Friday, October 26, 2007

Cayman Net News Keeps it Real

Following a written complaint by Cayman Net News to the Office of Complaints Commissioner (OCC), the newspaper’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Desmond Seales was interviewed by the OCC on Monday.

Net News filed a formal complaint to the OCC on Wednesday, 26 September, detailing an alleged abuse of power by Minister of Tourism Hon Charles Clifford and the Chief Executive Officer of Cayman Airways (CAL) Patrick Strasburger.

The OCC, headed by Complaints Commissioner Dr John Epp, interviewed Mr Clifford on Wednesday, 3 October and took a statement from him.

The OCC has also taken steps to secure the relevant documents in the possession of Cayman Airways, the National Flag Carrier.

Further, under Section 8 of the Complaints Commissioner Law, Dr Epp appointed forensic accounting experts Krys and Associates to review relevant documents and attempt to determine an accurate financial position between CAL and Net News. Krys and Associates will also examine the documents secured from CAL.

The results of the probe are expected shortly.

The thrust of the complaint was CAL’s suspension of airfreight services to Net News to prevent the delivery of the newspaper, because it contained unflattering news reports on Minister Clifford and Mr Strasburger.

The airfreight service is used to transport the newspaper from its printers in Miami to Grand Cayman and on to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Additionally, the OCC is presently conducting an independent investigation into the price gouging allegations surrounding CAL’s ticketing operations on the eve of Hurricane Dean in August. The allegations have resulted in considerable public debate and concern.

Besides the alleged price gouging, the OCC is also looking into CAL’s pricing policy, price adjustment process, ticket sales and distribution policy, customer complaint process and the explanation that the ticket-pricing problem arose from a “computer glitch”.

It is understood that interviews pertaining to this matter is ongoing, including with CAL staff in Miami.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Dengue Fever Cover Up Claimed

The Health Services Authority and Department of Public Health is embroiled in controversy over claims about whether there were cases of dengue fever on Grand Cayman.



Last Tuesday, Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Anna Matthews, told the Caymanian Compass there were no cases of dengue fever being treated at the hospital, but said there had been one suspected case that was later ruled out.
The following day, the HSA issued a dengue fever alert stating that there were “currently no known active cases in the Cayman Islands.”
But on Thursday night, Leader of the Opposition McKeeva Bush went on Radio Cayman, questioning why the Public Health Department was claiming there were no cases of dengue fever on the island, when they had confirmed to him that they were treating cases of the dangerous disease.
“It was very tongue–in–cheek to say the least, if not disingenuous, to say there are currently no known active cases in the Cayman Islands. That simply cannot be true,” said Mr. Bush.
Mr. Bush’s statement forced the HSA to issue another press release Friday morning admitting that it had “become aware” of one confirmed and two suspected cases of dengue fever in people that had recently returned from countries with dengue fever.
On Friday, Director of Public Health, Dr. Kiran Kumar – who was at a conference in Canada last week – said the Department of Public Health knew on Monday, 15 October of the one confirmed and two suspected cases, and had immediately passed that information on to the Mosquito Research and Control Unit and other governmental agencies.
The patient with a confirmed case of dengue fever recently travelled to Nicaragua, Mr. Kumar said, while the two patients with suspected cases had recently visited Jamaica. Like many other Caribbean and Central American countries, Jamaica and Nicaragua are experiencing one of their worst dengue fever outbreaks in years.
Two of the affected patients remain on island, while one, who was visiting Cayman, has returned to Jamaica.
Speaking from Canada, Mr. Kumar – who has a track record of openness with the media about public health issues – said he was not sure if there had been a communication mix–up.
“When I heard about the press release saying there were no known cases in Cayman, as soon as I heard, at 1am (Friday morning), I woke up and wrote the press release to correct that.
“We are not here to hide anything. There might have been an error made and yes I take responsibility if somebody in my department made that error, but I don’t think it was intentional.”
On Friday, Mr. Bush questioned whether the public had been put in danger by what he described as an HSA cover–up.
“The [Aedes aegypti mosquito] is here and [the infected patients] could have passed this on and no public alert went out.
“The public should have been alerted to it earlier so they could take necessary precautions,” he said.
Mr. Bush claimed the Public Health Department had told him it first became aware of a suspected case of dengue fever 4 October.
“Yesterday was the 18th. That gave them two weeks past when the Public Health Department first were notified about it.”
Mr. Kumar said it could take between seven and 10 days for lab analysis in Miami to confirmed suspected dengue cases.
But Mr. Bush said he suspected a whitewash.
“I think they have lied to the media and they have lied to the public,” he said.
On Friday the MRCU confirmed it had stepped up efforts to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
MRCU Director Bill Petrie said, “Immediately upon receiving the news from Public Health we mobilised crews to treat the areas near the homes of the patients and to investigate the surrounding neighborhoods for potential breeding sites of the mosquito.” The main areas of operation include West Bay and South Sound.”
MRCU crews are concentrating their efforts in the neighborhoods of the patient’s homes and in areas of the island where Aedes aegypti numbers are known to be high. Crews are applying granules and spraying insecticide near residences in order to reduce numbers of the mosquito as well as collecting samples for identification and research.
Mr. Petrie said the Cayman Islands is at a heightened risk of dengue fever due to high densities of the Aedes aegypti mosquito on some parts of Grand Cayman and are keenly aware of the risk posed by residents and visitors returning from areas where there are outbreaks of dengue fever.
The news of dengue fever cases being treated in Cayman comes as parts of the Caribbean and Latin America are reporting some of the worst outbreaks of dengue fever in decades.
So far this year, 643, 123 cases of dengue fever have been recorded throughout the Caribbean and Latin America and 186 people have died as a result.
Although dengue fever is not endemic to Cayman, Hurricane Ivan in 2004 spawned a 1,300 per cent increase in the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a potential dengue fever vector. Aedes aegypti breeds predominantly around houses and is a day–biting mosquito.
Mr. Petrie said the public has a vital role to play controlling Aedes aegypti by reducing standing water in their yards where the mosquitoes breed and larvae develop, by turning over buckets, draining plant pots and unblocking guttering.
FYI
Dengue fever symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, with severe headache, muscle and joint pains, usually four to seven days after the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Many patients may also develop nausea, vomiting and bright red rashes on chest, arms, legs, and face.
However, in milder cases, symptoms can be misdiagnosed as the common flu, said Dr. Kumar in the press release.
Dengue fever cannot be transmitted from person to person, but Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes can transmit the disease to healthy people after biting someone infected with the disease.
There is no vaccine or treatment for dengue fever.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Things to do in Cayman

Things to do in Cayman Islands -

CRUISE SHIP VISITORS start here with a map of Grand Cayman. You have a limited time on your port of call so make it worth while.

Cayman Islands attractions
Cinema, Museum, Gallery, Castle , Botanic Park, Hell, Stingray City, Turtle Farm, Rum point Ferry, Beaches, Diving, Fishing, Boats Trips





Grand Cayman Cinema



The Cayman cinema is located in Grand Cayman across the butterfly farm in the Marquee center close to Cafe Del Sol Coffee place: Most weekends has a matinee that starts at $5. If you would like to see the weekday show the first cinema has 2 show times: 7pm and 9:15pm , the second cinema also has two show times: 7:30 and 9:30. The cost for the weekdays is $8.



Cayman Islands National Museum



The Cayman Islands National Museum is the most historical museum in Grand Cayman , Cayman Islands. This Cayman museum was once the Old Court Building, the museum then developed in to the most nostalgic place on the Island . The great thing about this museum is that it shows Cayman's Heritage over the years.



Grand Cayman - Prentice Powell's Museum



Although very small, the Grand Cayman - Prentice Powell's Museum is very amazing. It is filled with unique artifacts with exciting stories behind them. For more information call 949-3477



The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands



Located in the Harbour Place in George Town facing the Ocean, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is a wonderful museum for the whole family to enjoy. Membership ranges from $25-$500; it depends on the package you get, however admission is free to the public. They are known for their art as well as children exhibits, so while you are looking at beautiful art with your spouse your children can have at the same time.

For more information call 945-8111



Grand Cayman - Esteban Gallery Limited



The Esteban Gallery Limited is an art gallery where people can enjoy the works of Horacio Esteban as well as local art. The gallery is situated on the last floor of AALL Trust and Banking which is located on Fort Street. For more information call 345-947-2787 .





Pedro St. James Castle



Pedro St. James Castle is located in Savannah, Grand Cayman. It is open from 8:30am-5:00pm everyday. The show starts an hour before 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission tickets include $8/adult and $4/children that are 6-12 years old.



Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park



Located on Frank Sound Road in the east end direction of Grand Cayman, the Botanic Park is a great place to enjoy nature. It opens 9am and closes at 5:30pm. The last tour is at 4:30pm. Admission Tickets are $6/adult and $3/children from 6-12. If you have a child that is under 6 years old there is no charge. The park is named after Queen Elizabeth, because when she came here 1994 she opened it herself!



Hell



Hell is a very beautiful place. Hell, is an area of Grand Cayman that was once under water. The limestone deposits are from the coral that had inhabited that area. A bacteria attacks the dead coral (limestone) and turns it black. So, what one sees is lots of black jagged rocks that kind of look like brimstone. In the distance the Mangrove trees have started to take over the area about 200-300 yards away from the Hell stone. Very Pretty and unique. If you visit Grand Cayman go to Hell.



Stingray City



Stingray City is Grand Cayman's most famous underwater attraction, a curiosity in the shallows of North Sound. Stingray City and the nearby location known as Sandbar offer the world's only opportunity to swim with more than two dozen wild Atlantic Southern Stingrays which seem comfortable in the company of humans. Its name may suggest a commercial, man-made marine life theme park, but Cayman's Stingray City is entirely natural, an aquatic phenomenon which delights thousands of visitors each year.



Cayman Turtle Farm



Everything about turtles! From a wealth of turtle educational, scientific and conservation information to Turtle Farm: The turtle farm is open everyday from 8:30am to 5pm. All Tours are self-guided and only take about 30-35 minutes. Tickets are $3/kids 6-12 and $6/adult. For more information call the information center at 345-949-3894



Cayman Rum point Ferry



Ferry going to Rum Point: Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids. For the ferries schedule call 949-9098. The large 2 decker ferry seats about 150 people. It takes about 40 minutes to reach to Rum Point.



Grand Cayman Beach



1. Seven Mile Beach: The seven mile beach is located north of George Town. It is called Seven Mile Beach because it is literally seven miles long!
2. The public beach is located on the seven mile beach. There are cabanas available so you can have a picnic then maybe go for a swim.
3. Cemetery Beach: is a little further north from the Public Beach . This is a great beach for snorkeling as it is 5 minutes off shore
4. Smith's Cove: this small public beach is great for picnics and snorkeling.







Cayman Helicopter



If you want to really enjoy the birds eye view of the Grand Cayman and sister islands and you are not scared of flying you ought to see he island from up above! the best way to do that is to go on a helicopter ride by Jerome Begot. Contact him at 943-4354



Sports:



Triathlons in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands



* The HHH Cross Island Relay
* The Cancer Society half Marathon
* DHL Duathlon
* The Caymanian Compass Full Run
* Bank of Butterfield's St. Patrick's Day Run
* Dashing through sand
* Flowers 1 mile sea swim organized by the famous Frank Flowers
* The Bank of Butterfield Triathlon



Running in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands



If you are interested in joining a running club call:

* Stock Exchange: 345-945-6060
* World Gym: 345-949-5132



Cycling in the Cayman Islands



All cyclers meet at Grand Harbour Shopping Center at 6:30 in the morning and normally cycle 18-25 miles!



Dance



Dance: The following places are for dance:

* Fitness Connection: The instructors name is Linda Rayner.
* Mrs. Jackie's school of dance: They teach Rosette Ballet, classical ballet, jazz, Pointe class, Pilates, tap, and theater and craft. They also have professional training. For more information call: 345-949-7296
* Motions Unlimited: teaches jazz for kids 6-16 ages and adults!
* Barnes Dance Academy: teaches jazz, creative movement, and modern dance for ages 2-14 as well as adults





Gymnastics in Grand Cayman



Motions Unlimited: If you are interested in Gymnastics, then Motions Unlimited is perfect for you. The cost is $25/ session Monday-Friday. There are also Friday and Saturday night activities that include gymnastics and a snack. For more information call 345-949-8365





Gym and body building



There are several gyms in the Cayman Islands such as Fitness Connection, Gold's Gym, World Gym and the Powerhouse gym. Memberships start at about $250. All gyms offer weight training, and exercise machines



Cayman Football



There are 10 football teams for men and 6 football teams for women. For more information on football you need to contact the Cayman Islands Football Associations at 345-949-5775



Gaelic Football



Since there are many Irish people the Cayman Islands has adopted the Irish football game, and the great thing about it is you don't need to be Irish to join any nationality is welcomed. For additional information call 914-5762



Cayman Golf Courses



* Britannia Golf Club: 345-949-1234
* The Links at Safehaven: 345-949-5988: 18 hole par 71 golf course
* Sunrise Family Gold Center: 345-947-4653: Infamous "Golf Social"- tickets are $25





Badminton



If you like to play Badminton then you should go the Kings Sport Center. It is $10/ person. The best time to come is around 5-6pm on either weekdays or weekend. The island also has a badminton association, where you can play with your friends. For more information call 949-3322



Squash



The Cayman Islands squash association is called Caysra Squash Club. The best thing about Caysra is that they really help you with your game. You can rent a court by the hour at Kings Sport Center. The cost is $10/person.



Rugby and Tennis



The Rugby Club (345-949-7960) located in South Sound is a great place for people to learn rugby. If you are interested in tennis then the Cayman Island 's Tennis Club located in South Sound is the place for you. Children of all ages are welcomed. The have a great after school program. For more information call 345-949-9464



Swimming



Swimming: One of the major attractions of the Cayman Islands is the swimming. If your child wants to learn how to swim you should send them to the Fitness Connection. The Fitness Connection is located in South Sound. Children as young as 3 months old are welcome for swimming lessons. For more information call 345-949-8485 or email them at fitcon@candw.com



Horseback Riding

If you like horseback riding then you can go to the Equestrian Center. If you want public lessons it costs $45/per person but if you prefer private lessons they can be arranged for $50/per person. Besides lessons there is also a stable with exotic horses which you can help groom.



Karate

If you want to learn karate there are two schools they can go to:

* The Purple Dragons School of Martial Arts: The Purple Dragons School of Martial Arts located inside the gold's gym is a great way for you to learn self defense and most importantly self-discipline. At the Purple Dragons School of Martial Arts they teach Don Jitsu Ryu. Afternoon as well as weekend classes are available. The first class is free and if you like it then you can enroll for classes. For further information you can contact them at 345-949-5132
* Olympic Martial Arts Center: Olympic Martial Arts Center is situated on Smith Road, where most schools are. At the Olympic Martial Arts Center they teach Taekwando as well as Judo. Classes are available daily for adults. Classes run about $70/month. For more information you can contact them at 345-949-5425 .

Kayaking



Kayaking Adventures is great to contact for kayaking because of their reasonable prices such as $25/resident person. You can contact them at 926-1234



Yoga



* Body Works: 345-945-6485, they specialize in Hatha Yoga, Yinyasa Yoga as well as Restorative Yoga
* The Yoga Nook: 345-926-8245, they specialize in Lyngar Yoga



Cayman National Choir



If you are interested in the Cayman National Choir you need to contact Sue Horrocks at 345-947-8139. Meetings are held at the George Hicks High School every Monday at 7:40, no audition is necessary



Cayman National Orchestra



If you are interested in the Cayman National Orchestra you need to contact Sue Horrocks at 345-947-8139. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7pm-9pm at Cayman Prep and High School.



Cayman Diving



If you are a BSAC member you can enjoy the boat trips they do every weekend. The cost is $10 but it can change at any time. Only BSAC members can enjoy these trips.







North Sound Boating



North Sound Boating Trips depart daily either half a day or a full day. The stops include stingray city, the Sand Bar, Coral Gardens , Barrier Reef and Rum Point for lunch. Costs are $30/half day or $50/full day



Fishing Trips



Many companies can organize fishing trips for you. A private vessel ranges from $300 to $1500/day. The following companies might help you in your search.

* Just Fish'n: 345-916-0113
* Captain Asley's: 345-949-3054

Friday, October 19, 2007

Little Known Immigration Law May Impact Residents

A little known section of the Immigration Law will have a big impact on residents who were born in Cayman between 27th May 1977 and 1st January 1983.

They may have to apply to the Chief Immigration Officer for the right to be Caymanian.

This part of the law is for residents who were born in the Cayman Islands but whose parents are not Caymanians.

The deadline to apply for the right to be Caymanian is 21st December 2007.

Passenger "Reid" Delivered Cayman Airways Baby

Cayman Airways staff did NOT help in baby's airline birth!




Nineteen year old Shellesha Woodstock is overjoyed that her baby daughter,
Lateisha Julene Clarke is out of hospital and reunited with her.

Denise Reid, a passenger onboard Cayman Airways Ltd’s (CAL) flight 600 on Tuesday, 2 October, disclosed that Shellesha Woodstock received very little help with the birth of Lateisha Clarke.

The eyewitness alleged that contrary to media reports, spurred on by CAL officials, Ms Woodstock was mainly responsible for the delivery of her daughter in midair.


"They (the flight attendants) did nothing. She had the baby by herself,” Ms Reid said, two weeks after CAL said three flight attendants assisted Ms Woodstock in the delivery.


The 19-year-old woman gave birth after her water broke 29 weeks into her pregnancy in Grand Cayman.


According to CAL’s press release of 2 October, the crew “went into action to provide as much comfort as possible”.


“The other members of the crew acted superbly and we are proud that we were able to respond the way we did,” the press release continues.


CEO Patrick Strasburger is quoted as saying he was proud of the team, “who acted swiftly and professionally. We have invested a lot of time and money training our crew so that they are ready to deal with situations like this.”


In a statement issued on Thursday, 11 October, Minister of Health Hon Anthony Eden said, “Credit must be given to the staff of our national airline for their tremendous response.”


However, Ms Reid tells a different story. According to her, she was sitting in the same row as the couple (Ms Woodstock and her partner, Laflin Clarke), across the aisle. Soon after the flight was in the air, Mr Clarke beckoned for Ms Reid to come to his assistance. She moved to sit in his seat and Ms Woodstock lay down in her lap.


Ms Reid said that Ms Woodstock was in great discomfort, so she rubbed her shoulders. Then Ms Woodstock said, “It’s coming, it’s coming” followed by “take my pants off”. Ms Reid took off Ms Woodstock’s pants and wrapped her in a blue blanket from the waist down.


After a short while, Ms Woodstock changed her position, putting her head in Mr Clarke’s lap and her legs on Ms Reid’s lap.


Meanwhile, the flight attendants had been alerted to the situation and they prepared an area with blankets and pillows at the front of the plane.


However, Ms Reid alleged that they did not assist with the birth and she was surprised upon hearing of the publicity given to the CAL flight crew without any mention of her assistance to the baby’s mother.


Ms Reid explained that she and Mr Clarke moved Ms Woodstock to the front of the plane. When they placed her on the floor, she saw the baby’s head and told one of the flight crew, who in turn alerted the pilot that the birth was imminent. She said Ms Woodstock delivered her baby unaided.


It was at this point that the pilot decided to divert the plane to Montego Bay instead of heading directly to Kingston as scheduled.


Once the baby was born, Ms Reid wrapped her in an item of clothing from the carry-on bag the parents had taken aboard.


Although one of the CAL staff held the baby’s back while the plane was landing, Ms Reid believes the airline personnel appeared ill-equipped to handle the emergency.


Mr Clarke was extremely appreciative of Ms Reid’s assistance.


“She was of the greatest help. She comforted her when she was in great pain,” he said.


The flight was met by an ambulance in Montego Bay, which took the parents and baby to Cornwall Regional Hospital, while the flight continued on to Kingston.


According to Ms Woodstock, baby Lateisha is slightly jaundiced and may have kidney problems due to premature birth. She is, however, finally out of hospital.


The Jamaican Consulate in Grand Cayman has launched an investigation into the matter.


“The Consul is deeply concerned about the decision taken by the [Cayman Islands] Health Services to authorise Ms Woodstock to travel on a commercial flight while she was in labour,” said Consul Robert Hamaty.


Minister Eden took a very serious view of the matter, promising, “I am requiring a full investigation into the matter, using external, independent sources.”


He added that the Superintendent of Health Insurance has also initiated an investigation into matters related to Ms Woodstock’s health insurance coverage.


The issue is being hotly debated in Cayman, where the parents are residents, as well as in Jamaica, the couple’s birthplace.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Health Insurance Coverage Inadequate in Cayman




Several recent incidents, including the serious injury and eventual death of an uninsured man, have underscored problems with the Cayman Islands’ mandatory health insurance scheme.


In addition, the Grand Court trial of Godfrey Bowen and Air Tech Corp. Ltd. started Monday. They have been charged with failure to effect and continue standard health insurance.


Edwin “Eddie” Edwards, who died from injuries sustained when the commercial bus he was driving crashed into a tree, had no health insurance. One of his employers, Dadford Dixon, said Mr. Edwards had paid the premiums for the insurance for the first couple of months, but he then let it go.


“He said he didn’t want to pay it,” Mr. Dixon was quoted as saying last month.


Because he did not have insurance or a $130,000 deposit, Mr. Edwards was unable to go to Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Miami, a level one trauma centre, and instead had to go to University Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.


He died nine days later.


There have also been questions raised whether Kaloyan Kisyov, a 20–year–old employee of Action Watersports who recently broke his neck on the job, and whether 19–year–old Shellesha Woodstock, who gave birth on a Cayman Airways flight to Kingston, had health insurance. Superintendent of Insurance Mervyn Conolly said the HIC was looking into both cases.


Mr. Conolly pointed out that health insurance is not an option for employees.


“Section 5 (2) of the Health Insurance Law states that it is the responsibility of the employer to effect and continue, at a minimum, the Standard Health Insurance Contract 1.”


Employers, not employees, are required to make the premium payments for the cost of the health insurance, but they are allowed by law to deduct 50 per cent of the premiums paid from the employees’ earnings, Mr. Conolly said.


Although Mr. Edward’s employers paid $15,000 for the air ambulance and another $1,500 for an in–flight doctor, they are now liable for any medical expenses relating to the injury that would have been covered by insurance if he had it, as is set out in Section 12 of the Health Insurance Law.


“If the employee has uninsured medical expenses because of failure or neglect of the employer to provide health insurance for his employee, then the employee or his estate, where the person dies as a result of the injury or illness while he was employed, is entitled to recover from the employer any benefit which would have been covered under the [Standard Health Insurance Contract 1),” Mr. Conolly said.


In the Grand Court case concerning Air Tech Corp, it is not only alleged the company failed to take out insurance for an employee, but that it also deducted from the employee’s wages 50 per cent of the cost of health insurance anyway.


Some employers do not realise they had to have health insurance for their employees, but Mr. Conolly said ignorance of the law was no excuse.


All employees, whether they are on a full work permit or temporary work permit, are required to be under the policy of an approved insurer within 15 days of commencing work.


“The law makes no exceptions,” Mr. Conolly said, noting that some employers get confused because they are not required to pay pensions for people on temporary work permits, and they aren’t required to enrol foreign employees into the pension play until they’ve been on working on the island for nine months.


Mr. Conolly said he was aware that sometimes the insurance providers can take longer than 15 days to process the application.


“In those cases, where there is a claim for uninsured medical expenses before the effective date of cover under the contract, the Commission could investigate and determine, based on the facts, who had responsibility for the delay or failure to effect the health insurance coverage for the employee,” he said.


In addition to the employees, any unemployed spouses and school–age children of the employee must also be provided with health insurance. Although employers are responsible for ensuring these dependents are insured, they are entitled to deduct all of the additional cost to insure the dependents from the employee’s pay.


Mr. Conolly said employees who are refused insurance coverage because of a pre–existing condition can obtain coverage automatically through CINICO, the government–owned insurer.


In some cases, employers have taken out health insurance policies on employees but allowed them to lapse. Because of that, Mr. Conolly said many employed people only find out they don’t have health insurance when they actually try to use it


When policies lapse, as opposed to being cancelled when an employees leaves the company, the insurance provider is required by law to advise the Health Insurance Commission.


Most of Cayman’s approved health insurance providers are vigilant in advising the HIC of lapsed policies, but Mr. Conolly said a couple of them are not.


Mr. Conolly said the HIC knows there are a number of employees that are uninsured in the Cayman Islands. Latest figures supplied to the HIC indicate there are approximately 46,239 people insured, including those covered by CINICO, Mr. Conolly said. Depending on the source, the population estimate for the Cayman Islands is between 52,000 and 55,000.


In efforts to discover which employers aren’t insuring their employees, the HIC has had some recent meetings with Chief Immigration Officer Franz Manderson to discuss ways of ensuring foreign nationals who get work permits have health insurance.


The HIC also pays random visits to businesses to check health insurance enrolment of employees. Mr. Conolly said he hopes to hire another insurance inspector so more of these random visits can take place.


With health insurance suddenly at the centre of several news stories, a very timely event will take place next week.


The Cayman Islands Insurance Association will hold a conference on the topic of health insurance beginning next Wednesday. The conference will take a look at the mandatory health insurance scheme ten years into it.


Slated to speak at the conference, among others, are Minister of Health Anthony Eden; HSA Action CEO Lizette Yearwood; Cayman Islands Legal Department’s Legal Senior Legal Counsel Trevor Ward; and HIC Chairperson Suzanne Bothwell.

Free Internet Tuesdays at Cafe Del Sol

The secret is out! Save the Internet prices 1 hour - $4.00 or 1/2 hour - $2.75, and use their big screen monitors all day long to surf FREE.

This is a great little Internet cafe similar to Starbucks in North America, but the bastards charge too much for the perks.

Printing for example is $0.15 a page for b&w, or $0.50 for color! Faxing $1.00 a page, regular Internet for 5hrs surfing $17.00. Also, the WiFi is not free if you take your own laptop upstairs. You have to be Cable and Wireless subscriber!

Coffee and Chai Latte is priced similar to Starbucks as well, costing as much as $2.05 and $4.50 per cup respectively. All cakes are $4.50, and a BLT is $6.00!

Do yourself a favor and just visit on Tuesdays, eat first though.

Locations:

NOW OPEN IN GEORGE TOWN!
Aqua World Duty Free Mall between Harley Davidson& The Blue Iguana

Tel:(345) 943-3322


The Marquee Shopping Centre OPEN 6:30 AM Monday-Friday

Tel: (345) 946-2233

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Cayman's Fuel Mark Ups Highest In The World

A consultant's report reveals fuel mark-ups in Cayman are among the highest in the world.


Since the cost of gas is one of two very big concerns for residents, Government leaders are ready to take action once the report is presented in cabinet at the end of this month.


But that's not soon enough for the leader of government.


He's going one step further and meeting with Esso and Texaco officials next to discuss the findings of the report.


The leader of government business says he expects a resolution in the form of action taken by 1st January next year.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Update on Baby birth on Cayman Aiways

Cayman Airways employees followed the rules concerning its travel policy when checking in a pregnant woman who later gave birth on the plane, the airline asserted.








Cayman Airways

Cayman Airways followed its travel policy regarding pregnant passengers. Photo: File


Shellesha Woodstock gave birth on board the Cayman Airways flight on 2 October after her water broke early the previous morning.


A valid doctor’s letter allowing Ms Woodstock to travel was presented when she checked in on 2 October for a flight to Kingston, said a Cayman Airways statement.


A recent statement from the Health Services Authority says that Ms Woodstock did not travel on the date as agreed and specified on the medical certificate.


However, the Caymanian Compass has seen the signed doctor’s letter, dated 1 October, giving Ms Woodstock permission to travel. The document does not stipulate dates on which travel is good for, nor is there an expiration date printed on the letter.


Ms Woodstock was given the letter when she went to Cayman Islands Hospital on Monday 1 October after her water broke that morning. When she did not make the Monday afternoon flight on Air Jamaica, she spent the night back at the hospital and then she checked in for the 6.45am flight with Cayman Airways on the Tuesday morning of 2 October.


The signed doctor’s letter, from the Public Health Department CIHSA, dated 1 October, 2007 certifies that Shellesha Woodstock “is pregnant and has been under our care. She is 29 weeks two days pregnant and in good physical condition.


“She is in a fit state to travel by air,” it ends, and is signed by the obstetrician Gilbertha Alexander.


Cayman Airways also noted its general policy with regard to taking pregnant passengers, stating it complied fully with this.


The airline operates under a Civil Aviation approved operations manual.


In this manual, the policy regarding carriage of pregnant passengers reads, “Cayman Airways will accept pregnant passengers up to a maximum of eight months (32 weeks). Thereafter further travel will be accepted by the company only by the presentation of a valid doctor’s certificate approving the individual for air travel. The certificate must include the stage of pregnancy, name of doctor, dated and signed.”


This policy is similar to that of American Airlines where for international travel or any flights over the water, travel is not advised within 30 days of the due date, unless examined by an obstetrician within 48 hours of outbound departure and certified in writing as medically stable for flight.


Continental Airlines’ policy requires a doctor’s certificate within seven days of anticipated delivery.


Cayman Airways says it is proud of its crew who acted with urgency and professionalism when they realised that Ms Woodstock was going into labour.

Monday, October 8, 2007

All sides deny responsibility for birth of baby on Cayman airline

Jamaican consulate investigating CAL birth






Jamaican Consul Robert Hamaty

Jamaican Consul Robert Hamaty

Ms Woodstock, who ended up having her child in flight on Cayman Airways last Tuesday, has claimed a doctor and nurse at the George Town Hospital told her to go to Jamaica to have her baby because it was too expensive in Cayman.


“We’ve been getting bombarded with inquiries about this,” Mr. Hamaty said.


The father of Ms Woodstock’s child, Laslin Clarke, had called the Jamaican Consulate’s Office to complain about the matter.


Mr. Hamaty said Mr. Clarke was asked to bring in a written complaint to initiate the investigation.


The story has created a stir both here and in Jamaica. On Saturday, the Jamaica Gleaner ran a story about the incident under the headline ‘Jamaican woman in labour kicked out of Cayman’.


Cayman’s Health Services has denied Ms Woodstock’s and Mr. Clarke’s account of the incident, saying they chose to travel off island to deliver the baby and requested a medical certificate allowing clearance by the airline to fly.


The HSA has stated one of its mandates is no one should be denied medical care.


“As a government owned entity, the Health Services therefore has an obligation to provide medical care to all residents of the Cayman Islands regardless of nationality or ability to pay,” it said in a press statement.


“The Authority has in place arrangements to facilitate patients who are unable to pay immediately for care to receive medically necessary treatment and a financial plan worked out for ongoing payments.”


Ms Woodstock has said she never discussed finances with anyone at the hospital before she was told it would be too expensive to have the baby in Cayman. As an employee in the Cayman Islands, Ms Woodstock was required to have health insurance that would have at the very least covered 80 per cent of the costs of her hospital stay and 80 per cent of post–natal care for the newborn baby for a period of 30 days.


Although she had an insurance card with British American Insurance, the insurer would not say if the policy was still active. Ms Woodstock, who works as a domestic helper, said her employer paid the premiums.


Mr. Hamaty said he will report the findings of the Consulate’s investigation once it is completed.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Baby Born on Cayman Airways

Insurance was at issue

Questions are starting to emerge about what led to a 19–year–old Jamaican woman giving birth on a flight between Grand Cayman and Jamaica Tuesday.



Talking on the phone from her room at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Shellesha Woodstock said her water broke at about 5am Monday morning and she went to the George Town Hospital's emergency room. From there she was transferred to the hospital's maternity ward.

It was at that point that her problems began, Ms Woodstock said.

At the maternity ward, Ms Woodstock, who was only 29 and–a–half weeks pregnant, presented her medical insurance card. She was soon told by hospital staff that her insurance only covered her alone and not the baby," she said.

A nurse advised her that she could not afford to have the baby in Cayman, and should travel to Jamaica for the delivery. A maternity ward doctor was present throughout the discussion and agreed with this advice, Ms Woodstock said.

A doctor gave Ms Woodstock an injection for the baby's lungs – likely dexamethasone, which is often administered to premature baby's to increase lung maturity.

She was subsequently given a signed letter by the doctor, indicating that is was safe for her to travel to Jamaica.

"When I got to the hospital, they told me they don't want to take the baby, so what they going to do, they going to send me to Jamaica. What they tell me about it was that it was too expensive but I didn't tell them anything about any money."

Ms Woodstock and her partner, Laflin Clarke, a Department of Environmental Health employee, returned home to pack bags but did not make the 1pm Air Jamaica flight.

They returned to the hospital and spent Monday afternoon and night at the hospital's emergency department. Here, Ms Woodstock was seen by nurses but was not consulted by a doctor, she said.

At 5am Tuesday, Ms Woodstock and her partner returned to the airport, where they caught the 6.45am CAL flight 600 to Jamaica.

Within 10 to 15 minutes of boarding the plane, Ms Woodstock, began to feel cramps. She alerted a flight attendant that she thought she was going into labour. CAL staff responded by laying her on the floor near the cockpit, and within five minutes baby Latiesha Julene Clarke was born. Captain Kris Bergstrom diverted to Montego Bay, where the flight was met by an ambulance, Cayman Airways reported in a press release.


In a statement, the HSA said: "The patient was assessed by the attending physician and expressed her desire to travel off island for the delivery. Based on the Physician assessment the patient was deemed fit to travel.

"It is standard industry policy by most airlines to accept, as passengers, expectant mothers, in their 28th week of normal pregnancy or less. However, a certificate from their doctor is required to prove the duration of pregnancy.

"One of the risks of any pregnancy is that the membranes could rupture weeks or months before due date and is not an inhibiting factor for air travel."

However two leading obstetricians have expressed shock the young woman was allowed to travel.

Dr. Sarath De Alwis, a consultant OBGYN at Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, said never in his life has he heard of a 29–week pregnant mother, with membrane rupture, being allowed to fly.

The fact that baby Latiesha was so premature meant expert medical care and equipment had to be on hand, he said.

Because the baby's lungs would not have been properly developed, it needed an incubator and oxygen on hand to guard against the risk of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen, he explained.

Another OBGYN, who did not want to be named because he delivers baby's at George Town Hospital, said turning the woman away, let alone letting her fly, was unthinkable.

"You don't send her home and, wow, you don't let her get on a plane.

"I would never let a patient with ruptured membranes get on a plane and go off to Jamaica – never.

"Once the waters break … the likelihood of going into labour is very, very high. Most will go into labor on the first day. If not, in the next 24 hours virtually all except for one will go into labor.

"Between you and me, her problem was that she doesn't have money. Her insurance may not have been a good insurance and therefore she was sent packing – go off to Jamaica – that's the long and short of it."