Cayman Royal Cayman Islands Police Embroiled in Corruption

The officers above were not necessarily the ones put on suspension.

The Governor of the Cayman Islands, His Excellency Stuart Jack, CVO, today (Thursday, 27 March) announced that he has put three senior police officers on required leave to facilitate enquiries into allegations against officers of the Royal Cayman Islands Polput on ice Service (RCIPS). Police Commissioner Stuart Kernohan, Deputy Commissioner Rudolph Dixon and Detective Chief Superintendent John Jones were put on required leave with immediate effect to enable an investigating team from the Metropolitan Police Service led by DCS Martin Bridger to proceed with their enquiries. This action follows a separate investigation by Mr Bridger’s team into serious allegations made against the Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ennis and the editor in chief of Cayman Net News Desmond Seales. “The investigating team has shown that these allegations were false. However, in the course of their original investigation certain other matters have come to light which now, in the interest of protecting the high standards of the RCIPS, we must look into,” the Governor explained.

Although the Governor said that it could cause “some anxiety”, he urged the community to look at the positive outcomes of these matters: “It sends a clear signal that regardless of position, serious allegations will be investigated, and that we are committed to pursue the highest ethical standards in public office without fear or favour. It also serves as an assurance to our community that illegal or unethical actions that tarnish the reputation or interfere with the media will not be allowed.” Further in his statement to the media Governor Jack emphasised that the decision to take action against these top level officers was not taken lightly: “It was after very careful examination by me of the information that have been gathered to date. I am grateful for the valuable advice received from the Attorney General’s Office. And of course I was also mindful of the high public office that these individuals hold.” He added: “The enquiries are ongoing and I want to make it clear at this point that no judgment has been made as to the guilt, innocence or culpability of any person.

The decision to put these officers on required leave was made to protect the integrity of the enquiries to be made and it shows fairness to the officers involved.” The conditions of the required leave will be under constant review by HE the Governor as the investigation progresses. To lead the RCIPS in the interim the Governor has appointed David George, an UK police officer, as Acting Commissioner. While Mr Jack pledged to make every effort to keep the community informed, he did say that the sensitivity of the issues involved as well as the sub judice rule will restrict the amount of information the investigative team can provide. The Governor urged the community to steer clear of “sensationalism and divisive politics” and instead work together to combat rumour, innuendo and mischief making.

Offshore Financial Centers: Myth And Reality

Bryan Hunter

For too long, offshore financial centers like the Cayman Islands have been stereotyped as refuges for the wealthy to stash their fortunes. Like most stereotypes that grow more out of myth than reality, the role of today's offshore financial centers is quite different from what many perceive.

Successful offshore financial centers uphold global transparency and cooperation standards and enable market efficiency and competition. It's time to dispel the stereotypes that have long driven global efforts to stem the vital role of financial services centers. The realities of what offshore financial centers are and their contributions to global financial markets are explained below, alongside four of the most commonly held myths.

Myth: Offshore financial centers only benefit the rich and powerful.

Reality: The Cayman Islands and other offshore financial centers compete aggressively with each other every day to offer the most cost-efficient environment for international capital flow. This competitive market allows companies to raise financing and package financial risk more economically. These efficiencies benefit businesses, consumers of goods and services sold by these companies around the world and shareholders, which include such venerable clientèle as non-profit endowments and public-sector pension funds.

Myth: Companies and investors doing business in offshore financial centers are driven by a need for secrecy.

Reality: Today's successful offshore financial centers have a long history of promoting commercial certainty for global clientèle. For the Cayman Islands, this has meant adherence to recognized and relevant international standards--not absence of regulation--which has helped fuel sustainable growth of the sector. Since the early- to mid-1980s, the Cayman Islands has progressively reinforced its international cooperation channels in law enforcement, regulation and exchange of information on tax matters. These channels include a tax information exchange agreement that was signed with the U.S. in 2001 and is in force, as well as a mutual legal assistance treaty with the U.S. on criminal matters in effect since 1990 and under which the Cayman Islands and the U.S. have cooperated in some 230 requests for assistance.

Myth: Offshore financial centers prey upon other countries' tax codes, fostering illegal tax shelters.

Reality: Investors and/or their advisers choose the Cayman Islands for tax neutrality. This simply means that investors and their specific corporate activities--which can often involve two or more countries--are not subject to additional layers of taxation over and above those of their home country, which is where capital flows ultimately end up and are then taxed. In a similar context, numerous U.S. companies have left states where they were founded or have substantial business operations and established registered offices in Delaware, Nevada, Colorado and Texas so they can take advantage of the tax savings and efficiencies of having a registered office there. This is not seen as being shady or unduly evasive in the least.

Myth: Offshore financial centers foster illicit activity and are unregulated.

Reality: The Cayman Islands has a strong track record of effectively regulating a full spectrum of financial services that measures up with standards found anywhere in the world. Effective oversight of complex financial activity--where literally billions of dollars trade hands every day--can only be accomplished by regulating services typically unregulated in other global regimes, such as company formation services, trust-services providers and fund administration. In addition, the Cayman Islands government invests significantly back into regulation and into combating cross-border financial crime.

Over the past 15 years, the Cayman Islands financial regulation and prevention of financial crime regimes have been evaluated, "road-tested" and recognized by many third-party organizations such as the IMF, FATF and OECD. The Cayman Islands continues to participate in these valuable "health checks" to help ensure the integrity of its regimes.

Due to necessity and market expectations, offshore financial centers must be mature, sophisticated and specialized providers of financial services with sound legal frameworks and modern infrastructure in order to succeed. The "Big Four" accounting and auditing firms, most of the world's fund-service providers and substantially all of the world's top global banks have a presence in the Cayman Islands.

It's time to focus on the reality. Offshore financial centers are increasingly critical economic catalysts in today's fast-paced, cross-border, open-market system. Their continued and singular focus on transparency and appropriate levels of regulation is vital to a dynamic and resilient global economy.

Quick Facts about The Cayman Islands

1. The Cayman Islands were discovered in 1503 by Christopher Columbus. They were originally named “Tortugas” [Spanish for turtles] due to their large population of green sea turtles.
2. Grand Cayman is 22 miles long and less than 8 miles wide. Maximum elevation is about 60 ft.
3. Corals, which resemble colorful rocks and plants, are actually vast colonies of tiny animals. Coral reefs are home to over 25% of all marine life and are among the most fragile and endangered ecosystems.
4. It can take 5 to 10 thousand years for a fully developed reef system to evolve.
5. Over 400 species of fish and over 100 species of coral inhabit Cayman’s reef.
6. A Nor’ wester is a storm which generates strong winds and high seas along the north and west area of the island. Nor’ westers occasionally occur between November and April, usually lasting 2-3 days.
7. Pollution, over -fishing, reckless dredging and nefarious diving practices are leading causes of reef destruction.
8. Turtles are air breathing reptiles who must surface every hour or so to breathe. Look for them resting on the surface in between dives.
9. Fire coral appears in many intricate forms. However, it delivers a painful sting upon contact with skin. Vinegar or isopropyl alcohol will help alleviate the pain.
10. The wreck of the ten sails, off the shores of East End is a monument to the bravery of many Camanian men who, in 1794 risked their lives to rescue the crew of this ill- fated expedition from England when they floundered on the reef. Legend has it that in appreciation of their heroic efforts, King George III granted permanent tax -free status to the Cayman Islands.
11. Cayman is a Christian country and as such observes the Sunday Sabbath. Supermarkets, bars, nightclubs and liquor stores are closed. It is forbidden to dance on Sundays, and establishments are only permitted to play soft, background music. Bars are required to close early on Saturday night and must be empty by midnight to observe the Sabbath.
12. With a resident population of less than 200, shy iguanas and rare birds out-number humans on Little Cayman. Little Cayman has the largest known breeding colony of the Red Footed Booby (5000 pairs) and only breeding colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds in this hemisphere.
13. Black corals are not harvested in the Cayman Islands. It is imported for crafting from places such as; Honduras by professional divers, at depths and locations well outside the recreational dive limits.
14. The hurricane season is from 1st June to 30th November.
15. There are approximately 4,000 hotel and condo rooms available to visitors most of which are adjacent to the Seven Mile Beach.
16. Hurricane Ivan left most of the reefs intact and made many of the existing sites different and more exciting. Shipwrecks render a bridge from past to future as their slow decay affords birth to new living reef.

Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Lacoste available at Camana Bay

NKY at Camana Bay opens its doors to the public on Friday, 7 March. Presenting the latest collections from today’s top fashion designers, the stylish new store offers a wide choice of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.

Visitors to Camana Bay will find NKY at the crossroads of The Paseo and Market Street, at the very heart of the Town Centre. The 2,200 square foot store, decorated with dark hardwood floors, Grecian pillars and a beautiful leather sales desk, is a stunning showcase for some of the best-selling names in fashion. Lines available at NKY include popular brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Calvin Klein Underwear, Tommy Bahama and Façonnable. New additions to the portfolio are Paul & Shark, a collection of yachting and sportswear, Robert Graham’s beautiful woven shirts and Nilika by Xsara, an Israeli designer who has fast become one of the hottest labels in Miami.

NKY’s owner Nicola de Lima says, “NKY’s mission in fashion retail is directed towards our local residents and visitors. Our objective is to offer the latest collections from all of our lines at competitive pricing from all of our designers. NKY now eliminates the need for anyone who lives on the Island to have to travel off island to do their shopping. Our new location at Camana Bay is the ideal venue for the top designers’ labels we carry. They are as excited to be a part of such a great new shopping destination as I am.”

Accessories are also a key focus for NKY, where a dedicated handbag and shoe gallery will provide irresistible temptation for window shoppers and browsers. Even canine fashion followers will be well catered to with a fun and glitzy range of dog accessories.

“We are delighted to have NKY leading the way as our first clothing and fashion store in the Town Centre,” said Jackie Doak, Executive Vice President of Dart Realty (Cayman) Ltd, the developers of Camana Bay.

Editors note: The brands selling in this store are notoriously discounted, and marked down designer labels that are available in Miami, New York, California, Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto for almost next to nothing.

Cayman carbon footprint raises concern

The United States Energy Department’s Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center has ranked the Cayman Islands at number 55 on a list of 207 countries, for global carbon emissions per person.

Published on the BBC website in December 2007, in a study where all countries want to come in last, Cayman’s carbon footprint leaves a worldwide impression.

According to the report, the Cayman Islands national emissions (thousands of tonnes of carbon) are 85, and emissions per person (tonnes of carbon) equals 1.96. The statistics are for 2004, the year of Hurricane Ivan.

After several telephone calls and emails to the Department of Environment Health (DEH) this week, Cayman Net News received no comments at press time. An initial enquiry to the Department of Environment resulted in the newspaper being directed to the DEH Assistant Director Sean McGinn, who has responsibilities for the Solid Waste Unit.

Trinidad and Tobago, Netherlands Antilles, and Bermuda are the only Caribbean islands ranked above the Cayman Islands in the US Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis.

The definition of carbon emissions is: a polluting carbon substance released into the atmosphere; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide produced by motor vehicles and industrial processes and forming pollutants in the atmosphere.

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.

Shootings and Stabbings in Grand Cayman...

Three separate, and apparently unrelated attacks left one man dead and three others critically injured overnight Friday.


The attacks, a shooting and two stabbings, all occurred just outside Grand Cayman nightclubs between the hours of midnight and 3am.

In the first incident, a 21–year–old man was stabbed in the throat during a fight outside the Pit Stop bar (also known as the Everglow Bar) in Bodden Town. The victim was picked up by an ambulance after friends drove him part of the way into George Town. He was later pronounced dead.

A 20–year–old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the stabbing attack.

Just a short while later, a fight broke out in the parking lot of the ShirReynolds bar on Eastern Avenue, George Town. Witnesses reported several men were fighting. Two of them, a 28–year–old and a 40–year–old, ended up with stab wounds and were hospitalised in critical condition Saturday.

About 90 minutes after the ShirReynolds incident a man was shot in the head outside of Pepper’s Lounge on West Bay Road, George Town. Witnesses there said the man was leaving the bar around 2.30am and had gotten into a car when he was shot by someone pointing a gun through the window.

Police expected the victim in the shooting would be airlifted off island for further medical treatment. Police did not report arrests in either the stabbing outside ShirReynolds, or the shooting outside Pepper’s Lounge.

The homicide in Bodden Town was the third so far this year in Grand Cayman. Last year, there were three killings on the main island for the entire year.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service said the three incidents which occurred in the early morning hours were a rarity for the country. Acting Police Commissioner Rudolph Dixon said officers would be out in force the remainder of the weekend.

John McEnroe at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman April 16-20, 2008

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.

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).

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.

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.

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). Protecting our environment by recycling is becoming a top priority for many people in the Cayman Islands,” said the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) Director Roydell Carter. It’s an issue that concerns many people – not only in the Cayman Islands, but throughout the Caribbean, and throughout the world. In order to do their part, the DEH collects aluminium cans, used motor oil and lead acid batteries in Grand Cayman for recycling. These items are stored at the landfill until sufficient quantities are collected, after which they are shipped to a recycling facility in the US. And after the holidays, the public is encouraged to drop their natural Christmas trees at specific locations in Grand Cayman, so that the tress can be recycled into mulch. DEH also has the following tips to help residents recycle year round, at home and in the office. Everyone can take part in recycling; everyone can do their part to help the environment,” said DEH Public Education and Promotions Officer Tania Johnson. 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 average car produces its own weight in CO2 emissions each year. By not idling you’ll reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to problems such as smog and global warming and depletion of the ozone layer. Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting your engine. Depend ing on gas prices, you can expect to save well over $70 per year just by turning off your engine. Idling a vehicle for 10 minutes a day uses up more than 100 litres of gas a year. By turning your engine off, you and others around you won’t have to breathe unhealthy exhaust fumes from a vehicle going nowhere. SO TURN OFF YOUR BLOODY ENGINES WHEN YOU GET OUT OF THE CAR LARD ASSES! ---------------------- 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.

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.

Quindel Ames Victim of Hit and Run

Published on Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Christmas celebrations turned to tragedy last Saturday night as a 55-year-old woman was knocked down and killed in West Bay by a hit and run driver. Quindel Coleen Ames of Prospect Drive, George Town, was an accounts manager with the Health Services Authority (HSA). She had been attending an office party at Boatswain’s Beach and was hit by a car while using the pedestrian crossing outside the tourist attraction on North West Point Road. According to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), at approximately 11:30 pm on Saturday, 15 December, the 911 Emergency Communications Centre received a call from a member of the public reporting that a woman had been knocked down by a car on the pedestrian crossing outside Boatswain’s Beach, North West Point Road, and the driver had not stopped. Police and an ambulance responded to the call, and Ms Ames was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Police officers investigating the death believe the car involved to be dark in colour and are actively seeking information on its whereabouts and that of the driver. It is also believed that the vehicle would have sustained front-end damage; police are asking local residents to keep a lookout for the damaged car and report anything they see to the police. The vehicle is understood to have been driven past Boatswain’s Beach before the accident and had turned round to head back along the road before the collision occurred. “We need to hear from anyone who has information in relation to this car,” said Investigating Officer, Inspector Adrian Barnett, adding, “If your friend, relative or neighbour returned home last night with front-end damage, please contact the police immediately. If you see a car abandoned with front-end damage - call the police immediately. We need to locate the driver as quickly as possible.” A major incident room has been established at the Traffic Management Unit and anyone with any information can call investigating officers on 946-6372 or 946-6254 or the Senior Investigating Officer, Chief Inspector Courtney Myles direct on 926-0649. A number of people were in the area at the time of the collision and the police are asking anyone who was there on Saturday night and who has not yet spoken to them to get in touch as soon as possible. All information received will be treated in confidence and the RCIPS are appealing for any member of the public wishing to pass on information, no matter how trivial they feel it may be, to contact them and help find the driver of the vehicle. Even before this incident, North West Point Road had been identified by the RCIPS as a road safety problem area. Officers had been operating speed and vehicle checks on the road along with regular deployments of the speed indicator sign. UPDATE: A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and leaving the scene of an accident, following a fatal hit a run on Saturday, 15 December 2007, has been released on police bail pending further investigations. The man from West Bay was arrested on Tuesday, 18 December following the death of 55-year-old Quindel Coleen Ames, of George Town.

The Annual Magnum Jewelry Party

Jewelry designer Harry Chandi with models: Ambuyah Ebanks, Belinda Hart,
Stephanie Espeut and Josephine Shibli.

Magnum is a well known name in Grand Cayman. An accomplished jeweler, Chandi designs many of the original pieces on display in the store, some of which are entirely unique. Situated in the down town harbor front area Magnum may be a magnet for cruise visitors, but Chandi also has a loyal following of local customers who come back time and again to see his latest creations.

Chandi's glitzy party offered Cayman's "A Listers" the opportunity to see some of his most creative designs just in time for Xmas. Customers gathered around glittering glass cases, while the experts at Magnum explained that diamonds remain as popular as ever among customers. The rare colored stones from Australia such as canary diamonds which radiate an incredible yellow sunny hue, as well as the delicate pink and blue diamonds, are especially attractive as they make for unusual and beautiful pieces. The combination of a timeless diamond with a delicate color is a very attractive option for those seeking something a little more unique for their jewelry collection.

*Tip* You can wheel and deal with the specialists at Magnum, don't buy at face value.

Cayman Links

Cayman Islands Government www.gov.ky www.legislativeassembly.ky (Parliament) www.immigration.gov.ky (Department of Immigration) www.caymanislandscustoms.com (Customs Department) www.occ.gov.ky (Office of the Complaints Commissioner) www.npo.gov.ky (National Pensions Office) www.hic.ky (Health Insurance Commission) www.constitution.gov.ky (Constitution Modernization Initiative) www.foi.gov.ky (Freedom of Information) www.humanrights.ky (Cayman Islands Human Rights Committee) Tourism www.caymanislands.ky (Department of Tourism) www.itsyourstoexplore.com (Sister Islands Tourism) www.naturecayman.com (Nature Tourism) www.atlantiscaymanbrac.com (Cayman Brac's Lost City of Atlantis) Schools and Education www.brighterfutures.gov.ky (Ministry of Education) www.ucci.edu.ky (University College of the Cayman Islands) www.johngrayrecyclers.org (JGHS environmental programme) http://buildingcaymansfuture.blogspot.com (Education Ministry Blog) http://buildingexcellencetogether.blogspot.com (Department Education Services Blog) Conservation www.nationaltrust.org.ky (National Trust for the Cayman Islands) www.reefresearch.org (Central Caribbean Marine Institute) www.johngrayrecyclers.org (JGHS environmental programme) www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/projects/little_cayman (Little Cayman Turtle Project) Publications www.caymannewresident.com (New Resident Magazine) www.grandcaymanmagazine.com (GCM Editorials online)

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Commentary: Everybody's Business: Loopholes

Published on Friday, December 7, 2007

By: Gordon Barlow

In several past columns I have wondered how realistic it is to claim that Cayman operates according to the rule of law. There are just too many situations where unwritten rules and traditions carry more weight than laws solemnly passed by our legislators.

Where the Immigration Law applies, decisions are often made – and have always been often made – by Immigration Officers or Boards of political cronies in pursuit of either their personal agendas or their political agendas.

The political agendas (“stick it to the Jamaicans”, for instance) are clear, despite pro-forma denials; but personal agendas (“toss this man off the Island because he dumped my friend’s daughter”, for instance) are usually secret. I can’t see the Freedom of Information Law being of any help there...

Other decisions are sometimes made – and have always been sometimes made – by some public servants in pursuit of either their personal agendas or what they personally perceive as Cayman’s national interests.

The perceived national-interest agendas and the personal agendas tend to coincide more often than pure coincidence warrants. “It is in Cayman’s best interests that my generous and powerful friend gets to do what he wants to do.” Oh, really?

The draft Freedom of Information Law is as full of loopholes as the Immigration law is. Each of them might as well begin with the words, “All Sections of this Law may be enforced or not enforced at the complete discretion of whoever is in charge at the moment.”

In many ways, Caymanians’ selective attitude towards law-enforcement reflects the Islands’ history.
In the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries “the lawless Caymanas” had few formal laws at all. For most of that time, the rules of life were made by pirates and slave-owners. We have plenty of laws now, but old habits die hard.

In Cayman, not everybody in our society is held accountable to the laws or the courts, because of all the discretionary exemptions. If you know a person with influence, he can use his discretionary authority to let you do what you want. So much for the rule of law.

In Cayman, it can take seventeen court appearances and four years of absent prosecution witnesses before a criminal accusation is finally thrown out by the seventeenth judge. In that particular case, which ended just last week, the victim received no compensation for her ordeal. The government lawyers and the Police witnesses were not held accountable.

Grand Cayman loses Hyatt hotel in name only

The Hyatt name will disappear from the Hyatt Regency (Grand Cayman) on Monday, 31 December 2007.

A press release from Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, on Tuesday, 4 December said, “Following a successful presence on Grand Cayman for two decades, Hyatt has announced that its 20 year contractual agreement expires on December 31, 2007 after which date it will no longer manage Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman.”

According to the release, the owner of the hotel, Embassy Investments Limited, will continue independently to operate the 53-suites section of the resort on the world famous Seven Mile Beach (a stone’s throw away) under the name of Grand Cayman Beach Suites.

Since Hurricane Ivan severely damaged the 253-guestroom section of the property in September 2004, it has remained closed while the owners and insurers battle over storm damage claims. The suites section has been back in operation for over two years.

“Nothing will change except for the Hyatt name. The quality of the product and services will remain at its highest level,” said Diego Concha, General Manager of Hyatt Regency (Grand Cayman).
When asked if Hyatt Hotels and Resorts will be looking to operate other properties in Cayman, Mr Concha said: “Hyatt remains committed to Grand Cayman and open to new opportunities. We will be very attentive to future developments.”

Hyatt will continue to work closely with the Grand Cayman Beach Suites, the release said.

The "Educated Caymanian"

Perhaps Minister McLaughlin can take these mandates to the schools and make it a school requirement. While he's at it he can also get the guy who put in his hair plugs to give an impromptu lecture on how to ineptly transplant hair so that it becomes extremely distracting.

Lobster Season Begins!

Lobster season officially began on Saturday December 1, 2007 and will last until February 29th 2008. No more frozen lobsters from the USA disguising themselves as all you can eat lobsters at Deckers. No more overpriced, but bland lobsters at the lobster pot.

Make sure you call ahead to your restaurant of choice and ask if the lobster is a Cayman catch, and then make a reservation securing your lobster.

Fresh lobster reigns in Cayman until the begining of next year. Come and get it!