Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe has been announced as a participant in both fields at the Oliver Group Champions Cup in Naples, Fla., on March 12-16, and at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championship on April 16-20, both stops on the 2008 Outback Champions Series senior tennis tour.
1994 Australian Open finalist and 1999 US Open runner-up Todd Martin. Courier, Ferreira and Jimmy Arias join McEnroe in the field in the Cayman Islands.
Tickets for The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and The Oliver Group Champions Cup begin at just $15 and can be purchased by calling 877-332-TIXX (8499) or 954-241-7936.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
New Health Care Services Planned at Private Hospital
"Dr" Steve Tomlinson. Owner of the Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital
Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital (CTMH), in association with Sagicor General Insurance, will host a very important and historic news conference at the CTMH Physio-Therapy Department in George Town at 5:00 pm on Thursday, 24 January.
At this event, the CTMH will be announcing the launch of a new range of healthcare services, which are expected to bring tremendous benefits to the residents of the Cayman Islands.
Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, the only private hospital in the Cayman Islands, said it offers the highest standard of care with the most sophisticated medical equipment and specialist services.
“Our staff of highly qualified professionals provides you with excellent private healthcare services and quality customer service,” the CTMH said.
The other major health facility in Grand Cayman is the George Town Hospital run by the Health Services Authority (HSA).
At this event, the CTMH will be announcing the launch of a new range of healthcare services, which are expected to bring tremendous benefits to the residents of the Cayman Islands.
Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, the only private hospital in the Cayman Islands, said it offers the highest standard of care with the most sophisticated medical equipment and specialist services.
“Our staff of highly qualified professionals provides you with excellent private healthcare services and quality customer service,” the CTMH said.
The other major health facility in Grand Cayman is the George Town Hospital run by the Health Services Authority (HSA).
Monday, January 21, 2008
Jan 2008 - Restaurant Review
Lobster Pot
Located in Georgetown, this is a restaurant that disappoints in many ways. Not listening to previous reviews that were unpleasant was our first mistake. As well, my dinner partner had dined there a few ago and had warned me that her meal was disappointing.
We arrived for an evening experience and had trouble locating the door for the establishment. That was our second mistake. We were seated and our server although cordial, he was not attentive enough. He brought sparkling water instead of distilled for my friend, and was very lax with with the service.
The ultimate mistake that we made was ordering our meal from the Lobster Pot. I ordered the Caribbean lobster tail. It was in season, and the restaurant touts itself as buying seafood "fresh off the boat". The lobster tail was bland and boring, as was the uninspiring crab legs, overcooked potato, and wilted vegetables it came with. My friend's steak fared no better. It was cooked to order, but a rather tasteless hunk of meat. Again, with the same boring accompaniments...wilted vegetables, and an overcooked potato.
Not even the boring color choice of decor, dark and dingy carpeting, and cramped environment could outdo the outrageous price that we had to pay for sub-par food, and service.
On our way out it was noted by us both of us (being in high heeled shoes), that there was not enough lighting to see the sharp drop one had to make from the restaurant to stairway. There was also no warning sign to watch our step.
Do not go to the Lobster Pot in Grand Cayman Islands, unless you enjoy bland, overpriced meals, in cramped, depressing settings, and want to dislocate a hip or two.
Calypso Grill
Located next to Morgan's Harbor, this restaurant really has it together. I have been here many times and every experience has been very pleasant. I will say that one of those experiences was marred by a young server who had dropped the cap on our bottled water on the floor. She simply picked it up and plopped it right back on the bottle smiling at our dismayed faces. "What, if fell right side up", she said. Needless to say we insisted and received a new bottle of water at no additional charge.
Once you have arrived, you are seated promptly, and brought a small chalkboard with the days specials. Delicious bread arrives fairly quickly, as does a selection of libations or bottled water.
Menu keepers are the fabulous tuna carpaccio appetizer, and spinach and arugula salad. Fabulous mains that you must try include, the Chilean sea bass, lobster and shrimp in white wine cream sauce, and rack of lamb, Finally, you absolutely MUST have their island favorite - "Sticky Toffee" pudding with vanilla ice cream.
Great food, consistent service, beautiful ambience, and a lovely out of the way location, makes Calypso Grill my absolutely favorite restaurant in Grand Cayman.
Located in Georgetown, this is a restaurant that disappoints in many ways. Not listening to previous reviews that were unpleasant was our first mistake. As well, my dinner partner had dined there a few ago and had warned me that her meal was disappointing.
We arrived for an evening experience and had trouble locating the door for the establishment. That was our second mistake. We were seated and our server although cordial, he was not attentive enough. He brought sparkling water instead of distilled for my friend, and was very lax with with the service.
The ultimate mistake that we made was ordering our meal from the Lobster Pot. I ordered the Caribbean lobster tail. It was in season, and the restaurant touts itself as buying seafood "fresh off the boat". The lobster tail was bland and boring, as was the uninspiring crab legs, overcooked potato, and wilted vegetables it came with. My friend's steak fared no better. It was cooked to order, but a rather tasteless hunk of meat. Again, with the same boring accompaniments...wilted vegetables, and an overcooked potato.
Not even the boring color choice of decor, dark and dingy carpeting, and cramped environment could outdo the outrageous price that we had to pay for sub-par food, and service.
On our way out it was noted by us both of us (being in high heeled shoes), that there was not enough lighting to see the sharp drop one had to make from the restaurant to stairway. There was also no warning sign to watch our step.
Do not go to the Lobster Pot in Grand Cayman Islands, unless you enjoy bland, overpriced meals, in cramped, depressing settings, and want to dislocate a hip or two.
Calypso Grill
Located next to Morgan's Harbor, this restaurant really has it together. I have been here many times and every experience has been very pleasant. I will say that one of those experiences was marred by a young server who had dropped the cap on our bottled water on the floor. She simply picked it up and plopped it right back on the bottle smiling at our dismayed faces. "What, if fell right side up", she said. Needless to say we insisted and received a new bottle of water at no additional charge.
Once you have arrived, you are seated promptly, and brought a small chalkboard with the days specials. Delicious bread arrives fairly quickly, as does a selection of libations or bottled water.
Menu keepers are the fabulous tuna carpaccio appetizer, and spinach and arugula salad. Fabulous mains that you must try include, the Chilean sea bass, lobster and shrimp in white wine cream sauce, and rack of lamb, Finally, you absolutely MUST have their island favorite - "Sticky Toffee" pudding with vanilla ice cream.
Great food, consistent service, beautiful ambience, and a lovely out of the way location, makes Calypso Grill my absolutely favorite restaurant in Grand Cayman.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Cayman Islands to residents: Don't sidestep Sunday dancing ban
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) - Authorities in this conservative offshore banking hub are warning bars and nightclubs not to sidestep a Sunday ban on dancing and loud music.
Violators of the law, designed to encourage church attendance, run the risk of losing their liquor license, be fined US$500 (¤335) or spending a month in
jail.
The head of the Cayman Islands' liquor licensing board on Tuesday warned that dancing on the day of rest will not be tolerated.
«It is imperative that license holders adhere to the requirements,» board chairman Mitchell Welds said in a statement. «Recently we have received numerous reports of music and dancing on Sundays.
Not everyone in this buttoned-down offshore banking hub agrees with clamping down on Sunday revelry.
Harry Lalli, owner of the Next Level nightclub on Grand Cayman, described the restriction as outdated in the British Caribbean dependency, where the footloose have to call it a night shortly before midnight on Saturdays.
«Saturday night brings in the least amount of revenue,» Lalli said. «We just close on Sundays. What's the point in staying open.
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) - Authorities in this conservative offshore banking hub are warning bars and nightclubs not to sidestep a Sunday ban on dancing and loud music.
Violators of the law, designed to encourage church attendance, run the risk of losing their liquor license, be fined US$500 (¤335) or spending a month in
jail.
The head of the Cayman Islands' liquor licensing board on Tuesday warned that dancing on the day of rest will not be tolerated.
«It is imperative that license holders adhere to the requirements,» board chairman Mitchell Welds said in a statement. «Recently we have received numerous reports of music and dancing on Sundays.
Not everyone in this buttoned-down offshore banking hub agrees with clamping down on Sunday revelry.
Harry Lalli, owner of the Next Level nightclub on Grand Cayman, described the restriction as outdated in the British Caribbean dependency, where the footloose have to call it a night shortly before midnight on Saturdays.
«Saturday night brings in the least amount of revenue,» Lalli said. «We just close on Sundays. What's the point in staying open.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Grand Cayman on the cheap...
Budgeting for fun in the Cayman sun
By KATE P.
Suggest the Cayman Islands to heat-starved individuals and they immediately think high finance -- not affordable holiday.
After all, didn't Tom Cruise's cohorts stash millions on Grand Cayman in The Firm? Aren't some 449 banks doing business here? And what about the massive building boom sending hotels skyward and upping prices on restaurant menus overseen by the likes of superstar Michelin-starred chef Eric Ripert at the Ritz, the same Ritz that made Conde Nast Traveler's Hot List last year?
Happily, you don't need the bank account of Bill Gates to enjoy the lures of Grand Cayman (although you might run into a royal or two as we did when we shook hands with Prince Edward at a National Historic Site). Sure, you won't find the plethora of all-inclusives where you can eat for "free" round the clock. But in my mind, that's a good thing.
Rent a car and tour the island. It costs nothing to savour treats provided by Mother Nature -- like superb snorkelling just offshore in turquoise waters teeming with fish, swinging in a hammock under the Casuarina trees at Rum Point or skimming your toes through some of the best white sand in the Caribbean. All beaches are public including those on ritzy hotel properties.
Plus, many budget hotels like Comfort Suites & Resort, where we stayed last winter, offer suites with kitchen facilities where you can offset those gourmet meals. You really must sample the current foodie extravaganza that's taking over the island. Pick up a coupon book or two at the airport or tourist office and try Portofino for a scrumptious East Indian and roast beef Sunday brunch overlooking the ocean ($18.95) or Coconut Joe's for free happy hour munchies.
Instead of a pricey dinner, opt for waterside lunch at Calypso Grill (their sticky toffee pudding is famous) or an appetizer plate for two and a Stingray Beer on the seaside patio of the Cracked Conch ($21 brings spicy red and creamy white chowder, conch and lobster salad and conch fritters with three sauces).
Between food bursts, visit attractions that are free or cost peanuts, like the new Butterfly Farm, where one admission lets you visit as often as you like. Catherine Edward from Cambridge, Ont., strolled us past some of the 1,100 butterflies flitting through the charming fenced garden and taught us interesting butterfly lore (after mating, males head for the fruit "bar"; females can smell flowers up to five miles away).
At the fascinating Pedro St. James "Castle," Stacy Eden "Mickey" Hurlston, a direct descendent of the fellow whose slaves built the mahogany home in 1780, taught us history. This is where the abolition of slavery was proclaimed in 1835 from the top of the outside steps. Hurlston's mom was born in the house in 1910 and cut the ribbon at the official 1998 opening.
"She was impressed," he said.
The seaward view from the second-floor verandah is alone worth the visit.
Of course, this island isn't all heaven. At some point, you'll likely end up in Hell, in West Bay "at the end of a road paved with good intentions!"
This jagged outcropping of blackened limestone attracts busloads, so go early to take photos or post a postcard stamped "Hell" at the tiny government post office.
"My, it's hot today," remarked a local woman as she sat fanning herself outside. I couldn't resist, "I thought it was always hot in Hell."
I bet she's heard this before but she laughed anyway.
Then it was time to head back to Seven Mile Beach for a perfectly heavenly free swim.
Cayman still has NO official island wide recycling, ban on engine idling, or plans to move the offensive smelling dump.
| OPINION PIECE by one of our readers: Recycling is still just a word "DEH calls for recycling" is the headline today in the Caycompass.com, but the onus is not put on individuals to make recycling part of their daily routine. No one feels guilty tossing that beer bottle in with newspapers and sytrofoam containers, because no collection containers are conveniently provided for that purpose. So while the rest of the modern and civilized world recycles, Cayman unabashedly languishes behind in cleaning up their garbage efficiently. | |
| Here is the article: "Make a New Year’s resolution to make recycling a part of your routine, is the word from the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). The article ends at this point. Where are those recycling tips Tania? Automobile idling is rampant in Grand Cayman You see it everyday. It's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, yes. But witness the SUV with the motor running, air conditioning going, and the missing occupant. Oh, they have been in the bank line up for the past 30 minutes. They finally stroll back to their vehicle, heave their sweaty, oversized butts into the coolness of the drivers seat and take off. This monumental contribution to the depletion of the ozone layer is played out thousands of times a month by ignorant Caymanians everywhere. Here are some facts for your foolish and selfish acts:
---------------------- The Grand Cayman Dump An embarassment to the country and a gut wrenching, offensive smelling, barely hidden, monstrosity that keeps growing. What to do with this island's garbage dump is apparently still a mystery to the Cayman government. Located along the well traveled bypass, which is then only about a hundred meters from some prime "Seven Mile" beach, the smell that emanates from the waste in this place has made me wretch several times since living on this island. It is amazing to me that several residential complexes and developments have gone up around the dump that were selling for more that $100, 000. One could not pay me to live in such putrid conditions on a daily basis. Perhaps with the decades old ongoing promise of moving the dump further inland, the value of those dwellings would show itself in the future, but for now no such action is forthcoming. | |
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Two Newspapers in Cayman - Two Different Perspectives
The Caymanian Compass is the Cayman Islands’ only Daily Newspaper. Established in 1965, the paper is published Monday through Friday. It is widely rumoured that articles in the Compass are often subject to various forms of censorship. As such it proudly bills itself as "Cayman's National Newspaper" and "the Cayman Islands leading newspaper".
The Cayman Net News describes itself as "The first quality-broadsheet to be published daily in the Cayman Islands, the new-look Net News delivers timely, in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the issues of the day..." and "considered the leader in presentation of news of the Cayman Islands to a very wide readership at home and overseas."
The Caymanian Compass often purports the Net News to be the 'tabloid' newspaper. However, the Net News presents an unbiased look at the news in Cayman without having to save face. Both of theses newspapers are necessary, and for all intents and purposes, each one serves to keep the other in check.
The Cayman Net News describes itself as "The first quality-broadsheet to be published daily in the Cayman Islands, the new-look Net News delivers timely, in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the issues of the day..." and "considered the leader in presentation of news of the Cayman Islands to a very wide readership at home and overseas."
The Caymanian Compass often purports the Net News to be the 'tabloid' newspaper. However, the Net News presents an unbiased look at the news in Cayman without having to save face. Both of theses newspapers are necessary, and for all intents and purposes, each one serves to keep the other in check.
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