" votes from all sides of the LA, some members' support for the pension suspension seemed reluctant. North Side MLA Ezzard Miller had concerns about how it was going to be monitored and if it was voluntary. Mr. Miller said that "everyone" should include the Cayman Islands Civil Service, but Civil Service leaders stated that government worker's pensions would not be suspended. Mr. Rolston Anglin, who first proposed the pension suspension, agreed that opposition members and Mr. Miller's concerns were real but the government needed to do something to offset the rising costs of work permits to assist businesses in difficult times. He added that he hoped private sector companies would not use an opportunity to take advantage of their most vulnerable workers.

Scrap Metal Removal
April saw the beginning of what could be a long process in tackling Cayman's solid waste problem when contractors begun the task of removing thousands of tons of scrap metal from the George Town landfill. The two local contractors had just one week to ship out around 6,000 tons of baled scrap metal. This involved them baling loose metal and having to crush cars to get them ready for shipment. Cardinal D. Ltd and Pan-Caribbean Energy Ltd paid $50 per ton to remove the scrap metal. They were then selling it on to Hong Kong-based Hong Luen Metal Trading Company. This was the second attempt to remove scrap metal debris from the landfill. In March 2007, Matrix, a joint Caymanian-Canadian company, signed a $1.2 million tender contract to remove the scrap, but ultimately paid only a quarter of that sum to the government for the scrap metal. The contract was cancelled in September 2007. Earlier in April The Government had to pay almost $281,000 to 19 sub-contractors who had been hired by Matrix in 2007 to help with the scrap metal removal but who had not paid them for their work.

2009 - Year in review

New Cayman Islands constitution
New premier sworn in Friday, November 6th. First constitution in thirty seven years enacted as Cayman Islands residents turned out in number to witness the swearing in of the Cayman Islands first premier McKeeva Bush, Deputy Premier Juliana O'Connor, Connolly and Deputy Governor Donovan Ebanks. The morning was overcast as the ceremony commenced as the sun began to shine. Governor Stuart Jack made a speech and inspected the Guard of Honour for the last time before his return to the UK. Mr. Bush promised that he would "defend the Cayman Islands without apology" and said that "at some future point independence for Cayman Islands was inevitable".

Crime threatens Cayman Islands tourism
On Thursday, November 12th the rise in violent crime could be compromising tourism. Stephen Broadbelt, president of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association commented that Cayman Islands crime had gone from "not being on our list to the top of our list.' Police Commissioner David Baines said that beach patrols were already routine and that increased and visible police presence was needed on the Island.

Dart gets port
Thursday, November 5 -Dart Construction was approved as development partners to finance, design and build a new cruise berthing facility and cargo enhancement project. DECCO was the only one of four short listed development teams that had self–financing and did not have to procure outside financing. Back bench MLA Cline Glidden said that the process had made it difficult to involve the Central Tenders Committee for the selection of who to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with.

Tom Jones receives termination notice
Friday, November 27 - Disputes between Cayman Islands Government and Tom Jones International, Ltd over the building of two new high schools seemed headed for a court case after Ministry of Education issued termination notices for the contracts that contractor Tom Jones International walked off the construction sites for Clifton Hunter and John Gray High Schools on 13 November, claiming government had breached the contracts, partially because it refused to provide evidence it could pay for the work.

Two years later, turtles are set free
Thursday, 19 November. Almost precisely two years after the Cayman Turtle Farm last publicly released green sea turtles into the wild hundreds of people visited Seven Mile Beach to watch ten juvenile sea turtles return to their natural habitat in the Caribbean sea. At least one turtle release each year is scheduled during Pirates Week

Cayman Islands News Summary - 2009
2009 was a tough year for most and a time for reflection and cooperation. It brought new challenges to the Cayman Islands but hopefully the kinds that make the Cayman Islands stronger. The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce is proud to represent a diverse segment of the business community operating in the Cayman Islands. Each of these industry sectors has specific needs and concerns so it is essential for the Council and Staff to determine the main areas to focus resources and efforts. We are pleased to report that the Council and staff completed and adopted the Cayman Islands Chamber's first long term strategic plan in 2009 that began with a virtual focus group conducted independently in late 2008. Participants confirmed that the membership supports the leadership and staff as well as the programmes, training, marketing and networking events being offered. Participants have described the Chamber as "balanced" with respect to public advocacy but expressed the desire for the organ is at ion to exert more influence in the public advocacy domain. Based on this feedback and considering the limited financial and staffing resources and the local economic downturn, the Council and staff developed a long term strategic plan that focuses on five strategic initiatives over the next three to five years: Examining the feasibility of establishing a permanent home for the Chamber of Commerce with improved parking, meeting, training, visitor and conference facilities; Developing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan; Increasing emphasis on positive, proactive relationship between the Chamber and Government; Expanding efforts to increase international trade and conducting trade missions; Increasing environmental and responsible development advocacy Significant progress has been made in each of these strategic initiatives. A building committee has been established, which includes members of the Council and the membership. Various options are being examined to address the medium to long term needs for the organ is at ion The vision for the future would be to create a facility that would become the central hub for business activity in the Cayman Islands. We will keep the membership updated on the work of this important committee during 2010. Developing a comprehensive marketing and communication plan began in early 2009. Preliminary design upgrades to the website and the introduction of THIS WEEK AT THE CHAMBER, a weekly e-news report to the membership, have been completed. The CHAMBER quarterly business review increases in popularity and improvements are now being made in content and design for our 2010 issues. The membership is encouraged to support the publication and submit information about new products, services, promotions and commentary pieces. We would be delighted to highlight your achievements and news. The Chamber office has responded to hundreds of requests for information on investment, relocation, visitor, and employment by email, the website, phone, in person and at overseas conferences and events in 2009. Networking events are an important part of the communications strategy and so we added two additional networking programmes in 2009: Business Assistance seminars and Business Connect. Business Assistance seminars allow members to learn the latest news about products, services and information from businesses that host the free seminars. Partners for the seminars have included RBS Coutts, RBC, KPMG, Performance Path and the Health Services Authority. The seminars are a cost effective way for members to showcase their products and services to a smaller interest group than the popular Business After Hours events. Business Connect is an exclusive invitation only networking event for business owners. It is an excellent opportunity to exchange information about the latest advances in their businesses in order to generate sales and business leads. The first event was held in July at the Grand Old House and attracted 60 persons. The next Business Connect is scheduled for 17 March. The Professional Development and Training Centre is entering its 15th year and has offered 89 first-class training workshops and courses to assist members and the wider community to improve skills and productivity in 2009. The Centre added local facilitators Mrs. Loy Kellyman, Mr. Gregg Anderson and Ms. Glenda Davidowski and developed a new partnership with the Cayman Islands Society of Human Resources Professionals to conduct specialised training. Special thanks must go to Ms Krista Pell, Mr. Philip Jackson, Mrs. Yvette Myles and Ms Samantha Nehra from the CISHRP for their willingness to work with the Centre to deliver quality training for the membership. The Council has increased its focus on developing a positive, proactive relationship with Government and policy makers and we are pleased to say that the Chamber was invited by the Government to participate in the Constitutional modernisation discussions in the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom. We were able to represent the views of our membership based on the results of a membership survey and past Chamber positions on constitutional matters dating back to the early 1990s. These talks led to the country's first referendum and the introduction of a new constitution and governance structure. The Chamber, in partnership with Radio Cayman and Cayman Free Press, successfully hosted a series of candidates' forums in each district to allow all candidates an opportunity to respond to questions presented by the membership, business associations, the media and the general public. The forums were broadcasted live on Radio Cayman and reported extensively in the local media. The public could also listen to the forums after the fact with links from our Chamber website. There was an excellent turn out for the majority of meetings and many community members expressed satisfaction in being able to address the candidates in such a direct manner. After the elections, the Chamber invited the newly elected government to attend an extraordinary Legislative Luncheon and shared the views and concerns of the membership. The Council also held meetings with the Government to recommend ways to reduce costs and debt and to increase revenue. Many of the recommendations proposed by the Chamber have been accepted and the Government has agreed to meet with the Chamber leadership quarterly. A prominent issue that engaged our members this past year was maintaining public safety. After a bout of local robberies many of our members voiced their concerns about the best way to tackle crime against local businesses and the community in general. In response the Chamber Council engaged actively with the Royal Cayman Islands Police and the Governor to demonstrate support in their efforts to address crime in our community. The Chamber leadership participated in focus groups to identify the qualities required for the new commissioner and the key issues that would be faced upon arrival. The Council has now welcomed the new commissioner, Mr. David Baines, and invited him and his senior management team to address the membership during one of the scheduled luncheons. Promoting the products and services of member business is always at the forefront of the Chamber's activities. The Business Expo, Business After Hours and Discount Card programmes enable members to showcase their products and services to thousands of residents. Businesses participating in the Business Expo have reported exceptional sales and potential leads – another tangible benefit of membership. Education and youth development still remains at the forefront of the Chamber's efforts. Mentoring Cayman, Junior Achievement, Careers Expo, Careers Awareness visits and graduation awards attracted hundreds of students to learn about the various career and entrepreneurial opportunities that exist in the Cayman Islands. Special thanks must go to all mentors, businesses and volunteers who support these important youth initiatives. The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching was a very successful evening and recognized for the third year some of Cayman's top educators, including Mrs. Marjorie Ebanks, who was the recipient of the Maples Lifetime Achievement in Education Award. Her commitment to education has been outstanding and she is deserving of this high recognition. Overall 2009 was another successful year despite the challenges experienced due to the global economic downturn.

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