Highlightsfrom the Print Newspaper edition - Issue No. 105
Updated as of |Thursday, 28 August2001 | 12:45 PM
UpFront
News
Editorial
Letter
Commentary
Fashion
Technology
Community
History
Sports
New TourismChiefs
There couldsoon be official announcements that senior ranking positions withinthe tourism industry which will see native Caymanians being confirmedas top decision-making professionals for that sector.
Ms Pilar Bush,Mr Charles Clifford
It is understood that Mr Charles Cliffordwill be confirmed as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourismto succeed Mr Harding Watler and Ms Pilar Bush is to become theinterim Director of the Department of Tourism, officially takingover from Ms Angela Martins.
Information reaching Cayman Net News indicatesMr. Clifford, who has been acting in the appointment will be confirmedofficially to the permanent post effective 1 September, 2001.
In the case of Ms. Bush, who has been activeas part of a management team running the Department, it is expectedthat she could be confirmed as the Interim Director, while a searchcontinues to identify a replacement for Mrs. Martins.
It is not known when Ms Bush will have thestatus confirmed for her position. However, a statement by Ministerof Tourism, Hon. McKeeva Bush, verified that a Caymanian has beenrecommended to the post. The Minister was at the time replyingto a Cayman Net News query on when will there be an appointment.
Some months ago Mr Harding Watler was saidto have resigned from the position of Principal Secretary andhis official last days of work in the office were in early July,though he left his office earlier on pre-retirement leave.
The appointment of Ms Bush position as actingDirector, may coincide with comments made earlier when seniorgovernment functionaries were said to be considering renamingthe Department of Tourism to a Tourism Authority in order to bringon stream a new system of administration.
When this idea was mooted last month therearose the names of four persons who could may possibly be appointedto the post: businessman Mr Derrington 'Bo-Bo' Miller; water sportsexecutive, Mr Ron Kipp; Public Relations Manager in the Ministryof Tourism, Ms Nikki McCoy; and Ms Bush, who heads up the Department'soffice in the United States.
Soon after Mr Kipp was appointed Chairmanof a newly formed Tourism Action Committee.
With new competition looming from Cuba,and strengthened marketing initiatives by other destinations inthe Caribbean, the Government's Tourism Chiefs are facing someformidable challenges.
The appointments to top posts by Caymanianswho know their product, could be the best move at this time tostave off any reduction of visitors because of rising costs andbring new ideas to encourage growth.
Jah Mitch A Cayman Musical Icon
Cayman Musicand Entertainment Association member Mitchell Jah Mitch Ebanksshares a few of his musical compositions, with young people ata music workshop at the Harquail Studio, on Wednesday, 22 August.Mr Ebanks, who has been on the Cayman music scene for over 30years, spoke to the young people about his work as a musician,as well as the process of composing music.
Police in BudgetWatch
Amid news of government belt-tightening,staff of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service are now beingasked to come up with ways of saving almost one million dollarsbefore year-end.
This latest information comes as there swirlsabout these islands reports that government is struggling to meetthe pay for civil servants and that a high number of staff cutsin the public service are imminent.
Wording of the request issued to officersthis month indicate the amount needed to be saved may be necessaryin ensuring proper functioning of police services because mostof the subvention to the RCIPS is used in salaries.
"The Cayman Islands Government, asan exercise equally applied across the Civil Service, has requestedthat RCIP to propose ways of saving CI$820,855 before the yearend. You will appreciate that most of our budget goes on salaries.In the non-salaries part of our budget there simply isn't thatamount left," read a message that Cayman Net News understandswas sent to all staff by Commissioner, Mr David Thursfield, underthe heading Special Service Order.
In addition, the Commissioner's circularpoints to the situation being so stressful to the operations ofCayman's finest that the security of citizens could be affected.
"I have reported our predicament tothe Hon. Financial Secretary and emphasised the priority policingneeds to have if the Cayman Islands is to secure the level ofpersonal safety it enjoys".
For some while now as this country enduresan economic downturn and Government continues to labour underwhat some consider a bloated payroll, there has been a mixtureof leaked reports and speculation that drastic cuts may be necessaryif the administration is to continue serving this nation.
It was however, not expected that the policeservice will be among those on the chopping block. As noted byMr Thursfield, given the nature of RCIPS' work no cuts shouldbe coming to this department.
The Commissioner also recognised that informationabout the situation in the police force will fall among leakedinformation and demonstrated concern about the reaction of staffhearing it from other sources.
"I write not to alarm you, but to keepyou informed. News of Government's request will no doubt becomewidespread and I would wish that you know of the exercise andmy response to the questions posed," he said.
News
Chamber Seeks Gov't Explanation
Cayman Islands Chamber of commerce is seekingclarification from government on protection of local businessesin what may the first major reaction to a recent Executive Councildecision allowing foreign majority ownership in a local company.
ExCo last month granted a Local CompaniesControl Licence (LCCL) to Caymanian owned duty free company IslandCompanies, paving the way for it to sell more than 50 per centownership to Nuance Global Traders a Switzerland-based internationalduty free company.
Members of the Chamber executive are hoping to meet Leader ofGovernment Business, Hon. Kurt Tibbetts, to discuss the matterbased on the letter they sent.
Following is a statement from the Chamberof Commerce on its letter to Hon. Mr Tibbets.
"A statement released by Attorney Generalon behalf of the Executive Council in July has prompted the CaymanIslands Chamber of Commerce to write the Leader of GovernmentBusiness requesting an explanation of whether there has been ashift in Government policy away from the protection of Caymanian-owedbusinesses.
"'Whilst we do not wish to discussthe decision taken by Government relating to Island CompaniesLtd. specifically, the Council wishes to raise its concern relatingto several statements in the release which appear to change previousGovernment positions regarding protection of Caymanian businesses'wrote Chamber President Mr. W. Burns Conolly, AIA in a letterto the Leader of Government Business dated 14 August. 'The documentseems to indicate that foreign business concerns can freely competewithin the Cayman Islands.'
"The Council wishes to understand ifthere has been a change in fundamental Government policy and howthis shift relates to the interpretation of our existing lawswhich were passed to protect Caymanian businesses from unfairand predatory competition.
" 'The Chamber has received severalcalls from our members seeking clarification on this importantmatter. In fact, some Caymanian businesses have stated that theywill cease to reinvest in the Cayman Islands until the decisionis further explained. This is worrying news when our economy iswitnessing a drastic slow down,' added Mr. Conolly. The Governmentstatement will be discussed at the next meeting of the Councilof Associations, which is scheduled for early September."
News
Immigration and legislation the FOCUSthis Month
'Immigration and Legislation' is the themeof this month's FOCUS television programme with emphasis on domesticabuse and it is scheduled to be aired on CITN Channel 12 at 8:00pm Wednesday, 29 August.
The show, hosted by Ms Ashleigh Saladino,will seek to inform victims of domestic abuse of their rightsregarding immigration and avenues for legal advice, such as theWomen's Resource Centre's Legal Befrienders Programme.
They will also be offered insights as tohow the Immigration board handles cases which involve domesticabuse, and the relevant policy directives behind the decisions.
The guest panellists will include the chairmanand deputy chairman of Immigration Board, and representativesof both the RCIP's Family Support Unit and Legal Befrienders.
The goal of the monthly FOCUS TV show isto raise the level of public awareness of domestic abuse and itsvarious facets. The show is a joint effort of the Ministry ofWomen's Affairs, CITN, the National committee Against DomesticViolence and Professional Women's Club/16 Days of Activism Againstdomestic violence Committee.
Anyone interested in commenting on Wednesday'sprogramme or giving suggestions for future shows can log on toCITN's website: www.cayman27.com.ky and click on 'Letters to theEditor', or they may contact the Women's Resource Centre in theElizabethan Square at 949-0006 or fax- 946-3912.
News
HumanRights Registration Deadline
The deadline to register for the upcomingHuman Rights Today Caribbean Symposium here is 31 August.
The symposium is set for 11 to 14 Septemberas the Cayman Islands mark the United Nations Decade for HumanRights Education by bringing Caribbean and other countries togetherfor dialogue and action planning.
"Spaces are limited now, but I stillencourage persons in all sectors, especially the judiciary, educationand information, as well as civil servants and community groupswho have not yet registered, to sign up now," said Ms PatriciaEbanks, Chair of the Organising Committee.
For more informationon the Human Rights conference and to register by the 31 Augustdeadline, visit www.humanrightstoday.ky Persons may also callCayman Islands Government Information Services on (345) 949-8092or e-mail patricia.ebanks@gov.ky.
News
A draft report on the Studyof the Provision of Aggregate and Fill Material is now availableon Internet, http://projects.ch2m.com/Cayman for public reviewand comment.
A release from the Departmentof Environment said the period for public comment on the draftis approximately 14 days, beginning , after which the final reportwill be produced.
The site is hosted by theconsultants CH2M Hill and comments may be sent to the senior consultantthrough a link found on the site.
Government Information Servicesaid that in addition to the draft report, the site also explainsthe issues prompting the study on dredging and quarrying in Caymanas well as the tasks undertaken by the consulting team in orderto provide the resulting recommendations.
The consultants emphasisedthat the present document is only a first draft and that a numberof errors are likely to be weeded out during the review processand corrected in final production. Supplementary information willalso be added to the final report as well as expanding existingsection. Regardless of any errors and omissions in the draft document,government's project steer ing committee remains committed tomaking all information from the study openly available to thepublic.
The study, which began earlylast year, will be concluded next month with a series of briefingsfor government and private stakeholders tentatively scheduledfor September 11-13. The final report and recommendations willbe presented at these briefings and the will also replace thedraft on the Internet for public information. In addition, copiesof the final report will be available at public libraries.
Persons not having accessto the Internet may stop by the Department of Environment (DoE)on North Sound Way for more information on the study and may alsopass comments to DoE to be forwarded.
Deloitte andTouche Expands
Deloitte & Touche in the Cayman Islandshas recently expanded offices to include the first floor at OneCapital Place.
Departments now operating on the first floorinclude the Information Technology Support Group, Internal Accounting,Property Management and Management Solutions.
Alastair Paterson, Managing Director ofDeloitte & Touche Property Management Limited, and a Principalof the firm in the Property Management Department said, "weare very proud to announce our expansion within One Capital Place.It is a great sign of achievement for Deloitte & Touche inthe Cayman Islands. Our growth is a testament to the quality servicewe provide and expanding our offices is a natural step to maintainthis service to our clientele".
Deloitte & Touche's recently appointedDirector of Operations, Taron Jackman, said that from an operationalstandpoint the move will enhance Deloitte & Touche's abilityand is designed to facilitate additional growth in each of thefirm's service areas".
Now operating with over 120 staff, Deloitte& Touche provides a full range of services including Assurance& Advisory, Trust & Corporate Services, Insolvency &Reorganisation Services, Fraud & Forensic Investigation Services,Regulatory Consulting, Management Solutions, Accounting Services,Property Management and Executive Recruitment.
Jamaica's GraceKennedy Gets Cayman Mutual Funds Licence
Jamaican company, Grace, Kennedy and Company,has reportedly been granted a licence to manage mutual funds inCayman Islands.
Grace, Kennedy is a conglomerate that has established itself Caribbeanwide and internationally with its food products and has in recentyears gone into the financial market in Jamaica where it is saidto fast becoming a substantial player.
"The Cayman Islands is one of the world'sleading offshore financial centres and Grace earlier this yearregistered a mutual fund management company there GraceCapital Services Ltd in preparation for the launching ofthe funds," the jamaica observer newspaper reported lastweek.
The newspaper quoted Grace's Finance DirectorMr Don Wehby saying: "The Cayman Islands monetary authorityrecently approved the company to manage 10 funds out of Cayman.We will be launching our first fund Grace Caribbean FixedIncome Fund later this year, perhaps early in the fourthquarter".
He said the fund will invest in soverigndebt of English-speaking Caribbean countries.
"We are creating a market for English-speakingCaribbean US dollar debt. Our primary target markets will be Trinidadand Tobago, Barbados, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands."
Mr Wehby said that the plan is to launchone new fund a year and the target over the next couple of yearswill be to set up a Caribbean Equity Fund, a Mixed Growth Fund,mixing equities and fixed income instruments, and a Standard andPoor's 500 Fund, which will invest in US stocks based on the S&P500 index.
Acquisition of this licence in Cayman fitsinto the new direction of the company about which the company'sChief Executive Officer, Douglas Orane, reportedly said the objectiveit to take the conglomerate further into financial services.
Grace, Kennedy built its empire on foodproduction and distribution, but five years ago the food tradingaspect accounted for 31 per cent of the company's earnings whileindustrial and retail services stood at 13.5 per cent. And, asthe company continued its drive towards development of financialservices, those sections contributed 20.7 per cent of the pre-taxprofit.
The financial services section was responsiblefor 27 per cent of those earnings.
British Warshipon Short Visit
The Royal NavyFrigate HMS Coventry
The Royal Navy Frigate HMS Coventry, seenabove off Port George Town, was in Grand Cayman from Friday, 24August and departed Monday, 27t August.
This informal visit was made by the shipin order to afford her company well-earned rest and recreation.
Captain Philip Jones, Coventry's CommandingOfficer, said, "I am delighted that our visit to Grand Caymanwill allow us to build on the Royal
Navy's existing strong ties with the peopleof this beautiful Island."
This vessel is for rapid response to anyemergency that might arise as a result of natural disasters suchas volcanic eruptions or hurricanes.
The current HMS Coventry, the sixth to bearthe name is a type-22 broadsword class frigate, capable of a topspeed of 30 knots. She was launched in 1986 and commissioned intothe Royal Navy in 1988.
HMS Coventry's battle honours include thebattle of the Atlantic in 1940 and the Falklands conflict in 1982.The ship's principal weapons system include anti-air warfare missiles,close range guns, anti-submarine sonar equipment, a lynx helicopter,homing torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
Editorial
The race towards granting Caymanian Status- judging from those who have and posted photos in local newspapersso far will be a crowded one.
The task for choosing the winners will bethe most acute facing the Chairperson and the members of her Boardsince the Immigration Laws were changed for the Grant of Status.
There are many unanswered questions, asto who will be among the 132 chosen few: Will the elected membersof the Executive Council have an influence over who should receivegrants? And what about the other members of the Legislature andMembers of the Immigration Board? What about families of thosewho already have status?
It has been suggested that the fairest waythat should be considered is by the lottery system, whereby allthe file numbers of applicants are entered into a computer witha programme designed to pick 132 applicants at random.
On the other hand, it has been also suggestedthat the grant of a healthy portion of this prized acquisitionshould be reserved for applicants who can bring development andeconomic activity to our badly bruised success story.
While this may appear to be designed tofavour the haves, the rich and famous, then so must be the casewhen applications are considered for similar considerations inthe United States, Canada, Belize' the UK and even the small islandnation of Dominica.
Applicants to those countries must haveinvestment funds ranging from a low of $75,000 in Belize to $250,000in the United States.
Back in the 80s in the Cayman Islands, itwas that someone who invested in property of $150,000 paid $500and was granted Residency, and could apply for the right to workafter two years. Nowadays, this fee is $15,000 and it has beenreported that there have been less than 10 percent of the applicantsof previous years.
On the other hand, the Executive Councilhas the power to and has bestowed an unknown quantity of CaymanianStatus Grants to a variety of applicants, including 12 non-Caymanianathletes who did not win a single honour for the Cayman Islands.
Who then should be granted status? We offerthat in this instance where the government is compelled to inorder to comply with the requirement of the law, it should beconducted by a lottery. By Executive Order-in-Council, the Governmentshould then consider the merits of further grants for economicreasons.
The country badly needs an infusion of capitalfor development. Fledgling locally owned businesses need capitalfor growth and to meet the demands of supplying services and goods.Our school-age children from fifth grade onward need to be eachequipped with a laptop computer so that they can compete now andinto the future with the global onslaught of technology whichis presently passing us by. A sensible low-cost mortgage schemehas to be launched to ease the burden of owning a home.
Who then can qualify to meet these needydemands of the people? Over the past months, it has been proventhat this still young government cannot, and the future, for nowdoes not seem promising.
In the absence of any clear direction, itis therefore incumbent on this and future governments to comeup with a sensible formula, perhaps the one proffered by the presentChairman of the Immigration Board, whereby applicants for CaymanianStatus can be achieved by meeting criteria for our diversed residentpopulation.
Many Good,Honest Young People
Dear Sir,
We hear so much negative news about theyoung people in our community but I would like to let the publicrealise that there are still many of our young people who aregood and honest. Two weeks ago I mistakenly left my purse on mygrandson's car. We were unaware that I had done this as we wentfor a Sunday night drive after Church around our district, WestBay.
Around 10:00 the next morning, I still didnot realise that my purse was missing, a young lady from WestBay, Katherine Phillips, and a bus driver, Kelsey Robinson, cameto my house. They said they had found my purse that morning andhad been driving around for some time trying to locate my street.They would not accept anything from me except my thanks, and Iam extremely grateful to them for their kindness and honesty andfor taking the time to deliver it personally. My purse was returnedwith nothing missing and it could have been so easy for them todo otherwise. I would now like to thank them publicly and mayGod bless them and may they continue to be honest citizens andinspire others to be likewise.
Mrs Aletha Powery
The State ofOur Economy
Mr George Ebanks
It does no harm for any of us, to everyso often stop and reflect on just what is going on around us.It is a duty which this writer involves himself constantly.
In a recent issue of "Newsweek"[issue of July 23rd, 2001] in the Business section, a very wellresearched article was presented which spoke of "the splitpersonality Economy" as now exists in the United States.Split personality economy because no one can really fathom whyconsumers are spending [and spending on so-called "big ticket"items such as cars and homes], while on the other side of theequation, businesses are laying off in large numbers. In July2001, the USA workforce saw a combined 270,000 layoffs with evenmore expected in the coming months. Also in July the US CommerceDept. released data showing that jobless claims jumped to theirhighest level in nine years.
Although the US unemployment rate, at 4.5% currently is still low by historical standards, many expertspredict it will reach 5% later this year. If it rises above thatmark, the well-rounded article continued, and more and more peopleknow a friend who has lost a job, economists say that could finallyundermine consumer optimism just in time for Christmas.
I might add that the ability of the newUS president to pump some 1.4 trillion dollars into the US Economyby way of tax rebates, most of which will only be reaching therecipients in late September 2001, has not hurt either and has,in a large way, fueled the continued "split personality USeconomy". Once people know that a sure check is in the mail,their spirits are always lifted and they are prune to spend. Toa large extent, in the personal opinion of this writer, this isa great cause of what is fueling the current US situation wherethe consumer is spending while the corporate executive is busyslashing costs.
But, wait. What has that got to do withour situation?
Since nearly 80% of our tourists come fromthere, 75% of our trade is with the United States, it really doesnot require any great imagination to conclude that if the US economywere to slump into a recession, that it would only serve to exacerbatean already slow local economy.
What is our cause of slow-down?
I recently listened to the debate in ourParliament on this subject. I agree with some of the sentimentsexpressed, but personally one of the primary causes for our currentslow-down and it was not adequately addressed in the debate] iscentered around a matter called DEBT!
The Cayman Islands is in a quagmire withregards to debt and the sooner we realize it the better.
It is a pity that we cannot have accessto more up-to-date economic data and statistics but based on thedata as provided by the Economics &Statistics Office of theC. I. Government, contained in the 1999 "Loans and Advancesto Cayman Islands Residents by all Banks", we see that asat 1999 a total of $1.5 BILLION was reflected in total loans andadvances as at that period. Of this sum, $1.1 billion (72% oftotal) was for personal and business loans with the remaining27% split among other sectors from construction borrowing at $42.2million (3%), utility borrowing at $50.4 million (3%), real estateborrowing at $186.6 million (12%) and hotel/ restaurants/ wholesaleand retail borrowings at $146.4 million (10%).
We are also now also witnessing a stateof affairs where the local Government is seeing that its actualRecurrent Revenue receipts are not matching its forecast, butits expenses are exceeding them. This is leading to a state ofunsatisfactory cash flow. Added to this, the Government, has overthe years embarked on offering additional services (some withoutany thought as to their ongoing funding), so that today we seethat a total of 90.65% is taken to fund the Recurrent and Statutoryexpenditures of the country (refer to 2001 Budget document).
In a recent issue of another local newspaperit was noted that the monthly payroll costs of Government nowamounts to an average of CI$13 million per month. It is also notedthat as an item on its own, payroll payments will consume, atits present trend, some 55% of total Revenue for 2001 fiscal year.
I should mention here, that looking backwe can all say that the year 2000 was a fairly good one. Yet,in presenting the annual Budget for the Cayman Islands in March2001, our Hon. Financial Secretary disclosed that in 2000, theactual receipts were down by $21.9 million as compared to the2000 Budget but that statutory expenditures exceeded the Budgetedamount by $1.5 million. Thus if the year 2000 was a good one andwe could not meet our Budgeted receipts by some $21.9 millionor 8%, then what will be the ending result in 2001 which reflectsa total of $311.9 million or 10% higher than the amount whichwas unattainable in 2000?
Here is a solution. Government should takesteps to immediately reduce its Recurrent Expenditure by an acrossthe board payroll (total civil service numbers)reduction of noless than 10%. This reduction, where it affects Caymanian civilservants, should be off-set by a like reduction in the grant ofwork permits until such time as those Caymanian civil servantsare absorbed into the local private sector market.
Conclusion
I shall conclude by listing some areas ofgrave concern to me, as I see them personally:-
· The local economy is showing signs of a real slow-down.
· The local banks are carrying a large exposure in "loansand advances" to local personal consumers and businesses.
· Government is in no position to "fuel" thelocal economy with new/additional Capital injection.
· The real wages of people are not keeping abreast of local"cost of living" and debt servicing costs. As a resultthereof, local banks may not be able to extend additional loanfunding to "tide people over" the impending slow period(which some are saying could last for 15-18 months) thus resultingin large foreclosures and or loan losses by banks.
· Government, in the face of a fallen revenue base, mustcontinue to meet its debt obligations, which total some $150 millionin central debt alone (the sum would be $300 million if all contingentliabilities were included) as well as payroll expenses of some$13 million per month.
Mr. Editor, these are areas of real andgrave concern to me and I thought that I should share them withthe general readership of your esteemed daily newspaper.
Yours truly,
George R. Ebanks
All data are from followingsources:-
[1] Cayman Budget documents;
[2] Extract from Statistics office dealing with total loans andadvances [per 1999] of all banks.
Don'tforget your hair!
Gary Callan
The other night I attended a formal dinner,and as always I was amazed at peoples' idea of formal. To me (andmost of the civilized world), formal means 'black tie' (tuxedosto our colonial cousins) for men and evening gowns for the ladies.Most of the women in attendance had made a great effort and lookedwonderful.
I am always shocked to see a woman who hasgone to so much trouble to look beautiful, what with the new dress,best jewelry, matching shoes and purse, yet she has totally ignoredher hair. To me wearing your hair in the same everyday style forsuch an event is tantamount to wearing 'trainers' with a longdress.
All hairstyles can be made to look differentfor special occasions. Even if you have very short hair, it canbe gelled, or spiked or combed differently. If your hair is longenough, wear it up. Nothing complements a formal gown like an'up-do'. Even if you think your hair is too short to go up, seekout a talented stylist, and you will be surprised at what theycan achieve. I can guarantee you will feel more beautiful andelegant.
It will change the way you walk and theway you act. It's like playing 'dress-up', except it's a lot moreexpensive.
So the next time you are invited to a formalevent, make an appointment to have your hair 'done'. You willnot regret it. You will look and feel fantastic. Think Oscar Night.
Until next week
Gary
TechnologyEducation Crucial to Cayman's Growth
Mr. Doug Haas
An Internet communication specialist, DougHaas, has underscored education in technology use as being ofcrucial importance to further development in Cayman Islands.
Consistent with the type of approach currentlyadopted by government officials and business leaders, he thinksthat in this country there is too not enough formal informationtechnology training, an area he describes as the most "missioncritical"
factor effecting development and successful application of technologyin the Cayman Islands.
Mr. Hass is the Chief Operating Officerof United States-based Image-stream, and Internet router provider,and was in Cayman Islands a week ago as part of a team of executivesin communication hardware and software providers making presentationsat a weekly series of technology seminars.
The seminars, Generation D Bridgingthe Digital Divide, are sponsored by Silvanaus Technology andthe international College of the Cayman Islands and run everyThursday until 6 September at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
At the opening of this series, which isfor Caymanians, ranging from the householder to the corporateexecutive, Technology Minister, Hon. Linford Pierson had announcedthat to assist everyone embrace these communication systems governmentis looking at lifting or reducing the import duty on computersand related hardware and opening schools for evening classes toadults.
Mr. Haas said that despite global pressureto stay current, as well as local pressure from tech savvy businessesand individuals, some people still believe technology concernsonly buying and selling and isn't personally useful. AlthoughMr. Hass believes E-business is where the most obvious advantageslie, he also says that, on an individual level, technology ifnothing else, allows people to enrich and educate themselves.It then becomes necessary to educate the public on the numerous,far-reaching advantages that technology will create for largeand small businesses as well as for the individual at home.
In terms of technology positioning Mr. Haas,who hails from a town in Indiana, believes, "the Cayman Islandsare very well positioned right now, compared with even the townI
live in".
He feels, however, that to compete in theglobal economic market today, Cayman needs strength in both productivityand technology and sees technological development as the way toattract more investors and intelligent skilled works to the islands.Equally, if not more important, Mr. Hass believes that makingthe Cayman Islands more technologically savvy and sophisticatedwill keep investors and the intelligent, skilled workforce here,thereby ensuring the islands' high levels of productivity. Mr.Hass also believes that technology allows the indigenous peopleto take advantage of resources that they wouldn't have otherwise"which can be very important for a geographically isolated businesscommunity. This is especially relevant during times of economicdownturn and sluggishness. Technology, particularly the Internet,would allow island businesses to cheaply showcase their servicesto the rest of the world.
He thinks that for Cayman there is greatopportunity for call centres and telemarketing.
"They are already successful in otherparts of the Caribbean and there's no reason why they shouldn'tbe successful here."
Community
Tourism Minister, Hon. McKeeva Bush, wantsgovernment to act quickly to encourage development of Cayman Islands.
He has noted the country's current economicslowdown and said that such action by the administration willrestore residents and investor confidence and encourage investmentagain.
The minister's statement came when he hosteda public meeting at George Town Town Hall on Tuesday, 21 August,to discuss re-development of the seaport.
Mr Bush mentioned a number of things hethinks should be done to spur investment.
Following is the minister's wish list taken from his presentationthat night
"I also believe that we should granta number of persons Permanent Residence in 2 categories: one forpersons already here and working so that they can have securityof tenure and build homes or purchase housing. The second categoryfor persons who wish to reside here 3-6 months of the year. Theseneed to be offered now and granted with urgency.
"What is being said out there is thatthe Cayman Islands is not a friendly place to invest. We haveto prove them wrong. We have to invite capital here and when theycome we should not run them away. We want people who are ableto spend money. I believe that we already have far too many poorpeople. If we invite people here to invest and they build a 6000sq. ft. house then we should allow them to bring their maid, theirbutler or their chauffeur if they want to provided they obtainthe necessary permits for these employees and they all have tobe reputable persons. If we don't embrace wealth, we will reappoverty!
"I believe we ought to do everythingthat is legally possible to get the Dart project off the ground now today. I believe as a Government we should bringthe people together who have an issue with the project to discussit and ensure that it moves forward, now!
"It is a good long-term project thatcan only help one and all in these islands. Further, the propertywas sold to them for development, and it is zoned for development.The only ones to suffer, if this project is hampered much longer,are the ones that should gain the most, the entire Caymanian population.
"Continuing on the economic issuesin the country, I believe Government should reduce stamp dutyfor a short term period as a stimulant for the economy. In the1st year it could be reduced to 5%, in the 2nd year 7% and inthe 3rd year back to 9%. This too will re-establish confidenceand encourage investment quickly."
Community
Chamberof Commerce offers six-week training courses
The Chamber of Commerce Professional Developmentand Training Centre is offering two six-week courses entitled"Office Administration" and "Business Principles",both of which are starting on Thursday, 30 August, from 3:30pm 5:30pm, at the triple C School.
These courses are part of the "ProfessionalReceptionist Certificate Programme".
Chamber Members as well as non-members arewelcomed to attend these courses.
Contact Mrs. Colleen Williams, MembershipService Manager at 949-8090,fax 949-0220, or email at chamber@candw.kyfor Registration Information.
Cancer AwarenessCatboat Race
With the backing of the Mechanics' Lodge,Rackman's and the Cayman Catboat Club, the Cancer Society willnow initiate what all are hoping to be an annual event, the Men'sCancer Awareness Catboat Race at Rackam's.
This project is to enjoy full support ofRackman's Pub and the Catboat Race sails off 8 September at 4pm.
The 8 September is the date for the firstrace, which and Captain Mike Pickthorne originated the idea ofcombining the Mechanics' Lodge, the Cancer Society and the CaymanCatboat Club.
Captain Mike said:" It probably startedat the last meeting of the Catboat Club when we were discussingusing the boats for the benefit of other cultural groups in theIslands. We, at the Mechanics' Lodge, had just decided to emphasisethe fact that there was not a lot of promotion of men's healthawareness. We approached government and were approved for September10th as Men's Health Awareness Day. This turned into our Men'sHealth Awareness Week."
Captain Pickthorne is treasurer for theCatboat Club. 'The date for our next Catboat race seemed reallyclose to the starting of Awareness Week, so I suggested that wetry to work with the Lodge . As a result, we approached the CaymanIslands Cancer Society to sponsor a men's cancer awareness event."
The Catboat Club talked to Rackman's Pubproprietor, Handell Whittaker, who had voiced an interest in assistingthe Catboat racing movement. Handell thought about the combinationof groups and the display of sails off Rackam's and came intothe picture with enthusiasm. Handell pledged Rackam's to the eventby offering to provide a bar-b-que dinner and the proceeds togo to the CI Cancer Society. The Cancer Society will earmark thecontributions to offset the costs of providing free check-upsand advice, which will be offered during Men's Health AwarenessWeek at various centres throughout Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
"Sailing is a great way to get exerciseand reduce stress and stress may play a role in how the immunesystem responds to cancer," said, Cancer Society trainingofficer, Shannon McKensie. Ms. McKensie goes on to explain thatthere is no proven direct link between cancer and stress at thispoint in time.
Jerris Miller, who is also active with allthree organisations, makes note of his own busy schedule and theneed to relieve some of that pressure. "There's no boat asrelaxing to sail as a Catboat and it will certainly keep you physicallyfit."
The drama of the Catboat sailing spectacleand the urgency of the message is being used to bring attentionto cancer in the Cayman Islands.
"Men in Cayman " says Ms. McKensie," need to be aware of the common types of cancers that affectthem. Information and early detection of these cancers is so importantbecause the lives of many men can be saved."
On the racing part of the program, CaptainCrosby Ebanks will be premiering his newest creation, Going Ahead.Captain Crosby has taken over three months to build the vesseland promises that she will leave all others, including his SeeHerGo,in his wake. Going Ahead has a wider beam and will be the longestCatboat in the present fleet at 21-feet. There are 17 Catboatsaround the Sister Islands, but only 7 actively participate inthe races.
Kem Jackson might finish the stern constructionof another wide bottom 1940s Catboat, near the same size as CaptainCrosby's. If there is a heavy breeze there could be some excitingracing off the city front on September 8th. A long triangularcourse with a dramatic doughnut, elongated circle in the middle,promises to give strategy a little edge over sheer speed. And,jibs will be adding that little extra challenge to the race.
MissTeen, Winning and Not believing
Tekira RamoonMiss Teen Cayman 2001
She went through her paces, answered thequestions, heard her name call, and received the crown, but onlynext morning did it begin sinking into the head of Tekira Ramoonthat she was this country's teenage queen, Miss Teen Cayman 2001.
The 16-year-old said that it was after theof phone calls of congratulation that Sunday morning after hercrowning did she begin to fully accept that the crown was hers.
"I couldn't believe it. I still probablydon't. I had to see the crown again," she said in the officeof Cayman Net News that following Monday.
The young beauty said despite the threemonths of training leading up to the big night, the events ofSaturday, 18 August, that began from going through questioningby a panel of judges, to the announcement o f her name as theCayman Islands new teenage queen, to the excitement and nervousnessof being crowned were all a wonderful dream.
After the phone calls and looking at hercrown again came the stomach-tightening excitement that made itdifficult to eat. It was not until she went to her place of worship,the Everesley Memorial Church, and enjoyed a lot of assuring hugsand kisses did she find it possible to have a meal at lunchtime.
Anyone could have within reason assume dthat for Tekira winning the miss Teen competition would be thatmuch overcoming for her. After all this young beauty has a historyof picking up titles.
Her list reached two years back to whenshe was named Miss Cinderella while walking away with other titlesincluding Miss Photogenic, Cover Girl, and Model of the Year.She went off to the United States for the International Miss Cinderellashow, coming up against some 250 models from the US and the Caribbean.Among that crowd she picked up the New Model of the Year and BestLooking in Sportswear titles.
Her last competition before entering theMiss Teen Pageant was the Miss Supermodel Show where she was namedFirst Runner Up, Best Legs and Miss Petite.
The frequency of participation in theseshows will have put Tekira in good form for the busy schedulethe Miss Teen sponsor, Leo Club of Grand Cayman, has in storefor her.
Leo, Anya Rankine, told Cayman Net Newsthat her organisation usually has a packed programme for its MissTeen Pageant winners and activities like interviews and workshopshave to be juggled between schoolwork.
Before the rounds of public appearancesbegin Tekira has to go through diving classes for a certificate.
"As an ambassador for the Cayman islandsit is important that she learns to dive," said Anya, herselfa Miss Teen Cayman of 1999.
As holder of the crown Tekira has some ideason how she could be useful in passing on advice to her peers onmajor social issues such as teenage pregnancy.
"If they have someone speaking to themat their level, maybe they would respond better," she said.
But for now, just after winning the crown, Tekira needs to layback and absorb the fact that she truly wears the crown.
TheTree that Refused to Die
The Weird bananasucker
Hurlston, MBE
Our apple banana tree did us proud. At theright time she produced a beautiful bunch of bananas eachbanana pale yellow, with no bruises or blemishes, and as sweetas only apple bananas can be.
We thanked the tree, and did what was required cut her down to give those that would follow a chance and left her stump to rot in the sun and rain.
But this banana tree had other ideas! Somethree years later she decided to surprise us all and surpriseus she did. Out of the old rotten stump appeared a small red blossom.And then, one by one, came little bananas tiny, tiny, tiny, aboutthe size of a baby's fingernail.
They continued until there was a whole bunch nine hands each one perfect. The old stump sits there,smug in the sun with her babies on her breast, saying, "Youdidn't think I could do it, did you?"
This is a true story and the proof is inthe sheltered yard of a big gray house in South Sound. Many havecome and marveled, and undoubtedly will soon taste the sweet yellowbananas from the tree that refused to die.
Juvenile DrugTreatment Workshop On
A Substance Abuse Treatment for AdolescentsWorkshop is underway at the Community College in the aim of enhancingthe ability of social workers to deal with drug abusing youngsters.
This three-day training, which began Monday,is for staff of the Department of Social Services (DSS), CaymanIslands Marine Institute (CIMI) and the Department of SubstanceAbuse Services (DOSAS) as well as school counsellors, who willlearn about topics such as misuse versus abuse, drug effects andwithdrawal management.
The need for a drug treatment programmefor juveniles in Cayman was the topic for discussion during recentmeetings of a multidisciplinary group when it was decided thata day-treatment facility was needed as an interim measure forchildren between ages 13 to 16 and social workers should be trainedfor it.
Prompted by requests from the Cayman IslandsMarine Institute (CIMI) and the visible societal needs, the group,representing CIMI, DSS, the National Drug Council, DOSAS and theMinistry of Health and Information Technology, reached the conclusionthat such a programme is critical for these Islands.
While a long-term solution is the ultimategoal, the team realised that a temporary measure needs to be putin place immediately.
Long-term measures would eventually need to involve a Youth DrugCourt, changes to existing laws, extensive training of joint-agencystaff and strong emphasis on parental involvement.
A residential programme in a purpose-builtfacility would be ideal, but it was decided that a day-programmeshould initially serve the purpose.
Most of the children for the day-treatment programme will be willbe recommended by those who work with them. The programme is tobe run four times yearly. Those enrolled will be required to attendfor 15 hours per week for the duration of the treatment programme,and parents for three hours weekly.
At the meeting the group concluded thatalthough counsellors at Caribbean Haven have the experience andknowledge in substance abuse treatment, they lack the expertiseof CIMI's staff in understanding and working with youth. Thisresulted in a recommendation that a cross-section of staff fromthe various departments and organisations undergo training inorder to run the programme.
EstellaScott- The New Officer in Community, Women's, Youth & Sports Ministry
Ms Estella Scott
Prepared with a degree in sociology as wellas family and child sciences, Ms Estella Scott has returned tothe Cayman Islands as the new officer for women's affairs in theMinistry of Community Development, Women's Affairs, Youth andSports.
Despite carrying the academic load of adouble major, Ms Scott graduated with honours from Florida StateUniversity. She was a member of various honour fraternities andassisted FSU professors by conducting extensive research. Muchof her work centred on domestic violence: it was the subject ofher thesis and she eventually became a certified advocate in thestate of Florida.
Ms Scott also worked with victims of domesticviolence and their children at both the Leon County Courthouseand a shelter. She volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club andGirls and Boys Town, and co-facilitated a STEP (Systematic Trainingfor Effective Parenting) programme.
Regarding her new position, Ms Scott says,"It's an excellent opportunity to work in an area that concentrateson the social betterment of women and children in our islands."Notes the Minister responsible for Women's Affairs, the Hon. EdnaMoyle, "I am already impressed with Ms Scott's professionalismand dedication to her responsibilities. I look forward to havingher in the ministry and working with her on issues affecting womenin the Cayman Islands. She has much to offer."
Ms Scott, a 1991 graduate of Cayman BracHigh School, is the daughter of Mr. Quellon and Mrs. Corrine Scottof Spot Bay. She took up her ministerial post on 4 June 2001 byunderstudying her predecessor, Ms Marilyn Conolly. The ministry'sPermanent Secretary, Mr. Carson Ebanks, commenting on Ms Conolly'swork over the years, expressed thanks for her hard work and dedication."We wish her all the best in her endeavours," he says.
Ms Conolly joined the ministry in 1995 andbecame the first person in the Cayman Islands to hold the titleof officer of women's affairs. She initiated and developed theconcept of Honouring Women Month and worked closely as the ministerialrepresentative with the Business and Professional Women's Club's16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. She also assistedthe club with its Silent Witness March, co-hosting the commemorationin 2000.
"She not only has an academic background,but the understanding that only comes from practical, professionalexperience," Ms Conolly comments about Ms Scott.
Adds Mr. Ebanks, "We are very proudto have Ms. Scott here at the ministry. Her qualifications andexpertise place her in a position to make a major contributionto the development of the policy on gender equity and equality.Just as important, I am very happy and proud to see another young,professional Caymanian join the civil service."
Paul EbanksTakes CIBC Scholarship
From left, BenGillooly, General Manager & Director CIBC Trust; Paul Ebanks,scholarship recipient; Chris Richmond, CIBC Head of CaribbeanRegion.
Paul Ebanks of West Bay is the CIBC Bankand Trust Company scholarship winner this year.
Each year CIBC offers a four-year academicscholarship to a Caymanian high school graduate pursuing a careerin the financial service industry.
Paul will major in Accounting at TempleUniversity in Philadelphia, PA. Upon completion of his degreehe plans to pursue a CPA qualification.
During school breaks Paul will work at CIBCand gain relevant work experience to complement his course ofstudy. Paul will commence his studies at Temple in September 2001.
Since February 2000 Paul has been employedwith the accounting department of the Portfolio of Finance unitof the Cayman Islands Government. During this time he completedpart-time studies in accounting at the Community College of theCayman Islands.
When not working or studying Paul, the sonof Ervine and Marie Ebanks, enjoys participating in all sports,particularly basketball. His interests also include travelingand meeting new people.
CIBC said its scholarship programme is committedto identifying young Caymanians with potential to excel in a careerwithin the financial services industry.
In addition to this year's scholarship recipient,five young Caymanians are presently studying abroad under theCIBC scholarship programme.
Tiffany Buchanan recently graduated withan accounting degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa.She is currently completing the Becker review in preparation forthe CPA examination this November.
Cordella Chollette is currently pursuingan Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualificationat A.T. Emile Wolfe College in London, England.
Daniel Reid is presently completing histhird year of study at Florida International University in Miami,pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
Raphael Ebanks begins his second year ofstudy at Florida State University this September. Raphael is pursuingan accounting and international business degree.
Eric Wilson also begins his second yearof study this September. Eric is pursuing an accounting degreeat Florida International University.
CIBC's scholarship programme is one componentof a broad approach taken by the bank toward education and developmentof young Caymanians. CIBC's Continuing Education policy givesfull financial support to those employees pursuing education goalslocally at the Community College and International College ofthe Cayman Islands as well as distance learning and overseas universities.
Cars Shineat Show
Vintage classics vied for attention withhigh-tech rice rockets, trucks, motorcycles and even a customthree-wheeled bicycle at the First Annual Cayman Islands Car Show,held Saturday, 25 August, at the Holiday Inn. The owner of a TriumphTR-4A (bottom) took advantage of the traffic to try to sell hiscar by parking across from the hotel on Seven Mile Beach.
Chamber SupportsJunior Achievement
Propelled by its belief that the rotaryClub of Grand Cayman's Central Junior Achievements programme isessential for the community, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerceis continuing its partnership with the group.
Towards this relationship the Chamber willmake a financial donation for the third consecutive year. It willcontribute up to $15,000 towards the salary of a full time officeadministrator to operate and develop the programme.
Additionally, the Chamber will continueto provide an office for the programme at no charge in its mainheadquarters in the second floor of the Macdonald Square buildingin central George Town. Three Chamber representatives, includingchamber CEO Mr. Wil Pineau, will serve on the JA Board of directors.
"It provides a means for young peopleto gain valuable real-word business experience," said ChamberPresident Mr. W. Burns Conolly, AIA.
"The Chamber Council's decision tocontinue to support this programme underscores our belief in theimportance of fostering youth education and training opportunitiesby entering into strategic partnership within our community."
The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Centralestablished the JA programme in the Cayman Islands in 1991.
Rotary Central President Mr. A.L. ThompsonJr. welcomed the renewed partnerships within our community.
"Rotary Central continues to standin support of the programme and its main shareholder. But likeall successful initiatives and ideas, it is important to establishpartnerships with other organisations so that greater supportis gained from as many groups in our society as possible, includingeducators, Government and the private sector. We wish to thankthe Chamber of Commerce for continuing to stand behind this importantyouth development programme," Mr Thompson said.
Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement is anon-profit economic youth education organisation. Junior AchievementInternational, of which Cayman Islands Junior Achievement is apart, develops and serves Junior Achievement and Young Enterpriseprogrammes in over 11 nations in all 24 time zones. Junior Achievementin Cayman has had an impact on thousands of young entrepreneurssince its inception.
The Chamber's partnership with Junior Achievementlays the foundation for a new generation of business people inCayman.
A Most DistinctiveHistory
By The Rev'd NicholasSykes
The Cayman Islands have a most distinctivehistory, as it is hoped this work has shown. Because of lack ofinformation and loss of perspective this remarkable distinctivenessis frequently crushed into more familiar moulds by many who makeassumptions based on history elsewhere (whether in the West Indiesor not) or by those with a particular axe to grind. It is truethat all who "dig" into history, the present authornot excepted, do have, if not an axe, some sort of gripe aboutthe way things are popularly seen, and wish to overturn one versionof history with a version that accords more with their own discoveries.An honest digger, however, will not conceal anything that he digsup seeming to be uncongenial to his point of view. He must bewilling to submit to the need to amend his viewpoint where theevidence requires it. It is also true that to lay the weight eitherof proof or of overthrow of any historical or constitutional positionon a single document is unwise. Few documents should be made tobear such a weight if they are unsupported by further documentaryevidence. It is believed that the method of this work, which hasattempted to form a degree of narrative by viewing individualdocuments in the context of further evidence, has been self-correctingand that a truly more accurate picture of the Islands' distinctiveand interesting history has been formed. There are many areasof our history that have needed the fresh inspection. Have we,for instance, assumed that the Cayman Islands in some way thatwas never defined or explained, "belonged" to Jamaicabefore they became a legal possession of Great Britain? Did weassume that Jamaican laws applied to Cayman from the time of Cayman'ssettlement? Did we know how different the story of apprenticeshiphere was from that in Jamaica, and if so did we accurately locatethe cause of that difference? Had we heard that the Jamaican legislaturein the 19th century declined to "interfere" in the affairsof the Cayman Islands, by refusing to legislate for them? Hadwe recognized that the anomalous legal condition of the Caymanaswas significant in the demise of the Church of England's oversighthere in 1839? Did we appreciate that 1863 was the first year inwhich the Cayman Islands received unambiguous legislation? Itis hoped that the fresh light shed upon these and a host of otherissues will provide lively debates and a surer self-understanding.The truer understanding of this interesting past of ours is wellneeded and timely; for the appropriately distinctive course theCayman Islands appear to be charting both in Church and Stateis one that is prompted and made possible, at least in part, bythe Islands' unique history.
Author's Note
It has been a great pleasure to have hadmy book The Dependency Question published nearly five years ago,serialised in CaymanNet News. The limited research Ihave been able to do since that time has contributed to the confirmationof the book's view of Caymanian history, and in particular toits elucidation of the central question that affects all the importantissues of that history namely, the question of the natureof the historical relationship between the Cayman islands andthe colony of Jamaica.
I have only been able to discover aboutthree small errors made either by me or the printers, and am ableto continue to claim that the accuracy of transcription of thehandwritten documents that are found in the book has not beensurpassed in any other publication.
In late 1997, about a year after the bookwas published, the Director of the National Archive kindly drewmy attention to some documents that had been found in NorthernIsland, copies of which the archive now owned. The originals datedprobably from early 1832. I immediately inspected them to seewhether they might contradict my book in any way, and was gratifiedto see that they did not. What appears to be an unattributed newspaperarticle of the time provided a remarkable view of the whole situationthat surprised me only in the clarity with which it describedthe central problem, as can be seen in the following extract:
A gentleman has just arrived in Town, fromthe Caymanas, to take the opinion of the Attorney-General of Jamaica,relative to some rules and regulations which have been framedby the Magistrates, for the good government of the inhabitants.The Grand Caymanas have long been considered to be a dependencyof Jamaica; but we cannot discover, that any law of this island,extends to that Settlement. The inhabitants consider themselvesas belonging to the Parish of Westmoreland, but on what groundthey are unable to explain. It is, however well, known that theMagistrates, as well as the Officers of their Militia, are alwayscommissioned, without any expense, by the Governor of Jamaica;and as the Island is now increasing in population, wealth, andcommerce, the inhabitants are anxious to learn, whether they canframe laws and regulations for their own government, or how, orin what manner, they are to regulate their proceedings. The Caymanas,from their geographical position, are of considerable importance;and it appears something like a reproach to our local Government,that no steps have been taken to annex the island to this government,and permit them, as in a recent instance ( the annexation of CapeBriton to Nova Scotia, ) and dignify the Caymanas, by allowingthem to be named the PARISH OF BELMORE, and to send a Representativeto the House of Assembly, to protect their interests.
The Dependency Question shows that the wholeissue was not in fact taken in hand and solved to anyone's satisfactionuntil the 1860s. it was the Westminster Parliament that then providedthe solution, and not the Jamaica Legislature.
The other of these Northern Island documentsthat most interested me was a letter written by Rev'd Thomas C.Sharpe, shortly arriving in the Caymanas. It was written a fewdays before the meetings of the magistrates and the newly electedrepresentatives. These meetings began on the 31st December 1831,and the Rev'd Mr Sharpe's letter (to the Rev'd John McIntyre ofJamaica) was begun on the 27th December. What is particularlyinteresting is Mr Sharpe's own apparent assumption that therewas to be a meeting of the Inhabitants on the 31st "for thepurpose of carrying into effect the several propositions of HisLordship [the Bishop]." Mr. Sharpe goes on to promise tohis correspondent, "I will embrace the earliest opportunityafter the Meeting of giving you every information on the subject."
As with many other aspects of the Rev'dMr. Sharpe's letter, his perspectives on local intentions andthe intentions of the local inhabitants themselves did not inthe event match up very well. But the Dependency Question itselfshows that this is exactly what we should expect.
The Dependency Question is available forpurchase from the author, from the Church of England in the CaymanIslands, or from local bookshops and other outlets, and will,I trust, continue to be found to be a good and informative read.
FootballCamp in Bodden Town
A coach passingon instructions to children at the Bodden Town Civic Centre.
A small matter like a hurricane watch provedno deterrent to those individuals, who gathered at the CaymanTurtle Farm Sunday afternoon, determined to be in the Turtle Crawl.
Come hell or high water or least highwinds, the hardy band of enthusiastic residents and visitors madeready to tour our Northwest Point area of West Bay.
Taking advantage of every opportunity, someparticipants incorporated a free tour of the turtle tanks intotheir warm-up.
It was unfortunate that some less adventurous souls had stayedhome owing to concern about the weather, as it was the consensusof those present was that the absentees missed out on some greatfun.
With one eye on the overcast sky, and theother checking for capricious canines intent on joining the competition,starters took off at a variety of speeds, emulating both haresand tortoises.
Mick Bridgeland (16:07) and Ewan Forrest(16:14) maintained a definitely unturtledlike pace around the2.9 mile run course, as they duplicated their one-two finish atlast month's Retour de Cayman event. Lizann Burbidge showed herheels to the other lady entrants as she completed the tour in28:08.
For those whose primary goal simply to finishthe full distance, all were successful as they adhered to therecreational runner's adage "Start off slow and then taperoff".
Visitors hailed from such diverse pointsof origin as Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and specialnote must be taken of long-term annual Cayman returnees-the Gaertnerfamily of Atherton, California and the impressive efforts of Chris(age 9) and Ryan (age 6).
All finishers received several souvenirsof the activity, and performance and random prizes were givento outstanding performers.
Kenneth Hydes of the Cayman Turtle Farmconfirmed that the action would take place again next year. Hethanked the major sponsors,Tortuga Rum Company, Dive-Tech andCracked Conch by the Sea. Note was also made of contributionsfrom Gold's Gym, Holiday Inn, Gatorade and Castle Springs Water.
The next event on the Retour de Cayman Seriesorganised by the Phoenix Athletic Club will be the Out to Hell'N' Back 10K on Sunday, 16 September.
Sports
MotorRacing this comming Sunday
The Cayman Motorsports Association's 2001Championship Series continues on Sunday September 2nd with anotherexciting race at the Lakeview Raceway (behind CUC). Time trialsare at noon and racing action starts at 1pm. Tickets only $5.Kids under 12 get in free so bring the entire family for an excitingafternoon of racing.
Readers should look for our photographiccover of the races in our editions next week.
Sports
LocalWalkers and Runners to Compete
Local walkers and runners will have a chanceto take part in the running streak of U.K. distance legend, RonHill, while he stops over in Grand Cayman next month to competesin the Out to Hell 'N Back 10K.
Thirteen thousand plus and still counting.That's the number of consecutive running days Hill has chalkedup so far.
Major sponsor, Outback Restaurant, is co-ordinating presentationswith the Phoenix Athletic Club and it is expected that last year'stotal of more than 200 participants will be exceeded.
Millennium winner Paul Marmaro of Florida,runner-up Winston Taylor of Jamaica, former masters 800 metersworld record holder, William Wuyke of Venezuela and Connecticut,as well as a large number of returning visitors have confirmedtheir participation.
Several other Caribbean and U.S. entrantsare expected. Running-related activities are on tap for the entireweekend culminating in the run Sunday, 16 September.
Additional details will be announced asthe date approaches. Call 945-3970 for further information.
Sports
Sport Congress for Jamaica
Track and field coaches and persons interestedin athletics are reminded to mark the dates of 11to 14 Octoberon their calendars.
The NACACTFCA Congress for 2001 will takeplace over that weekend in Montego Bay, Jamaica at the WyndhamRose Hall Hotel.
A large number of track and field coachesat all levels from the United States, Central America and theCaribbean are expected to attend.
Speakers will include Dan Pfaff on jumps. Pfaff is a coach atthe University of Texas, who has coached Donavan Bailey and KareemStreete-Thompson, as well as many other world-class athletes.
Sprints will be discussed by Coach ClydeHart of Baylor University, Michael Johnson's mentor. Hurdles coachCesar Antunez of Cuba national program with Anier Garcia and othercompetitors.
Ed Miller, of the Unite States, coach ofdecathlete Chris Huffins, will cover the multi-events.
This will be an excellent opportunity togain more information about the sport, as well as to renew andmake new acquaintances with the person involved in athletics.
For details call the Phoenix Athletic Clubat 945-3970.
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