Bad Customer Service Complaints

What has happened to friendly and quality service? Please allow me to explain, as here are some examples.

I have been coming to Cayman for many years and have recently experienced some very poor service on this Island.

I took my family to Margaritaville last week. We were seated at a table and after 12 minutes I asked a server walking by if I could please have a menu. She said this is not my section, and pointed over to a man, stating that it was his section. Another 20 minutes gone by and still no service. We left.

We then went to Subway. The server asked what I would like, I placed my order. She then turned around sneezed and without missing a beat asked what kind of bread?

Never covered her face or washed her hands after the sneeze.

We left and ate lunch elsewhere.

The next evening, we went to the Wharf, where the bartender dipped a glass into a bin of ice to fill it with ice. A piece of my glass was chipped and to this day I do not know who is going to get the chip in their mouth.

This same restaurant also has a sign at the bar, gratuities not included, but when you get your bill there is a 15 percent charge.

I shop at Foster’s about two times per week. Upon check out, I cannot even get a thank you from the clerk. How sad!

It seems many of the businesses in Cayman have gone down the tubes. What happened to cashiers saying “Hi” and “Thank You/Bye”, “Have a nice day”, anything?

I spent a lot of money at Kirk Home Centre as well, the clerks here act as if you are lucky that they are cashing you out. Again, no greeting or thank you.

These are consistent everywhere we went. I am sad to see my hard earned dollars are not appreciated in Cayman.

Where is the local health department?

Servers should be trained to follow basic health standards and managers should train for proper customer service.

I was really appalled at the new lower standard of service all through this Island. I do hope it improves.

L. Tomasso

Note: The Cayman Juice strongly agrees that friendliness and attentiveness is missing in the customer service department of most retailers and industries in Grand Cayman. One only notices when they leave the island and go to a place like Trinidad, or Toronto, and then return to Cayman and make the comparison.

Civil Suit Filed Against Four Individuals and Companies in the Cayman Islands

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: Financial newsletter Offshore Alert has reported that a civil suit has been filed at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against four individuals and companies in the Cayman Islands.

The suit, filed on June 30, 2008, is an amended complaint to the original one filed on April 4 of this year, in which the new liquidators of two Cayman-registered hedge funds sponsored by US financial giant Bear Stearns are seeking to recover over US$1.5 billion in losses.

Walkers Fund Services Limited; two of its officers, Canadian national Scott Lennon and US national, Michelle Wilson-Clarke; and Deloitte & Touche (Cayman) were named in the amended complaint.
Walkers has been accused of aiding and abetting fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty. The causes of action against Deloitte and Touche (Cayman) include violation of the Securities and Exchange Act, fraud, professional malpractice, gross negligence, breach of contract, aiding and abetting fraud, and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty.

According to Offshore Alert, KPMG (Cayman) and two of its officers, Simon Whicker and Kristen Beighton were criticized in the amended complaint for their conduct as the former liquidators of the funds. However, they were not named as parties to the action.

Both individuals were reportedly removed as liquidators by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands after certain investors in the funds claimed that they were not truly independent, but were, instead, “hand-picked” by Bear Stearns in an attempt to conceal illegal activity.

"This action seeks recovery of more than $1.5 billion of losses sustained by investors in the Overseas Funds and Domestic Funds (collectively, the "Funds") as a direct and proximate result of a sophisticated fraud perpetrated by the Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. ("Bear Steams Companies"), their co-defendant affiliates and subsidiaries, Bear, Stears & Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns Co.") and Bear Stearns Asset Management ("BSAM", and together with the Bear Stearns Companies and Bear Stearns Co., "Bear Stearns"), and their officers, directors and employees, Ralph Cioffi, Matthew Tannin, Raymond McGarrigal, George Buxton, Barry Joseph Cohen, Gerald R. Cummins, David Sandelovsky, Greg Quental and Michael Ernest Guarasci (collectively, with Bear Steams, the "Bear Steams Defendants")," it was stated in the complaint.

“From their inception, the Funds were doomed to fail, because the Bear Stearns Defendants conceived, managed, and deceptively marketed them knowing that they would be viable so long as – but only so long as – the US housing market continued to experience an unprecedented rise,” the complaint stated. “The Bear Steams Defendants also knew, however, that so long as they were viable, the Funds would generate massive, unprecedented fees and other benefits for each of the Bear Steams Defendants.

“In short, in orchestrating this fraud, it appears that the Bear Steams Defendants did not fail to plan, but rather, planned to fail.”

Cayman Island Condo & Villa Rentals on Grand Cayman

1-800-999-1338

Activities on Grand Cayman

Explore the Deep Underwater adventures await for divers and snorklers.

Make a Sand Castle There are miles of white sandy beaches for playing or relaxing.

Play a Round of Golf Enjoy paradise on 18 holes of premier golf with seaside greens.

Our Grand Cayman destinations offer: Golf, SCUBA, Snorkeling, Swimming, Beach, Water Sports and Restaurants. Read more ›

Treasure Island Condos

Located on the southern end of Seven Mile Beach near George Town. All the amenities of a resort; including 3 swiming pools, a whirl pool, swim-up snack and cocktail bars, watersports, and beach with snorkel reef just offshore. Large 1, 2, & 3 bedroom units. Starting at $205 per night for 2 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›

Our condo was perfect! Very well furnished and maintained. We loved it and will be back! Booking and support was great. As a customer service manager they exceeded expectations. It was all so smooth and effortless! All of the services were efficient, easy and cooperative. Really it was a perfect experience. Thank you again! Cyndy from Wheat Ridge, CO (May 2008)

More guest comments »

Britannia Villas

Deluxe and spacious 2, 3 & 4 BR fully equipped villas located on the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course or on the waterway to the North Sound. Guests enjoy villa and Grand Cayman Beach Suites (formerly the Hyatt) amenities including golf, the fine white sand of Seven Mile Beach, water sports, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, shops, fitness center, and beauty spa. Starting at $420 per night for 4 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›

Everything was awesome as usual – we will be returning again in 2009! See you then! Jim & Kelley from WI (March 2008)

The Grandview Condos

Deluxe beachfront property on 7 Mile Beach near George Town. Well-appointed and spacious 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units all with "Grand" views of the ocean. Sandy beach with beachfront gazebo. Beautifully landscaped oceanfront swimming pool with whirlpool. Lighted tennis court on property. Fitness equipment, restaurants, shopping, and watersports nearby. Starting at $290 per night for a 1 bedroom condo. See rates, amenities and more photos ›

Beautiful view, location, facility! John from Boone, IA (March 2008)

George Town Villas

This beachfront property features nicely appointed, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominiums in a tranquil setting on the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. A private patio/balcony offers views of both the turquoise Caribbean waters and the nicely landscaped, well kept grounds. You'll find a full kitchen, cable TV, internet access, air conditioning and a washer and dryer in your unit. BBQ grills are available on the property. Starting at $215 per night for 2 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›

Enjoyed our stay in the condo. It was beyond our expectations. 100% more comfortable than our stay in a hotel the 1st visit to Cayman. Condition of condo exceptionally clean, plenty of space to spread out. Would recommend to family & friends. Grounds were kept up beautifully, pool was sparkling. Ann from Porter, IN (July 2008)

More guest comments »

White Sands

A fabulous oceanfront property on the quiet northern part of gorgeous Seven Mile Beach. Enjoy a pure-sand beach with very gradual incline, clear sparkling water, and relaxing privacy at this smaller property. The condo has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on two levels.
Starting at $220 per night for 2 people. See rates, amenities and more photos ›

Wish I was there now! The place was great! Can’t get much easier to book! Thanks! Andree from New Orleans, LA (July 2008)

Goodbye Mr. Bartender: Another Cayman rollover casualty

Stephen Bebber left Grand Cayman on Saturday, 2 August, probably for the last time.

Mr Bebber came to Cayman seven years ago thanks to a lucky break. But his luck ran out a year ago, when he received official notice from Government saying that his most recent work permit would be his last.

Everyone knows about the official Cayman Islands Government policy whereby non-Caymanian residents are not permitted to remain here longer than seven years. To the average Caymanian, the so-called ‘rollover’ policy seems to be a hazy concept.

To the many thousands of long-term expatriates who have happily made their home here for years, however, the rollover is a very real and very painful experience, draining both emotionally and financially.

Stephen Bebber’s first taste of life in the Caribbean came while working for a month in the Turks & Caicos. But that brief sip convinced him that he wanted more.

Returning to his Toronto home with itchy feet, he moved cross-country to Vancouver, where he took up a job as a bartender at an upscale restaurant. It was while working in Vancouver that he first heard about Cayman.

“There was a recruiter doing large-scale open-session interviews for bartending jobs in three different Caribbean locations. About a thousand people showed up for what was really only a handful of jobs,” he said.

The recruitment manager liked Mr Bebber’s personality, and the fact that he already had experience bartending in a top-tier eatery didn’t hurt.

Soon enough, he kissed the brutal Canadian winters goodbye and was serving drinks at La Bodega just off Seven Mile Beach.

Though neither the salary nor the tips were very good, for the next two years Mr Bebber, now 30, began to settle into Cayman life. And his Cayman luck continued when the food and beverage manager at the Hyatt offered him a job working at that hotel’s Bamboo restaurant.

Bartending at Bamboo not only meant a better salary and bigger tips, but also more importantly he was now regularly meeting the local elite, from top government leaders and business gurus to corporate high-flyers.

Chatting with these people convinced him that tending bar might be fun for a while but not long term. Enrolling at the University College of the Cayman Islands, he decided to sign up for full-time courses (“I wanted to catch up for lost time”) with the aim of earning a degree in economics.

“I’d work at Bamboo from 4:00 pm till 2:00 am, and then be up in time for my classes which began at 8:00 am, and ran till 2:30 pm. I’d have like a nine-minute nap at home before heading out to work,” he recalled.

Eventually he earned his associate degree and was steadily building more credits towards a bachelor’s degree. Then the “rollover letter” arrived.

“Two years ago, I first began to think about the rollover. But, I kind of put it out of mind. I thought: ‘Why would I want to leave this island, where all of my best friends are?’ But now they’re all gone. One, by one, by one, they’ve all had to leave the island - to the US, to Canada, to Nicaragua….

“I can appreciate that this is a small island, and the Caymanians don’t want to be dominated by expats. But people like me are not asking to vote. We’re not asking to run the country, only to make a home here.

Franz Manderson,
Chief Immigration Officer

“Several years ago I wanted to buy a house. I wanted to invest locally as well, and I had been putting my money in the local economy all along, not just hoarding it as some people do. I’ve always felt as if I were an ambassador for Cayman for every visitor I’ve met, whether while working or not. I’ve even flown my parents here several times for holidays.

“But now, because of the rollover, instead of investing my hard-earned savings here - this island that is kicking me out - I now have no choice but to take it back with me to Canada.”

Mr Bebber was on-island for Hurricane Ivan and endured its full fury. “Basically I lost all of my stuff. The water was over the roof of my car. And almost all my household things were destroyed.”

Though he took the loss from the storm in stride, Mr Bebber still feels wounded by the fact that those expats who left the island for a year - waiting for things to be cleaned up - were rewarded with a new additional seven-year permit when they came back.

“Whereas I stayed here, and helped rebuild the country, helped the Caymanians clean things up, to bring the country back. But I feel like I was punished for having stayed.

“The government says you can go away and come back in a year and try to return. But how can a person put their entire life on hold for a year, based on the fact that they might let you return, and that if they did, you might be able to find another job here?”

But Mr Bebber has accepted his fate. “I’ve been dealing with this for a while now, and I’m ready to move on. I’ve put seven years of my life here, and I really enjoyed living here and I think I’ve been contributing.”

He now plans to finish school in Canada and then go into the financial industry. “A lot of people ask me if I would come back to Cayman. I’d have to think about it long and hard. I mean - do you really want to consider making a home in a place that really doesn’t actually seem to want you?”

The UK in Cayman - National Security

The Cayman Islands remains an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, with a Governor appointed by the Crown, a 15 member elected Legislative Assembly, an 8 member Cabinet presided over by the Governor.

The UK is committed to the defense of the population of 52,500. The Royal Navy are regular visitors to the Cayman Islands and, even when out of sight, are patrolling in the Caribbean Sea. The Governor is responsible for ensuring national security from the full range of hazards and threats, whether natural or man-made. This is done in partnership with the elected government who provide most of the financial resources. Once the immediate threat to national security has passed then responsibility for the recovery and reconstruction naturally falls to Cabinet, Ministers and their Ministries. More detail on responding to natural hazards is available at Cayman Prepared.

Chaired by the Governor, the National Security Committee pulls together mainly law enforcement and criminal justice experts, and provides strategic policy direction to addressing threats from illegal immigration and terrorism to serious and organised crime. Reporting to the NSC are the National Aviation Security and National Maritime Security Committees which have responsibility for ensuring that airports and ports security is compliant with the standards laid down by the UK Department for Transport and therefore meets international standards. Through the Governor, the UK is also responsible for ensuring standards of air safety in the Cayman Islands, which is achieved with the support of Air Safety Support International.

The Commissioner of Police reports directly to the Governor. The RoyalCayman Islands Police Service has almost 400 uniformed police officersplus additional civilian staff. They carry out a broad range offunctions, from routine policing, to the investigation of financialcrimes, and working in partnership with customs, immigration and othersto guarantee Cayman’s border security. Given Cayman’s location on akey drug-smuggling route to the US and also to Europe, the RCIPS isbuilding the capacity of its Marine Unit with advice and training fromthe UK. A new Marine Base, vessels, staff, training and air supportwill be operational by the end of 2008.

5 Storey Building in Cayman is home to over 18,500 Firms

A report to be published this morning by the Senate Finance Committee's Government Accountability Office (GAO) will disclose that the number of companies that list their address in a five-story building in the Cayman Islands nearly doubled to more than 18,500 during the past four years, according to a source who has seen the report.

The building is called "Ugland House" and as of March 2008 was home to 18,857 business tenants. That was up from 12,748 reported tenants in August of 2004 - an increase of four tenants a day. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., who is chairing a Thursday hearing of the Senate Finance Committee on the issue, called the findings "hugely troubling." "When you see a huge spike in tenancy in a place like the Ugland House, where no one's really sure what's going on, decent oversight demands that you ask more questions," Baucus said. "If we strengthen transparency for U.S. holdings in places like the Caymans, it will be a lot easier for the IRS to tell who's not playing by the rules."

The GAO report is the culmination of a yearlong inquiry conducted at the behest of the Senate Finance Committee and comes on the heels of another Senate investigation that said the use of tax havens has cost America an estimated $100 billion a year in lost revenue. Companies with addresses in Ugland House are clients of the law firm Maples & Calder, which is the building's sole tenant. Investigators from the General Accounting Office traveled to the Cayman Islands earlier this year and interviewed officials with the law firm. Maples and Calder told GAO that only around 5% of the entities it serves are wholly-U.S. owned.

The GAO also found that U.S. persons reporting to the U.S. Treasury that they control Caymans bank accounts jumped to 7,937 last year, up from 2,677 in 2002. In addition, 732 companies that trade on the U.S. stock exchange are incorporated in the Caymans, GAO said. More than a third of the entities that reside at Ugland House - about 38% - are hedge fund or private equity-related. Caymans-based hedge funds offer U.S. tax-exempt entities like pension funds and foundations the ability to legally invest in the high-return vehicles without paying a U.S. tax that applies to leveraged investments. They also serve foreign investors who prefer not to invest in U.S.-domiciled funds for tax, regulatory or political reasons. Most hedge funds that operate in the Caymans are part of a "master feeder structure" that includes a mirror U.S. fund. Fund managers are responsible for ensuring that U.S. investors only invest in the U.S. feeder fund.

Another 24% of firms registered at Ugland House are related to structured finance - for example, leasing corporations set up to finance commercial aircraft. The remainder, about 38%, are corporate entities like holding companies and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Some of these are legal entities set up by U.S. firms to facilitate doing business overseas. But others are created for the purpose of tax fraud or evasion, GAO said. GAO identified 21 civil and criminal cases brought by U.S. authorities against Caymans entities.

Cayman Islands Living Costs

These were fairly accurate at the time of writing and are designed to be a rough guideline only. These are some approximate guide figures as to how much it would cost to live on the Cayman Islands in CI$ per month.

1 bed apartment: $800 - $1,500
2 bed/2 bath apartment: $1,200 - $5,000
3 bed: $2,000 - $5,000

TV: $70 - (depends on package of channels) Internet: Over $100 for high speed.

Water: $30 - $120 upwards depending on consumption

Electricity: $80 - $250 (for a 1-bed apartment, more if you run the AC) upwards. Obviously a 2 bed or a house will be depending on the AC system and insulation etc. Ecay tip Always ask to see a previous electric bill before taking a lease on a property

Telephone: how long is a piece of string? C&W have a great package called Net Speak that allows inexpensive calls over the Internet. –
We now have several telecomms providers offering mobile, Internet and data services, and C&W, Digicel and Telecayman offer land lines or the equivalent.

Medical Insurance: $90 upwards depending on the coverage - (bare minimum - very limited benefits)

PO Box rental: from $75/year depending on size

Food: $500 (for a family of three) obviously this varies depending on your lifestyle. Imported British products for example are extremely expensive but local Caymanian and Caribbean products are reasonably priced.

Car: $4000 + insurance (starting at $500) + car tax ($180) (for a very basic vehicle!)
One has to be Caymanian to secure a place at a government school, so private schooling is the only thing available to non Caymanian. There is a great choice of schools and prices start at $4,000 - $9,000 per year

Prices for basic items (January 2006)

Item/Services Approximate
Price (CI$)
5lb bag white potatoes $2.69
3lb bag yellow onions $1.49
1lb jumbo slicing tomatoes $3.89
1lb Red Delicious apples $1.49
1lb fresh cabbage $0.69
5lb bag sweet oranges $3.29
Jumbo seeded red grapes $2.29/lb

Beef loin T-bone steak $10.99/lb
Salmon fillets $6.99/lb
Boneless/skinless chicken breasts $5.49/lb
Uncooked bone-in turkey breast $1.59
Honey Ham $4.99/lb
8 oz sliced bacon $2.99
Pork loin chops $2.59/lb

#2 lobster tails $14.99/lb
Salad shrimp $6.99/lb

Lender bagels $1.89
Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat bread $2.09/loaf
2lb Pillsbury All Purpose Flour $1.35/bag
Dozen large eggs $1.25

Kraft 8oz Strong Cheddar Cheese $2.99
64oz Tropicana Orange Juice $4.45
12-pack 12oz Pepsi etc $5.95
10.5oz pizza $2.25
18oz Kellogg's Corn Flakes $3.79
Paper Towels $0.69/roll
Soft 'n Gentle 24 Roll Bath Tissue

63oz Gain powder detergent $7.49

Milk $5.29/gallon
7oz (200g) Nescafé Classic $5.99
** Please note that prices vary on a weekly basis depending on availability **

Gas $3.29/gallon

Beer $32.00/case
Cigarettes $30.00/200
Postal Rates
Postcards (to US) $0.20
Postcards (to UK/Europe) $0.25
Letters per half ounce (to US) $0.30
Letters per half ounce (to UK/Europe) $0.40
Greetings cards (to US) $0.60
Greetings cards (to UK/Europe) $0.80
Cost of Living in Grand Cayman

The cost of living in the Cayman Islands will often vary depending on a number of factors, including choice of accommodation, entertainment and lifestyle. The summary below highlights the average range of costs. All items are in Cayman Islands dollars which is equivalent to US$1.25.

Accommodation costs in Cayman Islands


A large selection of apartments and condos are available for long term rental. Accommodation cost vary dramatically with location (proximity to George Town, Seven mile beachfront, canal, waterfront), condition of the premises and facilities (pool, dock, tennis court). The rental costs for a reasonable apartment/condo are as follows:


1 bedroom - 2 bedroom
Seven mile Beach or canal $1,500 + $3,000 +
Off the beach $1,200 + $1,800 +

It is possible to find cheaper units that may not be in such a desirable area. Click on the link here to take you to the Ecay Trade free classified section of this site where hundreds of properties are listed. Alternatively go to the Ecay Cayman Islands Business Directory and check under Cayman Islands Real Estate and Developers for local agents who offer rentals and Property Management
Utilities (electricity and water) costs in Cayman Islands

Average monthly electricity charge (including air conditioning) for 1 to 2 bedrooms ranges from $100 to $250. However, some may be more if they do not have good insulation. We would recommend monitoring your consumption for the first month so you do not get any nasty surprises when your bill comes in. Average monthly water charge range from $50 to $100. If you are renting a house with a pool, you should expect far higher water bills than stated above. Security deposits are required for electricity and water services and apartment/property size. Electricity $100 to $500 and water roughly $200.
Our business directory has contact details for:

* Utilities
* Telecommunications

Cable costs in Cayman Islands

Generally the cost of cable (approximately $75 per month) is included in monthly rental charge. Weststar now offers some great upgrade packages should you wish to get more movies or sports channels etc.
Telecommunication costs in Cayman Islands

Basic monthly connection with voicemail is approximately $15. Long distance charges range from $0.50 to $0.90 per minute within the Caribbean, $0.60 to $1.20 per minute to the US & Canada and $0.80 to $1.60 per minute for the rest of the world. Security deposit for new phone service ranges from $100 to $350, dependent upon payment method.
Please note that these amounts quoted are rough. Check out the Ecay Cayman Islands Business Directory to get information on Cayman Islands Telecommunication Companies. Since the advent of telecoms competition rates have plummeted and some good deals are now available from: Telecayman, Digicel and Westtel.
Vehicle costs in Cayman Islands

The cost of a basic mid-size used car can range from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on size and age. Insurance premiums generally range from $500 to $1,500 per year. Some discounts are available and it is worthwhile to arrange a reference letter from a previous insurer. Check out the Ecay Business Directory for a full list of Insurance Providers in the Cayman Islands.
A three year driver’s license cost $65. Vehicle registration can be purchased for either a six-month period or a full year. The annual inspection and registration fees are approximately $200.
Food Costs in Cayman Islands

There are number of large grocery stores on the Island which offer a wide selection of fresh and packaged goods. Food costs are relatively expensive as the majority of items are imported. The average cost for groceries for one month can range from $450 to $1,000 depending on the size of your family and your dietary preferences.

Health Insurance costs in Cayman Islands

Health insurance is mandatory. Your company will arrange basic group health cover with a local recognized insurer and will contribute half of the monthly health insurance premium for employees and their families. Employee contributions are made by way of salary deduction. Some pre-existing conditions are specifically excluded from coverage by local insurers.

Exchange Rate in Cayman Islands

The currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Island Dollar (denoted CI$). The CI$ is exchanged to the US dollar at the following rates:
US$1.00=CI$.80 (cash), US$1.00 = CI$.82 (check)
Our business directory has contact details for:

* Electronics
* Furniture
* Home & Garden
* Linens
* Shopping

Housing costs in Cayman Islands

Rented accommodation is relatively easy to find, and generally annual leases are available, although less so between November and February (the tourist season). Monthly rental costs can vary considerably depending upon the nature (furnished or unfurnished), location, and size of the accommodation. The following is a general guide:

Modern fully furnished one-bedroom apartment:

* On the beach CI$1,500-2,500
* Off the beach CI$750-1,200

Modern fully furnished two-bedroom apartment:

* On the beach CI$2,000-3,000
* Off the beach CI$1,200-1,800

Two- or three-bedroom fully furnished houses:

* Off the beach CI$1,500-3,000

Generally deposits of one month’s rent are required for apartments. Also, telephone, water, and electricity deposits are approximately CI$750 in total.
Household Goods costs in Cayman Islands

All household goods can be purchased locally. Many landlords provide a full range of crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, and linen in furnished accommodations although quality can vary considerably. The electric current is 110 volts AC.

HURRICANE SEASON 2008 IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Atlantic Hurricane Season is from June 1 - November 30

Invest 94L has already passed Jamaica and on the satellite image it is now a big white blob over Cayman.

Establishing a business in the Cayman Islands

Establishing a business in the Cayman Islands involves approvals by several government agencies depending on the type of business being established and the industry in which the business will operate. A company wishing to trade within the Cayman Islands, e.g., in retail trading, real estate, hotel operation, restaurants, maintenance services or local shipping, must obtain a licence under the Local Companies (Control) Law. No less than 60 percent of the equity must be Caymanian-owned and there should be more than 2/3 local directorship. Depending on the nature of business or industry, if less than 60 percent of the equity is Caymanian-owned, the Trade and Business Licensing Board will have to be convinced of the need for the company’s services. An application may go before the Trade & Business Licensing Board within four weeks or less of receipt of the application. This period may be greater, whenever an applicant has not provided all the requisite information.

Below is a general outline of this process.

Business Entity

Businesses in the Cayman Islands are usually established by an individual, a company, or a partnership:

Company

The registration of companies is governed by the Companies Law (2004 Revision), and all companies must be registered with the Registrar of Companies. Companies can be formed with one shareholder and with no minimum capitalisation requirements (except for Exempted Limited Duration Companies).

Client privacy is protected by the fact that the Registrar can only release the name and type of company, its date of registration, the address of the registered office and the company's status. Disclosing any other information is prohibited except where assistance to law enforcement agencies is required.

Businesses that intend to operate in the jurisdiction are typically incorporated as a 'Resident Company'. Resident Companies are companies carrying on business in the Cayman Islands, which must report annually to the Registrar and which can hold land. As an alternative, companies that are incorporated outside of the Cayman Islands that wish to carry on business locally can register as a 'Foreign Company'.

Click here for details on the ways in which a company may be registered in the Cayman Islands.

Partnership

Limited partnerships, which can be formed by two or more people or companies, are governed by the Partnership Law (2002 Revision), which requires them to be registered with the Registrar of Limited Partnerships.

Click here for details on registering a limited partnership in the Cayman Islands.

Business Licensing

All businesses and professionals operating in the Cayman Islands must be licensed under the law relevant to their industry.

General Business Licences

Trade and Business Licences are administered through the Trade and Business Licensing Board of the Immigration Department as specified under the Trade and Business Licensing Law (2003 Revision). The fees for licence application and annual renewal depend on the broad nature of the business and/or profession. Certain types of business premises, such as restaurants, also require inspection by the Department of Environmental Health.

In addition, foreign-owned or controlled companies doing business in the Cayman Islands must obtain a licence under the Local Companies (Control) Law (1999 Revision). A company is considered foreign owned if less than 60 per cent of the equity is owned by Caymanians or if less than 60 per cent of the board of directors is Caymanian. This licence has a maximum duration of 12 years, but a longer period may be approved by the Governor.

For more details, please visit the Immigration Department website.

Financial Services Licences

Companies operating in the financial services industry must apply for the license relevant to its industry from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). CIMA is responsible for processing applications, regulation and supervision of the following types of businesses:

* Banks and Trust Companies

* Insurance Companies

* Fiduciary Services (Companies Management, Corporate Services, Trust Companies in of companies without a banking licence)

* Investment & Securities Services (Mutual Funds, Mutual Fund Administrators, Securities Investments Businesses)

For more details, please visit the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority website.

Hotel Licences

Hotels seeking to operate in the Cayman Islands must apply for a hotel licence from the Hotel Licensing Board under the Tourism Law (1995 Revision). This process is administered through the Department of Tourism.

A Trade and Business Licence is not required, but a LCCL is required if the level of Caymanian participation does not meet the threshold stated in law.

Telecommunications and Radio Licences

The Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) is an independent statutory Authority which is responsible for the regulation and licensing of Telecommunications, Broadcasting, and all forms of radio which includes ship, aircraft, mobile and amateur radio. The ICTA conducts the administration and management of the .ky domain, and also has a number of responsibilities under the Electronic Transactions Law 2000.

A Trade and Business Licence is not required for a business licensed by the ICTA, but a Local Companies (Control) Licence is required if the level of Caymanian participation does not meet the threshold stated in law.

For more details, please visit the Information and Communications Technology Authority website.

Building Regulations

Applications for permission to carry out development must be made to the Planning Department in accordance with land uses indicated in the Development and Planning Law (2003 Revision), Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision), and the Cayman Islands Development Plan.

Applications for planning permission to carry out development must be made to the Central Planning Authority (CPA) in Grand Cayman and the Development Control Board (DCB) in the Sister Islands. Land uses (zoning) are indicated by The Development Plan. Planning permission is required even for an established location where the intended use of the location is significantly different from what was originally approved.

A building permit is required prior to start of construction and a Certificate of Occupancy is required before buildings can be occupied. In certain limited circumstances, home offices are permitted subject to conditions restricting and limiting the scope of activities within the designated address. Applicants are advised to consult the Planning Department for advice on registering a business at a private residence.

All major developments must go to the Central Planning Authority (CPA) for approval. The CPA may require an Environmental Impact Assessment depending on the project (type and size) and its impacts. Advice on the environmental impact of development projects is taken from the Department of Environment. The Department of Environment encourages pre-application consultation with project proponents to discuss areas of environmental concern or mitigating impacts through best management practices and other internationally accepted mechanisms.

For more details, please visit the Planning Department website.

Work Permit Requirements

Non-Caymanians or people not legally and not ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands aren not allowed to work in the Cayman Islands without a work permit.

Under the Immigration Law (2003), a person or his/her employer may apply for a work permit to the Work Permit Board or the Business Staffing Plan Board for employment in Grand Cayman, or to the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Immigration Board for employment in the Sister Islands.

In Grand Cayman, all businesses employing fifteen or more work permit holders must submit their work permit application through the Business Staffing Plan Board as opposed to the Work Permit Board. Businesses employing fewer than fifteen work permit holders have the option of applying to either of these boards.

The boards may grant work permits for up to three years. Five-year permits can also be granted to holders of certain positions that have been approved under a business-staffing plan. A work permit holder can work continuously for no more than seven years. After this, the board can’t normally grant any further work permits until that person has left the Islands for at least two years. The only exceptions to this would be a worker designated an ‘exempted employee’ in a business staffing plan, or where there are exceptional circumstances. In such cases, the board may, at its discretion, grant additional work permits to enable the person to complete an aggregate period of eight years, thus making him or her eligible to apply for the status of permanent residence.

For more details, please visit the Immigration Department website.

Terms of Employment

Under the Labour Law (2001 Revision), every employer who enters into a contract of employment with an employee shall within ten working days of entering into such contract, furnish the employee with a written statement of his conditions of employment. This statement covers, amongst other things, job title, responsibilities, special requirements, regular working hours, rate of remuneration, and period of employment if any.

Labour Tribunals have been established under the Law for the purpose of hearing complaints from employers and employees, though provision has also been made for the complaints to first go through a Conciliation and Mediation process. In the event that this process fails to resolve the situation it is then referred to the Labour Tribunal. For more information, please visit the Department of Employment Relations website.

There is currently no National Minimum Wage in the Cayman Islands.

Under the Health Insurance Law (2003 Revision), an employer must pay the standard premium of any standard health insurance contract issued by an approved insurer. Up to 50 per cent of this premium can be recovered directly or deducted from the employee's salary. Health insurance coverage is also required for an employee within the first fifteen days of employment. For more details, please visit the Health Insurance Commission website.

Under the National Pensions Law (2000 Revision), employers don’t have to provide pension plans or contribute to pension plans for employees who do not have Caymanian status, or who are not permanent residents in the Cayman Islands during the first nine months of their employment.

Employers are responsible for providing a pension plan for eligible employees, and for maintaining current information with the National Pensions Office. For more details, please visit the National Pensions Office website.

Can I work while I’m visiting the Cayman Islands?

A casual visitor is not permitted to take up or solicit employment while in the Islands. A work permit must be applied for and obtained before arrival, either by the individual, if he is to be self-employed, or by the employer with a post to fill. A work permit entitles the holder and named dependents (normally limited to three) to live in the Islands during the term of the license or specific employment. Dependents will not be allowed to work without their own licenses.

If you're planning a business trip, know in advance that sales people planning to solicit business and take orders in our islands require a temporary work permit. Applications for this may be obtained in advance from the Department of Immigration. Contact their office weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (345) 949-8344. You also must declare all samples of goods you're bringing into the country and these must leave with you.

Under Immigration Laws visitors are not allowed to accept jobs in the Cayman Islands without a government-issued work permit.

Sixth Murder of the year make 2008 the most violent in Grand Cayman

Police investigators collecting evidence and clues on Birch Tree Hill Road in the murder case of 23-year-old Mark Anthony Jefferson. Photo by Trent Jacobs

With the shooting death of a 23-year-old man in West Bay on Friday, 11 July, the Cayman Islands is experiencing its highest rate of homicides for the decade.

In comparison, there were six killings for all of 2004 and three last year. The sixth murder victim of this year, Mark Anthony Jefferson, was shot dead on Birch Tree Hill Road around midnight near local hangout, Kelly’s Bar; a few hours later there were shots fired near Funky Tangs on Shedden Road, with no injuries reported.

During the West Bay shooting, another man, 20, was shot in the arm for which he required surgery, though his wounds were not life threatening, according to police. The initial police investigation says that bystanders scattered upon numerous shots being fired after which Mr Jefferson collapsed and died in the street.

Mr Jefferson is the same man who was arrested for the December hit-and-run death of 55-year-old Quindel Ames, who was leaving a Health Services Authority Christmas party at Boatswain’s Beach in West Bay.

On Monday, 14 July, several officers, donning rubber gloves and equipped with metal detectors, were still combing through residents’ front yards and alleyways looking for clues that might lead to an arrest.

Police say they have already collected several spent shells but have yet to find the murder weapon.
Cayman Net News spoke with an eyewitness, who requested anonymity, who said the victim fell dead just feet in front of him. According to the witness, several people were hanging out at a laundromat by Kelly’s Bar, an area he alleges is a hangout for drug dealers, when the shooting began.

The police say that a 19-year-old is currently assisting authorities with their investigation but they are still urging anyone with any information they think might help to contact the West Bay Police station on 949-3999 or Crime Stoppers on 1-800-TIPS (8477).

King’s Point Towers on Cayman Brac

King’s Point Towers, a development by Whitewater Point Ltd. which is owned by Robert Banks and former Chief Secretary James Ryan, will consist of 23 two-bedroom condos located 200 feet east of Cayman Breakers on a 2.57-acre parcel of land on the southeast end of Cayman Brac.

The initial phase of King’s Point Towers, consisting of the first 16 two-bedroom units, will be finished 28 months after construction begins. Mr Banks said 12 units have already been sold.

Phase 1 includes two swimming pools – a smaller pool with spa features and a waterfall, and a larger pool.

No bar or restaurant is planned, but there will be a deli for owners’ convenience and five poured concrete cabanas for outside dining, as well as a dedicated building for divers.

Phase 3 will be four three-storey penthouses and three one-bedroom efficiencies, plus management offices. All units in the development will have an ocean view on one side and a view of the Bluff face on the other.

At the ceremony, Mr Banks told the gathering that King’s Point Towers is designed and engineered to withstand a direct hit from an F5 tornado, which packs one-third higher wind gusts than any recorded hurricane to date.

They will be built of solid poured-in-place concrete walls, eight-inch thick for the first and second floor exterior walls, and four-inch thick for all interior walls. The entire floor will be poured monolithically and consist of steel-reinforced concrete only – there will be no wood used in these structures.

“A building is only as strong as its weakest point,” said Mr Banks. Therefore, the roofs will also be concrete, with a 1-in-12 compound pitch for water drainage. All the concrete will have a chemical compound additive for 100 percent waterproofing, and the roofs will have an additional coating of EPDM rubberised membrane as an additional sealer against water intrusion.

The units will be two-storey with a town house-style layout. They will have two and a half baths and two bedrooms, consisting of approximately 1,400 square feet of living space. The kitchens will have solid wood cabinets with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and the units will have top quality furniture throughout.

An anti-fracture membrane under all tile floors will prevent cracks, and windows will be full-impact solid laminate and just over half-an-inch thick, guaranteed not to breach wind or water during a hurricane.

“Two years ago, a foreign entity, the Divi Corporation, owned most of the rooms on Cayman Brac. When that closed, a lot of people were out of work and the question was, how do we go forward?” said Mr Kirkconnell.

Acknowledging Linton Tibbetts, whose family owns the Brac Reef Beach Resort, currently the only hotel on the island, he said, “These Brackers stepped up to the plate, and I’m proud to see the partnership between stakeholders on Cayman Brac supporting each other. The community will do whatever it can to support these developments, and we thank you all having the courage to take this step.”

At the ceremony, Mr Banks told the gathering that King’s Point Towers is designed and engineered to withstand a direct hit from an F5 tornado, which packs one-third higher wind gusts than any recorded hurricane to date.

They will be built of solid poured-in-place concrete walls, eight-inch thick for the first and second floor exterior walls, and four-inch thick for all interior walls. The entire floor will be poured monolithically and consist of steel-reinforced concrete only – there will be no wood used in these structures.

“A building is only as strong as its weakest point,” said Mr Banks. Therefore, the roofs will also be concrete, with a 1-in-12 compound pitch for water drainage. All the concrete will have a chemical compound additive for 100 percent waterproofing, and the roofs will have an additional coating of EPDM rubberised membrane as an additional sealer against water intrusion.

The units will be two-storey with a town house-style layout. They will have two and a half baths and two bedrooms, consisting of approximately 1,400 square feet of living space. The kitchens will have solid wood cabinets with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and the units will have top quality furniture throughout.

An anti-fracture membrane under all tile floors will prevent cracks, and windows will be full-impact solid laminate and just over half-an-inch thick, guaranteed not to breach wind or water during a hurricane.

“Two years ago, a foreign entity, the Divi Corporation, owned most of the rooms on Cayman Brac. When that closed, a lot of people were out of work and the question was, how do we go forward?” said Mr Kirkconnell.

Acknowledging Linton Tibbetts, whose family owns the Brac Reef Beach Resort, currently the only hotel on the island, he said, “These Brackers stepped up to the plate, and I’m proud to see the partnership between stakeholders on Cayman Brac supporting each other. The community will do whatever it can to support these developments, and we thank you all having the courage to take this step.”

Cayman investment funds failure

Naul Bodden over-extends his CPA status...

Prominent Caymanian businessman Naul Bodden is linked with at least one of the four Cayman–domiciled entities, which are called Grand Island Commodity Trading Fund I; Grand Island Commodity Trading Fund II; Grand Island Income Fund; and Grand Island Master Fund. The first three entities are all registered by CIMA, while the last one is unregulated.

CIMA issued a statement on the matter after meeting with Joint Voluntary Liquidators David Walker and Nick Freeland of PricewaterhouseCoopers this week.

The JVLs were appointed by the shareholders after an extraordinary general meeting on 17 June following the discovery of trading irregularities, CIMA said in its statement.

Contacted on 13 June, Mr. Bodden said CIMA had already been made aware of the situation. He also confirmed the extraordinary general meeting would take place when it did. However, Mr. Bodden said he did not want to make any further comment before speaking to his attorney at Appleby.

Efforts to get further comment from Mr. Bodden have been unsuccessful.

Mr. Bodden’s exact involvement in the funds is not clear at this time. However, in his biography posted on the website of the non–profit organisation Generation Now – of which he is patron – Mr. Bodden is stated to be the “Investment Advisor and founder of Grand Islands Commodities Trading Fund”. The website also says Mr. Bodden is the shareholder and director of a number of companies and manages in excess of $100 million of diversified assets.

Naul Bodden also an investment advisor on the Cayman Island Real Estate Fund so one might want to think twice about putting their money with someone who is really only a CPA, and not classical trained in business finance.

Cayman's Second Murder Within Four Days

May 20, 2008

"Paradise" is the island's moniker. Not so anymore. A Canadian Man was found murdered Tuesday, and a Caymanian man found dead on Saturday. Bringing the total to 5 homicides in Cayman this year.

Starting with the most recent murder: An autopsy has confirmed that a former Saskatchewan man found dead in his seaside rental home in the Cayman Islands was the victim of murder. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service said Thursday that Martin Joseph Gareau, 47, suffered multiple injuries to his head and body caused by sharp and blunt objects.

"The post-mortem shows that Mr. Gareau suffered very serious injuries, which could only be caused by another person or persons," said Det. Insp. Kim Evans. Gareau, a former resident of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan (Canada) who had been living in the Cayman Islands for the last four years, was last heard from in the city of Bodden Town on Sunday. His body was discovered by a co-worker Tuesday after he failed to show up for his construction job. Police said there was no sign of forced entry at Gareau's residence and no one has been charged in his death.

On Saturday, the body of 20yr old Brian Adrian Rankine (also known as Rankine-Carter) of West Bay. Rankine-Carter’s body was found in a car parked on McField Lane, George Town, shortly after midnight. He was believed to be homeless at the time of his murder according to family members, and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has contacted his mother who lives in the United Kingdom.

Arrangements are also being made for her return to the Cayman Islands and a pathologist is being flown in from Miami to complete a post mortem. Two men remain in custody (a Jamaican and Nicaraguan) on suspicion of murder in connection with Rankine-Carter’s death and a vehicle seized during the course of the investigation is undergoing a forensic examination, as is other evidence obtained from the two suspects.

UPDATE:

Suspect arrested in Cayman Islands in stabbing death of former Prince Albert man

A 28 year old man was arrested Thursday afternoon on the Cayman Islands in the beating and stabbing death of Martin Gareau, 47.

Gareau had been working construction on the islands for the past four years, but he was raised on a farm about six kilometres west of Prince Albert.

His body was found May 20 in his rented home in Bodden Town by co-workers after he didn't show up for work at Cayman Islands-based manufacturer CI Precast.

An autopsy has shown the 47-year-old had multiple injuries caused by both sharp and blunt objects.

Police corruption and cover-up against Cayman Net News

Deputy Commissioner Rudolph Dixon and former Inspector Burmon Scott were arrested on Thursday as London’s Metropolitan Police widened their investigation into corruption in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). At a 15 May press conference, H.E. the Governor Stuart Jack, flanked by Acting Commissioner David George and Senior Investigating Officer Martin Bridger, announced that Commissioner Stuart Kernohan and Detective Chief Superintendent John Jones are being formally investigated for “misconduct in public office”.

Mr Bridger said that Mr Dixon had been arrested for “other criminal acts completely unrelated” to the current investigation involving Mr Kernohan, Mr Jones and Mr Dixon. On Thursday afternoon Mr Dixon was granted bail. "We have now reached a stage where, again supported by legal advice, we have reasonable grounds to suspect Mr Dixon of being involved in other criminal acts,” Mr Bridger said..

“In this regard he was arrested this morning. A former RCIPS officer has also been arrested this morning in connection with the matters connected to Mr Dixon. Mr Bridger declined to identify the former officer referred to at the press briefing on Thursday but Cayman Net News has since identified the unnamed officer as Mr Burmon Scott, a now retired 28-year veteran of the RCIPS.

For the first time since the suspension of the top cops, Mr Bridger said Mr Dixon was being investigated for his role in the events surrounding the 3 September 2007 break-in at the office of Net News Publisher Desmond Seales by former staffers Lyndon Martin and John Evans. Pressed by reporters for details on the nature of the alleged crimes under investigation, Mr Bridger said it was too early to go public. Mr Jack said the decision to widen the Kernohan-Jones-Dixon investigation followed fresh allegations of police corruption.

On Thursday, 27 March, Mr Jack had announced the suspension of the three commanders to facilitate a probe into alleged wrongdoing. The move came in the wake of an earlier Metropolitan Police investigation into an alleged “corrupt relationship” between Deputy Police Commissioner Anthony Ennis and Mr Seales. Both Mr Ennis and Mr Seales were exonerated of any wrongdoing by the officers, who subsequently charged Mr Martin for his role in the Ennis/Seales investigation, which lasted six months. “While conducting the investigation involving Mr Seales, Mr Ennis and Mr Martin, it became clear to my team that both Commissioner Stuart Kernohan and Detective Chief Inspector John Jones were involved in developing matters from the time Mr Martin made the original allegations about Mr Seales and Mr Ennis,” Mr Bridger said.

“Seeking corroboration of what Mr Martin was saying, Mr Kernohan, subsequently supported by Mr Jones, conducted certain enquiries, which led to a Cayman Net News employee entering the newspaper’s offices on the night of 3 September 2007.” Mr Jack said that the three officers would continue to receive full pay. He said he had given Mr Kernohan permission to visit the United Kingdom on “compassionate grounds”.

The Governor urged the public to have confidence in the RCIPS, saying the majority of officers were honest and hardworking. “The fact that we are taking the received information seriously is not an indication that we have a wholesale lack of integrity in our police service,” Mr Jack said. “Rather, it means that we in the Cayman Islands want a police service above reproach, and if this means further investigations, we are willing to commit to it. This entire process gives us all an unprecedented opportunity to review and adjust our police system to deter those who may be tempted to behave inappropriately. We are looking at both creating stronger internal processes within the RCIPS and considering an independent complaints mechanism.”

Acting Commissioner George said he would ensure that systems are in place to deliver a robust and transparent complaint and discipline policy, and customer-centred processes at the RCIPS.

Perplexing Construction Costs, Expensive Housing

Editorial: Construction costs
Published on Monday, May 12, 2008
The recent award of contracts for the construction of the new schools reveals an astonishing differential between the lowest (and successful) bid and the tender submitted by another well-known local construction firm. In fact, the losing bid was half as much again as the winning one. If we were just talking about a few thousand dollars, perhaps the discrepancy would not be worth commenting on, but in this case the sums involved amount to several tens of millions. If one can safely assume that the bid specifications were exactly the same in each case, the government must be congratulated on some effective value engineering. However, if the successful bidder is going into this project in the hope that the inevitable change orders can be padded to compensate for a low bid, then clearly the situation is not so rosy. We also hope that the country is not headed into a similar situation that some homeowners find themselves in when a contractor has spent all the money agreed on but cannot afford to complete the job, leaving the customer over the proverbial barrel with no option but to find more money. But, let’s assume that the school projects can indeed be completed for the sums agreed, the sheer scale of the differential still raises some wider-ranging questions about construction costs locally. Housing costs have always been expensive here and the contrast in the school bids leads us to wonder to what extent construction costs are unnecessarily inflated across the board, to allow the contractors to make more than an acceptable profit. Indeed, the whole concept of affordable housing in the Cayman Islands has been one plagued with difficulties and controversy. Concerns were widely expressed in relation to the Affordable Housing Initiative established by the previous United Democratic Party (UDP) administration and the process by which such housing was constructed, focused largely on the disregard for the customary tendering process. Not only were there wholly unwarranted prepayments for work not done, but serious issues of immigration violations and political favouritism were also raised. And to no one’s surprise, the principal beneficiaries of what the Auditor General subsequently referred to as the “misuse of public funds” turned out to be well-known UDP supporters and activists. The current People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) government has also not adequately covered itself either in this area. The issue of housing many unfortunate Caymanians, still essentially homeless after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, remains unresolved after three years in office. In launching the mortgage guarantee programme last year, the Leader of Government Business, Hon Kurt Tibbetts, admitted that this would not address the needs of many who could not afford to participate. One has to question, therefore, what was the point in the first place. Mr Tibbetts also negotiated the sale of the affordable housing site in George Town, saying the land was too valuable for the project. We have observed before that, surely, the country has the resources to solve this problem once and for all, especially with some community involvement augmenting government action instead of inaction. In the meantime, the need for affordable housing in Cayman, whether it is to rent or own, continues to increase. For as long as anyone can remember, lip service at one extreme and highly questionable conduct at the other has been outpacing reality when it comes to moving towards affordable housing for this country, which is so quick to boast of the highest income per capita in the Western Hemisphere. The country has continually been offered shortsighted, band-aid approaches that show a complete misunderstanding of the real issues confronting the people who are willing to sacrifice to become homeowners and the needs of renters in the market. It is about time that the stakeholders in the area of providing affordable housing – and yes, this includes Government housing – came up with another model than the traditional methods of construction and financing. And a one-third reduction in construction costs, as we have seen in the case of the school contracts, would surely aid this process. This would allow deserving individuals, along with public and private sector stakeholders, to become partners and make the dream of owning a home an attainable reality.

Joe Anne Cowin claimed overall third in the Natural Caribbean Grand Prix Bodybuilding and Figure Championships

By RICK FARAGHER

Sports reporter

FIGURE competitor Joe Anne Cowin claimed overall third in the Natural Caribbean Grand Prix Bodybuilding and Figure Championships recently, which was this year held in the Cayman Islands.

The The Isle of Man competitor, who has lived in Cayman for the past nine years, exceeded all expectations by recording a top-three result in her very first contest, beating a host of recognized names within the sport in the process.

In front of a packed crowd at the Lion's Centre for the annual WNBF Mr and Ms Universe event, Joe Anne entered the stage with the other contestants parading the Manx flag as one of more than 40 nations represented in the event.

>> Read a report from the event at www.caymennetnews.com

As the final placings in the amateur figure category were called out one by one, the Manx woman was in with a great chance of taking the overall title.

However, a somewhat controversial decision by the judges placed Joe Anne third in what was still a fantastic achievement by the former Nautilus Gym instructor.

Although she has been training for 16 years, the build-up to the show required months of intense workouts and a disciplined diet.

In order to fit in her training around her hectic day as a hairdresser her day begins at 5am with an hour of cardio followed by abs conditioning before beginning work at 8am.

Joe Anne's diet consists of six small meals a day which she has to fit in around her busy schedule, usually in between clients. All of her meals consist of a mix of protein and carbohydrates such as chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, brown rice and green vegetables.

Prior to the Miss Universe show the Manx woman completely eliminated sugar and sodium from her diet in a bid to fine-tune her physique, which means having to cut all fruit from the menu and drinking only distilled sodium-free water.

After work at 5pm it's back to the gym for weight training five times a week, with specific focus on one muscle group each day for maximum results.

Joe Anne generally trains for five consecutive days followed by two days of rest where she admits she allows her usually rigorous diet to stray occasionally!

With a third place finish in Ms Universe now under her belt, the former Ballakermeen High School student can now set her sights on a possible victory at her next show in New York this November and put the Isle of Man to the fore of the fitness scene once again.

Gay Kissing in Cayman Not "Illegal", Just Unwise

The Department of Tourism has issued an official apology to the man who was detained by police after publicly kissing his boyfriend at the Royal Palms bar last Wednesday night (30 April).

Meanwhile, Cayman Net News has learned that a full investigation is being launched into the incident, where an off-duty officer took tourist Aaron Chandler to the George Town Police Station after he kissed his boyfriend on the dance floor at the Seven Mile Beach bar.

Director of Tourism Pilar Bush subsequently issued an apology for the incident. "I apologize for your upsetting experience and want to assure you that the Cayman Islands is a welcoming jurisdiction to all people," she wrote to Mr Chandler.

"What happened to you was an isolated incident, and is not representative of Cayman. We know that thousands of gay and lesbian visitors travel to the Cayman Islands every year and enjoy their vacation," she continued, adding: "I am truly sorry to learn of what you went through during your visit."

Mr Chandler has filed a complaint to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) over the incident, in which he recalled that after dinner at the Reef Grill he, his boyfriend, and his boyfriend's sister and husband moved to the adjacent Royal Palms bar. While at the bar, he and his boyfriend were dancing together and "occasionally kissing", he said.

"At approximately 11 pm, an unidentified woman came up to me and asked me to follow her to meet a 'friend' at the edge of the club. I went, but reluctantly," Mr Chandler said.

The man requested that Mr Chandler walk with him out of the bar where they could speak alone.

"Not knowing him, and having heard numerous accounts of anti-gay violence on Grand Cayman, I refused. He continued to get me to walk out with him, saying that 'I don't want to create a scene here,' but each time I refused."

The man then identified himself as a police officer and, upon Mr Chandler's request, displayed his badge. Then, according to Mr Chandler's statement, the officer told him: "It is against the law for two people of the same sex to show displays of affection in public."

Mr Chandler's boyfriend then came over, and as the couple was about to leave, the men kissed one more time, after which the officer physically restrained Mr Chandler by the wrist.

"This police officer, upon seeing my boyfriend and I kiss, walked up to me, grabbed my arm and told me that I was going to be arrested. My boyfriend, his sister and his brother-in-law pleaded with the officer to let me go since we were on our way home, but the officer refused."

Legal sources have confirmed that the Cayman Islands does not have any law on its books that prohibits same-sex couples from publicly displaying affection.

Mr Chandler also said in the complaint that a crowd of nearly 20 people from the bar pleaded with the officer to release him as he was "dragged" outside.

"I occasionally tried to gently squeeze my arm and hand out of his grip, but each time he told me, 'Do not resist me' and tightened his grip."

Mr Chandler was then placed in a police car called in by the off-duty officer. On the drive to the George Town Police Station, he said the responding officer told him that "the law is stupid and a waste of time, but that he has to enforce it."

Mr Chandler said he spent about an hour at the police station but was not questioned by an inspector and no charges were laid.

Before leaving the station, Mr Chandler said the off-duty police officer who detained him attempted to elicit a promise not to repeat his behaviour while on the island. Mr Chandler refused and was then driven by police back to where he was staying.

Mr Chandler, an active gay and lesbian rights advocate, is the Board President of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition in Washington DC and former Commissioner of the City of Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities.

Three questions: Just who was this unidentified off duty cop, and why was Chandler's partner not detained as well, and why bother upsetting the "values" of a homophobic island when it is well known you will be mistreated?

UPDATE:
The Ministry of Tourism announced today (Wednesday, 21 May) that Pilar Bush has resigned from the position of Director of Tourism (DoT) effective 30 June 2008. In accepting the resignation, Gloria McField-Nixon, Chief Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Investment and Commerce, thanked Ms Bush for her dedicated service. Mr Shomari Scott, will be appointed as Acting Director.

I wonder if she was forced to resign from all the flack she received from the Christians on the island, or maybe she was just a symbolic "firing" from the backlash against Cayman from the world of tourism.

Cayman Islands: Confusion Over Same Sex Marriages

Cayman Islands lawmakers and UK officials have both assured the public that neither same sex marriages nor any union similar to them will be legally allowed under the country’s constitutional reform plans.

Education Minister Alden McLaughlin said during a press conference last week that one of the reasons to change the current constitution was to allow elected leaders more control over legislation.

“So that we don’t have to live in fear or concern about the input of EU directives or specific UK legislation relating to things like civil unions,” Mr. McLaughlin said.

UK Parliamentary Under–Secretary of State Meg Munn previously said Britain has no intention of forcing Cayman to accept civil unions or civil partnerships, even though she is personally in favour of allowing such arrangements to exist.

However, despite claims from both sides on the issue, the phrases “civil partner” and “civil partnership” actually do appear in legislation that has recently been gazetted in the Cayman Islands.

The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) Regulations, 2007 set out certain guidelines for how a person applies to be registered as a British Overseas Territories citizen. It essentially advises governments in overseas territories on how those matters should be handled in accordance with the British Nationality Act of 1981.

The government intends to prohibit same sex marriages by amending the Cayman Islands Marriage Law to reflect that marriage here will be considered solely the union of one man and one woman.

However, it’s not known whether such an amendment would legally prohibit the formation of civil unions, or any other legal arrangement similar to marriage.

There has also been some confusion over whether government would attempt to ban same sex marriage in a bill of rights. Mr. McLaughlin said that would be handled under the Marriage Law, not in any human rights section of the constitution.

“One wouldn’t put that (language outlawing same sex marriage) in a bill of rights,” he said. “A bill of rights is about affording people rights, not ––– making prohibitions about various things.”

Precisely what language might be placed in the constitution regarding marriage isn’t certain. The first summary of constitutional proposals released by government said “the right to marriage between members of the opposite sex” would be considered.

Bill Clinton Evades Taxes With Sketchy Account in Grand Cayman

In recent weeks, reports from the USA suggest that the fight between the two hopefuls, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, has included a number of robust, vocal attacks on the use of the Cayman Islands by US citizens and US companies to avoid paying US federal taxes.

The Cayman Net News Online published a story about former President Bill Clinton's "substantial financial stake in three Cayman Islands-registered investment entities."

They were referring to President Clinton's investments with Yucaipa Companies, a Los Angeles-based holding company founded in 1986 by self-made billionaire and former grocery store bag boy, Ron Burkle. The investments, according to the report, "are believed to offer the former president a fairly risk-free potential yield in the order of tens of millions of dollars."

The Cayman Islands have no domestic taxation system, but President Clinton is still liable for U.S. taxes on income earned through Yucaipa's investment funds.

"The crucial, and as yet unanswered question," said Cayman Net News, "is whether the money in the funds represents a salary, taxed at a potential high of 35 percent, or equity compensation, which could only attract 15 percent taxation."

Yesterday afternoon the Clintons released their tax returns, perhaps answering the crucial question.

We say "perhaps," because we have no expertise in tax law.

But a cursory look at the Clintons' 2005 return finds a $5,000,000 payment from "Yucaipa Global Opportunities Fund I" reported on Schedule E, "Income or Loss from Partnerships and S Corporations."

Bloomberg News dug through the tax returns and found $15.4 million in income from Yucaipa since 2003. Reporter Ryan J. Donmoyer calculates that it was twenty percent of Mr. Clinton's income during that period.

Mr. Donmoyer got some tax lawyers on the phone and reports that they think "the Yucaipa partnership income for Bill Clinton looks to be a form of salary because it was in round numbers for most years."

Documents show that Yucaipa paid the ex-president $1 million in 2003, $4 million in 2004, and $5 million in 2005, and Bill reported $12,674,668 in income from Yucaipa between 2001 and 2006.

Tom Ochsenschlager, vice president of taxation at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, told Bloomberg News that "the flat amounts received from Yucaipa are odd" and agreed with other experts that it indicated Bill Clinton was paid for performing a service.

Apparently, if that money was a salary, President Clinton owed 35 percent of it in income taxes. And that's not what he has paid, apparently.

It looks like the whole time that Hillary Clinton and her husband have been telling anyone who'll listen that they didn't want George W. Bush's tax cut, they've been evading taxes with a sketchy partnership in the Cayman Islands.

If the usual pattern holds, Bill Clinton will spend the next week thunderously denying that he did any favors for Dubai or any of Ron Burkle's other interesting partners. He'll also be trying to deflect continued negative attention away from himself, and Hillary's Democratic run against Obama.