One man hurt during burglary

A man sustained injuries to his hand after he disturbed four men who had broken into the Lighthouse restaurant on Bodden Town Road last week.

The 34- year-old victim called the 911 Emergency Communications Centre at 2:40 am reporting that four men had broken into the building. Police responded to the scene and learnt from the victim that he had been working in the kitchen when he heard noises coming from the restaurant.

Upon entering the room he saw four masked men in the area of the cash register. He said he was hit on the arm with a crowbar and the men fled from the location.

The man did not require an ambulance but was advised to seek medical attention. A small amount of cash had been taken from the register and some items were missing from a showcase. The fire extinguisher had also been set off in the restaurant.

Three further burglaries occurred in the Eastern Districts overnight. Officers were called at 1:50 am by a woman reporting that her house in Paradise Villas on Sea View Road had been broken into. The woman said she had been woken by dogs barking and when she went downstairs she found the front door open. Officers responded and found the woman’s TV had been taken along with her handbag, some cash, some jewellery and a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. A second break-in at Paradise Villas was reported to police at 6:35 am.

A man reported that an X-Box game and a number of bottles of alcohol had been taken from his house overnight. It is thought the offenders gained entry to each apartment by prising the front doors open. Officers believe the dead bolts on the doors might not have been functioning properly and so would not have been as secure as they could be.

At 5:55 am police were alerted to the fourth break-in at Chester Watler’s heavy equipment on Bodden Town Road. The office of the company had been entered after a door was forced open. Some alcohol, a box of cigarettes and a small amount of cash has been confirmed as missing and an inventory is being carried out to see if anything else has been taken.

Detectives from Bodden Town are leading the investigations. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Joseph Wright at Bodden Town police station on 947-2220. Residents are reminded to do all they can to protect themselves from burglary, including locking all doors and windows, not leaving valuable items on display and using stoppers on windows and sliding doors so that even if the lock is broken entry cannot be gained easily.

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.

Cayman's ghetto area; "Rock Hole" residents raise concerns

Hon Mike Adam Minister of Community Affairs and Housing	Ellio Solomon George Town MLA

By Kevin Shereves
kevin@caymannetnews.com

Crime and unemployment were just some of the burning issues raised at the Rock Hole community meeting in George Town on Wednesday, 5 August.

Hon Mike Adam, Minister of Community Affairs and Housing, and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ellio Solomon, both members of the United Democratic Party (UDP), anchored the two-hour meeting.

Approximately 50 residents from the George Town constituency attended and discussed a range of topics affecting the community including safety and social issues in the area and the rising rate of crime.

Community officers from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) also attended the forum along with representatives from the newly formed Young United Democratic Party (YUDP).

Minister Adam encouraged cooperation and community fellowship among attendees.

“The UDP is not about one person, we are all about teamwork and a belief in one another. Our most solemn duty is to protect you, protect your families, protect your neighbours and lead this community in a responsible manner. Join us in putting the public interests ahead of the special interests, so everyone has a chance at the promise of Cayman,” he said.

“It’s a promise that says the market should reward drive and innovation, but that businesses should be responsible for creating Caymanian jobs, looking out for Caymanian workers, and playing by the rules. We are responsible for ourselves, we also rise or fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother’s keeper; I am my sister’s keeper.”

Jonathan Piercy, (UDP) political candidate in the 20 May general election, also developed on the issue of unemployment among Caymanians.

“Caymanians need to have full access to available jobs. We have a record number of Caymanians who are currently unemployed and opportunities must be valuable in terms of compensation. There also needs to be a tectonic shift in the mindsets of the people,” he said.

“Because jobs are scarce, we are faced with a very competitive marketplace. Retraining and lifelong training is a concept that must be embraced and Caymanians must come first, second and third in their own country.”

Mr Adam urged the community to put their differences aside and work together as one. “Let’s restore the moral fibre of our society, to embrace values that ensure amongst other things; respect for human life, dignity and property,” he said.

“I am concerned about the youth of today, who are not receiving the proper care, love, discipline, and education that will prevent them from living their full potential in the future. These children that are at risk may turn in the wrong direction if not guided by us, the parents and the community on the right path.”

A concerned member from the community said: “There is a shortfall in Rock Hole, Swamp and Windsor Park areas. These neighborhoods have always received the short end of the scale and the frustration is being echoed throughout all these areas. There is a high percentage of single mothers throughout these communities and many of our young men are not achieving their full potential because many of them are unemployed and there is a sense of hopelessness and despair in their lives.”

The woman added: “If these matters are not addressed, then crime will continue to be a problem in our community. We need to focus on working together and meeting the needs of the people in our community, only then will Cayman be Cayman again. Please do not overlook these neighborhoods again because more and more is needed and we need to work towards enriching our communities that are most in need. Let’s do it.”

Another concerned citizen spoke about the need to rebuild the George Town Primary School, which received severe structural damage during Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

“We need George Town Primary School rebuilt and reopened. Our children are being bussed out to Prospect Primary School and this is unacceptable. George Town Primary School has been a pillar of our community for generations. Our parents fought for the school and now the community must fight for it today,” the citizen said.

One member of the audience expressed: “We need to create a trade school for people who are released from prison, because we do not want them to just be sitting around idle. We need to reintegrate them back into the society by getting a trade school in place so that they can learn a trade, earn a certificate, have their proper papers and be employable. That is the only way that they can be expected to have a future.”

George Town MLA Ellio Solomon said he was not surprised by the concerns raised at the meeting.

“I am not surprised to hear the feedback from the community because those were the same concerns that we were hearing before and during the election. Our Government is faced with a number of problems and we are implementing policies in relation to housing,” he said.

“There are over 700 aplications for affordable homes that we have inherited from the previous administration and it is important to us to ensure that we get those affordable homes built. It will put people back in their homes and will put contractors and tradespeople back to work.”

Another resident suggested that there was a lack of trust between the community and the RCIPS: “There is no trust and there is a lack of communication between law enforcement and the community.”

Adrian Seales, Superintendent and head of community policing, said: “The neighborhood forum is a very good initiative, because it is only through dialogue and discussion that we can achieve our objections.

We, the police, need the community just as much as the community needs us. This means that we must continue to work together in partnership. The RCIPS is committed to this neighborhood and we will increase police presence by implementing more community policing. Our role is service oriented and we are here to serve the community.”

Seven Years Later, man gets 12 years for 2002 rape of a tourist

A man who pleaded guilty to the 2002 rape of a visitor to the Cayman Islands has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Christopher Omar Samuels, who is 33 years old, appeared before the court on Friday, 26 June for sentencing.

Mr Samuels was charged by Detectives in January 2009, nearly seven years after the offence was committed, after DNA evidence linked him to the historic case.

The attack took place in the rest rooms of the Westin Casuarinas resort.

“This was a terrible attack which had a huge impact on the victim,” said Head of CID, Acting Chief Superintendent Marlon Bodden. “We hope that this sentence will help bring some closure to the victim and demonstrate our commitment to thoroughly investigating such heinous crimes.”

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is committed to bringing offenders before the court and will continue to examine old cases and utilise all available new technologies to assist in solving crimes, said an RCIPS press release.

A call to end he "Rollover' policy

Dr Frank McField Independent candidate for George Town

By Tad Stoner


Calling for socialised medicine, an end to the rollover policy, public subsidies for agriculture and immediate outreach to local youth, George Town independent candidate Dr Frank McField released his manifesto late last week.

He also called for an end to pension payments for foreign employees of small locally owned businesses, the recruitment of more Caymanians into both the police force and the ranks of teachers, and the diversification of Cayman’s tourism product to embrace growing markets in South America, Europe and China.

“At this particular moment, I am concentrating on social stability issues and the neglect of the social system,” Dr McField, who holds a PhD in philosophy from Germany’s University of Bremen, told Cayman Net News.

“It is because of a combination of social degeneration and crime,” he said. “It is not just poverty, not just a material poverty, but a philosophical poverty. There is a moral confusion and an inability to choose a value system.”

At 23 pages, the slick 9’x6’ booklet, titled “Preserving Our Common Sense Democracy: The 2009 Political Manifesto of McField, Dr Frank Swarres”, offers a thoughtful critique of the Caymanian social and political system, and calls for a series of changes.

Written during the course of a month, “one topic at a time”, Dr McField said, the manifesto builds on his previous 1996 platform called “Towards a Common Sense Democracy” that the candidate authored for his initial independent run for office.

In this “sequel”, Dr McField writes of the slow erosion of social values and his fears for the consequences, citing the October murder of community activist and women’s leader Estella Scott-Roberts as a touchstone.

“There can be no excuse for this crime even if it had taken place in the most backward and underdeveloped nation on this planet and we must now strive to understand this disconnect which now exists in our society,” he writes, blaming an increasing tendency to limit the “needs of many young people to discover and be accepted by a community of their peers” by arming police, closing nightclubs and banning music.

To “reform this culture of violence,” he says, “I hope the police will begin to analyse their weaknesses and strive for correction,” one of them being the “recruitment, training and retaining” of Caymanians in the Royal Cayman Islands Police, helping re-establish a sense of connection within communities.

Dr McField calls for a similar effort to recruit local teachers, citing the “social breakdown and violence” attributable, he says, “to the inability of the schooling and policing systems to function as social-control agencies.” Cayman should have a Teachers Training College, he says, and back-to-school programmes for adults.

He proposes that the Cayman Islands Hospital “be given a social mandate to deliver socialised medicine to the Caymanian people,” while suggesting that “political appointments of decision makers over heath workers are not healthy management.

“The Government is already providing free medical treatment to Caymanian children, civil servants, pensioners, indigents, prisoners, seamen and their widows. We may as well go all the way and preserve at least in the public medical sector some aspect of Caymanian traditional egalitarianism,” he writes.

Dr McField does not say, however, how we would pay for his proposals. Already, government spends $64 million annually, more than 10 percent of the budget, on medical care.

Calling for creation of a technical and vocational training school, Dr McField calls for creation of wider job opportunities. “There were so many young Caymanians without meaningful employment before the economic crisis, and there are even more today and many more for tomorrow,” he writes.

“Government must invest in new tourism concepts and agricultural and manufacturing strategies.

“The Cayman business section has been for too long too narrowly defined and as a result excludes too many Caymanians and prevents the further growth of our middle class,” he says.

At the same time, though, acknowledging the burden on small-business owners of providing health and pension benefits for foreigners who “are rolled over after seven years”, he says, “I can no longer support pension payments for foreign employees.”

Unlike others among the independents, however, Dr McField does not blame expatriates for the problem, pointing out that immigrants contribute to demand for goods and services and indirectly generate investment in schools, healthcare, roads and other infrastructure, frequently creating local jobs.

Small businesses, he says, suffer from the policy, whereby expatriates are forced to leave after seven years residence, as do white collar industries such as financial services.

“Every time a company loses a trusted employee, they also lose a certain amount of confidence clients may have had in their services. In many cases clients follow their trusted advisers to whatever jurisdiction they are next employed,” Dr McField writes.

“We must examine how careers of Cayman ‘knowledge workers’ can be protected without driving business overseas.”

Finally, he writes, diversification of the economy is vital. The tourist industry should explore new markets in Europe, South America and China, while government extends the Owen Roberts Airport runway and rekindles the “Go East” programme, spreading tourism revenues throughout the Island.

Agricultural subsidies should be used to encourage small gardens and provision grounds for fruits and vegetables, and for raising pork, poultry and fish, while the Cayman Islands Development Bank should become a source of low-finance lending to help create new industries.

“The Immigration Department needs to stay shy of labour politics and of deciding on economic strategies for small enterprises,” Dr McField writes, exhorting voters. “I honestly believe that we have more of a chance to survive if I, a caring leader, is elected to help lead in these serious times.”

Chief Justice to give evidence against suspended Grand Court Judge Priya Levers

Anthony Smellie Chief Justice Priya Levers Grand Court Judge Alexander Henderson Grand Court Judge Sir Andrew Leggatt Tribunal Chairman According to reliable sources, Chief Justice Anthony Smellie will be required to give evidence at the Judicial Tribunal appointed by H.E the Governor Stuart Jack to hear charges of “misbehaviour” against suspended Grand Court Judge Priya Levers. The same sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Cayman Net News that Mr Smellie has also been ordered to be cross-examined on his evidence. It is understood that the Chief Justice had initially resisted giving such evidence and/or being cross-examined but he has been overruled by the Tribunal Chairman, Sir Andrew Leggatt, a former Lord Justice of Appeal. It is also understood that the Chief Justice and other court staff will be represented at the Tribunal by senior counsel from London, instructed by Crown Counsel locally, and who, if last year’s Commission of Enquiry is any guide, may cross-examine other witnesses on the evidence they give. The notion that sitting judges are somehow exempt from interrogation was one of the issues that were indirectly raised in connection with the arrest in September last year of Grand Court Judge Alexander Henderson, after he had declined to be interviewed by the Governor’s Special Police Investigation Team in connection with alleged corruption within the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. According to statements at the time, the judiciary and the Solicitor General were both of the view that it was inappropriate for Mr Henderson to be interviewed and questioned by police investigating a suspected offence. Notwithstanding Mr Henderson’s failure to provide a statement to the police when requested to do so, former Senior Investigating Officer Martin Bridger said, “You have my assurance that the decision to arrest Justice Alexander Henderson was not based on his refusal to give me a statement.” It subsequently came to light that Mr Bridger and his team had, in fact, acted upon the advice of London lawyer Martin Polaine, as to whether or not the evidence gave rise to a reasonable suspicion that Mr Henderson had committed the offence of misconduct in public office. There was sufficient evidence for such reasonable suspicion, concluded Mr Polaine, and so advised Mr Bridger and his team. The Tribunal looking into the allegations against Judge Levers is scheduled to start on Thursday 7 May at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Hotel. Sitting on the Tribunal along with Sir Andrew Leggatt will be Privy Counselor and former Lord Justice of Appeal Sir Philip Otton and Chief Justice of Barbados Sir David Simmons. The Tribunal hearings were initially scheduled to last three weeks, which prompted some questions as to whether setting a time limit would unduly restrict Judge Levers’ defence. The likely duration must therefore be somewhat uncertain at this point. As reported by Cayman Net News, the Tribunal proceedings will be open to the public, reportedly at the insistence of the Chairman, Sir Andrew Leggatt, and Judge Levers’ defence team. The allegations against Judge Levers appear to centre on a number of complaints about inappropriate courtroom remarks, bias against parties involved in hearings and contributions to courthouse gossip. In addition, the complaints against her also extend to an accusation that she may have been the clandestine author of one or more letters to the editor of Cayman Net News published in the summer of 2007 that were critical of the Cayman Islands judiciary. The facts likely to be asserted by Judge Levers in her defence may well establish the truth of some or all of the allegations contained in the letters in question. Several requests by the Chief Justice to each of the recent series of Police Commissioners to investigate whether the publication of the letters brought the judiciary into disrepute or contempt were each reportedly rejected on the grounds that no such offence was disclosed on the face of the letters themselves. However, according to Judge Henderson, the same letters formed an element in his 24 September arrest. A former Cayman Net News employee, John Evans, an acknowledged acquaintance of Judge Henderson, admitted to entering the office of Cayman Net News publisher and editor in chief Desmond Seales for the purpose of looking for the originals of the letters in question following a conversation about them between Mr Evans and Mr Henderson, during which Mr Henderson had expressed “an interest” in the letters. Both Mr Seales and Mr Evans are expected to give evidence at the Tribunal and Net News also understands that former SIO Bridger will return to the Cayman Islands to testify.

Baines named as the new Commissioner of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)

David Baines has been named as new Commissioner of the RCIPS

By Tad Stoner

In a surprise announcement on Tuesday afternoon, the Office of the Governor named Assistant Chief Constable of the Cheshire Constabulary, David Baines, as the new Commissioner of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS).

The announcement capped months of speculation that followed the Government’s January advertisement of the position, sparking predictions that Acting Commissioner of Police James Smith would gain appointment by virtue of experience in the position.

Mr Smith could not be reached for comment, but HE the Governor, Stuart Jack, praised Mr Smith, saying he had been of “tremendous benefit” to the Cayman Islands.

“Commissioner Smith has done an excellent job under very difficult circumstances,” the Governor said. “His professionalism and dedication to the task set for him, particularly in relation to Operations Tempura and Cealt, has been a tremendous benefit to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and
the community.”

Successive police operations Tempura and Cealt are anti-corruption investigations involving police conduct. Tempura, led by the governor’s Special Police Investigation Team under Senior Investigating Officer Martin Bridger, started strongly in September 2007, but was stymied by controversy in 2008.

Operation Cealt, scheduled for a spring launch, remains in its infancy with an unclear leadership structure. Mr Smith had vowed to appoint a new team of independent investigators to replace Mr Bridger’s group.

Meanwhile, Mr Baines, 47, will take up his post on 1 June. He began his career in 1976, joining the Lancashire Constabulary as a police cadet at age 16. He spent five years in uniform patrol and support unit roles before joining the Criminal Investigation Division.

He remained a detective between 1982 and 1999, gaining promotions to divisional detective, major crime unit inspector, Special Branch and counter-terrorism duties, culminating in Chief Inspector.

He also spent three years in the National Crime Squad, the forerunner of the Serious Organised Crime Agency. As Branch Commander, responsible for three specialist teams comprising 75 detectives, he investigated international fraud, money laundering and corruption within the UK and Europe, focusing on Spain, Holland and Belgium.

In 1998, he attended the Wolfson Management Programme at Cambridge University, where he is currently completing a Master of Studies course in international relations.

In 2000, Mr Baines moved to the Greater Manchester Police as Chief Superintendent and head of corporate performance, developing community policing and reaching out to ethnic and inner-city communities in Oldham and Salford, often described as “deprived” and “challenging”.

After graduating at the top of his 2005 National Strategic Command Course for senior UK police officers, Mr Baines moved to the Cheshire Constabulary in January 2006 as Assistant Chief Constable, with additional training in firearms, public order and diversity. Working with KPMG accountants, he created “Quest”, a Home Office-recognised programme to improve efficiencies in
local police.

The 946-square-mile county of Cheshire, on the central northwest coast of the UK, boasts a population of nearly 1 million with 24 police stations and 2,200 officers, responsible for major, organised and economic crime, public order, firearms control and counter-terrorism. A new £1m helicopter is scheduled to operate around the clock.

In welcoming the new Police Commissioner, the Governor said, “I am looking forward to working with David Baines. I am confident that he has the skills and experience to see through the modernisation of the police service and meet the needs of this community.”

While in Cayman, Mr Baines will be joined by his wife Anne. The couple has three children, the youngest of whom is at university.

Beyond policing, Mr Baines lists his hobbies as military history, reading, running, scuba diving, travel and motorcycling.

New Police Probe to Begin

James Smith Acting Police Commissioner

Cayman Juice Comment: Ah, it never ends. Probes and investigations, reports, and accusations. Yet Caymanians never really find out the details of the corruption on the police force. Even worse no one stands trial for the corruption. They either get suspended with pay, or sent packing back to England.

By Tad Stoner


Top officials will soon be launching a second phase of an investigation into allegations of corruption, focusing specifically within the Cayman Islands Police Service, Acting Commissioner James Smith has said.

Named ‘Operation Cealt’, a Celtic word meaning ‘justice’, the new probe will focus on “a small number of allegations”, which nonetheless, he said, went beyond simple internal or administrative problems.

”If they were administrative I would not take such a serious view,” Mr Smith said at a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon, “but I do. These are serious allegations of criminal conduct. They are untested, however, and I want to be very careful. They require laborious investigation and I need to study them.

“Let me just say I am very proud of the people that have come forward, and it’s time to prove or disprove [the accusations]. Matters of corruption are most difficult to prove and it needs time, but when severe allegations are made, I need to get to the bottom.”

He indicated he was identifying trustworthy officers to move the probe forward.

“I have begun an inspection of the intelligence division so they can handle sensitive information and protect those who have come forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, officials have yet to make a decision as to who will lead that new probe.

The new investigation will be entirely separate from Operation Tempura, the almost 18-month-long inquiry into an unauthorised entry into offices at Cayman Net News by two of its employees in the summer of 2007, the possible complicity of top police commanders in the event and the 24 September arrest of Grand Court Judge Alexander Henderson.

Mr Smith told reporters on Tuesday that he was seeking individuals and groups in both Europe and Western Australia who could take charge of the new probe.

“The [appointment] decision will be made by me, based on a whole host of things,” Mr Smith said. “We are looking for the right people with the right skills at the right time for the right price. I’ve looked across Europe for an alternative service provider that can carry the investigation forward.

“I have my own confidential sources and know of other companies and people capable of this kind of work. I know a group in Western Australia with this kind of experience. I am trying to stay within jurisdictions that have English law.”

While he declined explicitly to rule out Senior Investigating Officer of Operation Tempura, Martin Bridger, for the post, he acknowledged that pressure from elected Ministers and the public had thrown the officer’s future into doubt. On 3 February, Cabinet formally declined to fund any further investigations headed by Mr Bridger, saying his conduct in the Henderson affair had tarnished his credibility.

“Call it what you want to, I will make the judgement on the chief investigator. The investigation should be headed by someone appropriate, capable of carrying on an inquiry and supported by skilled investigators. [The probe] will be apart from [independent of] the RCIP, but still include my senior staff.”

Mr Bridger, he said, would remain on the island: “He’ll finish up Operation Tempura, continuing the job he was employed to do.”

He left the door open, however, to Mr Bridger, a former colleague, and appeared to set aside at least some of the blanket criticism leveled at Operation Tempura and its team of investigators by Judge Sir Peter Cresswell, who overturned Mr Henderson’s search and arrest in two judicial reviews late last year.

“Of course he could,” Mr Smith said, asked if SIO Bridger might be appointed to head Operation Cealt. “People seem to forget the professionalism displayed up until the Henderson case. Martin Bridger and his team have done some extremely good work. If he were guilty of misconduct, it would be a serious matter. Mistakes were made, but I don’t like punishing people for mistakes.

“People learn by what they have done, and while some things could have been done differently, we are doing debriefings so people understand. The Cresswell decision was damning and there is no way around that, but we learn from these events,” he said. “We want to make sure we don’t repeat, going forward, some of these things.”

A report on Operation Tempura has been passed to HE, the Governor Stuart Jack, but, calling it “highly confidential and extremely sensitive”, Mr Smith said he had not given it to Cabinet or MLAs, although, he said, Ministers had supported ongoing investigations.

He did not elaborate on when Operation Cealt might start or Operation Tempura end, suggesting they would run a natural course.

“The job of the Commissioner of Police is very complex, and no man, no Minister and no government shall tell an officer of the law what to do, who to arrest or to engage in any activity,” Mr Smith said.

“The Cabinet knows [that] and they respect that position. I don’t know how they will react until they get my reaction on what to do, who will do it and how long it is going to take,” he said.

Police Arrest Suspected Drug Sellers

Police Arrest Suspected Drug Sellers
A man was arrested in North Side on Thursday, 15 January, and approximately 4 pounds of ganja was seized during an operation by Bodden Town Police and the Drugs Task Force (DTF). The RICPS said that the 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Old Man Bay on suspicion of possession of ganja with intent to supply, and remained in police custody up until press time. The arrest comes after a number of others that were made in West Bay earlier last week. Over a two-day period (Wednesday into Thursday), two people, a male and female, were arrested for possession of ganja with intent to supply following an operation at an address on Watercourse Road. These two also remained in police custody up until press time. On Tuesday 13 January, West Bay officers arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of possession of ganja and consumption of a controlled drug. In a separate incident, a 56- year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine and consumption of a controlled drug. Both have been released on bail pending further investigations. “Tackling drug related crime is one of our top priorities,” said Detective Inspector Livingston Bailey of the Drugs Task Force. “We’re working hard to address the use and sale of illegal substances and anticipate more arrests over the coming weeks. In addition, the arrival of more vessels for our Marine Unit will assist greatly in intercepting illegal drugs destined for our country. Those involved in drugs should take this as a warning. If you haven’t been caught yet, it’s only a matter of time.” Anyone with information about criminal activity should contact their local police station or call Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS) to pass on information. All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property and/or drugs.

Newer, faster patrol boats arrive

Two new vessels have arrived in the Cayman Islands boosting the capability of the joint Police, Customs and Immigration Marine Unit. New interceptor boat in action. Photo: RCIPS The two 38–foot fast interceptor vessels are the second and third additions to the fleet following the arrival of Cayman Defender in September and are part of a $7.7 million government investment into border protection. In total, four new vessels and a state of the art marine base to be built at the end of Hirst Road in Newlands to house customs, police and immigration officers are being added to enhance border patrols. The first step to launching the new boats in Cayman waters was taken on Monday, when Marine Unit officers began an intense one–week training course with Safe Boats International, the manufactures of the vessels. The training covered topics such as boat construction, engine installation and maintenance, electronic system management, hull repair and boat maintenance. “This specialist training will ensure that the vessels, and the Marine Unit, reach their full potential,” said Royal Cayman Islands Police Superintendent Mike Needham, who has led the Marine expansion project. “Once they are on the water, there is little doubt that they will have an immediate effect on drugs and firearms trafficking.” The fourth and final addition to the Marine Fleet, a 65–foot all purpose patrol boat is expected to arrive in Cayman in the coming weeks.

Timeshare owner sues Morritt’s Tortuga

A New York couple is suing Morritt’s Tortuga Club and Resort for a refund of their time–share payment claiming the resort company failed to build their holiday home.

Malte and Marlo Lorenz have filed a writ at the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, suing Morritt’s for nearly US$68,000.

Speaking from New York this week, Malte and Marlo Loren told the Caymanian Compass that their experience with Morritt’s had put them off returning to Cayman. “We fell in love with the place. We thought it would be a great place to come for Christmas every year and now it’s turned into a horrible mess. I don’t think we’ll be back.

“On that first trip, we had a ground–floor unit on the beach. That was nice. We have twin eight–year–olds, and it was a real easy location. That’s why we bought a unit on the ground floor on the beach… I would never have bought something on the fifth floor, it changes the whole dynamic of the vacation” Mr. Lorenz said.

He added: “I have had a timeshare in St. Martin and we’ve been going there every year for winter, so Cayman was quite a unique place to us. We had sliding glass doors on the beachfront, with white sand and were just 20 feet from the beach. That was the ideal.”

According to the writ, the couple has also been paying maintenance fees on the property since November 2006.

Malte and Marlo Lorenz, who own a successful New York–based textile company called Thro, say they arranged to use a timeshare property at Morritt’s through Global Resource Management, a promoter of timeshare properties in Florida in April 2006.

During their visit, they decided to buy their own one–bedroom timeshare property at the resort to use two weeks a year, an arrangement they later upgraded to a two–bedroom unit for use three weeks a year.

The writ stated that they entered into an agreement with Morritt Properties Cayman Ltd. to purchase a property to use two weeks a year and could take up occupancy in 2007. The unit cost US$18,410.25, which the couple paid on 8 May, 2006.

Two weeks later, they upgraded to a two–bedroom unit for an extra cost of US$12,090, and extended their agreement to add an extra week a year at an extra cost of US$27,662.

The writ states that the agreement they signed on 20 May included the clause: “A purchaser of an un–built unit, buying on a pre–construction basis, may terminate and cancel the contract, should the unit not be ready at the occupancy date specified in the purchase agreement. Under such circumstances, the purchaser would receive a full refund.”

When Mr. and Mrs. Lorenz showed up at the complex at the end of December 2007, they were told the unit was not ready to be occupied and were placed instead in a fifth–floor unit, an arrangement the family says was unsuitable for their eight–year–old twins.

According to the writ: “At all times, the plaintiffs’ owner statements, maintenance fee statements and special assessments did not disclose any delay in the construction of the plaintiffs’ unit nor the fact that it had not been built.”

The writ, filed by Cayman law firm Samson and McGrath, continued that resort representatives assured them orally when the agreement was signed that the apartment would be completed on schedule by December 2006.

It added: “To date, no date for completion of the unit has ever been given by the defendants.”

The couple was told in early January last year that the unit was still u–built and no dates for building or occupancy were provided, according to the writ. At that point, they asked for a full refund of their money.

They are suing Morritt Properties Cayman Ltd. and Morritt’s Tortuga Club and Resort Ltd. for a total of $67,957, plus costs and interest. That includes maintenance payments in November 2006 of $1,610 and in November 2007 of $2,410.

The resort company has filed a defense with the court.

The couple is among more than 10,000 owners at Morritt’s, which suffered $20 million worth of damage in Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. Two wooden buildings were razed following the storm, and one was rebuilt as a five–storey, concrete building, known as The Wembley.

Dutch Hoffman, general manager of Morritt’s, said he could not comment specifically on the lawsuit, but said the company had spent $25 million on the resort since Hurricane Ivan and had built units that were available to all owners.

“We have extra units in the Wembley building and in the meantime we are not selling those units. We have made that inventory available to owners,” he said, adding that almost all owners had bought on a right–to–use basis, rather than buying particular units to use during specific weeks.

He added that the company had intended to start rebuilding the second building in Autumn last year, but due to the credit crunch, Morritt’s had postponed the work.

“It’s all ready to go, we’re just waiting for the credit markets to soften a little bit,” he said.

Mr. Hoffman said the Lorenzs’ case was the first legal action of its kind against Morritt’s.

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Note: If you are interested in a Time-Share go here and do your homework first.

Man arrested in West Bay shooting

Royal Cayman Islands Police have made a quick arrest in connection with a shooting outside a West Bay restaurant–store Thursday night.

Investigators took a 33–year–old suspect into custody Friday on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He had not been charged as of Friday afternoon.

The Thursday night attack left a West Bay man in critical condition.

The victim, identified as 40–year–old Tony Ebanks, was taken to hospital in a private vehicle around 11pm Thursday after he was shot near the Super C restaurant on Watercourse Road.

Witnesses at the scene said Mr. Ebanks and a few others were sitting on a truck outside the restaurant when a suspect opened fire and ran off. The restaurant was closed at the time, according to its owner.

Super C owner Caches Stewart said Mr. Ebanks, who lives across the street from the store, has been shot at before in an apparent dispute with other local residents. He said he didn’t expect Thursday night’s violence to overly affect his business.

“For now, people for the first couple days will avoid it,” Mr. Stewart said. “But people in the area know who is who and what is what.”

The shooting is the second major incident of gun violence to occur in the first week of the New Year. On 3 January, a 17–year–old man was shot to death, and a 22–year–old seriously wounded outside a George Town nightclub.

There is not believed to be any connection between the two attacks.

DOLPHIN SWIM ADVENTURE IN GRAND CAYMAN

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

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

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

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

Missing and abducted dogs in Cayman

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

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

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

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

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

Joe Ann Cowin, bodybuilding competitor, goes pro

Cayman figure competitor Joe Anne goes pro

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

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

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

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

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

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

The list of performers at Jazz Fest will include:

• Stuart Wilson, who is best known for his many performances in both the Cayman Islands and Great Britain with his band, Love Culture.

• Wilson & Love Culture have opened for acts such as Damian Marley, Richie Spice, Beres Hammond and a host of others.

• Jonathan Ebanks, who has opened for Chaka Khan, Third World, Ziggy Marley, Lucky Dube, Steel Pulse, Maxi Priest and many others.

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

• Impulz, a band performs regularly at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and other five star venues will also be performing.

• Band members include Rex Watler, Edward Frederick, Mark Hydes, Stephen McDermott, Stephanie Webster, Darrell Carter and Doug Whitfield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

equipment will not be allowed on site.

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

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

Governor sacks Commissioner Kernohan

Stuart Kernohan Police Commissioner

H.E. the Governor Stuart Jack, in an uncompromising 18 November statement, has sacked Police Commissioner Stuart Kernohan -- accusing him of an “unauthorised absence” and “inappropriate action” -- and announced an immediate search for a replacement.

The statement came just 24 hours after a spokesman for Mr Kernohan released a 9 October letter from the commissioner to the governor, recalling the 14-month anti-corruption probe by Mr Jack’s Special Police Investigation Team, including his own 15 May suspension, and demanding within seven days an apology, an end to the investigation of his own conduct and unspecified damages.

The letter sent on behalf of Mr. Kernohan on 9 October was released to the press Monday afternoon by a spokesman. That release came more than five weeks after it was sent. Attorneys from the Campbell’s law firm, which is representing Mr. Kernohan, said they had received no response from Governor Jack.

“We…require you, within seven days, to confirm in writing that any investigation against Mr. Kernohan is at an end, to reinstate him to his position within the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, with a full public apology, a full indemnity against his legal costs and payment to him of a sum (to be agreed) in relation to the damage that you have caused to his reputation by way of damages for breach of contract, malicious prosecution and/or slander and/or libel, failing which Mr. Kernohan’s rights are fully reserved,” the 9 October letter stated.

Said Governor Jack, “I can now advise that after reviewing all the circumstances of Mr Kernohan’s conduct as it relates to the terms and conditions of his employment, including his continuous unauthorised absence from the Islands, I am left with no option but to accept that he has unilaterally severed his contract with the Cayman Islands Government, and I now therefore treat it as at an end,” the Governor said in a five-paragraph statement late on Tuesday, 18 November.

“I am advised that the termination of the contract [will] not in any way affect the ongoing Police investigation against Mr Kernohan, whom I understand the police intend to interview shortly,” the governor wrote, after calling on the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs “to immediately commence the recruitment process for a new full-time Commissioner”.

Until Tuesday’s statement, the Office of the Governor had neither acknowledged receipt of the letter nor offered a response.

Mr Kernohan, Chief Detective Superintendent John Jones and Deputy Police Commissioner Rudolph Dixon were all placed on “required leave” on 27 March by the Governor and Martin Bridger, Senior Investigating Officer of Mr Jack’s Special Police Investigation Team, as part of an anti-corruption probe of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

On 15 May, Mr Jack and Mr Bridger placed both Mr Kernohan and Mr Jones under formal investigation, while arresting Mr Dixon on charges of obstructing justice and misconduct in public office.

Neither Mr Kernohan nor Mr Jones has been charged with any offence, nor have they been questioned by the investigation team.

Also on Tuesday afternoon, new Acting Police Commissioner Royce Hipgrave was scheduled to arrive, replacing outgoing Acting Commissioner David George, who is set to leave in late November after eight months in the position.

In his Tuesday statement, the Governor lamented Kernohan’s Monday release of the 9 October letter: ”I am personally disappointed that Mr Kernohan would publish private correspondence sent to me at a time when we consider potential disciplinary acts against him. Not only was this an inappropriate action, but the letter also contains groundless allegations which I categorically refute,” he wrote.

The reference to “potential disciplinary acts” refers to Mr Jack’s 10 September move to pursue sanctions against the commissioner after three fruitless orders in July and August that Mr Kernohan should return to George Town from the UK, where he had been since late April looking after his ailing father.

“Groundless accusations” are a reference to Kernohan’s 9 October charges of “an unlawful and irrational exercise” of executive power by Mr Jack, who deprived the commissioner of his job “for no good reason”, and acted “in bad faith and maliciously”, prolonging a “wholly pointless and expensive police operation to the disrepute” of Mr Kernohan and the people of the Cayman Islands.

Closing his 18 November “Update on Commissioner Stuart Kernohan”, Mr Jack said he would “continue to ensure that the public is kept up-to-date as developments take place”.

Mr Jack’s office did not respond to a list of questions by press time, leaving unanswered whether the move meant an end to all disciplinary sanctions against the commissioner and if Mr Jack anticipated legal recourse by Mr Kernohan.

The Ascent of Money, is the Cayman Islands' first-ever TV sponsorship deal

Cayman's Revolution Will Be Televised

Parmy Olson

A TV series that explains the origins of the financial crisis has a surprising sponsor: the Cayman Islands.

What television lacks in entertainment it makes up for in irony these days. A new show that aired in Britain on Monday and claimed to unravel the mysteries behind the global financial crisis, may look a little awkward once it gets to the bit about tax-evasion and dodgy, off-balance sheet funds. Its main sponsor? The Cayman Islands.

The British overseas territory isn't only a popular off-shore tax haven--it is also where many large banks parked the toxic debt securities in the last few years before the credit crisis erupted, leading to huge write-downs, losses and now, layoffs.

The six-part television series on Channel 4 and titled The Ascent of Money, is the Cayman Islands' first-ever TV sponsorship deal and worth "a six-figure" sum, the Islands' department of tourism said in a press release. It added that "the followers of the series present exactly the right profile and demographic of visitor who will want to book a holiday to the Cayman Islands."

Till now, some of Cayman's most popular tourists have been financiers: its light-touch regulation has led around 80.0% of the world's hedge funds to incorporate themselves there, and the secrecy it provides on off-shore accounts has spelled $400.0 billion in lost tax revenue from individuals and corporations, according to Richard Murphy of U.K. consultancy Tax Research.

More significantly, many of the world's large banks, including Citigroup (nyse: C - news - people ) and HSBC (nyse: HBC - news - people ), parked billions of dollars worth of credit derivatives off their balance sheets and into funds known as structured investment vehicles (SIVs), which were also incorporated in Cayman to take advantage of their lax regulation.

Most of these SIVs have now been shut down after failing to roll over their commercial paper last winter because their assets were largely American subprime mortgages. The SIVs had to be brought back onto banks' balance sheets, leading to huge write-downs, losses and the drying up interbank lending that led to the global credit freeze.

Citigroup, which announced Monday that it was cutting 53,000 jobs, once had around $80.0 billion parked in SIVs that were incorporated on the Cayman Islands. (See "Black Hole Banking.") In December last year, the bank had to put $49.0 billion worth of assets from those SIVs on its balance sheet, leading to the big write-downs of 2008.

Channel 4 spokeswoman Jenny Cummis denied that the Cayman Islands could have influenced the content of The Ascent of Money because the show had been made before the sponsorship deal was struck.

While its choice of the program is odd, Cayman is clearly seeking to change its image. The SIVs are gone and more laws are being proposed that are moving toward cracking down on the secrecy that Cayman offers. "These places actually have two choices," said Murphy. "They either sell real financial services that can survive under the glare of transparency, or they find something else to do."

In a choice between balmy Caribbean weather and credit derivatives, it is probably a lot easier to sell the former.

Hurricane Paloma Update: Cayman Brac Suffered the Most Damage

Grand Cayman was luckily outside the eye of the storm. As was Little Cayman fortunately for them.However, Paloma did to Cayman Brac what Ivan (2004) did to Grand Cayman. The Brac will need all the help it can in rebuilding.

(From left) Maxine Moore and her mother, Mary McCoy in
front of Mrs Moore’s devastated Little Cayman home.

Cayman Islands bracing for Hurricane Paloma

Cayman Islands braced on Friday for Hurricane Paloma, a strengthening storm expected to make landfall within hours.

Paloma grew into a Category 3 storm Friday evening with winds near 185 km/h, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Centre in Miami. It said the storm is expected to keep growing as it nears the affluent British territory.

The government has drawn up evacuation plans for residents in low-lying areas and coastal regions.

"We have asked everybody to come off the streets and to be home and safe right now," said hazard management director Barbara Carby.

The Cayman Islands government asked all hotels to remove guests from the ground and first floors.

Rainfall up to 15 inches was expected over parts of the Cayman Islands and its national weather service forecast waves rising up to 30 feet, which would cause dangerous coastal storm surges.

Water service across Grand Cayman was turned off, and power likely will be cut as the storm nears, hazard management director Barbara Carby said.

"We have asked everybody to come off the streets and to be home and safe right now," she said.

Stranded tourists watched dark clouds gather from their hotels or beachfront restaurants.

"It was a real surprise," said Rick Douglas, a 50-year-old from Toronto who checked weather Web sites before flying to the Caribbean. "It just said there was a tropical depression starting, but I didn't think it would turn into anything serious."

His wife, Susan Douglas, was confident they would be safe as long as they follow orders. "Grand Cayman has been there and done that, so they are prepared," she said.

The government has also ordered the airport closed, Tourism Minister Charles Clifford said Friday, adding that extra flights were added Thursday for those looking to leave.

"I hope I'm right, but I don't think this will be a major event," said Clifford.

The centre of the storm was about 50 kilometres south of Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands, at 7 p.m. ET. It is expected to reach Grand Cayman later Friday or early Saturday before hitting the coast of central Cuba by Saturday afternoon, the forecaster said in an advisory.

Still recovering from the havoc wreaked late in the summer by hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Cuba could be hit even harder than the Caymans.

The storm appeared to be en route to the central-eastern city of Camaguey, which was badly battered by Hurricane Ike in September.

Cuban official newspaper Granma said Friday that Paloma poses "a potential danger for the island." A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect for several Cuban provinces.

Cuba's government has deployed the early stages of its civil defence system, advising people in central and eastern parts of the country to be prepared to evacuate should conditions worsen.

Update: Two Men Apprehended in Estella Roberts Murder Case

Condensed from the Cayman Net News, and the Cay Compass

Thursday 30th October, 2008

Two men accused of killing Cable and Wireless communications manager Estella Scott–Roberts, appeared in Summary Court Thursday facing numerous charges including murder, abduction and robbery. One of the suspects, 27–year–old Kirkland Henry, was charged with an additional count of rape in connection with Mrs. Scott–Roberts’ murder. Kirkland Henry worked as a gardener and lived in George Town . The other murder suspect, 25–year–old Larry Prinston Ricketts, worked as a carpenter and also lived in George Town.

Solicitor General Cheryll Richards told the court that police obtained detailed statements from both men admitting to the allegations during police questioning. As well, they were both in possession of two of Mrs. Scott–Roberts’ cell phones; one found on each man. She said there was also forensic evidence connecting Kirkland Henry to the deceased. Mrs. Richards recommended that both men be remanded in custody on the charges. Mrs. Richards stressed that “these are serious charges against them", and Magistrate Margaret Ramsay–Hale agreed, stating “charges of this nature…by two foreigners, there is no doubt they are a flight risk,”.

The men were interviewed at length by police prior to Thursday’s court appearance, and neither had retained Counsel by the time of the proceeding. Both of the accused were remanded into custody and are to appear before the court again on November 6th, 2008.