Tuesday, December 16, 2008

DOLPHIN SWIM ADVENTURE IN GRAND CAYMAN

Two swim–with–dolphin facilities have just opened recently in Grand Cayman – Dolphin Discovery across from Boatswain’s Beach in North West Point and Dolphin Cove on Garvin Road by Morgan’s Harbour in West Bay.

For a fee, the dolphins will shake your hand, kiss your cheek, let you kiss them back and take individuals on splashy rides in the water.

The hope is that these swim with flipper facilities will be good for not only tourism, but for children, and adults in Cayman. As well all concerns about the treatment of the animals have been addressed, and all are assured that they will be getting the best care, food, and handling.

Tourists will be charged: $179US for adults, and $159 for children.





Sunday, December 14, 2008

Missing and abducted dogs in Cayman

It is a wide held belief that some Filipinos in Cayman eat the wild chickens and dogs in Cayman. There are eye witness accounts of up to 15 Filipino's living in a one bedroom dwelling. That in itself should tell the story of economic hardship for some of these people while living and working in Grand Cayman. Although, 1CI dollar is worth 50 Filipino pesos, the cost of living in Cayman is very expensive if you only earn $3.00CI an hour (there is no minimum wage) and have to pay $800CI plus utilities for a 1bdrm shack of an apartment. Granted these types of jobs are menial, and do not require back breaking labor.

However, now family pets are going missing. Case in point, a friend's dog recently went missing (he had a collar on and ID) and was found chained up and looking ragged in a cage in the back yard with slices of flesh cut out from different parts of his body. The home was occupied by up to fifteen Filipino people! The police were called and the event recorded after he liberated his frightened pet, but no charges were laid, because of lack of proof that the thieves stole the dog and were slowly eating it.

This brings into question if some Filipino's even eat dogs. Well the answer is yes, and the information is here and here.
Some Filipino's bring this habit to Cayman and continue with it surreptitiously. This is quite perturbing. Makes you wonder if this restaurant is serving dog or some other illicit meat.

People lock up your pets if you care about them! If dogs can eaten, so can the wild iguanas, cats, and other critters running around the island.

Update: Notice that I said some Filipino's. Not all Filipino's eat dogs, nor are they all uneducated, immoral, and sneaky. So save the comments stating that am I a racist, and examine your own views on other races. Now go lock up your dogs and other pets people of Cayman!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Joe Ann Cowin, bodybuilding competitor, goes pro


Cayman figure competitor Joe Anne goes pro



Joe Anne Cowin continued her fantastic season recently when she took home two trophies in the WNBF/INBF amateur figure competition in Manhattan, New York City.

Competing against 30 other women from around the world, she earned the right to compete as a professional in future events after she won her 'tall' class which enabled her to go head to head with her counterpart in the short category for the overall title. Having wowed the judges the now she picked up the amateur winner's trophy and is now able to compete for the considerable prize money that will be available in future events, including next June's Mr/Mrs Universe in Barbados.

Originally from the Isle of Man, Joe Anne is now a Cayman resident. As part of her routine Joanne trains for up to four hours a day, beginning with an early morning cardio session at 4.30am. From there it's off to the day job as a hairdresser before heading back to the gym for another two hours after work. She does this six days a week with a break on Saturdays with no signs of slowing down: 'As I'm now professional I really have to step it up as the pro division is so much tougher. I generally eat very healthily but I do have a sweet tooth which does have to be indulged sometimes!' 'The build-up to a competition can be very demanding trying to juggle work with the gym and my personal life as I have to cut myself off to a lot of things like alcohol and partying. My friends understand but three months of doing this can be a very long time.'

For the time being Joanne is still taking time to enjoy her recent success with her friends and family but with her next event awaiting her in March it won't be long before the Island athlete is back in the gym working towards her third win in 12 months.

Cayman Jazz Fest will take place at Pageant Beach on 4 December.

Although Jazz Fest features a number of internationally–acclaimed artists, the festival also takes great pride in having Cayman’s jazz, pop and soul artists share the stage with the globally recognized stars.

The list of performers at Jazz Fest will include:

  • Stuart Wilson, who is best known for his many performances in both the Cayman Islands and Great Britain with his band, Love Culture.
  • Wilson & Love Culture have opened for acts such as Damian Marley, Richie Spice, Beres Hammond and a host of others.
  • Jonathan Ebanks, who has opened for Chaka Khan, Third World, Ziggy Marley, Lucky Dube, Steel Pulse, Maxi Priest and many others.

Ebanks’ latest album "Tales of the G–string" is set to be released in December.

  • Impulz, a band performs regularly at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and other five star venues will also be performing.
  • Band members include Rex Watler, Edward Frederick, Mark Hydes, Stephen McDermott, Stephanie Webster, Darrell Carter and Doug Whitfield.

“The Friday night concert promises to be a dynamic show,” said Acting Director of Tourism, Shomari Scott.

“The Department of Tourism has always supported Cayman’s artists and we are glad that there are so many talented performers who can add a truly unique dimension to Cayman jazz fest.”

Festival ticket prices if purchased by December 3 are as follows: Thursday December 4 at Pedro St. James, CI$75; Friday December 5 and Saturday December 6 at Pageant Beach, CI$50/night. In addition, an entire festival package can be purchased for all three nights for CI$160.

Valet parking service will be available on Thursday night, while on Friday and Saturday, parking is available at the Almond Tree.

The Pageant Beach concerts will be open seating and offer free admission to children under 12–years old.

Friday and Saturday night attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. Please note that coolers, camera's or video

equipment will not be allowed on site.

Tickets can be purchased at the Department of Tourism, Funky Tangs and Atlantic Department Store.

For more information, visit www.caymanislands.ky/jazzfest